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MONTREAL — Quebec construction magnate Tony Accurso has been arrested for the second time as police continue to crack down on alleged corruption in the industry. The RCMP says five men, including Accurso, were arrested early this morning and the charges against them will include fraud, conspiracy and corruption. They are accused of conspiring to commit tax fraud and are to appear in court in September. [np-related] RCMP allege the men concocted a 17-point plan, with help from inside Revenue Canada, to defraud the government of more than $3 million. Accurso was arrested and charged with separate crimes in April, including fraud, conspiracy and breach of trust. Quebec’s wave of corruption-related scandals began more than three years ago and is now the subject of a corruption inquiry and a focus of the current provincial election campaign. Accurso, along with Francesco Bruno, Francesco Fiorino and Adriano Furgiuele face six charges each. A fifth suspect is still being questioned by police. The issue of corruption in Quebec is the subject of a long-in-the-works official probe. A report 18 months in the making had uncovered a “clandestine empire” of collusion in Quebec’s highway construction industry. The schemes were fleecing taxpayers of hundreds of millions of dollars. Contractors who refused to play along were suffering threats, even beatings. But according to the report’s author, former Montreal police chief Jacques Duchesneau, Quebec’s then transport minister, Sam Hamad, essentially plugged his ears when presented with the findings last September. “I did not get the sense it interested him,” Duchesneau testified early in the summer at a commission of inquiry into corruption in Quebec’s construction industry. He found it hard to concentrate on his presentation because Mr. Hamad was gazing out the window, he said. “I began my presentation only to notice at a certain point that he was not even listening.” Duchesneau has since affiliated himself with the surging Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ). The Canadian Press with files from Graeme Hamilton |
On March 10, US president Donald Trump hits his 50th day in office—halfway through the crucial first 100 days. The president promised a clear list of things to get done over that period in his “Contract with the American Voter” (pdf). So, we’ve gone through that contract—a mixture of easy wins, direct guidelines, and weighty legislative ideas—and graded Trump on how well he’s doing, using a scale of his favorite catchphrases: Tremendous! = Complete success = Complete success Nice! = Good result = Good result Watch! = Looking up = Looking up Failing! = Looking down = Looking down Sad! = Disappointing result = Disappointing result Total disaster! = Nothing done Overall verdict: The new administration got off to a flying start, with a ream of executive orders that sent his opponents reeling and set in motion a decent number of his easier campaign promises. However, since then scandals about his campaign’s alleged contacts with Russia have embroiled his administration, the Democrats have impeded his cabinet nominations, and the inexperience of Trump, his cabinet, and his staff have bogged down decision-making and execution. Trump set himself targets that Franklin D. Roosevelt would have had to work up a sweat to meet. As it is, he’d do well just to pass a replacement for Obamacare by the end of his first 100 days. SECTION ONE Six measures to clean up the corruption and special interest collusion in Washington, DC Promise 1: Propose a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress Action: Nothing we know of. Republican senator Ted Cruz has proposed exactly such an amendment but only persuaded 10 other lawmakers to back it, all of them Republican. It would need two thirds of both the Senate and House to pass, so needs a lot of Democrats on side. So far, the president hasn’t been much help in supporting it. Rating: Sad! Keeping this promise would be almost impossible but Trump hasn’t tried. Promise 2: A hiring freeze on all federal employees to reduce the federal workforce through attrition (exempting military, public safety, and public health). Action: Announced a 90-day freeze on his first full work day in office (paywall). However, it is hitting the military’s hiring of civilians—making life difficult for military families. Rating: Nice! Apart from the hiccups around military hiring and the fact that there are more exemptions than promised, the freeze is working as intended. Promise 3: A requirement that for every new federal regulation, two existing regulations must be eliminated. Action: Trump has signed an executive order demanding exactly this and specifying that no new regulation can add a net cost to American businesses. He then added another executive order, calling on agencies to target any costly regulations that can be culled. Rating: Tremendous! Done and done. His opponents say the moves are harmful for workers and the environment, and 2-for-1 is certainly a crude metric—but Trump has gone beyond what he promised his voters. Promise 4: A five-year ban on White House and Congressional officials becoming lobbyists after they leave government service. Action: Trump signed a five-year ban on administration officials lobbying agencies they have worked for. However, they can still lobby other agencies, and Trump has weakened some Obama-era regulations, including on lobbyists joining the White House and former officials doing unregistered lobbying. To stop lobbying by Congressional officials, he would need Congress to pass its own ban; he has made no public attempt to do so. Rating: Failing! Trump has made improvements to some Obama ethics rules, but weakened others and made no impact on Congressional officials becoming lobbyists. Promise 5: A lifetime ban on White House officials lobbying on behalf of a foreign government. Action: Trump’s five-year lobbying ban included a lifetime ban on activity that would require registration under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Rating: Nice! This puts a big dent in foreign lobbying capabilities, though it’s not clear if there are loopholes allowing shadow lobbying or employment with government-linked think tanks. Promise 6: A complete ban on foreign lobbyists raising money for American elections. Action: None so far. Rating: Sad! Foreigners already can’t donate to US political campaigns. Trump hasn’t done anything to stop foreign citizens raising money from US citizens. Seven actions to protect American workers Promise 7: I will announce my intention to renegotiate NAFTA or withdraw from the deal under Article 2205. Action: Trump has announced these intentions on the White House website. Rating: Watch! Announcing intentions is nice, but had the bar for this promise been any lower it would be underground. As for the nuts and bolts—so far actual talks with Mexico have been disastrous. Promise 8: I will announce our withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Action: Trump made the announcement on his first full working day in office. Rating: Tremendous! Not a difficult promise to keep, but he kept it. Promise 9: I will direct the Secretary of the Treasury to label China a currency manipulator. Action: None. Rating: Sad! Trump’s actions towards China have been blundering to say the least, culminating in his humiliating climb-down on the “One China” policy—seemingly in return for nothing. Quartz’s Heather Timmons dubbed the approach “speak loudly and carry a tiny stick.” Promise 10: I will direct the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to identify all foreign trading abuses that unfairly impact American workers and direct them to use every tool under American and international law to end those abuses immediately. Action: Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross has only been Secretary of Commerce for 10 days. So far, he’s imposed a $1.19 billion penalty on a Chinese telecom company that violated US regulations by trading with Iran and North Korea. Rating: Watch! Identifying and ending “all” abuses may be a hard goal to reach. But Ross is off to a productive start, and more action may follow soon. Promise 11: I will lift the restrictions on the production of $50 trillion dollars’ worth of job-producing American energy reserves, including shale, oil, natural gas and clean coal. Action: Trump signed a piece of legislation that stopped Obama’s Stream Protection Rules, thus allowing coal companies to dispose of waste in waterways. Rating: Failing! Trump is ready to get rid of more restrictions on coal and other energy reserves, but so far progress on his “America First” energy plan has been limited. Plus, even coal executives don’t really think coal will have a comeback. Promise 12: Lift the Obama-Clinton roadblocks and allow vital energy infrastructure projects, like the Keystone Pipeline, to move forward. Action: On his fourth day in office, Trump signed two presidential memoranda to speed up the review and approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and Keystone Pipeline. Rating: Nice! Despite the protests, work on the DAPL has resumed (though those opposing it promise the legal battle will continue). But while the Keystone Pipeline memorandum demands an expedited review process, TransCanada (the company building and operating the pipeline) hasn’t yet received approval to continue construction. Promise 13: Cancel billions in payments to UN climate change programs and use the money to fix America’s water and environmental infrastructure. Action: Despite rumors that Trump is considering leaving the 2015 Paris agreement and the UN climate chief’s failure to secure a meeting with the US State Department, no action has been taken yet. Rating: Sad! Though something may happen soon. Five actions to restore security and the constitutional rule of law Promise 14: Cancel every unconstitutional executive action, memorandum and order issued by President Obama. Action: This is an impossible riddle. To be unconstitutional, an executive action would need to be struck down by a court—hence it would not need Trump’s intervention. Does he consider actions he disagrees with unconstitutional? In that case, it’d be very hard to cancel them all. Rating: Total disaster! To be kept, a promise needs to be clear. Promise 15: Begin the process of selecting a replacement for Justice Scalia from one of the 20 judges on my list, who will uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. Action: Neil Gorsuch was nominated to replace Scalia on the Supreme Court. Rating: Tremendous! Gorsuch was long rumored to be one of the top contenders on Trump’s (21-judge) list. Promise 16: Cancel all federal funding to sanctuary cities. Action: Trump signed an executive order cutting federal funds to all “sanctuary jurisdictions” that don’t comply with the federal government’s guidelines on removing undocumented immigrants. Rating: Watch! The order is set to be challenged in court—and cutting funds isn’t as quick as signing an executive order—but so far, Trump’s sticking to his promise on this. Promise 17: Begin removing the more than two million criminal illegal immigrants from the country and cancel visas to foreign countries that won’t take them back. Action: Trump wouldn’t have to “begin” removing undocumented immigrants, as Obama was already very active in deporting them. Through an executive order, Trump broadened the range of convictions that can lead to deportation, but it’s too soon to tell whether more people are in fact being kicked out. As for the second promise, it’s not clear which countries Trump was referring to; a country can’t refuse to let its own citizens back in. Rating: Watch! This was one of the main promises of Trump’s campaign, and it’s likely there will be more actions related to it. Promise 18: Suspend immigration from terror-prone regions where vetting cannot safely occur. All vetting of people coming into our country will be considered “extreme vetting.” Action: The first executive order trying to stop immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries was struck down. A second, targeting six of those countries, might meet a similar fate. Both orders leave out some of the main countries from which terrorists acting in the US have come, most notably Saudi Arabia. Rating: Failing! Any country- or religion-based ban would be unconstitutional, and it’s unlikely a court would uphold it. SECTION TWO Broader pieces of legislation to be introduced Promised law 1: Middle Class Tax Relief and Simplification Act “An economic plan designed to grow the economy 4% per year and create at least 25 million new jobs through massive tax reduction and simplification, in combination with trade reform, regulatory relief and lifting the restrictions on American energy. The largest tax reductions are for the middle class. A middle-class family with two children will get a 35% tax cut. The current number of brackets will be reduced from seven to three, and tax forms will likewise be greatly simplified. The business rate will be lowered from 35% to 15%, and the trillions of dollars of American corporate money overseas can now be brought back at a 10% rate.” Action: Precious little so far. Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin wants “very significant” tax reform by August, but even Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has cast doubt on that. Republicans are deeply divided over what they want this to look like and are crying out for leadership—which the White House is yet to deliver. Rating: Failing! Since replacing Obamacare is the priority, it’s highly unlikely tax reform will get done within the window Trump promised. That’s not to say it won’t at some point, but it will take patient and detailed negotiating within the GOP factions and with business leaders, many of whom are already hitting out at House speaker Paul Ryan’s plan. Promised law 2: End the Offshoring Act “Establishes tariffs to discourage companies from laying off their workers in order to relocate in other countries and ship their products back to the U.S. tax-free.” Action: Trump has mooted a fat border tariff on imports from Mexico and perhaps China. His spokesman, Sean Spicer, tentatively suggested a 20% tariff to pay for the Mexico border wall. Many Republicans and, unsurprisingly, industry actors hate the idea, which would probably just end up hitting the US consumer. Paul Ryan favors a more complex border adjustment tax, but his colleagues and Trump’s staff are split on it, with Trump yet to make up his mind. Rating: Watch! No one can agree, but everyone wants something. Who knows how this will turn out? Trump has broad powers on trade policy, so if and when he makes his mind up, he can happily ram something through. Promised law 3: American Energy and Infrastructure Act “Leverages public-private partnerships, and private investments through tax incentives, to spur $1 trillion in infrastructure investment over ten years. It is revenue neutral.” Action: Lots of talk and some planning has begun, but it looks likely to be kicked into 2018. Rating: Failing! The promise to get this done within 100 days is looking doubtful in the extreme. Trump has lofty ambitions for the plan and may well get some of it done one day, but will have to win over a multitude of Republican budget hawks. Promised law 4: School Choice and Education Opportunity Act “Redirects education dollars to give parents the right to send their kids to the public, private, charter, magnet, religious, or home school of their choice. Ends Common Core and brings education supervision to local communities. It expands vocational and technical education, and makes two- and four year college more affordable.” Action: No action taken. Rating: Sad! Nothing has happened in the first 50 days, but Betsy DeVos, the Secretary of Education, is still settling in—things might start moving in the next 50. Promised law 5: Repeal and Replace Obamacare Act “Fully repeals Obamacare and replaces it with Health Savings Accounts, the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines and lets states manage Medicaid funds. Reforms will also include cutting the red tape at the FDA: there are over 4,000 drugs awaiting approval, and we especially want to speed the approval of life-saving medications.” Action: Trump’s first executive action was meant to “minimize the burden” on patients of Obama’s Affordable Care Act, but the order itself didn’t include any specific measures. A bill to change some of the core elements of Obamacare (for instance the individual and employer mandates) is being discussed (paywall) in Congress, but, of the goals stated above, it addresses only the health savings accounts and the state’s flexibility in managing Medicaid. Rating: Failing! The proposed Obamacare replacement doesn’t have many fans even among conservatives, so passing it will be hard. Even if it passes, it will fall pretty short of what Trump promised in his contract. Promised law 6: Affordable Childcare and Eldercare Act “Allows Americans to deduct childcare and eldercare from their taxes, incentivizes employers to provide on-site childcare services and creates tax-free dependent care savings accounts for both young and elderly dependents, with matching contributions for low-income families.” Action: No legislation has been introduced, but according to reports Ivanka Trump has been discussing a plan with members of Congress, although she has no official role in the administration. Rating: Sad! Something might be moving on this front in the next 50 days, but so far the progress has been disappointing. Promised law 7: End Illegal Immigration Act “Fully-funds the construction of a wall on our southern border with the full understanding that the country of Mexico will be reimbursing the United States for the full cost of such wall; establishes a two-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence for illegally reentering the U.S. after a previous deportation, and a five-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence for illegally reentering for those with felony convictions, multiple misdemeanor convictions or two or more prior deportations; also reforms visa rules to enhance penalties for overstaying and to ensure open jobs are offered to American workers first.” Action: Trump did include the wall construction in his executive order on border protection. However, Mexico isn’t keen on paying for it. Initially, Trump had suggested imposing a custom tariff on imported goods, but after realizing that American consumers would ultimately foot that bill, he scrapped the plan. The latest hypothesis is a cut to the coast guard, transportation security, and emergency management budgets to cover the $21.6 billion that the Department of Homeland Security estimates it will cost. (Trump said it would cost $12 billion during his campaign.) Though an executive order targets illegal immigration, there’s been no legislation on mandatory prison sentencing. The administration has, however, started moving to make employment-based visas (H1-B) harder to get. Rating: Failing! Not only does it seem unlikely that Trump will get the wall fully funded in the next 50 days, he’s even less likely to get any assurance that Mexico will, in some way, pay. Similarly, he might be able to move forward with the prison sentencing, but there are no signs yet that he is planning to, or that he’d succeed. Promised law 8: Restoring Community Safety Act “Reduces surging crime, drugs and violence by creating a task force on violent crime and increasing funding for programs that train and assist local police; increases resources for federal law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors to dismantle criminal gangs and put violent offenders behind bars.” Action: Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to create said task force on violent crime. Funding for local police hasn’t gone up; in fact, the threat to cut off funds to sanctuary cities, if carried out, might end up reducing local police budgets. So far, there’s been no move to give more resources to federal law enforcement. Rating: Failing! The task force hasn’t yet had a chance to “reduce surging crime,” and it hardly would, since crime is not surging, contrary to Trump’s repeated claims. Promised law 9: Restoring National Security Act “Rebuilds our military by eliminating the defense sequester and expanding military investment; provides veterans with the ability to receive public VA treatment or attend the private doctor of their choice; protects our vital infrastructure from cyber-attack; establishes new screening procedures for immigration to ensure those who are admitted to our country support our people and our values.” Action: No overarching legislation has been introduced. However, the following measures have been taken separately for each pledge: Rating: Watch! This is a vast array of plans that we’re unlikely to see in one piece of legislation, but Trump has taken some level of action on all four matters with varying degrees of success. We’ll have to see how this one pans out. Promised law 10: Clean Up Corruption in Washington Act “Enacts new ethics reforms to drain the swamp and reduce the corrupting influence of special interests on our politics.” Action: No legislation has been introduced. Some of these issues have been approached through executive orders. Rating: Total disaster! Trump partially delivered some of the executive orders on ethics he promised, but has failed to meet basic ethics standards like publishing his tax returns or conducting White House ethics training. He has hired plenty of former lobbyists and Washington old hands, and been attacked for bringing in his own Wall Street “swamp dwellers.” |
Can your Python template do this? I like to imagine components of a Python web framework as personalities. Here's how I would imagine a conversation between a typical view and template would go down: View Here's that data I just looked up. Template Don't like it. View What's wrong with it? Template Format's wrong. View You can change the format if you like. Template Don't wanna. You change it. View OK. Fine. I'll change it for you. Which is why I wanted Moya templates to be very capable in processing data, but still keep them designer friendly. If the template data is sane then the template should be able to deal with it, without going back to the back-end developer. I've got to a position where I love working with Moya templates. I honestly think you can do more with Moya templates than any other Python template language (without writing an extension). So I've come up with a few (admittedly far fetched) examples of Moya templates, and I'd like to ask; can your python template do this? Render a mandelbrot set? <style> table {border-spacing:0px;} td {width:8px; height:8px;} </style> <table> {% let xsize=80, ysize=60, max_iteration=50, color=color:'red' %} {% for pixy in 1..ysize %} {%- let y0 = (pixy / ysize) * 2 - 1 %} <tr> {%- for pixx in 1..xsize %} {%- let x0 = (pixx / xsize) * 3 - 2, x=0, y=0, iteration=0 %} {%- while x * x + y * y < 4 and iteration < max_iteration %} {%- let x = x * x - y * y + x0, y = 2 * x * y + y0 %} {%- let iteration = iteration + 1 %} {%- end-while %} <td style="background-color:${color * (iteration / max_iteration)}"></td> {%- end-for %} </tr> {% end-for %} </table> © 2016 Will McGugan This is a terrible idea, but it makes for a nice screenshot. The output is 1.4 MB html file. The {% let %} tag assigns a variable, for instance {% let x = 0 %} sets the value x to 0 . You probably guessed as much. An interesting (to me at least) behaviour of {% let %} is that it evaluates all the expressions before storing them. So you can swap a variable with {% let x=y, y=x %} . Render all the dates in the current month? <ul> {% for date in .now.month_start.date ... .now.next_month.date %} <li> ${localize:date} </li> {% endfor %} </ul> © 2016 Will McGugan What sorcery is this? The .now is a request local value that contains the current date + time. It has an attribute called month_start which is the first day of the month. That has a date attribute which contains just the date. So .now.month_start.date gives the first date of the current month. The ... is an exclusive range operator, which creates a range of values between two end points. Oh, and the localize: modifier renders the date according to the current locale. Tell you how many days until XMas? {%- with time_till_xmas = datetime:'2016-12-25' - .now.utc.day_start %} <h1> ${int:time_till_xmas.days} days to XMas </h1> {%- end-with %} © 2016 Will McGugan The are date / time / timedelta objects that are essentially augmented versions of the Python equivalents. Time deltas have an intuitive syntax. For instance .now + 28d gets the date 28 days from now. By that I mean it does a date calculation (It doesn't take 4 weeks to run). Render Markdown? {% markup-block as 'markdown' %} # Markdown is awesome You *should* be able to use it **everywhere**. {% end %} © 2016 Will McGugan Also supports a number of other markup systems. Inline styles for Emails? {% premailer %} <style> .highlight { padding:16px; background-color:red; color:white; font-size:32px; } </style> <div class="highlight"> Buy my product! </div> {% end-premailer %} © 2016 Will McGugan Because email clients don't like style tags or external stylesheets. The {% premailer %} tag inlines them for you. Work with colors? {% let start = color:'lime' %} {% let end = color:'#0000ff' %} {% for i in 1..100 %} {% let color = start + (end - start) * (i / 100) %} <div style="background-color:${color};font-size:12px;"> ${color.rgb} </div> {% end-for %} © 2016 Will McGugan The color object lets you do color manipulation that you couldn't do without some kind of pre-processor. It does tread on the toes of CSS pre-processors somewhat. But its there if you need it. Inspect template data? {% inspect dict:.now %} © 2016 Will McGugan Handy for debugging, the {% inspect %} tag summarizes any template variable (request, database object etc) in the output. Here we see all the properties of a date/time object. Get the current price of Bitcoin {% cache for 10m %} <ul> {% for k, v in sorted:items:parsejson:get:"https://www.bitstamp.net/api/ticker/" %} <li><b>${k}</b> ${v} {% endfor %} </ul> {% end-cache %} © 2016 Will McGugan Got to keep an eye on my retirement fund. The get: modifier does a HTTP GET to a URL. In practice it's not something I would recommend, as it's a blocking operation, and connectivity issues could cause it to fail. That one might be best left to the view. Tell you exactly where the error is? A cryptic error message can cost you minutes fixing a bug. If you are iterating quickly, it could add up to an hour or more in a day. Which is why Moya templates are fanatical about error reporting. © 2016 Will McGugan Clear error messages that tell you what and where the problem is. If your template is nested, i.e. included from another template, the error messages will show you the full include stack. And more often or not, there is a diagnosis that tells you how to fix the issue. You can check out Moya on Github. |
A female firefighter in Toronto is coming forward with allegations of years of harassment and discrimination while she worked as a firefighter for Toronto Fire Services. Jamie Wilson says she was punched at work by a male colleague on multiple occasions. And she says her platoon chief told her she better have "brought her birth control because [she] just got f--ked." History of abuse with Toronto Fire Services Wilson became a firefighter in 2006. "Even when I passed the three-year mark, I kept thinking it would get better," Wilson told the fifth estate's Mark Kelley. "I made it up to seven years and it never really did." She said the harassment went on for nearly 10 years. When she complained of harassment in 2008, she says she was moved to another fire hall. Then, when her gear was tampered with, she says she was moved yet again to another fire hall. By 2010, she arrived at one of the busiest stations in the City of Toronto, but she says she arrived with a reputation. Frank Ramagnano, president of the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association, said, "we haven't treated her [Wilson] any different than any other member." "The platoon chief said to me when I got to that hall: 'I hope you brought your birth control because you just got f--ked,' meaning now you're here, and I hear you complained in the past," Wilson told the fifth estate. "The platoon chief said to me when I got to that hall: 'I hope you brought your birth control because you just got f--ked,' meaning now you're here, and I hear you complained in the past," Wilson told the fifth estate. It would all come to a head in 2013 when she says she was punched on several occasions by a male colleague. She says she was so afraid of him and didn't feel that she had support from her co-workers that she slept on a mat in the female washroom on overnight shifts. "I was just so terrified to be near him," Wilson told the fifth estate. By the fall of 2013, the City of Toronto hired an external lawyer to investigate the assault allegations relating to Wilson, as well as harassment complaints involving 24 other male firefighters. The investigation took nine months to complete. It revealed inappropriate comments were made, and confirmed that Wilson was punched on one occasion. The investigator downplayed Wilson's claims, and concluded that her colleagues were simply kidding around. However, the investigator added in her report that many of the firefighters she spoke to "were coached prior to their interviews with me." The investigator concluded many of the individuals "were not as honest and forthcoming as the investigation required." Union troubles Even after the investigation was complete, the union took six more months to file a grievance. She eventually had to hire her own lawyer, who wrote to the union representing Toronto firefighters urging them to file a grievance on Wilson's behalf. Niiti Simmonds says she wrote several letters and made numerous phone calls in an effort to put pressure on the union. She says not everyone in the union was on Jamie's side. "Some of them think that the core job of the union is to protect firefighters from complaints and to stop firefighters from losing their jobs or pay or seniority, and don't really think that investigating or dealing with human rights issues is the core part of what the union is supposed to be doing," Simmonds told the fifth estate. It would take almost two years for the union to file a grievance on Wilson's behalf. Toronto Fire Services tweet Wilson says that's in stark contrast to what happened in 2013 when the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association took up the cause of three men fired by the City of Toronto for breaches in the city's social media policy. One of the men tweeted: "I'd never let a woman kick my ass. If she tried something I'd be like. 'Hey, you! Get your bitch ass back in the kitchen and make me some pie!" "They fought for those members. They filed grievances immediately and they had multiple arbitration dates, and two of them were rehired. They fought for them all the way," says Wilson. "They fought for those members. They filed grievances immediately and they had multiple arbitration dates, and two of them were rehired. They fought for them all the way," says Wilson. Frank Ramagnano is the president of the Toronto Professional Firefighters Association. "I was so proud of being a firefighter," Wilson said. "I do love the job, but there's just all the discrimination and retaliation … I just can't go back." He says in terms of how the association has conducted itself, "we haven't treated her any different than any other member." But Ramagnano minimized Wilson's claim that she was assaulted. "I punch my son. No one would say that's abuse. It all depends on the type, so I think you have to be careful when you generalize saying that she was punched." Simmonds says this case should be a wakeup call for the union and the city. "It's not just the union's role to prevent systemic discrimination. It's the employer's job," she says. "And what we want is for Jamie and the union to be working together to get the employer to change the work environment because they're the one with the power to make fundamental changes in the workplace." Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales refused to comment for this story. Problems across the country Wilson's struggle has played out in fire halls across Canada for decades. Last fall, an investigation by the fifth estate uncovered dozens of complaints from female firefighters who said they were harassed, bullied, and physically and sexually assaulted by their male colleagues. Jennifer Pernfuss is a coach and consultant on respect in the workplace. She's been hired by fire services across Canada, and says there is a "beast within the fire service" that is harming both women and men. "In its extreme form, it's violence against women," Pernfuss told the fifth estate. "There is violence against men as well." "In its less extreme form … [it's] harassment, bullying, discrimination that is causing psychological and physical harm to firefighters." Jennifer Pernfuss says female fighters can't count on their male colleagues to support them in cases of discrimination. "It's not unusual," she says. "Bystanders to this kind of conduct don't speak up because they themselves fear reprisal, and again that is justified because they will pay a price for taking on the perpetrators." She says it creates a culture of silence. Jamie Wilson now In September, the City of Toronto offered Wilson a job with fire prevention. But Wilson said that after all she's been through, she doesn't want anything to do with the fire service. She says she just wants another job working for the City of Toronto. "I was so proud of being a firefighter," Wilson said. "I do love the job, but there's just all the discrimination and retaliation … I just can't go back." Wilson has moved back in with her parents. And she has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. "I became more and more isolated and I became afraid to go outside, so I was agoraphobic basically," she said. "I kept working with my therapist, and just kept exposing myself to crowds and going out and riding the subway, but it just felt like somebody was going to physically assault me," she says. Despite all that's happened, she feels it's important to speak out. "I am optimistic that speaking about this. Even if it inspires one other person to come out of that horrible place where I was at where I felt so alone and unable to speak up, if it helps somebody else come out of their misery, then it's worth it," she said. "I don't want anyone else to experience what I experienced." |
From Costa Rica's Great Balls to Death Valley's wandering rocks: The 10 bizarre phenomena that still have scientists baffled Great balls of Costa Rica date back to 600AD yet their purpose is unknown In Serbia and Japan, frogs and other wildlife are said to fall from the sky Stones slide across the ground under a mysterious force in California While no one knows how vast shapes appeared in Peruvian sand Scientists have spent centuries uncovering the many mysteries of the natural world, yet some phenomena still baffle even the sharpest of scientific minds. From strange lights in the sky following earthquakes to rocks that spontaneously glide across the ground, these naturally-occurring events from around the world seem to have no purpose or meaning. Science Uncovered's Hayley Birch has compiled a list of the top 10 most strange, cryptic and incredible naturally-occurring events from around the world. Scroll down for video For mystery, controversy and epic scale, nothing beats earthquake lights - the unexplained illuminations in the sky that can accompany a seismic shudder. The various theories include heat caused by friction, radon gas and piezoelectricity - an electric charge accumulating in quartz rocks as tectonic plates move 1. EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS: Ethereal lights that appear in the sky before and during a quake For mystery, controversy and epic scale, nothing beats earthquake lights - the unexplained illuminations in the sky that can accompany a seismic shudder. The mystery: what causes them? The controversy: do they even exist? And the epic status? Well, it’s like an earthquake and a lightning storm all rolled into one. It’s beyond Biblical. The original article appears in issue 2 of the brand new science magazine, Science Uncovered, on sale now Italian physicist Cristiano Ferugia assembled a complete account of earthquake light reports dating back to 2000BC. For a long time, however, geoscientists remained sceptical about the strange phenomenon. It wasn’t until 1966 that hard evidence emerged, in the form of photos from the Matsushiro earthquake in Japan. Now, of course, you have only to head to the internet to come across hundreds of pages full of earthquake light photos, many of dubious authenticity. But the lights appear in so many different colours and forms - from red to white to blue, and in globes, flickers and glows - that it’s difficult to spot a fake. The various theories include heat caused by friction, radon gas and piezoelectricity – an electric charge accumulating in quartz rocks as tectonic plates move. In 2003, NASA physicist Dr Friedemann Freund carried out lab experiments, which suggested that earthquake lights are caused by electrical activity in rocks. He said shockwaves from earthquakes can change the electrical properties of silicon and oxygen-containing minerals, allowing them to transmit currents and emit light. But Professor David Brumbaugh, at the Arizona Earthquake Information Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, thinks the theory can be considered only a 'possible explanation' at best. 'Although Freund’s theory seems promising, the answer may be a bit more complicated,' he said. Brumbaugh, however, admits he’s not aware of any new research that would be as useful as Freund’s. Covering a 450km expanse of coastal desert, the Nazca Lines are oversized artworks etched into the Peruvian plains, pictured. They are thought to have been created by the Nazca people over a 1,000-year period between 500BC and 500AD, but no one knows why 2. THE NAZCA LINES: Vast shapes drawn in the Peruvian sand by an ancient population – but no one knows why Covering a 450km2 expanse of coastal desert, the Nazca Lines are oversized artworks etched into the Peruvian plains. Including large geometric designs as well as pictures of animals, plants and rarer human-like figures, they are visible from the air as giant line drawings. They are thought to have been created by the Nazca people over a 1,000-year period between 500BC and 500AD, but no one knows why. Despite World Heritage status, the Peruvian authorities have trouble protecting the Lines from squatters. According to Peruvian law, which protects the landless, squatters only have to stay for a single day in order to be able to stake a claim. Last year, reports emerged of Peruvians raising pigs on the artworks. In their view, the site is simply an expanse of wasted space in a region with a rapidly growing poor population. Meanwhile, archaeologists are trying to study the Lines before they are destroyed. Early claims that the designs formed part of an astronomical calendar have been discredited and, since 1997, researchers working as part of a Peruvian-German collaboration have turned their attention to the history and culture of the people who created them - how they lived and what happened to them. In 2012, Yamagata University, in Japan, announced that it would open a research centre at the site as part of a 15-year project to study more than 1,000 drawings. Millions of monarch butterflies, pictured, migrate 2,000 miles every year. In 1976, zoologists found them at the top of the 'Mountain of Butterflies' in Mexico. While scientists know the monarchs target 12 to 15 Mexican mountain sites, they don't know how they navigate there 3. INCREDIBLE BUTTERFLY NAVIGATION: Monarch butterflies find their way thousands of miles to specific mountains Each year, millions of North American monarch butterflies migrate 2,000 miles south for winter. For years, no one knew where they ended up. Then, in the 1950s, Norah Urquhart and her husband Fred, a zoologist, began tagging and tracking the creatures. In 1976, tipped off by a local woodcutter, they climbed to the top of the ‘Mountain of Butterflies’. All the butterflies in North America, it seemed, were in a mountain forest in Mexico. That’s not where the story ends. While we know the monarchs target just 12 to 15 Mexican mountain sites, we don’t know how they navigate there. Studies suggest they use the position of the Sun to fly south, adjusting for the time of day through circadian clocks in their antennae. But the Sun only gives them a general direction. What guides them towards the Michoacan mountains? 'They are funnelled in, probably by landmarks as they reach the overwintering site,' said Professor Steven Reppert, a monarch expert at the University of Massachusetts. 'But how they home in is still a mystery.' Landmarks such as the Gulf of Mexico couldn’t provide enough information to take butterflies all the way, so they must use other short-range navigation systems. One theory is that a geomagnetic force attracts them, although, says Reppert, 'that’s never really panned out'. Scientists only recently acquired some of the genetic tools needed to probe the details of their navigation systems. Now they have a full genetic code, they are starting to knock out genes to see how this affects the animals’ sense of direction. The phenomenon of ball lightning has generally been described as being a luminous sphere that appears during or after a thunderstorm. Some theories suggest ball lightning, pictured, is a plasma, others that it is the result of a chemiluminescent process - light that occurs due to a chemical reaction 4. BALL LIGHTNING: Spheres of light that appear during or after a thunderstorm . Nikola Tesla, the physicist who invented AC power, supposedly created ball lightning in his lab. He wrote in 1904 that he 'never saw fireballs, but...succeeded in determining their formation and producing them artificially'. It was a surprising claim then, and is perhaps even more surprising now given that modern scientists have struggled to reproduce the results. What’s more, many in the scientific community remain sceptical about the existence of ball lightning, full stop. However, eye witness reports of naturally occurring ball lightning were made as far back as the era of the ancient Greeks. In modern times, the phenomenon of ball lightning has generally been described as being a luminous sphere that appears during or after a thunderstorm. There have also been reports of lightning balls passing through window panes and down chimneys. Some theories suggest ball lightning is a plasma, others that it is the result of a chemiluminescent process - light that occurs due to a chemical reaction. In August 2013, researchers at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado made and photographed bright white plasmoid balls in their lab. The balls were generated from high-power electric sparks, discharged by electrodes partly submerged in electrolyte solutions. Even the researchers couldn’t be sure that what they had created was ball lightning. Therefore, they refer to the phenomenon as “ball-lightning-like atmospheric pressure plasmoids”. Slightly less exciting than Tesla’s fireballs, perhaps, but it’s certainly the closest that anyone has come to repeating his work. At Racetrack Playa in the Death Valley, California, pictured, heavy rocks appear to move across the floor while no one is looking. Scientists believe the movement may be caused by the ice stuck to the bottom of the stones, which are then moved in the wind. However, no-one has caught the stones in the act 5. WANDERING ROCKS OF DEATH VALLEY: Stones that slide across the ground under some kind of mysterious force At Racetrack Playa in the Death Valley National Park, California, strange forces are at work. Forces capable of pushing heavy rocks across the flat surface of a dried-out lake while no one is looking. Scientists have scratched their heads over the trails left by these sliding stones since early in the 20th Century. In the 1960s, Californian geologists started a rock monitoring programme. They tracked 30 stones, weighing up to 25kg, 28 of which moved during a seven-year period - some more than 200m. Analysis of the stones’ trails suggested speeds of 1m per second. In most cases, the stones travelled in winter. In the decades that followed, theories about ice and wind gained support. Others involved algal slime and seismic vibrations. So what’s happening? Are the stones sliding around in bad weather? 'We think so,' says Dr Gunther Kletetschka, of the Academy of Science of the Czech Republic and Charles University in Prague, who led a 2013 study on the stones. His team’s research describes what happens when water on the Playa surface freezes. According to their theory, ice stuck to the stones remains frozen longer than the surrounding ice – because rock conducts heat away faster. This reduces the force between the rocks and the Playa surface, so they can be pushed by the wind. No one has yet caught the stones in the act, and they’ve been strangely still of late. Kletetschka thinks this is due to water levels. 'The reason for stones not moving recently is the presence of an artificial trench, draining the excess water from the Playa,' he says. An unidentified hum is a low-frequency noise that's been heard from Bristol to Bondi. Scientists have attributed this drone to tinnitus, distant waves crashing, pictured, industrial noise and singing sand dunes. In 2006, one New Zealand scientist claimed to have recorded the sound 6. THE ANNOYING LOW FREQUENCY HUM: An unidentified drone that only some people are able to hear It sounds like the title of a dodgy horror film about killer bees. The Hum is actually the name given to an irritating low-frequency noise that’s been bothering the locals everywhere from Bristol to Bondi. Here’s the thing, though - not everybody can hear it. Less than one in 20 people can. Which is pretty annoying if you’re that one in 20 and nobody will believe you. Last year, residents of Beaufort in County Kerry, Ireland, begged the local council to deal with a persistent humming noise that had begun the previous April. One resident told the Irish Examiner, 'Not everybody in the parish has heard the noise, but just because they can’t hear it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.' The council tried switching off water pumps that residents blamed for The Hum, but it made no difference. Elsewhere, scientists have attributed The Hum to tinnitus, distant waves crashing, industrial noise and singing sand dunes. In 2006, one New Zealand scientist claimed to have recorded the sound. In 2013, cicadas emerged from the ground after not being seen since 1996. Scientists have no idea how they were knew when it was the right time to leave the ground 7. REAPPEARING CICADAS: Insects that suddenly wake up after nearly 20 years to find a mate The adolescents emerge from their dark little homes, after a 17-year slumber. They arrive noisy, in a frenzied search for a partner. No, they’re not teenagers on the way to their school prom. They’re cicadas. Periodical cicadas are, for the most part, quiet and solitary, spending their days burrowing underground. They’re long-lived for insects and don’t mature until their 17th year. In the summer of this year, however, something happens. En masse, they rise from the ground as a plague of lust, in search of mates. Two or three weeks later, they die, leaving behind the products of their furtive love-making. The hatchlings worm their way into the soil to start the cycle again. The question is: how do they do it? If you were stuck in the dark for a few days, you’d probably have trouble telling the time. These guys don’t. In 2013, they hadn’t been seen since 1996. But that summer, billions of Magicicada septendecim appeared, bang on schedule, to make cicada babies across the eastern U.S. It gets weirder. While 17-year cicadas hit the north-east states, the more south-easterly states are struck by an invasion that takes place every 13 years. The connection between 13 and 17? They’re prime numbers. This has led scientists to speculate that the cicadas’ life cycles evolved to avoid coinciding with those of their predators. Both 13 and 17 have only two factors (one and themselves). So, cicadas stayed out of sync with foes that had two- or three-year life cycles. In fact, they avoided every predator with a life cycle longer than one year and shorter than their own. A neat trick, but it doesn’t explain how they keep track of the time. Scientists are sceptical about animal rain. Odzaci, in Serbia, has supposedly been pelted by frogs, and perch have fallen on Lajamanu, Australia. After tadpoles rained on the Japanese cities of Nanao and Hakusan in 2009, it was suggested birds dropped them but this has never been proved 8. RAINING SPRATS AND DOGSRaining sprats and frogs: When wildlife falls from the skies like rain In January 1917, biologist Waldo McAtee presented a paper to the Biological Society of Washington, rather disturbingly entitled Showers of Organic Matter. The paper’s contents list reads like a recipe for a witch’s potion, covering everything from hay and flesh to ants and toads. In the eight-page report, he dispenses with more spurious claims, while seeming to accept salamander larvae raining down on Minnesota, and showers of sprats, whitings and herrings in the UK. Odzaci, in Serbia, has supposedly been pelted by frogs, and perch have fallen on Lajamanu, Australia. After tadpoles rained on the Japanese cities of Nanao and Hakusan in 2009, it was suggested birds dropped them. If this were true, though, the tadpoles should have been more widely distributed. Scientists are sceptical about animal rain, but one simple explanation by a French physicist in the 19th century is that high winds pick up and drop the animals. A slightly more complex theory involves a ‘tornadic waterspout’ – a tornado that crosses a pond or lake, sucking in aquatic life as it goes. Fish might be pulled in by the vortex and deposited wherever the waterspout runs out of steam. However, while there seems to be tentative agreement that this would be possible, there are no scientific studies that confirm it. McAtee was more concerned with how these chance events might serve population dispersal. 'Fishes are fated to fall where they cannot survive,' he wrote. 'Their inability to live long out of water strictly limits the possibilities of their deriving advantage by wind transport.' The great balls of Costa Rica, pictured, were found in the 1930s. Some are as large as two metres in diameter. Now dated to between 600 and 1000 AD, the balls are known locally as Las Bolas. Yet, there are no written records of the culture of the people who created them 9. THE GREAT BALLS OF COSTA RICA: Giant stone spheres whose purpose is unfathomable Why the people of pre-Spanish colonisation Costa Rica decided to carve hundreds of giant balls out of stone is as much a mystery today as it was when the balls were discovered. The Great Balls of Costa Rica were found by the United Fruit Company in the 1930s, when it was clearing land to turn into banana plantations. Some are as large as two metres in diameter. Now dated to between 600 and 1000 AD, the balls are known locally as Las Bolas. What makes solving the mystery particularly challenging is there are no written records of the culture of the people who created them. Spanish settlers ensured the indigenous population’s cultural heritage was wiped out. One of the first investigations of the stones was published in 1943 by archaeologist Doris Stone, who mapped their distribution. University of Kansas anthropologist Professor John Hoopes has dismissed most theories about the stones' purpose - in particular those concerning lost cities and space ships. In 2012, he travelled to Costa Rica to evaluate their potential for World Heritage Status. A decision has not yet been made. Fossilis uncovered in geographical regions and archaeological time zones they don't belong to have fuelled creationist arguments. Some of these have yielded new information about our ancestry. Others have been revealed as fakes. Recently, a human skull unearthed in Sussex was found to be a forgery 10. IMPOSSIBLE FOSSILS: The remains of long-dead creatures that crop up in the wrong place Since the theory of evolution emerged in the 19th century, scientists have been faced with some surprising discoveries that have seemed to defy it. Perhaps the most puzzling have been fossils - and, in particular, human fossils - turning up in the 'wrong' place. Fossilised fingers and footprints uncovered in geographical regions and archaeological time zones they don’t belong to have fuelled creationist arguments and forced scientists to defend Charles Darwin’s widely accepted theory. Some of these discoveries may yield new information about our ancestry. Others will undoubtedly be revealed as honest mistakes or, at worst, fakes. In one of the most famous examples of a fossil forgery, an apparently human skull was unearthed in the Sussex hamlet of Piltdown in the UK. From a series of finds starting in 1911, amateur archaeologist Charles Dawson pieced together fragments that were considered to be from a 500,000-year-old, big-brained human, dubbed Piltdown Man. At first, Piltdown Man’s oversized head led scientists to believe he was ‘the missing link’ between humans and apes. But by the 1950s, it had become clear that Piltdown Man was a hoax. His ape-like jaw was not just ape-like - it once belonged to an ape and had been combined with a diseased human skull that radiocarbon dating revealed was less than 1,000 years old. Chemical analysis also showed that the skull was probably stained to make it look older. |
Cannabis blogging seems to have its perks. Last weekend I went on my first ever writing assignment. I visited Colorado Springs to check out some grow facilities and meet some investors who have plans for a much larger facility. What I got was a weekend with a bunch of young cannabis reporters and a group of questionable investors who showed a guy a pretty good time. Saturday started out with a fat joint of the Scott’s OG. Just what the doctor ordered on this crisp morning to relieve the stress and anxiety of the previous five days. Through a cloudy haze of morning weed smoke, we cruised south out of Denver with a cast that consisted of cannabis reporters and professional weed smokers from the most popular cannabis publications in California, Vancouver, and Colorado. The fall colors outside were popping, as vibrant as the marijuana leaves we would see later that day. The way the autumn sun hits the leaves in Colorado is beautiful, they glow all day. It is like one long sunset. Sitting in the back of an Escalade, cruising down the highway, bonding with some new friends and puffing a doob was a perfect start to the trip. Action Bronson beats blaring through the speakers had me grooving, and we headed south towards Colorado Springs. Beyond the highway the jagged Rocky Mountains off to the west were getting smaller by the minute, resembling waves that were about to crest, eventually turning into what looked like the silhouette of a woman laying on her back. It took us a little over an hour to get to our destination, the steep mountains giving way to mesas and foothills. The terrain in this area reminded me of western paintings you see in cheap hotel rooms. We bobbed our heads to the music as we entered into the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain and the NORAD military base. Without any disagreement, a second joint was sparked. An eerie calm blankets Colorado Springs and the city lacks the funky vibe that you encounter in Denver. Most likely due to the conservative, military, and evangelical presence that exists there. A straight-laced city on the edge of the wild west. However, the first Colorado cannabis lounges did pop up in Colorado Springs, so the vibrant and the eclectic do live there, it may just be a matter of seeking them out. Our main objective for the day was to visit a location that will eventually house one of the largest indoor grows in the country. Excitement was high for what was ahead, as were we. We arrived at our meeting place with heavy eyelids and faded grins. Spilling out of the car with a strong odor of weed smoke following closely behind we jumped on a canna-bus to head over to our destination. Along the way we got a chance to meet our hosts, a group of investors out of Arizona called Doyen Elements who had moved to Colorado due to the relaxed weed laws with hopes of setting up a consulting firm that handles many ancillary parts of the cannabis business. Essentially, they do not touch the weed, but they intend to handle real estate, human resources, packaging and serve as a facilitator to anyone who wishes to enter the cannabis market. They impressed us with speeches about changing the world of cannabis. They discussed how they purchased a piece of land and plan to build the country’s largest indoor grow on it. They discussed the ease of getting all aspects of the cannabis world together under one roof and how with this grow, they would be able to transport up to seventy thousand pounds of cannabis a year to over twenty-five dispensaries. The first stop on the tour was an abandoned warehouse to show us where they were building this massive grow. Located on the side of the interstate, and abandoned since 2009, I felt like I was going to be murdered at any moment. Luckily the weed I smoked took my mind off the sketchy nature of the environment so I could hear their plan. A plan that, after hearing it, I realized is a little too fantastic to be realistic. At least for Colorado. That is when my bullshit radar started going off. The things they discussed doing are just not feasible for Colorado, and the investment firm seems like they are in bed with cannabis money, so it does not make sense how they could be ancillary? From there we visited a few low-end shops and a couple grows that had more spider mites than the grow I had in my closet in college. The ground outside the grows was littered with cigarette butts and the amount of mold in the facility showed me that this place had not been wiped down since Obama was president. If their small grows had such a lack of care how were they planning on cultivating seventy thousand pounds per year in a massive facility the size of four football fields? Excitement was waning. They must not have expected someone who has eight years’ experience in the Colorado industry to be on this tour because none of what they discussed was accurate for the current laws the state has. They did not seem to know how the cannabis laws here work, they took us to grows that were infested with mold and bugs to try and impress us, and they lacked a basic knowledge of the industry as a whole. They even mentioned how BHO extractions are illegal, they are not. Something seemed fishy, it felt like a scam. Perhaps somebody was ingesting too much of their own product. None of what they want to do is possible, at least in Colorado. They were funding the weekend though, and I was having a good time. As a smart man once said, “I’d be a fool not to ride this torpedo all the way to the end”. Their tour ended around mid-afternoon at which point we started drinking. Around the bar I tried to speak to everyone individually, pick apart their plan and question the moves they were making. Nobody could look me in the eye and give me a straight answer, and they were saying things that were flat out lies. My thought is they were attempting to schmooze the cannabis media to extract investment opportunities. So, since I am not a hard-hitting reporter trying to find the smoking gun, I stopped asking questions and enjoyed the ride, I mean why not, they bought the ticket. Hopefully, the weekend would provide an engaging blog. The restaurant they took us to for dinner allowed us to puff our vape pens in our private dining room with our many bottles of wine that were popped and said nothing when we sparked another Scott’s OG up on the back patio. I am not sure what was going on this weekend, but I had a good time. After dinner, we said our stoned goodbyes and shared phone numbers like most do at the end of a long field trip. I passed out for the ride back to Denver, the darkness outside being less engaging than the sights earlier in the day, remembering very little between the restaurant and the next morning, except for some dope music called Spiritualized this chick Lindsay from MaryJane put on. I felt for a brief moment I was channeling the late Hunter S Thompson, only my mellow and stony weekend in Colorado Springs was short-lived. I liked these cannabis reporters and I liked this scene more than the dispensaries I have lived in since 2009. This trip showed me that maybe I can graduate from the budtender gig to full-fledged cannabis reporter one day. Wouldn’t that be great? Actual reporting on the industry, then I could finally stop arguing with everyone why they should tip their damn budtender. Cannabis products are designed for adults 21 and older. Please consume responsibly. |
Chinese investors are on top of the list of the “Greek Golden Visa” recipients as the program provides residence permits to third-country residents and their families when they invest 250,000 euros or more in real estate property in Greece. Real estate market executives and law firms actively engaged in the “Greek Golden Visa” program met with Enterprise Greece — the program organizers — at the Ministry of Economy on Wednesday. The meeting was an initiative of Deputy Minister of Economy and Development , Stergios Pitsiorlas and the purpose was to assess the progress of the program and discuss actions to improve and promote more investments through “Greek Golden Visa.” After the meeting it was reported that until January 31, Greece has granted 1,573 residence permits to real estate investors. Regarding the nationality of the visa holders, the Chinese come first with 664 permits, the Russians follow with 348, the Egyptians come third with 77 permits, then it is 73 Lebanese and 67 Ukrainians. Several other nationalities follow with small numbers of visa recipients. The total number of visas given, including family members, is 3,809. Specifically, there are 1,580 Chinese, 787 Russians, 211 Iraqis, 203 Lebanese and 179 Egyptians. The meeting was also attended by State Secretary for Immigration Policy, Yiannis Balafas, along with officials from the Economy and Development, Migration Policy and Foreign Affairs ministries. |
BOSTON (May 20, 2017) – The Boston Celtics today announced that Isaiah Thomas will miss the remainder of this year’s postseason following re-aggravation of a right femoral-acetabular impingement with labral tear during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland. Thomas initially injured the hip during the third quarter of the Celtics’ March 15 game against Minnesota, forcing him to miss the next two regular season contests. The injury was further aggravated during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Washington on May 12. “Isaiah has worked tirelessly to manage this injury since it first occurred,” said Celtics Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian McKeon. “The swelling increased during the first two games against Cleveland, and in order to avoid more significant long-term damage to his hip, we could no longer allow him to continue.” Thomas did not travel with the team to Cleveland and is currently evaluating treatment options. A further update will be provided as soon as one is available. |
CAIRO, June 4 — The chairman of Orange said yesterday the French telecoms group aims to end its ties with Israel operator Partner, which has been criticised for its activities in the Palestinian territories. At the end of May, five non-governmental organisations and two unions in France asked Orange to state publicly its willingness to sever its ties with Partner and denounce “attacks on human rights” they said the Israeli company had carried out. They say Partner Communications Co has a licence from Orange to use its brand. The report claims that Partner, operating in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, was contributing to their economic viability and to perpetuating a situation considered illegal by the international community. When asked about this yesterday, Orange’s Stephane Richard said in Cairo that “our intention is to withdraw from Israel. It will take time” but “for sure we will do it”. “I am ready to do this tomorrow morning... but without exposing Orange to huge risks.” Orange has previously said it inherited the contract with Partner, in which it holds no shares or voting rights, and that it has no influence over the Israeli firm’s management and strategies. Richard was speaking at a news conference held in connection with a visit to Orange’s nearly wholly owned Mobinil unit in Egypt. In Israel, deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely wrote to Richard asking for clarification. “I must admit to have been taken aback by these reports which do not become a responsible global company such as Orange,” she said in the English-language letter, a copy of which was seen by AFP. “I am confident that these reports do not reflect the intent of your company. I therefore urge you to clarify the matter as soon as possible.” Partner’s website showed no immediate reaction to Richard’s comments, but business daily Globes quoted Partner CEO Haim Romano as saying that he “regretted what was said”. — AFP |
Killzone: Shadow Fall’s Multiplayer Wasn’t 1080p, but it Looked Outstanding Anyway Sony has gone full force with its 1080p machine guns since the PS4 came out. In a way, 1080p has become a moniker synonymous with "MORE POWA!" However, what has been documented as the greatest demonstration of the PS4's "supercharged" hardware didn't follow the Sony supported standard. More importantly, it had a good reason not to. In a post by Eurogamer, it has been confirmed that Killzone: Shadow Fall's multiplayer has a 960 x 1080 frame buffer (in comparison, Titanfall's beta ran at 1408 x 792) , versus the 1080p 30 FPS delivery of the game's single-player. That's actually closer to 720p than 900p with a total of 1,036,800 pixels rendered per image versus the 2 million that 1080p is able to achieve. This number conflicts with Sony's marketing which touted Killzone: Shadow Fall as a 1080p 60 FPS monster. Even the back of the box only says 1080p (as seen below). NOTE: Killzone: Shadow Fall outputs at 1080p in single-player and multiplayer, but it isn't native. It uses a unique processing method that blends 960 x 1080 images together. Therefore, the 1080p advertised on the box isn't inaccurate. Sony's imprecise marketing is still valid, though. So why in the world would Guerrilla Games offer a different resolution in the single-player and multiplayer environments? The answer is simple: frame rate . Having a frame rate as close to 60 as possible is incredibly important for a fluid online experience, particularly for shooters like Killzone. Guerrilla Games made the decision to drop the resolution in multiplayer to nearly half of its single-player campaign counterpart in order to push FPS beyond the 30 mark. The results speak for themselves. Virtually nobody made a fuss about the graphics in Killzone: Shadow Fall's multiplayer, mostly because it still looked darn good. As I argued in my recent editorial, a game doesn't need to be 1080p to look good. Battlefield 4 and the Xbox One's Ryse: Son of Rome are some of the best games we've ever seen and they were 900p. Now, Guerrilla Games wasn't able to achieve a locked frame rate of 60, but it got close; the game averages around 50 FPS. Gamers noticed the difference almost immediately, calling Killzone: Shadow Fall by far the smoothest Killzone to date, and reasonably so. Its predecessors never got close to 50 FPS. To be fair, Killzone: Shadow Fall was a launch game. Even then it looked absolutely gorgeous, especially in single-player. It's not that the PS4 isn't capable of displaying jaw-dropping games at 1080p, it's that there are sometimes compromises to be made, and in this case there was a deadline to meet. In my opinion, smooth gameplay is an utmost priority, so any developer who chooses to not adhere to Sony's 1080p standard has my support. The question that remains is what resolution future titles will run at. Naughty Dog is arguably the king of optimizing for console hardware. Will Uncharted 4 be 1080p? Sony hopes so. |
The first time i played Counter-Strike i was in high-school and the game was still a unofficial Half-Life modification, at that time it was closer to a quake-like game with modern weapons then what it is now, but i will leave that for another topic. ESL tournament at GamesCom "for everyone" the most fun way to play any game is to physically be with your team player-made competitive PvP keep the game optimised for low-end computers MLG tournament taking advantage of tournaments allow players to fight guild vs guild(clan vs clan) for bragging rights For those that don't know what Counter-Strike is, it's a First Person Shooter developed by a fellow player made from a game called Half-life that is why it was a "modification", i use the past tense because once Valve saw the amount of people playing it, they bought the rights to the game and thus it became an official mod soon after and it became a stand-alone game later on.The game popularity and success can be resumed into 1 word, "community" it's a bit vague yes but i will explain it in further detail later on , first we need to understand that this game was developed by a player meaning he knew what he wanted to play, i think its something most game developers have lost now-a-days they just build games around a franchise with 1 concept "making money", this reason is why most Indie(small companies) games are so entertaining to play, because it's not million dollar company with people who don't know a thing about gaming breathing down your neck.Anyway Counter-Strike was made with an aspect in mind, even back then you didn't need a top of the line PC to play it so most kids with a computer and a copy of Half-Life could play it, and keep in mind that back then internet was still the noisy old 54k modems and it was not that common, so most of us used to spend a lot of time playing in game store with about 20 PC linked over LAN, honestlyjust like in most LAN tournaments which if you are a true gamer you have already gone to some, if not i recommend that you go if you have the chance you will love it.The rules of the game are very straight forward, team A vs team B fight inside a small closed map, just imagine an arena with streets and tunnels, many games have this even MMORPGs so why is the game still one of the most popular FPS games for over a decade?Well this is where the community comes in, as the number of players grown they started to make teams in which to compete with each other for bragging rights and sowas created and started to spread, since making a server was free players would make their own server so they could train with their team adding tactics into the game, eventually some companies started to provide high quality server for rent and now-a-days its fairly common to see game-server rentals for many types of games.This is more of a formula rather then just one thing, first games need to be able to be played by a large audience so they need torather then just focus on how awesome it can get with a top of the line one which seems to be what most games do, some people might upgrade the computer if they are really into it but most can't afford to do it.Second is, people are competitive by nature even caveman would compete for the largest prey to show who was the best hunter, we are not that different as even the PvE players like to kick another players ass every now and then. So just like a great deal of people like to sit in front of the TV looking at whatever competitive sport they like(football, basketball, baseball...), we players also like to see competitions online as it is a sport of its own plus its probably the best publicity one can get specially at large events such as E3, GamesCom, etc...The third one is mainly for MMORPGs but some shooters still fail at it, is to, and im not talking about just Arena type gameplay like WoW has but for all types of objective based PvP.In the begining of this year a shooter named Global Agenda was released and it did not have a way for players to effectively do this and the results was the game losing most of its player-base within the first 2 months.A game that follows these simple rules will most likely last for years assuming there isn't something deeply wrong with it to start with, which is one of the reason i am looking forward to Guild Wars 2.What are your thoughts on the subject?Do you know any game that failed due to this?Leave your comments or experiences bellow! |
NYT Pick Helen G New York, NY 10 hours ago Being a New Yorker is not about being born here, but coming here and making a success of your life. So, no points to Bernie for leaving for a simple life. Also, New Yorkers know success is more about building bridges than walls. My points to Hillary for picking herself up and moving to the center of the world. Flag Flag Reply 169 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Kristen S. Bloomfield, NJ 10 hours ago Can we give Ted Cruz negative pizzas? Flag Flag Reply 226 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Ray Texas 10 hours ago Please....Donald Trump has lived in NYC his entire life. Hillary dropped in to Chappaqua long enough to claim Daniel Moynihan's Senate seat, while Bernie decamped for lily-white Vermont 40 years ago. Unlike the Donald, neither pays taxes to the city, to cover the tremendous costs associated with their photo ops on the subway, trying to prove they actually relate to the average New Yorker. I'd bet my summer house in Bayport that BS and HRC don't have any intention of spending significant time in the city, once the campaign is over. Trump wins this contest hands down, regardless of his political positions. Sounding like Larry David is a poor substitute for having your name on a building in Manhattan. Flag Flag Reply 86 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Michael R. Manhattan 10 hours ago As a lifelong New Yorker, let me throw out another attribute on which to judge these three: compassion. New Yorkers can be impatient and abrupt, but we're as communitarian as they come. You have to be that way when you live, ride and play in such close proximity to one another. As a result, we genuinely care about each other, and if someone's ailing or in need of assistance, we're the first to respond. On the basis of compassion, Trump gets negative points here. His magalomaniacal narcissism (or is it narcissistic megalomania) renders him unable to muster the tiniest bit of empathy. I'd place Sanders and Clinton about neck and neck for this attribute, though one could reasonably argue that Sanders has the edge. No matter, though. A President without compassion will doom our country and quite possibly the world. He must be stopped at all costs. Flag Flag Reply 125 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Daniel D. Westerly, RI 10 hours ago They are all New Yorkers, for better or worse, if by "New York" you mean "NYS" rather than "NYC". Sanders grew up in Brooklyn, but abandoned the city (as so many others have) for greener pastures (Vermont). Clinton established residency in New York to further her Washington career--a very New York thing to do. Trump, much as I hate to say it, is probably the most quintessentially "New Yawk" of them all--born there, stayed there, got rich(er) there. Unfortunately, he also embodies many of the worst qualities of the city, and very few of the best. Flag Flag Reply 112 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Rufus T. Firefly NYC 10 hours ago Without a doubt Sanders represents the best of NYC values. He has never wavered in his core beliefs which are focused on a fair shake for everyone-----not the billionaire class or Goldman. Millions of people have passed through Ellis Island and stayed in NY. Sanders is clearly their rightful heir, spokesman, and hopefully their president. Flag Flag Reply 205 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick skippy nyc 10 hours ago I hate his guts, but the REAL NEW YORKER is Trump. He's fast on his feet, dismissive, sarcastic and comes off as highly unlikable, bordering on pariah status. Sanders has the accent, but he's no NY'er. He looks like he's trying -- unsuccessfully -- to flag down a waitress in a busy coffee shop. He wraps himself in pastrami (metaphorically) when he needs to, but his decades in Vermont lead him to believe he's landed gentry. Note to Bernie: you're not from the Mayflower crowd. As for Hillary, she is the sharpest knife in the drawer, but as a NY'er, her persona is "successful A-lister from a toney suburb." However, she doesn't do the gratuitous NY'er shtick, so I give her style points for keeping it real and not trying to be someone she's not. Of the three, Bernie is the real poser. No wonder he resonates with all the millennials in Brooklyn, who've come here from Pittsburgh and now think they're dyed-in-the-wool NY'ers. And, by the way, I'm a native NY'er, PS 86, 143, De Witt Clinton and Lehman, and I've lived in 4 of the five boroughs. Staten Island? No chance. Flag Flag Reply 149 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Peisinoe New York 10 hours ago I believe the author is missing what New York is all about. The 'true' New Yorker is the one who has done most for New York - and that would be Hillary by far. I am Brazilian and I always say we all have two countries: the one we are born in and the one our heats and minds belong to. Like so many immigrants - I came to this country, and specifically to this city, for what it stands for: Freedom! Freedom of thought, social freedoms, for diversity of peoples, of cultures and and ideas and yes - for freedom of capital! (something few people understand unless you ever experienced not having it) This is my homeland. You better think though a more more deeply on what it means to be an American and a New Yorker! Flag Flag Reply 100 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Kat GA 10 hours ago It's clear that you really mean, "Who's the real New York City-er?" Flag Flag Reply 45 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick NYChap Chappaqua 10 hours ago How many buildings in New York City have the names Sanders and Clinton on them? Flag Flag Reply 13 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Todd Fox Earth 9 hours ago Bearnie's old apartment building sure had the Sander's name on the mailbox in the lobby for a long time. Flag Flag In Reply to NYChap Reply Reply 28 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Samuel New York 9 hours ago If you think Trump can sympathize with the average New Yorker, then you're sorely mistaken. I doubt he's ever ridden the subway by choice once in his life, and probably couldn't care less for the struggles of working class families in low income areas of the city outside of Manhattan. Trump embodies a "New Yorker" identity far less than he embodies the stereotype of what people who have never met New Yorkers think New Yorkers act like. Flag Flag In Reply to Ray Reply Reply 36 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick ACJ Chicago, IL 9 hours ago As a native New Yorker, you left out the litmus test of who is a true New Yorker, who best hails a cab. This is a fine art, with my brother-in-law a know champ, who calmly walks up to off-duty cabs, gets into the back seat, and informs the driver that he/she is now on duty---it never fails to work. There are many other techniques, some of which are legal, but this test should have been taken into account. Flag Flag Reply 12 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick jrak New York, N.Y. 9 hours ago A true New Yorker rides mass transit everyday, shops in bodegas, and sits in the bleachers at Yankee Stadium. In my humble opinion, none of the candidates qualify. Flag Flag Reply 20 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick DanSonofDirm Hong Kong 9 hours ago Donald trump's fork/knife pizza event negates all his slices. Flag Flag Reply 34 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Bill Camarda Ramsey, NJ 8 hours ago ENOUGH with the "eats pizza with a knife and fork" trope. New York City's staggering and beautiful diversity extends to the pizza-eating techniques of its natives. Flag Flag Reply 8 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Dennis New York 8 hours ago The question should be who has been the best for New Yorkers? That would be Hillary hands down. Not only for we who reside in the City but for the entire state. Hillary represents the third leg of the New York Triad. The first, that's the native, born, bred, and the New Yorker who never leaves. Second, that's the native New Yorker who leaves but always consider themselves a New Yorker, enjoying the City from afar. Then there's Three, the person who comes from outside the City, the one who has dreamed of being a New Yorker. That third leg is represented by Bill and Hill, both of whom who had no ties whatsoever to New York yet it beckoned them. They knew if they could make it here they could make it anywhere. And now that Bill, Hill and Chelsea have grown and prospered here, a recalcitrant socialist Brooklynite who abandoned New York for greener mountain pastures and a Queens-born scion to a developer accuse the Clintons of not being "True" New Yorker's? That their accumulation of wealth is not achieving something all Americans and New Yorker's dream of? Balderdash. There are so many famous New Yorkers too numerous to mention who have chosen NYC as their adopted home. They are among our most successful citizens. The Third leg of the New York Triad is the one I most admire. I am pleased the Clintons picked us as the place they chose to prosper. Flag Flag Reply 47 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Mark Knopfler NYC 7 hours ago Dead on -- Bernie is 'not qualified' to call himself a New York sports fan. Rooting for the Red Sox is a mortal sin. Flag Flag In Reply to xyz Reply Reply 15 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Prefontaine Fan Portland 5 hours ago I'm with you, Skippy. I, too, dislike Trump, but he was born and raised in Queens, and has lived in Manhattan most of his adult life. Bernie's accent is stronger, but he's been in Vermont for four decades, and the token comment shows how long it's been since he's been in NYC. Hillary? Please. If Moniyan had not retired, the Clintons would have bought a house in Jersey so she could succeed Lautenberg. And a real New Yorker roots for the Mets OR the Yankees, not both. Not to mention the Cubs. Flag Flag In Reply to skippy Reply Reply 4 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Bystander Upstate 5 hours ago Upstaters rarely get to see their elected representatives unless they are in town to grab credit for a new bridge or community center. Hillary Clinton went up, down and across the state during her listening tours, and if you think it was all photo ops, think again: She can talk up the state (the WHOLE state) with the best of the natives--maybe better. One of the most endearing things she did was to help her colleagues in the Senate broaden their understanding of New York. She mentioned NYS agriculture one day and was teased about it--"There are no cows in New York!" Clinton showed up the next day with a presentation on the NYS dairy industry, which is consistently one of the top three producers in the US. In other words, she really listens, she does her homework and she is proud of her state. Up here, that counts. Flag Flag Reply 19 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick Trilby 4 hours ago People from elsewhere always say that! --that "coming here" makes you a NYer. All right, if you think so. But people who were born and raised here beg to differ. An adolescence spent exploring neighborhoods, taking the subway, getting mugged, getting lost eating the best pizza and bagels, seeing and interacting with all different kinds of people every day-- things like that make you a NYer. Flag Flag In Reply to Helen G Reply Reply 6 Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter NYT Pick LJ California 2 hours ago Trump wins hands down for being the truest New Yorker - born, raised and still lives in New York. Sanders left a long time ago so he can't claim to be a New Yorker anymore. I think Clinton is definitely a New Yorker because she has lived there long enough, was a Senator there and still lives in New York. I was born in New York. raised in Florida and have lived in California for 20 years. I now consider myself a Californian first, a Floridian second and a New Yorker 3rd, even though I was born in New York and even lived in New York City for 2 years as an adult. That's why I think where you a born in less important to identity than where you have lived the most time. Flag Flag Reply Recommend Recommend Share this comment on Facebook Share this comment on Twitter Loading... |
Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged: A is A. A thing is itself. You have never grasped the meaning of his statement. I am here to complete it….Whatever you choose to consider, be it an object, an attribute or an action, the law of identity remains the same. A leaf cannot be a stone at the same time, it cannot be all red and all green at the same time, it cannot freeze and burn at the same time. A is A. Or, if you wish it stated in simpler language: You cannot have your cake and eat it, too….All the disasters that have wrecked your world, came from your leaders’ attempt to evade the fact that A is A. All the secret evil you dread to face within you and all the pain you have ever endured, came from your own attempt to evade the fact that A is A. The purpose of those who taught you to evade it, was to make you forget that Man is Man. Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations: “A thing is identical with itself.” — There is no finer example of a useless proposition. |
Nearly half the registered voters surveyed for a new Politico/Morning Consult poll said they believe the media fabricate stories about President Trump and his administration. Pollsters found that 47 percent agree with Trump's constant 'fake news' claim, which he deploys when pointing at negative news coverage, while another 37 percent say journalists do not fabricate their stories about Trump. There's a big split between how members of the two parties view the media, though one-in-five Democrats still agreed with the fabrication claim. Scroll down for video President Trump has been complaining about 'fake news' since the campaign. A new survey shows that nearly a majority of Americans believe the media make stories up about the president and his administration Republicans and Trump voters were far more likely to believe that the media fabricated stories about President Trump than their Democratic and Clinton-voting peers Meanwhile, 76 percent of Republicans agree that news organizations are making stories up about the Republican president. Additionally, 80 percent of Trump voters believe that to be true. A large majority of Hillary Clinton voters do not, with 16 percent saying they believed the fabrication claim and another 71 percent saying not-so-much. While voter identification and ideology played into how registered voters answered the question, age – which in recent years has been predictive on how people will vote – did not. Forty-two percent of 18 to 29 year olds believed the media was fabricating stories, followed by 45 percent of 30 to 44 year olds, 39 percent of 45 to 54 year olds, 52 percent of 55 to 64 year olds and 53 percent of those 65 years and older. More men said they believed Trump's claim, 50 percent, than women, 43 percent. Education made some difference, with 48 percent of those with a post-graduate education sticking up for the media, and saying journalists did not fabricate stories. That's compared to 43 percent with a bachelor's degree and 33 percent with no college degree who also said no. The president has constantly berated the media calling unflattering news reports 'fake news.' Last week he escalated the battle suggesting that NBC should lose its broadcast license, a move that a slim majority of Americans would disapprove of, the poll found But on the yes side, 42 percent of registered voters with a post-graduate education agreed with Trump, along with 44 percent with a bachelor's degree and 47 percent with no college degree. Trump has used the shoot-the-messenger tactic nearly every day in office – as well as for months on the campaign trail. On Tuesday night, he name-dropped a number of news outlets in a tweet complaining about unfair coverage. 'So much Fake News being put in dying magazines and newspapers. Only place worse may be @NBCNews, @CBSNews, @ABC and and @CNN,' Trump wrote. 'Fiction writers!' he said. On Wednesday morning, Trump's Make America Great Again Committee – the joint fundraising committee between the president's campaign and the Republican National Committee – sent out a note to supporters belaboring the point. 'I’ve said it before and I will say it again: the Mainstream Media is out to bring down my Administration,' the note said. 'It’s a 24/7 barrage of hit jobs, fake stories, and absolute hatred for everything we stand for as a movement.' It asks supporters to fill out a 'media accountability survey' while blasting reporters for not caring about the truth or what's right. 'They only care about propping up the liberal Democrats they worship and destroying anyone who wants to put America First,' the email said. Last week, Trump made his most potent threat, by suggesting that NBC's license be yanked, after the news network produced yet another unflattering story about the president. NBC reported that Trump said at a Pentagon meeting that he wanted to nuclear weapons cache increased by 'ten-fold.' This is what prompted his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to refer to the president as a 'moron.' Tillerson hasn't publicly denied he used such a term, refusing, instead, to answer the question as he suggests it's below the dignity of his office. 'With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country!' Trump tweeted. When pollsters asked registered voters if revoking licenses is something the federal government should be able to do, a slim majority answered no. Fifty-one percent of respondents said no, while another 28 percent said yes, the federal government should have that power. More Trump voters and Republicans would like to see the federal government with that power, but not enough to make a majority. Forty-seven percent of Trump voters said yes, while 46 percent of Republicans agreed. |
A camel gets loose from a pen and bites a 72-year-old man. John Cádiz Klemack reports from Lancaster for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. (Published Friday, Feb. 14, 2014) The owner of a camel that bit at least one person after it escaped from its pen north of Los Angeles was not permitted to have the animal on the property and might be cited after Friday morning's attack, according to authorities. The camel escaped from a property in Acton, an unincorporated community about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, and attacked at least one person in the East Soledad Canyon area (map). The victim received medical treatment for a bite wound. After calls from at least two concerned residents, firefighters and deputies responded and captured the runaway camel. It was returned to its pen before animal services officers arrived, placed a leash around its neck and transported the animal in a trailer. Loose Camel Attacks 72-Year-Old Man A camel was taken into custody after it got loose and attacked a 72-year-old man in Acton, trampling and kicking him. The camel's owner was facing a citation because they were not permitted to own the camel. John Cádiz Klemack reports live for the NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. (Published Friday, Feb. 14, 2014) The victim, identified as a man in his 70s, needed stiches after he was bitten and kicked. Sochi Olympics: Watch Live Coverage "My dad tried to corral it, and it attacked my dad," said the victim's daughter. "It jumped on him and bit him." The owner could be cited for endangering residents, sheriff's officials said. |
Pride Toronto has booted a controversial men's rights organization from the annual Pride Parade after receiving complaints about the group. The Canadian Association for Equality marched in last year's parade, but said in a web post Thursday its permit for this year's event has been revoked. Pride Toronto representatives did not immediately return several requests for comment from NOW, but according to the CAFE post, the organization in charge of WorldPride told the group that its permit had been cancelled because "it has come to our attention that the work of your organization may contravene the mission, vision and values of Pride Toronto and WorldPride." The decision comes after an email campaign this week calling for the group's removal, which was organized by a Toronto woman who describes herself as a "concerned feminist." In correspondence forwarded to NOW the woman, who asked that her name not be published because she fears retribution from CAFE supporters, told Pride Toronto that CAFE is associated with the men's rights movement. She accused it of trying to "downplay the serious social, economic and political marginalization that women in this society face every day' and cited its links to A Voice for Men (AVFM), an U.S. online hub for antifeminist and misogynist views. "Pride has a mandate of equality," the woman wrote in the email to Pride organizers dated Wednesday, June 25. "In order to march in the parade one's group must be non-oppressive, non-discriminatory. CAFE should not be allowed to march." Pride Toronto director of operations Jaime Martino wrote back the same day: "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, as it had escaped our notice," she wrote. "Pride Toronto is committed to providing safe and inclusive spaces for all members of the LGBTTIQQ2SA communities. Given the concerns expressed, Canadian Association for Equality's parade permit has been cancelled." On its website, CAFE said it was "extremely hurt and disappointed" by the decision, especially because it came only days before Sunday's parade. CAFE's removal from the Pride march is only the latest setback for the group. Its attempt to stage an "Equality Day" concert on the Toronto Islands was thwarted last month when critics publicized its ties to the men's rights movement. Several bands and the proposed venue pulled out. The same woman who complained to Pride about CAFE also helped organize that campaign. The group reacted to that controversy by insisting that it isn't a men's rights or anti-feminist group, but its website devotes considerable space to talking about "men's rights" issues and countering the movement's critics. CAFE's credibility has also repeatedly been called into question in recent weeks. On Tuesday, NOW revealed that last year CAFE used the names of prominent feminist and LGBTQ rights organizations' on its application for charitable status without their consent. In response to the story, members of the public have launched a campaign asking the Canada Revenue Agency to revoke CAFE's charitable status. In a strange interview with NOW in May, a spokesperson for the group claimed CAFE had no ties to AVFM, even though it was promoting a conference staged by the U.S. group at the time. Pride Toronto's decision to ban CAFE could revive debate about how the LGBTQ organization deals with controversial groups that register to march. In recent years some councillors repeatedly threatened to pull city funding from the Pride festival if Queers Against Israeli Apartheid were allowed to take part, but Pride organizers argued they had no grounds on which to unilaterally bar the Palestine solidarity group. City staff determined QuAIA's use of the phrase "Israeli apartheid" didn't violate the city's anti-discrimination policy. As a result of the QuAIA controversy, Pride established a dispute resolution process in 2011. The policy says that if anyone objects to a group's participation in the parade, they must file a written complaint referencing "the particular section in a Pride Toronto by-law, policy, or rule that is alleged to be at issue." The matter would then be referred to one of Pride's dispute resolution officers for mediation or arbitration. The cut-off date for complaints this year was June 4. QuAIA is registered to march in Sunday's parade. CAFE did not respond to NOW's request for an interview for this story. bens@nowtoronto.com | @BenSpurr |
Copyright Troll Submits Entire Filing About How 'Radical, Quasi-Anarchist' EFF Should Be Blocked From Participating In Case from the that's-not-going-to-go-over-well dept The EFF is opposed to any effective enforcement and litigation of intellectual property law, which seeks a platform by which to advance its agenda. The EFF is an anti-intellectual property group, which appears in the present action merely in order to obstruct or delay Plaintiff’s copyright infringement litigation. The EFF’s crusade continues, despite their lack of success, not out of any concern for proper application of the law. The EFF Is a Radical Special-Interest Group Generally Opposed to Any Effective Or Efficient Enforcement of Intellectual Property Law This mission is radical, quasi-anarchist, and intrinsically opposed to any effective enforcement of intellectual property rights. their history of advocating lawlessness on the Internet suggests that their purpose is not to help this Court administer justice, but to hinder and obstruct the process While not everyone agrees with the EFF's position on various issues, the group is still pretty widely respected in legal circles. So it seems a bit odd that a copyright troll has apparently decided to spend an entire filing trying to block the EFF from filing an amicus brief ("friend of the court" brief) in one of its cases, attacking the EFF directly as some sort of "radical" and "quasi-anarchist" group. The lawsuit involves Prenda Law, who took over the cases formerly brought by divorce lawyer-turned-copyright troll John Steele . I hadn't been following it closely, but sometime last year, Steele apparently handed his practice off to Prenda -- though there have been some questions over whether or not Steele is still involved and to the legality of the transfers.Either way, Prenda clearlythe EFF and basically spends the entire filing insulting the organization based on next to nothing. A few examples:It also focuses on the fact that the EFF failed in one of its attempts to question whether or not joining together so many defendants was proper -- in a case presided over by a judge who had only recently joined the bench, after a stint as an RIAA lobbyist . It ignores that the EFF hasits argument that joinder is improper many more times than it has lost. Hopefully the court sees through this. Filed Under: copyright, copyright trolling, john steele, lawsuits Companies: eff, prenda |
Posted by Chris Scott Barr on Aug 2, 2012 After more than a month of waiting, with virtually no updates, Bethesda has finally announced the availability of Dawnguard on the PC. In addition, you can head over to Steam and pick up Skyrim for 50% off, thanks to the Quakecon sale. Then, pick up Dawnguard for $20. As for the PS3 version, it would seem that there is a bit of a delay. No, not because Microsoft or anyone else paid them not to publish the DLC. Rather, they’re still working out some kinks with the content. Specifically, they have encountered some performance issues that they’re not happy with, and are pushing back the release. No word was given on how long the delay will be. Personally, I’m happy to hear that they delayed the PS3 release, rather than rushing out something that they would just have to patch in a few days. Let’s just hope that they get everything sorted out before too long. Source |
A member of the Ku Klux Klan was arrested in Mount Victory, Ohio over the weekend after he allegedly pulled a gun and threatened to shoot a black man during a march. Kevin Allan Gibbs, 22, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor aggravated menacing, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said that a group of about 10 Klan members assembled and began marching down Main Street in Mount Victory on Saturday when they were confronted by an African-American man. “I was cooking supper, and that’s when I saw them over on the other side of the street,” Wayne Miller, who lives in the area, told WBNS. “The guy in the white robe was reading off a book, or pamphlets very loudly as he was walking by.” Miller recalled that Gibbs pulled out a gun and pointed it at the ground after the black man “got in their face and yelled at them.” “When he pulled out his gun, he said, ‘I’ll kill you,’ and the girl with him said, ‘He’ll shoot you dead,’ and then he said the ‘n’ word,” Miller explained. “I started to move in his direction and was going to use my cane to hit the gun or his arm, whatever I had to do,” he added. Gibbs eventually put away the gun and the Klan members moved down the street to a Gulf gas station, where they were met by deputies. “By all accounts this was a semi-organized attempt by the Klan,” Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart told the Hamilton Journal-News. “There were five to seven of them walking around and some of our residents took offense to them and confronted them.” Everhart said that Gibbs had been legally carrying the weapon, but the sheriff’s office was continuing to investigate. Watch this video from 10TV, broadcast March 26, 2012. (H/T: Reuters) |
Dr. İhsan Sıtkı Yener, the founder of the revolutionary Turkish F-keyboard layout and an honorary president of the International Federation for Information and Communication Processing (Intersteno), died at the age of 91 on Saturday in Istanbul. Yener's F-keyboard layout was the first ergonomically designed Turkish keyboard layout which placed the most frequently used letters under the strongest fingers. Yener studied the etymology of Turkish words and established the layout in accordance with that study. The Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) approved his work in 1955. In 1963, Turkey took a further step and added a clause into its customs law, forcing companies to import typewriters with F-keyboards only. Until 1983, that law strengthened the dominance of the F-layout in the country. Nevertheless, the introduction of personal computers with Q-keyboards into the Turkish market has weakened F-dominance over typeset and has gradually made it a thing of the past. In an interview, Yener said: "In 1963, we were not aware of computers. If so, we would have written the law accordingly." In the 1980s, then prime minister Turgut Özal added special Turkish diacritic letters such as Ğ and Ü onto the Q-keyboard, thus making it "Turkish". In 2013, a long-forgotten war resurfaced. The Turkish Prime Ministry issued a memorandum that necessitated the use of the F-keyboard layout in all public institutions. It also obliged only F-keyboard procurement and the re-configuration of all Q-keyboards to increase efficiency. After this memorandum, some public institutions introduced typing lessons for the F-keyboard. Turkey broke 25 records and became world champion in international typing competitions 59 times with Yener's keyboard layout. Intersteno expressed condolences on Yener's death on their official website, and said the federation is deeply sorrowed by Yener's death. The presidency of the Intersteno Turkish National Group also expressed its condolences on Yener's death in a written statement, and announced that his funeral will be held on Sunday in Istanbul's Şişli district. |
Trey is just a child. When he showers, he has to shower in the middle of the woods without running water. So many things we take for granted he doesn't have. And he’s not alone. There are more than 70,000 kids like Trey in Florida – homeless children who, if they’re lucky, sleep in a car or in a motel. Who, if they’re lucky, get to use indoor plumbing. In the second wealthiest county in Florida is the top-rated school district in the state. But St. Johns County has a sad truth not many are aware of. Hidden among the pristine communities and manicured lawns are hundreds of homeless students. The district’s homeless liaison, Kim McNickle, says there are more than 700 students right now who are homeless. “They’re a little shocked that we even have homeless in St. Johns County,” says McNickle of residents. “And then, when I tell them, and we have homeless in every single school that even shocks them a little more.” But these students don’t always live on the street – some homeless students live in cars and many couch surf. Sign up for the GMJ On the Go Thanks Something went wrong. This email will be delivered to your inbox once a day in the morning. Thanks for signing up for the GMJ on the Go newsletter. Please try again later. Submit “This little area here is more for holding food,” says Ericka Alderman. She lives with her four children in the woods hidden off a dirt road in tents. “You can come in here. You just have to squat a little bit. I’ve got it set up – I’ve got it looking like home as much as possible.” Alderman and her kids moved to the First Coast right before Hurricane Matthew hit. She grew up in St. Johns County and returned for the good schools. The home they planned to rent got flooded. With nowhere to go, they’ve lived in their car, motels and are now making the best of a terrible situation. “This is the first time I’ve been put in a situation like this,” she says. “And this is what we used to do for fun and now I’ll probably – once I get a place – I’ll never go camping again.” Alderman’s two youngest kids go to preschool. Her oldest two go to elementary school in St. Johns County. “I’m learning about math, multiplication, handwriting…” explains one of her children. He says, excitedly, that his favorite subject is recess. We aren’t showing his face because his mom says most of his classmates have no idea this is where he and his sister go when they get off the school bus. “My third grader,” begins Alderman, “she gets dressed at school. She goes into the office. And my fourth grader gets showers every Monday and Friday at school to stay clean.” It isn’t much, but she says at least her children’s grades are great. One of her biggest challenges is keeping her children clean. They use a makeshift shower. The water comes from a bag they fill up. A shower head is on a hose. When in use, it can’t run constantly or all the water will be used up. They go to the bathroom in an old Lincoln Logs bucket. Alderman and her four children live here - after the home they were going to move into was damaged by Hurricane Matthew. (Photo: FCN) “Yes, that’s where we go to the bathroom,” Alderman explains. “We put a bag in it and sit down. Unfortunately, that’s it.” Her two sons sleep in a tent together. “It’s probably a mess right now, but this is where I sleep,” he says, showing First Coast News On Your Side Anchor Heather Crawford around. “My brother sleeps on his mattress right here and I sleep right here.” Their conditions are tight, cramped and they have worries unlike most kids their age. Living in the woods, they have to think about wild animals. Just this week, raccoons got away with their loaf of bread. “It’s normally when just I wake up,” her oldest son says of times he gets scared. “Because the wild boars are out and I just wake up alone.” He says he doesn’t like living in a tent much because the mosquitoes bite him and he doesn’t have any friends to play with. The school district has a program called ASSIST (that's Aid & Support for Students in Sudden Transition) to help identify homeless students, give them hope and provide them with resources to try and break the cycle. A local judge says not enough is being done to help homeless children in the area. He argues the Department of Children and Families is ignoring the problem and failing the children – not just in his county but across the state. Across Florida, more than 7,000 homeless children are considered “unaccompanied youth,” meaning they have no mom or dad in the picture and no legal guardian caring for them. As of February, there are around 100 kids living alone in St. Johns County and about 30 of them are elementary school age. There are 100 kids who live completely alone in St. Johns County - and about 30 are of elementary school age. (Photo: FCN) Megan Wall is the managing attorney of St. Johns County Legal Aid, a non-profit that helps the poor. She deals regularly with children who have nowhere to go. “We’re talking about elementary school kids,” she says. “We’re talking about 16-year-old girls that don’t know what to do about, you know, people coming up to them to traffic them. I mean, we’re talking about people that are under eighteen that don’t have anybody to go to.” Circuit Judge John Alexander says it’s unacceptable. He meets each month with a committee he formed that includes representatives from the school district, Legal Aid and DCF to track how many students are homeless and see how they can help them. “We started meeting a couple years ago to do something and try to fill the void where the Department of Children and Families won’t step forward on his kids,” he says. “Until Judge Alexander called me and said, ‘look, I’m getting these numbers from the school system. Can you believe these numbers?’ I really didn’t even think that they were accurate,” Wall says. “It is an unbelievably hidden amount of children.” Judge Alexander says he believes DCF is focusing on kids who are overtly abused and ignore kids whose problems – though they may seem less dire in the short term – need help. “Can anyone make an argument that the child being raised in a car, no kitchen, no bathroom – raised in a car – is not at risk of being abused, abandoned or neglect,” Judge Alexander says. “I don’t think that argument can be made.” First Coast News reached out to speak with the head of the Department of Children and Families but we were told no one was available to be interviewed. A spokesperson sent us a statement saying, in part: “Unlike abuse, abandonment or neglect, homelessness alone is not an automatic qualifier for state intervention. DCF works very closely with the school system in St. Johns County and is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be safe, healthy and educationally and developmentally on track.” The only place Alderman and her kids have to go to the bathroom. (Photo: FCN) Alderman says DCF knows her kids live in tents and she fears the state will take them away from her. “It seems like DCF really should be identifying every one of those kids and at least providing what services would be appropriate for that particular child,” Judge Alexander says. “I see DCF just saying all we can do are, you know, life or death cases and we are at our wit’s end with those.” Hours before this story was published, it seemed as though Alderman and her children would have to stay living in the woods while she looks for a job. However, DCF reached out to her and said they’re putting them up in a hotel – with real beds, a real roof, running water and warm showers for a whole week. Originally, DCF was going to put them up for two days. But Alderman is still looking for a permanent place – and a brighter future. “Hopefully a more stable place to live,” she says. “That’s the number one goal that we try and work on every day.” If you’re wondering what you can do to help, just get involved. In St. Johns County, the school district has a program called ASSIST that will gladly accept your donations. The program is also looking for mentors. Below you'll find the Florida Department of Education's information on homeless students throughout the state. And below that, you can read DCF's full statement in response to our inquiries for this story. - FDE Homeless Students Count by Jacob Rodriguez on Scribd . DCF statement: Thank you for reaching out regarding your inquiry. We are not available for an interview, but please see the information below. Florida statute provides that, “Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child's welfare, as defined in this chapter, or that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the department in the manner prescribed in subsection (2).” As such, the responsibility to report concerns about a child who may be homeless or abandoned rests with all individuals – including DCF. DCF’s legal role in the life of a child is typically initiated through a call to the central Abuse Hotline, which triggers a child protective investigation. If an investigation that results in findings requiring intervention for safety or services, the child enters the state dependency system through a child protective investigation. Unlike abuse, abandonment, or neglect, homelessness alone is not an automatic qualifier for state dependency. Federal funding for programs and services to federally-defined homeless individuals, including youth, is provided to the local continuums of care through DCF. The continuums then provide the services to homeless or unaccompanied youth. DCF works very closely with the school system in St. Johns County and is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be safe, healthy, and educationally and developmentally on track. Thank you, Jessica K. Sims, Communications Director, Florida Department of Children and Families HOW YOU CAN HELP If you want to help, here are the specific donations you can make: Food gift cards (Publix, Winn Dixie) no more than $25. Gift cards for new shoes where they just sell shoes (Rackroom or Payless) Gift cards to Walmart or Target School supplies like composition books, notebooks, folders with prongs, colored pencils, highlighters, pencils and paper Cleaning supplies Hot pads for cooking in hotels New bedding: Twin sheets, queen sheets Towels ASSIST Address: 47 Orange St in St. Augustine, (904)-547-7593 |
HE is already the size of Godzilla and now Dave Taylor is considering switching codes to play rugby in Japan. The Titans have discussed saying sayonara to Taylor, concerned they are not getting value for money from the former Maroons enforcer, who is earning more than $400,000 a year. Taylor, one of the Gold Coast’s best last season, has been inconsistent this year and has been demoted to Intrust Super Cup club Tweed Heads for Sunday’s game. He could yet be a late inclusion for the Titans to replace centre James Roberts, who is battling “general soreness”. Taylor has been dropped to Tweed Heads before, but this time it comes when the Coast would seemingly need him with Nate Myles in the Maroons team. Dave Taylor is set to join Japanese rugby. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia It is understood Titans officials have sounded out Super League clubs to gauge their interest in the 120kg Taylor. Having signed for the Titans midway through the 2012 season, last year was Taylor’s best on the tourist strip. Yet he has not quite reached the marquee forward status the Titans hoped he would. Taylor would prefer to have a crack at rugby union in Japan than move to England. He actually had an opportunity to move to Super League instead of the Titans. Just days after Taylor signed with the Titans, mega-rich Salford boss Marwan Koukash made enquiries to his management to see if the “Coal Train” would be interested in moving north. Taylor quickly replied that he was not interested. The Titans on Saturday declined to comment about Taylor’s contract, except to say they simply wanted more consistency from him. Taylor’s manager Col Davis said he has had no contact from the Titans regarding his man, who is contracted until the end of 2016. It is understood Taylor would ultimately prefer to stay on the Gold Coast but if he had to move on, would want to try rugby union. Davis’s management group has several Japanese rugby connections including a friendship with Japan national coach and former Wallabies mentor Eddie Jones. When Taylor was told he was unwanted at the Brisbane Broncos six years ago, he had discussions with the Queensland Reds. He genuinely enjoys watching union and believes he could make an impact at outside centre. “It (rugby union) is something that still sits there in me,” Taylor said during State of Origin camp last year. “I still love watching union and I played it a lot as a kid. “I guess it comes down to position wise too. I would probably be an inside or outside centre but I may be too slow for outside now.” |
Olivia loves Disney’s Frozen princesses, all things sparkly, bright tights and ballet. During her family’s Cuban vacation last summer, she danced in the children’s “mini-disco” before the evening shows, twirling and leaping across the stage. One night another guest turned to her parents, exclaiming, “Your daughter is the girliest girl I’ve ever seen!” Olivia was born a boy. She “socially transitioned” from male to female, in nursery school last year. She was four years old. Today, she attends kindergarten at a Montreal primary school. Only her teachers and the school board know she is transgender, for now. Olivia (not her real name to protect her identity) is part of a growing phenomenon that is being celebrated but which is also raising strong emotions: an increasing number of children as young as preschoolers appearing at gender identity-clinics across the country, convinced they are of the opposite sex. As society becomes more accepting of LGBT people — witness a famed Olympian’s male-to-female transition playing out in the glossy pages of celebrity magazines, and trans rights bills and laws mandating gender-neutral bathrooms making their way through legislatures — families are increasingly supporting, not forbidding, their children to live in the gender they feel, and not the one “assigned” at birth. “We don’t get a lot of demand for ‘Fix my child,’ or ‘Change my child,’ thankfully,” says Dr. Stephen Feder, co-director of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s gender diversity clinic in Ottawa. But the proliferation of gender clinics and the growing trend to “socially transition” children barely out of toddlerhood are raising some thorny questions, among them: how can a four- or five-year-old possibly know their gender at such a young age? When is too young to begin the changeover? Doctors say they are seeing a slow, but steady increase in referrals for children as young as three and four displaying “gender non-conforming behaviours” that run a spectrum, from boys dressing in stereotypical “girlish” clothes, or sometimes even pretending to not have a penis by pushing it between their legs, to “gender dysphoria” — psychiatry’s label for the distress that may accompany the “incongruence” or mismatch between “one’s experienced or expressed gender and one’s assigned gender.” “I’ve had children say, ‘God made a mistake,’ or, ‘when will my penis fall off,’ or ‘when will I grow a penis,’” says Feder. He and others in his field were outraged when two Alberta family court judges, in a bitter custody dispute involving a five-year-old in Medicine Hat, ruled that the child, born male, couldn’t wear girls’ clothes in public. Experts called the restriction (later lifted by a third judge on the advice of a court-appointed child psychologist, according to the child’s mother) ludicrous and potentially dangerous. Many said it smacked of prejudice and want to outlaw, as Ontario has already done, “reparative,” or “conversion” therapies that posit there’s a certain plasticity, or malleability to a child’s brain so that the right intervention could somehow cure them of their gender nonconformity. In other words, don’t let a boy play with Barbie or wear sparkly eye shadow and there’s a good chance his brain will respond and revert back to identifying with his anatomical sex. Groups such as the Canadian Paediatric Society have denounced that approach as unethical. Still, the issue of persistence is a minefield. One widely quoted study co-authored by Dr. Kenneth Zucker — the controversial psychologist and sexologist who last year was ousted from his 30-year directorship of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s gender-identity services after an external review concluded that not all his practices, according to CAMH, were “in step with the latest thinking” — reported 80 per cent of children treated for gender dysphoria are no longer expressing gender identity issues by high school. They grew to accept the sex they were “assigned” at birth. However, critics say the study didn’t distinguish between children with “consistent, persistent and insistent” gender dysphoria (a diagnostic criterion) and boys who just liked to play with dolls or girls who acted more masculine but were never truly trans to begin with. Feder argues treatment of the child shouldn’t be sidetracked by any “statistical predictions.” “It is probably safe to say that those who are most entrenched in gender expression that is different from their assigned gender are most likely to identify as trans after puberty.” The research, however, is sparse. Doctors aren’t aware of any cause. There’s some speculation around exposure to hormones in the womb, but Feder and others say what’s clear is that transgender isn’t an “acquired phenomenon,” or the result of exposure to a particular experience or abuse. “It’s part of their biology,” he says. “Why their biology turns out in that way, I don’t think that’s known.” Sydney Webster’s hair used to be long, though it was never loose but always braided or in a ponytail. Whenever people would say, “You’re such a princess,” it seemed to bother Sydney. As a toddler, Sydney had a drawer full of dresses and skirts — none ever worn. Sydney liked wrestling and playing with boys, cars and trucks. Mother Angie Webster couldn’t put her finger on it but says she always sensed her only child felt somehow lost. This past spring, Sydney told Angie, “I feel like a boy, mom.” No mom, I feel like a boy “I said, ‘so you like to play with boys, and things boys would typically like to play with.’ And he said, ‘no mom, I feel like a boy.’ ” Sydney asked to have his head shaved. When Angie and her husband, Cole, a geologist, agreed to have it cut short and scrubby first, not entirely bald, “the look of confidence on his face, he was just so happy.” He asked to start using male washrooms (which he did). He asked his parents not to correct others when they called him a boy. Then, in September, “he told us he wanted us to use male pronouns,” Angie says. Sydney (his birth name) returned to school for second grade as a boy. The family says it has received overwhelming support from the school and the Calgary Board of Education, which earlier this year strengthened and entrenched rules around gender diversity under Alberta’s Bill 10. “Until he told me, ‘I feel like a boy,’ I could sense he was searching for something,” Angie said. “I’ve never really been someone who, you know, when you hold your baby and imagine their life and imagine them getting married. I’ve always just loved Sydney. Sydney is just Sydney to me.” Sydney has told his parents he doesn’t want to go through puberty as female. “He wants to have a beard; he wants to experience being like a man, fully, physically,” his mother says. “For now, Syd is able to just enjoying being a kid. It’s all very innocent. But I know in the future, as Sydney approaches puberty, he, and we, will have some important grown-up decisions to make.” What at birth defines our gender? It’s not our “externals,” says Dr. Norman Spack, co-director of the Gender Management Service program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Gender is different from anatomic sex, and from sexual orientation. It describes our self-concept, Spack said in a 2014 TED talk. “Do you see yourself as male or female or somewhere in the spectrum in between?” Spack says it’s normal for children to act in a “cross-gender play and way.” However, by puberty — 10 to 12 for girls, 12 to 14 for boys — a child who is still convinced “they are in absolutely the wrong body is almost certain to be transgender and is extremely unlikely to change those feelings no matter how anybody tries reparative therapy or any other noxious things,” Spack says. Doctors argue that using puberty blockers gives children time to explore their gender identity, without the trauma of watching their bodies evolve into the “wrong” sex. Feder describes trans boys (female to male) who wanted to cut their breasts off, or who bound them with tensor bandages. But others argue gender isn’t fully formed until a child goes through puberty. Ethicists, as well, question when children are mature enough to provide informed consent, or fully appreciate what it is they are agreeing to, not just puberty blockers that can affect bone density, but later, cross-sex hormones — estrogen so the trans girl develops a more rounded figure, testosterone to give trans boys a more angular jaw and masculine physique. What happens if they begin medically transitioning and change their minds? How far do we intervene with a young child? “We don’t have a lot of data that say, if we do this, stop puberty, are you happy later on,” says bioethicist Arthur Caplan. When you’re dealing with a young kid, it’s really murky “It’s one thing to be respectful of what an adult chooses to do. But when you’re dealing with a young kid, it’s really murky.” Others such as the University of Washington’s Kristina Olson insist that the only intervention being made with the youngest children is a non-medical and entirely reversible one — a social transition. A newly published study by Olson and colleagues tracking American and Canadian transgender children report those who socially transitioned have no higher rates of depression than their non-trans siblings, or a group of age- and gender-matched “controls,” and only slightly higher rates of anxiety, a finding that’s in stark contrast to other studies showing higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thinking and self-harm among teens and young adults prevented from social transitioning when they were younger. Those who work with transgender children argue parents aren’t being pushed into socially transitioning every child who isn’t conforming to cultural gender norms. Even with the Medicine Hat case, “I think there’s an assumption that because this child wished to express their gender in a certain way, that automatically meant that the kid was going to be transgender later on. That may or may not be the case,” says Dr. Joey Bonifacio, a Toronto pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist. However, “if a child is presenting at age three, four or five, there probably is something that is biological that we haven’t yet found,” Bonifacio says. Olivia’s mother is a university economics professor, her father a project leader in materials science. They view the world through a scientific lens and, so, when Olivia kept announcing, beginning at age two, ‘when I grow up, I will be a girl,’ they tried to rule out the variables. When she hung shirts on her head and down her back to pretend she had long hair, was it all just innocent make-believe? When she pulled skirts out of the daycare dress-up box and almost only ever played with the girls, was it because some of the boys were so rough? “We thought, maybe he can’t find his place,” Olivia’s father says. So they switched daycares. “The same thing happened.” Her parents turned to the gender variance clinic at Montreal Children’s Hospital, where they were encouraged to “open her horizons,” her father remembers. They bought dresses and skirts. Early this year, Olivia switched to a feminine name and using the feminine pronouns “she” and “her.” Recently, her parents, under Quebec’s Bill 103, changed her birth name and gender on her birth certificate. She feels, and “presents” herself to others as a girl, and her parents are raising her accordingly. Olivia’s transition hasn’t been easy. At the daycare where she transitioned, the teachers refused for weeks to call her by her chosen female name. “They let the other children make comments — ‘you’re not a real girl,’ ‘you have a boy face,’ without understanding these comments are a form of intimidation, affecting Olivia’s self-esteem,” her mother says. She thinks parents are judged more when a child transitions at such a young age. “We received many looks that implicitly said, ‘They’re messing up their boy by letting him wear girl clothes and believe he is a girl. What freaks, what are they thinking? Did they want a girl? Or aren’t they able to tell their boy that he is and should act as a boy?’ ” “Gender is non-binary,” Olivia’s father argues. “Later on she may continue to be a girl, or she may be more fluid or androgynous. We don’t know yet. “So things are more complicated than, ‘We understand. She’s a girl forever.’ ” • Email: skirkey@postmedia.com | Twitter: sharon_kirkey |
(Reuters, Jemima Kelly) – Bitcoin slid by 10 percent on Friday after one of its lead developers, Mike Hearn, said in a blogpost that he was ending his involvement with the cryptocurrency and selling all of his remaining holdings because it had “failed”. Hearn, one of five senior developers who has spent more than five years working on the web-based currency, said he would no longer be taking part in development. “Despite knowing that bitcoin could fail all along, the now inescapable conclusion that it has failed still saddens me greatly,” Hearn said in his post on blog-publishing platform Medium. Along with Gavin Andresen, who was chosen by bitcoin’s elusive creator Satoshi Nakamoto as his successor when he stepped aside in 2011, Hearn has been locked for months in a battle with the other lead developers over whether the “blocks” in which bitcoin transactions are processed should be enlarged. Each block currently has a capacity of one megabyte, which Hearn says is “an entirely artificial capacity cap”, and allows a maximum of just three payments to be processed per second. In August, Hearn and Andresen released a rival version of the current software, called Bitcoin XT, which would increase the block size to 8 megabytes, allowing up to 24 transactions to be processed every second. While that is still a fraction of the 20,000 or so that Visa can process, it would increase every year, so that bitcoin could continue to grow. But the new software has not been adopted by the “mining” computers that secure the network, the majority of which are in China, according to Hearn. Hearn says the bitcoin network is about to run out of capacity as the volume of transactions increases. And when that happens, the network will become unreliable, with payments unable to be processed and vulnerable to fraud. “If an IT system runs out of capacity like that then all kinds of things go wrong – all hell breaks loose,” he said in an interview with Reuters in late December. Hearn reckons the bitcoin community has “failed” in its governance of the crytocurrency’s code. “What was meant to be a new, decentralised form of money that lacked ‘systemically important institutions’ and ‘too big to fail’ has become something even worse: a system completely controlled by just a handful of people,” he wrote. SUDDEN DEPARTURE Just months ago, in August, Hearn told Reuters that whether or not Bitcoin XT was adopted, the crypocurrency would live on. “If we thought it might be the end of bitcoin, we wouldn’t do it,” he said then. Bitcoin was trading at around $390 on the itBit exchange BTC=ITBT by 2000 GMT, down from $430 before Hearn’s blog post was published. In his December interview, Hearn said that when people realised that the bitcoin network was at breaking point, the price would fall. “The current price of bitcoin is supported almost entirely by people speculating on its future, in the assumption that this could be the money of tomorrow,” he said. “So if the network starts to collapse, then a lot of people are going to look at it and say: well maybe we’ve miscalculated (its) future value.” Hearn is now working for the R3CEV consortium of banks working on using the blockchain technology that underpins bitcoin in financial markets. Stephan Tual, the former chief operating officer of blockchain firm Ethereum, who now works at blockchain-based app developer Slock.it, also reckons bitcoin’s future looks shaky. “Bitcoin is outdated technology – almost prehistoric by crypto standards,” he said. “It’s because of petty quarrels such as these that it hasn’t been able to evolve in five years.” Others were more upbeat. “I’m not ready to declare that Bitcoin has failed,” wrote U.S. venture capitalist Fred Wilson. “Sometimes it takes a crisis to get everyone in a room… So if we are going to have a crisis, let’s get on with it. No better time than the present.” |
Kid Rock as released a new line of apparel for Donald Trump's biggest fans Trump supporters just got an early Christmas gift from Kid Rock, who has released a new line of apparel for the president-elect's biggest fans. The singer, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, has released three new $25 shirts on his official website that feature Trump or reference the election. One shirt simply reads 'Gods, Guns and Trump' while another features a picture of the president-elect with the seemingly misspelled name 'Onald Trump'. Underneath it then reads: 'The D is missing because it's in every hater's mouth'. A third shirt boasts a map of how the country voted in the election. The red states are labeled 'The United States of America' while the blue states are dubbed 'Dumbf**kistan'. Also available starting December 30 will be a red baseball cap with the slogan 'Make America Bada** again'. The singer, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, has released three new $25 shirts on his official website that feature Trump or reference the election Many on Twitter have criticized Ritchie for the crudeness of the shirts Ritchie, who identifies as a libertarian and also supported Mitt Romney's presidential bid, first voiced his support for Trump in February, saying he found his campaign to be 'entertaining as s**t'. 'My feeling let the motherf***ing business guy run it like a f***ing business,' the rocker offered as his endorsement. Ritchie announced the new apparel on his Twitter, claiming that there had an 'overwhelming demand' after he sported the map shirt at a recent performance. But many were quick to criticize Ritchie's apparel, calling it divisive after an especially vicious presidential campaign. '@KidRock Even if I was a Trump supporter, which I'm not, I wouldn't wear that,' wrote a user named Dan. 'It causes too much division. America need the heal not divide.' Many found this profanity-laced shirt to be especially divisive, while some Trump supporters in blue states felt it was just plain wrong 'You're everything wrong with modern civilization,' another user wrote. 'Glorified ignorance and hate. Why don't you start selling KKK hoods too?' 'Due to her overwhelming response from 89% of America @KidRock should never perform, rap or pretend to sing ever again,' added Matthew Altruda. Also included is a modified version of Trump's infamous 'Make America Great Again' hat Another user hit back that Ritchie was 'no more a rock performer than Liberace or Justin Bieber'. Twitter user Aricka Jones revealed that she had taken her mother to several Kid Rock shows and bought his CDs, but would never give him a dollar again. 'you see Kid is 1 of the best when it comes to supporting the troops but your boy Dump calls POW losers & sufferers of PTSD weak,' she wrote when explaining to one Trump supporter why she was so disgusted with the shirts. The shirts even offended one Trump supporter, who was feeling particularly left out. 'I live in a "Dumbf**kistan" state & voted for Trump,' she wrote. 'It's not fair to suggest this. By the way, you forgot Alaska and Hawaii.' |
Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen celebrates the first of his two goals, including the game winner in overtime, in a 3-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday at Rogers Arena. Photograph by: Gerry Kahrmann , PNG Jannik Hansen won some money on Sunday. On Saturday, he won a hockey game. Watching the Danish winger finish his chances in the Vancouver Canucks’ 2-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers, you wondered how this guy has never scored more than 16 goals in a National Hockey League season. He wonders about it, too. “You always want to score more,” he said upon reflection the next day. “The chances have always been there for me; that has never been the issue. It’s been the finishing. I tend to get a lot of breakaways. I do have the chances but haven’t been able to finish on as many as I’ve wanted in the past. I don’t know if you can be greedy and say you want to score on everything. Nobody’s going to be doing that. But obviously, pucks are going in a little more regularly this year than they have in the past.” Hansen scored both goals against the Oilers on Saturday, quickly one-timing Henrik Sedin’s pass between the Cam Talbot’s pads to tie it in the second period, before powering a slapshot between the goalie’s arm and torso to win it in overtime. The Canucks’ first victory in the history of three-on-three overtime came after Hansen, badly cut on the forehead when he crashed into the cross bar late in the third period, hustled the medical staff to get him stitched up for OT. “Blood wasn’t pouring down, so it was just a couple of stitches,” he explained after his game-winner. “I was pushing them a little bit. I knew I was going to get my chance in OT.” So, even off the ice, Hansen is faster on skates than most people. His diverse goals gave him 12 in 37 games this season, which puts him on pace for 27 goals. But since the speedy winger was partnered with first-liners Danny and Hank Sedin in Columbus on Nov. 10, Hansen has scored nine times in 22 games. If he does that the rest of the season, he’ll hit 30 goals. No wonder he was in a chipper mood Sunday even before he took money off Swiss teammate Luca Sbisa when Denmark beat Switzerland 2-1 Sunday at the world junior championship. He offered action to Yannick Weber and Sven Baertschi, too, but the other Swiss Canucks turned down Hansen. “Just one of them I roped in,” Hansen said. A 287th over-all draft pick — and did we tell you he is from Denmark? — Hansen has paid off big-time for the Canucks. He has just never cashed in as often as he should considering the scoring chances his speed and instincts generate. He matched his high for goals last season, Hansen’s seventh in the NHL, and his career-best for points was set in 2011-12 when he finished with 39. Not quite halfway through this season, Hansen is on pace for 49 points. “It’s tough to put numbers on yourself because it’s a bit disappointing if you don’t make it,” Hansen said when asked about an offensive target. “And what if you make it in 60 games? Are you just going to say: ‘OK, that’s it, we’ll see what we do next year.’ For me (the objective) is the playoffs. If the team makes the playoffs, it means the team played a good regular season and guys have contributed and we’ve done a lot of things right. If the team is successful, so are the individuals.” |
Hungary’s populist prime minister called Friday on the US, Australia, Israel and “rich Arab nations” to take in some of the migrants flowing into Europe, while likening the influx to an “army.” “It’s not fair, that the USA doesn’t take any in, or only 10,000-15,000 refugees,” Viktor Orban told radio station Kossuth. “It’s not fair that Israel doesn’t take any at all, that Australia doesn’t take any at all, that the rich Arab countries are dithering,” he said. Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up “Everyone looks to Europe, because someone sent the refugees out in this direction.” The comments by Orban, whose country has received almost 300,000 migrants this year, most of them just passing through en route to western Europe, follow his appeal at the United Nations General Assembly this week for “global quotas.” Last month, Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States would in 2016 take in 85,000 refugees from across the world, including 10,000 from Syria. Orban, whose stance has regularly raised hackles in Europe, also said that “at least 80 percent of the immigrants are young men. The group looks more like a young army than refugees.” According to figures released by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), almost 390,000 people have arrived in Europe by sea this year, only two thirds of whom are male. Orban also said the “majority” of those arriving in Europe were “uneducated and only speak Arabic” and insisted that “economic migrants” not be allowed to pick and choose their destination. Last month, Hungary sealed its southern border with Serbia, diverting the flow of migrants through Croatia and the western Balkans. But Zagreb has been transporting them to its northeastern frontier with Hungary, which Orban has said he also intends to seal off. |
The highly anticipated Mass Effect: Andromeda will feature dynamic weather effects, according to Mass Effect Series Senior Development Director, Chris Wynn. Writing on Twitter, Wynn said he’s seen these effects in action on various objects and characters, describing them as "ridiculously cool." He also confirmed the development team has hit another milestone, though wouldn’t elaborate any further. Mass Effect: Andromeda was formally announced at Electronic Arts’ E3 2015 press conference a few weeks back. The game will be released for PlayStation 4, PC and Xbox One in holiday 2016. BioWare has confirmed it won’t be a prequel to the original trilogy. In related news, EA has suggested that a Mass Effect HD Collection isn’t among the publisher’s top priorities. Check out the latest Mass Effect: Andromeda screenshots here. via GamingBolt |
Play Playing Share Manage episode 192242056 series 1301209 By BBC Radio 4. Discovered by Player FM and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Player FM, and audio streamed directly from their servers. Driverless cars could be on UK roads within four years under government plans to invest in the sector. The Chancellor Philip Hammond said "We have to embrace these technologies if we want the UK to lead the next industrial revolution". At the thick end of the wedge, Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk believes artificial intelligence is "a fundamental risk to the existence of human civilisation". AI is changing our lives here and now, whether we like it or not. Computer algorithms decide our credit rating and the terms on which we can borrow money; they decide how political campaigns are run and what adverts we see; they have increased the power and prevalence of fake news; through dating apps they even decide who we might date and therefore who we're likely to marry. As the technology gathers pace, should we apply the brakes or trustingly freewheel into the future? For those inclined to worry, there's a lot to worry about; not least the idea of letting robot weapons systems loose on the battlefield or the potential cost of mass automation on society. Should we let machines decide whether a child should be taken into care or empanel them to weigh the evidence in criminal trials? Robots may never be capable of empathy, but perhaps they could be fairer in certain decisions than humans; free of emotional baggage, they might thus be more 'moral'. Even if machines were to make 'moral' decisions on our behalf, according to whose morality should they be programmed? Most aircraft are piloted by computers most of the time, but we still feel safer with a human in the cockpit. Do we really want to be a 'driverless' society? Producer: Dan Tierney. 91 episodes available. A new episode about every 15 days averaging 43 mins duration . |
Share. Death of the Family indeed. Death of the Family indeed. There’s been so much speculation about how Death of the Family will end; who lives, who dies, who is irrevocably changed forever. Under normal circumstances, fan expectation this high would result in a multitude of reactions after flipping past the last page; one of which would most certainly be disappointment. Disappointment that the story ended differently than you were hoping, or worse, exactly how you predicted. What’s stunning about the conclusion of Death of the Family in Batman #17 is that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo manage to navigate that murky territory and not only completely defy expectations for the big finish, but also deliver exactly what we were promised. Since this review is spoiler-free, I obviously won’t be getting into specifics, which is admittedly difficult, as so much of this issue’s value stems from how it pays off certain beats and how it explores Batman’s motivations to act like he does. However, the turn of events in this final chapter bring this story full circle in a way that even the most astute readers won’t be expecting, and Snyder finally makes his mark on the well-traversed dichotomy between Batman and the Joker. Much of what the writer explored in previous chapters has been dealt with in other Joker stories to varying degrees, but it’s in this final, terrifying confrontation that a new angle is brought to light. Batman: Death of the Family Postmortem What we get of Joker/Batman in Batman #17 is a continuation of what came before, but also presents a new facet to their relationship that only deepens the mythology behind these characters. The final dialogue between the two enemies in this chapter is quite possibly the greatest exchange between them since the end of The Killing Joke, and I don’t say that lightly. Even more impressive is the long-lasting ramifications that Snyder is able to deliver. After Death of the Family, it’s clear that the dynamics between the Bat-family both inside of Batman proper and their own respective series are going to be vastly altered. Better yet, you won’t have to wait for the next issue to see that; it’s quite clear by the time you turn the last page in issue #17. If there’s any nit to pick in this book, it’s simply that the opening pages are a bit rambling before getting to the point, but then, it’s the Joker. That’s sort of his shtick. It’s the final pages of the book, after the battle is done and the dust as apparently settled, that Snyder makes his final, ultimate point; where he dots his I’s and crosses his T’s. The last few pages of Batman #17 will linger long after you put this comic back in its bag and file it away into your ever-growing long box. It’s an absolutely stunning finale to the strongest arc this series has seen to date. For his part, Capullo brings home this concluding chapter with a ferocity and detail that we’ve never seen before. I feel like I say this for every issue, but this just might be Capullo’s finest. While there’s so much to rejoice in here, the work on Joker himself is what really shines. Capullo continues to show the wear and tear on the Joker’s reattached face; we see it becoming more stretched and loose, sliding off of his head in new ways. There’s one instance that Batman punches him, and Capullo manages to portray the flappy skin being twisted around this face as a result. It’s seriously gruesome, but also one of the most beautiful images that Capullo has concocted in this long run on Batman. Another stunning piece of work in this issue comes in a splash page that depicts Joker’s unending adoration for the Dark Knight; it’s haunting and strangely romantic in a way that only the Joker could manage. But even more than the horrifying detail that Capullo provides these pages, there’s simply no denying the grace and apparent effortlessness with which he tells the story visually. Every single page in this chapter reads as though you’re watching a movie; even when the action is slim – the first few pages is basically a bunch of people talking around a table – Capullo’s work is dynamic and ridiculously expressive. With the aid of inker Jonathan Glapion and colorist FCO Plascencia, Batman #17 is one of the most vibrant, disturbing, and attractive comic books you’re likely to see this year. Joey is a Senior Editor at IGN and a comic book creator. Follow Joey on Twitter @JoeyEsposito, or find him on IGN at Joey-IGN. He will love Star Wars until he becomes one with the Force, and then he will continue loving it as a blue ghost. |
In the years following the Aug. 13, 1961 construction of the Berlin Wall, the barrier was scattered with gaps and weak points, emboldening a number of East Berliners to attempt escape. The undesirable security situation prompted the communist regime to send border soldiers out on a mission in 1966 to do what was otherwise forbidden to ordinary citizens -- take photographs of the Wall. The detailed documentation of the "anti-fascist protection wall," as the East German regime called the barrier, was meant to help identify permeable sections for fortification. The photos, discovered in the Potsdam military archive in 1995, have now been digitally combined by Berlin photographer Arwed Messmer to create some 340 panoramic images of what the Wall looked like in the 1960s. The reconstruction will be presented in a both a book and public exhibition entitled "The Other View: The Early Berlin Wall," which begins on Aug. 5 and is timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the day Berliners awoke to a divided city. The panoramic shots, found by both Messmer and Annett Gröschner, who co-authored the book, provide a unique perspective on the boundary through the Berlin city center. Unlike the tall concrete wall covered in graffiti that resides in collective memory, the structure that divided Berlin at that time was a ramshackle patchwork of wire fences, building walls and concrete sections. Tragic Stories Perhaps most surprisingly, the images revealed that the capitalist part of the city was not as shiny and new as East Berliners might have thought. According to the organizers, the photos show "a strangely disparate West Berlin that by no means seems to correspond to the myth of the 'Golden West.'" To accompany the images, Gröschner researched events that took place near each location during the 1960s and chronicled them in captions that appear with the photos. In border control files, she found a number of stories detailing tragic and deadly escape attempts. Others tidbits are quite humorous, however. "Why don't you come on over, we've got nice women. And you'll get a car too," reads one caption that references comments made by a West Berliner to someone on the other side near Potsdamer Platz. "Whether it's now or later, we'll get you anyways." The exhibition "The Other View: The Early Berlin Wall" runs from Aug. 5 to Oct. 3, 2011 at Unter den Linden 40 (second floor, between Friedrichstrasse and Neustädtische Kirchstraße), 10117 Berlin. |
Description Gather 3-5 players, set aside 2 hours, and make up an unwatchable “foreign” film using a pile of index cards and your crazy brains! Use this step-by-step guide to guffaw your group through non-chronologically remembering a wildly bizarre movie that you apparently just watched together! On each player’s turn they write a part or moment into the movie (oh, I mean remember a part or moment of the movie they saw, pardon me) and insert it anywhere into the timeline you’re collaboratively creating! Kaleidoscope is a thorough stand-alone hack of Ben Robbin’s celebrated Microscope: a fractal role-playing game of epic histories. Through its years of casual development Kaleidoscope was streamlined and made more silly, receiving amused (or on one occasion, unamused) looks from folks at neighboring tables and eliciting many decibels of laughter from its players. For 3-5 players. Plays in about 2 hours. “Creating a fake movie by reminiscing about it is like a magic trick in your mind.” -Sythana Winterthorn, artist and Olympia story gamer. Pages are 8.5” x 11” Full colour, cover by Jackson Tegu and photographs of index cards by Orion Canning. Includes 2 Files: • Kaleidoscope rules in English, 14 pgs. • Fan translation of Kaleidoscope rules in Japanese, 14 pgs. |
The new generation Embraer E190-E2 single aisle passenger jet completed maiden flight from Embraer's facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil.The flight marks the beginning of the 2000+ hour flight testing, which will lead to service entry in 2018. The aircraft took off at 1:06 p.m., local time from Embraer’s facility in São José dos Campos and flew for three hours and 20 minutes.Embraer Captain Mozart Louzada commanded the aircraft along with First Officer Gerson de Oliveira Mendes, and Flight Test Engineers Alexandre Figueiredo and Carlos Silveira.The flight evaluated aircraft handling and performance characteristics with the crew analyzing a significant number of flight parameters, including speed, altitude and landing gear retraction.This was made possible by the high level of maturity that the E2 reached during program development through the extensive use of digital modeling simulations and ground and static tests that employed rigs and an iron bird.Embraer's E-jet E2 family features aerodynamically advanced wings, fourth generation full fly-by-wire controls and a Pratt & Whitney's PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) PW P1900G, delivering a combined 16 percent better fuel efficiency than current generation E-Jets.The E190-E2 is the first member of Embraer's E-Jets E2 aircraft family that caters to the 70 to 130 seat market.The aircraft that flew is the first of four prototypes that will be used in the E190-E2 certification program. Two additional aircraft will be assigned for the E195-E2 certification process that will lead to entry into service in 2019. Three more aircraft will be used to certify the E175-E2 which is scheduled to enter service in 2020.The E190-E2 has the same number of seats as the current-generation E190 and can be configured with 97 seats in dual class or 106 seats in a single-class layout. It has 400 nautical miles more range than the current-generation E190 and gives operators the ability to fly the aircraft up to 2,800 nautical miles. |
2011 studio album by William Shatner Seeking Major Tom is the fourth studio album by William Shatner. It was released October 11, 2011 in the US by Cleopatra Records.[1] The album features many noted musicians, including Sheryl Crow, John Wetton, Patrick Moraz, Ritchie Blackmore, Alan Parsons, Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes, Nick Valensi, Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Chris Adler, Steve Hillage, Steve Howe, Michael Schenker, Dave Davies, Johnny Winter, Brad Paisley, Bootsy Collins, Carmine Appice, Ian Paice, and Toots.[2] The titular Major Tom in question is the one created by David Bowie. Track listing [ edit ] Most tracks on the album are covers of space-themed songs. Release [ edit ] Shatner released a music video for his version of "Bohemian Rhapsody". The New Zealand Herald labeled the video as "typically bizarre".[3][4] Reception [ edit ] The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart in America and number 147 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[8] |
COSTA MESA – Police have arrested the former fiancée of a Costa Mesa man accused of fatally shooting two Orange Coast College students and dismembering one of them, with investigators alleging that she acted as an “accessory after the fact.” Costa Mesa detectives Tuesday afternoon arrested Rachel Buffett, 25, of Long Beach as an accessory in the 2010 murders of Samuel Herr, 26, and Juri “Julie” Kibuishi, 23, a police statement said. Police did not outline what role they believe Buffett had in the killings. Daniel Wozniak, who was engaged to Buffett before he was arrested in connection with the killings, faces two felony counts of special-circumstances murder. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Wozniak, a community theater actor, confessed to Costa Mesa police detectives that he had killed Herr and Kibuishi as part of a scheme to access Herr’s bank account, transcripts of an Orange County grand jury session earlier this year show. Authorities allege that on May 21, 2010, Wozniak lured Herr, his neighbor, to a theater on the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, where prosecutors believe he shot Herr twice in the head before stealing his ATM card, wallet and cellphone. Later that evening, prosecutors allege, Wozniak used Herr’s cellphone to send a text message to Kibuishi, a friend of Herr’s, to lure her to his apartment. Authorities believe Wozniak shot Kibuishi twice in the head, and then removed some of her clothing to make it look like she had been sexually assaulted. Wozniak returned to the Los Alamitos theater, authorities allege, where he is accused of cutting off Herr’s head, left arm and right hand before dispersing the body parts in the theater and at El Dorado Park in Long Beach. Steve Herr, Samuel Herr’s father, called police after discovering Kibuishi’s body at his son’s apartment. During the police investigation, a 17-year-old was caught using Herr’s debit card to withdraw cash at various ATMs in Long Beach. The juvenile told investigators that he was withdrawing money for Wozniak, police said. Wozniak was arrested during his bachelor party at a Huntington Beach restaurant May 26, 2010. Authorities say Wozniak and Buffett were scheduled to be married several days later. Wozniak pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in early May and is awaiting trial. Police say Buffett was the focus of an “ongoing investigation” since the killings and had been “previously contacted and interviewed by detectives.” A statement released by Costa Mesa police Tuesday said detectives compared information from those interviews, as well as interviews with other witnesses, and determined there was “probable cause to arrest Buffett as an accessory after the fact in this murder case.” The case against Buffett is being turned over to the District Attorney’s Office, police said, where prosecutors will decide whether criminal charges will be filed. Register staff writers Vik Jolly and Larry Welborn contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 714-796-7939 or semery@ocregister.com |
Signup to receive a daily roundup of the top LGBT+ news stories from around the world Police have appealed for help from the gay community, after a man was arrested and charged with four counts of murder. 40-year-old Stephen Port, of Barking, east London was charged this week with the alleged murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor. Port allegedly used GHB to poison a number of victims. The four bodies were found in and around the St Margaret’s Churchyard, Barking, between June 2014 and September 2015. The Metropolitan Police Service, which confirmed it will refer itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission after allegations it initially failed to spot a link between the deaths, has now appealed for help from the gay community. In a statement to PinkNews, the Met confirmed: “The Homicide and Major Crime Command launched an investigation following the deaths in Barking of Anthony Walgate, 23, from Barnet on 19 June 2014; Gabriel Kovari, 22, from Lewisham on 28 August 2014; Daniel Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend on 20 September 2014 and Jack Taylor, 21, from Dagenham, on 14 September 2015.” Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, said: “We are keen to trace anyone who may have information in connection with these incidents. “I would encourage anyone with information to come forward, no matter how insignificant you may think it is. “If you have any reservations about speaking to the police, please rest assured that your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.” Anyone with information can contact the Met’s incident room on 020 8358 0400, or you can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you don’t wish to speak to the police, you can contact hate crime charity Galop via their website or on 020 7704 2040. Comments have been disabled for legal reasons. |
State Senate panel approves medical marijuana bill It's approved by a Senate panel but could face opposition in the GOP-controlled House. The full Senate is expected to vote on the measure as part of the budget-confirmation process in the coming days. If it passes, it still would need approval by the Republican-controlled House, where opposition could run deep, and by Gov. Tom Corbett, who is not completely on board with approving marijuana for all ill individuals. But the bipartisan bill still has a long way to go before becoming law. "Our goal here is to get this out of the Senate before we go home to summer break, so we have the summer to work and help [lobby] in the House as we move forward," said Sen. Mike Folmer, R-Lebanon, who sponsored the bill with Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery. The Senate vote will be nearly unanimous, Leach predicted, for a bill that was not driven by deep-pocketed special interests, but by parents. "It's amazing and it's heartening in this day and age of politics being awash in money, we can still accomplish something with nothing more than the power of an idea," Leach said. The bill would allow individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions to apply for a medical cannabis access card from the state Department of Health. Government would monitor the growth and sale of marijuana through a system of regulation and security to be developed by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Departments of Agriculture and Health, and Drug and Alcohol Programs. The bill would establish state oversight of nonprofit "compassionate care centers" that would work with nonprofit "commercial medical cannabis farms" or manufacturers to grow and dispense "Charlotte's Web." It is a strain of marijuana with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and weak levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient for getting high. It can be consumed in a pill, in oil form or by inhalation. After the Senate vote, Latrisha Bentch, 35, wiped away tears as she explained how the bill could help treat the epilepsy that afflicts her 6-year-old daughter, Anna Myers. "This bill means ... everything to us," she said. "It means not having to break the law to save your child's life. It means adult patients who have already been using it don't have to live in fear of being arrested for trying to save their life. That's it. It's that simple." Not politically, though. In May, Corbett modified his staunch opposition to legalizing marijuana for any purpose. Corbett said he would approve a limited proposal to legalize medical marijuana for sick children only, and would propose legislation establishing a pilot program with children's hospitals to research the effectiveness of the plant in treating ailments. Aside from those changes, Corbett, a former prosecutor, has said he would not support a bill legalizing marijuana for all patients until the federal Food and Drug Administration approves the drug for medical purposes. |
Cross-posted at Jezebel. Last year in a post about the truism “sex sells,” I asked: But whose sex is sold? And to who? “If it was simply that sex sold,” I continued… …we’d see men and women equally sexually objectified in popular culture. Instead, we see, primarily, women sold to (presumably heterosexual) men. So what are we selling, exactly, if not “sex”? I argued that what was really being sold was men’s (presumably heterosexual) sexual subjectivity, the experience of being a person in the world who was presented with images that were for his titillation. Women do not live in the world this way. They are not exposed everyday to images that legitimize their lust; instead, the images teach women that they are the object of that lust. In light of this, Sociologist Beth Eck did a series of interviews attempting to tap into what it felt like for men and women to look at male and female nudes. Her findings were pretty fascinating. First, she asked men and women to look at naked images of women, including this one of Cindy Crawford: Women viewing images of female nudes almost inevitably compared themselves to the figure and felt inadequate. Said one women: …the portrayal of these thin models and I just get depressed… I’m very hard on myself, wanting to be that way. Women ended up feeling bad whether the model conformed to conventional norms of attractiveness or not. When looking at a heavy set woman, they often responded like this: I am disgusted by it because she is fat, but I’m also… I need to lose about 10 pounds. I don’t necessarily find her body that attractive… Her stomach looks like mine. Men, in contrast, clearly felt pandered to as holders of a heterosexual male gaze. They knew that the image was for them and offered praise (for a job well done) or criticism (for failure to live up to their expectations). About Crawford they said: Personally I think she is attractive. I like that. Both men and women, then, knew exactly how to respond to female nudes: women had internalized their object status and men had internalized their subject status. Eck then showed them male nudes, including this one of Sylvester Stallone: Interestingly, both men and women felt uncomfortable looking at male nudes. Men responded by either expressing extreme disinterest, re-asserting their heterosexuality, or both. They did not compare themselves to the male nudes (like women did with female nudes), except to say that they were both male and, therefore, there was “nothing to see.” Meanwhile, because men have been trained to be a lustful sexual subject, seeing male nudity tended to raise the specter of homosexuality. They couldn’t see the bodies as anything but sexual objects for them to gaze upon. In contrast, the specter of homosexuality didn’t arise for women because they weren’t used to being positioned as lustful. Eck explains: When women view the seductive pose of the female nude, they do not believe she is ‘coming on to’ them. They know she is there to arouse men. Thus, they do not have to work at rejecting an unwanted advance. It is not for them. Many women also did not feel lustful when looking at male nudes and those that did often experienced lust mixed with guilt or shame. Eck suggest that this may be, in part, a reaction to taking on the active, consuming, masculine role, something they’re not supposed to do. Summarizing responses to the male nudes, she writes: Men, over and over again, reject the seductive advance [of a male nude]. While some women welcome the advance, most feel a combination of shame, guilt, or repulsion in interacting with the image… This is what it means to live in a world in which desire is structured by a gendered sexual subject/object binary. It’s not just “out there,” it’s “in us” too. Source: Eck, Beth. 2003. Men are Much Harder: Gendered Viewing of Nude Images. Gender & Society 17, 5: 691-710. |
Please enable Javascript to watch this video CHICAGO -- A 13-year-old girl and her mother have been charged in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old honor student over the weekend. 15-year-old De’kayla Dansberry was killed Saturday outside the Parkway Gardens Housing Complex at 65th and King Drive on Chicago's South Side, according to WGN. The 13-year-old suspect faces one count of first degree murder; her mother, 35-year-old Tamika Gayden, has also been charged with first-degree murder and one felony count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Gayden is believed to have provided the weapon used in the murder. In court, prosecutors outlined some of the case against the 13-year-old accused of this killing including video shot by bystanders. One witness says she heard the young girl crying and saying “I killed her” while wiping blood from the knife, according to officials. The mother of 15-year-old De’kayla sobbed in court this afternoon as she saw her daughter’s accused killer for the first time. Her entire body shook with grief as she heard details of what prosecutors say happened on Saturday. “She didn’t deserve to be murdered,” said Sheila Dansberry. “She’s a good kid and her life was stolen from her.” Police say De’kayla’s killer was later seen washing blood from the knife. That a witness heard her tearfully admit to the killing." De’kayla was an honor student and standout in track and field. She was preparing for a meet downstate at the time of her death. What started as a dispute among teenage girls turned physical, violent and ultimately deadly. “It’s heartbreaking,” Shelia said. “It’s sad. I don’t know what else to say, it’s just sad." The 13-year-old will remain in custody awaiting her next court appearance. Judge Cynthia Ramirez took an extra step today, not just reminding the media not to identify the girl, because of her age, but reminding social media users to be careful too or face prosecution. |
Bills WR Marquise Goodwin will attempt to qualify for 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio; could miss training camp time: https://t.co/sPqGrcWTrW — Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) January 4, 2016 Marquise Goodwin was busy winning a silver medal in the Pan Am Games before training camp http://t.co/nW2xcON3Yu pic.twitter.com/cQgJuQyP0b — SB Nation NFL (@SBNationNFL) July 23, 2015 Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin is reported to be training for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.ESPNÂ’s Mike Rodak reported that Goodwin will try to qualify for Rio, and if he makes it, he will discuss whether to miss time at the BillsÂ’ training camp this summer. Rodak also reported that Goodwin learned he was put on the injured reserve list this season by reading the news on the internet.The 2012 Olympic finalist competed for the first time in three years last June when he finished fourth in the long jump at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Goodwin barely missed making the U.S. team headed to the World Championships after finishing behind Marquis Dendy, Jeffrey Henderson, and Mike Hartfield.Despite missing the podium at USAs, Goodwin managed to earn a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Toronto last July.The Texas graduate was drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. The wide receiver has had a difficult time staying healthy while competing in the NFL, starting with his first season where he missed four games and later six in 2014.As a rookie, Goodwin had 17 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. In 10 games in 2014 he registered one catch where he went for 42 yards.Goodwin suffered broken ribs late in the first half of the BillsÂ’ preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last August. He made a 19-yard catch and cut into the middle of the field, but was tackled by linebacker Ryan Shazier and defensive lineman Ethan Hemer. The Bills placed Goodwin on the injured reserve list in October.If Goodwin qualifies for the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, it will be his second time competing at the Olympic Games. He made the team in 2012 after clearing 8.33m to win the U.S. title with a personal best. He went on to place 10th overall in London. |
Errati Errati is a flexible errors index for NodeJS that helps you to use the Node callback pattern to its fullest. It helps the developer to use errors as active messangers that are consistent through the application. At its simplest use, it helps you use a standardized set of errors and ease development, debugging and feedback. In more complex use, it enables custom values to be passed in an expected manner, to process errors and take action through the backtracking of callbacks and automatically take appropriate actions when errors are instantiated. All of this is done "define once, use everywhere" with straight forward Javascript syntax. Errati is style agnostic and aims to be adapted to the developers needs instead of the other way round. There are no dependencies and no learning curve to speak of. Register your errors from a dictionary (or use the provided HTTP Standard Codes) and you are ready to go. The design goals are: Efficiency Flexibility Ease of use Use case example: A module instantiates an error due to a failed user request. The error is populated with default and custom values. It is propagated back through the callback chain where actions may be triggered and additional data is added to the error instace. Finally one set of error data is returned to the user, while another set of data is logged. For severe actions, instantiation is extended with a function to notify somebody responsible to take immediate action. Released under BSD licence. Mikael Konttinen / Somewhat Original. Table of contents Description Start with registering errors from a dictionary, either the provided http codes or a custom dictionary. Errati uses a singletonish pattern to have the indexed errors be consistently provided wherever required. Errors can be used interchangably as reference and/or instances. The dictionary can be a Javascript Object or Array, depending on your preferences and needs. The dictionary specifies error codes, names, custom values and functions. All definitions are made by the order of generic to specific, meaning you can define values or functions for the entire dictionary and progressively override them for the class and the error instance. Errati adds a couple of helpers for common needs, all of which can be overridden. The helpers are toString(), toObject() and toJson(). You can easily add custom helpers in your desired scope. Errati also comes with internal parsers for instantiation arguments and stack traces, and a post-instantiation hook. All of these can also be overridden with custom functions. Errati comes with two dictionaries of HTTP Standard Codes. One "short" dictionary of most used HTTP Standard Errors, and one "full" dictionary of HTTP Standard Codes. Using one of these is optional, as is extending the index with custom dictionaries. Multiple dictionaries can be registered and separated in the index by prefixes. Errati aims to be as straightforward as possible. All registered Errors are Javascript functions that inherit the prototype from the Javascript Error. The code is well documented in case you would need additional functionality that is not provided out of the box. Tests are included to verify the functionality of Errati. Installation npm install errati app . js : var options = { } ; var Errati = require ( ' errati ' ) . setup ( options ) ; myfile . js : var Errati = require ( ' errati ' ) ; ...and you are ready to go. Note that you must call the .setup() function to initialize Errati. If no options are provided, the included "http-short" dictionary of the most common HTTP Standard Errors is loaded. To load the "http-full" dictionary of HTTP Standard Codes, use the following options. var options = { dictionary : ' http-full ' } ; var Errati = require ( ' errati ' ) . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati ) ; Note that the HTTP dictionaries are not more than collections of standardized codes and names. You can use them for any desired application. And to load your custom list of errors: var myErrors = { ' 101 ' : ' First error ' , ' 102 ' : ' Second error ' } ; var options = { dictionary : myErrors } ; var Errati = require ( ' errati ' ) . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati ) console . log ( Errati . FirstError ) ; console . log ( new Errati . FirstError ( ' This is a message ' ) ) ; Note that 'name' is a reserved field for javascript functions, so error classes use the underscore prefixed field '_name' instead. Options Configuration of Errati is done by passing a configuration object (from here; 'options') to the Errati.setup() function. The options specify how the jointly passed dictionary is parsed. The options are divided in the following main parts: var options = { dictionary : { } , fields : { map : { } } , reflow : ' ' , extend : { } , override : { } , errati : { } } ; Options passed to Errati.setup() are a configuration for that particular dictionary. No changes are made to errors already indexed by Errati. The only exception is the field options.errati that adds functionality to Errati itself. A dictionary of Errors. dictionary : { } | [ ] | ' http-short ' | ' http-full ' | false 'http-short' : Most common HTTP Errors (default) : Most common HTTP Errors (default) 'http-full': Full set of HTTP Status Codes See: Dictionaries. .fields and .fields.map Configuration of mapping and indexing of dictionary data. fields : { map : { _index : ' field1 ' , _value : ' field2 ' , } , ' field1 ' : true , ' field2 ' : ' prefix1 ' , ' field3 ' : { prefix : ' prefix2 ' } , } Options.fields.map determines how the index and string values (not objects) from the dictionary are to be interpreted. The mapping uses two special fields, _index and _value, prefixed with an underscore to signify that they are not referring to the fields 'index' and 'value', but references to the dictionary. dictionary [ _index ] = _value By default, _index is set to 'code' and _value is set to 'name'. Hence with the default settings: var options = { dictionary : { ' 100 ' : ' My Error ' } } ; Errati . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati ) ; console . log ( Errati . MyError ) ; Say we'd like to preserve the default mapping of dictionary index to the field 'code' but remap dictionary string values to 'title'. Also, we'd like to index the field 'code' and prefix it with 'code_'. var options = { dictionary : { ' 100 ' : ' My Error ' } , fields : { map : { _value : ' title ' } , ' code ' : ' code_ ' } } ; Errati . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati ) ; console . log ( Errati . code_100 ) ; We can also map the dictionary index and values to something totally different: var myErrors = { ' emergency ' : ' Tommy ' } ; var options = { dictionary : myErrors , fields : { map : { _index : ' state ' , _value : ' blame ' } , ' state ' : ' stateOf ' } } ; Errati . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati ) ; console . log ( Errati . stateOfEmergency ) ; Reflowing of error fields to be indexed to code friendly indexes. reflow : ' CamelCase ' | ' underscore ' | ' nospace ' | function |false Reflow 'error name ' CamelCase 'ErrorName' Underscore 'error_name' Nospace 'errorname' Example of a custom function: reflow : function ( string ) { return string ; } Extending all errors in dictionary with fields and functions. extend : { myField : ' value ' , myHelper : function ( ) { } , init : function ( ) { } } , As all fields are populated in the order from generic to specific (Dictionary > Class > Instance), you can also add default values that are later specified per class or instance. For example: var myErrors = { ' 101 ' : { name : ' Error One ' } , ' 102 ' : { name : ' Error Two ' , message : ' Class message ' } } ; var options = { dictionary : myErrors , extend : { message : ' Dictionary message ' } } ; Errati . setup ( options ) ; console . log ( Errati . ErrorOne . message ) ; console . log ( Errati . ErrorTwo . message ) ; console . log ( new Errati . ErrorTwo ( ' Instance message ' ) . message ) ; There is also the "hook" options.extends.init (actually just a field) for a function to be run post instantiation of an error. The init function takes no arguments, but is scoped to the instance, meaning you have the full instance with the keyword "this". Init follows the same chain of population, so you can define generic and custom init functions. Note that init is called at instantiation only. For example: var myErrors = { ' 101 ' : { name : ' Error One ' } , ' 102 ' : { name : ' Error Two ' , init : function ( ) { console . log ( ' I am totally second: ' , this . toString ( ) ) ; } } } ; var options = { dictionary : myErrors , extend : { init : function ( ) { console . log ( ' I am error: ' , this . toString ( ) ) ; } } } ; Errati . setup ( options ) ; new Errati . ErrorOne ( ) ; new Errati . ErrorTwo ( ) ; Overriding default functions for error instances. override : { toString : function ( ) { return string ; } , toObject : function ( ) { return object ; } , toJson : function ( ) { return json ; } , parseArgs : function ( args ) { } , parseStack : function ( stacktrace ) { this . stack = stacktrace } } The sections extend and override function in a near identical fashion, meaning options.override also populates from generic to specific, with the exception that functions in the options.override are already populated by default functions. The separation of these in to two fields is somewhat by principle but mostly for legibility. These helper functions are also available for class use in the class prototype (Errati.MyError.prototype). This section is for configuring Errati itself. Currently the only field is options.errati.extend that extends Errati with custom functions. For example: errati : { extend : { getNames : function ( ) { var names = [ ] ; for ( var key in this ) { if ( this . hasOwnProperty ( key ) ) names . push ( key ) ; } return names ; } } } Dictionaries The dictionary can be either an Object or an Array, depending on needs and preferences. var myErrors = [ ' First error ' , ' Second error ' , ' Third error ' ] ; var myErrors = { ' 101 ' : ' Error one ' , ' 102 ' : { name : ' Error two ' , some : ' value ' , my : function ( ) { } } , ' 103 ' : { name : ' Error four ' , code : ' 104 ' , toString : function ( ) { } } } Errati.setup() can be called multiple times for multiple dictionaries, sets with different values/functions and/or for some other structural divisions. Be sure to have unique indexes for all errors. Make use of prefixes (see Fields) for different sets with identical error codes or names. Errati throws an error if you attempt to register duplicates with identical index. Instance parsers Arguments parser The instatiation arguments parser aims to provide a flexible error constructor with the assumption that errors are commonly instantiated with a message. It works by the following principles, in order: If the first argument is a String, it is the message. If the first argument is an Object with the field 'message', all its fields are merged to the instance. Additional arguments are passed to an array in the field 'args'. If the first argument is not a String and has no field 'message', all arguments are passed to the field 'args'. Examples: new Errati . MyError ( ' My message ' ) ; - > { name : ' My Error ' , message : ' My message ' , ... } new Errati . MyError ( ' My message ' , { some : ' value ' } ) ; - > { name : ' My Error ' , message : ' My message ' , args : [ { some : ' value ' } ] , ... } new Errati . MyError ( { message : ' My message ' , some : ' value ' } ) ; - > { name : ' My Error ' , message : ' My message ' , some : ' value ' , ... } new Errati . MyError ( { some : ' value ' } , { another : ' value ' } ) ; - > { name : ' My Error ' , args : [ { some : ' value ' } , { another : ' value ' } ] , ... } Note that the arguments parser sidesteps the regular Error instantiation behaviour. If you wish to retain this, simply override the arguments parser with: override : { parseArgs : function ( ) { Error . apply ( this , arguments ) ; } } Stack parser The single purpose of the instantiation stack parser is to provide a stack trace that tops on where the error was instantiated. It simply removes the lines that refer to Errati from the stack trace. It can be overridden as: override : { parseStack : function ( stacktrace ) { this . stack = stacktrace ; } } Instance Helpers Instanced errors have by default the following helper functions with the following behaviour. All of these can be overridden with custom functions. Returns a string representation that is limited to the error name and a colon separated message, if a such exists. Example: console . log ( new Errati . MyError ( ' I am message ' ) . toString ( ) ) ; console . log ( new Errati . MyError ( ) ) ; Parameters: filters { in:[] || ex:[] } (optional) Returns a cloned object without the error prototype. Note that Errati returns a shallow (- only relevant if you want to work with the error instance or nested the values in intact form later). This helper also has a simple filtering function for first level fields. The filtering is done either by including or excluding field names, but not both. Filtering is set by passing an Object with the fields 'in' or 'ex', containing an Array of field names to include or exclude. Examples: console . log ( myError . toObject ( { in : [ ' name ' ] } ) ) ; console . log ( myError . toObject ( { ex : [ ' name ' ] } ) ) ; Parameters: filters { in:[] | ex:[] } (optional) This is a wrapper for JSON.stringify that also applies the filtering function for toObject. Examples: console . log ( myError . toJson ( { in : [ ' name ' ] } ) ) ; console . log ( myError . toJson ( { ex : [ ' name ' ] } ) ) ; Errati helpers Parameters: tabulator string (optional) This helper returns a string representation of the Errati errorsIndex. You can pass a custom string for the tabulator. By default the tabulator is two spaces. Examples: console . log ( Errati . toString ( ) ) ; Parameters: callback function arguments (optional) Iterate through all registered errors. The callback should be formulated as: function ( error , params ) { } And 'params' contain the following fields: index : The errors indexing value : The errors indexing value errati : The errati instance : The errati instance args: An array of addtional arguments Example: Errati . forEach ( function ( err , params ) { console . log ( params . args , params . index , err . _name ) ; } , ' Hello ' ) ; Parameters: prefix string (optional) Counts the number of registered errors. If a prefix string is provided, it returns the number of errors that starts with the provided string. Example: Errati . count ( ) ; Errati . count ( ' dbs_ ' ) ; Final notes Take a look at the examples directory and the code for in depth understanding of how Errati works. Some of you may find individual prototypes for errors classes an anti-pattern. I partly agree with this, but it was a conscious decision due to the following factors: Efficiency. Less lookup, less prototype chains to traverse. Legibility of code is largely improved by the current solution. The overhead is neglible. I know there be Javascript-fu to name dynamic functions (http://marcosc.com/2012/03/dynamic-function-names-in-javascript/), but them being eval'y hacks, I decided to stick with the _name field in error classes. Please let me know if you know of a better way to do this. I'm considering a plugin system to make Errati easier to extend with third party modules. Not sure if anyone would use it. Let me know if this would be a big improvement. Change log 0.9.1 Changes to the README.md. Bumped version to adhere to NPM standards. 0.9.0 Going public! Release candidate for version 1.0.0 Documentation. Tests. |
From My Little Wiki G1 Bon Bon For the G4 pony with a similar cutie mark, see Sweetie Drops. Bon Bon is a G1 Earth Pony and one of the main characters in the My Little Pony Tales TV series. Her toy was limited to a select few countries, not including the US. An alternate version, Candy Pony, was sold exclusively in Holland. Names English: Bon Bon German: Bon-Bon Spanish: Bombón Bon Bon MOC Bon Bon Pony Stats Pose: Bow Tie Pose Bow Tie Pose Body Colour: Yellow Yellow Hair Colour: Purple Purple Eye Colour: Blue Blue Symbol: Blue and pink striped wrapped sweet Accessories Backcard Stories Starlight, Melody, Patch and Clover arrived at Shapes, the fitness club, for their regular work-out! "I hope the others don't take too long to get here, I can't wait to get into the Jazz routine!" said Melody. "Me too; as soon as I step into The Shapes Club my feet start tapping to the beat," said Patch. The ponies waited for their friends in anticipation! "Well, I can't wait any longer, let's meet them inside," said Starlight. Just then, hurrying around the corner, came Bright-Eyes, Bon-Bon and Sweet-Heart. "Ready for our work-out girls?" cried Bright-Eyes. Media Appearances Bon Bon in My Little Pony Tales Animated pony stats Body Colour: Yellow Yellow Hair Colour: Purple Purple Eye Colour: Purple Purple Symbol: Blue candy Bon Bon is one of the main characters in the My Little Pony Tales TV series. As referenced in the intro song, she enjoys baking and is constantly shown eating. Animators inconsistently portrayed her as being slightly heavier than the other girls. She comes from a large family, having one older sister and four younger siblings. She keeps a diary which she keeps her secrets in, and dreams of becoming a fashion model, though she initially didn't reveal this out of fear that she would be laughed at. She is also susceptible to motion sickness, as seen in "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!". Bon Bon was voiced by Chiara Zanni. Merchandise See also Dutch |
Essence Festival will welcome Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Solange, Erykah Badu and many more will it returns to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from June 30 to July 2. 2017 will mark the first time that Ross has performed at Essence. The legendary singer and actress is best known for her time fronting beloved Motown girl group The Supremes, as well as a series solo hits in the ’70 and ’80s and roles in films like Lady Sings The Blues and The Wiz. She last took the stage in New Orleans in 2013, when she sold out the Saenger Theatre with a costume and hits-filled show. Other artists on the Essence bill include Chaka Khan, India Arie, Doug E Fresh, Lalah Hathaway, Shaggy, Moses, Sir the Baptist, Lizzo and Jazmine Sullivan, plus local heros like Master P and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Interestingly, Charlie Wilson’s name is nowhere to be found on the initial Essence lineup. The R&B singer has performed at the event every since 2009, so his absence would mark notable change for the annual gathering. That could change in the near future, as festival organizers plan to announce more acts in the coming weeks. The complete initial lineup can for Essence Festival 2017 can be found here. Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 16. |
Mexico’s Sea of Cortez is known for it’s large and diverse population of sea life. Its unique and rich ecosystem is known for many migratory species, such as humpback whales, the California gray whale, killer whales, manta rays, Humboldt squid, and the world’s largest animal – the blue whale. With more than 900 islands provide nesting and breeding sites for millions of sea birds, and a maximum depth of nearly 10,000 feet, the sea is likely home to many species we have yet to discover. In addition to its more well-known sea life, the Sea of Cortez is also home to many which are endangered. One of those is the totoaba. The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is a larger fish that can grow to 6+ feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. Its body is characterized by an elongated body, sharp snout with a large oblique mouth and a projecting lower jaw. The Totoaba’s gill covers have smooth edges and its fins are typically darker than their body, with a deeply notched dorsal fin. It’s also the largest member of the Scianidae or Croaker family of fish, so named due to the sound they can make with their resonating swim bladders. Schools of adult totoaba migrate northward in the winter along the east coast of the Gulf of California to the Colorado River delta and remain there for weeks before spawning in the spring. Adults then migrate back south along the west coast for the rest of the year. Juveniles remain in the upper Gulf of California for two years before beginning this migration pattern. They begin reproducing after another 4 years for females and 5 years for males. It is believed that they can live up to 25 years. Despite it’s size and once healthy population, the totuaba is one species which has suffered tremendously in the past 100 years, and due in part to the small area of the world which it calls home, the totuaba is now nearing extinction. The end of the Colorado River In its natural state, the Colorado River poured about 16.3 million acre feet of fresh water into the Gulf of California each year, amounting to an average flow rate of 22,500 cubic feet per second. Following the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1928, the reduction of fresh water flowing into the Gulf was significantly reduced or halted altogether. Along with the reduced flow, both the water temperature and salinity has increased in the area where the river meets the sea – the area critical for the totuaba’s nursery and spawning habitat. The flow of fresh water to the mouth of the Colorado since the completion of the Hoover and Glen Canyon dams is now about 4% of the flow during the early 1900’s, and the salinity in the delta is now 35ppm or higher. This is one major cause of the depletion of the totoaba population. Since 1963, the only times the river has ever flowed any significant amounts of fresh water into the ocean have been during En Niño events in the 1980’s and 1990s. Commercial Fishing Commercial fishing has also taken its toll on the totoaba. In 1924, the commercial fishery began and at its peak in 1946, nearly 3 million pounds of totuaba filets were exported to the United States. In 1957 gill nets and dynamite fishing continued to devastate the populations. With improved fishing methods and an increase in demand, natural populations were severely reduced, and the catch decreased from 2,000 metric tons (4,409,245 lbs) in 1942 down to about 300 metric tons (661,382 pounds) in 1958, then down to 58 metric tons (127,870 lbs) in 1975. At that time, the fishery was closed completely and a preserve zone was designated at the mouth of the Colorado River. In 1976, the totoaba was listed on the International Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), in 1979 is was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and in 1986, it was listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Fishing, spearfishing, and taking of the totoaba are strictly prohibited. The totoaba’s greatest, and final threat Even with the drastic reduction in fresh water flow from the Colorado River and decades of heavy fishing pressure, the totoaba have managed to survive, although in much smaller populations. Now the totoaba are facing an even greater threat, and one which will likely result in their extinction: poachers. Poachers of wildlife typically poach for one of several reasons: purely for the sport of spearfishing, some because the flesh is particularly tasteful, and others to profit monetarily. Financial profit is exactly what’s driving the current poaching of the totoaba – and the strongest demand, and the money, is coming from a place more than 8,000 miles away – China. Totoaba closely resembles another fish that was highly desired in the Asian community and pretty much fished to extinction. It’s believed that Mexicali’s large Chinese population may have helped identify the similar totoaba fish as a delicacy option and developed a trade for it. The most prized part of the totoaba isn’t the flesh however – it’s a small organ that helps the fish maintain buoyancy in the water. The swim bladder. Although the totoaba can grow to 6 feel long and 200 pounds, there is only one small part of the fish that poachers are after – the swim bladder. Weighing mere ounces, the swim bladder is an internal gas-filled organ that contributes to the ability of the totoaba to control its buoyancy, and thus to stay at the current water depth without having to waste energy in swimming. They’re found in virtually all ray-finned fish. In the Chinese culture, the fish swim bladder is referred to as “fish maw” and may also come from a variety of non-endangered fish. Totoaba fish maw is highly valued for its high collagen content and some people believe the totoaba swim bladders can boost fertility and improve circulation and skin vitality. Due to the demand and extremely limited supply of totoaba swim bladders, they’re also worth a ton of money. One bladder from the totoaba can garner well over $10,000 in Asia ( An investigation by the online news site Mexicali Digital revealed that the bladders can fetch anywhere from $7,000 to $14,000 a piece in the black market.). Once landed, the fish are simply stripped of their bladders and left on the beach, meat and all, since the traders don’t care about the meat. Being caught with it would also be a liability. In one recent case, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer inspecting a car at the Calexico-Mexicali port of entry, about 130 miles east of San Diego, found 27 totoaba bladders hidden under floor mats in the back seat of a car. In another Jason Xie, 49, of Sacramento was accused of taking delivery of 169 bladders on March 30 in a hotel parking lot in Calexico, about 120 miles east of San Diego. Xie told investigators he was paid $1,500 to $1,800 for each of 100. Needless to say, for every large bust, hundreds and maybe thousands of poachers successful sell their catch without being caught. Smuggling penalties for killing the endangered totoaba include maximum penalties of up to 20 years in custody, $250,000 in fines and supervised release up to three years. Because the profit potential is so high, it’s worth the risk to many poachers and smugglers. And with all the money involved, a high level of corruption also abounds. __________________________________________ Further information and research: • Feds charge 7 in probe targeting smuggling of highly prized fish bladders • Made in the American West, consumed in China • Massive Trade in Endangered Species Uncovered; U.S. Attorney Charges 7 with Smuggling Swim Bladders of Endangered Fish Worth Millions on Black Market • 7 charged with smuggling fish bladders to China __________________________________________ |
This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of ELLE. There was one undeniable high note in last fall's election results: the passing of pro-pot legislation in California, Nevada, North Dakota, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, and Arkansas, which made some form of marijuana use—either medical or recreational—legal, or soon to be legal, in a total of 29 states. Ever since the drug began being gradually decriminalized state by state 20 years ago, entrepreneurs in areas with the most relaxed laws have seized upon the, er, growth opportunities, infusing extracts of the plant into everything from dog treats to chewing gum to bath salts. And now that it's permissible to consume the stuff in certain bars and restaurants in Denver, we may soon have our own Amsterdam in the Rockies. This sea change in America's attitude toward cannabis isn't just a boon for budding Jeff Spicolis: New uses for the therapeutic herb are emerging that could revolutionize the way we treat everything from menstrual cramps and mosquito bites to acne and wrinkles. The components of the cannabis plant that enable it to assuage maladies such as migraines and certain seizure disorders are compounds called cannabinoids, found within its leaves and flowers. The most well-known are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives weed its psychoactive properties, and cannabidiol (CBD), which is naturally found in higher concentrations in industrial hemp strains. (Marijuana and hemp are variations of the same plant type. The former has been cultivated to have higher THC; the latter, to have more robust stalks—which can be used to make paper, rope, and textiles—and a negligible THC content of less than .3 percent.) The reason these cannabinoids have such profound effects on us—whether ingested or applied topically—is that we are biologically primed to use them. The human body actually has an endocannabinoid system, through which it produces its own cannabinoids. It's been known since the 1990s that these compounds play a role in regulating functions such as skin sensitivity, appetite, and even memory. (Fun fact: One of the cannabinoids produced in the brain, anandamide, is the same chemical in chocolate that makes us feel euphoric when we consume it.) The two main types of cannabinoid receptors, which are embedded within the membrane of virtually every cell type, are integral to the nervous and immune systems. When we add cannabinoids from plants (similar molecules are also present in chili peppers and echinacea, among others), they can interact with these receptors to help our own endocannabinoid system function more effectively, keeping internal processes, such as those that govern our stress response, stable and balanced. Some of the many issues that have been linked to an out-of-whack endocannabinoid system include neurological disorders, obesity, and high blood pressure. CBD has no psychoactive properties and, unlike THC, can be sold in all 50 states as long as it's derived specifically from industrial hemp. (THC-laced products can be sold only in states with relaxed cannabis laws and cannot be sent or transported to other parts of the country.) CBD is also considered the most medically active of the two compounds, with research showing that it might help with anxiety and systemic inflammation, as well as mitigate some of the side effects of chemotherapy when taken orally. Applied to the skin, it can diminish localized pain—indeed, the first CBD products to hit the market were designed primarily to target sore muscles and arthritis. Now CBD is turning up in everything from face serums to lip balms, and with mounting studies substantiating its efficacy and versatility, what we're currently seeing may be just the beginning. "My research group was among the first to investigate whether the skin is capable of producing endocannabinoids, and apparently most, if not all, skin functions are controlled to a certain extent by the local skin endocannabinoid system," says Tamás Bíró, PhD, director of the immunology department at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, and an adviser for Phytecs, a biotech company that researches and develops products targeting the endocannabinoid system for the medical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. "This includes the skin barrier, which is very important for moisture retention, sebum production, and sweat-gland function, as well as skincentric sensory functions such as pain and itch. But perhaps most important, it appears that the endocannabinoid system controls skin inflammation—so if an inflammatory or irritation challenge assaults the skin, the endocannabinoid system fights against it." This could potentially make cannabinoids useful antiaging ingredients, and, Bíró speculates, due to their capacity to regulate sebum, they might turn out to be especially potent tools for fighting acne, although studies are still in the preclinical stages: "We found that when we applied CBD to human skin cells in a Petri dish," he says, "it prevented the inflammation and high production of sebum" associated with breakouts. "Cannabinoids haven't really emerged in mainstream dermatology," says Adam Friedman, MD, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University, who is currently developing methods for nanoparticle delivery of CBD through the skin. "But I think that's going to change. Given that there is a wide array of skin conditions notorious for chronic inflammation and debilitating itch or pain, there are numerous potential applications. There's going to be an exponential increase in the attention paid to this in the derm world." At this early stage, there are still some questions about how topical cannabinoids should be formulated and dosed. While CBD has emerged as the star player in most lotions and potions currently cropping up from niche brands across the country, evidence does suggest that its effects can be boosted by combining it with other active molecules from the cannabis plant, including THC and/or terpenes, the phytochemicals that give pot its distinctive aroma. (This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect, was first recognized by Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, the Israeli organic chemist who identified the presence of THC and CBD in cannabis in the 1960s.) Many brands—such as Whoopi Goldberg's Whoopi & Maya line, which was created to relieve period pain, and Los Angeles–based luxury brand Lord Jones, whose chicly packaged, edible THC–laced gummies and chocolates are Instagram gold—are formulated with both CBD and THC. Other brands, targeting states with stricter antimarijuana laws, stick with straight-up CBD that has been extracted in a way that retains many other naturally occurring (but legal) molecules, such as terpenes and flavonoids. (And some brands do both, such as Colorado-based Apothecanna, which creates two versions of each of its products, one with THC and one without, to suit different markets.) But even in small doses, CBD alone appears to be beneficial. "Because the skin has its own endocannabinoid system, just the superficial application of CBD by itself is extremely helpful," says Raj Gupta, chief scientific officer of Colorado Springs–based Folium Biosciences, a company that produces ultrapremium, THC-free, phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil. "CBD is an antioxidant, so you can see changes in skin pattern, such as a reduction in hyperpigmentation." In order to ensure that the product you're using contains high-quality cannabinoids, the best bet is to buy from a brand sold at a medical dispensary or trusted retailer. Also, don't worry that the creams, even those containing THC, are going to make you feel high. "Topical preparations have insignificant systemic absorption and are not known to cause psychoactive effects," says anesthesiologist Debra Kimless, MD, who specializes in cannabis and pain management and serves as medical director for ForwardGro, a medical-cannabis cultivating and research company based in Maryland. "Some patients claim that they feel relaxed, usually because they are experiencing pain relief." Kimless does caution, however, that while no studies have tested topical THC's ability to make it into the bloodstream, "there is always a chance" that it could show up in a drug test. Although cannabis has been used both medicinally and recreationally for thousands of years—and was a primary ingredient in some mainstream pharmaceuticals in the early 1900s—it has been largely unstudied in the United States since 1937's Marihuana Tax Act, which effectively banned its use and sale. That's all changing, albeit slowly, as the stigma of conducting clinical tests involving an illegal drug fades away. Still, says Friedman, we have a long way to go before the cannabis plant, which contains scores more yet-unstudied cannabinoids beyond CBD and THC, is fully understood—not to mention the full effects each of those individual cannabinoids have when applied to skin. "It's such a cool field, but so much of the information we have is still limited and early on," he says. "There are probably a lot more questions than answers at this point, but I think we're going to see a lot more research coming down the pike." CBD As long as it's derived from industrial hemp, CBD can be sold in any of the 50 states. 1. CBD Care Garden Face Karma Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($94.68, cbdcaregarden.com) replenishes skin with Swiss apple stem cells and peptides, as well as 20 mg of pure CBD. 2. Apothecanna Calming Body Oil ($36, apothecanna.com), which soothes muscles with a blend of lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and CBD, is a best-seller at New York eco-emporium CAP Beauty. 3. CBD For Life 99% Pure CBD Extract Pain Relief Spray ($26.99, cbdforlife.us) nixes aches and pains with a potent combo of cannabinoid extract, arnica, menthol, and camphor. THC Products containing THC can be sold only in states where cannabis has been legalized for medical or recreational use. 1. Dixie Synergy Relief Balm contains 50 mg of both CBD and THC per container to treat localized pain and inflammation. 2. Originally devised for use in the founders' Hollywood wellness practice, Lord Jones High CBD Pain & Wellness Formula Body Lotion, currently sold only in California, combines CBD and THC in a five-to-one ratio to diminish discomfort from pulled muscles, arthritis, and eczema. 3. Available in California and Colorado, Foria Pleasure spray ($38, foriapleasure.com)—think weed lube—promises to boost bedtime fun with sensation-heightening cannabis and coconut oils. |
Aug 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead (24) carries the ball as Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams (29) closes in during the second quarter of a football game at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher gave an update on former Rams running back Isaiah Pead after the team’s Week 10 win over the New York Jets. We’ve all been waiting with bated breath since we found out former Rams and Miami Dolphins running back Isaiah Pead was in critical condition following a car accident on Saturday morning. Pead, who was accompanied by another person in the car that wasn’t as seriously injured, was reportedly ejected from his car in the crash. He was deemed in critical condition after surgery on Saturday morning. Rams head coach Jeff Fisher spoke to Pead’s mom and relayed the information he found out from the conversation, per Gary Klein and Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times: “Our organization’s hearts and prayers go out to the Isaiah Pead family,” Coach Jeff Fisher said. “I spoke with his mom [on Saturday]. He’s struggling, and he’s going to have a tough road. We’re hoping that he’ll come through this, but his career is over, and he was an outstanding young man while we had him.” What injuries Pead sustained aren’t yet know, but this news confirms how serious the injuries are. Fisher announced after the game that he would send the game ball to Pead. It’s heartbreaking news to hear Pead is struggling, according to his mother. His injuries appear to be serious enough that his career is already considered over, however it’s more important that Pead pull out of this with his life. At times like these, we are reminded how precious life is. Just days earlier, Pead worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs and looked to have a potential track to return to the league after being cut by the Dolphins earlier in the season. Now Pead is fighting for his life. Millions have come out to show their support for Pead, including some of his college teammates and NFL teammates, as well as current NFL players and even athletes from other sports. There are millions in Pead’s corner and he will not be going through this alone. For now, keep Pead and his family in your thoughts and prayers. |
President Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus with an iron grip since 1994 (AFP Photo/Nikolai Petrov) Minsk (AFP) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko slammed Russia on Friday as tensions bubbled between the two close allies in a spat over border controls. Russia's FSB security service has ordered tougher restrictions along its frontier with Belarus after Minsk last month said it was scrapping visas for short-term visits by citizens of 80 states from February 9. There have been no border controls between Russia and Belarus since the 1990s, when the two ex-Soviet countries signed an agreement bolstering their political and economic integration. Strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko lashed out at what he called a "political" move by Moscow to reimpose border restrictions. "How is this a threat to Russia's national security?" Lukashenko said at a marathon press conference that dragged on over seven hours. "We have the right to make this decision. We are a sovereign and independent state." He also struck out at Russia over a convoluted energy dispute, saying he would take Moscow to court for allegedly cutting oil supplies to the country after Minsk hiked transit tariffs. The Kremlin's press service quickly hit back at Lukashenko, insisting the border measure was needed to keep Russia secure and reminding Minsk that Moscow has given it more than $6 billion in loans. "The Russian side has and continues to offer major economic, political and other support to Belarus in light of the special allied nature of our relations," the press service said. Landlocked Belarus has remained one of Russia's closest allies since becoming independent from Moscow when the USSR collapsed and is a member of a Kremlin-lead economic union. But despite the tight links Lukashenko -- who has ruled with an iron fist since 1994 -- is often keen to portray himself as not dependent on Moscow. The dispute comes after Belarus -- once dubbed the last dictatorship in Europe by the US -- has seen a thaw in ties with the West. Lifting visa requirements for visitors from across Europe and the United States for stays of up to five days was seen as a step that could help open up the tightly-controlled country. Like Russia's other ex-Soviet neighbours, Belarus was alarmed by Moscow's intervention in Ukraine after protesters ousted a pro-Kremlin leader in 2014. |
K Shiva Kumar By Express News Service BELAGAVI: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that his government would take all initiatives to increase reservation for SC/STs and other backward classes from 50 to 70 per cent. Caste census of Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes will be tabled in two months, he said. Replying to the calling attention moved by Congress member V S Ugrappa in Council on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah hit out at K S Eshwarappa, stating BJP lacked faith in social justice. “My government is committed to enhance the reservation based on population,” the CM said. Siddaramaiah said on the lines of Tamil Nadu model, the state government will seek legal opinion and bring necessary amendments to increase reservation for SC/STs and OBCs based on population. He sought opposition parties’ co-operation for the same. “Tamil Nadu already has 69 per cent reservation,” he said. Sparks fly over reservation issue Sparks flew between Siddaramaiah and Eshwarappa in during the debate. The CM targeted Eshwarappa, BJP backward cell and MLC Puttaswamy. He said it was he, who had announced caste-based census in 2004. “I was expelled from Janata Dal in 2005 and the census could not take shape,” he said. Siddaramaiah said that the government brought the Karnataka Scheduled castes sub-plan and tribal sub-plan (Planning, Allocation and utilization of Financial Resources Act) Act, 2013 which has increased funds to these communities. Earlier, moving calling attention in Legislative Council, Ugrappa said that reservation is not alms. The BJP members protested when Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said that they would seek legal and constitutional experts’ help to increase reservation for SC/STs and OBCs from 50 to 70 per cent. |
Competing In & Training Jiu Jitsu With A Torn ACL I recently started another blog called, injuryhealthblog.com, it is going to be my new place to house injury-related and health optimization content; however, I have been dealing with an experience for the past several months (honestly, years) that I think is much more appropriate for BishopBjj.com. That experience is training Jiu Jitsu with a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Below, I’ll tell you about my first ACL injury and subsequent surgery, my second ACL injury, and my experiences training jiu jitsu and competing in sporting activities without an ACL. My ACL Injury background My first ACL injury came in 2003. I completely ruptured my ACL in my left knee. It was a non-contact football injury during training camp. I simply made a sharp cut on the field and down I went. I actually practiced the rest of that day, but when I awoke the next morning, my knee was the size of a grapefruit (probably a familiar story for anyone going through this). I went to see an orthopedic doctor and was told surgery was really the only option. I was 16 at the time, so that was pretty much the standard wisdom. I am a competitor at my core and have this pesky problem of wanting all the answers. I had a lot of trouble understanding why I had to get surgery on something that actually didn’t bother me very much. My high school football coach at the time told me that it was possible to actually play the season without an ACL, so since my knee felt fine to me anyways, I did. This is not an endorsement of that decision. I’m just trying to give you as much injury background as possible so that you have the full story. I promise I’ll get to the risks and considerations later on. My knee often felt loose throughout that season and would give way from time to time. If I remember correctly, backpedaling was what seemed to put it most at risk. However, I made it through the whole season, and was awarded all-conference and all-district honors at linebacker. Ultimately, I was very happy with my decision to not have the surgery immediately. After the season, I was convinced that my athletic and personal future would likely be better if I was to repair my ACL. So following that season of football, about 8 months after the initial injury, I had the surgery. My original ACL graft choice I find this subject really interesting because a lot of doctors disagree on it. For my first surgery the doctor I had elected for a patellar tendon graft. Recovery from the graft was very slow. I had trouble getting my quads to “fire” again after surgery; which delayed some of my rehab. I was just a kid then, so I doubt I was as considerate or diligent about many aspects of recovery as I would be now, but nevertheless, I did do a full rehab protocol. Side note: I am not endorsing any one type over the other; as expert opinions are all over the map. However, the patellar graft is known to take much longer to recover from. If I was to do another ACL surgery I would elect a cadaver graft this time (this is just based on my experiences and the experiences I’ve seen other athletes like myself go through first hand). Recovery from my first ACL surgery I remember being able to back in the gym working out and training 6 months after the surgery; however, I was not full strength until a very long time after that. I don’t remember the following football season (after the surgery) as being one where I was quite as effective or quick off the ball as I was during the one I played with my ACL torn (this is often the prognosis — athletes usually don’t retun to full form until at least 18 months on average). I would say that my original recovery took 18-24 months until I was back to full-strength, but I’m not sure I’ve ever gotten back to where I would have been had I not had the original injury. 13 years later I tore that same ACL again (Current – with jiu jitsu) The next 13 years went pretty well for that reconstructed ACL. Unfortunately, in October of 2016 (at the age of 29), I completely tore my reconstructed ACL graft on my left knee. So basically, I tore the same ACL again. This time I did it training Jiu Jitsu. I tore it playing lasso guard during a sparring session. There was an audible pop but very little pain. When I woke up the next morning the knee was certainly swollen, but nothing like the first time I tore the ligament. I was actually pretty sure I had just sprained the knee. I was able to keep training jiu jitsu the following day with no restrictions. The big concern in the back of my mind was that my knee was feeling a bit looser, but there were no other signs at the time so I plowed forward. Unfortunately, that honeymoon period didn’t last long. In two separate instances in the following weeks, my knee shifted on me when defending double leg takedowns. It concerned me enough to go see an orthopedic doctor and have a new MRI done on that knee. Sure enough, I had completely torn my reconstructed ACL graft. What the doctors said about my torn ACL So, I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but I really am trying to make this as short and helpful for others as possible. When I elected to play through that football season a decade earlier with the ACL torn the doctors were pretty surprised by my knee’s ability to maintain stability during most tasks, and thought I was a rare athlete that might be able to compete in my sport without an ACL. I have always had naturally strong legs and will chalk some of this up to good genetics (ha, I guess). The doctors in my most recent instance felt the same way. I shared with them that I had been training jiu jitsu and working for a little over a month with the injury with almost no issues; despite two occurrences of some light shifting of the knee. They decided to do a displacement test in which they would check the laxity in the knee to give me a better idea of what was dealing with. In the test, they found that my injured knee and normal knee experienced the same amount of laxity (even when force was applied). This meant that my injured knee was unusually stable (very unusually apparently). Subsequent tests showed that my injured knee was actually more stable. The advice I was given (by what I can safely say was one of the best orthopedic doctors in San Diego) was that I may be able to carry-on without the surgery. The medical advice I got was… (and what you should know is) Due to the stability of my knee, I was at a very low risk of further injury. They said the common perception that the ACL is preventing a larger more catastrophic injury is overblown. The probability of another major knee injury is about the same with or without an ACL. The true risk for non-repair is shearing of the meniscus over time in way that causes the meniscus to erode. This could lead to an early knee replacement. Also, in many cases, the issue or risk is that there may be damage to more than just the ACL (or some kind of body mechanic responsible for the injury). In my case neither were relevant. In my case, there were no instances of shearing and almost no chance that a major injury would occur (unless it would simply occur anyways). My doctor told me that it really came down to how I felt about the knee and what my goals were. My first goal was to not have surgery. I hated it the first time around and really didn’t want to do it again; however, I didn’t want to be less than 100% for the rest of my jiu jitsu career. He saw no issue with delaying surgery to see how I could potentially cope with a rehab-only approach to recovery. However, he thought it would take monitoring over time if I stick with this choice, so that I could avoid possible meniscus damage in the future. He recommended a very diligent rehab program that was at least 8 weeks long and focused on building both quad and hamstring strength. He thought that doing these activities would give me the tools I needed to ultimately make my decision. He very much emphasized (and I will as well), if your knee feels good. Don’t rush to surgery. Choosing rehab over ACL surgery I choose a highly recommended rehab facility in San Diego to do my knee rehab. I figured dedicated time there, plus time on the mats, would give me the data I would need to decide if I could really train and compete in jiu jitsu without an ACL. The first month of rehab, I noticed that I was starting to get a lot stronger. The trainers were very impressed with my strength and stability coming in, but pushed me really hard and could tell I made progress every time I went. Each week of rehab made my time sparring and rolling at jiu jitsu more and more comfortable. I was able to take more and more risks every day and felt very comfortable on the injured knee. My ultimate goal was to train for – and compete in – a large tournament as a way of testing my choice. What was rehab like? The rehab protocol they had me follow emphasized stretching a lot. They wanted my hip flexors and hamstrings especially flexible. I thought I was flexible before, but they made me spend a lot of time stretching these things and I can say it definitely made a difference. I usually did 3 sets of 3 separate stretched for calves, hamstrings, groin, and hip flexors. I would do this at rehab every time I went (about twice a week), but I also did it at home (2x every day!). They encouraged me to be diligent with it, so I was religious. I completed my rehab stretching and basic strength exercises every day (sometimes multiple times day) on my own. As for rehab exercises, they had me focus a lot on plains of movement. This meant lots of single leg exercises where I was often stepping out at different angles and squatting down while my other leg would remain fixed and straight. They had me use weight for this as well, but most of the movements were challenging without at weights at first (even for me). They said they wanted me to fully correct and strengthen my gait (which was a little off). I did these exercises just about every day along with the stretching. I also started doing some of my own ACL rehab exercises that I found online. I pretty much supplemented everything they wanted me to do with other stuff I could scrap together online. 3 months without surgery + training + rehab =…??? After about 60-90 days of rehab and training, I felt extremely strong and had no feelings of instability. I operated with no loose feeling in my knee and trained jiu jitsu without restriction. I had no shifting instances and found my game to be confident again. The biggest issue I have now is that I still hold back in some positions when I spar with really tough training partners. It’s more me protecting my knee than it being a problem. Competing in jiu jitsu with a torn ACL I was feeling very strong with my knee and really thought the ultimate litmus for whether or not I should have surgery would be competing. Sure enough, my wife was doing the IBJJF European Championship in January, so I thought that would be a good goal. I figured If I could make it through training and competing without any major issues, that would be a pretty good indicator that I might be able to hold off surgery for a while. If not, then I would need surgery. Training went really well, so I arrived at the tournament very confident. I was able to secure the bronze medal at the Euro’s (at black belt, Master, Middle) with absolutely no issues with my knee. I went 4-1 on the day and was relatively happy with my effort. Although, I should really have had a chance at the finals; as my loss that day was purely the fault of the referee (isn’t it always). My final thoughts I tore my ACL a second time a decade after my first tear. I have had previous athletic experience that included competition without an ACL. My first surgery was terrible and after my most recent injury I was not excited about doing it again. I pursued any option I could of not having surgery, and have succeeded so far. I know that long term it may not be a winning strategy and I may have to opt. for an operation. However, I was able to take 3rd at the European Championships with a torn ACL, and absolutely no hindrance on my performance. I have no intention of pursuing surgery at the moment and plan on continuing my rehab, jiu jitsu training, and jiu jitsu competition until I find the knee to be a significant hindrance. Ultimately, I feel as though the surgery would cause me greater damage than benefit at the moment. Although I reserve the right to change my mind the second that changes. You cannot ignore data. The data my body has given me so far is that it is OK. If it chooses to tell me different I have to act on that data. People will often look for hope in ignoring surgery, my advice is to use the data to decide. Does your knee bother you, can you rehab it to where it doesn’t? If not, you should probably fix it. But, don’t rush into surgery just because you think it is your only option. Get a good doctor, work your butt off, and see what happens. |
Two fast food restaurant workers robbed at gunpoint by a man wearing a ski mask identified the suspect as a former co-worker, according to reports. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office reported Cleveland Willis, 28, has been arrested in connection with the October 3 armed robbery at the KFC on Perkins Road in Baton Rouge. According to the arrest warrant, the victims told investigators that although the suspect was wearing a ski mask, they could tell it was Willis because they had worked with him for several months. The warrant stated the suspect walked into the business wearing all black and a black ski mask over his face. He reportedly pointed the gun at the head of one of the workers, pulled back the hammer, and demanded money. Authorities said both workers opened two cash registers and handed over a total of a little more than $600. "Cleveland, is that you?" the report said one of the victims asked the suspect during the robbery. "No, it’s not me," the suspect reportedly replied. The report stated the suspect drove off in a silver Nissan Altima, which is the same vehicle Willis had been using while working there. According to the warrant, the victims reported they recognized the robber as Willis because of his voice and “the features of his face that were visible through the holes in the mask.” Willis has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of armed robbery. Bond has not been set. Copyright 2017 WAFB. All rights reserved. |
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