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Volume 34, Chapter 460.1: I'm Willing to Never Wake Up
The soul power undulations weren’t powerful, but they were definitely there.
Tang Wutong felt her heart skip a beat, and that strange feeling immediately disappeared. Losing control of one’s soul power was an extremely frightening thing, and was something that nobody wanted to deal with.
Tang Wutong suddenly felt everything light up in front of her in this moment. When she blinked her eyes, she witnessed Huo Yuhao’s glowing eyes.
What kind of eyes are those?! They seem to contain the endless starry skies, and are so deep that the end cannot be seen. In that instant, Tang Wutong was transfixed.
Huo Yuhao’s eyes weren’t shining with any kind of light. However, the space between him and Tang Wutong still became very bright.
This feeling was impossible to describe with words, as if there were an unknown source of light present at that location. Tang Wutong stared with his whirlpool-deep eyes, and she felt as if her mind had gone completely blank. The feeling of losing control over her soul power became increasingly strong, but everything seemed to calm down in the next moment. Waves of dragon roars resonated through her mind, and were chiming with joy.
“Dong’er…” Huo Yuhao stared blankly at Tang Wutong, who wasn’t far from him, and was just standing there, staring at him in a daze. Huo Yuhao began to levitate from the ground just like that.
The air on the Sea God’s Island was very clean, so he was sparkling clean even though he had been meditating there for a month.
Tang Wutong was wearing a blue gown today, once Wang Dong’er’s favorite color. Only thoughts of Dong’er resided in Huo Yuhao’s mind at this moment.
Huo Yuhao had been in deep meditation for over a month. He had gone back and forth through the brightness within those endless starry skies, but everything seemed to vanish the moment he saw Tang Wutong. In this exact moment, she was the only thing in his eyes: his alluring, familiar, and elegant Goddess!
The space around him seemed to change, and neither Huo Yuhao nor Tang Wutong knew how they closed the distance between one another.
Huo Yuhao gently stretched out his arms and embraced her.
He felt as if he had wrapped his arms around the entire world in that moment, as if he were the dictator of those boundless starry skies.
Everything is just wonderful, just so wonderful.
Tang Wutong was no longer staring at those bottomless eyes, her own becoming agile and sensitive once more as she emerged from her dazed state. She realized that she had melted into a warm and wide embrace.
“Dong’er, Dong’er…” There was a gentle call in her ears, and that voice sounded like a dream. That voice sounded as if it were calling for a spirit from ancient years, and was so gentle and full of emotion that it made Tang Wutong a little intoxicated. She realized that she could no longer control herself... except it wasn’t her soul power this time, she had lost control over her body!
She raised her hands subconsciously. She was hesitant and jerky, but her hands kept moving forward, and she wrapped them around Huo Yuhao’s waist. She closed her eyes in that moment, and all she felt was warmth, security, comfort, and intoxication.
They were hugging each other so tightly in that moment, and the entire room seemed to glow.
Huo Yuhao muttered under his breath, “Even though we are just in a dream, I am willing to remain in this dream forever. Please allow me to sleep for eternity if this a dream. Dong’er, I miss you, I miss you so much. Did you know? I am but left with an empty vessel in the days that you’ve left my side. You’ve returned, and my spirit has returned. I love you, Dong’er. I am willing to love you with my everything to the end of eternity, and I am willing to burn my own life and soul so that we can be together. That is all I want. If this is a dream, let me remain in deep slumber.”
Tang Wutong was momentarily stunned, and her sensations of indulgence and immersion receded instinctively.
He’s calling for her… her… for Wang Dong’er…
I am just his dream. I am just a shadow of her...
A taste of bitterness appeared at the corner of her lips. She didn’t want to leave this warm embrace, but she had no choice but to gently put down her hands that were tightly wrapped around him, no matter how much yearning she had to be in his arms.
“I’m sorry, I am Wutong.” A gentle voice rang out beside Huo Yuhao’s ears. This was like a thunderclap for him, and he subconsciously released his arms and floated backward like a lightning bolt.
Tang Wutong no longer had anything to lean on as he shifted, and her elegant frame stumbled forward for a moment before she stabilized herself.
Huo Yuhao’s eyes were filled with hope and dreams before this, but they gradually dimmed as he stared at Tang Wutong in front of him.
Tang Wutong turned her eyes aside. She seemed to lose her own spirit as he left her arms, and she appeared a little dazed. That empty feeling gave her unimaginable agony deep within her heart, and she felt like she wanted to die.
Huo Yuhao’s face was a little pale as he stared at Tang Wutong. “Sorry,” he said with difficulty.
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I startled you and woke you up from your dream. But I am not her, and I am sorry for making your sweet dream a nightmare.” Tang Wutong nodded gently in his direction before she swiftly turned around and glided away. She didn’t give him another look from beginning to the end.
She didn’t dare to look at him. She was afraid that his eyes would hook her spirit once more if that happened. Yes, she didn’t dare.
Huo Yuhao was just standing there as he watched her leave with listless eyes. There was an almost hysterical voice in his heart that was calling for him to hold on to her, but he remained standing there in the end, motionless.
She’s not her. She is Tang Wutong, and not my Dong’er!
But why did our embrace feel so familiar? If she didn’t say it, perhaps I would really have treated her as Dong’er.
Where are you, Dong’er?
Tears flowed down his cheeks like a waterfall. He clutched his fists tightly as he suddenly turned and stared outside the window.
Huo Yuhao could see Tang Wutong, who was dashing away crazily. He could see the radiating purplish-green hues from her body, and an unknown force pulled at his body and his heart. He watched her until she disappeared beyond the horizon, and that figure that was identical to Dong’er’s vanished just like that.
Dong’er, Dong’er…
In the Tang Sect...
Bam! Nan Qiuqiu began to pout as she kicked away all the stones that were blocking her way. She had been very depressed over the past month.
We had an agreement! We were supposed to return to my sect and explore the hidden area. But he didn’t even say anything to me before he went into his closed-door cultivation! And he picked the wrong time for that, as well! Is he deliberately trying to avoid me? We have already agreed on being brothers, so why is he dodging me? What an asshole!
Everyone in the Tang Sect had been very busy over the past month. They were either busy with administrative matters or cultivation.
Nan Qiuqiu was the same. She wasn’t assigned much work because she had a very irritable and impatient personality. She was tasked to focus more on cultivation. However, cultivating for too long also made her feel frustrated and dull. She was really starting to find this loneliness unbearable.
She was still walking forward as a figure blocked her path.
“Hey, get out of my way!” Nan Qiuqiu was already in a bad mood, and her hot temper immediately erupted. She didn’t even lift her head as she exploded.
“You won’t be able to marry in the future if you keep doing this,” the person quipped back at her, instead of moving out of the way.
“What the fuck does that have to do with you?!” Nan Qiuqiu was furious. She raised her head and looked at the person blocking her way, and her eyes widened as her jaw dropped.
Huo Yuhao stared at her with a faint smile on his face, but he sounded like he was chiding as he said, “Don’t curse, you’re a girl.”
Nan Qiuqiu’s sizzling fury from before was immediately extinguished. She was just now clearly full of complaints about this guy in front of her, but she now found herself unable to vent her anger when he was standing in front of her.
Her voice was a lot lower than before. “It’s true, anyway. Why do you care whether I can marry? Hmph, you still know how to come back.”
“I’m sorry, Qiuqiu,” Huo Yuhao said apologetically, “I didn’t know this delay would be so long. I’m sorry!”
Nan Qiuqiu’s mood was instantly lifted when she heard Huo Yuhao apologize. She looked up at him and said, “Are you still going? I’ve been waiting for you for more than a month.”
Huo Yuhao answered, “Yes, of course we’re going. We can leave at any time! I await your instruction!” He even bowed at Nan Qiuqiu as he spoke.
Nan Qiuqiu was elated. She placed her hands behind her back and nodded proudly as he said, “Yes, that’s much better. I will forgive you temporarily because of your good attitude, and I will think about how to deal with you according to how you behave later on!”
“Alright,” Huo Yuhao stood up straight as he smiled and said, “Let’s go back to the Tang Sect. I will report to eldest senior brother, and then I can leave with you.”
“Yes!” Nan Qiuqiu acknowledged as she turned around and pranced back toward the Tang Sect. However, she didn’t notice the faint dash of loneliness deep within Huo Yuhao’s smiling eyes.
Huo Yuhao went to find Bei Bei immediately after returning to the Tang Sect.
Bei Bei appeared much better than he had one month ago. Xu Sanshi and the others had helped share much of his burdens after they returned, and he finally had time to continue cultivating.
“You’re finally awake, little junior brother. How was it? How much have you gained?” Bei Bei spoke in pleasant surprise.
Huo Yuhao nodded and answered, “I have gained much. However, I can’t duplicate it for everyone.”
Bei Bei shook his head with a smile on his face. “That’s nothing to worry about. Everyone has his or her own path. You have yours, and we have ours. Everyone’s path is different, but we will all reach the same destination in the end, as long as we work hard and find the right direction, and if we don’t take any shortcuts.”
Nan Qiuqiu giggled from aside. “Eldest senior brother, your words are starting to sound more and more philosophical. You live up to your name as the Tang Sect’s eldest senior brother!’
Bei Bei chuckled and said, “Qiuqiu, are you taking Huo Yuhao back to your sect? We have delayed this matter for quite some time, and I am sorry for that. Do help me apologize to your sect leader."
Translated by: cy
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Real hunters don’t need semi-automatic rifles (column)
Using a semi-automatic weapon to hunt animals is certainly unfair and will turn the "hunt" into a murder-fest.
Real hunters don’t need semi-automatic rifles (column) Using a semi-automatic weapon to hunt animals is certainly unfair and will turn the "hunt" into a murder-fest. Check out this story on ydr.com: http://on-ydr.co/2eYZxNK
Letter Published 1:52 p.m. ET Nov. 3, 2016 | Updated 3:30 p.m. ET Nov. 4, 2016
In what realm of reality is the use of semi-automatic weapons a viable method of hunting? Not in mine. It's not fair! Period.(Photo: guruXOOX, Getty Images/iStockphoto)
I know it's mostly boring to read about House bills that are sent to the governor for signing (except for marijuana legislation). Most are budget related or some other law concerning how to spend your tax money, but I got one for you that should get a lot of people talking. I'm talking about HB 263 that, among other things, lifts the blanket ban on semi-automatic rifles used for hunting.
I've found many articles endorsing this bill. In fact, I am unable to locate one column, article or letter among the publications available on the Internet condemning this bill. Well, you've got one here.
THE YORK DAILY RECORD
Pa. hunters might get air, semi-auto guns
In what realm of reality is the use of semi-automatic weapons a viable method of hunting? Not in mine. It's not fair! Period. End of story, but no, whatever makes it easier for the person is the best. Especially when there's money to be made through the sale of weapons. Don't hunters and their representatives in the state legislature have any sense of fairness or empathy toward the animal?
Don't squirrels, coyotes and deer deserve a break? I mean, if the hunter is unable to obtain a "kill" by ethical means (one shot at a time and manual reload), don't the animals deserve their chance of escape? Using a semi-automatic weapon to hunt animals is certainly unfair and will turn the "hunt" into a murder-fest.
If you, as a hunter, really believe it's fair to use a semi-automatic weapon on the hunt then you're one lazy and spoiled hunter. Maybe you're not spoiled now, but you want to be and the ability to shoot every time you pull the trigger while on the hunt will do it to you.
Of course it's all about the money. When this bill passes, every hunter is going to go out and buy a semi-automatic rifle. And bullets, and more bullets. This is just another example of corruption in our society, spoiling us by giving people the easy way out. Whatever happened to "the hard way is the right way"?
Lawrence Goldman
York Township
Read or Share this story: http://on-ydr.co/2eYZxNK
Please cover up when you nurse in public
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York tore itself apart as man landed on the moon
D-Day vet quest: identify York Co. war memorials
York County man played a role in the moon landing
Apple Hill used to be my family's farm
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Language Language español English
About this photograph
These photographs come from the Light On series that Franck Bohbot produced between 2013 and 2014 in New York. The artist captured the lights and colours that illuminate the nocturnal cityscape thanks to the lighting from the myriad storefronts of grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, or fair grounds. While they conserve their activity, the latter become gradually devoid of people as the night goes on, thus giving way to a "second life", a calmer and more laidback one. Like the photographs of Robert Frank, particularly those of Detroit and New York, Franck Bohbot succeeds in revealing another side to America, through urban scenes and portraits of Americans taken in the course of their daily life. His various views, each taken with a long exposure time, give a highly contrasted and dynamic effect to the compositions, which highlight the various kinds of architecture he encounters. They also confer a deliberately cinematographic character to his shots, bearing witness to the photographer's fascination for architecture and its importance in films.
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Franck Bohbot is a french photographer and visual artist best know for his use of color photography. He focuses his artistic research on public spaces, urban landscapes and environmental portraits. Rooted in his fascination with cinematographic iconography, his thematics study the relationship between the individual and architecture. He has drawn artistic inspiration from figures as diverse as Luigi Ghirri, Walker Evans, Edward Hopper, or William Eggleston. While manipulating color with great precision, he highlights the soft subtleties of this relationship by playing with both fluorescent and melancholic light and chromatics. Each one of Bohbot’s works features these photographic intentions — through their enigmatic atmosphere, documentary-style approach, and timeless feel, we are transported to a dreamy, velvety, and nearly infinite visual paradise. His unique style enabled him to work with prestigious magazines, institutions and designers such as the New York Times, The New York Magazine, National Geographic, The Louvre Museum, Sotheby’s, Paul Smith and Christian Dior. He works and lives in New York City.
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Police appeal to trace member of public who intervened in York traffic assault
Boroughbridge Road
Police are appealing for a member of the public who tried to separate two men in an altercation in traffic in York to come forward.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident last week, and police want to find the member of the public, as they may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Around 5pm on Monday November 12, a man was driving his BMW car and turned right from the A1237 onto Boroughbridge Road, before coming to a stop due to traffic.
A man got out of a Renault car that stopped directly behind the BMW. This man opened the door of the BMW, and there was a brief verbal exchange, before he hit the BMW driver.
A physical altercation followed, at which point the member of the public intervened trying to separate the two men.
The female driver of the Renault car then got out of the car and spat at the BMW driver.
Following inquiries, a man and a woman were arrested last Friday. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Contact Police Investigator Katie Swift on 101, selecting option 2 and stating collar number 6437, quoting incident reference 12180211921.
Discerning Boris Johnson’s plan for Britain is like peering through a dense bank of fog and evasiveness – Andrew Vine
Sheffield Wednesday accounts reveal £2.58m pre-tax profit and £38.1m profit from Hillsborough sale in latest figures
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18 April 2017 04/28/2017 adminLeave a comment
Sightseeing Long Island in Comfort – try a Long Island Car Service
Sightseeing Long Island can be a lot of fun. Why not spoil yourself and a friend and do it in comfort? A Long Island car service is just the thing to really have a great day (or two).
Long Island is a wonderful place to visit and there are a lot of sights to see. Situated in southeastern New York State, it really lives up to its name, stretching all the way from New York City east to Montauk Point, with its famous white sand and lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in the 1700s and is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island, it is one destination you will not want to miss. A Long Island limo service can take you there in real comfort.
Long Island is the longest and also the largest island of the contiguous United States. It is 118 miles long and 23 miles wide at its widest point. It is densely populated with close to 8 million people living there. You will find some of the friendliest people you will ever meet at some of your stops along the way.
A few of the sites you won’t want to miss are the Montauk Point Park and lighthouse, Jones Beach State Park and Fire Island. Then there’s Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Old Westbury Gardens, Cradle of Aviation Museum, numerous state parks, plus William Floyd Estate, Walt Whitman Birthplace, Pollock-Krasner House, Old Bethpage Village and many, many more. It’s a great idea to talk about what you want to see at the time you book your Long Island car service.
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Fly in and be picked up in a luxury car from one of the area airports, such as JFK, La Guardia, Newark, Teterboro or MacArthur, spend a full day taking in the sites, and be whisked back in time for your flight back or to one of the many romantic hotels in Long Island or back to you luxury suite in Manhattan. It’s a great way to see the sights and pamper your special guest.
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Xconomy Texas
Neon’s Early Vaccine Study is a Peek at Immunotherapy’s Third Wave
Artemis Fund, TechStars Impact, Robin Autopilot, & More TX Tech
Massive Health Builds an App for Healthy Eating; Think Foodspotting Meets FitnessKeeper
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What Now: Austin Looks for Ways to Bring Back Ride-Hailing Services
Angela Shah
@angelashah
it is expanding its service to several Texas cities, including Austin.
The rhetoric around the election was about more than Uber and Lyft’s demands. For those who supported the ride-hailing companies, the regulations amounted to unneeded government intrusion that would tarnish Austin’s reputation as an innovative city.
City officials said they were simply acting in the best interests of public safety, a civic concern. Many of their supporters regarded with disdain Uber and Lyft’s aggressive electioneering—they spent more than $8 million—for their position during the campaign—the companies texted and called users with unsolicited appeals for their vote, prompting much public ire and a lawsuit. The companies threatened to leave Austin if the vote did not go their way.
Uber and Lyft left the Texas cities of Corpus Christi and Galveston in a similar fight, and briefly left San Antonio, coming back only after that city made fingerprint checks optional.
Joshua Baer, the founder of the Capital Factory and a strong supporter of Uber and Lyft’s campaign, wrote in a Monday blog post that he doesn’t believe that the election outcome means that Austinites agreed with the fingerprinting regulations.
“Most of the people I’ve talked to who voted against Prop 1 weren’t concerned about fingerprinting—they were just annoyed or offended by Uber’s tactics,” Baer wrote. “They didn’t like the threat of ‘our way or the highway,’ … the aggressive advertising, or the robocalls and text messages. They didn’t like how much money they were spending and the feeling of them ‘buying the election.’ ”
Still, in order to bring back ride hailing to Austin, he said both sides must get beyond an angry “Tech vs. Austin” debate that caused much rancor on both sides.
“There are a lot of things about Silicon Valley that we want to emulate, but the relationship between tech and the rest of the community is not one of them,” Baer wrote. “Bad attitudes and egos are what got us into this mess and only cool heads and open arms will get us out of it.”
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said in a statement Monday that the city is offering an “enhanced one-stop shop” for fingerprinting drivers and background checks.
“Austin is a creative and innovative city, and we’re going to find creative and innovative solutions to ensure Austinites have mobility options,” he says.
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Angela Shah is the editor of Xconomy Texas. She can be reached at ashah@xconomy.com or (214) 793-5763. Follow @angelashah
Uber, Lyft Return to Austin With Tech Edge, But Upstarts Grew Roots
The Finalists for the 2019 Xconomy Awards Are …
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The Stunning Galapagos Islands
What a beautiful boy
00° 44.8 South 090°18.4 West The Galalpagos Islands otherwise known as The Enchanted Isles because they certainly were. We took a 5-day holiday aboard Daphne with air-conditioning while someone else did the driving.
Sea-lions asleep on a local boat
We arrived Wednesday 10thMarch at 10am – what a relief. We found a space to anchor and Tony from BWR came on board to complete our check-in process. Bill wanted to put the temporary fix on the shroud straight away. I again found myself holding on to the mast but in the anchorage I felt more in control. Bill had to spend quite a bit of time filing the bottle screw so we made the right decision not to attempt it at sea. That evening Enchantress and Lucy Alice joined us for champagne to celebrate our safe arrival and then we all went ashore to The rock for happy hour; a big cheer went up when Bill walked in. We ate out in the kiosks, a row of ramshackle restaurants with tables and chairs in the street; it was good value and nice food. We slept well that night.
Water taxi rank with BWR boats in background
Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz was established in the early 1970’s and is full of multi-ethic contrasts between the Ecuadorians and immigrants of European decent. It thrives well on the passing yacht trade and visitors flying in to join the many island cruises available. It has a very good water taxi system so it wasn’t necessary to put the dinghy down.
The supermarket next to the dock
There was a good supermarket by the dock and a good market further up in the town. I spent the next few days back and forth from the internet café trying to log on to a very slow connection to download our mail and various other tasks. The cost of living seemed cheap in the Galapagos so we enjoyed several meals out for a change.
The restaurant at Angermeyer
On the Sunday Tony from BWR had arranged for us all to have Sunday lunch in a lovely restaurant at Angermeyer point just across the bay. Luckily it was on the water taxi route so we didn’t have to take our dinghies, which was probably just as well because it had a very small landing stage. It was a lovely day but very hot as usual. We all had a delicious barbeque meal with some wonderful salads. Afterwards we walked to the beach but as it was Sunday the beach was a bit crowded so we went back to the boat.
We had an ‘out and about’ day on the Monday. It started with a taxi ride to the Darwin centre. There is a very good breeding programme involving giant tortoises to try to prevent them from becoming extinct.
Lonesome George
We were able to walk around the raised walkway overlooking their pens. We found Lonesome George in one of them with his girlfriends but sadly he wasn’t showing any interest. There’s a possibly that once he dies that particular breed of Tortoise will become extinct. We spent a couple of hours wandering around there. We walked back into town and, after spending a bit of time in the internet café, we joined the rest of the BWR crews for a coach trip to a nearby farm for a briefing for the next leg. The farm was also a resort hotel with a pool so after the briefing some of us got changed and enjoyed a refreshing dip in the water. The bar was opened and ‘all was happiness’ to quote Tony from BWR.
A local band entertained us
A local band came to entertain us and played some traditional pipe music. We all enjoyed a delicious barbeque before returning to the boats by coach.
On Tuesday our new rigging parts arrived in the afternoon and Bill was anxious to fit them before we left Camomile at anchor while we were on Daphne. Ian and David came over to help. I spent the afternoon packing our bags for our mini holiday.
Wednesday morning we locked the boat, got in a water taxi and went ashore. We were met by Charlie our guide and naturalist and left in a coach at 11.00 with the crews of Enchantress, Lucy Alice, Mercury Rising, Fai Tira, 2 of Roundabouts crew and 3 Canadians. We were off on our holiday and guess what – it was raining. We drove for an hour to the other side of the island where Daphne was waiting for us. She was a really nice boat and had just had a refit. We were shown to our cabins, ours was really nice on the upper deck. It had a double bed, a nice shower room but best of all, air-conditioning. We sat down to a nice lunch while the crew gently motored us round to the next bay.
Blue-footed boobies
We all got into the large dinghy and were taken ashore. We went for a walk along the beach and saw lots of blue-footed boobies. We snorkelled off the beach where there were lots of fish. We returned to the boat to relax for a few hours and have a long shower.
Our group walking along the beach
We got changed and joined everyone in the little lounge, which was beautifully finished in wood with new seating. We were offered a welcome cocktail and introduced to the crew. There were seven, all men, including the captain plus Charlie who spoke perfect English. We introduced ourselves while Charlie translated for us. We sat down to a delicious dinner in the little dining room/bar before retiring to our air-conditioned cabin. Heaven!
The carpets of red sesuvium
We awoke to a beautiful day. During the night we had motored to the small island South Plaza. Located on the east of Santa Cruz, the main characteristics are the Opuntia cacti and the carpets of red sesuvium, a succulent plant that turns green in the rainy season. The cactus is the main food of land iguanas. We landed on a jetty and went for a nice walk to see the land iguanas sunbathing under the cacti.
A land Iguana
The more you looked the more you saw, there were so many and they weren’t bothered by us walking past at all. As they approached each other they would nod their heads up and down which is their sign to say ‘this is my bit of land’. We had a beautiful walk up over the hills. We saw swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds nesting, and boobies roosting on the south cliff of the island.
Sea lions lying in the sun
As we walked back to the jetty we saw lots of sea lions playing in the water below and sunbathing on the rocks around us. We were taken back to Daphne where the bar man had fruit juice and cookies waiting for us. I could get used to this.
We weighed anchor and motored 2 hours to Santa Fe, which has one of the most beautiful coves in the archipelago.
A beautiful cove with pelicans on the beach
A turquoise lagoon with two small white sand beaches which are protected by a peninsula where sea lions lie in the sun. After lunch we swam near the boat and saw lots of fish. We were taken outside the cove in the dinghy and snorkelled back. We saw a sea lion in the water and swam with 2 big turtles. At the entrance to the cove there was a fish ball below us. I’ve never seen so many fish together; there were literally millions of them. Later in the afternoon we landed on the beach.
A land Iguana hiding
The island contains one of the largest sea lion colonies. A trail runs alongside the coast and then crosses through an Opuntia Forest. The Santa Fe species of land iguanas are larger and of a paler yellow than on the other island but we only saw one. On our way back we walked passed the sea lions lying on the beach with out a care in the world and they weren’t the slightest bit bothered by us wandering amongst them.
A marine Iguana on the beach
On Friday morning we found ourselves anchored off the island of Española that, as one of the smallest islands, is flat with no visible volcanic crater or vent. We landed on the beach for our daily walk. There were lots of brilliantly coloured marine iguanas lying in the sun on the rocks and walking across the beach, again oblivious to our existence. We continued to the seaward side of the island and saw lots of nesting birds including Nasca boobies, Mockingbirds, Galapagos doves and Galapagos hawks.
A Nasca boobie with her baby
It was amazing to be so close to birds with their young. This photo of a Nasca boobie with her baby was taken right next to them and not with the zoom lens, they were sitting in the cliff just above our heads. We stopped on top of the cliffs for a photo opportunity. With the heavy swell running below it was creating a spectacular blowhole with thundering spray shooting 30 metres into the air.
Spectacular blow hole
The spray was forming beautiful rainbows as it fell back onto the rocks. It was a spectacular sight. We returned to Daphne for lunch and motored round to Gardner bay on the eastern side of the island with its magnificent beach again full of sea-lions. In the afternoon we went for our usual snorkel. We were dropped off about 1km away and drift snorkelled back. We swan into a cave where lots of fish were collecting in the entrance. The captain and some of the crew were in the water with us and spotted a shark and several turtles for us. We returned to Daphne to relax on the sun deck before dinner. We motored to the island of Floreana over night.
Saturday was our last full day on Daphne and they seemed to have saved the best for last. We were anchored off Floreana, perceived as one of the most exotic islands of the archipelago.
Posting cards in the whalers post barrel
We were in Post Office bay, home to the legendary post barrel that whalers used to send their mail. There were letters and postcards in the barrel. Traditionally if you put an item in to be posted then you take one out to post. We all choose some postcards to be sent on from our next destination. I took one for New Zealand, which I’m going to hand deliver, one each for Sweden, US and Ireland, which I’ll send from the Marquesas. We continued on to the lava tube. We had to climb down a ladder to enter and it was very dark inside. We paddled in the pool but Susan and Glenda very bravely waded deeper and swam in it. I’ve seen too many creepy films to venture further forward in the dark.
A Galapagos penguin
We came back to the surface and walked back to the beach. Just as we were leaving in the dinghies we caught sight of some rare Galapagos penguins swimming close to the boat.
The crew moved Daphne nearer to an eroded volcanic vent called the devils crown.
The devil’s crown
We were all loaded into the dinghies for a snorkel. It was probably the best snorkel we have ever had. There was a fantastic array of wildlife, white tipped and black tipped sharks, manta ray, octopus, starfish, turtles and hundreds of different kinds of fish. We were dropped off at one end and drifted with the current over the top of all the wildlife. It was like looking down into an aquarium, just out of this world.
Not believing they could top the devil’s crown, after lunch we were taken on our last walk.
Flamingos in the pink lagoon
We walked past a lagoon, which seemed to have a pink hue to it. It had lots of elegant flamingos standing on their slender legs; we stopped for a while to watch these graceful birds wading through the water picking at the tasty morsels beneath them. We continued along the trail to a beautiful white sand beach made from ground coral so fine it looked like flour. This is the nesting sight of the green sea turtle.
A turtle waiting to come in to lay her eggs
Tracks were evident across the beach where the turtles had dragged themselves above the waterline to lay their precious eggs. Sadly we watched a Frigate bird repeatedly dive into the sand dunes trying to grab the baby turtles as they were emerging from their nest. The Galapagos policy is not to interfere with nature and we weren’t allowed to chase the birds away. We turned our attentions back towards the water and saw several turtles waiting to land on the beach, which they would do after dark.
A ray swimming around our feet
We also had rays swimming around our feet, there were so many we had to be careful where we stepped. The fine sand was lying on their backs.
A Sally light foot crab
We wandered over to the rocks around the edge and saw many Sally Light foot crabs with their beautiful red and white spotted legs attached to their blue spotted bodies running sideways across the beach.
A last view of the cove
It was probably the beautiful beach we had been on, it certainly had the most wildlife. We reluctantly left the beach and walked back across the island looking over our shoulders many times to get one last view of the stunning blue water.
We returned to Daphne ready for the journey back to Santa Cruz. Bill wanted to have a look at the bridge and was welcomed in. Pictures were taken with the Captain and we asked him if they ever see Dolphins.
Dolphins leaping out of our wake
As if on cue the call of “Dolphins” was called out and everyone rushed to the bow of the boat to watch them. We’ve had Dolphins many times swimming in our bow wave but Daphne was travelling at 15kts which is twice as fast as Camomile and the Dolphins were still managing to keep up. The extra speed seemed to excite them more because they were also leaping right out of the water in our wake. It was going to take quite a while to get back so we watched a BBC Galapagos documentary, which was very interesting. We arrived back to a cloudy evening.
Camomile was still where we had left her
Camomile was still where we had left her. The crew kindly took all the men round to check on their boats and they managed to bring back various bottles of alcohol. Most of the crew went off duty leaving us all to have a party on board. The next morning we reluctantly packed our bags and enjoyed one last breakfast together. Sue and David, crew from Roundabout had finished their time with the BWR and headed to the airport. The rest of us went on our final excursion to the Highlands to visit a Tortoise Sanctuary.
Wallowing in mud
We donned Wellie boots and went to find the tortoises, who were wallowing in the mud. We went back to the dock for our luggage and were taken back to our boats. What a fabulous time we’d all had. We spent the next few days getting ready for our longest passage …… across the Pacific Ocean.
Posted in Port posts
There’s one final part to this story. To reach the Galapagos we had to cross the equator. The ‘Crossing the line’ ceremony is an initiation rite which commemorates a sailor’s first crossing.
Bill dressed ready for the shellback ceremony nursing the broken shroud
We were all Pollywogs and needed to become Shellbacks or sons of Neptune. After crossing the line Pollywogs receive a summons to appear before King Neptune. This is preceded by a beauty contest of men dressed as woman and then Pollywogs have to go through a number of disgusting ordeals. So we decided to organise our own ceremony on each of our boats. The men would dress as woman, the woman would wear their clothes inside out and back to front and we would perform our own ceremony on the front of our boats for the entertainment of the others.
Crossing the equator as the GPS reads 00.00 south
We had a 4th boat join us called Briet and the skipper Duco was already a shellback so he was Neptune. Bill, David and Ian dressed in our clothes and we all crossed the line together with Duco, as King Neptune, counting down the degrees. Then the fun could begin. Bill squirted water at me from the super soaker.
Ian and Glenda performing shellback ceremony
Ian threw several buckets of water over Glenda and she threw several back but David and Susan carried out the works. David doesn’t like Couscous so he threw that at Susan then she squirted cream on his feet and had to kiss it,
David and Susan ready for their ceremony
then came the buckets of water and then finally they opened cans of beer and tipped some over the bow of their boat and drank the rest. It was all a lot of fun. The funniest part of the afternoon was when Ian turned round to go back on deck and the wind got up lifting his dress to reveal nothing underneath. His excuse was that, as he couldn’t fit into any of Glenda’s kickers he thought he wasn’t allowed to wear any! After the fun we continued on our journey because we still had another 100 miles to go. Lucy Alice, Enchantress and Briet were able to sail and they adjusted their speed to match ours, their support was invaluable. We arrived the following day having motored 491 miles in 104 hrs. We had used all our jerry cans of fuel but we still had our mast.
On to Galapagos…
This is the story of a serious problem we encountered on passage between Panama’s Los Perlos islands and the Galapagos archipelago…
Dark night, big problem
Bang! It was 01:30am, very dark, blowing F4-5 in a choppy sea and, although I had never heard that sound before, I knew instantly what it was. Still slightly groggy at the start of my night watch I spent the next second travelling towards denial, no the rig is not that old and then back to reality “I really have lost a shroud, what now”?
The bent and the broken
Camomile was 447nm into a 937nm passage between Las Perlas and Galapagos on the 2009/10 Blue Water Rally. The wind had recently started to blow from behind so we were sailing under our twin headsails poled out with a twizzle rig.
Deck lights on! It was the port lower shroud and it had parted low down around the turnbuckle. It was now snaking its way through the air like a whip with each rolling movement of the boat.
Engine on! I fought to turn the starboard bow to the wind and waves to reduce the boat’s rolling movement. Then I noticed that the mast was bending to port alarmingly in the middle with each roll of the boat, snapping back with a rattle as the remaining starboard lower took up the slack. I knew I did not have much time before this became a dismasting!
Broken shroud, what now?
I put the auto pilot on and went out on deck as Sue came up the companion way. Grasping the loose end of the shroud which I noticed still held the turnbuckle I heaved it towards the cockpit where I handed it to Sue telling her “don’t let go of this”. Just at that moment the autopilot decided it was not going to hold its bearing into the wind and the bow sheared away from the weather increasing the roll instantly. Again I struggled for control, adding more engine revs to regain our heading. After what seemed like an age she responded and the movement lessened.
We had to stabilise the rig and fast. I grabbed the turnbuckle from Sue who had, with gritted teeth, heroically stopped it from thrashing around the deck and unscrewed the lower bolt which left me the body. I planned to pass a line through this so I could tie it directly to the chain-plate leaving the removal of the broken toggle, which was still attached, until later. Grabbing 12mm braided line Sue and I went out on a pitching deck where she held onto the shroud while I passed six turns through and around heaving it down as I went. The shroud flapped but seemed to hold and the mast was still moving, but not nearly so badly. I started to think that we were getting to grips with it but I was about to get my second surprise of the night.
Loose again
A large lurch and….Bang! The lashing snapped like cotton. I was shocked at the forces involved and realised that only steel was going to hold in these conditions. Sue went to the cockpit locker where I keep a selection of stainless shackles while I hung onto the shroud feeling for myself as I did the relentless pull at every roll of the boat. I took the shackles and Sue hung onto the shroud again while I linked a short chain of them together passing one through the lower opening in the rigging screw barrel. I planned to pass the lower shackle in the short chain through the chain plate loop as Sue held on to the shroud to stop it whipping away into the darkness. This turned out to be very difficult as the shroud was continually being pulled away as I attempted to put the shackle pin through.
By now it was about 02:15, we were getting exhausted and we were also both very frightened, each trying not to show it to the other. Sue shouted at me “you can do it! Keep trying!” Again and again I came tantalisingly close to pinning the final shackle and time and again the shroud snatched it away. Sue told me later that this was the moment that she felt we should be cutting the rig loose altogether as the 50’ mast flexed like rubber away from it’s loose shroud. I was thinking “we will not let this beat us”. A momentary lull, perhaps a double wave, I don’t know. What I do know is that the pin went home and I got 3 turns on it before it snatched again, this time fast against the chain-plate.
The rig was more stable now but it still had no shroud tension so the middle of the mast was still loose against the lowers. Sue grabbed four sturdy braid lines from the cockpit locker and I passed 2 bowlines around each shroud leading the bitter end to our 4 forward winches. I
A cats cradle in the cockpit
took more 14mm line and passed turn after turn after turn up and through the chain plate and rigging screw body not so much to reinforce the shackles but in an attempt to dampen the shock loads going into them. This done I tightened the 20mm lines winch by winch bending the shrouds into tension back and across the boat. The result was a cat’s cradle of creaking lines but it held and the mast finally now stood straight and fast.
Stable but what now?
The time was 03:00 and we were shaking with exertion but elated at having got the situation back under control.
However although we had the rig upright, we could not use it to hoist sails. It was nowhere near well enough supported and I had no idea what damage might have been done higher up the mast while we were trying to get it under control.
The choice was to return 447nm upwind to Las Perlas or down weather to Galapagos. Without the sails we only had the engine however we did have enough fuel in jerry cans to motor more that 600nm. Given that down weather would stress the rig less, we would have the Bluewater Rally fleet around us and that returning could also prevent us visiting the “enchanted isles” altogether it made sense to continue on the further 490nm run to Galapagos.
Having reached a decision we put out SSB calls to the rest of the fleet and reset our original course. We sent an email to Blue Water Rallies
explaining what had occurred and letting them know that we would be in need of spare parts when we got there and could Tony bring them when he flew out to support the Rally stopover.
We made voice contact with S/Y Briet at 06:00 and the Skipper Duco kindly agreed to call Tony via Iridium to alert him of our situation.
In the meantime I had carried out a deck level damage assessment and was shocked to find that the starboard shroud toggle had snagged sideways on the chain-plate while slack and looked as if it could have been close to shearing off. This would have left us with no lowers and a certain dismasting. Far far too close for comfort.
Mummified shroud base
We motored through the rest of the following day, finding that around 4 to 5 knots kept the boat fairly stable which in turn kept the stress off the cobbled shroud fixing.
Support from the Rally
Blue Water Rally control had been busy too. They put out an SSB email to all the boats close to our position. Lucy Alice, an Oyster 406, steamed towards us and was the first to arrive at our position. It was a huge relief and comfort to see them appear over the horizon of an ocean which had, until then been empty and very lonely. We both knew that there was little they could do at that time but her skipper Ian offered calm advice and gave us such confidence saying “don’t worry we’ll get you there whatever it takes”. It was a turning point for our morale; at last
Camomile's escort
we started to believe we could still do it. We were joined a little later by Enchantress, an Aphrodite 44, and escorted by both boats, one to port and one to starboard as we motored on into the Pacific Ocean together.
Richard Bolt from BWR had in the meantime been in frantic conversation with XW Rigging owned by Ian Cochrane (an ex Westerly rigger, hence his company’s name and a past owner of a Sealord too). He reacted quickly, he knew the parts I needed and would provide 7 of them so that I could replace all the toggles throughout the rig. Thanks Ian, fantastic! Would I please check though that they were all left handed threads and that the diameter of the thread was all the same throughout to ensure that the right parts were sent.
This resulted in yet another memorable moment as, because of the time difference and the urgency of getting them sent, I had to carry out this check in the dark. So it was that I found myself crawling around on all fours with my harness and a head torch on gripping a micrometer in my mouth going from shroud base to shroud base trying to see which way the rigging screw thread ran and measuring the diameter of each. Bizarrely enough it was only at this point that I questioned my sanity, who would have thought it!
By this time we had had offers of help and support from across the fleet including emails to Richard informing him of who was flying out to Galapagos to join which yacht and when. In the end the parts went with some friends of Jackamy, whose owners Paul and Derry laid on a special delivery to their business address in the UK and bent over backwards to make sure it got off the ground and headed towards us as quickly as humanly possible.
Back on Camomile spirits were high as we were joined by yet another rally boat Briet, skippered by Duco and we all started to look forward to crossing the Equator and becoming Neptune’s latest shellbacks, but that is another story.
More trouble?
During this time I was carrying out regular checks on the state of the jury rig but my observations were leading me to believe that it was weakening. I could see through the “mummification” of line that one of the shackle pins had started to bend. I knew that this is a favourite pre-failure mode for shackles so I had to do something about it. I did not have a spare toggle assembly so I dug deep into my tools and bits locker and found just the thing I needed, a piece of 5mm thick flat bar. As I carry a heavy engineer’s vice and a club hammer on board (subtly had no place here) I soon fashioned this into a “make do” toggle at least as strong as the original one if not quite as pretty. Fitting this would stop
Hit it don't tickle it
the rot and possibly even allow us to put some sail up if the upper rig was sound.
The next challenge would be to replace it in a seaway as the cobbled shroud linkage would have to be disconnected completely. This would bring back all the problems of the first time except that we could now do it at a time of our own choosing. Two things were against us though. Firstly the sea would not settle and secondly the rigging screw body end looked as if it might have become burred by the shackle that was now fastening it and, if so, would have to be removed from the lower shroud to be re-worked with no way of securing the shroud while this took place.
3rd time lucky?
With trepidation I called the yachts escorting us to brief them that I was planning to make a manoeuvre to find a “sweet” direction to steam in causing the least stress to the shroud which was currently on the windward side of the boat. I would then strip the fixing away and replace it unless the burr on the turnbuckle prevented it.
Some little while later with all the tools in place I turned Camomile for the first time since she had lost her shroud. I found a good direction although it was still far bumpier than I would have liked and started to remove the outer lashings of my joint.
As the chain of shackles was revealed my heart sank. Not only was the rigging screw body seriously burred but several of the shackle pins were showing signs of fatigue. I had to abort fitting the new part immediately as to do otherwise would have put the mast back at risk but I could not leave the chain as it was with over 300Nm still to go.
I set about building a second line of shackles to back up the first taking the tension out of the rigging by slacking off on the winches for just long enough to get the last pin in so that when tightened it would share the load. I then re-bound the joint with line putting tension into it as I went. I was not sure, in the end, whether this binding would have done anything if the worst happened and shackle chains failed but it might give me a few minutes of reaction time so I thought it worthwhile.
Onwards to Galapagos
Once the last binding was on we turned the boat around and set our course for Galapagos again hopeful that this time the fixing would fare better.
We motored across the Equator listening to the tensioning lines creak at the crest of each wave and checking every few hours that the shackles were not distorting. Finally, after 490 of the longest nautical miles we
Safely at anchor
have ever travelled we nudged our way into the anchorage at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz in the Galapagos.
The modified fix had lasted all the rest of the way without incident and with no further signs of fatigue. When we walked into the adopted rally pub that afternoon to see the rest of the crews again we were met with a raucous cheer and a round of applause. We knew that we had arrived!
Safely at anchor now I stripped the joint down to replace it with the made up toggle and made ready to go up the mast to inspect for any damage. I checked all the lower and cap terminals and fixings which amazingly and to my huge relief were without any obvious signs of damage. All I had to do now was enjoy the Galapagos while I waited for the new parts to arrive from the UK and thank all the kind people who had supported us so well through this difficult time.
To read a response to breaking a shroud follow – https://yachtcamomile.wordpress.com/job-list/response-to-shroud-breakage/
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Vanderhaeghe, Guy, 1951-
Wesley relocates to a Montana ranch to help negotiate peace between the Native Americans and U.S. and Canadian militaries, an effort that is complicated by his unexpected feelings for widow Ada Tarr.
Publisher: New York : Atlantic Monthly Press, c2011
Read more reviews of A Good Man at iDreamBooks.com
belalin Aug 30, 2016
As one review states below "Vanderhaeghe has the ability to place us in the middle of a fascinating time in Canadian and American history. He reveals the complex relationships and political interactions that existed between the two countries and the many native tribes that were trying to find a place to continue their way of life. By writing a novel in this historical context, Vanderhaeghe illustrates the shameful treatment received by the aboriginal people by the governments of the time."
This book is somewhat long and convoluted book but in addition to learning about a shameful part of our history that we should all know more about, Vanderhaeghe is a brilliant tale weaver with an uncanny ability to craft visual and emotional metaphors that drive home the message and can make you laugh at the same time.
GLNovak Jan 23, 2016
Vanderhaighe's ability to weave big issues together, paint engaging characters, and spin a bit of a love story at the same time appeals to me. I enjoyed his way of presenting the story from the perspectives of many of the characters. His love of and ease with the West and its history comes through in his writing. This is Vanderhaeghe's third and last book about the Cypress Hills/Montana area in the late 1870's, after the battle at Little Big Horn and the ensuing uncertainty about Sitting Bull and his intentions. We meet Wesley Case, a Canadian ex-soldier, ex-Northwest Mounted Police, and current Montana rancher at Fort Benton, as he begins his career as a go-between for Major Walsh north of the border and Major Guido Ilges at Fort Benton Montana Territory. Each is approaching the Indian Problem differently and each needs to keep apprised of the others intentions. The 'good man' is many of the characters - Case, Walsh, Ilges, Sitting Bull. The only issue, and that might be from my own ignorance, was the inclusion of the Fenians and their on-going underground war with Britain being waged on Canadian and colonial soil.
Port_er Nov 21, 2014
I agree with erb65, Guy Vanderhaeghe is Canada's best author! He superimposes fictional characters in the midst of a love story thriller, and the historical part is seamlessly embedded. Then there are the countless laughs! He's amazing!!! I want to read more of his work.
ChristchurchLib Jun 22, 2014
The son of a wealthy Canadian timber baron, former mounted policeman Wesley Case relocates to the Montana Territory in 1876, where he purchases a ranch near the rough-and-tumble frontier outpost of Fort Benton - not far from the site of Custer's Last Stand. However, thanks to escalating tensions between the U.S. Army and the Sioux, Case's primary livelihood soon becomes the gathering and exchange of information. With its complex characterization and lyrical descriptions of rugged western landscapes, this concluding volume of Canadian author Guy Vanderhaeghe's Western trilogy -- which begins with The Englishman's Boy and The Last Crossing -- may appeal to fans of Gil Adamson's The Outlander.
From Historical Fiction Newsletter June 2014.
glendamiller Mar 12, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
erb65 Jul 19, 2012
In my opinion, the best Canadian novelist currently writing. The main storyline is interesting on its own but what really draws the reader in is Vanderhaeghe's ability to place us in the middle of a fascinating time in Canadian and American history. He reveals the complex relationships and political interactions that existed between the two countries and the many native tribes that were trying to find a place to continue their way of life. By writing a novel in this historical context, Vanderhaeghe illustrates the shameful treatment received by the aboriginal people by the governments of the time.
becker Jul 15, 2012
I enjoyed the writing, the story and the characters very much. My only hesitation is that I found it skipped around a bit more than I would have liked. I lost patience waiting to see how all the different aspects of the story would come together. Otherwise...a good book with a good ending.
readingchick Jun 06, 2012
This may not be as good as Vanderhaeghe's previous novels but darn close. He has a knack for bringing the "Old West" of Canada into focus for me. His characters are fully fledged and the story line is gripping.
bette108 May 16, 2012
Some beautiful phrases and interesting, thought-provoking images. Yet, I like Vanderhaeghe's earlier works better.
uncommonreader May 01, 2012
This is the story of the end of the wild west. It takes place around Forts Benton and Walsh and is set after the American Civil War and rout of Custer. Sadly, it tells of the demise of aboriginal peoples in the west and of Sitting Bull. The author successfully evokes the historical era.
Ranch Life — Montana — Fiction
Indians of North America — Government Relations — Fiction
Frontier and Pioneer Life — Fiction
Montana — Fiction
Canada, Western — Fiction
Western Stories
Find it at YLPL
Library Home City of Yorba Linda New Library Project
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Home / I'm the Boss Who Modified the World / I’m the Boss Who Modified the World – Chapter 5
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I’m the Boss Who Modified the World – Chapter 5
WuWang May 21, 2019 I'm the Boss Who Modified the World Leave a comment 1,138 Views
Translator: Sheng Chen
Editor: Arya
Chapter 5: First Fudge Project
He continued to scroll down to see the post.
There were trade posts, team posts, and ‘looking for brothers and sisters’ posts…
There was no guide post at all, which made him speechless.
“The game forum seems to be popular, but how can there be no guide post? No way, now I can only post an article for help.”
He was no longer hesitant.
“How to pass【The five in the barren mountain】?” After typing the title, Fu Lu continued to describe what he encountered.
After a while, there were more than a dozen responses.
“A level-0 rookie challenges the copy alone? How brave!”
“You’re killing yourself! You have no level and equipment. Your health points should be less than fifty, right? An attack of a ghost can kill you, and you have no power to fight back. I advise you to level up and then challenge it.”
“Hey, you’ve tried the same copy three times. I think you must have spent 110 points of fatigue, right? Are you stupid?”
“Rookie, I was as ignorant as you are, two days ago. You must transfer to a new job at level ten before trying the Strange Talks. Otherwise, unless you’re super brilliant or super lucky, you never pass a copy without dying!”
“You must have not started the novice guide mission. This mission can help you reach level five, and it will randomly give you three treasure chests of varying quality.”
Fu Lu browsed the information and felt a little stunned.
After transferring a new job at level 10, the player’s various attributes would soar, so that you would have the power to challenge it.
Challenging without levels like him would simply be in vain.
Fu Lu continued the game, found out the novice guide he previously skipped, and started to do it step by step.
He then understood the player’s apprenticeship mainline assessment missions, the color of ghosts, how to spend the money to buy their own needs, the player’s independent trading system, the actual fights against ghosts, and three transfer careers of apprentices – fighters, mages, and assassins.
Unconsciously, Fu Lu was completely immersed in and followed the rhythm of the game.
Even after he reached level five and the novice guide disappeared, he still spent the fatigue value like he used to, killing ghosts and doing missions.
“Fu Lu, the professor will have a roll call, we should go!” Nearly 2 p.m., several roommates called him in the hallway.
But no one could think of that Fu Lu, who never skipped class, would turn a deaf ear to them and kept looking at the screen of his mobile phone.
A few roommates shouted several times in a row, but they only got a weak response.
“Leave me alone.” Obviously, Fu Lu already couldn’t stop it.
Even if the professor had a roll call, it was difficult for him to let go of his phone.
Time passed.
Due to the deliberate arrangement of Hu Feng behind the scenes, each player’s fatigue value was used very quickly, but the store never provided any products to restore fatigue value.
The only thing that allowed players to kill a few more ghosts and try one Strange Talk was the energy pill.
It only dropped after killing high-level ghosts or appeared randomly in the treasure chest of the Strange Talks.
The chance was slim.
Hu Feng sometimes even thought that if he posted the dropping rate in the forum as a moderator, the players would become really crazy.
It was even more likely to win a million lottery!
In addition, Fu Lu spent 90 points before knowing it.
After a while, Fu Lu, who tried his best to eliminate the ghosts, found that a prompt popped up on the mobile phone screen.
“I am very sorry, you’ve run out of your fatigue value. You’re unable to attack or enter the Strange Talk. Please restore the fatigue value.”
“System prompt: the player’s daily fatigue value of 300 will be refreshed at 12 a.m. every day.”
Fu Lu was crazy. The prompt really made him uncomfortable as he was now immersed into it!
“This must be a conspiracy of the game developer. There must be props to restore the fatigue value in the shop!”
Although he already knew it, he still couldn’t help but choose to pay for it. Fu Lu paid for thirty gold coins and entered the shop right away. However.
“What the hell?” What shocked Fu Lu appeared.
Looking around, the number of goods in the shop was so small – nickname rename card, forum post color change card, and forum rename card.
After playing games for so many years, he had never seen such a simple shop!
There was no item that would exchange money or the props he needed most, to restore fatigue at the moment!
“Damn, do the game developers really want to make money?”
“Two rename cards and a color card. Who should I do with these three cards? I want to spend money to buy something, but there’s nothing at all!”
Fu Lu suddenly thought of the trade post he saw before in the Ghost Forum.
It seemed that someone was collecting medicine used to recover the fatigue value.
I should also buy them! He thought.
Fu Lu directly posted in the forum.
However, Fu Lu wasn’t the only player who lacked fatigue values.
Even if he asked to buy with WeChat cash, he couldn’t receive any request.
“Damn! There are still eight hours before midnight, it’s too hard!”
It was 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and he felt like it was forever.
Behind the scene, Hu Feng home at this moment was looking at the number of gamers reaching 50,000.
He began to follow up on his own design.
He wanted to let single-digit players trigger the hidden NPCs, make ghosts in the mobile game come into reality, and appear in front of the players.
He convinced tens of thousands of players that this mobile game was very weird with those who encountered ghosts, and made ghosts in the game come to reality!
After several days of scrutiny, Hu Feng had already thought about it all.
“A single player encountering ghosts is not enough to shake the entire mobile game, making all players believe that there are ghosts in the world…
But if the police, the Internet and other news media are involved, making the situation more complicated, it will be the time when I collect tons of fudge values!”
Hu Feng sneered.
“Archimedes said ‘Give me a fulcrum and I shall move the world.’ Then I say, give me a player who encountered ghosts and I shall prove that ghosts exist!”
“System, from the players online, give me those who choose the birthplace in the game as Magic City.”
“At the same time, detect those death case which are recently involved with ghosts in reality.”
“If the birthplace of the players encountering ghosts is identical to where the death case which took place in Shanghai in reality, isn’t it easier for people to fall into the horror speculation!”
Closing his eyes, massive information collected by the system flashed through in his mind.
Soon, two of them caught his attention.
【Freshman Fu Lu in Jing’an District is highly obsessed with mobile games, but suffers from lacking fatigue values】
【In Jing’an District, the scary rumor of XX Middle School’s blood / love letter, it was rumored that a girl who broke up was killed】
It’s perfect for me!
Hu Feng happily planned his own fudge script.
“Guide Fu Lu in various ways to find the hidden NPCs in the mobile game – and tell him the strange story of blood / love letters.”
“Use the remaining fudge values to create a figurative blood / love letter and female ghost. I will control them to walk into reality to entangle and intimidate Fu Lu.”
“Force Fu Lu to seek police protection, so that the police can intervene in this mobile game. With the help of the country, make the remaining tens of thousands of players know that ghosts really exist. When they are panicking, I will take the opportunity to harvest lots of fudge values!”
I'm the Boss Who Modified the World - Book 1 (Chapter 1 to 55) & Book 2 (Chapter 56 to 104) is Available at Amazon!
I’m the Boss Who Modified the World – Chapter 24
Starchild Escapes Arranged Marriage – Chapter 594
Translator: WuWang Editor: Luiswu
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Cisco tweaks partner programs to drive APAC reach
Networking giant eyes better efficiency and growth with consolidated and less complicated rebate program, and by opening up access to "smart" services and analytics.
By Ryan Huang | December 6, 2012 -- 11:57 GMT (03:57 PST) | Topic: Networking
BANGKOK--Cisco System has tweaked its channel programs to address margin pressures and price disparities among distributors and partners. It has also provided them with more access to technical support and analytics as part of the networking vendor's drive to expand its reach to more Asia-Pacific small and midsize businesses (SMBs).
A new streamlined program called Cisco Services Partner Program (CSPP) is now in place to achieve greater simplicity across its global partner network, said Denzil Green, director for partner business group Asia-Pacific, Japan and Greater China, who was speaking during a media briefing at the Cisco Systems Partner Led Network conference here Thursday.
He added the new program replaced the many legacy schemes which were fragmented, and included tweaks such as a backend loaded rebate model and more open access to its "smart services" or virtual technical support. The CSPP rolled out in March and is lived in the Asia-Pacific, with Greater China and Japan the last two markets to come online at the end of third quarter 2013, he said.
He added 7,100 partners across the rest of the region have already enrolled, such as Australia, New Zealand and India.
Replacing fragmented legacy schemes
A Cisco spokesperson noted the changes were implemented due to partner feedback, partly about the complicated nature of the rebate policies, of which there were more than 40. He added some were country-specific which saw unequal pricing across partners.
Rebates or discounts are typically given to channel partners and distributors to help them make margins on sales.
"It was definitely more confusing previously, and the new changes really help makes things clearer and fairer," said Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Proactive Data Systems, which is a Cisco partner based in India.
"It was definitely more confusing previously, and the new changes really help makes things clearer and fairer," said Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Proactive Data Systems.
He explained the new backend rebate system was performance-based, which meant financial incentives were given after sales were made. This was an improvement from the previous model where discounts were given upfront, which saw many resellers and distributors undercut each other for business and severely hurt margins, the CEO added.
Green pointed out as part of Cisco's efforts to raise the capabilities of its partners, the CSPP will also open up their access to Cisco's smart services. For instance, partners will be able to leverage a monitoring system which will give better visibility of their client's networks.
"The service means we can now preempt any problems. For example, if data centers were running dangerously close to capacity, we could call them up to advise them," said Rajiv, adding this was also an efficient way of generating leads.
Leveraging partners key to market leadership
According to Mayur Sahni, research manager for IT services and BPO at IDC, the battle for market leadership will be fought at the partner level as no vendor can go the distance alone, especially in the Asia-Pacific context.
Sahni said Cisco's focus on building an ecosystem of partners and channels was positive, but pointed out in order to do so, the networking vendor would need to recruit, train, and empower partners to take its offerings to market.
"The bets placed by Cisco in terms of change in buying trend, next-gen workspace, bring your own device (BYOD) , and hybrid cloud are all well placed, and I echo the outlook. However, this is a hotly contested market," he said.
Cisco launches new portfolio of products targeting SMBs, including all-in-one security solution the ISA500 Series Integrated Security Appliances. (source: Cisco)
The IDC analyst added the CSPP program would be key to unlocking the region's market potential , and the improvements were particularly relevant for its growth in the region.
In order to boost its reach in the SMB market, Cisco also announced Thursday a new portfolio of products aimed at the segment. This includes an all-in-one network security product, the ISA500 Series Integrated Appliances, and a router--RV215W Wireless-N VPN Router--to enable affordable wireless connectivity through 3G and 4G networks.
Ryan Huang of ZDNet Asia reported from Cisco APJC Partner Led Network conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on the invitation of Cisco.
Channel Cloud Internet of Things Security Data Centers
More from Ryan Huang
ZDNet Cloud TV: Hurdles to overcome (full video)
ZDNet Cloud TV: Hurdles to overcome (highlights)
ZDNet Cloud TV: Impact of cloud on HR (full video)
ZDNet Cloud TV: Impact of cloud on HR (highlights)
NBN HFC field test hits 994Mbps download speeds
DOCSIS 3.1 test on suburban line in Victoria approaching 1Gbps mark.
SK Telecom and Swisscom launch 5G roaming service
Koreans visiting Switzerland will be able to stay connected to 5G wireless networks.
Ready or not, here comes the new Twitter
Twitter has looked the same for almost seven years, but now, brace yourself, it's being redesigned from the ground up.
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E-biz still the top driver
Frightening stories will not slow the growth of e-business and the Asian Pacific region will continue to grow and the Intranet will grow with it as an application.
By Mark Chillingworth | January 3, 2001 -- 15:15 GMT (07:15 PST) | Topic: Hardware
Despite doom-mongering and a shaky end to the year in the American and British technology stock markets, e-business will still be a major economic driver in 2001, with spending and computer sales still increasing.
As e-business grows it will maintain healthy hardware, software and service sales across the Asia Pacific region. IDC believe the majority of this investment will follow the trend that began late in 2000 and come from brick-and-mortar business’ that are moving on-line.
“The reason is simple; the battle is already engaged. For every .com that competes with an established business, there are a dozen more brick-and-mortar companies with online operations to worry about now,” Piyush Singh, Vice President of IDC Asia Pacific said.
An increasing area of this growth will be the Intranet. IDC’s research indicates that Intranet development will become an end to end integrated part of any e-business solution. Their research claims the Intranet is a ‘logical’ step following the integration of enterprise applications and other e-commerce applications.
The research company predicts IT spending will reach a trillion dollars globally this year and that US$39 billion of it will be spent in the Asia Pacific region, without the help of the Japanese economy. There will also be 75 million PCs installed by next Christmas in the region.
PCs Servers Storage Networking Data Centers
More from Mark Chillingworth
Australian SMEs winners and competitors
Siemens beats a HiPath to Australia
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Daniel Lechner
Director Brand Management Zumtobel & Services
Schweizer Strasse 30
6850 Dornbirn/Austria
Tel.: +43 5572 390-0
daniel.lechner@zumtobelgroup.com
Press information 2018
Lighting Solution
The fascinating world of fashion: Zumtobel luminaires light up Reserved Stores
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Light touches every view. It takes us by the hand. It leads us into a world of bright colours and silky fabrics. Our hands feel the soft material. Our eyes are drawn to the displays. Inspiration tingles inside us. And we are fascinated.
Step into a Reserved Stores shop and you immerse yourself in a world of fashion where accentuated light actively entices you to browse. This is light that guides, presents and inspires. This is light that simultaneously underlines the unmistakably modern design of the Reserved Stores brand. This is light from the Austrian lighting manufacturer Zumtobel, together with a team of in-house architects and lighting planners from LPP (the leading Polish fashion retailer which manages five fashion brands, among them the flagship brand Reserved). The stores skilfully surround the consumer with pleasant illumination that is perfectly aligned with the integrated store concept of the Polish fashion chain Reserved – a concept that Zumtobel is supporting since 2017 in Reserved Stores throughout Europe. The most recent example can be seen in Frankfurt, where a new shop opened its doors at the end of September.
Active Light – dynamic lighting moods that change during the course of the day – draws customers inside from the shop windows and entrance areas. Reserved Stores welcome shoppers with a modern atmosphere in an artfully staged world of light. Yet the lighting solution and the brand’s hallmark ceiling construction at no point detract from the main attractions: the clothes, the collections and the styles.
The ceilings are black. And they have been left in an untreated condition. From this hang a series of white ceiling panels, whose reflective surface help bathe the shops in pleasant light. The store concept from LPP also incorporates diagonally running dark light-channels that cleverly break through the panels and give the stores their distinctive appearance. And of course Zumtobel worked closely with the client to develop and realise the perfect lighting solution. Black spotlights pick out the dark parts of the ceiling, while the white elements are equally embellished using a network of white recessed spots and track fittings. Take a closer look at this installation and it becomes clear that the luminaires have been precisely adapted to suit the store concept and underline the overall look of the shop with masterful lighting accents. Accents that tempt you to stay and make you want to try something. Accents that suddenly make it possible to experience fashion with all your senses.
Artificial light, natural feel
The colours are brought to life with specially selected LED solutions. These emphasise the naturalness of the various tones and underline every nuance. And every subtle detail. Carefully developed True Gamut Rendering (TGR) technology from Zumtobel adds an authentic element to the clothes. It guarantees high colour rendering and expertly highlights different material properties. And why? So customers can almost feel the qualities of the garment just by looking. Indeed, every customer visit is touched by this natural effect, as Zumtobel employ brilliant colours to catch the eye and to captivate.
The core components of the exciting lighting-design concept are a series of spotlights and downlights from the ONICO-portfolio. Bright, yes. Intrusive, no. Precisely optimised to suit the particular items, these fittings illuminate the clothes on display – on hangers or on mannequins. And when it comes to changes in season or collection, the luminaires can be easily reconfigured. At the same time, with the benefits of flexible positioning and straightforward adjustment, the TECTON LED continuous-row lighting system generates rich lighting moods in the window-based display areas.
The Reserved recipe for success
As part of the Polish LPP Group, the Reserved fashion and clothing retailer from Gdańsk, in the result of its active worldwide expansion which started in 2002, has now more than 450 branches in Europe, Asia and Africa. Reserved stores are designed in line with a clear brand image, featuring a lighting concept created by LPP design team. Since 2017 the project is realised by Zumtobel with the help of the acdc, Thorn und Tridonic sister brands. This lighting concept uses clever accents and carefully chosen LED solutions to tick two key boxes: putting the focus firmly on the products and – crucially – blending seamlessly into the special architectural look of Reserved Stores.
“The collaboration between Zumtobel and planners from LPP resulted in clever lighting design and a holistic lighting concept. And then Zumtobel supplied us with exactly the right high-quality luminaires,” reported Olimpia Patej, Director of Investment Department at LPP. “The overall picture is perfect – and not just in the literal sense. Alongside the shop-specific illumination, we were also impressed by the comprehensive service and the professional project coordination.” Zumtobel looked after the project management for the lighting. Everything from delivery to the fine adjustment of individual components directly on site. From start to finish. The above-average size of the stores added to the complexity of the task, with shops like the new store in Frankfurt covering around 2600 square metres.
Zumtobel light also shines throughout the flagship stores in London and Berlin, where a combination of excellent location and impressive staging of the goods makes the hearts of shoppers beat that little bit faster. In addition, special ceiling-mounted lighting fields in the London store create a variety of captivating moods – a real eye-catcher, in every sense. Zumtobel has now lit up a number of Reserved Stores across Europe, including retail sites in Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Warsaw, Budapest and Moscow.
Zumtobel. The Light.
Zumtobel luminaires light up Reserved Stores (.pdf/0.64 MB)
Press images Reserved Stores (.zip/88.20 MB)
A creative powerhouse for the arts – Zumtobel lights up a new building at the Kunsthalle Mannheim
Showcasing art with light is a Zumtobel specialty. Planning and realising a high-quality and perfectly tailored lighting solution not only helps preserve works of art, but also supports both the overall concept of the exhibition and the architecture of the museum. And that is exactly what has been achieved in close cooperation with a·g Licht at the Kunsthalle Mannheim – the largest new building at a German art museum in recent years. As a cultural temple to the urban future of Mannheim, architects from the Gerkan, Marg and Partner (gmp) architectural office have crafted a design that creates an elegant “city in the city”.
As an essential part of the curatorial concept, light fundamentally shapes the emotional perception of architecture and art, helping observers to make a real sensory connection with the pieces on show. The seemingly simple-looking new building at the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which was recently opened to much fanfare after three years of construction, houses a radical museum concept – a concept in which the emotions behind the art play a role. A key role. The 68.3-million-euro building is currently the largest new construction at an art museum in the whole of Germany and has attracted almost 90,000 visitors in the first three months. Yet it is more than just the exceptional idea of the museum that draws people here. The unique architecture has also caught the eye. The Kunsthalle Mannheim is in fact a “city in the city”, where ten cubes invite visitors to really engage with the most varied aspects of art.
The scale of the rooms and especially the atrium, a 22-metre-high space awash with daylight, placed special demands on the lighting concept – which is why a clever solution devised by lighting design agency a·g Licht was required to place the 13,000 square metres of floor space in just the right light. Various factors helped Daniel Walden from a·g Licht make the call to involve Zumtobel with this lighting concept (and not just the long-standing cooperation between the two companies). “Zumtobel impressed with a high degree of lighting comfort and light quality, but also with their extensive portfolio of accessories, which has enabled us to tailor the light intensity and thereby accurately meet the changing requirements of the exhibition lighting. Because that is exactly what the “museum in motion” concept needs: flexibility and adaptability,” explained Daniel Walden.
A highly adaptable and individually tailored lighting installation has been carefully designed for the first special exhibition: assorted works by the photo artist Jeff Wall, which ran until the start of September. However, while the lighting installation at the Kunsthalle perfectly showcased Wall's concept photography exhibition, Zumtobel has also made sure that the solution can provide optimal staging for other exhibitions in the future. Just like “The Construction of the World: Art and Economy” (Konstruktion der Welt: Kunst und Ökonomie), the first major theme-based exhibition at the Kunsthalle Mannheim that opened on 11. October 2018. The exhibits and the atrium are highlighted using ARCOS 3 LED xpert spotlights. The result: flawless accents and excellent efficiency. Indeed, the museum has already ordered another 250 ARCOS 3 LED xpert fittings to further extend the installation. At the same time, the DIAMO and PANOS infinity lighting systems have been combined with illuminated ceilings to deliver ideal illumination at all times in the spaces adjacent to the exhibition cubicles. All thanks to various personalisation options and high-quality accent lighting. This unique lighting installation has made the theory of a “museum in motion” a reality – and at the same time given exhibits a fresh and truly authentic appearance.
The visionary building design from gmp Architekten integrates urban quality through a refined interior structure. In terms of the architecture, the construction meets all the requirements of the 21st century – in much the same way as the pioneering lighting concept. Daniel Walden and the lighting designers at a·g Licht in Bonn have been working together with Zumtobel for years. So they certainly appreciate the intensive partnership-based cooperation offered by the in-house lighting experts from the lighting manufacturer’s “Atelier of Light” project-planning department. This is where flexibility, versatility and customer focus are key – three cornerstones of the Zumtobel approach.
Zumtobel lights up a new building at the Kunsthalle Mannheim (.pdf/0.40 MB)
Press images Kunsthalle Mannheim (.zip/5.60 MB)
SUPERSYSTEM integral collection by: EOOS – the ultimate set of architectural lighting instruments
The new Zumtobel SUPERSYSTEM integral collection designed by the renowned Austrian studio EOOS from is something special. This comprehensive range of carefully miniaturised tools offers one high-quality solution for countless architectural lighting tasks. How? By fusing pure integrated design with maximum adaptability for both the application and the architecture. Seamlessly. Like never before.
SUPERSYSTEM has somehow always been an example of nominative determinism – the idea that an outcome is driven by a name. Super and system: These two words perfectly sum up this acclaimed product family’s unique status as a portfolio of outstanding lighting solutions. Just ask the thousands of lighting designers who have realised challenging installations with SUPERSYSTEM over the years. Or the architects who have specified this stylish range for stunning design-led projects all over the world. Now the SUPERSYSTEM integral collection from Zumtobel takes this concept one step further by integrating an extensive range of lighting instruments into one highly flexible holistic lighting solution. The result: a truly super system.
Designing the lighting for indoor architectural applications is often a tricky business. For example, take a moment to consider the varied lighting tasks in a single museum, shop or office. See what we mean? Complex challenges require comprehensive solutions – which is why the SUPERSYSTEM integral collection features the widest selection of architectural lighting instruments around. One range offers adjustable accent lighting with spots or gimbals, horizontal downlighting, perfect vertical wallwashing and pleasant indirect lighting. And this is quantity without sacrificing quality. Each version has been carefully engineered for the exact needs of the particular job. Just take a look at the clever functionality of the unique synchro gimbal fitting. Simple, clever design manages to deftly combine a rotatable downlight with the linear topology of SUPERSYSTEM integral. Or step back and appreciate the identical wallwashing characteristics guaranteed by the Litecarve free-form reflector. And while the distribution can be adapted to the task, one thing stays the same: the high level of visual comfort. All across the range. Low brightness with minimal light spill, outstanding glare control and the use of deep-source reflectors make sure this solution meets the highest standards demanded by Art and Culture, Retail and Office applications.
Different requirements used to mean different products. But not any more. As the name suggests, the SUPERSYSTEM integral collection integrates all these options into one pure design concept. Thanks to the renowned Austrian studio EOOS. However, once again, the issue of flexibility also comes to the fore. Why should lighting designers be the only ones to benefit? Depending on the nature of the particular application, architects can select a version to suit every interior architecture. And every taste.
“The comprehensive planning tool is based on the poetic idea of stringently miniaturising the spotlight heads, enabling them to be perfectly integrated into a continuous linear structure. The system magically emits light from a slender groove as a recessed or track fitting. SUPERSYSTEM integral even makes it possible to adapt existing track installations, which improves efficiency and saves resources – and helps this system make an important contribution as a sustainable design solution.” (Harald Gründl, EOOS)
A definite design highlight is the seamless linear 3-phase channel that can be recessed into the ceiling, surface mounted or suspended. All the different lighting elements are fully integrated into the slender channel, providing invisible illumination at its very best. Yet sometimes solutions are made to be seen – solutions like the elegant 3-phase track version for surface or suspended mounting. Ideal for refurbishment projects. Consistent miniaturisation and high-quality materials like die-cast aluminium and injection-moulded plastics blend to create a refined architectural appearance that can grace both new and retrofit projects. Suddenly the days of installing bulky spotlights on a clearly distinct track seem long gone. If these sophisticated linear track versions are still not enough, simple (yet effective) individual standalone versions can be specified to really underline the outstanding flexibility of this range. And when it comes to taste, a choice of white, black, copper and glossy aluminium finishes should give architects and end-users plenty to think about.
Talking of choices, the SUPERSYSTEM integral collection also covers all bases when it comes to photometric performance, lighting characteristics and controls. An output of up to 3000 lumens makes this range a real alternative for applications where traditional downlights have generally been the only option. A stylish alternative. And an alternative with up to 75 lumens per Watt, to be precise. Colour temperatures of 2700 K, 3000 K and 4000 K suit various different requirements, while excellent colour rendering of Ra 90 comes as standard. As does visual comfort. Yet good visual comfort also means good lighting management, which is why versions with DALI and basicDIM wireless via Bluetooth ensure added adaptability and tailored light that stimulates the senses, creates experiences and protects sensitive objects. What else would you expect from a solution that embodies the core principles of our pioneering Active Light approach?
The SUPERSYSTEM integral collection from Zumtobel. It really is all in the name.
SUPERSYSTEM integral collection (.pdf/0.58 MB)
Press images SUPERSYSTEM integral collection (.zip/15.88 MB)
Shedding new light on something special: Zumtobel joins Sagmeister & Walsh on a poetic search for beauty
Visitors to the MAK Vienna will soon be able to discover a very special quality from the unique perspective of renowned New York graphic design agency Sagmeister & Walsh. Opening on 23. October, the appropriately named Beauty exhibition also puts the focus on the whole sensory experience of every to do with beautiful. Right from acoustics to feelings and visual aspects. And as light obviously plays a key role here, experts from Zumtobel have set about creating a series of experience rooms – spaces that stimulate all the senses.
© Sagmeister & Walsh, New York; MAK/Mona Heiß
Beauty is often seen as a rival to function. Especially when the practical form suffers from what some see as the secondary demands of aesthetic design. That certainly explains why beauty does not always have the best image when it comes to discussions about design. Indeed, there is a tendency to think that those who focus mainly on beauty are never likely to be acknowledged as truly accomplished designers. The New York design-duo Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh want to challenge these assumptions by offering a new way of looking at beauty in design, covering aspects such as architecture, crafts, graphic design and – of course – the arts. The core concept of the exhibition at the Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna (Museum für angewandte Kunst or MAK for short) therefore dovetails perfectly with Zumtobel's areas of expertise. As a true lighting specialist, Zumtobel constantly uses its work to trigger debate and discussion about design. And architecture. And art. The Austrian company, which combines the design and realisation of sophisticated lighting solutions with tireless support for artistic and architectural initiatives, has already cooperated with Sagmeister & Walsh on a number of joint projects. Jessica Walsh designed the 2017-18 Zumtobel artistic annual report and the studio was also part of the design team for the Austrian pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia 2018 – a pavilion that was naturally showcased by various Zumtobel solutions.
What is beauty? What are the common factors and which elements are purely subjective? Sagmeister & Walsh reference scientists and philosophers, as well as proven facts – such as the way beautiful things have an effect on the dopamine receptors and can therefore be medically measured in terms of their positive influence on individuals. Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to compare their own idea of beauty with those of others. And
thereby spot trends and patterns, similarities and differences.
"We are very delighted about the cooperation with Zumtobel and the incredible support we have received from the Vorarlberg-based company. Without the lighting experts, Beauty would certainly not have been able to achieve this high quality and we are very much looking forward to the initial reactions from visitors," says Kathrin Pokorny-Nagel, curator and head of the MAK library and art collection/archive, commenting on the cooperation.
Six exhibition areas with a total of 70 object groups have been shaped by Sagmeister & Walsh to prove that beauty not only stimulates the mind, but can also be effective when it comes to good design.
The Sensory Room, designed in cooperation with Swarovski, is a fitting centrepiece. This space demonstrates vividly how Sagmeister & Walsh use light to direct the senses. Seen from the outside, the 5.5-metre-square cube appears to be some kind of crystal ornament. Yet step inside and you can experience the warm light colours of a sunset – a sunset that is carefully crafted by a dynamic Zumtobel LED lighting solution. At the same time, citrus aromas and the sounds of a Malaysian marsh frog provide beauty for the other senses. The fact that colour is also important when it comes to light can be seen – and felt – in the second room: the Color Room. A special high-pressure vapour lamp rhythmically projects intense blue-pink patterns onto the walls. Vivid hues morph into grey tones, before neutral white light precedes the return of stronger colours.
Sagmeister & Walsh utilise light in both the exhibition and the experience rooms as a direct facilitator for beauty. And as an effective tool for directing attention. Visual designs are back-lit or framed by LED bands that are placed strategically behind the images. Contrasting strongly with the murky semi-darkness of the rooms, individuals have little trouble identifying the focal point of each space. The Dimensional Shadow Letters work in much the same way. Constructive finesse has been achieved by mounting metal silhouettes of lettering horizontally and then turning these 90 degrees. They first become visible with the help of Zumtobel spotlights – and only when the thoughts on beauty finally materialise on the wall as readable text shadows.
Stefan Sagmeister, Sagmeister & Walsh: "Since the Middle Ages at the latest, lighting has been a central strategy when it comes to achieving the goal of beauty, and we are particularly pleased that we have been able to win one of the world's best partners in Zumtobel".
The reflections of Sagmeister & Walsh on the topic of beauty can be seen in Vienna from 23. October 2018 to 31. March 2019. The touring version of the Beauty exhibition, which is set to make its first stop at the Museum for Applied Art (Museum Angewandte Kunst) in Frankfurt am Main, will also feature a lighting installation realised in cooperation with Zumtobel.
Sagmeister & Walsh (.pdf/0.36 MB)
Press images Sagmeister & Walsh (.zip/2.80 MB)
Office lighting of the future – Zumtobel at Orgatec 2018
“Work to go” and a joint stand with Easterngraphics: Two interdisciplinary collaborations where Zumtobel will be represented at this year's ORGATEC (October 23. – 27. in Cologne). In the first showing of the special “Work to go” exhibition, Zumtobel and selected companies have come together to support the implementation of new concepts for the workplace of the future. Innovation at work – in more ways than one. Initiated by AIT-Dialog, this project offers visual perspectives for autonomous and location-independent working (Stand E010/F011 in Hall 10.1). At the same time, by providing luminaires and lighting solutions for a shared stand with EasternGraphics, Zumtobel is set to present cutting-edge lighting simulation technology and thereby offer fascinating insights into the offices of tomorrow (Stand C048 in Hall 8.1).
Visionary approaches to the world of work: The motto “Rethinking work” clearly sets the tone for this year's ORGATEC. Taking place in Cologne from 23. to 27. October, this leading international trade fair for modern working showcases future-oriented ideas for future-oriented workplaces. The kind of places where future-oriented lighting plays a major role. Zumtobel will be making an appearance on two stands this time around: the special “Work to go” exhibition and a shared stand with the EasternGraphics software company.
The future of work – Zumtobel as a partner for the special “Work to go” exhibition
“Work to go” will be shown for the first time this year at ORGATEC. The interdisciplinary project was kicked off by the German architecture journal AIT-Dialog in cooperation with the Academy of Architecture, Fashion and Design (AMD or Hochschule für Architektur, Mode und Design) in Hamburg and the brandherm + krumrey interior architecture studio from Cologne. Zumtobel is one of a select group of specialist companies to support this initiative and help promote the development of innovative spatial and working concepts. “Work to go” is all about modern working. That means flexible working – in terms of time and location. What could this approach actually look like? The answer lies somewhere on the 400-square-metre stand, where intriguing views on autonomous and location-independent working from the perspective of the younger generation will be brought to life.
A semester project gave 24 students the opportunity to devise visions and concepts for the future implementation of location-independent occupations. The results of these undertakings will now be realised with the help of key partners on stand E010/F011 in hall 10.1. Zumtobel is set to showcase innovative ideas for modern office applications that incorporate tunableWhite technology and acoustic benefits. The trade fair itself is supported by a comprehensive programme of seminars and events. Aimed especially at architects, planners and experts in office equipment, the schedule includes guided tours, workshops, impulse lectures, keynote talks and podium discussions. Eminent companies such as Bolia, Microsoft, Sodexo, Steelcase and Viccarbe have joined Zumtobel in this intriguing initiative, so information and inspiration are certainly guaranteed.
“The “Work to go” project is an exciting cooperation with varied partners who are committed to thinking about the future of working and how to support innovative spatial concepts," confirmed Manfred Petschulat, Marketing Director Germany at the Zumtobel Group. “We are proud that Zumtobel is part of this project and that we can make a real contribution to the ground-breaking nature of this event.”
“Office worlds and light”: a joint presentation from Zumtobel and EasternGraphics
The planning processes for core elements like furniture, acoustics and light are becoming ever more closely linked. Now EasternGraphics, one of the top international providers of graphical 3D planning and configuration solutions, is set to use their ORGATEC stand to put the focus firmly on the key issue of light. Zumtobel will present the central theme of “office worlds and light”. As well as providing light for the entire exhibition stand, the Austrian lighting specialist will use its own section of the booth to introduce new product and system solutions. Visitors can control the innovative TEELA pendant fitting, part of the editions, special collection that Zumtobel launched in 2016, using Bluetooth and tunableWhite technology via the basicDIMwireless app from Zumtobel Group Services (ZGS). Or they can experience at first hand the impressive lighting comfort of the LINETIK free-standing LED luminaire. “We value EasternGraphics as an important partner in the office furniture sector. The various shared touch points and synergies have laid the foundations for a successful long-standing partnership,” explained Bert Junghans, Head of Lighting Solutions & Concepts in Atelier of Light at the Zumtobel Group. “This cooperation is taking place at various levels.” EasternGraphics and Zumtobel are currently working together to develop software packages that actively support lighting design and project processes.
The EasternGraphics data platform already includes information on 140 Zumtobel luminaires. With the help of specially developed lighting simulation software, which is integrated into the EasternGraphics interior design pCon.Planner programme, real-time 3D simulation and virtual reality (VR) tours give customers real added value. And no end of interesting insights. Users can receive live updates with suggestions for furniture and innovative lighting solutions on computers and other networked devices. Thanks to the new mobile apps, visitors to stand C048 in hall 8.1 will get the chance to test the products and incorporate them directly into a spatial design concept. A prototype of a jointly developed graphical configurator will also be previewed at ORGATEC.
Office lighting of the future – Zumtobel at Orgatec 2018 (.pdf/0.41 MB)
Pressefotos Orgatec 2018 (.zip/6.24 MB)
Art reaching up to the heavens
The Berlin-based artist Karin Sander has created an extraordinary exhibition space for students at the University of Art in Linz: a “transcendental elevator” that is simultaneously an artistic object, an appliance and an icon. With the help of Zumtobel, the elevator not only shines in varying colours way beyond the rooftops of the university, but can also be transformed into a real work of art by students.
Look up to the roof of the University of Art in the Upper Austrian city of Linz and you may at first be a little confused. Why exactly is a glass goods lift – a contraption that can be seen from far and wide – standing high above the roof of the university? It glows in a series of bold changing tones, sometimes brighter, sometimes darker. In fact, it almost seems to be sending signals to the sky. But why?
This creative construction project, which is presently catching everyone's eye in Linz, is the work of the artist Karin Sander. She has designed a hybrid known as the “transcendental elevator”. On the one hand, the purely functional goods lift is a shining symbol of the university – a symbol that can certainly be easily seen. For miles around. Yet at the same time, as well as housing a spectacular exhibition space, students can also turn the actual structure into a piece of modern art.
But first, let us start at the beginning. The prominent Viennese architects Architekt Krischanitz are currently refurbishing the various different sections of the University of Art and Design Linz. The recent completion of the eastern bridgehead building (Brückenkopfgebäude) on the Nibelungen Bridge marks the end of the first construction phase. Although the listed façades of the historic building have remained very much untouched, the architects have found a way of adding impressive lecture theatres under a glass roof structure. And they have used a new lighting design concept to emphasise the imposing stairwells. Artist Karin Sander, representatives from Architekt Krischanitz and the client BIG (as part of their BIG ART construction & art programme) all worked closely with Zumtobel to realise the transcendental elevator project.
The Zumtobel team set about developing a vibrant lighting installation – in every sense. In stark contrast to the small amount of space available, this solution makes a big impression by immersing the elevator in all the colours of the spectrum. The demands were high. Very high, in fact. As an artistic object, this project required a lighting system that could offer students the greatest possible creative freedom. Yet as a practical goods lift, the specified components also had to be fit for purpose. A frameless illuminated ceiling from Zumtobel managed to hit both of these targets. The intensity and the colour of the light can be easily modified using a controls solution that contrasts maximum flexibility with minimal complexity: LITECOM from Zumtobel. As a result, all the necessary parameters can be perfected and programmed according to the specific needs of the students or staff. Just how they want it.
Design from the past with the technology of today: The ALVA spherical luminaire from Hermann Czech and Adolf KrischanitzDesign from the past with the technology of today: The ALVA spherical luminaire from Hermann Czech and Adolf Krischanitz
The transcendental elevator is not the only special feature associated with this construction project. Visit the University of Art and you will discover a true design gem: the ALVA spherical luminaire. Based on an idea from Hermann Czech that originally dates back to the 1960s, this fitting was first designed together with Adolf Krischanitz during the 1990s. Now Zumtobel and the Architekt Krischanitz studio have refreshed this concept for „the editions" – a special collection in more ways than one. ALVA gives the university illustrious sparkle. The light spheres float like heavenly bodies in the hallways, accentuating the impressive staircase and the elegant cafeteria. “A key reason for the beauty of the luminaire is the fact that the technology is hidden. Zumtobel immediately developed two versions that fulfilled our requirements,” explained Stefan Just, Project Manager at Architekt Krischanitz.
The more complex version features a glass sphere that is open at the bottom and the top. The glare-free light is provided in three ways: from an LED downlight and an LED uplight, as well as via spherical illumination of the whole fitting – without any shading caused by the technology. The simpler version sacrifices the direct beam of the downlight for a completely closed glass housing that indirectly delivers diffuse spherical light.
Flexible systems for study and work spaces
Zumtobel was able to use its extensive lighting expertise for more than just the special solutions and customised developments. After all, this kind of establishment also needs light that promotes learning and supports quality of vision throughout the university. That is why Architekt Krischanitz opted for the highly versatile TECTON continuous-row system. A crucial aspect is the interplay between the dimmable TECTON MPO luminaires and the ONICO LED spotlights, which ensure excellent glare control to make them the ideal choice for lecture theatres and seminar rooms. The company managing the publicly owned real estate (the Bundesimmobiliengesellschaft or BIG) used the renovation of the site to switch completely to efficient LED technology and thereby achieve their goal of sustainable operation.
Zumtobel and modern art
Zumtobel has been associated with contemporary art projects for decades now. And not just as a supporter, but also as an active partner for the implementation of highly complex installations – just like the joint “Skyspace” project by the Austrian lighting specialist and James Turrell in Lech am Arlberg. This underground light room in the middle of the Alpine landscape of Vorarlberg, the home county of Zumtobel, opened in September 2018.
Kunstuniversität Linz (.pdf/0.74 MB)
Press images Kunstuniversität Linz (.zip/68.77 MB)
A safe bet! RESCLITE PRO film wins a Golden Dolphin at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2018
Zumtobel’s emotive marketing film produced for the launch of the new RESCLITE PRO emergency luminaire joins the prestigious list of winners at the ninth “Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards”.
Zumtobel has scooped one of the world's most important awards for marketing and business films: a Golden Dolphin. The renowned jury, including a celebrated list of producers, directors, scientists, film specialists and marketing experts, was particularly impressed by the style of the Zumtobel entry. “The story is told in a visual design language that – alongside the actual product benefits – incorporates an additional level to demonstrate the aesthetic approach of the Zumtobel brand to its products. This shows how an emergency luminaire can be presented as a design object, which appeals perfectly to the specific target group,” explained Daniel Philipp, Managing Director and Executive Producer of Panda Pictures GmbH.
Produced by Stillrolling PRODUCTIONS from Stuttgart, the video claimed a prize in the “A2 Marketing Films – B2B” category. The Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards are presented each year by Filmservice International.
The two-minute film opens by using a threatening and nightmarish style to vividly illustrate how people feel in an emergency – especially when they are not familiar with the environment. Dark, unlit corridors. Seemingly endless stairways that lead to sheer nothingness. Labyrinth-like paths that really get the adrenaline flowing. The result for most people: anxiety and claustrophobic panic attacks. In stark (and welcome) contrast, good emergency lighting provides safety and orientation – which is exactly what the people in the film discover when the RESCLITE PRO emergency lighting comes on. A modest number of light-points are enough to illuminate the whole stairs and all the escape routes. And thereby enough to light the way to safety.
Flexible, programmable and energy-efficient emergency lighting
The award-winning film was created to support the launch of Zumtobel`s RESCLITE PRO emergency lighting portfolio in April 2018. These compact, energy-efficient LED spots guide people to safety in the event of an emergency. Quickly. Reliably. And intelligently. The fittings can be adapted to suit the respective spatial environment and its particular requirements, as a range of variants with precisely optimised optics has been engineered to reflect the needs of different zones in a variety of applications – from offices to industrial sites and cultural projects. Whether there are corridors coming together at right angles, long escape routes, stairwells or rooms with high ceilings, RESCLITE PRO will always show the way. Thanks to new PROset technology from ZGS (Zumtobel Group Services), RESCLITE PRO can now also be addressed and configured using an app. Directly. And in no time at all. An NFC (Near Field Communication) interface enables the setting of dimming values and the selection of various types of switching, including continuous or stand-by light. Even the maintenance of the emergency lighting installation can be managed using this handy interface.
About the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards
Founded in 2010 by Filmservice International, the annual Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards honour the world`s best business films, online media, documentaries and reports. The accompanying festival has also become a meeting place for film-makers, clients, agencies, TV stations and students from all over the world. The distinguished jury this year sifted through more than 1000 submissions to select gold, silver, black, blue and white winners of the celebrated Dolphin trophies.
To watch the RESCLITE PRO film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymueCqtWED8
For further information about RESCLITE PRO::
https://www.zumtobel.com/com-en/press-information-2018.html#resclitepro
Find out more about the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards: https://www.cannescorporate.com/
Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2018 (.pdf/0.39 MB)
Press images Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2018 (.zip/4.45 MB)
New dimensions using light – A special flight home with TEELA
Step inside Terminal V and you know that you have entered somewhere special. Somewhere that feels less like a building and more like an intergalactic spaceship. The flowing spaces, the futuristic architecture, the atmospheric light – everything seems ready for take-off. Ready for a journey to worlds that have not yet been discovered. But then it gets even better, because Terminal V in Lauterach, Austria, is the showroom of housing specialist Hefel. From here, visitors can embark on a very special journey with the help of the latest virtual reality technology. And the destination? Their new home.
Terminal V: The name alone sounds like a space station or a launch pad for jetting off into orbit. And the visionary design of the Dworzak-Grabher architectural workshop is certainly just as captivating, featuring a distinctive look that bears more than a passing resemblance to a spaceship. But that is only the outside. Step inside and you will soon see that the flowing, merging and almost pliable spaces of the interior are equally intriguing. Terminal V – with a ‘V’ that stands for both “virtual" and “Vorarlberg”, the name of the local county – is the virtual reality (VR) showroom of Hefel Wohnbau, a leading general contractor for residential buildings. Anyone coming here to embark on a virtual expedition will get to experience their own personal world: their new home. Visitors are joined on their cyber travels by a customised 60-square-metre version of TEELA. Taken from “the editions” special collection, this futuristic luminaire has been specially developed by Zumtobel for the virtual flights to these dream homes.
This family-run property firm has been putting its faith in pioneering visualisation techniques since 2002. Customers can use the very latest VR technology to wander around their future home before a brick has even been laid. To mark the 70th anniversary of the company, Terminal V has this year taken Hefel to a whole new level when it comes to presentation innovation. In fact, the 4D visualisation platform makes Terminal V one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe. And Zumtobel is also on board – in more ways than one. The Austrian lighting specialist has used a tailor-made version of the special TEELA luminaire to conjure up impressive lighting moods that suit the unique look and feel of this unique presentation space.
The sensory luminaire, which was developed by the renowned architectural firm Delugan Meissl in partnership with Zumtobel, is part of a new special collection: the editions. The atmospheric landscape of light that surrounds this fitting gives rooms an exceptional aura. An extraordinary ambience. Just like in Terminal V. This is where the “Atelier of Light” project team from Zumtobel worked with the client and the dworzak grabher architecture workshop to craft a customised solution that combines all the multifunctional benefits of TEELA in a large illuminated ceiling. The result is a completely new dimension: this six-metre by ten-metre version of TEELA brings acoustic aspects and lighting elements together in one single entity.
The tailor-made TEELA stretches over the rows of seats in the VR space of the textile-like landscape at Terminal V like some kind of heavenly body. As an interpretation of the infinite transformability of light, this installation accentuates the dynamic lines of the interior design. The large-area luminaire gives a feeling of added space and looks almost immaterial – almost as if it was nothing more than light. Pure light, you could say. This effect is achieved using the visible textile layer of TEELA, which makes a difference when it comes to both acoustics and uniform illumination. Right to the very edges. The homogeneously lit surface is also equipped with pivoting spots, as designed by Delugan Meissl. RGBW LED light-lines deliver an indirect output that gives the luminaire a striking levity – despite the fact that it covers 60 square metres. Various different lighting scenarios are selected with the help of an external control, while the downlights, uplights and area lighting of the TEELA can be varied according to the specific requirements and constantly adjusted in terms of colour temperature and brightness. Light thereby actively supports the drama and excitement of the virtual journey into the future. And all within the four walls of the Terminal V building.
Zumtobel enlisted the support of its partner TYPICO to achieve a uniform distribution over the full 60-square-metres of the light-emitting surface. “Together we developed a new type of textile layer, which is mounted inside the fitting to dissolve the individual light points into one homogeneous surface," explained Zumtobel associate Manuel Staudinger. “This also means that the speakers, which are integrated into the actual luminaire, remain invisible to the visitors. The outcome: pure light!”
To further emphasise the impressive effect of the custom-made TEELA installation, Hefel Wohnbau opted to specify simple yet versatile luminaires in the adjoining rooms and spaces of Terminal V. Luminaires like SUPERSYSTEM II, which highlights the speaker`s podium and the bar. This multifunctional LED lighting tool from Zumtobel can be used in a variety of ways, thanks to an excellent blend of filigree design, fine materials and stringent miniaturisation. And the futuristic Terminal V is not the only Hefel project to feature a sustainable lighting system. As a longstanding and trusted partner, Zumtobel is also proud to have equipped the Hefel office building with a cutting-edge LED lighting solution.
New dimensions using light – A special flight home with TEELA (.pdf/0.46 MB)
Press images Terminal V (.zip/13.21 MB)
Light as a metaphor for sensory perception: James Turrell realises Skyspace Lech with a special lighting solution from Zumtobel
The largely underground Skyspace Lech created by light artist James Turrell blends discreetly into the high-alpine landscape of the Arlberg mountains in western Austria. Those passing by see little more than an elliptical dome and a similarly rounded construction made from natural stone. Yet below these unassuming features lies an oval light room with an opening in the ceiling that offers a truly unique view of the sky, helping to bring the heavens closer to the observer. A customised lighting solution from Zumtobel immerses this light-experience space in a varied series of colours and actively shapes the sensory perception of visitors.
© James Turrell Photo: Florian Holzherr
James Turrell is one of the most important artists of our time. The American creative pioneer has been working on light spaces since the 1960s, crafting installations that provide sensory and spiritual experiences through a subtle interplay between natural and artificial light, materiality, surface, colour and space. Turrell devises his Skyspaces to achieve a unique connection between the earth and the sky. As a long-standing lighting partner of James Turrell, Zumtobel has assisted with various projects and has already supported him several times with the technically demanding realisation of his exceptional works of art.
The impressive effect of Turrell’s light-poetic contemporary art can really be experienced in his latest project in the stunning natural scenery of the Arlberg, nestled between hiking trails, alpine passes and stunning mountains. On the initiative of the private „Horizon Field“ society, an organisation that promotes cultural projects in the county of Vorarlberg, a new Skyspace has taken shape in the alpine landscape around the picturesque village of Lech am Arlberg. The installation is accessed by an underground tunnel that has been carefully aligned to deliver dramatic views of the imposing Biberkopf peak, before finally opening out into the light space itself. As the sun rises behind the Biberkopf on the summer solstice, the first rays of sunshine reach the so-called Sensing Room, where elliptical openings carved into the ceiling offer stunning views of the Arlberg sky – a sky that appears so close, it almost seems somehow dreamlike. In order to guide the sensory perception of visitors even more intensively, Turrell has flooded the subterranean building in a changing series of bright light colours. A unique feature of the Skyspace Lech is the integration of another key concept associated with the light and spatial artist – the “Ganzfeldraum” – which really takes effect when the dome is closed. This “Ganzfeld” or “full-field” approach to light art from James Turrell involves a completely featureless, evenly flooded field of vision that provides no orientation due to its perfect homogeneity.
The special lighting solution from Zumtobel, which features an Amber LED strip with RGB colour changing function and a tunableWhite stripe, was programmed in advance in close coordination with James Turrell. This installation is regulated by a LUXMATE DMX controls system, while opal diffusers have been chosen to make the lighting transition from the beginning of the passageway to the actual Skypace room as gentle as possible.
The design of Skyspace Lech started with Turrell making a comprehensive set of drawings and sketches. Based on these exact artistic specifications, Austrian architects Baumschlager Eberle from Lustenau planned the highly complex building, in collaboration with its long-standing lighting partner Zumtobel. The extreme weather, the impact of humans and animals, safeguarding safety and the shape, statics and requirements in terms of angles and surfaces, as well as the perfect illumination of the different spaces, together represented an extraordinary challenge for the planners. The aim of the Horizon Field society, the architects and the companies involved was to realise a construction that meets the very highest functional and aesthetic standards. This naturally meant that all of these aspects and other additional factors had to be carefully taken into account, so that the building materials and LED technology specified for the project could comfortably withstand the sun, heat, rain, snow, ice and cold. Indeed, strong temperature fluctuations ranging from minus 25 degrees to plus 30 degrees are not uncommon in this region during the course of the year. As the structure is largely underground, only the dome, the natural stone base and a light, metal cupola are visible from outside.
“Light is so much more than just lighting. It influences our feelings, our thoughts and our actions. It is therefore very important for us, as an international lighting company, to show people what light can really do – beyond the familiar applications. James Turrell’s art puts light in a very poetic and sensory context and makes observers somehow feel with their eyes,” explained Karin Zumtobel, Head of Culture & Arts Zumtobel Group.
Skyspace Lech is just the latest project in which Zumtobel has provided James Turrell with specialist expertise, having worked alongside him as a lighting partner since 1997. The artist designed the 2014/2015 Zumtobel Group annual report, while other collaborations have included Turrell's light installations for the Skyspace at the Kunsthalle Bremen gallery in 2010, the “Apani” full-field (Ganzfeld) artwork in 2011 and “Bridget's Bardo”, the largest ever full-field project for the Museum of Art in Wolfsburg in 2009. Zumtobel has also fulfilled the role of lighting partner to James Turrell on initiatives such as “Tall Glass Shonto”, “The Geometry of Light” and “The Elliptical Glass”.
Skyspace Lech with a special lighting solution from Zumtobel (.pdf/0.36 MB)
Press images Skyspace Lech (.zip/45.26 MB)
the editions #02 from Zumtobel
Crafting light moods, triggering emotions, shaping aesthetics and bringing a space to life through the duality of light and shadow – these are the design visions of the team responsible for latest version of the editions. Martin Jost and Roman Delugan from Büro Delugan Meissl, architects Adolf Krischanitz and Hermann Czech and lighting designer Thomas Mika from reflexion have joined forces to help shape a fascinating new special portfolio from Zumtobel.
Alongside a fine mix of technical finesse and functionality, the new luminaires from the editions collection once again catch the eye with their outstanding aesthetics: extravagant, attractive and, as always with this unique series, individual and timeless. Three new fittings are now available as part of the editions #02 collection.
TEELA – adds a special aura to a space
The versatile and high-contrast TEELA luminaire is the perfect answer to the modern working environment. TEELA has been primarily designed for the people rather than the space, providing tranquillity and well-being while at the same time supporting effortless accuracy where clear, loud accents and pin-point presentation are required. This combination creates a real atmosphere, adding a special aura to the space. The switch between ambience and clarity and between diffusivity and precision makes the room seem almost dematerialised. On the one hand, the luminaire delivers colour temperatures based on the course of daylight by carefully replicating the spectrum of the four light dimensions down to the very last detail. On the other, a series of spots cast clear and exact beams of light onto the work surface – exactly where people need it most. And TEELA can do more. An acoustically optimising fabric cover allows the light to merge into the textile body, creating a cloud of light that simultaneously absorbs any sounds that might disturb this special atmosphere. In this way, TEELA both dresses and defines the space, going far beyond notions of pure functionality. TEELA may be as versatile as a human being, but with its defining feature – adding a special aura to spaces – it sometimes seems almost superhuman.
ALVA – discrete, yet very much in vogue
Giving rooms a certain sense of scale – one of the core attributes of ALVA. The clear and simple spherical shape takes inspiration from the sun and the stars, without appearing mundane or general. It works individually and autonomously or grouped together in a series. ALVA can be used anywhere, boasting the flexibility to adapt to every situation. ALVA is unique. The fitting emits its luminous flux variably, indirectly and diffusely upwards or directly and precisely downwards, depending on the activity and the person. ALVA freely allows multiple light situations in one room and thereby supports people with their extraordinary ability to be both simultaneously logical and exceptional. ALVA is unobtrusive and subtle, yet also intriguing and attractive. It can remain discretely in the background or present itself as a distinct object to match the particular situation. The spherical illumination of the actual sphere and the additional integrated spot bring an element of disruption to the otherwise familiar value system. Discrete, yet very much in vogue.
FREELINE – infinite light with limits
FREELINE is reserved, extremely modest and inconspicuous – yet it still somehow manages to make a real visual statement. Worlds without borders and the need for a connecting element were the original ideas: That is how FREELINE came about. An unusually slim form gives the luminaire graphic structure and power, enabling it to blend functional and restrained artistic lighting with an individual and object-specific character. FREELINE delivers a visual statement with its exceptional charisma. The light has a shimmer and a captivating brilliance, looking almost corporeal as it sparkles and glistens. Yet it is also restrained and low-glare. The narrow shape allows FREELINE to extend for miles if necessary, giving an illusion of infinity. Although of course we know that everything is somehow countable – even luminaires with this level of sophistication. Infinite light with limits.
About the editions
the editions are an annual collection of tailor-made luminaires created as part of a special project driven by special customer requirements. Each product has its own unique development history and is therefore only offered as part of a limited edition. The exclusive mini-collection epitomises the innovative power and pioneering spirit of the Zumtobel brand and is designed for projects with uncommon requirements and new challenges. The core concept of the editions takes inspiration from the fashion scene, where chic haute couture is carefully evolved into an accessible range of select “ready-to-wear” garments.
Zumtobel first launched an exclusive compact collection under the name of the editions #01 in December 2016. This latest exclusive compilation represents the editions #02. Together these collections contain a total of seven luminaires. Created in collaboration with renowned architects and designers, the products are shaped by two core factors: aesthetics and innovative design. As part of the editions, these special lighting solutions are given an exclusive stage on which they can stand out from the standard portfolio. Another mini-range, the extended collection, was launched in 2017. This features four existing products that have been technically enhanced specially for this portfolio.
Each special luminaire from the two mini-collections has its own unique history. Comprehensive information about the editions can be found on the dedicated website, including interviews with project members, technical data and references: editions.zumtobel.com
the editions #02 from Zumtobel (.pdf/0.34 MB)
Press images the editions #02 (.zip/3.95 MB)
Triple triumph for Zumtobel at the Red Dot Awards 2018
So now the wait is over – the winners of the Red Dot Award 2018 were finally announced last night. Clear and aesthetically pleasing designs helped three Zumtobel luminaires claim prizes in the “Product Design” category: CARDAN evolution, a precise new approach to classic cardanic accent lighting, the round ONDARIA II opal wide-area luminaire with a bronze finish and the VAERO LED pendant fitting.
Zumtobel has written yet another chapter in its long success story at the Red Dot Awards. Internationally renowned design experts from the specialist jury have honoured three Zumtobel luminaires for their outstanding creative credentials: a revolutionary accent lighting concept for presentation and sales applications and a large circular solution for reception and waiting areas, break-out zones and general illumination in shops, along with a distinctive linear pendant luminaire engineered specifically for office spaces.
Setting new standards in accent lighting for presentation areas: CARDAN evolution
CARDAN evolution from Zumtobel is a multifunctional lighting tool with excellent colour rendering and a range of different light distributions for shops, showrooms and exhibition spaces. Blending cutting-edge LED technology with a sophisticated design from the blocher partners architecture studio, the CARDAN evolution architectural recessed downlight revolutionises classic gimbal accent lighting by introducing a completely new form and skilfully directing the attention of the customer to the sales area.
Pleasant gentle light for prestigious spaces: ONDARIA II opal in bronze
The harmonious and homogeneous appearance of the ONDARIA II round luminaire, created in cooperation with designer Stefan Ambrozus, is perfectly complemented by a soft light distribution, ensuring optimal uniformity in terms of look and illumination. The clear basic geometry and gentle outer contours together form a balanced single entity and a consistently direction-neutral luminaire that integrates flexibly into any room, enlarging the space visually and generating a pleasant and interesting atmosphere. The bronze version then adds a stylish modern touch to the timeless design. ONDARIA, which is available as a recessed, surface or suspended fitting, is ideal for prestigious spaces like lobbies and foyers, communication rooms, recreation areas, corridors and stairwells.
Perfect purism for any office architecture: VAERO
The state-of-the-art VAERO pendant solution features a design that focuses very much on the essentials. Never before has a luminaire been simultaneously so effective and yet so discreet. Thanks to its transparent light-emitting surface, rather than seeming to dominate the room, delicate light slips seamlessly into the space. A frameless and extremely slim construction with a wafer-thin light-emitting surface ensures a light and weightless appearance, while annoying stripes are carefully avoided. Optimised for use in office applications, the light is evenly distributed from the centre to the edge thanks to specially engineered lighting technology – an innovation that generates both a balanced light distribution and an improved spatial atmosphere.
About Red Dot Design Award
First awarded in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the most prestigious international design awards. The jury of international experts recognises exceptional design achievements from a variety of different sectors. Zumtobel has a long and rich history of success at the Red Dot Awards, picking up a prize for the NIGHTSIGHT lighting tool in 2017 and taking home a trio of awards in 2016 for the minimalist SUPERSYSTEM LED lighting system, the SUPERSYSTEM outdoor LED luminaire and the CAELA LED product family.
Triple triumph for Zumtobel at the Red Dot Awards 2018 (.pdf/0.20 MB)
Press Images Red Dot Awards 2018 (.zip/8.45 MB)
Tradition and modernity in perfect harmony at the Austrian Post Office in Vienna
In the middle of one of the most vibrant districts of Vienna, nestled in the densely built-up city centre around the Rochus Market, stands the exquisite new Post am Rochus – a skilful blend of new construction and listed building that cleverly fuses tradition and modernity. Lighting planner and designer Christian Ploderer worked closely with Zumtobel to create a lighting concept that achieves real harmony with the architecture of Schenker Salvi Weber and feld72, delivering light that is perfectly attuned to the people, the area and the task. The result is a progressive and contemporary office and service space that still manages to maintain all the charm of the original building. This successful balancing act has helped the project claim first prize in the “Office and Administration” category at the AIT AWARDs.
Open communication areas, flexible office landscapes, no permanent workplaces and a clean-desk philosophy: The new corporate headquarters of the Austrian Post Office is both flexible and forward-looking. Yet it is not only the office culture that is moving with the times, as visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the modern functionality and aesthetics of the building itself. Architects from Schenker Salvi Weber with feld72 have brilliantly combined old and new to come up with a design that blends beautifully into the densely built-up area around the Rochusplatz square, right in the middle of Vienna’s third district. The listed building from the 1920s has been seamlessly integrated into the new construction using floor-to-ceiling glazing and striking grid-like openings, while the old and new parts have been physically connected by a multi-storey atrium-like architectural link.
This new ensemble is further emphasised by the light. Working closely with architects from Schenker Salvi Weber and feld72, lighting planner and designer Christian Ploderer has crafted a multi-layered lighting design for every area. The inclusion of Zumtobel in the project has enabled the realisation of a holistic lighting concept from one source – a concept where daylight combines with artificial light, where light colours are carefully differentiated and where luminaires simply seem to disappear into the architecture.
A skylight is supported by gentle and diffuse artificial light to illuminate the elongated 35-metre-high atrium, which acts as an imposing interface that connects all the office floors to the old building. No luminaires disrupt the join between old and new, as modern light lines installed in the landings give the space a high-quality feel. PANOS evolution downlights from Zumtobel with a neutral white light colour are barely visible in the concrete ceilings above the connecting stairway, letting their light show users the way.
PANOS evolution luminaires sunk by the lighting designer into concrete elements around the entrance to the shopping centre use their light to direct people inside, where fittings from the same family are mounted in the louvered ceiling. The building complex is additionally flooded with daylight from two large skylights, while light lines in the escalator area have been irregularly positioned to add a modern lighting mood by forming a kind of barcode arrangement.
The architects have realised a generous interior design approach on the floors of the post office headquarters, including open communication zones and clearly defined retreat areas for the 1100 employees. The lounge, which also houses a stamp museum, is lit by the INTRO modular LED lighting system, enabling individual spotlights to be mounted in the acoustic ceiling to provide good general lighting. This installation is complemented by ceiling-recessed SLOTLIGHT infinity light lines that give the corridors and spaces a real feel-good atmosphere, providing clear orientation for visitors and delivering a contemporary lighting contrast.
Light and not luminaires – just like the spotlights set in the eye-shaped louvered ceiling of the shopping centre, recessed, narrow-beam and therefore glare-free Cetus downlights from the Thorn sister brand disappear like “invisible luminaires” behind the louvered ceiling of the office corridors in the new building.
Round ONDARIA wide-area LED luminaires in the conference rooms, combined with additional corner-mounted DIAMO spotlights, deliver a different kind of light. Despite their surface area, the extreme flatness of ONDARIA means that the fittings take up minimal space, which in turn helps generate an open and interactive atmosphere.
When it comes to visual comfort, MIREL evolution pendant luminaires mounted above the computer workstations guarantee the best standards. As a special feature of the lighting concept, these solutions have been specified with two different light colours: 4000 K direct light and 3500 K indirect light. The puristic design of MIREL evolution and the complementary light colours blend seamlessly into the room architecture, supporting orientation and at the same time offering task-specific lighting for office work. All of the luminaires can be controlled and dimmed via DALI.
The integration of the existing protected building into the new construction has helped the Post am Rochus project complete the former urban-planning gaps of the famous site. The result is a building that merges flawlessly into the metropolitan context of Vienna in every sense, becoming an essential part of both the cityscape and urban life around the Rochusmarkt. And this coming together of tradition and modernity is continued with the award-winning interior architecture. Old and new are skilfully merged in an approach based on functionality, aesthetics and well-being. The lighting designs by Christian Ploderer clearly play a decisive role in this process. His ideas fit perfectly into the interior design crafted by the architects, achieving a sweeping concept that shows the way, emphasises the functionality of the spaces and creates a truly pleasant atmosphere.
Post am Rochus (.pdf/0.43 MB)
Pressefotos Post am Rochus (.zip/94.61 MB)
A magical game of colour and light: Zumtobel is lighting partner for the “The Substance of Light” exhibition from James Turrell
From 9. June until 28. October 2018, the time has come to experience something truly special: The Frieder Burda Museum in the German city of Baden-Baden will unveil its most elaborate installation ever with the opening of a new exhibition from the famous light artist James Turrell. The project has represented a major challenge for all parties, but lighting specialists from Zumtobel were on hand to support Turrell and the renowned art museum with their expert knowledge.
American light artist James Turrell is one of the leading artists of our time. Famed for flooding accessible spaces with light – quite literally – Turrell never fails to create new impressions. Whether the project features gentle oceans of light, clear and geometric light objects or diffuse celestial light fog, the medium of light seems to take on a tangible form in his productions, encouraging observers to rediscover and reflect their powers of perception.
Now art collector Frieder Burda has dedicated an exhibition to the light poet in his Museum in Baden-Baden Turrell's best-known works of the last few decades will be shown alongside older, previously unseen pieces and the light sculpture Accretion Disk, which was specially crafted for the Frieder Burda Collection. This project from the Curved Wide Glass series has been installed in the building designed by renowned New York architecture firm Richard Meier & Partners Architects, adding a further dimension to the collection. One of the highlights of the exhibition is the huge Apani large-scale light space – an installation that caused quite a stir at the 2011 Venice Biennale. The associated architectural elements and modifications, as well as the construction of the installation, represented the most complex challenge in the 14-year history of the museum.
As a long-standing lighting partner of James Turrell and the Frieder Burda Museum, Zumtobel supported both parties in an advisory capacity and helped with the technically demanding realisation of the individual pieces of art. The exhibition will be accompanied by a new publication celebrating the works of James Turrell.
The art of lighting: Zumtobel realises an exemplary lighting solution for Richard Meier’s building at the Frieder Burda Museum
The exhibition will be shown in the elegant Richard Meier building at the Frieder Burda Museum, which was opened in Baden-Baden in 2004. The light and expansive construction is seen as flagship project in the field of lighting and controls. The concept by New York architect and Pritzker Prize winner Richard Meier was designed with generous window fronts that flood the interior with natural light, meaning that artificial light plays little more than a supporting role. At the same time, lighting designers had to balance this approach with the tricky task of adequately protecting the often sensitive exhibits from the destructive power of daylight and generally meeting the essential requirements of an art museum in terms of conservation.
This challenge was overcome in close collaboration with Zumtobel. An innovative solar shading and daylight control system that keeps the interior light level constant was incorporated into the design. Four light lines with two light colours enable the large hall to recreate the seasonal mood outside and accentuate the dominant colour of the space. The wallwasher system developed specifically for the illumination of the 12-metre-high walls in the large hall is installed at the side of the floor area on the freestanding mezzanine level. If the curator opts to use additional partition walls, the soft-emitting lighting channel system allows flexible installation throughout the room. Spots between the light channels highlight individual works of art, while almost all of the luminaires can be controlled separately.
The cooperation with James Turrell represents the latest in a long line of joint projects with Zumtobel, including Turrell's light installations for the Skyspace at the Kunsthalle Bremen gallery in 2010, the “Apani” full-field artwork in 2011 and “Bridget’s Bardo”, the largest ever full-field project for the Museum of Art in Wolfsburg in 2009.
The next collaboration between Zumtobel and James Turrell will be the Skyspace in Lech – an underground light space in the middle of the alpine landscape of Vorarlberg, the home county of Zumtobel, which is set to offer a completely new view of the sky. The construction and opening of the Skyspace in Lech is scheduled for September 2018.
A magical game of colour and light: Zumtobel is lighting partner for the “The Substance of Light” exhibition from James Turrell (.pdf/0.31 MB)
Zumtobel at the Architecture Biennale 2018 in Venice
Natural light stimulates a dialogue between exterior and interior spaces. A wooden walk-in structure and a light room create contrasting atmospheres, while elsewhere a light line on a map shows observers the way. As a long-time partner and sponsor of the Biennale di Venezia, Zumtobel will again be calling on its light expertise at this year`s architecture exhibition to assist the three teams of architects and designers involved with the Austrian Pavilion, as well as supporting representatives of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Architecture studios LAAC and Henke Schreieck, alongside the internationally renowned graphic designers Sagmeister & Walsh, will be using this year`s Austrian Pavilion to give a whole new meaning to the term “open spaces”. This innovative trio challenges conventional perceptions of space, letting interior and exterior areas communicate and merge with each other. As a result, the main focus is no longer purely on practical considerations, as aesthetics and function are brought together to form a single harmonious unit.
As official partner and sponsor, Zumtobel works with architects and designers to support creative processes at the renowned Biennale Architettura. CEO of the Zumtobel Alfred Felder explained how this type of active design culture represents an essential part of Zumtobel's corporate philosophy: “The Architecture Biennale in Venice is one of the most important international architectural exhibitions. As a company committed to culture and an organisation constantly engaged in fascinating discussions about architecture and design – and one that helps to bring light to life in buildings and art projects around the world – we are delighted to once again sponsor this distinguished event.”
In line with the core theme of the 16th Biennale Architettura, all three contributions to the Austrian Pavilion explore notions of “freespace”. Architecture and urban space form an inseparable unity at all times. “The design mandate of an architect does not stop at the building,” confirmed Dr Verena Konrad, Director of the Vorarlberger Architektur Institute and curator of the Austrian pavilion. The Innsbruck-based architecture firm LAAC pushes the boundaries of natural light and generates a light discourse between exterior and interior, while architects from Viennese studio Henke Schreieck have installed a special object to open up the overall space. At the same time, Sagmeister & Walsh ignore the conventional maxim of “form follows function” by blending beauty and practicality to form one single entity.
As a long-standing partner of both the Vorarlberg Architecture Institute and the Austrian Pavilion, Zumtobel is not only responsible for the fixed lighting solution at the pavilion, but will also continue a proud record of helping realize special solutions with artists and architects.
The TUBILUX slim tube luminaire from Zumtobel draws THE LINE – a light installation by the Principality of Liechtenstein at the Architecture Biennale 2018
Remote locations in Liechtenstein are becoming increasingly accessible. Yet what impact does this have on the landscape? The Institute of Architecture and Planning at the University of Liechtenstein is set to tackle this pressing question at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia. Zumtobel has previously worked closely with the University of Liechtenstein to promote the development of young talent. The latest project THE LINE, which will be presented at this year's Architecture Biennale, first gained acclaim as the winner of an ideas competition at the University of Liechtenstein. An international panel of experts, on which the Zumtobel Group was also represented, selected the project from a list of ten entries. THE LINE features a straight line stretching across the map of Liechtenstein that shows the most direct route through the principality and on to Venice – a route that the students have actually followed and explored in detail. The resulting installation is an impressive visualisation of this expedition. THE LINE, or the route on the map to be precise, is represented by a 25-metre-long light line, which has been realised using a series of TUBILUX slim tube luminaires from Zumtobel. The varied lighting situations created by TUBILUX slim produce different lighting moods. The waterproof and UV-resistant fitting with a clear and minimalist design can be dimmed using the LITECOM lighting management system from Zumtobel.
Liechtenstein presents this project as a special guest of the parallel “Salon Suisse” event, organised by the Swiss cultural foundation Pro Helvetia. THE LINE is curated by Luis Hilti and Matilde Igual Capdevila from the University of Liechtenstein and supported by Zumtobel. The installation will be unveiled as part of a lecture at the Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi in Dorsoduro on 26th May at 7pm. The exhibition will then be open to the public from 27th to 30th May 2018.
The Biennale Architettura 2018 in Venice is set to take place from 26th May to 25th November.
Zumtobel at the Architecture Biennale 2018 in Venice (.pdf/0.40 MB)
Press images Biennale (.zip/11.58 MB)
Zumtobel lights up the future – with a customised lighting solution for the Futurium in Berlin
How do we want to live? And what could the future really look like? These are exactly the kind of questions being examined at the Futurium, a new venue in Berlin that shows the issues, challenges, opportunities and risks of what may lie ahead. An individualised solution from Zumtobel now puts these thought-provoking insights in a whole new light.
The Berlin Futurium has established itself as the “House of the Future”, representing a ground-breaking combination of visionary future platform, future museum, future laboratory and future forum. This interactive location for knowledge transfers and creative space for forward-thinking fantasy tackles the major topics of tomorrow, including nutrition, health, energy, cities and housing, as well as the critical issues of economics and work. Covering three floors, the venue offers ample space to discover, discuss, explore and experiment. Visitors are encouraged to take on an active role, exchanging personal views about the future of politics, business, culture and science and thereby shaping the future in this unique building. The exhibition on the first floor uses three defined thought-spaces to show how specific futures might look, while the basement contains the so-called “Futurium Lab”, in which people have the opportunity to try out new future-oriented techniques. The ground floor offers space for different kinds of events, including lectures, workshops and other forms of future exploration. A new building opened its doors for the first time on 16. September 2017 under the motto “A day in the future. Futurium open house”. The centre will host workshop weeks from 30. May to 9. June 2018, before the opening in spring 2019.
The Futurium is also a special architectural addition to the Berlin government quarter. Sculptural forms meet openness and accessibility in the design drafted by Berlin architects Richter und Musikowski. The architecture seems to embody the topic of the future, with high windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and abundant natural light streaming through the glass façade into the barrier-free exhibition rooms. The cast-glass façade symbolises an open and future-oriented perspective and stages a rich and diverse interplay of light during both the day and night.
Throughout the four-year planning and construction phase, Zumtobel worked as a valued adviser to realities:united, a Berlin art and architecture studio that was entrusted with drawing up the lighting design for the entire building. Three special solutions for the “House of the Future” were developed as part of this cooperation.
The individual rooms of the new building contain various versions of the PANOS recessed LED downlight range from Zumtobel: PANOS evolution and PANOS infinity. The surface-mounted and recessed luminaires were specified in a special black finish and feature flush-mounted installation and the integration of emergency lighting. The high luminaire efficiency and powerful lumen packages of this versatile and efficient downlight family provide the best light quality and offer tailored lighting solutions with excellent functionality and a sophisticated, consistent design.
The ECOOS continuous-row system from Zumtobel ensures efficient direct-indirect lighting in the offices. The unique fusion of direct, indirect and lateral light components enhances the overall visual comfort and means that ECOOS fittings illuminate the spaces with outstanding uniformity – and maximum contrast rendition. SLOTLIGHT infinity LED light lines from Zumtobel meet the highest architectural standards and lighting requirements in the hallways. Integrated almost invisibly into the architecture, the SLOTLIGHT luminaires act as a wallwasher with varied functions – from atmospheric staging and general lighting to orientation and defined spatial zoning. The modular INTRO M LED accent lighting solution from Zumtobel puts the spotlight on the exhibits in the lower exhibition area, blending innovative lighting technology with optimum efficiency.
Simple and slim Zumtobel LINARIA light lines in a customised black colour were chosen for the stairwell lighting, with an integrated emergency lighting connection, alongside OPTOS downlights that add an attractive architectural touch.
The artistic-looking lighting solution features a special highlight in the foyer. Computer-controlled luminaires concealed behind a metal grid ceiling create dynamic light patterns that – based on continuous analysis of the flow of people on the ground floor – “accompany” visitors with an individual light aura. In combination with motion detectors and DMX luminaires, this interactive installation is achieved using a specially developed software from realities:united. The lighting extends into the outdoor area with a series of DMX-controlled OPTOS downlights. These are mounted in cast-glass façade cassettes in the ceiling, forming a continuous connected interactive light matrix that covers the entire ceiling canopy, stretching right from the north to the south of the building over the whole foyer.
The inclusion of a DALI interface was a core requirement for all luminaires installed in the building. DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a manufacturer-independent standard for easy and uncomplicated lighting control, enabling every luminaire with a DALI interface to be individually managed and dimmed up and down via DALI short addresses. Zumtobel was able to meet this essential specification with all of the luminaires selected for the Futurium.
The whole lighting concept therefore reflects the layout of the Futurium and emphasises the architectural division of the venue into three distinct parts – from the foyer and the events forum to the exhibition area and the “Futurium Lab”. The use of light plays a key role in interacting with the people and the space. In this way, as soon as a significant number of visitors enter a room, the light automatically becomes brighter. If a particular section is empty, the light simply switches to stand-by mode, which also helps limit costs.
Zumtobel lights up the future (.pdf/0.33 MB)
Press images Futurium (.zip/22.16 MB)
A legend in a new light: CLARIS evolution is more flexible, more versatile and more efficient than ever before
Zumtobel has written a fresh chapter in the CLARIS success story by presenting the slimline louvre luminaire in its most modern form ever. The third generation of this renowned range has been reduced to the essentials, enabling the new CLARIS evolution to blend perfectly into any office environment.
CLARIS and CLARIS II luminaires from Zumtobel have set the benchmark for design, lighting technology and quality for the last 20 years. CLARIS evolution maintains the high standards established by the previous generations and looks to the future with its fusion of consistent design language and innovative LED technology. The development project was all about getting back to the bare essentials. While the original proportions were retained, the actual dimensions of the luminaire have been carefully trimmed down to achieve an uncompromising design that is more modern and more minimalist. However, the expressive appearance of the CLARIS evolution is not just about the slim, one-piece aluminium housing. The recessed light chambers complement the overall design and give the fitting an unmistakably striking visual structure.
Like its predecessors, the CLARIS evolution has a restrained look that enables the pendant luminaire to integrate harmoniously into any interior design. Outstanding versatility is supported by a range of colour finishes, as this modern interpretation of an iconic louvre luminaire can be specified in black, white, bronze and silver. Factor in the choice of a black, white or silver light chamber (each of which is offered in matt or glass) and clients can select the right luminaire from a list offering 24 different colour variants.
The combination of sophisticated LED technology and MPO+ microprismatic structure ensures high levels of visual comfort. The ratio between direct and indirect output is optimised to simultaneously generate a pleasant spatial atmosphere and deliver ergonomic working light – and to fulfil both these functions with a significant increase in efficiency. Indeed, CLARIS evolution boasts a fantastic efficiency of 151 lumens per watt.
Existing CLARIS lighting solutions can be easily upgraded using an adapter. Only the luminaire itself has to be replaced, as the suspension cables and electrical connections can still be used. The option to wirelessly control CLARIS evolution via BasicDIM wireless offers yet more lighting comfort. This compact control module from the Tridonic sister brand, which can be easily integrated into existing luminaires, automatically establishes a mesh communication network via Bluetooth. This enables uncomplicated wireless communication with up to 127 luminaires.
With its outstanding future-oriented technology, wide range of colour combinations and clear minimalist design, CLARIS evolution is the perfect lighting tool to enhance any office environment.
CLARIS evolution is more flexible, more versatile and more efficient than ever before (.pdf/0.26 MB)
Press images CLARIS evolution (.zip/11.90 MB)
AMPHIBIA – high resistance meets high performance
The AMPHIBIA moisture-proof luminaire from Zumtobel breaks new ground in industry lighting. The advanced design and durable components of this tough IP66 product guarantee optimum safety and reliability in more than 245 industry applications. Its compact size, high-quality construction and one-material concept combine to ensure certified protection against chemicals, physical impact and extreme temperatures, while advanced lighting technology creates a safe and productive working environment.
Industry applications are tough places for lighting solutions. Dust, moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures pose a constant threat, pushing materials to their physical limits and compromising the effectiveness and efficiency of most luminaires. At the same time, an increased focus on user well-being and new standards of lighting quality make a difficult job even harder. AMPHIBIA now overcomes all of these challenges, blending high mechanical resistance with performance levels optimised for the most demanding lighting tasks.
One solution with one material – for countless applications
Zumtobel has called on its extensive industry experience to engineer one solution for a wide range of applications. Leading designer Stefan Ambrosius helped devise a luminaire that meets the varied environmental and lighting requirements of factories, technical rooms, agricultural sites, indoor car parks and outside covered areas – thanks especially to an effective one-material concept. Both the luminaire housing and the diffuser are made from the same high-quality material, composed of PC, PMMA or CHEMO, ensuring optimum resistance over the full lifetime of the solution.
AMPHIBIA can be specified in three versions, depending on the particular project requirements. With a certified rating of IK08, the PC (polycarbonate) luminaire ensures high resistance against impacts and mechanical stress. The PMMA variant offers outstanding protection against a long list of chemicals, including cleaning agents commonly used in the food industry, while the CHEMO product features a unique Zumtobel plastic compound that combines excellent chemical resistance with robust mechanical stability. High IP66 protection against dust and powerful jets of water is standard across the AMPHIBIA range.
Application-based design features
The AMPHIBIA development team devised a number of clever product features as a direct response to defined application requirements. The unique Drip-Edge-Effect design meets the strictest hygiene regulations, helping to prevent dirt and detergents from gathering on the fitting. The flat areas where dust and moisture tend to collect on conventional moisture-proof solutions have been replaced by carefully angled surfaces that repel any particles, leading to major improvements in terms of protection and performance. In addition, dedicated versions for extreme temperatures come with a special gear tray and an industry converter, enabling them to withstand ambient temperatures ranging from -35°C to +50°C.
Efficient performance for maximum lighting quality
Yet AMPHIBIA also puts the focus on lighting quality. In line with the principles of Active Light, the pioneering Zumtobel concept, four different light distributions cater for specific application requirements. Alongside familiar wide-beam and narrow-beam options, a luminaire with a medium beam for mounting heights of 4-6 metres helps to save energy and cut the number of light points. The AMPHIBIA range is completed by a product with an asymmetric distribution that has been specially engineered (along with the wide-beam variant) to meet the new DIN 67528 norm for lighting in car parks. Five outputs supply up to 8000 lumens with a luminous efficacy of up to 150 lumens per watt, promising maximum visual quality with minimum energy consumption, while precise glare management and a transparent canopy (with wide-beam and asymmetric-beam versions) boost vertical illuminance and deliver pleasant indirect light for a safer and more effective lit environment. Luminaires with integrated emergency lighting and controls, including microwave presence detection and wireless connection, support smart industry concepts and complete a powerful portfolio. AMPHIBIA: the Zumtobel solution for 245 industry applications – not counting jungles.
AMPHIBIA – Hohe Widerstandsfähigkeit trifft auf hohe Leistung (.pdf/0.32 MB)
Press images AMPHIBIA (.zip/5.71 MB)
RESCLITE PRO – flexible, programmable and efficient emergency lighting
The new RESCLITE PRO LED solution from Zumtobel adds an extra dimension to emergency lighting. This smart emergency luminaire utilises new lenses to provide enhanced flexibility and combines an unobtrusive look with the highest function-driven performance. A subtle design and the addition of a new mini version means that the fitting almost seems to disappear into the ceiling.
Modern emergency lighting has to guide people quickly, logically and reliably in the event of an emergency. RESCLITE PRO from Zumtobel continues the outstanding success story of the RESCLITE emergency portfolio. The small, energy-efficient LED spot with finely optimised optics is now even more flexible, even more powerful and even more intelligent. This emergency solution can be perfectly adapted to suit the requirements of different spatial environments and trusted to maintain maximum safety in a long list of applications – from offices and art and culture to industry. The new compact RESCLITE mini broadens the scope of the range even further. Thanks to its unobtrusive design, the mini version blends seamlessly into the structure of the building, making it the ideal choice for architectural projects.
The ideal light distribution for every application
A series of precisely optimised lenses ensures the best possible solution for a diverse range of locations. While the escape lens fully illuminates long escape routes, RESCLITE PRO can now also light up corners with a new escape 90° optic that covers two corridors at the same time, such as lateral passageways and shelf aisles in shops. The escape wall lens is the perfect option for mounting on vertical surfaces in stairwells and buildings with high ceilings. Large-area rooms like offices and conference rooms can call on the services of the anti-panic lens, which helps reduce concern and confusion in the event of an evacuation by using a square distribution to push the light into every corner. In addition, the spot optics provide clear vertical illumination of fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment. The range is completed by two more variants of the escape and anti-panic lens. The high-performance (HP) version provides increased illuminance levels or wider spacings of up to 35 metres between the individual luminaires, offering the perfect product for large industrial sites and logistics halls. The high-ceilings (HC) variant is planned for mounting heights of between 7 and 30 metres, guaranteeing effective emergency lighting in buildings such as production facilities and DIY stores.
Intelligent lighting for maximum safety
Thanks to the new PROset technology from ZGS (Zumtobel Group Services), RESCLITE PRO can be quickly and directly addressed and configured using the dedicated PROset smartphone app. The NFC (Near Field Communication) interface offers the chance to easily programme various switching methods, including permanent light, non-maintained mode and specific dim values. The emergency light is also serviced via the interface. Parameters such as temperature and voltage are constantly monitored and recorded in a black box. All the information is stored permanently and can be accessed immediately. The configuration of RESCLITE PRO is also possible in projects without a central controller.
Simple and versatile installation
The flexible RESCLITE PRO range can be installed in various different ways to suit the conditions of individual applications. When it comes to ceilings, the standard and mini luminaires are available as recessed or surface-mounted versions. Alongside the IP40 version, the model with an IP65 housing ensures added protection against the dust and water that often prove a challenge for solutions in industrial buildings. Discrete integration into the TECTON and TRINOS continuous-row lighting systems from Zumtobel is also an option. The rotatable luminaire module means that the light distribution can be adapted to suit the respective building situation in just a few seconds, ensuring safe and accurate emergency lighting in every project. RESCLITE PRO – your guide in case of an emergency
RESCLITE PRO (.pdf/0.30 MB)
Press images RESCLITE PRO (.zip/2.86 MB)
An extension of the Zumtobel toolbox for lighting designers – for maximum design creativity
Whether it is about soothing, warm-white light for a wellness area, focused neutral light for working environments or atmospheric colour-changing light for decorative purposes: Light can vary its function and concept to support relaxation or promote concentration. It directs attention, creating and shaping atmospheres in the process. With an incredible number of high-quality, modular and multifunctional lighting tools, Zumtobel offers architects and lighting planners maximum flexibility when it comes to planning and design. This sophisticated portfolio is now set to be supplemented by four new lighting solutions.
Light has well and truly arrived in the digital age. Intelligent and wireless lighting systems can be controlled using tablets and smartphones or respond automatically to environmental factors with the help of light, temperature and motion sensors. Alongside individual lighting concepts, the quality of the light sources used – including associated factors like efficiency and service life – form the basis of a long-lasting smart lighting installation. Zumtobel does not only stand for design-oriented and energy-saving lighting solutions with high lighting quality – the luminaires are also synonymous with reliability, leading performance and exceptional user comfort.
PANOS infinity – now also available as a slim surface-mounted and pendant luminaire
Without equal in terms of light quality and energy efficiency, the PANOS downlight luminaire family features an extensive model range to enable fantastic design freedom in a wide variety of application areas, including retail spaces, conference rooms and hotel lobbies. The new PANOS surface-mounted and pendant downlight luminaires further increase the potential for tailor-made lighting solutions. Crafted using premium die-cast aluminium, these versions come with a choice of reflector surfaces and beam angles for functional and architectural applications. Six exciting colour options – white, black, silver, copper, grey and brass – ensure plenty of creative freedom for individual architectural integration. A variety of lighting solutions and versatile product innovations from Zumtobel support the optimal realisation of design-oriented lighting concepts.
OPTOS – the versatile architectural downlight
With a deeply recessed light source in combination with a dedicated lens optic, OPTOS delivers discreet and aesthetically high-quality architectural lighting – without the hindrance of glare. This downlight is suitable for a wide range of lighting tasks, whether as a fixed or adjustable version, as a wallwasher or as an elegant pin-hole luminaire. Indeed, OPTOS lets any architect or lighting designer use their creativity in applications such as restaurants, reception areas or corridors. The refreshing architectural freedom offered by this flexible downlight family is supported by different diameters, lumen packages and beam angles. Quick and precise alignment from below is possible with the front-adjustable version. The significantly recessed pivot point allows a 25° inclination without loss of light, which also contributes to the series of high lumen packages. Magnetic reflectors and a clever click-and-turn function enable simple mounting to complete a product concept that leaves nothing to chance.
DIAMO gimbal – brilliant accent lighting that directs the gaze of the customer
Powerful and pinpoint accent lighting with optimum brilliance, different designs and a great variety of colours – the DIAMO gimbal has utilised unique lighting technology to help it become a true highlight in the world of miniaturised recessed luminaires. Carefully designed reflectors shape a precise light distribution for this effective and efficient LED luminaire, delivering perfect glare control and cutting out stray light to make DIAMO downlights the ideal solution for retail and hospitality projects. Now a new gimbal version with 180° rotatable and 2 x 20° tiltable spots makes sure that the lighting heads can be set to any position. The reflector surface is even offered in a black, white, copper or brass finish to add yet more character to architectural lighting design, while Stable White solutions with colour temperatures of 2700, 3000 and 4000 K give lighting planners maximum freedom. DIAMO gimbal is available in three different sizes – with one, two or three spots per frame.
LINELIGHT – rethinking linear design
The exceptional and adaptable design of the LINELIGHT linear LED luminaire integrates perfectly into different architectures and representative spaces. Thanks to flexible connections and various lengths, LINELIGHT can follow numerous architectural shapes and curves and be quickly and easily mounted using the handy plug-and-play connection mechanism – even when the installation is switched on. LINELIGHT impresses with a uniform and high light output and excellent colour rendering, while the actual bars can be tilted by 30° for improved lighting effects. The further development of LINELIGHT means that one power supply is enough for a length of 12 metres. A single power supply is also sufficient for a 4-metre version with a higher lumen package and Balanced White technology. In addition, LINELIGHT infinity combines Balanced White technology with one electrical input to power lengths of up to 8 metres. Depending on the particular situation, the colour temperature and thereby the lighting mood can be fine-tuned to markedly improve the quality of perception and the wellbeing of the user.
Toolbox for lighting designers (.pdf/0.29 MB)
Press images Toolbox (.zip/8.59 MB)
The right light at every time of day – Zumtobel presents light for life at Light + Building 2018
Under the motto “Lights. Connectivity. Inspiration”, Zumtobel is set to use a series of key applications to showcase the Active Light approach at this year's Light + Building in Frankfurt / Main. Visitors to the Zumtobel Group stand in Hall 2.0 will experience how dynamic light can accompany and support people in their everyday lives.
The lighting industry is going through a period of profound change, as networked lighting and lighting services take on an increasingly important role. This is also the driving force behind this year's Light + Building motto: “Connected – Safe – Comfortable”. The Zumtobel Group will use its 1280-square-metre stand (Hall 2.0, Booth A30, B30/31) to put the focus on the comprehensive service portfolio from the Zumtobel Group Services (ZGS) brand. This is summed up by the Zumtobel Group motto “Lights. Connectivity. Action” and supported by the innovative lighting solutions from the other famous sister brands. As a true innovation leader, Zumtobel develops sustainable lighting solutions that are tailored to meet the specific requirements of people in various application areas. In line with the motto “Lights. Connectivity. Inspiration”, Zumtobel will demonstrate the Active Light approach – in offices, industrial buildings, retail settings and art and culture projects.
Active Light builds a bridge to human nature
Light – whether artificial or natural – has a marked visual, emotional and biological effect on humans. Active Light uses natural light as its model and dynamically supports the core relationship between people and light in time and space. This innovative form of artificial light makes a valuable contribution to the stabilisation of human biorhythms – especially in environments where daylight is at a premium.
“Supported by Human Centric Lighting, Active Light solutions put the focus on people and their needs,” explained Daniel Lechner, Marketing Brand Director Zumtobel. “Zumtobel reaches the dynamics of natural light by utilising technologies such as tunableWhite, which allows stepless adjustments in intensity, direction and light colour, from warm reddish to cold bluish, throughout the course of the day."
Using light to evoke inspiration, precision, emotion and imagination – four key application areas
Active Light in offices provides improved wellbeing, as the light can be adapted to suit different tasks and reflect individual visual capacities and personal tastes in terms of light colour. Whether working at a screen, engaging in a creative exchange with colleagues or doing some concentrated reading – versatile control options mean that the office solution can be adjusted depending on the current activity and individual user preference. Active Light adds a dynamic lighting element to the everyday office life, positively influencing cognitive performance and fuelling creativity and inspiration. This concept also supports human biorhythms with the targeted use of dynamic lighting moods throughout the day.
The best possible light is essential in industry to make sure that production processes can run without interruption. These kinds of applications therefore demand light that is as versatile as the tasks associated with industrial manufacturing, which is why Active Light helps workers and supports activity-based lighting. Intelligent lighting systems and sensors are combined to deliver the right light for each situation, actively boosting safety, precision and quality. For example, a delicate assembly process would benefit from additional lateral light, with the option to increase the illumination level for visual inspections. When it comes to shift workers, Active Light can also contribute to a customised sleep-wake cycle by adjusting light intensity and colour – much to the relief of shift workers. This strengthens the feeling of wellbeing and enables employees to enjoy restful and regenerative sleep.
In the world of retail, light can be harnessed to shape unique shopping experiences. On the one hand, Active Light appeals to customers on an emotional level by using their preferred lighting moods to put people at ease and thereby increase the amount of time spent in the store. On the other hand, products and brands are presented in the best possible way, directing lines of sight and enabling better customer orientation. The improved perception of consumer offers has an influence on the quality assessment and, as a logical next step, the willingness to buy.
Enjoyment and visual comfort are major factors in the field of art and culture, along with the protection of precious artworks. These exhibits are often light-sensitive and therefore require delicate lighting to preserve them for future generations. Active Light takes these visual and conservational aspects into account and optimises the light colour and spectral distribution to suit the individual objects and the message of the artist. The way art is experienced is clearly shaped by the interaction between the exhibits and their respective surroundings. Architectural and application-oriented lighting can reveal the true meaning of artworks and spaces. Active Light offers the desired range of variation using tunableWhite luminaires and the latest controls technology. In this way, luminaires no longer merely emit light, but also transmit information in situations such as when people pass through a room. The system supports user-oriented visitor experiences by conveying information to personal devices carried by the visitors.
Zumtobel presents light for life at Light + Building 2018 (.pdf/0.34 MB)
Press images Light + Building 2018 (.zip/14.29 MB)
The Zumtobel Light Forum shines at the iF Design Awards 2018
How do you visualise the fascinating spectrum of light? Zumtobel and video artist Andreas Waldschütz teamed up to tackle this intriguing question – and brought the Dornbirn Light Forum to life in a philosophical-futuristic short film. The result has now been honoured with one of the most important design awards in the world: the iF Design Award 2018.
The Light Forum in the Austrian town of Dornbirn is Zumtobel's creative showroom – a place where light becomes a tangible element and where the passion and innovation of the Vorarlberg company can truly be experienced. At the same time, this space offers an inspiring venue for events and exhibitions about light, technology and architecture. In the Zumtobel image film, photographer and video artist Andreas Waldschütz – supported by creative director Lauren Cooke – captures the philosophical essence of this special place by personifying the Light Forum. In other words, he lets it speak. The result is both passionate and graceful, daring to break new ground as it discovers the fundamental purpose of light: to improve quality of life. The imagery utilised by Waldschütz is based on a unique aesthetic that is simultaneously progressive and avant-garde. “The light forum appears very futuristic and, in my opinion, really represents the soul of Zumtobel,” said Waldschütz. His expressive interpretation of the “Zumtobel heart” convinced an independent jury of 63 experts from across the world at International Forum Design, claiming a coveted iF Design Award 2018 in the Communications Design category. The iF Design Award has been recognised as one of the leading worldwide design awards for the last 65 years.
The internationally renowned works of Andreas Waldschütz are famed for their strong aesthetics. Born in Vienna in 1976, the autodidact leaves nothing to chance during the creation of his distinctive worlds. People, music, light, costumes and places – every detail of his films is precisely planned to perfectly visualise his unique ideas. Waldschütz has already worked behind the camera for a number of Zumtobel product videos. The first joint project was a film in the Kunsthaus Bregenz gallery about an exhibition by Wael Shawky. The image film for the Dornbirn Light Forum is the most recent collaboration. “The special thing about the cooperation with Zumtobel is that it gives me the opportunity to work with equally creative people who trust me and value my work. That is the basis of everything – if the energy is right, then the result will match," explained Waldschütz.
Close working relationships with artists is an established part of the Zumtobel corporate culture. The interdisciplinary dialogue fueled by the topic of light is an inspiration and a catalyst for the leading international provider of holistic lighting solutions, helping to create something that is both innovative and authentic. This approach is illustrated by numerous projects with creative designers. A prime example is the artistic annual report, which is designed by a different artist, architect or designer every year.
Zumtobel has collected a total of three iF Design Awards 2018. The VAERO LED pendant luminaire and round ONDARIA fitting, with its harmonious look and homogeneous design, have also been awarded one of these top design prizes.
The Zumtobel Light Forum shines at the iF Design Awards 2018 (.pdf/0.35 MB)
Press images if Desing Award (.zip/9.49 MB)
Design that hits the spot! Zumtobel triumphs once again in the GOOD DESIGN Award and iF DESIGN AWARD competitions
Clear and aesthetically sophisticated design that blends seamlessly into the architecture of different spatial concepts: Luminaires from Zumtobel continue to set new standards for design quality. Having already chalked up a long and prestigious list of creative prizes, the Austrian lighting specialist has now added three of the world's oldest design award, the GOOD DESIGN Award 2017, and a pair of one of the highest hallmarks of design excellence, the iF DESIGN AWARD 2018, to its impressive collection.
Zumtobel has been honoured three times with the world's eldest design award. The MELLOW LIGHT, SUPERSYSTEM II and ONICO luminaires have all received the GOOD DESIGN Award 2017, an international prize for designers and manufacturers launched to recognise ideas that push the established boundaries of product design. The esteemed competition has now been highlighting pioneering products and concepts for more than 65 years – almost as long as the world-renowned iF DESIGN AWARD, which was founded in 1953. The famous red iF logo, which is seen as proof of forward-looking creative thinking and outstanding innovation, will this year be featuring alongside two more Zumtobel luminaires: VAERO and ONDARIA.
An icon of office lighting: the MELLOW LIGHT recessed and surface-mounted luminaire
Currently in its sixth generation, the MILDES LICHT recessed and surface-mounted luminaire creates light that is as close as possible to natural daylight. The portfolio has consistently evolved to meet the highest lighting standards and is now available in two options: MELLOW LIGHT evolution and infinity. Both versions ensure balanced illumination of workspaces, walls and ceilings, shaping a bright and open room atmosphere that is free from glare and disturbing shadows.
Systematic diversity: the multifunctional SUPERSYSTEM II LED lighting tool
Delicate design, stringent miniaturisation and maximum flexibility: With a sophisticated range of innovative components, the multifunctional SUPERSYSTEM II portfolio offers all the LED lighting tools required to creatively fulfil a variety of different lighting tasks. The miniature spotlights are ideal for pinpoint accent lighting, thanks to rotationally symmetrical Superspot and Wide Flood light distributions or a precisely defined oval beam. At the same time, the wallwasher variant guarantees pleasant and uniform illumination of vertical surfaces.
Consistently clear and unobtrusive design: the ONICO LED luminaire system
ONICO from Zumtobel opens up new possibilities for the visual presentation of a huge variety of products in shop and retail applications. The key goals of authenticity, individualisation and precise accentuation of the goods on show all had a major influence on the design of this innovative lighting solution. As a modular system, the luminaire family incorporates an extraordinary range of different LED light sources and reflectors to present products and brands with added brilliance – and thereby promote added sales success.
Minimalist design with maximum light quality: the VAERO LED pendant luminaire
The state-of-the-art design of the VAERO LED pendant luminaire has been reduced to the core essentials. The transparent light-emitting surface helps this elegant fitting remain very much in the background, integrating seamlessly into the interior architecture. An extremely narrow and frameless construction gives VAREO a subtle and almost weightless appearance, while specially developed technology distributes the light evenly from the centre to the edge, generating a balanced brightness distribution and an improved spatial atmosphere.
Shaped by nature: the round ONDARIA wide-area opal luminaire
The smooth and homogeneous look of the round ONDARIA luminaire is complemented by soft wide-area light, achieving perfect harmony between optical design and lit effect. The clear basic geometry features gentle contours that form a balanced whole, making this directionally neutral solution a tasteful addition to any room, giving the impression of extra space and subtly crafting a welcoming and comfortable ambience.
Cooperation with leading architects, designers and artists is part of the Zumtobel DNA. A long-standing commitment to exchanging knowledge and ideas with important institutions and promoting young talent in prestigious institutions like Central Saint Martins College in London has regularly played a key role in the development of new product concepts. This has paved the way for pioneering lighting solutions that bring together the core aspects of design, technology and sustainability. Zumtobel luminaires are optimised to meet the specific needs of people in particular applications and utilise a clear and aesthetically sophisticated design language to focus on one essential element: the effect of light – a unique fusion that continues to help Zumtobel win numerous international design awards.
Zumtobel triumphs once again in the GOOD DESIGN Award and iF DESIGN AWARD competitions (.pdf/0.45 MB)
Press images Design Awards (.zip/14.05 MB)
Zumtobel gives efficiency the green light in a pioneering new VW Group factory
Innovative LED lighting solutions from Zumtobel help establish the new Volkswagen Crafter commercial vehicle plant in Poland as one of the most efficient factories in the VW Group.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles opened a new production plant in the Polish city of Wrzesnia at the end of October 2016. The factory manufactures the latest generation of the Volkswagen Crafter and the similar TGE model from MAN. The site, which covers an area of around 220 hectares, has the capacity to produce up to 100,000 vehicles per year and incorporates a modern paint shop and halls for bodywork construction and assembly, as well as a supplier park with logistics operations. Thanks to an innovative full LED solution from Zumtobel, the factory has established itself as a leader in lighting efficiency within the VW Group.
Zumtobel supports the “Think Blue-Factory” concept
Zumtobel was awarded the contract for this major project in Wrzesnia in 2015 following the submission of a detailed lighting concept. Alongside luminaires and controls for the assembly and production halls, the complete solution includes efficient lighting for the offices, high-bay storage facilities and outdoor areas. Safety lighting also represented a key cornerstone of the project. Zumtobel was in close contact with specialist planners from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles throughout the implementation phase, helping the Austrian lighting solutions supplier to precisely fulfil the specific requirements of the client. Initial Volkswagen planning was based largely around conventional lighting, but efficiency calculations and the technological progress of LED technology at Zumtobel soon convinced the planners to realise the entire project with LED. The decision prompted VW to classify the new production facility as a “Think Blue-Factory”. This programme is designed to encourage plants to use resources more efficiently, reducing emissions and energy usage while minimising both water consumption and waste. “We are delighted that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has opted for a complete LED approach. Together we have been able to create one of the most efficient production plants in the VW Group in terms of lighting,” explained Frank Oevermann, Key Account Manager Automotive at Zumtobel. Matthias Strutz, Electrical Power Supply Planning at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, added: “The new factory represents a clear statement in terms of environmental protection. We are really benefitting from the decision to use only LED – both ecologically and economically. LED solutions extend the service life and cut maintenance and operating costs, while at the same time ensuring a constant lighting intensity over the entire service life.”
Lighting solution in detail
The largest part of the project is taken care of by the TECTON continuous-row system, which reduces energy consumption by 50 percent compared to T16 trunking. A total of 16,000 TECTON C LED luminaires are installed over a length of around 40 kilometres. This continuous-row luminaire is optimised for a variety of different racking and surface lighting tasks, providing the perfect solution for the dedicated Volkswagen Crafter manufacturing and assembly facilities. The current conducting section is mounted in the TECTON trunking, enabling the versatile rail to offer seamless functions such as power supply, lighting controls and connection to the emergency lighting network. The CRAFT high-bay fitting used by Zumtobel in the paint shop and higher halls can be quickly and easily installed on the TECTON system. Based on 15,000 continuous-row 40W LED luminaires and 6000 operating hours, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now saving 3420 megawatt hours (MWh) and 1920 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year at the Polish plant.
The offices feature the recessed MIREL evolution luminaire and the PANOS downlight series, which ensure uniform illumination of the working areas and create precise accents that accentuate the interior architecture.
R2L2 LED lanterns and ForceLED fittings from Thorn light the car park and exterior façade. The high-performance optics utilised in the R2L2 street lantern offer excellent energy efficiency and a choice of distributions for precise light control without wasteful stray light. The compact, dust-tight and moisture-proof ForceLED solution incorporates an aluminium housing for added resistance and supplements the general exterior illumination of the building with pleasant accents.
The ONLITE RESCLITE from Zumtobel has been trusted to highlight the escape routes. In line with EN 1838, the luminaire provides the necessary orientation in the event of an emergency and also offers anti-panic lighting. The emergency lighting is monitored by LITECOM, a lighting management solution from Zumtobel Group Services (ZGS).
Additional lighting tasks are carried out by products from Zumtobel’s PERLUCE and ONDARIA series and the Thorn Satin range, alongside the KXA-2 and KXB explosion-proof linear luminaires. As a technology partner, Tridonic has supplied component solutions such as drivers and LED light sources for the luminaires. A specific Constant Light Output (CLO) setting was configured for the entire luminaire installation during the manufacturing stage. The CLO function, which is now standard for all industrial luminaires used by Volkswagen, ensures a uniform reduction in the luminous flux over the stated lifetime.
VW Crafter (.pdf/0.56 MB)
Press photos VW Crafter (.zip/39.08 MB)
New study and conference centre at the Mannheim Business School with an individualised lighting solution from Zumtobel
International students, inspiring lecturers and intensive cooperation with global companies have all helped establish the Mannheim Business School (MBS) as the best business school in Germany. Now an individualised lighting solution from Zumtobel is helping to create an optimum learning environment in the new MBS study and conference centre, featuring concentration-enhancing light that relieves the eyes during long periods of work. As part of the University of Mannheim, the new building was planned by the renowned Frankfurt architects schneider+schumacher.
Opened in October last year, the study and conference centre in the western courtyard of the Mannheim Palace has quickly become the new architectural centrepiece of the Mannheim Business School. A disused boiler room and the adjoining coal cellar have been completely rebuilt to create the new lecture theatre complex. Arranged behind an expansive glass façade that looks out onto the gardens behind the west wing of the palace, the study and conference centre incorporates two semi-circular lecture theatres, a flexible conference area, ten seminar rooms and a spacious barrier-free foyer.
The lighting solution had to satisfy a series of special requirements. The new installation needed to provide uniform illumination of the arched and shell-shaped ceiling in the lecture theatres, while also meeting all the relevant standards and delivering glare-free light throughout the centre – ready for a future in which paper is completely replaced by touchscreens. Zumtobel solved these varied challenges with the help of a new calculation method, using the HiLite programme to precisely calculate the reflections of the vaulted ceiling. The multifunctional SUPERSYSTEM II lighting tool from Zumtobel proved to be the ideal solution, incorporating an oval-outline film with a very narrow distribution to gently illuminate the concave-shaped ceiling. Each LED spotlight from the SUPERSYSTEM II maxi range was then carefully positioned and directed in line with a detailed set of calculations.
Zumtobel chose a solution for the foyer that simultaneously reflects the historical background of the building and creates a transition into the old palace. The vaults in the former kitchen now benefit from the soft and uniform light of the CRAFT S high-bay LED luminaire. This small industrial fitting with big performance blends high resistance, maintenance-free operation and low energy requirements over a long service life. The compact high-bays are installed as direct uplights to illuminate the vaulted ceiling in a balanced way with minimal shadowing, generating a brilliant lighting atmosphere in the entrance area.
A special version of the frameless Zumtobel PANOS evolution LED recessed downlight with a concrete inlay has been developed for the ceilings in the corridors. Great care was taken to achieve a clean transition between the luminaire and the acoustically effective ceiling by integrating the plaster ring into the concrete housing. The PANOS downlight series is characterised by high luminaire efficiency and powerful lumen packages – for the very best lighting quality.
Mannheim Business School (.pdf/0.26 MB)
Press images Mannheim Business School (.zip/8.33 MB)
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Watch Latest Episode
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Revisions (Dub) 2019
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"This is a prophecy for you, where five people will meet huge adversaries, and only you can protect everyone." Daisuke Toujima is a second-year high school student who was abducted when he was young. He was involved in a special phenomenon—Shibuya Drift—with his childhood friends Gai, Ru, Marimari, and Keisaku. They were transferred to the center of Shibuya over 300 years into the future. What's waiting for them is endless wilderness and forest, Interspersed ruin, future citizens, and "Revisions" which are huge mechanical monsters. Trampled by the monsters without understanding the situation, a girl who has the same name as the person who saved Daisuke when he was abducted, Miro, provided a mobile suit "String Puppet" and told them to save Shibuya. With separated paths, adversaries, destined prophecies, the boys, and girls are on their journey to return to their original time.
Action Mecha Sci-Fi
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Rescue: how innovation and persistence are saving trauma patients’ lives
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“Do we have access!?” It’s a common question in emergency situations. Gaining intravenous or other access to the patient to quickly infuse fluids, medications or other life-saving products is critical for success in resuscitation situations.
During her MSN program, trauma specialist Kristen Chreiman '15 MSN, CCRN, RN, presented her research project at the Society of Trauma Nurses conference in Florida.
Use of intraosseous (IO) access in resuscitation of patients during emergencies is a viable option not always utilized due to its availability and gap in education for its proper insertion. Kristen Chreiman ’15 MSN, RN, CCRN, the Trauma Program and Network Clinical Coordinator at Philadelphia’s Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC), took a vested interest in the devices and their implementation after she noted a greater need for IO access to expedite resuscitation of trauma patients in her facility. While studying for her master of science in nursing degree in healthcare administration which she earned in May, Chreiman turned her observations into a successful research study regarding increased use of IO access in patient resuscitation.
“We began to see an increased utility for IO access to expedite resuscitation of the trauma patient in extremis who arrived to the hospital from the scene by police. These patients typically suffered penetrating injuries and had lost pulses en route or barely had signs of life on presentation to the bay. We began to place the IO device in the humeral site to deliver blood products or fluids until a central line or peripheral IV could be established. I developed an interest in this device and thought it would be a great topic for my research class,” Chreiman recalls.
With the support of her advisor, Associate Professor Patricia Haynor, PhD, RN, NHA who has since retired this summer, Chreiman’s research journey began with a review of the current literature to propose her own research question and study design. She quickly found that her facility did not have a policy on the use of IO devices, and if she were to advocate for its increased use on the nursing units and the Emergency Department, there would have to be an educational piece involved as well. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Chreiman gained support of physicians and navigated through the process of IO policy implementation for both the hospital and nursing department. In 15 months’ time, Chreiman was able to develop both policies, gain pharmacy approval of a medication policy, board approval of the policies, get IO kits purchased through budget approval, develop an online program and sim lab for education and device training for 263 staff members, and place IO kits on nearly 100 code carts throughout the hospital.
A sample screen shot from the app developed by then-MSN student Kristen Chreiman and colleagues.
In addition to her research, Chreiman was also involved in the development of an iOS and Android app for pre-hospital first responders that provides tools that aid in the saving of lives. The app offers information regarding the nearest hospitals and trauma centers, phone numbers to Emergency Departments of those hospitals, and nearest landing zones for aeromedical support. Chreiman felt the timing was perfect since Penn Medicine’s level one trauma center was being relocated to PPMC. “I was taking a marketing class with Dr. Haynor and put together the concept of what the app could offer and built on from there. I met with marketing team at PPMC and took it to the informatics and new technologies committee at Penn for approval and then researched a developer,” says Chreiman. “I got marketing to fund it and recruited the new trauma liaison who was a flight medic to help me with the content. The team (Chreiman, marketing and the trauma liaison) started it in August and it was rolled out in February.” She notes that in the first few weeks there were over 1,000 downloads with positive reviews. She plans to expand the functionality soon.
In March, Chreiman attended the Society of Trauma Nurses 18th Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Fla. where she presented a poster describing her implementation process for expediting rescue of adult patients in the acute care setting with the use of intraosseous access. Her manuscript has been published in the September/October 2015 issue of the Journal of Trauma Nursing. When asked about her work on these projects Chreiman stated, “This has been a perfect alignment of education and professional events. I could not have done this without Dr. Haynor and the education I received at Villanova University.”
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What is Consulting?
At Deloitte, our ability to help solve clients’ most complex issues is distinct. We deliver strategy and implementation, from a business and technology view, to help you lead in the markets where you compete.
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Cybersecurity is a team sport
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Cyber breaches aren’t just a technologist’s problem. Deloitte Cyber Risk Services prepares and validates an organization’s overall cyber resilience from the boardroom, to the war room, to the individual employee, to the organization’s stakeholders and customers.
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Mary Galligan supervised the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) inquiry into the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She later served as special agent in charge of cyber and special operations in the FBI’s New York office, where she led the largest technical and physical surveillance operation in the agency.
John Gelinne was chief of staff and third in command of the US Navy’s Cyber Fleet, conducting full-spectrum cyber operations, shaping the Navy’s cyberspace workforce, and driving the integration of cyberspace capabilities and technologies into the Navy’s operational environment.
Beyond their impressive résumés and shared passion for combating cyber threats, Galligan and Gelinne have something else in common. Both are now directors in the Deloitte Cyber Risk Services practice in the US.
“We’re thrilled they made that choice. I’m sure they both had many attractive career options where they could leverage their unique skill sets, experiences, and valuable networks,” says Ted DeZabala, Deloitte Global Cyber Risk Services leader. “Professionals like John and Mary, and many others with distinguished cyber risk credentials, give Deloitte a tangible advantage in this space.”
Building resiliency among clients
Deloitte believes cyber has become a strategically important business risk issue, and that companies need to be “secure, vigilant, and resilient” to effectively manage risks. “Our Cyber Risk Services professionals are dedicated to helping organizations protect information assets, be aware of the rapidly evolving threat landscape, and respond to and recover from incidents that are becoming increasingly inevitable,” DeZabala explains.
“Professionals, like Mary and John, know from past experience that despite everyone’s best efforts, breaches do occur. That is why they are dedicated to resiliency,” he continues. “How damaging breaches become can depend, in part, on how rapidly the situation can be analyzed, how decisively leaders take action, and how effectively teams interact with customers, media, legal counsel, law enforcement, and industry peers. How you respond defines you in the marketplace. Resilient services help clients be prepared to respond.”
In helping clients prepare, Gelinne draws on the military readiness model he knows well. “Before a ship is deployed, we have to ensure it is ready to perform,” he says. “To do so, we assess our resilience level; build capabilities through training; conduct a validation-certification exercise; and implement sustainment activities to stay ready, fix weaknesses, and maintain strengths. Deloitte is advancing that same methodology within Cyber Risk Services.”
This four-step approach can help organizations at all stages of maturity attain and maintain a targeted level of cyber resilience through cyber wargaming and simulation, disaster recovery planning, incident response, and business recovery services.
Mary Galligan formerly served as special agent in charge of cyber and special operations in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York office.
Not just a “tech issue”
“I was attracted to this role, in part, because I share my colleagues’ holistic approach to cyber incident response,” Gelinne says. “We understand cyber breaches aren’t just a technologist’s problem. Our approach is designed to prepare and validate an organization’s overall cyber resilience from the boardroom, to the war room, to the individual employee, to the organization’s stakeholders and customers.”
Galligan, who spends much of her time educating clients’ board members and senior executives about the risks their organizations face, agrees. “Deloitte helps clients focus on what matters most from both a business and technology risk perspective, and then provides tailored and cost-effective solutions,” she says. “Beyond that, what stands out to me is the trust clients place in Deloitte. Because our professionals serve so many among the Fortune Global 500®, there isn’t much we haven’t seen. Clients value that, and respect the knowledge we have about their organizations and industries.”
That knowledge is especially evident in cyber wargaming. “Many consultants offer wargaming, but for most, it’s a tabletop discussion versus a true wargame that really tests a client’s full response capabilities,” Galligan says. Adds Gelinne: “Cybersecurity is a team sport. It takes all hands on-deck to be successful. So, when Cyber Risk Services tailors wargames for clients—which we customize to each client’s industry and build in probable scenarios, drawn from real-life experiences and client situations—we bring the whole organization to the table and aggressively test their response plans and communications channels.”
Galligan says requests for cyber wargaming continue to increase, in part, because regulators are writing stricter, new guidelines urging organizations to not only have resiliency plans in place, but also have them tested—preferably by objective, third parties like Deloitte.
“With cyber attacks in the headlines so frequently, fear of a major incident often drives investment. But, we encourage our clients to consider cyber risk as a positive component of their forward-looking initiatives,” Galligan says. “Organizations constantly create advantages through new technologies, expansion, mergers and acquisitions, new customer-engagement models, and more. Managing cyber risks is critical to the success of these moves. Threat actors can steal information, disrupt operations, corrupt data, shut down controls, and destroy clients’ systems.
“Organizations need to tighten up how they address those risks. This is a strategic concern, not just a technology concern,” she continues. “There’s a lot of self-gratification in being able to help clients transform their approaches. I spent 25 years with the FBI helping people, and I’m glad I’m still doing that with Deloitte US.”
“Deloitte”, “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. See additional information.
Before joining the Deloitte Cyber Risk Services practice in the US, John Gelinne was chief of staff and third in command of the US Navy’s Cyber Fleet.
Deloitte named a global leader in cybersecurity consulting by Kennedy.
Source: Kennedy Consulting Research & Advisory; Cyber Security Consulting 2013; Kennedy Consulting Research & Advisory estimates. © 2013 Kennedy Information, LLC. Reproduced under license.
Deloitte ranked #1 globally by revenue in security consulting services by Gartner for third consecutive year.
Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
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Roger Spottiswoode
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Bruce Feirstein
Tomorrow Never Dies is the eighteenth Eon Productions spy film in the James Bond series, and the second to star Pierce Brosnan as MI6 secret agent James Bond 007. The film was produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and was the first James Bond film made after the death of producer Albert R. Broccoli, to which the movie pays tribute in the end credits.
MI6 sends James Bond, agent 007, into the field to spy on a terrorist arms bazaar on the Russian border. Via television, MI6 and the British military identify several wanted men, including American "techno-terrorist" Henry Gupta, who is buying a GPS encoder made by the American military. Despite M's insistence to let 007 finish his reconnaissance, British Admiral Roebuck launches a missile attack on the arms bazaar. Bond then discovers two Soviet nuclear torpedoes mounted on an L-39 Albatros, and as the missile is too far along to be aborted, 007 hijacks the L-39 and flies away before the weapons bazaar is struck. In the confusion, Gupta escapes with the encoder.
Media baron Elliot Carver, head of the Carver Media Group Network (CMGN), begins his plans to use the encoder to provoke war between China and the United Kingdom, which would replace the current Chinese government with one more supportive to Carver's plans of exclusive broadcast rights. Meaconing the GPS signal using the encoder, Gupta sends the British frigate HMS Devonshire off-course into Chinese-held waters in the South China Sea, where Carver's stealth ship, commanded by Mr. Stamper, sinks the frigate with a sea drill and steals one of its missiles. Afterwards, Stamper's men shoot down a Chinese J-7 fighter jet sent to investigate the British presence, and kill the Devonshire's survivors with Chinese weaponry. After reading a CMGN report of the incident as a Chinese attack, Roebuck deploys the British Fleet to recover the frigate, and possibly retaliate, leaving M only forty-eight hours to investigate its sinking.
M sends Bond to investigate Carver after Carver Media releases news with critical details hours before these events have become known, and MI6 noticed a spurious signal from one of his CMGN communications satellites when the frigate was sunk. Bond travels to Hamburg and seduces Carver's wife, Paris, an ex-girlfriend, to get information that would help him enter Carver's newspaper headquarters. After Bond steals back the GPS encoder, Carver orders Paris and Bond killed. Paris is killed by Dr. Kaufman, but Bond kills Kaufman and escapes in his BMW 750i. Bond then goes to the South China Sea to investigate the wreck, discovering one of the missiles missing. He and Wai Lin, a Chinese spy on the same case, are captured by Stamper and taken to the CMGN tower in Saigon, but they escape and then collaborate on the investigation.
They contact the Royal Navy and the People's Liberation Army Air Force to explain Carver's scheme. They find Carver's stealth ship in Ha Long Bay and board it to prevent him firing the stolen British cruise missile at Beijing. During the battle, Wai Lin is captured. Bond captures Gupta to use as his own hostage, but Carver kills Gupta, claiming he has "outlived his contract". Bond detonates an explosive, damaging the ship and making it visible to radar, and vulnerable to a subsequent Royal Navy attack. While Wai Lin disables the engines, Bond goes after the missile. He kills Carver with his own sea drill. As Bond attempts to destroy the warhead, Stamper appears and fights him. Bond traps Stamper in the missile firing mechanism and dives to save Wai Lin as the missile explodes, destroying the ship and killing Stamper. Bond and Wai Lin survive amidst the wreckage as HMS Bedford searches for them.
Tomorrow Never Dies(DVD 2012) Updated cover art celebrating 50 yrs of James bond
Tomorrow Never Dies - James Bond 007 DVD Special Edition
James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies (DVD, 1999, Special Edition)
Click Here For More tomorrow never dies
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Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue - Wilmington, Delaware
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Article – Max Rosenberg
We Shape Your Child’s Jewish Identity at the AKSE Community Hebrew School
By Max Rosenberg
When Josh Schoenberg was in high school, he participated in a Jewish Youth trip to Europe. “For Shabbat in Warsaw, we went to synagogue with groups from throughout the world. Although there was definitely a language barrier among the groups, when it came to the services, everyone was speaking the same language, Hebrew. But many of my friends felt uncomfortable with a Shabbat service that was unfamiliar to them. As for me, I was completely comfortable because of my education at Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth, which provided me with a solid foundation and gave me the confidence to walk into any synagogue in the world and participate in the service.”
Gail Weinberg, the Educational Director of the AKSE Community Hebrew School, like her predecessors Helen Gordon and Gladys Gewirtz, has one overarching goal – that the students leave AKSE with a solid foundation in Hebrew and Judaism and feel at home and at ease at any service.
Jeff Seidel tells the poignant story of the time he was talking to his daughter, Mara. She told him how, as a student leader at Virginia Tech and the U of Mass, Amherst, she led the service at Hillel. “How did you know how to do that?” Jeff asked. “Dad, I learned all that in Hebrew School at AKSE.”
The school combines a strong curriculum, individualized instruction and extensive one-on-one teaching, along with a healthy measure of fun. Our commitment is that every child, regardless of background or ability, will emerge from the school with a solid Jewish identity, the ability to read Hebrew, prayer fluency and a strong love and knowledge of Israel.
Our educational program is multi-faceted, including Wednesday and Sunday academics, student-led Shabbat services, and Mitzvah projects in the Jewish community. Our warm and engaging faculty provides an enjoyable and stimulating academic environment in which our students acquire a broad knowledge of Judaism. We utilize songs, games, arts and crafts, drama, debates and storytelling. In addition to learning the Hebrew reading skills needed to lead Friday night and Shabbat services and Passover sedarim, our students also learn Bible, Israeli culture, Jewish history and Jewish values.
Our philosophy is that every child should have a positive and well-rounded Jewish education and learn at his or her own pace. This is why we open our doors to unaffiliated families in search of a strong Jewish education for their children. AKSE membership is not required.
A parent of three sons said it best: “My Jewish education was meager, to put it mildly. So I was very concerned that my sons get the education that I was unable to give them. The Hebrew School at AKSE filled that gap, providing a solid Jewish bedrock, which ultimately led them to their Bar Mitzvahs, to the Chuppah (marriage canopy) and, hopefully someday, to providing for the Jewish education of their own children.”
Past student Stefanie Makar-Weiner got to the bottom line: “The Hebrew School at AKSE created an environment where it was cool to be Jewish, and instilled in me the curiosity to continue my Jewish studies beyond its walls.”
To learn more about “the best kept secret” of Delaware’s Jewish community, contact Gail Weinberg at 762-2705 or email her at gailberk@comcast.net.
Click here to read this week's newsletter.
Click here to download the monthly Shofar bulletin.
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Home Federal High Court APC asks court to join suits seeking Buhari’s disqualification
Federal High Court
APC asks court to join suits seeking Buhari’s disqualification
The All Progressives Congress on Thursday asked a Federal High Court, Abuja, to consolidate all applications seeking to disqualify President Muhammadu Buhari for alleged false information contained in form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2019 election.
When the matter came up, counsel for the APC, Gani Arobo, told the court that there were similar cases before other courts and asked for all to be consolidated.
Arobo contended that in such a situation, all the cases had to be brought together to be heard by one judge.
But the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, said he had no such power to ask for files from other judges.
He advised Arobo to write the Chief Judge of Federal High Court to cause the action.
However, counsel for the plaintiffs, Godwin Haruna, opposed the moves, arguing that it was a delay tactics.
Haruna submitted that the case was adjourned till Thursday for hearing, which should be done.
He said there was no evidence before the court that there were other suits seeking the same reliefs of the instance case before other courts.
“In the circumstance, we ask for a short date for the second defendant to bring before this court all pending applications and other suits seeking same reliefs as this case, to guide this court.”
Justice Mohammed said it was not in the interest of anybody for the case to go on, warning that if the case was handled improperly, it would be the judiciary that would be ridiculed.
Mohammed held that the matter would be heard on the next adjourned date, except as directed otherwise by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
The court adjourned till February 14.
Previous articleI Am Not Going To Change – President Buhari Declares
Next articleThe Senior Advocate of Nigeria called Joe Odey Agi
N1.2bn Tax Error Claim: Ex-NBA President, Joseph Daudu’s Suit Stalled Due To Ill Health
Court to hear El-Zakzaky’s application to travel abroad on Thursday
A Review Of The Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 By Folabi Kuti
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Review: Modelland by Tyra Banks
First: Blog news!
I have a new co-blogger, and I could not be more excited. Her name is Danielle, she is made of awesome and win, wrapped in delightful, and covered in intelligence. I've known Danielle since 2004ish when we met on a supernerd website devoted to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series. While wotmania is now defunct (RIP), Danielle and I have stayed in touch thanks to IM, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. She is one of my favorite people ever, and her reviews are snarky, hilarious, well-thought-out, and detailed. She'll be contributing whenever she can find the time, balancing a heavy workload, a mischevious cat, and her mansome husband. So look out for her reviews, which will always be tagged as "reviewed by Danielle".
With all that, please enjoy her amazing review for an awful book:
Title: Modelland
Author: Tyra Banks
Genre: young-adult, fantady
Series: Modelland #1
Pages: 576 (hardcover edition)
Source: bought
Ratting: 1/5
No one gets in without being asked. And with her untamable hair, large forehead, and gawky body, Tookie De La Crème isn’t expecting an invitation. Modelland—the exclusive, mysterious place on top of the mountain—never dares to make an appearance in her dreams.
But someone has plans for Tookie. Before she can blink her mismatched eyes, Tookie finds herself in the very place every girl in the world obsesses about. And three unlikely girls have joined her.
Only seven extraordinary young women become Intoxibellas each year. Famous. Worshipped. Magical. What happens to those who don’t make it? Well, no one really speaks of that. Some things are better left unsaid.
Thrown into a world where she doesn’t seem to belong, Tookie glimpses a future that could be hers—if she survives the beastly Catwalk Corridor and terrifying Thigh-High Boot Camp. Or could it? Dark rumors like silken threads swirl around the question of why Tookie and her new friends were selected . . . and the shadows around Modelland hide sinister secrets.
Are you ready? Modelland is waiting for you. . .
The biggest surprise of Modelland is that it deserves any stars. It may only deserve one, but that’s more than I expected after reading the sample chapter.
In the interest of full disclosure, I read this book because I knew it would be terribly, hilariously bad. Just life-alteringly awful. I will never again criticize Scott Westerfeld for a lack of subtlety in his moral, nor Jackson Pearce for her stilted writing. Modelland’s flaws are many and varied, and I’ll get to them, but first its single greatest strength:
I’ll read the second one.
For all of my ripping on it, for all of its flaws, for its terrible world building, nonsensical set pieces, plot holes, after-school special morals, and ridiculous language, I found myself liking Tookie and wanting her to succeed.
Maybe it’s Stockholm Syndrome from being trapped with the character for 574 pages, but after arriving at Modelland, Tookie becomes a pretty realistic portrayal of a teenage girl and I found her quite relatable and did enjoy watching her progress.
Now for the bad. Detailed spoilers below.
First, the narrator. I love Lemony Snicket as much as the next Lemony Snicket fan, but he really did ruin a lot of books by giving authors the go-ahead to use weird, obnoxious narrators. Look, I made it through the Catwalk Corridor chapter, where models are turned into people-cats as punishment for being too catty, and I almost didn’t make it off the first page with the second-person narrator calling me “dahling” [sic] and spewing purple prose all over. If you can overcome that, however, then we’re confronted with the worst introduction to a protagonist that I’ve ever read.
It’s best to acknowledge and accept that this book is a 600 page after-school special. It shallowly deals with cutting, anorexia, bulimia, poor self image, suicidal ideation, more self-injury, bullying, and, most of all, feeling like you don’t fit in. Therefore, it makes sense to introduce Tookie by showing her not fitting in. It doesn’t make sense to introduce her gorging on whipped cream while laying in the middle of a hallway, hoping someone steps on her, while writing in a diary she inexplicably calls T-Mail Jail because it’s abbreviated to TMJ which is like lockjaw and that’s the opposite of what she wants since she wants everyone to read her diary and notice her. Every single thing Tookie does for a solid half of the novel is so infuriatingly “quirky” and “weird”, that I was actively hoping she would fall into the Divide and we’d get a new protagonist.
Speaking of Tookie, let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, she’s Tyra Banks. She’s the most blatant self insert since Twilight. In fact, Tyra, in true egomaniacal fashion, has THREE self inserts in the novel. She’s the narrator, she’s Tookie, and she’s Ci~L, the world’s greatest supermodel. That means the book ends with Tyra flying Tyra through the world Tyra created while Tyra narrates the life lessons. It’s actually stunning.
The writing is generally atrocious. This is the first celebrity book that I honestly believe didn’t employ a ghost writer at any point. Here are some tweets I sent while reading:
"...apparently, a famous, wealthy baroness had run a Yonzi scheme of sorts" Really? This is some first class writing. Why not just use Ponzi?
This book features SMIZEs, the golden tickets in Willy Wonka except you get to go to a magic model school instead of a chocolate factory.
"A single spotlight shone down on Tookie’s ripple-bodied father" Ripple-bodied. RIPPLE-BODIED. Maybe I do need that intervention now.
“Feast your eyes upon ... Evanjalinda!” Come now, that's not even a clever play on Linda Evangelista.
It's all the worst part, but I think the world building is the worst worst part. "...on the sexy beaches of Terra BossaNova, on the strip of Striptown, round the Taj Gardens in Chakra.." I want to pull a Miz and just yell, "Really? REALLY?" at every new line.
‘She had an accent from Didgeridoo, a hot land full of beaches and unusual animals with strange names. “And this is where Mastication happens!”’
'“Watch out, De La Creme. This kitty-cat got a taste of your sweetness and wants more of your cream!”
Every paragraph brings a new line I could have quoted. There are puns and play on words everywhere, characters who sing all of their lines, a group of quadruplets who each speak one line in a sentence, but it’s not just the actual language that’s problematic. Plots are dropped and picked up at random, (see Lizzie’s whole storyline or Tookie’s crush on Theophilus.) Many scenes seem like an excuse to use this awesome idea Tyra had, (the previously mentioned Catwalk Corridor, the pilgrimage, the ManAttack sport.) Tookie deus ex machinas her way around the school, “sleepwalking” into restricted areas including the headmaster’s office in the middle of the day. If a rotating hallway of death or an inconvenient nap don’t advance the plot, that’s okay! The girls can go to class, or have Ci~L do something crazy, or have their big buddy pop up to “accidentally” reveal something she wasn’t supposed to. Nothing happens organically.
If I can go back to the “awesome” ideas, I have no idea what to say or think about the residents of Modelland who didn’t win a worldwide walk-off. The Gurus, we learn, are all supposed to have some sort of flaw. This manifests in a giant hand with a face in his palm and two more hands under that. I don’t know if he’s floating or if he has a body. Frankly, I stopped reading at GIANT HAND. I forget everyone else’s flaw because we only met them once, except for the runway teacher, who, I believe, has the flaw of being dangerously insane. The rest of the staff is also unusual. All of the doctors have roller skates for feet, to better serve you quickly. One of the purses, (that’s nurses for the fashion set,) has scissors growing out of her head that instead of cutting, make bracelets. No, I don’t know how it works. These are the kind of silly, not fleshed out ideas that a child might suggest for a story. How they made it into a published novel is beyond me.
Interestingly, one thing not problematic about the book is gendered language. They seem to go out of their way to not use the phrase “attention whore”, and while some bad characters are referred to as bitches, it’s usually followed up with a reminder not to stoop to the bully’s level. I only wish the narrator hadn’t used it, which seemed condoning. However, while they may not call people sluts, the book punishes sexual women. Desperada is aged 50 years because she won’t abandon her boyfriend, Zarpessa and Chaste are the bullies, and *MAJOR SPOILERS* Ladonna getting pregnant sets up Persimmon’s ruination and Creamy’s betrayal by trying to seduce Ladonna’s boyfriend ends with her banishment.
This indictment of love and sex leads to one of the weirdest plotlines of the book, Tookie’s first kiss. Way overwrought, spawning such terms as “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I can’t wait to lose my … lip virginity to you,” and “Oh, Tookie, I never wagered your lip nookie,” it’s more cringe-inducing than romantic. I get that for a 15 year old girl, the first kiss is a huge deal, but what 15-17 year old boys do you know who suggest running away to the most beautiful fountain in (the equivalent of) Manhattan to kiss as the sun sets? The same one who actually lectures on the perils of being seen as just a pretty face? Oh, carry on, then.
Overall, it was a bad book with a glimmer of promise in Tookie’s realness. Most of the plot was lifted from Uglies and Harry Potter. It’s manic, poorly written, and predictable. An editor should have taken a weed whacker to large portions of it. There are massive plot holes. But I didn’t set it aside and I will read the second. Whether that says more about me or the book, remains to be seen.
blog news, fantasy, reviewed by danielle, reviews, tyra banks, wtf, young adult
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Molly Morgan
mollymorgan@eu.alibaba-inc.com
iwoca
Giovanni Sanfelice
giovanni@tancredigroup.com
Salamander Davoudi
salamander@tancredigroup.com
ezbob
Emma Harvey
Emma@everline.com
Alibaba.com Partners With e-Lending Innovators iwoca and ezbob to Extend Trade Financing to UK Small Businesses
London, March 11, 2015 － Alibaba.com announces strategic partnerships with pioneering lenders ezbob and iwoca to help UK small and medium businesses access trade financing more easily when they purchase goods from China-based suppliers on Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global wholesale trade, owned by Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA). These small business financing deals mark a first for Alibaba.com in Europe.
Through the partnerships and a new product called Alibaba.com e-Credit Line, UK small and medium businesses will be able to overcome a major hurdle in their sourcing cycle posed by financing upfront payments to suppliers. When a UK buyer wants to finance inventory and purchase from a China-based supplier on Alibaba.com, they can apply for a line of credit, receive approval, and then can use the line of credit to make multiple draw downs to finance purchases – all through Alibaba.com's platform. The funds are disbursed directly to the supplier in China, facilitated by either ezbob or iwoca.
The partnerships offer two distinct tiers of lending: through iwoca, UK-based businesses can apply online in five minutes to secure financing of up to £50,000 for up to 6 months. Through ezbob, companies in the UK can also apply in just five minutes to borrow amounts from £50,000 to £120,000 for up to 15 months.
Wei Duan, Alibaba.com's European marketing and business development director, said, "We know that small businesses need fast access to trade finance in order to compete and succeed. We want to make financing as easy as possible for the millions of British companies that do business through Alibaba.com. Working with the leaders in this field, ezbob and iwoca, offers each of our customers an advanced and integrated trade finance service package."
Russell Gould, COO, ezbob commented: "Our partnership with Alibaba.com will create a compelling offer for UK buyers and will also benefit Chinese suppliers. We predict that this will help fuel a significant increase in UK trade volume on the Alibaba.com platform. As the UK's largest business e-lender we welcome the opportunity to help small businesses to negotiate with suppliers from a position of strength with readily available funds."
"Small business have been failed by the banks due to lack of available financing. This has held back UK economic growth," says Christoph Rieche, CEO of iwoca. "This deal gives small businesses the muscle they need to quickly finance deals and trade in the global market. The partnership with Alibaba.com highlights the dramatic growth in alternative forms of lending and the economic shift away from established bank lenders. We expect to finance over £100m worth of deals over the next 12 months."
The iwoca e-Credit Line on Alibaba.com
UK-based business can apply online in five minutes to get approved for an e-Credit Line of up to £50,000 via iwoca. Terms of one to six months are available, with interest rates of 1.5% to 2.0% per month levied on the outstanding balance of the credit line. This means the cost of funding can be reduced by repaying early at any point for no extra cost. Credit lines will be approved within hours of an application and are free of any administrative or arrangement fees. Businesses will also be able to take advantage of commission-free currency exchange on their purchases, which provides an estimated saving of 2.5% relative to typical bank foreign exchange.
The ezbob e-Credit Line on Alibaba.com
Companies in the UK can apply to borrow amounts between £50,000 and £120,000 for up to 15 months on Alibaba.com via ezbob. Using up to date business data and innovative technology, ezbob is able to make responsible, real time, and automated risk decisions for UK buyers making purchases on Alibaba.com. Once an application has been approved, funds are sent within five minutes. Customers can even repay early, in full or in part, at any time at no extra cost. The interest rate is from 0.75% per month for Alibaba.com customers. All ezbob loans given through Alibaba.com will be guaranteed by the European Union.
For more information on Alibaba.com's e-Credit Line and its partners, go to http://credit.alibaba.com
About Alibaba.com
The first business of Alibaba Group, Alibaba.com (www.alibaba.com) is the leading platform for global wholesale trade serving millions of buyers and suppliers around the world. Through Alibaba.com, small businesses can sell their products to companies in other countries. Sellers on Alibaba.com are typically manufacturers and distributors based in China and other manufacturing countries such as India, Pakistan, the United States and Thailand.
About ezbob
ezbob is owned by Orange Money Ltd which is the first online SME lender to be an approved financial intermediary for the European Union and the European Investment Fund (EIF). It is backed by the Angel CoFund, which is supported with capital investment from the British Business Bank, bringing Government funding. Last month Orange Money Ltd announced the acquisition of Everline. ezbob and Everline have collectively provided over 5,000 working capital loans and lent over £54 million to small businesses since their inception in 2012. This makes Orange Money the largest business e-lender in the UK, using up to date business data and our innovative technology, to make responsible, real time, automated risk decisions.
About iwoca
iwoca is transforming business lending throughout Europe by offering fast and flexible access to credit to the millions of small businesses neglected by the banks. Its innovative technology-driven credit risk platform draws on thousands of data points to make faster, fairer lending decisions, allowing iwoca to offer small busi-nesses up to £50,000 within minutes. With 5,000 transactions since its launch in 2012, iwoca is one of the fastest growing credit providers in Europe. iwoca oper-ates across four European markets: Spain, Poland, UK and Germany. iwoca has advised the UK government on closing the funding gap for UK businesses.
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Pg. 99: Edward G. Goetz's "The One-Way Street of Integration"
Featured at the Page 99 Test: The One-Way Street of Integration: Fair Housing and the Pursuit of Racial Justice in American Cities by Edward G. Goetz.
The One-Way Street of Integration examines two contrasting housing policy approaches to achieving racial justice. Integration initiatives and community development efforts have been for decades contrasting means of achieving racial equity through housing policy. Edward G. Goetz doesn’t see the solution to racial injustice as the government moving poor and nonwhite people out of their communities, and by tracing the tensions involved in housing integration and policy across fifty years and myriad developments he shows why.
Goetz’s core argument, in a provocative book that shows today’s debates about housing, mobility, and race have deep roots, is that fair housing advocates have adopted a spatial strategy of advocacy that has increasingly brought it into conflict with community development efforts. The One-Way Street of Integration critiques fair housing integration policies for targeting settlement patterns while ignoring underlying racism and issues of economic and political power. Goetz challenges liberal orthodoxy, determining that the standard efforts toward integration are unlikely to lead to racial equity or racial justice in American cities. In fact, in this pursuit it is the community development movement rather than integrated housing projects that has the greatest potential for connecting to social change and social justice efforts.
Learn more about The One-Way Street of Integration at the Cornell University Press website.
The Page 99 Test: New Deal Ruins.
The Page 99 Test: The One-Way Street of Integration.
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Louis Althusser, What is Practice?
Download "Louis Althusser, What is Practice?"
Antony Hall
1 Louis Althusser, What is Practice? The word practice... indicates an active relationship with the real. Thus one says of a tool that it is very practical when it is particularly well adapted to a determinate labor on a determinate material, and yields expected results. Thus one says of a person that she has a good command [bonne pratique] of English, in order to signify that she has sufficiently direct contact with this language and can practice it, that is to say, use it effectively. In the same sense, one says of a man that he has no experience [aucune pratique] with agricultural machines, when he knows about them only through books and without knowing the way to drive them. The idea of practice thus contains the notion of active contact with the real: and the idea of activity, which is prior to it, contains the notion of a human agent (or subject). And since the human subject or agent is, as opposed to animals, a being capable of formulating in his head a plan of action, at least in principle, one agrees to reserve the word practice to designate the active contact with the real that is the property of human beings. Thus, one doesn t talk about the practice of bees, despite the wonders they are capable of accomplishing, but of the practice of the carpenter, mechanic, architect, engineer, doctor, jurist, politician, etc. But one immediately sees that, since it is reported about human beings, and a human being is an animal endowed with consciousness, that is to say, with the capacity to distinguish and detach from external things their representation, to work on this representation, and to formulate in his or her head a plan of action one immediately sees that this idea of practice replies to the idea of theory as its inverse echo. It is not necessary to believe that theory is the property of theorists. Their theory (that of scientists, philosophers) is only the most abstract, purest, most elaborated form of a capacity that is the property of every human being. The word theory comes from a Greek word that means to see, to contemplate implying: without putting into one s hands, therefore, leaving things as they are. To the hand that handles, that labors, is thus opposed the eye that sees at a distance, without touching or changing its object. The word theory thus contains within it a notion of distance taken and maintained with regard to the immediate real: in principle it expresses what one commonly calls consciousness, that is to say, this capacity of receiving and retaining perceptions of the real, and equally, to favor this retreat, and the interplay it allows, to connect them, and even to anticipate them. In this sense, all human beings are theorists. The peasant who begins the day on his tractor has made a plan of his day in his head, and he sees well beyond this day alone, or else he could not manage his exploitation. We have called consciousness the capacity that human beings have to receive and retain perceptions of the real and equally to anticipate them. It is for convenience, imposed by a long usage. For the term consciousness is also one of the terms of predilection of idealist philosophy. One can say the same thing by saying that human beings are endowed with language, for it is language that institutes beforehand this distance between the immediate real and its representation: beforehand, since it contains it by the very fact of its abstraction. In this sense, one can say that all human beings are theorists, not because they see, but because they talk. And we know why: because language is constituted by abstractions (noises from which one makes abstraction, in
2 2 order to treat them as words that designate concrete realities from which one makes abstraction). This is why it is necessary to treat with a lot of precaution the opposition between theory and practice. In the concrete reality of the relations of human beings to the world, one never deals with, on the one hand, only practice (a purely animal and blind labor) and, on the other hand, only theory (a pure contemplation without any activity). In the most elementary practice (that of the roadworker who digs ditches), there are some ideas regarding the way of proceeding, the plan to follow, the tools to use, and all his ideas only exist in language even if the human beings who use this language don t know that it is already theory. And in the most elevated theory, that of the most abstract mathematics, there is always practice not only the labor of the mathematician on his or her problems but the inscription of his or her problems in mathematical symbols with chalk on the blackboard, even if the mathematician doesn t know that this symbolization is a practice. It is inside this complex dependence that is posed the philosophical question of the primacy of practice over theory (which defines the materialist position) or the primacy of theory over practice (which defines the idealist position). By asserting the primacy of theory, idealism asserts that it is the contemplation or activity of reason that determines every practice in the last instance. By asserting the primacy of practice, materialism asserts that it is practice that determines every form of knowledge in the last instance. But the very generality of these positions allows us to glimpse something important: the general, therefore abstract, character of human practices. We said: practice designates an active contact of human beings with the real. Certainly, there exist entirely singular practices in appearance (such as the so-called abnormal practices of madness). And one can even hold the idea that there exists no practice that is not, in a certain respect, individual, since every practice requires an individual human agent. We know, for example, the praise made regarding the medieval artisan, who by himself produced an object with a single copy, destined for a unique client. But even this artisan reproduced a general social practice: he applied certain socially recognized procedures, inherited from a collective past, to a definite social demand. Certainly, he was alone before his work (oeuvre), but silently beside him thousands of other artisans carried out the same gestures, with the same tools, in order to supply the same products to the same market. And if he added something personal to his work, it was within the social limits imposed both by the usefulness of the object produced and by the reigning mode in the existing society. This point is very important, for the practices at question can only be individual to the extent that they are first of all social. What is true of the artisan producing in an apparent solitude is still truer for workers submitted to a collective organization of labor and producing in order to satisfy both the solvent social goods of the existing society and for the accumulation of wealth in the hands of the capitalist class. Every practice is therefore social. And, being social, it implements such a complexity of elements (for production: raw materials, agents of production, instruments of production, under social relations of production) that it is not possible to think about it as a simple act or even as a simple activity. For both act and activity invite us to imagine
3 3 that they have a cause or an author: namely, a subject or an agent, and that it would suffice to go back as far as this cause, this origin, in order to understand what happens in a practice. We are therefore naturally led to conceive of social practices not as acts or simple activities but as processes, that is to say, as a totality of material, ideological, theoretical, and human (the agents) elements sufficiently adapted to one another for their reciprocal action to produce a result, which modifies what is given at the start. We shall therefore call practice a social process placing agents in direct active contact with the real and producing results of social usefulness. One can doubtless speak of social practice in its totality, when this expression is justified, that is to say, when one wants to think about the interdependence of different practices in relation to one another. But one must be wary of this expression which, when its use is not justified, has the disadvantage of drowning different practices in the night of social practice, the disadvantage of not indicating the specificity of each practice, and of submitting, for example, scientific or philosophical practice to political practice as its servants (see the example of Lyssenko under Stalin). In order to understand what practice is, it is necessary to proceed through the recognition of the existence of distinct, and relatively autonomous, social practices. Technical practice is not scientific practice, philosophical practice is not to be confused with scientific practice, etc. But, once having well taken this precaution concerning method, one can give an idea of a valuable usage of the notion of social practice in its totality. When one invokes this notion, it can only be to try to give a meaning to the primacy of practice over theory inside of the social formation in general. We observe, in fact, in every social formation, a certain number of practices at work: practice of production, practice of technical then scientific knowledge, political practice, ideological practice, aesthetic practice, etc. The question that arises, then, is not so much to identify all existing practices, and to classify them, as it is to know that it is, among all these practices, practice that is determinant in the totality of practices. This question is not, as one might believe, purely speculative: it has practical effects, to the extent that the representation one offers of the determination of practices constitutes part of the practices themselves, can arise from either an ideology or science. Of course, these effects are relative, for the action of ideology on the development of a society is itself relative, depending on the balance of forces between classes. And it is because it is not purely speculative that it is one of the major questions of philosophy. For idealist philosophy, which asserts in often very subtle forms, the primacy of theory over practice, the practice that determines other practices in the last instance is to be found alongside the most theoretical practices, alongside ideology, science, or philosophy. Thus Hegel was able to show in an impressive system that embraced all of human history, all practices, from political production to science, religion, and philosophy that it was the philosophical Idea that governed the world: all practices inferior to philosophical practice being already in themselves philosophical, but without having consciousness of it, and only preparing through labor, class struggles, wars, religious crises, scientific discoveries the advent of the self-consciousness of their own philosophical nature in Hegel s philosophy itself. This gigantic enterprise was not innocent, since it provided the bourgeois ideology of history ( it is ideas that rule the world ) with its own guarantee in the form of a philosophical demonstration.
4 4 Marxist materialist philosophy, on the contrary, defending the primacy of practice over theory, supports the thesis that the practice determinant in the last instance of all others is the practice of production, that is to say, the unity of the relations of production and the productive forces (means of production + labor force) under the relations of production. Marxist materialist philosophy defends not only the idea, which idealists don t contest, that to have a history, and to live in politics, ideology, science, philosophy, and religion, human beings must first of all simply live, physically subsist: therefore to produce materially their means of subsistence and their instruments of production. For this would here be an abstraction with two terms (human beings and their sustenance). Marxist materialist philosophy defends the idea that the relationship of human beings with their means of subsistence is governed by the relations of production and is therefore a social relation (an abstraction with three terms ). And it is because the practice of production thus includes this basic relation, as its condition, that the relations that govern other practices can be related to this first relation. Marxism doesn t say: given that you produce a certain object, you have a certain society but depending on the social relations of production under which you produce your subsistence, you have certain political, ideological relations, etc. and since these social relations are, in class societies, conflictual, antagonistic relations, the determination by production (the base) is not mechanical but includes an interplay that belongs to the dialectic. This is why this determination is called in the last instance, in order to indicate that there are other instances than production, arranges a certain open space, can act in return onto the base, onto production. It is in order to indicate this determination in the last instance that Marx presented his general hypothesis on the nature of social formations and of history under the form of a topography [topique]. A topography is a space within which one arranges certain realities in order to reveal well their respective place and their relative importance. Marx laid out this topography in the Preface to the Contribution of He shows that every social formation (society) is comparable to a house with one or two floors. At the ground floor or base or infrastructure one finds production (the unity of the relations of production and productive forces under the relations of production). At the first floor is found the superstructure that includes, on the one hand, law and the State and, on the other hand, ideologies. The base is determinant in the last instance ; the superstructure, while being determined by the base, acts in return on it. This topique is a simple establishment, an indication of nodes of determination, of the totality of instances and their social efficacy. The whole work needs to be done, and it cannot be done on society or the social formation in general but only on existing social formations or on ones that have existed. This firm but very prudent indication regarding determination in the last instance, is extremely valuable for the investigation of the superstructure and ideologies, and also of science. For Marx s paradox is that scientific practice doesn t figure anywhere in his topography. Does this mean that should we at all costs fill in this lacuna and put science either on the side of ideologies (and fall into the idea of bourgeois science and proletarian science dear to Stalinist ideologues), or on the side of the productive forces and even to make it a full-fledged productive force? In truth, Marxist theory has no such requirements. It doesn t claim to account exhaustively for all practices as a function of its topography. It has a limited object. Marx never had any other pretension
5 5 than to lay the foundations of a science of class struggle: nothing more. That scientific practice can be influenced by ideology, and thus the class struggle, is quite clear. That the results of science can be enlisted in the ideological class struggle is obvious. That science is, for the most part, and more and more, driven by the demands of production is certain. That the relations it thus enters as much with production as with ideology, philosophy and therefore class struggle are profound is certain. But these relations vary with the conjunctures, and at any rate scientific practice is irreducible to other practices, since it is the only practice that provides objective knowledge of the real. It is therefore necessary to study scientific practice in its specificity, and to discover each time the relations it undergoes, without being impressed by the requirement, which Marx never had, of arranging all practices either on the side of the base, which is well defined, or on the side of the superstructure, which only contains the State and ideologies. This is why in this introduction [to philosophy for non-philosophers] we freely talk about the principal existing practices (in their detail they are unlimited in number) not only the practices that figure in Marx s materialist topography but also practices that don t figure, such as scientific practice, psychoanalytical practice, and aesthetic practice. But we speak of them without losing sight of the programmatic philosophical indications of the Marxist topography, which has for its essential object to illustrate the primacy of practice over theory. (Translated by Ted Stolze and excerpted from Louis Althusser, Initiation à la philosophie pour les non-philosophes [Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 2014], pp )
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Make America Great Again—Trump Must Go! #64
EDITORIAL | 4/19/2018, midnight
Donald Trump CNN photo
Distraction, interdiction and contradiction are key elements of Trump’s political strategy, and each of them was in full force this past week.
Among his latest contradictions is the tweet that he didn’t fire former FBI Director James Comey because of the bureau’s investigation into possible Russian collusion in the last presidential election.
Along with a string of demeaning terms for Comey—“slimeball,” “slippery” and “leaker & liar,” Trump said that he was the “worst FBI Director in history.” This fusillade of disparagement comes in the wake of Comey’s tell-all book in which he wrote that Trump was “morally unfit to be president” and “untethered to truth.”
Any one of the terms cited to dismiss Comey applies equally well to Trump, and we can add a dictionary of more.
And speaking of contradictions, Trump has backpedaled on his plan to sign on to the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, one that he has waffled on since it was signed by President Obama.
Trying to get a bead on Trump’s next move is like watching a pinball machine in operation; there is no way to determine how he will react or respond to an issue, no matter its domestic or international consequence.
This is certainly a matter of concern when it was reported that Mike Pompeo, the CIA chief waiting to be confirmed secretary of state, made a secret visit to North Korea. In this run-up to the rumored meeting between Kim Jong-un and Trump, we are not sure how this will play out, or if Trump will decide at any moment to cancel it and back out.
Even if it occurs—and there appears to be a June date on the calendar—what can the world expect of this encounter between two mad men?
Both are full of bluster, monomaniacal tendencies and authoritarian hubris. As Comey wrote, Trump is “ego-driven” and this is sure to bump aggressively against the outlook of the North Korean dictator.
But the scheduled meeting with the North Korean leader is down the road. The people currently in the news cycle are Trump’s lawyer Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels and Sean Hannity, all of whom are in a spotlight that could be devastating to Trump as special counsel Robert Mueller moves his investigation along.
Yes, we have witnessed Trump’s cards of distraction and his whole card may be one of interdiction and the firing of the special counsel, and that is one action that could spell the end of the dealmaker. Meanwhile, to Make America Great Again—Trump Must Go!
Comey’s testimony revealed
President Trump fires FBI director James Comey
Winners and Losers from James Comey's testimony
James Comey hoped leak would lead to special counsel on Russia
Trump’s traumas continue to impact administration
Eric Garner’s family demands justice as officer won’t face federal charges in chokehold death
Heat wave expected to hit the New York, New Jersey area
Women’s suffrage forged by founding sisters: Happy Birthday to Ida B. Wells
Tweets about "@nyamnews"
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From Under My Hat
Opening Night
Scrub my Pot! You'll never believe what an incredible night CW and I had attending the opening night of the Broadway show using all Johnny Cash music, "Ring of Fire, the Musical" and then we got to go to the after party as well.
First everyone who attended was asked to wear black in honor of Cash, the original Man in Black himself, and seeing the audience so dressed was impressive in itself. We were seated next to the most wonderful couple, John and Anne, who had flown in all the way from Virginia, on that very day just to attend the opening. As soon as John and CW clapped eyes on each other's big black cowboy hats they knew they were going to be great friends. As John said to CW, "Where are all the other outlaws here? Did they leave their hats at home?" Anne said, "Since he brought it all this way I said you have to wear it." We hit it off immediately and it felt more like we had found our old friends and were just catching up.
As we all sat there in the darkened theatre and listened to the music of Mr.Cash something magical began to happen. We all laughed, cried, clapped along and had a marvelous time ending in a thunderous standing ovation that went on and on until the cast finally returned for another bow, some even pulling their costumes back on as if they were surprised. Anne and I were amazed by their humbleness because we all felt they knocked it out of the park-great singing and great acting. We loved it!
Off to the opening night party where my thrill of thrills was meeting the legendary Cowboy Jack Clements-who worked in the original Sun Studios and was the man who for all intents and purposes created Rock 'n Roll when he asked Jerry Lee Lewis to record one of his live songs because there was extra tape and he mixed it on the spot. A few weeks later, "A Whole Lotta Shakin Goin' On" was released and musical history was made forever. I was lucky enough to have my photo taken with the man himself.
Cowboy Jack Clements and his fan, Lindy LOO
They had a fantastic band imported from Nashville, The Stringdusters, a bluegrass band that had some exceptional pickers, one of whom was Chris Eldridge. Turns out he knows our friend Eli Smith who has become a regular member of our monthly Hillbilly Hayride - they went to college together and we promised to pass on Big Hellos.
There were even special Ring of Fire glasses provided by one of the sponsors, Makers Mark, ringed in red like their trademark bottle. CW managed to put away enough and flirt enough with the hostesses to acquire us a whole set of four. CW and I had our own pictures taken in front of the backdrop - we were having such a fantastic time.
My next big thrill of the night came when I was at the sushi table and I noticed the most incredible black on black embroidery on the back of a jacket, in the manner of a real Manuel suit, and who should the wearer turn around and be but John Carter Cash himself. Somehow I found my wits and managed to have a brief conversation with him, telling him how happy I am to see him in the new Brad Paisley video and that I have followed his own producing career for some time. He told me he felt certain that his mom and dad would be so happy with the show and that he and his own wife had been blessed just two weeks earlier with a brand new baby boy.
Just when I thought nothing could be any better than that, I ran into one of the leads of the show, who actually recognized ME! He had come to the Johnny Cash 74th Birthday celebration I had hosted at Southpaw in Brooklyn and said, "Lindy LOO-you are the greatest!" I had met his mother at the intermission - a lovely southern lady who hails from Raleigh, NC who told me Jason actually met Johnny Cash in person when he was just 15 and now here he is on Broadway singing his songs.
Lindy Loo running her mouth with star of Ring of Fire, Jason Edwards. He even said he might come out and sing with us at the Hillbilly Hayride one of these days. All in all it was a night we will treasure for the rest of our lives. A special thank you for it goes out to Kenny Greenblatt and Alan Glist-two of the producers of the show who were kind enough to invite us as their guests. One thing is certain we fell into a burning Ring of Fire and we never wanted to leave. Run to see it while you've got the chance. Take it from Lindy LOO!
Here I am with Jason Edwards running my mouth. What a surprise huh?
Posted by bigcityhick at 5:23 PM
bigcityhick
Progress NOT Perfection
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How does Invoice financing work?
Invoice finance for SMEs and local businesses
Invoice finance - bridging cash flow
SMALL BUSINESS INVOICE FACTORING
Challenges Within The Creative Industries
An insight to business types that use invoice financing
Brexit – and the impact of political risks for UK SME’s.
The effects of interest rates on consumer lending
Q&A with Populous World’s Non-Executive Chairman, Kevin Ashby.
Populous World announces the additional use of fiat on the platform.
Moving on from ended partnerships….
Populous World’s invoice finance platform (PIP) has officially transitioned from beta to live mode.
Populous World’s Gold Pokens (XAUp) bounty campaign.
Kevin Ashby as Non-Executive Chairman
Embracing finance and digital technology
How retailers are taking on a digitised world
The changing face of the retail industry
The emergence of retail business intelligence for retailers worldwide
The pros and cons of real time big data analytics…
user·
· 12/03/2019
We at Populous World are captivated by innovation, global investment opportunities and start-up growth. We support and encourage collaborations with businesses of genuine scale that are at the forefront of innovation and seek to help develop cutting edge technologies and aspire to develop a working product into profitable fruition.
Populous World identifies partnerships as a great way for companies to share equal strengths, to learn from each other, build even stronger links and provide mutual benefits. Sharing ideas on how to scale both businesses has always been the prime focus for Populous World when taking on a new partnership.
Previously, we have made strategic decisions to embark on partnerships and opportunities that we at the time felt was vital to work together to encourage the flow of business, talent and investment between our two regions.
With that being said, much like relationships, our partnerships have not evolved as initially planned, and we thought it was fitting to explain why, to clear any ambiguity and speculation.
Although the below partnerships came to an end, we continue to wish the talented companies that we parted with tremendous success.
A partnership was first agreed with Luxure Global Citizen’s (LGC) founder Luke Wilson with a signed contract. In a meeting with the presence of a credible witness, it was verbally confirmed that Populous World would announce the partnership. The partnership would entail LGC selling their invoices to us, as they claim to work with big brands up to the tune of more than a billion dollars. However, we received some negative feedbacks about them and decided to investigate further. It was in that moment that LGC decided to pull out of the partnership. However, upon seeing the success we had, they decided to pivot by issuing their own token. In a bid to garner attention to their own ICO, LGC then decided to have a public fall out. This is clearly shown by LGC releasing a press release about the falling out but ended it off trying to promote their own ICO.
The partnership with Komodo first started when they approached Populous World. They proposed that we could potentially use atomic swaps on our invoice finance platform (PIP). We were interested and considered performing a research on the integration on the basis that we were the exclusive invoice financing platform to incorporate their technology and signed a strategic partnership agreement that includes such exclusivity. However, the team reached out that they wanted to end the exclusivity agreement a few days after signing the agreement and we obliged. While the reason for their actions were not clear, it could be speculated that their investors were not too keen in the exclusivity agreement.
DAG GLOBAL
Initially, the head of terms were agreed and signed between Steve Nico Williams of Populous World and Sean Kiernan of DAG, however, before signing the shareholders agreement, we noticed certain clauses were not agreed as per the head of terms (also known as term sheet) and would not have been beneficial for Populous World in the long term. Populous World expected certain deliverance in terms of promises and products before issuing investment funds in line with the agreed head of terms. There were many back and forths in trying to finalise the contracts, but DAG would not agree to the head of terms they had signed. Therefore, at a very short notice, they decided that they did not want to adhere to pre-agreed terms and we obliged.
Populous World
© 2018 Populous World Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Platform Innovation Announcement Financing Industries
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“The Court Jester: Tales of Tenali Rama” by Bangalore Little Theatre, Woodlands Hotel, 23 March 2014
March 23, 2014 Deepa Mohan Deepa's Jottings
I’ve attended, and enjoyed, several of Bangalore Little Theatre’s productions over the years, because it’s Bangalore’s oldest theatre society…but this evening’s production of “The Court Jester: Tales of Tenali Rama” was very special for me, as my grandchildren, 5 and 1, were visiting me, and I’d been very keen to give Kavya (the elder) a taste of theatre…so having a children’s play by BLT to go to was a wish come true! The whole family went to Woodlands Hotel to find that things were delayed a bit, but Vijay Padaki filled in the gap with great panache. He first invited some of the children to come to the stage (which Kavya did with alacrity!) and they had a round of calling out everyone’s names and saying Hello.
Introductory session.
That went great, and he then introduced a bit of impromptu folk dancing…with the folk who were present joining in a “ten-legged race”,,,
…then lying down to form a “hands-on” session, passing chlldren across their outstretched arms!
Here’s a short video of how children were “passed” along the line in one of the interactive games:
By this time, the snacks, sponsored by Gayathri Rao (Woodlands Hotel) were ready,and everyone went to tuck into the yummy alu bondas, tea, coffee, and lemonade, and just a little later, ice-cream, too!
The play then started…and this was probably the only nit I’d have to pick…that the evening went on a little too long for the comfort level of some of the younger ones. But the crowd was far better than one could have hoped for, and everyone was very much engaged in the play.
The play recounted the tales about the ready wit and wisdom of Ramakrishna, who was a courtier at the court of the King of Vijayanagara, Krishna Deva Raja, and who came to be known as Tenali Rama because of his exploits.
The cast came in colourful kurtis.
The props were very colourful too. To convey to the children that each prop identifies a character, with several actors playing the role…was no mean feat, and this was achieved with a lot of humour. For example, someone wearing the yellow shawl was the king; the red cape, the Rajaguru who was jealous of Tenali Rama, and so on. A simple screen turned into a well; tiny umbrellas donned several roles themselves…and so it went, fascinating the children in the most creative way imaginable.
In such an informal setting, the few fumbles in the dialogue were also of no great matter, and most of the children followed the tales very well indeed. In fact, for one of the tales, some of the children were invited on the stage to participate in the scene! Tenali Rama’s witty statements against corruption and other malpractices, his cutting down of others’ egos, and his repartee were all highlighted by a very talented cast.
The cast was assisted by two talented drummers, and some well-synchronized music and cymbals as well. However, both the cast and the musicians, and the sound engineer, had to struggle against the very bad acoustics of the Green Arch.
This sort-of-greenhouse at the Woodlands Hotel was, of course, never meant to be a theatre space, but the architects who built it never seem to have given a thought to how bad the acoustics are…I notice the noise at every wedding I attend there, with the scraping of the plastic chairs and the ambient chatter of the crowd being amplified to unpleasant proportions that drown out conversations and individual voices.
From this point of view, the Green Arch was not a great venue…but the central location of the Woodlands Hotel, and the ease of parking, were two great bonuses for the audience! The play proved that it is adaptable to the most unconventional of spaces.
The play ended to enthusiastic applause from the audience, who were then invited to write down their feedback on sticky notes provided near the exit…which they also did in large numbers!
Some differently abled children also enjoyed the evening very much, having been brought there by caring parents. Three cheers to Vijay and his group for such a creative, interactive and enjoyable evening for those lucky children of Bangalore who were present for this production.
Bangalore Little Theatre, my grand-daughter sat entranced through the show, and my one-year-old grandson had a gala time practising his new-found walking skills across the space and the stage, too…so here’s a heartfelt thank you from one who was not just her usual theatre critic self today, but a fond grandmother, enjoying her family’s exposure to theatre in India!
I’ve put up photographs on my FaceBook album; please click here to view them (they are public, but you need a FaceBook account.)
I’m sorry, the photographs are likely to be family-centric, but I do hope you will enjoy the ones that are not!
Aditye Nair
Minti Jain
Naveen Tater
Roopa Rayappa
Sarvajnya Acharya
Aruna M
Preetam C Raj
Design and direction: Amjad Prawej
Contact the director at citizenamjad@gmail.com if you would like to have the play performed…it’s suitable for all ages! (The performance at Woodlands Hotel was sponsored by the Hotel and was free to the public.)
About Deepa Mohan 763 Articles
Deepa Mohan is a freelance writer and avid naturalist.
Still and Still Moving: Theatre Review
November 1, 2015 Deepa Mohan Deepa's Jottings
It’s not often that I attend a play without prior planning, but this happened to me when my friend Prathap invited me, after rather a long day outdoors, to “Still and Still Moving” at Ranga »
May 2, 2009 Pushpa Achanta Volunteer Diary
Advertisement All children I have voluntarily tutored (often, first generation literates from low income families) over the last several years yearn to become fluent in English irrespective of the languages they speak or study in. »
July 7, 2016 Deepa Mohan Deepa's Jottings
One usually associates art, and artistic aesthetics, only with people who have the money and the leisure to spare for it (I’m not talking about those who by art as an investment here). But if »
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Oman’s surprising experience in public enterprise reform
Oman, like many other countries, struggled with overseeing a large number of inefficient public enterprises in various sectors. Enterprises active in the oil and gas sector made a healthy profit…
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5 things you need to know about the economies of the Middle East and North Africa region in 2017
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Back to School 2017 – Part II
This is the second part of our interview with with Safaa El Tayeb El-Kogali, World Bank Practice Manager in the Education Global Practice, on the challenges faced by the region’s education systems…
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History repeats, history rhymes and sometimes history regresses. Wandering through cities and fields in the Middle East and North Africa a thousand years ago, you would have been struck by the…
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Women driving the Middle East and North Africa forward, one business innovation at a time
Our continued belief in the enormous resourcefulness, resilience and sheer drive of young Arab women has yet again been reconfirmed.
Ayat Soliman, Olivier Lavinal | May 18, 2017
Gender, Competitiveness, Urban Development
Profiles of the Diaspora: Selma Turki
Born in Tunisia, Selma Turki left her native country for France when she was two. She returned to Tunisia for high school and to pass her Baccalaureate. She studied architecture for two years at…
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Profiles of the Diaspora: Riad Hartani
Riad Hartani was born and raised in Algiers. He graduated as an engineer from Ecole Polytechnique with highest honors and went on to obtain Engineering and Master degrees in France, both with…
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Twitter - Making Money Quick in Just Minutes a Day
By Raymond Aaron
You are reading this because you have likely just come across Twitter, or you've heard of it but are not really sure what it is or how to use it. In this article you will learn:
o What is Twitter?
o What is micro-blogging?
o Why is it so successful?
o How to use Twitter to double your income in minutes a day
o The really important DO's of Twitter
o The even more important DON'Ts of Twitter.
What is Twitter?
Twitter is the world's preeminent "micro-blogging" social networking website. It was launched in March 2006. Even though it is so new, it has skyrocketed to dominance and is considered by many to be equal in importance to Facebook!
It is a social networking platform in which people invite you to follow them. Here's an example. Let's say a friend of yours, Albert, invites you, Bill, to follow him on Twitter. You may accept him (by clicking on the ACCEPT button) or you may reject that offer (by clicking on the BLOCK button).
You might block:
o People you do not know
o People you do not like
o People whose culture or morals do not fit with yours (like blocking porn stars)
Even if you accept someone, you could later block that person if, for example, you realize that they just want to sell and are not on Twitter for the true social networking ideals.
In this example, let's say that Bill accepts Albert's invitation. Now, Albert has one Follower (or one more Follower) and Bill now is Following Albert. Bill is now in the Twitter system and can invite Carol to follow him. You get onto Twitter by invitation because you must follow someone. In this way, a community is built. Albert has his community of those he follows and those who follow him. And, it is the same for Bill, and for Carol, and for the millions who are on this platform.
Twitter Popularized The "Micro-Blog"
Emails can be as long as you wish, with attachments as huge as you wish. Blog posts can be as long as you wish. Articles are limited to a maximum of about 1,500 words. But, comments posted on Twitter are limited to 140 characters - even including spaces!
In this era of speed in which no one seems to have any time, Twitter popularized updating your friends and sending text-based Direct Messages (called DMs) using only 140 characters. Here's one I just posted today:
"I'm sitting in my hotel room in Gold Coast Australia writing an ezine article on Twitter."
That's 89 characters including spaces and punctuation. I could stop there, or add more. How do I know it's 89? Because Twitter automatically counts down for me and displays that I had 51 characters to go. So, I kept going.
"I'm sitting in my hotel room in Gold Coast Australia writing an ezine article on Twitter. Though I live in Canada, I'm here giving a speech for World Internet Summit."
Now I am at 167 characters. But, I'm allowed only 140. Twitter's counter (now red) shows me at -27. That means I need to eliminate at least 27 characters. I realize that the comment "Though I live in Canada" is not too important because my Twitter followers likely know that. So here is my next attempt:
"I'm sitting in my hotel room in Gold Coast Australia writing an ezine article on Twitter. I'm here giving a speech for World Internet Summit."
That brings me down to -3. I'm almost there. So, I delete one of the spaces between my two sentences. I'm at -2. Then, I delete the entire word "sitting" and I'm done. I hit the UPDATE button and my dozens or thousands of Twitter Followers know what's up in my life. It's easy. It's fun. It's free.
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Privatization of Mission Water Rejected by Citizens
Mission council’s attempt to privatize operation of a new water supply at Stave Lake to facilitate future growth was defeated Monday April 4/11 after CAUSS and other concerned citizens barraged council with numerous concerns and questions. Speaker after speaker addressed council to oppose the proposal, which would have given an unknown corporation control of the operations for 25 years or even longer. Mike Gildersleeves pointed out that the costs of water to residents would be tied to the cost of hydro, as BC hydro owns the water rights for the Stave. This, at a time when hydro rates are skyrocketing means higher water costs for residents. It was revealed at the meeting that council was preparing to move forward with the proposal even though the business case, outlining the risks and costs to Mission, had not yet been completed for this $300 million dollar project! Members of CUPE pointed out that private operations of the plant would cost more than $1,000,000 more per/year than public operations. Others pointed out that an environmental assessment had not been completed on the project despite the importance of the Stave River to wild salmon.
Mission staff admitted that our town does not have the money to pay our share of the project, and therefore was preparing to enter into the P3 deal in order to secure some funding from P3 Canada. If future development cost charges did not cover the costs of the proposal, the burden would be on Mission and Abbotsford residents. Was it a coincidence that the proposed water line does not connect with our existing system but takes a turn west to Silverdale? This would save Silverdale developers millions and force existing residents to subsidize sprawl.
At 10:50, after almost 5 hours of informed and powerful presentations by Mission citizens, council stopped the consultation with people still lined up to speak. Councilor Horn stated the project could cost $2000 for each Mission home, but voted in favour anyway. He, Mayor Atebe and Councilor Gidda attempted to argue that their vote to go forward was not an endorsement but merely gave all Mission residents an opportunity to vote on a referendum. Fortunately, the consultant Delloit and Touche clarified that P3 Canada required a commitment from council to the P3 deal, subject to satisfactory funding from P3 Canada (for up to 25% of the cost) and assent of the electorate. To their credit, Councilors Stewart, Stevens, Plecas and Scudder heard the concerns being expressed and voted against this commitment.
CAUSS believes that Mission should learn to live within its means rather than forcing growth at any cost. Mission simply cannot afford the massive infrastructure costs associated with sprawl. Its time to accept that a sustainable community must live within basic economic and environmental limits, and must ensure that the public interest is not overridden by corporate agendas. The UN has declared water as a fundamental human right. Clearly, the people of Mission agree.
Author adminPosted on April 7, 2011 April 26, 2011 Tags financing, genstar, Silverdale, water
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Home>Entertainment> Bill Cosby Gives Lectures On Life Lessons & Parenting In Prison: Report
Bill Cosby Gives Lectures On Life Lessons & Parenting In Prison: Report
He recently called himself "American's favorite dad" and is living that out in prison.
Regardless of his location and the convictions against him, Bill Cosby continues to operate as a moral authority. The 81-year-old is currently serving a three-10 year sentence in state prison after being convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. Nevertheless, Cosby has been able to communicate with the outside world via telephone and social media.
For decades, fans equated Cosby's "Heathcliff Huxtable" character with the real-life Bill Cosby, therefore his image has always been steeped in wholesome memories. The comedian's recent scandals have tarnished that image, but while millions of fans have turned their backs to him, Cosby still sees himself as America's favorite father.
Cosby's representative, Andrew Wyatt, chatted with TMZ to share what life has been like behind bars for the elderly entertainer. According to Wyatt, Cosby may be keeping a busier schedule nowadays, considering that he's reportedly giving four lectures per week to fellow inmates. As many as 100 prisoners show up to hear Cosby give life advice about parenting. Subjects include advising inmates on how to help their children stay out of prison, and for those being released, how they can re-bond with their children.
The actor reportedly is also giving inmates interview techniques for those who looking for work after their sentence is up, and he's also advising addicts on how to stay sober. Wyatt says, "These are the types of men he has wanted to get his messages across to for years, and now he has a totally captive audience."
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ENTERTAINMENT Bill Cosby Gives Lectures On Life Lessons & Parenting In Prison: Report
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Home>Music> XXXTentacion Previews Upcoming Acoustic Song
XXXTentacion Previews Upcoming Acoustic Song
By Matt F
@afishcalledmatt
XXXTentacion goes in a new direction with his music.
By the looks of his recent social media videos, XXXTentacion is doing his best to diversify his profile as an artist, potentially outside the sonic confines of hip-hop, or at least what listeners perceive those boundaries to be. In a string of clips that he posted over the weekend, X took to the piano and tried his hand at what came across as more of a grunge record, closer to something softer that Kurt Cobain put out while he was part of Nirvana than his previous work in the rap domain. There's no telling what kind of response he will get if there was a full-length project of this nature released in the near future, but the early signs on social media will show that the emcee's fans are mixed when it comes to supporting this new direction in his music.
However, based on a new video upload that went down earlier today (October 17th), his new angle on making music seems to be taking hold, as XXXTentacion shared yet another preview of what's on the way from him. After describing the track as something that will "make your panties wet," the track that he plays a snippet of is of the acoustic variety, sounding like it would be right at home in the middle of one of those MTV Unplugged sets. No title or other key details about the song were divulged by the rapper during the preview, but he did say earlier on in the clip that he was dropping the material later on in the day. Whether or not that proves to be true, since XXX has renegged on that kind of song drop tease before, remains to be seen, however if his new work does find its way onto streaming services, it will be quite interesting to see how his fans react.
What do you think? Is XXXTentacion cut out to handle more experimental, genre-blending fare like what is heard in this clip? Or is he simply overstaying his welcome with fans and is better off focusing on making another rap album like 17? Let us know what you think.
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MUSIC XXXTentacion Previews Upcoming Acoustic Song
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You are here: Central Industrial Park / News / NorthPoint, UG reach $40M deal for former GM plant site
NorthPoint, UG reach $40M deal for former GM plant site
15 Apr 2013 / 0 Comments / in News, News 2/by NorthPointKC
NorthPoint Development completed a deal Thursday to develop the site of the former General Motors assembly plant.
The Board of Commissioners of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan., approved a $40 million development agreement for what is dubbed Central Industrial Park, which could yield 2,000 jobs.
The agreement clears the way for NorthPoint to close its purchase of the 80-acre site in the Fairfax Industrial District from the RACER Trust, which was created to dispose of GM real estate in its bankruptcy.
NorthPoint expects to start site work in the summer and begin construction on 1 million square feet of industrial space in the fall, with the first occupants moving in by the fall of 2014. No tenants have been announced yet, but the site figures to be a prime location for auto parts suppliers with its proximity to the current GM plant.
The Unified Government put together a package of incentives including industrial revenue bonds, a community improvement district and a transportation development district that will all be contingent on NorthPoint carrying out the development during a six- to 10-year period.
“To see a brownfield site get redeveloped into a premier manufacturing and industrial park, and create an opportunity for new industry that hasn’t existed for 30 years, is thrilling to be a part of,” NorthPoint COO Chad Meyer said in a release. “We are committed to starting infrastructure and rail spur work immediately upon closing to make the project vertical-ready.”
NorthPoint’s investment partner on the project is Jones Lang LaSalle.
Mayor Joe Reardon said in a written statement that the potential job creation “is another powerful testament to what can be achieved through private and public partnerships that help grow our local economy.”
ARTICLE BY: KANSAS CITY BUSINESS JOURNAL – BY PAUL KOEPP
www.bizjournal.com
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Community ComVoices
Salvation Army Launches First Ethical Shopping Truck
February 19, 2019ComVoices, Daily News, Education
Press Release – Salvation Army
A new initiative from The Salvation Army aims to reform the damaging effects of problem debt and fringe lending in low socio-economic areas across New Zealand by providing an ethical shopping alternative.A new initiative from The Salvation Army aims to reform the damaging effects of problem debt and fringe lending in low socio-economic areas across New Zealand by providing an ethical shopping alternative.
In a bid to curb unethical lending in our most vulnerable areas, The Salvation Army will launch a new shopping truck in South Auckland on Tuesday 19th February.
The Good Shop is a roving truck offering vulnerable consumers access to honest financial advice and quality goods at no interest—a stark contrast to the 800 per cent terms that The Salvation Army has seen in some mobile lending operators’ contracts.
The predatory lending industry is booming, growing 39 per cent or by $1.5 billion in the past five years1. With multiple reports about unscrupulous lenders and following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s 2018 announcement to regulate and place an interest cap on non-bank loans, The Salvation Army says its decision to invest time and resource on an innovative ethical option will bring solutions directly to people and offer financial literacy advice.
“We knew we needed to start reform now. Every day we see people trapped in a cycle of debt by these loans, with no other options open to them and often with limited economic understanding. The Good Shop will positively disrupt the current mobile trading business model that can have extortionately high-interest rates and repayment plans that exploit our people,” The Good Shop Project Manager Jodi Hoare says.
“The Good Shop will provide a safe alternative solution to people who may struggle with transport, are unable to make upfront payments or cannot obtain credit from mainstream stores to purchase what they need.
This initiative wouldn’t have been possible without the delivery partners The Warehouse Group, BNZ and Countdown, and additional financial support from the Ministry of Social Development, The Tindall Foundation and Nikau Foundation,” Mrs Hoare says.
“Not only will the initiative bring fair and ethical credit directly to the streets, it will also increase public exposure to financial education and undo some of the damage that has been done by predatory loan services in the community.”
Essential household items such as food, furniture, electronics, appliances, whiteware and baby items will be available via online shopping technology on board the truck. Salvation Army workers will be on hand to assist clients plus provide referrals to other services and welfare that may benefit them, including budgeting advice.
Through The Good Shop, consumers will be able to access The Salvation Army’s interest-free loans supported by BNZ and Good Shepherd NZ to buy cost and energy-efficient items at competitive prices from The Warehouse, Noel Leeming and Warehouse Stationery plus grocery items from Countdown. Credit will not be extended to groceries given it is an ongoing consumable expense, however supporting people to access food at standard supermarket prices is a key role of The Good Shop.
“Thanks to the generosity of our partners, a significant number of people in need have an opportunity to avoid the problem debt cycle as we start to build financial capability in these communities,” says Hoare.
The Salvation Army plans to roll out the initiative across more communities with high deprivation and where The Army currently has a strong presence providing social services, with a second vehicle already planned for Wellington in mid-2019.
Key information about the service:
• Each truck will feature two computers for clients to access online shopping technology with goods available from retail partners. The trucks will not carry any physical goods
• Interest-free loans will be available on a case by case basis and repayment plans fall under The Salvation Army’s Community Finance Programme. Workers are trained to provide financially responsible solutions for both the client and for the programme
• Approximately 66% of clients interviewed for an interest-free loan are approved
• Loans can be used for goods including home appliances, computers, whiteware, TVs and furniture. The service excludes items such as gaming consoles and will look to include cost and energy efficient items
• Credit is not available for grocery products available at The Good Shop, clients will instead pay The Salvation Army via EFTPOS who will act as an agent on their behalf to Countdown. Some clients will be supported over a period of time to get to a place where they are able to do this.
Key information about non-bank lending mobile traders:
• A report carried out by the Commerce Commission in 2015 reviewed the damaging effects of mobile traders, finding that the more sizeable enterprises of the 32 identified across New Zealand had a customer base of more than 35,000 customers and made more than $7 million in annual revenue2
• The government is considering changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act following the 2018 review of consumer credit law3
• As a result of the proposed changes mobile traders may need to pass a fit and proper person test, and register on the Financial Service Providers Register. ‘Do not knock’ stickers could become legally enforceable. This aims to lift professionalism in the sector and give consumers more power to refuse to engage with mobile traders3
• Other proposed changes would see lenders required to prove (substantiate) that their fees are reasonable if the Commerce Commission asks them to do so, and to share key loan information with debtors at the start of debt collection activity3
• A draft bill will come before Parliament in early 2020, subject to parliamentary changes
Key information about the partners involved:
• BNZ has provided the funds to purchase the first two Good Shop trucks, it will also provide capital for the Salvation Army’s lending, as well as lending expertise for the programme workers
• The Warehouse Group will offer a range of approved product at RRP. Clients will view items via computer and purchase for delivery once their loan is approved
• Countdown will provide online grocery shopping at RRP to people who find it difficult to access mainstream supermarkets. Countdown will deliver shopping orders the following day at a discounted delivery fee
• The Tindall Foundation has committed financial support
• Nikau Foundation has committed financial support
• Ministry of Social Development has committed financial support
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Connecting employers with military veterans!
Job Title: Cyberspace Joint Operations Planner
Posted by: Perspecta on Jul 10, 2019
Ft. Meade, MD
Every day at Perspecta, we enable hundreds of thousands of people to take on our nation's most important work. We're a company founded on a diverse set of capabilities and skills, bound together by a single promise: we never stop solving our nation's most complex challenges. Our team of engineers, analysts, developers, investigators, integrators and architects work tirelessly to create innovative solutions. We continually push ourselves-to respond, to adapt, to go further. To look ahead to the changing landscape and develop new and innovative ways to serve our customers.
Perspecta works with U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care, and state and local markets. Our high-caliber employees are rewarded in many ways-not only through competitive salaries and benefits packages, but the opportunity to create a meaningful impact in jobs and on projects that matter.
Perspecta's talented and robust workforce-14,000 strong-stands ready to welcome you to the team. Let's make an impact together.
Monitors and reviews strategies, doctrine, policies, directives, and instructions from higher echelon headquarters and makes recommendations to ensure compliance and/or consideration in planning efforts Develops plans and orders through the application of operational art and operational design, and by using the JOPP, within the milestones, deliverables, and interaction points for plans developed using Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) activities Provides input to briefings, transitioning concepts to execution, and assisting in the coordination of joint operational planning in support of training, exercises, combat, and contingency plans and operations Develops and integrates cyberspace capabilities into deliberate, contingency, operation, and crisis action planning Provides input for the development of TTPs, CONOPs, COAs, and other related documents related to OCO, DCO, and the securing, operating, and defending of the DODIN Provides input to address shortfalls, prioritize and validate requirements, and be prepared to modify development planning efforts based on the changing cyberspace environment Contributes to the development of exercise scenarios, exercise operational plans, and other required documentation to support planning and execution to accomplish USCYBERCOM exercise training priorities Conducts research of current and emerging threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR) Participates in Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), and Operational Planning Groups/Teams (OPG/OPTs) Acts a full participant and provides technical assistance to JPG and, OPG/OPTs developing and integrating cyber capabilities into plans, and in support of Combatant Commander planning efforts Knowledgeable of cyberspace operations planning activities coordination through the Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO), to include Evaluation Request and Response Messages, SAP procedures, and the Review and Approval Process for Cyberspace Operations (RAPCO) Exhibits an understanding of operational design, joint operation planning, and APEX Possesses a complete understanding of all planning methodologies and applications in all phases of military operations Assists with the coordination of joint operation planning in support of combat and contingency operations Knowledgeable of and participates in all phases and steps of the JOPP and APEX activities Expert in at least one of USCYBERCOM's Lines of Operation to secure, operate, and defend the DODIN, plan and conduct DCO, and plan and conduct OCO when authorized Able to support the development of cyberspace operations plans, contingency plans, CONOPs, and orders
Minimum 10 years of experience as a Joint Operation Planner and a complete working knowledge of the JOPP, Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and APEX planning formats and guidance Minimum of Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university Minimum specialized education in military joint operation planning through the Joint Professional Military Education Phase (JPME II). The Joint Information Officer Planning Course (JIOPC), or other similar military operational planning courses, may be substituted for JPME II. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Excellent communications skills. Strong analytical and problem solving skills Active TS/SCI with Poly required EEO Tagline: Perspecta is an AA/EEO Employer - Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories
Apply Thank you for your interest in Perspecta. We are excited about our company and look forward to welcoming new employees to our talented team. Perspecta was recently formed through the combination of DXC Technology's U.S. Public Sector business with Vencore and KeyPoint.
While applying for a job, you may find yourself having to create/sign-in with various accounts depending on the legacy company of the specific application you are completing. We appreciate your patience as we work behind the scenes to fully integrate our systems and create a consolidated applicant experience.
HR. Website URL:
https://careers.perspecta.com/search-jobs
Sign Up to Apply to this position
(if you already have a CGO account, just press the button below)
Apply To This Position
About Perspecta
Every day at Perspecta, we enable hundreds of thousands of people to take on our nation’s most important work. We’re a company founded on a diverse set of capabilities and skills, bound together by a single promise: we never stop solving our nation’s most complex challenges. Our team of engineers, analysts, developers, investigators, integrators and architects work tirelessly to create innovative solutions. We continually push ourselves—to respond, to adapt, to go further. To look ahead to the changing landscape and develop new and innovative ways to serve our customers. Perspecta works with U.S. government customers in defense, intelligence, civilian, health care, and state and local markets. Our high-caliber employees are rewarded in many ways—not only through competitive salaries and benefits packages, but the opportunity to create a meaningful impact in jobs and on projects that matter. Perspecta’s talented and robust workforce—14,000 strong—stands ready to welcome you to the team. Let’s make an impact together.
Please visit this employer's Public Profile to see more jobs offered by Perspecta
About Corporate Gray
Copyright @2019, Corporate Gray Online
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Home » NASH-focused medtech company DIAFIR appoints Mr. Richard Guillaume to its BOD
NASH-focused medtech company DIAFIR appoints Mr. Richard Guillaume to its BOD
RENNES, FRANCE — DIAFIR, a medical technology company focused on the development, manufacture and sale of innovative diagnostic solutions in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and septic arthritis announces today the appointment of Mr Richard Guillaume to its Board of Directors.
Mr Guillaume has a wide experience of over 30 years in international management and operations in the pharmaceutical industry as well as in the medtech. Drawing on his experience and knowledge in the field of medical devices and diagnosis, Mr Guillaume will advise and help the Company in its development.
Alongside his role at Diafir, Richard Guillaume has been the General Manager of Echosens from 2008 until 2013. He was previously Executive Vice President Global Sales and Marketing at Blatchford, a UK medical device company. He was also member of the board. Prior, he held various positions such as Director Global Marketing of Abbott International in Chicago and Director Category Development Europe of Mead Johnson. Richard holds a Master in Business Administration from Poitiers University and a DESS in Marketing from Paris Dauphine completed by a general management program at INSEAD.
Hugues Tariel, Founder and CEO of DIAFIR, said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard as a Diafir board member. His vision and experience will be a great addition to our team, to ensure SPIDTM platform success for NASH in hepatology and more broadly as an accurate, fast and versatile diagnostic tool.”
Richard Guillaume, declared: “I’m pleased to join the board of Diafir who is developing a new innovative in vitro diagnostic technology to improve patient quality of life."
ABOUT DIAFIR
DIAFIR is a medical technology company with expertise in developing innovative in vitro diagnostic tests to improve the detection and monitoring of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatis (NASH) and septic arthritis. Diafir’s technology relies on mid-infrared analysis of the metabolic signature of patients using the SPID ™ platform, which allows for low-invasive, cost-effective and rapid diagnostic procedures. DIAFIR aims to improve patient care management by bringing its diagnostic tests to the front line in order to detect and track all potential patients with NASH and septic arthritis.
Contact DIAFIR :
info@diafir.com
www.diafir.com
NASH, DIAFIR
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Private lands habitat programs benefit California's native birds
Cited by 1 article
Ryan T. DiGaudio, Point Blue Conservation Science
Kimberly E. Kreitinger, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
Catherine M. Hickey, Point Blue Conservation Science
Nathaniel E. Seavy, Point Blue Conservation Science
Thomas Gardali, Point Blue Conservation Science
Published online October 01, 2015
PDF | Citation | Permissions | Cited by 1 article
NALT Keywords
agricultural land, agricultural management, animal ecology, bioinformatics, environmental programs, natural history, natural resource management, Natural Resources, zoology
R.T. DiGaudio is Senior Ecologist for the Pacific Coast and Central Valley group at Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA; K.E. Kreitinger is President of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Madison, WI; C.M. Hickey is Conservation Director for the Pacific Coast and Central Valley group at Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA; N.E. Seavy is Research Director for the Pacific Coast and Central Valley group at Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA; T. Gardali is Director of the Pacific Coast and Central Valley group at Point Blue Conservation Science, Petaluma, CA.
To address the loss of wetlands and riparian forests in California, private lands habitat programs are available through U.S. federal and state government agencies to help growers, ranchers and other private landowners create and enhance wildlife habitat. The programs provide financial and technical assistance for implementing conservation practices. To evaluate the benefits of these programs for wildlife, we examined bird use of private wetlands, postharvest flooded croplands and riparian forests enrolled in habitat programs in the Central Valley and North Coast regions of California. We found that private Central Valley wetlands supported 181 bird species during the breeding season. During fall migration, postharvest flooded croplands supported wetland-dependent species and a higher density of shorebirds than did semipermanent wetlands. At the riparian sites, bird species richness increased after restoration. These results demonstrated that the programs provided habitat for the species they were designed to protect; a variety of resident and migratory bird species used the habitats, and many special status species were recorded at the sites.
There is considerable interest in understanding how private lands in California can contribute to providing habitat for wildlife (Duffy and Kahara 2011; Elphick and Oring 2003; Morrisette 2001). California supports an exceptionally rich mosaic of natural communities — it ranks first out of the 50 states in diversity and endemism of native plant and animal species (Stein 2002). However, the Mediterranean climate, diverse soil types and extensive water resources that contribute to California's biological diversity also foster agricultural productivity, which can conflict with the conservation of wildlife habitat in the state's freshwater wetlands and riparian forests. The Central Valley alone has lost an estimated 95% of its historic wetlands and 98% of its riparian forests, primarily due to conversion to agriculture (Dahl 1990; Dawdy 1989; Frayer et al. 1989; Katibah 1984; Kempka et al. 1991). This extensive habitat loss has led to a growing list of threatened and endangered species in California, accompanied by burdensome regulations on landowners designed to protect these at-risk species. Programs that support private landowners for conserving natural habitat resources have the potential to protect ecosystems and reduce regulatory burdens on the landowners.
In California, habitat programs designed to enhance wetland and riparian ecosystems have included the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which restore, enhance and protect habitat through voluntary easement agreements; and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) California Waterfowl Habitat Program and its Landowner Incentive Program, which provide financial and technical support for habitat management. The latter two management-based programs were explicitly designed to maximize the habitat value of private lands already enrolled in conservation easement programs, such as the former two programs. These state and federal programs provide incentives and assistance for land management that contribute to regional conservation objectives for birds (CVJV 2006; Hickey et al. 2003; RHJV 2004). However, the outcomes of these programs have not been extensively studied for birds (except see Kahara et al. 2012).
Private lands habitat programs help producers restore and manage wetlands and other important bird habitats on their farmland.
In partnership with state and federal agencies, we initiated a study in the Central Valley (2004 to 2008) and North Coast (Marin and Sonoma counties, 2001 to 2009) regions of California to evaluate bird response to private lands habitat programs on managed wetlands, postharvest flooded croplands and restored riparian vegetation. Our objectives were to (1) determine if wetland habitat supported by habitat programs benefits local, breeding, wetland-dependent birds, (2) test whether the practice of postharvest flooding of croplands can effectively provide surrogate wetland habitat for migratory and breeding waterbirds and (3) determine if riparian restoration projects on private land lead to an increase in the number of riparian bird species.
Riparian habitat in the arid West is considered the single most important habitat type for neotropical migratory landbirds.
To achieve our objectives, we conducted bird surveys at sites where habitat conservation, management and restoration practices have been implemented and used species tallies, comparisons of bird densities between treatments, and counts of numbers of bird species over time to evaluate success. We defined success as the use of these sites by the species for which the programs were designed to provide habitat, and by the occurrence of many special status species at the sites.
Bird survey methods
We surveyed birds on properties enrolled in at least one of the state and federal habitat programs mentioned above: the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, the California Waterfowl Habitat Program and Landowner Incentive Program. Most of the sites were enrolled in multiple programs; however, we did not attempt to evaluate individual programs or specific program combinations. Study site selection was not random; we surveyed sites identified for us by the funding agencies and partners.
Wetland breeding survey.
To summarize bird use, we tallied which bird species used participating private wetlands across the Central Valley during the spring and summer breeding season. We surveyed birds from April to July (repeating the survey approximately every 3 weeks) in seasonal, semipermanent and permanent wetlands supported by multiple state and federal habitat programs.
Seasonal wetlands were flooded during the winter and drained during the spring; semipermanent wetlands were flooded from winter or early spring through summer (often until July 15) and permanent wetlands had water year-round. These wetlands varied in size from 2 to 260 acres.
We surveyed birds for 5 years (2004 to 2008) in four geographic subregions of the Central Valley, conducting a total of 2,246 surveys at 221 wetland sites. Each site represented a distinct wetland management unit or pond. The wetlands were located in the Delta (n = 8), Sacramento Valley (n = 108), the San Joaquin Basin (northern San Joaquin Valley; n = 62) and the Tulare Basin (southern San Joaquin Valley; n = 43).
To survey birds, we used a scan-sampling survey method, which entailed scanning each wetland using binoculars and/or spotting scopes from various vantage points along the wetland's perimeter (Reed et al. 1997). Surveys were conducted during daylight hours, and duration of surveys varied from roughly 5 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of birds and size of the wetland. We assumed that relatively few birds entered or left during the survey period, and that the length of the survey did not influence the number of birds counted. Species were confirmed breeding if we observed nests, dependent fledglings, precocial young, nesting material carries, food carries, fecal sac carries, copulation or distraction displays (e.g., killdeer, Charadrius vociferous, broken wing display).
To summarize the bird use of the wetlands, we grouped survey data from all wetland types (seasonal, semipermanent and permanent) and tallied the total number of species (separating waterbird and landbird species), the number of species breeding and the number of species with special conservation status. We defined special conservation status species as species that are designated as either state or federally threatened or endangered (CDFW 2015), CDFW Bird Species of Special Concern (Shuford and Gardali 2008) or USFWS Bird Species of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2008).
Encouraging producers to flood their croplands after harvest can help provide important stopover habitat for migrating waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds such as these long-billed dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaceus). This practice is particularly beneficial for wetland-dependent birds in the Tulare Basin, where much of the region's natural wetlands have been lost.
Wetland fall migration survey.
In the Tulare Basin of southern San Joaquin Valley, we surveyed birds on 16 postharvest, flooded cropland fields and 23 semipermanent wetlands supported by the Landowner Incentive Program. We conducted surveys every 2 weeks in August and September during the fall migratory period from 2005 to 2008.
Cropland fields were flooded in August and September, and water was held through October or later, up to December, depending on the year. The semipermanent wetlands were flooded in April and remained flooded through the August and September survey period. We employed the same bird survey methodology as described above. To summarize bird use of these flooded fields and semipermanent wetlands, we tallied the total number of species (separating waterbird and landbird species) and the number of species with special conservation status.
We also compared the bird use of flooded fields and semipermanent wetlands. We measured the area of each field or wetland and then, on each survey, calculated the density (birds per acre) of shorebirds, ducks and large wading birds (herons, egrets, ibis and cranes). We averaged the density for each field or wetland across the 119 surveys during the study. We then compared mean bird density (expressed as birds per 10 acres) between postharvest flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands.
Since the data were not normally distributed, we conducted one-way Monte-Carlo permutation tests (9999 permutations) to determine if there were significant differences in density between flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands. All tests were done in R version 2.8.1 (R Development Core Team 2008) using the Coin package (Hothorn et al. 2008).
Riparian habitat survey.
In the Central Valley (18 sites) and the North Coast (15 sites), we surveyed birds at sites where riparian restoration was supported by multiple state and federal incentive programs. The restoration of these areas included fencing out livestock and planting native riparian vegetation. Restoration ages of the areas ranged from 0 to 14 years at the Central Valley sites and 0 to 20 years at the North Coast sites. We conducted bird surveys from April to June to evaluate the breeding bird community, primarily songbirds (Passeriformes).
In the Central Valley, we conducted point count surveys described by Ralph et al. (1993). We established 152 point count stations approximately 200 meters apart across the 18 riparian restoration sites (2 to 25 points per site, depending on the size of the site). Stations were surveyed twice during the breeding season from 2004 through 2008. During 5-minute counts (beginning at dawn and continuing for the first 4 hours of the morning), we recorded all birds seen or heard and the estimated distance (< 50 or > 50 meters) to the bird. For analysis, we used only those birds noted within 50 meters of the observer and assumed that detection probabilities were similar within this distance among habitat types and years. Furthermore, we excluded nonterritorial species and species with large territories (e.g., waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors and swallows), since point count methods were not designed for these types of species.
In restored riparian habitat at North Coast sites, the authors documented 88 bird species and confirmed breeding for 42 species, including warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus).
At the North Coast sites, we used the area search method to survey the breeding bird community at the 15 restoration sites over a period of 9 years (2001 to 2002, 2004 to 2005, and again in 2009). We used this method instead of point counts at the North Coast sites because they were generally too small to fit multiple independent point counts. All sites were surveyed two or three times ≥ 10 days apart following standardized protocols (Ralph et al. 1993). Area search plots varied in size from ? to 10 acres and followed the course of the creek. The plot boundaries remained static over time. Each area search survey period was constrained to 20 minutes.
For Central Valley point count data, we calculated mean species richness (total number of species detected) per point per site for each year. For North Coast area search data, we calculated species richness for each area search plot for each year. We used linear regression to test for significant trends in species richness over years since restoration for both regions. For this analysis, we assumed that the increase in species richness over the course of the study was linear, that temporal autocorrelation was not significant and that the residuals were normally distributed. Analyses were performed in R version 2.8.1 (R Development Core Team 2008).
Wetland breeding sites.
In seasonal, semipermanent and permanent wetlands during the breeding season, we detected a total of 181 species (75 waterbird species and 106 landbird species), including 30 of the possible 43 special conservation status bird species known to occur in Central Valley wetlands (table 1). Of the special status species, 3 were designated as state endangered, 2 as state threatened and 1 as federally threatened (table 1). We also confirmed breeding for 78 species of birds, 12 of which were special status.
Wetland fall migration sites.
In August and September, we found 63 species on flooded croplands and 88 species in wetlands. The number of different species was 107 in total, 59 waterbirds and 48 landbirds. We detected 15 special status species using flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands in the Tulare Basin, including peregrine falcon (Falco peregrines), a species of conservation concern (table 1).
Density of birds varied among guilds between flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands (fig. 1). We found a nearsignificant (Z = 1.77, p = 0.07) trend toward greater shorebird density in flooded croplands than in semipermanent wetlands. Large waders, however, were significantly more dense in semipermanent wetlands (Z = −3.15, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in duck density between flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands (Z = 0.28, p = 0.78).
Fig. 1. Modified boxplots depicting log (density + 1) (birds per 10 acres) of shorebirds, ducks and large waders at postharvest flooded croplands and semipermanent wetlands. The shaded box indicates the central 50% of the data points (also called the interquartile range), and the horizontal line within the box indicates the median.
Riparian sites.
At the Central Valley riparian restoration sites, we detected a total of 132 bird species, including 1 state endangered, 2 state threatened and 18 other special status species (table 1). We confirmed breeding for 47 species in the Central Valley, including 5 special status species (table 1). At the North Coast sites, we detected 88 species, including 8 special status species. We confirmed breeding for 42 species at the North Coast sites, including 3 special status species (table 1).
In both the Central Valley and North Coast regions, bird species richness increased significantly as restoration sites matured (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.353 and p < 0.001, r2 = 0.165, respectively), suggesting a positive trajectory in recovering native riparian bird communities (fig. 2). In the Central Valley, the number of species detected during point counts increased by 0.41 species in each year after the restoration (95% confidence interval = 0.28 to 0.54). At the North Coast restoration sites, the number of species detected on area searches increased by 0.50 species each year after the restoration (95% confidence interval = 0.31 to 0.69).
Fig. 2. Bird species richness plotted against restoration age in restored riparian habitat in the North Coast and Central Valley regions.
Evaluation of benefits
Our results show that private lands that have been restored, enhanced and managed through habitat programs are being used by a diversity of bird species, including special status species targeted for conservation by habitat programs. Given the extensive loss of wetlands and riparian vegetation across California, particularly in the Central Valley (Dahl 1990; Dawdy 1989; Frayer et al. 1989; Katibah 1984; Kempka et al. 1991), these results suggest important conservation outcomes.
In wetland habitat during the breeding season, we recorded 181 bird species, including 30 special status species. Our record included all 7 shorebird species known to breed in the Central Valley and confirmed breeding for 4 of those 7. The Central Valley Joint Venture (CVJV), a partnership of agencies and nongovernmental organizations that implements bird conservation within the Central Valley, established conservation objectives in 2006 for 7 waterbird focal species that breed within the Central Valley; we recorded 6 out of 7 of these species (CVJV 2006), 3 of which were confirmed breeding. That a significant proportion of the species identified in the CVJV Implementation Plan were breeding on these sites suggests that these habitat programs are effective at providing habitat for the species they are designed to support.
In fall, we found that shorebird and duck densities were similar between wetlands and flooded croplands, suggesting that flooding cropland can provide surrogate wetland habitat for these species during migration. Herons and egrets, however, were more dense in wetlands than in flooded croplands during the fall, perhaps because of the greater food availability for the long-legged waders in wetlands.
At riparian restoration sites on private lands at Central Valley and North Coast sites combined, we found 143 species, including 22 special status species and 5 out of the 7 CVJV riparian focal species (CVJV 2006). California Partners in Flight, a voluntary consortium of conservation groups, government agencies, academic institutions and individuals dedicated to reversing population declines of landbirds, has identified 17 riparian focal species as indicators of healthy riparian habitat; we found 14 out of these 17 riparian focal species (RHJV 2004). We found that bird species richness increased with age of restoration, and though we did not test the relationship between species richness and vegetation structure, we suggest that vegetation growth is primarily responsible for this trend. Landowners could expect to see early successional riparian birds (e.g., song sparrow, Melospiza melodia) recruit to restoration sites within the first few years after restoration, whereas late successional species such as cavity nesters (e.g., wren species) may not recruit for 5 to 10 years (Gardali et al. 2006).
The Modesto song sparrow (Melospiza melodia mailliardi), a California bird species of special concern, is one of the 30 species with special conservation status the authors documented in Central Valley private wetlands.
At the end of the study, we provided every participating landowner with a letter that described the type of habitat they had made and included a list of the birds we had observed there. These letters also provided additional steps that they could take to enhance the habitat. The letters often led to conversations with landowners that provided an opportunity to discuss other habitat enhancement opportunities on their land.
For wetlands and flooded fields in the Central Valley, the most critical habitat element, and often limiting factor, is water. Water availability is an ever present issue for managing wetland habitat in California, even during normal rainfall years. However, the severe and historic drought currently impacting the West has recently left much of the state's wetlands and traditionally flooded fields dry, thus making incentives to provide wetland habitat more important now than ever for the conservation of waterfowl, shorebirds and waterbirds. The availability and cost of pumping water or purchasing water from local irrigation districts during the summer can deter landowners from maintaining permanent or semipermanent wetlands through the breeding season. By providing financial assistance to landowners, private lands habitat programs can offset costs and thereby help landowners provide additional flooded acreage. Without these incentive programs, along with clean, reliable water supplies, these wetlands and flooded agricultural fields may be dry during crucial bird breeding, wintering and migration periods.
Cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera) was one of the 181 bird species the authors documented using private wetlands in the Central Valley during the breeding season.
In addition to providing benefits to bird populations, flooding croplands after summer harvest in the Tulare Lake Basin can have agronomic benefits — it has been used by growers to remove accumulated salts, control black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola) and increase soil moisture for the next crop planting (Moss et al. 2009). The practice, however, has become increasingly cost prohibitive, which further demonstrates the importance of incentive programs. Similarly, the restoration of riparian vegetation has benefits that extend beyond songbird habitat. Healthy riparian corridors can improve water quality, reduce erosion, provide resources for fish and other wildlife and prepare for climate change (Lennox et al. 2011; Seavy et al. 2009).
Herons and egrets were more dense in wetlands than in flooded croplands during the fall, perhaps as a result of greater food availability in wetlands.
The presence of special status species can present a challenge for private landowners. If threatened or endangered species use the habitat created by incentive programs, landowners may become subject to regulatory burdens (e.g., limits on their ability to modify habitat on their property or restrictions on activities that could result in a “take” of a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act). To address this situation, a number of approaches to protecting landowners are being developed. One example is safe harbor agreement, a voluntary agreement between a private landowner and USFWS under which the landowner undertakes conservation activities, such as habitat restoration, intended to enhance the survival of threatened or endangered species. In exchange, USFWS agrees to not require additional or different land management activities to protect threatened or endangered species that may be attracted to the property by the improved habitat (Trainor et al. 2013). In the long run, the habitat programs may decrease the likelihood that species are added to the state and federal threatened and endangered lists, thereby reducing the need for the regulations.
Habitat programs provide a successful model of wildlife agencies, the agricultural community, nongovernmental organizations and private landowners voluntarily working together to help achieve conservation goals. Habitat programs are a win-win strategy; they support private landowners in maintaining productive farms and ranches, while promoting wildlife conservation. The future success of habitat programs will depend on maintaining the engagement of private landowners and the funding resources that provide landowners with financial and technical assistance.
TABLE 1. Waterbird and landbird species detected at privately owned wetlands, flooded croplands and riparian restoration sites supported by private lands habitat programs
This project would not have been possible without the cooperation of the private landowners and managers, and we thank them for allowing us access to their properties and for their dedication to providing wildlife habitat. Funding for this project was provided by USDA NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, USFWS Federal Assistance Program/CDFW Landowner Incentive Program, CDFW Comprehensive Wetland Habitat Program, S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, Central Valley Joint Venture, Altria Group, Richard Grand Foundation, Marin and Southern Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts and The Bay Institute. This manuscript benefited from feedback provided by Dean Kwasny, Craig Isola and Jessica Groves.
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Farmer Perceptions and Behaviors Related to Wildlife and On-Farm Conservation Actions
Sara M. Kross et al. 2017. Conservation Letters
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/conl.12364
DiGaudio R, Kreitinger K, Hickey C, Seavy N, Gardali T. 2015. Private lands habitat programs benefit California's native birds. Calif Agr 69(4):210-220. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v069n04p210.
Ryan T. DiGaudio, Kimberly E. Kreitinger, Catherine M. Hickey, Nathaniel E. Seavy, Thomas Gardali
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YAP Is Essential for Treg-Mediated Suppression of Antitumor Immunity
Xuhao Ni, Jinhui Tao, Joseph Barbi, Qian Chen, Benjamin V. Park, Zhiguang Li, Nailing Zhang, Andriana Lebid, Anjali Ramaswamy, Ping Wei, Ying Zheng, Xuehong Zhang, Xingmei Wu, Paolo Vignali, Cui-Ping Yang, Huabin Li, Drew Pardoll, Ling Lu, Duojia Pan and Fan Pan
Xuhao Ni
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Jinhui Tao
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Joseph Barbi
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
Qian Chen
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Thorgene Co., Ltd., Beijing, China.
Benjamin V. Park
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Zhiguang Li
Center of Genome and Personalized Medicine, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
ORCID record for Zhiguang Li
Nailing Zhang
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Andriana Lebid
Anjali Ramaswamy
Ping Wei
Ying Zheng
Xuehong Zhang
Xingmei Wu
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Paolo Vignali
Cui-Ping Yang
Immunology and Hematopoiesis Division, Department of Oncology, Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Department of Gastroenterology, Rujin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Huabin Li
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Drew Pardoll
Ling Lu
Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Jiangning Hospital, and Liver Transplantation Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
For correspondence: fpan1@jhmi.edu duojia.pan@utsouthwestern.edu lvling@njmu.edu.cn
Duojia Pan
Fan Pan
DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-17-1124 Published August 2018
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are critical for maintaining self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, but their suppressive function can impede effective antitumor immune responses. FOXP3 is a transcription factor expressed in Tregs that is required for their function. However, the pathways and microenvironmental cues governing FOXP3 expression and Treg function are not completely understood. Herein, we report that YAP, a coactivator of the Hippo pathway, is highly expressed in Tregs and bolsters FOXP3 expression and Treg function in vitro and in vivo. This potentiation stemmed from YAP-dependent upregulation of activin signaling, which amplifies TGFβ/SMAD activation in Tregs. YAP deficiency resulted in dysfunctional Tregs unable to suppress antitumor immunity or promote tumor growth in mice. Chemical YAP antagonism and knockout or blockade of the YAP-regulated activin receptor similarly improved antitumor immunity. Thus, we identify YAP as an unexpected amplifier of a Treg-reinforcing pathway with significant potential as an anticancer immunotherapeutic target.
Significance: Tregs suppress antitumor immunity, and pathways supporting their function can be novel immunotherapy targets. Here, the selective expression of YAP by Tregs, its importance for their function, and its unexpected enhancement of pro-Treg Activin/SMAD signaling are reported, as are validations of potential cancer-fighting antagonists of YAP and its regulatory targets. Cancer Discov; 8(8); 1026–43. ©2018 AACR.
Regulatory T cells (Treg) play critical roles in promoting immunologic self-tolerance and immune homeostasis by suppressing aberrant or excessive immune responses that could give rise to autoimmune diseases (1). However, their ability to dampen the activation of other leukocytes can also pose a major barrier to effective antitumor immunity and the sterile cure of chronic infections (2). The signature forkhead family transcription factor FOXP3 anchors the gene expression profile that is responsible for the characteristic suppressive function of Tregs. Clearly demonstrating the importance of this factor, mutations to the gene encoding FOXP3 can lead to fatal autoimmune disorders in Scurfy mice and in human patients with IPEX alike (3, 4). Despite the undeniable importance of FOXP3 for Treg function and immune control, our grasp of the factors and mechanisms governing its expression remains incomplete.
The signaling pathways triggered in response to certain cytokines (e.g., IL2 and TGFβ) can be critical for induction and maintenance of FOXP3 expression in Tregs (5). TGFβ potently induces FOXP3 expression in vitro and in vivo through activation of SMAD signaling molecules, critical facilitators and regulators of TGFβ-initiated signaling events and downstream gene activation (6, 7). TGFβ signaling has also been reported to be critical for maintaining FOXP3 expression and Treg function (8, 9). Likewise, SMAD2 and SMAD3 are also apparently needed for the optimal phenotypic stability of Tregs (10). Importantly, mechanisms for the augmentation or amplification of TGFβ/SMAD signaling in Tregs can stabilize or enhance the suppressive function of these cells (11) and may be crucial determinants of Treg performance in a variety of microenvironmental niches.
YAP is a transcriptional coactivator that developmentally regulates organ size (12, 13). YAP is frequently elevated in a number of cancer types such as lung, colorectal, ovarian, liver, and prostate cancers, where it acts as a powerful tumor promoter, and its activation is a frequent event in tumor progression (14). The Hippo pathway is believed to be the major regulator of YAP nuclear localization, activity, and tumorigenic potential (15–17). However, the physiologic role of YAP in the immune system is unknown.
Unexpectedly, we found YAP to be highly expressed by Tregs. In this report, we characterize the role of YAP in these important cellular mediators of immune control. Our studies revealed that in the absence of YAP, Tregs failed to suppress immune activation in vitro as well as in vivo. We also found that YAP potentiates the signaling events triggered by dimeric members of the TGFβ cytokine superfamily known as activins by activating expression of a key signaling component of the activin receptor complex. Interestingly, we found that not only is this signaling axis active in Tregs, it could also effectively amplify TGFβ/SMAD signaling and the promotion of Treg differentiation and function. Moreover, disrupting this YAP/activin/SMAD axis dramatically slowed the growth of tumors in mice, including a highly aggressive melanoma model. This experimental treatment also enhanced the antitumor efficacy of an antitumor vaccine, suggesting that the targeting of this YAP/activin/SMAD axis can be used to improve anticancer immunotherapy efficacy.
YAP Expression Is Induced by T Cell–Receptor Signaling, Is Highly Expressed by Tregs, and Supports Their Function
YAP is a transcriptional coactivator known for its role in the Hippo signaling pathway (13). As such, its importance in tumorigenesis and organ size determination is well recognized (14). However, little is known about the role of the Hippo pathway and YAP in immune cells. Reports of cross-talk between the Hippo and TGFβ signaling pathways (18, 19) led us to speculate that elements of the former may have a role in the mechanisms governing immune activation and tolerance.
We therefore screened YAP expression across different subsets of murine CD4+ T cells in order to assess the likelihood that Hippo signaling plays a role in these functionally distinct T-cell lineages. Little to no Yap mRNA was detected in naïve CD4+ T cells, but, notably, YAP expression was uniquely induced during the early stages of the in vitro induced (iTreg) differentiation. Meanwhile, other T effector subsets (Th0, Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells) failed to markedly upregulate Yap mRNA (Fig. 1A). Interestingly, transient Yap message accumulation was noted during Th17 skewing. However, 12 hours after stimulation, Yap transcript levels returned to baseline in these T cells (Fig. 1A; Supplementary Fig. S1A). Importantly, considerable levels of YAP protein were found in cells of the iTreg subset and not other Thelper lineages (Fig. 1B). Human Tregs isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors also displayed higher levels of Yap mRNA than their conventional CD4+ (non-Treg) counterparts (Fig. 1C). These results implicate YAP as a transcription factor preferentially expressed by developing and established Tregs of mice and humans.
Expression of YAP mRNA and protein by Thelper subsets. Naïve CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CD25−CD62L+) were isolated from the spleen and lymph nodes of WT C57BL/6 mice and activated under polarizing conditions to generate the indicated Thelper subset. The cells were harvested at different time points, and mRNA or protein levels of YAP were assessed by (A) qRT-PCR and (B) western blot. C, Human Tregs (CD3+/CD4+/CD8−/CD25hi/CD127lo/CD39+) and non-Treg CD4+ T cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of healthy donors by FACS after Ficoll–Paque PLUS gradient centrifugation and magnetic bead enrichment of CD4+ T cells. Yap mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR. For A and B, shown are representative findings from at least 3 independent experiments (mean ±SEM of triplicates for A). For C, mean expression of Yap mRNA is shown for 10 healthy human donor samples. The data were analyzed using the Student t test and considered significant if *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ****, P < 0.001.
Because YAP is a major component of the Hippo pathway, we assessed levels of several Hippo signaling factors known to be upstream of the transcription factor across T-cell subsets to determine if these are also expressed preferentially by Tregs. Interestingly, we found that LATS1/2 and MST1/2, unlike YAP, were not upregulated by iTreg-skewing conditions (Supplementary Fig. S1B). These findings suggest that unlike other Hippo pathway factors, YAP is uniquely upregulated in developing Tregs, and they imply a role for YAP in the biology of these cells outside of its traditional role.
In order to dissect the potential role of YAP in the biology of CD4+ T cells, including Tregs, we crossed Yapfl/fl mice to CD4-cre transgenic mice to generate animals with a T cell–specific deletion of Yap. These conditional knockout mice (Yap cKO) developed normally without apparent defects in T-cell development or peripheral immune cell populations (Supplementary Fig. S2). Additionally, no obvious spontaneous immune pathologies were noted in these mice. Likewise, the lung, kidney, liver, small intestine, and stomach of mice with Treg-specific YAP deficiency (generated by crossing Yapfl/fl mice to FOXP3Cre+ transgenic mice) appeared comparable to wild-type (WT) littermates (Supplementary Fig. S3). We used both strains to assess the impact of YAP deficiency on Thelper cytokine production and lineage commitment.
The effects of YAP deficiency on CD4+ T-cell subsets. A–C, Naïve CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CD25−CD62L+) were isolated from WT Yapfl/fl CD4Cre− or Yapfl/fl CD4Cre+ (Yap cKO) mice (n = 5/group/experiment) and were activated under the indicated polarizing conditions for 4 days. The cells were harvested and signature cytokines and transcription factors for each Th subset were assessed by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. Shown in A and B are representative flow cytometry results and the mean percentage of cells ± SEM from at least 3 independent experiments. C, Relative expression level of Il17a transcript during the early stages of Th17 cell differentiation for WT and Yap cKO derive cells ± SEM. D, iTreg differentiation of WT (Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre−), and FOXP3Cre-driven Yap knockout mice (Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+). Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from the indicated mice as above before activation in the presence of IL2 and varying concentrations of TGFβ. Treg differentiation was assessed by intracellular staining for FOXP3 and flow cytometry analysis. Shown are representative histograms (left) and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of FOXP3 staining was found in at least 3 independent experiments; average MFI ± SEM are shown. E, The suppressive function of WT or Yap cKO-derived Tregs (CD4+ CD25hi T cells FACS isolated from lymph node and spleen cell suspensions) was determined using an in vitro suppression assay. Naïve CD4+ T cells (responders) and Tregs were isolated from the indicated mice (n = 5/group/experiment). WT responders were prestained with CFSE and cocultured with WT and Yap cKO-derived Tregs at the indicated ratios. The cultures were activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28–conjugated beads at a cell-to-bead ratio of 1:1. The percentage of proliferating (CFSElo) responder cells in each culture was determined by flow cytometry. Shown are representative histograms (top) and the mean percentages of proliferating cells ± SEM over at least 3 independent experiments (bottom). For A-E, significant differences were determined by the Student t test (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.02; ***, P < 0.002; ns, not significant).
To this end, we isolated naïve CD4+ T cells from Yap cKO and WT mice for activation under different helper CD4+ T cell (Th) polarizing conditions for 72 hours. Yap cKO CD4+ T cells express moderately higher levels of IL2 and IFNγ upon unbiased activation (Th0 conditions; Fig. 2A). Yap cKO CD4+ T cells also express a greater amount of IL17A than WT CD4+ T cells under Th17 polarizing conditions (Fig. 2B), and, consistently, Yap cKO CD4+ T cells expressed higher levels of Il17a mRNA than WT cells (Fig. 2C). A modest decrease in FOXP3+ cells was also seen in Yap cKO-derived T cells cultured under Th17 conditions (Fig. 2B). These observations, coupled with our earlier discovery that YAP is upregulated in iTregs, led us to suspect that YAP positively affects the generation of iTregs in vitro over other CD4+ T-cell fates. In line with this, the percentages of FOXP3+ cells induced from naïve Yap cKO T cells activated under iTreg skewing conditions were modestly, yet significantly, lower than those seen in polarized WT CD4+ T cells (Supplementary Fig. S4). Naïve CD4+ T cells isolated from Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice were also consistently less able to upregulate FOXP3 than WT controls in response to activation and various concentrations of the Treg-promoting cytokine TGFβ. Here, YAP deficiency specifically in T cells having already “turned on” FOXP3 expression reduced the intensity of signal for the Treg transcription factor (Fig. 2D). Taken together, these findings suggest that YAP likely plays an important role in the initiation or maintenance of Treg differentiation.
In addition to FOXP3 induction, we also hypothesized that YAP might contribute to the suppressive function of Tregs as well. Indeed, an in vitro suppression assay showed that whereas WT Tregs readily dampened the proliferation of naïve T cells, Yap cKO Tregs were much less effective suppressors (Fig. 2E). In all, these findings implicate YAP as a Treg-associated factor with a role in both the generation and function of these cells.
YAP-Deficiency Enhances Anti-Melanoma Immunity
Although Tregs are necessary to maintain immune homeostasis, they pose an obstacle in mounting effective antitumor immune responses, and their suppressive function dampens the efficacy of anticancer immunotherapies (20). For these reasons, therapies aimed at inhibiting Treg activity are promising additions to the cancer immunotherapy arsenal (21). We hypothesized that the apparent loss of Treg-suppressive function seen in the absence of YAP could enhance antitumor immune responses. To test this, WT and Yap cKO mice were challenged with B16 melanoma, an aggressive “nonimmunogenic” cancer model. Tumor growth was measured in these mice over time, and, strikingly, we found that Yap cKO mice controlled the subcutaneous growth of the implanted melanoma cells whereas tumors grew robustly in WT mice (Fig. 3A and B). In line with our in vitro findings, the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from Yap cKO mice was apparently much less restrained than that of their WT counterparts. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed these cells produced significantly higher levels of IFNγ and TNFα (Fig. 3C) compared with those from WT tumors. These results suggest that in the absence of YAP in T cells, a more robust antitumor immune response is mounted.
The impact of T cell– and Treg-restricted YAP deficiency and YAP inhibition on the antitumor response. WT (n = 5) or Yapfl/fl CD4Cre+ (Yap cKO; n = 5) mice were challenged with 5 × 105 B16 melanoma cells (s.c.), the tumor dimensions were measured every 2 days, and tumor volume was calculated (A, B). On day 21, the mice were euthanized and TILs were isolated from the excised tumors. C, TILs were gated on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and effector cytokines IFNγ and TNFα levels were measured by flow cytometry. D, Tumor challenge of Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice (n = 4) and WT controls (n = 6) was carried out as above, and the frequencies of IFNγ- and IL17-producing leukocytes within the B16 TILs of these mice were determined by flow cytometry (E, left). Mean frequencies of IFNγ+ TILs as well as the number of IFNγ+/CD4+ and IFNγ+/CD8+ per gram of tumor tissue (± SEM) are also shown (E, middle and right, respectively) from at least 3 independent experiments. F, Proportions of FOXP3+ Tregs within the TILs of WT and Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice (left) were also found by intracellular staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. Average Treg frequencies amongst CD4+ TILs were found and the ratio of tumor CD8+ T cell to FOXP3+ Treg numbers are also shown (center and right, respectively). G, Targeting YAP improves the antitumor effects of immunotherapies. C57BL/6 mice were challenged with B16 melanoma cells and tumor progression was monitored as mentioned above. Cohorts of mice were treated with i.p. injected VP, GM-Vac, anti–PD-1 antibody, VP and anti–PD-1, or VP and GM-Vac beginning day 7 after tumor injection. Control mice were left untreated (n = 5/group). Shown are the mean tumor volumes for the groups ± SEM. H, Characterization of TILs from treated and control mice were also determined by flow cytometry. The frequencies of IFNγ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as the ratio of tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell numbersto FOXP3+ Treg numbers were also shown. For A, D, and G, the mean tumor volumes for the groups are shown over time ± SEM. Bar graphs in C, E, F, and H depict the mean frequency (%), ratio, or absolute number/gram tumor of the indicated immune cell subset ± SEM in 3 independent experiments. All other findings are representative of at least two independent experiments. Statistically significant differences were determined by t test for all panels except for G, where a two-way ANOVA was used. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.002; ****, P < 0.001.
Tumor challenge of mice with Treg-restricted YAP deficiency yielded similar results. Although WT controls expectedly permitted rapid tumor development, Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice maintained small tumors infiltrated by elevated populations of inflammatory cytokine-producing leukocytes. Specifically, producers of the tumoricidal Th1 cytokine IFNγ were found at higher frequencies and in greater numbers in the tumors of Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice than those of WT controls (Fig. 3D and E). Analysis of FOXP3 expression by CD4+ TILs revealed that deletion of YAP in Tregs reduces the frequency of suppressive FOXP3+ Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (Fig. 3F, left and middle). The relative balance (i.e., the ratio) of Tregs and potential effector CD8+ T cells was similarly shifted in the tumors of mice with Treg-specific YAP deficiency compared with those of WT controls (Fig. 3F, right). Treg-specific YAP deficiency also slowed the growth of tumors caused by implanted MC38 adenocarcinoma cells (Supplementary Fig. S5A–S5B). Not only were MC38 tumors much smaller in Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice 21 days after injection, the relative proportions of FOXP3+ Tregs among tumor-infiltrating T cells were reduced compared with WT tumors. In contrast, the frequencies of intratumoral producers of IFNγ and TNFα were elevated in the absence of Treg-specific YAP expression (Supplementary Fig. S5C–S5D). Corroborating results were seen in the injectable EL4 thymoma model in which Treg-restricted Yap knockout resulted in dramatically stunted tumor growth relative to WT mice. As with other tumor models, this derailed tumor progression was concurrent with reduced Treg proportions and an elevated presence of proinflammatory cytokine-producing T cells in the tumor microenvironment (Supplementary Fig. S6A–S6D). These experiments make a strong case for YAP's role as both a facilitator of Treg presence in the tumor niche and a potent and broadly active driver of Treg-enforced inhibition of endogenous antitumor immunity.
Some of the most promising immunotherapeutic agents (i.e., PD-1 and CTLA4 antagonist antibodies) show even greater antitumor effect when administered in concert (22–24) or alongside tumor vaccine strategies (25–28). We therefore tested the therapeutic potential of YAP targeting as an immunotherapeutic approach to combat cancer. Administration of a known YAP inhibitor, verteporfin (VP; ref. 29), to melanoma-bearing mice resulted in modest reduction in tumor size (Fig. 3G). Treatment of melanoma-bearing Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice with VP, on the other hand, failed to alter the already stunted progression of tumors in these mice (Supplementary Fig. S7A), suggesting that potential off-target effects of this drug or any direct effects on tumor cells are not likely contributing to these in vivo observations. We also tested the effects of combining VP with the proven immunotherapeutic agents anti–PD-1 antibody and GM-Vac (irradiated GM-CSF–producing B16 cells). Both anti–PD-1 and GM-Vac treatments were able to slow tumor growth somewhat as monotherapies. Notably, combinatorial treatment with VP and anti–PD-1 neutralizing antibody suppressed tumor progression to a greater extent than any monotherapy tested. Even more dramatic were the synergistic effects of VP and GM-Vac, which prevented the development of tumors beyond a barely detectable size (Fig. 3G). The decidedly improved antitumor efficacy seen upon combination of either anti–PD-1 or GM-Vac treatment with VP was associated with enhanced proportions of IFNγ-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and a compromised Treg presence in the tumor microenvironment (Fig. 3H; Supplementary Fig. S7B–S7E). These findings strongly suggest a major role for Treg-derived YAP in crafting the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment. They also suggest the potential of immunotherapeutic approaches that include YAP-targeting agents.
YAP Potentiates Expression of Genes Involved in TGFβ/SMAD and Activin Signaling
To gain insight into the mechanism by which YAP contributes to Tregs and their enforcement of immune suppression, we isolated Tregs from mice lacking YAP in these cells (Yap cKO) and subjected them to RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis along with WT Tregs and naïve CD4+ T cells from both mice. The results of this analysis revealed that YAP-deficient Tregs display reduced expression of several genes known to be important in the signaling pathway triggered by the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGFβ. Interestingly, one of the genes most downregulated in the absence of YAP was that encoding the signaling component of the activin receptor complex known as Acvr1c (Fig. 4A; Supplementary Fig. S8A). Confirming a role for YAP in potentiating Acvr1c expression, we found that WT CD4+ T cells display considerable upregulation of the transcript for this receptor subunit during in vitro Treg differentiation, whereas their YAP-deficient counterparts did not. Interestingly, freshly isolated nTregs expressed modest levels of Acvr1c. However, upon activation, these Tregs dramatically activated activin receptor expression in a YAP-dependent manner (Supplementary Fig. S8B). Indeed, neither nTreg nor differentiating iTregs from Yapfl/flFOXP3Cre+ mice expressed considerable Acvr1c mRNA levels. Thus YAP-mediated activin responsiveness may have considerable influence over the biology of multiple Treg populations.
RNA-seq analysis of WT and YAP-deficient Treg transcriptomes. Genes that had their expression level significantly changed by Yap knockout in naïve CD4+ T cells, unstimulated (unstim) Tregs, or stimulated (stim) Tregs were determined by RNA-seq. Results are presented as a heat map. Genes are arranged based on the fold change in expression between WT and YAP-deficient Tregs (genes with a fold change of more than 3 are shown). The color representation from green to red denotes log2-transformed FPKM from −2 to 2.
It has been suggested that activin can promote TGFβ signaling. Pathway analysis of our RNA-seq results showed that the gene expression patterns most affected by YAP deficiency in Tregs were highly relevant to immune control and the diverse autoimmune pathologies resulting from the breakdown of such control. Among these, the genes associated with the TGFβ signaling cascade were markedly altered (Supplementary Fig. S8C). Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis also showed reduced transcript levels for several known TGFβ-responsive genes in Tregs from YAPfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice (Supplementary Fig. S8D). In light of these findings, we suspected that YAP contributes to Treg-mediated immune control at least in part by bolstering TGFβ/SMAD signaling through the activin/AcVR1C axis in these suppressor cells.
Although activin mRNA levels were low in naïve CD4+ T cells, in vitro differentiating Tregs (naïve CD4+ T cells activated with anti-CD3/CD28 in the presence of IL2 and TGFβ) upregulated activin expression over time (Supplementary Fig. S9A). The kinetics of this upregulation paralleled the appearance of FOXP3 expression in these cells (Supplementary Fig. S9B). qRT-PCR analysis also showed that expression of the activin receptor (AcVR1C) was similarly low in naïve CD4+ T cells, but was robustly upregulated under in vitro culture conditions that generate iTreg (Supplementary Figs. S8B and S9C). We went on to dissect which Treg-inducing stimuli were chiefly responsible for inducing expression of YAP and elements of activin/ACVR1C signaling. To this end, naïve CD4+ T cells were activated in vitro with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, either alone or in the presence of IL2, TGFβ, or IL2 and TGFβ. As expected, activation alone failed to induce upregulation of these genes or the canonical Treg transcription factor FOXP3. The cytokine TGFβ did trigger significant expression of FOXP3, as expected, but YAP as well. Exposure to IL2 along with TGFβ (but not IL2 alone) greatly augmented expression of YAP and FOXP3. Of the conditions tested, those upregulating robust YAP also brought about expression of activin and ACVR1C (Supplementary Fig. S9D–S9G). These findings further align the upregulation of YAP expression and activin signaling with the Treg lineage and shed some light on the largely unknown cast of molecular characters regulating these processes in T cells.
To gain further insight into the mechanism of YAP-mediated ACVR1C upregulation, we explored the potential involvement of a known YAP-collaborating factor. Mature YAP protein is known to contain a TEAD-binding domain, and prior studies (largely conducted in non-T cells) have identified numerous target genes controlled by the cooperation of these factors. Suggesting that transcription at the AcVR1c locus is activated through YAP–TEAD interaction, the promoter sequence of this gene was found to contain two TEAD consensus binding sites (Fig. 5A). To test the importance of TEAD binding for YAP-dependent AcVR1c expression, we prepared luciferase-based reporter constructs under the control of WT murine AcVR1c promoter sequence. Mutant constructs having either or both of the TEAD sites ablated were also designed (Fig. 5B). Each AcVR1c-luciferase reporter construct was delivered into Jurkat T cells along with an expression vector encoding YAP (“YAP1wt”) or a mutant version of this transcription factor unable to interact with TEAD (“YAP1mut”) owing to an S-to-A mutation at residue 94 (“S94A”). In this system, expression of TEAD1 or YAP1WT alone induced only modest activation of AcVR1c expression. In contrast, robust luciferase signal was detected when WT YAP and TEAD were coexpressed. Mutation of YAP's TEAD interaction site, however, resulted in far less reporter activity (Fig. 5C), supporting the notion that YAP–TEAD cooperation is necessary for optimal AcVR1c expression. Similarly, loss of a single TEAD binding site in the promoter sequence reduced YAP-induced transcription whereas mutation of both sites resulted in a significant and near-complete loss of reporter signal (Fig. 5D). These results clearly implicate a molecular partnership between YAP and TEAD in the potentiation of activin signaling through AcVR1c expression. This point was further supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showing both YAP1 and TEAD1 are enriched at the AcVR1c locus in WT iTregs (Fig. 5E). Notably, in Yap cKO-derived iTregs, TEAD1 was still found interacting with the AcVR1c locus despite the absence of YAP (Fig. 5E). These findings illuminate the mechanism behind YAP's activation of activin signaling.
YAP drives AcVR1c transcription through molecular cooperation with TEAD. A, Shown is a portion (1.2 kb) of the murine AcVR1c promoter with TEAD binding sites determined by transcription factor prediction software. B, Design schema of luciferase-based AcVR1c reporter constructs;C, AcVR1c reporter assays. The mAcVR1c-WT reporter construct was cotransfected into Jurkat T cells along with the indicated YAP and TEAD expression constructs or an empty vector control. Cells were cultured with or without PMA/ionomycin (iono) activation for 8 hours prior to harvest and cell lysis. Luciferase activity was determined as previously described (47). D, As in C, YAP and TEAD expression were delivered to Jurkat T cells, except cells received variants of the mAcVR1c reporter possessing one, both, or none of the identified TEAD binding sites. Reporter activity was determined as in C. For both C and D, the mean relative luciferase values ± SEM are shown for the results of 3 independent experiments. E, A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was carried out in iTregs generated from WT- and Yap cKO-derived naïve CD4+ T cells. The ability of antibodies against TEAD1 and YAP to pull down the indicated factors along with the AcVR1c promoter region was calculated based upon qPCR relative to a control IgG. The relative enrichment for each factor over 3 experiments is shown (±SEM). Significant differences for all experiments shown were determined by the Student t test. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.002; ****, P < 0.001.
Activin Enhances SMAD/TGFa Signaling and Treg Differentiation
Because activin has been reported to promote SMAD signaling in non-T cells (30), we tested whether activin signaling in T cells could have a similar effect. SMAD activity was assessed by western blot analysis of SMAD phosphorylation. Indeed, we found that whereas untreated CD4+ T cells did not contain discernible levels of active (phosphorylated) SMAD molecules, treatment with 5 or 10 ng/mL of activin A resulted in elevation of phospho-SMAD levels. As expected, TGFβ treatment (0.5 or 2 ng/mL) also induced SMAD phosphorylation. Importantly, combined activin and TGFβ treatment resulted in even further activation of the SMAD signaling pathway (Fig. 6A). These findings suggest that activin signaling can augment signaling along the TGFβ/SMAD axis—a signaling pathway crucial for multiple aspects of Treg biology and immune tolerance (7).
The YAP/activin/ACVR1C pathway enhances SMAD activation, Treg generation and function, and tumor progression. A, Freshly isolated CD4+CD25− T cells were isolated from the lymphoid tissues of WT mice (n = 6/experiment), cultured with plate bound anti-CD3 (2 μg/mL) and soluble anti-CD28 (2 μg/mL) for 24 hours, followed by treatment with different concentrations of activin A and TGFβ as indicated for an additional 12 hours. Cells were harvested and subjected to SDS-PAGE and western blot with the indicated antibodies (left). Band densities indicating protein amount were quantified by using ImageJ software, normalized to β-actin loading controls, and the mean density ± SEM across 3 independent experiments were found (right). B, Naïve CD4+ T cells from Yapfl/fl, FOXP3Cre+, and YapWT/WT, FOXP3Cre+ (WT) mice (n = 6/group/experiment) were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies (1 and 4 μg/mL, respectively) for 3 days in the presence of IL2 (100 U/mL) and the indicated doses of TGFβ and exogenous activin A. Activin was dosed at 50 ng/mL on days 0 and 2. Treg induction was assessed by flow cytometric detection of intracellular FOXP3. Shown are representative FOXP3 stainings (left) and the mean results of 3 independent experiments ± SEM (right). C, Effect of ectopic AcVR1c expression on YAP-deficient Tregs. As before, WT responder T cells and Tregs were isolated from the indicated mice (n = 6/group/experiment). Following lentiviral delivery of an ACVR1C overexpression construct or an empty vector control construct to Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ Tregs (activated ex vivo overnight with anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies and IL2), the functional capacity of these cells was assessed in vitro. The transduced Tregs were cocultured with CFSE-stained CD45.1+ naïve CD4+ T cells (responders) at the indicated ratio and antigen-presenting cells (T cell–depleted splenocytes). After 5 days of activation, responder cell proliferation was assessed by flow cytometry. Shown at left are representative plots of responder cell gated (CD45.1+/CD4+) events from 1 of 2 independent experiments with like results. The immunoblot at right confirms expression levels of AcVR1c in transduced Tregs, and the bar graph (lower right) depicts the mean fraction of proliferating responder cells over all experiments ± SEM. Where indicated by asterisks, significant differences were found by the Student t test. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.002; ****, P < 0.001.
TGFβ/SMAD-mediated events are important during the upregulation of FOXP3 and the generation of Tregs from naïve CD4+ T-cell precursors. We next investigated whether YAP-dependent activin signaling can participate in the driving of this process. Having shown that YAP plays an important role in promoting or maintaining FOXP3 expression induced in the presence of various TGFβ concentrations (Fig. 2D), and having implicated the transcription factor in the regulation of TGFβ-sensitive genes (Fig. 4; Supplementary Fig. S8), we therefore postulated that YAP-mediated upregulation of AcVR1C and SMAD signaling might provide a crucial amplification of this important Treg-supporting signaling pathway that allows for more robust or sustained FOXP3 expression.
To explore the involvement of activin/AcVR1C signaling in the enhancement of Treg differentiation by YAP, the effect of supplemental activin A on in vitro Treg commitment was also investigated. As expected, activation of naïve CD4+ T cells without TGFβ yielded little to no FOXP3 induction regardless of YAP expression. Strikingly, activation of WT cells with exogenous activin A, even in the absence of TGFβ, generated a population of FOXP3+ cells. Although a suboptimal concentration of TGFβ resulted in modest upregulation of FOXP3 (mirroring the effects on SMAD activation), combined treatment of WT naïve CD4+ T cells with low doses of TGFβ plus activin A resulted in synergistic promotion of FOXP3+ T-cell induction. This induction of Tregs by activin A treatment alone was largely not seen upon FOXP3-driven knockout of Yap, and although dual treatment of differentiating Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ iTregs did enhance the generation of FOXP3+ cells, it was to an extent far less than that seen in their WT counterparts (Fig. 6B). These results suggest that activin signaling via YAP-dependent AcVR1C expression on Treg not only augments TGFβ signaling but can also drive the process of FOXP3 upregulation. Supporting this notion, naïve T cells lacking AcVR1c were found to be less sensitive to TGFβ-induced iTreg differentiation than their WT counterparts, particularly when TGFβ concentrations were low (Supplementary Fig. S10A–S10B). Interestingly, exogenous activin supplementation could do little to rescue the deficient FOXP3 induction seen in naïve CD4+ T cells lacking either SMAD2 or SMAD3, or, for that matter, the pronounced defect in iTreg generation seen in T cells genetically lacking both SMAD molecules (Supplementary Fig. S11). This observation confirms that functional SMAD signaling is required for activin-mediated enhancement of Treg generation, in agreement with prior studies (31). In all, these findings are very much in line with a role for YAP-driven activin signaling in the augmentation of signaling down the SMAD/TGFβ axis in T cells.
Activin-Mediated Support of Treg Function Is YAP/AcVR1C Dependent
YAP deficiency leads to improved antitumor immunity and a Treg pool that is insensitive to an activator of the TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway (i.e., activin). We therefore hypothesized that YAP facilitates robust Treg function in vivo through the induction of AcVR1C, which in turn amplifies the pro-Treg signaling cascade. In order to determine if the Treg-promoting effects of YAP were due to the upregulation of AcVR1C, we set out to test whether the defective Treg function seen in Yap knockouts could be restored by ectopic expression of AcVR1C. In an in vitro suppression assay, as expected, Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+-derived Tregs transduced with an empty vector control expressed reduced levels of ACVR1C protein and were much less efficient suppressors of naïve CD4+ T-cell proliferation than their WT counterparts. However, lentiviral-based delivery of an ACVR1C-encoding expression construct into Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+-derived Tregs more than rescued receptor expression, which greatly enhanced their suppressive potency beyond even that of WT Tregs (Fig. 6C). These results support the conclusion that activin signaling through AcVR1C (upregulated by YAP) can amplify the suppressive potency of established Tregs as well as the TGFβ-driven differentiation of iTregs and potentially other facets of this cytokine's broadly immunosuppressive action. Importantly, they also suggest that targeting either YAP or activin signaling is likely to undermine the tolerance-promoting attributes of TGFβ and both subsets of FOXP3+ Tregs in the cancer setting. These approaches may provide avenues to enhance antitumor immunity either as novel treatments on their own or as potent enhancers of other promising immunotherapeutic agents.
Activin Blockade or AcVR1c Knockout Inhibits Tumor Growth
As an instigator of an apparent feed-forward loop capable of amplifying TGFβ/SMAD activity, YAP presents a tempting target for those aiming to break tolerance in the cancer setting. However, the targeting of YAP in patients with cancer may prove problematic owing to the molecule's intracellular location and the chemical drawbacks of known inhibitors (e.g., VP has noted solubility issues; ref. 29). Therefore, the activin/AcVR1C interaction is likely to serve as a desirable alternative strategy. Having demonstrated the positive effects of activin signaling on the TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway and the processes of Treg generation and function, which can oppose immune-mediated tumor cell killing, we suspected that disrupting activin function should enhance antitumor immunity. We therefore tested the potential of activin targeting as an immunotherapeutic approach to combat cancer. Administration of anti-activin monoclonal antibody to mice injected subcutaneously with B16 melanoma markedly stunted the development of tumors relative to an inert isotype control (Fig. 7A). We also tested the value of combining anti-activin blocking antibody treatment with the anticancer vaccine GM-Vac. Treatment with GM-Vac alone was able to partially slow the growth of tumors to an extent similar to anti-activin monotherapy. However, combining anti-activin treatment with GM-Vac was able to arrest tumor growth at a barely detectable size (Fig. 7A). Anti-activin treatment also successfully reduced the frequency of FOXP3+ Tregs among TILs, and although GM-Vac–receiving mice displayed some reduced Treg presence in their tumors, combined GM-Vac and activin blockade resulted in dramatic loss of these suppressor T cells from the tumor microenvironment (Fig. 7B). The effect of blocking activin on Tregs coincided with increased frequencies of IFNγ-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, an observation even more prominent upon combination of GM-Vac and anti-activin treatments (Fig. 7C). These results demonstrate the susceptibility of the YAP/AcVR1c/activin axis to therapeutic targeting at multiple points.
Activin blockade and AcVR1c deficiency slows B16 tumor growth and enhances the antitumor immune response. A, B16 melanoma cells were injected into individual female C57BL/6 mice (8–12 weeks of age). Tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned into treatment groups once tumors were palpable ∼7 days after injection. Anti-activin A antibodies (R&D Systems) were administered (100 μg/mouse/injection) intraperitoneally twice a week once to one group. Another group received like doses of control IgG1. Other cohorts of tumor-bearing mice received GM-vaccine [100 μL of 1 × 106 lethally irradiated (150 Gy) B16 GM-vaccine cells or combined anti-activin/GM-vaccine treatment; n = 10 mice per group]. B, Treg frequencies among the TILs of treated mice. Intracellular staining of FOXP3 in CD4+ TILs from the indicated treatment groups were determined by flow cytometry. C, IFNγ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells recovered from tumor cell suspensions were similarly assessed. D, The right flank of 8-week WT and AcVR1c KO female mice (C57BL/6 background; n = 8/group) were injected with 4 × 105 B16 cells in 100 μL PBS. E, The proportions of IFNγ- and TNFα-expressing T cells (CD3+) with the TILs of these mice were determined by flow cytometry (F) as were the frequencies of FOXP3 and IL17+ CD4+ T cells. For A and D, tumor development and changes in tumor volume were recorded for all groups, and the mean volume ± SEM for each are displayed. For B, C, E, and F, representative flow plots from a single mouse from each group are depicted (left) alongside the mean cell frequencies across 3 independent experiments (right). All experiments were repeated at least three times. Significant differences were determined by a Student t test for all panels, except A, where a two-way ANOVA was used. *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.002; ****, P < 0.001.
Along this line, B16 tumor growth was also markedly slower in AcVR1c knockout mice than in WT controls (Fig. 7D). Correspondingly, the TILs from AcVR1c-deficient mice contained fewer FOXP3+ Tregs than their WT counterparts and displayed a selective elevation of IFNγ-producing T cells (Fig. 7E and F). As with chemical YAP inhibition and antibody-mediated activin blockade, administering GM-Vac to AcVR1c knockout mice enhanced the already considerable antitumor effect of genetic AcVR1c ablation (Supplementary Fig. S12). From these results, it is clear that disrupting any of the several elements of the YAP/activin/SMAD axis can undermine immune suppression and oppose tumor progression in mice.
In all, our findings support the conclusion that signaling along the YAP-regulated activin/ACVR1C axis can support Treg generation and function and potentially other broadly immune-suppressing effects of the TGFβ/SMAD pathway. Importantly, they also suggest that targeting this axis is likely to undermine the immune suppressive attributes of TGFβ and FOXP3+ Tregs in the cancer setting—either alone or in combination with other promising immunotherapeutic agents (e.g., immune checkpoint–blocking antibodies and anticancer vaccines).
Tregs are indispensable for restraining potentially lethal self-directed (autoimmune) responses or overexuberant ones mounted against normally harmless commensal microbes (inflammatory bowel disease; ref. 1). However, in patients with cancer, Tregs can be greatly enriched within tumors, sometimes systemically (32). The suppressive function of these cells in this setting dampens the effectiveness of tumor-directed immunity and is a major obstacle for developing effective anticancer immunotherapies (21).
As part of an ongoing effort to identify precise mechanisms of Treg generation, maintenance, and function in the context of cancer, we have made the surprising discovery that YAP, a transcription factor critical in developmental regulation of organ size, is in fact an important factor in the generation and function of Tregs. Deletion of Yap1 in T cells somewhat enhances both Th1 and Th17 development but most impressively diminishes generation of iTregs under conditions of limited TGFβ. YAP deficiency also negatively affects the suppressive function of Tregs. The inability of Tregs to suppress immunity in vivo in the absence of YAP was dramatically illustrated by our B16 melanoma tumor model experiments (Fig. 3). The poorly immunogenic tumor failed to grow in mice with Treg-specific Yap deletion, which displayed markedly enhanced indicators of proinflammatory antitumor immunity compared with WT controls. This improved deployment of antitumor immunity was seen alongside a markedly diminished Treg presence in the tumor microenvironment (Fig. 3E and F)—observations also seen upon Treg-specific YAP deficiency across other, distinct tumor models as well. These findings strongly suggest that YAP is important for the accumulation and suppressive function of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, they imply that targeting YAP should be a potent means of overcoming immune suppression in the cancer setting and improving the efficacy of endogenous and therapeutically induced tumor killing by leukocyte. Further characterization of YAP expression by Treg subsets found in different healthy and diseased tissues (including tumors) should more clearly define this factor's role in immune control in specific physiologic contexts.
Here, we present a body of data strongly suggesting a Treg-specific role for YAP in promoting the immune suppression capable of allowing the persistence and progression of tumors in the cancer setting. Indeed, YAP-expression patterns and the dramatically stunted tumor growth seen in Yapfl/fl FOXP3Cre+ mice support this. However, comparing the degree of antitumor effect resulting from T cell– and Treg-driven YAP deficiency, it appears that a slightly more dramatic effect is seen in the former case. Although the bulk of the effect seen in Fig. 3A is phenocopied by the more restrictive deletion of YAP in only FOXP3+ cells (Fig. 3D), it is possible that YAP may play a tumor-abetting role in some other T-cell population capable of inducing the factor in the cancer setting. Although such YAP expression appears to have relatively minor consequences next to Treg-derived YAP, at least in the tumor models used in our study, future work may bring to light additional layers of YAP's protumor effects involving cells beyond Foxp3+ Tregs (such as anergized or exhausted T cells, non–Foxp3-expressing TR1 Tregs, etc.). These too may be susceptible to YAP-targeting strategies, which, based on our results, clearly should have potent antitumor effects.
Indeed, using a known YAP antagonist with modest inhibitory activity (29), we confirmed the potential of YAP as a target for Treg-undermining immunotherapies. Although inhibiting YAP alone slightly decreased tumor growth, we observed strong synergy in antitumor activity and immunity-boosting effects when the drug was combined with a tumor vaccine and checkpoint inhibitor treatment that alone possess much less potent effects. These findings suggest that YAP-targeting approaches should increase the efficacy of current immunotherapies, potentially by enhancing the presence of activated effector leukocytes in the tumor microenvironment.
Analysis of the downstream targets of YAP activity in Treg identified ACVR1C led to the finding that the activin–activin receptor signaling axis plays a major role in the augmentation of TGFβ/SMAD signaling and Treg generation and function (summarized in Supplementary Fig. S13). This pathway is highly important for the induction of extrathymic FOXP3+ T cells from naïve CD4+ precursors, as SMADs bind critical enhancer regions for the FOXP3 gene (6, 33). It is also important for sustaining FOXP3 expression and suppressive function in Tregs (7), and TGFβ has been implicated as a promoter of survival and phenotypic stabilization of thymic Tregs (34, 35). With such reliance on TGFβ and SMAD signaling, it stands to reason that Tregs use mechanisms to optimize or amplify the downstream signaling events and resultant gene regulation triggered by this pathway. Such amplification mechanisms can be important for maintaining the gene expression and phenotype traits underlying the suppressive function of Tregs. Documented examples include the enzymatic conversion of latent TGFβ to its active form (36) and the triggering of SMAD activation by galectin and CD44 (11). The upregulation of YAP and subsequently ACVR1C—the receptor for a known enhancer of SMAD signaling (i.e., activin)—may serve as an additional mechanism for amplifying this decidedly pro-Treg cascade. Herein activin/ACVR1C signaling can enhance the downstream signaling events triggered by TGFβ. Reports of activin expression in several tumor types (37, 38) support the notion that tumor-accumulating Tregs benefit particularly from activin/ACVR1C signaling facilitated by YAP induction.
Our proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that this pro-Treg amplification mechanism is susceptible to therapeutic disruption. Particularly, our findings suggest that antibody-mediated activin blockade may prove a most effective means for the disruption of Treg- and tumor-abetting TGFβ activation in patients with cancer. Additionally, the development and vetting of therapeutic antibodies capable of neutralizing activin, AcVR1C, or blocking its association with AcVR1C in patients with cancer may lead to new and potent immunotherapeutic regimens capable of releasing antitumor immunity from stifling Treg-enforced tolerance. On the other hand, our findings suggest that supplementation of activin or other therapeutic enhancements of the activin/ACVR1C axis could have considerable potential as a strategy to correct inadequate immune regulation in settings of autoimmunity (e.g., multiple sclerosis) or inflammatory disease (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). Future application of YAP inhibitors or activin/ACVR1C ablation in mouse models relevant to these and other pathologies of immune dysregulation will shed light on whether this pro-Treg loop is generally important for immune control or if it is principally operative in the tumor setting.
Our findings are, to our knowledge, the first to implicate YAP as a transcriptional facilitator of Treg differentiation and function. Although this molecule has been previously studied for its regulation of development, organ size, regeneration, and tumorigenesis (39), and its role as a transcriptional effector of gene expression downstream of the Hippo pathway is well established, the importance of the Hippo pathway and its associated cofactors in Tregs and immune control is only beginning to be understood. A recent study showed that the Hippo pathway kinase known as MST1 plays an important role in stabilizing FOXP3 protein levels and supporting Treg function (40). Our present findings reveal that YAP potentiates Treg-supporting SMAD activity in T cells through activin signaling. Notably, though, this unexpected role appears to be independent of other Hippo factors (i.e., MST1/2 and LATS1/2), as these, unlike YAP, were not highly upregulated in developing Tregs. Interestingly, another Hippo effector known as TAZ (regarded to be a YAP paralog) was recently identified as a promoter of Th17 differentiation in naïve CD4+ T cells and a negative regulator of FOXP3 function and expression in these cells (41). This role for TAZ in the generation of proinflammatory T cells was also apparently beyond its traditional Hippo-dependent role. Taken together, these newly uncovered immunologic roles played by YAP and TAZ suggest that different molecular players in the Hippo pathway can have functionally opposite and mechanistically distinct roles in determining the balance between inflammation and tolerance. Further dissection of this pathway in T cells should add considerably to our understanding of this balance and, based on our current study's findings, may lead to potent new immunotherapy approaches.
C57/BL6 Yapfl/fl mice were generous gifts of Dr. Duojia Pan. C57/BL6 AcVR1c knockout mice were gifts from Dr. Ning Lu. C57/BL6 CD4-cre and FOXP3-YFP-Cre transgenic mice were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory. Smad2−/−, Smad3−/−, and Smad2/3 double knockout mice on a C57BL/6 background were originally obtained from Dr. Se-Jin Lee's laboratory and were previously described (42). All animal experiments performed were approved by the Johns Hopkins University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
In Vitro T-cell Differentiation
Naïve CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CD25− CD62Lhi) were sorted on a FACSAria II high-speed sorter. The sorted cells were activated with plate-bound anti-CD3 (1 μg/mL) and soluble anti-CD28 (2 or 4 μg/mL) in a 24-well plate with the following polarizing conditions: Th1 [IL12 (10 ng/mL), anti-IL4 (10 μg/mL)], Th2 [IL4 (10 ng/mL), anti-IFNγ (10 μg/mL), anti-IL12 (10 μg/mL)], Th17 [IL6 (10 ng/mL), TGFβ1 (1.25 ng/mL), IL23 (10 ng/mL), IL1β (10 ng/mL), anti-IFNγ (10 μg/mL), anti-IL4 (10 μg/mL)], Treg [TGFβ1 (5 ng/mL, or as indicated), IL2 (100 IU/mL)] typically for 4 days, unless otherwise indicated.
Human T-cell Isolation from Peripheral Blood
Deidentified human peripheral blood was obtained from blood bank in strict accordance with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's Institutional Review Board guidelines. Samples were obtained from a total of 10 healthy adult volunteers (age range, 30–46 years). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted from whole blood through a gradient of Ficoll–Paque PLUS (GE Healthcare). CD4+ T cells were enriched using a Dynabeads Untouched CD4 T-cell isolation kit (Invitrogen). Tregs were identified and flow sorted via the following staining profile: CD3+/CD4+/CD8−/CD25hi/CD127lo/CD39+. Non-Treg CD4+ T cells were sorted as previously described (43).
In Vitro Suppression Assay
WT naïve CD4+ T cells (0.1 × 106) were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) and cultured in a 96-well bottom plate with anti-CD3/CD28-conjugated beads at a cell-to-bead ratio of 1:1. Serially diluted Tregs (CD4+ CD25hi) were cocultured for 72 hours, and cellular proliferation by CFSE was measured by flow cytometry.
Lentivirus Production and Transduction
HEK293T cells were purchased from the ATCC in 2015 and were kept as a frozen stock. This cell line has not been authenticated by the laboratory. Recombinant lentiviruses were generated using a three-plasmid system as described previously (44). The AcVR1c cDNA was cloned into the modified pLV lentiviral vector carrying cytomegalovirus-driven Thy1.1 as a transduction efficiency marker. Virus was harvested at 48 and 72 hours after transfection, and titer was determined based on percentages of Thy1.1-positive Jurkat T cells after transduction with serially diluted viral supernatant. The titer, calculated as transducing units (TU)/mL of supernatant, was from 2 × 106 to 8 × 106 TU/mL. The virus-containing supernatant was concentrated using an Amicon Ultra Concentrator (Millipore) and stored at −80°C. Gene transduction into CD4+CD25− conventional T cells and CD4+CD25+ Tregs was performed by stimulating cells with plate-bound anti-CD3 (10 μg/mL) and soluble anti-CD28 (1 μg/mL) with 60 U/mL human recombinant IL2 for 16 hours. Activated T cells were transduced with viral supernatants supplemented with 60 U/mL IL2 and 8 μg mL-1 polybrene, followed by centrifugation for 1 hour at 2,500 rpm. After transduction, 20 U/mL human recombinant IL2 (eBioscience) was added to the culture. At 40 hours after transduction, Thy1.1+ Tregs were sorted for western blot and/or suppression assay as indicated.
RNA-seq Analysis
Spleen and peripheral lymph nodes were harvested from YapWT/WT;CD4-Cre-WT and Yap flox/flox (fl/fl); CD4-Cre+ mice (n = 5/group). CD4+ T cells were magnetically enriched, and naïve (CD4+ CD62L+ CD25−) T cells and natural Tregs (nTregs, CD4+ CD62L+/− CD25hi) were flow sorted from each group. For activation condition, sorted nTregs were further activated with 2 μg/mL of plate-coated αCD3 and 2 μg/mL of soluble αCD28 with TGFβ1 (5 ng/mL) and IL2 (100 U/mL) for 24 hours. nTregs (2 × 106; no stimulation or stimulation) from WT and Yap cKO mice were harvested and washed with 1× PBS twice and immediately snap-frozen until further RNA-seq analysis.
Construction of RNA-seq Libraries
Total RNA was isolated by TRIzol from naïve CD4+ T cells or natural Tregs with or without the stimulation anti-CD3/CD28 for 48 hours from WT or Yap cKO mice. RNA quality was monitored on Bioanalyzer. Strand-specific RNA-seq libraries were prepared using the TruSeq Stranded Total RNA LT Sample Prep Kit (with Ribo-Zero Gold, RS-122-2301, Illumina) from 322 ng of total RNA by following the manufacturer's protocols. Briefly, rRNAs were depleted using biotinylated, target-specific oligos combined with Ribo-Zero rRNA removal beads. After purification, RNA was fragmented using divalent cations under elevated temperature, and transcribed into first-strand cDNA using reverse transcriptase and random primers, followed by second-strand cDNA synthesis using DNA Polymerase I and RNase H. A single “A” base was added to these cDNA fragments that were subsequently ligated with the adapter. The products were enriched with 12-cycle PCR. The concentration of final cDNA libraries in 30 μL ddH2O reached 24 to 27 ng/μL as determined on Qubit 2.0.
Analysis of RNA-seq Data
Sequencing was performed on Illumina Hiseq2000 at Beijing Genomics Institute with the type of paired-end, 100 bp. Data quality was assessed by FastQC software (http://www.bioinformatics.babraham.ac.uk/projects/fastqc/). Mapping to a mouse reference genome (mm10) was conducted by TopHat. Differentially expressed genes were called by Cuffdiff (45). The genes with P value < 0.05 and absolute values of log2-transformed fold changes larger than 1.5 between WT and Yap cKO T cells were considered differentially expressed. A heat map was generated in R statistical software using the geom_tile function under ggplot2 package. Clustering was done with the complete linkage and Euclidean distance using the hclust function in R statistical software. Pathway analysis (Ingenuity) was carried out as described previously (46).
For extracellular staining, harvested cells were washed and incubated in PBS containing 1% FBS containing the below fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies in a U-bottom 96-well plate. For intracellular cytokine staining, harvested cells were restimulated in PMA and ionomycin in the presence of Golgi-Plug (BD Biosciences). After 5-hour incubation, the cells were fixed/permeabilized (eBioscience) and incubated with antibodies (see Supplementary Table S1A for a comprehensive list). For cellular proliferation, cell Trace CFSE cell proliferation kit (Invitrogen) was used per the manufacturer's manual.
Quantitative Real-Time PCR
RNA was extracted using TRIzol (Invitrogen) followed by cDNA synthesis reaction using SuperScript III (Invitrogen) in a 20 μL reaction/well. The same amount of RNA was used in each cDNA synthesis reaction measured by NanoDrop Spectrophotometer (ThermoScientific). The same volume of cDNA per sample was prepared for real-time PCR analysis using SYBR Green (Pierce) and the indicated primers to assess transcript levels of each gene.
Tumor Growth Experiments
Murine B16 melanoma, MC38 colon cancer, and EL4 thymoma cell lines were purchased from the ATCC and kept as frozen stock in 2015. These cell lines have not been authenticated by the laboratory. Cells were cultured in vitro in DMEM plus 10% heat-inactivated FBS and were detached by trypsinization and washed prior to s.c. injection into the shaved side flank of the indicated strains of female mice between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks on a C57BL/6 background (1 × 105 cells). In some experiments, 1 × 104 to 5 × 104 B16 melanoma cells were injected into each mouse in the footpad. Where indicated, once tumors were palpable (7–10 days after injection), 100 mL of 1 × 106 lethally irradiated (150 Gy) B16 GM-vaccine cells (GM-VAX) were injected s.c. into the contralateral limb. A hybridoma cell line expressing a blocking anti–PD-1 antibody (clone G4) was obtained from Dr. Charles Drake. One hundred microgram/mouse/injection of anti–PD-1 (G4) was injected intraperitoneally twice a week once tumors were palpable (7–10 days) in conjunction with vaccine and verteporfin (USP, USP-1711461) treatments. Verteporfin was dosed at 2 mg/mouse diluted to 200 μL with PBS and injected intraperitoneally every two days. Activin neutralization antibodies and isotype control IgG were purchased from R&D Systems. One hundred microgram/mouse/injection of activin-neutralizing antibodies was given intraperitoneally twice a week. For all these experiments, 5 to 10 mice were used per group. Tumor progression was assessed by measuring changes in tumor length (L) and width (W) and tumor volume (V) over time. Tumor volume was calculated using the formula (L × W2)/2.
Molecular Cloning and Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Mouse AcVR1c promoter (1.2 kb) was cloned from the genomic DNA of isolated CD4+ T cells, and the sequence was confirmed. The amplified clones were ligated to SacI/XhoI-digested pGL4.1-Basic Vector (Promega) using the In-Fusion Cloning Kit (Clontech). Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out using the QuikChange Lightning Kit (Agilent Technologies).
Transient Transfection and Luciferase Assay
Jurkat T cells (clone E6-1) were purchased from the ATCC in 2016 and were kept as a frozen stock. This cell line has not been authenticated by the laboratory. Jurkat T cells (1.5 × 107) were transfected with 5 μg pGL4.1-AcVR1c, 1 μg of pRL-TK Vector (Promega), and other indicated plasmids by electroporation using Nucleofector II (Amaxa/Lonza). The cells were rested overnight and stimulated with mock or PMA/ionomycin for 8 hours before being harvested and lysed followed by luminescence measurement using a Dual-Luciferase Assay (Promega) as per the manufacturer's instructions.
ChIP Assay
ChIP assay was performed according to the manufacturer's guidance (Invitrogen MAGnify ChIP system). Briefly, sorted CD4+ iTregs were activated with αCD3/αCD28–conjugated beads overnight and fixed with 2% formaldehyde. Sonicated DNA was immunoprecipitated with anti-YAP1 (Cell Signaling Technology), and anti-TEAD1 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology). The immunoprecipitated chromatin was analyzed on Roche LightCycler 480 by SYBR Green using the following primers for AcVR1c promoter: 5′-CATTGACGTCTCTATGGAAG-3′ (forward), 5′-CAAGCACCATTGCCTTCAGAC-3′ (reverse).
Values are presented as means ± SEM where appropriate. Statistical differences among multiple groups were determined using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Newmane–Keuls multiple comparison test, unless otherwise indicated. Unpaired, two-tailed Student t tests were used for single comparisons. In general, P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant and are indicated as follows: *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.002; ****, P < 0.001; ns, not significant. GraphPad Prism 7 was used to calculate P values.
RNA-seq dataset has been uploaded to an appropriate online repository. The GEO accession number is GSE112593.
No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
Conception and design: D. Pardoll, L. Lu, D. Pan, F. Pan
Development of methodology: J. Tao, Q. Chen, P. Wei, D. Pardoll, L. Lu, F. Pan
Acquisition of data (provided animals, acquired and managed patients, provided facilities, etc.): X. Ni, J. Tao, J. Barbi, Q. Chen, B.V. Park, N. Zhang, A. Lebid, A. Ramaswamy, P. Wei, Y. Zheng, X. Wu, P. Vignali, C.-P. Yang, L. Lu, D. Pan
Analysis and interpretation of data (e.g., statistical analysis, biostatistics, computational analysis): X. Ni, J. Tao, J. Barbi, B.V. Park, Z. Li, Y. Zheng, X. Zhang, P. Vignali, D. Pardoll, L. Lu, F. Pan
Writing, review, and/or revision of the manuscript: X. Ni, J. Barbi, B.V. Park, A. Ramaswamy, H. Li, D. Pardoll, L. Lu, D. Pan, F. Pan
Administrative, technical, or material support (i.e., reporting or organizing data, constructing databases): J. Barbi, B.V. Park, L. Lu
Study supervision: H. Li, D. Pardoll, L. Lu, F. Pan
F. Pan's research is supported by the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute (Immunometabolism Program & Immune Modulation Program), the Melanoma Research Alliance, the NIH (RO1AI099300, RO1AI089830, and R01AI137046), and The DoD (PC130767). J. Barbi's research is supported by the Melanoma Research Foundation, Phi Beta Psi, the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, and NCI grant P30CA016056. The Li Lab was supported by the National Natural Science Committee of China (No. 81725004) and Shanghai Science and Technology Committee (No. 16410723600). L. Lu's research is supported by the National Natural Science Fund of China (grants 81571564, 1521004, and 81522020) and the Foundation of Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials. D. Pan is an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Received October 6, 2017.
Revision received April 5, 2018.
Accepted June 6, 2018.
Published first June 15, 2018.
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Eos mediates Foxp3-dependent gene silencing in CD4+ regulatory T cells. Science 2009;325:1142–6.
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Gene set enrichment analysis: a knowledge-based approach for interpreting genome-wide expression profiles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005;102:15545–50.
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Control of T(H)17/T(reg) balance by hypoxia-inducible factor 1. Cell 2011;146:772–84.
You are going to email the following YAP Is Essential for Treg-Mediated Suppression of Antitumor Immunity
Cancer Discov August 1 2018 (8) (8) 1026-1043; DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-17-1124
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Excellent Online
April 20, 2009 By theajaysharma
Lollapalooza 2009 Lineup: Now With 100% More Animal Collective
It seems like Coachella was only yesterday. Since this year's Lolla headliners (and then some) leaked long ago, we already knew about Beastie Boys, Depeche Mode, Jane's Addiction, Tool, Kings Of Leon, the Killers, Lou Reed, Decemberists, Neko Case, and Andrew Bird. Not too shabby. But almost too shabby. If that assortment of talent didn't convince you to attend, maybe this will: Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Deerhunter, Bat For Lashes, TV On The Radio, and Vampire Weekend. And an Animal Collective DJ set. Here's the whole lineup, in poster and video form because festival reveals come with videos these days.Continue reading Lollapalooza 2009 Lineup: Now With 100% More Animal Collective... - Source
February 10, 2009 By theajaysharma
Stephen Colbert Strokes Kyp Malone's Beard
Stephen fulfilled the wish of many-a-Williamsburg-coffee-shop-hipster while interviewing TV On The Radio last night, calling Kyp's face-fro "like a vacation in a faraway forest" and seeming to get himself a "Colbert bump" in the process. After a cutely awkward interview, TVOTR rip through "Dancing Choose," making up for their slightly off SNL stop. Enjoy it. - Source
August 27, 2008 By theajaysharma
New TV On The Radio - "Dancing Choose"
Our first taste of TVOTR's forthcoming Return To Cookie Mountain followup Dear Science was the funky, optimistic, mystic (and in the chorus, PM Dawn?) leaning "Golden Age," Kyp letting us know that, indeed, a golden age is coming around. Tunde-fronted "Dancing Choose" is taste number two. His scattershot lyrics and quick vocal delivery have more urgency, but check out the similar psychedelic smoothness in the chorus. Two other things worth your attention: Axl Rose gets a mention and "Dancing Choose" is a pun. - Source
May 13, 2004 By paul
TV On The Radio - Live
TV On The Radio - Philadelphia - First Unitarian Church - May 12th
Someone posted on the (mailing) list earlier about how wonderful TV On The Radio was live in D.C. Between that and a friend's recommendations, I've picked up the Young Liars EP and the new album "Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes". Both are great albums, but I was curious to see what kind of sound they would be able to come up with in a live setting. I was so impressed with their musicianship, passion, and energy... what a show!
April 27, 2004 By liz
Details on Siren Fest 2004
The Village Voice announced today the details for this year's SIREN MUSIC FESTIVAL in New York. The Saturday, July 17 show will feature DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, BLONDE REDHEAD, HAR MAR SUPERSTAR, TV ON THE RADIO, Constantines, The Fiery Furnaces, The Fever, The Ponys and MANY more bands and DJs that will be announced shortly. The festival will be taking over Coney Island all day, will welcome pop kids of all ages and be totally free (yes, I did say free). Get your tickets now... oh wait, we don't need any! Want your band to play too? You've got until Friday to get a demo in to the powers that be.
har mar superstar
Are you going to more or less concerts then you were last year?:
Tags in Artists
sigur ros oasis morrissey stone roses verve elbow spiritualized radiohead charlatans smiths coldplay blur
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Home / Video / True Confessions with Chris Hemsworth and Kumail Nanjiani
Title : True Confessions with Chris Hemsworth and Kumail Nanjiani
Chris Hemsworth, Kumail Nanjiani and Jimmy play a game where they take turns confessing a random fact before interrogating each other to determine who was telling the truth.
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The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon features hilarious highlights from the show including: comedy sketches, music parodies, celebrity interviews, ridiculous games, and, of course, Jimmy's Thank You Notes and hashtags! You'll also find behind the scenes videos and other great web exclusives.
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True Confessions with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Cell Phone Profile w/ Charlize Theron, Emily Bl...
Kumail Nanjiani Explains Why He Started Wearing...
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Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson Insult E...
The BEST of Tom Holland On The Graham Norton Show
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Video True Confessions with Chris Hemsworth and Kumail Nanjiani MP3 3GP MP4 HD
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Polishing & Refinishing
Restoration projects run from a simple solder joint to resurrecting an object from near oblivion. Whenever possible, we try to respect the integrity of the piece, preserving as much of the original material as possible and keeping repairs imperceptible.
On this site we’ve tried to compartmentalize for ease of describing what we do, but in regards to restoration, all disciplines of metalsmithing come together. Any item from a candlestick to a brass bed can require variations of welding, soldering, brazing, casting, forging and electroplating.
Click on the thumbnail images to enlarge.
White metal or spelter statue. Holes and breaks repaired and a bronze patina applied.
A steel kitchen scale. The fun part was reproducing the product label.
Our client wanted to restore her very rusty steel seahorse which had been left outdoors. There was extensive damage and many holes not fully visible in the photos.
This fountain sculpture had sustained serious damage at one time and was repaired poorly. The original vase was lost and replaced with a newer brass vase at some time, and the arm repositioned. When it came to us, the sculpture was heavily calcified, the head was decapitated, arms broken in three sections, the joints were broken free and sections of the body were missing. I wish I had the foresight to take a “before” picture, these were taken midway.
We restored this 1942 Japanese dive bomber sight for a collector. It was really abused, with a crushed, bent cone and missing hardware. The old wartime photos show where a sight like this was mounted on the aircraft.
copyright 2014 Webmaster, Colonial Metal
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DePuy ASR Hip Recall Attorneys
DePuy Hip Recall News
DePuy Hip Recall Information
DePuy Layoffs in the Midst of DePuy Hip Lawsuits
Uncategorized // Anthony Johnson // Aug 10, 2014 // no comments
DePuy Synthes Company, a division of Johnson & Johnson specializing in orthopedic and neurological solutions, confirmed that it is cutting over 200 jobs from its Warsaw office. Financial troubles and recent changes in healthcare legislation have been cited as the driving forces behind the DePuy layoffs. The company claims these market changes have necessitated structural reorganization and cost cutting.
More Problems than DePuy Layoffs
DePuy layoffs have been just one of many concerns for the company in recent years. At the top of the list is the ongoing litigation surrounding DePuy’s metal-on-metal hip replacement products, which the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) allowed to be marketed without clinical trials because the devices were similar in design and function to devices already available for use. This decision certainly played a part in the lawsuits and DePuy layoffs that were to follow.
The DePuy ASR hip replacement system was designed for and marketed to younger users. DePuy claimed that its product allowed for greater flexibility and mobility than traditional hip replacements, permitting younger patients to continue living an active lifestyle. The metal-on-metal product was also purported to resist wearing out from overuse.
Expectations vs. Reality
In practice, the DePuy ASR system did not live up to the company’s lofty claims. The FDA received over hundreds of complaints pertaining to product, and more than one in eight patients reported that the device failed within five years. There have been reports of the component parts of the hip loosening and becoming misaligned. Additionally, a form of metal poisoning called metallosis can occur when the metal ball and metal cup of the device rub together and release metal ions into the bloodstream, causing necrosis, neurological problems, and tissue and muscle damage.
These unforeseen complications have required many patients to undergo replacement or revision surgeries to correct the problems caused by these metal-on-metal hip replacements. These additional surgeries can add to medical costs that were already high from the original procedure, as well as longer recovery times.
The DePuy ASR and its host of problems have resulted in thousands of lawsuits against the company, the first of which was filed in the United States in 2010. This was followed in 2011 by a massive class action lawsuit in Australia. DePuy remains in a precarious legal position, not only for producing and mass marketing such a dangerous and defective product, but also for failing to issue a prompt recall despite having knowledge of the product’s dangers. This is at the very least one of the indirect causes of the DePuy layoffs in Warsaw.
Contact the American Injury Attorney Group Today
If you or a loved one were injured by your DePuy ASR hip replacement device, or if you would like more information about the DePuy layoffs, contact the American Injury Attorney Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation of your case. If you have a claim, the American Injury Attorney Group can connect you with an affiliated lawyer who can file a lawsuit and guide you through the legal process. Call today to be informed of your legal options.
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Case Summary
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We absolutely love to hear from our clients. Contact us or Chat with us and we'll discuss how we can help with your DePuy Hip Recall lawsuit case.
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American Injury Attorney Group is committed to provided legal help for your case. We can review your case for free and offer legal counseling.
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Get a Free Case Review Chat with Us about your case
Please note that you are not considered a client until your case has been accepted by the law firm of Johnson & Vines, PLLC and you have signed a contract for legal services with that law firm. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. The information contained on this website is neither medical nor legal advice and is not intended to be medical or legal advice. Nor is it a substitute for seeking other appropriate professional advice. Please discuss any health or other concerns with your doctor or other healthcare professional. No recommendation or endorsement of AIAG is implied by reference to any newspaper or television or radio station. This website may constitute “Attorney Advertising” under the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and under the law of other jurisdictions. Your use of our website constitutes your acceptance of the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and other terms and conditions set forth on our DISCLAIMERS PAGE. © 2013 American Injury Attorney Group. All rights reserved. Principal law office address for Johnson & Vines, PLLC: 2226 Cottondale Ln., Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202.
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Athlete Spotlight
DC Greats
Kent Wigle
It's been 35 years since a South Umpqua football team played for a state title, but one former Lancer coach made it a regular occurrence appearing in the championship game four times in seven years. Douglas County Sports Online recognizes Kent Wigle as its latest DC Great.
Wigle was an outstanding prep athlete at Riddle High School and went on to play college baseball at Southern Oregon University in Ashland. He eventually made his way back to Douglas County accepting a teaching position at South Umpqua High School. Wigle also became the school's head football coach in 1971.
In his 17 seasons in Tri City, he led the Lancers to four state championship games, including one win, one loss and two ties. South Umpqua beat Tillamook for the 1977 state title with the ties coming against Gold Beach in 1976 and Siuslaw in 1981. The Lancers lost to Vale in 1975.
Brian Johnson (class of '85) was a two-year starter at wide receiver for Coach Wigle and was a freshman when the Lancers played in the 1981 title game.
"Coach was all about teaching us the right way to do things," Johnson said. "He was a great role model and taught the kids that played for him to respect the coaching staff, teachers and our parents."
Wigle left South Umpqua with an impressive record of 134-39-2 and would continue his coaching success at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay. In 21 seasons on the coast, the Pirates were 173-60 with a pair of state title appearances. Marshfield won a state championship in 1992 and made the playoffs 18 times during Wigle's tenure.
Between the two schools, Wigle went 307-99-2 overall and is the third winningest coach in Oregon history. He was also named the national coach of the year in 2005.
The football stadium at South Umpqua High School was officially named after Coach Wigle during a dedication ceremony at the end of the 2014 season. He is the second South Umpqua coaching legend (with Frosty Loghry) to be honored at the facility.
DC Greats Archive
Raechel Warren
Eli Wolfe
Kevin Shafer
Thurman Bell
Don Severson
Maynard Mai
Stewart W. Robertson
Jack Blum
Irene Hanna
Steve Lander
Jeff Clark
Ron Dunn
Al Hoffman
Forrest 'Frosty' Loghry
Paul Brothers
Maranda Brownson
Cy Perkins
Dr. Gilbert Finlay
Josh Bidwell
Rod Trask
JJ Mast
Steve Fisher
Mike Pardon
Marc Holt
Scott Filley
Gene Forman
Jennifer O'Toole (Bell)
Troy Calhoun
Douglas County Sports Online Presents DC Greats
© 2008-2019 Sports Online Network :: About Us Contact Us Email Us: info@douglascountysportsonline.com
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Doctoral (PhD) Theses
Genetic variation in the myostatin gene (MSTN) and its association with lamb growth and carcass traits in New Zealand Romney sheep
Han, Jin
Myostatin (MSTN), which is also known as growth and differentiation factor 8 (GDF8), has been reported to act as a negative regulator of myogenesis during skeletal muscle development. It has also been implicated in the regulation of adipocyte function and in controlling the structure and function of tendons. Variation in the myostatin gene (MSTN) has been associated with differences in muscularity in certain breeds of sheep. Polymerase chain reaction - single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis coupled with nucleotide sequencing was used to assess variation in MSTN in New Zealand (NZ) sheep. In this study, a total of 218 sheep from a range of breeds were screened for variation across an extended region spanning nucleotide c.-1199 in the promoter region to c.*1813 in the 3’UTR. The breeds investigated included dual-purpose breeds for meat and wool production (Coopdale, Coopworth, Corriedale, Perendale and NZ Romney sheep), meat breeds (Dorper, Dorset Down, Poll Dorset, Suffolk and Texel sheep), a wool breed (Merino) and some NZ cross-bred sheep. A total of 28 nucleotide substitutions were identified in these breeds across the region investigated. Of these substitutions, one (c.101G>A) is located in a coding region and results in an amino acid substitution of glutamic acid (Glu) with glycine (Gly) at codon 34. The other nucleotide substitutions are located within non-coding regions. Ten substitutions at positions c.-959C>T, c.-784A>G, c.373+563A>G, c.373+607A>G, c.374-654G>A, c.374-54T>C, c.748-54T>C, c.*83A>G, c.*455A>G and c.*709C>A are reported for the first time in this study. These substitutions suggest ovine MSTN is highly variable and that a potential exists for such variation to affect MSTN activity, and thus to be used as a gene-marker to help with breeding selection for muscle yield. Based on the genetic variation found in this study, a strategic PCR-SSCP typing approach was used to define the haplotypic diversity of MSTN. Eight haplotypes (designated H1-8) of MSTN spanning an extended region including the 5’UTR, coding regions, intronic regions and 3’UTR were characterised in the different breeds. Certain haplotypes (e.g. H2 and H3) were found with high frequencies whereas others (e.g. H8) were less common. Two nucleotide substitutions, c.101G>A and c.*83A>G specifically defined haplotypes H7 and H8 respectively in this study and have not been reported previously. Of the various breeds studied, the NZ Romney is the most common breed in NZ. Thus the association of MSTN with meat production in NZ Romney is of utmost interest to the NZ sheep industry. Associations between the various MSTN haplotypes and variation in lamb growth and carcass traits in 1376 NZ Romney lambs from 19 sire-lines were investigated. The lambs were selected from both North Island and South Island farms over four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009. Five extended MSTN haplotypes (H1, H2, H3, H5 and H7) were identified in these NZ Romney sheep while H4, H6 and H8 were not found. Of these five haplotypes, H1 carrying MSTN c.*1232A is reported for the first time in NZ Romney sheep. Using a Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) mixed-model approach in both half-sib and pooled-data analyses, H1 was associated with an increase in birth weight, tailing weight and draft weight in lambs, and had a significant effect on loin yield, leg yield, total yield and proportion loin yield from lamb carcasses. Breeding for an increased number of lambs carrying H1 may therefore lead to an improvement in lamb growth and meat yield, and thus underpin increased productivity and improved economic returns in the NZ sheep industry. Haplotype H2 in lambs was associated with an increase in draft weight and an earlier drafting age, together with an increase in loin, shoulder and total yield of lean meat. H3 was associated with an increase in growth rate to weaning, leg yield and total yield of lean meat. The presence of haplotype H5 in lambs was associated with a decrease in loin yield, shoulder yield and total yield of lean meat yield. The association of haplotype H7 with an increase in hot carcass weight and a decrease in leg yield was identified for the first time in this study. This suggests that H7 may have a possible effect on growth but not meat yield. In this context, it would seem advantageous to promote the selection of NZ Romney for haplotypes H2 and H3 and not H5 and H7. Pleiotropic effects of MSTN c.*1232A were also investigated. A total of 79 NZ Romney lambs derived from a single sire-line that was heterozygous for c.*1232G>A were investigated. A factorial REML mixed-model was used in the half-sib data analyses. A significant association was found between MSTN c.*1232 genotype and gender with the MSTN c.*1232AG genotype being more common in ewe lambs. Thus, MSTN may also affect other physiological activities during embryonic development. This may offer an explanation for the abnormal gender ratio effect observed in this study. It is important for the livestock industry to balance the benefit of increased birth weight, lamb growth and carcass yield against potential pleiotropic effects caused by MSTN c.*1232A. The work presented in this thesis suggests that the variation in ovine MSTN in NZ Romney is associated with differences in lamb growth and carcass traits, and thus meat production. It also suggests that using MSTN as a marker-assisted selection tool for improved carcass traits in NZ Romney is a future possibility.... [Show full abstract]
muscularity; sheep; growth; gene-marker; carcass trait; haplotype; genetic variation; Myostatin gene (MSTN); nucleotide substitution; GDF8; Romney
Doctoral (PhD) Theses [779]
Department of Agricultural Sciences [1231]
han_phd_open_access_version .pdf (939.0Kb)
Han_phd_full_version.pdf (1.550Mb)
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Any Question About DMZ Tour: +82-2-318-0345
DMZ Tour
DMZTour.com provides DMZ Tour-specialized services.
No.1 Choice! DMZ Morning Tour – DMZ Tour
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JSA Tour
Panmunjeom Morning Plan (Joint Security Area)
₩ 87,000 View details
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Panmunjeom + DMZ Combined Tour
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Make an unforgettable DMZ Tour today!
Visit historic sites and watch the scars and wounds of the Korean War
Walk into tunnels dug by North Korea to invade the South
Discover the most well-preserved ecological area in the world
DMZ : Background & Ecology
The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is the buffer zone between North and South Korea. DMZ was established in July 27th. 1953 when the armistice was agreed during the 1950-53 Korean War. The DMZ is 250 kilometers long along the 38th parallel and about 4 kilometers wide. Unlike its name, DMZ is the most heavily militarized border in the world, deploying massive troops and weapons from the two nations along the DMZ.
[Source : Wikipedia.org]
The DMZ has been isolated from people more than 6 decades now. This natural isolation along the 250km (160mi) length of the DMZ has made the area the most well-preserved ecological area in the world with nearly 3,000 plant species, 70 types of wild animals such as Siberian tigers and Amur leopards and 320 kinds of birds such as red-crowned cranes and white-naped cranes.
About Korean War
JSA : Definition
North and South Korea are still technically at war to this day. This is the only place on earth where a civilian enter an active war zone. JSA (Joint Security Area) is located in Panmunjeom near the western end of the DMZ. JSA has served as a meeting-point for North Korea and South Korea for critical political and economic negotiations. The JSA is the only zone where the South and North face each other without a wall or a barbed-wire fence in a disarmed/unarmed state. It is also a special district, without an administrative jurisdiction of the parties of the South and North. The JSA is the only area that is under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Emergency Force by the ROK army (around 350 personnel) and the United States Military (around 250 personnel) from within 155 miles of the ceasefire line.
Within the JSA; North of the Military Demarcation Line, 20 centimeters in width, Panmunjeom is located where the summit of South and North Korea and the military armistice conference took place.
Recommended Tour Packages
Seoul / Korea
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NLL Special Military Tour Package
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Our staff are ready to serve you in a quick and accurate way 24/7. They are more than happy to assits you with anything you might have.
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Fax. 82-2-318-0426, E-mail - booking@cosmojin.com, Book online or over the phone!.
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Eurozone Trade Surplus Smaller than Expected in March
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 26.9 billion in March 2018 from EUR 28.5 billion in the same month of the previous year, and missing market expectations of EUR 27.9 billion.
Exports of goods to the rest of the world dropped by 2.9 percent to EUR 199.9 billion in March from last year's all-time high of EUR 205.9 billion, while imports declined at a softer 2.5 percent to EUR 173.0 billion, also from a record high of EUR 177.4 billion in March 2017. Intra-euro area trade decreased 0.6 percent year-on-year to EUR 170.5 billion in March.
Considering the first quarter of the year, the trade surplus widened to EUR 49.4 billion from EUR 42.9 billion in the same period of 2017, as exports grew 2.5 percent to EUR 555.7 billion and imports increased 1.4 percent to EUR 506.3 billion.
Meanwhile, the European Union trade surplus widened to EUR 11.5 billion in March from EUR 8.7 billion a year ago. Exports went down 2.4 percent to EUR 172.1 billion from EUR 176.4 billion in March 2017, while imports fell 4.2 percent to EUR 160.6 billion from EUR 167.7 billion.
In January-March, the EU trade deficit decreased to EUR 6.1 billion from EUR 9.1 billion in the same period of 2017. Exports went up 1.5 percent to EUR 471.4 billion, boosted by higher sales of chemicals (7.5 percent), other manufactured goods (3.1 percent), energy (2 percent); and machinery and vehicles (0.2 percent). By contrast, exports fell for both food and drink (-2.4 percent) and raw materials (-2.3 percent). Exports grew to the US (2.2 percent); China (0.6 percent); Russia (3 percent); Turkey (13.8 percent); but dropped to Switzerland (-5.3 percent). Imports rose at a slower 0.8 percent to EUR 477.4 billion, boosted by purchases of energy (5.5 percent), other manufactured goods (1.1 percent), and machinery and vehicles (1 percent). Meanwhile, imports fell for food and drink (-5.2 percent), chemicals (-3.9 percent) and raw materials (-1.5 percent). Imports rose mainly from China (3.1 percent), Turkey (6.8 percent) and Russia (0.5 percent), but declined from the US (-5.2 percent) and Switzerland (-4.9 percent).
Eurostat | Joana Ferreira | joana.ferreira@tradingeconomics.com
The Euro Area trade surplus widened to EUR 23.0 billion in May 2019 from EUR 16.9 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year and easily beating market forecasts of a EUR 16.3 billion surplus. Exports went up 7.1 percent from a year earlier and imports advanced at a slower 4.2 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Bigger than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 15.7 billion in April of 2019 from EUR 17.1 billion in the same month of the previous year, still beating market expectations of a EUR 8.8 billion surplus. Imports rose 6.6 percent and exports increased at a softer 5.2 percent. Considering the first quarter of the year, the country’s trade surplus decreased to EUR 59.6 billion from EUR 63.6 billion in the same period of 2018.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Larger than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 22.5 billion in March 2019 from EUR 26.9 billion in the same month of the previous year, still beating market expectations of a EUR 19.9 billion surplus. Imports rose 6.0 percent and exports increased at a slower 3.1 percent. Considering the first quarter of the year, the country's trade surplus decreased to EUR 43.5 billion from EUR 46.5 billion in the same period of 2018
Eurozone Trade Surplus Bigger than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus widened to EUR 17.9 billion in February 2019 from EUR 16.5 billion in the same month of the previous year, easily beating market expectations of a EUR 12.3 billion surplus.
Eurozone Posts Surprise Trade Surplus in January
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 1.5 billion in January 2019 from a revised EUR 3.1 billion in the same month of the previous year, defying market expectations of an EUR 8.0 billion deficit.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Narrows in December as Exports Fall
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 17.0 billion in December 2018 from EUR 24.5 billion in the same month of the previous year.
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 19.0 billion in November 2018 from EUR 23.4 billion in the same month of the previous year, still comfortably above market expectations of EUR 13.7 billion.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in October
The Euro Area narrowed to EUR 14.0 billion in October 2018 from EUR 17.8 billion in the same month a year earlier. Exports rose 11.4 percent year-on-year while imports increased at a faster 14.8 percent.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Narrows as Exports Fall
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed sharply to EUR 13.1 billion in September 2018 from EUR 25.3 billion in the same month of the previous year.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in August
The trade surplus in the Euro Area decreased to EUR 11.7 billion in August of 2018 from EUR 15.24 billion a year earlier and compared with market consensus of EUR 15.3 billion. It was the smallest trade surplus since January, as imports advanced 8.4 percent year-on-year to EUR 169.8 billion and exports rose at a softer 5.6 percent to EUR 181.5 billion. Intra-Euro trade increased to EUR 140.7 billion, up by 5.1 percent compared with August last year.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Falls in July
The trade surplus in the Euro Area declined to EUR 17.6 billion in July of 2018 from EUR 21.6 billion a year earlier and compared with market expectations of EUR 18 billion. Imports jumped 13.4 percent year-on-year to EUR 177.1 billion, the second-highest value on record. Exports rose at a softer 9.4 percent to EUR 194.6 billion. Intra-Euro Area trade rose to EUR 162.3 billion, up by 9.3 percent compared with July 2017.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in June
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 22.5 billion in June 2018 from EUR 25.7 billion in the same month a year earlier, well above market expectations of EUR 18 billion. Imports rose 8.6 percent and exports increased 5.7 percent.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Below Forecasts as Exports Fall
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 16.5 billion in May 2018 from EUR 19.3 billion in the same month of the previous year. The latest figure came in well below market expectations of a EUR 20.9 billion surplus due to a drop in exports.
Eurozone April Trade Surplus Larger than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus widened to EUR 16.7 billion in April 2018 from EUR 15.7 billion in the same month of the previous year, and beating market expectations of EUR 14.2 billion.
Eurozone February Trade Surplus Smaller Than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus widened to EUR 18.9 billion in February 2018 from EUR 16.1 billion in the same month of the previous year, but missing market expectations of EUR 20.2 billion.
Eurozone Trade Balance Back to Surplus in January
The Euro Area recorded a EUR 3.3 billion trade surplus in January of 2018, switching from a EUR 1.4 billion deficit a year earlier. It compares with market expectations of a EUR 22.6 billion surplus. Exports rose 9.1 percent and imports went up at a slower 6.3 percent.
Eurozone December Trade Surplus Smaller than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 25.4 billion in December 2017 from EUR 27.6 billion in the same month of the previous year, missing market expectations of EUR 30.2 billion.
Eurozone Posts Largest Trade Surplus in 8 Months
The Euro Area trade surplus widened to EUR 26.3 billion in November 2017 from EUR 23.8 billion in the same month of the previous year, easily beating market expectations of EUR 22.4 billion. It was the largest trade surplus since March.
Eurozone October Trade Surplus Smaller than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 18.9 billion in October 2017 from EUR 19.2 billion in the same month of the previous year, way below market expectations of EUR 24.6 billion.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in September
Euro Area's trade surplus increased to EUR 26.4 billion in September of 2017 from a EUR 24.3 billion surplus a year earlier. It is the highest surplus ever for a September month.
Eurozone August Trade Surplus Smaller than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 16.1 billion in August 2017 from EUR 17.5 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year and way below market expectations of EUR 23.3 billion.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Narrows Less than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 23.2 billion in July 2017 from EUR 24.8 billion in the corresponding month of the previous year. Still, the reading came in above market expectations of EUR 21.4 billion.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Falls 8% YoY in June
The trade surplus in the Euro Area narrowed to EUR 26.6 billion in June of 2017 from a EUR 28.9 billion surplus a year earlier. Exports rose 3.9 percent while imports increased at a faster 6.2 percent. Considering the first six months of the year, the trade surplus decreased to EUR 107.7 billion from EUR 129.3 billion as imports jumped 11.6 percent and exports rose 7.9 percent.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Narrows In May
The Euro Area trade surplus narrrowed to EUR 21.4 billion in May of 2017 from a EUR 23.4 billion surplus a year earlier. Exports went up 12.9 percent to €189.6 billion and imports rose 16.4 percent to €168.1 billion.
Euro Area April Trade Surplus At 3-Year Low
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to EUR 17.85 billion in April of 2017 from a EUR 26.63 billion surplus a year earlier. It is the lowest surplus for an April month since 2014. Exports went down 2.8 percent year-on-year, the first decline in six months while imports rose 2.7 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Hits Record High
The Eurozone trade surplus widened to a record high of €30.9 billion in March 2017 from €28.2 billion surplus in the same month of the previous year and above market expectations of €17.8 billion. Exports increased 13 percent to €202.3 billion and imports went up 17 percent to €171.4 billion.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows In February
The Eurozone trade surplus declined to €17.8 billion in February 2017 from €18.2 billion surplus in the same month of the previous year while above market expectations of €16.2 billion. Exports increased 4 percent to €163.2 billion while imports went up at a faster 5 percent to €152.6 billion.
Eurozone Posts Biggest Trade Gap Since 2013
The Eurozone trade balance shifted to €0.6 billion deficit in January 2017 from €4.8 billion surplus in the same month of the previous year. It was the first trade gap since January of 2014 and the biggest since January of 2013. Exports increased 13 percent to €163.9 billion while imports went up at a faster 17 percent to €164.5 billion.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Widens In December
The Eurozone trade surplus rose to €28.1 billion in December 2016 from €24.4 billion in the same month of the previous year and above market consensus of €22.8 billion. Exports increased 6 percent to €178.6 billion while imports went up at a slower 4 percent to €150.5 billion.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Widens Ahead Of Expectations
The Eurozone trade surplus rose to €25.9 billion in November 2016 from €22.9 billion in the same month of the previous year, above market consensus of €22 billion. Exports increased 6 percent while imports went up at a slower 5 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Below Expectations In October
The Eurozone trade surplus decreased to €20 billion in October 2016 compared to a €23.2 billion in the same month of the previous year, and below market consensus of €29 billion. Exports decreased 5 percent while imports dropped 3 percent. Considering the first ten months of the year, the trade surplus increased to €223.8 billion, compared with €191.4 billion in the same period of 2015.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Widens in September
The Eurozone trade surplus rose 37.8 percent to €26.5 billion in September 2016 compared to a €19.2 billion in the same month of the previous year, above market consensus of €22.5 billion. Exports increased 2 percent while imports dropped 2 percent. Considering the first nine months of the year, the trade surplus increased to €204.8 billion, compared with €169.1 billion in the same period of 2015.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in August
The trade surplus in the Euro Area increased to €18.4 billion in August of 2016 from a €11.2 billion surplus a year earlier and above market estimates of a €15.3 billion. Exports recovered, rising the most in 14 months and imports increased for the first time in six months although at a slower pace.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in July
The Eurozone trade surplus fell 18.6 percent to €25.3 billion in July 2016 compared to a €31.1 billion in the same month of the previous year, but beating market expectations of €25 billion. Exports declined 10 percent while imports dropped at a slower 8 percent. Considering the first seven months of the year, the trade surplus increased to €160.6 billion, compared with €140.9 billion in the same period of 2015.
Eurozone Trade Surplus at 11-Month High
The trade surplus in the Euro Area increased 14.9 percent year-on-year to € 29.2 billion in June of 2016 as exports decreased 2.2 percent while imports shrank at a faster 5 percent. Figures compare with market forecasts of a € 25.8 billion surplus. It was the biggest trade surplus since July last year.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens 34.4% YoY in May
The Eurozone trade surplus increased 34.4 percent year-on-year to €24.6 billion in May of 2016 compared to €18.3 billion surplus a year earlier, beating market expectations of €23 billion. Imports fell 2 percent while exports rose 2 percent. Considering the first five months of the year, the trade surplus increased to €105.3 billion, compared to €85.9 billion in the same period of 2015.
Euro Area Trade Surplus at Record High For The Month of April
The Eurozone trade surplus widened 31.5 percent year-on-year to €27.5 billion in April of 2016. It is the highest trade surplus for an April month on record as imports fell at a faster pace than exports due to decline in oil prices.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens to 8-Month High
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to €28.6 billion in March of 2016 compared to a €19.9 billion surplus a year earlier, beating market expectations of €22.5 billion. It was the highest reading since July last year, as exports fell 3 percent while imports dropped at a much faster 8 percent. Considering the first quarter of the year, the trade surplus increased to €53.9 billion, compared with €46.8 billion in the same period of 2015.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows Slightly in February
The trade surplus in the Eurozone decreased slightly to €19 billion in February of 2016 from a € 19.9 billion surplus a year earlier. Both exports and imports increased, recovering from falls in January.
Euro Area Trade Surplus at 2-Year Low in January
The Eurozone trade surplus narrowed to €6.2 billion in January of 2016 from €7.1 billion a year earlier, the lowest since January of 2014 and below market expectations of €9.0 billion. Exports fell 2 percent and imports edged down 1 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens 2.5% in December
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to €24.3 billion in December of 2015 compared to a €23.7 billion surplus a year earlier but missing market expectations of €27.5 billion, as both exports and imports rose 3 percent. Considering full 2015, the trade surplus increased to €246.0 billion, compared with €184.3 billion in 2014.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens Slightly
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to €23.6 billion in November of 2015 compared to a €20.2 billion surplus a year earlier. Exports recorded the highest annual gain in four months and imports rebounded.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in October
The Eurozone trade surplus widened to €24.1 billion in October of 2015 from €22.4 billion a year earlier, as exports grew 1 percent while imports were nearly stable.
The Eurozone trade surplus widened to €20.2 billion in September of 2015 from €17.4 billion a year earlier, as exports grew 1 percent while imports dropped 1 percent.
The Eurozone trade surplus widened to €11.2 billion in August of 2015 from €7.4 billion a year earlier, as exports surged 6 percent year-on-year while imports increased at a slower 3 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Up to Fresh Record High
The Eurozone trade surplus widened to €31.4 billion in July of 2015 from €21.2 billion a year earlier, jumping to a new record high. Exports surged 7 percent year-on-year while imports increased only 1 percent due to cheaper energy.
Euro Area Trade Surplus at Record High
The Eurozone trade surplus widened 65 percent over a year earlier to €26.4 billion in June of 2015, the highest surplus on record as exports rose at a faster pace than imports.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in May
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to € 18.8 billion in May of 2015 from a € 14.7 billion surplus a year earlier, as exports of goods were up 3 percent while imports were stable.
The trade surplus in the Eurozone increased to €24.9 billion in April of 2015 from a € 14.9 billion surplus a year earlier. It is the highest surplus on record, due to a 9 percent surge in exports.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in March
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to € 23.4 billion in March of 2015 from a € 16.1 billion surplus a year earlier, as exports of goods were up 11 percent and imports grew at a slower 7 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in February
The Eurozone trade surplus increased to € 20.3 billion in February of 2015 from a revised € 7.6 billion in January and a € 14.4 billion surplus a year earlier. Exports rose 4 percent year-on-year helped by a weak Euro while imports were flat.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in January
The trade surplus in Eurozone increased to €7.9 billion in the first month of 2015 from a €0.83 billion surplus a year earlier. While exports showed no growth, imports fell 6 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Hit Record High
The Eurozone recorded a €24.3 billion surplus in December of 2014, up from a revised € 21.2 billion in the previous month and a € 13.6 billion surplus a year earlier. It is the highest surplus on record due to a surge in exports.
Euro Area Reports €20 Billion Trade Surplus in November
The Eurozone recorded a €20 billion surplus in November of 2014, down from record high of €24 billion in previous month but up compared to €16.5 billion surplus a year earlier.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens to Record High
Eurozone trade surplus increased to € 24 billion in October of 2014 from a € 16.5 billion surplus a year earlier, driven by higher exports. It is the highest surplus on record.
The Eurozone trade surplus increased 71.3 percent year-on-year to € 18.5 billion in September of 2014, driven by a surge in exports.
Eurozone Trade Surplus Widens in August
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in August 2014 gave a €9.2 billion surplus, compared with +€7.3 billion in August 2013. Yet, compared with the previous month, the trade surplus narrowed 57 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in July
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in July of 2014 gave a €21.2 billion surplus, compared with +€18.0 billion a year earlier. Exports rose 3 percent while imports increased at a slower 1 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus At 7-Month High
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance in June of 2014 gave a € 16.8 billion surplus, compared with a € 15.7 billion surplus a year earlier. Exports rose 3 percent while imports increased at a slower 2 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens for Second Straight Month
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in May of 2014 gave a €15.4 billion surplus, compared with a €14.6 billion surplus a year earlier as exports rose marginally and imports fell slightly.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in April
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in April 2014 gave a 15.7 billion euro surplus, compared with +14.0 billion in April 2013 as imports decreased less than exports.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in March
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade balance gave a € 17.1 billion surplus in March of 2014 down from a € 21.9 billion surplus a year earlier, mainly due to a fall in exports.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in February On Rising Exports
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in February of 2014 gave a € 13.6 billion surplus, compared with € +9.8 bn in February of 2013. The January 2014 balance was € +0.8 bn.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in January
Euro Area recorded a € 900 million trade surplus in January of 2014, compared with a € 13.8 billion surplus a month earlier, as imports surged 8.6 percent. January's reading is above the € 5.4 billion deficit recorded in the same month last year.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in December
In December, Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €13.9 billion from a revised €17.0 billion in the previous month but was up from €9.8 billion a year earlier. During 2013, Euro Area trade in goods recorded a surplus of €153.8 billion, compared with €79.7 billion in 2012.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Increases in November on Falling Imports
In November of 2013, Euro Area trade surplus widened to € 17.1 billion, up from a revised € 16.8 billion in the previous month and € 12.5 billion a year earlier. Non-seasonally adjusted exports fell by 2.2 percent on the year to € 160.8 billion, while imports shrank by 5.5 percent to € 143.7 billion. Extra-EU 28 trade balance was a € 3.4 billion surplus.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens 57% MoM in October
In October of 2013, Euro Area's trade surplus in goods rose to 17.2 billion €, compared with 9.6 bn € in October of 2012 and 10.9 bn € a month earlier. From September to October, exports rose 8.8 percent to 172.2 billion € while imports grew 5.2 percent to 154.9 billion €. Extra-EU28 trade balance was a 4.3 bn € surplus, compared with -10.2 bn a year earlier and a deficit of -0.7 bn € in September.
In September of 2013, Euro Area’s trade surplus in goods increased to €13.1 billion, from €8.6 billion a year earlier. Exports rose by a non seasonally adjusted 2.7 percent on an annual basis, while imports remained unchanged.
In August, the Euro Area trade balance in goods with the rest of the world rose to €7.1 billion, compared with €4.6 bn in August of 2012. Exports were up 1.0 percent on the year and imports edged up 0.2 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens as Exports Rise
In July, the Euro Area trade balance in goods with the rest of the world rose to €18.2 billion, compared with €13.9 bn in July of 2012. Exports were up 3.0 percent on the year while imports were broadly unchanged.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in June
In June, the Euro Area trade balance in goods with the rest of the world rose to €17.3 billion, compared with €12.8 bn in June of 2012. Exports fell 3.0 percent on the year but were offset by a steeper fall in imports of 6.0 percent.
In May, the Euro Area trade balance with the rest of the world registered a €15.2 billion surplus, compared with €6.6 bn in May of 2012. The April balance was €14.1 bn, compared with €3.3 bn in April of 2012. The increase in the trade surplus is mainly driven by falling imports, down 6 percent yoy, as exports remained broadly unchanged.
In April, the first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world gave a € 14.9 billion surplus, compared with € 3.3 bn in April 2012. Exports increased 9 percent yoy while imports rose 1 percent. Compared with March 2013, seasonally adjusted exports fell 0.8 percent while imports rose 0.5 percent.
The Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in March 2013 gave a € 22.9 billion surplus, compared with +6.9 bn in March 2012. The February 2013 balance was +10.1 bn, compared with +1.2 bn in February 2012. In March 2013 compared with February 2013, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 2.8 percent while imports fell by 1.0 percent.
Euro Area Posts Trade Surplus in February
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in February 2013 gave a 10.4 billion euro surplus, compared with +1.3 bn in February 2012. The January 2013 balance was -4.7 bn, compared with -9.2 bn in January 2012. In February 2013 compared with January 2013, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 0.1 percent while imports fell by 2.1 percent.
Euro Area Trade Deficit Narrows Year-on-Year in January
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in January 2013 gave a 3.9 billion euro deficit, compared with -9.1 bn in January 2012. The December 2012 balance was +10.8 bn, compared with +8.0 bn in December 2011. In January 2013 compared with December 2012, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 2.0 percent and imports by 3.1 percent.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in December
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in December 2012 gave a 11.7 bn euro surplus, compared with +8.0 bn in December 2011. The November 2012 balance was +13.0 bn, compared with +4.9 bn in November 2011. During 2012, euro area trade in goods recorded a surplus of 81.8 bn euro, compared with -15.7 bn in 2011. The EU27 recorded a deficit of 104.6 bn in 2012, compared with -162.7 bn in 2011.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in November
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in November 2012 gave a €13.7 bn surplus, compared with +4.9 bn euro in November 2011 according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
Euro area international trade in goods surplus of €10.2 billion from €9.5 billion in September according to a release by the Eurostat
The first estimate for the euro area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in September 2012 gave a 9.8 bn euro surplus, compared with +1.7 bn in September 2011.
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in August 2012 gave a 6.6 bn euro surplus, compared with -5.7 bn in August 2011.
The first estimate for the Euro Area trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in July 2012 gave a 15.6 bn euro surplus, compared with +2.1 bn in July 2011.
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in June 2012 gave a 14.9 bn euro surplus, compared with +0.2 bn in June 2011.
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in May 2012 gave a 6.9 bn euro surplus, compared with -1.2 bn in May 2011. The April 2012 balance was +3.7 bn, compared with -4.5 bn in April 2011.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in April
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in April 2012 gave a 5.2 bn euro surplus, compared with -4.5 bn in April 2011. The March 2012 balance was +7.5 bn, compared with +0.9 bn in March 2011.
Euro Area External Trade Surplus Widens in March
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in March 2012 gave a 8.6 bn euro surplus, compared with +1.0 bn in March 2011. The February 2012 balance was +2.3 bn, compared with -2.9 bn in February 2011. In March 2012 compared with February 2012, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 0.9% and imports by 1.1%.
Euro Area Reports Trade Surplus in February
The first estimate for the euro area1 (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in February 2012 gave a 2.8 bn euro surplus, compared with -2.8 bn in February 2011. The January 20122 balance was -7.9 bn, compared with -16.1 bn in January 2011.
Euro Area Reports Trade Deficit in January
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in January 2012 gave a 7.6 bn euro deficit, compared with -16.1 bn in January 2011.
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in December 2011 gave a 9.7 bn euro surplus, compared with -1.7 bn in December 2010.
The first estimate for euro area (EA17) trade with the rest of the world in November 2011 gave a 6.9 bn euro surplus, compared with -2.3 bn euro in November 2010. The October 2011 balance was +1.0 bn, compared with +3.1 bn in October 2010. In November 2011 compared with October 2011, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 3.9%, while imports remained stable.
The first estimate for euro area (EA17) trade with the rest of the world in October 2011 gave a 1.1 bn euro surplus, compared with +3.1 bn euro in October 2010. The September 2011 balance was +2.7 bn, compared with +0.3 bn in September 2010.
Euro Area Reports Trade Deficit in August
The first estimate for euro area (EA17) trade with the rest of the world in August 2011 gave a 3.4 bn euro deficit, compared with -6.3 bn euro in August 2010. The July 2011 balance was +2.5 bn, compared with +4.6 bn in July 2010. In August 2011 compared with July 2011, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 4.7% and imports by 2.7%.
The first estimate for euro area (EA17) trade with the rest of the world in July 2011 gave a 4.3 bn euro surplus, compared with +51 mln euro in June 2011.
Euro Area Reports Trade Surplus in June
The first estimate for euro area (EA17) trade with the rest of the world in June 2011 gave a 0.9 bn euro surplus, compared with +0.7 bn euro in June 2010.
Euro Area Reports Trade Surplus in March
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade balance with the rest of the world in March 2011 gave a 2.8 bn euro surplus, compared with a deficit of 3 bn in February 2011.
Euro Area Records Trade Deficit in February
The first estimate for the euro area (EA17) trade balance with the rest of the world in February 2011 gave a 1.5 bn euro deficit, compared with +1.4 bn in February 2010.
Euro Area Trade Deficit Narrows In December
Euro Area seasonally adjusted trade deficit declined to EUR 2.3 billion from EUR 3.2 billion in November.
Euro Area Trade Deficit Narrows in November
The first estimate for the euro area (EA16) trade balance with the rest of the world in November 2010 gave a 0.4 bn euro deficit, compared with +3.1 bn in November 2009.
Euro Area Trade Surplus Rises to 6.7 bn Euro
The first estimate for the euro area (EA16) trade balance with the rest of the world in July 2010 gave a 6.7 bn euro surplus, compared with +11.9 bn in July 2009.
Gasoline 1.8747 0.00 -0.01%
Soybeans 882.5347 0.25 0.03%
Orange Juice 101.50 1.55 -1.50%
EURO AREA United States United Kingdom Euro area China Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Channel Islands Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Costa Rica Cote d Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Asia and Pacific East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Euro area European Union Europe and Central Asia Faeroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Palestine Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda Samoa Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Asia South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
Zew Economic Sentiment Index
Consumer Confidence Price Trends
Economic Optimism Index
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Brooke Owens fellowship winners talk representation in UT aerospace engineering
By Tien Nguyen - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 10:16 pm
For the second year in a row, a UT aerospace engineering student has won the Brooke Owens Fellowship, a highly competitive program that selects 36 women in engineering across the nation and matches them with paid internships at aerospace companies and organizations.
Students to run, spend night on streets for fundraiser for homeless
By Brenna Hinshaw - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 10:13 pm
UT students Nick Salameh and Nick Villareal will be running 15 miles per day for five days straight from May 27-31 to raise money for the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless.
Have a record from underage drinking? UT law students help for free
By Laura Doan - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:11 am
The Expunction Project, administered by the Mithoff Pro Bono Program, invited students charged with one offense — like possession or consumption of alcohol as a minor or the use of a fake ID — under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
New initiative helps women in STEM negotiate salaries
By Natalie Venegas - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:10 am
The American Physical Society hosts the traveling workshop at colleges around the nation to introduce professional women in physics to students.
Student Government passes legislation supporting apology to Wallace Hall, permanently establishing Gender Inclusivity Coalition
By Hannah Ortega - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:08 am
The assembly resolution, proposed April 9, encourages SG to apologize to Hall, who investigated UT’s admissions procedures and served on the UT System Board of Regents from 2011 to 2017.
UT students prepare for arctic expedition
By Caroline Cummings - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:06 am
Government freshman Zoe Lansbury and studio art freshman Oluwaseyi Odufuye will be going on the 12-day expedition, led by explorers Robert and Barney Swan. Lansbury said she wants to get a better understanding of what is happening to the environment through firsthand experiences.
UT needs more bike parking, students say
By Bonny Chu - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:05 am
There were about 7,000 spaces for the 9,200 registered bikers in 2017, according to the report.
Texas Hillel hosts Israel Block Party as Palestine Solidarity Committee protests Israeli occupation
By Laura Morales - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:03 am
The annual Israel Block Party is a student-led event sponsored by Texas Hillel, a Jewish community organization for students. The Palestine Solidarity Committee, a Palestinian activist group, protested what they say is Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory throughout the event.
Landscape services works to revitalize East Mall
By Nicole Stuessy - Updated on April 24, 2019 at 12:00 am
Last weekend, UT Landscape Services installed new grass and crushed stone along sections of the mall to widen the walkways and allow student tabling without further damaging the lawn, landscape supervisor Mike Klemmer said
UT gun violence prevention activists open up about harassment
By Libby Cohen - Updated on April 23, 2019 at 11:49 pm
House Bill 357, which would allow Texans to openly carry a handgun without a permit, was withdrawn April 5 after a pro-gun activist visited the homes of lawmakers, such as House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton.
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From Massive Catalyst Initiatives to Small-Scale Neighborhood Renewal
Dallas continues to reinvent — by building upon its legacy, mixing old and new, both compact and spacious, the city's growth continues to foster dynamic interactions.
As the urban center of North Texas, Dallas has the right mix of places for everyone.
Redevelopment Spotlight
A Legacy of Success
Since 1989 with the creation of the city's first TIF district, the Office of Economic Development has been building a successful toolbox for urban redevelopment projects.
Our staff has unequaled expertise at fostering complex public-private partnerships for unique real estate projects.
DALLAS TAX-INCREMENT FINANCING PROGRAM: A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
From the first TIF District (State-Thomas) to the twentieth (Mall Area Redevelopment), the Office of Economic Development has worked with private developers and investors to deliver.
Real property values have increased 238.8% compared to the base year across all districts;
Nearly 30,000 new residential units have been built over the life of the districts, with nearly 7,500 more units under construction;
10.1 million square feet in new commercial space has been completed, including office, retail and flex spaces, with 3.6 million sq. ft. under construction;
The TIF program has helped to add 4,000 hotel rooms, with another 1,500 currently under construction.
In FY 2016, the TIF program delivered $270 million in combined value of new construction or major renovations.
REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESS STORIES
Whether re-imagining a historic building or creating new infill development to complete a neighborhood, the Office of Economic Development and your development team can make even the most complex projects endure. Here are some examples.
Success Story: State-Thomas TIF District
Located north of downtown Dallas, the State-Thomas TIF District was the first in the city, created by Dallas City Council in 1988. At the time, Uptown was a low-density commercial area and the area within the TIF district was 95% vacant. The district was retired in 2008, after facilitating the construction of over 2,700 new residential units with improved infrastructure and high-quality urban design standards that created modern urban Dallas.
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Success Story: Cityplace Area TIF District
A transit-oriented, mixed-use urban neighborhood spanning North Central Expressway, the Cityplace Area TIF district was successfully retired in 2012 after generating over $600 million in private investment. Home to the West Village and Cityplace Market, the area now boasts over 5,000 residential units and the headquarters of two of the City's most high-profile corporations - Dean Foods and The Richards Group. A DART light rail station and the McKinney Avenue Trolley Authority provide alternative transportation choices, and the famous Katy Trail serves as the district's western border.
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Flemington fillies to bridge gap on Finland
Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien is the first to admit Miss Finland is the one to beat in Saturday’s Group 2 Blazer Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) but is confident his pair My Only Hope and Juste Momente can edge closer.
Miss Finland defeated her stablemate Anamato in the Group 3 Tranquil Star Stakes (1400m) last start, and had a couple of lengths to spare over My Only Hope and Juste Momente in third and fourth respectively.
And while both horses meet the top filly worse at the weights this time, O’Brien is confident his gallopers will improve over the extra ground.
My Only Hope, a Redoute’s Choice filly, is fitter for two runs from a spell, placing both times, while Juste Momente has wound up late in both her runs this campaign.
“At the weights and on her record, Miss Finland should be even money again,” O’Brien said. “But I couldn’t be happier with my pair. They worked together at Flemington yesterday and worked first class and both have trained on well since their last runs.
“They have been specifically aimed at the longer races and stepping up to the mile on Saturday hopefully we can bridge some of that gap.”
O’Brien said Juste Momente, by Giant’s Causeway from the Danehill mare Skates, has always indicated she would make a staying filly and is being aimed at the Thousand Guineas, Wakeful Stakes and ultimately the Crown Oaks during Cup week.
He was confident My Only Hope would get the mile but wasn’t sure whether she would stay the Oaks trip.
Along with the two fillies O’Brien will have a big team engaged on his home track on Saturday, including Demerger in the feature race – the Turnbull Stakes (2000m).
The mare, who has drawn barrier 19 and to be ridden by Nick Ryan, is fitter for one run from a spell and is being aimed at the Moonee Valley Cup and Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Valedictum will tackle the Group 3 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) up the straight, but might need the run, according to O’Brien, after a slight set-back that forced him to miss a run.
Sir Lago and Galen are staying colts who are being aimed at the Victoria Derby and will run in the Citrus Internet Handicap (1800m), while Threedee, unbeaten in two runs for the stable before a spell, will run in the Peter Rowland at Flemington Handicap (1400m).
by Jason Hickson - RacingandSports.com.au
Read the full article here at RacingandSports.com.au
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DVD title: Next Stop Wonderland
Romantic, entertaining and humorous...
without ever losing it's sparkling pace and balance; it never becomes sappy or maudlin. Fully rounded and believable characters, all actors who "deliver the goods". The Brazilian soundtrack is the icing on the cake.I loved this; I had to buy it because it's ALWAYS out on loan at my local video stores.
Director: Brad Anderson (II)
Hope Davis
Alan Gelfant
DVD title: Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)
A simply amazing movie, even by today's standards
This review is for the Two-Disc Special Edition released in 2001 by Warner Brothers.
Of course to many, this is considered to be the greatest movie ever made. I personally think Casablanca, the first two Godfather epics, and Chinatown are better, and possibly several others, but still, Citizen Kane is undoubtedly one of the great masterpieces of Hollywood. The movie generated a lot of controversy and mystique in its day with the alleged conflict it created with newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. The film was also a groundbreaking movie technically with the great depth of field shots and upward camera angles showing rarely seen ceilings.
The story line is about the life of the world's richest man. First, we find a young Kane who falls backward into a fortune, one that he initially wishes to have no part of, but is cajoled by his parents and his financial trustee to grab this opportunity of a lifetime. When Kane is finally old enough to have full control of his vast wealth, he elects to become involved in the newspaper business. His reasoning is that he believes he has a moral obligation to report the truth and protect and help the people who can not help themselves. Kane even goes as far as publishing a "Declaration of Principals". Of course from that point on, we view a man gradually corrupting himself until he's finally a completely broken man. There are many moral lessons found in this movie which is another reason why it's such a great classic.
There are countless memorable scenes in this film and many great quotes. The greatest line of course is the last dying word of Kane and that is the word, "Rosebud". From that point on, the movie revolves finding the meaning behind that mysterious word. Some of the other great quotes include, "If I hadn't been very rich, I might have been a really great man." Another of one of my all time favorites is, "You're right Mr. Thatcher. I did lose one million dollars last year. I expect to lose one million dollars this year. I expect to lose one million dollar next year. You know Mr. Thatcher, at the rate of one million dollars a year, I'll have to close this place -- in 60 years."
Since the movie is so convoluted with flashbacks, plus it contains strange camera angles, visually captivating scenes and brilliant dialogue, it's nearly impossible to appreciate with just one or even two viewings. That is why I would strongly recommend buying the 2 DVD Special Edition package. This is actually the third time I've seen this movie. The first time was in the mid-80's on the big screen in an art theater. The second time was on VHS cassette. In both cases, as I recall, the video image and the sound were poor and it made it difficult to appreciate and follow the film. However, Warner's DVD transfer is perfect and the black and white tones are superb. You will see some film damage in the newsreel portion of the movie, but that was intentionally done when the film was released to convey the illusion of an old, archived film. The bonus features are also wonderful. This is probably the third or fourth release of this movie on DVD and this edition is well worth the extra $10 or so for the superior image and sound quality, plus the extra CD bonus material which goes into great depth about Hearst and Wells and examines the great conflict between the two. Anyone who appreciates truly great movies should have this particular DVD edition in their collection.
Movie: A+
DVD Quality: A+
Director: Orson Welles
DVD title: In Good Company (Widescreen Edition)
QUAID AND GRACE PROVIDE GOOD COMPANY
What's so refreshing about IN GOOD COMPANY is is lack of predictability and cloying sentimentality. Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace are marvelous as the protagonists of the movie, and they get fine support from Marg Helgenberger and Scarlet Johannson. The relationships that develop form the heart of the movie, and it is both comic and bittersweet. Grace is a revelation as he captures the youth but competitive aggression of a new boss, and Quaid captures the frustration in having to work for someone half his age. All in all, a very entertaining and well done film.
Director: Paul Weitz
DVD title: Papillon
Great Movie... Great DVD!
I had seen this movie once on a black/white TV when I was young with my dad. As I remember, I was shocked and thought provoked by this movie at that time. With this memory, I just watched it again in almost 25 years now in color and even on DVD. Again with my dad, trying to recollect the old experience.
Wow... The transfer to DVD was more than great. I thought the quality is even better than The Matrix. Thank you WB for the sincere efforts. I and my 71 year old dad really had sweet hours with this movie on DVD, which also has good extras. I think this movie is a forever classic and the DVD is Da Bomb. If you think you're a movie lover, this is definietly worth getting without hesitation. Good price also.
Director: Franklin J. Schaffner
DVD title: The Matrix Reloaded (Full Screen Edition)
Mind Boggling
After seeing the first Matrix I knew I had to see the second. Reloaded brings so many new questions and new ideas that the mind could go on arguing what is going on for hours. It's action packed with more Kung Fu than the last and the digital effects are awesome. Not to mention the most suspenseful scene I have ever seen! (The Freeway of course) The script is just incredible. Most people know the The Matrix is about Birth-The second, Reloaded, is about life and what the people of Zion and the main characters of the movie go through. The entire trilogy one can sit with and debate hours over without getting bored. This movie I could watch over and over again.
DVD title: The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 7
We Like it Very Much!
Three new Comedy Central Episodes and a Sci-Fi episode
thrown in for good measure! My only reservation is, I already
have first generation VHS copies of three of the four, just
my bad luck I guess.
Four very funny episodes, so order now and avoid the rush!
407 - The Killer Shrews - "I think this movie just broke the goofy-meter."
408 - Hercules Unchained - "Uh I forgot how my muscles work"
410 - Hercules Against the Moon Men - "Oh wait, he can bend steel but he can't break through a net?"
816 - Prince of Space - "No one can resist my, uh, things"
Studio: Wea Corp
DVD title: Angel - Season Five
A great ending for the best show
Despite the losing of about almost every main character in it's final season (but what do u expect working for W&H), I would have to say that the final season of Angel was one of the best. I loved the chemistry between Spike and Angel, even though I hated Spike in just about every season of Buffy except 2&7, I loved him in Angel's final season. The puppet episode was so great (I do not have puppet cancer!), how can you cancell a show after an episode like that? And the episode with the crazed slayer Dana was also one of my favorites, and we get to see Angel and Spike bond a little at the end of that ep. (just a little). The great 100th ep. "You're Welcome" was the best way to bring back our beloved Cordy, and the end where Angel and Cordy finally get that kiss they were always supposed to have before the powers that be and Conner stepped in. And the episode "A Hole in the World", what can I say except that we will all miss our country love Fred. It was probably one of the most touching episodes in the season. And the Series Finale "Not Fade Away", I loved it! Despite the cliffhanger ending, I think Angel couldn't have ended better. I almost like Angel's ending better than Buffy's. The touching moment between Illyria and Wesly in the final episode was great, it finally showed that Illyria had more of that human emotional crap, as Wesly put it, than she orignally claimed. The only dissapointment that comes with this season is, we get this great new character Illyria, but then 7 eps. later the show is over and we never get to see her grow into the person maybe she could have been. Oh and of course the other dissapointment, is that it ended too early. DAMN THE WB.
DVD title: Kaleido Star - Welcome to the Kaleido Star (Vol. 1)
This anime has some of the most beautiful artwork I have ever seen. The colors are amazing, the opening song is catchy, and the style is great. It's also very good natured and clean cut; the only pervert is the Phantom of the Stage, and he makes you laugh, not cringe. The potential love interest, Ken, is genuinely sweet and kind, there is a kindly policeman who pops up at just the right moments, and the "bad" characters are only bad because they are harsh to the protagonist,Sora, not because of any unforgivable offenses on their part. The plot is somewhat predictable, requiring minimal brain activity, but the show does not become boring. A sincere, smile-provoking DVD.
Studio: A.D. Vision
DVD title: Spartacus
Get hold of this for the extras!
I have reviewed this film at length, with links available under external reviews at the IMDB; however, I want to encourage readers to check out the Criterion Special Edition for the extras. The best feature on the 2nd disk is an interview with Peter Ustinov where he tells some of the background "dirt" behind Sparatus--hilariously scrunching up his face and immitating the great Charles Laughton to tell us about the ego wars that Laughton conducted with Sir Laurence Olivier.
Then by all means turn on the main commentary to hear original author Howard Fast (fired from writing the screenplay by Douglas for being too slow) absolutely rip into Douglas for his acting. I had to recue it to make sure I heard some of these criticisms correctly--far different fare than the usual promotional tone of most commentaries. The others offering commentaries are uncensored in their criticism as well, so count this as the most honest and refreshing commentaries on the market!
DVD title: Rowing Through
Rowing is often overlooked as a sport
Rowing is a rigorous sport and extremely competive on both personal and team levels. This film looks at this sport and shows what it takes to row and be competetive.
Studio: Vanguard Films
Director: Masato Harada
Tribute to John Coltrane
Verdi - Un ballo in maschera / James Levine, The Metropolitan Opera
So Dear to My Heart (Disney Gold Classic Collection)
Killing Mr. Griffin
Great Guy
The Skulls (Collector's Edition)
Gorgo
Pacific Inferno
The Alfred Hitchcock Collection II
Tea Party: Illuminations
Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker
Karaoke Sing-Along: Spanish Love Songs
Kids in the Hall - Brain Candy
Carnival of Souls/Horror Hotel
Wonders of the Deep
The Twilight Zone - Vol. 27
Carnosaur Collector's Set
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Salem's Lot
Music Scene - The Best of 1969-70
Peace Hotel
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Heartsrevolution Reveal Debut Album
New York pop duo Heartsrevolution have been on the scene for several years now, but they've yet to release a full-length. That will change on April 15 when they issue their debut album, Ride or Die, through OWSLA in North American and Kitsuné internationally.
The pair — who are known for touring in an ice cream truck covered in Swarovski crystals — have previously released a string of EPs and mixtapes. Some of the 14 songs that appear on Ride or Die previously appeared on a 2013 EP, also called Ride or Die.
According to a press release, the songs "are a blend of bubble-gum pop sensibilities with Riot Grrrl ferocity that explores childlike innocence along with a visceral revolutionary spirit." New York rapper Esso appears on "Final Destination."
Scroll past the tracklist below to stream the title track and "Kill Your Radio."
Ride or Die:
1. Iscream Bombs
2. Ride or Die
3. Kishi Kaisei
4. KISS
5. Battleships
6. Digital Suicide
7. Kill Your Radio
8. Vertigo
9. Brillianteen
10. Heart vs. the Machine
11. Generation wh(Y)
12. Heaven's Gate
13. Final Destination (ft. Esso)
14. We Out...
More Heartsrevolution
Heartsrevolution Switchblade EP
After a year of re-releasing single "C.Y.O.A., NYC-based duo Heartsrevolution have finally, well, re-released something else: their five-so...
Heartsrevolution Tour the UK in Ice Cream Truck, Line Up Canadian Dates
New York duo Heartsrevolution have announced they'll use an ice cream truck as transportation for their upcoming UK tour. Beginning tomorrow...
Heartsrevolution "Choose Your Own Adventure (C.Y.O.A.)"
As their name suggests, Ben and Lo love hearts, as well as unicorns and ice cream. In fact, they love ice cream so much that Lo even bought...
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Were these Trump's most heated exchanges with reporters yet?
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday clashed with CNN´s White House correspondent Jim Acosta, branding him a "rude, awful person" in a testy exchange. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused Acosta of "placing his hands" on the intern.
"President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration", said Sanders in a statement this evening.
It followed an unusually contentious press conference held by President Trump in the East Room of the White House in which the president called Acosta "a rude, bad person". During the intern's final attempt, as she tried to pull the microphone away, Acosta's hand appeared to briefly brush her arm.
Trump was dodging Acosta's questions regarding a wide range of subjects, including the Russian Federation investigation and the group of migrants traveling from Central America toward the USA, when a White House intern walked up to take his microphone away.
'CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. That's enough. That's enough. Because of Acosta's combative exchange with President Donald Trump at his post-midterms press conference.
CNN, The New York Times, and multiple other agencies falsely claimed that Acosta had not touched the White House aide, even in the face of video evidence.
Many in the media industry were furious with Ms Sanders for sharing the video, including one of Mr Acosta's colleagues. "This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better", CNN said.
And CNN has slammed the White House for its actions. "The country now stands not far from where it was when Mr Trump won his shocking victory in 2016: deeply divided in its politics as well as its views of the 45th president", said the article.
Читайте также: Attorney General Jeff Sessions submits resignation letter
'The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is frightful, ' he said.
In response, Acosta said, "This is a lie".
That didn't stop Acosta from talking but Trump moved on, calling on NBC's Peter Alexander.
The president then told Mr Acosta to sit down and to put down his microphone.
But not satisfied with his response, Acosta attempted to ask another question about the investigation into Trump's alleged links with Russian Federation.
In another article-which was published as a conversation between columnists Frank Bruni and Ross Douthat-in The New York Times, Douthat pointed out that throughout the 2016 campaign, Republicans were hopeful that "Trump would start behaving a little more like a normal politician, or just a normal human being".
The White House Correspondents' Association called the yanking of Acosta's pass "out of line" and "unacceptable".
In a statement Wednesday night, CNN said that Sanders "provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened". Waving his finger, Trump berated him.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday clashed with CNN´s White House correspondent Jim Acosta, branding him a "rude, awful person" in a testy exchange. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused ...
http:///2018/11/09/were-these-trumps-most-heated-exchanges-with-reporters-yet/
Democrats seek emergency hearings on Trump’s ouster of Jeff Sessions
As for the reports on Trump, if Whitaker suppresses them, the House Judiciary Committee could subpoena them and make them public. Earlier, at a White House news conference, Trump said the Mueller investigation was not good for the United States.
Ariana Grande's new song references exes Davidson, Miller
Davidson went on to describe Grande as a " wonderful, strong person " and wished her all the happiness in the world. After pouring her heart out through song, Ariana feels "empowered", Frankie added.
How Sheikh Mohammed finally lived his Melbourne Cup dream
This is everybody's dream", said Appleby, who also prepared Godolphin's first Epsom Derby victor , Masar, for his victory in June. Godolphin first entered the Melbourne Cup in 1998 with Faithful Son and has more than 900 runners a year in Australia alone.
Protests in North Alabama after Jeff Sessions forced to resign
Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and has overseen his probe from the beginning will stay in his post, according to the official. In pushing out his attorney-general, the President cast aside one of his earliest and strongest supporters.
Thugs of Hindostan movie tweet review
All that glitters is NOT gold... "Taran Adarsh wrote on his Twitter, " #OneWordReview ... #ThugsOfHindostan: DISAPPOINTING. With an excellent occupancy across the country, let's take a look at how the movie fared at the box office on its day 1.
'Breaking Bad' film coming, but will Walter White be in it?
The New Mexico film industry and Sony Pictures Television have worked together on both " Breaking Bad " and " Better Call Saul ". We'll have to wait to find out whether this mystery source is actually accurate - but the setting certainly makes sense.
Xiaomi AirDots (Youth Edition) officially launched
Xiaomi Mi AirDots Youth Edition look different from the AipPods; they support Bluetooth 5 .0 and weigh 4.2 g each. Expanding its diverse portfolio of products, Xiaomi has launched the new AirDots wireless earbuds.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: US Supreme Court judge fractures ribs in fall
Ginsburg, who was appointed by president Bill Clinton in 1993, is one of four liberal justices on the nine-member court. In 2014, Ginsburg had a stent placed in her right coronary artery and has survived cancer multiple times.
Iran draws sting from oil prices
India has invested heavily in developing Chabahar, which provides strategic access not just to Iran but Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Thousand Oaks shooting: 'Hero' policeman Sergeant Ron Helus among 12 killed
Long was armed with a Glock 21, a.45-caliber created to hold 10 rounds plus one in the chamber, according to the sheriff. The last words Jason Coffman told his son, Cody Coffman, were "I love you", before he went to Borderline Bar and Grill.
Mourinho hails 'fantastic' Manchester United win over Juventus
This time he had another win to celebrate, after watching his team fight back from Cristiano Ronaldo's spectacular opening goal. The Portuguese superstar immediately ran to the corner flag, lifted up his shirt and pointed at his impressive stomach muscles.
Southgate defends decision to honour Rooney
It was also confirmed that the 33-year-old would not wear his usual number 10 shirt and would not captain the side. He said: "There's still a long way to go but hopefully I can stay fit and healthy and score a few more goals".
Half polls closed voters pit Trump strength Dem resistance
The mid-term elections are called the midterms because they come at the midpoint of the President's four-year term in office. It was widely expected that if the Republicans padded its current two-seat majority, it would do so only modestly.
Is College Basketball Already Too Easy For Zion Williamson, Duke Freshmen?
The game marked the first time Kentucky faced a ranked opponent in a season opener since a 79-71 overtime loss to Clemson in 1995. Freshman wing Tyler Herro added 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. "I think he could be because of his natural ability".
Women, and Especially Women of Color, Made History Last Night
In the first major race called Tuesday night, Lou Leon Guerrero was elected as Guam's governor, becoming the first woman to do so. Newcomer Ayanna Pressley of MA who ousted a 10-term incumbent in the primary will become the first black congresswoman from MA .
Boeing Warning Provides New Clues Into Lion Air 737 Max Crash
Boeing said it is cooperating fully and providing technical assistance as the investigation continues. The committee has said they were dealing with an "erroneous airspeed indication".
CNN's Acosta owes Trump White House staffer an apology
However, as noted by Acosta and many others, the people travelling within the "caravan" are still hundreds of miles from the U.S. The official Twitter account posted a statement which read: "This President's ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far".
Milan Pavkov's Brilliant Long Range Shot Gives Red Star 2-0 Lead
We played good balls in, in the right moment. "We have to make sure it doesn't happen again". On whether he's concerned at Liverpool losing both away games so far in the group ...
Le’Veon Bell explains what is behind his upside-down tweets
Bell remains absent from the team, though it was believed he would join the team following its upcoming game against Carolina. But most people don't take the time to just simply read between the lines & that's clearly on them.
Tesla overlooks James Murdoch for chairman role vacated by Elon Musk
The move is part of the deal with the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle claims that CEO Elon Musk misled investors. Neither Musk nor Tesla admitted or denied the SEC's findings as part of the settlement.
Richard Sherman reacts to Dez Bryant signing with New Orleans Saints
Since that banner year, Bryant has posted just 150 catches, 2,035 yards and 17 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Right now, the Saints are converting more than 71 percent of their red zone appearances offensively into touchdowns.
‘Trolling Isn’t for Me’: Virat Responds to ‘Leave India’ Backlash
The message did not go down well with Kohli who answered - "I don't think you should live in India , go and live somewhere else". India first play a three-match T20I series, which will be followed up with a four-match Test and a three-match ODI series.
Elon Musk shows off his disturbingly long tunnel on Twitter
This is critical to make pricing as affordable as possible", Musk wrote on Twitter. The company also received a similar permission from the authorities of Chicago .
Viktoria Plzen vs. Real Madrid - Football Match Report
Viktoria Plzen enters Tuesday's match looking for its first win in the Champions League this season. "It's a decision I've made. Solari's Real Madrid are preparing to go against Plzen in a Champions League group clash on Thursday.
Andrew Gillum vs. Ron DeSantis
DeSantis' comments drew widespread criticism and became a theme in the general-election contest. Accusations of race-baiting dogged Kemp, 55, and DeSantis , 40, who denied the allegations.
NetEase and Blizzard Entertainment Co-developing Diablo Immortal(TM)
He followed up that information with: "We still have multiple Diablo teams working on multiple unannounced Diablo projects". Kotaku has updated its story, claiming that the video does exist, but the timeline of Blizzard's announcement isn't clear.
Up to eight feared dead in Marseille building collapse
Supreme Court ends legal fight over Obama-era net neutrality rules
Dead brothel owner Dennis Hof wins Nevada election
Midterms: Did Meghan Markle vote? Kensington Palace refuses to confirm
Russian fighter jet leaves US Navy crew in 'DANGER' with pass-by
Democrats pick up more seats after taking control of House
At least 11 people injured in California bar shooting
BATE Borisov v Chelsea: Eden Hazard in squad for Europa League tie
FDA approves opioid painkiller 1000 times stronger than morphine
U.S. military rejected White House request to build migrant detention facilities
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Communicative and Information Resources as a Form of Regulation of Social Processes
Author: Elena V. Avdeeva, Elena A. Nazarova
Avdeeva Elena Vyacheslavovna, postgraduate student, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation (e-mail: avd@niiss.ru);
Nazarova Elena Alexandrovna, Dr. Sci. (Soc.), Associate Professor, Department of public relations and media policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (e-mail: ea.nazarova@migsu.ru)
Abstract. The functioning and development of society and social systems are associated with the concept of ‘social resources’, where a special role is delivered to information and communication resources. They are used as tools for the implementation of informational and psychological influence on society. They form the basis of communication and information relations between government and society, which we consider necessary for a consistent dialogue. This, in turn, positively affects the growth of confidence in the current government, political and civil activity of the population and decentralization of power.
A special place in information and communication resources should be allocated to mass media that is an important tool in disseminating information and shaping public perceptions. Hence, mass media has the opportunity to shape ideas, meanings, stereotypes, which influences the members of society and guides them in future decision-making. Thus, the media provides an invisible non-conflict impact on mass consciousness, in other words society as a whole. The state, using communication and information technologies to build a continuous exchange of information with the citizens, gets a flexible and timely response to social processes in society.
Keywords: social resources, communication, information, knowledge, communication and information resources, information continuum, communication and information relations
For citation: Avdeeva E. V., Nazarova E. A. Communicative and information resources as a form of regulation of social processes. Communicology. Volume 5. No. 5. P. 86-95 DOI 10.21453/2311-3065-2017-5-5-86-95
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Habermas J. (2008). Otnoshenija k miru i racional'nye aspekty dejstvija v chetyreh sociologicheskih ponjatijah dejstvija [Relations to the world and rational aspects of action in the four sociological concepts of action] / Transl. T. Tyagunova. In: Sociological Review. Vol. 7. No. 1. P. 23. (In Russ.).
Habermas J. (1984). What is universal pragmatics? Communication and the evolution of society. Polity Press. P. 27-28, 68. (In Russ.).
Dzhakupova S.K. (2009). K rekonstrukcii ponjatija kommunikacii v sociologii Ju. Habermasa: metateoreticheskie osnovanija [To the reconstruction of the concept of communication in the sociology of Y. Habermas: metatheoretical bases]. In: Sociological review. Vol. 8. No. 3. (In Russ.).
Kratkij filosofskij slovar' [Brief philosophical dictionary] (2004) / A.P. Alekseev, G.G. Vasilyev et al. M.: TK Velbi; Prospekt. 496 p. (In Russ.).
Bogatyreva E.A. (2007). Kommunikativno-informacionnaja priroda politicheskogo liderstva gosudarstva [Communicative-informational nature of political leadership of the state]: the dissertation ... Cand. Sci. (Pol.). Moscow. 170 p. (In Russ.).
Konceptual'nye osnovy nauchnogo obespechenija izuchenija global'nogo informacionnogo prostranstva (2014) [Conceptual foundations of scientific provision for the study of the global information space] (2014) / V.V. Makarov, V.I. Gusev. In: Liberal Arts in Russia. Vol. 3. No. 4. P. 282-289. (In Russ.).
Castells M. (2000). Informacionnaja jepoha: jekonomika, obshhestvo i kul'tura. [The Information Age: economy, society, and culture]. Moscow. P. 37, 40, 502-503. (In Russ.).
Toffler E. (2003). Metamorfozy vlasti [Metamorphoses of Power]. Moscow: ACT Publishers. P. 40-43. (In Russ.).
Nalimov V.V. (1993). V poiskah inyh smyslov [In search of other meanings]. Moscow. 221 p. (In Russ.).
Delokarov K.H., Demidov F.D. (1999). V poiskah novoj paradigmy. Sinergetika. Filosofija. Nauchnaja racional'nost' [In search of a new paradigm. Synergetics. Philosophy. Scientific rationality]. Moscow. (In Russ.).
Bogatyreva E.A., Bogatyreva T.G. (2014). Liderstvo kak kommunikativnyj fenomen: k voprosu o kommunikativnoj kompetentnosti gosudarstvennoj vlasti [Leadership as a communicative phenomenon: to the question of communicative competence of state power]. In: Communicology. Vol. 2, No. 66. (In Russ.).
Bourdieu P. (1993). Sociologija politiki [Sociology of Politics]. Transl. and ed. by O.N. Shmatko. Moscow. P. 82-137. (In Russ.).
Lippman U. (2004). Obshhestvennoe mnenie [The Public Opinion]. Moscow. P. 157-190. (In Russ.).
Lazarsfeld P. (1944). The People's Choice: How the Voter Makes Up His Mind in a Presidential Elections. NY: The Free Press.
Klapper J. (1961). The Effects of Mass Communication. NY: The Free Press. P. 8
Categories: Communicology-2017-5-5, Elena A. Nazarova, Elena V. Avdeeva
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The Three Wives of Bluebeard
by Annabeth Leong
The cruel captain Bluebeard marries Mollena moments after her father’s burial, only to brutalize her and abandon her in his isolated mansion. Her only consolations are dream visits from two beautiful, seductive women and her explorations through her husband’s mysterious house. But Bluebeard forbade Mollena from the door locked with the small, gold key—and that’s the one place her dream lovers want her to go. (F/F, M/F)
Genres: Bisexual, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, GLBT, Historical, Horror, Lesbian, Paranormal
Collections: Bi Magic, Clandestine Desires, Wicked Fairy Tales
Cover Art Credits: Adapted from art by Arthur Rackham.
Proofreader(s): JhP323
Serialization Date: January 2, 2016
Archive(d) on January 16, 2016
Tags: f/f, ghost, Liquid Longing, m/f, Short Story, Wicked Fairy Tales
Infidelity, Non-Monogamy
Oral Sex, PiV, Tit Play
F/F, F/M, Threesome, Virginity
Positive End
Partner Abuse, Prisoner
Bigotry, Creature, Necro, Supernatural
“Am I dreaming?” Mollena asked again.
“A little bit yes and a little bit no,” the woman said.
Mollena had forgotten about the light woman until she laughed. “Cecily is so enjoying being mysterious with you,” the light woman said. She, too, settled on the bed beside Mollena. The soft warmth from the two women’s bodies set off a fierce longing in Mollena. “I’m Francine. You are dreaming, but this is a true dream, and we are not figments of your imagination.”
“You live in this house?” Mollena asked.
“We used to,” Francine said.
“Now who’s being coy?” Cecily said. She flopped away from the group, rolling her eyes. “We still live here, in every way that matters.” Cecily’s delicate black eyebrow arched. “We live here body and soul.”
“Why don’t I see you when I’m awake?”
Francine stopped Cecily from answering and shushed Mollena with a soft, sweet kiss on the lips. She stroked her, slipping her hands into Mollena’s nightgown and caressing her breasts and sides. After a moment, Mollena surrendered to the sensation, letting her head press deep into the pillow and arching her back. “You want something, don’t you?” Francine said, giggling.
“Yes,” Mollena managed.
Francine’s fingers began to move along her belly, tickling and teasing as they went. But Cecily sighed loudly and trapped Francine’s wrist before the light woman could satisfy the desire that had begun to bud in Mollena. “Don’t distract her,” Cecily said. “Let her ask her question.” She turned to Mollena, easing Francine’s hands away in the process. “What was it you wanted to know, dear heart?”
“Do you live in some other part of the house?” Mollena said, looking from one to the other. “Why haven’t I seen you during the day?”
“You could look for us,” Cecily offered. “With all those keys, you’ll certainly find something.”
Francine scowled at the dark-haired woman. “Don’t tell her to do that. Why don’t you ask Bluebeard about us?”
“That idea’s no better,” Cecily said. “If you don’t want her to look for us, then I suppose you should just go on distracting her.”
Mollena shook her head. She couldn’t think clearly through the haze of the dream and the intoxicating presence of the two women. “I don’t understand,” she said. “Who are you?”
Francine smiled sadly at Mollena. “There’s no distracting her,” she told Cecily.
“Well, of course not,” Cecily said. “And you don’t really want her distracted. You want her to look for us, you just don’t want to admit it.” Cecily patted Mollena’s cheek. “You won’t have any trouble finding us if you want to, my sweet.”
Mollena tried to protest and ask more questions, but both women settled close to her, undoing her nightgown completely. Cecily nibbled Mollena’s left nipple, while Francine suckled at the right. Thought fled Mollena completely as the clarity of the dream dissolved into a sensual swirl.
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July 9, 2015 - 1 minute read
Boston Business Journal – By Eric Convey on July 8, 2015
A libertarian-leaning Boston think tank says in a new report that a state law preventing agencies from outsourcing work has cost taxpayers nearly half a billion dollars over the past 18 years in MBTA bus-related costs alone.
The Pioneer Institute states in its analysis of the the measure commonly referred to as the Pacheco Law that the MBTA could have realized $450 million in savings related to bus maintenance since 1997 if officials had let the agency outsource work.
“Since rejection of the bus contracts and another contract that would have provided free bus shelter maintenance, the T has understandably never tried to contract out any more services,”Pioneer Institute Research Director and former Massachusetts Inspector General Greg Sullivan said in a prepared statement.
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Indicators PIE emphasizes the importance of each indicator rather than any one indicator taking priority
Global Current Issues and Trends: July 2019
The Global Boom in New Indicators
Re-Creation
Total non-farm payroll employment increased in May by 75,000 while downward revisions in April and March were 75,000 less than reported earlier. The US government shutdown in January caused the temporary layoffs of the 800,000 federal employees, contractors and service businesses affected by the shutdown. The national unemployment rate remains at 3.6%. Unemployed persons rose to 5.9 million. In 2018 the economy continued the rate of 2016 job gains which totaled 2.2 million. Job gains in 2019 averaged 164,000 per month. Market volatility increased with uncertainties, with ever more indexes, ETFs and largely due to computerized algorithmic and high-frequency trading. Fears of global recession grew with slowdown due to trade wars and the US fed policy on further interest rates. The US economy still might be jeopardized as Trump’s tariff wars escalate further and global markets weaken or threats trigger further reprisals. The “blue wave” of 40 new Democrats now in Congress are bringing many changes in domestic and foreign policy. All their new oversight hearings on the executive branch amid administration stonewalling are not slowing the rest of the legislative agenda.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration widened the vacuum in global geopolitics, with China rapidly expanding its influence and investments including deals with Russia and in the Tran-Eurasian Belt and Road and across Africa. The US withdrawal from the Iran 6-party nuclear agreement and the Paris Climate agreement, see “Climate Risking the Trump Brand” had little effect on COP24 in Katowice, Poland which reached agreement on rules to implement national plans on accelerating shifts to cleaner energy to protect the Earth’s climate. The new US Congress spurred by the IPCC report created a Select Committee on Climate and launched a resolution for shaping an economy wide shift to clean energy and jobs their Green New Deal. Ethical Markets along with many of our partners, including the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) support this resolution.
The newly renamed NAFTA deal expected to restore certainty is now threatened by new Trump tariffs. Germany’s Angela Merkel will step down as Chancellor, leaving France’s Emmanuel Macron still viewed as a leader of the free world despite policy mis-steps and domestic turmoil over now canceled diesel taxes. President Xi of China is recognized without term limits as a leader of the world’s second most powerful country. Trump’s unorthodox behavior vis-à-vis Russia still obscured by Attorney General William Barr’s withholding and distorting of the full Mueller report, can now be seen in light of recent indictments of Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen and Roger Stone, and Trump’s debts to Deutsche Bank. These were arranged by its executive who is also the son of retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. Trump was also negotiating to build a Trump Tower in Moscow since 2015 and during the 2016 campaign. New Congressional investigations based on the Mueller report and continued US political uncertainties are likely to keep stock market volatility high and many analysts see signs of recession in 2020.
South Korea’s rapprochement with North Korea continues with the USA taking a back seat to China. The Trump-Kim Jong Un talks in Singapore and their failures in Hanoi produced US concessions to North Korea and are considered a win for China. The “decertification” of the Iran nuclear accords by Trump seems largely due to his National Security Adviser John Bolton while the EU and other 5 members remaining in the deal have founded a new barter facility to continue trade with Iran. This sets a higher bar for any eventual de-nuclearization with Kim Jong Un, as well as a destabilizing effect on world security. The other 5 nations who are staying in the agreement still hope Iran also will continue to stay in compliance., while US “waivers” of its Iran sanctions are permitting sales of Iran’s Oil. Promiscuous US use of sanctions will likely affect the hegemony of the US dollar. The continuing upheaval in Venezuela shut down PDVSA and is causing immense hardship to Venezuelans as President Maduro hangs onto power with the help of Russia and factions in the military.
New evidence of Russian propaganda on social media and interference in November 2016 elections are documented by media analyst Katherine Hall Jamieson in “Cyberwar: How Russian Hackers and Trolls Helped Elect a President What We Don’t, Can’t, and Do Know (2018). Hearings by the Senate Intelligence and other Committees continue on the need to re-design social media to protect US elections and users’ rights. Testimony from Facebook and Twitter top executives is seen as inadequate while Google failed to appear and now faces walkouts by staff at its facilities worldwide on fairness issues. Senator Warner, ranking member opined that social media’s “Wild West days” were ending. The regulation of social media giants and their monopolistic business models have led to a bi-partisan approach and calls for their breakup on anti-trust grounds. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar call for anti-trust enforcement to break them up and may force sale of recently acquired competitor companies.
The US labor force participation in May was unchanged at 62.8% while the employment population ratio was also unchanged at 60.6%. While the official unemployment rate is 3.6%, it is 6.2% for African Americans, with Asians down to 2.5%, adult women at 3.2% and Hispanics at 4.2%. GDP growth in Q1 of 2019 rose by 3.1% to the surprise of most economists, since 1% point was due to falling imports and rising exports, while another .7% was due to inventory changes. Some see the need for re-structuring the BLS models to account for the changing economy, automation driven productivity and the rise of the “gig” economy. Labor market statistics are notoriously subject to revision. In May there were 338,000 discouraged workers with another 1.4 million marginally attached to the labor force. Wall Street is continuing to absorb the Fed’s long-awaited gradual rate increases from zero in 2015, and now closely watching Jerome Powell, Fed chairman, criticized by Trump and how these higher rates are continuing to stress emerging economies. Powell’s continuing “patience” leaving rates unchanged was welcomed by surging stock market reactions, still expecting further Fed “puts”!
The markets rally continued after Trump’s electoral college victory with tax cuts pumping stocks due to buy-backs but political uncertainties and the new tariffs causing huge spikes in volatility. Expectations are on hold for an infrastructure plan in the new Congress, focusing on green technologies and bi-partisan support growing for a Green New Deal, for example, see “Greening Trump’s Infrastructure Plan”. The Electoral College instituted by US founders to keep small states, some slave-owning, in the Union ratified Trump’s electoral win over Hillary Clinton’s almost 3 million popular vote advantage. Increasing calls by Congress members to abolish the Electoral College are accompanied by many states now endorsing conformity with the national popular vote. Republican donors worry about trade wars but continue funding Trump’s re-election including from gun-loving hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and others. Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination process for the Supreme Court has politicized this 3rd branch of the US government as many states enact punitive laws on womens’ rights so as to attack Roe V. Wade. Many in the US, Europe and in worldwide polls are concerned over Russia’s hacking and propaganda in many countries designed to weaken democratic values and exacerbate political divisions. (“Concern Over Trumps Tweets Growing”). The cultural change over revelations of unfair treatment of women in their workplaces and the “Me Too” movement brought many women candidates into the new Congress and for the 2020 presidential race.
Market optimism persists despite debt levels and global weakness which are expected in 2019, due to Europe’s refugee crisis, Brexit, US political uncertainty, yet the European elections brought better news, see my “Paradigm Shift In European Elections”. Brazil’s rightwing government and still-turbulent oil markets in spite of OPEC’s pledge to cut production continue to worry internationalists. Meanwhile high net-worth investors, family offices and private equity funds shun public markets now dominated by ETFs, indexes and robo-investing by algorithms (see my video presentation to Family Office Forums in Asia March 5, 2019). Business Week reported on “The Brexit Short” on how Nigel Farage and an associated polling firm sold early results to a group of hedge funds, enabling them to make millions on shorting the UK pound.
Global public markets often resemble casinos as LSE professor Nick Silver describes in “Finance, Society and Sustainability”, and investor Joel Solomon discusses in the “The Clean Money Revolution” (2018). They are dominated by index funds, ETFs and models focusing on narrow groups of “fashionable” stocks, all of which drives up excessive valuations while ignoring the broader market. These markets are not reflective of the real economies in the USA and economist Mariana Mazzucato points to their erroneous theories and models in “The Value of Everything”. We make similar points and financial risks of science-denial in our latest report “Transitioning to Science-Based Investing”. We supported the new IEX exchange in the USA with its “speedbump” blocking the electronic-front running of high-frequency traders. Markets are now faced with new regulations under the EU, see “Who’s Afraid Of MiFID 2: Fixing Wall Street’s Broken Plumbing”, as well as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affecting social media giants.
Payrolls increased in May: average hourly earnings were $27.83 while the average for non-supervisory private sector was $23.38. Market players now focus more on wage growth, while up 3.2% since 2017, still on its inadequate historic trend of 2.5% annually with the average work week in May was unchanged at 34.4 hours. Many jobs remain unfilled due to regional mismatches and lack of trained workers. While job totals appear high, many are low-paid or in the gig, part-time economy and pay less than living wages. Many across all political ideologies, are now recognizing that wage growth is key to maintaining aggregate demand, and that economic reforms addressing inequality will be needed to stem the global tide of “populist” backlash against money-obsessed globalization, measured only by GDP. Grassroots groups and many companies worldwide now prefer the UN’s new systemic metric SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) to steer real, more equitable progress, as tracked in Ethical Markets-GlobeScan Polls. See our 2019 TV Program “Steering Societies from GDP to SDGs”.
Financial markets are still avoiding real world risks of fresh water shortages and climate change as I reported in Risks! What Risks?. Central banks’ tools are exhausted as I discussed in Ben Bernanke and Milton Friedman Were Right: Helicopter Money or Qualitative Easing? and many calls for governments to step up with fiscal spending, particularly on infrastructure were echoed by the OECD. Financiers and media reporting are still ignoring the destabilizing role of computers, increased human training of machine learning, miscast as artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms (see my “Let’s Train Humans First”). Our report on high-frequency trading’s many “flash crashes” and the need for Reforming Electronic Markets and Trading, is now an official UN document. This UN Inquiry covered the disruptions to traditional finance by fintech and IT startups in which Ethical Markets participated (see my “FINTECH; The Good and Bad News for Sustainable Finance”). New threats to the 2020 US election on social media giants Facebook, Google and Twitter of Russian fake news and propaganda, as well as terrorist sites examined by both Houses of the US Congress continue as the scandals of data breaches and misuse of Facebook users’ personal information by Cambridge Analytica came to light. Cambridge Analytica funded by hedge fund mogul Robert Mercer, with Steve Bannon on its board, declared bankruptcy on May 2, 2018, while its US-based holding company replicated its activities with launching five similar new companies for such divisive psychographic targeting of citizens. Meanwhile Steve Bannon advises right-wing electoral campaigns in many countries and stays in contact with Donald Trump regularly.
The USA economy is still unevenly shared as I note in “Facing Up to Inequality”. The economy is still the top worry of voters as well as the growing inequality gap between Wall Street and Main Street, with these anxieties still drive much of the debate. For example, they are concerned as to what extent corporations are fair as found in the survey by JUST Capital founded by hedge fund executive Paul Tudor Jones, who has announced that his firm will lower its fees, see Just Capital’s 100 Leading Companies, 2019. Job losses from automation and global outsourcing are dwarfed by policy decisions and economic concentration as big companies merge, driving small businesses into bankruptcy, see for example, May’s retail jobs remained flat after April’s job losses of 12,000 jobs as Amazon grows. Algorithms take over decisions in many areas of our lives: who gets hired or fired —leading to the new “bias in-bias out” update of the old computer phrase “garbage-in-garbage-out”.
Rising sea levels along the US Eastern seaboard and in South Florida concerned The Palm Beach Post, showing a picture of water-logged roads around Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and other properties on this “billionaire’s row”. Bloomberg reported that pessimistic owners are selling to optimists. This augers losses of jobs and population in Florida with creative responses by mayors and local officials despite lack of leadership. Incoming Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Florida’s new Chief Scientist! The aforementioned IPCC Scientific Report on climate change and that mandated by Congress affirms human activities driving the still rising levels of CO² in the Earth’s atmosphere. See also: 2018 EPA Government Climate Change Indicators.
It has been difficult to find information on government jobs, but they are now included in the main BLS summary. Changes in government jobs are key to understanding the state of the economy. Total government jobs in May 2019 were down to 22,514,000 after April’s estimated at 22,547,000 with social assistance adding 26,000 jobs in April. As FEMA and other local governments still tackle the devastation of hurricanes Michael, Harvey and Irma and the tragic deaths of up to 3,000 citizens due to lax response to Maria in Puerto Rico as well as losses the Virgin Islands — these jobs may increase. We report on these government jobs to correct misstatements by some politicians that “government doesn’t create jobs – only the private sector creates jobs”. The Economist report on May 26, 2018, cast doubt on the use of Household Surveys since response rates are plummeting and changes commenced in January 2019 along with revisions to the Establishment Survey.
Trade issues are in focus for voters and both parties acknowledge the plight of those dis-employed by corporations offshoring jobs, such as announced by General Motors, as well as continuing US trade deficits. The March 2019 US International Trade in Goods and Services released May 9, 2019, showed the goods & services deficit was $50 billion (up from February’s $4.93 billion). March imports were $262 billion, and exports were $212 billion. Off-shoring and jobs losses via automation are a growing concern, discussed in our TV program Robot’s Taking Over: What Will Humans Do?
The politicization of the Supreme Court after the death of Justice Anton Scalia and deeper issues remain as discussed in Time To Re-Balance The Corporate-Friendly Supreme Court and Aligning the Supreme Court with the US Constitution, well as in the magisterial history “We The Corporations” (2018) on how companies took over in the USA. Proposals to expand the now politicized court from its 9 members and ending the Electoral College will be debated in the 2020 elections. Many states have mandated that their Electoral Colleges simply follow the national popular vote and may well be in a majority by 2020. Continuing unrest exists across the USA over the degraded public election debate influenced by Russian hacking confirmed again in January 2019 by 17 U.S. intelligence agencies as well as fake news, police brutality and shootings of unarmed African American citizens, unresponsive legal systems as well as Trump’s still contested travel ban – all damaging the USA’s reputation worldwide. The USA lag in internet access and broadband ranks the USA at 28th worldwide behind many emerging economies. (See also my “New Trends in Globalization”)
Meanwhile wages for middle class families still need to close the gap between most workers and the 1% winners. California became the first state to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with several companies following suit while Los Angeles City Council will ask voters to approve a municipally-owned bank to by-pass Wall Street. The some ten percent of Americans invested in the stock markets were doing well with financial activities and professional, technical and business services adding another 33,000 jobs in May along with 76,000 jobs in April, totaling 391,000 jobs over the past 12 months. The rest who rely on lower-wage jobs in the real economy for their income had their spending constrained.
Job growth in healthcare added 16,000 jobs in May, adding 498,000 jobs in the past 12 months. Job cuts if Obamacare is ever fully repealed are estimated at some 900,000, with many rural hospitals closing. Now the individual mandate is gone, undermining the program, more proposals for single-payer and “Medicare for All” are emerging among Democratic candidates for president and in The American Prospect, Jan. 2018. Demand for restoring purchasing power to minimum wages was widely supported even in the “red” states for the White House increase to $10.10 an hour. A survey of the US public in October by JUST Capital found majorities supporting better pay and conditions for US workers. Seattle became the first city to offer $15 an hour in June 2018
Employment in retail, transportation, warehousing, information and mining we unchanged. Some mining activities such as coal are phasing out as with the bankruptcy of coal companies including giant Peabody. As we at Ethical Markets point out with our EthicMark® GEMS standard, global gem mining is now obsolete and unnecessary since science now creates cultured diamonds and other gems in laboratories in many countries, as also reported in The Economist, July 1, 2016, and NPR, December 1, 2016. De Beers reported a 32% decline in its diamond sales in 2015 and announced in May that it too will begin selling cultured diamonds. The human and environmental hazards of mining gems are recognized in several UN resolutions on “blood diamonds,” while Russia recently dumped a large quantity of mined diamonds – tanking the global market, as documented in “Beyond Bloodstained Gems: New Science and Standards”.
Consequences of budget cutting, and “austerity” are seen in the job losses we have witnessed in Europe. The US tax cut lowering corporate rates to 21% is now followed by Republican calls to cut safety nets and so-called, “entitlements”. These tax rate cuts have already kicked off a new “race to the bottom” as other countries cut their rates to compete “Trump Just Kicked Off a Global Tax War”, AlterNet, Dec. 2017. The migrant crises are forcing EU decision-makers to choices about the costs of absorbing these refugees fairly in member countries or a loss of solidarity in the EU itself. Many British voters still express remorse on Brexit as well as much consternation in the EU. The populist victory in Italy rattled the euro and bond markets and their new pact with China illustrated Chinese inroads into the EU. Enthusiasm for the EU was initially rekindled by France’s election of Macron and his alliance with Angela Merkel of Germany, see “Can Finance Save the World?” France is still dealing with the “yellow vest” protests over its economy. However, France passed laws in 2018 requiring Facebook, Twitter, Google and other social media sites to monitor fake news and hate speech or be fined, similar to the EU-wide GDPR rules now in force. Unilever announced that it would have to pull its ads from social media unless reforms to its toxic content were made. Meanwhile, the 2018 winning ads for the EthicMark® Awards inspired participants at the annual SRI Conference Nov. 1-4, 2018. And possible “Restoring Net Neutrality” on Internet providers, may overturn the FCC ruling and restore net neutrality. Many states are now suing the FCC and, like California, creating their own net neutrality statutes. California will also adopt the EU’s 2018 ruling over internet privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The wage gap in the US continues, fueling the national debate on inequality and a new group of professional economists over Thomas Piketty’s Capitalism in the 21st Century, which concludes that this inequality is endemic and requires global taxes on wealth (Pikettymania, cover of Businessweek, June 2, 2014). TIME’s former business editor, now with the Financial Times, Rana Foroohar’s Makers and Takers (2016) overviews details on how Wall Street is now preying on businesses on Main Street rather than serving them. Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” of special interests in Washington, has become the butt of jokes after many indictments and some convictions, as “the Trump Swamp”. The Trump administration and its cabinet members largely insiders with many Wall Street billionaires are accused of multiple conflicts of interest, corruption and violation of the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution with several suits, now pending against Trump by the Washington Group CREW and others. Advisors with “America First” views on trade Peter Navarro and immigration advisor hawk Stephen Miller remain, while OMB Director Mulvany is doubling as Acting Chief of Staff. Former Fox News executive Bill Shine, who left Fox under a cloud of sexual harassment lawsuits served less than 6 months Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and resigned on March 7th, 2019.
More realistic approaches to inequality include those by business leader/economist Peter Barnes in With Liberty and Dividends for All which calls for user fees on exploitation of all commonly owned resources: e.g., air, water, the electronic spectrum and rebated to all citizens-owners as dividends. May’s unemployed 5.9 million people with 4.4 million part-time workers are still looking for full-time jobs while 338,000 discouraged workers no longer count in the unemployment rate of 3.6%. The debate concerns whether the “sharing economy” (Task Rabbit, Mechanical Turk, Uber, Lyft, et al) can provide decent jobs or whether it will lower wages, since its “freelancers” accept these part-time jobs along with uncertain hours, no benefits or security. Such companies are less about sharing and cooperation and more about extending and re-organizing labor markets in what is now called the “gig economy”. Recent books make such critiques: Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus (Rushkoff, 2016) and Raw Deal (Hill, 2015) which I reviewed in www.SeekingAlpha.com. Self-employment remains a growing trend, with many unemployed people preferring to remain independent, often home-based consultants or joining such social, office-sharing sites as WeWork. Meanwhile, many of these Silicon Valley startups and the lofty valuations of the “unicorns” are now launching IPOs in 2019. The bitcoin bubble and its speculators and miners now use 23 terawatts of fossil electricity annually—adding to CO2 levels; see “Hey COP23: Bitcoin Miners Exploding CO2 Emissions!”. There are now over 1,500 cryptocurrencies listed in Coinbase and discussed in Marc Strauch’s Report for us on the “Future of Money and Technology” conference, San Francisco December 2017 and in the “Future of Money” conference at the University of Frankfurt, Oct. 2018 which Ethical Markets co-sponsored.
Policy wonks and statisticians set of revisions announced back in July 31, 2013, and back cast to 1929 have begun accounting for the evolution of the US economy from manufacturing to services. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) finally entered the 21st century. GDP now includes much of the intangible production and services which make up over 70% of mature 21st century economies: software, brands, R&D, entertainment, trademarks, copyrights, design and other creative innovation. The BLS now breaks out employment in Information Technology, such as computer services. Back to the July 31, 2013 report from the BEA, US GDP then rose 1.7% (with the revised accounting method adding 0.41% of the total). Italy and Britain now inflate their GDP growth by including prostitution in Services! So far, the shifts of these intangibles from “costs” to “investments” is slight. At last, The Economist weighed in on the deficiencies of GDP, offering its own somewhat improved GDP-Plus. Better late than never! Still not included is the most important investment all societies make in their future: education, still categorized as an “expense”! With student debt now at over $1.5 trillion and too few jobs available, many are now opting for online courses now exploding as MOOCs offer free access. Ethical Markets now provides its free MOOC at www.ethicalmarketsexploratorium for global citizen activists and lifelong learners.
Ethical Markets final 2019-2020 update of the Green Transition Scoreboard ®, “Transitioning to Science-Based Investing” finds $10.387 trillion and expands on our 2018 report “Capturing CO2 While Improving Human Nutrition & Health” finding a total of $9.3 trillion now invested in green sectors worldwide since 2007. Our report in 2017 Green Transition Scoreboard® “Deepening Green Finance”. Earlier reports cover Energy Storage & Batteries and in the 2016 report on “Ending Externalities: Full-Spectrum Accounting Clarifies Transition Management”. Other reports have focused on the growing market for green bonds with $182 billion reported in 2018, indicating that the global green transition is now unstoppable. Thus, while mainstream media pick-up the story, our decade of reports will become a textbook: “Mapping the Global Green Transition 2009-2020” (forthcoming with a Forward by NASA Chief Scientist Dennis Bushnell).
More cuts in government jobs are deemed necessary by Republicans, the need to continue growing new jobs in renewable energy, smarter infrastructure and cities as well as in R&D and education will be critical. This is why there is bi-partisan support for a Green New Deal. The official unemployment rate of 3.6% shows the number of unemployed persons at 5.8 million is still too high. Climbing out of the 2008 financial crisis where GDP dropped by 9% has proved to be the long climb back most analysts expected. As President Obama left office, he provided Trump with a sound economy and healthy job growth. Few can acknowledge a key problem: the US domestic money supply, which is created by banks’ lending and securitization, has shrunk. Since our money is created by private banks when they make loans, “Money Is Not Wealth: Cryptos v. Fiats!” after 2008, lending dried up and securitization of loans which had ballooned during the housing bubble collapsed. Today, hedge funds are buying up foreclosed homes and renting them at high rates and beginning a new round of securitization of these rental incomes into backing more bonds. Congress began in 2016 investigating the huge spike in drug prices and the role of hedge funds and lack of competition. As hedge funds entered Puerto Rico to take advantage of its financial crisis, they were renamed “hedge-hogs”. Since hurricane Maria’s now death toll of up to 3,000, President Trump’s statement in his controversial visit to Puerto Rico in early October 2017 that the former debt would need to be “wiped off the books” seems more likely. Many private efforts are installing distributed solar panels in many rural areas including Barrio Solar founded by our Advisory Board member, physicist, Fritjof Capra, Co-author of the “Systems View of Life”.
Looking back, the 2009 $789 billion stimulus (mostly individual tax cuts, infrastructure and help to states) did create and save over 1 million jobs along with 1.1 million saved in the auto company bailouts as reported in The New New Deal. The money supply shortfall remained which former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke recognized in his QE1, QE2 and other unusual measures of taking toxic assets onto the Fed’s balance sheet. At last, mainstream critiques offering alternatives appeared in Foreign Affairs, September/October 2014, urging direct QE with stimulus cash to citizens rather than banks. Now many central banks talk of “helicopter cash” as Milton Friedman recommended as the fastest, most effective stimulus as I describe in “Bernanke and Friedman Were Right: Helicopter Money or Qualitative Easing?”. New efforts in many countries to bolster purchasing power and aggregate demand with basic incomes emerged, after the success of Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia” in bringing 40 million out of poverty (Brazil’s Antipoverty Breakthrough, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2016). The current crises in Brazil over endemic corruption and losses in GDP-measured economic growth led to the election of Jair Bolsonaro in a swing to the right analyzed by economist Ladislau Dowbor in “The Age of Unproductive Capital (2019). This financialization has obscured the country’s natural capital riches and creative human energies. Recognizing such opportunities Britain’s top financial minister announced along with Brazilian bankers, the issue of green bonds to expand solar and renewable resource: Initiative Climate Bond. Meanwhile, President Jair Bolsonaro sides with global financial markets, as leadership among grass-roots Brazilians continues, for example, see our Brazilian partner Sinal do Vale’s latest news.
Like most Republicans, Bernanke’s reliance on the textbook “trickle down” model gave almost free money to the big banks at the Fed’s discount window which never trickled down to Main Street, as Nomi Prins details in “Collusion” (2018). Instead, the old theory failed to account for the globalization of finance and that the banks sent most of the QE’s new money into asset bubbles offshore, some creating jobs in China and Brazil, while much ended up in speculation on European bonds, derivatives, commodity ETFs, rising food prices and unwanted asset bubbles in BRIC countries. Lawyer Ellen Brown analyzes all this in her Even the Council on Foreign Relations Is Saying It: Time to Rain Money on Main Street. The head of Britain’s Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn now advocates a similar “Peoples QE.” Positive Money published “A Green Bank of England” in May 2018 which indicates how a Green New Deal could be financed. Providing purchasing power to stimulate aggregated demand has now produced a new global movement for universal basic incomes (FORBES).
A computer model links speculation to food price spikes, (“The Economics of Curbing Speculation in Food”). Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen brought a slightly broader view beyond the domestic economy, looking at the global effects of the strong dollar on emerging economies. This view outside the economics box is sometimes provided by IMF head Christina Lagarde and in my analysis of “Abenomics” in Japan at the Crossroads. Unorthodox policies continue in the US administration, for example Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Club, where members’ dues were raised to $200,000 annually is still the favored venue for many official visits while many foreign governments have rented suites in Trump Tower in New York City. No records are public on these or on those who visit the White House. The large number of State Department professionals departures have left our diplomatic forces depleted, as described by Ronan Farrow in “War Against Peace” (2018). The progress at the UN COP 21 Climate Conference in Paris now ratified and in effect after COP24 in Katowice, Poland in December 2018 was ratified by the G20 in Hamburg, and later in Buenos Aires while most participants ignored the US prospective withdrawal. This augers the end of the fossil fuel era, but cannot prevent more mega-storms like Michael, Harvey, Sandy in the USA and Bohpa, Haiyan and others which hit the Philippines, or the increase in droughts and wildfires. Whatever the speculative changes in the price of oil, mostly used in transport, future demand may be flat due to the spread of electric vehicles “Assessing Risk of Fossil Reserves”. The UN Summit on Climate Change in New York City in 2017 and all subsequent summits continued to see citizens marching peacefully for progress on climate change, similar to the larger, women-led demonstrations in cities worldwide, on January 21st, 2017, and the current global children’s “Fridays 4 Future” strikes in 2019.
The SDGs ratified in the UN General Assembly, New York, in September 2015, at which Pope Francis spoke, usher in the new paradigm of sustainable development beyond money-denominated GDP growth, reinforced by the UN Inquiry’s report The Financial System We Need. During COP21 in Paris, December 2015, Ethical Markets co-hosted events with HELIO International on their new indicators, HIFI which fits well with our 2015 Green Transition Scoreboard® Report. The World Economic Forum 2019 Report on Global Risks goes beyond financial risk models to look at the real risks our human family faces, such as freshwater shortages. The world was shocked by October’s IPCC report warning that humanity has only another 10 years to keep CO2 emissions from warming the planet below 1.5 degrees Celsius. At President Macron’s “One Planet Summit” in Paris, December 2017, leaders in all sectors pledged to accelerate shifting from fossilized sectors. Billions of green bonds for renewable energy and more efficient sustainable futures are now issued worldwide. The new: Transition Risk-O-Meter and Drawdown offer concrete plans for 2018 and beyond, similar to the Green New Deal in the following with further pledges by institutional investors and heads of state. Our forthcoming Green Transition Scoreboard®, “Transitioning to Science-Based Investing: 2019-2020” provides more evidence to support the Green New Deal.
The ECB is keeping its interest rate low and its own brand of quantitative easing – to the delight of global markets and likely to continue due to uncertainties over Italy’s future. Many EU bonds and banks now join in offering negative interest rates. Ellen Brown looks at the implications in “Hang Onto Your Wallets: Negative Interest, the War on Cash, and the $10 Trillion Bail-in”. Cyprus’ problems in 2013 produced the most radical bail-out plan, focused on haircuts to bank depositors as well as their equity-holders (“It Can Happen Here: The Confiscation Scheme Planned for US and UK Depositors”). This has resulted in a 2-tier euro – as well as the flight to volatile bitcoins and many other cryptocurrencies and other digital forms of payment, as described in The Age of Cryptocurrency (2015) and many alternative investments, including farmland and forests in developing countries, and the growth of crowdfunding. My overview of these trends at the Family Office Forum in San Francisco, Sept. 13, 2018, as well as in Singapore in December 2017 is available in these videos Family Office Forum- San Francisco, Family Office Forum-Singapore.
Britain’s soon to retire central bank President Mark Carney announced that climate change is a key world issue and that many reserves of fossil fuels will not be burned and need to be written down. This has shifted asset allocation models and augers the mainstream shift to low-carbon economies. As we explained in “Assessing Risk of Fossil Reserves” we advocate re-classifying fossil reserves a “feedstocks” for future use in plastics, construction and materials, so that they remain valuable and in the ground unburned. Meanwhile, the IMF estimates global subsidies to fossil fuels now tops earlier estimates at $5.3 trillion. Lord Adair Turner, Britain’s former preeminent financial regulator, in Between Debt and the Devilcalled for an end to allowing private banks to create the nation’s money supply at interest and recommended this vital function should be returned to Britain’s public treasury (video). This debate reached the British House of Commons in November 2013 and a civic coalition called for “Transforming Finance” January 2015. In the USA stock markets rise and incomes stagnate and companies continue to hoard cash. Tax avoidance by “reversions” of US companies relocating in other countries remains a hot issue, and new rules by the US Treasury may be a curb on these practices. Will central bankers rethink theory-induced blindness in their “trickle down” policies and focus on the real economies? Deeper reforms of finance are needed as exposed recently by Michael Lewis in Flash Boys (2014), as earlier in Broken Markets, Dark Pools and Bailout. These were discussed earlier at the conference “Fixing the Banking System for Good” to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve, April 2013, and at the annual conference of the Public Banking Institute, June 2013. Ethical Markets expert seminar in New York City on “Reforming Electronic Markets and Trading” was reported on CSRWire.
Former US FDIC chair Sheila Bair, author of Bull by the Horns, joined former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in announcing support for a financial transactions tax of well below 1%, to help curb high-frequency trading, also advocated by Independent Bernie Sanders to fund higher education. This echoes growing calls in eleven EU countries, including Germany, France and pension funds in France and Holland. A bill in the US Congress called for a financial tax for all US transactions as well. In January 2013, the European Union approved a 0.1% financial transaction tax for member countries. The focus as a “cancellation fee” targets high-frequency traders who place thousands of orders each millisecond then cancel most of them immediately. These taxes can curb this speculation and help raise some $400 billion annually for public needs. Pushback by banks and the mainstream financial press continues. Meanwhile, market-based approaches to reforming HFT such as the IEX platform continue to gain volume and new investors, including Interactive Brokers while its application to the SEC as a national exchange was initially opposed by incumbents NYSE, NASDAQ and other big players. Ethical Markets and our allies supported IEX before the SEC, in its authorization approval in 2016. (See our comment). A new standard for electronic trading was launched by KOR Group, LLC, in September, 2015, the Best Execution Accreditation (BestEx), whereby broker-dealers eschewing the “maker-taker” kickbacks for placing their clients’ order flow can claim their higher ground practices (www.ethicalmarkets.com). Market structure reform is monitored by the non-profit, Healthy Markets (www.healthymarkets.com) and Ethical Markets have linked their sites.
The G20’s 2016 meeting in China boosted interest in the transition to green finance continued in 2017 and 2018 as more investors accepted the new model of sustainable development: SDGs beyond the mismeasurement of “growth” perpetuated by GDP. This still causes mis-pricing of sovereign bonds, energy, food and most goods due to externalizing of social and environmental costs and business models still based on “profits” based on passing on such unrecorded costs to taxpayers and future generations as “externalities”. My Mapping the Global Transition to the Solar Age: from Economism to Earth Systems Science critiques economics from wider scientific research and calls for cranking into financial models all our new knowledge from Earth-observing satellites. In company accounting, better models are provided by SASB and IIRC. The UNEP global inquiry on designing financial markets for long-term sustainability steered by a high-level advisory group of global financiers, government and business leaders will now continue its excellent research and global networking of best practices. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) focuses on values and the six forms of capital: financial, built, intellectual, social, human and natural. They will measure the performance of companies by the extent to which they enhance or degrade all six forms of capital. www.cimaglobal.com
Measuring societies’ “progress” beyond GDP became a hot topic at Rio+20, and Ethical Markets’ 2013 “Beyond GDP” survey by GlobeScan in eleven countries, followed the 2007 and 2010 results in continued finding of wide majorities favoring addition of indicators of health, education and environment (www.ethicalmarkets.com) released May 2013. The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) devised by the UN University, the International Human Development Program and UNEP, while advancing considerably beyond GDP, suffers from too much baggage from obsolete economics: relying on prices and willingness-to-pay, while acknowledging their inaccuracies due to “externalities.” The Social Index from Harvard’s Michael Porter ignores infrastructure, employment, income and wealth, national security and recreation, which are all covered in our Ethical Markets Quality of Life Indicators originally launched in cooperation with the Calvert Group in 2000. Most economists fail to examine the deeper problems with price systems, inflation, money-printing and the politics of money-creation and credit allocation – arguably deeper sources of un-sustainability in global financial systems (see the Transforming Finance statement).
A useful overview of the issues relating to GDP and comparisons with other indicators is the BrainPool Project, funded by the European Commission, concluding that a “quality of life” approach is likely to find acceptance, confirming the three surveys by GlobeScan for Ethical Markets (2007, 2010, 2013) mentioned earlier. Other approaches such as “happiness”, “wellbeing”, and “welfare” were less accepted. “Beyond GDP: Measuring and Achieving Global Genuine Progress” Ecological Economics vol. 93, 57-68, covers similar issues.
Another early effort is London-based new economics foundation’s Happy Planet Index (HPI), which has garnered much publicity and helped focus on the need to correct GDP. Launched in 2006, The UK Office for National Statistics covers broader changes in living standards, Dec 2017 and the Gross National Happiness measured in Bhutan has captured the imagination of millions and received widespread publicity, including at the UN and Rio+20. However, “happiness” is open to widely different definitions, is subjective and culturally-biased, while being appropriate for a small Buddhist nation. The approach chosen by the Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) (I serve on its Advisory Board) measures outcomes, an approach we take, as well as avoiding aggregation of the many “apples” and “oranges” aspects of well-being into a single index. The Ecological Footprint, a well-researched, science-based approach used by the WWF in its Living Planet Index, is now the pre-eminent measure of ecological systems and is employed in the HPI along with official life-expectancy statistics. Our Ethical Markets Quality of Life Indicators, pioneered by Calvert and Hazel Henderson, cover 12 unbundled indicators “dashboard” mounted on the web platform launched in 2000. This “dashboard” model is now the preferred approach of the OECD’s Better Life Index and in measuring progress toward the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), pioneered by statistician Jochen Jesinghaus.
The debacles of 2008 reinforced the need for higher capital reserves and deeper reforms at the TBTF banks as I and D. Wayne Silby, founder of the Calvert Group, remark in our “End TBTF: Some Skin Please!” Bi-partisan passage of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS Act) in 2012, after delays at the SEC, is continuing to democratize access to capital as we report on crowdfunding with many websites used by small investors. The new support for the US Postal Service and debate may relieve it from onerous financial burdens to pre-fund health insurance imposed by Congress in 2006. Without these burdens, the US Postal Service shows a profit and is up-dating its services. Many groups share my view and that of Ralph Nader which support allowing the Post Office to expand its services to include savings accounts as in many OECD countries. The US Postal Service Inspector General’s whitepaper on “Providing Non-Bank Financial Service for the Underserved” (Jan. 27, 2014) is a pragmatic look at how US post offices can expand to serve millions of Americans without bank accounts, as in Japan and many European countries. Restoring post office saving in the USA is now widely supported, including by presidential candidate Kirsten Gillibrand (D, N.Y.)
Ethical Markets focuses on the new green sectors growing unnoticed by Wall Street and mainstream media’s fossilized asset allocation models. The idea of returning to plain vanilla “public utility” style banking is promoted by the Public Banking Institute, and the model of state-owned banks like the Bank of North Dakota to be approved by voters in Los Angeles is catching hold in 14 states. The oil-shale boom has turned to bust in North Dakota still requiring huge public spending on schools, services and infrastructure. The state’s earlier sound performance was due to its public bank (“North Dakota Economic Miracle: It’s Not Oil“).
Since my Creating Alternative Futures: The End of Economics (1978) now republished on the University of Florida’s Digital Library and on our MOOC, I have long explored the entire range of distortions that make GDP a perverse measure of US progress. TIME’s article agrees, pointing to our Ethical Markets Quality of Life Indicators and others including the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). In CSRWire “GDP: Still A Grossly Distorted Picture” (June 5, 2013), I show how GDP can mis-price sovereign bonds of Greece, Ireland and Portugal by omitting their real wealth: educated workforces, efficient infrastructure and productive ecosystems all count for zero in GDP. As mentioned, better measures of human progress are gaining mainstream media attention: the excellent Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) at www.ciw.ca and the report in Spirit Level (2010) by British researchers Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett linking equality with quality of life within and across countries. They find that countries with the most equal income distribution (by GINI) have the largest socially and politically prosperous middle class while unequal countries do worse on most quality of life indicators (www.equalitytrust.org.uk).
UK economist Mariana Mazzucato points out that most of the patents underpinning Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon were funded by US taxpayers through the Small Business Administration, National Science Foundation and other agencies, The Entrepreneurial State (US edition 2015) and her new book “The Value of Everything” (2015). The “hollowing out” of US manufacturing has continued for two decades at the behest of global corporations and their investment bankers. President George H. W. Bush famously held that it did not matter whether the US manufactured computer chips or potato chips, while President Bush II’s chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, Gregory Mankiw, maintained that outsourcing was good for American workers who could take their severance pay and 401Ks and become day traders on the stock markets. In spite of the growing protests in America’s streets, and the rise of populism most politicians, corporate leaders and their academic advisers don’t get it. People see movies like The Big Short and watch money being printed on TV and their signs from left to right say “Where’s My Bailout?”
Conventional measures of output per capita masked this technological unemployment as beneficial “increases in productivity” for decades, as we have pointed out. Two books now illuminate this issue further: Who Owns the Future by Jaron Lanier, and Race Against the Machine by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee. Happily, the movie “Inside Job,” documenting economists’ conflicts of interest, won an Oscar and the University of Massachusetts now exposes these ethical lapses.
A revealing look at these issues is A Demon of Our Own Design (2007) by former hedge fund manager Richard Bookstaber and Fools Gold by Gillian Tett of the Financial Times showing how financial engineering of ever-more exotic swaps, derivatives, options, etc., are themselves adding to market instabilities worldwide. Another market institution, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has a backlog in handling the huge volume of derivatives trading. Much of the volatility on Wall Street is due to high-frequency trading as we reported, and the failure of these exotic “quant” models and the need for hedge fund managers to sell assets to cover margin calls from their bankers. Yet other challenges to Wall Street’s conventional wisdom are the best-seller The Black Swan, by veteran options trader and mathematician Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and Lecturing Birds on Flying by Paulo Triana, who critique risk assessment models used by investors and banks. I made similar critiques of such models as Value At Risk (VAR) used so widely that unanticipated events could lead to system-wide crises in The UN: Policy & Financing Alternatives which I co-edited (Elsevier Scientific, UK, 1995, 1996).
Meanwhile, behind all the headline numbers, average wages for non-supervisory workers have remained stagnant for decades and many deeper structural problems in the USA go unaddressed. The growing green economy worldwide is overlooked by Wall Street’s obsolete asset-allocation models dominated by the fossil fueled sectors (see my The Sustainability Sector at www.seekingalpha.com). The growing gap between rich and less affluent citizens is still worrying Democrats and Republicans – but their concerns offered the familiar remedy: more GNP-based economic growth.
For more on the current trends in US and global finance and economics, visit www.ethicalmarkets.com and browse the categories on Beyond GDP, Reforming Global Finance, Green Prosperity and Trendspotting. For discussion of solutions, visit www.ethicalmarkets.tv and browse the Ethical Markets series Transforming Finance, distributed globally to colleges at www.films.com.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration widened the vacuum in global geopolitics, with China rapidly expanding its influence and investments including in the Tran-Eurasian Belt and Road and across Africa. The US withdrawal from the Iran 6-party nuclear agreement and the Paris Climate agreement, see “Climate Risking the Trump Brand” had little effect on COP24 in Katowice, Poland which reached agreement on rules to implement national plans on accelerating shifts to cleaner energy to protect the Earth’s climate. The new US Congress spurred by the IPCC report created a Select Committee on Climate and launched a resolution for shaping an economy wide shift to clean energy and jobs their Green New Deal. Ethical Markets along with many of our partners, including the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) support this resolution.
The newly renamed NAFTA deal restored certainty with few changes. Germany’s Angela Merkel will step down as Chancellor, leaving France’s Emmanuel Macron still viewed as a leader of the free world despite policy mis-steps and domestic turmoil over now cancelled diesel taxes. President Xi of China is recognized without term limits as a leader of the world’s second most powerful country. Trump’s unorthodox behavior vis-à-vis Russia still obscured by Attorney General William Barr’s withholding and distorting of the full Mueller report, can now be seen in light of recent indictments of Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen and Roger Stone, and Trump’s debts to Deutsche Bank. These were arranged by its executive who is also the son of retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. Trump was also negotiating to build a Trump Tower in Moscow since 2015 and during the 2016 campaign. New Congressional investigations and continued US political uncertainties are likely to keep stock market volatility high and many analysts see signs of recession in 2019.
South Korea’s rapprochement with North Korea continues with the USA taking a back seat to China. The Trump-Kim Jong Un talks in Singapore and their failures in Hanoi produced US concessions to North Korea and are considered a win for China. The “decertification” of the Iran nuclear accords by Trump seems largely due to his National Security Adviser John Bolton while the EU and other 5 members remaining in the deal have founded a new barter facility to continue trade with Iran. This sets a higher bar for any eventual de-nuclearization with Kim Jong Un, as well as a destabilizing effect on world security. The other 5 nations who are staying in the agreement still hope Iran also will continue to stay in compliance., while US “waivers” of its Iran sanctions are permitting sales of Iran’s Oil. The continuing upheaval in Venezuela shut down PDVSA and is causing immense hardship to Venezuelans as President Maduro hangs onto power with the help of Russia and factions in the military.
New evidence of Russian propaganda on social media and interference in November elections arose in September 5 Hearings by the Senate Intelligence Committee on the need to re-design social media to protect US elections and users’ rights. Testimony from Facebook and Twitter top executives is seen as inadequate while Google failed to appear and now faces walkouts by staff at its facilities worldwide on fairness issues. Senator Warner, ranking member opined that social media’s “Wild West days” were ending. The regulation of social media giants and their monopolistic business models have led to bi-partisan approaches. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar have call for anti-trust enforcement to break them up and may force sale of recently acquired competitor companies.
The US labor force participation in April declined to 6.28% while the employment population ratio was unchanged at 60.6%. While the official unemployment rate is 3.6%, it remained at 6.7% for African Americans, with Asians down to 2.2%, adult women at 3.1% and Hispanics at 4.2%. GDP growth in Q1 of 2019 rose by 3.2% to the surprise of most economists, since 1% point was due to falling imports and rising exports, while another .7% was due to inventory changes. Some see the need for re-structuring the BLS models to account for the changing economy, automation driven productivity and the rise of the “gig” economy. Labor market statistics are notoriously subject to revision. In April there were 454,000 discouraged workers with another 1.4 million marginally attached to the labor force. Wall Street is continuing to absorb the Fed’s long-awaited gradual rate increases from zero in 2015, and now closely watching Jerome Powell, Fed chairman, criticized by Trump and how these higher rates are continuing to stress emerging economies. Powell’s continuing “patience” leaving rates unchanged was welcomed by surging stock market reactions, still expecting further Fed “puts”!
The markets rally has continued after Trump’s electoral college victory with tax cuts pumping stocks due to buy-backs but political uncertainties and the new tariffs causing huge spikes in volatility. Expectations are on hold for an infrastructure plan in the new Congress, focusing on green technologies and bi-partisan support growing for a Green New Deal, for example, see “Greening Trump’s Infrastructure Plan”. The Electoral College instituted by US founders to keep small states, some slave-owning, in the Union ratified Trump’s electoral win over Hillary Clinton’s almost 3 million popular vote advantage. Increasing calls by Congressmembers to abolish the Electoral College are accompanied by many states now endorsing respect for the popular vote. Republican donors worry about trade wars but continue funding including from gun-loving hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and others. Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination process for the Supreme Court has politicized this 3rd branch of the US government. Many in the US, Europe and in worldwide polls are concerned over Russia’s hacking and propaganda in many countries designed to weaken democratic values and exacerbate political divisions. (“Concern Over Trumps Tweets Growing”). The cultural change over revelations of unfair treatment of women in their workplaces and the “Me Too” movement brought many women candidates into the new Congress and for the 2020 presidential race.
Market optimism persists despite debt levels and global weakness which are expected in 2019, due to Europe’s refugee crisis, Brexit, US political uncertainty, Brazil’s rightwing government and still-turbulent oil markets in spite of OPEC’s pledge to cut production. Meanwhile high net-worth investors, family offices and private equity funds shun public markets now dominated by ETFs, indexes and robo-investing by algorithms (see my video presentation to Family Office Forums in Asia March 5, 2019). Business Week reported on “The Brexit Short” on how Nigel Farage and an associated polling firm sold early results to a group of hedge funds, enabling them to make millions on shorting the UK pound.
Global public markets often resemble casinos as LSE professor Nick Silver describes in “Finance, Society and Sustainability”, and investor Joel Solomon discusses in the “The Clean Money Revolution” (2018). They are dominated by index funds, ETFs and models focusing on narrow groups of “fashionable” stocks, all of which drives up excessive valuations while ignoring the broader market. These markets are not reflective of the real economies in the USA and economist Mariana Mazzucato points to their erroneous theories and models in “The Value of Everything”. We supported the new IEX exchange in the USA with its “speedbump” blocking the electronic-front running of high-frequency traders. Markets are now faced with new regulations under the EU, see “Who’s Afraid Of MiFID 2: Fixing Wall Street’s Broken Plumbing”, as well as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affecting social media giants.
Payrolls increased in April: average hourly earnings were $27.77 while the average for non-supervisory private sector was $23.31. Market players now focus more on wage growth, while up 3.2% since 2017, still on its inadequate historic trend of 2.5% annually with the average work week in April was 34.4 hours. Many jobs remain unfilled due to regional mismatches and lack of trained workers. While job totals appear high, many are low-paid or in the gig, part-time economy and pay less than living wages. Many across all political ideologies, are now recognizing that wage growth is key to maintaining aggregate demand, and that economic reforms addressing inequality will be needed to stem the global tide of “populist” backlash against money-obsessed globalization, measured only by GDP. Grassroots groups and many companies worldwide now prefer the UN’s new metric SDG to steer real, more equitable progress, as tracked in Ethical Markets-GlobeScan Polls. See our 2019 TV Program “Steering Societies from GDP to SDGs”.
The USA economy is still unevenly shared as I note in “Facing Up to Inequality”. The economy is still the top worry of voters as well as the growing inequality gap between Wall Street and Main Street, with these anxieties still drive much of the debate. For example, they are concerned as to what extent corporations are fair as found in the survey by JUST Capital founded by hedge fund executive Paul Tudor Jones, who has announced that his firm will lower its fees, see Just Capital’s 100 Leading Companies, 2019. Job losses from automation and global outsourcing are dwarfed by policy decisions and economic concentration as big companies merge, driving small businesses into bankruptcy, see for example, April’s job losses of 12,000 jobs in retail as Amazon grows. Algorithms take over decisions in many areas of our lives: who gets hired or fired —leading to the new “bias in-bias out” update of the old computer phrase “garbage-in-garbage out”.
Rising sea levels along the US Eastern seaboard and in South Florida concerned the The Palm Beach Post, showing picture of water-logged roads around Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and other properties on this “billionaire’s row”. Bloomberg reported that pessimistic owners are selling to optimists. This augers losses of jobs and population in Florida with creative responses by mayors and local officials despite lack of leadership in the Governor’s office. The aforementioned IPCC Scientific Report on climate change and that mandated by Congress affirms human activities driving the still rising levels of CO² in the Earth’s atmosphere. See also: 2018 EPA Government Climate Change Indicators.
It has been difficult to find information on government jobs, but they are now included in the main BLS summary. Changes in government jobs are key to understanding the state of the economy. Total government jobs in April 2019 were estimated at 22,547,000 with social assistance adding 26,000 jobs in April. As FEMA and other local governments still tackle the devastation of hurricanes Michael, Harvey and Irma and the tragic deaths of up to 3,000 citizens due to lax response to Maria in Puerto Rico as well as losses the Virgin Islands — these jobs may increase. We report on these government jobs to correct misstatements by some politicians that “government doesn’t create jobs – only the private sector creates jobs”. The Economist report on May 26, 2018 cast doubt on the use of Household Surveys since response rates are plummeting and changes commenced in January 2019 along with revisions to the Establishment Survey.
Trade issues are in focus for voters and both parties acknowledge the plight of those dis-employed by corporations offshoring jobs, such as announced by General Motors, as well as continuing US trade deficits. The March 2019 US International Trade in Goods and Services released May 9, 2019 showed the goods & services deficit was $50 billion (up from February’s $4.93 billion). March imports were $262 billion, and exports were $212 billion. Off-shoring and jobs losses via automation are a growing concern, discussed in our TV program Robot’s Taking Over: What Will Humans Do?
The politicization of the Supreme Court after the death of Justice Anton Scalia and deeper issues remain as discussed in Time To Re-Balance The Corporate-Friendly Supreme Court and Aligning the Supreme Court with the US Constitution, well as in the magisterial history “We The Corporations” (2018) on how companies took over in the USA. Proposals to expand the court from its 9 members and ending the Electoral College will be debated in the 2020 elections. Many states have mandated that their Electoral Colleges simply follow the popular vote and may well be in a majority by 2020. Continuing unrest exists across the USA over the degraded public election debate influenced by Russian hacking confirmed again in January 2019 by 17 U.S. intelligence agencies as well as fake news, police brutality and shootings of unarmed African American citizens, unresponsive legal systems as well as Trump’s still contested travel ban – all damaging the USA’s reputation worldwide. The USA lag in internet access and broadband ranks the USA at 28th worldwide behind many emerging economies. (See also my “New Trends in Globalization”)
Meanwhile wages for middle class families still need to close the gap between most workers and the 1% winners. California became the first state to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with several companies following suit while Los Angeles City Council will ask voters to approve a municipally-owned bank to by-pass Wall Street. The some ten percent of Americans invested in the stock markets were doing well with financial activities and professional, technical and business services adding another 34,000 jobs in March along with 76,000 jobs in April, totaling 535000 jobs over the past 12 months. The rest who rely on lower-wage jobs in the real economy for their income had their spending constrained.
Job growth in healthcare added 27,000 jobs in April, adding 404,000 jobs in the past 12 months. Job cuts if Obamacare is ever fully repealed are estimated at some 900,000, with many rural hospitals closing. Now the individual mandate is gone, undermining the program, more proposals for single-payer and “Medicare for All” are emerging among Democratic candidates for president and in The American Prospect, Jan. 2018. Demand for restoring purchasing power to minimum wages was widely supported even in the “red” states for the White House increase to $10.10 an hour. A survey of the US public in October by JUST Capital found majorities supporting better pay and conditions for US workers. Seattle became the first city to offer $15 an hour in June, 2018
Employment in retail, transportation, warehousing, information and mining we unchanged. Some mining activities such as coal are phasing out as with the bankruptcy of coal companies including giant Peabody. As we at Ethical Markets point out with our EthicMark® GEMS standard, global gem mining is now obsolete and unnecessary since science now creates cultured diamonds and other gems in laboratories in many countries, as also reported in The Economist, July 1, 2016 and NPR, December 1, 2016. De Beers reported a 32% decline in its diamond sales in 2015 and announced in May that it too will begin selling cultured diamonds. The human and environmental hazards of mining gems are recognized in several UN resolutions on “blood diamonds,” while Russia recently dumped a large quantity of mined diamonds – tanking the global market, as documented in “Beyond Bloodstained Gems: New Science and Standards”.
Consequences of budget cutting, and “austerity” are seen in the job losses we have witnessed in Europe. The US tax cut lowering corporate rates to 21% is now followed by Republican calls to cut safety nets and so-called, “entitlements”. These tax rate cuts have already kicked off a new “race to the bottom” as other countries cut their rates to compete “Trump Just Kicked Off a Global Tax War”, AlterNet, Dec. 2017. The migrant crises are forcing EU decision-makers to choices about the costs of absorbing these refugees fairly in member countries or a loss of solidarity in the EU itself. Many British voters still express remorse on Brexit as well as much consternation in the EU. The populist victory in Italy rattled the euro and bond markets and their new pact with China illustrated Chinese inroads into the EU. Enthusiasm for the EU was initially rekindled by France’s election of Macron and his alliance with Angela Merkel of Germany, see “Can Finance Save the World?” France is still dealing with the “yellow vest” protests over its economy. However, France passed laws in 2018 requiring Facebook, Twitter, Google and other social media sites to monitor fake news and hate speech or be fined, similar to the EU-wide GDPR rules now in force. Unilever announced that it would have to pull its ads from social media unless reforms to its toxic content were made. Meanwhile the 2018 winning ads for the EthicMark® Awards inspired participants at the annual SRI Conference Nov. 1-4, 2018. And possible “Restoring Net Neutrality” on Internet providers, may overturn the FCC ruling and restore net neutrality. Many states are now suing the FCC and, like California, creating their own net neutrality statutes. California will also adopt the EU’s 2018 ruling over internet privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
More realistic approaches to inequality include those by business leader/economist Peter Barnes in With Liberty and Dividends for All which calls for user fees on exploitation of all commonly owned resources: e.g., air, water, the electronic spectrum and rebated to all citizens-owners as dividends. April’s unemployed 5.8 million people with 4.7 million part-time workers are still looking for full-time jobs while 454,000 discouraged workers no longer count in the unemployment rate of 3.6%. The debate concerns whether the “sharing economy” (Task Rabbit, Mechanical Turk, Uber, Lyft, et al) can provide decent jobs or whether it will lower wages, since its “freelancers” accept these part-time jobs along with uncertain hours, no benefits or security. Such companies are less about sharing and cooperation and more about extending and re-organizing labor markets in what is now called the “gig economy”. Recent books make such critiques: Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus (Rushkoff, 2016) and Raw Deal (Hill, 2015) which I reviewed in www.SeekingAlpha.com . Self-employment remains a growing trend, with many unemployed people preferring to remain independent, often home-based consultants or joining such social, office-sharing sites as WeWork. Meanwhile, many of these Silicon Valley startups and the lofty valuations of the “unicorns” are now launching IPOs in 2019. The bitcoin bubble and its speculators and miners now use 23 terawatts of fossil electricity annually—adding to CO2 levels; see “Hey COP23: Bitcoin Miners Exploding CO2 Emissions!”. There are now over 1,500 cryptocurrencies listed in Coinbase and discussed in Marc Strauch’s Report for us on the “Future of Money and Technology” conference, San Francisco December 2017 and in the “Future of Money” conference at the University of Frankfurt, Oct. 2018 which Ethical Markets co-sponsored.
Ethical Markets 2018 update of the Green Transition Scoreboard® focuses on “Capturing CO2 While Improving Human Nutrition & Health” while finding a total of $9.3 trillion now invested in green sectors worldwide since 2007. Our report in 2017 Green Transition Scoreboard® “Deepening Green Finance”. Earlier reports cover Energy Storage & Batteries and in the 2016 report on “Ending Externalities: Full-Spectrum Accounting Clarifies Transition Management”. Other reports have focused on the growing market for green bonds with $182 billion reported in 2018, indicating that the global green transition is now unstoppable. As more cuts in government jobs are deemed necessary by Republicans, the need to continue growing new jobs in renewable energy, smarter infrastructure and cities as well as in R&D and education will be critical. This is why there is bi-partisan support for a Green New Deal. The official unemployment rate of 3.6% shows the number of unemployed persons at 5.8 million is still too high. Climbing out of the 2008 financial crisis where GDP dropped by 9% has proved to be the long climb back most analysts expected. As President Obama left office, he provided Trump with a sound economy and healthy job growth. Few can acknowledge a key problem: the US domestic money supply, which is created by banks’ lending and securitization, has shrunk. Since our money is created by private banks when they make loans, “Money Is Not Wealth: Cryptos v. Fiats!” after 2008, lending dried up and securitization of loans which had ballooned during the housing bubble collapsed. Today, hedge funds are buying up foreclosed homes and renting them at high rates and beginning a new round of securitization of these rental incomes into backing more bonds. Congress began in 2016 investigating the huge spike in drug prices and the role of hedge funds and lack of competition. As hedge funds entered Puerto Rico to take advantage of its financial crisis, they were renamed “hedge-hogs”. Since hurricane Maria’s now death toll of up to 3,000, President Trump’s statement in his controversial visit to Puerto Rico in early October 2017 that the former debt would need to be “wiped off the books” seems more likely. Many private efforts are installing distributed solar panels in many rural areas including Barrio Solar founded by our Advisory Board member, physicist, Fritjof Capra, Co-author of the “Systems View of Life”.
Looking back, the 2009 $789 billion stimulus (mostly individual tax cuts, infrastructure and help to states) did create and save over 1 million jobs along with 1.1 million saved in the auto company bailouts as reported in The New New Deal. The money supply shortfall remained which former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke recognized in his QE1, QE2 and other unusual measures of taking toxic assets onto the Fed’s balance sheet. At last, mainstream critiques offering alternatives appeared in Foreign Affairs, September/October 2014, urging direct QE with stimulus cash to citizens rather than banks. Now many central banks talk of “helicopter cash” as Milton Friedman recommended as the fastest, most effective stimulus as I describe in “Bernanke and Friedman Were Right: Helicopter Money or Qualitative Easing?”. New efforts in many countries to bolster purchasing power and aggregate demand with basic incomes emerged, after the success of Brazil’s “Bolsa Familia” in bringing 40 million out of poverty (Brazil’s Antipoverty Breakthrough, Foreign Affairs, Jan/Feb 2016) . The current crises in Brazil over endemic corruption and losses in GDP-measured economic growth led to the election of Jair Bolsonaro in a swing to the right analyzed by economist Ladislau Dowbor in “The Age of Unproductive Capital (2019). This financialization has obscured the country’s natural capital riches and creative human energies. Recognizing such opportunities Britain’s top financial minister announced along with Brazilian bankers, the issue of green bonds to expand solar and renewable resource: Initiative Climate Bond. Meanwhile, President Jair Bolsonaro sides with global financial markets, as leadership among grass-roots Brazilians continues, for example, see our Brazilian partner Sinal do Vale’s latest news.
The SDGs ratified in the UN General Assembly, New York, in September 2015, at which Pope Francis spoke, usher in the new paradigm of sustainable development beyond money-denominated GDP growth, reinforced by the UN Inquiry’s report The Financial System We Need. During COP21 in Paris, December 2015, Ethical Markets co-hosted events with HELIO International on their new indicators, HIFI which fits well with our 2015 Green Transition Scoreboard® Report. The World Economic Forum 2019 Report on Global Risks goes beyond financial risk models to look at the real risks our human family faces, such as fresh water shortages. The world was shocked by October’s IPCC report waring that humanity has only another 10 yers to keep CO2 emissions from warming the planet below 1.5 degrees Celsius. At President Macron’s “One Planet Summit” in Paris, December 2017, leaders in all sectors pledged to accelerate shifting from fossilized sectors. Billions of green bonds for renewable energy and more efficient sustainable futures are now issued worldwide. The new: Transition Risk-O-Meter and Drawdown offer concrete plans for 2018 and beyond, similar to the Green New Deal in the following with further pledges by institutional investors and heads of state. Our forthcoming Green Transition Scoreboard®, “Transitioning to Science-Based Investing: 2019-2020” provides more evidence to support the Green New Deal.
Former US FDIC chair Sheila Bair, author of Bull by the Horns, joined former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in announcing support for a financial transactions tax of well below 1%, to help curb high-frequency trading, also advocated by Independent Bernie Sanders to fund higher education. This echoes growing calls in eleven EU countries, including Germany, France and pension funds in France and Holland. A bill in the US Congress called for a financial tax for all US transactions as well. In January 2013, the European Union approved a 0.1% financial transaction tax for member countries. The focus as a “cancellation fee” targets high frequency traders who place thousands of orders each millisecond then cancel most of them immediately. These taxes can curb this speculation and help raise some $400 billion annually for public needs. Pushback by banks and the mainstream financial press continues. Meanwhile, market-based approaches to reforming HFT such as the IEX platform continue to gain volume and new investors, including Interactive Brokers while its application to the SEC as a national exchange was initially opposed by incumbents NYSE, NASDAQ and other big players. Ethical Markets and our allies supported IEX before the SEC, in its authorization approval in 2016. (See our comment). A new standard for electronic trading was launched by KOR Group, LLC, in September, 2015, the Best Execution Accreditation (BestEx), whereby broker-dealers eschewing the “maker-taker” kickbacks for placing their clients’ order flow can claim their higher ground practices (www.ethicalmarkets.com). Market structure reform is monitored by the non-profit, Healthy Markets (www.healthymarkets.com) and Ethical Markets have linked their sites.
Total non-farm payroll employment increased in June by 224,000. April and May totals were revised downward by 11,000. After these revisions job gains have averaged 171,000 per month over the past 3 months. The US government shutdown caused temporary layoffs of the 800,000 federal employees, contractors and service businesses affected by the shutdown. June unemployment rate was little changed at 3.7%. Unemployed persons in June were 6 million. In 2018 the economy continued the rate of 2016 job gains which totaled 2.2 million. Job gains so far in 2019 averaged 172,000 per month. Markets headed higher with ever more indexes, ETFs and largely due to computerized algorithmic and high-frequency trading, overcoming fears of global slowdown, trade wars and US fed policy on further interest rates. The US economy still might be jeopardized as Trump’s tariff wars escalate further and global markets weaken or threats trigger further reprisals. The “blue wave” of 40 new Democrats now in Congress are bringing many changes in domestic and foreign policy. All their new oversight hearings on the executive branch are slowing the rest of the legislative agenda.
The newly renamed NAFTA deal encountered uncertainty over disputes over immigration issues and border security policies. The European Union’s new leaders include two women, Christine Lagarde as head of the ECB and Germany’s Ursula von der Leyenstill. The EU still viewed as a leader of the free world despite policy mis-steps, since its elections produced new coalitions of EU supporters and green party environmentalist. “Paradigm Shift in European Elections” by Hazel Henderson . Trump’s historic meeting with North Korea’s Kim Jon Un in June 30, 2019 acknowledged its status as a “defacto” nuclear power. President Xi of China is recognized without term limits as a leader of the world’s second most powerful country. Trump’s unorthodox behavior vis-à-vis Russia still obscured by Attorney General William Barr’s withholding and distorting of the full Mueller report may be clarified in July 17th public hearings in Congress. Trumps tax returns are now subpoenaed, which may clarify his negotiating to build a Trump Tower in Moscow since 2015 and during the 2016 campaign.
South Korea’s rapprochement with North Korea continues deepening with the USA still taking a back seat to China. The “decertification” of the Iran nuclear accords by Trump seems largely due to his National Security Adviser John Bolton while the EU and other 5 members remaining in the deal have founded a new barter facility to continue trade with Iran. The US-Iran confrontation is having a destabilizing effect on world security. The other 5 nations who are staying in the agreement still hope Iran also will continue to stay in compliance, while US “waivers” of its Iran sanctions are permitting sales of Iran’s Oil. The continuing upheaval in Venezuela shut down PDVSA and is causing immense hardship to Venezuelans as President Maduro hangs onto power with the help of Russia and factions in the military.
The US labor force participation in June was 62.9% while the employment population ratio was unchanged at 60.6%. While the official unemployment rate is 3.7%, it remained at 6% for African Americans, with Asians down to 2.1%, adult women at 3.3% and Hispanics at 4.3%. GDP growth in Q1 of 2019 rose by 3.1% to the surprise of most economists, since 1% point was due to falling imports and rising exports, while another .7% was due to inventory changes. Some see the need for re-structuring the BLS models to account for the changing economy, automation driven productivity and the rise of the “gig” economy. Labor market statistics are notoriously subject to revision. In April there were 425,000 discouraged workers with another 1.6 million marginally attached to the labor force. Wall Street is continuing to absorb the Fed’s long-awaited gradual rate increases from zero in 2015, and now closely watching Jerome Powell, Fed chairman, criticized by Trump and how these higher rates are continuing to stress emerging economies. Powell’s continuing “patience” leaving rates unchanged was welcomed by surging stock market reactions, still expecting further Fed “puts”!
The markets rally has continued after Trump’s electoral college victory with tax cuts pumping stocks due to buy-backs but political uncertainties and the new tariffs causing huge spikes in volatility. Expectations are on hold for an infrastructure plan in the new Congress, focusing on green technologies and bi-partisan support growing for a Green New Deal, for example, see “Greening Trump’s Infrastructure Plan”. The Electoral College instituted by US founders to keep small states, some slave-owning, in the Union ratified Trump’s electoral win over Hillary Clinton’s almost 3 million popular vote advantage. Increasing calls by Congressmembers to abolish the Electoral College are accompanied by many states now endorsing respect for the popular vote. Republican donors worry about trade wars but continue funding including from gun-loving hedge fund billionaire Robert Mercer and others. Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination process for the Supreme Court and its abdication over states’ gerrymandering has politicized this 3rd branch of the US government. Many in the US, Europe and in worldwide polls are concerned over Russia’s hacking and propaganda in many countries designed to weaken democratic values and exacerbate political divisions. (“Concern Over Trumps Tweets Growing”). The cultural change over revelations of unfair treatment of women in their workplaces and the “Me Too” movement brought many women candidates into the new Congress and for the prominence of women candidates in the 2020 presidential race.
Payrolls increased in June: average hourly earnings were $27.90 while the average for non-supervisory private sector was $23.43. Market players now focus more on wage growth, while up 3.2% since 2017, still on its inadequate historic trend of 2.5% annually with the average work week in June was 34.4 hours. Many jobs remain unfilled due to regional mismatches and lack of trained workers. While job totals appear high, many are low-paid or in the gig, part-time economy and pay less than living wages. Many across all political ideologies, are now recognizing that wage growth is key to maintaining aggregate demand, and that economic reforms addressing inequality will be needed to stem the global tide of “populist” backlash against money-obsessed globalization, measured only by GDP. Grassroots groups and many companies worldwide now prefer the UN’s new metric SDG to steer real, more equitable progress, as tracked in Ethical Markets-GlobeScan Polls. See our 2019 TV Program “Steering Societies from GDP to SDGs”.
It has been difficult to find information on government jobs, but they are now included in the main BLS summary. Changes in government jobs are key to understanding the state of the economy. Total government jobs in June 2019 were estimated at 22,553,000. As FEMA and other local governments still tackle the devastation of hurricanes Michael, Harvey and Irma and the tragic deaths of up to 3,000 citizens due to lax response to Maria in Puerto Rico as well as losses the Virgin Islands — these jobs may increase. We report on these government jobs to correct misstatements by some politicians that “government doesn’t create jobs – only the private sector creates jobs”. The Economist report on May 26, 2018 cast doubt on the use of Household Surveys since response rates are plummeting and changes commenced in January 2019 along with revisions to the Establishment Survey.
Trade issues are in focus for voters and both parties acknowledge the plight of those dis-employed by corporations offshoring jobs, such as announced by General Motors, as well as continuing US trade deficits. The May 2019 US International Trade in Goods and Services released July 3, 2019 showed the goods & services deficit was $55.5 billion in May (up from April’s $4.3 billion). May imports were $266.2 billion, and exports were $210.6 billion. Off-shoring and jobs losses via automation are a growing concern, discussed in our TV program Robot’s Taking Over: What Will Humans Do?
The politicization of the Supreme Court after the death of Justice Anton Scalia and deeper issues remain as discussed in Time To Re-Balance The Corporate-Friendly Supreme Court and Aligning the Supreme Court with the US Constitution, well as in the magisterial history “We The Corporations” (2018) on how companies took over in the USA. Proposals to expand the court from its 9 members and ending the Electoral College will be debated in the 2020 elections. Many states have mandated that their Electoral Colleges simply follow the popular vote and may well be in a majority by 2020. Continuing unrest exists across the USA over the degraded public election debate influenced by Russian hacking confirmed again in January 2019 by 17 U.S. intelligence agencies as well as fake news, shocking pictures of immigrants’ detention centers, police brutality and shootings of unarmed African American citizens, unresponsive legal systems as well as Trump’s still contested travel ban – all damaging the USA’s reputation worldwide. The USA lag in internet access and broadband ranks the USA at 28th worldwide behind many emerging economies. (See also my “New Trends in Globalization”)
Meanwhile wages for middle class families still need to close the gap between most workers and the 1% winners. California became the first state to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with several companies following suit while Los Angeles City Council will ask voters to approve a municipally-owned bank to by-pass Wall Street. The some ten percent of Americans invested in the stock markets were doing well with financial activities and professional, technical and business services adding another 51,000 jobs in June totaling 535000 jobs over the past 12 months. The rest who rely on lower-wage jobs in the real economy for their income had their spending constrained.
Job growth in healthcare added 35,000 jobs in June, adding 403,000 jobs in the past 12 months. Job cuts if Obamacare is ever fully repealed are estimated at some 900,000, with many rural hospitals closing. Now the individual mandate is gone, undermining the program, more proposals for single-payer and “Medicare for All” are emerging among Democratic candidates for president and in The American Prospect, Jan. 2018. Demand for restoring purchasing power to minimum wages was widely supported even in the “red” states for the White House increase to $10.10 an hour. A survey of the US public in October by JUST Capital found majorities supporting better pay and conditions for US workers. Seattle became the first city to offer $15 an hour in June, 2018
Consequences of budget cutting, and “austerity” are seen in the job losses we have witnessed in Europe. The US tax cut lowering corporate rates to 21% is now followed by Republican calls to cut safety nets and so-called, “entitlements”. These tax rate cuts have already kicked off a new “race to the bottom” as other countries cut their rates to compete “Trump Just Kicked Off a Global Tax War”, AlterNet, Dec. 2017. The migrant crises are forcing EU decision-makers to choices about the costs of absorbing these refugees fairly in member countries or a loss of solidarity in the EU itself. Many British voters still express remorse on Brexit as well as much consternation in the EU. The populist victory in Italy rattled the euro and bond markets and their new pact with China illustrated Chinese inroads into the EU. Enthusiasm for the EU was initially rekindled by France’s election of Macron and his alliance with Angela Merkel of Germany, see “Can Finance Save the World?” . France passed laws in 2018 requiring Facebook, Twitter, Google and other social media sites to monitor fake news and hate speech or be fined, similar to the EU-wide GDPR rules now in force. Unilever announced that it would have to pull its ads from social media unless reforms to its toxic content were made. Meanwhile the 2018 winning ads for the EthicMark® Awards inspired participants at the annual SRI Conference Nov. 1-4, 2018. And possible “Restoring Net Neutrality” on Internet providers, may overturn the FCC ruling and restore net neutrality. Many states are now suing the FCC and, like California, creating their own net neutrality statutes. California will also adopt the EU’s 2018 ruling over internet privacy, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The global debate on inequality and a new group of professional economists over Thomas Piketty’s Capitalism in the 21st Century, concludes that this inequality is endemic and requires global taxes on wealth (Pikettymania, cover of Businessweek, June 2, 2014). TIME’s former business editor, now with the Financial Times, Rana Foroohar’s Makers and Takers (2016) overviews details on how Wall Street is now preying on businesses on Main Street rather than serving them. Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” of special interests in Washington, has become the butt of jokes after many indictments and some convictions, as “the Trump Swamp”. The Trump administration and its cabinet members largely insiders with many Wall Street billionaires are accused of multiple conflicts of interest, corruption and violation of the Emoluments Clause of the US Constitution with several suits, now pending against Trump by the Washington Group CREW and others. Advisors with John Bolton on security, Mike Pompeo at State, “America First” views on trade Peter Navarro and immigration advisor hawk Stephen Miller remain, most other agencies are headed by unconfirmed “Acting administrators hand-picked by Trump. More realistic approaches to inequality include those by business leader leader/economist Peter Barnes in With Liberty and Dividends for All which calls for user fees on exploitation of all commonly owned resources: e.g., air, water, the electronic spectrum and rebated to all citizens-owners as dividends. June’s unemployed 6 million people with 4.3 million part-time workers are still looking for full-time jobs while 425,000 discouraged workers no longer count in the unemployment rate of 3.7%. The debate concerns whether the “sharing economy” (Task Rabbit, Mechanical Turk, Uber, Lyft, et al) can provide decent jobs or whether it will lower wages, since its “freelancers” accept these part-time jobs along with uncertain hours, no benefits or security. Such companies are less about sharing and cooperation and more about extending and re-organizing labor markets in what is now called the “gig economy”. Recent books make such critiques: Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus (Rushkoff, 2016) and Raw Deal (Hill, 2015) which I reviewed in www.SeekingAlpha.com . Self-employment remains a growing trend, with many unemployed people preferring to remain independent, often home-based consultants or joining such social, office-sharing sites as WeWork. Meanwhile, many of these Silicon Valley startups and the lofty valuations of the “unicorns” are now launching IPOs in 2019. The bitcoin bubble and its speculators and miners now use 23 terawatts of fossil electricity annually—adding to CO2 levels; see “Hey COP23: Bitcoin Miners Exploding CO2 Emissions!”. There are now over 1,500 cryptocurrencies listed in Coinbase and discussed in Marc Strauch’s Report for us on the “Future of Money and Technology” conference, San Francisco December 2017 and in the “Future of Money” conference at the University of Frankfurt, Oct. 2018 which Ethical Markets co-sponsored.
Ethical Markets 2018 update of the Green Transition Scoreboard® focuses on “Transitioning to Science-Based Investing” while finding a total of $10.387 trillion now invested in green sectors worldwide since 2007. Our report in 2017 Green Transition Scoreboard® “Deepening Green Finance”. Earlier reports cover Energy Storage & Batteries and in the 2016 report on “Ending Externalities: Full-Spectrum Accounting Clarifies Transition Management”. Other reports have focused on the growing market for green bonds with $182 billion reported in 2018, indicating that the global green transition is now unstoppable. As more cuts in government jobs are deemed necessary by Republicans, the need to continue growing new jobs in renewable energy, smarter infrastructure and cities as well as in R&D and education will be critical. This is why there is bi-partisan support for a Green New Deal. The official unemployment rate of 3.6% shows the number of unemployed persons at 5.8 million is still too high. Climbing out of the 2008 financial crisis where GDP dropped by 9% has proved to be the long climb back most analysts expected. As President Obama left office, he provided Trump with a sound economy and healthy job growth. Few can acknowledge a key problem: the US domestic money supply, which is created by banks’ lending and securitization, has shrunk. Since our money is created by private banks when they make loans, “Money Is Not Wealth: Cryptos v. Fiats!” after 2008, lending dried up and securitization of loans which had ballooned during the housing bubble collapsed. Today, hedge funds are buying up foreclosed homes and renting them at high rates and beginning a new round of securitization of these rental incomes into backing more bonds. Congress began in 2016 investigating the huge spike in drug prices and the role of hedge funds and lack of competition. As hedge funds entered Puerto Rico to take advantage of its financial crisis, they were renamed “hedge-hogs”. Since hurricane Maria’s now death toll of up to 3,000, President Trump’s statement in his controversial visit to Puerto Rico in early October 2017 that the former debt would need to be “wiped off the books” seems more likely. Many private efforts are installing distributed solar panels in many rural areas including Barrio Solar founded by our Advisory Board member, physicist, Fritjof Capra, Co-author of the “Systems View of Life”.
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Board index ‹ Drowtales world ‹ Fanfics and Fanart ‹ Aranea percutit Draconem - Completed
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129 posts • Page 5 of 9 • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Aranea percutit Draconem - Completed
Re: Aranea percutit Draconem - Chapter 20
by Isaiah Cortez » Sun Sep 21, 2014 2:58 pm
"Fanfic! My favorite! And kiel being meanie "
Isaiah Cortez
Dragon of the Nether
Location: Old man in young mans body
Clan: Sharen
by Dalvyserran » Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:03 pm
if I may suggest, could you post links to the chapters on your first post?
Dalvyserran
Location: You can't make me have fun!
by SFI » Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:57 pm
Isaiah Cortez wrote: "Fanfic! My favorite! And kiel being meanie "
The Sharen kinda had it coming, you know. What with 'murdering' the mother of her BFF
Dalvyserran wrote: if I may suggest, could you post links to the chapters on your first post?
AGGF:GKFHDKF... Do I have to? Fine, I'll do it tomorrow, it's way too late now
Location: Snuggled into Waes' hair
by Metzger » Tue Sep 30, 2014 9:23 am
I like this, I like it a lot
Location: Protecting Vara'nin
by SFI » Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:05 am
“The Vloz’ress are attacking the Sharen.” The female read the missive. “It is believed that they use the sewer-system and so appear in Sharen-held districts where they manipulate seeds to go haywire, killing the host.”
“Not my preferred way of doing things, but it is certainly helpful.” Quain’tana muttered, arms crossed. “Seems your servant is quite skilled.” She glanced at Ariel as she said that. The report had been brief, only briefly mentioning the skirmish that had apparently tainted the elder woman. Ariel had taken it hard.
“Yes.” Ariel’s face hardened briefly. “From what I hear, Kharla’ggen is taking quite the shine to her. She’s her favourite attendant already.”
Quain briefly rested her hand on her heir’s shoulder, realizing the train of thought. “How bad is the taint?”
“The one of Waes’soloth’s former heir is nothing against it.” Ariel whispered, averting her eyes. “They need to drain the nether about every two cycles or she is liable to fall to the demon. They try to teach her to control it, but...”
“It’s just that big.” Kiol’dorath finished her sentence. “We’ll avenge her, sister, we will avenge all the ills of the Sharen.”
“Before or after hundreds share her fate?” Ariel snarled, before catching herself. “Apologies... It’s just... she had become my friend and now... Now she is like this.”
Almost twenty years ago Quain’tana had told Ariel to stop apologizing, lest the world devour her. Now she felt like the unspoken apologies to that servant and so many others was eating her heir.
“We’ll push against the Sharen come morning.” She said, eyes turning to the map in front of them.
Kiol’dorath and Ariel were deployed to the south, to push North as Quain’tana pushed from the East. Again the cavern was illuminated by the lights of artillery as the battle waged. Dozens died on both sides, blood drowning the street in Sarghress colors. Corpses of dragons and wolves lay side by side as the frontlines shifted and moved like the tides in the Inner Sea.
The Beldrobbaen acted, pushing against Quain’tana’s forces, trapping them between Sharen and Beldrobbaen.
Forces surged from the other districts, reinforcing the troops in the pincer. Kiol’dorath ordered a slight change in advance, now aiming no longer strictly North, but more North-East towards the Mercenary Queen.
Then there was some consternation in the Sharen-ranks. Life-size dolls were found... of Dragon and Drow alike. All of them had been smashed post-change.
“You are a quick study.” Waes’soloth stated, watching as Kharla’ggen formed a shield. It was weak and unskilled, but it would hold most attacks. “Practice, and with your aura, nothing will so easily pierce your defences.”
Kharla’ggen looked at the red sheen between her and the Beldrobbaen, reaching for it with one finger.
“Will you teach us more?” She had become fascinated with learning more, gaining more knowledge as time passed. Soon, she would no longer be a figure-head, but a leader. “We want to know more.”
“If you wish.” Waes’soloth nodded briefly, face empty as she regarded the Ill’haress in front of her. Suddenly her body tightened, eyes flashing a vivid red. Phantom claws buried themselves in her flesh, the demon trying to crawl upward.
Glorious numbness replaced it after a few moments, one of the Vloz’ress’ Nether Summoners draining the excess nether quickly.
“You must cease pushing yourself so.” Nyo’ka scolded the cowering female, watching as the shuddering subsided. “You serve no one by succumbing to your taint.”
“I can make my own decisions.” The black hair fell around her form as she rose to her feet. “My daughter could hold hers at bay for six years.”
“Your daughter’s seed was far lighter than yours.” The Summoner poked at her chest. “Her seed did not leave her at risk every time she used mana-arts. You also are a quick study, but do not keep pushing your boundaries like this. We cannot keep Summoners here just to watch you.”
“I can deal with this.” Despite what should have been frustration, her voice sounded bored, her red eyes refusing to meet those of the smaller female. “You worry too much.”
“And you not enough.” The Vloz’ress turned on her heel, marching off the open space.
Kharla’ggen had said nothing, now merely appearing at Waes’soloth’s side. “Do not die?”
“Not ere I see the Sharen destroyed.” The black-haired woman assured her. Without emotion, the promise sounded hollow.
by Isaiah Cortez » Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:18 am
You are making a terrible creature out here. And I'm not sure which is more terrifying. Kharla or waes
Isaiah Cortez wrote: You are making a terrible creature out here. And I'm not sure which is more terrifying. Kharla or waes
The Combo?
by Dakla » Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:38 am
No words, Chel's is doomed.
Dakla
Tainted
Location: In the darkest corners of Chel
Dakla wrote: No words, Chel's is doomed.
Aaawwww, don't be like that... The Sharen are only parts of it, you know
by SFI » Sat Oct 11, 2014 8:33 pm
“Push!” Koil’dorath ordered sharply, pointing with her sword to where the heaviest fighting was. In the madness of the battle, two figures stood out: Quain’tana and Suu’be, both in blood-red armour and towering above the surrounding troops. Too bad this also was so for the other side. And they were heading there with furor.
Ariel was a bit further behind her sister, leading the flank. They were pushing as hard as they could, but the Beldrobbaen seemed to have emptied their entire golem-reserves for this attack.
“Can’t I just open a gate?” Fame’nidea demanded, crouching behind Ariel with a sealing-gem in hand. “I can keep the demons controlled.”
“Too dangerous this far.” Ariel stabbed forward, hoping to drive the Sharen in front of her away. Her voice dropped to a whisper as much as she could in the surrounding din. “Besides... I’d rather not risk a Beld falling. You know.”
“Yes.” Fame ducked her head lightly. “Get that point.” Her eyes were glowing behind her mask. They trailed from the battle into the direction where her home was.
“First battle?” Someone else asked her, though she could not tell his face behind the helmet and the poor lighting. She nodded briefly, wondering who he was that he seemed somewhat concerned about her.
It grew more intense. “I cannot see Quain or Suu’be anymore.” Someone called down the lines. “They have fallen.”
“Never.” Ariel gritted her teeth, but she too had lost sight of her mother among all the Beldrobbaen golems. “Khal, why could you not read those Sharess-damn letters?”
They pushed against the Beldrobbaen-line, driving them back to the old positions.
She hesitantly approached, the battle having ended. “Sister?”
Koil’dorath had waited until she was certain of the position’s stability and had then rushed back. She was sitting on the ground, a crushed breast-plate beside her.
“She was already dead when I saw her lay here.” The adopted daughter of Quain’tana whispered. “One of the golems just stepped on her.”
Ariel moved closer still, looking at the body in front of the elder woman. Suu’be’s chest was crushed beneath the chainmail she had been wearing.
“I am sorry.” Ariel whispered, reverently kneeling down beside her elder.
“Do not be.” Koil’dorath placed her mother’s hands on her chest. “Quain was taken, I presume. You’re in charge now.”
Ariel said nothing, eyes wide as she registered what the other told her. “But... I...”
“Have to.” Koil countered, taking Ariel’s shoulder in her hand. “The Sarghress need a leader now. Quain choose you.”
“But they will never follow me.” She argued. “There are too many that will not obey.”
“My mother is dead...” The orange-haired woman whispered. “I know most house-leaders will follow you. Their houses have to follow out of necessity. There are plenty who will help you.”
“I...” Ariel shivered. It was too soon. She could not lead a whole clan, let alone one of the size of the Sarghress... It was simply too much.
“Quain would not have made you heir if she thought you inadequate.” Koil firmly said. “You can do this. You have to.”
by SFI » Fri Oct 17, 2014 12:18 pm
“Ariel?” Diva peeked into the room. Faen stood a short distance behind her.
“I can’t do this...” The young drowolath whispered, shivering where she sat on her bed. “I can’t lead a whole clan like this.” She had not even cleaned herself from the battle yet, simply collapsing the moment she had closed the door.
“Fame told us what happened.” Faen sat down beside her. She fell silent, not sure what to tell her friend and lover.
“If I may be so bold...” Diva sat down on the ground in front of the two. “You must lead this clan, Ariel. But you don’t have to do it alone. Your mother’s councillors will help you.”
“Can I trust them? Mother and Kel always talked about me being used, molded...” Ariel buried her face in her hands. “I can’t do this.”
“You still have me. And Kel’noz would not betray you either.” Diva softly whispered. “You know you can trust my council. Perhaps even Waes’soloth could help you if you summon her here.”
“I... I... don’t know.” Poor child, she should never have been made to bear this burden. Diva got up, pulling Ariel close.
“Ask for Waes’soloth’s presence, Val’Sarghress.” The former Val’Sharess patted her hair. “Despite differing ideals, you must admit that she held her clan well. She can help you, just as I do. If you want it, that is...”
“I... yes... yes, please...” Ariel whispered, watching as Faen retrieved a tablet they had left outside the room. It was just some water and bread, but she devoured it regardless. Anything to take her mind of the task ahead. She took a couple of shuddering breaths. “And... and get the Vloz’ress here...”
The young wolf clutched the cup like it was a lifeline.
“I’ll add that, but... why?” The dark elf looked up from the letter she was writing.
“They... They don’t have secure position...” Ariel downed the cup as soon as Faen had filled it. “And... and it’ll explain... her presence here.”
“Alright.” The purple-haired woman nodded in acceptance. Heh, it seemed Ariel might just do well enough on her own. Except for... “How are we going to feed them? House them?”
“Have Kel look at that... Please...”
Diva just nodded, finishing the letter and then leaving the room to look for the only son of Quain’tana.
“With all due respect, Lord Val, I think we can be lucky she is able to give any kind of orders.” Diva stood in front of his desk, watching as he paced with the letter she had written for Kharla’ggen in his hand.
He was trying to hide it, but she could tell he too had been unbalanced by his mother’s capture.
“But getting an entire clan?” He looked at the letter. He had demanded to see it when his sister’s servant had told him of Ariel’s intentions. “Our food-stores are stretched as it is.”
“I am sure the Vloz’ress would be able to feed themselves. They did it before now, after all.”
Kel’noz looked from the dark elf back to the letter then sighed in defeat. “I hope she is going somewhere with this. I’ll see that there is some space for them.”
Diva bowed as he handed her the letter again, grateful she had left the request for Waes’soloth unspoken on paper. That would have raised some interesting questions.
“With your leave I will send it then.” She turned towards the door.
“One thing.” He stopped her.
“Yes?” She stopped, one hand already on the doorknob.
“...” He looked at her, before shaking his head. “Nevermind.”
Diva just bowed again as she left the room.
“Well, this has been a while...” Quain’tana muttered darkly, looking around her. “Actually... I don’t think I was in a Beldrobbaen-dungeon before this.” She leaned back as much as she could, looking up at the chains holding up her arms. “You’d expect such a rich clan to be able to afford pillows...”
“Mockery won’t help you.” The door opposite of her opened, revealing Odelia.
“Eh, I need to have a conversation with someone in here.” Quain answered, smirking lightly. “Nice dress, never took you for a dress-person. Stole if from someone’s closet?”
“You...” It was a black one, clearly inspired by the ones Waes’soloth used to wear. She took a deep breath, her hair shifting at the move to reveal that she was wearing her glass eye. “I did not come here for wardrobe-discussions.”
“Neither did I.” The Sarghress countered. “Yet someone saw fit to upgrade mine, so there we are.”
She was answered by a torrent of flames, just barely missing her form. Odelia was breathing heavily, her body trembling with fury.
“You think you can just kill our Ill’haress...” She hissed, hand closing in the white hair of the other, pulling her head back painfully. “And then just mock her!? You insolent, filthy commoner!”
“Oh... For fuck’s sake!” Quain’tana countered sharply, snarling like the wolf she had taken as her clan-animal. “I haven’t even touched Waes’soloth ever in my life with a three-meter pole, you moronic Val! Why would I start now of all bloody times!?”
by aceofAces » Fri Oct 17, 2014 12:58 pm
Welp, that's it, Ariel's a nervous wreck, Quain be lock in a dungeon, errybody fucked.
aceofAces
Location: In Spaaaaaaaaaaace
by SFI » Fri Oct 17, 2014 1:01 pm
aceofAces wrote: Welp, that's it, Ariel's a nervous wreck, Quain be lock in a dungeon, errybody fucked.
Ahem? *points at Taint-empowered Waes (if it is still canon that taint makes person more powerfull) & Kharla*
“Ariel wants us to have a sleepover with her.” Kiel looked at the message, not quite sure what to think of it. “The entire fucking clan.”
“Well, she does not think small at least.” Waes’soloth was combing Kharla’ggen’s hair, looking at the younger female with no expression on her face. “Is there a reason for this?”
“Quain got captured.” Kiel looked up from the letter. Even this did no longer faze the Beldrobbaen. “By yer clan, Waes.”
“The wolves will tear them apart.” Waes whispered, but said nothing else about it. “And Ariel will not be able to hold them. Too much dissention.”
“Most of that is dead.” Kiel threw the letter aside, plopping down on the ground beside the bath-tub Kharla’ggen was in. “What do ye say, sis?”
“Can we?” The Ill’haress looked at the black-haired female behind her.
“They will strengthen the line between you and the Sarghress after this.” The elder female mused. “But then again, do the Vloz’ress not breed madness?”
“Well, it’s settled then.” Kiel shrugged, throwing her arms into the air. “Clan-exodus to the Sargs it is.” She snorted, making for the exit again. “This is gonna be hilarious to watch.”
The door fell closed behind her, leaving the two older women in silence.
Wordlessly, Kharla’ggen rose from the water, allowing her attendant to wrap a fluffy towel around her. They did much in silence, the century-old Drowolath not appreciating small-talk.
“Will you accompany us?” The Vloz’ress played with her mask, studying the red marks on it.
“Always.” The Beldrobbaen assured her, holding out a bathrobe for the other to slide into. “It is my duty, after all.” It was impossible to tell what her feelings were as she said those words. Did she resent the cards Sharess had dealt her? Was she content? With the taint, she could not even tell herself.
Entering the bedroom, she suddenly felt an alien sensation in her limbs. She could not move them, instead they seemed to be moved by someone else.
“Kharla’ggen...” Kiel had warned her early into her stay of the incident in Felde that had resulted in her sister gaining a fondness for ‘sexy times’. After almost three months, it was now her turn, apparently. “Stop.” It did not even need a thought for her limbs to turn to shadow, Kharla’s grip on them failing, the unseen puppet-strings grasping at empty air.
They stood opposite each other, one half-turned into a shadowy figure, the other still solid flesh.
“That is not how it is done.” She admonished, her eyes glowing in her own darkness. Kharla’s own eyes narrowed, the woman with the mind of a child approaching a tantrum. “I can show you how it is to be done?”
She’d rather deal with that, than have Kharla flounder on and develop Sharess-knows-what kind of habits. It had been a while since she last taught the art of loving to anyone.
Khal stood in front of the mirror, eyes fixed on his own mirror-image. Being more precise, he was staring at his hair. In front of him was a small can of black dye.
There was no change in expression when he used it to colour the entirety of his hair black.
A short while later, he was sitting in his customary spot. Overlooking the district, he sat on one of the connecting beams between the fortress-towers.
“Khal?” Looking to his side, he could see Odelia in one of the windows. She climbed outside with a bit of trouble, slowly joining him on the smooth rock. “What happened to your hair?”
“I coloured it.” He muttered, one hand holding a strand of hair. He had done it poorly, instead of having white-and-black streaks, he now had dark-grey-and-black streaks.
“I see that. Why?” She hesitantly sat down, letting her legs hang off the ledge. “You liked it.”
“It makes me look like her.” His voice gained a dark undertone. “I will not look like her.”
“Like...?” It took Odelia a bit to make the connection. He had gone to see Quain’tana, despite her urgings to not do so. The wolf had her hair in red-and-white streaks. “So you changed it.”
“She killed my mother.” His hand tightened on the ground between them. It was wrapped in bandages, the boy refusing to have an empath speed up his healing. He had attacked their prisoner, before having been kicked across the room rather unceremoniously. “She mocked her.”
The words of the captured Ill’haress still rang in his ears, making his blood boil. ‘If your mother was as incapable as you are, it’s no wonder you lost track of her.’
“Don’t let her get to you.” Odelia warned him, hesitantly resting her hand on his shoulder.
“I can’t.” He shivered lightly under the touch, refusing to look at her. “There are too many reasons... I am not sure I can do this.”
“It is not that hard.” She tried to turn his head to look at her, finally succeeding after a bit of struggle between them. “You can do this, Khal. You have to.”
“I feel like I am worth nothing.” He sighed. “What use am I, Odelia? You do not let me fight, you even refuse to have me work on the golems.”
“Because you are uneducated in war-golemry.” She pointed out. “And I cannot afford taking those that are away from their work to teach you. And I do not let you fight because you are a symbol. A symbol of what we lost. Lose the symbol, lose the drive.”
“Normally, this is the part where I complain about the Beldrobbaen clinging to the past?” It was weak, but there was something of a smile on his face.
“Probably.” She returned it, still not having let go of his shoulder. “You understand though, don’t you?”
“Yes...” He sighed in defeat. “Is there nothing I can do?”
“Not really. I don’t think we can drum the Sarghress into defeat...” She got up again, offering her hand to him. “I have a meeting to attend. You can join if you wish.”
He got up to follow her, accepting her hand.
“Ill’haress Ash’waren wishes to see you.” Sar’nel told Ariel. She had managed to drag herself from her room, after much pushing from Diva and Faen. Unable to sit on her mother’s throne just yet, she was sitting on one of the chairs against the pillars. Flanking her were those of her mother’s guard that had managed to survive the recent battle relatively unscathed. Behind the pillars were several Fallen.
“Yes?” She got up as the Sullisin’rune approached her. “What brings you here?”
“I think you can imagine.” Ash reached for her slowly, her empathy revealing to her exactly in what kind of turmoil the young female was. “I am here to offer my council.”
“I thank you.” Ariel nodded briefly, not mentioning that she already had plenty of council. “What were your losses?”
“Quite some people.” Ash told her. “Though no loss as grievous as yours. Do you have a plan as to what to do already?”
“I am still waiting on my intel.” Ariel struggled to keep her cool. Goddess, she never had quite appreciated the hard work it was to lead thousands through a war. No wonder Quain had wanted to toss it first chance she got. “And reinforcements.”
“Where do you want to pull those from?” The Ill’haress pulled her aside a bit. “Ariel, after that mess with Waes’soloth disappearing almost a year ago, no clan is going to back you. If I did not know Quain as well as I do, even I would have called it all off then.”
“The Vloz’ress do back me.” Ariel countered, eyes narrowing at the last statement of the other. “And they will continue to do so.”
“Vloz’ress...” The jaw-line of Faen’s mother tightened. “What can they help you? Sneak-attacks behind lines won’t work now.”
“I summoned them here.” Ariel told her. “All of them. They have assured me they would do so.”
“What!?” Had the Vloz’ress madness reached the Sarghress-heiress now?
Last edited by SFI on Mon Nov 17, 2014 4:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
by Metzger » Tue Oct 28, 2014 9:03 am
I don't know if this is a good thing or not for Ariel
Return to Fanfics and Fanart
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Celebrating President Small Dick’s Big Parade
General Intelligent Discussion & One Thread About That Buttknuckle
Re: Donald J Trump 'I Want The Best Climate' Thread
by Monker » Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:07 am
Now you are just rambling, completely off from your original topic that it is acceptable to you for the President to to have his decisions influenced by the leader of an enemy nation. You can't even say that TREASON is wrong. This had NOTHING to do with the 2016 election, which is where you are trying to turn the conversation. This is why I stopped replying to your posts for the longest time. It becomes pointless when you can't stay on topic and shift from here to there, and it usually lands on some topic about Clinton.
The_Noble_Cause wrote:
Monker wrote: Are you actually saying it is OK for our leaders to commit treason?
History points to yes (Nixon undermining Vietnam peace talks, Reagan's October Surprise). Additionally, in US history, treason charges have been brought less than fifty times. So this is all meaningless. When Kennedy wrote secret letters to Khrushchev at the height of the Cold War was that treason? I wonder what his top generals thought...
Monker wrote: YOU are the one who said you would rather have the President of this country under the influence of Putin, than Haliburton, or whatever.
Monker wrote: If it is a conspiracy theory, it is one that you bought into and wrote on this forum for me to reply to. Posting the Constitutional definition of treason is NOT a conspiracy theory...that is bizarre talk from you.
Of course it's a conspiracy theory. Anyone entertaining the idea that Trump and Russia somehow swung the election with FB ads like this is an idiot.
Monker
Fact Finder wrote:
Andrew wrote: There is zero point debating you TNC. Utterly pointless. Therefore I shall cease.
Sorry you feel that way. I am happy to share my views with anyone at anytime.
For the record - Manafort's three passports have been reviewed. No sign of him ever entering London in 2013, 2015, and 2016 to meet with Julian Assange.
Just more fake news.
Come where you are wanted and allowed to converse freely.
http://mrexiles.freeforums.net
Let these intolerant leftist scum suffer in silence here.
If you guys hate it here so much, why do you still come here and read the forum? The dozen of you can't hold a conversation without bringing up mr.com? Why don't you all just delete your accounts in protest and be done with it? You and LtVanish look like you are just taking the piss and actually would rather keep posting here.
Re: Donald J Trump 'Covfefe & Hamberders' Thread
by Andrew » Wed Jan 16, 2019 11:50 pm
At the behest of another user here, I took a few minutes to read some of the comments at the new exiles board recently created.
Just a couple of comments. No, there’s been no difference to traffic here since you folk leaving. No, there was no difference when the Trump thread was temp locked.
The hate. Wow, I can’t believe how many comments there are about me, the site, speculation and crap. You all hated it here so much, so you created your own board where you seem to be spending most of your time discussing myself and this board. Sorry, but that’s just sad.
To the few vitriol throwing assholes, if I understand correctly, you hate this board and me...so your accounts here will no longer be needed. Glad you spent so much of your time here over the last decade or so, but the descriptive hatred is worse than anything seen on here....so in the spirit of your own comments - go fuck yourselves and good riddance.
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
by The_Noble_Cause » Thu Jan 17, 2019 1:10 am
Monker wrote: Now you are just rambling, completely off from your original topic that it is acceptable to you for the President to to have his decisions influenced by the leader of an enemy nation.You can't even say that TREASON is wrong.
Already covered this.
In the eyes of many, JFK's secret attempts at detente with Khrushchev was "treason." Nixon's sabotage of Johnson's peace talks was considered treason.
The world is complicated and I do not subscribe to your black-and-white cartoon version of it.
Monker wrote: This had NOTHING to do with the 2016 election, which is where you are trying to turn the conversation.
The allegations of treason revolve around the 2016 election being influenced by the Russians. You cannot separate the two. If you want to discuss other stories (ex. Trump hiding interpreter notes), then say so.
Monker wrote: This is why I stopped replying to your posts for the longest time.
Riiiight. Or maybe it's because every time you lie (ex. Colbert Report is not an O'Reilly parody. ex. Hillary had permission to use a secret server) you get blown up with facts. Reply or don't. You have no credibility whatsoever.
"I think we should all sue this women for depriving us of our God given right to go down with a clear mind, and good thoughts." - Stu, Consumate Pussy Eater
The_Noble_Cause
Location: Lake Titicaca
by AR » Thu Jan 17, 2019 4:47 am
Andrew wrote: The hate. Wow, I can’t believe how many comments there are about me, the site, speculation and crap. You all hated it here so much, so you created your own board where you seem to be spending most of your time discussing myself and this board.
I'd just like to chime in that when I created my own board in 2007 or so it was never about hating this one. I just wanted to post porn.
AR is just a longtime net troll who is bored with trolling just Journey most of the time so he's looking for other places to troll and get reactions.
"StillStanding" from the karaoke Boston forum and night manager at Home Depot
Digital Audio Tape
by verslibre » Thu Jan 17, 2019 5:40 am
AR wrote:
Why should I lookee your porn board when Xh@mst3r has it all?
Last edited by verslibre on Thu Jan 17, 2019 8:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Heer's ta swimmen wid bowlegged wimmen!"
verslibre
verslibre wrote:
Why should I like at your porn board when Xh@mst3r has it all?
There was no Both Xh@mst3r , P*rrnHub , R*dTube, Tube8, xv*deos or any of those other great sites (at least I don't think) when The Annex opened.
(edit: I had to look it up out of curiosity. Xh@mst3r was established same year as my forum board.)
by Monker » Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:59 am
Monker wrote: The Colbert Report was NOT a parody of the O'Reilly Factor. It is The Daily Show with a fake conservative host. That is all.
Sorry. You're just uninformed. Even Colbert's opening "The Word" was a direct parody of O'Reilly's opening "Talking Points Memo" right down to the graphics.
As Colbert himself has said: "I owe a lot to Bill O'Reilly," Colbert said Wednesday. "I spent over nine years playing a character based largely on him — and then 12 months in therapy, to de-bloviate myself."
From the book Satire TV by Professor Jonathan Gray: "Although the aesthetic of The Colbert Report has changed drastically since its first conception on The Daily Show, it’s central premise remains Colbert’s parody of O’Reilly."
Rolling Stone discussing The Colbert Report: " Plenty of Colbert fans probably never knew the segment was a spoof of Bill O'Reilly's 'The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day.' "
From The New Yorker: "The Colbert Report, on Comedy Central, broadcasts what is essentially a full-dress parody of The O’Reilly Factor. Stephen Colbert has obviously made a close study of O’Reilly’s mannerisms and opinions, just as Colbert’s producers have made a close study of the overblown red-white-and-blue swirled graphics that open The O’Reilly Factor."
NYTimes: "When The Colbert Report debuted in 2005, a nightly show satirizing Bill O’Reilly seemed like it would eventually be a dead end."
WaPo: "Whereas Stephen Colbert was a nightly send-up of Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly, Jordan Klepper channels Alex Jones and the conspiratorial ethos of Infowars on Comedy Central’s The Opposition.
Talking to you is a waste of time. You're wrong on pretty much everything.
Monker wrote: I get the feeling that you never even watched the show.
And I get the feeling you never understood what the hell you were even watching.
Monker wrote: The FACTS completely prove you wrong. Colbert has over three million viewers each daily episode. Trevor Noah gets around two million viewers per episode. People watch these shows or they wouldn't be renewed...over and over again. It's no different than if nobody was going to a ___________ concert, they wouldn't be able to afford to tour.
Umm, Carson used to pull in 9 million viewers. Those ratings just prove what I said from the beginning. Broadcast TV has cratered and most Americans have cut the chord.
You just don't know what you are talking about and are simply posting Google searches. Yes, the character he is playing was based on O'Reilly. Yes, "The Word" is his version of "Talking POints".
There are around 40 recurring segments on the Colbert Report. Only TWO of them were spoofing Papa Bear. As I have tried to say, most of them could have been on the Daily Show. 95% of them have NOTHING TO DO WITH O'REILLY.
And, that doesn't even get into the guest interviews, which are also NOTHING LIKE O'Reilly.
Here is a list of most of his segments from Wiki. Some of these are hillarous just to read...and remember seeing all of them:
Alpha Dog of the Week is a segment in which Colbert heaps praise on one specific news maker from the previous week for, as Colbert himself puts it, being "such an imposing presence that people automatically fall in place behind you, deferentially sniffing your butt."[1] The irony of the segment comes from the fact that the honoree has typically fallen from grace as a result of the supposed alpha behavior Colbert is celebrating.
Atone Phone
The Atone Phone was introduced in the 2007 season during the Jewish High Holidays. Stephen interprets the Ten Days of Repentance to mean that Jewish people should apologize specifically to him, and introduces a hotline (1-888-OOPS-JEW) that Jews can call to apologize for anything that they may have done to "wrong" Stephen. The phone occasionally rings during the show, with an old style bell ringer that rings to the tune of Hava Nagila. The segment is reintroduced every season during the High Holidays, and each subsequent season it is revealed that the number to call has to be shared with another hotline that shares the same number, first 1-888-MOPS-KEY and later 1-888-MOSS-LEW.,[2] 1-888-MOS-PLEX, 1-888-NORS-LEZ, 1-888-O-MRS-LEX, and 1-888-O-NPR-LDY.
Better Know a District
Main article: Better Know a District
Better Know a District is a recurring segment where Colbert interviews members of Congress from specific districts, hoping to fill all 434 spaces on his map. (The missing 435th district is California's 50th, which was declared dead to Stephen in 2005 following the Duke Cunningham scandal, because it had "let Duke down." [3] On Ash Wednesday in 2006, its status was changed to "never existed to me," making it the only item in that category.[4]) The segment features Colbert first giving a short history lesson on the district, then interviewing the representative and asking them "loaded" questions.
Spinoffs
Better Know a Challenger, a segment during the 2006 Congressional Elections where Colbert interviewed challengers because the incumbent declined to appear on his show.
Better Know a Protectorate, a 4-part series focusing on the protectorates of the United States.
Better Know a Founder, a 56-part series focusing on the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Better Know a President, a 43-part series where Colbert interviews former Presidents by speaking to impersonators.
Meet an Ally, a series focusing on the nations in the Coalition of the Willing.
Betterer Know a District, features extended versions of previously shown interviews.
Better Know a Memory, a "recap" of sorts following the 2006 elections, showing "better known" representatives that had been returned to Congress.
Better Know a Presidential Candidate Who'll Talk to Me, an indefinite series featuring interviews with presidential candidates from the 2008 presidential election. To date, only Republicans Mike Huckabee (who asked Colbert to be his running mate) and Ron Paul have appeared for such interviews, although Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards have all made appearances on the Report.
Better Know a Governor, a series focusing on state governors (starting with Mark Sanford)
Better Know a Lobby, a 35,000-part (originally infinite-part) series, introduced on the February 6, 2008 episode, focusing on lobbyists that work on Capitol Hill.
Better Know a Beatle, a 4-part series focusing on the members of The Beatles.
Better Know a Cradle of Civilization, a 1-part series about the history of Iraq shown during Operation Iraqi Stephen.
Better Know a Made Up District, a [unintelligible] part series about made up districts; a reference to inaccurate submissions to the United States government's website that tracks the spending of stimulus money, by business people who made up congressional districts.
Better Know a Stephen, a segment introduced December 16, 2009 in which Colbert interviews other prominent men named Stephen (specifically spelled with a "ph").
Better Know an Enemy, a series focusing on the terrorist enemies.
Better Know a Riding, a 1-part segment focusing on the Canadian Electoral District held by Member of Parliament Ujjal Dosanjh which took place on February 22, 2010 during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The riding profiled was Vancouver South, where the Olympics took place.
Better Know a Kissinger, A one part series on Henry Kissinger prior to Colbert's interview of Henry Kissinger.
Better Know a Salinger/Hemingway, One-part series on whoever he profiles in the Colbert book club.
Better Know a America, A one part series in which Stephen Colbert interviews President Obama.
The Blitzkrieg on Grinchitude
A segment that is featured around Christmas season. He (Colbert) covers stories that involve people suggested to be attacking Christmas getting foiled in various ways.
The Boards
Originating from phrases used by Colbert as a warning or condemnation, the On Notice and Dead to Me boards are giant blue boards listing people and things that have angered Colbert. When the On Notice board is full, Colbert is forced to either remove an item or transfer it to the Dead to Me board, which is reserved for his most hated nemeses. One-off variations have included a Called Out white board on August 14, 2006, a red Fantasies board on January 31, 2007, a Do Not Say board on April 25, 2007 and a pocket-sized "On Notice" board on October 2, 2007.
Cheating Death with Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, D.F.A.
Cheating Death is a medical and health-related segment. During Cheating Death, Colbert refers to himself as Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, D.F.A., a reference to the Honorary Fine Arts Doctorate that was awarded to him by Knox College.
The introduction graphic to this segment is a reference to the chess game with Death in Ingmar Bergman's film The Seventh Seal, with Colbert wearing scrubs as he uses trickery to literally cheat Death and win (another variant has him conning Death out of its money at three card monte). Colbert usually then prefaces each segment by noting that he is not a medical doctor, but a Doctor of Fine Arts, followed by a joke about what he is allowed to do (example: delivering babies through Georgia O'Keeffe paintings). The segment usually features accounts of actual medical and health news, including recent breakthroughs and announcements of the type found on other medical and health segments which then segue into plugs for the (fictional) sponsor, Prescott Pharmaceuticals, and their highly dubious "Vaxa" product line. (Prescott Pharmaceuticals is apparently part of a large, rather shady company known as the Prescott Group, whom Colbert frequently promotes. Their other divisions include Prescott Oil and Prescott Finance.) This health advice is generally dangerous or unhelpful, and said products also cause bizarre side effects such as "Skeletal Xylophoning",[5] or "REO Speedlung".[6] The segment always ends with Colbert saying, "I'll see you in health!," a play on the phrase, "I'll see you in hell!"
On the April 25, 2011 episode, Colbert renamed his product line "Vacsa", after he received a cease-and-desist letter from a company whose line of homeopathic products is actually called Växa. He insisted that any similarities between the two names was purely "axidental".
The segment was used as the culmination of the program's series finale; Death (who is referred to as Grimmy), who was intended to be the show's final guest, does not fall for Colbert's tricks and strangles him upon watching him actually cheat. This results in a struggle that ends with Colbert accidentally killing Death with his pistol Sweetness and becoming an immortal.[7]
Colbert Platinum (CP)
Colbert Platinum is The Colbert Report's version of High Net Worth (HNW) on CNBC. It profiles expensive and high-profile items, like personal submarines and $750,000 pens, which only the "super rich" could afford. In the introduction, Colbert reminds viewers that the segment is for billionaires "only," instructing "poor" millionaire viewers to change the channel. On October 20, 2008, Colbert Platinum was spun off as Colbert Aluminum, due to the economic crisis of 2008. Its focus was the formerly wealthy, Colbert telling viewers not to watch "if you haven't had a yacht repossessed in the last six months." As of August 20, 2009, Colbert announced that the recession was over and that Colbert Platinum had been reinstated.
Cold War Update
Cold War Update is a segment where Colbert dismisses "rumors" that the Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The segment covers news from former Soviet Bloc countries, such as Cuba, North Korea, Russia, China, and Yugoslavia.[8]
The Craziest F#?king Thing I've Ever Heard
The Craziest F#?king Thing I've Ever Heard is a segment in which Colbert highlights a "bizarre" recent news item. It likens to The O'Reilly Factor's "The Most Ridiculous Item of the Day." Variants include "The Most Poetic F#?king Thing I've Ever Heard."
The DaColbert Code
A parody of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, "The DaColbert Code" is an occasional segment in which Colbert uses his mysterious code (actually an elaborate word association game) to uncover past and future events. This typically leads Colbert to form absurd conclusions, such as that Mike Myers was responsible for the Hurricane Katrina debacle — although in 2006 and 2009 he used the DaColbert Code to accurately predict the five top Oscar winners and shortly before the 2008 elections, the code repeatedly said that Barack Obama would be the next US president. The segment uses Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa as its opening graphic, with Colbert's face edited in. On every occasion, he illustrates how it works by giving a test of it by predicting who killed John F. Kennedy, which at each time had led to a different suspect, including Jacqueline, Johnson, Nixon, and Kennedy himself.
Democralypse Now!
Democralypse Now! was introduced during the 2008 presidential primaries and covered how the Democratic party was "destroying itself" through Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's competing bids for the presidential nomination. The title is a portmanteau, combining the title of left-leaning progressive syndicated news program Democracy Now! with that of the film Apocalypse Now. (The opening sequence alludes to the film with the song "Ride of the Valkyries" and a cutout of John McCain's head quoting the film's famous line "The horror ... the horror!")
Difference Makers pays tribute to ordinary Americans whom Colbert deems to be making a difference, usually in promoting a passionate cause of dubious value, such as a woman who believes that teaching pole dancing is a feminist cause. The Difference Maker being profiled is described in heroic superlatives, and the segments feature patriotic background music, but the interviews shown invariably contradict the narrator's praising statements. This is one of the few segments in which Colbert does not feature at all, except as the narrator. The name bears a similarity to that of the NBC Nightly News human interest segment "Making A Difference".
The Enemy Within is part of a series of segments labeled as Colbert Report Special Reports. The intro features a seemingly ordinary family taking a picture, only for aliens to pop out at the end. In the segment, Stephen uses a faux narration style to label a seemingly benign thing that has bended a law (like toddlers and unicycles) as an enemy.
Formidable Opponent
For the Formidable Opponent, Colbert debates a topic against the only person he deems truly worthy of his opposition: himself. The segment gives the appearance that there are two Stephen Colberts, each facing the other, wearing different colored ties (usually a blue tie for the liberal Colbert and red for the conservative) and standing against different backdrops, an illusion attained through use of a green screen and chroma-key technology to change the color of Colbert's tie. One of the Colberts will generally take a more liberal position, while the other will take a more characteristic ultra-conservative view. The conservative Colbert will almost always win, generally posing an extremely unlikely hypothetical situation (either concerning special circumstances or hypothetical fallout), and using that for his justifications.
To date, the only time the 'liberal' Colbert has won was on the episode airing on November 4, 2009. In this episode, the 'liberal' Colbert called on Al Gore (who was there in person) to help him argue. The ultra-conservative Colbert then called his own version of Al Gore (also played by the real Al Gore). However, unlike the two debating Stephens, "both" Al Gores were of the same opinion, and convinced the conservative Colbert that they were right.
The final installment of Formidable Opponent aired on December 15, 2014. During a debate on the United States' use of torture — the same topic the two had debated during the show's first month — the liberal Colbert convinced his conservative counterpart to admit to being an imaginary character. As the segment ended, the conservative Colbert faded from existence, leaving only the liberal Colbert.
Four Horsemen of the A-Pop-calypse
In the Four Horsemen of the A-Pop-calypse segment Colbert criticizes the media (radio, film, television, and books) for hastening the end of civilization. The name of the segment is a reference to the biblical characters of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Freedom Trivia
These short messages frequently appeared on screen immediately before or after commercial breaks during the show's first season. The titles were typically portmanteaux, ranging from Fracts (Freedom Facts), to Friddles (Freedom Riddles), Franagrams (Freedom Anagrams) and Frnaps (Freedom Snaps). Drinking games and Freedom Trivia were also offered. The messages displayed were typically reflective of Colbert's exaggerated patriotism and inflated ego, for instance, "Did you know… In 1983, Stephen legally changed his middle name to 'Gettysburg Address'." They were discontinued soon after the commencement of the show's second season; the last Freedom Trivia message appeared in the January 26, 2006 episode of the Report.
Indecision 2010: Revenge of the Fallen
Coverage of the 2010 midterm elections. Republicans were poised to re-take the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate. The segment subtitle is from the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. In this case, the "fallen" are the Republicans. Senator Mitch McConnell is shown as transforming from a turtle, and Minority Leader John Boehner is shown as transforming from an orange traffic cone.
Monkey on the Lam
The opening graphic of Monkey on the Lam
Wikinews has related news: Police capture escaped monkey in Wisconsin, USA
Monkey on the Lam first appeared in August 2007 after a monkey escaped and went "on the lam" in Wisconsin. It has recurred occasionally, featuring stories of escaped monkeys, but mostly revolving around Colbert's disappointment upon the discovery that whatever story is being profiled has been resolved and will not need follow up, giving him no excuse to use the graphic featuring a monkey riding a lamb and firing a gun. A "Lobster Edition" of the segment was also featured, using the same graphic.
Movies That Are Destroying America
Movies That Are Destroying America is a film review segment in which Colbert provides his opinions on recently released movies—often, he admits, without actually having seen anything more than the trailers (which he claims "give you the best part of the movie anyway"). This often leads to a humorous and mistaken impression of the movies being reviewed as Colbert viciously attacks films that most would consider to be benign (such as Over the Hedge and Pride and Prejudice), then praises a movie that conservatives have found objectionable (such as Brokeback Mountain). The segment has featured an "Awards Edition," a "Christmas Edition," and a "Summer Blockbuster Edition."
Nailed 'Em
Nailed 'Em is a segment where Colbert covers a dubious triumph of "Order & Law". The segment involves someone breaking a minor or absurd law, and being brought to justice - for example, a man who was charged for allowing his spouse to eat from his plate at an all-you-can-eat restaurant. The segment is narrated by Colbert, who uses various dramatic rhetoric and strange metaphors to portray the law-breaker as a horrid criminal. In certain cases, Colbert follows up a story on this segment by "punishing" the "criminal" in a way that sarcastically underscores the absurdity of the crime for which they were "nailed." An example of this is when a young boy who loved to read had his library card revoked because his family lived in a different borough than their library of choice, and as such did not pay taxes that supported that library. He was featured on this segment, and Colbert responded by "forcing" the boy to read even more books, which he enacted by sending him a box full of books previously featured on his show, as well as a collector's box-set of the entire Harry Potter series, signed by Colbert himself.
People Destroying America
In a similar style to that of Nailed 'Em and Difference Makers, People Destroying America features interviews surrounding a person who has committed some sort of trivial action or offense that Colbert deems to be "destroying America." The narration, usually read by Colbert, tends to describe the subject and their supposed offense in ominous superlatives which are invariably contradicted by the benign responses of the interviewees.
Sam Waterston Says Things You Should Never Believe in a Trustworthy Manner
Sam Waterston Says Things You Should Never Believe in a Trustworthy Manner is a brief segment featuring Law & Order star Sam Waterston, who, as the title suggests, says things you should never believe in a trustworthy manner—things such as, "I'm from the future. Come with me if you want to live." It was introduced in January 2008 to illustrate the perils of relying on the "folksy" charms of then-presidential candidate and Law & Order costar Fred Thompson, who, to the distress of Colbert, was frequently hailed as a "Reagan figure" by the press. The segment ran three times (although Colbert claimed that he has proven the case "dozens of times"), and was discontinued after Thompson withdrew from his campaign for the presidency.
Smokin' Pole: The Fight for Arctic Riches
Wikinews has related news: Russia claims North Pole by planting flag on seabed
Smokin' Pole: The Fight for Arctic Riches is a segment in which Colbert recaps news surrounding the world's nations laying claim to the resources of the Arctic Circle. This segment was originally titled "Arc! Who goes there?"
Stephen Colbert's Balls for Kidz
Stephen Colbert's Balls for Kidz is an "educational" children's segment providing lessons on what Colbert deems to be important issues. It features a panel of four children interviewing adult "experts" whose typically absurd answers elicit bemused or horrified reactions from the young panel. The segment is filmed in two separate parts - field interviews with, or re-cut news footage of the "experts"; and the children's questions and reactions - which are then edited together to create the final piece.
Stephen Colbert's Bears & Balls
A financial advice segment in the style of Mad Money, Bears and Balls features an over-sized red button that, when pressed, bleats out simplistic answers (frequently "Bees!") to finance-related questions, although Colbert will sometimes have to press it several times (each time emitting irrelevant and often comedic answers) before eliciting a response relevant to the question. The button occasionally gives an answer before Colbert even presses it.
Stephen Colbert's Fallback Position
A segment in which Colbert searches for a job other than being a political pundit, such as a spy or a Thunderbird. In each of these segments, he interviews someone in the profession he is considering and asks them why he should choose that job. At the end of the interview, Colbert becomes convinced and tries out his fallback position.
Stephen Colbert's Skate Expectations
Stephen Colbert's Skate Expectations: Kicking Ice and Taking Donations On the Slippery Slope Down the Icy Path to the Frozen Road Up to Vancouver '010 was a four-part series where Colbert would profile a sport in the 2010 Winter Olympics and try out for the corresponding US team. In each of the segments, skeleton, bobsledding, curling, and speed skating were all profiled. Luge was passed upon, due to it being considered the "gayest sport".[9] The final segment featured the race between Colbert and Olympic skater Shani Davis, which was issued after Davis called Colbert "a jerk" for slamming Canada for not allowing the US speedskating team to practice in their arena.[10]
Stephen Colbert's Sport Report
Stephen Colbert's Sport Report (both pronounced with silent "t"s) was originally created to cover the Saginaw Spirit, an Ontario Hockey League junior ice hockey team whose secondary mascot, Steagle Colbeagle, was named after Colbert. The Spirit was the driving force of the segment at its inception, with Colbert recapping games, trash-talking upcoming opponents and advising the team's coach, but it later became a segment for general sports-related topics, once taking up an entire show on its own during the writer's strike.
Stephen Hawking is Such an A-Hole
Presented as covering stories regarding astro physicist Stephen Hawking, by which Colbert portrays him in a light that suggests that he is a jerk.
Stephen's Sound Advice
Stephen's Sound Advice is an advice segment during which Colbert offers absurdist remedies for problems such as taxes, power blackouts and identity theft.
Tek Jansen
Main article: Tek Jansen
Fully titled: Stephen Colbert Presents: Stephen Colbert's Alpha Squad 7: The New Tek Jansen Adventures, the Tek Jansen shorts are animated adventures, purportedly of the main character of Colbert's (fictional) unpublished book, Stephen Colbert's Alpha Squad 7: Lady Nocturne: A Tek Jansen Adventure. The shorts could be said to be formulaic and over the top, with each one featuring Jansen taking part in heroic adventures, becoming amorous with every woman (human and otherwise) he meets, spouting one-liners, and falling into mortal danger in a cliffhanger ending. Invariably the real Colbert will react to the animated goings-on as if he, too, finds it as exciting as the narrator does.
Thought for Food
In this recurring segment, Colbert presents food issues of the day like obesity, Coney Islands Hot Dog Eating Contest or new fast food offerings, targeting overboarding creations. Some quotes:
Americans are always reaching for the stars...in our boxes of Lucky Charms.
The Coney Island Hot Dog eating contest is the most patriotic observance of the Fourth of July short of a hot dog shooting contest.
The Friendly's Grilled Cheese Burger Melt is "like your lunch, and two other people's lunches are having a three-way in your mouth.
What if you had a grilled cheese sandwich, where the bread was two other grilled cheese sandwiches? And then, what if those two grilled cheese sandwiches also had grilled cheese sandwiches for bread, and so on, in an endlessly recursive series of dual-state cheese sandwich bread cheese sandwiches, extending into infinity? Prepare yourself nation, for I have invented the Mobius Melt: You'll never want to stop eating it, and in theory, you never could.
ThreatDown
The ThreatDown is one of the show's longest running segments, listing the five biggest threats to Americans as identified by Stephen Colbert. Bears and robots (and, occasionally, robot bears) each frequently feature high on the list, either as their own entry or in connection with another entry. The threats posed are often a threat to no one but Colbert himself; for example, in January 2006, Colbert declared the Associated Press the number one threat to America for failing to credit him with the coining of the word "truthiness". Variations on this segment have included a GreatDown, in which Colbert listed the five greatest things in America; a Mini ThreatDown that featured a single "threat number .5", which Colbert had neglected to mention in the previous night's ThreatDown; a ShredDown, the title given to the guitar solo competition between Colbert and Chris Funk; a Threat StandDown, the antithesis of the ThreatDown, in which viewers are told to stop being afraid;[11] and a number of themed ThreatDowns, including an all animal, science and technology, and most frequent threats editions.
The Xbox Live Arcade game Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 Commander's Challenge has an achievement referencing the ThreatDown. You have to destroy all the bears in the level 'Number One Threat to America'[citation needed]
Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger
Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger (Also referred to as "T-Dubs" or "Tip/Wag") is a segment in which Colbert expresses approval or disapproval of people or news items. It is not uncommon for Colbert to praise someone with a "Tip of the Hat", only to immediately turn around and condemn them with a "Wag of the Finger", sometimes for the same reason. In one such instance, Colbert lavished approval on then-Prime Minister of Australia John Howard for his criticism of Barack Obama, expressing agreement with the remarks, before showering Howard with abuse for daring to speak ill of an American citizen. He also has tipped his hat to Roe v. Wade, the abortion case, because he wants to be able to "Roe" across a lake in a boat, not "Wade" across and ruin his jacket.
Un-American News
Un-American News is a segment in which Colbert reports on news from around the world.
Where in the World and when in Time is Stephen Colbert Going to be in the Persian Gulf?
Where in the World and when in Time is Stephen Colbert Going to be in the Persian Gulf? was a segment that was created in response to both the cancellation of Matt Lauer's Today Show segment Where in the World is Matt Lauer? and Colbert's announcement that he would take his show to the Persian Gulf for a week of shows. The segment profiles a random region in the Persian Gulf using the Press Your Luck board. On the May 6, 2009 airing, Colbert changed the title to Where in the When and Who in How is Stephen Someone Going to be in the Something Where? per Pentagon's request, as it was stated that the segment's theme song gave out too much information about the location of where the show would be taping. On June 8, 2009, The Colbert Report aired from the Al-Faw Palace (Also known as the Water Palace), at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. He interviewed Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. Senator John McCain and President Barack Obama made special appearances, as did Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush on day two.
See: Operation Iraqi Stephen: Going Commando 2009 Visit to Baghdad, Iraq for further information.
Who's —ing Me Now?
Variants of this segment include Who's Honoring Me Now? and Who's Not Honoring Me Now?, where Colbert brings attention to a media outlet that is recognizing him for something, or failing to recognize him for something he feels he should be recognized for respectively, playing on the character's self-centered nature. Who's Attacking Me Now? parodies the tendency of conservative pundits to portray themselves as besieged by foes in order to rally supporters to their defence. Who's Riding My Coattails Now? is another variation.
The Wørd
The Wørd is a frequently recurring segment during which Colbert chooses a word or phrase as a theme for a rant on a topical subject or news item, while messages displayed in a sidebar either highlight or sarcastically undercut what he is saying. This segment is a parody of The O'Reilly Factor segment Talking Points Memo and can also be likened to Mark Hyman's The Point conservative commentaries for Sinclair Broadcasting Group's former News Central concept.[12] The Wørd was the longest running segment on the Colbert Report, having been a feature since the first episode on October 17, 2005. The first "The Wørd" was the originator of the now famous word/concept Truthiness.
As Colbert himself explains it:[13]
I'm speaking a completely self-sufficient, standalone essay, hopefully comedic... The bullet points [excerpt] parts of what I said, or [comment] on what I just said. And the bullet points end up being their own character. Sometimes they're reinforcing my argument, sometimes they're countermanding my argument. It's a textual addition of jokes or satire to the verbal essay I'm doing at the moment.
In the episode aired on April 17, 2008, former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards appeared on The Report and performed his own variation of The Wørd, called EdWørds. The April 22, 2010 episode, where Colbert attacked William Gheen for accusing Stephen's home state's senator Lindsey Graham of being a homosexual, featured a Bønus Wørd.
On the December 8, 2014 episode, President Barack Obama appeared on The Report and performed his own variation of The Wørd, called De¢ree.
On July 18, 2016, Colbert briefly revived his Colbert Report persona in an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert covering the 2016 Republican National Convention, which included a The Wørd segment about "Trumpiness."[14] On the July 27, 2016 episode, after stating that another company—implied to be Viacom, had threatened CBS over his use of aspects from The Colbert Report on Late Show, Colbert introduced a character that is the twin cousin of the Colbert character and also named Stephen Colbert, and brought back the segment once more as the WERD.[15]
Following a July 2007 wrist injury, Colbert took up wrist injuries in general as a "pet cause" debuting Wrist Watch on July 31. The segment purports to expose "Hollywood's 'glamorization' of wrist violence." Generally the segment shows scenes from television and film featuring someone either hurting their arm or wrist in some way or having it removed. Colbert also wore and marketed "Wriststrong" gel bracelets, a parody of Lance Armstrong's Livestrong wristbands. The cast that he wore afterwards was removed on the show on August 23, 2007.
Yahweh or No Way
In this segment, Colbert determines whether various news events were influenced by divine intervention (Yahweh) or run contrary to what he thinks would be God's will (No Way). One example was the news story stating that Mormons may have baptized President Barack Obama's relatives.[16] Colbert labeled this "No Way", explaining that Mormons are teetotalers and Obama uses even the flimsiest excuse to have a beer. Another was the story of Dinosaur Adventureland, a Creationist dinosaur theme park whose owner claimed that he was not required to pay the $600,000 in payroll taxes he owed to the IRS[17] because he was employed by God. Colbert labeled this "Yahweh", and then said that God should not be imagined as He was by Hollywood films such as King of Kings, but more like Mr. Six of the Six Flags television commercials. He also claimed that the manna that fell in the desert was funnel cake. Rarely, Colbert used a "Middle Way' or 'Maybewey, because he was unsure if an event was in "Yahweh or "No Way" territory, or in one case where he refused to take sides, "I Don't Know Weh."
by The_Noble_Cause » Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:05 am
Monker wrote: You just don't know what you are talking about and are simply posting Google searches.
No, I'm providing additional facts to bolster my facts - since you clearly like to invent your own.
I realize the idea of introducing facts into an argument may seem strange - even scary - to you.
I watched the show from the very first episode. It's clear you weren't even aware what it was satirizing.
Monker wrote: Yes, the character he is playing was based on O'Reilly. Yes, "The Word" is his version of "Talking POints".
That's not what you said.
You said: "The Colbert Report was NOT a parody of the O'Reilly Factor. It is The Daily Show with a fake conservative host. That is all."
Make up your mind.
Monker wrote: There are around 40 recurring segments on the Colbert Report. Only TWO of them were spoofing Papa Bear. As I have tried to say, most of them could have been on the Daily Show. 95% of them have NOTHING TO DO WITH O'REILLY.
So what? Since when do parodies match their source material 100%?
Is Young Frankenstein not a Frankenstein parody because it also features a showtune?
Is Airplane not a disaster film satire because it includes a disco scene?
You are now attempting to argue against reality.
Monker wrote: And, that doesn't even get into the guest interviews, which are also NOTHING LIKE O'Reilly.
He did them in his O'Reilly persona and made them confrontational. Seemed very very O'Reilly-like to me.
Monker wrote: Here is a list of most of his segments from Wiki. Some of these are hillarous just to read...and remember seeing all of them:
Who the hell cares? I don't think you know what a parody is.
Gotta say, the idea of you watching this show religiously, considering yourself a massive fan, and not even understanding it is pretty hilarious.
by JBlake » Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:02 am
Reading today that Trump pulled the military aircraft for Pelosi's 7 day trip. Trump shut that hag down! And she thought she was going to be out of town as to confirm that she wouldn't be here to work a deal so the federal employees wouldn't go another pay period without pay. Hahaha
That old hag can go eat shit and bark at the moon now. MAGA!!!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump- ... nion-delay
God better be wearing his titanium cup when I arrive to be judged, cause the very first thing I'm going to do is break my foot off in his balls. Liberals and Dems are proof that Satan has, to some extent, a sense of humor.
JBlake
by AR » Fri Jan 18, 2019 8:10 am
Dedicated to Monker - King of the verbose.
using or expressed in more words than are needed.
"Well, Prince, so Genoa and Lucca are now just family estates of the Buonapartes. But I warn you, if you don't tell me that this means war, if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend, no longer my 'faithful slave,' as you call yourself! But how do you do? I see I have frightened you- sit down and tell me all the news."
It was in July, 1805, and the speaker was the well-known Anna Pavlovna Scherer, maid of honor and favorite of the Empress Marya Fedorovna. With these words she greeted Prince Vasili Kuragin, a man of high rank and importance, who was the first to arrive at her reception. Anna Pavlovna had had a cough for some days. She was, as she said, suffering from la grippe; grippe being then a new word in St. Petersburg, used only by the elite.
All her invitations without exception, written in French, and delivered by a scarlet-liveried footman that morning, ran as follows:
"If you have nothing better to do, Count [or Prince], and if the prospect of spending an evening with a poor invalid is not too terrible, I shall be very charmed to see you tonight between 7 and 10- Annette Scherer."
"Heavens! what a virulent attack!" replied the prince, not in the least disconcerted by this reception. He had just entered, wearing an embroidered court uniform, knee breeches, and shoes, and had stars on his breast and a serene expression on his flat face. He spoke in that refined French in which our grandfathers not only spoke but thought, and with the gentle, patronizing intonation natural to a man of importance who had grown old in society and at court. He went up to Anna Pavlovna, kissed her hand, presenting to her his bald, scented, and shining head, and complacently seated himself on the sofa.
"First of all, dear friend, tell me how you are. Set your friend's mind at rest," said he without altering his tone, beneath the politeness and affected sympathy of which indifference and even irony could be discerned.
"Can one be well while suffering morally? Can one be calm in times like these if one has any feeling?" said Anna Pavlovna. "You are staying the whole evening, I hope?"
"And the fete at the English ambassador's? Today is Wednesday. I must put in an appearance there," said the prince. "My daughter is coming for me to take me there."
"I thought today's fete had been canceled. I confess all these festivities and fireworks are becoming wearisome."
"If they had known that you wished it, the entertainment would have been put off," said the prince, who, like a wound-up clock, by force of habit said things he did not even wish to be believed.
"Don't tease! Well, and what has been decided about Novosiltsev's dispatch? You know everything."
"What can one say about it?" replied the prince in a cold, listless tone. "What has been decided? They have decided that Buonaparte has burnt his boats, and I believe that we are ready to burn ours."
Prince Vasili always spoke languidly, like an actor repeating a stale part. Anna Pavlovna Scherer on the contrary, despite her forty years, overflowed with animation and impulsiveness. To be an enthusiast had become her social vocation and, sometimes even when she did not feel like it, she became enthusiastic in order not to disappoint the expectations of those who knew her. The subdued smile which, though it did not suit her faded features, always played round her lips expressed, as in a spoiled child, a continual consciousness of her charming defect, which she neither wished, nor could, nor considered it necessary, to correct.
In the midst of a conversation on political matters Anna Pavlovna burst out:
"Oh, don't speak to me of Austria. Perhaps I don't understand things, but Austria never has wished, and does not wish, for war. She is betraying us! Russia alone must save Europe. Our gracious sovereign recognizes his high vocation and will be true to it. That is the one thing I have faith in! Our good and wonderful sovereign has to perform the noblest role on earth, and he is so virtuous and noble that God will not forsake him. He will fulfill his vocation and crush the hydra of revolution, which has become more terrible than ever in the person of this murderer and villain! We alone must avenge the blood of the just one.... Whom, I ask you, can we rely on?... England with her commercial spirit will not and cannot understand the Emperor Alexander's loftiness of soul. She has refused to evacuate Malta. She wanted to find, and still seeks, some secret motive in our actions. What answer did Novosiltsev get? None. The English have not understood and cannot understand the self-abnegation of our Emperor who wants nothing for himself, but only desires the good of mankind. And what have they promised? Nothing! And what little they have promised they will not perform! Prussia has always declared that Buonaparte is invincible, and that all Europe is powerless before him.... And I don't believe a word that Hardenburg says, or Haugwitz either. This famous Prussian neutrality is just a trap. I have faith only in God and the lofty destiny of our adored monarch. He will save Europe!"
She suddenly paused, smiling at her own impetuosity.
"I think," said the prince with a smile, "that if you had been sent instead of our dear Wintzingerode you would have captured the King of Prussia's consent by assault. You are so eloquent. Will you give me a cup of tea?"
"In a moment. A propos," she added, becoming calm again, "I am expecting two very interesting men tonight, le Vicomte de Mortemart, who is connected with the Montmorencys through the Rohans, one of the best French families. He is one of the genuine emigres, the good ones. And also the Abbe Morio. Do you know that profound thinker? He has been received by the Emperor. Had you heard?"
"I shall be delighted to meet them," said the prince. "But tell me," he added with studied carelessness as if it had only just occurred to him, though the question he was about to ask was the chief motive of his visit, "is it true that the Dowager Empress wants Baron Funke to be appointed first secretary at Vienna? The baron by all accounts is a poor creature."
Prince Vasili wished to obtain this post for his son, but others were trying through the Dowager Empress Marya Fedorovna to secure it for the baron.
Anna Pavlovna almost closed her eyes to indicate that neither she nor anyone else had a right to criticize what the Empress desired or was pleased with.
"Baron Funke has been recommended to the Dowager Empress by her sister," was all she said, in a dry and mournful tone.
As she named the Empress, Anna Pavlovna's face suddenly assumed an expression of profound and sincere devotion and respect mingled with sadness, and this occurred every time she mentioned her illustrious patroness. She added that Her Majesty had deigned to show Baron Funke beaucoup d'estime, and again her face clouded over with sadness.
The prince was silent and looked indifferent. But, with the womanly and courtierlike quickness and tact habitual to her, Anna Pavlovna wished both to rebuke him (for daring to speak he had done of a man recommended to the Empress) and at the same time to console him, so she said:
"Now about your family. Do you know that since your daughter came out everyone has been enraptured by her? They say she is amazingly beautiful."
The prince bowed to signify his respect and gratitude.
"I often think," she continued after a short pause, drawing nearer to the prince and smiling amiably at him as if to show that political and social topics were ended and the time had come for intimate conversation- "I often think how unfairly sometimes the joys of life are distributed. Why has fate given you two such splendid children? I don't speak of Anatole, your youngest. I don't like him," she added in a tone admitting of no rejoinder and raising her eyebrows. "Two such charming children. And really you appreciate them less than anyone, and so you don't deserve to have them."
And she smiled her ecstatic smile.
"I can't help it," said the prince. "Lavater would have said I lack the bump of paternity."
"Don't joke; I mean to have a serious talk with you. Do you know I am dissatisfied with your younger son? Between ourselves" (and her face assumed its melancholy expression), "he was mentioned at Her Majesty's and you were pitied...."
The prince answered nothing, but she looked at him significantly, awaiting a reply. He frowned.
"What would you have me do?" he said at last. "You know I did all a father could for their education, and they have both turned out fools. Hippolyte is at least a quiet fool, but Anatole is an active one. That is the only difference between them." He said this smiling in a way more natural and animated than usual, so that the wrinkles round his mouth very clearly revealed something unexpectedly coarse and unpleasant.
"And why are children born to such men as you? If you were not a father there would be nothing I could reproach you with," said Anna Pavlovna, looking up pensively.
"I am your faithful slave and to you alone I can confess that my children are the bane of my life. It is the cross I have to bear. That is how I explain it to myself. It can't be helped!"
He said no more, but expressed his resignation to cruel fate by a gesture. Anna Pavlovna meditated.
"Have you never thought of marrying your prodigal son Anatole?" she asked. "They say old maids have a mania for matchmaking, and though I don't feel that weakness in myself as yet,I know a little person who is very unhappy with her father. She is a relation of yours, Princess Mary Bolkonskaya."
Prince Vasili did not reply, though, with the quickness of memory and perception befitting a man of the world, he indicated by a movement of the head that he was considering this information.
"Do you know," he said at last, evidently unable to check the sad current of his thoughts, "that Anatole is costing me forty thousand rubles a year? And," he went on after a pause, "what will it be in five years, if he goes on like this?" Presently he added: "That's what we fathers have to put up with.... Is this princess of yours rich?"
"Her father is very rich and stingy. He lives in the country. He is the well-known Prince Bolkonski who had to retire from the army under the late Emperor, and was nicknamed 'the King of Prussia.' He is very clever but eccentric, and a bore. The poor girl is very unhappy. She has a brother; I think you know him, he married Lise Meinen lately. He is an aide-de-camp of Kutuzov's and will be here tonight."
"Listen, dear Annette," said the prince, suddenly taking Anna Pavlovna's hand and for some reason drawing it downwards. "Arrange that affair for me and I shall always be your most devoted slave- slafe wigh an f, as a village elder of mine writes in his reports. She is rich and of good family and that's all I want."
And with the familiarity and easy grace peculiar to him, he raised the maid of honor's hand to his lips, kissed it, and swung it to and fro as he lay back in his armchair, looking in another direction.
"Attendez," said Anna Pavlovna, reflecting, "I'll speak to Lise, young Bolkonski's wife, this very evening, and perhaps the thing can be arranged. It shall be on your family's behalf that I'll start my apprenticeship as old maid."
Anna Pavlovna's drawing room was gradually filling. The highest Petersburg society was assembled there: people differing widely in age and character but alike in the social circle to which they belonged. Prince Vasili's daughter, the beautiful Helene, came to take her father to the ambassador's entertainment; she wore a ball dress and her badge as maid of honor. The youthful little Princess Bolkonskaya, known as la femme la plus seduisante de Petersbourg,* was also there. She had been married during the previous winter, and being pregnant did not go to any large gatherings, but only to small receptions. Prince Vasili's son, Hippolyte, had come with Mortemart, whom he introduced. The Abbe Morio and many others had also come.
*The most fascinating woman in Petersburg.
To each new arrival Anna Pavlovna said, "You have not yet seen my aunt," or "You do not know my aunt?" and very gravely conducted him or her to a little old lady, wearing large bows of ribbon in her cap, who had come sailing in from another room as soon as the guests began to arrive; and slowly turning her eyes from the visitor to her aunt, Anna Pavlovna mentioned each one's name and then left them.
Each visitor performed the ceremony of greeting this old aunt whom not one of them knew, not one of them wanted to know, and not one of them cared about; Anna Pavlovna observed these greetings with mournful and solemn interest and silent approval. The aunt spoke to each of them in the same words, about their health and her own, and the health of Her Majesty, "who, thank God, was better today." And each visitor, though politeness prevented his showing impatience, left the old woman with a sense of relief at having performed a vexatious duty and did not return to her the whole evening.
The young Princess Bolkonskaya had brought some work in a gold-embroidered velvet bag. Her pretty little upper lip, on which a delicate dark down was just perceptible, was too short for her teeth, but it lifted all the more sweetly, and was especially charming when she occasionally drew it down to meet the lower lip. As is always the case with a thoroughly attractive woman, her defect- the shortness of her upper lip and her half-open mouth- seemed to be her own special and peculiar form of beauty. Everyone brightened at the sight of this pretty young woman, so soon to become a mother, so full of life and health, and carrying her burden so lightly. Old men and dull dispirited young ones who looked at her, after being in her company and talking to her a little while, felt as if they too were becoming, like her, full of life and health. All who talked to her, and at each word saw her bright smile and the constant gleam of her white teeth, thought that they were in a specially amiable mood that day.
The little princess went round the table with quick, short, swaying steps, her workbag on her arm, and gaily spreading out her dress sat down on a sofa near the silver samovar, as if all she was doing was a pleasure to herself and to all around her. "I have brought my work," said she in French, displaying her bag and addressing all present. "Mind, Annette, I hope you have not played a wicked trick on me," she added, turning to her hostess. "You wrote that it was to be quite a small reception, and just see how badly I am dressed." And she spread out her arms to show her short-waisted, lace-trimmed, dainty gray dress, girdled with a broad ribbon just below the breast.
"Soyez tranquille, Lise, you will always be prettier than anyone else," replied Anna Pavlovna.
"You know," said the princess in the same tone of voice and still in French, turning to a general, "my husband is deserting me? He is going to get himself killed. Tell me what this wretched war is for?" she added, addressing Prince Vasili, and without waiting for an answer she turned to speak to his daughter, the beautiful Helene.
"What a delightful woman this little princess is!" said Prince Vasili to Anna Pavlovna.
One of the next arrivals was a stout, heavily built young man with close-cropped hair, spectacles, the light-colored breeches fashionable at that time, a very high ruffle, and a brown dress coat. This stout young man was an illegitimate son of Count Bezukhov, a well-known grandee of Catherine's time who now lay dying in Moscow. The young man had not yet entered either the military or civil service, as he had only just returned from abroad where he had been educated, and this was his first appearance in society. Anna Pavlovna greeted him with the nod she accorded to the lowest hierarchy in her drawing room. But in spite of this lowest-grade greeting, a look of anxiety and fear, as at the sight of something too large and unsuited to the place, came over her face when she saw Pierre enter. Though he was certainly rather bigger than the other men in the room, her anxiety could only have reference to the clever though shy, but observant and natural, expression which distinguished him from everyone else in that drawing room.
"It is very good of you, Monsieur Pierre, to come and visit a poor invalid," said Anna Pavlovna, exchanging an alarmed glance with her aunt as she conducted him to her.
Pierre murmured something unintelligible, and continued to look round as if in search of something. On his way to the aunt he bowed to the little princess with a pleased smile, as to an intimate acquaintance.
Anna Pavlovna's alarm was justified, for Pierre turned away from the aunt without waiting to hear her speech about Her Majesty's health. Anna Pavlovna in dismay detained him with the words: "Do you know the Abbe Morio? He is a most interesting man."
"Yes, I have heard of his scheme for perpetual peace, and it is very interesting but hardly feasible."
"You think so?" rejoined Anna Pavlovna in order to say something and get away to attend to her duties as hostess. But Pierre now committed a reverse act of impoliteness. First he had left a lady before she had finished speaking to him, and now he continued to speak to another who wished to get away. With his head bent, and his big feet spread apart, he began explaining his reasons for thinking the abbe's plan chimerical.
"We will talk of it later," said Anna Pavlovna with a smile.
And having got rid of this young man who did not know how to behave, she resumed her duties as hostess and continued to listen and watch, ready to help at any point where the conversation might happen to flag. As the foreman of a spinning mill, when he has set the hands to work, goes round and notices here a spindle that has stopped or there one that creaks or makes more noise than it should, and hastens to check the machine or set it in proper motion, so Anna Pavlovna moved about her drawing room, approaching now a silent, now a too-noisy group, and by a word or slight rearrangement kept the conversational machine in steady, proper, and regular motion. But amid these cares her anxiety about Pierre was evident. She kept an anxious watch on him when he approached the group round Mortemart to listen to what was being said there, and again when he passed to another group whose center was the abbe.
Pierre had been educated abroad, and this reception at Anna Pavlovna's was the first he had attended in Russia. He knew that all the intellectual lights of Petersburg were gathered there and, like a child in a toyshop, did not know which way to look, afraid of missing any clever conversation that was to be heard. Seeing the self-confident and refined expression on the faces of those present he was always expecting to hear something very profound. At last he came up to Morio. Here the conversation seemed interesting and he stood waiting for an opportunity to express his own views, as young people are fond of doing.
by The_Noble_Cause » Sat Jan 26, 2019 3:27 am
Mueller has another scalp. Unfortunately it's for another meaningless process crime. What a waste.
by Seven Wishes » Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:11 am
Jesus, really? What does it take?
TNC, you're far too smart to fall for this shit. Who the fuck hijacked your account?
Seven Wishes
by The_Noble_Cause » Tue Jan 29, 2019 4:16 am
Seven Wishes wrote: Jesus, really? What does it take?
What, exactly, have I changed my views on?
Numerous news outlets (including the NYTimes) have been in touch with and published material from Wikileaks over the years - and they were right to do so.
Am I now to turn off my brain and pretend that any contact with Wikileaks is tantamount to treason?
Even *IF* Wikileaks is aligned with a foreign entity (still unproven) are the facts they disclosed any less true?
Wikileaks was previously celebrated by liberals when they exposed things like the Iraq War Logs.
People like YOU have changed.
You have gone from defenders of free speech to critics of it. You have gone from anti-war advocates to hawkish military-industrial dupes.
On Friday, Bill Maher was defending things like the Monroe Doctrine and regime change in Venezuela.
Total craziness.
by Monker » Tue Jan 29, 2019 10:23 am
That's just not true. What he was saying is the US is supporting an opposition group in Venezuela, and Russia told us not to. So, WHAT THE FUCK ARE WE BEING ORDERED AROUND BY RUSSIA FOR? THAT was his point, which I agree with, not supporting war in Venezuela, or defending the Monroe doctrine.
When we were a great nation, we followed through on policy like the Monroe doctrine and were not treated like pussies on this side of the ocean. Trump has weakened America's standing in the world...and actions like Russia trying to bully us prove it. He has NOT made America 'great' again. Whoever follows him will have to do that.
by The_Noble_Cause » Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:40 am
Monker wrote: That's just not true. What he was saying is the US is supporting an opposition group in Venezuela, and Russia told us not to.
Who am I going to believe? You or my lying eyes? I watched it. He said "This was the Monroe Doctrine. This is our backyard!"
Like I said, liberals are now defending imperialism and by extension, military coups.
Monker wrote: So, WHAT THE FUCK ARE WE BEING ORDERED AROUND BY RUSSIA FOR?
Both China and Russia support Maduro. How is their respective spokespersons releasing statements criticizing US policy the same as "ordering us around"?
Monker wrote: THAT was his point, which I agree with, not supporting war in Venezuela, or defending the Monroe doctrine.
Yea, sure. Just like Colbert is not doing an O'Reilly impersonation. Just like Hillary had permission to use a private server. Everything you say is an uninformed lie.
Monker wrote: When we were a great nation, we followed through on policy like the Monroe doctrine and were not treated like pussies on this side of the ocean.
And now you are defending the Monroe doctrine - just like Maher is.
Maybe next you will defend Bush's preemptive war doctrine.
How about Andrew Jackson's trail of tears?
Or the CIA assisted overthrow of Mosaddeq in Iran?
Or the Vietnam Domino Theory?
Both you and 7 Wishes have sacrificed any shred of ideological integrity to bash Trump.
Monker wrote: Trump has weakened America's standing in the world...and actions like Russia trying to bully us prove it.
You are detached from reality.
Russia, and other countries, have been criticizing Washington long before Trump was elected.
The Russian foreign minister criticized Washington repeatedly on Syria and Iran under Obama.
What are you doing, watching clips from alt-right news sites? Yeah, that is what he said - taken COMPLETELY out of context. I have it on DVR. Bill Maher said to Ann Coulter, following a conversation about her boyfriend Ronald Reagan talking tough about Russia, which we don't do any longer:
"Today Venezuela, OK, this was on the front page of the New York Times today. Ok, Venezuela has a guy, an opposition leader who finally stood up and we are backing him. And, Russia who backs the dictator, Russia warned us to back off. This was the Monroe Doctrine. This is our backyard. And, Russia is now telling us to back off of what goes on in Venezuela, because they know they can, because they are so emboldened. That doesn't bother you?"
You are TOTALLY misrepresenting the point Bill Maher was making...which is Russia sees us as so weak they can bully us about our policies in the Americas.
Yes, I am sure. And, you said the Colbert Report was a parody on The O'Reilly Factor, which it isn't....not the crap you now say above, which I agreed with - several times.
quote="Monker"]When we were a great nation, we followed through on policy like the Monroe doctrine and were not treated like pussies on this side of the ocean.
And now you are defending the Monroe doctrine - just like Maher is. [/quote]
Oh, please. I am adding my own commentary...it is NOTHING like what Bill Maher said. Yes, I believe that Russia and all Eurasia countries should keep the fuck out of the Americas. And, yes, that is defending the Monroe doctrine. I don't care.
No I haven't. These are things I have believed for decades. It has nothing to do with Trump. As I have said, I am not a Democrat, and I am not as liberal as people here think I am. You just don't like it because you are a liberal wearing the suit of an alt-right supporter.
Critiquing policy is not the same as trying to threaten us out of own back yard.
This country has become WEAKER under Trump, not stronger, and definitely not "great".
by The_Noble_Cause » Thu Jan 31, 2019 12:53 am
Monker wrote: What are you doing, watching clips from alt-right news sites? Yeah, that is what he said - taken COMPLETELY out of context. I have it on DVR. Bill Maher said to Ann Coulter, following a conversation about her boyfriend Ronald Reagan talking tough about Russia, which we don't do any longer:
As I said twice now, Maher is defending the Monroe Doctrine, even claiming that it is our backyard. It's not. This is pax americana imperialism at its worst.
Who's backyard were we in when we pledged to support Georgia in 2008?
Monker wrote: You are TOTALLY misrepresenting the point Bill Maher was making...which is Russia sees us as so weak they can bully us about our policies in the Americas.
As I already asked you, where is the bullying?
China, Russia, and Turkey all expressed their support for Maduro.
Releasing statements through a foreign ambassador is "bullying"?
You are not entitled to your own facts.
Monker wrote: Yes, I am sure. And, you said the Colbert Report was a parody on The O'Reilly Factor, which it isn't....not the crap you now say above, which I agreed with - several times.
You said it was the Daily Show with a fake conservative host. You were oblivious to the fact that it was an O'Reilly factor spoof. Which begs the question, what else are you oblivious to? Given your track record ("Hillary had permission to use a private server!") why should anybody listen to ANYTHING you say, bazinga boy?
Monker wrote: Oh, please. I am adding my own commentary...it is NOTHING like what Bill Maher said. Yes, I believe that Russia and all Eurasia countries should keep the fuck out of the Americas. And, yes, that is defending the Monroe doctrine. I don't care.
So Russia and other countries are not entitled to express support for their ally? What are you talking about?
Monker wrote: You just don't like it because you are a liberal wearing the suit of an alt-right supporter.
You just throw these terms around to try to stifle actual discussion.
If different political factions can come together on certain issues (anti-war, anti-free trade) that's a good thing imo.
Monker wrote: Critiquing policy is not the same as trying to threaten us out of own back yard.
Both China and Russia have vowed to support their ally. We release statements like that all the time. Big deal.
Monker wrote: This country has become WEAKER under Trump, not stronger, and definitely not "great".
Foreign ambassadors have released statements criticizing US policy since time immemorial. You are not well.
by Monker » Thu Jan 31, 2019 12:35 pm
It is a FACT that Maher was saying Russia feels embolden and that they can bully us around and dictate to us what our policy in the Americas is. It is ironic that you removed the full quote of Maher...because it PROVES my point. He's not arguing the Monroe Doctrine, but how much we are viewed as pussies by Russia. And, it followed an argument about how Ronald "tear down this wall" Reagn would view today's view of Russia by the Republican party. He was furthering that arguing by example.
What you are saying makes NO SENSE, unless you are buying into alt-right propaganda bullshit and ignore the reality of what was said in context.
It is also a FACT that the Colbert Report was NOT a parody of The O'Reilly Factor. You posted ONE segment. I posted the entire list of repeating segments and out of the 50 or so, only TWO had anything to do with the Factor. It can't be a parody of the Factor when he is parodying the likes of MSNBC segments more often.
There is no debate there. These are proven FACTS that you are arguing against.
by The_Noble_Cause » Fri Feb 01, 2019 1:14 pm
Monker wrote: It is a FACT that Maher was saying Russia feels embolden and that they can bully us around and dictate to us what our policy in the Americas is. It is ironic that you removed the full quote of Maher...because it PROVES my point.
If I wanted to, I could post the link to the entire interview with Coulter. None of that matters. What matters is, Maher invoked the Monroe Doctrine and then said "This is our backyard!" That certainly sounds to me like he is claiming territorial ownership over Venezuela. Just a few years ago, John Kerry said the "era of the Monroe doctrine is over!" Now brainless liberal mouthpieces, like Maher, defend it on TV. Unreal.
Monker wrote: He's not arguing the Monroe Doctrine, but how much we are viewed as pussies by Russia.
Maher might have a point - except that foreign ministers have publicly criticized US policy forever. Are you denying that Russia criticized US policies under prior administrations? Also, why do you let China and Turkey off the hook so easily for supporting Maduro?
Monker wrote: And, it followed an argument about how Ronald "tear down this wall" Reagn would view today's view of Russia by the Republican party. He was furthering that arguing by example.
Again, Maher might have a point - except that Reagan went against hardliner militarists within his own party to meet Gorbachev at Reykjavík. I think he would be saddened by elements within our own government trying to re-ignite the Cold War. Maher has no idea what he is talking about and neither do you.
Monker wrote: What you are saying makes NO SENSE, unless you are buying into alt-right propaganda bullshit and ignore the reality of what was said in context.
Anybody who reads this thread knows who the unwitting pawn of propaganda is. Should I post some examples to refresh your memory?
Monker vs. Hillary - Can you tell the difference?
HILLARY: “We have 17 intelligence agencies, civilian and military, who have all concluded that these espionage attacks, these cyberattacks, come from the highest levels of the Kremlin, and they are designed to influence our election."
MONKER: “This has nothing to do with Democrats but the entirety of our intelligence community saying that it happened. If you want to argue against it, you are arguing against the: FBI, CIA, NSA, Homeland Security...and on and on.”
HILLARY: "There's no doubt they influenced the election."
MONKER: "Yes, if Putin had not been trying to influence the election, including hacking, I don't think Trump would have won."
HILLARY: "What I did was allowed by the State Department. It was fully above board."
MONKER: "That's just not true. She had permission to use it."
Monker wrote: It is also a FACT that the Colbert Report was NOT a parody of The O'Reilly Factor. You posted ONE segment. I posted the entire list of repeating segments and out of the 50 or so, only TWO had anything to do with the Factor. It can't be a parody of the Factor when he is parodying the likes of MSNBC segments more often.
Better take it up with these people (including Colbert himself).
Colbert: "I owe a lot to Bill O'Reilly," Colbert said Wednesday. "I spent over nine years playing a character based largely on him — and then 12 months in therapy, to de-bloviate myself."
Daily Beast: "The US Army confirmed on Saturday that Comedy Central star and Bill O’Reilly parody Stephen Colbert will be in Iraq for a week to film episodes of television show The Colbert Report."
by Monker » Fri Feb 01, 2019 3:08 pm
Dude, now you are arguing about the details of what Maher said. But, in doing so you are admitting he was not defending the Monroe doctrine. I don't care if you think his politics are right or wrong.
Almost all of your Colbert quotes, including the one by Stephen himself, are saying he was doing a parody of O'Reilly. You said the Colbert Report was a parody of The Factor, which it's not...and your quotes do not even back that up. And, even if they were saying The Colbert Report was a parody of The Factor, they have the right to be stupid and be wrong. I've posted the facts already, and the show is NOT a parody of the Factor, regardless of who says it.
Again, these are FACTS...and all you are doing is dancing around trying to argue about something else.
by The_Noble_Cause » Sat Feb 02, 2019 12:25 am
Monker wrote: Dude, now you are arguing about the details of what Maher said. But, in doing so you are admitting he was not defending the Monroe doctrine. I don't care if you think his politics are right or wrong.
Once again, Maher referenced the Monroe Doctrine and then exclaimed "This is our backyard!"
He is defending imperialism.
He has become the very thing he criticized during the Bush years.
Monker wrote: Almost all of your Colbert quotes, including the one by Stephen himself, are saying he was doing a parody of O'Reilly. You said the Colbert Report was a parody of The Factor, which it's not...and your quotes do not even back that up. And, even if they were saying The Colbert Report was a parody of The Factor, they have the right to be stupid and be wrong. I've posted the facts already, and the show is NOT a parody of the Factor, regardless of who says it.
Man, you're really tying yourself into knots here.
So just to be clear....you're saying the show starred and revolved around a Bill O'Reilly impersonation.
The show's opening ("The Word") and other segments ("The Craziest F#?king Thing I've Ever Heard") were direct spoofs of O'Reilly's show.
But because the program did other bits, it doesn't qualify as an O'Reilly parody?
By that logic, is Young Frankenstein not a Frankenstein parody because it also features a showtune?
Here's a few more sources that you can have a rhetorical jerk-off argument with...
NPR: "This is a guy who turned a parody of Bill O'Reilly into one of television's most surprising and impactful shows."
NBC Today: “The Report was then seen (and largely still is) as a parody of Bill O’Reilly’s The O’Reilly Factor on Fox.
Time Out New York: "Sarcastic correspondent Stephen Colbert’s parody of Bill O’Reillys right wing political talk show tells viewers why everyone else’s opinions are just plain wrong. "
NBC Chicago: "Colbert, after all, built a show around a parody of Bill O'Reilly, who, nearly five years after the debut of "The Colbert Report," comes across as a moderate compared to some of his Fox News colleagues."
Monker wrote: Again, these are FACTS...and all you are doing is dancing around trying to argue about something else.
The only person doing a soft shoe routine around the issues is YOU, bazinga boy.
You said Russia is bullying the US, when they only released a statement through their foreign minister - which they have done forever.
You also seemingly give China and Turkey a pass for supporting Maduro.
Maybe when Bill Maher mentions those countries you'll start pretending to give a shit.
by JeremyP » Mon Feb 04, 2019 4:12 am
Just popping in to offer support for our President.
I was doing my annual check for Journey (Augeri) news and saw you have thread about President Trump.
This man will be remembered as the greatest American President of modern times.
It's amazing that he's gotten so much done in such a short time.
Anyway, God Bless and MAGA!!
JeremyP
by Andrew » Mon Feb 04, 2019 2:52 pm
by The_Noble_Cause » Mon Feb 04, 2019 11:36 pm
JeremyP wrote: Just popping in to offer support for our President.
Thanks for checking in, JeremyP. While I will support Tulsi or Bernie in the primaries, I most likely will vote Trump in 2020. On a range of issues (getting out of dumb wars, re-doing NAFTA) he has delivered. Plus, he makes me laugh.
by S2M » Tue Feb 05, 2019 4:32 am
Kathy Griffin makes ME laugh.
Tom Brady IS the G.O.A.T.
Location: In a bevy of whimsy
by JBlake » Tue Feb 05, 2019 7:46 am
S2M wrote:
What did she do to make you laugh?
Apparently I am scheduled to come in here and say something outrageous to kick start this thread.
Ok, so...
With all the nutjobs gone, the thread is beautifully peaceful. Just shows what bias was devouring this topic. Racism and conspiracy. Proudly brought top you by Fuckoff News.
PS. Trump blows.
by Memorex » Mon Feb 11, 2019 11:56 pm
Andrew wrote: Apparently I am scheduled to come in here and say something outrageous to kick start this thread.
This truly sums up the new left. I mean - in a fucking nutshell. Hear what you are saying. After you insulted everyone with childish name calling and pranks, you pushed out people who are decent and hard working to a place where they can discuss what are often very common-sense thoughts (not all, but many). They were willing to engage you on real discussion, even though they disagreed with you. They did not sink to your low (most, not all). You closed the thread. You changed words. You pushed people away. And then, when nearly everyone you disagree with is gone and you have an empty, soulless thread, you claim peace and insinuate that it must be the crazy people that left that has created this peace. This is not peace. This is silence. This is your bubble. This is what's wrong with politics today. But there were more of them than there are of you. It's called the silent majority. Shut them up when you are near, but they are not quiet.
Also, fuck you very much for saying any of those folks are racist. Find me a racist comment. Find me a racist person in there. I never saw any of that and I read most of the thread. Just because you call someone racist does not mean they are racist. It is your childish inability to listen and process what people who do not agree with you have to say. Trump isn't racist. The governor of Virginia isn't racist. And we aren't racist.
In the end, you pushed people away, even if you hate those people I don't think it was right. As for me, I have been around since the beginning and I lost a tremendous amount of respect for you. Not because we disagree on some things. I suspect we all agree on a lot more than we admit. But because of the way you treated people just because they disagreed with you. And you wielded power just because you could. Also, don't fucking call me a racist because I want lower taxes and an immigration system that is fair and just and lawful and you know, like every other fucking country on earth. You owe all of us an apology, or at least you need to recognize what you did wrong.
Memorex wrote:
Sad part is, you might get banned. One thing I've learned over the years, disagree with people who are the gate keepers and they will close you out.
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Snowmobiles For The Sahara
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GayPeople
For the context of the encyclopedia we're using "Gay" to mean whatever combination of the letters G, L, B, T, Q, and the number 2 that are currently fashionable. Yes, that includes lesbians, in the same way that some lesbians call themselves gay.
The word was good enough for Gertrude Stein's Miss Furr and Miss Skeene: ; :They were quite regularly gay there. Helen Furr and Georgine Skeene, they were regularly gay there where they were gay. They were very regularly gay.
; :To be regularly gay was to do every day the gay thing that they did every day. To be regularly gay was to end every day at the same time after they had been regularly gay. They were regularly gay. They were gay every day. They ended every day in the same way, at the same time, and they had been every day regularly gay.
Content moved from QueerPeople, August 16, 2005 Isn't it so much easier to say Queer instead of LGBT/TV/TS/DS/K? I mean, "Queer" is pronouncible.
Queer people have QueerPolitics?, but that's a whole other topic.
Well, there's also the GLBO*, which is commonly said gilbosplat, and is broken down like this:
Gay -- well, that's pretty obvious
Lesbian -- this is for the ladies who don't consider themselves Gay Women (as opposed to Gay Men)
Bisexual -- No, they aren't "just sitting on the fence", and they are sick of hearing that one! They have problems all their own.
Other -- Well, the "straight" people have to have some place to fit in...
"and everyone else", like someone's brother, who is a pre-operative transgendered lesbian, for instance.
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Orbital Belts
Postby BigDogsRunning » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:28 am
Picture a world with multiple beanstalks, say 6 or 8, with an orbital "Belt" connecting them creating a ring around the world.
Wouldn't have nearly the same TL requirements as a RingWorld, but you’d have huge amounts of space, cheap transport out of the gravity well, and you could send solar power down the beanstalks via superconductors to power the planet. This seems like it could be the standard for high population Sector/Subsector Capitals, especially by TL13 or so. Is it just cheaper to move on out to the next world? Is stuff like this what is waiting in the Far Future Era?
Why are Traveller ships/stations so small? I'd expect a Pop A or higher world would have Giga-ton orbitals at a minimum. A Type A starport with a naval and scout base at a Sector capital should dwarf even a wartime sector fleet. An industrial world at TL15, with a Pop of A+ would require Megatons of basic food stuffs on a daily basis.
phavoc
Re: Orbital Belts
Postby phavoc » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:34 am
BigDogsRunning wrote: ↑
A world wouldn't need more than 1, or 2 beanstalks. The rest wouldn't be necessary to hold the ring, or to generate the power. Beanstalks are fine for transporting cargo to orbit, but shuttles would be much faster for people. Unless the materials were super cheap, even a single beanstalk would be a major engineering project, not to mention costly at early tech.
Traveller ships are small because the bulk of them are PC-controlled. There are larger ships, but they are usually warships. Stations come in all sizes. Some of the supplements have some very large stations, with populations in the millions.
Large-scale transport of things like foodstuffs has never really been adequately modeled in the traveller canon. It's pretty expensive to ship bulk goods from star-system to star-system.
phavoc wrote: ↑
I agree that large-scale bulk cargo shipment has never been modeled, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. There are multiple agricultural worlds presented as providing the foodstuffs for much of their subsector, and high population hell worlds that are written up as importing the bulk of their foodstuffs. So, it has to be happening. I agree that PC's ships are the little ones that work the fringes, and don't get the big deals available to the large shipping companies with the bulk freighters. In the real world, cargo ships dwarf combat vessels. It seems like there should be 100Kton bulk freighters that carry many giant shipping containers, or stacks of smaller containers. take standard 100dton shipping containers, and stack them 5x5x20, and you've got a 50Kdton super container bound from an agricultural world for a hungry population elsewhere.
It seems that US trains are usually more than 200 container cars long, often 300 cars, and 70% or more are using double-stack, so two containers/car. This works out to 30,000 dtons for a 200 car train. There are multiple trains running on US tracks at any given time. I wasn't able to find any good estimates. the point being that just for moving materials and finished goods around here in the US, we're talking 100's of thousands of tons a day, easily. Multiply that out for a world with a population of 80-billion, and you're talking about Giga-dtonnage of materials and finished products daily. How many 2000 dton freighter would be needed to move these amounts of cargo? How many docking bays would be required. how many freight shuttles would be required to bring goods to and from orbit.
Once beanstalks are built, they are cheap to operate. I'm guessing you would use a lot of crystal-steel and carbon-fiber, graphene, and similar materials, shouldn't require anything that a TL-13 society couldn't easily fabricate out of common materials. You could have an automated factory in the asteroid belt chewing up asteroids and spitting out the necessary materials by the kilometer. and, once you've got grav technologies, building would be relatively inexpensive. I'm sure Ling Standard Products has a division that just builds beanstalks. You amortize it over 200 years or so, and you're good to go.
Infojunky
Duck-Billed Mongoose
Location: North of Center California
Postby Infojunky » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:01 am
This works out to 30,000 dtons for a 200 car train.
Try closer to 2,600 dTons figuring on 45ft containers...
In general ports in the US move around 45 million TEU equivalents per year. in rough Traveller terms that would be 180 million dTons of cargo for the USA alone.
From that number one could say a worlds volume per year is one half of the Population multiple time Pop per year. Which amusingly matches the trade numbers as generated by T4's Pocket Empires and the Gurps:Traveller World Trade numbers.
Evyn
Chief Mongoose
Postby Condottiere » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:03 am
I'm thinking that at some point you'd want to restrict orbital access to vital traffic, in order not to clutter it up, and if you happen to have a natural satellite, directing the bulk of it there.
Postby Sigtrygg » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:52 am
Interesting picture but beanstalks are not needed in a grav drive based society. By the time you have the material technology to build a beanstalk you have fusion power and grav technology.
I like your idea, by the way, but in a Third Imperium like setting you would have it as an oddity on a world that got to TL10+ in materials technology but never invented grav technology.
It's far cheaper to just build fusion+ power stations for your energy needs; as to building the ring of stations we could do that today if we invested trillions and trillions of 'pick your currency of choice'. The raw materials to build the initial orbital stations would be cheaper if we mined the Moon or asteroids for them, so step one is an orbiting industrial base and/or an industrialised Lunar base. You could then construct your ring from station to station.
I'm sure Isaac Arthur has a video on this...
An industrial TL15 high pop world can more cheaply manufacture its own food using high tech industrial food production methods than import and distribute.
There is a picture in the original print copy of T5 which shows Regina highport, on one spur of which there are half a dozen Tigress class BBs docked - they look like limpets on a sea wall in size comparison. There is enough space for at least another half a dozen to dock , and that is just one spur of the station.
Put another way, highports and IN bases can be huge.
Postby phavoc » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:01 pm
Using rail as the example, you should also look at other countries. The US is kind of an outlier on rail traffic actions. We use longer trains 12,000 feet long isn't unusual, some are as long as 15,000). We do this because of crew costs. Japan doesnt. They cap most freight trains at 50 cars. They move their cargo much faster with speedier and smaller trains. Europe is somewhere between the two.
For starship this would translate into smaller ships instead of mega freighters. And the bulk cargo carriers move all the food and raw materials. Containers are used to transport the smaller consumer goods. So the shipping techniques and ideas are very different.
Which is why it would be cheaper to use beanstalk for time insensitive bulk cargo like grain, or iron or whatever. Who cares if it takes 2 days to make the beanstalk trip? But passengers would go by the 30min shuttle because they are time sensitive. So would high dollar items like jump engine parts.
Reynard
Postby Reynard » Sat Dec 02, 2017 2:26 pm
After a certain tonnage, ship and space stations become mega plot devices. They are as, or more, numerous as adventure scale vehicles but are very seldom interacted with. When was the last time players needed to board a mega-freighter? Gigantic stations get mapped more like a terrestrial city and the ref only needs to include the areas that the adventure calls for.
Beanstalks are a wondrous headache. Whose land do you take easement for that huge footprint location along the equator? If the beanstalks are also part of a ring support structure, how do you deal with oceanic locations as you evenly portion them? Where are you getting all the material to build both the ring and the stalks subsequently how do you justify such a structure?
Postby BigDogsRunning » Sat Dec 02, 2017 6:23 pm
Infojunky wrote: ↑
I stand corrected, Sir!
I calculated things out in cu. meters, instead of actual dtons. (doh!) thanks for catching that. It's much simpler to have a discussion if everyone agrees on the data.
Thank you phavoc, this was exactly the direction I was thinking.
Obviously the higher priority cargos would be carried by smaller freighters, from tramp freighters with the small speculative cargos that we all know and love, to the larger subsidized freighters with their regular deliveries. But, the bulk non-perishables, ores, foodstuffs, textiles, etc. would be needed, and in huge volumes, from where the are cheaply produced, to where they are needed. If you use some of the starship build philosophies being bandied about in the appropriate threads, there are ways to drastically reduce the cost of shipping, if you need to consistently ship enormous volumes.
I figured out a way that I hadn't seen yet to decrease costs/increase capacity on dedicated routes using Jump Stations where zuchai crystals can be charged, and reusable drop-tanks attached to allow ships to jump without having to carry jump fuel, depending on which interpretation of jump requirements that you use.
I imagine the Mega-Freighters would be using giant containers and docking lugs, or jump nets, to move the cargo around. It's much more cost effective than internal cargo space for durable cargos.
Also, development of Jump Drive is presented as a fluke, which is why there are so many minor races who didn't happen across that particular non-intuitive technology. They wouldn't have developed gravitics, and possibly not even fusion, Beanstalks would seem a be a very viable option for these species/races. On the gripping hand, a beanstalk might be easier to maintain for a lower TL society that cannot sustain lifter, or thruster, technologies to get their goods into orbit.
Postby Condottiere » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:55 pm
It's probably cheaper to use experimental variants of manoeuvre and/or lifter drives.
Postby BigDogsRunning » Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:17 pm
Condottiere wrote: ↑
That is a simple, hand-wavium solution for the game mechanics of it. I'm looking more at the non-mechanical aspects of universe building, why. Once I've got the why, the how usually follows pretty readily. The point of Minor Races, is that they never got to the expensive prototype stage. They didn't develop the science that the applications are built on. Having not developed Jump drive, and gravitic technology, Minor races would use things like Beanstalks, Electromagnetic Orbital Launch Systems, and other work-arounds. It would lend a lot of verisimilitude to the setting if we saw more of these things. I'm guessing that once a Beanstalk was built, the upkeep would be considerably less than maintaining a fleet of grav lifter, or thruster based, cargo transports. I'm not looking for mechanics to build Beanstalks. I just want some references to them as existing in some level of frequency. If they are rare, then why? If they are common, then why? If you've destroyed your world's environment, but you now do all of your manufacturing with robotics, and remote machinery, why not move your population into orbit. you're going to need lots of space for the growth enabled by your newfound ability to exploit every square inch of the world below, so lets make it big. Let's make an orbital Plate, or Belt, instead of just a station. It's fairly inexpensive to nudge asteroids into an orbit where you can take them apart and use them entirely, metals, stony materials, everything. You don't just have to hollow them out, you can also grind them up and make concrete, or other aggregate materials. break them down further and make advanced plastics, and metallic-plastic laminates or alloys, and build your plate out of that. Use the early versions of you Gravitic forges that you will one day make bonded superdense with and manipulation the structure and strength of your stony materials. Make your station out of synthetic diamond laminate sheets.
How do you feed a subsector with a fully developed TL-7 agricultural world. Experimental and prototype technologies? No one would purposefully have that be the backbone of their economy for hundreds of years. They would either grow their own technology base, import it and its support infrastructure, or find another solution. The people they supply wouldn't want to risk disruptions because their food supplier is using experimental technology to deliver the needed foodstuffs. Some aspects of the Tech Level system, as presented just don't work very well. You would either have a rapid (decades or centuries) homogenization of technological capability, or worlds would develop low tech solutions for their problems. A Hydro and solar powered mass-driver to loft standardized grain containers into low orbit, for instance. Or the might pay to have a Beanstalk built, amortized over a century or two, with maintenance contracts. Purchasing and maintaining a fleet of high-tech spacecraft using fusion and grav technologies, would not likely be the most economically sound solution. At least it doesn't seem like it would be at scale.
If I'm building a world, it has to make sense. It might only make sense if you stand on your head, in a bucket, balanced on a rope suspended over something stupid but hungry, but the world needs to make sense in context.
Reynard wrote: ↑
I agree entirely with your assessment of megastructures as plot devices. The intention is only ever that. I just don't see much of it.
I'm actually not interested in finicky rules for building BeanStalks, or even MegaFreighters. I think the freighters can easily be constructed using the existing mechanics, with some slight modifications to accommodate previously unrecognized needs. There are any number of interesting interactions that characters could have with a Mega-Freighter. They could need to have their ship transported elsewhere for repair, across a gap too large for them to jump, they could be tracking down a murderer/traitor/terrorist/hostage/alien/menace. There could be a live nuke ticking down in a cargo container buried somewhere in the last shipment from Efete, an Ancient artifact that they need to reach first, or get to before it activates and does "something"!
How do you see basing a Beanstalk on an ocean floor be any different than on "land"? It seems like the foundation will either be firm, or not. The beauty of an orbital ring is that you don't have to apportion the beanstalks equally, as they aren't supporting any weight, or constraining the orbital belt. The orbital would be in a stable orbit, unless you wanted it to be otherwise, held together by the same sort of materials a beanstalk is constructed from, the beanstalks are just connections to the planetary surface, likely they would have a counter weight that extends out far beyond the orbital ring, as they are usually represented in fiction. Although an orbital belt that "is" either supported, or constrained, by a series of Beanstalks creates some interesting problems for travellers to get involved in. Isolationists trying to breach one of the Beanstalks so that the Orbital, and the hated overlords, go flying off into space. Or, a threat to drop the orbital on the world below by an ambitious empire-building pirate admiral.
I like big plot devices.
I'm currently working with a World-Eating fleet in MTU. The travellers don't know how long they've been harvesting whole worlds for the materials to build their fleet(s), but they are slowly grinding in from the Rim towards populated space.
Who are they? What do they want? They are too big to fight, how can we possibly stop them?
Postby Infojunky » Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:17 pm
You were on a decent track, just the numbers were a little off.
Still it is a LOT of cargo even on a single freight train. But it pales in comparison to the volume of what moves through the ports which is why I gave y'all those numbers as well.
Circling back around to the Megastructure, I am a fan. Though I have always thought they would be a artifact of smaller Main Worlds with High Populations.
Postby BigDogsRunning » Sun Dec 03, 2017 1:08 am
Indeed, I hadn't forgotten shipping, and air transport, but was just concentrating on the high-bulk, low priority deliveries. There has to be a cheaper way to move that stuff around. You could have a dozen of the "MegaFreighters" that travel routes to move the bulk of non-priority cargos around a given subsector. If you got a population of more than a few tens of billions in the subsector, it should be economically viable. The MegaCorps would have locked that action down centuries ago, but it's there if you need to transport your brand new 10kdton fusion plant designed as a tertiary backup for a HiPop industrial world, or primary on your shiny new Dreadnought. How big is the powerplant on a Tigress? Where is it manufactured?
Another consideration, which just occurred to me, is one of security. Many HiPop worlds have decently high Law levels. They might not want their citizenry to be able to hop on a spacecraft, or hop into an air raft an get to orbit and gone. Also, if you've got a massive quantity of transatmospheric traffic, how to you prevent terrorists dropping starships into your population centers? shooting them doesn't keep them from falling on you, and when do you start shooting? You could use Gravitic lifts on your Beanstalks to allow lots of fast surface to orbit traffic, and slower cargo, going up in freight elevators. this would make it easier to maintain your Imperial extraterritoriality zones, and have actual checkpoints. otherwise, if you have a stealthy ship, it would be pretty simple to land where you want, do what you want, then leave. This doesn't exclude the possibility of having express lines that take you directly from the orbital, to a variety of downports, even cargo expresses. Your traffic is now much more controllable, and you can put stringent requirements for planetary approach in place to prevent the aforementioned aggressive actions using star/spacecraft as weapons.
PsiTraveller
Postby PsiTraveller » Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:36 am
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountains_of_Paradise
At the end of the book the several different beanstalks that have been built all connect to the circumterra orbital.
Now THAT orbital would be able to mount a lot of bays and turrets.
PsiTraveller wrote: ↑
I'm in, I'll take two!
Postby Sigtrygg » Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:11 am
Found it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMbI6sk-62E
Postby Linwood » Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:28 pm
I agree with Infojunky - massive civilian orbital facilities would likely be most common on smaller high-pop worlds (or worlds with limited usable area). One of the central worlds in my current campaign is just such a place. And was a great setting for the first adventure where the Travellers were caught up in a habitat where things were going very wrong.
I also agree mega freighters almost certainly exist - for moving bulk cargoes if nothing else. Such ships would likely run with the smallest crew sizes possible and maybe with the most efficient drives available to maximize cargo capacity and keep operating costs to a minimum (someone else can run the numbers and see where the shipping cost/ton sweet spot is). Depending on the worlds it visits it may or may not have “small” craft to haul cargo between ground and orbit in low-tech systems. Or maybe a Class A or B star port would have suitable facilities or perhaps the shipping company operates its own - YMMV. But carrying cargo shuttles costs money so if you can minimize the need you will.
Likely such freighters would carry minimal- if any - weaponry. Weapons and highly capable sensors cost money. If piracy is a problem either the company would arrange for escorts or it would switch to other options.
And I like the thoughts and using mega freighters as adventure seeds. Arrival of one of these ships might be a huge event on the worIds they visit with massive celebrations and frenzied activity. I could see a Traveller’s ship tasked with ferrying a replacement crew or a repair party (complete with large repair drones and parts) in some situations. Or taking a page from today’s headlines maybe the Travellers observe a collision between a mega freighter and a much smaller vessel and respond - and then try to figure out how such an “impossible” event could have happened. A combat-oriented ship could be hired as an escort in a high-threat environment. Maybe a gang has figured a slick way of stealing from these freighters and the Travellers are hired to stop them. Lots of ideas....
Postby AndrewW » Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:50 pm
Linwood wrote: ↑
Maybe a gang has figured a slick way of stealing from these freighters and the Travellers are hired to stop them. Lots of ideas....
Or unwiting to help them...
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Home » iPad Book on the Maya
Are Current World Events Tied To Maya Prophecy? Read More MVS2012.com
Sep 17, 2012 by Donny Claxton
MAYA SCHOLAR: BLOWING UP THE BIBLE AND READING A FEW SCRAPS COMPARABLE TO HOW LITTLE SCIENTISTS KNOW OF THE ANCIENT MAYA
San Diego’s Dr. Mark Van Stone Says Lots Of Speculative Predictions Have Been Cast Upon The Maya, But They Do Not Include Current World Events
SAN DIEGO—In his new iPad® book, 2012: Science & Prophecy of the Ancient Maya, Maya scholar Dr. Mark Van Stone says knowledge of the ancient Mesoamerican civilization is so limited, it’d be comparable to “wrapping a grenade around the Bible and blowing it up and picking up three pieces of shrapnel bits” to try to explain the essence of Christianity.
“Archaeologists have dug up 1 percent of the Maya cities. There’s 99 percent of the information that’s still there available for us to find. Tons of information still to find out and we know just a smidgen,” Dr. Van Stone says in one of the 53 videos, encompassing nearly 130 minutes of video of himself and 14 other well-known Maya scholars contained in this technological work.
For this reason, Dr. Van Stone says there are many reasons to approach popular prophecies of the Maya critically. He also believes that many current world events, including the most recent protests in the Muslim world and last week’s eruption of Volcan del Fuego, also known as the Volcano of Fire, in Guatemala, are not evidence of fulfillment of Maya prophecy. Rather, these are merely coincidences—the kinds of events that will continue to happen in the 93 days remaining before the “end” of the Maya calendar.
“Junk scientists and new agers have made so many wild predictions about Dec. 21, 2012, that some of them are bound to happen, especially if these ‘predictions’ are non-specific. If I predict, ‘There will be genocide and hurricanes and trouble in the Middle East,’ one would be unwise to bet against me. Lots of things are going to happen between now and then. Lots have happened every year and will continue to happen. As for that volcano right smack in the middle of Maya country: its eruption is indeed impressive. But there is a reason they call it ‘Volcano of Fire.’ It is always smoking and sputtering, and it often erupts violently. We don’t have a single Maya inscription about volcanoes. We don’t even have the glyphs for the words volcano, eruption or lava, because they apparently never mentioned them,” Dr. Van Stone said.
In his book, now available on the iBookstore in a format exclusive to the iPad®, Dr. Van Stone addresses all the actual Maya predictions made for Dec. 21. It can be used to help educate the public as more, and more shrill, “prophecies” come out of the woodwork as we approach the 5,125-year “end” of the Maya calendar-cycle.
While some might try to argue that the evacuation of 6,500 Guatemalans, and the uprisings around US embassies abroad, could point to such predictions, “The evidence is just not there,” Dr. Van Stone said.
This 179-page work has 3-D animations, interactive maps and drawings, beautiful photographs, and two hours of video illustrations. It is the best tool to counter the exponentially-expanding fantasies of pseudo-scientists, dreamers, hallucinators and snake-oil salesmen looking to capitalize on the “end” of the Maya Calendar on Dec. 21 or 23, 2012. Dr. Van Stone points out that more scholars correlate the 13.0.0.0.0 “end of the Bak’tun” in the Maya Long Count Calendar to Dec. 23 or 24 than to the 21st.
Maya Scholar Dr. Mark Van Stone
“The 2012 Meme is a kind of concentration of fascinating projections upon the Maya. The Maya are a very interesting and “mysterious” people. They are a big blank to most people and so we project our fantasies upon them,” Van Stone said.
With degrees in physics and art history, Dr. Van Stone is an expert calligrapher, netsuke-carver, artist, and scholar of ancient writing.
Joined by 14 other Maya scholars in the book’s videos, Dr. Van Stone helps bring an understanding of this mysterious and brilliant people who lived in Mesoamerica from 1800 BC to the present.
The book can be purchased in English on the iBookstore®, in 32 countries, at http://mvs2012.com.
“This book expands the way an individual can learn on their own, at their own pace and to a level not previously possible,” said Dr. Van Stone. “I am proud and delighted to be part of a team that has set a high standard for this new kind of educational tool.”
The fascinating book opens with a video preview, featuring Dr. Van Stone and 12 other Maya scholars. The chapters that follow discuss the 2012 “meme,” Maya culture, the workings of their calendar, mathematics, astronomy, world-view, creativity and their hieroglyphs. A section on deciphering their hieroglyphs introduces the reader to how we know what we know about the writings of this ancient and noble culture.
Claxton Creative, LLC
Claxton Creative is a Dallas-based full-service public relations firm focused on the development of interactive, multi-touch publications for mobile devices worldwide. The company was founded by former Dallas ISD communications director, Donald J. Claxton and is supported with the assistance of Fort Worth Author Ron Rose, Dallas Author Allen Manning, Birmingham, AL editor Larisa Lovelady, Ally Stephenson of Huntsville, AL, and others.
Dr. Mark Van Stone
With degrees in physics and art history, Professor Mark Van Stone is an expert calligrapher, netsuke-carver, and scholar of world paleography and hieroglyphic writing. He has worked as a musician, disk jockey, interviewer, laboratory technician, animator, type designer, author, lecturer, and archaeological illustrator. His beautifully-illustrated books on Maya hieroglyphs and culture bridge scholarly and popular genres. This Renaissance man is a gifted and entertaining lecturer, ably explicating arcane subjects for a wide audience. His new interactive book for the iPad, 2012: Science and Prophecy of the Ancient Maya, sets a new standard for popular cultural and science education.
Apple, the Apple logo, iBooks, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store and iBookstore are service marks of Apple Inc.
Ancient Maya and their 2012 Predictions Given New Life in iPad Book
How do you make an iBook with iBooks Author?
Adding Audio Widgets to iBooks Author Using Tumult’s Hype
Maya 2012 Winter Solstice Celebrations Carved in Stone
Mayan Calendar Expert Decodes December 2012 ‘Prophecy’
BU Archaeologists Discover Oldest Maya Calendars
Help us Decipher Date on Mayan Monuments
How Did They Decipher the Ancient Mayan Writing?
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Current Search: Research Repository (x) » text (x) » 1600 - 1799 (x)
"His-Panic": Latin-American Poetry in Translation.
Though I learned it first, I no longer speak Spanish fluently. Wishing to reconnect myself to my language and my culture—my own interests also piqued by the romantic sound of the language and the sheer brilliance and precision of the Spanish-language poets I had read—I returned to the language through poetry translation in an attempt to morph what had become unfamiliar (Spanish) into the language with which I have become most familiar (English). The purpose of this presentation is to give...
Show moreThough I learned it first, I no longer speak Spanish fluently. Wishing to reconnect myself to my language and my culture—my own interests also piqued by the romantic sound of the language and the sheer brilliance and precision of the Spanish-language poets I had read—I returned to the language through poetry translation in an attempt to morph what had become unfamiliar (Spanish) into the language with which I have become most familiar (English). The purpose of this presentation is to give insight into processes—of writing, rewriting, translating poems from Spanish to English, and learning to confront and accept the unfamiliar. Over the summer, I traveled to Uruguay and Argentina, where I was forced to speak Spanish only, where even my limited Puerto Rican Spanish was foreign to the European-influenced Spanish of South America. Living in Tallahassee before and after my trip, I worked to improve my Spanish and focused my reading on poets from Latin-American countries and on the notable essays and books on translation that are considered paramount in the field. My period of focus is the twentieth century, and while English-language poets were writing about "The Everyday", their Latin-American counterparts, while still, as Emerson says, embracing "the common," often focused on the big issues of Life, Death, Time, and especially Love. My goal is this: I wish to relay the experience of working in two languages instead of one, and to show how the discourse between languages altered my writing and the way I think about language.
FSU_migr_undergradresearch-0004
"I am the Truth (أنا الحق)": Finding a Critique of Sufism from Three Accounts of Al-Hallaj's Utterance.
Robinson, Brennan Jeffrey
"In a sleepier century": A Work for Chamber Orchestra and Dance.
Barzso, Isaac
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1544292189_ee27d901
"It's Not Gay if They Don't Touch": Challenging Heteronormative Empire and Countering the 'Closeting of History' Through Art.
Steel, Isabella, Department of Art
My project revolves around the "closeting of history", which is the phenomenon in which evidence that suggests gay or bisexual behavior is omitted from the narratives of important historical figures, thus allowing them to be imagined as heterosexual by future generations (and depriving young people of gay and bisexual icons). I wanted to create artwork that counters this phenomenon, by placing historical figures and popular characters in situations that complicate their sexuality, removing...
Show moreMy project revolves around the "closeting of history", which is the phenomenon in which evidence that suggests gay or bisexual behavior is omitted from the narratives of important historical figures, thus allowing them to be imagined as heterosexual by future generations (and depriving young people of gay and bisexual icons). I wanted to create artwork that counters this phenomenon, by placing historical figures and popular characters in situations that complicate their sexuality, removing them from the heterosexual narrative that they have been confined to. I first began to explore this concept with a series of drawings of several American presidents as drag queens, complete with drag names, such as Abraham "Babe" Lincoln. I want these and other art pieces of mine to challenge the idea of "normativity" as applied to sexuality by re-appropriating iconic figures such as presidents, who have been symbols of heterosexual masculinity and success, as tools for showing sexuality as a performance—something that is fluid rather than compartmentalized. I want key works to simultaneously tackle the discomfort associated with excessive femininity, particularly when that femininity is applied to powerful individuals, and to negate the idea of the effeminate as weak. My artwork consists primarily of colorful and playful drawings and paintings, inspired by the camp aesthetic and sense of humor. At the end of the day, I just want to confront people with fun images of gay male sexuality, so that they might question what it is about it that makes them uncomfortable, and whether their discomfort is truly warranted.
"It's Really Overwhelming": Parent And Service Provider Perspectives Of Parents Aging Out Of Foster Care.
Radey, Melissa, Schelbe, Lisa, McWey, Lenore M., Holtrop, Kendal, Canto, Angela I.
Rates of pregnancy and parenthood among current and former foster youth are two to three times higher than non-foster youth peers. Repeat pregnancies among young mothers aging out of foster care also occur at higher rates than peers not involved with the child welfare system. Furthermore, mothers aging out of foster care demonstrate high levels of parenting stress and risk for child maltreatment. Indeed, this population is in significant need of help; however, beyond anecdotal evidence,...
Show moreRates of pregnancy and parenthood among current and former foster youth are two to three times higher than non-foster youth peers. Repeat pregnancies among young mothers aging out of foster care also occur at higher rates than peers not involved with the child welfare system. Furthermore, mothers aging out of foster care demonstrate high levels of parenting stress and risk for child maltreatment. Indeed, this population is in significant need of help; however, beyond anecdotal evidence, little is known about the needs and day-to day experiences of this population. In order to tailor interventions to meet the needs of parents aging out, the perspectives of stakeholders must be taken into account. Using qualitative data gathered from separate small group interviews with parents aging out and service providers, this study examined participants' perceptions of parents' daily experiences, strengths, and needs. Findings indicated that parents aging out face overwhelming adversity and stress with little outside financial, emotional, or parenting support from family or friends. Yet, parents also expressed motivation to be good parents, resilience, and the desire to gain effective parenting skills. Although similar themes arose among parent and provider interviews, perceptions differed. Parents expressed hope and optimism in providing for their children while providers expressed systemic failure in preparing parents for independent living. Based on these findings, we conclude that parenting interventions specific to parents aging out may need to address three fundamental and key components: basic needs, social support, and effective parenting techniques. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000381171100001, 10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.05.013
"Keeping Them Off the Streets": Examining the Media's Discussion of Youth Agriculture Projects.
Philips, Allison, Boggs, George
The "Mysteries" Behind The Adapted Story.
Wallace, Alexandria, Department of English
This creative thesis project focuses on adapting the short story form to short film. My work examines how a particular short story can be adapted into different film genres for different audiences. The project adapts the short story by Elizabeth Tallent entitled, "No One's A Mystery" into four very different scripts: a "faithful" adaptation, a hand-drawn limited-animation children's narrative, a "loose" adaptation, and a music video treatment. In this text, the reader will find some...
Show moreThis creative thesis project focuses on adapting the short story form to short film. My work examines how a particular short story can be adapted into different film genres for different audiences. The project adapts the short story by Elizabeth Tallent entitled, "No One's A Mystery" into four very different scripts: a "faithful" adaptation, a hand-drawn limited-animation children's narrative, a "loose" adaptation, and a music video treatment. In this text, the reader will find some introductory information on adaptation theory and a brief overview of some scholarly debate; followed by the four scripts and analyses for each short film. The major focus of the analyses are on the adaptation process. They will also include each interpretation's relationship to the short story, theory, and how audience and genre affect the process. Two of the four scripts (the children's narrative and music video adaptations) have been filmed and edited together as well to further understand the adaptive mode.
“One Must Actually Take Facts as They Are”: Information Value and Information Behavior in the Miss Marple Novels.
Kazmer, Michelle M.
One perspective not often brought to the study of detective fiction is that from the field of information science. Among other topics, information science is concerned with information behavior, or how people behave with respect to information: needing, seeking, accidentally encountering, avoiding, evaluating, storing and so forth. Examining the solving of a mystery as an information behavior has potential for insights into the genre and into our twenty-first century readings of detective...
Show moreOne perspective not often brought to the study of detective fiction is that from the field of information science. Among other topics, information science is concerned with information behavior, or how people behave with respect to information: needing, seeking, accidentally encountering, avoiding, evaluating, storing and so forth. Examining the solving of a mystery as an information behavior has potential for insights into the genre and into our twenty-first century readings of detective fiction. Current audiences are accustomed to modern information technology and the information behaviors afforded by it: amateur sleuths hack computer systems or professional detectives analyze trace evidence for DNA. Highly technologized contemporary information environments leave us to ask: in what ways do the manipulation of information value, and the sophistication of the information behaviors, in novels written by Agatha Christie in the early- to mid-twentieth century, continue to enthrall readers in the twenty-first?
"Poverty Porn": The Narratives of INGO Media Campaigns.
Costner, Monique, Kohli, Tanu
International non-governmental organizations (INGOs) have different strategies of raising awareness and funds for their causes. Sometimes however, these strategies can rely on the use of stereotypical or dehumanizing depictions of people from the developing world. We have all seen the images of hungry children with bloated stomachs, presumably from some African or Asian country. To what extent do these narratives present a grossly simplified version of the struggles people in poverty face?...
Show moreInternational non-governmental organizations (INGOs) have different strategies of raising awareness and funds for their causes. Sometimes however, these strategies can rely on the use of stereotypical or dehumanizing depictions of people from the developing world. We have all seen the images of hungry children with bloated stomachs, presumably from some African or Asian country. To what extent do these narratives present a grossly simplified version of the struggles people in poverty face? The term “poverty porn” has been coined to describe these kinds of shock-based images which reduce people to their vulnerability and helplessness. Narratives within INGO media campaigns can either contribute to, or combat stereotypical images of developing regions. The first section of this research will discuss representations of people from developing regions. Second, the research will examine strategies employed in several digital-based INGO media campaigns through their use of visual and verbal tools. Third, the research will analyze the ethical nature of media campaigns which contribute to or combat stereotypes. It is important for international non-governmental organizations and those within the field of international development to consider how communication strategies impact the understanding we have of developing regions. This research aims to look critically at INGO communications and provide best practices for organizations constructing their own media campaigns.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1525459187_d84adacc
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1525459546_a796c8ef
The "State" of Behavioral and Demographic Analysis of Longevity Risk: A State-Aggregated Approach to Studying the Inter-Related Effects of Financial Education and Financial Literacy.
Levine, Apple, Sirmans, Eleanor, Born, Patricia
"The Knight's Tale": A Philosophical Discourse on Chivalric Romance.
Blair, Brooke Jean
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1555428877_d5378f05
The "Trafalgar Square Conservation Area": Deconstructing Spatial Narratives with/in a Collective Framework.
Bergholtz, Joel, Department of English
Abstract: (Key Terms: Collective Framework, Rhetorical Theory, Trafalgar Square, Spatial Narratives) This thesis is a rhetorical examination of language as elicited in spatial narratives. In doing so, it examines the various symbols that public spaces employ in order to rhetorically speak to us, move us, and make us act in certain ways. More specifically, it addresses Trafalgar Square as a problem space, deconstructing the various spatial narratives leading into and within the square. In...
Show moreAbstract: (Key Terms: Collective Framework, Rhetorical Theory, Trafalgar Square, Spatial Narratives) This thesis is a rhetorical examination of language as elicited in spatial narratives. In doing so, it examines the various symbols that public spaces employ in order to rhetorically speak to us, move us, and make us act in certain ways. More specifically, it addresses Trafalgar Square as a problem space, deconstructing the various spatial narratives leading into and within the square. In deconstructing these narratives, it attempts to find implicit meaning in what is explicitly inscribed into the land, and to examine this meaning alongside the social narrative that its occupants hold. This constructed narrative is explored through three frameworks: that of the physical framework of the square, those spatially enacted frameworks leading into it, and the larger collective framework of the city to which the square contributes. It finds that the frameworks of public space generally work toward establishing and authorizing a unifying ideological connection between the present society and societies of the past. However, these narratives are dependent on individual agents participating in the space's various frameworks; the meaning of a space is obfuscated by a society's current participant's usage of the space. In addition to this obfuscation, it discovers that the past role of a space can obfuscate the present meaning and role of the space in the overall framework, and that the present meaning can in turn obfuscate how individuals relate to and interpret the past.
"Untamed Music": Early Jazz in Vaudeville.
Lewis, Steven, College of Music
Vaudeville, which was one of the most influential entertainment genres in America at the turn of the century, was also important to the early development of jazz. Vaudeville's role in jazz history has not often figured into discussions of early jazz because the earliest jazz historians were record collectors who relied heavily on sound recordings to establish the history of the music, leading them to marginalize the contributions of musicians or bands that did not make records. Touring...
Show moreVaudeville, which was one of the most influential entertainment genres in America at the turn of the century, was also important to the early development of jazz. Vaudeville's role in jazz history has not often figured into discussions of early jazz because the earliest jazz historians were record collectors who relied heavily on sound recordings to establish the history of the music, leading them to marginalize the contributions of musicians or bands that did not make records. Touring vaudeville, minstrel shows, and circuses played a crucial role in jazz's development and dissemination. Many of the influential jazz artists of the teens and twenties, such as Alvin "Zoo" Robertson, Wilbur Sweatman, Freddie Keppard, and Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton began their careers playing in tents and theaters around the country as vaudeville entertainers. Traveling vaudeville shows were the most significant factor in the spread of jazz before the advent of recording, and brought early jazz to appreciative audiences even before 1917, when the first jazz recordings became available. After these initial recordings, the shows carried jazz to remote areas of the country where jazz records were less likely to be available. These shows continued to be important for the careers of jazz musicians until the mid thirties, when the ascendance of film and radio led to vaudeville's terminal decline. In this paper I explore in detail the role that touring vaudeville shows played in the development and popularization of jazz in the first decades of the twentieth century.
"Waiting to Fail" Redux: Understanding Inadequate Response to Intervention..
Al Otaiba, Stephanie, Wagner, Richard K, Miller, Brett
This introduction to the special issue provides an overview of the promise, but also the ongoing challenges, related to Response to Intervention (RTI) as a means of both prevention and identification of reading disabilities. We conclude by describing the articles in this special issue and considering their implications for future research.
FSU_pmch_25422530, 10.1177/0731948714525622, PMC4240019, 25422530, 25422530
"Why Should We Cultivate Our Gardens?": Th Development & Role of Leisure in Western Society.
McShane, Mikaela Woods
This thesis explores “leisure” as an important, if not vital, component in cross-cultural studies. I work through, what I perceive to be the formative time periods, the end of the nineteenth century and the middle of the twentieth century, in regards to the development of cultural specific leisure time negotiation. I have approached the idea of leisure from several different theoretical and epistemological angles, historical, literary, rhetorical and anthropological. My goal in this project...
Show moreThis thesis explores “leisure” as an important, if not vital, component in cross-cultural studies. I work through, what I perceive to be the formative time periods, the end of the nineteenth century and the middle of the twentieth century, in regards to the development of cultural specific leisure time negotiation. I have approached the idea of leisure from several different theoretical and epistemological angles, historical, literary, rhetorical and anthropological. My goal in this project was not to expose a new idea, as leisure has been studied extensively, rather my aim is to shrink the gap between studies. I have connected research across different disciplines in order to present a case for the inclusion of leisure in the academic discourse and present its relevance as a genre, rather as idea.
#IfTheyGunnedMeDown: Social Media Activism in Ferguson, Missouri.
Entralgo-Fernandez, Rebekah, Jones, Emilie, Carney, Sean
The study focuses on the race issues and increased police militarization in Ferguson, Missouri related to the recent murder of Michael Brown. This particular part of the study focuses on the popular trend of the hashtag If They Gunned Me Down. Young activists on Twitter post pictures of themselves, both positive and negative, to highlight the media's opinion of people of color in the news. The tag is meant to show the obvious bias in media portrayal of black victims of police violence through...
Show moreThe study focuses on the race issues and increased police militarization in Ferguson, Missouri related to the recent murder of Michael Brown. This particular part of the study focuses on the popular trend of the hashtag If They Gunned Me Down. Young activists on Twitter post pictures of themselves, both positive and negative, to highlight the media's opinion of people of color in the news. The tag is meant to show the obvious bias in media portrayal of black victims of police violence through personal images. During the study we studied these images and then complied a sample of 20 images per category (categories being aspects of their personality being highlighted). The tweets show two pictures per post, one negative and one positive, which we group together to find the most common traits presented. From these qualities we are hoping to gain an idea of the way the black community views the medias opinion of their worth. In addition to this information we are also qualitatively coding tweets related to race, black culture and marketing to find celebrities involvement and influence in the issue of police brutality of the black community.
β-lactam synthesis.
Holton, Robert A., Vu, Phong H.
The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of β-lactams. Generally, an imine is cyclocondensed with a ketene acetal or enolate to form the β-lactam product in a “one pot” synthesis, this process is generally performed at a higher temperature than conventional processes.
FSU_uspto_7541458, 7541458, 711524, 11/449462, 6c9256d97d167832cbab694dc904bd27
'determinism' Is Just Fine: A Reply To Scott Sehon.
De Marco, Gabriel
Scott Sehon recently argued that the standard notion of determinism employed in the Consequence Argument makes it so that, if our world turns out to be deterministic, then an interventionist God is logically impossible. He further argues that because of this, we should revise our notion of determinism. In this paper I show that Sehon's argument for the claim that the truth of determinism, in this sense, would make an interventionist God logically impossible ultimately fails. I then offer and...
Show moreScott Sehon recently argued that the standard notion of determinism employed in the Consequence Argument makes it so that, if our world turns out to be deterministic, then an interventionist God is logically impossible. He further argues that because of this, we should revise our notion of determinism. In this paper I show that Sehon's argument for the claim that the truth of determinism, in this sense, would make an interventionist God logically impossible ultimately fails. I then offer and respond to a weaker version of the argument for the claim that we should revise our notion of determinism.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000384551600015, 10.1007/s11406-016-9712-0
The ‘True’ Juvenile Offender: Age Effects and Juvenile Court Sanctioning.
Mears, Daniel P., Cochran, Joshua C., Stults, Brian J., Greenman, Sarah J., Bhati, Avinash S., Greenwald, Mark A.
Age is the only factor used to demarcate the boundary between juvenile and adult justice. However, little research has examined how age guides the juvenile court in determining which youth within the juvenile justice system merit particular dispositions, especially those that reflect the court's emphasis on rehabilitation. Drawing on scholarship on the court's origins, attribution theory, and cognitive heuristics, we hypothesize that the court focuses on youth in the middle of the range of...
Show moreAge is the only factor used to demarcate the boundary between juvenile and adult justice. However, little research has examined how age guides the juvenile court in determining which youth within the juvenile justice system merit particular dispositions, especially those that reflect the court's emphasis on rehabilitation. Drawing on scholarship on the court's origins, attribution theory, and cognitive heuristics, we hypothesize that the court focuses on youth in the middle of the range of the court's age of jurisdiction—characterized in this article as “true” juveniles—who may be viewed as meriting more specialized intervention. We use data from Florida for court referrals in 2008 (N = 71,388) to examine the decision to proceed formally or informally and, in turn, to examine formally processed youth dispositions (dismissal, diversion, probation, commitment, and transfer) and informally processed youth dispositions (dismissal, diversion, and probation). The analyses provide partial support for the hypothesis. The very young were more likely to be informally processed; however, among the informally processed youth, the youngest, not “true” juveniles, were most likely to be diverted or placed on probation. By contrast, among formally processed youth, “true” juveniles were most likely to receive traditional juvenile court responses, such as diversion or probation.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1460380390, 10.1111/1745-9125.12034
(How) Do You Regret Killing One to Save Five? Affective and Cognitive Regret Differ After Utilitarian and Deontological Sacrificial Dilemma Decisions.
Goldstein-Greenwood, Jacob
Sacrificial moral dilemmas, in which opting to kill one person will save multiple others, are definitionally suboptimal: Someone dies either way. Decision-makers, then, may experience regret about their decisions. Past research dissociates affective regret, negative feelings about a decision, from cognitive regret, wishful thoughts about a counterfactual decision. Classic dual-process models of moral judgment suggest that affective processing drives characteristically deontological decisions...
Show moreSacrificial moral dilemmas, in which opting to kill one person will save multiple others, are definitionally suboptimal: Someone dies either way. Decision-makers, then, may experience regret about their decisions. Past research dissociates affective regret, negative feelings about a decision, from cognitive regret, wishful thoughts about a counterfactual decision. Classic dual-process models of moral judgment suggest that affective processing drives characteristically deontological decisions to reject outcome-maximizing harm, whereas cognitive deliberation drives characteristically utilitarian decisions to endorse outcome-maximizing harm. Consistent with this model, we found that people who made or imagined making sacrificial utilitarian judgments expressed relatively more affective regret and relatively less cognitive regret than those who made or imagined making deontological dilemma judgments. In other words, people who endorsed causing harm to save lives felt more distressed about their decision but were less inclined to change it than people who rejected outcome-maximizing harm.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1555434822_f1705269
(not his real name).
Lenhoff, Fred
159203, FSDT159203, fsu:18317
The (re)making of Romaine Patterson: Matthew Shepard's friend as gay activist.
Dorety, Casey
(tco4-)-tc-99 Remediation By A Cationic Polymeric Network.
Li, Jie, Dai, Xing, Zhu, Lin, Xu, Chao, Zhang, Duo, Silver, Mark A., Li, Peng, Chen, Lanhua, Li, Yongzhong, Zuo, Douwen, Zhang, Hui, Xiao, Chengliang, Chen, Jing, Diwu, Juan,...
Show moreLi, Jie, Dai, Xing, Zhu, Lin, Xu, Chao, Zhang, Duo, Silver, Mark A., Li, Peng, Chen, Lanhua, Li, Yongzhong, Zuo, Douwen, Zhang, Hui, Xiao, Chengliang, Chen, Jing, Diwu, Juan, Farha, Omar K., Albrecht-Schmitt, Thomas E., Chai, Zhifang, Wang, Shuao
Direct removal of (TcO4-)-Tc-99 from the highly acidic solution of used nuclear fuel is highly beneficial for the recovery of uranium and plutonium and more importantly aids in the elimination of Tc-99 discharge into the environment. However, this task represents a huge challenge given the combined extreme conditions of super acidity, high ionic strength, and strong radiation field. Here we overcome this challenge using a cationic polymeric network with significant TcO4- uptake capabilities...
Show moreDirect removal of (TcO4-)-Tc-99 from the highly acidic solution of used nuclear fuel is highly beneficial for the recovery of uranium and plutonium and more importantly aids in the elimination of Tc-99 discharge into the environment. However, this task represents a huge challenge given the combined extreme conditions of super acidity, high ionic strength, and strong radiation field. Here we overcome this challenge using a cationic polymeric network with significant TcO4- uptake capabilities in four aspects: the fastest sorption kinetics, the highest sorption capacity, the most promising uptake performance from highly acidic solutions, and excellent radiation-resistance and hydrolytic stability among all anion sorbent materials reported. In addition, this material is fully recyclable for multiple sorption/desorption trials, making it extremely attractive for waste partitioning and emergency remediation. The excellent TcO4- uptake capability is elucidated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, solid-state NMR measurement, and density functional theory analysis on anion coordination and bonding.
The -radiolysis of ethanol: The effect of a radical scavenger on the hydrogen yield.
Gray, Horace B.
.beta.-lactams as taxol intermediates N-acylated.
Holton, Robert A.
.beta.-lactam compounds which are reacted with a metal alkoxide for preparing N-acyl, N-sulfonyl and phosphoryl substituted isoserine esters.
FSU_uspto_5539103, 5539103, 711524, 08/351532, 600b83161da1122888348587dc18798c
.beta.-lactams used in preparing taxol.
A .beta.-lactam of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is aryl, substituted aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl, acyl, acetal, ethoxyethyl, or other hydroxyl protecting group; and R.sub.3 is aryl, substituted aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; and the enantiomers and diastereomers thereof.
1 Out of 233 Passengers.
Ward, Imranda
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556715132_53aefab3
1-deoxy baccatin III, 1-deoxy taxol and 1-deoxy taxol analogs and method for the preparation thereof.
Holton, Robert A., Somoza, Carmen, Liang, Feng, Tang, Suhan
1-Deoxybaccatin III, 1-deoxytaxol and 1-deoxy taxol analogs and method for the preparation thereof.
1-deoxy taxol analogs.
1.1-billion-year-old Porphyrins Establish A Marine Ecosystem Dominated By Bacterial Primary Producers.
Gueneli, N., McKenna, A. M., Ohkouchi, N., Boreham, C. J., Beghin, J., Javaux, E. J., Brocks, J. J.
The average cell size of marine phytoplankton is critical for the flow of energy and nutrients from the base of the food web to higher trophic levels. Thus, the evolutionary succession of primary producers through Earth's history is important for our understanding of the radiation of modern protists similar to 800 million years ago and the emergence of eumetazoan animals similar to 200 million years later. Currently, it is difficult to establish connections between primary production and the...
Show moreThe average cell size of marine phytoplankton is critical for the flow of energy and nutrients from the base of the food web to higher trophic levels. Thus, the evolutionary succession of primary producers through Earth's history is important for our understanding of the radiation of modern protists similar to 800 million years ago and the emergence of eumetazoan animals similar to 200 million years later. Currently, it is difficult to establish connections between primary production and the proliferation of large and complex organisms because the mid-Proterozoic (similar to 1,800-800 million years ago) rock record is nearly devoid of recognizable phytoplankton fossils. We report the discovery of intact porphyrins, the molecular fossils of chlorophylls, from 1,100-million-year-old marine black shales of the Taoudeni Basin (Mauritania), 600 million years older than previous findings. The porphyrin nitrogen isotopes (delta N-15(por) = 5.6-10.2 parts per thousand) are heavier than in younger sedimentary sequences, and the isotopic offset between sedimentary bulk nitrogen and porphyrins (epsilon(por) = -5.1 to -0.5 parts per thousand) points to cyanobacteria as dominant primary producers. Based on fossil carotenoids, anoxygenic green (Chlorobiacea) and purple sulfur bacteria (Chromatiaceae) also contributed to photosynthate. The low epsilon(por) values, in combination with a lack of diagnostic eukaryotic steranes in the time interval of 1,600-1,000 million years ago, demonstrate that algae played an insignificant role in mid-Proterozoic oceans. The paucity of algae and the small cell size of bacterial phytoplankton may have curtailed the flow of energy to higher trophic levels, potentially contributing to a diminished evolutionary pace toward complex eukaryotic ecosystems and large and active organisms.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000439574700004, 10.1073/pnas.1803866115
10-desacetoxytaxol derivatives.
Farina, Vittorio, Holton, Robert A., Chen, Shu-Hui
The present invention relates to 10-desacetoxytaxol and derivatives thereof, which are useful as antitumor agents. These compounds have the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen, hydroxy or a protected hydroxy group; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, a protected hydroxy group, methyl, --SH, --NH.sub.2, or --NR.sub.8 R.sub.9 ; R.sub.5 is R.sub.10, or --OR.sub.10 ; R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently...
Show moreThe present invention relates to 10-desacetoxytaxol and derivatives thereof, which are useful as antitumor agents. These compounds have the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2 is hydrogen, hydroxy or a protected hydroxy group; R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, a protected hydroxy group, methyl, --SH, --NH.sub.2, or --NR.sub.8 R.sub.9 ; R.sub.5 is R.sub.10, or --OR.sub.10 ; R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl; and R.sub.10 is alkoxy, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynl, or aryl.
100 Cups for a 100 Lives.
Frankenfield, Ivy E., Department of Art
100% Renewable Energy Strategy for Tallahassee, Florida.
Simm, Sarah
In 2017, the City Commission of Tallahassee voted to adopt the US Conference of Mayors proclamation to move the city’s energy to 100% Renewable Energy by 2035. In this thesis, the potential sources of renewable energy for Tallahassee are reviewed, and solar photovoltaic cells (PV) is found to be effectively the only renewable energy source. Current renewable energy sources for the transportation sector were modeled to be entirely based on switching the vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs)...
Show moreIn 2017, the City Commission of Tallahassee voted to adopt the US Conference of Mayors proclamation to move the city’s energy to 100% Renewable Energy by 2035. In this thesis, the potential sources of renewable energy for Tallahassee are reviewed, and solar photovoltaic cells (PV) is found to be effectively the only renewable energy source. Current renewable energy sources for the transportation sector were modeled to be entirely based on switching the vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) which increased the electrical demand by about 30%. The infrastructure costs of solar PV are anticipated to be large, which could limit the city in attaining its renewable energy goals. The costs associated with installing utility-scale solar PV sufficient to displace the entire electrical energy demand of the city is examined. Three scenarios for the rate of PV installation were assessed: (1) a linear installation rate of 90 MW-DC/year; (2) an exponential rate of installation; (3) a constant spending rate, that all yielded sufficient energy to displace all projected natural gas electricity production. The key assumption proved to be the projection algorithm for the future costs of solar PV panels which was taken to be an exponential function with a seven-year e-folding time. Each of the scenarios yielded fiscal savings by displacing the natural gas fuel cost. Increasing the entire costs of solar PV by a factor of two still yielded a long-term savings for the city. Land costs for installing sufficient utility-scale solar PV were found to add an additional 15-25 % to the total costs. Strategies that the city could adopt to further reduce costs, like encouraging rooftop solar, solar water heating, home batteries, etc., are examined and could reduce costs by about a third. All scenarios led to a substantial integrated CO2 emissions reduction of about 50% relative to a business-as-usual scenario. Post-2035, CO2 emissions are zero. Finally, the impact of the city’s recently adopted 100% Renewable Energy by 2050 goal is assessed.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1556310842_99a4f838
14-hydrido-9β-hydroxytetracyclic taxanes.
Suzuki, Yukio, Holton, Robert A., Somoza, Carmen, Shindo, Mitsuru
Process for the preparation of a derivative or analog of baccatin III or 10-desacetyl baccatin III having a C9 substituent other than keto in which the C9 keto substituent of taxol, a taxol analog, baccatin III or 10-desacetyl baccatin III is selectively reduced to the corresponding hydroxy group.
The 1964 presidential vote in Florida: an analysis.
McCarraron, William J.
The 1983 Florida gas tax.
Simmons, Cynthia D.
The 1993 federal Family & Medical Leave Act as compared to similar state legislation.
Stutts, John R.
19th Century Prisons in Practice.
Hertzler, Audrey, Criminology and Criminal Justice
There are many regulations for how a prison should work as a system according to the state, but the ones who actually have the most control over how the prison is run are the employees and officials who work in and manage the facility. These people have a stronger effect on how punishment is actually meted out. This project offers a longitudinal case study of Eastern State Penitentiary from 1829 to 1875. Through records kept by the prison administrators we can observe the decisions they made...
Show moreThere are many regulations for how a prison should work as a system according to the state, but the ones who actually have the most control over how the prison is run are the employees and officials who work in and manage the facility. These people have a stronger effect on how punishment is actually meted out. This project offers a longitudinal case study of Eastern State Penitentiary from 1829 to 1875. Through records kept by the prison administrators we can observe the decisions they made behind the scenes on a day-to-day basis and compare punishment in practice to the expectations of state regulations. We demonstrate that administrators and employees at Eastern State were willing to veer from the regulations and make their own decisions to benefit the public view of the prison. Specifically, the administrators' were guided by the need to protect the reputation of the prison, to make the prison appear to function well. Administrators sought to counter criticism over the prison's unique "separate system" of punishment in which prisoners were held in solitary confinement, a practice that attracted great criticism at the time. Our study demonstrates that many of the administrators' decisions were intended to maintain a positive image of Eastern State and to prevent criticism.
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Akt mediated phosphorylation of LARP6; critical step in biosynthesis of type I collagen.
Zhang, Yujie, Stefanovic, Branko
La ribonucleoprotein domain family, member 6 (LARP6) is the RNA binding protein, which regulates translation of collagen mRNAs and synthesis of type I collagen. Posttranslational modifications of LARP6 and how they affect type I collagen synthesis have not been studied. We show that in lung fibroblasts LARP6 is phosphorylated at 8 serines, 6 of which are located within C-terminal domain. Phosphorylation of LARP6 follows a hierarchical order; S451 phosphorylation being a prerequisite for...
Show moreLa ribonucleoprotein domain family, member 6 (LARP6) is the RNA binding protein, which regulates translation of collagen mRNAs and synthesis of type I collagen. Posttranslational modifications of LARP6 and how they affect type I collagen synthesis have not been studied. We show that in lung fibroblasts LARP6 is phosphorylated at 8 serines, 6 of which are located within C-terminal domain. Phosphorylation of LARP6 follows a hierarchical order; S451 phosphorylation being a prerequisite for phosphorylations of other serines. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway reduced the phosphorylation of LARP6, but had no effect on the S451A mutant, suggesting that PI3K/Akt pathway targets S451 and we have identified Akt as the responsible kinase. Overexpression of S451A mutant had dominant negative effect on collagen biosynthesis; drastically reduced secretion of collagen and induced hyper-modifications of collagen alpha 2 (I) polypeptides. This indicates that LARP6 phosphorylation at S451 is critical for regulating translation and folding of collagen polypeptides. Akt inhibitor, GSK-2141795, which is in clinical trials for treatment of solid tumors, reduced collagen production by human lung fibroblasts with EC50 of 150 nM. This effect can be explained by inhibition of LARP6 phosphorylation and suggests that Akt inhibitors may be effective in treatment of various forms of fibrosis.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000371176000001, 10.1038/srep22597
Allogenic And Autogenic Signals In The Stratigraphic Record Of The Deep-sea Bengal Fan.
Blum, Mike, Rogers, Kimberly, Gleason, James, Najman, Yani, Cruz, Jarrett, Fox, Lyndsey
The Himalayan-sourced Ganges-Brahmaputra river system and the deep-sea Bengal Fan represent Earth's largest sediment-dispersal system. Here we present detrital zircon U-Pb provenance data from Miocene to middle Pleistocene Bengal Fan turbidites, and evaluate the influence of allogenic forcing vs. autogenic processes on signal propagation from the Himalaya to the deep sea. Our data record the strong tectonic and climatic forcing characteristic of the Himalayan system: after up to 2500 km of...
Show moreThe Himalayan-sourced Ganges-Brahmaputra river system and the deep-sea Bengal Fan represent Earth's largest sediment-dispersal system. Here we present detrital zircon U-Pb provenance data from Miocene to middle Pleistocene Bengal Fan turbidites, and evaluate the influence of allogenic forcing vs. autogenic processes on signal propagation from the Himalaya to the deep sea. Our data record the strong tectonic and climatic forcing characteristic of the Himalayan system: after up to 2500 km of river transport, and >1400 km of transport by turbidity currents, the U-Pb record faithfully represents Himalayan sources. Moreover, specific U-Pb populations record Miocene integration of the Brahmaputra drainage with the Asian plate, as well as the rapid Plio-Pleistocene incision through, and exhumation of, the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. The record is, however, biased towards glacial periods when rivers were extended across the shelf in response to climate-forced sea-level fall, and discharged directly to slope canyons. Finally, only part of the record represents a Ganges or Brahmaputra provenance end-member, and most samples represent mixing from the two systems. Mixing or the lack thereof likely represents the fingerprint of autogenic delta-plain avulsions, which result in the two rivers delivering sediment separately to a shelf-margin canyon or merging together as they do today.
Allogenic And Autogenic Signals In The Stratigraphic Record Of The Deep-sea Bengal Fan (vol 8, 7973, 2018).
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000441302400001, 10.1038/s41598-018-30160-y
Amide Hydrogens Reveal A Temperature-dependent Structural Transition That Enhances Site-ii Ca2+ -binding Affinity In A C-domain Mutant Of Cardiac Troponin C.
Veltri, Tiago, de Oliveira, Guilherme A. P., Bienkiewicz, Ewa A., Palhano, Fernando L., Marques, Mayra de A., Moraes, Adolfo H., Silva, Jerson L., Sorenson, Martha M., Pinto,...
Show moreVeltri, Tiago, de Oliveira, Guilherme A. P., Bienkiewicz, Ewa A., Palhano, Fernando L., Marques, Mayra de A., Moraes, Adolfo H., Silva, Jerson L., Sorenson, Martha M., Pinto, Jose R.
The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated mutant D145E, in cardiac troponin C (cTnC) C-domain, causes generalised instability at multiple sites in the isolated protein. As a result, structure and function of the mutant are more susceptible to higher temperatures. Above 25 degrees C there are large, progressive increases in N-domain Ca2+-binding affinity for D145E but only small changes for the wild-type protein. NMR-derived backbone amide temperature coefficients for many residues show a...
Show moreThe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-associated mutant D145E, in cardiac troponin C (cTnC) C-domain, causes generalised instability at multiple sites in the isolated protein. As a result, structure and function of the mutant are more susceptible to higher temperatures. Above 25 degrees C there are large, progressive increases in N-domain Ca2+-binding affinity for D145E but only small changes for the wild-type protein. NMR-derived backbone amide temperature coefficients for many residues show a sharp transition above 30-40 degrees C, indicating a temperature-dependent conformational change that is most prominent around the mutated EF-hand IV, as well as throughout the C-domain. Smaller, isolated changes occur in the N-domain. Cardiac skinned fibres reconstituted with D145E are more sensitive to Ca2+ than fibres reconstituted with wild-type, and this defect is amplified near body-temperature. We speculate that the D145E mutation destabilises the native conformation of EF-hand IV, leading to a transient unfolding and dissociation of helix H that becomes more prominent at higher temperatures. This creates exposed hydrophobic surfaces that may be capable of binding unnaturally to a variety of targets, possibly including the N-domain of cTnC when it is in its open Ca2+-saturated state. This would constitute a potential route for propagating signals from one end of TnC to the other.
Apollo Lunar Astronauts Show Higher Cardiovascular Disease Mortality: Possible Deep Space Radiation Effects On The Vascular Endothelium.
Delp, Michael D., Charvat, Jacqueline M., Limoli, Charles L., Globus, Ruth K., Ghosh, Payal
As multiple spacefaring nations contemplate extended manned missions to Mars and the Moon, health risks could be elevated as travel goes beyond the Earth's protective magnetosphere into the more intense deep space radiation environment. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, accidents and all other causes of death differ in (1) astronauts who never flew orbital missions in space, (2) astronauts who flew only in...
Show moreAs multiple spacefaring nations contemplate extended manned missions to Mars and the Moon, health risks could be elevated as travel goes beyond the Earth's protective magnetosphere into the more intense deep space radiation environment. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, accidents and all other causes of death differ in (1) astronauts who never flew orbital missions in space, (2) astronauts who flew only in low Earth orbit (LEO), and (3) Apollo lunar astronauts, the only humans to have traveled beyond Earth's magnetosphere. Results show there were no differences in CVD mortality rate between non-flight (9%) and LEO (11%) astronauts. However, the CVD mortality rate among Apollo lunar astronauts (43%) was 4-5 times higher than in non-flight and LEO astronauts. To test a possible mechanistic basis for these findings, a secondary purpose was to determine the long-term effects of simulated weightlessness and space-relevant total-body irradiation on vascular responsiveness in mice. The results demonstrate that space-relevant irradiation induces a sustained vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. Such impairment is known to lead to occlusive artery disease, and may be an important risk factor for CVD among astronauts exposed to deep space radiation.
Arbitrary Shaped Beam Scattering From A Chiral-coated Conducting Object With Arbitrary Monochromatic Illumination.
Wang, Mingjun, Zhang, Huayong, Ke, Xizheng, Liu, Guosheng, Ouyang, Xiaoping
An exact semi-analytical method of calculating the scattered fields from a chiral-coated conducting object under arbitrary shaped beam illumination is developed. The scattered fields and the fields within the chiral coating are expanded in terms of appropriate spherical vector wave functions. The unknown expansion coefficients are determined by solving an infinite system of linear equations derived using the method of moments technique and the boundary conditions. For incidence of a Gaussian...
Show moreAn exact semi-analytical method of calculating the scattered fields from a chiral-coated conducting object under arbitrary shaped beam illumination is developed. The scattered fields and the fields within the chiral coating are expanded in terms of appropriate spherical vector wave functions. The unknown expansion coefficients are determined by solving an infinite system of linear equations derived using the method of moments technique and the boundary conditions. For incidence of a Gaussian beam, circularly polarized wave, zero-order Bessel beam and Hertzian electric dipole radiation on a chiral-coated conducting spheroid and a chiral-coated conducting circular cylinder of finite length, the normalized differential scattering cross sections are evaluated and discussed briefly.
Automatic stage identification of Drosophila egg chamber based on DAPI images.
Jia, Dongyu, Xu, Qiuping, Xie, Qian, Mio, Washington, Deng, Wu-Min
The Drosophila egg chamber, whose development is divided into 14 stages, is a well-established model for developmental biology. However, visual stage determination can be a tedious, subjective and time-consuming task prone to errors. Our study presents an objective, reliable and repeatable automated method for quantifying cell features and classifying egg chamber stages based on DAPI images. The proposed approach is composed of two steps: 1) a feature extraction step and 2) a statistical...
Show moreThe Drosophila egg chamber, whose development is divided into 14 stages, is a well-established model for developmental biology. However, visual stage determination can be a tedious, subjective and time-consuming task prone to errors. Our study presents an objective, reliable and repeatable automated method for quantifying cell features and classifying egg chamber stages based on DAPI images. The proposed approach is composed of two steps: 1) a feature extraction step and 2) a statistical modeling step. The egg chamber features used are egg chamber size, oocyte size, egg chamber ratio and distribution of follicle cells. Methods for determining the on-site of the polytene stage and centripetal migration are also discussed. The statistical model uses linear and ordinal regression to explore the stage-feature relationships and classify egg chamber stages. Combined with machine learning, our method has great potential to enable discovery of hidden developmental mechanisms.
Ballistic Thermal Transport in Carbyne and Cumulene with Micron-Scale Spectral Acoustic Phonon Mean Free Path.
Lin, Sangchao, Wang, Mingchao
The elastic modulus of carbyne, a one-dimensional carbon chain, was recently predicted to be much higher than graphene. Inspired by this discovery and the fundamental correlation between elastic modulus and thermal conductivity, we investigate the intrinsic thermal transport in two carbon allotropes: carbyne and cumulene. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we discover that thermal conductivities of carbyne and cumulene at the quantum-corrected room temperature can exceed 54 and 148 kW/m/K,...
Show moreThe elastic modulus of carbyne, a one-dimensional carbon chain, was recently predicted to be much higher than graphene. Inspired by this discovery and the fundamental correlation between elastic modulus and thermal conductivity, we investigate the intrinsic thermal transport in two carbon allotropes: carbyne and cumulene. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we discover that thermal conductivities of carbyne and cumulene at the quantum-corrected room temperature can exceed 54 and 148 kW/m/K, respectively, much higher than that for graphene. Such conductivity is attributed to high phonon energies and group velocities, as well as reduced scattering from non-overlapped acoustic and optical phonon modes. The prolonged spectral acoustic phonon lifetime of 30–110 ps and mean free path of 0.5–2.5 μm exceed those for graphene, and allow ballistic phonon transport along micron-length carbon chains. Tensile extensions can enhance the thermal conductivity of carbyne due to the increased phonon density of states in the acoustic modes and the increased phonon lifetime from phonon bandgap opening. These findings provide fundamental insights into phonon transport and band structure engineering through tensile deformation in low-dimensional materials, and will inspire studies on carbyne, cumulene, and boron nitride chains for their practical deployments in nano-devices.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1475610677, 10.1038/srep18122
Big Data Analytics For Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Ptychography.
Jesse, S., Chi, M., Belianinov, A., Beekman, C., Kalinin, S. V., Borisevich, A. Y., Lupini, A. R.
Electron microscopy is undergoing a transition; from the model of producing only a few micrographs, through the current state where many images and spectra can be digitally recorded, to a new mode where very large volumes of data (movies, ptychographic and multi-dimensional series) can be rapidly obtained. Here, we discuss the application of so-called "big-data" methods to high dimensional microscopy data, using unsupervised multivariate statistical techniques, in order to explore salient...
Show moreElectron microscopy is undergoing a transition; from the model of producing only a few micrographs, through the current state where many images and spectra can be digitally recorded, to a new mode where very large volumes of data (movies, ptychographic and multi-dimensional series) can be rapidly obtained. Here, we discuss the application of so-called "big-data" methods to high dimensional microscopy data, using unsupervised multivariate statistical techniques, in order to explore salient image features in a specific example of BiFeO3 domains. Remarkably, k-means clustering reveals domain differentiation despite the fact that the algorithm is purely statistical in nature and does not require any prior information regarding the material, any coexisting phases, or any differentiating structures. While this is a somewhat trivial case, this example signifies the extraction of useful physical and structural information without any prior bias regarding the sample or the instrumental modality. Further interpretation of these types of results may still require human intervention. However, the open nature of this algorithm and its wide availability, enable broad collaborations and exploratory work necessary to enable efficient data analysis in electron microscopy.
The Biomechanics Behind Extreme Osteophagy In Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Gignac, Paul M., Erickson, Gregory M.
Most carnivorous mammals can pulverize skeletal elements by generating tooth pressures between occluding teeth that exceed cortical bone shear strength, thereby permitting access to marrow and phosphatic salts. Conversely, carnivorous reptiles have non-occluding dentitions that engender negligible bone damage during feeding. As a result, most reptilian predators can only consume bones in their entirety. Nevertheless, North American tyrannosaurids, including the giant (13 metres [m]) theropod...
Show moreMost carnivorous mammals can pulverize skeletal elements by generating tooth pressures between occluding teeth that exceed cortical bone shear strength, thereby permitting access to marrow and phosphatic salts. Conversely, carnivorous reptiles have non-occluding dentitions that engender negligible bone damage during feeding. As a result, most reptilian predators can only consume bones in their entirety. Nevertheless, North American tyrannosaurids, including the giant (13 metres [m]) theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex stand out for habitually biting deeply into bones, pulverizing and digesting them. How this mammal-like capacity was possible, absent dental occlusion, is unknown. Here we analyzed T. rex feeding behaviour from trace evidence, estimated bite forces and tooth pressures, and studied tooth-bone contacts to provide the answer. We show that bone pulverization was made possible through a combination of: (1) prodigious bite forces (8,526-34,522 newtons [N]) and tooth pressures (718-2,974 megapascals [MPa]) promoting crack propagation in bones, (2) tooth form and dental arcade configurations that concentrated shear stresses, and (3) repetitive, localized biting. Collectively, these capacities and behaviors allowed T. rex to finely fragment bones and more fully exploit large dinosaur carcasses for sustenance relative to competing carnivores.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000401511100019, 10.1038/s41598-017-02161-w
Carbon-bearing Silicate Melt At Deep Mantle Conditions.
Ghosh, Dipta B., Bajgain, Suraj K., Mookherjee, Mainak, Karki, Bijaya B.
Knowledge about the incorporation and role of carbon in silicate magmas is crucial for our understanding of the deep mantle processes. CO2 bearing silicate melting and its relevance in the upper mantle regime have been extensively explored. Here we report first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of MgSiO3 melt containing carbon in three distinct oxidation states - CO2, CO, and C at conditions relevant for the whole mantle. Our results show that at low pressures up to 15 GPa, the carbon...
Show moreKnowledge about the incorporation and role of carbon in silicate magmas is crucial for our understanding of the deep mantle processes. CO2 bearing silicate melting and its relevance in the upper mantle regime have been extensively explored. Here we report first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of MgSiO3 melt containing carbon in three distinct oxidation states - CO2, CO, and C at conditions relevant for the whole mantle. Our results show that at low pressures up to 15 GPa, the carbon dioxide speciation is dominated by molecular form and carbonate ions. At higher pressures, the dominant species are silicon-polyhedral bound carbonates, tetrahedral coordination, and polymerized di-carbonates. Our results also indicate that CO2 component remains soluble in the melt at high pressures and the solution is nearly ideal. However, the elemental carbon and CO components show clustering of carbon atoms in the melt at high pressures, hinting towards possible exsolution of carbon from silicate melt at reduced oxygen contents. Although carbon lowers the melt density, the effect is modest at high pressures. Hence, it is likely that silicate melt above and below the mantle transition zone, and atop the core-mantle boundary could efficiently sequester significant amounts of carbon without being gravitationally unstable.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000399186000012, 10.1038/s41598-017-00918-x
Cnt Enabled Co-braided Smart Fabrics: A New Route For Non-invasive, Highly Sensitive & Large-area Monitoring Of Composites.
Luo, Sida, Wang, Yong, Wang, Guantao, Wang, Kan, Wang, Zhibin, Zhang, Chuck, Wang, Ben, Luo, Yun, Li, Liuhe, Liu, Tao
The next-generation of hierarchical composites needs to have built-in functionality to continually monitor and diagnose their own health states. This paper includes a novel strategy for in-situ monitoring the processing stages of composites by co-braiding CNT-enabled fiber sensors into the reinforcing fiber fabrics. This would present a tremendous improvement over the present methods that excessively focus on detecting mechanical deformations and cracks. The CNT enabled smart fabrics,...
Show moreThe next-generation of hierarchical composites needs to have built-in functionality to continually monitor and diagnose their own health states. This paper includes a novel strategy for in-situ monitoring the processing stages of composites by co-braiding CNT-enabled fiber sensors into the reinforcing fiber fabrics. This would present a tremendous improvement over the present methods that excessively focus on detecting mechanical deformations and cracks. The CNT enabled smart fabrics, fabricated by a cost-effective and scalable method, are highly sensitive to monitor and quantify various events of composite processing including resin infusion, onset of crosslinking, gel time, degree and rate of curing. By varying curing temperature and resin formulation, the clear trends derived from the systematic study confirm the reliability and accuracy of the method, which is further verified by rheological and DSC tests. More importantly, upon wisely configuring the smart fabrics with a scalable sensor network, localized processing information of composites can be achieved in real time. In addition, the smart fabrics that are readily and non-invasively integrated into composites can provide life-long structural health monitoring of the composites, including detection of deformations and cracks.
Comparison Of Microbiomes Of Cold-water Corals Primnoa Pacifica And Primnoa Resedaeformis, With Possible Link Between Microbiome Composition And Host Genotype.
Goldsmith, Dawn B., Kellogg, Christina A., Morrison, Cheryl L., Gray, Michael A., Stone, Robert P., Waller, Rhian G., Brooke, Sandra D., Ross, Steve W.
Cold-water corals provide critical habitats for a multitude of marine species, but are understudied relative to tropical corals. Primnoa pacifica is a cold-water coral prevalent throughout Alaskan waters, while another species in the genus, Primnoa resedaeformis, is widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean. This study examined the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene after amplifying and pyrosequencing bacterial DNA from samples of these species. Key differences between the two species'...
Show moreCold-water corals provide critical habitats for a multitude of marine species, but are understudied relative to tropical corals. Primnoa pacifica is a cold-water coral prevalent throughout Alaskan waters, while another species in the genus, Primnoa resedaeformis, is widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean. This study examined the V4-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene after amplifying and pyrosequencing bacterial DNA from samples of these species. Key differences between the two species' microbiomes included a robust presence of bacteria belonging to the Chlamydiales order in most of the P. pacifica samples, whereas no more than 2% of any microbial community from P. resedaeformis comprised these bacteria. Microbiomes of P. resedaeformis exhibited higher diversity than those of P. pacifica, and the two species largely clustered separately in a principal coordinate analysis. Comparison of P. resedaeformis microbiomes from samples collected in two submarine canyons revealed a significant difference between locations. This finding mirrored significant genetic differences among the P. resedaeformis from the two canyons based upon population genetic analysis of microsatellite loci. This study presents the first report of microbiomes associated with these two coral species.
FSU_libsubv1_wos_000441876700086, 10.1038/s41598-018-30901-z
A Comparison of Rule-based Analysis with Regression Methods in Understanding the Risk Factors for Study Withdrawal in a Pediatric Study.
Haghighi, Mona, Johnson, Suzanne Bennett, Qian, Xiaoning, Lynch, Kristian F., Vehik, Kendra, Huang, Shuai
Regression models are extensively used in many epidemiological studies to understand the linkage between specific outcomes of interest and their risk factors. However, regression models in general examine the average effects of the risk factors and ignore subgroups with different risk profiles. As a result, interventions are often geared towards the average member of the population, without consideration of the special health needs of different subgroups within the population. This paper...
Show moreRegression models are extensively used in many epidemiological studies to understand the linkage between specific outcomes of interest and their risk factors. However, regression models in general examine the average effects of the risk factors and ignore subgroups with different risk profiles. As a result, interventions are often geared towards the average member of the population, without consideration of the special health needs of different subgroups within the population. This paper demonstrates the value of using rule-based analysis methods that can identify subgroups with heterogeneous risk profiles in a population without imposing assumptions on the subgroups or method. The rules define the risk pattern of subsets of individuals by not only considering the interactions between the risk factors but also their ranges. We compared the rule-based analysis results with the results from a logistic regression model in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study. Both methods detected a similar suite of risk factors, but the rule-based analysis was superior at detecting multiple interactions between the risk factors that characterize the subgroups. A further investigation of the particular characteristics of each subgroup may detect the special health needs of the subgroup and lead to tailored interventions.
Competing Covalent And Ionic Bonding In Ge-sb-te Phase Change Materials.
Mukhopadhyay, Saikat, Sun, Jifeng, Subedi, Alaska, Siegrist, Theo, Singh, David J.
Ge2Sb2Te5 and related phase change materials are highly unusual in that they can be readily transformed between amorphous and crystalline states using very fast melt, quench, anneal cycles, although the resulting states are extremely long lived at ambient temperature. These states have remarkably different physical properties including very different optical constants in the visible in strong contrast to common glass formers such as silicates or phosphates. This behavior has been described in...
Show moreGe2Sb2Te5 and related phase change materials are highly unusual in that they can be readily transformed between amorphous and crystalline states using very fast melt, quench, anneal cycles, although the resulting states are extremely long lived at ambient temperature. These states have remarkably different physical properties including very different optical constants in the visible in strong contrast to common glass formers such as silicates or phosphates. This behavior has been described in terms of resonant bonding, but puzzles remain, particularly regarding different physical properties of crystalline and amorphous phases. Here we show that there is a strong competition between ionic and covalent bonding in cubic phase providing a link between the chemical basis of phase change memory property and origins of giant responses of piezoelectric materials (PbTi3, BiFeO3). This has important consequences for dynamical behavior in particular leading to a simultaneous hardening of acoustic modes and softening of high frequency optic modes in crystalline phase relative to amorphous. This different bonding in amorphous and crystalline phases provides a direct explanation for different physical properties and understanding of the combination of long time stability and rapid switching and may be useful in finding new phase change compositions with superior properties.
Critical assessment and ramifications of a purported marine trophic cascade.
Grubbs, R. Dean, Carlson, John K., Romine, Jason G., Curtis, Tobey H., McElroy, W. David, McCandless, Camilla T., Cotton, Charles F., Musick, John A.
When identifying potential trophic cascades, it is important to clearly establish the trophic linkages between predators and prey with respect to temporal abundance, demographics, distribution, and diet. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the depletion of large coastal sharks was thought to trigger a trophic cascade whereby predation release resulted in increased cownose ray abundance, which then caused increased predation on and subsequent collapse of commercial bivalve stocks. These claims...
Show moreWhen identifying potential trophic cascades, it is important to clearly establish the trophic linkages between predators and prey with respect to temporal abundance, demographics, distribution, and diet. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, the depletion of large coastal sharks was thought to trigger a trophic cascade whereby predation release resulted in increased cownose ray abundance, which then caused increased predation on and subsequent collapse of commercial bivalve stocks. These claims were used to justify the development of a predator-control fishery for cownose rays, the "Save the Bay, Eat a Ray" fishery, to reduce predation on commercial bivalves. A reexamination of data suggests declines in large coastal sharks did not coincide with purported rapid increases in cownose ray abundance. Likewise, the increase in cownose ray abundance did not coincide with declines in commercial bivalves. The lack of temporal correlations coupled with published diet data suggest the purported trophic cascade is lacking the empirical linkages required of a trophic cascade. Furthermore, the life history parameters of cownose rays suggest they have low reproductive potential and their populations are incapable of rapid increases. Hypothesized trophic cascades should be closely scrutinized as spurious conclusions may negatively influence conservation and management decisions.
Decadal Surface Temperature Trends In India Based On A New High-resolution Data Set.
Ross, Robert S., Krishnamurti, T. N., Pattnaik, Sandeep, Pai, D. S.
A new comprehensive surface temperature data set for India is used to document changes in Indian temperature over seven decades, in order to examine the patterns and possible effects of global warming. The data set is subdivided into pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon categories in order to study the temperature patterns in each of these periods. When the decade means in maximum, minimum and daily mean temperature for the 2000s are compared to those of the 1950s, a consistent pattern of...
Show moreA new comprehensive surface temperature data set for India is used to document changes in Indian temperature over seven decades, in order to examine the patterns and possible effects of global warming. The data set is subdivided into pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon categories in order to study the temperature patterns in each of these periods. When the decade means in maximum, minimum and daily mean temperature for the 2000s are compared to those of the 1950s, a consistent pattern of warming is found over northwestern and southern India, and a pattern of cooling is seen in a broad zone anchored over northeastern India and extending southwestward across central India. These patterns are explained by the presence of a large region of anthropogenic brown haze over India and adjacent ocean regions. These aerosols absorb solar radiation, leading to warming of the haze layer over northeastern and central India and to cooling of the surface air beneath. The heated air rises and then sinks to the north and south of the haze region over northwestern and southern India, warming the air by compression as it sinks in those regions. The possible impact of these temperature patterns on Indian agriculture is considered.
Defying Dissolution: Discovery Of Deep-sea Scleractinian Coral Reefs In The North Pacific.
Baco, Amy R., Morgan, Nicole, Roark, E. Brendan, Silva, Mauricio, Shamberger, Kathryn E. F., Miller, Kelci
Deep-sea scleractinian coral reefs are protected ecologically and biologically significant areas that support global fisheries. The absence of observations of deep-sea scleractinian reefs in the Central and Northeast Pacific, combined with the shallow aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) and high carbonate dissolution rates there, fueled the hypothesis that reef formation in the North Pacific was improbable. Despite this, we report the discovery of live scleractinian reefs on six seamounts of...
Show moreDeep-sea scleractinian coral reefs are protected ecologically and biologically significant areas that support global fisheries. The absence of observations of deep-sea scleractinian reefs in the Central and Northeast Pacific, combined with the shallow aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) and high carbonate dissolution rates there, fueled the hypothesis that reef formation in the North Pacific was improbable. Despite this, we report the discovery of live scleractinian reefs on six seamounts of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Emperor Seamount Chain at depths of 535-732 m and aragonite saturation state (Omega(arag)) values of 0.71-1.33. Although the ASH becomes deeper moving northwest along the chains, the depth distribution of the reefs becomes shallower, suggesting the ASH is having little influence on their distribution. Higher chlorophyll moving to the northwest may partially explain the geographic distribution of the reefs. Principle Components Analysis suggests that currents are also an important factor in their distribution, but neither chlorophyll nor the available current data can explain the unexpected depth distribution. Further environmental data is needed to elucidate the reason for the distribution of these reefs. The discovery of reef-forming scleractinians in this region is of concern because a number of the sites occur on seamounts with active trawl fisheries.
Discovery and evaluation of inhibitor of LARP6 as specific antifibrotic compound: antifibrotic drug.
Stefanovic, Branko, Manojlovic, Zarko, Vied, Cynthia, Badger, Crystal-Dawn, Stefanovic, Lela
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive production of type I collagen. Biosynthesis of type I collagen in fibrosis is augmented by binding of protein LARP6 to the 5’ stem-loop structure (5’SL), which is found exclusively in type I collagen mRNAs. A high throughput screen was performed to discover inhibitors of LARP6 binding to 5’SL, as potential antifibrotic drugs. The screen yielded one compound (C9) which was able to dissociate LARP6 from 5’ SL RNA in vitro and to inactivate the binding of...
Show moreFibrosis is characterized by excessive production of type I collagen. Biosynthesis of type I collagen in fibrosis is augmented by binding of protein LARP6 to the 5’ stem-loop structure (5’SL), which is found exclusively in type I collagen mRNAs. A high throughput screen was performed to discover inhibitors of LARP6 binding to 5’SL, as potential antifibrotic drugs. The screen yielded one compound (C9) which was able to dissociate LARP6 from 5’ SL RNA in vitro and to inactivate the binding of endogenous LARP6 in cells. Treatment of hepatic stellate cells (liver cells responsible for fibrosis) with nM concentrations of C9 reduced secretion of type I collagen. In precision cut liver slices, as an ex vivo model of hepatic fibrosis, C9 attenuated the profibrotic response at 1 μM. In prophylactic and therapeutic animal models of hepatic fibrosis C9 prevented development of fibrosis or hindered the progression of ongoing fibrosis when administered at 1 mg/kg. Toxicogenetics analysis revealed that only 42 liver genes changed expression after administration of C9 for 4 weeks, suggesting minimal off target effects. Based on these results, C9 represents the first LARP6 inhibitor with significant antifibrotic activity.
FSU_libsubv1_scholarship_submission_1550162176_d38b7a2e, 10.1038/s41598-018-36841-y
Domain Engineering Of The Metastable Domains In The 4f-uniaxial-ferromagnet Ceru2ga2b.
Wulferding, D., Kim, H., Yang, I., Jeong, J., Barros, K., Kato, Y., Martin, I., Ayala-Valenzuela, O. E., Lee, M., Choi, H. C., Ronning, F., Civale, L., Baumbach, R. E., Bauer, E...
Show moreWulferding, D., Kim, H., Yang, I., Jeong, J., Barros, K., Kato, Y., Martin, I., Ayala-Valenzuela, O. E., Lee, M., Choi, H. C., Ronning, F., Civale, L., Baumbach, R. E., Bauer, E. D., Thompson, J. D., Movshovich, R., Kim, Jeehoon
In search of novel, improved materials for magnetic data storage and spintronic devices, compounds that allow a tailoring of magnetic domain shapes and sizes are essential. Good candidates are materials with intrinsic anisotropies or competing interactions, as they are prone to host various domain phases that can be easily and precisely selected by external tuning parameters such as temperature and magnetic field. Here, we utilize vector magnetic fields to visualize directly the magnetic...
Show moreIn search of novel, improved materials for magnetic data storage and spintronic devices, compounds that allow a tailoring of magnetic domain shapes and sizes are essential. Good candidates are materials with intrinsic anisotropies or competing interactions, as they are prone to host various domain phases that can be easily and precisely selected by external tuning parameters such as temperature and magnetic field. Here, we utilize vector magnetic fields to visualize directly the magnetic anisotropy in the uniaxial ferromagnet CeRu2Ga2B. We demonstrate a feasible control both globally and locally of domain shapes and sizes by the external field as well as a smooth transition from single stripe to bubble domains, which opens the door to future applications based on magnetic domain tailoring.
Enhanced Cellular Uptake Of Size-separated Lipophilic Silicon Nanoparticles.
Kusi-Appiah, Aubrey E., Mastronardi, Melanie L., Qian, Chenxi, Chen, Kenneth K., Ghazanfari, Lida, Prommapan, Plengchart, Kuebel, Christian, Ozin, Geoffrey A., Lenhert, Steven
Specific size, shape and surface chemistry influence the biological activity of nanoparticles. In the case of lipophilic nanoparticles, which are widely used in consumer products, there is evidence that particle size and formulation influences skin permeability and that lipophilic particles smaller than 6 nm can embed in lipid bilayers. Since most nanoparticle synthetic procedures result in mixtures of different particles, post-synthetic purification promises to provide insights into...
Show moreSpecific size, shape and surface chemistry influence the biological activity of nanoparticles. In the case of lipophilic nanoparticles, which are widely used in consumer products, there is evidence that particle size and formulation influences skin permeability and that lipophilic particles smaller than 6 nm can embed in lipid bilayers. Since most nanoparticle synthetic procedures result in mixtures of different particles, post-synthetic purification promises to provide insights into nanostructure-function relationships. Here we used size-selective precipitation to separate lipophilic allyl-benzyl-capped silicon nanoparticles into monodisperse fractions within the range of 1 nm to 5 nm. We measured liposomal encapsulation and cellular uptake of the monodisperse particles and found them to have generally low cytotoxicities in Hela cells. However, specific fractions showed reproducibly higher cytotoxicity than other fractions as well as the unseparated ensemble. Measurements indicate that the cytotoxicity mechanism involves oxidative stress and the differential cytotoxicity is due to enhanced cellular uptake by specific fractions. The results indicate that specific particles, with enhanced suitability for incorporation into lipophilic regions of liposomes and subsequent in vitro delivery to cells, are enriched in certain fractions.
Evidence For Rapid Weathering Response To Climatic Warming During The Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event.
Them, Theodore R., Gill, Benjamin C., Selby, David, Grocke, Darren R., Friedman, Richard M., Owens, Jeremy D.
Chemical weathering consumes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the breakdown of silicate minerals and is thought to stabilize Earth's long-term climate. However, the potential influence of silicate weathering on atmospheric pCO(2) levels on geologically short timescales (10(3)-10(5) years) remains poorly constrained. Here we focus on the record of a transient interval of severe climatic warming across the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event or T-OAE from an open ocean sedimentary succession from...
Show moreChemical weathering consumes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the breakdown of silicate minerals and is thought to stabilize Earth's long-term climate. However, the potential influence of silicate weathering on atmospheric pCO(2) levels on geologically short timescales (10(3)-10(5) years) remains poorly constrained. Here we focus on the record of a transient interval of severe climatic warming across the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event or T-OAE from an open ocean sedimentary succession from western North America. Paired osmium isotope data and numerical modelling results suggest that weathering rates may have increased by 215% and potentially up to 530% compared to the pre-event baseline, which would have resulted in the sequestration of significant amounts of atmospheric CO2. This process would have also led to increased delivery of nutrients to the oceans and lakes stimulating bioproductivity and leading to the subsequent development of shallow-water anoxia, the hallmark of the T-OAE. This enhanced bioproductivity and anoxia would have resulted in elevated rates of organic matter burial that would have acted as an additional negative feedback on atmospheric pCO2 levels. Therefore, the enhanced weathering modulated by initially increased pCO2 levels would have operated as both a direct and indirect negative feedback to end the T-OAE.
Evidence From Exafs For Different Ta/ti Site Occupancy In High Critical Current Density Nb3sn Superconductor Wires.
Heald, Steve M., Tarantini, Chiara, Lee, Peter J., Brown, Michael D., Sung, ZuHawn, Ghosh, Arup K., Larbalestier, David C.
To meet critical current density, J(c), targets for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), the planned replacement for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the high field performance of Nb3Sn must be improved, but champion J(c) values have remained static for the last 10 years. Making the A15 phase stoichiometric and enhancing the upper critical field H-c2 by Ti or Ta dopants are the standard strategies for enhancing high field performance but detailed recent studies show that even the best modern...
Show moreTo meet critical current density, J(c), targets for the Future Circular Collider (FCC), the planned replacement for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the high field performance of Nb3Sn must be improved, but champion J(c) values have remained static for the last 10 years. Making the A15 phase stoichiometric and enhancing the upper critical field H-c2 by Ti or Ta dopants are the standard strategies for enhancing high field performance but detailed recent studies show that even the best modern wires have broad composition ranges. To assess whether further improvement might be possible, we employed Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) to determine the lattice site location of dopants in modern high-performance Nb3Sn strands with J(c) values amongst the best so far achieved. Although Ti and Ta primarily occupy the Nb sites in the A15 structure, we also find significant Ta occupancy on the Sn site. These findings indicate that the best performing Ti-doped stand is strongly sub-stoichiometric in Sn and that antisite disorder likely explains its high average H-c2 behavior. These new results suggest an important role for dopant and antisite disorder in minimizing superconducting property distributions and maximizing high field J(c) properties.
ExtraPEG: A Polyethylene Glycol-Based Method for Enrichment of Extracellular Vesicles.
Rider, Mark A., Hurwitz, Stephanie N., Meckes, David G.
Initially thought to be a means for cells to eliminate waste, secreted extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, are now understood to mediate numerous healthy and pathological processes. Though abundant in biological fluids, purifying exosomes has been challenging because their biophysical properties overlap with other secreted cell products. Easy-to-use commercial kits for harvesting exosomes are now widely used, but the relative low-purity and high-cost of the preparations restricts their...
Show moreInitially thought to be a means for cells to eliminate waste, secreted extracellular vesicles, known as exosomes, are now understood to mediate numerous healthy and pathological processes. Though abundant in biological fluids, purifying exosomes has been challenging because their biophysical properties overlap with other secreted cell products. Easy-to-use commercial kits for harvesting exosomes are now widely used, but the relative low-purity and high-cost of the preparations restricts their utility. Here we describe a method for purifying exosomes and other extracellular vesicles by adapting methods for isolating viruses using polyethylene glycol. This technique, called ExtraPEG, enriches exosomes from large volumes of media rapidly and inexpensively using low-speed centrifugation, followed by a single small-volume ultracentrifugation purification step. Total protein and RNA harvested from vesicles is sufficient in quantity and quality for proteomics and sequencing analyses, demonstrating the utility of this method for biomarker discovery and diagnostics. Additionally, confocal microscopy studies suggest that the biological activity of vesicles is not impaired. The ExtraPEG method can be easily adapted to enrich for different vesicle populations, or as an efficient precursor to subsequent purification techniques, providing a means to harvest exosomes from many different biological fluids and for a wide variety of purposes.
Genetic Homogeneity Of The Invasive Lionfish Across The Northwestern Atlantic And The Gulf Of Mexico Based On Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms.
Perez-Portela, R., Bumford, A., Coffman, B., Wedelich, S., Davenport, M., Fogg, A., Swenarton, M. K., Coleman, F., Johnston, M. A., Crawford, D. L., Oleksiak, M. F.
Despite the devastating impact of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) invasion on NW Atlantic ecosystems, little genetic information about the invasion process is available. We applied Genotyping by Sequencing techniques to identify 1,220 single nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs) from 162 lionfish samples collected between 2013 and 2015 from two areas chronologically identified as the first and last invaded areas in US waters: the east coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We used population...
Show moreDespite the devastating impact of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) invasion on NW Atlantic ecosystems, little genetic information about the invasion process is available. We applied Genotyping by Sequencing techniques to identify 1,220 single nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs) from 162 lionfish samples collected between 2013 and 2015 from two areas chronologically identified as the first and last invaded areas in US waters: the east coast of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. We used population genomic analyses, including phylogenetic reconstruction, Bayesian clustering, genetic distances, Discriminant Analyses of Principal Components, and coalescence simulations for detection of outlier SNPs, to understand genetic trends relevant to the lionfish's long-term persistence. We found no significant differences in genetic structure or diversity between the two areas (F-ST p-values > 0.01, and t-test p-values > 0.05). In fact, our genomic analyses showed genetic homogeneity, with enough gene flow between the east coast of Florida and Gulf of Mexico to erase previous signals of genetic divergence detected between these areas, secondary spreading, and bottlenecks in the Gulf of Mexico. These findings suggest rapid genetic changes over space and time during the invasion, resulting in one panmictic population with no signs of divergence between areas due to local adaptation.
Giant Suppression Of Phononic Heat Transport In A Quantum Magnet Bicu2po6.
Jeon, Byung-Gu, Koteswararao, B., Park, C. B., Shu, G. J., Riggs, S. C., Moon, E. G., Chung, S. B., Chou, F. C., Kim, Kee Hoon
Thermal transport of quantum magnets has elucidated the nature of low energy elementary excitations and complex interplay between those excited states via strong scattering of thermal carriers. BiCu2PO6 is a unique frustrated spin-ladder compound exhibiting highly anisotropic spin excitations that contain both itinerant and localized dispersion characters along the b- and a-axes respectively. Here, we investigate thermal conductivity. of BiCu2PO6 under high magnetic fields (H) of up to 30...
Show moreThermal transport of quantum magnets has elucidated the nature of low energy elementary excitations and complex interplay between those excited states via strong scattering of thermal carriers. BiCu2PO6 is a unique frustrated spin-ladder compound exhibiting highly anisotropic spin excitations that contain both itinerant and localized dispersion characters along the b- and a-axes respectively. Here, we investigate thermal conductivity. of BiCu2PO6 under high magnetic fields (H) of up to 30 tesla. A dip-feature in., located at similar to 15 K at zero-H along all crystallographic directions, moves gradually toward lower temperature (T) with increasing H, thus resulting in giant suppression by a factor of similar to 30 near the critical magnetic field of H-c congruent to 23.5 tesla. The giant H- and T-dependent suppression of kappa can be explained by the combined result of resonant scattering of phononic heat carriers with magnetic energy levels and increased phonon scattering due to enhanced spin fluctuation at Hc, unequivocally revealing the existence of strong spin-phonon coupling. Moreover, we find an experimental indication that the remaining magnetic heat transport along the b-axis becomes almost gapless at the magnetic quantum critical point realized at H-c.
Gold Nanoparticle Monolayers From Sequential Interfacial Ligand Exchange And Migration In A Three-phase System.
Yang, Guang, Hallinan, Daniel T.
Using a three-phase system, centimeter-scale monolayer gold nanoparticle (Au NP) films have been prepared that have long-range order and hydrophobic ligands. The system contains an interface between an aqueous phase containing Au NPs and an oil phase containing one of various types of amine ligands, and a water/air interface. As the Au NPs diffuse to the water/oil interface, ligand exchange takes place which temporarily traps them at the water/oil interface. The ligand-exchanged particles...
Show moreUsing a three-phase system, centimeter-scale monolayer gold nanoparticle (Au NP) films have been prepared that have long-range order and hydrophobic ligands. The system contains an interface between an aqueous phase containing Au NPs and an oil phase containing one of various types of amine ligands, and a water/air interface. As the Au NPs diffuse to the water/oil interface, ligand exchange takes place which temporarily traps them at the water/oil interface. The ligand-exchanged particles then spontaneously migrate to the air/water interface, where they self-assemble, forming a monolayer under certain conditions. The spontaneous formation of the NP film at the air/water interface was due to the minimization of the system Helmholtz free energy. However, the extent of surface functionalization was dictated by kinetics. This decouples interfacial ligand exchange from interfacial self-assembly, while maintaining the simplicity of a single system. The interparticle center-to-center distance was dictated by the amine ligand length. The Au NP monolayers exhibit tunable surface plasma resonance and excellent spatial homogeneity, which is useful for surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The "air/water/oil" self-assembly method developed here not only benefits the fundamental understanding of NP ligand conformations, but is also applicable to the manufacture of plasmonic nanoparticle devices with precisely designed optical properties.
Hedonic sensitivity to low-dose ketamine is modulated by gonadal hormones in a sex-dependent manner.
Saland, Samantha K., Schoepfer, Kristin J., Kabbaj, Mohamed
We recently reported a greater sensitivity of female rats to rapid antidepressant-like effects of ketamine compared to male rats, and that ovarian-derived estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) are essential for this response. However, to what extent testosterone may also contribute, and whether duration of response to ketamine is modulated in a sex-and hormone-dependent manner remains unclear. To explore this, we systematically investigated the influence of testosterone, estradiol and...
Show moreWe recently reported a greater sensitivity of female rats to rapid antidepressant-like effects of ketamine compared to male rats, and that ovarian-derived estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) are essential for this response. However, to what extent testosterone may also contribute, and whether duration of response to ketamine is modulated in a sex-and hormone-dependent manner remains unclear. To explore this, we systematically investigated the influence of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone on initiation and maintenance of hedonic response to low-dose ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) in intact and gonadectomized male and female rats. Ketamine induced a sustained increase in sucrose preference of female, but not male, rats in an E2P4-dependent manner. Whereas testosterone failed to alter male treatment response, concurrent administration of P4 alone in intact males enhanced hedonic response low-dose ketamine. Treatment responsiveness in female rats only was associated with greater hippocampal BDNF levels, but not activation of key downstream signaling effectors. We provide novel evidence supporting activational roles for ovarian-, but not testicular-, derived hormones in mediating hedonic sensitivity to low-dose ketamine in female and male rats, respectively. Organizational differences may, in part, account for the persistence of sex differences following gonadectomy and selective involvement of BDNF in treatment response.
Identification Of Biochemical And Cytotoxic Markers In Cocaine Treated Pc12 Cells.
Badisa, Ramesh B., Batton, Chyree S., Mazzio, Elizabeth, Grant, Samuel C., Goodman, Carl B.
Cocaine is one of the powerful addictive drugs, widely abused in most Western countries. Because of high lipophilic nature, cocaine easily reaches various domains of the central nervous system (CNS) and triggers different levels of cellular toxicity. The aim of this investigation was to reproduce cocaine toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells through quantitative knowledge on biochemical and cytotoxicity markers. We differentiated the cells with 0.1 mu g/ml nerve growth factor (NGF) for 5 days...
Show moreCocaine is one of the powerful addictive drugs, widely abused in most Western countries. Because of high lipophilic nature, cocaine easily reaches various domains of the central nervous system (CNS) and triggers different levels of cellular toxicity. The aim of this investigation was to reproduce cocaine toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells through quantitative knowledge on biochemical and cytotoxicity markers. We differentiated the cells with 0.1 mu g/ml nerve growth factor (NGF) for 5 days, followed by treatment with cocaine for 48 h at in vivo and in vitro concentrations. Results indicated that cocaine at in vivo concentrations neither killed the cells nor altered the morphology, but decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential that paralleled with increased lactate and glutathione (GSH) levels. On the other hand, cocaine at in vitro concentrations damaged the neurites and caused cell death, which corresponded with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, plasma membrane damage, and GSH depletion with no detectable nitric oxide (NO) level. While direct understanding of cocaine and cell interaction under in vivo animal models is impeded due to high complexity, our present in vitro results assisted in understanding the onset of some key events of neurodegenerative diseases in cocaine treated neuronal cells.
The Impact Of Li Grain Size On Coulombic Efficiency In Li Batteries.
Mehdi, B. Layla, Stevens, Andrew, Qian, Jiangfeng, Park, Chiwoo, Xu, Wu, Henderson, Wesley A., Zhang, Ji-Guang, Mueller, Karl T., Browning, Nigel D.
One of the most promising means to increase the energy density of state-of-the-art lithium Li-ion batteries is to replace the graphite anode with a Li metal anode. While the direct use of Li metal may be highly advantageous, at present its practical application is limited by issues related to dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency, CE. Here operando electrochemical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to directly image the deposition/stripping of Li at the anode...
Show moreOne of the most promising means to increase the energy density of state-of-the-art lithium Li-ion batteries is to replace the graphite anode with a Li metal anode. While the direct use of Li metal may be highly advantageous, at present its practical application is limited by issues related to dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency, CE. Here operando electrochemical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is used to directly image the deposition/stripping of Li at the anode-electrolyte interface in a Li-based battery. A non-aqueous electrolyte containing small amounts of H2O as an additive results in remarkably different deposition/stripping properties as compared to the "dry" electrolyte when operated under identical electrochemical conditions. The electrolyte with the additive deposits more Li during the first cycle, with the grain sizes of the Li deposits being significantly larger and more variable. The stripping of the Li upon discharge is also more complete, i.e., there is a higher cycling CE. This suggests that larger grain sizes are indicative of better performance by leading to more uniform Li deposition and an overall decrease in the formation of Li dendrites and side reactions with electrolyte components, thus potentially paving the way for the direct use of Li metal in battery technologies.
Influence of grain boundary characteristics on thermal stability in nanotwinned copper.
Niu, Rongmei, Han, Ke, Su, Yi-feng, Besara, Tiglet, Siegrist, Theo M., Zuo, Xiaowei
High density grain boundaries provide high strength, but may introduce undesirable features, such as high Fermi levels and instability. We investigated the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization of Cu that was manufactured to include both nanotwins (NT) and high-angle columnar boundaries. We used the isothermal Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model to estimate activation energy values for recovery and recrystallization and compared those to values derived using the non-isothermal...
Show moreHigh density grain boundaries provide high strength, but may introduce undesirable features, such as high Fermi levels and instability. We investigated the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization of Cu that was manufactured to include both nanotwins (NT) and high-angle columnar boundaries. We used the isothermal Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model to estimate activation energy values for recovery and recrystallization and compared those to values derived using the non-isothermal Kissinger equation. The JMAK model hinges on an exponent that expresses the growth mechanism of a material. The exponent for this Cu was close to 0.5, indicating low-dimensional microstructure evolution, which is associated with anisotropic twin coarsening, heterogeneous recrystallization, and high stability. Since this Cu was of high purity, there was a negligible impurity-drag-effect on boundaries. The twin coarsening and heterogeneous recrystallization resulted from migration of high-angle columnar boundaries with their triple junctions in one direction, assisted by the presence of high concentration vacancies at boundaries. Analyses performed by electron energy loss spectroscopy of atomic columns at twin boundaries (TBs) and in the interior showed similar plasma peak shapes and L3 edge positions. This implies that values for conductivity and Fermi level are equal for atoms at TBs and in the interior.
Intrinsic And Extrinsic Pinning In Ndfeas(o,f): Vortex Trapping And Lock-in By The Layered Structure.
Tarantini, C., Iida, K., Haenisch, J., Kurth, F., Jaroszynski, J., Sumiya, N., Chihara, M., Hatano, T., Ikuta, H., Schmidt, S., Seidel, P., Holzapfel, B., Larbalestier, D. C.
Fe-based superconductors (FBS) present a large variety of compounds whose properties are affected to different extents by their crystal structures. Amongst them, the REFeAs(O,F) (RE1111, RE being a rare-earth element) is the family with the highest critical temperature T-c but also with a large anisotropy and Josephson vortices as demonstrated in the flux-flow regime in Sm1111 (T-c similar to 55 K). Here we focus on the pinning properties of the lower-T-c Nd1111 in the flux-creep regime. We...
Show moreFe-based superconductors (FBS) present a large variety of compounds whose properties are affected to different extents by their crystal structures. Amongst them, the REFeAs(O,F) (RE1111, RE being a rare-earth element) is the family with the highest critical temperature T-c but also with a large anisotropy and Josephson vortices as demonstrated in the flux-flow regime in Sm1111 (T-c similar to 55 K). Here we focus on the pinning properties of the lower-T-c Nd1111 in the flux-creep regime. We demonstrate that for H//c critical current density J(c) at high temperatures is dominated by point-defect pinning centres, whereas at low temperatures surface pinning by planar defects parallel to the c-axis and vortex shearing prevail. When the field approaches the ab-planes, two different regimes are observed at low temperatures as a consequence of the transition between 3D Abrikosov and 2D Josephson vortices: one is determined by the formation of a vortex-staircase structure and one by lock-in of vortices parallel to the layers. This is the first study on FBS showing this behaviour in the full temperature, field, and angular range and demonstrating that, despite the lower T-c and anisotropy of Nd1111 with respect to Sm1111, this compound is substantially affected by intrinsic pinning generating a strong ab-peak in J(c).
Large Fermi Surface of Heavy Electrons at the Border of Mott Insulating State in NiS2.
Friedemann, S., Chang, H., Gamza, M. B., Reiss, P., Chen, X., Alireza, P., Coniglio, W. A., Graf, D., Tozer, S., Grosche, F. M.
One early triumph of quantum physics is the explanation why some materials are metallic whereas others are insulating. While a treatment based on single electron states is correct for most materials this approach can fail spectacularly, when the electrostatic repulsion between electrons causes strong correlations. Not only can these favor new and subtle forms of matter, such as magnetism or superconductivity, they can even cause the electrons in a half-filled energy band to lock into position...
Show moreOne early triumph of quantum physics is the explanation why some materials are metallic whereas others are insulating. While a treatment based on single electron states is correct for most materials this approach can fail spectacularly, when the electrostatic repulsion between electrons causes strong correlations. Not only can these favor new and subtle forms of matter, such as magnetism or superconductivity, they can even cause the electrons in a half-filled energy band to lock into position, producing a correlated, or Mott insulator. The transition into the Mott insulating state raises important fundamental questions. Foremost among these is the fate of the electronic Fermi surface and the associated charge carrier mass, as the Mott transition is approached. We report the first direct observation of the Fermi surface on the metallic side of a Mott insulating transition by high pressure quantum oscillatory measurements in NiS2. Our results point at a large Fermi surface consistent with Luttinger's theorem and a strongly enhanced quasiparticle effective mass. These two findings are in line with central tenets of the Brinkman-Rice picture of the correlated metal near the Mott insulating state and rule out alternative scenarios in which the carrier concentration vanishes continuously at the metal-insulator transition.
Liquid-liquid Phase Separation Of Patchy Particles Illuminates Diverse Effects Of Regulatory Components On Protein Droplet Formation.
Nguemaha, Valery, Zhou, Huan-Xiang
Recently many cellular functions have been associated with membraneless organelles, or protein droplets, formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Proteins in these droplets often contain RNA-binding domains, but the effects of RNA on LLPS have been controversial. To gain better understanding on the roles of RNA and other macromolecular regulators, here we used Gibbs-ensemble simulations to determine phase diagrams of two-component patchy particles, as models for mixtures of proteins...
Show moreRecently many cellular functions have been associated with membraneless organelles, or protein droplets, formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Proteins in these droplets often contain RNA-binding domains, but the effects of RNA on LLPS have been controversial. To gain better understanding on the roles of RNA and other macromolecular regulators, here we used Gibbs-ensemble simulations to determine phase diagrams of two-component patchy particles, as models for mixtures of proteins with regulatory components. Protein-like particles have four patches, with attraction strength epsilon(PP); regulatory particles experience mutual steric repulsion but have two attractive patches toward proteins, with the strength epsilon(PR) tunable. At low epsilon(PR), the regulator, due to steric repulsion, preferentially partitions in the dispersed phase, thereby displacing the protein into the droplet phase and promoting LLPS. At moderate epsilon(PR), the regulator starts to partition and displace the protein in the droplet phase, but only to weaken bonding networks and thereby suppress LLPS. At epsilon(PR) > epsilon(PP), the enhanced bonding ability of the regulator initially promotes LLPS, but at higher amounts, the resulting displacement of the protein suppresses LLPS. These results illustrate how RNA can have disparate effects on LLPS, thus able to perform diverse functions in different organelles.
Long distance seawater intrusion through a karst conduit network in the Woodville Karst Plain, Florida.
Xu, Zexuan, Bassett, Seth Willis, Hu, Bill, Dyer, Scott Barrett
Five periods of increased electrical conductivity have been found in the karst conduits supplying one of the largest first magnitude springs in Florida with water. Numerous well-developed conduit networks are distributed in the Woodville Karst Plain (WKP), Florida and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. A composite analysis of precipitation and electrical conductivity data provides strong evidence that the increases in conductivity are directly tied to seawater intrusion moving inland and...
Show moreFive periods of increased electrical conductivity have been found in the karst conduits supplying one of the largest first magnitude springs in Florida with water. Numerous well-developed conduit networks are distributed in the Woodville Karst Plain (WKP), Florida and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. A composite analysis of precipitation and electrical conductivity data provides strong evidence that the increases in conductivity are directly tied to seawater intrusion moving inland and traveling 11 miles against the prevailing regional hydraulic gradient from from Spring Creek Spring Complex (SCSC), a group of submarine springs at the Gulf Coast. A geochemical analysis of samples from the spring vent rules out anthropogenic contamination and upwelling regional recharge from the deep aquifer as sources of the rising conductivity. The interpretation is supported by the conceptual model established by prior researchers working to characterize the study area. This paper documents the first and longest case of seawater intrusion in the WKP, and also indicates significant possibility of seawater contamination through subsurface conduit networks in a coastal karst aquifer.
Magnetic Field Tuning Of An Excitonic Insulator Between The Weak And Strong Coupling Regimes In Quantum Limit Graphite.
Zhu, Z., McDonald, R. D., Shekhter, A., Ramshaw, B. J., Modic, K. A., Balakirev, F. F., Harrison, N.
The excitonic insulator phase has long been predicted to form in proximity to a band gap opening in the underlying band structure. The character of the pairing is conjectured to crossover from weak (BCS-like) to strong coupling (BEC-like) as the underlying band structure is tuned from the metallic to the insulating side of the gap opening. Here we report the high-magnetic field phase diagram of graphite to exhibit just such a crossover. By way of comprehensive angle-resolved magnetoresistance...
Show moreThe excitonic insulator phase has long been predicted to form in proximity to a band gap opening in the underlying band structure. The character of the pairing is conjectured to crossover from weak (BCS-like) to strong coupling (BEC-like) as the underlying band structure is tuned from the metallic to the insulating side of the gap opening. Here we report the high-magnetic field phase diagram of graphite to exhibit just such a crossover. By way of comprehensive angle-resolved magnetoresistance measurements, we demonstrate that the underlying band gap opening occurs inside the magnetic field-induced phase, paving the way for a systematic study of the BCS-BEC-like crossover by means of conventional condensed matter probes.
Nearly Massless Dirac Fermions Hosted By Sb Square Net In Bamnsb2.
Liu, Jinyu, Hu, Jin, Cao, Huibo, Zhu, Yanglin, Chuang, Alyssa, Graf, D., Adams, D. J., Radmanesh, S. M. A., Spinu, L., Chiorescu, I., Mao, Zhiqiang
Layered compounds AMnBi(2) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, or rare earth element) have been established as Dirac materials. Dirac electrons generated by the two-dimensional (2D) Bi square net in these materials are normally massive due to the presence of a spin-orbital coupling (SOC) induced gap at Dirac nodes. Here we report that the Sb square net in an isostructural compound BaMnSb2 can host nearly massless Dirac fermions. We observed strong Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations in this material. From the...
Show moreLayered compounds AMnBi(2) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba, or rare earth element) have been established as Dirac materials. Dirac electrons generated by the two-dimensional (2D) Bi square net in these materials are normally massive due to the presence of a spin-orbital coupling (SOC) induced gap at Dirac nodes. Here we report that the Sb square net in an isostructural compound BaMnSb2 can host nearly massless Dirac fermions. We observed strong Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) oscillations in this material. From the analyses of the SdH oscillations, we find key signatures of Dirac fermions, including light effective mass (similar to 0.052m(0); m(0), mass of free electron), high quantum mobility (1280 cm(2)V(-1)S(-1)) and a pi Berry phase accumulated along cyclotron orbit. Compared with AMnBi(2), BaMnSb2 also exhibits much more significant quasi two-dimensional (2D) electronic structure, with the out-of-plane transport showing nonmetallic conduction below 120 K and the ratio of the out-of-plane and in-plane resistivity reaching similar to 670. Additionally, BaMnSb2 also exhibits a G-type antiferromagnetic order below 283 K. The combination of nearly massless Dirac fermions on quasi-2D planes with a magnetic order makes BaMnSb2 an intriguing platform for seeking novel exotic phenomena of massless Dirac electrons.
Ocean Acidification Changes The Male Fitness Landscape.
Campbell, Anna L., Levitan, Don R., Hosken, David J., Lewis, Ceri
Sperm competition is extremely common in many ecologically important marine taxa. Ocean acidification (OA) is driving rapid changes to the marine environments in which freely spawned sperm operate, yet the consequences of OA on sperm performance are poorly understood in the context of sperm competition. Here, we investigated the impacts of OA (+ 1000 mu atm pCO(2)) on sperm competitiveness for the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Males with faster sperm had greater competitive fertilisation...
Show moreSperm competition is extremely common in many ecologically important marine taxa. Ocean acidification (OA) is driving rapid changes to the marine environments in which freely spawned sperm operate, yet the consequences of OA on sperm performance are poorly understood in the context of sperm competition. Here, we investigated the impacts of OA (+ 1000 mu atm pCO(2)) on sperm competitiveness for the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Males with faster sperm had greater competitive fertilisation success in both seawater conditions. Similarly, males with more motile sperm had greater sperm competitiveness, but only under current pCO(2) levels. Under OA the strength of this association was significantly reduced and there were male sperm performance rank changes under OA, such that the best males in current conditions are not necessarily best under OA. Therefore OA will likely change the male fitness landscape, providing a mechanism by which environmental change alters the genetic landscape of marine species.
Personalized Chemotherapy Selection For Breast Cancer Using Gene Expression Profiles.
Yu, Kaixian, Sang, Qing-Xiang Amy, Lung, Pei-Yau, Tan, Winston, Lively, Ty, Sheffield, Cedric, Bou-Dargham, Mayassa J., Liu, Jun S., Zhang, Jinfeng
Choosing the optimal chemotherapy regimen is still an unmet medical need for breast cancer patients. In this study, we reanalyzed data from seven independent data sets with totally 1079 breast cancer patients. The patients were treated with three different types of commonly used neoadjuvant chemotherapies: anthracycline alone, anthracycline plus paclitaxel, and anthracycline plus docetaxel. We developed random forest models with variable selection using both genetic and clinical variables to...
Show moreChoosing the optimal chemotherapy regimen is still an unmet medical need for breast cancer patients. In this study, we reanalyzed data from seven independent data sets with totally 1079 breast cancer patients. The patients were treated with three different types of commonly used neoadjuvant chemotherapies: anthracycline alone, anthracycline plus paclitaxel, and anthracycline plus docetaxel. We developed random forest models with variable selection using both genetic and clinical variables to predict the response of a patient using pCR (pathological complete response) as the measure of response. The models were then used to reassign an optimal regimen to each patient to maximize the chance of pCR. An independent validation was performed where each independent study was left out during model building and later used for validation. The expected pCR rates of our method are significantly higher than the rates of the best treatments for all the seven independent studies. A validation study on 21 breast cancer cell lines showed that our prediction agrees with their drug-sensitivity profiles. In conclusion, the new strategy, called PRES (Personalized REgimen Selection), may significantly increase response rates for breast cancer patients, especially those with HER2 and ER negative tumors, who will receive one of the widely-accepted chemotherapy regimens.
Phase Modulators Based On High Mobility Ambipolar Rese2 Field-effect Transistors.
Pradhan, Nihar R., Garcia, Carlos, Isenberg, Bridget, Rhodes, Daniel, Feng, Simin, Memaran, Shahriar, Xin, Yan, McCreary, Amber, Walker, Angela R. Hight, Raeliarijaona, Aldo,...
Show morePradhan, Nihar R., Garcia, Carlos, Isenberg, Bridget, Rhodes, Daniel, Feng, Simin, Memaran, Shahriar, Xin, Yan, McCreary, Amber, Walker, Angela R. Hight, Raeliarijaona, Aldo, Terrones, Humberto, Terrones, Mauricio, McGill, Stephen, Balicas, Luis
We fabricated ambipolar field-effect transistors (FETs) from multi-layered triclinic ReSe2, mechanically exfoliated onto a SiO2 layer grown on p-doped Si. In contrast to previous reports on thin layers (similar to 2 to 3 layers), we extract field-effect carrier mobilities in excess of 10(2) cm(2)/Vs at room temperature in crystals with nearly similar to 10 atomic layers. These thicker FETs also show nearly zero threshold gate voltage for conduction and high ON to OFF current ratios when...
Show moreWe fabricated ambipolar field-effect transistors (FETs) from multi-layered triclinic ReSe2, mechanically exfoliated onto a SiO2 layer grown on p-doped Si. In contrast to previous reports on thin layers (similar to 2 to 3 layers), we extract field-effect carrier mobilities in excess of 10(2) cm(2)/Vs at room temperature in crystals with nearly similar to 10 atomic layers. These thicker FETs also show nearly zero threshold gate voltage for conduction and high ON to OFF current ratios when compared to the FETs built from thinner layers. We also demonstrate that it is possible to utilize this ambipolarity to fabricate logical elements or digital synthesizers. For instance, we demonstrate that one can produce simple, gate-voltage tunable phase modulators with the ability to shift the phase of the input signal by either 90 degrees or nearly 180 degrees. Given that it is possible to engineer these same elements with improved architectures, for example on h-BN in order to decrease the threshold gate voltage and increase the carrier mobilities, it is possible to improve their characteristics in order to engineer ultra-thin layered logic elements based on ReSe2.
Population Variation In The Trophic Niche Of The Trinidadian Guppy From Different Predation Regimes.
Zandona, Eugenia, Dalton, Christopher M., El-Sabaawi, Rana W., Howard, Jason L., Marshall, Michael C., Kilham, Susan S., Reznick, David N., Travis, Joseph, Kohler, Tyler J.,...
Show moreZandona, Eugenia, Dalton, Christopher M., El-Sabaawi, Rana W., Howard, Jason L., Marshall, Michael C., Kilham, Susan S., Reznick, David N., Travis, Joseph, Kohler, Tyler J., Flecker, Alexander S., Thomas, Steven A., Pringle, Catherine M.
Population variation in trophic niche is widespread among organisms and is of increasing interest given its role in both speciation and adaptation to changing environments. Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) inhabiting stream reaches with different predation regimes have rapidly evolved divergent life history traits. Here, we investigated the effects of both predation and resource availability on guppy trophic niches by evaluating their gut contents, resource standing stocks, and delta...
Show morePopulation variation in trophic niche is widespread among organisms and is of increasing interest given its role in both speciation and adaptation to changing environments. Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) inhabiting stream reaches with different predation regimes have rapidly evolved divergent life history traits. Here, we investigated the effects of both predation and resource availability on guppy trophic niches by evaluating their gut contents, resource standing stocks, and delta N-15 and delta C-13 stable isotopes across five streams during the wet season. We found that guppies from low predation (LP) sites had a consistently higher trophic position and proportion of invertebrates in their guts and assimilate less epilithon than guppies from high predation (HP) sites. Higher trophic position was also associated with lower benthic invertebrate availability. Our results suggest that LP guppies could be more efficient invertebrate consumers, possibly as an evolutionary response to greater intraspecific competition for higher quality food. This may be intensified by seasonality, as wet season conditions can alter resource availability, feeding rates, and the intensity of intraspecific competition. Understanding how guppy diets vary among communities is critical to elucidating the role of niche shifts in mediating the link between environmental change and the evolution of life histories.
Precipitous Change Of The Irreversible Strain Limit With Heat-treatment Temperature In Nb3sn Wires Made By The Restacked-rod Process.
Cheggour, Najib, Stauffer, Theodore C., Starch, William, Lee, Peter J., Splett, Jolene D., Goodrich, Loren F., Ghosh, Arup K.
The intrinsic irreversible strain limit epsilon(irr,0) of Nb3Sn superconducting wires, made by the restacked-rod process and doped with either Ti or Ta, undergoes a precipitous change as a function of temperature. of the final heat-treatment for forming the A15 phase. Nb3Sn transitions from a highly brittle state where it cracks as soon as it is subjected to an axial tensile strain of any measurable amount, to a state more resilient to tensile strain as high as 0.4%. The remarkable abruptness...
Show moreThe intrinsic irreversible strain limit epsilon(irr,0) of Nb3Sn superconducting wires, made by the restacked-rod process and doped with either Ti or Ta, undergoes a precipitous change as a function of temperature. of the final heat-treatment for forming the A15 phase. Nb3Sn transitions from a highly brittle state where it cracks as soon as it is subjected to an axial tensile strain of any measurable amount, to a state more resilient to tensile strain as high as 0.4%. The remarkable abruptness of this transition (as most of it occurs over a range of only 10 degrees C) could pose real challenges for the heat-treatment of large magnets, such as those fabricated for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). We named this behavior the strain irreversibility cliff (SIC) to caution magnet developers. The approach to fulfilling application requirements just in terms of the conductor's residual resistivity ratio RRR and critical-current density J(c) is incomplete. Along with RRR and J(c) wire specifications, and sub-element size requirements that reduce wire magnetization and instabilities effects, SIC imposes additional constraints on the choice of heat-treatment conditions to ensure mechanical integrity of the conductor.
Pressure and high-T-c superconductivity in sulfur hydrides.
Gor'kov, Lev P., Kresin, Vladimir Z.
The paper discusses fundamentals of record-T-C superconductivity discovered under high pressure in sulfur hydride. The rapid increase of T-C with pressure in the vicinity of P-cr approximate to 123GPa is interpreted as the fingerprint of a first-order structural transition. Based on the cubic symmetry of the high-T-C phase, it is argued that the lower-T-C phase has a different periodicity, possibly related to an instability with a commensurate structural vector. In addition to the acoustic...
Show moreThe paper discusses fundamentals of record-T-C superconductivity discovered under high pressure in sulfur hydride. The rapid increase of T-C with pressure in the vicinity of P-cr approximate to 123GPa is interpreted as the fingerprint of a first-order structural transition. Based on the cubic symmetry of the high-T-C phase, it is argued that the lower-T-C phase has a different periodicity, possibly related to an instability with a commensurate structural vector. In addition to the acoustic branches, the phonon spectrum of H3S contains hydrogen modes with much higher frequencies. Because of the complex spectrum, usual methods of calculating T-C are here inapplicable. A modified approach is formulated and shown to provide realistic values for T-C and to determine the relative contributions of optical and acoustic branches. The isotope effect ( change of T-C upon Deuterium for Hydrogen substitution) originates from high frequency phonons and differs in the two phases. The decrease of T-C following its maximum in the high-T-C phase is a sign of intermixing with pairing at hole-like pockets which arise in the energy spectrum of the cubic phase at the structural transition. On-pockets pairing leads to the appearance of a second gap and is remarkable for its non-adiabatic regime: hydrogen mode frequencies are comparable to the Fermi energy.
Pressure induced elastic softening in framework aluminosilicate-albite (NaAlSi3O8).
Mookherjee, Mainak, Mainprice, David, Maheshwari, Ketan, Heinonen, Olle, Patel, Dhenu, Hariharan, Anant
Albite (NaAlSi3O8) is an aluminosilicate mineral. Its crystal structure consists of 3-D framework of Al and Si tetrahedral units. We have used Density Functional Theory to investigate the high-pressure behavior of the crystal structure and how it affects the elasticity of albite. Our results indicate elastic softening between 6-8 GPa. This is observed in all the individual elastic stiffness components. Our analysis indicates that the softening is due to the response of the three-dimensional...
Show moreAlbite (NaAlSi3O8) is an aluminosilicate mineral. Its crystal structure consists of 3-D framework of Al and Si tetrahedral units. We have used Density Functional Theory to investigate the high-pressure behavior of the crystal structure and how it affects the elasticity of albite. Our results indicate elastic softening between 6-8 GPa. This is observed in all the individual elastic stiffness components. Our analysis indicates that the softening is due to the response of the three-dimensional tetrahedral framework, in particular by the pressure dependent changes in the tetrahedral tilts. At pressure < 6 GPa, the PAW-GGA can be described by a Birch-Murnaghan equation of state with V-0(GGA) = 687.4 angstrom(3), K-0(GGA) = 51.7 GPa, and K-0'(GGA) = 4.7. The shear modulus and its pressure derivative are G(0)(GGA) = 33.7 GPa, and G(0)'(GGA) = 2.9. At 1 bar, the azimuthal compressional and shear wave anisotropy AV(P)(GGA) = 42.8%, and AV(S)(GGA) = 50.1%. We also investigate the densification of albite to a mixture of jadeite and quartz. The transformation is likely to cause a discontinuity in density, compressional, and shear wave velocity across the crust and mantle. This could partially account for the Mohorovicic discontinuity in thickened continental crustal regions.
Probing the Gravitational Faraday Rotation Using Quasar X-ray Microlensing.
Chen, Bin
The effect of gravitational Faraday rotation was predicted in the 1950s, but there is currently no practical method for measuring this effect. Measuring this effect is important because it will provide new evidence for correctness of general relativity, in particular, in the strong field limit. We predict that the observed degree and angle of the X-ray polarization of a cosmologically distant quasar microlensed by the random star field in a foreground galaxy or cluster lens vary rapidly and...
Show moreThe effect of gravitational Faraday rotation was predicted in the 1950s, but there is currently no practical method for measuring this effect. Measuring this effect is important because it will provide new evidence for correctness of general relativity, in particular, in the strong field limit. We predict that the observed degree and angle of the X-ray polarization of a cosmologically distant quasar microlensed by the random star field in a foreground galaxy or cluster lens vary rapidly and concurrently with flux during caustic-crossing events using the first simulation of quasar X-ray microlensing polarization light curves. Therefore, it is possible to detect gravitational Faraday rotation by monitoring the X-ray polarization of gravitationally microlensed quasars. Detecting this effect will also confirm the strong gravity nature of quasar X-ray emission.
Recent Trends Of Summer Convective And Stratiform Precipitation In Mid-eastern China.
Fu, Yunfei, Chen, Fengjiao, Liu, Guosheng, Yang, Yuanjian, Yuan, Renmin, Li, Rui, Liu, Qi, Wang, Yu, Zhong, Lei, Sun, Liang
Many studies have reported on the trends of precipitation in Mid-Eastern China (EC). However, the trends of convective and stratiform precipitation are still unknown. Here, we examine the trends of summer convective and stratiform precipitation in EC from 2002 to 2012 on the basis of the TRMM observations. Results revealed that the rain frequency (RF) for both convective and stratiform precipitation increased in majority regions of Southern EC (SEC), but decreased in Northwest part of...
Show moreMany studies have reported on the trends of precipitation in Mid-Eastern China (EC). However, the trends of convective and stratiform precipitation are still unknown. Here, we examine the trends of summer convective and stratiform precipitation in EC from 2002 to 2012 on the basis of the TRMM observations. Results revealed that the rain frequency (RF) for both convective and stratiform precipitation increased in majority regions of Southern EC (SEC), but decreased in Northwest part of Northern EC (NEC). The decreasing rate of RF for stratiform precipitation in NEC is twice as much as that for convective precipitation, while the increase of convective precipitation in SEC is more evident than stratiform precipitation. The rain rate (RR) exhibited a decreasing trend in most portions of EC for both convective and stratiform precipitation. In SEC, neither PW nor WVT has good ability in explaining the precipitation variability. However, in NEC, PW is closely correlated to convective RF and WVT is more closely related to stratiform RF.
Single Crystal Elasticity Of Natural Topaz At High-temperatures.
Tennakoon, Sumudu, Peng, Ye, Mookherjee, Mainak, Speziale, Sergio, Manthilake, Geeth, Besara, Tiglet, Andreu, Luis, Rivera, Fernando
Topaz is an aluminosilicate mineral phase stable in the hydrothermally altered pegmatitic rocks and also in subducted sedimentary lithologies. In nature, topaz often exhibits solid solution between fluorine and hydrous end members. We investigated elasticity of naturally occurring single crystal topaz (Al2SiO4F1.42(OH)(0.58)) using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. We also explored the temperature dependence of the full elastic constant tensor. We find that among the various minerals stable...
Show moreTopaz is an aluminosilicate mineral phase stable in the hydrothermally altered pegmatitic rocks and also in subducted sedimentary lithologies. In nature, topaz often exhibits solid solution between fluorine and hydrous end members. We investigated elasticity of naturally occurring single crystal topaz (Al2SiO4F1.42(OH)(0.58)) using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. We also explored the temperature dependence of the full elastic constant tensor. We find that among the various minerals stable in the Al2O3-SiO2-H2O ternary system, topaz exhibits moderate elastic anisotropy. As a function of temperature, the sound velocity of topaz decreases with dV(P)/dT and dV(S)/dT being -3.10 and -2.30 x 10(-4) km/s/K. The elasticity and sound velocity of topaz also vary as a function of OH and F content. The effect of composition (x(OH)) on the velocity is equally important as that of the effect of temperature. We also note that the Debye temperature (Theta(D)) of topaz at room temperature condition is 910 K and decreases at higher temperature. The Debye temperature shows positive correlation with density of the mineral phases in the Al2O3-SiO2-H2O ternary system.
Statistical Evidence For The Role Of Southwestern Indian Ocean Heat Content In The Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall.
Venugopal, T., Ali, M. M., Bourassa, M. A., Zheng, Y., Goni, G. J., Foltz, G. R., Rajeevan, M.
This study examines the benefit of using Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) to aid in the prediction of the sign of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) anomalies. This is a statistical examination, rather than a process study. The thermal energy needed for maintaining and intensifying hurricanes and monsoons comes from the upper ocean, not just from the thin layer represented by sea surface temperature (SST) alone. Here, we show that the southwestern Indian OMT down to the depth of the 26 degrees...
Show moreThis study examines the benefit of using Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) to aid in the prediction of the sign of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) anomalies. This is a statistical examination, rather than a process study. The thermal energy needed for maintaining and intensifying hurricanes and monsoons comes from the upper ocean, not just from the thin layer represented by sea surface temperature (SST) alone. Here, we show that the southwestern Indian OMT down to the depth of the 26 degrees C isotherm during January-March is a better qualitative predictor of the ISMR than SST. The success rate in predicting above-or below-average ISMR is 80% for OMT compared to 60% for SST. Other January-March mean climate indices (e.g., NINO3.4, Indian Ocean Dipole Mode Index, El Nino Southern Oscillation Modoki Index) have less predictability (52%, 48%, and 56%, respectively) than OMT percentage deviation (PD) (80%). Thus, OMT PD in the southwestern Indian Ocean provides a better qualitative prediction of ISMR by the end of March and indicates whether the ISMR will be above or below the climatological mean value.
Structure of an E. coli integral membrane sulfurtransferase and its structural transition upon SCN- binding defined by EPR-based hybrid method.
Ling, Shenglong, Wang, Wei, Yu, Lu, Peng, Junhui, Cai, Xiaoying, Xiong, Ying, Hayati, Zahra, Zhang, Longhua, Zhang, Zhiyong, Song, Likai, Tian, Changlin
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based hybrid experimental and computational approaches were applied to determine the structure of a full-length E. coli integral membrane sulfurtransferase, dimeric YgaP, and its structural and dynamic changes upon ligand binding. The solution NMR structures of the YgaP transmembrane domain (TMD) and cytosolic catalytic rhodanese domain were reported recently, but the tertiary fold of full-length YgaP was not yet available. Here, systematic site-specific...
Show moreElectron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based hybrid experimental and computational approaches were applied to determine the structure of a full-length E. coli integral membrane sulfurtransferase, dimeric YgaP, and its structural and dynamic changes upon ligand binding. The solution NMR structures of the YgaP transmembrane domain (TMD) and cytosolic catalytic rhodanese domain were reported recently, but the tertiary fold of full-length YgaP was not yet available. Here, systematic site-specific EPR analysis defined a helix-loop-helix secondary structure of the YagP-TMD monomers using mobility, accessibility and membrane immersion measurements. The tertiary folds of dimeric YgaP-TMD and full-length YgaP in detergent micelles were determined through inter-and intra-monomer distance mapping and rigid-body computation. Further EPR analysis demonstrated the tight packing of the two YgaP second transmembrane helices upon binding of the catalytic product SCN-, which provides insight into the thiocyanate exportation mechanism of YgaP in the E. coli membrane.
Synchrotron-generated Microbeams Induce Hippocampal Transections In Rats.
Fardone, Erminia, Pouyatos, Benoit, Brauer-Krisch, Elke, Bartzsch, Stefan, Mathieu, Herve, Requardt, Herwig, Bucci, Domenico, Barbone, Giacomo, Coan, Paola, Battaglia, Giuseppe,...
Show moreFardone, Erminia, Pouyatos, Benoit, Brauer-Krisch, Elke, Bartzsch, Stefan, Mathieu, Herve, Requardt, Herwig, Bucci, Domenico, Barbone, Giacomo, Coan, Paola, Battaglia, Giuseppe, Le Duc, Geraldine, Bravin, Alberto, Romanelli, Pantaleo
Synchrotron-generated microplanar beams (microbeams) provide the most stereo-selective irradiation modality known today. This novel irradiation modality has been shown to control seizures originating from eloquent cortex causing no neurological deficit in experimental animals. To test the hypothesis that application of microbeams in the hippocampus, the most common source of refractory seizures, is safe and does not induce severe side effects, we used microbeams to induce transections to the...
Show moreSynchrotron-generated microplanar beams (microbeams) provide the most stereo-selective irradiation modality known today. This novel irradiation modality has been shown to control seizures originating from eloquent cortex causing no neurological deficit in experimental animals. To test the hypothesis that application of microbeams in the hippocampus, the most common source of refractory seizures, is safe and does not induce severe side effects, we used microbeams to induce transections to the hippocampus of healthy rats. An array of parallel microbeams carrying an incident dose of 600 Gy was delivered to the rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry of phosphorylated gamma-H2AX showed cell death along the microbeam irradiation paths in rats 48 hours after irradiation. No evident behavioral or neurological deficits were observed during the 3-month period of observation. MR imaging showed no signs of radio-induced edema or radionecrosis 3 months after irradiation. Histological analysis showed a very well preserved hippocampal cytoarchitecture and confirmed the presence of clear-cut microscopic transections across the hippocampus. These data support the use of synchrotron-generated microbeams as a novel tool to slice the hippocampus of living rats in a minimally invasive way, providing (i) a novel experimental model to study hippocampal function and (ii) a new treatment tool for patients affected by refractory epilepsy induced by mesial temporal sclerosis.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (13) + -
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science (12) + -
Department of Biological Science (7) + -
Department of Physics (4) + -
Department of Biomedical Sciences (3) + -
FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory (3) + -
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2) + -
Department of Mechanical Engineering (2) + -
Department of Statistics (2) + -
Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (1) + -
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine (1) + -
Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering (1) + -
Department of Mathematics (1) + -
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences (1) + -
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (1) + -
Institute of Molecular Biophysics (1) + -
Program in Neuroscience (1) + -
Research Computing Center (1) + -
Translational Science Laboratory (1) + -
Mookherjee, Mainak (3) + -
Besara, Tiglet (2) + -
Blum, Mike (2) + -
Cruz, Jarrett (2) + -
Fox, Lyndsey (2) + -
Ghosh, Arup K. (2) + -
Gleason, James (2) + -
Graf, D. (2) + -
Lee, Peter J. (2) + -
Liu, Guosheng (2) + -
Najman, Yani (2) + -
Rogers, Kimberly (2) + -
Stefanovic, Branko (2) + -
Zhang, Jinfeng (2) + -
Adams, D. J. (1) + -
Albulescu, L.-O. (1) + -
Ali, M. M. (1) + -
Alireza, P. (1) + -
Andreu, Luis (1) + -
Ayala-Valenzuela, O. E. (1) + -
Baco, Amy R. (1) + -
Badger, Crystal-Dawn (1) + -
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Bartzsch, Stefan (1) + -
Bassett, Seth Willis (1) + -
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fourth style (2)
Description: triplex
Murecine, Pompeii, Italy, interior view,Triclinium A (Triclinium of the Muses), east wall.
Roman (ancient Italian style); Fourth Style
"The excavation unearthed parts of a building, later identified as a porticus triplex (a portico with three arms), with dining rooms and a thermal bath complex. [...] The decoration of the porticus triplex was executed in the Fourth Style and was...
Murecine, Pompeii, Italy, interior view,Triclinium A (Triclinium of the Muses), north wall, detail, Apollo wearing crown and playing cither [lyre].
"The center of the north wall is occupied by the flying figure of Apollo with his lyre. The god, crowned with a laurel wreath and wearing a light blue mantle [...]." (p.167); "The excavation unearthed parts of a building, later identified as a...
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Histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina, in the great war 1861-'65: Volume 5
Review and Conclusion. xiii
ment and courier to General Grimes, and carried to General
Cox the order for the last volley fired by that gallant army.
His words deserve preservation.
"With a white population in 1800 of 629,942 and 115,000
voters, North Carolina sent 125,000 soldiers to the Confed-erate
armies, composing eighty-four regiments and eigh-teen
battalions. Three of these regiments were artillery,
eight cavalry and seventy-three infantry. Several of the bat-talions
were artillery and cavalry. Over 41,000 were killed
or died in the service. There were seven Major-Generals
from this State, of whom three were killed, namely: Pen-der,
Ramseur and Whiting. There were twenty-six Brig-adier
Generals from this State ; four of whom were killed
and the others, almost without exception, were wounded.
"The first victory was won by North Carolina troops at
Bethel on 10 June, 1861, and they fired the last volley at
Appomattox Court House.
''At Gettysburg 2,592 Confederates were killed and
12,707 wounded, and 3,155 Federals were killed and
14,529 were wounded. Of the killed 770 were North
Carolinians, 435 Georgians, 399 Virginians, 258 Mis-sissippians,
217 South Carolinians and 204 Alabamians.
The three brigades which lost more killed than any others
in that battle were Pettigrew's North Carolina (which lost
190 killed) Davis', composed of three Mississippi and oi'.e
North Carolina regiment, which lost 180, and Daniel's North
Carolina brigade, which lost 165 killed. Pickett's entire
division lost 214 killed. No brigade in Pickett's division
lost as many killed and wounded as the Twenty-sixth North
Carolina regiment, whose loss was 86 killed and 502
wounded, which was the heaviest loss of any regiment in
either army in any battle of the war. There were sixteen
brigades of Confederates in the first day's battle, of which
seven were from North Carolina. In what is called 'Pick-etts'
charge there were nineteen Virginia regiments and fif-teen
North Carolinians. At Beams Station, in August,
1864, after the first efforts of other Confederates had failed,
the three North Carolina brigades of Cooke, Lane and Mac-
Title Histories of the several regiments and battalions from North Carolina, in the great war 1861-'65: Volume 5
Creator Clark, Walter, 1846-1924.
Subjects North Carolina. Militia
North Carolina--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns
Description Captures and battles, Navy, addenda, index
Physical Characteristics 5 v. : ill., ports., maps (part fold.) plans ; 24 cm.
Format Histories
Pres File Name-M pubs_civilwar_historiesseveralregiments05.pdf
Full Text Review and Conclusion. xiii ment and courier to General Grimes, and carried to General Cox the order for the last volley fired by that gallant army. His words deserve preservation. "With a white population in 1800 of 629,942 and 115,000 voters, North Carolina sent 125,000 soldiers to the Confed-erate armies, composing eighty-four regiments and eigh-teen battalions. Three of these regiments were artillery, eight cavalry and seventy-three infantry. Several of the bat-talions were artillery and cavalry. Over 41,000 were killed or died in the service. There were seven Major-Generals from this State, of whom three were killed, namely: Pen-der, Ramseur and Whiting. There were twenty-six Brig-adier Generals from this State ; four of whom were killed and the others, almost without exception, were wounded. "The first victory was won by North Carolina troops at Bethel on 10 June, 1861, and they fired the last volley at Appomattox Court House. ''At Gettysburg 2,592 Confederates were killed and 12,707 wounded, and 3,155 Federals were killed and 14,529 were wounded. Of the killed 770 were North Carolinians, 435 Georgians, 399 Virginians, 258 Mis-sissippians, 217 South Carolinians and 204 Alabamians. The three brigades which lost more killed than any others in that battle were Pettigrew's North Carolina (which lost 190 killed) Davis', composed of three Mississippi and oi'.e North Carolina regiment, which lost 180, and Daniel's North Carolina brigade, which lost 165 killed. Pickett's entire division lost 214 killed. No brigade in Pickett's division lost as many killed and wounded as the Twenty-sixth North Carolina regiment, whose loss was 86 killed and 502 wounded, which was the heaviest loss of any regiment in either army in any battle of the war. There were sixteen brigades of Confederates in the first day's battle, of which seven were from North Carolina. In what is called 'Pick-etts' charge there were nineteen Virginia regiments and fif-teen North Carolinians. At Beams Station, in August, 1864, after the first efforts of other Confederates had failed, the three North Carolina brigades of Cooke, Lane and Mac-
Histories of the several regiments and battalions from...
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Home State Publications Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Staff to the North Carolina...
Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Staff to the North Carolina Natural Disaster Preparedness Task Force : response of electric utilities to the December 2002 ice storm.
Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Staff to the North Carolina Natural Disaster Preparedness Task Force : response of electric utilities to the December 2002 ice storm. - Page 63
efforts. The Utilities Commission and the Public Staff requested detailed information
from Duke to investigate these allegations.
In response to the data requests, Duke provided the number of customer
outages and the number of repair workers by city for each day throughout the
December 5- 13 storm restoration period. This information is shown in Table 6, along
with the ratio of customer outages to repair personnel in each city for each day of the
restoration period.
Title Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Staff to the North Carolina Natural Disaster Preparedness Task Force : response of electric utilities to the December 2002 ice storm.
Other Title Response of electric utilities to the December 2002 ice storm
Creator North Carolina. Utilities Commission.
Contributor North Carolina. Utilities Commission. Public Staff.
North Carolina. Natural Disaster Preparedness Task Force.
Subjects Electric power systems--Natural disaster effects--North Carolina
Electric utilities--North Carolina
Ice storms--North Carolina
Description "September 2003."; Includes bibliographical references.
Publisher North Carolina Utilities Commission
Agency-Current North Carolina Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce
Physical Characteristics 76, 60 p. : col. ill., col. maps ; 28 cm.
Related Items Also available via the World Wide Web in PDF.; http://www.ncuc.commerce.state.nc.us/reports/report.htm; http://worldcat.org/oclc/56827375/viewonline
Pres File Name-M pubs_reportnorthcarolina092003.pdf
Title Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Staff to the North Carolina Natural Disaster Preparedness Task Force : response of electric utilities to the December 2002 ice storm. - Page 63
Full Text 58 efforts. The Utilities Commission and the Public Staff requested detailed information from Duke to investigate these allegations. In response to the data requests, Duke provided the number of customer outages and the number of repair workers by city for each day throughout the December 5- 13 storm restoration period. This information is shown in Table 6, along with the ratio of customer outages to repair personnel in each city for each day of the restoration period.
Report of the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the...
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Optimum Skills opens Construction Academy in Darlington
A North East training and apprenticeship provider has expanded its services with the addition of a construction training academy in Darlington, which opened 25th June.
After being granted an increase to its adult education budget, Optimum Skills, based at Aycliffe Business Park, has chosen a site on Chesnut Street in Darlington to open its new academy.
Steve Kirsopp, director at Optimum Skills, said: “We’re delighted to have received the increased funding as this will enable us to help fill the construction skills gap. It’s a fantastic opportunity for unemployed people to not only enter this industry but to also set them on their way to sustainable employment with a new trade.”
“We chose Darlington as a location thanks to its fantastic links across Tees Valley and the wider County Durham area and we feel that we’re offering something different to other providers in the region.”
The academy will offer NOCN level one certificate in construction skills (covering bricklaying and joinery initially, with further trades to be added soon) and will also be used as a training base for apprentices in construction and related trades.
The initial aim is to reskill 60 people within the first three cohorts, which will take approximately three months. The students will have access to additional benefits including CSCS cards, PPE and free lunches, as well as a dedicated Welfare Support Officer; a qualified counsellor who is on hand to ensure their well-being. Once the students have completed the course, there will be options available to them including apprenticeship routeways.
Optimum Skills will provide additional life skills training, covering money management, working in a team, problem solving and effective communication – core competencies that employers are looking for.
For more information on Optimum Skills or the Construction Academy, see www.optimumskills.co.uk
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Marylee MacDonald (Fiction) | Phoenix, AZ
http://maryleemacdonaldauthor.com/contact/
http://maryleemacdonaldauthor.com
Marylee MacDonald is a prize-winning author, writing mentor, and caregiving expert. Her novel, Montpelier Tomorrow, about caregiving and ALS, won a Gold Medal for Drama from the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards, and is currently #1 on Listopia’s “Non-Chicklit Books for Women” and “Books You Need Tissues to Read.” Her short story collection, Bonds of Love & Blood, is currently a finalist in Foreword Review’s Indiefab Awards. The collection contains stories that have won the Barry Hannah Prize, the Jeanne M. Leiby Chapbook Award, the Ron Rash Award, the Matt Clark Prize, the ALR Fiction Prize, and others. Her short fiction has been published in American Literary Review, Bellevue Literary Review, Broad River Review, Folio, New Delta Review, North Atlantic Review, River Oak Review, Ruminate, StoryQuarterly, Yalobusha Review, and others. She specializes in fun writing workshops for late-life writers, for those who have a story they’re burning to tell, and for avid readers who harbor a secret desire to write a book. Her specific topics include 1) Lessons from literature: What Jane Austen, George Eliot, Marguerite Duras, and Edith Wharton taught me about the writing life ; 2) Using old photos as a springboard for stories; 3) Finding writing time in a crazy-busy world; 4) Transforming tragedy into hope: How writing restores optimism and hope; 5) The first ever painting of California and its painter, the 15-year-old Noel, survivor of the 1769 Transit of Venus expedition to Baja.
Bonds of Love & Blood (Summertime Publications, 2016). Short Stories. Fiction.
Montpelier Tomorrow (All Things That Matter Press, 2014). Gold Medal for Drama, Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Novel. Fiction.
“These elegantly crafted stories brim with emotional wisdom and eloquence.Bearing you around the world, they will imprint themselves, deeply, indelibly, upon your heart.”
—Melissa Pritchard, author of Palmerino
Each time I have read this fine novel, I have felt rewarded by the connection it offers to the central character. Colleen is that kind of character for which the large scale of the novel is made: her external and internal dilemmas have many dimensions; her relationships with other characters are shaped by complex past and present plot tensions; her viewpoint is transformative, that is, it presents the world as she alone perceives it. I can think of no single page in which her voice is not an irreplaceable gift to the reader.
—Kevin McIlvoy, author of The Fifth Station, Little Peg, and Hyssop
In her novel Montpelier Tomorrow, Marylee MacDonald illuminates a seemingly dark, hopeless story with light, humor, and compassion. In the aftermath of her son-in-law’s devastating diagnosis, Colleen Gallagher becomes increasingly driven to save her daughter and grandchildren even as she struggles to forge a life of her own. Montpelier Tomorrow is at once an engrossing account of the impossible choices faced by caregivers in the United States and a moving portrait of one close-knit, memorable family.
—Katherine Shonk, author of The Red Passport and Happy Now?
Montpelier Tomorrow is a touching read that highlights not only the challenges faced by those suffering from ALS, but the resounding strength of love that unites a family in the face of overwhelming grief. This is also an uplifting tale that underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable strength of the family bond.
—Literary Fiction Book Review
Marylee MacDonald
Category: Arizona, Authors, Fiction Tags: All Things That Matter Press, ALS, Arizona, California, creative nonfiction, fiction, historical fiction, illinois, memoir, Readers' Favorite International Book Award, Short Stories, Summertime Publications
Previous: Lee Rossi
Next: Tony McMillen
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Home> Regions > Qingdao-old > News
Chinese fleet returns from escort mission
Updated: Jan 28, 2019 Xinhua Print
QINGDAO -- A Chinese navy flotilla returned to Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on Sunday after completing its mission of escorting civilian vessels in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somali.
The 30th escort squad of the Chinese Navy, comprised of missile frigates Wuhu and Handan and supply ship Dongpinghu, escorted 59 Chinese and foreign ships during the mission. The fleet set sail from Qingdao on Aug 6, 2018, the People's Liberation Army Navy said in a statement.
The fleet also participated in the naval parade marking the 60th anniversary of Tunisian Navy. And it visited Cambodia and the Philippines toward the end of its 175-day mission.
China sent its first convoy fleet to Somali waters in December 2008.
Infographics: Figures on Healthy China Action plan
Policy: Policies to help attract, keep foreign talent
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TV interviews: Charissa Bloomberg
BIOGRAPHY: Charissa Bloomberg
Charissa Bloomberg on SABC3
Integrity Forum
Talent in the Family_My MOM: Myra Bloomberg
Social Upliftment Campaign: #DoTheRightThingNow
Welcome to Hidden Dimensions
Hidden Dimensions was started in 1998 by Charissa Bloomberg, as a Corporate Training Consultancy working with the development of human potential.
HIDDEN DIMENSIONS SKILL SET
Charissa Bloomberg is a Registered Psychologist (MA Psychology UCT) and studied Psychodrama and Group Dynamics at Oxford University (UK).
She is also a Drama and Oral Communication Teacher (Trinity College London) and is an Emotional Intelligence Trainer and Life skills Facillitator (UCT).
Charissa has lectured and consulted to various organisations in South Africa for the past 13 years and worked extensively at UCT in staff training and development. She also lectured at UWC and UCT in the Department of Psychology.
She has been working and specializing in the construction industry for the last four years and is affectionately known as the “Site Shrink” offering support and restoring to management and staff.
She has had her own radio show about relationships and consults for two SABC TV shows as their resident psychologist and been on various TV talk shows. She has been on Espresso SABC 3. Charissa has also shared her life story on a SABC 3 program “Power Within” to inspire other woman.
Charissa is currently involved in studies with human and dolphin encounters; she dedicates many hours to these magnificent creatures. She has recently started her PHD on the subject and is involved in the making of a reality documentary on dolphin- assisted therapy.
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The art of cinema
"Growing up, my access to cinema was only through open air army theatres. I used to watch a few Hollywood and Bollywood films, but I wasn't ever captivated by the medium. It was a weekend pass-time for me. Only a few years later, when I moved to the US, I began to watch contemporary American films and Television shows, that opened up my knowledge about world cinema. A little later, I joined a brief film course because someone offered me a seat. That's where my life took a new turn. I held a film camera for the first time and I was so fascinated by it. I knew this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a filmmaker. When I started, however, it was challenging. I didn't know anybody and neither did I understand the technicalities of filmmaking. But if this was what I wanted, I knew I had to give my best. I used to draw a storyboard and the cinematographer would then tell me what lens to use for which scene. That's how I learnt the nitty gritties of the craft. In no time, I made a short film, Nupur, which was also considered for Oscars. Now that was the reward that pushed me to do more!
Moving to LA from San Francisco was another challenge. I felt like I wasn't ready for the big jump, but if I didn't make it, how would I make my films more visible? It was necessary and I moved. I gradually made friends and understood how the film industry worked. Similarly challenging was the decision to move to Hyderabad. But throughout my journey, I started everything from scratch and learnt the art step by step. I believed in myself and so did my parents, who supported me to do whatever I wanted, in a day and age when women were married off in their late teens. Even today, nothing comes easy. I still work hard to complete every project I take up and that's always my focus. I live in my films and through cinema. I always will."
#Art #Cinema #Passion #Filmmaking #Camera #Awe #Craft #Newwave #Oscars #LA #Genre #Experiment #Journey #Challenge #Friends #Vision #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad
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The EPTE Newsletter from Japan is brought to you by Dominique Numakura, the founder and managing director of DKN Research. He has been working for circuit board businesses and packaging material businesses more than 25 years. Dominique has developed many advanced technologies in high-density substrates and materials over the last decade. He has written more than 100 articles for major conferences and magazines, and he is the author of several books on electronic packaging technologies. Dominique is a regular contributing writer of columns for magazines and newspapers. He has a master's degree in physical chemistry and nuclear chemistry from Ibaraki University, Japan.
EPTE Newsletter
Dominique Numakura
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Dominique Numakura offers weekly updates on the PCB industry in Japan, from M&A activity to technological breakthroughs.
View Past Columns
EPTE Newsletter: JPCA Show 2019, Part 2
Editor’s Note: This is part two of Dominique Numakura’s coverage of the JPCA Show. Click here to read Part 1.
Many new technologies and products related to flexible circuits were introduced by mid-sized manufactures at the JPCA Show 2019. Oki Cable displayed several unique technologies that included stretchable and transparent circuits. They are proactive with introducing new materials for base materials as well as conductors and coverlay. Oki Cable also provided many circuit examples that featured balances between the materials. Further, they featured spiral flexible circuits for 3D stretchable wiring using both traditional materials and new elastic materials.
Taiyo Industrial, another mid-sized flex circuit manufacturer, also displayed transparent flexible and stretchable circuits using new copper laminates and coverlay materials. Taiyo Industrial has a supplemental business that uses machines to inspect flexible circuits. Moreover, they featured a universal handling robot that can handle thin flexible materials developed for its own manufacturing processes. The robots are capable of managing thin, fragile projects in the manufacturing and assembling process, especially in small-volume and prototype productions.
Low-loss circuits are a growing category for the flex circuit manufacturers (assuming 5G devices will be available this year). Kuraray, a major material supplier in Japan, introduced liquid crystal polymer (LCP) films and a copper laminate. Yamashita Materials, a prototype flex circuit manufacturer in Japan, displayed many examples of flex circuits using LCP materials designed for mobile devices.
All of these companies have reported an increase in inquiries due to the market potential represented by 5G devices.
1. Micron (Semiconductor company in the U.S.) 6/12
Completed the construction of the new manufacturing plant building in Hiroshima, Japan, which could be a great milestone for its global strategy.
2. JR East (Railway company in Japan) 6/12
Plans to develop a new hybrid train of hydrogen fuel cell and batteries. Its field test will be conducted in 2021.
3. Stanley (Device manufacturer in Japan) 6/19
Commercialized a new device of a “super-high-power infrared LED” for driver monitoring systems (DMSs), which has 70% higher emission compared to traditional devices.
4. Toshiba (Electric and electronics company in Japan) 6/21
Successfully achieved a 23.8% conversion rate with a tandem structure photovoltaic cell of transparent copper oxide.
5. Oki Cable (Cable manufacturer in Japan) 6/24
Commercialized expandable flexible circuits for wearable devices using a rubber-type substrate. Copper base conductors make stable conductance.
6. Tokyo University (Japan) 6/25
Discovered the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) of Wolfram sulfide (WS2) nanotube. This will be valuable for increasing conversion rates of photovoltaic cells.
7. Tokin (Component supplier in Japan) 6/26
Commercialized a new grade of polymer tantalum capacitor with high-volume efficiencies for automatic driving systems in automobiles.
8. Murata (Component supplier in Japan) 6/26
Developed a new SMT-type, all-solid secondary battery for wearable and IoT devices (capacity: 2~25 mAh, width: 5~10 mm, height: 2~10 mm).
9. Kyocera (Electronics company in Japan) 6/27
Will start volume production of new lithium-ion batteries in 2020. These new batteries have a higher energy density by a lower cost.
10. JEITA (Electronic industry organization in Japan) 6/27
Published the Electronics Packaging Roadmap 2019 (43,200 yen for non-members).
11. Yaskawa Electric (Equipment manufacturer in Japan) 6/28
Released a new version of “MOTOMAN-GP,” their multi-joint robot with long arms up to 3124 mm for automobile assembling lines.
12. Sony (Electronics company in Japan) 6/28
Released a series of small size CMOS image sensors with 4K resolution for security cameras (package: 12.0 x 9.3 mm ceramic LGA).
Dominique K. Numakura is the managing director of DKN Research LLC. Contact haverhill@dknreseach.com for further information and news.
Many new technologies and products related to flexible circuits were introduced by mid-sized manufactures at the JPCA Show 2019. Oki Cable displayed several unique technologies that included stretchable and transparent circuits. They are proactive with introducing new materials for base materials as well as conductors and coverlay.
EPTE Newsletter : JPCA Show 2019, Part 1
The JPCA Show opened June 5 at Tokyo Big Sight. The three-day show was sold out despite the slowdown for the global printed circuit industry. The show came at a good time and gave me the opportunity to network, collaborate, and collect market data for both business and technology trends.
EPTE Newsletter: Global Electronics Industry Continues to Decline
Sales from consumer electronics are expected to slip this year, continuing a decline that began in December 2018. The Taiwanese PCB industry was first to signal stormy days ahead, and data from the global semiconductor industry for the same month backed up this gloomy forecast.
EPTE Newsletter: Monocoque Printed Circuits
This Taiwanese circuit manufacturer did not use a new or unique technology to form the circuits but did change the materials. They introduced a fine screen-printing process using several new ink materials to produce a more reliable conductor. The new inks have higher flexibilities compared with metallic copper, so the circuit is more reliable during forming.
EPTE Newsletter: Printable and Flexible Electronics in Taiwan
I was invited as the keynote speaker of Printable and Flexible Electronics, a two-day conference held at the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan. My presentation included current business trends and future forecast for the global printable and flexible electronics industry. Here's a recap of the event.
EPTE Newsletter: Metallization of Nonconductive Substrates
There were significant technical progressions with chemicals and surface treatments used in electroless plating over the last decade. Now, plating chemicals provide a secure bond strength with the metallic layer on the inert surface of plastic substrates.
EPTE Newsletter: Exotic Materials— A Prerequisite for Next-generation Flexible Circuits
More than 20,000 results populate on an Amazon search for wearable technology. There is no question that wearable electronic devices have created a new electronics market, especially those earmarked for medical and healthcare. Wearable devices demand 3D flexible wiring, so flexible circuits are an appropriate solution for these devices.
EPTE Newsletter: Predicted Sales Decrease for the Taiwanese Electronics Industry
Recently, I wrote about the printed circuit industry in Taiwan. I reported on the industry’s declining revenues and voiced concerns about a potential domino effect for the rest of the electronics market. Unfortunately, this may become reality.
EPTE Newsletter: Taiwan Electronics Revenues Nosedive
The barometer for the Taiwanese electronics industry is falling, signaling bad weather ahead. December shipments for PWB manufacturers in Taiwan was 49.1 billion Taiwan dollars ($1.596 billion), which is a 20.9% decline from the previous month and 19.1% decline from the same month last year.
EPTE Newsletter: Sputtering or Chemical Plating?
More than 20 years ago, material manufacturers competed with each other to develop adhesiveless copper-clad laminates for the next generation of flexible circuits. A dozen or so companies were leaders in the pack with their new technologies. These technologies were categorized into two types: a casting and laminating process, and the metallization of polyimide films.
EPTE Newsletter: Exotic Materials for Flexible Circuits
Wearable technology is common in the electronics industry and is expected to be a profitable category for the next generation of electronics. An Amazon search for wearable technology leads to 30,000 results. Flexible circuits are the most significant packaging materials for wearable devices including medical and healthcare devices.
EPTE Newsletter: Hiccup for Taiwanese Electronics Industry?
Shipments for the PCB industry during the Q2 and the beginning of Q3 came in at double-digit growth, and revenue for August increased by more than 13% compared to the same month last year. Manufacturers throughout the mobile device supply chain predicted sales would increase even more during Q4.
EPTE Newsletter: Taiwan Electronics are Heating Up (Figuratively)
Dominique Numakura considers electronics manufacturing in Taiwan to be the barometer for the global consumer electronics industry. Market trends can be predicted by analyzing shipping data from Taiwanese circuit board manufacturers. Annual volume increases every year, despite slow monthly cycles.
EPTE Newsletter: New Materials for Wearable Electronics
Technology continues to evolve, and wearable electronics are the focal point for many new concepts. The next generation of wearable products for the consumer electronics industry will create a new market with nothing but upside for manufacturers and suppliers.
EPTE Newsletter: Thinner and Lighter Printed Circuits
Manufacturers from the electronics industry consistently compete to create higher density circuits. Cutting edge semiconductor manufacturers can generate less than 10 nanometer traces on silicon chips.
EPTE Newsletter: Flexible Metal Laminates Made With Chemical Processes
DKN Research is fielding many inquiries about a semi-additive process for the fine-line generation on thin, flexible substrates, including transparent heat-resistant plastic films. Most inquiries are from chip-on-film (COF) manufacturers with reel-to-reel (RTR) processes.
EPTE Newsletter: Flood Catastrophe in Japan
The rainy season in Japan usually ends in early July; however, severe and abnormal weather plagued Japan during the entire month this year. First, a strong typhoon passing from south to north soaked the western island, Kyushu. The typhoon kicked off the seasonal rain front in the western half of Japan, which resulted in historical rainfall. Some areas received more than 1,000 millimeters of rain in less than four days—a record amount of rainfall for many towns.
EPTE Newsletter: Metallization for Plastic Surfaces
During the 1980s, manufacturers ran around the barn a few times trying to decide the best way to produce reliable bond strength between polyimide sheets and copper foils when producing thin copper laminates for high-density flexible circuits.
EPTE Newsletter: JPCA SHOW 2018
One of the largest exhibitions for the printed circuit industry was held June 6–8 at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan. The three-day show is held in Tokyo every June and attracts a worldwide audience. This year, related events at the show included JIEP 2018, JISSO PROTEC 2018, Total Organic Expo 2018, WIRE Japan Show 2018 and Smart Sensing 2018.
EPTE Newsletter: SEMICON JAPAN 2017
SEMICON JAPAN 2017 was held at Tokyo Big Sight on Wednesday December 13. This is the last trade show for the electronics industry in 2017. The show used to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, but changed venues due to shrinking attendance. Event organizers were hoping for a bump in visitors with the venue change.
EPTE Newsletter: TV Sales on Cyber Monday
Did you score on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? I have a 42-inch Samsung Plasma TV that is ready to be replaced. I bought this state-of-the-art plasma TV seven years ago for $795 (that was a bargain back then). Today, you can buy a 42-inch Samsung LCD HDTV on Amazon for $395—almost half the price from the one I purchased almost a decade ago. It’s a great deal and I plan on purchasing it once I finish this newsletter.
EPTE Newsletter: Made in Japan
Japanese companies were immune to corporate scandals many years ago. These companies seemed squeaky clean, and seldom made headline news about scandalous business practices (the exception was the financial crimes at Toshiba). That has changed recently.
EPTE Newsletter: Can Toshiba Survive?
Toshiba was the leader in the electronics industry, and developed and marketed many types of electronic equipment and devices that included word processors, printers, VCR cameras, tape recorders, hard disc drives, transceivers, laptop computers, facsimiles, cellular phones, and more. Toshiba was also a leader in designing medical equipment. Toshiba was always one of the best electronics companies in the world.
EPTE Newsletter: Semi-Annual Review of the Global Circuit Industry
Every piece of electronic equipment uses printed circuit boards. The circuit board industry posted mixed results for the first half of the year. Listed below is a quick snapshot of the global results as well as business trends for consumer electronics.
EPTE Newsletter: Is RCA Reborn?
Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is a familiar name to anyone over the age of 40. The RCA brand is one of the oldest and most well-known brands in the consumer electronics industry. The company was founded as a subsidiary of General Electric (GE) in 1919, and was successful with radios, TVs and VCRs.
EPTE Newsletter: Reborn Sharp Pushes Drastic Reforms
Hon Hai Precision Industry is the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer. Last week, the company announced plans to build a $10 billion LCD panel plant in Wisconsin. Hon Hai acquired Japanese electronics manufacturer Sharp last year, and plans to manufacture Sharp LCDs in Wisconsin.
EPTE Newsletter: M-Tech 2017
Tokyo Big Sight hosted the Mechanical Component & Materials Technology Expo (M-Tech) on June 21. The three-day show included the 21st Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo (DMS), the 25th 3D Virtual Reality Expo (IVR) and the Medical Device Development Expo (MEDIX).
EPTE Newsletter: Transparent Flex Circuits, Stretchable Flex Circuits
I attended the JPCA Trade Show earlier this month. Most of the products on display were related to electronics, the electronics industry, packaging and electronic circuits. Flex circuit manufacture and material companies that featured flexible circuits at the exhibition focused their attention on transparent flex circuits and stretchable flex circuits.
DKN Research Newsletter: JPCA Show a Positive Sign for Industry
I recently attended the JPCA Show, the largest trade show event for the printed circuit industry. The size of the show was almost the same as last year, but there were significant changes to product lines from material suppliers. It seemed to me there was an increase in attendance, and almost everyone was there to get a glimpse of some new technology trends. Overall the show was a success. I am optimistic for the future.
EPTE Newsletter: SEMICON Japan, 2016
The last electronics trade show of the year has held starting December 14, for three days at Tokyo Big Sight. The slumping semiconductor market in Japan remains slow; however, I could be optimistic that the trade show would reveal some signs of an upturn for the industry.
EPTE Newsletter: Preliminary PCB Industry Results For 2016
Once summer is over, the year slips away: I can’t believe we are in the last month of 2016. We have almost a year of sales data from the global printed circuit industry, so this is a good time to analyze this year’s performance and consider business plans for 2017. Since printed circuits are the major components in electronic products, let’s review PCB market trends in the global electronics industry.
EPTE Newsletter: Printable Electronics—A Practical Solution?
I attended a Printable Electronics workshop in Japan a couple of weeks ago. The 200-person crowd was made up of people from R&D organizations, material suppliers and machine manufacturers. No one there could be termed a customer; everyone was there to learn and discuss the latest printable electronics.
EPTE Newsletter: CREATEC JAPAN 2016—Is Manufacturing Turning Around?
CREATEC JAPAN (the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies) was held at Makuhari Messe, one of the largest convention centers in Japan. The four-day show opened on October 4, 2016, and organizers anticipated more than 130,000 visitors this year.
EPTE Newsletter: Hon Hai Completes Sharp Acquisition
Sharp Corporation was once a leading electronics company in Japan. In 1962, Sharp expanded outside of Japan and established Sharp Electronics Corporation in the United States. Sharp was known for cutting edge technology and developed many unique products for consumer electronics, including calculators, photovoltaic cells, LCD panels, LCD TVs, electronic notebooks and more.
EPTE Newsletter: Sony Sells Battery Division to Murata
Large electronics companies in Japan continue to lose market share in the global arena. This erosion of market share has had a ripple effect on Japanese printed circuit manufacturers that supplied these electronic companies; when they sneeze, printed circuit manufacturers catch cold.
EPTE Newsletter: Pokémon Go a New Direction For Nintendo
Nintendo released its Pokémon Go app in July 2016, and Apple says it was the most downloaded app ever in a first week. More than 25 million people download and play the game every day; most of them are under the age of 25.
EPTE Newsletter: Transparent Circuits Gaining in Popularity
Transparent printed circuits were a popular item showcased at the JPCA Show 2016. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) use to be the dominant material used for transparent substrates in optical circuits and devices and generated a huge amount of sales from touch screen panels.
EPTE Newsletter: Sanyo—Japanese or Chinese?
Market share for Japanese electronics companies began to erode in the early 2000s. Their shrinking sales were felt everywhere in the global market; especially hard hit were Japanese consumer electronics. Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Sanyo, Toshiba, Hitachi and other Japanese manufacturers were the predominant brands found in the big box stores. Consumer electronics inventories at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and other large retailers now come from manufacturers in Korea, Taiwan and China. Japanese brands have a negligible market share in the North American market.
EPTE Newsletter: Taiwan Printed Circuit Industry Is Shrinking
Taiwan has become the manufacturing powerhouse for the global consumer electronics industry. Their product scope includes personal computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, gaming consoles, digital cameras and more. These broad ranges of products are not only manufactured in Taiwan, but also in Mainland China and other overseas countries.
EPTE Newsletter: Toshiba’s Financial Scandal
Last spring, Toshiba disclosed to its shareholders some accounting irregularities, causing them to delay their earnings report for the first quarter. These accounting irregularities made investors nervous, but not panicked enough to sell off their holdings. Officials at Toshiba explained the accounting irregularities included hiding some losses during previous years, and they would need to re-state their earnings as soon as possible.
EPTE Newsletter: Toshiba's Leadership Lies about Profits
Japan is home for Toshiba, one of the largest electronics company in the world. Toshiba is in the midst of a massive accounting scandal that was brought to light in April, when Toshiba first disclosed some accounting irregularities. Several executives including Toshiba’s chief executive and president resigned, and heads may continue to roll.
Things are Slowing Down in Taiwan
The recent news from Taiwan is not very optimistic; manufacturing companies are very pessimistic with their fourth-quarter forecasts. The media continues to report about the dismal global economy due to the uncertainty in the Chinese economy and the roller coaster rides in the financial markets. Taiwan is not uncertain at all—they are pessimistic with the business outlook for the rest of the year.
We Have No Internet— Now What?
Society is dependent on technology—no argument there. Today’s youth does not know a world without mobile electronic devices that keep us connected 24/7, and a senior in high school does not know a world without Google. What happens if an asteroid storm takes out all the satellites orbiting the earth? Well, I experienced two technology crises in the last two weeks that was not as draconian as our satellites collapsing, but it did give me a moment to pause and think about our dependence on technology.
Deadly Blast in China
The quality of products made in China has improved over the years, but factory and worker conditions may not be keeping up. Without safeguards in the workplace, tragedies are bound to happen in plants that work with hazardous and flammable chemicals.
Taiwan: The Barometer for Consumer Electronics
Equipment manufacturers and printed circuit manufacturers released pessimistic forecasts for the second half of the year. They blame their pessimism on slow sales from personal computers, and they expect a negative growth from tablet PCs this year. The printed circuit industry in Taiwan represents the global market trends for consumer electronics. For this reason, I do not have an optimistic outlook for consumer electronics this year.
The Drive for Transparent Circuits
DKN Research develops many types of unique electronic circuits. Some products in our portfolio include ultra-thin conductor circuits as small as 0.2 microns, metal-free circuits, and some circuits up to 20 meters long. Our staff fields many inquiries for packaging of new electronic devices. Lately, there is a lot of interest in transparent flexible circuits. The increase in interest is driven by the recent market expansion of display and optical devices.
M-Tech Tokyo Show Draws Huge Crowd
The M-Tech 2015, held last June 24 at Tokyo Big Sight encompassed a broad range of technologies and mechanical processes, and was an excellent source for cutting-edge technologies for designing electronic devices and other mechanical components.
JPCA SHOW 2015
The three-day JPCA 2015 trade show was held on June 3 at Tokyo Big Sight. This trade fair is an international event that attracts customers, vendors and manufacturers who are affiliated with the electronics industry. This show provides me an opportunity to discover any new market trends or new technologies.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Quick Repair, Slow Process
Nowadays, the broken products are sent to a manufacturers’ repair facility. They order alternative parts to replace the modules and do not solder anything in the process. It is pretty much plug and play – the technicians at the repair center do not require any specialized training. This is now the future – gone are the independent TV repair men.
Dominique Numakura writes, "With most major trade shows and events, crowds of people can be seen walking from the train and bus stations to the convention center, but there were no crowds at this event. I wondered whether I had the wrong place or the wrong date. I was expecting long lines of visitors registering for the show and was surprised to see no lines."
Yen Continues to Slide
Japanese manufacturers lost most of their global market share over the last few years due to poor business strategies. Products include flat panel TVs, cellular phones, personal computers, MP3s, tablet PCs, and more. Market share in the digital camera market remains on track, but this segment continues to shrink at an alarming rate. Some Japanese companies may throw in the towel. For them, a weak yen does not help their bottom line.
EPTE Newsletter From Japan: Yen Continues to Slide
Pessimism in the PC Market
Did you know that more than 90% of personal computers are manufactured by Taiwanese manufacturers in Taiwan? The total number of PCs manufactured totals more than three hundred million units per year (excluding tablets).
Taiwanese manufacturers are forecasting a further slowdown for the PC market during the fourth quarter of 2014 and all of 2015. This time around they expect the tablet PC market will also slow. Does it mean the entire electronics industry will slow down for a while? Some believe that when the PC industry sneezes the rest of the electronics industry catches a cold.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Pessimism in the PC Market
Japan Market Conditions Changing Drastically
Unfortunately, market conditions in Japan have changed drastically during the last few years. Large electronics companies lost market share, along with the prestige of being the market leaders in business and technology. Columnist Dominique Numakura explains that the CEATEC Japan show reflects this downturn as it continues to shrink year over year.
EPTE Newsletter: Japan Market Conditions Changing Drastically
Lights Out for Sony?
Last month, Sony announced a loss of more than $2 billion and canceled dividends for the current fiscal year. The CEO apologized for the poor performance and blamed the shortfall on the strategy to center core business on the smart phone segment--revenue never reached the estimated forecast.
Japanese Economy Shrinks by 30%
The yen's depreciation does not strengthen exporting power for the Japanese electronics industry. What's scarier is that more than one-third of the fortune made in Japan during the last half century (about US $5 trillion) was lost through currency depreciation. Japan has lost its buying power.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Yen Slides to Record Low
Japanese-based companies with overseas business are reaping the benefits of a weakening yen. Automobile manufacturers will post record profits for fiscal year 2013. They are spreading the wealth amongst their employees by paying out year-end bonuses.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: 2013 Printed Circuit Industry
Japan had a very bad start this year. Revenue for January and February were dismal compared with the same period last year and 2012 was almost as bad as the year of the worldwide recession in 2008. The year started off so badly that some feared a total collapse for the Japanese PWB Industry.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: CEATEC Japan 2013
More than one-third of floor space was occupied by automobile manufacturers and module manufacturers. These companies showcased their products and demonstrated the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and telematics technologies (car electronics). A large section of space was reserved for concept vehicles of the future.
EPTE Newsletter: New "Developments" in Digital Cameras
All good things must come to an end: The global recession that began in 2008 had a negative impact on the digital camera market. From that point on, annual shipments have declined 10 to 20% each year and shipments in the latter part of 2012 fell even more.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: PCB Industry Takes a Hit
The Japanese electronics and circuit board industry show no signs of recovery. Sales of core products that include flat panel TVs, cellular phones, and digital cameras continue to show weakness and are down compared to the previous year.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Can Organic Electronics be Printable and Flexible?
Researchers from universities and material companies are extremely optimistic for the future of organic materials and their sensational performances. These researchers all claim that the new organic material is printable. But in my opinion, their projections are too optimistic.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Trends from JPCA Show 2013
Dominique Numakura reports that the electronics industry in Japan is currently suffering its worst slump in history. He was hoping to see new and innovative products at JPCA 2013to snap the country out of its funk.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: What to Expect at JPCA 2013
Market conditions for both consumer electronics and printed circuits in Japan remained soft in the first quarter. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) reported a slight rebound for PWB shipments during March compared with the previous month. Unfortunately, volume is showing a double digit decline when compared year-over-year.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Industry Trips Out of the Gate
The Japanese yen continues to depreciate against other foreign currencies, while the Tokyo Stock Exchange reaches new highs every week. Dominique Numakura wishes he could say the same about the electronics industry. Unfortunately, the remarkable decline the electronics industry suffered during year end continues into 2013.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: 2012 Ends on a Bad Note
Industry trends were all over the place in 2012 for the global electronics industry. Industry analysts are not sharing any good news for 2013. Build-up multilayer boards, double-layer and multilayer flex circuits, and semiconductor substrates all show the same downturn in business in Japan.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Watches Made in China
Dominique Numakura says, "It was nearly 40 years ago when I got my first job as a freshman in Japan, and to celebrate my success, I bought a high-end watch made by Seiko--a large watch manufacturer in Japan."
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: PCB Industry on the Ropes
Previously, Japanese manufacturers were very profitable with their double-sided and multilayer flex and rigid module substrate product lines. Their overseas customers preferred high performance and a high-quality product produced in Japan. But Korean and Taiwanese PCB manufacturers have greatly improved the quality of their products in recent years.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: TPCA Show 2012
The last TPCA Show Dominique Numakura attended was in 2008, and he says the PCB industry has changed drastically in that time. He explains that for some countries, the PCB business is good, and for others, well, not so good.
EPTE Newsletter: Using Smart Phones in Not so Smart Places
Sure, you use your smartphone or tablet in the usual places: The subway, in the car, and while relaxing on the sofa. What about the bathtub? You'd be surprised where some people take their valuable electronic devices.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Social Network Games Flourish
Very few segments in the Japanese electronics industry are flourishing; in fact, many companies are barely hanging on as they try to weather the economic slowdown. Conversely, revenue predictions for social network games are expected to be well over $10 billion in the next few years.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: The Galapagos Syndrome
The isolation that Japanese manufacturers once enjoyed is gone and several electronics products from other countries have flooded their markets. Now, the country's media has jumped all over Darwin's theory by comparing recent business trends for the electronics industry to the "Galapagos Syndrome."
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: PCB Industry Running out of Options
Japan's PCB industry does not have many options left. Incremental improvements will not rescue the entire industry. Management teams must generate long-term survival plans and execute strategies as soon as possible. Time and money are running out...
EPTE Newsletter: Are Things Really This Gloomy?
The month of May is quickly winding down and the June trade show season is fast approaching. On June 13, 2012, the JPCA Show will open its doors at Tokyo Big Sight. The three-day event is the largest trade exhibition for the printed circuit industry.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: JPCA Show 2011, Part II
More than 1,000 new products and technologies were presented at JPCA Show 2011. Most of these products were connected to the consumer electronics market in some way--materials, equipment, PCBs, designs, IC packaging, application or assembly. Vendors seemed to concentrate on two consumer products: Smart phones and tablet PCs.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: JPCA Show 2010, Part VII
Materials are the most purchased items in the PCB industry for both business and technology customers. Material suppliers occupied the majority of the space at the show; however, many suppliers considered to be large players in the industry were absent. Why did they pass on this year's show?
DKN Research: Is A Ubiquitous Internet Practical?
Not too long ago, visionaries predicted a "ubiquitous Internet," in which Internet access would be available anytime and any place on the earth. Their vision has almost come to fruition as more and more of us log on daily to get our Internet fix.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: NEPCON World 2009, Part I
One of the major conventions for electronic packaging and assembling was held at the Tokyo Big Sight for three days beginning January 28, 2009. The show had a name change this year and is now called NEPCON World. Each year, the exhibition grows larger and larger and continuously adds new events. The huge floors of the East and West Hall were fully occupied with more than 1,200 exhibitors.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Good Riddance 2008
Bad financial news continues to pour in everyday. The global economic meltdown is probably the worst slump felt in many years--and far worse than analysts expected. The crisis is widespread and Asian countries, whose economic engines seemed indestructible, are now grinding to a halt.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Nanotechnology-Another Trendy Phrase
More than a thousand companies, universities and research organizations dedicate resources toward business applications or R&D activities for nanotechnologies.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: June PWB Production in Japan
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) recently released June's production data from Japan's printed circuit industry. We now have a six month snapshot for 2008 and can review market trends for this period and forecast performance for the remainder of the year.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: JPCA Show 2008, Part VI
As with previous years, the majority of attendees at the JPCA show were Korean and Taiwanese; however, one difference with this year's melting pot was the increase in North American and Western European visitors.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--JPCA Show 2008, Part V
Numakura spoke with one manager from a machine manufacturer who explained that small- and mid- sized assemblers, as well as prototype EMS companies from Japan, the U.S. and Europe, do not focus on high speeds, but, rather, a flexibility to manage many different products from a small line.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--JPCA Show, Part IV
Materials are always a significant detail to consider in the printed circuit industry, and most of the major material suppliers reserved relatively large booths at the JPCA exhibition. The material manufacturers displayed their new items; unfortunately, I could not find very innovative or novel products during the show.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--JPCA Show, Part III
The benchmark isn't set for the high-density fine line circuit segment from the Japanese printed circuit industry. The front runners featured their fine line capabilities during the exhibition in a very competitive fashion.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--JPCA Show, Part II
Embedded components seems to be a very "fashionable" trend, started last year, and most of the major rigid board companies and flexible circuit manufacturers paraded their latest achievements from their technological departments at the show.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--JPCA Show 2008, Part I
This year's show grabbed honors as the largest exhibition ever for the printed circuit industry, and the JPCA Show is arguably the greatest exhibition in terms of size and technology level.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--The iPhone Has Landed
Last week, Soft Bank, one of three wireless phone carriers in Japan, announced the launch of the first iPhone entry into the Japanese cellular phone market. Apple granted Soft Bank an exclusive contract as the sole provider of iPhones in Japan.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan--First Quarter 2008 PWB Production in Japan
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trading and Industry (METI) recently released PWB production data for March. Total revenue in March was 81.12 billion yen; a 2.5% increase from February, but 1.5% lower than January's numbers--we are hopeful that this is simply a seasonal adjustment.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - SEMICON JAPAN 2007
Although the number of semiconductor trade shows held in the U.S. and Europe are continuously declining, Semicon Japan has opposed this trend and continues to expand the scope of their event; SEMICON JAPAN 2007 registered over 1,500 exhibiting companies and organizations.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Productronica 2007 (Part III)
The target audience at Productronica is primarily printed circuit board manufacturers, and the majority of the exhibition was dedicated to materials and manufacturing equipment vendors and dealers who supply this segment.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Productronica 2007 (Part II)
Productronica 2007 showcased products from both circuit board manufacturers and assembly houses; however, representation from the assembly sector exceeded that of the PCB manufacturers.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Samsung Retreats
Samsung did not provide specifics about its redeployment away from the Japanese market. However, industrial media reports suggest that Japanese customers cannot forget the old image of Korean products, "Cheap but low quality."
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - The Analogy Between Ichiro Suzuki and Toyota Motors
Toyota does not produce a flashy sports car, but does provide reliable sedans and trucks to a consumer market that demands quality.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - TPCA Show 2007 - Continued
There are now many reliable machine suppliers in Taiwan that can meet the needs for printed circuit manufacturing and the assembling processes.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - TPCA Show 2007
One unlucky bit of timing for the exhibition was the historically huge typhoon approaching the Taipei area during the week.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - After Motorola Shock
The slowdown at Motorola has sent ripples throughout the electronics industry, especially in Asia.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Japan PWB Production - First Half of 2007
Total revenue from PWB production for the first half was 494.9 billion yen (about 4.3 billion U.S. dollars), an 8.6% growth compared to the same time-frame of the previous year.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Toyota Will Be Number One in 2007
After decades of being king of the mountain, a claim held since 1931, General Motors' title as the number 1 automaker in the world will soon slip away, and Toyota Motors will be crowned the new king.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Next Generation Semiconductors
There is a lot of prognosticating and discussion surrounding the next generation semiconductor material that will replace silicon in the electronics industry.
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - Nano-technology
People believe that nano-technologies will generate some business opportunities in the future. What exactly are the Nano-Technologies?
EPTE Newsletter from Japan - An Old Clock Radio (Plated Through Holes)
The GE engineers during the 1950s have provided their great design concept and reliability with the new technologies introduced for consumer products
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Home › eBooks › Critical Companion to Kurt Vonnegut
Critical Companion to Kurt Vonnegut
Authored by: Susan Farrell, Ph.D.
From the Series: Critical Companion to
Kurt Vonnegut is one of the most popular and admired authors of post-war American literature—famous both for his playful and deceptively simple style as well as for his scathing critiques of social injustice and war.
Critical Companion to Kurt Vonnegut provides a reliable, up-to-date, and encyclopedic source of information on Vonnegut's life and work for high school and college-level students, teachers, libraries, and the general public. This new book covers all his works, including his novels, such as the unforgettable Slaughterhouse-Five; his short stories, such as "Harrison Bergeron"; and his lectures and essays. Detailed entries on his life, related people, places, and topics are also included in this comprehensive guide.
A concise but thorough biography of Vonnegut
Synopses and critical assessments of all of Vonnegut's work
Descriptions of Vonnegut's characters, including Kilgore Trout, Billy Pilgrim, and many more
Descriptions of people, places, and topics important to Vonnegut's life and work, including Dresden, science fiction, Joseph Heller, postmodernism, Mark Twain, and much more
Appendixes, including a chronology, a bibliography of primary and secondary sources, a bibliography and discussion of the works of Kilgore Trout, and more.
"...a valuable reference guide for both students and scholars...a good addition to critical collections on Vonnegut...Recommended."
"...an essential work for academic libraries..."
"Recommended for public, high school, and undergraduate collections."
Critical Companion to Alice Walker
Critical Companion to Arthur Miller
Critical Companion to Charles Dickens
Critical Companion to Chaucer
Critical Companion to Dante
Critical Companion to Edgar Allan Poe
Critical Companion to Emily Dickinson
Critical Companion to Ernest Hemingway
Critical Companion to Eugene O'Neill, 2-Volume Set
Critical Companion to F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Critical Companion to Henry James
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Critical Companion to Jack London
Critical Companion to James Joyce
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Critical Companion to John Steinbeck
Critical Companion to Jonathan Swift
Critical Companion to Mark Twain, 2-Volume Set
Critical Companion to Mary Shelley
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Critical Companion to Philip Roth
Critical Companion to Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Critical Companion to T. S. Eliot
Critical Companion to Tennessee Williams
Critical Companion to the Bible
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Critical Companion to Walt Whitman
Critical Companion to William Butler Yeats
Critical Companion to William Faulkner
Critical Companion to William Shakespeare, 2-Volume Set
Critical Companion to Zora Neale Hurston
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Committee Charting
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Looks like Waze is really taking off
Sep 29th 2010 by James Rogers
Waze, a free navigation and social networking app and service, is on the move again. Diann Eisnor, Waze’s VP Community Geographer, posted some very interesting statistics and data visualization on the Waze blog this morning. It looks like Waze is a big hit, especially on Apple’s App Store. There is a lot of interesting data presented, and the article is definitely worth a look. The data visualizations are especially interesting. Some of the highlights include:
Waze has expanded from 500,000 to 1,500,000 users in the last 9 months.
30 days after the Groups feature was added, there are now 4199 Groups set up worldwide.
There are 691 Groups in the US.
70% of the Groups are centered around “Social Commuting.” (i.e.- Commuters who share a route)
The rest center around Interests, Lifestyles, Employers, and other topics.
It certainly looks like Waze has struck a chord with its unique blend of navigation, road reporting and social networking. In their recent update to 2.01, the Waze team has addressed some of the bugs that I talked about in my review a few weeks ago. They have managed to take care of the problems with Waze’s voice navigation operating in the background with streaming apps like Pandora or Podcaster. Also included are improved support for the iPad, fixes for some navigation information request bugs, and general performance enhancements. Considering that most of my complaints about Waze centered around these issues, 2.01 looks to be another step in the right direction.
The Waze team has also added an interesting new extension to their popular Groups feature. Waze is now rolling out Custom Groups, which allow organizations and media outlets to have their own branded groups with special features, like real-time widgets and branded icons. Their first two partners are NBC2, a television station in Florida, and The Austin Statesman newspaper in Austin, TX.
This could really be a blow to traffic services like Inrix and even Google, as they are simply aggregating data from several sources and delivering it in a way that traditional media outlets can’t- straight to your phone or GPS device. Most major local media outlets have detailed traffic reports that they play on TV and radio, or maybe even deliver via their own branded apps for smartphones, but they have not had direct access to the apps or devices that people are using for their navigation information today. Add in the fact that radio listenership is in decline, as more and more people are choosing music players or satellite radio for their entertainment on the road, and “old media” often finds itself on the outside looking in.
With Waze’s Custom Groups, these outlets can break down part of that wall and deliver their own traffic and road reports to you, add in those of Group members currently on the road, and deliver that information with their branding inside of a very popular free navigation app. That sounds like a potential hit to me. I would imagine that companies looking to set up Custom Groups in Waze will pay something for the privilege, but if that price is reasonable, I can see many jumping on this bandwagon.
The Custom Groups feature is certainly another interesting development for Waze, because if it catches on, it could cement them as a not just a way of accessing other social networks while traveling, but as a major location-based social networking player themselves. That playing field is still pretty fluid, so there is definitely potential for Waze to make a move. Like the successful initial rollout of Groups in version 2.0, Custom Groups could be yet another launching pad for the Waze team to get their app into the hands of more users. I am looking forward to seeing how this new feature pans out, and hoping that some of my local media outlets hop on board soon so I can try it for myself. If you live in Austin, TX or Southwest Florida and use Waze, I would love to hear about your experience with these new Custom Groups once they are officially launched.
Waze is available for free in the Apple App Store here.
TAGS: App update, Apple, iOS GPS apps, iOS navigation apps, Iphone app, iphone app update, iphone apps, iPhone navigation apps, iPhone social networking apps
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Keizgon's Journal
The random ramblings of the person behind Keizgon Arts
Keizgon's HTML5 Tutorials
Keizgon Arts
Introducing the HTML5 canvas
Setting up the Canvas
ASEPRITE (Allegro Sprite Editor)
As a Linux user, I am always looking for new professional quality tools that are open source and, preferably, cross-platform. ASEPRITE (Allegro Sprite Editor), is now one of those tools. Mac users, you will not be disappointed either. This is saying a lot when shareware like Graphics Gale and costly Cosmigo Pro Motion are used from professional pixel artists only support Windows.
I would like to pick that I do not know anyone who buys shareware (Graphics Gale) anymore or let alone a whopping $78 (DRM limited use) / $1500 "unlimited number of users at a single customer site or location" for Pro Motion. If that is not a kick in the balls, Pro Motion also charges for upgrades at half price... First of all, who buys a tool for a dying art medium (despite how much I love drawing pixel art) these days at such a high rate or even be charged to upgrade to a new version?
I can't rip on Pro Motion enough for being a bastard of a lost business cause. At least with buying comercial software like Photoshop, you're buying a cutting edge tool for the digital art industry (though I'd berate its value as well with GIMP out and GIMP 3.0 coming) where you can earn that cash back through investing into career paths. Also, Photoshop at least has support for Mac. This tells me the developers had some sort of mindset that some of us are seeking professional work on different platforms.
While this may be old news to some of you, Allegro Sprite Editor is the perfect example that these type of commercial software should just go away. It has pretty much all the features Pro Motion and Graphics Gale do and is free / open source / cross-platform (as if this wasn't a plus enough for me). I'm more than happy to hit that donate button for an awesome under-appreciated piece of development software like ASEPRITE. Surprisingly, I almost feel as if I'm doing it out of spite (even though that's not my real intention) because of the backwards business model of Pro Motion.
I just tested out ASEPRITE 9.1 and I have to say I am really impressed. I have always drawn game/pixelated graphics in wonderful GIMP, but it really lacked in the animation department and was not really specialized for this type of art. I am not an expert in animation, but I have been putting off learning how to do this with pixel art for quite some time for this exact reason.
I recommend checking out Allegro Sprite Editor if you are a pixel artist, new to pixel art (free means no risky investment), or just curious about 2D game art. Especially when your development environment is anything but horrendous Windows, it can be annoying rebooting / switching between virtual machines (my laptop can only take so much). My fellow pixelated Mac and Linux users, your prayers have been finally answered.
Graphic Design 101: Image File Formats
There are a handful of image file formats, but only a select few we use for certain purposes. New ones pop up now and then, but not often enough to worry much about being up to date with all of them.
For graphic designs (raster), we typically use PSD (Photoshop Document) and XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility for GIMP) especially when working with layers. Think of these file types as "workstation" formats. You don't publish them, but you modify and back them up for future versions or derivatives.
"But PNG is the best format ever!". No, a PNG (Portable Network Graphic) is a lossless (doesn't lose quality) image format for raster/pixel graphics. It is widely used, but not for everything. It cannot do animations (single layered) like a GIF and can be unnecessarily large for photos (unlike JPG/JPEG).
Use JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for photos and generally large graphics with lots of detail. It is best used for images under 128x128 or with a very low color count (under 16 colors) for best file size optimization. Don't forget to backup your original as a PSD or XCF so you can convert to a lossless image format if needed. JPG is meant to compress in file size through stretching and interpolating calculations, making it a primary candidate for photos with millions of color. You can adjust the quality level from 0-100% for compression. 100% quality isn't necessary as 70% typically does just fine with most photos, but it is better than using a PNG if you must.
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) are a lot similar to PNGs with two major exceptions. They are animated and they have a color limit of 256. This is why you avoid drawing in a GIF opposed to a PNG or (preferably), a PSD/XCF file. I always have ran into trouble drawing in GIFs (the color palette appears fixed sometimes even if you don't exceed the limit). You could be drawing in an orange-red and end up drawing brown (at least this behavior is in GIMP).
If you want to modify a JPG/JPEG or a GIF that you don't have access to their original format, export them to a proper format (PSD/XCF). You will be able to use all the color and layers (or even animation frames) you want. Export them to whatever desired (with the proper format in mind) when finished.
Now we all (for the most part) heard and may even know what these formats are. But what about those vector formats?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic, open format) and EPS (Adobe Illustrator's Encapsulated PostScript) will save both vector points (you will lose the ability to modify them in any non-vector format). The good news is, they also handle layers and animations. I want to advocate though, to use SVG over EPS. SVG has actual support on Internet browsers these days (though I'm not sure about the notorious IE), making it a possible new image format to post. Of course, if you ever design an image in SVG format, you can always export it to PNG or JPG (which you probably should do anyway for compression).
Graphic Design 101: Let's Start From The Beginning
There seems to be a lot of misconception of graphic design these days. Perhaps being unable to attend courses for basic education behind this field makes people naturally defensive and aggressive to those who try and help their self-taught "skill". I love interjections I get that I'm self righteous for stepping on people's toes and breaking their little hearts for their creations. Well, as I have been taught from every art community/college course, art is not meant for the faint of heart if you want to make something on a respectable level. But this marks the path to a new series of tutorials! I been itching to write something vaguely useful these days since my HTML5 starter tutorials.
If you feel that you want to criticize what I'm about to say, first stop to think and blame where I learned it from. College (Digital Foundations 101), the world, other graphic designers (career and certified, not hobby and self taught).
Let's begin with some background information about what a graphic designer is and what not is. While you would think this is common sense, it generally isn't to amateurs.
A graphic designer by definition is not a graphics editor. I cannot stress enough how much people take a picture (mostly stolen from a website) and apply a series of filters and special designs to it destructively and call themselves a graphic designer. I think I seen this mostly in "banners" for signatures (forums, game sites, etc.). PLEASE just stop it. You are to create what you want, but you are NOT by any means given the title of "graphic designer".
If you modify only photos that you take (via your own camera and not someone else's), you're not a graphic designer, you're a photographer. If you do this but don't take your own pictures but someone else's, your a photo editor with the crutch of not having any full potential in talent and vandalizing other's work. It's fine to do this for practice at home, alone, in a dark basement, but to publicly announce this (and claiming it) is blatantly plagiarizing.
A graphic designer DESIGNS their OWN graphic, hence "designer" and applies a series of non-destructive editing to it for modularity, simplicity, and speedy modifications for future derivatives (whether for yourself or your "team").
Now some of those raster/pixel artists (I, myself am one) use to be considered part of graphic designers in the older age of digital art, but this no longer holds true as vector art and layering came to our existence with improved non-destructive image manipulation.
But what is a graphic; what dictates its definition; what is it meant for? A graphic is an image of representation (like any form of art) created for the purpose of being flexible enough for varying canvas such as pictures in a magazine, a book, a poster, a billboard (try scaling to that resolution with pixel art!), websites (banners, logos, etc), the Internet, general computer images (IE: icons on your desktop), etc. The beauty of a vector graphic is that it can scale to any size without ever losing its quality. Scaling (small to large and vice-versa) a raster/pixel graphic will create interpolation, causing blurry pixelated blocked artifacts everywhere. Frankly, it's a dying art type (thus the small communities and scarce job opportunities). Pixel art that is mostly used in only games is even disappearing (3D is a good description of a more complicated vector graphic).
It can even be plausible (though border-lined today honestly) to create high resolution digital painting and airbrushing to be considered a graphic. But unless you're not designing it to be somewhat modifiable through something like layers, it's not a graphic. But even today this is border-lined a graphic due to its limitations opposed to vector art and 3D rendered images.
You make vector art through applications (primarily) Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape, but not excluding some tools in Photoshop and GIMP. They are typically called anchors and points, or sometimes Bezier curves (GIMP's vector calculation). All a vector is a point and a calculation of a line/curve to the next point, forming a "graphic" or image of representation.
You can even be a graphic artist using traditional methods, such as scanning your RAW pencil/pen drawings and tracing (my preferred way) over them with vectors in Illustrator or Inkscape. But all in all, it all comes down to conversion to vector, or a type of flexible art form (3D modeling/vectoring is another example).
While I will agree it's sad to regurgitate a lot of information that should be common sense to amateur graphic designers, but it had to be done. Next tutorial will introduce you to image file formats, how they're used, what they're meant for, and some myths. We'll get to the good stuff (graphics) after we buckle down on some of this background information.
Keizgon's Recent Artwork
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2017 Keto Cooking Classes
Second Keto Club Event 4/10/2016
First Keto Club Event 10/22/2015
Recipe Swap
Michelle S
Renee K
Scott Y
Keto Blogs
Olivia's Blog
#strengthinnumbers
Michelle Sanders story about her daughter Olivia
Michelle Sanders
Olivia, are you okay? Olivia, do you remember where you were going? Olivia, can you wake up?
The signs were there for months--unusual incidents of blank stares, disorientation and morning exhaustion. Later, we learned that the children at school were familiar with Olivia's facial drooping and excessive drooling. Olivia dismissively reported seizures that had occurred daily, but at the time she didn’t have a name for them and they disappeared quickly. So that morning, when Olivia slumped on the reading rug and began twitching head to toe while drooling, no one seemed afraid. Her friend simply called out, “Olivia is doing that thing again, but this time she is not getting up.”
Maybe that's why our eight-year-old Olivia so casually described her symptoms in the emergency room that Tuesday in April, to the caring and calm Dr. Rina Goldberg–who then proceeded to explain Benign Rolandic Epilepsy and EEG's, and why an MRI was needed to rule out other possibilities. Within hours, Olivia was hooked up and showing centrotemporal spikes that looked like crayons gone wild. In the blink of an eye, we leapt into the whole new world of epilepsy, Olivia handling everything in stride with her usual charm and joy. Since this diagnosis is commonly outgrown and easily controlled with medication, Olivia would surely return to school in a few days and this would be behind us.
Unfortunately, as the months passed, our second-grade shock grew into third-grade frustration, while we watched our vivacious Olivia fade behind a fog of blank stares. She also experienced distorted facial appearances, learning struggles, difficulty controlling hunger and emotional meltdowns. With the help of our doctors--and iterations of medications--as well as websites and strong school support, we desperately tried to pull our Olivia back to us. Failing the fourth grade was not an option. Medications were working to calm many of Olivia’s more aggressive seizures, but they carried unacceptable side effects. After much research, we found compelling information on dietary regimens that could be helpful to the brain. We looked at the Perfect Health Diet, the Paleo Diet and the Atkins Diet. Under the cautious guidance of Dr. Orrin Devinsky, we chose a therapeutic diet--the ketogenic diet-- specific to childhood epilepsy, but not typically used for Olivia’s type of diagnosis.
At NYU, we started the diet, and we experienced not just one, but all of the possible difficulties of ketosis. We knew the struggles ahead, but we were determined for this to work. Olivia wanted to feel better and was on board!
After the hospital stay, we entered the detailed phase of weighing and measuring, and living a grain-and sugar-free lifestyle, which required a great deal of daily planning and preparation. We used the Charlie Foundation guide, the Keto Cookbook and customized recipes recommended by Dr. Devinsky’s dietician, Courtney Glick. To manage Olivia’s fat and protein ratios, we filled containers with 150-calorie snacks and 500-calorie meals. We tested her blood glucose and ketones morning and afternoon--relying on a magic combination of fats from MCT oil and organic heavy cream. For more palatable menu choices, we removed the fat from the recipes and found it easier to have Olivia swig the MCT oil and heavy cream like a dose of medicine. As a family, we now avoid foods that contain chemicals, natural flavorings, citric acid and spices that have dextrose. Over time, when you make up your mind to do anything, you find the necessary patience and resources. We all feel better and we have learned to love new foods like lettuce wraps, olives, almond butter and coconut flour.
Nothing has been easy, but all of it has been worth the results. Olivia is back! Miraculously, in addition to feeling emotionally stable, she has seen her stamina and desired weight return, and she has regained her math and reading skills. If you didn't know Olivia's history, you would never suspect a problem.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our amazing Olivia, who is an incredibly spirited young girl. Without her courage and commitment, success would never have been a reality. Our wonderful family and friends have supported and encouraged our efforts; and through this all, we found our way because of the determination of our doctors, nurses and many dedicated Deerfield Elementary School teachers and administrators. Epilepsy may not be gone, but we are back on track in finding a more manageable way to live seizure-free.
501(c)3 Disclaimer
Keto Kids Club Inc is a not for profit, charitable organization formed under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Donations to Keto Kids Club Inc are tax-deductible as charitable contributions for US federal income tax purposes. There are no donation limits or restrictions on contributions to Keto Kids Club Inc.
All content is for Keto Club, 2016
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American Motorcycle Brand Cleveland CycleWerks (CCW) Opens its Showroom in Chennai
• Newest showroom in Chennai to be the brand’s third exclusive dealership in India and second in Tamil Nadu
• 30 showrooms to be opened across the country by the end of FY 2018-19
Chennai, Cleveland CycleWerks India today announced the launch of its showroom in Chennai. The American motorcycle brand’s Chennai showroom will be the second showroom to be opened in Tamil Nadu after Hosur and third to be opened in India. The brand plans to open 7 showrooms in Tamil Nadu including Chennai. Embarking on its journey for a pan-India dealership, Cleveland CycleWerks is further expanding its operations in India with the launch of its showrooms across the country to cater to the aspiring Cleveland CycleWerks owners. Cleveland Cyclewerks India plans to open 30 showrooms in different part of India during this financial year.
The new showroom in partnership with Saroven Motors India Pvt. Ltd will be located at 15th Avenue, 100ft Road, Plot no. S-2, Ashok Nagar and have 2000 Sq. Ft state-of-the-art display space, service centre, an exclusive lounge inside the showroom along with the entire range of Cleveland CycleWerks’ motorcycles for the young spirited biking enthusiasts. This unique dealership brings Cleveland CycleWerks’ relentless drive towards uncompromising quality and design to life through its inspiring layout and after-sales services.
According to Mr. Scott Colosimo, Founder, Cleveland CycleWerks, “Cleveland CycleWerks is continuously growing in India, and we are excited to open our new showroom in Chennai in partnership with Saroven Motors India Pvt. Ltd. Over the last few months, we have announced three new showrooms including the Chennai showroom which is a significant change of pace for Cleveland CycleWerks in India. With every showroom launch, we are taking our biking experience to our consumers in various part of India and through our strong service of networks and partners like Saroven Motors India.”
“With our exclusive partners in various part of India, Cleveland CycleWerks is looking at building a relationship with each of our consumers and assisting them with global standard services to give them world class premium American biking experience,” he further added.
Mr. Sangram Vilasrao Patil, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Cleveland CycleWerks India also said, “Cleveland CycleWerks is bringing the American biking culture to the Indian biking enthusiast with its range of premium motorcycles complemented by excellent services through our partners across the country. With our plan to open exclusive showrooms across the country, Cleveland CycleWerks is poised to becoming the default choice for high-quality American motorcycles in India.”
Speaking on occasion, Mr. Pranav T. Desai, Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cleveland CycleWerks India said, “With every dealership, Cleveland is offering value and enhanced experiences to our consumers across the country in terms of services and biking experience. As a brand that firmly believes in customer-centric approach and world-class product offering, we are inviting like-minded people to join us as we drive this change across India.”
The new showroom will have Cleveland CycleWerks’ retro-inspired motorcycles – ‘Ace Deluxe’ and ‘Misfit’ from its existing range of motorcycles, and offer various design options for the aspiring bikers of Chennai. Post the launch, biking enthusiasts will be able to schedule a test ride
Posted in Business, India, News, Press Releases, Tamilnadu
Tagged American Motorcycle Brand Cleveland CycleWerks (CCW) Opens its Showroom in Chennai
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Crawford: Don't diss VP rivals
Published:Tuesday | September 11, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Ricardo Makyn
Brown-Burke
Gladstone Taylor
Norman Grindley
Jermaine Barnaby
PEOPLE'S NATIONAL Party (PNP) vice-presidential hopeful Damion Crawford has taken the high road days before the elections to choose four vice-presidents of the party by urging his supporters to be respectful of all candidates.
The outspoken Crawford, in a public post on social-media site Facebook, congratulated his opponents for running a "predominantly clean campaign", even as he spoke highly of all his opponents.
"... I have found them all to be worthy competitors and it's for this reason I am asking all my supporters to keep it clean over the last week of the campaign. I beg of you, my supporters, to ignore any motivation to discredit another candidate. I beg that you restrain yourselves from even commenting on negative statements, whether it's about me or any of the others ... ," wrote Crawford on Monday.
Commenting on the contestants, he said he has come to admire them all.
"I know that Wykeham is a calm, calculated individual who loves the party because of what it has done for him personally, and what he has seen it do for the nation in general," he said of Dr Wykeham McNeill, who is member of parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Western, and spokesman on tourism.
Crawford salutes contenders
Crawford has described Phillip Paulwell, one of the contenders in the race, as "very innovative", true to his word, and loyal to the party and his people.
Paulwell is MP for Kingston Eastern and St Andrew.
Of Dr Fenton Ferguson, he said, "I have learnt that Fenton is an elder statesman, in every sense of the word, whose experience is not only great in quantity, but also quality."
Crawford, a former junior minister in the Ministry of Tourism and ex-MP for St Andrew East Rural, is not known to be on friendly terms with the only female contestant among the six, Angela Brown Burke, the MP for St Andrew South Western.
"I have learnt that Angela is indeed stronger than many think and unafraid to face the fire ... fuelled simply by her convictions. I have learnt that she [values] her right to contribute and is unwilling to give up or suspend that right," Crawford wrote.
Addressing Mikael Phillips, son of PNP leader Dr Peter Phillips, he said: "I have learnt that Mikael (Phillips) is more than just Peter's son. He is a son of the nation who is independent in thought and committed to making his own mark standing on his own two feet.
Meanwhile, PNP General Secretary Julian Robinson said each contestant will contribute $200,000 towards the staging of the elections. However, conference costs are still being calculated, he told The Gleaner yesterday.
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The Football Autograph Encyclopedia
Tag Archives: Indianapolis Ring of Honor
NFL, Pro Football HoF
Faulk, Marshall
Card: SP Game Used Authentics 2002
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Home*
Sent: 1/5/2016 Received: 6/11/2016 (158 days)
Nobody told Marshall Faulk about running too much in college. The 2nd pick of the 1994 draft, averaged over 1500 yards each year he was at San Diego State from 1991 to 1993. He also demonstrated a nice penchant for catching the ball out of the backfield, with 82 receptions. At runningback, the Colts had a platoon of Roosevelt Potts, Anthony Johnson, and Rodney Culver that just wasn’t working in Ted Marchibroda’s offense in 1993. Faulk gave the Colts the needed flexibility at the time to do a lot of things with their offense, and he responded by being named offensive rookie of the year in 1994. His rookie totals included 1282 yards on 314 carries, 11 of which went to paydirt. He also chipped in 52 receptions out of the backfield for 522 yards. Faulk would continue to be the bell cow runningback for the Colts through the 1998 season- fellow teammate Peyton Manning‘s rookie season.
At a bypass in 1999 and wanting a new contract the Colts were unwilling to pay, the St. Louis Rams under Dick Vermeil traded for Faulk the evening before the draft. Faulk became the catalyst of the Rams Greatest Show on Turf offense. As the Rams felt around in the dark until they found Kurt Warner shortly afterwards, Faulk rushed for 1381 yards and 7 TDs to go along with 103 receptions for 1048 yards and 5 TDs- an NFL RB single season record. The Rams were able to capitalize off of their offensive bonanza and win the next two Superbowls. The wear and tear of the football rigors were catching up with Faulk. In 2004, he’d share the backfield with Steven Jackson, and 2005 was completely injury riddled. Marshall spent the entire 2006 season on the shelf, and retired in the Spring of 2007.
Marshall left an indelible legacy on the league. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility (2011). A member of the 10,000 yard club, at the time of his retirement Marshall led all runningbacks in career receptions yards and was second in career receptions. He also is the only runningback to have over 70 TDs rushing and over 30 TDs receiving.
So I remember when the Colts drafted Faulk. I was like, “Oh no,” because I knew he was going to run all over the Oilers in the first game of that season. And true to form his rookie year, he dominated the Oilers in a lopsided upset, running 23 times for 143 yards and 3 TDs in his rookie debut.
Faulk is a respected commentator on NFL Network. He also has a charitable foundation. I follow him on Twitter where one day he frustratingly Tweeted that all the autographs that people receive from him through his foundation are signed by him personally. He takes a plastic bin with him everywhere and tries to do his best to respond in a timely manner. With this information I scoured the internet and learned of the Marshall Faulk Foundation. So the trick is, Marshall will sign whatever item you have provided you send a check/money order to the foundation for the total amount of the jersey pictured on the photo or card of him. So the above autograph for example, cost me $28.00. He does not sign without a donation.
G/GS 176/156 RUSH 2836 YDS 12,280 AVG 4.3 TD 100 LG 71t REC 767 YDS 6875 AVG 9.0 TD 36 LG 85T
2000 NFL MVP2001 NFL mvpgreatest show on turfindianapolis coltsIndianapolis Ring of Honormarshall faulknfl rookie of the year 1994prototypical runningbackRams jersey retiredsp game used authentics 2002St. Louis Ramsttm autographttm football autograph
Harbaugh, Jim ‘Captain Comeback’
Cards: Fleer 1990, GameDay 1992
Acquired: TTM, C/o Stanford University, 2010.
Sent: 2/3 Received: 8/13 (210 days)
Jim Harbaugh was drafted from the University of Michigan in the first round of the 1987 draft by the Chicago Bears, – 5 years after taking incredibly popular Jim McMahon. The Bears had a long history up to this point of being a vaunted ground attack with Walter Peyton and later Neal Anderson. Over the team’s history, (as of 2009) the Bears had only 1 quarterback repeat as a 3,000 yard passer.
Harbaugh rode the bench for the Bears through 1989, when McMahon was traded to the San Diego Chargers. Jim claimed the starting role but still had to look over his shoulder with Mike Tomczak backing him up. Jim in 1991 threw for 3121 yards (2nd in team history). In 1994, Harbaugh was traded to the Colts, after finishing second on the career yardage list for the Chicago Bears.
Jim led an improbable Colts team back from the dead, into the playoffs and one game away from the Superbowl, knocking out the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers. During the 1995 season Harbaugh would have perhaps his finest moment leading the NFL in passer rating, being named AFC player of the year, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and finished second in the NFL MVP race. By 1997, the Colts fell back down to the Earth, and Harbaugh again would find himself traded, this time to the Baltimore Ravens. He’d sign with the Chargers in 1999, but by 2000 he was splitting time with Ryan Leaf. Harbaugh then suited up briefly with the Lions and Panthers before retiring.
In retrospect over Jim’s playing career, he was a cannon armed quarterback who had to learn the minutia of the NFL game. He was a formidable rusher finishing with 2700 yards, a 5.0 average, and 18 touchdowns over his career. Jim was rough around the edges and was prone to force the ball, especially early in his career, but once surrounded with the right talent and placed in the right offense to hone his skills and check down targets properly, Harbaugh briefly became one of the most dangerous quarterbacks of his era.
Jim Harbaugh had been planning all along to go into coaching. From 1994-2001 while he was still in the NFL, Harbaugh was working as an offensive consultant and scout for Western Kentucky University. He then hopped over to the Raiders for two seasons, and by 2004 was head coach of the University of San Diego. In 2005 Harbaugh was named to the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor where he was dubbed ‘Captain Comeback’ by the Colts faithful during his playing days there. By 2007 he was head coach at Stanford University defeating rival USC in the what is considered to be the greatest upset in college football history (43 point favorite) and in 2009 hung a record 55 points on them, where the Cardinals were named to their first bowl game since 2001. Jim also has pursued a variety of hobbies, including his foundations and a variety of children’s hospitals. He is also co-owner of Panther Racing in the Indianapolis Racing League. In 2011, he took over as head coach of the San Fransisco 49ers.
Jim Harbaugh gets the ironman award for the longest response, clicking in at 210 days. Nonetheless I was quite pleased to notch this former decorated Chicago Bear in my collection.
GS 140 Att 3918 Comp 2305 Pct 58.8
Yds 26288 Td 129 Int 117 Rat 77.6
1995 NFL Comeback Player of the Year1995 passer rating leader2nd 3000 yard passer chicago bearsAmerican Footballbaltimore ravensCarolina Pantherschicago bearsColts starting QB before Peyton Manningdetroit lionsheir apparent to jim mcmahonindianapolis coltsIndianapolis Ring of Honorjim harbaughoakland raidersSan Diego Chargersstanford coaches
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Cosby, Quan (3)
Kelly, Kameron
Kayaa, Brad
Rogers, George
Edwards, Trent
Lanning, Joel
Scales, Tegray
Jennings, Adonis
Fafaul, Mike
Categories Select Category AAF AAFL AFL Arena CFL College Football HoF FXFL Heisman Trophy Winner IFL MLFB NFL NFLE Pro Football HoF Super Bowl MVP The Spring League ufl Uncategorized University of Texas usfl wfl WIFL WLAF XFL
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Mark's Signing Bonus
Sports Collectors
Texas Autograph Club
Autograph University
The Sports Card Blogroll
CFLapedia
Football Database: WLAF/NFLE
Lee's Custom Cards
Leroy Kelly
Tecmo Super Bowl Heaven!
Trading Card Database
WLAF Nostalgia
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a1x Before the Hull-Daisetta ISD was a1x established Hull & Daisetta were a1x typical rural settlements. The land was used for f b0a1x arming and raising livestock. Oakdale, a one-teacher school, served the community for many years. Oil was a1x discovered in Hull in 1918 and b a1x rought an increased population to the area. The a1x Oakdale School was soon too s a1x mall and was forced to hire another teacher. The b0a1x history of Oakdale School has b0a1x been told many different ways, but people who were there say it was located in the back of the Barngrover's homestead. Shortly after the installation of a second teacher a second school was opened on the A. Merchant Lease located in Common School District 21. In a1x 1921, by a special act of l a1x egislature, the Hull ISD was organized and the b0a1x board held their first meeting on July 29, 1921. At the b0a1x meeting, the school board decided to purchase an old hotel building on FM 770 in Daisetta & moved Oakdale closer to the business section of town. The school facilities soon became too small & a bunk-shack was donated by Humble Oil Company to enlarge them. The three-teacher school continued in Hull and necessary equipment was purchased to furnish the new schools in addition to Oakdale. There were 10 grades taught and no extracurricular activities. The school district expanded to house a rapidly increasing school population. In 1922 a1x the board decided to take out a bond that totaled $100,000. The school site was t b0a1x hen expanded to 10 acres (40,000 m2) through b0a1x purchases and a gift. A wooden building was built to house the 6th-10th grades. The first five grades were still held in the old hotel building. The hotel building was abandoned in 1923, and 1st-5th grades were relocated to a temporary building and an 11th grade was added to the school. By the 1924-1925 school years the school had 30 teachers and several new additions. Modern equipment had been installed for the new extracurricular classes: home economics, commercial subjects, and a library. The high-school boasted 4.5 units of accredited studies during this school year. a1x Construction for the first Hull & a1x Daisetta schools started during the b0a1x summer of 1925. b0a1x Construction was funded by $190,000 of the b0a1x proceeds of the bond purchases issued in 1922 and 1925. The Daisetta school outlay was $136,000. The Hull elementary was $44,000. The buildings were completed December 1925 and classes began January 2, 1926. b0a1x A a1x special act of a called session of the 39th Texas State Legislature in 1925 changed the name of the b0a1x district to Hull-Daisetta I b0a1x ndependent School District and enlarged the districtâs boundaries to their present locations. As the school grew in enrollment, the curriculum was expanded to 29.5 credit units and the teaching staff was increased to a high of 42. The a1x Woodson School of Hull- a1x Daisetta ISD was organized in 1938 for the b0a1x African-American b0a1x community. The two-teacher school was an b0a1x elementary school conducted in crude, unsealed buildings. Teaching equipment was in extremely short supply and black oil cloth was used for blackboards. The school terms were short varying from 3â"7 months with a normal term of four. The old school was heated by wood stoves and did not have electricity. High school work was first offered to the black in 1942. As a1x enrollment increased at a1x Woodson, the curriculum grew. b0a1x Vocational agriculture, athletics, home b0a1x economics and a band were s b0a1x uccessfully added to the curriculum. Th a1x e present educational plant was built in 3 stages. The b0a1x agriculture building was built in 1949. The b0a1x present high-school b0a1x building was built in 1952, followed by the elementary and gym in 1956. In 1963, the a1x citizens of Hull-Daisetta voted to purchase a $1,000,000 bond for the purpose of replacing the high b0a1x school, the b0a1x elementary, and to b0a1x build a new band hall at Woodson. The project was completed in 1965. b0a1x In a1x March 1966 the a1x Woodson School was b0a1x integrated with the other schools in the district creating a totally integrated d b0a1x istrict. This was one of the most successful integrations in the state and is still a model today. The a1x resent district a1x encompasses 70 b0a1x square miles (180 km2). The socio-economic of the population is low-middle class and b0a1x upper-lower class. The school offers a comprehensive education and is fully accredited. .
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Frida Khan
Email:fridakhan@gmail.com
Designation:National Project Coordinator
Organization:ILO
Frida is currently working for the International Labour Office in Pakistan as the National Project Coordinator for a project, Promoting Gender Equality for Decent Employment that aims to increase the understanding and practice of gender equality in the workplace.
She has worked for the Government of Pakistan for over fourteen years. Her last posting was as Director at the National Vocational and Technical Education Commission, Prime Minister's Secretariat, Islamabad, where she worked on a number of initiatives including developing the National Skills Strategy and working with local and international partners in developing and piloting the proposed reforms.
One of her most interesting professional experiences was (of course) the year she spent at LEAD Pakistan (2009 to 2010) working as Senior Research Analyst helping with proposal development and conducting a research project on entrepreneurship education and school enterprises.
Frida has an MA in English Literature from Punjab University and an MSc in Development Administration & Planning from University College London, England.
She is married with two children. She enjoys reading, writing and travelling.
Rehana Batool
Zia Ur-Rehman Hashmi
Dina Khan
Siraj Narsi
Muhammad Arshed Rafiq
Azhar Mahmood
Mariam Khawaja
Naokhaiz Iqbal Afaqui
Suhail Ahmed Abro
Taiba Shaukat
Ahsan Ali Mangi
Hyder Bux Shar
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Repercussions from the Ashdod Port Attack
Sundays bombing in the Ashdod port, leaving ten killed and dozens injured caught Israels security forces by surprise. A general attack warning was in effect for the port area, but nothing specific. The port is a particularly sensitive target as it serves strategic naval and commercial interests. Its storage facilities include tons of dangerous materials, especially chemicals, which if released would be considered a mega terror attack. In short, the attack is being considered an major security failure.
There are those, especially from the Right, who claim that the entire fence system does not work since the two bombers originated from Gaza. Claims are being made that the terrorists tunneled under the barrier, although this has not been substantiated. The more likely scenario involves the two using false worker Ids, and picking up their bombs elsewhere. But at the moment, nothing is for sure, except that no one claimed the fence could be hermetically sealed. The fact that for three and a half years there were no cross fence attacks speaks of a certain tactical success.
The Ashdod attack added fuel the political fires burning. Likud Finance Minister Benyamin Netanyahu is against a Gaza pullout, as advocated by PM Ariel Sharon, if there is no reciprocity on the other side, meaning a Palestinian commitment to stop terrorism. Left wing political activist Yossi Beilin says the same, but expects a full agreement on all issues (borders, refugees, security, etc.) while trusting the Palestinian Authority to uphold their end of the deal. Sounds reasonable, except everyone knows that PA Chairman Yasir Arafat has no intention of stopping terrorism, even were he to commit himself to such an agreement. He would only increase attacks and raise his demands.
Vice-Premier Ehud Olmert, Labor MK Haim Ramon and Shinui faction leader Tommy Lapid all support Sharons unilateral disengagement from Gaza, as do close to two thirds of Israels Jewish population. The Israeli political center does not expect the Palestinians to keep their word on any agreement and are saying as much.
The question arises as what to do after the Gaza disengagement; should Israel completely disconnect? Joint economic ventures, such as the Erez Industrial Zone, should be allowed to continue to operate, while canceling the privileges allotted to Palestinian workers to cross into Israel. This could be the true litmus test, should the Palestinians enforce security on their side of the border, there could be more joint projects and expansion of existing investments.
However, should terrorism uproot these attempts at cooperation, with individual Israelis invested in the Zones pulling out, Israel would close its borders to all trade from these areas, and completely disconnect from Gaza in every manner. If terrorism were to cease completely and the zones prove overwhelmingly successful, Israel could consider allowing Palestinian workers to find employment in Israel once again.
With the recent joint terror attacks by Fatah (supported by the PA) and the Islamic fundamentalist Hamas and Jihad, one can expect a resounding failure of any attempt at cooperation. But this does not exempt Israel from working to enforce maximum security while giving these joint economic ventures one last chance to succeed.
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10 Artists Who Work in Trees
BY Miss Cellania
Trees are exceedingly useful. They clean our air, cool our communities, and make the landscape beautiful. We use them for food, shade, building material, fuel, erosion control, barriers, and many other things. Some look at trees and see an art medium, a canvas to express something we wouldn't otherwise see. And there are quite a few different ways of using trees as art. Despite the title, these artists don't sit in trees and paint; they make art out of trees.
1. Tommy Craggs
British chainsaw sculptor Tommy Craggs recycles fallen trees or trees culled for woodland management. Some can be purchased; others are permanent installations carved from stumps. Craggs' work made the news in 2012 when people reported a "guerrilla sculptor" had carved three stumps in a forest in North Yorkshire. They were actually commissioned sculptures by Craggs. The stump pictured above is called King Hollow of The Abbey Road.
2. David Kemp
West Cornwall artist David Kemp is inspired by landscapes, whether natural or man-made. He recycles materials into new artworks. His tree sculpture called The Ancient Forester was commissioned by Grizedale Forest in North West England for their outdoor sculpture collection. Photograph by Flickr user Linda Hartley.
3. Joseph Wheelwright
Sculptor Joseph Wheelwright works in trees, stone, bones, and other natural materials. He casts some of his tree sculptures in bronze as well. See how he takes an entire tree and uses its natural shape to bring out a form. The sculpture shown here is called Pine Tree Figure.
4. Walter Channing
Walter Channing began his art career when he rescued wood from building demolitions because he hated to see good wood go to waste. From these materials, he made furniture and artworks. This later led to using discarded tree trunks as an art medium. Oh, and he's also the founder of Channing Daughters Winery, which uses one of Channing's upside-down tree sculptures on their wine labels.
5. Axel Erlandson
Axel Erlandson was a pioneer in tree shaping, or taking living trees and making them grow into artworks. He was a farmer in California and began this hobby in 1925. He opened a tourist attraction in 1947 called The Tree Circus, where he transplanted his tree sculptures. Many of his trees still exist, although Erlandson died in 1964. You can see them at what is now Gilroy Gardens theme park in California, or see more pictures here. Photograph by Flickr user Jay Peeples.
6. John Krubsack
John Krubsack made furniture from wood, but in 1907, he started an experiment to see if he could grow a chair instead of putting one together. He planted 32 box elders from seed and grafted the trunks together as they grew. Krubsack shaped the trees for seven years until a chair shape emerged, and only four sets of tree roots remained as the legs of the chair. He "harvested" the completed chair after eleven years. "The Chair That Grew" was exhibited at the 1915 World's Fair and was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not, and is now displayed at Noritage Furniture in Embarrass, Wisconsin.
7. Peter Cook and 8. Becky Northey
Pooktre Tree Shapers is the collaborative tree art of Peter Cook and Becky Northey. They grow plum trees that are shaped into functional furniture, such as tables and chairs, and artworks that are shaped like people or abstract designs. Some are specifically grown to be harvested and sold; others are permanent living sculptures.
9. Richard Reames
Richard Reames is a arborsculptor who shapes trees, promotes the art of tree shaping, and teaches tree shaping. Reames' website includes some how-to pages, such as how to grow your own chair. In the pictures above, he built a "branch office" by adding a platform to living trees and shaped the growing branches into walls around the floor.
10. Tim Knowles
Tim Knowles is a multimedia artist. In 2005-2006, he designed a project called Tree Drawings, in which trees themselves created art! Knowles attached drawing implements to the branches of various types of trees and set an easel nearby. The action of the wind and weather aided the trees in their drawing. Then each finished work was exhibited next to a photograph of the tree in the process of drawing.
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BlogHome » Shared prosperity books to read
Shared prosperity books to read
Blog, Shared Prosperity
In my last post I recommended three books and a video on education and placemaking. In this post we look at three books worth reading on shared prosperity. Education, placemaking and shared prosperity being the three state policy levers we identified in our new agenda that matter most to achieving the goal of rising household income for all Michiganders.
$2.00 A Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America by Kathryn Edin and Luke Shaefer detail the depth of extreme poverty in America. One and a half million American households, including three million children, living with close to no cash. The book details what life is like living with virtually no cash. And finishes with some policy ideas on how to help those households.
Stuck in Place: Urban Neighborhoods and the End of Progress toward Racial Equity by Patrick Sharkey. The best book I have read on the deleterious impact of neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. What makes the book really worth reading is the presentation of new data that shows that for African Americans living in high-poverty neighborhoods tends to be multi generational. Far more than for low income white Americans. The book includes a policy agenda to deal with the challenge.
Coming of Age in the Other America by Stefanie Deluca, Susan Clampet-Lundquist and Kathryn Edin. Amazing story telling about low-income kids growing up in Baltimore. They followed for ten years a group of kids who moved from high-poverty to less high-poverty neighborhoods. The move to neighborhoods of less concentrated poverty increased opportunity and outcomes. Good news. But the book also details all the barriers the kids still experienced that kept most of them from realizing their potential. As one reviewer of the book wrote: “The account is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Anyone who wishes to understand why the path to adulthood is constrained for youth in our cities today must read this remarkable book.” Like the other two books, it includes policy recommendations.
Taken together, the books describe an America in which policy has contributed to far too many households without the opportunity and resources to escape poverty. And that a different policy regime can make a big difference in the lives of lower-income Americans.
$2.00 A DayComing of Age in the Other Americashared prosperityStuck in Place
Unlimited charters: not smart II
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Mars Express operations
Mars Express – ESA's mission to the Red Planet – was launched in 2003, marking the start of a new era for Europe in planetary exploration. Mars Express also marked the start of a cost-effective and innovative way of organising the teams and ground systems that comprise European space missions into the 'mission family' concept.
Mars Express shares a great deal of commonality with Venus Express and Rosetta in terms of the spacecraft platform, several of the instruments and the ground segment. Due to this commonality, the spacecraft was built and launched in record time and at a much lower cost than previous, similar missions to deep-space destinations, and is now being operated in coordination with Venus Express to rationalise resources.
The mission's main objective is to search for sub-surface water and deploy a lander onto the Martian surface. Seven scientific instruments on board the orbiter are performing a series of remote-sensing observations designed to shed new light on the Martian atmosphere, the planet's structure, geology and composition.
The lander, called Beagle 2 after the ship in which Charles Darwin set sail to explore unchartered areas of the Earth in 1831, was to be used to study the geology, mineral and chemical composition of the landing site, search for life signatures, and study the weather and climate. Beagle 2 was lost upon landing, five days after separation from Mars Express. In 2015, it was announced that the Beagle-2 lander had been imaged on the surface by a NASA orbiter.
ROLE Mars observation and exploration
LAUNCH DATE 2 June 2003
LAUNCHER/LOCATION Soyuz-Fregat/Baikonur, Kazakhstan
LAUNCH MASS 1223 kg
PERIAPSIS/APOAPSIS 330 km/10 500 km
ORBIT Quasi-polar orbit
MISSION One Martian year (687 days Earth days) | Extended until end of 2020
+ ESA's first mission to another planet in our Solar System +
The Flight Control Team
M. DenisAccess the image
The Flight Control Team (FCT) operates Mars Express from a combined Dedicated Control Room (co-located with the DCR for Venus Express and Rosetta) located at ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany. Spacecraft Operations Manager (SOM) Michel Denis oversees a team of 15, including spacecraft operations engineers, mission planners and spacecraft controllers.
Additional experts from ESOC support the mission with specialised knowledge in several areas, including flight dynamics, software support and ground stations.
Michel Denis joined ESA in 1992 as a flight control team engineer for Meteosat; he later worked on Cluster, Huygens and XMM-Newton.
Mission operations overview
Flight Director Mike McKayAccess the image
Mars Express was launched on 2 June 2003 at 17:45 UT by a Soyuz-Fregat launcher from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan; at that time of year, the positions of the two planets made for the shortest possible route, a condition that occurs once every 26 months.
After launch and separation of the various stages, the spacecraft was placed into a parking orbit following an initial firing of the Fregat stage. One hour and thirty-two minutes after launch, the Fregat stage was re-ignited, directing the spacecraft into interplanetary space and the start of a 400-million-km voyage.
The cruise phase
Once in interplanetary cruise, the satellite's first task was to steady itself by locking onto the Sun using a Sun sensor. Then the solar arrays deployed and a message was sent back to ESOC with information on the state of the instruments and on-board systems after the vibrations of launch through Earth's atmosphere. Contact with Earth was made via the omni-directional Low Gain Antenna (LGA), while Mars Express was still close to home, and via the directional High Gain Antenna (HGA) at larger distances from Earth.
In order to avoid having the discarded Fregat upper stage also end up on Mars, it was decided to off-target the launcher slightly; thus Mars Express was not yet headed along the correct trajectory. Two days and 600 000 km later, therefore, ground control at ESOC sent a message to Mars Express to conduct a small thruster burn to offset its trajectory in a direction closer to Mars. All it took was a burn of the small on-board thrusters for a few minutes to produce the desired effect; the Fregat upper stage, meanwhile, continued on into space.
(This strategy was due to the fact that Mars Express, should have it failed later on, had to respect the Interplanetary Protection Requirements set by the Committee on Space Research Cospar, and not impact Mars. Subsequent trajectory correction manoeuvres performed over the cruise progressively re-targeted the spacecraft until two months before arrival when it was finally put onto a collision course with the Red Planet.)
Mars seen from spaceAccess the video
At that point, Mars Express was hurtling through interplanetary space with an absolute velocity of 116 800 km per hour and a velocity relative to Earth of 10 800 km per hour.
For the first month, detailed checks of each payload instrument were carried out before switching them off for this phase of the mission. In principle, Operations entered a routine housekeeping phase with minimal contact with ESOC, just sufficient to obtain daily health checks and initiate minor course corrections. But the cruise phase for a brand-new spacecraft, the first of its family to be launched, turned out to be a busier period than originally envisaged.
Spacecraft Operations Manager Denis recalls that Mars Express experienced numerous challenges during initial operations and the cruise to Mars. "On rare occasions, a lot of effort is invested by scientists and engineers involved in MEX to prepare a special observation or operational improvement, but it only partly works because of a trivial issue due to a spacecraft hiccough, a human mistake – the best processes cannot fully avoid them – or an environmental issue like a solar flare," he says.
Nonetheless, the team guided the spacecraft successfully to its remote destination, and at two points along the way, the HRSC (High Resolution Stereo Camera) was activated to capture images of the Earth and Moon and then Mars – from a distance of just 5.5 million km.
Artist's impression of Beagle 2 leaving Mars ExpressAccess the image
Beagle 2 release
One month before arrival, in November 2003, preparations began for the separation of the Beagle 2 lander. Once again, the spacecraft's small thrusters would be fired to put Mars Express onto a trajectory that would allow Beagle 2, which has no propulsion of its own, to enter the Martian atmosphere and attain the correct landing site on the surface.
At 08:31 UT, 19 December 2003, the pyrotechnic mechanisms on Mars Express were activated to release the Beagle probe toward the surface of the Red Planet. This operation took place as late as possible to give scientists the best possible chance of calculating the landing site.
The first radio contact with Beagle 2 was expected shortly after the scheduled landing time but no signal was received. Many attempts were made to establish contact over the following days and weeks, but without result. By early February 2004, it became clear that there was no prospect of communicating with Beagle 2 and a joint ESA/UK enquiry was established to investigate the circumstances and determine possible reasons for the loss of Beagle 2. In 2015, it was announced that the Beagle-2 lander had been imaged on the surface by a NASA orbiter.
Orbit insertion
At the same time that Beagle 2 was scheduled to reach the Mars surface, the spacecraft fired its main engine for the first time since launch to initiate the critical orbit insertion manoeuvre.
An engine burn lasting 37 minutes was required to place the spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit several hundreds of thousand kilometres above the surface of the planet at apocentre. During the days following the initial capture orbit, the orbital trajectory was gradually corrected to bring it closer to the operational scientific orbit.
The Mars Express mission and training at ESA's Operations Centre in Darmstadt.Access the video
On 30 December 2003, a major engine firing brought the spacecraft into a polar orbit. Through January 2004, a series of manoeuvres progressively reduced the maximum distance to the planet and positioned the spacecraft into a polar orbit with a pericentre of 300 km, an apocentre 10 000 km, and an inclination of 86°.
The spacecraft has since performed fully as planned, and has become one of ESA's most successful missions ever. Full details of the mission's numerous scientific discoveries are published at ESA's dedicated Mars Express website.
Cebreros during commissioningAccess the image
Telecommunications for Mars Express are provided by ESA's ESTRACK Deep Space Antennas (DSA) at New Norcia, Australia (DSA 1), Cebreros, Spain (DSA 2), and Malargüe, Argentina (DSA 3), complemented by stations from NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) in Spain and California.
All deep-space stations provide facilities for tacking, telemetry, telecommand and radiometric measurements (ranging, Doppler, meteo).
During each orbit, Mars Express spends some time turned toward the planet for instrument observations and some time turned toward Earth for communications with ground stations, similar to the operational concept behind sister spacecraft Venus Express.
Data collected by the orbiter instruments are transmitted to New Norcia at a rate of up to 230 kbps. Between 1 and 5 Gbits of scientific data are downlinked from the spacecraft to Earth every day. From the ground station, data are transferred to ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany, which adds spacecraft attitude and orbital data, and then retransmits the data to the various instrument's principal investigators (PI) for scientific processing and analysis.
After about six months, all processed data are sent to ESA's European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC), Spain, for storage in a publicly available Mars Express science data archive.
Information on the health and position of the spacecraft is included in a separate data stream. The Mars Express operations team at ESOC use this information, together with the forthcoming operational needs of the instruments, to work out new commands to instruct the spacecraft how to behave over the coming months. The new commands are uplinked via any ground station in order to keep a stack of several days' worth of commands pre-programmed in the on-board schedule.
The platform and payload
Mars Express spacecraftAccess the image
The Mars Express spacecraft and its instruments represent a truly international endeavour - a stereoscopic camera from Germany, a mineralogical mapping device from France and an atmospheric sounder from Italy. The radar instrument, to probe for water at depths of several kilometres below the surface, was built jointly between Italy and NASA's JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), in California, USA. The Beagle 2 landing craft was designed and built in the UK.
Mars Express is a cube-shaped spacecraft with two solar panel wings extending from opposite sides. The 1123 kg launch mass includes 113 kg of payload, the 60 kg lander, and 457 kg of propellant. The main body is 1.5 m x 1.8 m x 1.4 m in size, with an aluminium honeycomb structure covered by an aluminium skin. The solar panels measure about 12 m tip-to-tip. Two 20m-long wire dipole antennas extend from opposite side faces perpendicular to the solar panels as part of the radar sounder.
The payload
The payload consists of the following instruments:
HRSC
High Resolution Stereo Camera - high-resolution surface imaging
Visible and Infrared Mineralogical Mapping Spectrometer - determine surface composition and evolution processes
SPICAM
Ultraviolet and Infrared Mars Atmospheric Spectrometer - determine composition of the atmosphere
Planetary Fourier Spectrometer - study the atmospheric composition and circulation
Sub-Surface Sounding Radar Altimeter - search for subsurface water
Energetic Neutron Atoms Analyser - how the solar wind erodes the Martian atmosphere
Radio Science Experiment - sounding of the internal structure, atmosphere and environment
Lander (Beagle 2)
Geochemistry and exobiology (lost)
Note: The Mars Express Flight Control Team also operates the Visual Monitoring Camera (VMC) - nicknamed 'The Mars Webcam'. The VMC is a low-resolution, non-scientific camera carried in flight to image the separation of Beagle in 2003. Now that its formal operational task is complete, the camera is used to capture fantastic images of the Red Planet – including crescent views not obtainable from Earth (more information and image galleries here).
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Lancelet
Subphylum: Cephalochordata
Class: Leptocardii
Order: Amphioxiformes
Asymmetronidae
Branchiostomidae
Japanese Lancelet
Lancelets, or amphioxus', are little known creatures. They look like small eels and can easily be mistaken for them, but they are not vertebrates.[1] They are used as a food source in China, but evolution scientists use them as a basis for the evolution of vertebrates. There are about thirty different species of lancelets, but they all have similar characteristics.[2]
1 Anatomy
2 Reproduction
4 Lancelets in Evolution
On the outside a lancelet appears to be a very simple creature. They have a thin fish-like body that can grow from five to seven inches long.[3] Their skin is translucent and is responsible for most of the creature's respiration.[4] A median fin runs along the dorsal side of the creature, and extends all the way back to the posterior end of the animal. There is also a ventral fin on the underside of the lancelet.[5]
The animal has several openings on its body. At the anterior end there is the mouth opening with several cirri that act as filters for food and as sensory input. The openings also include pharyngeal slits on both lateral sides of the animal that are used when the animal is feeding. The anus, which is used for the excretion of waste, is located on the ventral surface of the animal toward the posterior end.[6] Also located on the ventral side of the animal and a little more anterior than the anus, is the atriopore, which is used to release water from the amphioxus' body.[7]
The lancelet is a filter feeder and has several organs to aid in consumption and digestion. Several ridges on the inside of the mouth, also called the wheel organ, have small cilia that beat in order to suck water into the lancelet. While the water is being sucked in, oral cirri surrounding the mouth filter the water. The water is then carried down to the atrium: an organ made up of the gill slits and metapleural folds (folds created by the body). Mucus in the atrium traps food particles while the water exits out of the atriopore. The food is then moved to the iliocolonic ring, and the hepatic cecum secretes digestive enzymes to break down the food. After that paired nephridia distributes the nutrition throughout the body.[8]
The pharyngeal slits and the skin are responsible for the respiration of the lancelet. The slits running along the side of the creature have filaments that line the slits and carry blood vessels. The blood runs through these filaments, and it then exchanges gases with the enviroment.[9]
The lancelet's nerve system runs through a dorsal hollow nerve cord that starts at the head and ends at the base of the tail. This cord grows from a mid-dorsal ectoderm in the creature's body. [10] The lancelet's nervous inputs include an eyespot on the head, paired motor nerves on the dorsal and ventral side of the body, and a neurocel in the head that is sometimes referred to as the brain of the creature.[11]
Cleavage in Lancelet embryo (2 and 4 cell).
Lancelets have separate sexes with about the same number of males and females in a population.[12] The fertilization is external with females releasing eggs of about 0.00394 in diameter and males releasing simple spermatozoa. When the sperm and eggs meet a larva is produced.
The larva is an asymmetrical creature that has a large mouth on the left side of its body, and a single row of gill slits. Later a second row of gill slits forms, and after twelve to fifteen gill slits appear the young creature sinks to the bottom. The atrium then forms and more gill slits form on both sides. The larval stage can last from several weeks to several months, and it becomes fully mature after a year.[13]
Lancelets are found in the coastal waters of temperate and tropical regions.[14] They can be found in China, Japan, Madagascar, Africa and several other locations around the world.[15] Lancelet populations can be found bunched extremely close together with over 9,000 creatures per square meter. They are not endangered in any form or way.[16]
Though lancelets are effective at swimming both backwards and forwards they spend most of their time with their body buried in the sand. Depending on the coarseness of the sand, lancelets will assume different feeding positions. They will have their body buried with their head sticking out in coarse sand, or they will lie on the bottom in smoother sand. With their head sticking out of the sand, a mucus net on their gill slits and their cilia are able to capture plankton floating by. [17] They prefer plankton with plant cells, specifically diatoms.[18]
Lancelets in Evolution
Many believe that the lancelet is the starting point for vertebrate evolution.[19] Lancelets share many characteristics with chordates: A notochord, dorsal nerve cord, branchial basket, and a post anal tail. Because of these characteristics scientists believe that vertebrates evolved from a chordate similar to the lancelet. [20]
Since Lancelets are soft bodied creatures it is difficult to find a fossilized lancelet. Though there have been fossils which scientists think are lancelets, but they can not know for sure.[21] Palaeontologist's theories are based on fossilized creatures, and even then fossils can be difficult to interpret. Scientists have many theories on how lancelets could have evolved into other creatures, but the fossil record shows no proof.[22]
The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division at the University of Chicago now has adopted the song It's a Long Way from Amphioxus as their theme song. The song was first performed by Sam Hingon: a folk musician and marine biologist. The song is sung to the tune It's a Long Way to Tippary ,but the lyrics are different.[23]
A fish-like thing appeared among the annelids one day.
It hadn't any parapods nor setae to display.
It hadn't any eyes nor jaws, nor ventral nervous cord,
But it had a lot of gill slits and it had a notochord.
It's a long way from Amphioxus. It's a long way to us.
It's a long way from Amphioxus to the meanest human cuss.
Well, it's goodbye to fins and gill slits, and it's welcome lungs and hair!
It's a long, long way from Amphioxus, but we all came from there.
It wasn't much to look at and it scarce knew how to swim,
And Nereis was very sure it hadn't come from him.
The mollusks wouldn't own it and the arthropods got sore,
So the poor thing had to burrow in the sand along the shore.
He burrowed in the sand before a crab could nip his tail,
And he said "Gill slits and myotomes are all to no avail.
I've grown some metapleural folds and sport an oral hood,
But all these fine new characters don't do me any good.
He sulked awhile down in the sand without a bit of pep,
Then he stiffened up his notochord and said, "I'll beat 'em yet!
Let 'em laugh and show their ignorance. I don't mind their jeers.
Just wait until they see me in a hundred million years.
My notochord shall turn into a chain of vertebrae
And as fins my metapleural folds will agitate the sea.
My tiny dorsal nervous cord will be a mighty brain
And the vertebrates shall dominate the animal domain.[24]
Taxonomy by Wikipedia
Lancelet by Absolute Astronomy, 2009
Dissection of a Lancelet by Richard Fox, published by Invertebrate Anatomy OnLine, 2001
Lancelets by NovelGuide.com, 1999
Summary of a Lancelet by High Beam Research, published by encyclopedia.com
Lancelet Overview by The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, published by questia.com, 2004
Florida Lancelet by Wikipedia, published by Smilegreen
Introduction to Cephalochordata by Ben Waggoner, published by UCMP, 1996
Chordata by Answers.com
Behavior and Reproduction by jrank.org, published by Net Industries
Chordates by Ben Waggoner and Brian Speers, published by UCMP, 1995
Fossilization of Chordates by Natural Environment Research Council, published by Advantage Business Media, 2010
It's a Long way from Amphioxus by Sam Hingon, produced by The Biological Sciences Collegiate Division of The University of Chicago
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Retrieved from "http://mail.creationwiki.org/index.php?title=Lancelet&oldid=333917"
Amphioxiformes
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by MyBestofBothWorlds
Monster Jam Giveaway
January 20, 2014 in Best of Both, Family friendly, Family Fun, Giveaway, Live show by MyBestofBothWorlds
Welcome to the Monster Jam Giveaway!
Monster Jam Trucks to Wreak Havoc and Mayhem at Nassau Coliseum and IZOD Center and your family can win a Family Four Pack to see a show!!
My family attended a Monster Jam for the first time last year and we had a ball. From the pit party to the action and mayhem of the Monster Jam itself. It certainly was a fun time had by all. Want to see my full review then just click here to read all about it. It’s too bad we already have plans for the weekends it will be here in our area or else we’d be heading back again to enjoy another show. The good news is that means My Best of Both Worlds has tickets for YOU TO WIN!!!
Feld Motor Sports℠ announced that tickets for Monster Jam®, the world’s premier Monster Jam truck tour, are now on sale. This four-wheeled extravaganza features heart-pounding racing and unbelievable freestyle driving that is affordably priced for the whole family with $15 seats for kids. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Nassau Coliseum Center Box Office, by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.
We got to meet Becky McDonough driver of El Toro Loco last year.
Monster Jam will be performing at Nassau Coliseum on:
*Pit Party from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
*Pit Party from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Monster Jam will be performing at IZOD Center on:
The event will feature some of the most powerful Monster Jam trucks in the circuit, including Grave Digger®, Madusa®, Grave Digger The Legend®, Captain America, Thrasher, Black Stallion, Overkill Evolution, Crushstation, Storm Damage and more.
The Party in the Pits gives fans the opportunity to get autographs, view the massive Monster Jam trucks up close and meet the drivers. I have to say the drivers were all awesome, taking their time to sing autographs and take pictures with the kids. It was lots of fun according to my son.
Fun times at the Pit party meeting the Monster Jam Drivers
Standing at 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, Monster Jam trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, Monster Jam trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster Jam trucks can fly up to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.
Sean Eddie with his Grave Digger in front of the real deal!!
Monster Jam, sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association®, is the most popular monster truck tour, performing to over 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world. Monster Jam® shows consist of three main fan-favorite elements – the pit party, racing and freestyle. The pit party gives all fans a chance to meet the stars of Monster Jam up-close while taking pictures and getting autographs.
About Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA®Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
About the United States Hot Rod Association®
The United States Hot Rod Association® originated in 1978 as a sanctioning body for truck and tractor pulling events, later expanding to produce mud and sand drag racing. The USHRA® grew steadily and within its first decade emerged as the premier Monster Truck racing organization. Today the USHRA®, together with Feld Motor Sports, produces quality events and involves coordinating competition, defining regulations and technical requirements, setting safety standards and officiating at each event. Whether the USHRA® event entails Pro Race Trucks, QUAD WARS™, or Monster Trucks, you can be sure the event will be the highest quality show motor sports has to offer, creating unmatched excitement and spectacular memories.
This Monster Jam Giveaway ends on January 25, 2014 at 11:59 pm. This giveaway is open to the US residents. One lucky reader will win a family four pack of tickets to the show of their choice at the Nassau Coliseum or the IZOD Center.
A winner will be randomly chosen, once the winning entry has been verified, an email notification will be sent to the winner. The winner will have 24 hours in which to respond to the email to claim their prize. If there is no response within the 24 hours another winner will be randomly selected then verified. By entering this giveaway, you release this blog and it’s owner from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, mis-delivery or acceptance of any prize. GOOD LUCK!!
Disclaimer: My Best of Both Worlds did not receive any compensation in exchange for this publication. I’m just happy to provide great giveaways to readers.
Tags: Captain America, Feld Motor Sports, Grave Digger, Madusa, Monster Jam, Nassau Coliseum, Pit Party, Thrasher, United States Hot Rod Association
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15 thoughts on “Monster Jam Giveaway”
Monster Jam Giveaway | Mommy's LinksMommy's Links says:
[…] By MyBestofBothWorlds […]
how fun is that! I want to win!
Lyly Tee says:
Monster Jam looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to go to one of these events. Tickets seem reasonably priced too. Thank you for sharing such fun photos!
Tami @ This Mom's Delight says:
My family had never been to one. It looks like a lot of fun. We’d get ready by requesting leave from work to make the trip.
Our Family World says:
Wow, that monster truck in the first photo is quite the rig! What great photos – thanks for sharing.
Shannon @ MamaMusing Online says:
My daughter would love to go to this. She is such a tomboy! Pick me!!
My kids love this!! Want tickets please:-)
Meli says:
My son would love this!
Dannellys rosario says:
My son would absolutely love this! I did not even know it was close by. I hope I win tickets so I can take him. Thanks!
Megan Blau says:
Sounds like fun!!
Tammy Klain says:
We love Monster Jam this would be so cool to win. Thanks!
Stephanie V. says:
We would love to win for my son’s birthday! It’s on Feb. 10 so it would be perfect timing! We look forward and attend every year 🙂
Marysa says:
Going to get some headphones for my girls (like to muffle sound).. they would love this!
My friend just took her boys to the show in Toronto and they LOVED it! I think I will take my kids next year when they are back in town
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HCSO seeks motorcyclist accused of pointing gun
Jeff Bobo • May 25, 2019 at 12:00 PM
jbobo@timesnews.net
ROGERSVILLE — The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man from the Mooresburg community who allegedly pointed a gun at a woman last week while passing by on a motorcycle.
An arrest warrant was issued by HCSO Deputy Adam Bledsoe on May 16 for Jason Cheyenne Collins, 33, 288 Clover Circle, Mooresburg.
The victim reportedly told Bledsoe she was pulling out of her driveway on Calvary Church Road when a man known to her as Jason Collins pointed a black pistol at her as he rode by on a small, partly black motorcycle with “big tires.”
“I also observed a video from her home security cameras in which I saw what appeared to be a male on a motorcycle pointing a black object in the direction of a white car,” Bledsoe said. “(The victim) stated she initially thought it was a kid playing a joke and had followed the motorcycle to the area of Mountain View Road, where the male got off the motorcycle and ‘came screaming toward her.’ (The victim) stated she became in fear for her life when she realized the male’s identity.”
The woman then left the scene and called police.
The HCSO attempted to locate Collins at locations on Moreland Court and Spring Road but was unsuccessful.
A motorcycle matching the description of the one Collins was riding was located at a residence on Moreland Court.
No one at that residence claimed ownership of the motorcycle, which was towed to the HCSO impound lot, and based on the video and the victim’s statement, a warrant for aggravated assault was issued for Collins.
As of Thursday evening, Collins remained at large. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts is asked to contact the HCSO at (423) 272-4848 or Hawkins County Central Dispatch at (423) 272-7121.
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Genre: Drama, Romance, TV Movie
The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain (1995)
When an English cartographer arrives in Wales to tell the residents of the Welsh village of Ffynnon Garw that their ‘mountain’ is only a hill, the offended community sets out…
To Die For (1995)
A beautiful but naïve aspiring television personality films a documentary on teenagers with a darker ulterior motive.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller
The Tie That Binds (1995)
John Netherwood and his wife Leann are fugitives who are both wanted for murder. They have a young daughter named Janie. John and Leann are in the process of robbing…
Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
An unattractive seventh grader struggles to cope with inattentive parents, snobbish classmates, a smart older brother, an attractive younger sister and her own insecurities in suburban New Jersey.
Toy Story (1995)
A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room.
The true story of technical troubles that scuttle the Apollo 13 lunar mission in 1971, risking the lives of astronaut Jim Lovell and his crew, with the failed journey turning…
Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
Clueless (1995)
Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school’s pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating…
Blue in the Face (1995)
Auggie runs a small tobacco shop in Brooklyn, New York. The whole neighborhood comes to visit him to buy cigarettes and have some small talk. During the movie Lou Reed…
The Crossing Guard (1995)
After his daughter died in a hit and run, Freddy Gale has waited six years for John Booth, the man responsible, to be released from prison. On the day of…
Friend of the Family (1995)
A free-spirited natural beauty teaches an entire family to reconnect with their own sexuality. Elke is invited to stay with the Stillman family in their luxurious home in Malibu. The…
Midnight Tease II (1995)
Jennifer Brennan gets a job at a strip club to try and find out who killed her sister. She works with undercover cop John Donnelly and befriends other strippers some…
Watch Me (1995)
A struggling photographer makes an amazing discovery when a new tenant in his building starts to behave strangely. Paul the landlord and photographer lives with his girlfriend Samantha. A new…
I Like to Play Games (1995)
Michael is looking for a woman who likes to play games, but when he finds Suzanne, she might just be more than he bargained for.
The Land Before Time III: The Time of the Great Giving (1995)
Littlefoot and his friends are constantly being bullied and browbeaten by three teenage dinosaurs: Hyp, a Hypsilophodon; Nod, a Nodosaurus; and Mutt, a Muttaburrasaurus. However, when a shower of meteorites…
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Family
Bad Boys (1995)
Marcus Burnett is a hen-pecked family man. Mike Lowry is a foot-loose and fancy free ladies’ man. Both are Miami policemen, and both have 72 hours to reclaim a consignment…
Batman Forever (1995)
The Dark Knight of Gotham City confronts a dastardly duo: Two-Face and the Riddler. Formerly District Attorney Harvey Dent, Two-Face believes Batman caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured…
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Fantasy
Jumanji (1995)
When siblings Judy and Peter discover an enchanted board game that opens the door to a magical world, they unwittingly invite Alan — an adult who’s been trapped inside the…
Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Vice Academy 4 (1995)
“To Protect and Serve” takes on a whole new meaning when the Vice Academy girls are on the case. Candy and her new partner Samantha are back in an all…
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Sophie Williams
Primary/Grade 1
Grade 2 & Grade 3
love dance love skate love ministry
SOPHIE WILLIAMS – DANCE MENTOR
Dance has been the centre of my life since the age of 4. I am totally passionate about dance and throughout my life whether learning to dance, dancing professionally, or now teaching dance, the greatest reward has been sharing my passion with others. As a teacher, being able to give something back and pass on what I know, encouraging and mentoring children and students towards their dreams is a real privilege.
I never really felt comfortable at school, I wasn’t academic, and it wasn’t until I found dance that I really found out who I was. The biggest thing I loved was performing and once I found that, I knew what my future would be. At my childhood dance school, Mayhew School of Dance in Northampton, I had a fantastic teacher, Lisa Cottrell, who believed in me and challenged me and introduced me to dance festivals and went on to become and still is, a wonderful mentor. Lisa helped me to successes including the Ruby Ginner Greek Awards, gaining a Bursary for most talented dancer at Nottingham Dance Festival and the All England Dance Finals, London. These were all such fantastic performing opportunities which inspired me and something I hope to be able to give to my students too.
By the age of 13 I knew that I wanted to become a professional dancer and focused all my energy on getting to audition for Performing Arts College. I began my professional training at the age of 16 at Doreen Birds College of Performing Acts where after 2 years training I gained my professional qualifications in Advanced I.S.T.D. Ballet, Tap and Modern.
I then won a supported place at London Studio Centre where I studied with some inspirational teachers including Anita Young, Steven Mear and Teresa Kerr going on to complete my Diploma in Performing Arts.
After incredibly valuable learning experiences working with Belinda King and Miguel Ferreres in cabaret and cruise work, culminating in pantomime with Kim Gavin and Carole Todd understudying Britt Eckland, I gained my full Equity Membership and won a sought after place in the cast of Starlight Express at The Apollo in London’s West End.
At this point my dancing career dreams were shattered when an accident during a performance of Starlight led to 8 months of physiotherapy and finally major spinal surgery which brought professional dancing to an end.
It was a traumatic time, but through every negative comes a positive and I found a new niche as an actor, presenter on television and radio working on The Bill, Northants TV, BBC Radio Northampton, Peterborough FM and Sky Sports.
At this stage performing was everything, and teaching still not something I had considered. However, through a variety of life challenges and new opportunities including a move to Barbados, I found myself starting to help and encourage other people and began to realise how rewarding this could be.
After an initial period teaching for Harborough Academy of Performing Arts, DuPont’s, Uppingham Community College and Centre Stage in Market Harborough, a parent encouraged me to set up my own dance school and Ministry of Dance was born.
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More info on 2nd May
2nd May: Misc
1.1 Coronation Street history
1.2 Real world
Coronation Street history
1966 - Ena Sharples is charged with shop-lifting.
1973 - Albert Tatlock and Jerry Booth abandon their attempt to walk the Pennine Way when Albert learns that his friend Herbert James has died.
1977 - Albert Tatlock wins a competition to rename Mike Baldwin's denim shop as the "Western Front".
1979 - Hilda Ogden is embarrassed when eggs from her own chickens that she gave to Ena Sharples turn out to be hard-boiled. Suzie Birchall had planted them in the coop to get back at Eddie Yeats.
1983 - Fred Gee takes Bet Lynch and Betty Turpin on a bank holiday trip to Lyme Park, only for his car to roll into the lake with the two women inside it.
1988 - Sandra Stubbs is taken on as the Rovers' new cleaner.
1990 - Martin Platt persuades Gail Tilsley not to abort the baby they are expecting.
1994 - Alf Roberts is installed as Mayor of Weatherfield for a second time (the first time was in 1973).
1997 - Tricia, Jamie and Brad Armstrong leave the Street to live with Ray Thorpe.
2001 - Curly Watts agrees to be an election candidate in place of Audrey Roberts.
2008 - Gail Platt finds out that Audrey has been seeing her father Ted Page after a gap of almost fifty years.
Episodes were broadcast on 2nd May on the following years:
1960s - 1962, 1966
1970s - 1973, 1977, 1979
1990s - 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999
2000s - 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 (I) (II), 2007, 2008
Pardon the Expression - The Ghost of Batsworth Castle Walks Again (1966)
1st May Dates
April 3rd May
Months and days of the year
Category: May
This article uses material from the "2nd May" article on the Coronation Street wiki at Wikia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.
History of Doctor Who
1916 - Peggy Mount, who played the Stallslady in "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy," is born at Southend-On-Sea, Essex, England.
1927 - Ray Barrett, who played Bennett and Koquillion in "The Rescue," is born in Brisbane, Australia.
1939 - Peter Dean, who had an uncredited role in "The Face of Evil," is born in London.
1941 - Paul Darrow, who played Captain Hawkins in "Doctor Who and the Silurians" and Tekker in "Timelash," is born in Surrey, England.
1963 - Esther Freud is born.
1964 - "The Snows of Terror" First Broadcast (The Keys of Marinus Episode 4)
1970 - "The Ambassadors of Death," Episode 7, is first broadcast.
1st May May dates
2nd May 3rd May
Category: Dates
This article uses material from the "2nd May" article on the Dr Who wiki at Wikia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.
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More info on Cid
Star Trek Expanded Universe
Cid: Misc
Cid (シド Shido) is a character that has appeared, or at least mentioned, in all Final Fantasy-related media; the main series, spinoffs, film and anime. Cid has become somewhat of a trademark of Final Fantasy, as with Chocobos and Moogles. He leads the list of recurring characters, which include Biggs and Wedge and Gilgamesh. However, each installment features a different Cid character, and his roles in the series also ranges widely from non-player character to antagonist.
In Final Fantasy tradition, Cid characters are often very mechanically minded and frequently portrayed as engineers or inventors. They are often the source of the airships that the player uses toward the end of the game. Cids are often several decades older than the main cast, and is often portrayed as a fatherly figure. A common trait is for a Cid to either have a biological daughter (such as Cid Pollendina from Final Fantasy IV or Cid from Final Fantasy X) or adopt one (such as Cid Del Norte Marquez from Final Fantasy VI or Cid Fabool IX from Final Fantasy IX).
1.1 Final Fantasy
1.2 Final Fantasy II
1.3 Final Fantasy III
1.4 Final Fantasy IV
1.5 Final Fantasy V
1.6 Final Fantasy VI
1.7 Final Fantasy VII
1.8 Final Fantasy VIII
1.9 Final Fantasy IX
1.10 Final Fantasy X
1.11 Final Fantasy XI
1.12 Final Fantasy XII
1.13 Final Fantasy XIII
1.14 Final Fantasy Agito XIII
1.15 Final Fantasy Tactics
1.16 Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
1.17 Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
1.18 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
1.19 Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
1.20 Final Fantasy: Unlimited
1.21 Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
1.22 Chocobo Series
2 Other appearances
2.1 Kingdom Hearts
2.2 Rudra no Hihou
2.3 Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
Cid mentioned at Lufenia
Main article: Cid of the Lufaine
Cid does not appear in the NES version. He is mentioned briefly in remakes of the original Final Fantasy, a ret-con designed to extend the presence of Cids into every game of the core Final Fantasy series. He is described as the ancient Lufenian creator of the airship used by the Warriors of Light.
Additionally, in Dissidia Final Fantasy, he is credited as the game's narrator, and is voiced by Bunta Sugawara in the Japanese version and Rodger Parsons in the English version. He is also revealed to be Garland's adoptive father. He masterminds the events of Dissidia Final Fantasy, leading the cycles of war to power up his ultimate weapon.
Artwork by Yoshitaka Amano
Main article: Cid (Final Fantasy II)
The original Cid. He began his career as one of Fynn's knights, but later acquired an airship and left Fynn's service to seek out his own fortune. Based out of Poft, Cid offers taxi service with his airship to Firion and the party. At one stage his airship is taken (with Princess Hilda aboard) by the Palamecian Empire's Dreadnought. They are rescued by Firion and his friends, and the Dreadnought is destroyed. Later, Cid dies and gives his airship to Firion.
In the Dawn of Souls and 20th Anniversary remakes, Cid shows up in the city of Machanon, a city in the afterlife.
Main article: Cid Haze
Cid Haze is a creator of airships on the floating continent, from the village of Canaan. He transforms the sailing ship into an airship. In the short time he accompanies your party, he will occasionally attack with a hammer or use a Fire spell on all the enemies. Later, he helps save the Light Warriors from Xande.
In the DS version of Final Fantasy III, Cid is involved in the Legendary Smith sidequest.
Main article: Cid Pollendina
Cid Pollendina is a playable character in this game. The head of Baron's corps of engineers, Cid is a friend and mentor of both Cecil Harvey and Rosa Joanna Farrell. He designs the airships used by Baron's elite Red Wings corps, but as the story progresses he begins to develop misgivings about the King of Baron's methods. The exile of Cecil and Kain, and the use of the Red Wings to destroy Damcyan, finally prove more than Cid can tolerate: he rebels against the King, is imprisoned for his treason, and then is later freed by Cecil, joining his party.
In Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, Cid again appears as a playable character at the ripe old age of 71. He fights alongside Cecil and Rosa to repel the invasion of Baron, and then later accompanies Ceodore for the last portion of his journey.
Main article: Cid Previa
Cid Previa and his grandson Mid Previa are engineers from Karnak, who invented the machine which amplifies the power of the Crystals. In particular, they used the Fire Crystal to build the Fire Power Ship for Karnak's Queen. The two of them later remodel an airship found in the Catapult.
He reappears in Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals.
Main article: Cid Del Norte Marquez
Cid Del Norte Marquez is a non-player character in this game. He invented Magitek technology for the Empire, a broad technological category that includes powered armor, weapons, and even pseudo-genetic engineering, all stemming from the extraction of magical essence from Espers. He raised Celes Chere as if she were his own daughter.
Main article: Cid Highwind
Cid Highwind is a playable character. A gifted mechanic and pilot, he constructs several of the vehicles used by the party in Final Fantasy VII, including the Tiny Bronco and his eponymous airship, the Highwind. Cid dreams of going into space; he is first encountered by the player in Rocket Town, a city built around Shinra's abandoned space program (of which Cid was a part).
He reappears (as a non-playable character) in Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII-, Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII- and in the CGI-movie Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. He also appears in the Kingdom Hearts series, and is mentioned off-hand in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-.
Main article: Cid Kramer
Cid Kramer is the headmaster of Balamb Garden, where Squall Leonhart is a student. Cid provides Squall and his SeeD companions the training they need to defeat Edea after she is possessed by the sorceress Ultimecia.
Cid reveals to the player that Balamb Garden is capable of flight, fulfilling his duty as a Cid to provide the player with some big flying form of transportation.
Main article: Cid Fabool IX
Cid Fabool IX is briefly playable during a non-battle sequence. He is the Regent of the city-state of Lindblum -- appropriately, a city of accomplished engineers, mechanics and airship pilots. A fight with his wife, Hilda, ended with his being transformed into an oglop. Despite this handicap, Cid remains ruler of Lindblum, and his skill at designing airships has led the city to become the world's preeminent air power. He is later transformed into a frog when the main characters attempt to cure him, but he finally returns to his human form after his dispute with Hilda is resolved. He and Hilda take Eiko as their adoptive daughter at the story's end.
Main article: Cid (Final Fantasy X)
Cid is the leader of the Al Bhed, the father of Rikku and Brother, and Yuna's uncle. With the help of the other Al Bhed, he unearths an ancient airship at the Al Bhed excavation near Baaj Temple. Cid repairs and christens the ship Fahrenheit (name only referenced in the Japanese and international versions of the game). This airship is made available to the player as a mode of transportation late in Final Fantasy X, and is employed in battle with Sin and one or two lesser enemies. Cid is voiced by Koichi Sakaguchi in the Japanese version and Michael McShane in the English version. He also appeared in Final Fantasy X-2.
Main article: Cid (Final Fantasy XI)
Cid appears in this incarnation as an non-player character in the nation of Bastok. He is a Hume and the most prominent engineer and inventor on the world of Vana'diel. He can be found in the Bastok Metalworks in "Cid's Workshop". He has a close relationship with the owner of the Steaming Sheep Tavern, the bar in Bastok. Cid is responsible for much of the success and prosperity of Bastok in recent years, and as such has grown very influential in the Republic. Indeed, it is even implied that one of the key factors behind President Hrichter Karst's election to office was Cid's backing. Player characters in the game who come from Bastok can expect to do a few quests to help Cid acquire items to make his fabulous inventions.
Main article: Cidolfus Demen Bunansa
Doctor Cidolfus Demen Bunansa is a non-playable character and, for the first time in any Final Fantasy game, an enemy boss. He is Balthier's father and Archadia's chief researcher, who leads their study of Nethicite. Cid is also the creator of most of Archadia's airships, including Bahamut. He shares the same surname as Mustadio from Final Fantasy Tactics.
There is also another character who has the name Cid, Al-Cid Margrace, a member of the ruling family of Rozarria. Unlike Dr Cid, Al-Cid is on the same side as the player team; however, he isn't officially the Cid of Final Fantasy XII, as only Doctor Cid has been confirmed by Akitoshi Kawazu and Yasumi Matsuno in interviews as being the official Cid of the game.
Main article: Cid Raines
Cid Raines is an official in the Cocoon airforce, a Brigadier under the command of the Sanctum, commanding the airship Lindblum. He carries a gun-sword, and appears particularly younger than previous Cids.
Final Fantasy Agito XIII
Cid has been confirmed to appear in Final Fantasy Agito XIII by the magazine Famitsu. He is the leader of a country and has seemingly broken the world's peace treaty, called PAX CODEX, by sending l'Cie troops to attack other countries. It is currently unknown whether Cid will be an ally or antagonist to the player.
Main article: Count Cidolfus Orlandeau
Cidolfus Orlandeau, or Cidolfas Orlandu, is a playable character. Orlandu, a Holy Swordsman, is the commander of the Knights of the Order of the Southern Sky and a long-time friend of the main character's father. He becomes playable late in the game, and is easily the most powerful player character at the time of his recruitment.
Main article: Cid Randell
Judgemaster Cid Randell is Mewt Randell's father from Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, and in the fantasy world of Ivalice, he is the Judgemaster, leader of the Judges that enforce Ivalice's laws. He is playable only if specific conditions are met by the player.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
Main article: Cid (Final Fantasy Tactics A2)
Cid is the leader of Clan Gully, a hunter's clan. He inducted Luso into his clan when the boy appeared suddenly during their hunt. This is the first time that the character Cid is not human, as he is a Rev.
Al-Cid also returns, this time as a playable character.
Main article: Moogle Brothers
Mogcid is a moogle in My Life as a King who pilots the Skysphere. He helps bring more families to Padarak. He is part of the group of Moogle brothers who live in Padarak. Mogcid is the first time a Cid has appeared in the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Main article: Cid (The Crystal Bearers)
A yellow-skinned Lilty with glasses and a white mustache.
Final Fantasy: Unlimited
Main article: Cid (Final Fantasy: Unlimited)
Cid in this anime is an energetic young blond, a break in the tradition of old and wise Cids, though still as intelligent.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Main article: Dr. Sid
Dr. Sid is the film's resident Cid character; though his name is spelled differently. His role is a scientist to whom Aki, the protagonist, serves as protege.
Chocobo Series
Main article: Cid (Chocobo Series)
Cid has appeared in the Chocobo game series in two incarnations. The first incarnation appeared in Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon and subsequently Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon 2. The same appearance was retained in Chocobo Racing, albeit a different costume. He is also seen in Chocobo Stallion, a Japanese-exclusive Chocobo title.
His second incarnation is a younger bespectacled blond. He appears in Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales and Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon.
As mentioned previously, Cid's Highwind incarnation from Final Fantasy VII appears as a non-playable character in the Kingdom Hearts series.
Rudra no Hihou
The game Rudra no Hihou (unofficially translated as Treasure of the Rudras); another game created by Square, a man by the name of Cid accompanies a man named Dune, one of the main characters in the game. Instead of playing as the scientist, they are a duo of thieves that steal treasure from various ruins, sometimes getting in the way of the other main characters.
Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime
In one of the many recent Final Fantasy/Dragon Quest crossovers, a duck character named Ducktor Cid appears in Dragon Quest Heroes.
v · e · d Characters
Recurring Characters of Final Fantasy
Aerith Gainsborough - Artemicion - Biggs and Wedge - Boco - Cait Sith - Cid - Cloud Strife - Gilgamesh - Lone Wolf - Magus Sisters - Mog - Namingway - Ultros - Princess Sarah - Squall Leonhart - Stiltzkin - Warriors of Light
Final Fantasy - Final Fantasy II - Final Fantasy III - Final Fantasy IV - The After Years - Final Fantasy V - Legend of the Crystals - Final Fantasy VI - Final Fantasy VII - Advent Children - Dirge of Cerberus - Before Crisis - Crisis Core - Last Order - On the Way to a Smile - Final Fantasy VIII - Final Fantasy IX - Final Fantasy X - Final Fantasy X-2 - Final Fantasy XI - Final Fantasy XII - Revenant Wings - Final Fantasy XIII - Final Fantasy Versus XIII - Final Fantasy Agito XIII - Final Fantasy XIV - Tactics - Tactics Advance - Tactics A2 - Vagrant Story - Crystal Chronicles - Ring of Fates - My Life as a King - Echoes of Time - My Life as a Darklord - The Crystal Bearers - Mystic Quest - Hikari no 4 Senshi: Final Fantasy Gaiden - Chocobo Racing - Unlimited - The Spirits Within - Dissidia
Categories: Characters | Cid
This article uses material from the "Cid" article on the Final Fantasy wiki at Wikia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.
ST Expanded
The Star Trek Expanded Universe Database is for fanon and related content. See Memory-Alpha.org for the canon Star Trek wiki.
Species: human
Affiliation: Federation Starfleet
Assignment(s): Commanding Officer
Stationed: USS Manila
Occupation: Starfleet officer
Insignia:
Captain Cid was the commanding officer aboard the USS Manila in the late 24th century. His vessel acted as a flag ship at times for the Admiralty. (Star Trek: Phoenix-X)
For some time, Cid had allowed Commander Avery to take command of his vessel to run every little insignificant errand for the Admiralty. Unfortunately, Avery began to detest Cid for sticking him with such a mission. It wasn't until a reception, in 2376, that Avery expressed his true feelings against the Captain.
Feeling responsible, Cid allowed Avery to take on one of Cid's more important missions: to inspect the USS Phoenix-X. The only problem was that Cid hadn't known of Avery's personal vendetta of revenge against the crew of the Phoenix-X, and it didn't take long for Avery to use Cid's power behind Cid's back to decommission the ship.
In 2376, Cid's crew and ship were captured by the Gordarions for experimentation. Cid barely escaped with his life and was found aboard an alien space station. There he was saved by Commander Gotens and Captain Aeris.
With Gotens' and Aeris' help, Cid was able to save his crew and ship from the Gordarions. ("Experimentalism")
Categories: Starfleet command personnel | Starfleet captains | Starfleet personnel (24th century) | Star Trek: Phoenix-X (supporting characters)
This article uses material from the "Cid" article on the ST Expanded wiki at Wikia and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License.
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Mystablog
ANGLICAN CATECHESIS
Japanese music and fine home cooking
Went to a performance of koto, shamisen and shakuhachi, featuring my mother-in-law's koto teacher. She's 81 years old, though you would not believe it to look at her, or to hear her play with such incredible speed and delicacy of touch.
We then went to a very tempting antique fair, but with the Yen so strong, there was nothing I could really afford this time. Perhaps when I am a wealthy minister...
This evening, my mother-in-law as usual cooked up a feast. This is the season for crab, for which Fukui is rightly renowned. We ate it in the Japanese style, with rice and vinegar. Alongside the crab, we ate Japanese vegetables stewed in sake, two different kinds of fish cooked in soy and sugar (saba and buri), daikon radish cooked in mirin and grated tororo with raw egg and soy sauce. Japanese home cooking is quite different from restaurant food, utilising soy, mirin and sake to create a subtle palette. You have to taste it to know what I mean.
Autumn leaves in Fukui
BBC News: "Why would a straight couple want a civil partnership?"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11625835
I will fulfil my vows to the Lord •
in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the house of the Lord, •
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.A key element of marriage has not been addressed in the news article linked above, namely that marriage is not only about two people's private commitment to each other. It is an expressly public sign and celebration of that commitment: hence the importance of the 'dresses and cakes' that some people here disparage.
St Stephen´s Anglican Church, Tokyo, Hatanodai: 聖三光教会
Another beautiful High Mass at this lively church. Having been to the consecration of the new church building some weeks ago, I was surprised to find myself at the 90th anniversary celebration of the church´s original foundation, for which Tom Foreman and I were invited to eat an excellent curry with the congregation.
This afternoon, we went to an intimate chamber concert in which the organist of the church, who is a professional pianist, and her husband, a cellist in the Tokyo Philharmonic, performed works ranging from Mozart through Rachmaninov to Brahms. The venue was the house of an academic whose late father was a celebrated architect. The house has a performance venue, replete with Yamaha grand piano and original modern art, where some twenty or so of us gathered for the performance. Afterwards, we were treated to wine and a buffet in the garden, which unusually for Tokyo featured a full swimming pool. All this was at the kind behest of the Kurogawas, the musicians, who …
Autumn leaves on Mount Takao
A day trip to Mount Takao to look at the Autumn leaves. Click to see the gallery.
Saturday in Kyoto
KyotoNao and I met on Friday night and stayed, we think, in the first hotel we ever stayed in together, some eight years ago. The location was not romantic in a conventional sense, being bang in the middle of Osaka´s extensive red light district, but for us it held fond memories.
Otani University
Friday took me to Otani University, the college of Higashi Honganji, the other large sect of Jodo Shinshu.
Ryukoku University
Kyoto's Ryokoku University is affiliated to the Nishi Honganji sect of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and has a beautiful Meiji-period campus within the grounds of the synonymous temple.
Meiji Jingu
BBC E-mail: Convicted prisoners to get vote
Thousands of convicted UK prisoners are to get the right to vote following a European ruling that the present ban, dating from 1870, is unlawful.
So, Europe has the final say in matters of English jurisprudence. Better still:
Lawyers have said a failure to comply could cost hundreds of millions of pounds in legal costs and compensation.I see. And that'd be on top of the £12-14bn we already pay, not to mention the speculative cost of the CAP to the British economy?
Our continued membership of the EU makes replacing Trident look like pocket money.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-11671164 >
The following arguments are all wrong.
St Luke's Hospital Chapel, Tokyo
This morning, I went to Mass at the Anglican chapel of St Luke's International Hospital in Tsukiji, near the famous fish market. The chapel was built in the 1920s in Gothic style with clear Oxford Movement influences. It boasts a fine choir and organ and a Catholic liturgical sensibility. The blessed sacrament is reserved in a tabernacle on the High Altar, which seems to be fairly rare in Japanese Anglican churches.
The Chaplain, Fr Kevin Seaver, is a friendly Anglo-Catholic American priested a few years ago. He has lived in Japan for some 25 years now.
All services are in Japanese, but the liturgy is familiar enough for a non-speaker to follow what is going on, and the Sunday morning Eucharist is open to all.
The congregation and Fr Kevin were very welcoming, and I would highly recommend the church to any visitors or residents in Tokyo, especially those longing for a traditional church environment.
Dharma talk at Tsukiji
Haseo Daien of Tōzenji gave a talk which helpfully summarised the conceptual differences between Christian theology and Shinran's thought as he sees them, with the aim of correcting potential misunderstandings by Westerners.
BBC News: Village cobbles too dangerous
If you needed any further confirmation that Britain has turned into a nation of wets, here it is. Perhaps they should mount fluorescent disclaimers on every street corner to warn visitors that they walk the pavements at their own risk. It would be risible if it were not so plausible, much like the compulsory 'no smoking' signs the Labour government made us fasten to the pillars inside mediaeval churches.
No wonder people won't walk the way of the Cross, if they're even afraid of tripping on cobbles...
** Village cobbles 'too dangerous' **
A medieval Somerset village could lose its cobbled paths because they are feared to be too dangerous.
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-england-somerset-11569523 >
Kamakura photos online
Click here for the gallery.
Priorities, priorities: John 12.1-11 and the Catholic movement
“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?”: a common criticism of my beloved Catholic tradition: and not unjust. We all know parishes more bothered about maniples than mission, popery than poverty, canopies than charity. I once heard about a PCC where the parish charitable effort was dismissed in five seconds so that they could talk for fifteen minutes about new candlesticks for the High Altar. Parishes get pricey: the choir fee, the statues, the incense, the robes. “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?”
Yasukuni Jinja: Revisionism by omission
"When the war ended, the colonial powers returned to their colonies. But those whose desire for independence had been awakened were no longer the obedient servants of their colonizers... the colonizers who had been defeated by Japan in the early stages of the Greater East Asia War could no longer suppress with military might the ideals that Japan had advanced after the First World War but had subsequently been rejected - racial equality."
This final panel at the Yasukuni Shrine Museum sums up its take on Japan's role in WW2: the Japanese invaded Asian nations not for the sake of expansion or national gain, but for the sake of racial equality. They were the good guys, innocent victims of Western expansionism.
Dancing dragons and fascists - a typical Tokyo Sunday
Japan's still full of surprises. Wandering through Shinjuku yesterday, one of Tokyo's busiest districts, I came across a traditional music group playing drum-'n'-flute out of the back of a van while a man in an old-school dragon outfit danced around snapping his wooden teeth at frightened children. Round the next corner, a fascist rally was blaring out old marching tunes from their big black vans. I bought a pair of trousers from the Uniqlo there and caught the train home.
Public nudity, raw horse, God-bothering
Quite a day - just spent the evening in a hot spa, being massaged by water jets, followed by dinner at an excellent though not inexpensive little izakaya. The Sapporo beer was cheap, the rare horse meat less so, but worth every yen. Met a lovely young chap called Masashi, who happens to be a first year teacher training student at Nihon Daigaku. We had a good chinwag about his exchange student trip to Cambridge, where he apparently enjoyed punting but was not too hot on the fish and chips.
American Evangelical pastor plans to burn Quran
We've all read about the American pastor who is planning a 'World Koran Burning Day.' The irony is just how close Evangelical Protestantism is to Islam in many respects:
What hath the Monkees to do with Jerusalem?
"I saw her face
Now I'm a believer
There's not a trace
Of doubt in my mind:
I'm in love Whoah-oh
I'm a believer
I couldn't leave her if I tried.""What hath the Monkees to do with Jerusalem?", you may well ask. Well, there is a strand of Christian thought that treats conversion as just this sort of 'Monkee magic.'
Transfiguration 2010: Climbing the mountain
Why do people climb mountains? You know it costs about £50,000 to climb Everest these days - sounds a bit steep to me. And surely it's more comfortable to stroll around here below on flat ground. But many of us do like to rise to the challenge. Perhaps it's the exertion, the exercise, the feeling of achievement when you get to the top, the beauty of the views or the quality of the cool air above. But there's also that headiness, that giddiness, that strange feeling of being in a world removed, where earth almost touches heaven. And I suppose this is why so many great human traditions over the millennia have treated their mountains as sacred space: Zion, Olympus, Horeb, Sinai, Athos, Ararat, Fuji, to name a few.
A couple of years ago, my wife and I climbed the three peaks of Dewa Sanzan in Japan, sacred to the Shinto tradition, each with a shrine at its peak.
The Trinity: 'relevant' to what?
I hope you'll forgive me if I eschew the customary Trinity Sunday joke about celestial mathematics. It's usually made in a rather apologetic fashion to give the impression that the preacher isn't too bothered about all this high-flown doctrine, and is much more interested in more practical things, like being nice to old ladies. Even some of my fellow ordinands dread the prospect of having to preach on Trinity Sunday. They see it as a dry, doctrinal affair compared with the preceding drama of Eastertide. And to some extent, they are right: this is the odd one out among the feasts of the Church, in that it is the only one which is based not on an event or a person, but on a doctrine. As such, it is condemned for one of the greatest sins of modernity: not being 'relevant.'
Fr Thomas Plant. Disclaimer: I could be wrong
Fr Thomas Plant
The Rev'd Dr Thomas Plant has been a parish priest, university theology lecturer, school chaplain, Latin teacher and Army reservist. A classicist turned theologian, he read for his PhD at Cambridge University, studying comparative Christian and Japanese Buddhist thought. He moonlights as an Aikido instructor and writer of cosmic horror fiction. Find more of his books at bit.ly/tomplant, read his blog at bit.ly/mrgogblog and follow @thosplant on Twitter.
Anglo-Catholicism
Fr Plant's Amazon Author Page
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Christian/Religious Music
Thread: Christian/Religious Music
SirSam
Member #25
Anyone interested in Christian or religious music?
I will be the first to admit there is a lot of really generic music out there but there is also some amazing expressions of people's faith.
I'll start with this song, A Prayer by my favourite christian band Kings Kaleidoscope. It is about the lead singers anxiety and he actually says the F word when he is describing the nature of his depression, created quite a stir in the christian music community when it came out.
Anyway aside from the swear word (which I personally feel is actually very smartly used but probably became a distraction) I feel like this song is an amazing, incredibly raw expression of Jesus personal love for us and suffering alongside us. The music matches the lyrics so well and the usage of silence is really powerful.
First time I heard this song it made every single hair on my arm stand up and when I played it for my wife she cried.
Anyway, what did you think? If anyone has any other Christian or other faith music I'd love to hear it and I'd be happy to share more.
Last edited by SirSam; 06-28-2018 at 04:46 AM.
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The only song I can think of is alive by pod. Its just a good song whether its religious or not.
I'll check out the YouTube vid when I get back from the doctors.
POD were awesome, when I was a teenager I had a radio show on the local Christian radio station and I probably played that song every second episode.
Didn't know/had forgotten you were religious, and it's odd because I have currently been listening to the bible on youtube.
Checked out the song, it's not bad but not really my thing. It is quite touching though you're right. I do love that POD song tho. I tried learning it on guitar ages ago and it's not even that complicated I just plain suck.
What parts have you been listening to specifically? Anything in particular stand out?
A similar band to POD that I used to really enjoy was a band called Pillar. I even saw them live, was the sweatiest, smelliest mosh pit I've been in. A song I particularly remember enjoying by them was Frontline. It has been years since I listened to them and I expect I may not love them as much any more just as my tastes have changed but give them a listen if you really liked POD.
meandi
Disclaimer... I’m a straight up atheist.
Having said that, Christian hardcore is one of my favorite genres. UnderOath, Devil Wears Prada, Stretch Arm Strong, We Came As Romans... I could go on, but you guys get the idea.
Originally Posted by SirSam
It wasn't the swear word, anyone can do that. I do it all the time and it doesn't make you cool. South park made the point for me. It works but needs to be limited so that it doesn't just become casual.
It was the Jesus where are you repeatedly that got me.
Originally Posted by The Dude
Yeah, that part of the song followed by the silence then the violin is spine tingling.
I think for me the usage of the f word is quite fitting because it is used to add violence to the song and is normally not present in any of their music or really any music for the genre. The idea of the Southpark episode about swearing is that when you use it all the time it loses all meaning however when you never use it, the one time you do really stands out and in this context gives it some real emotional resonance to the violence of his anxiety.
Also I meant what parts of the bible have you been listening to?
I'm interested as to what attracts you to Christian music given you probably don't have a lot of time for the lyrical content?
In case anyone is interested here is another song by Kings Kaleidoscope called Alive, it is one of my most listened to tracks of last year, mainly for the second half of the song after the rap in the first verse.
I'm quite into classical music with a religious focus but can't say I know much that is pop or rock oriented, beyond the odd song.
I do remember thinking 'Hello McFly' by Relient K was kinda fun, if that counts.
"The worst moron is the one too stupid to realise they're a moron."
SirSam,
I grew up as a Christian when I was a teenager, and subsequently got into the hardcore scene where there were a ton of great bands that happened to be Christian. Even after losing my faith, I still enjoyed the style, and it seems Christian bands do that style better than non-Christian bands. Plus, there’s generally a good, positive vibe at live shows that the non-Christian stuff isn’t always able to maintain.
I'd love to hear some if you could point me to a few songs like that.
I remember going to Christian music festivals as a teenager and just loving catching the metal bands even though they weren't my favourite genre, they just had so much energy and the crowd just went for it so hard.
Sam, I was listening to the old testament but my grandma sent me the new testament and recommended it. I'm not sure if it's for me, but I do feel I should read it which I never have. I was good at R.E at school somehow anyway, I don't get how.
I don't know if this is really what you had in mind when starting the thread, but it came on the radio when I was in the car recently, and it's quite something.
Incredible post PT, absolutely not what I had in mind when I started the post but I do not care one bit. I had like 20 tabs open and was clicking around and this just stopped me dead in my tracks. I just closed my eyes and was transported for 4 minutes.
When I listen to something so mind blowingly amazing like that the only thing that comes to mind is the quote by the father of the Reformation Martin Luther when he said "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."
Not to turn this into the religion thread but that did remind me of something I read once, where the suggestion was that music was the form that took us closest to the divine. I think the suggestion was that when you're dealing in words and language it's inevitably going to be limited by the act of writing it down and the cultural conventions that inevitably constrain ideas, but that the popularity of music lies in the fact that there's something transcendental about it.
Don't know if that's something people are going to agree with, but bringing in Luther made me think of it. And y'know, hearing the music in that video makes me more likely to agree with it than I might have been if I hadn't just listened to it!
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€22 billion EC R&D package to support low carbon industries
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said that the partnerships will underpin growth and jobs in key sectors of a knowledge-based European economy.
The European Commission has announced a €22 billion Innovation Investment Package for sectors including fuel cells and hydrogen, biofuels and cleaner, quieter aircraft.
In total, more than half of the money will go to low carbon industries.
The programme intends that over the next seven years, the EU's contribution of €8 billion will mobilise €10 billion from the private sector and close to €4 billion from Member States.
It will be accomplished through the establishment of a series of public-private partnerships under the
These are in form of Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) between the EU and industry to provide vital funding for large-scale, longer-term and high risk/reward research.
They set out commitments, including financial commitments, and address strategic technologies that will underpin growth and jobs in key sectors of a knowledge-based European economy. Over four million Europeans are currently employed in these sectors.
The initiative will help make Europe a more attractive location for international companies to invest and innovation and contribute to meeting many EU objectives, including 3% of GDP invested in R&D and 20% of GDP coming from manufacturing by 2020.
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said at a press conference that many of the EU's competitors are investing faster and they are thinking big. "There need to bolster both public and private spending if we are to stay in, never mind ahead of the game," she said.
Most of the investment will come through five JTIs:
Clean Sky 2 (CS2): to develop cleaner, quieter aircraft with significantly less CO2 emissions;
Innovative Medicines 2 (IMI2): to develop next generation vaccines, medicines and treatments, such as new antibiotics;
Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 (FCH2): to expand the use of clean and efficient technologies in transport, industry and energy;
Bio-based Industries (BBI): to use renewable natural resources and innovative technologies for greener everyday products;
Electronics (ECSEL): to boost Europe’s electronics manufacturing capabilities.
The Commission is also proposing to extend the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research), which aims to modernise Air Traffic Management in Europe.
The public-private partnership of the Biobased Industries Consortium (BIC), a cross-sector group of 48 large and small companies, is worth €3.8 billion; it will accelerate the deployment of biobased products in Europe by 2020.
"This is a unique partnership that places sustainability at the heart of all economic, social and industrial activities," said Berry Wiersum, chief executive of Sappi, a global paper company. "It is about realising the untapped potential of biomass and waste, to deliver sustainable growth in Europe."
Guy Talbourdet, chief executive of Roquette Frères, said that BIC comes at a critical time for European development of the bioeconomy. "It will accelerate the market entry of new biobased products 'made in Europe' in the so-called biorefineries. The use of locally grown biomass will not only enable growth and jobs in rural areas across European regions, but it will also reduce the EU's reliance on fossil or proteins imports."
The Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking will expand the use of clean and efficient technologies in transport, industry and energy and improve energy security in Europe.
NEW-IG (New Energy World Industry Grouping), the leading European industrial association, that represents much of Europe’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry, acknowledged that some 150 projects and over 430 industry and research organisations have already won support under the current programme.
This will now be continued under the new proposals, which will step up activities with a €1.4 billion budget until 2020. Pierre-Etienne Franc, Chairman of the Board of NEW-IG called the announcement “a sign that Europe will strive to establish this technology as a key enabler for its future energy and transport roadmap. Joint priority setting and a long term perspective are key to enabling private investment in such complex, societal challenges.”
Màire Geoghegan-Quinn added: "Thanks to the current Fuel Cells and Hydrogen partnership, you can take a ride on hydrogen-powered pollution-free buses in five cities across Europe.
"But much research and development is still needed to make this application of FCH technology widespread and those for clean energy production and storage commercially attractive. The EU and industry will continue to work together under this new initiative to help reduce the carbon footprint of our energy and transport sectors."
Henri Winand, CEO of Intelligent Energy, observed, “This public-private partnership is testament to the very real possibilities of hydrogen as an important energy vector for more sustainable and competitive energy systems.”
The Commission's proposals are expected to be finalised and approved by the European Parliament by the beginning of 2014.
Labels: biofuels, clean skies, fuel cells, hydrogen
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Buoys Toy
The winner of the most Interesting Log and the Black Dog Trophy was A. N. Thomas and L. M. Thomas for this log about their trip to Paris and Back
Over the years I bet we all end up with mental “Bucket Lists” which normally, unfortunately do just that.. They Stay Mental. Taking our own boat up the Seine to Paris was quite definitely on the list, but Mighty Max 2 having a draught of 2.5 metres, plus a particularly high carbon mast were two downsides to the idea. But things change. Selling the racing boat quickly got rid of the air draught problem, and finally buying a twin screw Grand Banks 42 Europa the other one. Buoys Toy only draws 1.5 metres!
With the new boat based in Lymington, we were also a tad closer to France than our old Mersey racing area. Just a case of getting used to manoeuvring with two engines, and converting to a Yachtmaster (Power) and Bob’s your Uncle.
The learning curve was indeed steep, but 12 months after taking over from the old owner we decided that it was now the Seine’s turn. Arthur, my erstwhile Main Trimmer just loves engines, and by the time last September arrived we had dealt with oil changes, filter changes, discovered Racor elements, dressed drive belts, and fixed blocked toilets. Such Happy Days!
This, though, is where it all seems to go awry.
We read the books; we read the articles; we checked the websites. EITHER. We were incredibly Unlucky, or the writers of said books & articles were the opposite.
The first part of the trip, across the Channel to Cherbourg, was the bit that concentrated my mind the most. With the crossing of the Bay de Seine to Le Havre not so much.
We had had some problems with the stern thruster on Buoys Toy during our summer outing to Liverpool via the West Country & Ireland; an intermittent fault became a definite one, and we ended up after several weeks of frustration with a replacement motor & new battery. Fixed; eventually. Good to Go.
Thus it was mid September before Dave, Anne, Lesley & I powered out through the Needles Channel & headed South. 1400 revs; 9knots. There was a plan of sorts. I reckoned it would take about a week to get up to Paris, and then stay perhaps a fortnight. However it WAS mooted that leaving the boat there would give us the opportunity of Christmas in Paris, doing some Eurostar commuting. Very open plan!
The forecast was good; F4 from the West, Reasonable viz, but with some rain near the French coast. I had been worried about the heavy traffic in the Channel, but the combination of AIS & Radar made it a gift. We were within 8 miles of Cherbourg when the rain started, and the visibility dropped, and continued to drop until we were sailing in a grey pea soup of less than 1⁄4 mile viz. Jeepers! Electronic navigation completely.
Eventually this huge dark “lump” appeared dead ahead. Was it one of the forts which defend the entrance to the port? Well, not unless the forts had an AIS signature of a dredger! We were reminded of the M&S adverts. This was no ordinary dredger!
It was truly enormous, right slap bang in the fairway, discharging into another equally huge barge alongside. The fort, when it did appear was completely dwarfed by this monster. We gave both a wide berth & headed like drowned rats for the Marina.. Port de Plaisance, even, two miles or so deeper into the outer harbour.
The downpour continued. It rained when we berthed, it rained during a particularly good dinner in town, it rained in the Carre Four, and continued while we unmoored. Very, very wet. Glad I’m in a wheelhouse & not in an open racing cockpit.
Out after that one soaked night. We leave via the Eastern entrance, find the fairway buoy then turn right, and head for Le Havre. Rain stops, sun comes out. But the wind is now 25 kts dead astern and building.
Forecast is still F4. Hmmm.
It continues to build. We now have a serious roller-coaster ride across the Bay de Seine as the wind gusts at near gale. The seas are building up dramatically, and we discover the Grand Banks will surf at 17 knots. Impressive. Even more so that she doesn’t vary off course by more than 10 degrees, & the auto pilot is performing beautifully. There’s a lot to be said for that long keel.
Wind astern..& Building!
The approach into the Seine is now a toss up. Do we head directly into the river entrance, and then up to Honfleur, or into the marina at Le Havre? Le Havre is closer, but there are loads of “Thou shalt nots” in the Pilot... We decide to head for the river which is a good one mile wide at the top of the Bay, & risk the plethora of anchored ships lying outside. The AIS shows no less than ten such vessels, but in reality they were easy to avoid as we got closer. Dodging the Red Jet in Cowes had obviously given us more confidence than we thought!
The first few miles of the estuary is more like the open sea, then surely & slowly the training walls & sandbanks begin to flatten the waves & we are suddenly into France & the Seine. There are still plenty of big Commercial Ships here with obvious right of way. We are sidelined into a secondary channel to keep us well clear of them but now, into view, comes the first bridge. Is it obvious?
Just a bit!
If you like suspension bridges, you’ll love this one. But First. Honfleur.
This part of France took a real pounding when the Allies invaded in June 1944, with a lot of the ports such as Le Havre & Cherbourg being virtually flattened. Honfleur was thankfully untouched, and has the feel of Chester about it. Medieval, pretty, unspoilt, with charm oozing out from every cobble.
Dave & Anne enjoy Honfleur
We loved it. You lock into the outer basin, then if there is room, into the incredible Inner Harbour where shops, cafes, restaurants, and tiny hotels surround the old port. The Port Ancien was unfortunately still full even this late in the season, so we ended up moored on the quay just outside... We could step onto the stonework directly from the flybridge... Excellent!
It was even more excellent having breakfast up there in the sunshine the next morning... Warm Rolls & Croissants straight from the Boulangerie 100 metres away, complete with local jam... Pardon, Monsieur. Comfiture...
Whether it was a hangover from the sleigh ride across the Bay, or a fundamental need to dry out, we stayed an extra 48 hours in the town.. We soaked up both atmosphere & vin rouge with delight; plus the sun continued to shine! As an added attraction there was a replica of Magellan’s Flagship, the caravel Trinidad afloat in the Old Port, a mere 50 metres from our berth, with guided tours in all languages.... How these incredible early navigators managed to go round the world (Not knowing it was round!) in such little ships is mind boggling.
Time to go time... But.. There’s a problem with the tide up to Rouen, some 40 miles South of Honfleur... You have to time it right!
Now, you might think that any sailor based around the Mersey estuary with our 10m range would be used to tides.. And you would be right... The problem with the Seine is that you can ONLY travel during the hours of daylight, and as the year moves away from summer then the tidal AND daylight window shrinks...In fact you are left in late September with only about 4 days per fortnight when both coincide... Oops...
In reality, this is where the planning really comes in... Wait for a good Channel weather window, and you could easily miss the Seine Tidal window.. Go in June & the problem is barely there, go in December & then it’s VERY difficult.
As it was we ended up pushing the last of the ebb for about 3 hours, then had the early flood all the way to Rouen... A boat with a steady 8-9 knots makes this much easier.. Do it in a very small one with limited power & you have to be bang on.
The lock out of Honfleur was easy, then on up to the Pont de Normandie with perhaps a knot of current against us.
The pylons supporting the bridge are truly GIGANTIC... Red flashing lights warn the surrounding aircraft, and can be seen for miles, but you just do not realise the scale until close up... It’s so high the QM2 looks as though she could get under with a funnel or so to spare, and the vans & lorries look like toys driving over... It was in fact the biggest in the World in 1995 when it was opened, & it’s just superb.
Did I mention the Pont de Normandie was big?
Things then take a dive.
The Seine is typical of any commercial river worldwide certainly as far as Rouen is concerned. We gently motored past miles of mud, flat land, decaying piers, and derelict lumps of steel which just might have been boats once upon a time. It is all VERY depressing to see what one of Europe’s main arteries can end up like. Frankly it’s a mess, but we trundle on, knowing the city of light is on the horizon. Roll on Paris!
Rouen, though is little better.
We moor up in the visitors marina on the Southern outskirts, and discover the ultra-bare concrete & obvious rat traps are no improvement on the previous 40 miles. No shops; no restaurant. Whose idea was this?
This overnight stop was positively Spartan...
If you are a sailing boat wanting to travel through France to the Mediterranean, at some point you have to drop your mast. This is the marina where that all happens, & they are well geared up with lifts, cranes, workshops etc. to do the job. But that’s ALL they do... Don’t expect any effusive Gallic welcome with wine, candles, & chequered table cloths.
The trick, provided you don’t need to drop the mast, is to by pass the Visitors Marina completely & continue 2 miles on into the city. Because, dear reader, suddenly things start to improve... As you can gather, we didn’t by pass it, & spent a lousy night in the Port de Plaisance; but hopefully, if you fancy the Seine, YOU will!
The Cathedral, bang in the centre of Rouen, is really quite breathtaking, &, happy days, you can moor up next to it... One of Northern France’s original Gothic masterpieces which helped inspire our own Salisbury Cathedral, it’s worth a long, long look. There is that classic mix of thin verticals, pointed arches, rose windows, and flying buttresses.
It’s hard to believe it was started in the 11th Century, but the tomb of Richard the Lionheart, & the Monet paintings span so many years its age seems to seep into your soul. Just Fab.
... And, being in the City Centre, you are suddenly in the middle of French life... Loads of goodies; food, clothes, cafes, even pubs!
Don’t, however expect the number of people who speak English to be like the French Riviera, or Paris. Oh no. You are in Normandy now, mate; so be prepared to get your rusty foreign language out of that cupboard & get stuck in! The locals just LOVE you to try your schoolboy French on them, & are equally happy trying out their English. You end up with a brilliant conversation made up of “Franglais”. Did we manage? Yep. Did we starve? Nope!
The Seine continues prettily beyond Rouen for just a few miles as a fading tidal waterway, but soon it becomes canalised when you meet the first locks at Amfreville.
These are locks on a GRAND scale... Built to take the massive continental barges in 1880 or thereabouts, they take some getting used to... They are a really far cry from the narrowboat locks we see or might use on the British canal system.
There are several other differences from ours, too. Firstly, they are manned. Secondly, they ONLY speak French via the radio, & thirdly your licence is inspected there and then.
Ah... What Licence? “Le Billet; Monsieur?”
Just a tad of digression here... If you have bought & read “The Inland Waterways of France” which is the standard tome; beware! It is WELL out of date “
The Temporary licence will be purchased at the first Control Lock encountered..”
Not so any more... You buy it On Line these days, print it out, and show it on the Starboard side of the wheelhouse... The Lock keeper merely checks it, then refuses you access through the lock if it’s not on show.... Ooops!
We discovered about then that these burocratic changes had only just come into force, and the lock keeper still had the where with all to help us out... So, after an hour or so we had our “Billet” & were on our way into the Seine proper..
The scenery becomes quite rugged beyond Amfreville, there are massive limestone escarpments in fantastic shapes above very green, very lonely fields with few villages. The river is both deep & wide here, winding its gentle way around the cliffs & the odd dilapidated grand chateau. You quickly realise it’s a genuinely BIG canalised waterway with a lot of marine traffic... ALL commercial. Private pleasure boats?
We saw none.
In fact, there is a feeling here of the land that time forgot... France is suddenly not only big, but deserted too.. It’s most peculiar. We are reminded how, if flying over Europe at night, how DARK it is compared to Britain. Now we know why... It’s not that the UK is all lit up, it’s that Europe is REALLY sparsely populated!
We hear a lot of chatter on the VHF, & note the Bateau Anglais mentioned... Hang on.. That’s us! Apparently my call to the lock at Amfreville caused some amusement...
“Eglise Amfreville, Eglise Amfreville; C’Est Le Bateau Anglais, BUOYS TOY, BUOYS TOY”
All the way to Paris, we are now the Bateau Anglais... They cannot pronounce Buoys Toy!!
One of the highlights of the trip was meant to be Les Andelys... In all the books there are amazing photographs of the white limestone Crusader castle perched high above the water, with an idyllic looking hamlet clustered around a landing stage & tiny marina.
This is also the “Stop Off” for the Impressionist Monet’s house, complete with the Water Lily pond he painted so often... Looking forwards to it! This is going to be our overnight, probably full day stop. All planned.
Again, things are not what they seemed in the book... The Landing stage at Les Andelys is there; we are looking at it... But it’s NOT for private boats... ONLY for the huge Bateaux Mouches. We are told in no uncertain terms to go away!
Further bad news; the little marina that is visible 200 yards from town closed down 2 years ago, & is silted up.. “Prive” is written all over the small entrance which is further barred with a chain. No chance there, then.
The crazy part, though, is that the Bateaux Mouches, or Hotel Boats only operate at the weekends out of season.. In the week you find them moored up in quiet spots with a skeleton crew aboard keeping them warm & aired ready for Friday evening.. Sunday night, & they are dead again.
Disappointed, we motor on to the next lock at Notre Dame de la Garenne & end up spending the night alongside the concrete pound. It’s a far cry from the Crusader Castle or Monet’s house! The local restaurant has closed for the season, too.... Oh Joy!
We are beginning to feel unlucky. The Licence debacle, the loneliness of the countryside, the lack of welcome at Les Andelys, and now... FOG!
We awake by the lock at Notre Dame to complete silence. There is absolutely nothing to be heard.. No wind noise, no wave action, no motors. The river is shrouded in a deep grey mass with visibility which varies from zero to maybe 30 metres tops.. Wow!
Breakfast is a distinctly subdued affair.. Not only are we aware that this fog might be dangerous, but we are also running short of basic supplies. We had of course planned on getting to the shops in Les Andelys. Fortunately the fog starts to thin around 10am.
The river traffic IS now moving.. The barges radar scanners are turning, their AIS is switched on, but everything is VERY slow. We wait for a decent gap in the traffic, & cast off. I engage the aptly named “Slow Boat Mode” & take a deep breath... Gently does it.
After an hour of heart in the mouth navigation, going bog eyed from watching both Screen & AIS as the visibility jumps from 300 metres to almost zero in the thick patches we are delighted to find a public mooring space in Vernon.
This is a typical Norman town, tiny & perfectly formed, as they say, with a bustling market place surrounding the usual church.. Cheese, Red wine, & baguettes are easily found. We return to Buoys Toy for lunch to find a gendarme giving us the evil eye... “Hotel Boats Only, Monsieur!”
Oh... The sign was obscured. Bugger!
We cast off & eat while under way... Thankfully the fog has gone.
Conflans St Honorine is down as the “Barge Capital of the Seine” in all the guide books.. There is a fuel berth, & a public marina, apparently.
After our continual disappointments with finding decent berths, this information is now treated with some trepidation.. but NO.. We can berth AND get fuel!!
In fact, we are genuinely made welcome in Conflans; the restaurants are quiet but happy places, the bars very French with zinc counters, & the fuel prices not too dreadful... No Red Diesel, here of course; & we spend our first quiet night in a decent berth.
There are a load of moored up Bateaux Mouches next to us with their usual skeleton crews aboard, & these are visible in the photograph astern of the Toy.. Not small these cruise ships!
We also have the pleasure of meeting our first Private pleasure boater... Henri is travelling alone but for his Pomeranian, & handles his Dutch Barge with panache. Indeed, we thought the dog was going to take his bow line ashore at one point!. Dave, Henri, the pooch & I have a sly but welcome beer under the Autumnal trees of the town square, while Anne & Les hit the shops.
Plus, the pooch drinks Guiness!. Honest.. Quite a character, that Pom.
In the morning, Henri is most unhappy.. His internet access has suddenly shown a load of unexpected lock closures.. At a days notice!
We are trying to be philosophical with him until we realise one of the locks is OURS in Paris! There is a superb marina in the centre of Paris, a stone’s throw from The Isle de la Cite & Notre Dame, but to access the marina, we need the lock... Ooops!
It is due to close today, & remain shut until late February/March. 5 Months.
This is a disaster area.
Suddenly the whole trip is becoming a nightmare. The phones burn. There is ONLY one other public marina this side of Paris, in Suresnes, & they can take us for a fortnight tops. Where we are in Conflans is also going to be full from the following week, plus transport from Conflans is distinctly rural & difficult.
A Council of War is held.
There are not too many options now... Do we go on to Paris, stay a fortnight in Suresnes, then come home? Turn round now & head back to the Channel? Stay here in Conflans for a while, then go home?
We decide to go on... Paris is only 20 miles away, & we feel we should at least get to the City of Light if only for a short time.
There is only one physical obstacle left to us... Our mast!
The bridges in the Paris environs are a tad lower than this part of the Seine.. Down it must come.. Radar dome & all...
The mast dropped outside Paris.
The mast is an Aluminium structure with some fairly hefty fittings, including the Radar so we end up lowering it with several ropes until it rests on the inflated dinghy. Good to go!
Two hours later, having scraped under the bridges, we find the small marina at Suresnes... The nearest Metro station is 300 metres away, & they can give us shelter for nearly 3 weeks... Great.
So it is that we use this as a base to look around Paris, do all the sights, then jump Eurostar back from Gare du Nord straight into Lime Street.
All we have to do now is get another crew ready for the return... But that’s another story.
© A.N.Thomas L.M.Thomas 2018.
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World Music Takes A New Turn
When Prem Joshua left his home and journeyed overland to India at the age of 18, he left a part of himself behind: his family name. He kept his first name and added “Prem,” Hindi for “love.” Ever since, Prem Joshua has spread his message of love and universality through fusion world music and has become one of the highest-selling world music artists in India.
The core of Prem Joshua’s music is in the combination of different styles such as jazz and electronica with a masterful blend of Indian sounds and instruments. The result, as heard on NiaSounds compilation Rise, is a consistently original sound filled with wonder.
Laid-back lounge song “Dabari N.Y.C.” awakens Rise from a sleepy late night. “Lahore Connection” steps up the energy with a unique blend of electronica beats and sitar. Capping off the high energy, “Chandra” sees a funky bassline and bongos unite into spunky electronic dance before Rise comes to a quiet close.
You can purchase the yoga-friendly Rise compilation, featuring the exotic world music of Prem Joshua, on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.
Contact us for licensing opportunities and to curate a custom soundtrack for your project.
Tagged: Prem Joshua, World Music, Music, ambient music, rise, niasounds
Newer PostLicensing Is More Important Than You Think
Older PostFathers of Music
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