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A key difference between movies and TV series is their relation to mortality. When a movie becomes a TV series,<|fim_middle|> the fourth episode, in which the housemates trek to a nightclub in Manhattan — "Manhatta" in Laszlo's archaic tongue — to impress a sleazy downtown vampire (Nick Kroll).
If "Shadows" doesn't seem entirely necessary, it's perfectly fun. Its pleasures are in the goofy details, like the way Laszlo exclaims "Bat!" as he transforms into one, or the vampire nightclub in which the equivalent of bottle service is waiters carrying a human body on a bed of ice.
I'm still not sure whether there's a long run of TV in this resurrected premise. But there seem to be some tasty drops left before it's entirely sucked dry. | the creators must adapt a finite story into one that can unfold indefinitely. A movie, as a rule, must complete a world; a series must keep building one. A movie must end (at least until the sequel); a TV series must proceed as if it might never die.
"What We Do in the Shadows," beginning Wednesday on FX, has an advantage on that last front, and not just because its characters, a gang of eccentric vampire housemates, are already dead. The 2015 movie, from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, already played like a tight, brief season of TV, in the most pleasurable way.
The mockumentary, about a group of bloodsucking ancients navigating modern life in Wellington, New Zealand, was driven more by character than plot, much like a hangout sitcom. Like Clement's "Flight of the Conchords," it had a deadpan — rather, undeadpan — sensibility and a penchant for characters who were less cool than they imagined themselves.
Rounding out the house is Colin (Mark Proksch), an "energy vampire" who drains people's life forces rather than their blood, usually by drawing his officemates into long, boring conversations. So far, in the four episodes provided for review, it's one of the less-successful additions to the story, a one-joke premise that "Saturday Night Live" might have done as an overlong sketch.
The series focuses more than the film did on the "familiars": humans who serve as personal assistants to vamps in hopes of someday getting the neck-bite of immortality. Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), an earnest nerd, is tasked with procuring the group virgins ("It's their favorite food!"), whom he sources locally by finding a college medieval LARP (live-action role-playing) group. One member, Jenna (Beanie Feldstein), takes the vampires to be LARPers themselves.
In reality, they're underachievers, more bark than bite. (There is some bite, though, the episodes of violence played for over-the-top, blood-spritzing slapstick effect.) When an ancient overlord shows up to find out why the Staten Island vampires haven't yet conquered the new world, it provides the (presumably) ongoing story line for the series.
As in the film version, the action is captured by a documentary film crew, though the device recedes more into the background (as it did in long-running mockumentary series like "Modern Family" and "Parks and Recreation").
But the series retains the screwball-vérité look established in the film by Clement and Waititi, combining naturalistic shaky-cam with exaggerated levitation effects. In an age of inkily-lit cable dramas, this is the rare series where the nighttime palette actually makes sense.
The big question early on is whether most of the best jokes have already been told. The vampires' feud with an aggro band of werewolves played out better in the film, which focused on the lycanthropes' embarrassed efforts to control their transformations. But the show comes together in | 645 |
Branding & Awareness Campaign
UBMD Physicians' Group
UBMD Physicians' Group approached JFG for help in growing the organization's overall presence in the Western New York healthcare marketplace to increase awareness. As the new Conventus Medical<|fim_middle|> postcard mailers, digital billboards, bus wraps, print ads, brochures, television ads and more. The visual approach was weaved throughout all mediums to create a cohesive look and feel. | Office Building opened on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, UBMD Physicians' Group would have 16 of their 18 practices under one roof for the first time.
As the area's largest medical practice with over 500 physicians, 80 locations, and 18 practice areas, UBMD Physicians' Group wanted to show the breadth and reach of their services. The challenge at hand was to build a solid foundation of cohesion and connectivity between the groups. Our overall goal was to get patients to choose UBMD Physicians' Group when making decisions relating to healthcare.
We needed to show connectivity between:
Physicians and Staff
Physicians and Physicians
Practices and Patients
Patients and Their Physicians
Practice Plans
JFG started with a series of strategic brainstorming sessions, working with the group to develop a strong tagline and brand theme to utilize through different marketing channels After a series of thematic approaches we landed on, "One Source. For the Life You Lead." or "One Source" for shorter messaging. This particular message was able to translate across each practice and connect all of the groups under "One Source."
After establishing "One Source" as the primary theme, JFG launched a multi-media campaign both internally and externally. The internal campaign to physicians and staff consisted of emails, eblasts, posters, fliers, and meetings. The external strategy included a microsite, | 281 |
Sigma: The future may be brighter than you think
Simon Mawhinney
Allan Gray
Sigma is a wholesaler of pharmaceutical products. It acts as an intermediary distributor that buys drugs from manufacturers and sells them to the pharmacies that ultimately dispense these drugs to Australians in need. Some of these pharmacies operate under one of Sigma's banners (see Figure 1), while others are independently branded. Sigma does not own any of the pharmacies itself.
Sigma also distributes a variety of non-prescription or over-the-counter products, such as beauty and personal hygiene products, many of which are exclusively distributed in Australia by Sigma (e.g. Serum7, Boots Laboratories, and Optiva).
Figure 1: Some of the pharmacies and brands operating under Sigma's banners
A number of regulations in Australia govern the pharmaceutical industry. One important regulatory outcome for Sigma is the Community Service Obligation (CSO) Funding Pool. This taxpayer-funded pool supports pharmaceutical wholesalers who undertake to supply all of the medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) to pharmacies across Australia within 24 hours of an order, regardless of a pharmacy's location and the relative cost of supply. Participation in the CSO Funding Pool is not compulsory but its existence is a necessary part of ensuring that every Australian has ready access to essential medicines.
Sigma is one of five distributors/wholesalers eligible to participate in the CSO Funding Pool.
Sigma's revenues come mainly from the sale of products to pharmacies but also from CSO receipts which subsidise otherwise loss-making sales to rural pharmacies and from low-value PBS products.
Some may describe Sigma's business as 'boring', with relatively stable and predictable earnings. It has annual revenues of a little over AUD$4 billion and earns an operating profit margin of between 2% and 2.5% (including CSO receipts). Relative to other wholesalers in Australia, this level of profitability is normal and most would expect Sigma's revenue base to increase in future, given Australia's growing and aging population.
Two surprises
A number of unexpected events have conspired to make Sigma's future far less certain, neither of which have been fully resolved and both of which have contributed to significant share price weakness and uncertainty.
In May this year, Sigma's largest customer, Chemist Warehouse Group (CWG), announced its intention to source certain products from a competitor on better terms than Sigma had been supplying them. CWG hoped to cherry-pick its drug procurement; the high-margin drugs would be bought on better terms from Sigma's competitor and the low-margin drugs would continue to be purchased from Sigma. Quite a sensible commercial strategy, but one that Sigma took offence to as its trading arrangement with CWG was priced based on the entire basket of PBS drugs, not just the least profitable parts. CWG accounts for about 35% of Sigma's total sales, but less than this in terms of profits, reflecting the favourable trading terms that CWG enjoys. Sigma and CWG have agreed to a temporary fix (presumably even better trading terms) that will apply until their contract expires in 2019. The future post-2019 remains very uncertain.
In October, AstraZeneca, a large global drug manufacturer, announced it would bypass pharmaceutical wholesalers and exclusively distribute some of its higher value or higher volume products directly to pharmacies using DHL, a global logistics firm. While these products represented only 1% of Sigma's total sales, this followed a similar decision in 2010 by Pfizer, another large drug manufacturer. Today, fears abound that other drug manufacturers will follow and that Sigma's network of distribution assets will be bypassed on a much larger scale.
The sharemarket has dished out its own medicine, with Sigma's share price falling from $1.30 in early May, to 75 cents soon after AstraZeneca's news was absorbed.At the same time, the broader sharemarket was on a tear.
Acting in uncertainty
Having reflected on Sigma's performance during the year, two things spring to mind: our sell discipline and our response to uncertainty.
Despite having reduced the weight of Sigma in our portfolio by quite some margin prior to its weakness this year, hindsight tells us we were not aggressive enough. With the share<|fim_middle|> in price, but remains priced at a modest discount to the sharemarket.
It is hard to know whether Sigma's future prospects are adequately reflected in the price one pays today, but we believe there is still relative value in owning the company.
Investors remain concerned about CWG moving its business to a competitor, but the downside in Sigma's earnings are no more severe than the company's discount to the broader sharemarket. And this is not a certain outcome. Even if it did happen, offsetting the impact on the company's earnings would be a near $300m release in working capital that could be invested in other profitable endeavours.
The future may be brighter than people think
Amongst all the uncertainty, there are also silver linings. For example, there is a real possibility that the Australian Government stops manufacturers from exclusively distributing their drugs directly to pharmacies, as it makes it more difficult for CSO wholesalers to meet their commitments. This is arguably in the public interest, as the scheme's purpose is to ensure ready access to essential medicines listed on Australia's PBS. If the Australian Government did change the rules for manufacturers, the 1% revenue lost from AstraZeneca's decision may ultimately end up being an 8% revenue tailwind as Pfizer's drugs may also need to be channelled back through the CSO wholesalers (like Sigma). Anecdotally, this would also be supported by pharmacies, which would require less investment in working capital as CSO wholesalers are required to deliver within 24 hours. Pharmacies would also benefit from reduced operating complexity (and most likely cost) as they would deal with fewer suppliers.
It is easy (and important) to obsess about the downside when it comes to investing, but it is helpful to turn the coin over from time to time to get a balanced view of a company's future prospects. Sigma's future is far from risk-free, but we feel its future prospects are better than the sharemarket believes, despite the uncertainty around its biggest customer.
This extract is from Allan Gray Australia's December 2017 Quarterly Commentary. For further insights from Allan Gray, please visit our website | price trading at, or close to, our estimate of fair value in 2016, we should have sold our entire holding. As reflected in Graph 1, we reduced Sigma's weight in the portfolio from over 6% in 2011 to 2% immediately prior to the onslaught of Sigma's bad news. We had sold some Sigma shares but, upon reflection, the allure of Sigma's defensive earnings stream and high calibre management team affected our judgement and we could have sold them all. By late 2016, Sigma was priced for perfection with little upside and plenty of downside. These are the very payoff profiles we try to avoid when we make our first investments in companies.
Graph 1: Portfolio holdings in Sigma Healthcare compared with the share price
Source: 31 December 2017, Allan Gray. The Allan Gray Australia Equity Strategy includes the Allan Gray Australia Equity Fund and Institutional mandates that share the same investment strategy.
Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is important. Equally important is leaving the past behind and assessing an investment based on its future prospects without any emotional baggage. While in hindsight we made a mistake in not selling our entire holding in Sigma, the share price falls following bad news and great uncertainty forced us to look at the company again with fresh eyes and a clear mind. Sigma's underperformance is a stark reminder of the discount the sharemarket places on uncertainty, particularly when investors have come to expect the opposite.
Seizing the opportunity
But it is in the face of severe uncertainty that we think opportunity knocks loudest. Yes, Sigma's relationship with its largest customer is somewhat fractured. Round one with CWG has been resolved amicably, but round two looms large in the minds of investors. And yes, there are risks associated with drug manufacturers bypassing Sigma's distribution network.
In investing, the price one pays should be paramount. Sigma's uncertain future is now well appreciated by the sharemarket and, at least in part, reflected in the share price one pays today. At its recent 75-cents-per-share lows, the company traded at less than 10 times its forecast pre-tax operating profit and about 13 times its forecast after-tax earnings. This was a substantial discount to the broader sharemarket and, in our view, well in excess of what was warranted considering the range of possible outcomes. We increased our holding substantially.
Table 1: Sigma's enterprise value to operating profit
Note: A company's enterprise value is its market capitalisation plus its net debt. Source: Allan Gray; Factset, 31 December 2017
Sigma has since increased | 541 |
This position just posted on the Placer County jobs website. I'd love to see a<|fim_middle|> both starting again in Placer County.
By the way, when I was hired, I too had a commercial FCC license and Amateur Extra, and had been self-employed doing something very similar to business development for the previous ten years.
I've been a technical geek (especially radio and software development) pretty much all my life, but had little direct experience with P25 besides being familiar with the theory and programming some radios for the fire department. Networking experience I gained in the course of business, but I was never an assigned radio or IT professional. | skilled ham, someone who truly enjoys radio and related technology--join the team here. Please pass along to any likely candidates.
"Placer County Information Technology's Telecommunications Division is seeking a radio system professional. Working in a team environment, this position is responsible for designing, implementing, operating and maintaining the Placer County P-25 digital trunked land mobile radio system and subscriber units; conventional analog land mobile radio systems; microwave network; Public-Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and dispatch center. This position will work closely with the County's telecom service providers and internal County customers, as well as maintenance vendors. The radio system network consists of products from Motorola, Hewlett Packard, Aviat, NICE and Kenwood.
Ideal candidates should have in-depth knowledge of radio frequency theory, technologies, troubleshooting, installation, programming and maintenance in both conventional and trunking systems; as well as a thorough understanding of networking concepts, subscriber unit programming, system optimization and interference mitigation.
Additionally, the ideal candidate should be experienced and skilled in vendor/partner management, project management, customer service and have excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills. While this position is stationed in Auburn, some travel to other work locations throughout Placer County, including Tahoe, Lincoln and Roseville areas is required.
Possession of an FCC General Radio Operator's License and other industry certifications are desirable but not required."
I am interested in this job, hold an FCC Commercial Radio License as well as an Extra class ham ticket.
I do not have recent experience in the field they are asking and very little P-25 experience.
Can you assist me in getting experience and/or a foot in the door here?
I have been transitioning from working in business development in the SF Bay Area since 2013 and have recently moved back to Roseville with my wife... we are | 372 |
We arrived at Kalmar late in the afternoon wishing to see the castle, before going back to Vaxjo. But we couldn't hurry, passing through places so beautiful as Lilla Torget or Stortorget, with the church proudly standing in the center.
But we reached the castle still in daylight, in time to an attentive observation from outside, but later to enter. It's really an imposing building, strategically located and protected.
Night was falling around the castle, colors fading, but the site insisted showing its beauty.
Kalmar Slott
I had planned to Kalmar the visit of the castle, referred in my guide as an impressive construction from the 1<|fim_middle|> strength of the fortification and the harmony of the whole.
This large and well managed place, having in the center, in evidence, the church, is surrounded by several beautiful buildings, composing an harmonious ensemble.
The pavement was renovated in 2003, however, the ladies in our group didn't feel very comfortable... | 2th century, rebuilt in the 16th to transform it in a palace.
Bad luck, we arrived too late, and only could admire it from outside.
Even in the dusk, however, we could notice the | 46 |
kottke.org posts about ladodgers
Manny being Manny
posted by Jason Kottke Oct 09, 2008
Conventional wisdom and prevailing opinion among hardcore Boston Red Sox fans is that LA Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez finally sulked his way out of a Boston Red Sox uniform by basically phoning it in and causing trouble for his team for a couple of months earlier in the season, which phoning and trouble resulted in a trade of Ramirez to LA for very little in return. Two rebuttals have surfaced recently that seem more plausible to me. The first is Facts About Manny Ramirez by Joe Sheehan. Sheehan uses some of those pes<|fim_middle|>20 million options for 2009 and 2010. Boras couldn't earn a commission on the option years because those fees belonged to Manny's previous agents. He could only get paid when he negotiated Manny's next contract. And Scott Boras always gets paid.
Boras could only get paid for representing Ramirez if Manny signed a new contract. Which he will next year because as part of the trade, the Dodgers agreed to waive his 2009 option and allow him to become a free agent. And the Red Sox went along because they decided they'd rather have a good relationship with Scott Boras going forward instead of a weird relationship with Ramirez. As for Manny, he gets paid either way, rarely appreciated the weird pressure/adulation put on him and every other Red Sox player by Boston fans, and, I get the feeling, likes swinging a bat, no matter what team he plays for.
ladodgers
mannyramirez
scottboras | ky facts to illustrate that on the field, Manny played as well or better during the supposed phoning-it-in period than he has in the past.
When he played, Ramirez killed the league. He hit .347/.473/.587 in July. His OBP led the team, and his SLG led all Red Sox with at least 25 AB. The Sox, somewhat famously, went 11-13 in July. Lots of people want you to believe that was because Manny Ramirez is a bad guy. I'll throw out the wildly implausible idea that the Sox went 11-13 because Ortiz played in six games and because veterans Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek has sub-600 OPSs for the month.
Four days before he was traded, Manny Ramirez just about single-handedly saved the Red Sox from getting swept by the Yankees, with doubles in the first and third innings that helped the Sox get out to a 5-0 lead in a game they had to win to stay ahead of the Yankees in the wild-card race.
In Manny Being Manipulated, Bill Simmons attempts to answer the question, Ok, so why did Manny suddenly want to be traded and, more importantly, why did the Red Sox actually oblige? Simmons' answer: Scott Boras, Ramirez's agent and "one of the worst human beings in America who hasn't actually committed a crime". According to Simmons, it all boiled down to mismatched incentives and following the money.
Manny's contract was set to expire after the 2008 season, with Boston holding $ | 330 |
House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents ..., 10. sējums,1. daļa
Autori: United States. Congress. House
MEAT BISCUIT.
Extract from the Lecture of Professor Lindley, on substances used as Food: Illustrated by the Great Exhibition.
What is more important than all other preserved provisions is the article to which I must next request attention. A great deal of interest was excited when the contents of the Exhibition first became known— and it did not diminish afterwards-by a certain meat biscuit introduced among the American exhibitions from Texas by Mr. Gail Borden. We were told that its nutritive properties were of a very high order. It was said that ten pounds weight of it would be sufficient for the subsistence of an active man for thirty days; that it had been used in the American navy, and had been found to sustain the strength of the men to whom it had been given in a remarkable degree. Statements were made to us, which have since been corroborated, that it would keep perfectly well without change under disadvantageous circumstances. Colonel Sumner, an officer in the United States dragoons, who had seen it used during field operations, says he is sure he could live upon it for months and retain his health and strength. The inventor, he says, names five ounces a day as the quantity for the support of a man; but he (Colonel Sumner) could not use more than four ounces, made into soup, with nothing whatever added to it. The substance of these statements may be said to amount to this: that Borden's meat biscuit is a material not liable to undergo change, is very light, very portable, and extremely nutricious. A specimen, placed in the hands of Dr. Playfair for examination, was reported by him to contain 32 per cent. of flesh-forming principles; for it is a composition of meat-the essence of meat-and the finest kind of flour. Dr. Playfair stated that the starch was unchanged; that, consequently, there could have been no putrescence in the meat employed in its preparation, and that the biscuit was in "all respects excellent." It was tasted: I tasted it—the jury and others tasted it-and we all found nothing in it which the most fastidious person could complain of. It required salt, or some other condiment, as all these preparations do, to make them savory. This meat biscuit, as I said just now, was reported to be capable of keeping well; and this might well be true, because no foreign matter had been introduced into its composition. There was no salt to absorb moisture, and nothing else to interfere with the property of flour or of essence of meat. These biscuits are prepared by boiling down the best fresh beef that can be procured in Texas, and mixing it in certain proportions with the finest flour that can be there obtained. It is stated that the essence of five pounds of good meat is estimated to be contained in one pound of biscuit. That it is a material of the highest value there can be no doubt. To what extent its value may go nothing but time can decide; but I think I am justified in looking upon it as one of the most important substances which this Exhibition has brought to our knowledge. When we consider that by this method, in such places as Buenos Ayres<|fim_middle|> of the effects of heat and mixture, with a view of discovering their general and subordinate laws, and of improving the useful arts."
From the earliest times to the seventh century the operations in chemistry were limited to expressions, digestions, and decoctions, and it may be naturally inferred that at this period the dawn only of chemistry had begun, and that it was rather a collection of unconnected and ill-founded axioms, the result of observation, than a science established upon the broad basis of an infinite variety of experiments.
From the seventh to the seventeenth century several important facts were discovered, and several products added to the few already known; the chief of these discoveries being the process of making sulphuric acid from green vitriol, or sulphate of iron, of nitric acid from nitre, and hydrochloric acid from common salt. Several salts and some alkaline bodies were also discovered, or more perfectly known.
Of the earths in general, but little was known, and even that little was unsupported by the principles of chemistry. Clay was distinguished from sand, but not by its genuine chemical characters.
About the year 1674 Sir Isaac Newton contributed some new and general ideas on chemical phenomena to the Royal Society. He observes | , animals which are there of little or no value, instead of being destroyed, as they often are, for their bones, may be boiled down and mixed with the flour which all such countries produce, and so converted into a substance of such
durability that it may be preserved with the greatest ease, and sent to distant countries, it seems as if a new means of subsistence was ac tually offered to us. Take the Argentine republic, take Australia, and consider what they do with their meat there in time of drought, when they cannot get rid of it while it is fresh. They may boil it down, and mix the essence with flour, (and we know they have the finest in the world,) and so prepare a substance that can be preserved for times when food is not so plentiful, or sent to countries where it is always more difficult to procure food. Is not this a very great gain?
THE WORLD'S EXPOSITION OF 1851.
Presuming that an examination of, and a report on, the works of industry and art to be exhibited at the World's Fair would be advantageous to the agricultural and manufacturing interests of the Union, the following communication on the subject was addressed to the Secretary of the Interior:
PATENT OFFICE, February 10, 1851.
SIR: The present year will be one of unprecedented interest as regards the arts and industry of the world. The natural productions, the plastic arts, and the results of the inventive ingenuity of all nations-their machinery and manufactures-will be displayed side by side, their respective merits scrutinized, and prizes, it is announced, awarded by discriminating and impartial judges.
The United States have been invited to participate in the great concourse of material sources and productive skill, and, judging from the arrangements already made, they are likely to be largely represented in every department.
A report of such an exhibition of the skill, industry, and ingenuity of the world would be of the highest value to this Office, even if viewed only in relation to the various branches of invention of which it is the primary function of the Office to take cognizance. In discharging the daily duties of examining and deciding upon inventions, many questions arise which can only be decided by extensive researches among books, or in workshops and factories. The works pertaining to the arts contained in the Library of the Patent Office are too few in number to give all the information required, and, even if much more numerous, they would not serve to make known all the inventions that have been patented in foreign countries, of which many are not published till the patents expire, and others only in abstracts or imperfect descriptions.
Hundreds of minor devices and processes, simple and seemingly trifling accessories of staple mechanism, will be found there, of which it is equally important for this Office to be informed. These constitute a class of contrivances not found in books, and a knowledge of them is therefore highly desirable. Instances have occurred where patents have been issued for such, because evidence of their use in work-shops was lacking. They often present remarkable examples of simplicity and efficiency, and of neat turns of mechanical thought, which few besides practical men can appreciate. Of course none but the eye of one familiar with the details of modern manufactures and arts could detect them.
The usefulness of such a report, however, would not be confined to the immediate operations and duties of this Office. If prepared with due
regard to the state of the arts in this country, and to the ground which we have yet to occupy, it would, by becoming a work of reference among farmers, mechanics, manufacturers, artists, and inventors, react favorably on the future transactions of the Office-often relieving it from the necessity (always disagreeable) of refusing in cases lacking the essential features of novelty. Inventors would be apprized of many facts necessary to be understood before applying for patents; and, while deriving useful hints from the inventions of foreign nations, they would probably be spared the mortification of finding too late that they had, in some important points, been anticipated, and thereby avoid the waste of much time, ingenuity, and money.
From the nature and extent of the proposed exhibition, it is believed that much of the inventive talent of the world will be presented in its most recent developments. The direct utility of the information which may be there collected, and which is not elsewhere attainable, will, it is thought, be sufficiently important to warrant the expense of collecting it, for the purpose of embodying it in the Annual Report of this Bureau. Accompanied by necessary illustrations, the documents would be of lasting interest.
Under the impression that the Commissioner of Patents has no authority to depute any person or persons for the purpose of making such a report at the expense of the Patent Fund, I beg to call your attention to the subject, and solicit for it your consideration. The reporter should, of course, be a person thoroughly conversant with mechanical science and the entire range of the arts, and it would be well were he attended by an assistant and draughtsman.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. EWBANK.
Hon. ALEX'R H. H. STUART,
Secretary of the Interior.
One of the clerks of this Office, who had been sent out in charge of the articles shipped in the St. Lawrence, was authorized by the Department of the Interior to remain and report on the contents of the Crystal Palace with special reference to such substantial arts and inventions as should be found more immediately adapted to the United States-to the development of our resources and to the genius and condition of our people.
As no report has been made by him, the undersigned solicited of the Executive Committee for the United States the one made to that committee by Mr. Riddle, the American Commissioner. It was politely furnished, and, with the accompanying letter, is here presented.
WASHINGTON, January 27, 1852.
SIR: By order of the Executive Committee on the London Industrial Exhibition, the following resolution, which was adopted at a meeting of said committee, held on the 20th instant, is hereby transmitted to you:
"On motion, Resolved, That the chairman and secretary of the Executive Committee communicate to the Commissioner of Patents, in
compliance with his request, the report of Mr. Edward Riddle on the Industrial Exhibition, for publication as a portion of the Patent Office Report."
In compliance with the above, the report is herewith transmitted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PETER FORCE, Chairman.
JNO. C. G. KENNEDY,
Hon. THOMAS EWBANK,
Commissioner of Patents, Washington.
REPORT ON THE WORLD'S EXPOSITION,
BY EDWARD RIDDLE.
PART I. CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS.
In this class of the department appropriated to Great Britain for the display of raw materials was found little that was interesting, or much that was inquired into, by the majority of those who daily visited the building; but to others to those who had a higher aim in view than a mere cursory glance at objects of unseeming interest to the scientific and practical chemist-in fact to all who sought to acquire knowledge rather than amusements-there was presented an ample field for inquiry, and a large scope for gathering valuable information.
Chemistry was known to the ancients only as the art of "making silver and gold," or what is more generally known by the name of alchemy. Various definitions of its modern meaning have been giventhat by Dr. Black being most generally received, namely, that "Chemistry is the study | 1,576 |
Lake Louise Welcomes Upcoming Games With Olympic Torch Arrival, Special Discounts
18th January 2010 | Becky Lomax, Associate Editor
Resorts in this article: Lake Louise
The Olympic torch makes its way across Alberta this week, kindling fever for the upcoming Olympic Games next month in Vancouver. The torch, the symbol that traditionally launches the Games, arrives this week at [R368R, Lake Louise Ski Area] for a weekend-long salute to the 2010 Olympics.
The Olympic torch for the 2010 Games, designed by<|fim_middle|> the mountain with the torch, followed by photo opportunities with the flame and a dinner with live music and dancing. The weekend includes additional activities such as ski and snowboard demonstrations, clowns, face painting, ice sculpting, and more live music to add to the celebration.
Discounts are available Jan. 21 and 22 for visitors. Parks Canada is encouraging attendance by waiving park entry fees, and Lake Louise Ski Area will offer a 25 percent discount on lift tickets. Season passholders and Louise Card holders can buy a guest a lift ticket discounted 33 percent on those days. The Chateau Lake Louise, the Lake Louise Inn, and West Louise Lodge are joining in the festivities by offering discounted rates for the Olympic torch weekend.
More information. Or call 877-956-8473. | Bombardier, drew its inspiration from Canada's open land and the natural lines formed by snow and ice. The torch arrives at Lake Louise Thursday, Jan. 21, carried by the resort's owner Charlie Locke.
The relay transporting the torch acround Canada includes unique modes of transportation including dog sleds, seaplanes, canoes, and horseback. The ski area plans to put its name on the list of unique modes of transportation with the addition of a snowcat. The resort aims to create a spectacle for visitors with Locke carrying the torch as he rides on a snowcat through the resort's new terrain park while skiers and snowboarders jump over.
The resort will host a Torchlight Dinner Thursday night. Participants will ski or ride down | 154 |
The renewable materials company
Formed fiber: Renewable alternative to plastics
In March, Stora Enso announced a EUR 5 million investment to build a new production line and related infrastructure to manufacture formed fiber products in Sweden. This line will be operated by a<|fim_middle|> MSA Statement | new business unit which will also conduct research and development of new formed fiber materials and technologies. First products are expected to be on the market by the end of 2019. Sohrab Kazemahvazi will head up the new unit for formed fiber.
Sohrab, to start with, what are formed fiber products?
- A formed fiber product is manufactured by pressing various wood-based pulps into a three-dimensional shape in a molding machine. Depending on the combination of raw materials and additives used, it is possible to tailor the product features. This enables a broad range of applications and opportunities including single-use food packaging items such as plastic-free cups, bowls, clamshells, plates and coffee cup lids as well as non-food applications.
What will Stora Enso focus on?
- Utilizing our extensive capabilities in fiber-based materials and processes, we'll concentrate first and foremost on replacing short-lived plastic products that are all too prevalent in today's fast moving, high-consumption markets. Formed fiber products are made from renewable sources and, depending on the end-use requirements, they can be circular by design – a renewable, recyclable and biodegradable product.
How will this add to Stora Enso's portfolio?
- Formed fiber products fit seamlessly to our strategy as the renewable materials company, responding to the needs of eco-conscious consumers who are looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic. This is particularly relevant in terms of consumer packaging, on-the-go and retail markets, and we have many insights from our packaging and biomaterials divisions to benefit from in terms of capabilities, customer and consumer demand.
How does the market for formed fiber products look?
- In light of single-use plastic bans in numerous countries, the demand for alternatives to plastics is increasing rapidly. In Europe, approximately 90 billion single-use plastic food service items such as cups, cup lids, clam shells, and plates are sold annually (Source: The Future of European Food and Drink Packaging to 2023, Smithers Pira). In value, this amounts to roughly EUR 3 billion which needs to be replaced by alternative solutions within a foreseeable time.
How will Stora Enso differentiate its offering?
- We will work with new efficient technologies for fiber forming, and ensure food safety and purity in our products. Our offer is sustainable, reliable, traceable and the fiber source is certified (FSC, PEFC).
We differentiate from plastics and other fossil-based materials with one that is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.
Press release 14 March 2019: Stora Enso invests in next-generation renewable, recyclable and biodegradable formed fiber solutions
Sohrab Kazemahvazi
Vice President, Head of Formed Fiber
Part of the bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper. We employ some 26 000 people in more than 30 countries and our shares are listed on the Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Stockholm (STE A, STE R) stock exchanges.
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Unconventional Lessons
Written by Bryan Roth '07
3/27/2007Share this story on Facebook!
"The barrier between the authority figure and the student is ripped to shreds."
A Lasting Impact
I know, without a doubt, that Professor Steve Mosher has made the biggest impact on my life since I first stepped foot on campus four years ago. His passion, humor, and honesty are among a few of the amazing things he offers his students, and he has helped me learn immensely about who I am. Professor Mosher has changed how I view the world and myself<|fim_middle|>--a lot.
He's also widely considered one of the best professors Ithaca College has to offer. When you talk with Stephen Mosher, you can tell something is different. Maybe it's his body language and his unforgettable outbursts, or maybe it's the fact that for nearly 20 years this sports studies professor has changed the lives of hundreds of students with one principle: respect.
"We're all human beings and I don't see any other reason to hang out with 30 strangers if we're not willing to acknowledge that we have a shared common experience. In order to get through the next day's business or the business at hand we need to talk to each other," he says. "I don't talk at students."
For those taking classes like Sport in Film and Literature; Sport, Politics, and Colonialism; or the "secret class" known as Sport: Philosophical Perspectives, Professor Mosher is nothing short of an experience. From the moment he enters a classroom, students are caught up in the entertaining and humorous hurricane that inevitably consumes the day's lesson. No matter how many people are in the class, Mosher has the ability to make any discussion feel like a one-on-one conversation, engaging everyone.
But just as quickly as he can grab everyone's attention, Mosher brings himself and his students to a level playing field where nothing is taboo and any topic is fair game. Want to make fun of jocks? No problem. Having some trouble dealing with other professors? Feel free to discuss that, too. What about talking about your personal life? If you don't, he will.
"He comes out guns blazing, saying whatever—and I mean whatever—is on his mind," said Dave Portney '09, who's taking his first class with Mosher this semester, History of Sport.
Even for seasoned veterans of Professor Mosher, this freewheeling approach means it's pretty difficult to get bored. His vast expertise in looking beyond what is seen and heard in sport and society gives his students plenty of different ways to learn.
"He doesn't want you to have a straight direction," said Carolyn Ambrose '07, who's taken classes with Mosher in six of her eight semesters at Ithaca. "The first class was hard, and it wasn't that he was hard, but it forced me and everyone else in the class to do things and write about things we've never really thought about before."
When students discuss Mosher—and even when he talks about himself—the most common way to describe his classes are "outside of the box." Whether acting or thinking outside of the normal realm of classroom behavior and politics, Mosher constantly strives to make his students step out of their own comfort zones in an effort to find out what they believe in and why.
For Mosher, this process is created through storytelling, something he uses in each of his classes. Through fables, myths, or his own creative stories, he encourages students to associate what they hear with what they're learning in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the material and the relationship between student and teacher.
"The barrier between the authority figure and the student is ripped to shreds. In a very real sense I become part of the community of learners and they become part of the community of teachers," says Professor Mosher. "Within a very short period of time in most classes, students buy into this culture of respect and storytelling, and we have respect for each other."
Outrageous behavior aside, Mosher's candidness and forthright approach are what seem to separate him from other professors on the Ithaca College campus. More than anything, he's concerned with how well his students understand his courses and participate in them.
"I definitely struggled because he makes you think outside the box, and that was really hard for me to do because when you're in high school [teachers] don't want you to do that," says Ambrose.
From "special" to "unique" to "controlled mayhem," there are plenty of ways to describe a Mosher class. But it's really one of those things you have to see, hear, cringe, and in the end, understand for yourself.
Tags: Faculty Profile, Features, School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, sport management and media, spring 2007 | . I could go on for hundreds of pages to describe how much of an influence he's had on me. But, it's as simple enough as saying he's the best teacher I've ever had. — BR
He jumps on tables and chairs. He moves like a cheetah on caffeine. He makes fun of students. And he yells | 71 |
In 2009 the organization had the largest number of projects. This year was worked in 15 long-term projects but also in many other projects in partnership, some voluntary campaigns and actions were done and was worked to strengthen existing partnerships and to support other organizations with the aim of strengthening them. Syri i Vizionit<|fim_middle|>Donor: KFOS – Soros
Project purpose: The purpose of this project is to empower and mobilize the communities: the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities as a way of providing a long-term action plan, an inter-institutional municipal plan based on provisions of the Kosovo Government strategy on Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities involvement and action Strategy for RAE communities drafted a year ago from "Syri i Vizionit". By doing this, the project supports the integration of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians in general.
Beneficiaries: As part of this project, the direct beneficiaries are various community groups, councils with youth of Roma, Egyptian and Ashkali communities of Peja and Klina municipalities. Around 70 beneficiaries completed language and computer courses in Peja and Istok municipalities, municipal officials and community organizations have been part of this program.
Location: Klina - Istok
Implementing Organization (s): Syri i Vizionit
Project Purpose: This project aims to empower and mobilize the RAE communities in order to ensure that the provisions contained in the 2007 Strategy of Kosovo Government for the inclusion of RAE communities to be returned to practice at the municipal level.
Beneficiaries: The project has two types of beneficiaries, the beneficiaries from the drafting of strategy for the municipality of Klina, and beneficiaries who have been beneficiaries of small grants in Istok and Peja municipalities. Included were representatives of communities of neighborhoods, villages of Peja, Klina and Istok municipalities, also as direct beneficiaries have been the focus groups that were formed a year earlier in Peja and Istok municipalities, as well as the focus groups which are formed during this year in the municipality of Klina. Also direct beneficiaries have been the municipal officials from the Office of Communities and the Office of Return. Beneficiaries were also various groups and various community organizations which have also won various grants during the year.
Return and Reintegration in Kosovo (RRK II)
Project Title: Return and Reintegration in Kosovo (RRK II)
Duration: 24 months (September 2009 - September 2011)
Location: The municipalities of Klina, Ferizaj, Obiliq and Rahovec
Implementing Organization (s): Syri i Vizionit in partnership with DRC (carrying the project)
Donor: European Commission Liaison Office and the Ministry of Returns and Communities through the Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Project Purpose: This project aims to support the reintegration of minority communities in the municipalities of Klina, Ferizaj, Obiliq and Rahovec, the mobilization of other local institutions and society in support of reintegration, community stabilization and support of the sustainable return of displaced persons and social and economic reintegration activities through increased involvement of municipal authorities. As an important part of the project is socio-economic reintegration of returnees, which will be led by Local Action Groups, LAG.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of this project include at least 160 families from minority communities, internally displaced or refugees in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, who are informed and supported through social and economic reintegration activities to return to Kosovo in Ferizaj Klina, Obiliq and Rahovec municipalities as well as the host community and municipal authorities which are responsible for return and reintegration of families.
"Impact of Local Groups of Interest in the Decision - Making at Central Level"
Project Title: "Impact of Local Groups of Interest in the Decision - Making at Central Level"
Duration: July 2009 - May 2011
Location: Kosovo, Peja, Decani, Klina and Istok municipalities
Implementing Organization (s): Syri iI Vizionit
Project purpose: The purpose of the project is to enable the impact of Local Groups of Interest (municipalities, civil society, community) in decision-making at the central level in drafting laws. The project aims to create a mechanism for the laws that are adopted and will be adopted at the central level, to start an initiative by the interest groups that come from the local level and to influence at local level in the entire territory of Kosovo (Law on Forests was selected specifically) to create a mechanism of transmitting the recommendations of interest groups for those laws at the central level.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of this project are Peja, Klina, Decani and Istok municipalities, 23 MPs that come from these municipalities, organizations dealing with environment and the community in a wider sense. | is now part of all civil society organisms in Kosovo and plays an important role in its organization. So in these partnerships in network during the year are conducted three wide activities that have engaged a number of thousands of participants in Kosovo: Democracy in Action, Coalition for RECOM and ad-hoc coalition of civil society against rising electricity tariff.
As part of "Democracy in action" created for the 2007 elections, also for the local elections of 2009, SIV has monitored the campaign and elections in five municipalities in the region of Peja.
As part of ad-hoc coalition of civil society against rising electricity tariff, the NGO Syri i Vizionit together with 5 other NGOs (FOL 08, KCIC, KDI, INPO and CBM) during January and February 2009 have collected 10,529 signatures in Kosovo (in the region of Peja SiV has collected over 2000 signatures). The petition was submitted in Kosovo Parliament, the President and other institutions. Petition has had great resonance in the public and affected that Regulatory Authority of electrical power to not take into account all the requirements that came from KEK, among which the foremost was that of increasing the cost of electricity in Kosovo by 30 percent
During this year Syri i Vizionit within initiative for RECOM (initiative to create the mandate for a regional commission on truth in former Yugoslavia States) has had engagements in several directions at the local level, but also Kosovo and regional level. At the local level in the region of Peja were held consultations with civil society, which in the initiative were joined over 20 organizations from the region of Peja. At the Kosovo level NGO Eye of Vision is a partner along with about 10 other organizations in this initiative. In the context of regional partnerships Syri i Vizionit has participated in several activities held outside of Kosovo in order to create a regional commission. Cooperation project with One World from 2008 this year has continued with the portal only two months, and then continued with a journalism course. This course was attended by 12 young people from Peja which have learned a basic course of journalism, reporting in print and electronic media and preparation of web pages. As a result of the course students their selves opened an information portal named Pinfop in three languages in which are being published articles with youth topics and other various topics
During this year with FIQ partners were held several debates about safety in Raushiq. Also with FIQ was held a debate on transparency in Peja, and another television debate on findings of citizen complaints.
Within the MOBKOS project, 15 volunteers weekly have done a research on the traffic in Peja municipality that will serve the municipality for better urban planning.
Increasing public oversight in the rule of law in Kosovo
Duration: 12 months (November 2009 - September 2010)
Total budget: $ 76.858 ($ 6,016 for Peja)
Donor: National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD)
Purpose of Project: This project aims to increase public oversight in the rule of law. Project will design and support the Kosovo Action Plan for European Partnership (APEP) in the field of law enforcement, offer suggestions for the design and implementation of this plan and to strengthen the capacity of six local NGOs to do the monitoring of law enforcement at the local level. By focusing on the rule of law sector, the project raises the capacity of civil society where people of Kosovo need the most to help their rights for free access, equitable and beneficial to the justice system regardless of nationality, gender, disability or political view, this project will also help the Kosovo media to have an active and informational role in monitoring the fulfillment of human rights in the rule of law sector.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of the project are the citizens of Kosovo, in a sense security in four sectors: human trafficking, immigration, police, and court. Beneficiaries are also institutions dealing with security, including six municipalities where the project is realized (Gjilan, Ferizaj, Mitrovica, Gjakova, Prizren and Peja), associations that deal with this topic and civil society in general.
Youth and Social Dialogue
Project Title: Youth and Social Dialogue
Duration: 24 months (January 2009 to December 2011)
Implementing Organization(s): Syri i Vizionit in partnership with the Swiss Labour Assistance - SLA
Budget: € 8.000 during 2009
Donor: Swiss Development Agency - SDC, Swiss Labour Assistance
Project Purpose: Strengthening youth sector unions and youth organizations as a preparation and as a contribution to social dialogue, through a competition for projects, conferences and further education.
Beneficiaries: Direct beneficiaries are initiative members of youth organizations and youth sectors of unions, who engage in particular for youth and employment issues (unemployment, labor rights, etc.). Beneficiaries of the latter will be employed (youth), who benefit from the activities and campaigns and also by strengthened unions and by public awareness and decision-making political forces, on topics of social dialogue.
"Rural Perspective" -Dialogue in the dairy sector
Project Title: "Rural Perspective" -Dialogue in the dairy sector
Duration: 12 months (01 January 2009 - 31 December 2009)
Project purpose: Activation and the institutionalization of dialogue in the dairy sector, strengthening the organizations of interest groups and the establishment of industrial relations between them. By improving negotiating skills of dairy farmers and a suitable debutante platform, dialogue between important representatives of the dairy sector will be institutionalized and will lead to increased milk production in the sector. The project aims to influence the establishment of dairy farmers' incomes and improve living conditions of families in rural areas.
Beneficiaries: The direct beneficiaries of the project are representatives of key organizations and stakeholders of the dairy sector in particular representatives and members of the Association of Dairy Producers of Kosovo and the Association of Dairy Processors of Kosovo. Indirect beneficiaries are the families of farmers who live in rural areas and deal with milk production.
Assistance in implementing MOBKOS I
Project Title: Assistance in implementing MOBKOS I
Duration: 4 months (September 2009 - March 2010)
Implementing Organization (s): "Syri i Vizionit" MOBKOS program, Municipality of Peja
Budget: € 14,135
Donor: Flemish Government (Belgium) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications and the support of the Municipality of Peja
Preventing Conflict in Kosovo
Project Title: Preventing Conflict in Kosovo
Duration: 01 Apr 2009 - 30 September 2011
Location: Kosovo (Peja, Klina, Istok, Mitrovica, Gjilan, Kamenica and Novoberdo)
Implementing Organization(s): CARE International Kosovo and ProPeace Platform (Syri i Vizionit within ProPeace covers Peja, Klina and Istok municipalities)
Budget: € 930.000 (realized by ProPeace)
Donor: European Commission
Project Purpose: Promotion of sustainable peace by encouraging a greater leadership of civil society and political participation among young people of Kosovo.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of this project will be groups of young people in 8 municipalities in with multi-ethnic population in which the project will be developed. These young people and NGOs will be part of the project and will work together in creating an early warning system. Municipalities will also benefit from the project because they will be provided with continuous information on the situation on field.
Promotion of accountability and efficiency of democratic institutions in Kosovo.
Project Title: - Promotion of accountability and efficiency of democratic institutions in Kosovo.
Duration: (October 2008-September 2009)
Location: Peja
Implementing organization: Syri i Vizionit
Budget: $ 5,241
Donor: FIQ-NED
Project Purpose: The project aims to promote accountability and efficiency of democratic institutions in Kosovo and strengthening of civil society oversight. Also to measure the accountability and efficiency of the institutions of the country, so to register the experiences of citizens with local institutions, so that these experiences, results to be shared with the wide public and institutions.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of this project are all citizens of Peja, because they will have the opportunity to exercise their civic right to local institutions demanding accountability from public services.
BRIDGE (Bridging Rights Initiatives in support to Democracy, Good Governance and Equity)
Project Title: BRIDGE (Bridging Rights Initiatives in support to Democracy, Good Governance and Equity)
Location: Klina, Istok, Peja, Decan, Gjakova
Project Purpose: The project aims to promote the marginalized groups of society, their empowerment through strengthening the organizations that represent them and increase their participation in decision-making. The project deals with the strengthening of civil society through the creation of joint councils in the municipalities that stimulate campaigns to promote human rights and democratic values.
Beneficiaries: Within this project the direct beneficiaries are more than 50 different informal organizations and groups operating in the Peja region, including four sectors: women, children, people with special needs and minority communities. Also within this project there are beneficiaries from local institutions of these municipalities, including departmental officials for human rights from the five municipalities of the Peja region.
"Democracy in Action" - Elections 2009
Project Title: "Democracy in Action" - Elections 2009
Duration: 3 months (September-December 2009)
Location: Region of Peja (Peja, Klina, Istok, Decani and Junik)
Implementing Organization(s): "Syri i Vizionit" within the "Democracy in Action" coalition
Budget: is realized through KDI
Donor: USAID, ISC, NDI, German Embassy, Embassy of Switzerland, BTD, Olof Palme.
Project Purpose: "Democracy in Action" was established in order to monitor the parliamentary and local elections organized in November 2007 and aimed at raising the awareness of citizens to participate in elections. Besides "Syri i Vizionit" part of "Democracy in Action - Elections 2007" are 10 organizations: 1. Community Building Mitrovica (CBM); 2. Communication for Social Development (CSD); 3. Center for Civil Society Development (CCSD); 4. Developing Together (DT); 5. Forum for Democratic Initiatives (FID); 6. Initiative for Progress (INPO); 7. Kosovo Centre for International Cooperation (QKBN); 8. Kosova Democratic Institute (KDI); 9. Association "Mother Theresa"; 10. Kosova Institute for Research and Development of Politics (KIPRED).
Beneficiaries: Direct beneficiaries are the entire population of Kosovo. In particular, a number of people involved in the process as monthly and daily monitors have benefited from training on the process and the electoral system in Kosovo. Also through voter education campaigns have benefited all voters in general and in particular the undecided ones.
Strengthening the Municipal Council for Community Safety, through the involvement of civil society
Project Title: Strengthening the Municipal Council for Community Safety, through the involvement of civil society
Duration: (April 2009 - June 2010)
Budget: $ 10,000
Donor: East West Management Institute (EWMI)
Project Purpose: This project aims to assist in the functioning of Council for Community Safety (MCSC) in Peja, mainly through the active involvement of civil society in the council.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiaries of this project are the Municipal Assembly, civil society, representatives of communities and all citizens, as this council helps to increase security in the municipality of Peja.
Development of the Action Strategy for Serbian Community 2010-2013 in municipality of Istok and support for mini projects in Peja
Project Title: Development of the Action Strategy for Serbian Community 2010-2013 in municipality of Istok and support for mini projects in Peja
Duration: 1 year (January - December 2009)
Location: Istok
Project Purpose: This project aims to strengthen and support the Serb community in Istok municipality by developing a three-year community action plan in this municipality, which will be drafted based on the needs generated by community itself. This document as an action plan will be provided to the municipality, donors and the community. In the other part, project supports four initiatives from the strategy drafted in Peja in 2008.
Beneficiaries: The beneficiary of the project first of all is the Serb community in Istok and Peja municipalities. The municipality of Istok and Serb communities have received an action plan for the next three years. Community focus groups in eight localities of the municipality and municipal officials have received training and skills to present community needs in the best way possible. In Peja beneficiaries are women of Gorazdevac, the NGO "Briga", youth and pensioners of the village, while also have benefiting residents of Bellopja and Levosha.
Building inter-institutional action plan for the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities
Project Title: Building inter-institutional action plan for the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities
Duration: 5 months (August 2009 - December 2009)
Location: Istok - Peja
| 2,882 |
The beauty of golf is that it is never too<|fim_middle|> more can one ask for? | late to learn how to play. Alan Kay, a regular at Peacock Gap, recently sat down with Professional, John Grund to discuss his love for the ageless sport.
Alan first picked up golf when he was 78, "about eight years ago," he said with a smile on his face. He has lived in Marin for the 55 years and claims the biggest changes he has seen is there are a lot more people and cars than when he first moved here. Alan started golfing because he loves the outdoors and wanted an alternative to biking. His happiest golf moment is when he hits the ball in the center of the clubface; something we can all relate to.
When asked what he does while he's here, he replied that he usually hits balls, chips, and putts. Once in a while he plays with his wife, Jean, or takes a lesson with "his favorite pro, John Grund," he said smiling again. His favorite part about Peacock Gap, however, is RangeCafe and ordering pancakes on Sunday mornings.
Alan comes to Peacock Gap about four times a week on average, doing what he loves. What | 233 |
Pushing Daisey: Redux
Posted September 1st, 2009
A little while back, I<|fim_middle|> and problems. The wide-ranging subjects Mike takes on through his website, www.mikedaisey.com, hint at both the pleasures his shows, and at the challenges of unifying such disparate topics into one night of theater.
How Theater Failed America generated some controversy last year as Mike, a popular and respected performer, turned his both his wit and his critical eye on his own forum and on some of his own hosts around the country. Last spring, Gothamist.com ran a great interview with Mike in which he talked about the show and the theater community's responses. That PTC, a renowned regional theater company, is co-presenting a show that is often critical of regional theater, is most definitely to their credit.
Q&As with Mike will be up pretty soon. In the meantime, you should definitely check out his YouTube channel, where he's posted a number of short videos, excerpts from his performances, and a pretty harrowing video of an audience member coming on stage and pouring water over (and destroying) his performance notes.
Photo by Ursa Waz | wrote this brief overview of the monologues of Mike Daisey, whose show How Theater Failed America opens Friday night. I've been personally pushing Mike's shows on friends—he really is quite brilliant, so I thought I'd revisit this story today. Be sure to click the links for even more details about Mike, and stay tuned: we will finally have Q&As with the man starting this week.
Mike Daisey is unlike any other performer you'll see at the 2009 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival. He's not an actor. He's not a dancer. He's not directing or performing experimental site-specific work. He'll be at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, home of the Philadelphia Theatre Company, seated in a chair, at a table. But his act is a bit of a high-wire one: Mike works with ideas, and without a script.
In a 2007 New York Times profile, Jason Zinoman wrote that, "At their best his shows recreate that rare moment when you can see a performer actually thinking through an idea." Zinoman's article details Mike's process very well, but of perhaps greatest note is that Mike works with an outline, a framework for his monologues, and every performance evolves differently. Jean-Michele Gregory, Mike's director, artistic collaborator, and wife, helps the flow of ideas cohere into a stream that illustrates Mike's own thought processes, trials, and successes, and through these, explores broader cultural phenomena | 305 |
- Six Strings Attached - http://blogs.dailyrecord.com/sixstrings -
Posted By Damian Fanelli On March 22, 2011 @ 11:22 am In Uncategorized | No Comments
PHOTO: LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES. Jeff Beck and Imelda May at Iridium Jazz Club in New York City last June. I was there!
Guitarist Jeff Beck — the eternally mop-topped, 66-year-old icon of British rock, blues and fusion — has been a household name in musico circles since he replaced Eric Clapton in The Yardbirds 46 years ago. Which is why calling his recent stretch of over-the-top, Lady-Gaga-meets-Justin-Bieber-esque fame an overnight success story is odd — and oddly accurate.
This late-career surge started at the 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago. With the help of Tal Wilkenfeld, his brilliant young bassist at the time, Beck, with his mesmerizing sundown set, stole the show from every other guitarist on the bill — including Clapton, the event's host.
Up next was 2009's "Performing This Week: Live at Ronnie Scott's," a DVD and CD of Beck's high-profile 2007 show at the legendary London jazz club, which featured a Grammy award-winning performance of "A Day in the Life."
Beck followed that with his first studio album in seven years, "Emotion & Commotion," which hit No. 11 on the Billboard 200 in the United States — the highest debut of his career — and earned him two Grammys (He earned a third from a collaboration with Herbie Hancock, thereby tying Gaga and out-Grammying Bieber and Eminem).
But amid all this top-strata activity — which also includes his 2009 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall<|fim_middle|>, www.statetheatrenj.org [2]
Article printed from Six Strings Attached: http://blogs.dailyrecord.com/sixstrings
URL to article: http://blogs.dailyrecord.com/sixstrings/2011/03/22/jeff-beck-and-imelda-may-coming-to-new-brunswick-march-29/
[1] Image: http://blogs.dailyrecord.com/sixstrings/files/2011/03/Jeff-Beck-Imelda-May-5-12-2-10-2.jpg
[2] www.statetheatrenj.org: http://www.statetheatrenj.org/
Copyright © 2009 Six Strings Attached. All rights reserved. | of Fame as a solo artist and his 2010 appearance on "Idol Gives Back" — Beck decided to go small time.
Last June, he orchestrated a two-night tribute to one of his guitar idols, the late Les Paul, at the tiny Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, where Paul performed regularly until his death in 2009 at age 94. Backing Beck was Irish rockabilly singer Imelda May and her band, plus a handful of guest stars including Brian Setzer and Gary U.S. Bonds.
The tribute, which was released last month as a CD and DVD called "Rock 'n' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul," finds Beck performing note-perfect renditions of 1950s material by Les Paul & Mary Ford, Gene Vincent, Johnny Burnette and Sun Records-era Elvis Presley. Also included are Beck's takes on three vintage-appropriate instrumentals, The Shadows' "Apache," Santo & Johnny's "Sleep Walk" and Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn Theme."
Well, there's good news for everyone who appreciates vintage guitars, tube amps and heavy doses of Technicolor-tinted rock 'n' roll nostalgia: Beck and the Imelda May Band have taken their party on the road, and it's coming to the State Theatre in downtown New Brunswick Tuesday night.
The core band from the Iridium shows will be there, including Beck on lead guitar, May on vocals, May's husband Darrel Higham on vocals and guitar, Al Gare on double bass and Steve Rushton on drums.
Beck is clearly reaching back to his roots on this brief tour. More importantly, he's having a genuine ball, something audiences won't help but notice as he rips into the most exciting rendition of "The Train Kept A-Rollin''" New Jersey has ever heard.
JEFF BECK AND THE IMELDA MAY BAND
8 p.m. March 29' State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick' $40, $75 and $85' 732-246-7469 | 444 |
Exhibitions by Giorgio Morandi
A Decade of Discovery: Ten Years of the Estorick Collection
UMBERTO BOCCIONI CARLO CARRA GINO SEVERINI GIACOMO BALLA MASSIMO CAMPIGLI GIORGIO DE CHIRICO GERARDO DOTTORI EMILIO GRECO RENATO GUTTUSO GIACOMO MANZU MARINO MARINI AMEDEO MODIGLIANI GIORGIO MORANDI ZORAN MUSIC LUIGI RUSSOLO ARDENGO SOFFICI CORRADO GOVONI OTTONE ROSAI MEDARDO ROSSO GIUDITTA SCALINI MARIO SIRONI
16 January 2008 - 6 April 2008
Comprising over 120 works by many of the most prominent Italian artists of the Modernist era<|fim_middle|> Brera
CARLO CARRA UMBERTO BOCCIONI GINO SEVERINI GIORGIO MORANDI MARIO SIRONI GIORGIO DE CHIRICO OSVALDO LICINI FILIPPO DE PISIS MASSIMO CAMPIGLI
The Estorick opened its 20th anniversary year with a major exhibition of works from one of the world's most important collections of modern Italian art, housed at Milan's Pinacoteca di Brera. | , the Estorick Collection opened to the public in January 1998. Described by Sir Nicholas Serota as 'one of the finest collections of early 20th century Italian art anywhere in the world', it was formed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by Eric Estorick (1913-93), an American art-dealer, writer and political scientist, and is the only collection in the United Kingdom dedicated to this turbulent and fascinating period of Italian art.
From Morandi to Guttuso: Masterpieces from the Alberto Della Ragione Collection
GIORGIO DE CHIRICO RENATO GUTTUSO GIORGIO MORANDI RENATO BIROLLI ENRICO PRAMPOLINI FILIPO DE PISIS FORTUNATO DEPERO MASSIMO CAMPIGLI ARTURO MARTINI GIUSEPPE SANTOMASO MARINO MARINI FELICE CASORATI
Containing works by artists including Filippo de Pisis, Fortunato Depero and Giorgio de Chirico, the collection of Alberto Della Ragione provides an extraordinarily comprehensive overview of Italian Modernism.
Giorgio Morandi: Lines of Poetry
GIORGIO MORANDI NINO MIGLIORI ALBERTO DI FABIO
16 January 2013 - 28 April 2013
The Estorick Collection inaugurated its fifteenth-anniversary year with an exhibition of some 80 etchings and watercolours by the master of poetic understatement, Giorgio Morandi.
Giorgio Morandi: The Collectors' Eye
16 May 2001 - 26 August 2001
This exhibition comprised twelve oil paintings from four private collections in Florence, together with ten drawings and eighteen etchings from the Estorick Collection, ranging in date from 1912 to 1959. The core of the exhibition comprised nine paintings from the collection of Roberto Longhi (1890-1970), the most important Italian art historian and critic of his time, as well as a life-long friend of the artist and collector of his work. Other works included a 1935 landscape given by Longhi to his doctor, Professor Noferi, a 1943 landscape that was a wedding present Longhi gave to the critic Piero Bigongiari, and a 1936 landscape from the Alberto Della Ragione collection.
Morandi's Legacy: Influences on British Art
GIORGIO MORANDI PATRICK CAULFIELD PAUL COLDWELL TONY CRAGG MICHAEL CRAIG-MARTIN DAVID HOCKNEY CHRISTOPHER LE BRUN BEN NICHOLSON WILLIAM SCOTT EUAN UGLOW RACHEL WHITEREAD VICTOR WILLING PAUL WINSTANLEY
5 April 2006 - 18 June 2006
Giorgio Morandi is one of the most famous and popular Italian painters of the twentieth century, best known for his contemplative still life paintings of familiar objects such as bottles, vases, jugs and boxes, painted in subtle combinations of colour and a narrow range of tones. Yet his work also contains radical ideas about the nature of picture-making and artistic practice that have made it consistently relevant to subsequent generations of artists.
Still Life in 20th Century Italy
GIACOMO BALLA GIORGIO DE CHIRICO CARLO CARRA ALBERTO SAVINIO GIORGIO MORANDI MARIO TOZZI IVO PANNAGGI ARTURO TOSI FAUSTO PIRANDELLO FELICE CASORATI
In the earliest years of the twentieth century the still life genre underwent something of a renaissance. As artists became increasingly concerned with purely formal, pictorial values, it came to be considered a perfect vehicle for experimentation with new aesthetics, free from any complicating narrative dimensions.
The Enchanted Room: Modern Works from the Pinacoteca di | 875 |
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In this month's wiki highlight column, we're focusing on the promotion guide. Click here to open this area on the wiki and take a look.
The promotion guide was written for all members as a place to get started understanding how to make your way up through the ranks as efficiently as possible. You'll find "transition pages," for movement from each rank starting at ensign and going all the way through captain and beyond.
Each page of the promotion guide offers some helpful baseline tips on what's important<|fim_middle|> are also some "extra credit" items you can focus on if you really want to impress your CO.
Feel free to read through the guide, even if it's for a promotion you're not up for quite yet. It'll help you get an idea of how you can continue to prepare yourself. If you have any questions, you can talk to your mentor, your First Officer, your Commanding Officer, or even start a thread in the "rank and promotion" forum. | at that level of membership. For Ensign to Lieutenant JG, for example, you'll learn that the most important points to focus on are simming often, responding to other players, and making sure to write well. There | 46 |
A marketing campaign goes beyond asking your latest customer for a stellar review or offering a coupon on your website. While a marketing campaign might include these and similar aspects, a successful marketing campaign will detail every action - and every action's purpose - that is used to promote<|fim_middle|> your marketing campaigns directly within a marketing automation platform, such as the Beetle Eye application.
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To learn more about how Beetle Eye can help ease the headache of a marketing campaign, read more about Beetle Eye features. | a product or a service.
Put simply, marketing campaign has one goal: to promote what you're offering.
Often, this promotion is done through multiple channels and includes many different steps. A successful marketing campaign requires plenty of thought and planning before it can be launched. Many aspects of a campaign must be built ahead of time, such as a list of leads or branding for the campaign.
On the other hand, many aspects must also be flexible: while you want to have that list of leads, for example, it's best to build it in such a way that leads can be added or removed while the campaign is running.
In other words, a marketing campaign has a lot of moving pieces!
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Just as the name suggests, a marketing automation platform automates many aspects of your marketing campaign, including the lead list mentioned above.
A marketing automation platform such as Beetle Eye allows your campaign to work off a Dynamic Lead List. As a Dynamic Lead List updates, so does your campaign - automatically.
A marketing automation platform takes the headache out of your marketing campaign and allows you to focus on the creative process.
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Institute News28
UST joins the Business Agility Institute to help transform lives and organizations for lasting impact
E<|fim_middle|> to life.
Learn more about UST at http://ust.com
About Business Agility Institute: The Business Agility Institute (BAI) is a fiercely independent research & advocacy organization for the next generation of companies. Members in the Business Agility Institute join together to create a better future of work. They support organizations, teams, and individuals breaking away from traditional business models by providing the primary research, connections, information, insights, and inspiration required to try something different and embrace a customer-driven world of fast-paced change.
Learn more about joining the Business Agility Institute as a member at http://businessagility.institute. | van Leybourn
UST supports the Business Agility Institute's mission of furthering the science of business agility by bringing its deep expertise in supporting companies to thrive in the modern economy.
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — The Business Agility Institute (BAI) recently announced and welcomed UST as their latest corporate member.
UST is a global digital transformation solutions provider. With over 30,000 employees in 25 countries. UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by a business agile, hands-on approach, UST works with clients to decipher core problems, then design, build and execute experiences that solve them with ease and empathy, inspired by people and led by purpose This partnership highlights UST's thought-leadership in business agility and their commitment is supporting the global business agility community.
Through this membership, UST has committed to contributing their expertise and experience towards BAI research and publications. Aligning with USTs mission to build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process
"We believe our partnership with BAI is a unique proposition to collaborate in the continuous evolution of business agility to better serve our clients" says Omar Velasco, VP Business Agility Services at UST. UST embeds innovation and agility into their clients' organizations and has long been recognized as a leader in the market.
The dynamic and unpredictable nature of modern business has changed the way companies think and work. And the pace of this change is ever-increasing. Organizations that stay too long in one place may find that customers– and competitors – have moved on.
"We're proud to have UST join us and look forward to collaborating" says Evan Leybourn, CoFounder and CEO of the Business Agility Institute. "While the impacts of COVID-19 have served to highlight the challenges in the modern economy, uncertainty and disruption have always been a part of the marketplace. This is why UST's experience in guiding and listening to their clients is so important."
About UST: UST has helped the world's best companies succeed through transformation. Using a nimble, creative approach they work together from start to finish to realize their vision for tomorrow. With the right talent and tools, they craft disruptive solutions, and provide the resources and expertise clients need to bring them | 473 |
If your kids are bugging you for a four-legged friend, it might be time to listen. Sure, we know pets can be messy and, as a parent, you've got enough on your plate. However, studies have shown they can actually improve child development! Take a moment to read through this article. You'll discover just how pets can help prevent separation anxiety in children.
Studies were undertaken by various universities in America, to measure the effect of owning a pet on child development. They monitored 643 kids, between the ages of six and seven. The study focused predominantly on dogs. It was found that 21% of children that did not own dogs met the clinical threshold for anxiety and other related disorders. This compared with 12% of children that did have dogs.
Researcher, Dr. Anne Gadomski,<|fim_middle|> to make up games and let their imaginations run wild. Pets are often a great way to encourage this. Children involve them in games, creating characters for their dogs and cats. This has been known to drastically reduce stress in young children.
Furthermore, the study revealed that when children are petting or cuddling their pets, the hormone oxytocin is released. This is a bonding hormone and it is known to lower cortisol, the hormone that produces stress. | believes that this could either be accredited to the fact that less nervous children own pets or that pets can make children less anxious. She went on to say that children and their pets form a very special bond. This bond tends to have a calming effect and children feel they are in a safe environment when around their pets.
The study revealed that children, aged seven to eight, found pets provided more comfort, self-esteem and friendship than humans did. Dogs in particular, are known to follow communicative human prompts and signs. This could prove highly effective for children's emotional development. This is how they learn important communication skills and express love to another being.
Parents of children who suffer with anxiety disorders shared their experiences from the study. One mother mentioned that her child was afraid to be alone in their house. When this was investigated further, it was found that having a pet comforted and helped to ease the child's anxiety. Another mother expressed her child suffered from shyness and that having a pet taught her son responsibility and confidence. He began to see himself as a pet owner – encouraging him to believe in himself.
Pets can act as ice-breakers. If adults are trying to communicate with a shy child, a pet can encourage conversation. Generally, children love to talk about their pets and the shyness dissipates.
The benefits of owning a pet don't end there. We all know children love | 280 |
The river and the drought
Jonathan Thompson April 18, 2013
Like Tweet Email Print<|fim_middle|> senior editor for High Country News. His Twitter handle is @jonnypeace.
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"We're geniuses!" bellowed my good friend, G, as we embarked on a rafting tour of the San Juan River in southeastern Utah. The temperature was nearing 80 under a cloudless sky, only a slight breeze blew upriver and the water was unusually clear. The ranger had just told us we'd have the place pretty much to ourselves: Several other parties had cancelled due to low water and a storm forecast for the middle of the week. We, however, knew better. Weather forecasts more than 24-hours out are almost always wrong, and the stream gauge was probably broken. There would be plenty of current to carry us along on a seven-day tour of sandy beach camps and Edenesque side canyons. Geniuses, indeed.
Storm clouds and evening light over the (low water) San Juan River this April. Photo by Lydia Thompson.
That was Saturday. By Monday, our confidence in our cleverness had waned. We awoke to a stiff up-river wind and an apocalyptic sepia-toned sky. After a Saharan-style dust storm added a distinct crunch to our lunch, one of four adults (outnumbered by seven minors -- definitely not genius and a sure set up for a Lord of the Flies situation) was blown off her boat into the river. The same wind pushed my boat and me into a cliff, then upriver 50 yards. Then the icy rain came, along with the concession that, yes, weather forecasters do know what they're talking about. We had to stop and build a fire under a ledge to keep hypothermia at bay, at which point J, G's young son, observed: "We are not geniuses."
The water level was the clincher. On the day we put in, the river was running at about 550 cubic feet per second in Bluff, Utah, and would drop below 500 during the trip, according to USGS data. That's about one-fourth of the median flow for this time of year, and about equal to the monthly mean in April 2002, a notoriously dry year.
I didn't need to raft the San Juan to know we're in the grip of what's shaping up to be another bad water year, but 83 miles in the slow-moving current, the thick dust blowing into the air and each of those rocks that hung up my boat really drove it home. It was drought incarnate, confirming the grim stats that have been pouring in from around the Southwest.
Here's part of the reason* the water was so low, in graphic detail: There's just not enough snowmelt to fill the rivers.
San Juan Basin snowpack levels.
The good news is that this year's snowpack in the Four Corners area, after running neck-and-neck with last year, has pulled ahead thanks to some cold temperatures and the very storm that battered us on the river. The bad news is that it will take a major shift in weather patterns to bring snowpack and river levels up to anywhere near average.
Then there's all the dust, the cause of the ominous orange skies. Such dust storms are not uncommon around here. Spring winds scour soils from the Four Corners lowlands, lift them up into the air, and send them into the San Juan Mountains, where they fall out with snow and rain (nice NASA image of the most recent dust storm). We call these events San Juaners. Our San Juan River dust storm became a San Juan Mountain mud storm a few hours later. In Durango, cars and windows were coated with a gritty red slime (another San Juaner followed just a week later, whipping up a wildfire along the San Juan near Farmington, NM, and causing a fatal car crash nearby), and the mountain snow took on a red-brown hue. Such dust storms occur every year, but drought exacerbates them. And they exacerbate the drought, too: The dust causes snow to absorb rather than reflect sunlight, thereby resulting in faster snowmelt and an earlier end to the spring runoff.
The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies, based in Silverton, Colo., has been investigating the dust events for several years, and deemed the April 8-9 dust event the worst they've seen since at least 2009. It was the sixth dust event of the season. Number seven began on April 14 and was still gusting and dusting 36 hours later.
Thick dust obscures the morning sun in Durango, Colo. in April. Jonathan Thompson photo.
And what happens up high will be reflected down low in a couple of months. Unless the current storms keep pounding the high country for weeks, we can expect Lake Powell -- the barometer for precipitation health of a good portion of the West -- to continue to drop. The water level there is starting the runoff season a whopping 40 feet below last year, and the April 1 forecast for the streams that fill the lake was quite grim. On the other side of the Divide, things are even worse. John Fleck, at the Albuquerque Journal, reported early this month that the Rio Grande is likely facing its worst runoff year ever.
As the recent storms indicate, however, snowfall season's not over yet, and dire forecasts could be proven wrong. We may be redeemed, yet. On day six on the river, the winds died and the air warmed enough to pacify the children and avert a mutiny. The snow that had fallen in the hills to the north and east melted. The river returned to its usual brown hue and the water rose up to 1,000 cfs, just enough to get us over most of the silt bars that have developed on the last runnable stretch of the river before Lake Powell. Finally, I could rest my weary shoulders, lay back, look up at rock and sky and listen to the water lapping against the boat and geese honking in the distance. As I watched a raven ride a thermal inches away from a sandstone cliff, hundreds of feet above, I thought: We are geniuses, after all.
*Because a good portion of the San Juan's flow is regulated by Navajo Dam, far upstream, streamflow figures are not a direct representation of the water situation in the basin.
Jonathan Thompson is a | 1,307 |
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David Haney is the founder of Advance Database Systems, a custom FileMaker Pro Database Development Company and author of EasyAccounting with FileMaker Pro, a custom accounting solution designed for integration into existing FileMaker Pro database solutions. David Han<|fim_middle|> and syndication in Phoenix, Arizona.
Welcome to my personal website. This picture of me above is about 10 or 15 years ago when my my hair was a little less grey and I was a little less "round" than I am today. I'm always walking around with a big smile, happy to be alive and still having FUN, which for now is traveling fulltime in a DIY Class B RV (GMC Van), strolling thru big and small towns across the USA. When I'm not traveling, I live n southern California and you can reach me anytime by mail, e-mail, text or cell phone. | ey is also the founder of Arizona First Development, engaged in the business of real estate development | 18 |
Musicians from all over Southern California are invited to perform in a concert in Encinitas next month.
The first-ever "Come Together" community concert— presented by Camarada for free on Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center — will host amateurs and students who play string, woodwind, brass and percussion, as well as saxophone, alongside professional musicians.
Beth Ross Buckley, executive and artistic director of the Camarada chamber ensemble, said the group received a $3,500 grant from the city of Encinitas, and she and fellow musician Bridget Dolkas began thinking of what they could do to involve the community.
"Bridget brought up this idea, and I thought it was a great idea to get to perform with some of these people who have been coming to our concerts for a long time," said Ross Buckley, who plays the flute. "I think it's a really good social opportunity for people coming together to meet the professional musicians and perform with them. I think this will inspire a lot of practicing, people<|fim_middle|> the kind of thing that can really take off because people will look forward to getting to play music when they otherwise have no opportunities to." | dusting off their instruments and getting reignited to play again."
Dolkas, who plays violin in the Pacific Symphony in Orange County, said she has played in similar events. She said participants have often played in more concerts.
She said she thought North San Diego County would benefit from such an event because "there's such a large community of people who have enjoyed music but maybe didn't go into it professionally."
Ideally, Ross Buckley and Dolkas are hoping for about 40 community participants, including students, in the concert.
The musicians must be proficient with their instrument and know how to read music fairly accurately, Ross Buckley said.
There will be no auditions. If anyone is interested, they should visit www.camarada.org to sign up and pay a $80 registration fee. Camarada will then send registered participants the music so they can practice before scheduled workshops and rehearsals Jan. 6 and Jan. 14.
The community musicians will play two pieces, including "Boléro" by French composer Maurice Ravel, and "Danzón No. 2" by Arturo Marquez.
Dolkas said she believes the Marquez piece, in particular, will help the musicians express themselves.
"That's going to be a really great example of how people can feel the music physically and express even more and engage even more with the music than just playing the notes," she said. "It doesn't really matter that you play everything perfectly; it's more about feeling the music a different way."
Roger Kalia, assistant conductor for the Pacific Symphony, will conduct the orchestras.
Dolkas considers him an ideal person to lead such an event.
"He's a young guy who's really thinking about how to engage all kinds of people with classical music," she said. "Beth and I feel a very strong connection with him on that level. He's really done a lot of interesting work on building audiences and connecting musicians from all over together. He's very excited about this event and has given a lot of helpful input."
Dolkas added she believes she and Ross Buckley have created a program that will be rewarding for anyone who takes part.
Ideally, the women said they'd like to put this event on every year.
"It's just a matter of getting the word out to the right people because we know once they're there, they will be very glad they are," Dolkas said. "I think this is | 498 |
BOSTON -- Veteran goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, in his first start of the season, made 39 saves and the undefeated Colorado Avalanche earned a 2-0 decision over the previously undefeated Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
Ryan O'Reilly's first-period, power-play goal on a deflection was all Giguere needed as he posted his 37th career shutout, his first for new coach Patrick Roy.
Matt Duchene scored into an empty net with 25.7 seconds left to seal the victory for the Avalanche (4-0-0).
Giguere watched Semyon Varlamov give up just one goal in each of Colorado's first three wins before getting his shot Thursday and dropping the Bruins to 2-1-0 (all home game).
The victory continued Colorado's best season start since the franchise moved from Quebec City to Denver in 1995. The 4-0-0 mark matches the third-best start in Nordiques/Avalanche history.
The win also extended the Avalanche's TD Garden unbeaten streak to eight games (seven wins and a tie) dating back to their last loss in Boston in 1998.
Heading into the game, Giguere, who backstopped the Anaheim Ducks to the 2007 Stanley Cup, said, "I'm looking forward to it. At the end of the day, you want to play some games -- try to get in the groove and try to help the team. It's a good place. Boston's a great building, it's a good team to play against. It should be a good battle."
And it was. The game featured a playoff-like style that included plenty of hitting and nastiness.
David Krejci was off for hooking when Andre Benoit sent a shot toward the net and a screened Rask. The puck deflected off O'Reilly in the high slot with 39.3 seconds left in the first period, and O'Reilly was credited with his second goal of the young season.
Duchene also scored his second.
Giguere did his best work in the second period, when the Bruins had 15 shots and both Krejci and Patrice Bergeron were robbed from directly in front.
Rask, who also allowed one goal in each of his team's first two games, also played well, stopping 28 shots in a losing effort. He got a break in the final minute when the Avalanche hit both posts during a flurry.
NOTES: Roy was 32-19-5 during the regular season against the Bruins while playing for the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado. ... Thursday night's game was played on the second anniversary of the last time the teams faced each other. ... The Bruins visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, the same day the Avalanche play the Capitals in Washington. ... Bruins LW<|fim_middle|> some line rushes and stuff like that. So he's progressing well but obviously not ready to play." ... The previous best starts in the history of the Nordiques/Avs franchise (in order of most wins): 7-0 in 1985-86, 5-0 in '94-95, 4-0 in '92-93 and 3-0 in '87-88. ... In the building were Hall of Famers Roy, Cam Neely, Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque and Johnny Bucyk. | Carl Soderberg, yet to play this season because of an ankle injury, joined the team for the first time at Thursday's morning skate. "I think it's a start," coach Claude Julien said. "It was good to see him out there and doing at least | 55 |
Well. It's been over a week since I started taking my depression and I'm doing way better. No more nausea or vomiting. And I think it's working. I've been in a much better mood lately. So either the meds are working or the placebo effect is working its magic on me.
I recently joined a knitting group here and it was interesting. Not bad by any means but I was the youngest member. It was very thought provoking and I wonder if knitting and crochet is a dying art or if younger people are knitting are they more introverted or do they just not know that these groups exist. I'll be doing more research for that for a post this Saturday. I didn't post any more about my WIPs because I'm still working on the same projects.
I got to spend time with one of my best friends tonight. He knows if been lonely and so he invited me out to spend time with some friends. It was so much fun. I even got a gift. He's the best friend I could ever ask for in times like this. He got me yarn and a complete set of crochet hooks. He knows me so well.
Tomorrow I'll be going to a different friends place to hang out and watch movies. I'll be bringing my knitting of course. Something to do with my hands while I'm watching movies. Without something I get very fidgety. I hope I'm not the only one. Anyway, I'm going to relax for the rest of the evening.
Happy knitting and happy holidays!
Another long week on the road.
I've probably said this a lot already but my job keeps me very busy. It also keeps me away from home a little more than I'd like. This week is no exception. I have the distinct pleasure of staying in another hotel for tonight. And stupid me forgot my knitting! so I'll be spending the evening looking for patterns. Even though I can't knit doesn't mean the day is wasted.
I also wanted to touch base on some other things that have been on my mind recently. I wasn't even sure if I should type this. It's hard to even think about it. Anyways, I've struggled with severe depression and eating disorders for most of my life. I've tried desperately to fight it on my own, but lately my depression has been more out of control than ever. So, I made the decision to start taking medication. I've been on medication before and it helped but for whatever reason I stopped taking it, and all it did was make it worse. So this time, I wont stop taking the medication unless my doctor and I both agree that it's the best option for me.
So far, the medication I'm taking has had some truly spectacular side effects. One of the most frustrating being nausea and vomiting. It kind of feels like withdrawals. But, once it builds up in my system it will get better. I'll keep you updated as I progress.
I cant wait to get home. In the mean time it's pattern searching time. I hope everyone has a good week.
I have a few projects that I'm working on right now. Most of the stuff I'm working on is in an attempt to de-stash my collection in anticipation of moving. I hate the idea but I don't have much in the line of options. I have a stupid<|fim_middle|> work.
There's been a lot going on in my life lately and recently it's been getting to the point that I'm debating moving back home. It's not for lack of trying in North Dakota, Alaska is just home and I've been missing it so much. I tried to make a home here and it's like I just don't fit. So, I think it's time that I go back to Alaska.
I'm still working on my projects. I got my supervisor's baby blanket done finally. Seeing as how she's a little past due. I got it done about a week before she was due. I'm still working as a phlebotomist and I got promoted to assistant supervisor. So all things considered that seems to be going well. We got the date for our company Christmas party. I don't really want to go. I've never had a good time at these things and I'd rather just sit at home with my dog, a glass of wine, and m knitting. I'd be so much happier.
I've been watching a lot of Big Bang Theory while I work on my projects. However, I recently got into the show The Ranch. It's so funny. With Christmas coming up soon I've been spending more and more time alone. This time of year is year is hard on me. My mom always loved Christmas and now that she's gone it's not fun or happy. It's painful and I'm not sure how I've gotten through the last two years. I guess I'll just take it one day at a time. I don't know any other way. Hopefully, with any luck, the next few weeks will go by quickly and without event. I'll just concentrate on my knitting.
While looking online, trying to find something I could post for Story Saturday, I came across a story about knitting. During World War I and II, knitting, embroidery and the like were used as an espionage tactic to send messages to soldiers. For the purpose of this post I will be concentrating on knitting.
Knitters spent hours knitting messages about the activities and chatter of opposing forces. This information was invaluable and changed the course of the war.
Morse Code was most predominantly used as it raised less suspicion that using a predetermined code and cypher. This allowed people to pass important information to the resistance under the guise of making warm hats, scarves, and even whole sweaters for soldiers. However, some knitters used a binary code systems using knit and purl stitches in place of ones and zeros.
These knitters changed the course of history by using their talent in a very unique way. I'm excited that the craft that I love has a long rich history with people who risked everything to help others. I find it very inspiring.
I have many WIP's to discuss this week. I have a set of market bags that I'm trying to work on for the summer. I'm hoping to get a bicycle at some point soon and I'll go to the farmers market to get fresh fruits and such. I'm really excited. I'm using Caron Cotton Cakes. They came out with a few new colorways so while I was in Bismarck a few weeks ago for training I bought some.
I'm also working on a squared waffle stitch afghan for myself. It's a very warm stitch and I absolutely love the way it's coming together. For that project I'm using Caron Big Cakes in the Boysenberry colorway. I'll be using 8 to 10 cakes in total. This is probably my favorite project to date. I love these colors.
It's no secret that I'm 100% in love with the Caron Cakes line of yarn. I find the colors very diverse and the texture is so soft. I hope to continue to use them.
I still try and do some charity work making hats for babies and so forth. Even with my life being a little crazy lately I know that I wouldn't be happy if I wasn't crocheting or knitting some project.
With all this being said, life is hard sometimes. But, with some yarn and a little imagination you can bring some beauty to an otherwise ugly situation.
I took a very long break from this blog. I had many things on my mind and needed some time to work on things.
Mother's day passed on the 13th and the Monday before was the two year anniversary of my mom's passing. In that time I was thinking more about what would make my mom proud and that would mean doing what makes me happy so here I am back at it.
I'm revamping this blog to make it more streamlined with my work schedule. Speaking of I'm still working as a phlebotomist, however, I'm also working on an ambulance crew down here so I'm back to working two jobs.
I'll also be going back to school for an accounting degree. I eventually want to start a business selling yarn and all things knitting and crochet. I figured that this would be a good way to start.
The new set up is as follows.
I'm very excited to get back to my crazy, busy, hectic life. I love staying busy with work and life. Many things are changing around here and I'm glad they are working out for the best! | amount of yarn and it's not all fancy yarn. I'm talking about 12 of the big 18 gallon totes full of yarn. I'm looking into those ziplock vacuum bags to see if I can condense some of it. I think I'm going to sell my wire cube storage system for the yarn because I don't think I'm going to need it when I move.
Anyway, back to the projects. I'm making a boom shawl for one of my friends. I'm using Caron Cakes yarn in the Bumbleberry colorway. I really love how quick it's working up. I got the pattern on Ravelry. I can't believe how quick it knits. I think my friend is really going to love it. I think it will be a very warm shawl.
I'm also making a scarf for another one of my friends. I'm using Caron Cakes in the Berries and Cream colorway. I wanted to make him something a little more masculine. I showed him the yarn I was planning of using and he loved the blues and greys together. It has a very nice cable to it. It's a lot of work but I love how it's turning out so far.
I think I'm going to make a wrap for myself. Probably with Caron Cakes as well. I have a lot of that yarn. Might as well use it on something. I'm saving the good hand-dyed stuff for special projects. Everything else I don't feel bad about making random projects with. I just hope I can get some of this yarn used.
So, this begs this question. Does anyone else have a yarn stash so big it likely exceeds your life expectancy?
I just can't get it together. Sorry.
This was supposed to be posted yesterday but I had a complete brain fart and was completely exhausted last night after | 384 |
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From info to insights: transforming data into success
From info to insights: transforming data into success How can we convert data into better decision making?
What's one thing that everyone makes that is worth lots of money? I'll give you a hint, it came flooding into our lives as a result of the digital age. Got it? It's data – massive and massive amounts of data!
Each day, the world produces around 2.5 quintillion bytes of digital data. A quintillion has 18 zeros behind it. And the amount of data the world produces is increasing every year. In the last two years alone, 90 percent of the data in the world was generated.
Most of the world's largest companies are collecting this mind-boggling amount of data, and other newer companies like Facebook have put data at the center of their business model. However, this data means nothing without talented professionals, who are some of the most sought after talent in the modern age.
According to Rafif Srour Daher, Academic Director of IE University's program: "Data and Business Analytics is an interdisciplinary field that combines statistics, mathematics, and programming to extract useful information from data – insights that help us make better decisions."
Ideal candidates for IE University's program are people "who are curious and who have critical thinking and analytical skills. We're really looking for those individuals who are driven to harness the power of data in order to make impactful decisions," she continued. From data science generalists business intelligence specialists, data architects and data mining engineers, people who study data analysis "can go far," Daher said.<|fim_middle|> big data and analytics are increasingly seen as a tool to boost creativity, both within businesses and their products.
As Rob High, Vice President of IBM's Watson Solutions Department, where they built and managed a computer system that can answer questions posed in human languages, said, "we're going to be able to get underneath the creativity of human beings and enable people to go do things that they perhaps had never even considered before because now the systems are offering them choices based on evidence, based on the literature, based on having reasoned through what's possible and determining that those are viable and meaningful choices."
Yet, as Christina Stathopoulos, an analytical consultant at Google and an adjunct professor at IE University, said, it's so important to have creatively thinking data scientists to make sure the data is presented correctly as a way to "humanize the information" and "make sure [the audience] doesn't get lost."
Christina Stathopoulos: Getting the most out of big data
% of workforce
Human creativity is becoming increasingly important in the global workforce.
Source: McKinsey
Netflix and chill … with big data?
Chances are you know how to Netflix binge.
It's hard to resist. And that's because the company utilizes data in profound ways. For instance, and maybe obviously, the algorithm Netflix uses recommends movies and TV programs individual users will enjoy, based on what they've watched in the past.
But the company has also taken its data use a step further by employing it to help the company create original programming.
Instead of the typical scene of Hollywood executives sitting around a table to decide which shows or movies will be a hit, Netflix uses the immense amount of data that it collects from users' every move on the platform to determine what content it believes will be most popular.
Netflix's decision to create House of Cards was fueled by data analytics and the series went on to become the first online-only TV show to receive major award nominations. Photo: Netflix Hollywood headquarters
House of Cards, the remake of the 1990s British series, was one of the earliest examples of that. According to the data Netflix collected, it's target audience was attracted to films directed by David Fincher (which the company then hired to direct the series) and also liked films that featured actor Kevin Spacey (which the company hired to play the lead role as Francis Underwood).
Once everyone was on board with an American version of the show, Netflix made a large investment in producing the show and it paid off, becoming Netflix's first hit series in 2013, luring millions of people to the platform and keeping its current subscribers loyal.
With its success, Netflix has only expanded that strategy – in 2018, it was reported that Netflix's content department will spend $12 to $13 billion, more than any film studio or television company that is not paying for sporting events.
As a result, Netflix produced 82 feature films in 2018, vastly more than the 23 sent to cinemas by Warner Brothers last year. Also in 2018, the streaming service saw exponential growth, increasing its global paid subscribers from 94.4 million to 118.9 million and for the fiscal quarter ending in March 2018, the company reported a 40 percent revenue increase. Netflix is the leading television network on the internet; their 57 million viewers watching more than two billion hours of entertainment per month.
Not only are those positive accolades on their own, but Netflix has started a huge trend – after seeing the success of Netflix's original content, companies like YouTube, Amazon and Apple are all getting involved in data-fueled programming efforts of their own.
The Television with be revolutionized
While it might seem like today's governments are huge and allknowing, the truth is that many of these institutions' departments are understaffed and over-burdened.
That's why data analytics haven't been used since very recently. Only a decade ago did advances in data science and information technology make it possible for public institutions like governments to understand and take advantage of data analytics to find better ways to allocate their resources for maximum effect. This rings true in terms of finances, human resources, social programs and infrastructure.
Through tools such as the census, healthcare records, smart cities and other information collected by various government programs, governments have a massive amount of data that could be utilized to potentiate social progress in their country and maybe even the world a better place.
And now, data analysis and as such, data scientists have become a fundamental part of policymaking.
For instance, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated that 20 percent of what government around the world spend on healthcare is wasted. And the United States' Institute of Medicine actually believes that figure should be higher, closer to 30 percent.
However, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), datadriven technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) promise to improve healthcare outcomes and efficiency in several key areas.
For one, the WEF believes that AI can be used to optimize clinical trials, enabling faster development of life-saving drugs, which will save billions of dollars, and most importantly, tons of lives. In practice, a few years ago a startup programmed a supercomputer to analyze millions of medicines to predict their effectiveness against Ebola. That program saved money on physical tests in the field and again, lives, by allowing doctors to repurpose existing drugs.
Yet, again these technologies must be manned by data science professionals that can help both businesses and governments – no matter local, national or even international – understand the data produced and the broader implications of using that data.
As Pedro Torres, the chief marketing officer at data company Esri Spain, said, "these highly disruptive tools are revolutionizing many industries through the real-time use of data … The emergence of this new profession shows that big data technologies yield a high return on investment."
Deloitte Report: Data-Driven decision making in government
How data is helping drive a new era of healthcare
BIG DATA MEETS RADIOLOGY
The use of AI algorithms working with massive data sets in radiology has become one of the hottest topics in the field. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that a commercial AI system was as accurate in detecting breast cancer as the average radiologist. While the program was outperformed by the most accurate mammographers, it was better performing than the majority of radiologists. While no one is insisting on replacing radiologists with AI (at least for now) it could assist them in reading X-rays more quickly and accurately, while also freeing up time for them to focus on more complex issues.
Photo: Mammography, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The world is producing data like never before, but data specialists are needed to help make sense of it all
While most often thought of as nerdy number-crunchers, data scientists have to be creative as well to be able to use data in effective and positive ways
Huge productivity, revenue and marketing gains can be made by leveraging data with the help of data scientists, something that's highly beneficial for a company to scale
Public institutions like governments are learning how to better allocate resources for the best effect by using data analysis
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IE University 2022 | "The fields or applications of the topic are quite tremendous."
Data as a competitive advantage
Case study: Airbnb's 43,000 percent scale? Not without data scientists
Data meets human creativity
Case Study: Netflix and chill … with big data?
You could even save lives!
Data and Business Analytics Takeaways
Want to download the ebook?
According to IDC, organizations that take advantage of data analytics stand to achieve $430 billion in productivity benefits by 2020. Yet, the 2016 PwC Data and Analytics Survey found that most executives say their next big decision will rely mostly on human judgment instead of data.
Data is broad and ever-changing. For both companies new to data analytics and those industry giants that have harnessed its power for some time, it's hard to understand what all the data points mean together for their business without analysts skilled at interrupting it.
Especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the opportunity becomes greater for data analysts to supplement the data sets a machine spits out with human judgment. As PwC suggests, for that to happen, "one needs to have an open mind to collaborate with the machine, as opposed to treating data and technology as either a servant or an overlord."
In the end, it's all about the people – to find the right information at the right time with the right action in mind.
"Data is the current and future source of competitive advantage"
Borja Gonzáles del Regueral, Vice Dean IE University's School of Human Sciences and Technology
"That's the difference between failure and success for a company right now. All young data scientists need to have knowledge in terms of how to use the data, how to extract value from the data, and not only that, but how to use the value of data in business decision-making," said IE University's Vice Dean of the School of Human Sciences and Technology, Borja González del Regueral.
PwC's Global Data and Analytics Survey
The Growing Digital Universe
If all the data on earth were held in IPad Air tablets, in 2013 the stack would reach two-thirds of the way to the moon. By 2020, you would need 6.6 stacks of tablets going from earth to the moon to contain all the data.
Source: IDC, 2014
Airbnb's 43,000 percent scale? Not without data scientists
Planning a vacation to Belize? Or headed to Spain to check out IE University?
Brian Chesky, the now billionaire co-founder of Airbnb, speaks in front of a crowd. Photo: Airbnb
Wherever it is you're going, you're probably looking for accommodations first on Airbnb, the unicorn Silicon Valley app started in 2008 to match travelers with homes. And it's no surprise that you start there – Airbnb was one of the few companies that included a data scientist within its initial team.
While there are many reasons Airbnb has become one of the most profitable startups, its use of machine learning and AI technology to evolve quickly and data scientists to suss out the signal from the noise has no doubt had a major impact.
Customers may not realize, but every reservation made on Airbnb interacts with Artificial Intelligence, or AI, in some way. From improving search to preventing fraud to optimizing host pricing, Airbnb uses AI for nearly everything. For example, AI is used to match guests with the most relevant listings, experiences and services based on where in the world they're traveling to. And not only does that matching process work off data, but it also produces more, which gets looked at by the company's data scientists in an effort to glean more business insights.
The Airbnb headquarters in San Fransisco. Photo: Airbnb
"I'm really excited about how there's a shift to using data more and more for all kinds of applications and really to be thinking strategically and logically and for that to be something that many more people are learning about," Airbnb's Head of Data Science, Elena Grewal, said during a career panel last year.
In the past five years, Airbnb has grown 43,000 percent – that's definitely something most businesses would be excited about. And all within that rapid scale, people typically have positive experiences and connotations about Airbnb. According to Riley Newman, the first data scientist at Airbnb, that couldn't have been done without data and data scientists.
In a post for VentureBeat, Riley said, "since the early days, our team has met with community members to understand how to make our product better suit their needs. We still do this, but the scale of the community is now beyond the point where it's feasible to connect with everyone everywhere. So, data has become an ally."
Learn more about the people and tech behind airbnb
GOOGLE'S 41 SHADES OF BLUE
A pioneer in data-driven decision making, Google made major waves internally and externally with their decision to test dozens of shades of blue with all of their users to see which drew the most response via A/B testing. The idea even caused Google's lead visual designer to quit, saying data was being used as a crutch, paralyzing the company from making daring decisions. However, the designer was forced to reconsider his opinion when Google reported that the use of data to find the most attractive shade of blue upped the company's ad revenue to the tune of $200 million per year.
Estimated ad revenue increase per year for Google using data to discover the most appealing shade of blue
When most people think of data science, they think number crunching, algorithms, nerds sitting behind computer screens looking at ones and zeros.
Why is creative thinking so important in data science?
The first that comes to mind isn't usually creativity, yet creative thinking is a huge part of data science today. Especially as new technologies such as AI reduce the need for human manual labor, those humans are still very much demanded for their out of the box thinking.
Today, many of the most innovative businesses combine data-fueled decision-making with human creativity in an effort to stay relevant and competitive in the market. Plus, | 1,262 |
Is there a default workspace that allows you access to all of TurboCADs tools,<|fim_middle|>Commands.chm. You may need to "Unblock" it in Window Properties to view.
Thanks mate that helps so much. | with no exception?
Sometimes even when starting as an admin does not get access to all tools sets.
Point is that I havent quite figured out howto get access to all tools in a loaded ui theme, thereby where I can configure the correct workspace with the required tool set. Eg: tools just for clipping, tools for 2D functions. tools for reports to paper. Whereby then you click the required workspace and the correct tools are available.
I created a couple of custom toolbars to use in the "Tools" palette. They don't have "all" the tools, just the ones I will probably use. There are way too many tools to have them all available, except within the Menus. I use two monitors and have all the Palettes in the second monitor.
You could load the "CADCourse2018" configuration and see if that is something you might like.
Attached is my custom configuration for 2018.
Also, a list of all the commands in 2018 in a CHM help format; TurboCADV25 | 220 |
\section{Introduction\label{sec:intro}}
Core-collapse supernova remnants (SNRs) often interact with large molecular clouds (MCs). This interaction between SNRs and dense MCs is of considerable interest because it provides an opportunity to study the dynamical and chemical processes associated with strong shocks, e.g., how the MCs affect the evolution of SNRs, how the MCs are disrupted by SN shocks, how the shocks change the abundances of MCs, and how molecules are destroyed or reformed. Since the first discovery of the SNR-MC interaction in the SNR IC 443, \citep{cornett77, denoyer79}, 45 SNRs, which are 16\% of the known Galactic SNRs, have been found to show some evidences for the interaction with MCs according to the compilation by \citet{jiang10}.
The SNRs interacting with MCs are of particular interest in relation to the \emph{thermal} \emph{composite} or \emph{mixed} \emph{morphology} (MM-) SNRs, which are the SNRs that appear shell-type in radio continuum but emit bright thermal X-ray in its center. In \citet{rho98}, it was surmised that about $\sim$ 25\% of the whole SNRs detected from the $Einstein$ observation belong to this category.
The center-bright morphology is not consistent with a Sedov-Taylor model \citep{sed46,tay50} where most of the swept-up matter is confined to a dense shell at the boundary. In order to explain the MM-SNRs, several hypotheses have been proposed. Probably the most popular one is the so-called evaporation model of \citet{whi91}. In this model, the ambient medium is clumpy, so there are dense clumps inside the SNR which have survived the passage of the SN shock. Subsequently, these clumps evaporate thereby brightening the X-ray emission. Another hypothesis is based on conduction from a hot interior to cold radiative shell, proposed by \citet{cox99} for the SNR W44.
The other two hypotheses are fossil thermal radiation from a hot interior after the shell of a remnant cools down \citep{sew85} and projection effect of the SNR exploded outside an MC \citep{pet01}.
It is worth noting that a good fraction of these MM-SNRs are the SNRs interacting with MCs \citep{rho98,jiang10}. And among the 45 probable SNRs interacting with MCs<|fim_middle|>ed structure discussed in the previous section. We can see that the wider radiative shell is elongated in the ICM compared to that inside the MC. The pressure is more uniform compared to the D250 model except in the swept-up ICM layer. And like the D250 model the speed of the matter is fastest at the lower side of CD-EM.
Because the SNR has already entered the snowplow phase before break-out and its shock speed decreases to a few tens of km/s in the MC, the shock is not accelerated enough to run away from the radiative shell after break-out. Hence the second layer does not appear and the shell retains its shape as a single shell, which is the common characteristic of the models with deep explosion sites. In the lower frames, we can see a deformed shell at the top of the remnant under the effect of the R-T instability similar to the standard D250 model and ripples to move downwards from the shell.
Figure 8 shows that the SN explosion depth influences the formation of ML structure as well as the overall shape of the remnant in the ICM. In the ICM, the remnant of D350 model shows a single shell and the outer part of the remnant appears more wedge like shape than D200. For D200 model, the number of the upper layers separated from the adiabatic shell is more than that of D250. And we can see the layer just detached from the adiabatic shell has already undergone the R-T instability and shows vertical structures around 10 pc near the symmetry axis. With time, the separate layers merge into a single shell or fade out with ripples. We can see the shape of the outer part of the remnant of D200 is more spherical compared to the other models.
\subsection{Models with Varying Density Ratios:\\ R101, R102, and R104}
These models are simulated with a fixed explosion depth, 2.5 pc and a fixed number density of the MC, $n_{\rm{MC}}$ = 100 cm$^{-3}$. Only the density ratio $\alpha$ between the MC and the ICM is varied with 10$^1$ (R101), 10$^2$ (R102) and 10$^4$ (R104) compared to 10$^3$ (D250).
Figure 9 shows that the model with higher density ratio shows greater distance between the contact-discontinuities where the multi-layered structure develops. In the upper frames for R101 model, we can see a single shell in the ICM, which is the characteristic density distribution in the ICM of D300 model. Because of the dense ICM, the outer shock cannot run away from the adiabatic shell after breakout. So the adiabatic shell keeps its own shape between the CDs with the multi-layers overlapped. When the shock is decelerated, the shell at the top of the remnant becomes R-T unstable shown in the right frame.
The multi-layers of the R102 model are very close to each other between 4 and 7 pc heights shown in separated form.
But they immediately merge into a single shell. Thus, for small alpha, the ML structure is not seen or survives for a short time. Models with larger alpha (D250 and R104) show the ML structure for a longer time compared with the R102 model since the blast wave proceeds faster into the less dense ICM.
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig08.eps}
\caption{Density snapshots of models D350 (upper) and D200 (lower). The snapshots have different time epochs: D350 at 3$\times$10$^{4}$ and 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years, D200 at 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ and 3$\times$10$^{4}$ years. All the frames share the same colorbar in log scale.}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig09.eps}
\caption{Density snapshots of models R101 (upper), R102 (middle) and R104 (lower) with fixed explosion depths of 2.5 pc. The left frames describes the models of 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years and the right frames of 3$\times$10$^{4}$ years.}
\end{figure}
\section{Discussion}
\subsection{One-Dimensional Experiments}
In this section, we will focus on the propagation of the shock from the breakout SNR in the ICM. To this end, we simplify our 3-D models to 1-D models using spherical coordinates. Because the geometry of the MC surface hardly plays a role in the propagation of the shock along the $z-$axis, we expect that the 1-D models will capture the essential features.
Since the 1-D model represents the propagation in spherical coordinates, geometric source terms have to be included in the HLL code which is meant for Cartesian coordinates. The 1-D models are solved at higher resolution, 32 [grid/pc] for a time period of 10$^6$ years (ten times longer than 3-D models) at cheaper computation cost. In Figure~10, we display the propagation of the travelling waves along the radial direction inside MCs with radii 3 pc (left panel) and 2.5 pc (right panel) respectively. The density distributions are plotted in logarithmic scale and the colorbars are different in the two pictures to highlight the difference in the density structures.
In the left frame, the arch is seen to come from the reverse wave which detached from the CD-EM into the MC and rises beyond 1 pc from the explosion center at 4$\times$10$^{3}$ years (upper arrow). As the wave travels in the remnant, it displays the characteristics of a shock such as density increase (seen as a sharp boundary of the arch). When the reverse shock catches up with the outer blast wave in the ICM, the outer shock is pushed out creating yet another reverse shock which again travels towards the center of the remnant. This is seen as a plunging density contrast lasting upto 7$\times$10$^5$ years.
The right frame shows the evolution of an SNR with an MC radius of 2.5 pc which is smaller than R$_{sf}$. Just after breakout, the adiabatic shell expands in the ICM. We can see the adiabatic shell diffused between yellow sharp lines: the upper line for the swept-up ICM and the lower one for the reverse shock. The inclined arch of the reverse shock rises again at 4$\times$10$^{3}$ years, but falls by 3$\times$10$^5$ years, which is much earlier than that in the former case, since the pressure in outermost region is higher.
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=160mm]{wankeecho_fig10.eps}
\caption{Radial density profiles of 1-D SNR simulations as a function of time. The left frame shows the density profiles where the supernova explodes at the center of an MC sphere with a 3-pc radius, while MC with a 2.5-pc radius in the right frame. The arrows are marked at the bottom of each arch to denote the rise and the fall of the reverse shock inside the remnant.}
\end{figure*}
From Figure 11, we might suspect that the shock propagation may be modelled by piecewise straight lines, both in the 1-D (left) and the 3-D case (right).
The shock position is determined by the temperature peak just behind the shock front for 1-D models and along the $z-$axis for 3-D models.
In the left frame, the shock positions are plotted in log scale for four 1-D simulations with different radii from 2 to 3.5 pc. The upper two lines with smaller MCs (2.0 and 2.5 pc radii, smaller than R$_{sf}$) show similar slopes. Inside the MCs, they follow the Sedov-Taylor solution with a slope of $2/5$ \citep{sed46}. The slopes increase suddenly to $3/4$ after breakout and decrease to $3/10$ after the radiative cooling becomes dominant. For the lower two lines, the slopes of remnants with larger MCs (3.0 and 3.5 pc radii, larger than R$_{sf}$) are changed by the arrival of the reverse shock. Inside MCs, the remnants follow the Sedov solution and soon enter the snowplow phase. The slope of the blast wave increases to $3/4$ with breakout and, once the reverse shock catches up with the outer shock, the slope increases to $4/5$. The remnants in the ICM finally enter the snowplow phase again and the slopes follow $3/10$. In the right frame, the shock propagations of 3-D models show similar trends to those of 1-D models, but we can check the shock propagations only at early stages due to the limit of short computational period. Figure~12 shows the schematic descriptions for the shock evolution, and is meant to be a simplified representation of Figure~11. We can see four kinds of slopes at each plot from the Sedov phase ($2/5$), the snowplow phase ($3/10$), the breakout ($3/4$), and the reverse shock ($4/5$).
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig11.eps}
\caption{Shock propagations of 1-D and 3-D simulations for $\alpha$ = 1$\times$10$^{3}$ with different radius of MC: 2.0 pc (solid line), 2.5 pc (dotted line), 3.0 pc (dashed line) and 3.5 pc (dot-dashed line).}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig12.eps}
\caption{Schematic plots of shock position with time with different radii of MCs in logarithmic scale from the shock propagations of 1-D cases with the left frame of Figure~11. The broken lines describe the shock propagation of the models that an SN explodes at a shallow depth (left) and that an SN explodes deep inside an MC (right). The numbers over lines denote the powers. The vertical dashed lines mark the points of specific events such as breakout (BO), dominance of radiative cooling (RC) and arrival of the reverse shock (RS).}
\end{figure}
In Figure 13, we compare the density distribution along the $z-$axis of the H032 model with the previous 1-D models and also compare with analytic solutions that describe the reverse shock. With the MC radius set to 2.5 pc, the arch of the reverse shock appears at 4$\times$10$^{3}$ years (this is the same as in the right panel of Figure~10 indicated by the upward arrow).
The dotted line in Figure~13 shows the position of the shock obtained from the 1-D simulation and are seen to be very close to those obtained from the H032 model (the boundary of the blue region). Also shown is the semi-analytic solutions obtained by \citet{koo90} for the shell (dashed line) and shock (dot-dashed line). The semi-analytic solutions differ because they describe the evolution in an exponential medium unlike in the current work which has a jump in the density. However, the position of the shell is seen to reasonably capture the evolution of the first layer. This is because most of the swept-up matter is left in the first layer after breakout.
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig13.eps}
\caption{One-dimensional density profiles of H032 along the $z-$axis with time (background) and shock positions in 1-D simulations (dotted line). The analytic solutions of \citet{koo90} for the shell (dashed line) and the shock (dot-dashed line) are plotted on the profiles. We put the arrow under the time axis to mark the start of arch, which denotes the reverse shock travelling inside the remnant.}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=160mm]{wankeecho_fig14.eps}
\caption{Simulated X-ray surface brightnesses in soft (left) and hard (right) X-rays of the models. The colorbar over the left part of frame (a) represents the soft X-ray surface brightness and that over the right part shows the hard one in logarithmic unit of erg/cm$^2$/s/sr. The time epoch for the frames is 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years.}
\end{figure*}
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=170mm]{wankeecho_fig15.eps}
\caption{Snapshots of the X-ray surface brightness of model D250. Each frame shows the brightness in soft (left part) and hard (right part) X-ray bands in logarithmic units of erg/cm$^2$/s/sr. The colorbars are set to show the full dynamical range of the brightness at each time epoch of t = 2.5$\times$10$^{3}$, 7.5$\times$10$^{3}$, 1.25$\times$10$^{4}$, and 1.75$\times$10$^{4}$ years (from left to right frames). The bright part at the rim of the remnant inside MC at 1.75$\times$10$^{4}$ years would be artifact since we cannot resolve the contact discontinuity sharply by HLL code.}
\end{figure*}
\subsection{X-ray Morphology}
In this section, we will simulate the surface brightness in X-ray of the MM-SNR to study their morphology since these are diagnosed by showing center-bright
thermal X-ray emission while being shell-bright in radio. The X-ray brightness of our model is calculated using the emissivity tables of \citet{ray77}, which includes recombination, bremsstrahlung, two-photon processes and line emissions. The chemical abundance is taken to be the solar abundance of \citet{and89}.
The X-ray emissivity is multiplied by $n_{\rm{e}}n_{\rm{H}}$ ($n_{\rm{e}} = 1.2 n_{\rm{H}}$) and divided by 4$\pi$ to get the emission per unit solid angle. Using the optically thin approximation, the simulated brightness on the $xz-$plane is obtained by integration along the line of sight.
Figure 14 shows the simulated X-ray brightness of our models in the soft (0.1-3.0 keV, left panel) and the hard (3.0-8.0 keV, right panel) X-ray bands at 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years. The upper panels are for varying depths of the explosion, while the lower panels capture the variation with the density ratio. In all cases, the X-ray morphology of the SNRs in the radiative stage resembles a mushroom with a cap in the ICM and a stem through an MC.
Based on Figure 14, we can say that the center-bright X-ray morphology can arise from an SNR which explodes inside a dense medium without invoking any thermal conduction mechanism \citep{til06}. During the early stages of SNR evolution, the soft X-ray brightness tracks the shell-bright morphology, since newly swept-up MC matter ensures that the density and temperature are highest near the shock position (see also Figure~15). However at late stages, the material in shell region cools below 10$^4$K which is too low for X-ray emission, but that in explosion site could still be hot enough to continue emitting bright X-rays inside the MC. We can check the center-bright morphology in soft X-ray band of SNRs inside MCs in Figure~14 and the third and the last frames in Figure~15, while the hard X-ray brightness shows the center-bright morphology from the earlier to the late stages.
In the ICM, otherwise, we can see the shell-bright morphology in SNRs in X-rays in Figure 14. Since the blast wave is re-accelerated by breakout from the MC surface to stay in adiabatic state, the SNR has maximum density and temperature around shock toward the ICM. Especially, the hard X-ray can point out the shocked ICM described a thin layer above CD-MI, while the soft X-ray brightness is shown more diffuse. In the (c) and (f) frames, the cap parts are fading out since the cooling effect is dominated.
The ML structure can also contribute to central-brightening in soft X-rays, as remarked earlier. We notice that soft X-ray emission traces the multi-layered structure in Figure~14. Since the MLs can retain high density inside an SNR after it breaks out through the MC, they can supply enough matter to enhance the surface brightness. In (a), (b), (d), and (e) frames, we can see the bright soft X-ray on the multi-layers. The (a) frame shows several bright X-ray features from 5 pc to 13 pc height along the symmetry axis. In the other frames, only the first and the second layers emit bright soft X-rays unlike (a) frame, because the temperature has been lowered rapidly by adiabatic expansion between the two layers. The soft X-ray of the second layer depends on the ICM density. Moreover, under specific conditions such as higher resolution or larger density ratio, these layers could be distorted or broken apart by R-T instability to form clumpy structures inside the remnants.
There are three prominent points in the simulated X-ray surface brightness of our models. First, the ML structure enhances the soft X-ray brightness, which may reveal the clumpy and complex internal X-ray structures of MM-SNRs. Second, the center-bright morphology in soft X-ray can be formed in the evolved phase of models inside a dense medium. Third, a breakout SNR shows the shell-bright X-ray morphology toward the ICM.
\subsection{3C 391}
3C 391 is a prototype of MM-SNRs \citep{rho98}.
In radio continuum, we can see its blown-out morphology clearly across the surface of an MC.
The remnant is elongated from northwest to southeast and shows a bright rim inside the northwestern MC
indicating the interaction with the remnant \citep{rey93}.
On the other hand, the $Chandra$ images \citep{che01,che04,che05} show
that clumpy X-ray emission of thermal origin is filling the inside of the remnant (see the upper image of Figure~17). We simulate an additional 3-D model to reproduce the X-ray morphology of 3C 391. From the X-ray images of \emph{Einstein} \citep{wan84} and \emph{Chandra} observations of \citet{che04}, we assume that the SN explodes around 2.4 pc depth (1$'$ at 8 kpc distance) under the surface of a dense MC, where we set the hydrogen number density of the MC, 40 cm$^{-3}$, as a upper limit from \citet{che01}. Then the radiative shell formation time and radius become t$_{sf}$ = 4.4$\times$10$^{3}$ years and R$_{sf}$ = 4.1 pc. The age of SNR 3C 391 may be estimated as 8.5$\times$10$^{3}$ years based on the assumed hydrogen density of the MC and the distance from the explosion site to the dense shell of the remnant toward the inside of the cloud, 5.1 pc (2.2$'$), using the semi-analytic solution of \citet{cio88} as modified by \citet{koo04}. For the other initial conditions, we set the density of the ICM of 0.1 cm$^{-3}$ as a typical value of the ICM and the resolution of 8 grids a pc.
Figure 16 shows the density and temperature distributions (left) and the X-ray surface brightness (right) of a new model at 8.5$\times$10$^{3}$ years from SN explosion.
Considering the lower density of the MC of a new model compared to that of the standard one,
we may expect that the part of the remnant inside the MC still keeps its shell-bright morphology in soft X-ray band.
Furthermore, we notice that the evolved ML structure includes R-T fingers and fragments around 5 $\sim$ 9 pc heights around the symmetry axis in the left frame. These fingers and fragments might be the origin of the clumpy structures inside 3C 391, but they are not reflected in the X-ray brightness due to the projection effect and also they cannot enhance the X-ray emission enough to explain the bright clumps of the regions of 6, 7, and 8 in the top image of Figure~17.
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=160mm]{wankeecho_fig16.eps}
\caption{Density and temperature snapshots (left frame) and the soft and hard X-ray surface brightnesses (right frame) of the model for the MM-SNR 3C 391 in the same unit as Figure~14. The time epoch is 8.5$\times$10$^{3}$ years. Each colorbar follows log scale and the unit of the X-ray brightness is erg/cm$^2$/s/sr.}
\end{figure*}
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[trim=0mm 0mm 25mm 0mm, clip, width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig17.eps}
\caption{(top image) $Chandra$ X-ray (0.3-7.0 keV) image \citep{che04} with the FIRST 1.4 GHz radio contours (Becker et al. 1995) of the SNR 3C 391. (middle frame) X-ray brightness profiles along the symmetry axis from our model, where red, green, blue, and black curves are for 0.3-1.5, 1.5-3.0, 3.0-7.0, and 0.3-7.0 keV bands, respectively. The diamond symbols represent the observed brightnesses in
3C 391 which are from \citet{che04}. They are labeled by the region numbers in \citet{che04}. The unit of the X-ray brightness is erg/cm$^2$/s/sr. The red and black lines are almost overlapped, since most of X-rays are radiated in the 0.3-1.5 keV.
(bottom frame) Same as the middle frame but including the attenuation by foreground and MC media (see text for details). }
\end{figure}
We show the image of the $Chandra$ X-ray observation with contours of the VLA FIRST (Very Large Array Faint Images of the Radio Sky at Twenty-cm) 1.4 GHz radio continuum \citep{bec95} of 3C 391 and profiles of the calculated X-ray brightness along the axis of symmetry in Figure~17. In order to compare the observed brightness of the remnant to our simulated X-ray brightness, we select four different regions of 4, 13, 15, and 14 from \citet{che04} in the top image of Figure~17, which represent the regions near the shock front toward the MC and the ICM and the inner regions of the remnant in the MC and the ICM, respectively. We mark the observed X-ray brightness of the regions with diamond symbols on the lower frames of Figure~17. If there is no attenuation of X-rays (middle frame), most of the X-rays are emitted in the soft band (0.3-1.5 keV). However, since the X-ray emitting hot gas is surrounded by the dense MC material, we need to consider the attenuation of X-rays due to the MC and the foreground media (bottom frame). According to \citet{che04}, the column density to the SNR is 2.9$\times$10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ to the ICM area and 3.5$\times$10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$ to the MC area. We could expect that extinction will decrease the overall brightness significantly but would not change the morphology considerably since the column density difference between the MC and the ICM areas is only 0.6$\times$10$^{22}$ cm$^{-2}$. We compute the attenuated X-ray emission using the energy-dependent transmission curve of \citet{sew99} with the column densities of \citet{che04}. In detail, we calculate the flux weighted mean transmission with temperature for the column densities in the specific X-ray energy bands. Then we multiply it to the X-ray emission on each grid and integrate the transmitted emission toward the line of sight. The result is shown in the bottom frame of Figure~17.
$Chandra$ X-ray image of 3C 391 shown in the top image of Figure 17
is somewhat different from our simulated X-ray profiles shown in the lower frames.
The SNR has an almost uniform X-ray brightness
while our simulation shows
that the brightness in the ICM is much fainter than that in the MC region.
Toward the SNR bubble within the MC, the emission is from relatively dense ($\sim$ 5 cm$^{-3}$) hot gas near the MC,
while toward the SNR in the ICM,
it is mostly from the gas in the adiabatic shell where the density is much lower ($\sim$ 0.5 cm$^{-3}$) (see Figure~16).
The calculated emission is brighter than the observed for the SNR part in the MC area
while it is fainter for the SNR part in the ICM in the middle frame of Figure~17.
But if we assume extinction, the total brightness is fainter than the observed even toward the SNR part in the MC
(see the bottom frame of Figure~17), and now the dominant emission becomes from 1.5-3.0 keV band (green curve).
As it is easily expected, however, the overall shape of profiles is not changed much.
We suggest that thermal conduction and evaporation of preexisting
cloudlets can explain the difference between the $Chandra$ X-ray observational result
and our results.
For the SNR part embedded in the MC, the interface between the hot gas and the MC might be subject to conduction, which will increase the gas density in the hot bubble \citep{cox99}. A factor of 3 increase in gas density can explain a factor of 10 difference in brightness since the brightness is roughly proportional to the square density.
On the other hand, for the SNR part in the ICM, the difference in the X-ray brightness is more than three orders of magnitude in the bottom frame of Figure~17,
which might be difficult to be explained in a large scale conduction alone.
The $Chandra$ image suggests that the medium is clumpy with dense cloudlets.
The density is, for example, 5-7 cm$^{-3}$ at the regions of 6-8 in the top frame of Figure~17 whereas our characteristic density of those regions is $\sim$0.5 cm$^{-3}$ (Figure~16).
Therefore, there were likely dense clumps in the past, which might have provided additional mass to the hot gas by thermal evaporation \citep{whi91}. The increase of gas density from such evaporation of clumps together with the increase of temperature by thermal conduction from the hotter gas within the bubble might explain the difference. Such scenario may be explored in a future study.
\section{Summary and Conclusions}
We have simulated breakout morphology SNRs with different explosion depths and density ratios to show the evolution of SNRs breaking through molecular clouds (MCs). We have presented a fiducial model where the explosion depth is 2.5 pc below the surface of an MC, which breaks out the surface in its Sedov phase. The outermost shell in the Sedov phase, which we call the adiabatic shell, is separated after the breakout in two thick layers at its upper side and ripples at its lower side, which we call the \emph{multi-layer} structure. It is noticeable that the shocked ambient matter can exist inside a remnant in the form of the ML structure, which cannot be expected in Sedov-Taylor solution.
The environmental effect on the evolution the breakout SNRs is also investigated. When an SNR is produced closer to the MC surface, the number of layers increases at the front of the original adiabatic shell. Also in the more rarefied intercloud medium (ICM), the ML structure survives longer time. If the radiative shell is formed before breakout, we cannot see the ML structure because the outer shock is not fast enough to run away from the radiative shell.
The growth of R-T fingers is another key point in the paper. If the SNR breaks out of the MC surface at its Sedov stage, the R-T fingers grows on the layers in the front side of the original adiabatic shell at the beginning of the ML structure. The simulation with highest resolution shows the evolution of R-T fingers at the top of the remnant after merging of the multi-layers, which are fragmented into several blobs and penetrating the shock front.
We have discussed the shock propagation with simplified one-dimensional (1-D) models. We have noticed that the slope of shock position as a function of time is influenced by the reverse shock, detached from the dense shell in the MC, to rise to $4/5$, while the other slopes are denoted as $3/4$ due to breakout, $2/5$ from Sedov-Taylor solution, and $3/10$ due to radiative cooling. The shock propagations of 3-D models are well described by the simplified 1-D models and the adiabatic shell of the ML structure is fitted well with the semi-analytic solutions of shell in \citet{koo90} for a spherically symmetric blast wave on the ambient medium with density drop.
From the simulated X-ray brightness of our models, three key points can be inferred: (1) The ML structure can enhance the soft X-ray brightness (2) A remnant in an MC can appear centrally-brightened in X-rays around the explosion site in the evolved phase (3) The newly swept-up ICM matter emits hard X-ray at the swept-up ICM behind the outer shock.
Compared with the $Chandra$ images of 3C 391 of \citet{che04} as a fiducial mixed morphology SNR, the simulated surface brightness is consistent in X-ray brightness and the transmitted X-rays of 3C 391 in the MC quantitatively. But we can see difference in X-ray brightness between the model and $Chandra$ observation, which cannot be fully explained by our simplified models without thermal conduction or preexisting cloudlets outside the MC.
\section{Acknowledgements}
This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and future Planning (2014R1A2A2A01002811). Numerical simulations were performed by using a high performance computing cluster in the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. We wish to thank Dr. Chen, Y. for providing $Chandra$ images of 3C 391.
| in the catalog of \citet{jiang10}, 15 SNRs are classified as the MM-SNRs. It is therefore interesting to investigate if an SNR breaking out of an MC can appear centrally-brightened in X-rays.
Dynamical evolution of SNRs interacting with MCs has been studied numerically by several authors \citep{fal82, ten85, yor89, art91, dohm96, vel01, fer08}. According to their results, the interaction may be divided into three categories.
First, if an SN explosion ($E_{51}$ = 10$^{51}$ erg as thermal energy) occurs deep inside an MC, e.g., 15 pc below the cloud surface \citep{ten85}, its remnant cannot break out of the MC and ends its life inside the cloud. The possible existence of such buried SNRs has been analytically addressed by \citet{wheeler80} and \citet{shu80}, where the SNRs radiate most of the energy in the infrared energy range.
Second, if an SN explosion occurs close to the surface of an MC, the SN blast wave can break out of the MC. This breakout phenomenon is characterized by the acceleration of the blast wave and the ejection of cloud matter across the original cloud surface. If the breakout occurs when an SNR is in the Sedov phase, the accelerated blast wave produces a large half-spherical remnant in the low-density intercloud medium (ICM), whereas the blast wave propagating into the dense cloud matter makes another sphere which is well described by the Sedov-Taylor solution and the relation in \citet{cio88}. \citet{dohm96} investigated the early evolution of SNRs produced very near the cloud surface. If an SNR breaks out the surface of an MC during its snowplow phase, the breakout process is expected to be rather complicated with the radiative shell disrupted by the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability. The overall morphology of the SNR is considerably elongated along the direction perpendicular to the cloud surface.
Finally, if an SN explodes outside the MC, the cloud is not largely disrupted while the SNR is distorted to a half-sphere. For the SN explosion just outside the cloud, \citet{fer08} presented the results of magneto-hydrodynamic simulations which shows how the reflected wave from the cloud surface moves back to the explosion center. Especially, \citet{ten85} carried out two-dimensional (2-D) simulations with cases belonging to the above three categories and studied the dynamical evolution of SNRs and the cloud disruption efficiency.
In this paper, we explore the dynamical evolution of breakout SNRs (BO-SNRs) with hydrodynamic simulations with the aim of finding the conditions for the SNRs to show center-bright X-ray morphology.
\citet{ten85} suggest that additional matter could be supplied by the radiative shell broken by the R-T instability
so that we may expect the BO-SNRs to show the center-bright X-ray morphology.
Their simulations with low resolution ($\sim$ 100 computational grids in one dimension), however, are limited for investigating the detailed process of breakout such as the disruption of a radiative shell by the R-T instability.
So, by performing three-dimensional (3-D) simulations with higher resolution, we could describe the complex structures of the BO-SNRs such as the R-T unstable structures.
We also synthesize X-ray morphology of BO-SNRs and investigate when they appear centrally-brightened. We apply our result to the SNR 3C 391, which is a prototype of the MM-SNRs.
This paper is organized as follows.
In Section~2, we introduce the methods used in the numerical simulations with cooling and heating processes.
In Section~3, we present the results from several models with different depths and density ratios.
In Section~4.1, we compare the results of numerical simulations to the results of one-dimensional (1-D) spherical experiments, and the semi-analytic solutions of shell and shock by \citet{koo90}.
Also in Section~4.2, we derive X-ray morphology of the simulated SNRs to discuss the origin of thermal emission inside the MM-SNRs. Finally, a simulated SNR model is compared with the prototypical MM-SNR, 3C 391, in the scope of X-ray characteristics.
\section{Numerical Methods}
\subsection{Governing Equations and Numerical Schemes}
To follow up the evolution of SNR interacting with MC, we solve the following Eulerian hydrodynamic equations:
\begin{equation}
\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t}+ \nabla \cdot (\rho \textbf{v}) = 0,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\frac{\partial }{\partial t} (\rho \textbf{v})+ \nabla \cdot ( \rho \textbf{v} \textbf{v} )+ \nabla P = 0,
\end{equation}
\begin{equation}
\frac{\partial E}{\partial t} + \nabla \cdot [(E+P)\textbf{v}] = \Gamma - \Lambda.
\end{equation}
where the total energy $E$ is defined as $E ={P}/(\gamma-1) + \rho v^2/2 $ and $\mu$ is the mean molecular weight, $\mu = 14 m_{\rm H} /23$ with 10\% helium fraction by number under fully ionized state. Other symbols have their usual meanings.
The energy equation must be integrated with effective cooling effect, $\Lambda_{\rm eff}= \Gamma - \Lambda$ to follow the SNR evolution in the snowplow phase. The radiative cooling rate, $\Lambda = n_{\rm e} n_{\rm H} L(T) $ with the cooling function, $L(T)$, and the hydrogen and electron densities, $n_{\rm H}$ and $n_{\rm e}$. In the fully ionized state and with 10\% helium fraction by number, $n_{\rm e} = 1.2 n_{\rm H}$. $L(T)$ involves different
cooling processes as a function of the temperature.
From 10 K to 10$^4$ K the cooling function of \citet{san02}, which is fitted by a piecewise power-law fit \citep{wol95}, is adopted.
From 10$^{4}$ K to 10$^{8}$ K, the non-equilibrium cooling curve of \citet{sha76} with the solar abundance is adopted.
For higher temperature ($T$ $>$ 10$^8$ K), we include thermal bremsstrahlung process in $L(T)$.
The heating rate, $\Gamma= n_{\rm{H}} G(T)$, comes from a process such as photoelectric heating by starlight, composed of the hydrogen density and the heating function, $G(T)$. The heating function is given by $G(T)=1.2 n_{\rm{i}} L(T_{\rm {i}})$ with initial density and temperature, $n_{\rm {i}}$ and $T_{\rm {i}}$.
Then, the effective cooling effect can be written at the medium as:
%
\begin{eqnarray}
\Lambda_{\rm eff} &=& \Lambda-\Gamma=n_{\rm e}n_{\rm H}L(T)-n_{\rm H}G(T) \nonumber \\
&=& 1.2 n_{\rm H} (n_{\rm H} L(T) - n_{\rm i} L(T_{\rm i})).
\end{eqnarray}
Now the effective radiative cooling can be calculated with the hydrogen number density, $n_{\rm H}$ and the cooling function $L(T)$ with given
initial conditions of $n_{\rm i}$ and $T_{\rm i}$.
Through a model, an MC and the ICM are in thermal equilibrium.
The hydrodynamic equations are solved using the HLL method \citep{har83}, which solves the Riemann problem in an approximate way to obtain intercell fluxes. Since we do not need a full characteristic decomposition of the equations, the HLL Riemann solvers are straightforward to implement and very efficient. The HLL code is tested both for the Sod problem \citep{sod78} and the SNR evolution in the adiabatic state, which are in good agreement with analytic solutions \citep{shu80}.
The coloring method is the scheme to trace a specific component of the multi-fluid using a Lagrangian tracer variable \citep[see][Equation 1]{xu95}. In addition to the usual hydrodynamic equations, we solve the continuity equation for each component. The density is obtained by multiplying the density of the fluid to a Lagrangian tracer variable. In this paper, we trace the MC and the ICM materials, separately (Figure~4), so that we can verify the origin of the complex structure in the evolved stage.
For the cooling process, we first calculate the cooling time scale, $\Delta t_{\rm cool} = {E_{\rm int}^{\rm n}} / { \Lambda _{\rm net} }$, where $E^{\rm n}_{\rm int}$ is the thermal energy and the superscript n represents the n-th time step. We then update the thermal energy using:
\begin{equation}
E_{\rm int}^{\rm n+1} = E_{\rm int}^{\rm n} \exp({- 0.5{\Delta t_{\rm dyn}}/{\Delta t_{\rm cool}}})
\end{equation}
where $\Delta t_{\rm dyn}$ is the dynamical time step set by the Courant condition. Because the above steps are solved before and after the hydrodynamic part, there is 0.5 in Equation (5).
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[trim=45mm 15mm 45mm 25mm, clip, width=80mm]{wankeecho_fig01.eps}
\caption{Three-dimensional schematic overview on our models. Three different regions are drawn in different colors: green for a molecular cloud, orange for the intercloud medium and red for the initial SNR. The $x-$ and $y-$axes on the MC surface are set to be perpendicular to the $z-$axis. $d$ is the depth below the cloud surface where an SN explodes and $\alpha$ is the density ratio of the MC to the ICM.}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig02.eps}
\caption{Energy budget of D250 with time. Each solid line represents thermal energy (red), kinetic energy (blue), the total kinetic and thermal energy (black), and energy loss by the radiative cooling (purple), which are normalized by the SN explosion energy of 10$^{51}$ erg. }
\end{figure}
\begin{table}[t!]
\caption{Model parameters with ejecta of 10 $M_\odot$. \label{tbl-1}}
\centering
\begin{tabular}{lrrr}
\toprule
Model & $d$ $^{\rm a}$ & $\alpha$ $^{\rm b}$ & $Res.^{\rm c}$ \\
\midrule
D200 & $2.0$ & $10^3$ & $1/8$ \\
D250 & $2.5$ & $10^3$ & $1/8$ \\
D300 & $3.0$ & $10^3$ & $1/8$ \\
D350 & $3.5$ & $10^3$ & $1/8$ \\
R101 & $2.5$ & $10^1$ & $1/8$ \\
R102 & $2.5$ & $10^2$ & $1/8$ \\
R104 & $2.5$ & $10^4$ & $1/8$ \\
H032 & $2.5$ & $10^3$ & $1/32$ \\
\bottomrule
\end{tabular}
\tabnote{
$^{\rm a}$ The explosion depth $d$ is in the unit of pc.
\\ $^{\rm b}$ The density ratio $\alpha$ is the ratio $n_{\rm MC}/ n_{\rm ICM}$.
\\ $^{\rm c}$ The resolution is in units of pc/grid.
}
\end{table}
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=170mm]{wankeecho_fig03.eps}
\caption{The evolution of model D250. The snapshots of density, pressure, temperature, and speed from left to right columns are drawn at two specific times, i.e., 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ and 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years after explosion for the upper and lower frames, respectively. The colorbars of density, pressure, and temperature in log scale are shared at each column. To see the overall feature of the remnant, a slice of the quadrant column is copied to the other side with reflective boundary condition assuming symmetry.}
\end{figure*}
\subsection{Model Parameters}
We adopt Cartesian coordinates for our 3-D SNR models. Figure~1 shows the schematic description of our models, an SN (red sphere) explodes at a depth, $d$, below the cloud surface between an MC (filled with green color) and the ICM (orange) with a density ratio, $\alpha$, whose remnant will break out through the MC surface and be ejected into the ICM. Each region of the MC and the ICM has uniform density distribution. We vary the density ratio from 10 to 10$^4$ with a fixed hydrogen number density of 100 cm$^{-3}$ and a fixed temperature of 10 K for the MC. In thermal equilibrium, the resulting density of the ICM ranges from 0.01 cm$^{-3}$ to 10 cm$^{-3}$ and the temperature from 10$^5$ K to 100 K. We set the $z-$axis perpendicular to the cloud surface bearing the $x-$ and the $y-$axes. To save computational cost and time, we find solution in one quadrant column along the $z-$axis. Reflective boundary conditions are adopted in the $xz-$ and the $yz-$planes, while continuous boundary conditions in the rest of planes.
We simulate an SNR from the beginning of the Sedov phase. Because we set the ejecta mass of 10 {$M_\odot$} assuming a core-collapse SNR with a massive progenitor, the total mass of the ejecta and the swept-up MC matter becomes 20 {$M_\odot$}. The remnant matter is distributed uniformly within a sphere in the radius of 0.89 pc with density of 200 cm$^{-3}$. The total energy of SN explosion is assumed to be 10$^{51}$ erg (E$_{51}$) given in thermal. But in few computational time steps, the physical quantities converge to the Sedov-Taylor solution where the kinetic energy is 28\% \citep{sed46,tay50}. In the case of an SN explosion in a uniform medium, a sharp increase of density appears just behind the shock front in the Sedov-Taylor solution; we term it an \emph{adiabatic} \emph{shell} hereafter. In the snowplow phase of the SNR, the dense neutral radiative shell is formed by cooling in the outermost region of the SNR. The semi-analytic solution of \citet{cio88} modified by \citet{koo04} describes the snowplow phase and determined the radiative shell formation radius, $R_{\rm sf}$, to be 2.78 pc and the shell formation time, $t_{\rm sf}$, to be 2.6$\times$10$^{3}$ years
in a medium with $n_{\rm{MC}}$ of 100 cm$^{-3}$. Thus we can divide our models into two groups according to the SN explosion depths: one case being that an SNR already has a radiative shell in an MC before breakout ($d > 2.78$ pc) and the other case that an SNR breaks out of the cloud surface during its Sedov stage ($d < 2.78$ pc).
Models labelled as Dxxx vary in the depths at which the explosion occurs, while those labelled as Rxxx have varying density ratios. The numeral xxx
trailing the character denotes the depth or the density ratio as indicated in Table 1.
The H032 model uses the highest resolution of 32 [grid/pc] and all models use a computational box of size 16$^{2}$ $\times$ 48 [pc$^{3}$] with a larger height in the ICM to track the evolved stages of the breakout SNR.
Figure 2 shows the time variation of energy (normalized by $E_{51}$), upto an age of 2$\times$10$^{4}$ years in the D250 model. Initially, the SN explosion energy is deposited in thermal energy ($E_{the}$/$E_{51}$ = 1.0) and the remnant follows the Sedov-Taylor solution ($E_{the}$/$E_{51}$ $\sim$ 0.7) in a few computational time step, following the red line which denotes the thermal energy variation. Soon the remnant becomes radiative so that the red line drops sharply. At the same time, the purple line shows the energy loss by the radiative cooling starts to rise more rapidly near the shell formation time, $t_{sf}$. The breakout of the remnant from the MC surface causes the thermal energy to decrease more rapidly due to adiabatic expansion of the escaped part of the SNR into the ICM and the kinetic energy (blue line) to decrease very slowly ($E_{kin}$/$E_{51}$ $\sim$ 0.2-0.3) even after $t_{sf}$. The following sections provide more detail on these calculations.
\section{Results}
\subsection{Standard Model: D250}
We set the D250 model as a standard representing SNRs breaking through the surfaces of clouds. Especially, the remnant is produced 2.5 pc below the surface of the MC so that it breaks out of the MC in its Sedov stage. We focus on the separation of the adiabatic shell during breakout in the ICM. Figure~3 shows density, pressure, temperature and speed slices of the remnant at two time epochs of 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ (upper panels) and 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years (lower panels). In Figure~4, the MC and the ICM matter are traced by the coloring method. We label the key structures of the multi-layered structure as \emph{1st} \emph{layer}, \emph{2nd} \emph{layer}, and \emph{ripples}. The \emph{swept-up} \emph{ICM} and the \emph{R-T} \emph{finger} are also labeled.
\begin{figure}[t]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig04.eps}
\caption{Prominent features of density structures of the model D250. The left side of each frame denotes the MC matter distribution and the right side the ICM matter. The time epochs are 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ and 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years for the left and right frames, respectively, and the colorbar is the same to that on the density frames in Figure~3.}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[t!]
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig05.eps}
\caption{One dimensional profiles along the symmetry axis of density, pressure, temperature and speed from top to bottom. Density, pressure, and temperature are drawn in log scale and speed of the matter is drawn in linear scale as a position function of Z, the distance from the MC surface in the unit of parsec. Each frame has three lines of different colors which means the three time epochs of 5$\times$10$^{3}$ (red), 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ (blue) and 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years (black). Arrows in the density frame indicate the first layer (red arrows) and the separated structures (blue and black arrows) from it.}
\end{figure}
Figure 3 shows the general morphology of break-out SNRs such as the spherical radiative shell in the MC and blown-out morphology in the ICM. Even after break-out, the remnant in the MC evolves like an SNR in uniform medium. We see that the density is highest and the pressure and temperature are lowest at the radiative shell due to radiative cooling. But since the cooling effect is small due to the high temperature at the SN explosion site, the temperature is still high at 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years.
But in the ICM, the blown-out part of the remnant makes much more complex structures.
First of all, we see two green layers of enhanced density in the ICM at 10 and 14 pc, far beyond the MC boundary, which we term 1st and 2nd layer, respectively (see Figure~4).
Note that the swept-up matter of the first layer is located quite inside the remnant compared with the Sedov-Taylor solution where most of the shocked matter exists just behind shock front. The ripples appear just below the 1st layer.
The pressure is higher in the 2nd layer and the swept-up ICM matter, while it is much lower around the 1st layer.
The temperature at the swept-up ICM is maintained higher while the temperature near the explosion site of the SNR goes down rapidly due to radiative cooling.
Matter speed of the matter is highest at the lower ends of each layer.
The swept-up ICM matter is colored in bright blue in the density panel, which denotes the shock position propagating into the ICM.
Before describing the dynamical evolution of the late stages of the remnant, we investigate the process of the separation of the adiabatic shell. We can trace the separated layers as peak positions in 1-D density profile along the symmetry axis. From Figure~5, we note that the separation of the shell occurs due to adiabatic expansion in the following steps. First, the blast wave is accelerated and starts to run away from the adiabatic shell as it breaks out of the MC surface. Second, the pressure between the blast wave and the lagged adiabatic shell has decreased due to the adiabatic expansion (the drop zone shown at 2 pc at 5$\times$10$^{3}$ years in Figure~5 and has been expanding with time). Third, along the pressure gradient, matter at the upper side of the adiabatic shell moves to the Contact Discontinuity between the MC and the ICM (hereafter, CD-MI), piles up, and makes the second layer, pointed out with a blue arrow in the top panel of Figure~5 at 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years. Moreover, we can see the beginning of the ripple structure marked with purple arrows in Figure~5.
The ripples are formed by matter separating from the adiabatic shell due to the same reasons as the second layer: the MC matter from the lower sides of the first layer moves downward and piles up at the contact-discontinuity between the ejecta of the SN and the MC matter. Such chain reactions cause the piled up matter to form small density peaks around the purple arrow in Figure~5 at 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years. The downward motion of the ripples create the speed inversions at 4 pc at 1.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years and also at 7 pc at 2.5$\times$10$^{4}$ years.
Lower frames of Figure 3 show the dynamical evolution at a later, evolved stage of 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years with a single merged shell, Rayleigh-Taylor fingers and ripples. Before 6$\times$10$^{4}$ years, the upper two layers merge into a single shell since the first layer maintains its own speed while the second layer decelerates with outer blast wave. The deceleration results in the R-T instability on the merged layer, shown at 27 pc height in the density frame.
Since, after merging, the merged shell soon enters the snowplow phase and is decelerated more, the Rayleigh-Taylor unstable structures in the shell grow continuously. They will finally stretch in an upward direction and deform the outermost layer of the swept-up ICM, as discussed in detail in the next subsection.
\begin{figure}[t!]
\includegraphics[width=83mm]{wankeecho_fig06.eps}
\caption{The growth of Rayleigh-Taylor fingers. The left frame labeled (a) presents the overview of density distribution of the remnant of H032 model in late stages and the right frames from (b) to (d) focus on the growth of R-T fingers at the top of the remnant. (a): The first and the second layers are merging at the time of 3$\times$10$^{4}$ years. (b)$\sim$(d): R-T fingers deform the layer of swept-up ICM at 6$\times$10$^{4}$, 7$\times$10$^{4}$, and 8$\times$10$^{4}$ years, respectively.}
\end{figure}
\subsection{High Resolution Model: H032}
We need the higher resolution model, H032, to describe the details of the growth of R-T fingers in the late stages of a breakout SNR. The initial conditions of H032 model are the same as those of D250 model but at higher resolution, 32 [grid/pc]. Figure~6 shows the evolution of the R-T fingers and their effects on the environment. The (a) frame captures the moment when the upper two layers are merging.
We see that the second layer exhibits R-T instability as it approaches the thicker upper layer. After merger (frame b), the fingers are seen to be pushing the CD-MI to deform the outermost layer of the swept up ICM (frame c). Finally, the fingers stretch outward and fragment into several blobs as shown in frame (d) of Figure~5.
Tenorio-Tagle et. al. (1985), have already argued that fragments arising from the RT instability may be expected to be seen in the ICM if the breakout occurs in the snowplow phase of the SNR. Here, we see that similar fingers grow and become unstable even if the remnant breaks out of the cloud in its Sedov phase.
\begin{figure*}[t!]
\centering
\includegraphics[width=170mm]{wankeecho_fig07.eps}
\caption{The evolution of model D300. The snapshots of density, pressure, temperature, and speed are drawn from left to right columns. The time epochs are 3$\times$10$^{4}$ (upper) and 8$\times$10$^{4}$ years (lower).}
\end{figure*}
\subsection{Models with Different Depths:\\ D200, D300, and D350}
We simulate a group of models with a range of depths, to investigate the influence of the environment of explosion sites. The SNR of D200 model is produced at 2 pc depth below the MC surface, which locate at shallower depth than the radiative shell formation radius, R$_{sf}$ of 2.78 pc, where $n_{\rm{MC}}$ is 100 cm$^{-3}$. Compared with R$_{sf}$, SNRs of D300 and D350 models are produced deeper at 3 and 3.5 pc depths, respectively.
Figure 7 shows the evolution of the D300 model which does not exhibit the multi-layer | 6,361 |
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On the second of October, 1870, the Swedish Evangelical Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, Michigan was organized. Fifty men, besides the women and children, men with names like Hagstrom, Hendrickson, Larson, Lind, Wahlstrom, Johnson and Peterson signed their names and became the charter members of the new Bethany Church.
As far as clergy goes, for three years the church was served by visiting pastors and theological students. One, a certain Pastor Frisk served in 1871 but was the subject of a motion that read, "Pastor Frisk from this time on will not be allowed to serve as teacher or instructor in the congregation, inasmuch as he is so far separated from us in doctrine and confession." It makes you wonder what the divisive issues were in 1871.
Another visiting pastor Aron Lindholm was received with great gladness by the friends of the Truth, but enemies mocked and persecuted him. Yes on one occasion it went so far that they actually tried to take his life, but God held a sustaining and protecting hand over his faithful servant, and in spite of the persecution of enemies, the good work went forward. In 1873 Pastor N. Th. Winquist was called as Bethany's first full time pastor.
It's hard to imagine what this area was like in the 1870's. Reading the anniversary booklets though, clearly it was a kind of a rough and tumble place, drunkenness and brawling are mentioned prominently. In one place Ishpeming is called one of the county's liveliest towns which could mean a lot of things I suppose. There apparently were many who were skeptical and condescending toward the church, the church is mentioned as an object of scorn and laughter for the free thinkers and fractious elements. In one place it says that the number of unbelievers far outweighed the number of communicant members and even that there were those who would gather outside to make sport of the church.
Through it all though, the church survived and flourished as Swedish immigrants came to work in the hundred or so iron mines that existed here at that time. There was always a group who persevered against whatever obstacles there were and continued to preach the Word and celebrate the sacraments and, as we celebrate our 139th anniversary, this is a day on which we remember and give thanks for their witness. Actually we're at the beginning of three consecutive Sundays where we think about the past as next Sunday is Reformation Sunday, a day on which, among other things, we remember our Lutheran heritage and then the Sunday after that is All Saints Sunday<|fim_middle|> seem much more practical and much more appealing. These visions come from outside the church but inside it as well.
So what do we do in the midst of change as we begin the 140th year of ministry at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church? We acknowledge and give thanks for the past, we learn from the past, and we do what the Hagstroms, Hendricksons, Larsons, Linds, Wahlstroms, Johnsons and Petersons did. We keep the vision of Jesus alive, by telling his story in words and through the sacraments. We tell the story because we don't despair about the church heading for an impassable wasteland; we see the possibilities of new frontiers and cultural engagement and hope, always hope.
We love to tell the old, old story.
of your saving deeds of mercy and freedom and healing and newness.
We know about Exodus freedom and dancing tambourines.
We know about promised land and abundance.
We know about strangeness where…the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the dead are raised, the poor rejoice.
We know. Give us courage to trust what we know and to obey what we hope.
We know that the old, old story—in our telling—becomes a new, dangerous and transforming song. And so we sing! | when we remember the faithful deceased, especially those who have died since last All Saints Sunday.
But while including a look at the past, all three Sundays also have a forward looking component to them. Today we also think about Bethany as it is in 2009, next week we celebrate confirmation with our most recent group of young people who continue in the tradition that Luther began and on All Saints day, in addition to the deceased, we also remember that we are the present day saints of the church.
It's a quote from 1997 but I mentioned in the article that it could have been written this year, 2009. Reading about the early days of Bethany, it sounds like it could have been written back in the 1870's as well. Whatever time you're talking about, past or present, the church is on a journey, and there will always be some who see that journey taking the church down the tubes because its not like it was back in the glory days whenever they were, or maybe because they see the church conforming too much with the culture, but there will also always be those who are able to see new possibilities as changes occur.
The church isn't the same as it was in 1870; it's not the same as it was in 1970. It doesn't play the same role it once did when it was kind of a cultural expectation that you would attend church; but, in my opinion, the answer isn't to try and turn back the clock. The answer is to try to imagine the possibilities while asking where the Spirit might be leading us.
The ELCA as a church body is changing, I think. I know that some are distressed by that, but one thing I think is happening is that after 20 years of existence, the ELCA is more clearly defining what it is as a church body. One way to look at it is to say that it is a church moving in a direction where justice trumps holiness. Let me explain what I mean by that. In his Theology of the Old Testament, Walter Brueggemann identifies two threads or traditions that run through the Old Testament, especially through the commands of the Bible. One thread has to do with holiness or purity, how to be holy in the eyes of God, the other has to do with justice, how the people of God are to live in the world.
Some of the commands relative to holiness and purity seem arcane and dated to us but what they represent isn't arcane and dated because what they represent is order that makes access to God possible. God wills that there be order in life and in worship so that the divine can be experienced and also so that life operates in a manageable way and is not threatened by disorder and chaos. We may find the ways they go about achieving this order to have little relevance to us, many of the laws about sacrifices and offerings and ritual cleansing, but what they reflect is the fact that we all have a desire for order in our lives, and to one degree or another, we find it disturbing when that order is challenged or upset. We like things to be a certain way that makes sense to us. The holiness tradition that runs through the Bible is attentive to our need for order.
The other tradition has to do with justice, living in harmony and peace with all people but there is a clear emphasis on care for the poor and the needy, economic justice where debts are forgiven, justice where all people, including the outcast and the stranger are treated with dignity; read through the Bible and you can't help but notice how often these themes show up in the law and the prophets and in the Psalms.
These two strands, holiness and justice, kind of run together in the Bible, often without too much problem; but tension between them occurs when the execution of justice upsets a sense of order. It happens with the Old Testament prophets who are critical of those who follow all the rituals but who aren't worried about the needs of others, but it happens even more with Jesus in the New Testament. Pretty much all of his clashes with the Pharisees, the religious establishment of his time, had to do with this tension and in every case Jesus comes down on the side of justice. With Jesus, protecting holiness can't mean that justice is denied.
In its actions this summer, I think the Churchwide assembly came down on the side of justice and by doing so the ELCA has more clearly defined itself. Not everyone is happy with the definition, but a process of prayerful deliberation was followed so at this point we live with the decision and faithfully try to discern the direction the Spirit is leading us.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus articulated a vision that he called the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God wasn't a vision of angels dancing in heaven, it wasn't about what happens when you die. It was a vision of God's kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven, a vision where practices of justice and mercy and kindness and peace define and are integral to the order of the world. The trouble, of course, is that this vision of Jesus is clouded and blurred, sometimes totally obscured by other visions, other realities that in many cases | 1,076 |
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The Sun Interview
The Mystic And The Warrior
Radical Priest Matthew Fox On Loving And Defending Our World
By Leslee Goodman
The mystic in us is the lover. The mystic says yes. But the prophet in us is the warrior, and the warrior says, "No, this is unjust. No, this is suffering that we can work to relieve." That's the rhythm of the mystic and the prophet, the lover and the warrior. It's not enough to be one or the other.
Essays, Memoirs, and True Stories
Golden Threads
By Kelly Daniels
Our family's involvement with the Church of the Living Word — aka "the Walk" — began with plain white cassettes. At first just a few lay scattered around Mom's tape player, but they proliferated fast, covering shelves and filling drawers, even spilling from the car's glove compartment when I opened it.
Small Happiness
By Sparrow
We all search for happiness, but we rarely succeed in locating it. It's much better to sit completely still and let happiness search for you.
The Typewriter In The Basement
By Brian Doyle
Once again a student asks me why I became a writer and this time I say: Because of the staggered, staccato music of my dad's old typewriter in the basement. Because when he really got going, you could listen to it like a song. Because after a while you could tell if he was writing a book review or a letter just from the shift and drift and thrum of the thing. Because it sounded cheerful and businesslike and efficient and workmanlike and true.
Past The Breakers
By David Zoby
Part of Charlotte's mystique was her complete lack of fear. Even during rough-surf warnings and undertow advisories, she swam out past the green breakers, avoiding skates and jellyfish and rafts of seaweed. I'd see her head bobbing or her arms doing a demonstrative backstroke in the jade swells. She had learned to swim while growing up near Boston. "Wheatley isn't afraid of anything," my mother would say proudly. I never had the guts to go out that far.
We Would Never Sleep
The Whole Inexplicable Business
A Tribute To Steve Kowit
Three Seasons
By Teetle Clawson
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Houses Of The Spirit
By Mary Karr
When I asked my six-year-old son, Dev, why he wanted to go to church for the first time that Sunday morning, he gave perhaps the only answer that could have nudged me<|fim_middle|> faith I'd never bothered with before. He wanted to go, he said, "to see if God's there."
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Sy Safransky's Notebook
I woke up late. I suppose I needed the extra sleep, but it's a bad way to start the day, like waking to the news that your country has done something wrong again (cut taxes for the rich; started another war), and it's not exactly your fault — after all, you were sleeping — but it makes you ashamed nonetheless.
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A lavish gift edition of David Sedaris's best stories, spanning his spectacular bestselling career. Hand-picked by David himself, these are stories that will make you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time, from "the funniest man alive" (Time Out New York).
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The collection will also feature an introduction by | 260 |
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1. How did Paisley Boulevard come to be? I fell in love with blogs from the day I discovered them. Like, wow, they are all different and funny and creative! I just knew the blogging community was something that I wanted to be a part of and I knew that I wanted a blog of my very own. The whole process of learning html, photo editing, story telling, design...I have googled my way through the whole thing without a lick of outside help. It's such a rewarding creative journey.
2. What Inspires you? Everything! When I shop, read, listen to music, walk outside...I'm always taking photos and mental notes of things that I find beautiful or that spark an interesting thought or idea that I want to build on.
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7. If you could share one secret of your success, what would it be? Well, I'd LOVE to, but I don't think I am even close to successful! Seriously, what keeps me going so far is in the fact that I am sticking with this, because I am so smitten with blogging. It's something that I am truly | 261 |
Home Survival Guide Teaching Kids The Facts of Money
Teaching Kids The Facts of Money
Diccon Hyatt
Most financial gurus will tell you that it's foolish to spend all your money instead of saving it — that's money management 101. But Neale Godfrey says it's equally foolish to save it all. "The real best thing to do is to be a saver and a spender," Godfrey says. "You know extreme savers when you see them. It's the person who, when you're eating out with them and it comes time for the check, they don't get out their pocketbook."
Godfrey, who was one of the first female executives at Chase Manhattan bank in 1972, has made a career of teaching children how to be responsible with money, both in saving and in spending. She first passed on her financial smarts to her own children, then the millions who have read her 27 books on the subject published since the 1980s. Today Godfrey is a columnist for Forbes and has created an app — Greenstreet Commons — to teach kids about money.
Godfrey will speak at the Princeton Chamber of Commerce luncheonn on Thursday, January 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m<|fim_middle|> charity, spending some for instant gratification, and saving the rest towards larger goals. When the kids are about 10, she recommends having them pick a stock and put their savings money into it. It doesn't matter if the stock does well or not, just that they learn how the market works and get involved in following the news.
"I want the kids to be connected to the real world," she says.
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Keiretsu Forum Adds Princeton Chapter
Business Meetings January 13 to 20 | . at the Princeton Marriott. Tickets are $70, $50 for members. For more information, visit www.princetonchamber.org or call 609-924-1776.
In a way, Godfrey's career as a finance expert began at age 10. She grew up in Caldwell, the daughter of a ballerina and an entrepreneur. "They didn't teach me about money, but I was always involved in money," Godfrey says. One day the young Godfrey was walking through the woods kicking rocks. Picking one up, she had a sudden idea — she could paint initials on rocks and sell them at a local boutique. "I thought, basically, that people would be stupid enough to pay for it," she says. She was right. She convinced the boutique owner that initialed rocks could be a hot commodity, and by the end of the summer, she had made $400, a fortune to a 10-year-old in the early 1960s.
At the time, Godfrey leaned towards the "extreme saver" end of things, and by the end of high school she had put aside enough money to pay for her entire college tuition. She studied at the School of International Service at American University, majoring in Latin American economics, and ended up in New York after graduation looking for a job. At the time, Chase was looking to train and hire women, and she reasoned that banking was close enough to economics.
She excelled at her job, and soon became one of a very small number of female banking executives as head of her own division. She says she engineered the financing for the DuPont-Conoco merger in 1981, which at the time was the largest merger in history. "I was the only woman in the room," she says.
But being one of the few women at the top wasn't easy. "There was no question I was treated differently," she says. "I always needed to know the answer, and I always needed to be right. I was not the only woman, but I was one of the few, and most of my customers had never seen a woman in my position. One of my clients was WalMart, and I met Sam Walton and he said he had never seen a woman banker before."
After 13 years at Chase, Godfrey says she came to believe her career at the company had reached its peak. "I had kind of topped out, and I knew I wasn't going above the level of division executive," she says. "There was no question that it was because I was a woman. But I didn't resent it; it was just the way it was."
In the 1980s Godfrey's career turned towards serving two groups of people who had traditionally been ignored by the banking community: women and children. For a while she was president of the First Women's Bank of New York. "While there, I watched women become disempowered handling their own finances," she says. "They were uncomfortable handling money." After doing some research Godfrey concluded it was because no one had taught them how to handle money when they were young.
Around the same time, Godfrey was raising two children of her own. She was determined that her own kids should not suffer the same disadvantage when it came to financial education, so she looked around for a children's book on money. "We went from bookstore to bookstore and we couldn't find any books teaching about money," she says. So Godfrey decided to start her own.
Godfrey says she approached Simon and Schuster, then the world's largest publisher, with the idea for a children's book about money, and was rejected because there was apparently not a market for it, as evidenced by the fact that there were no children's books about money management. Looking for a way to break the circular logic, Godfrey opened an institution called the Children's Bank. At tiny kid-height teller windows at the FAO Schwarz toy store, children could deposit money and open their own checking accounts.
She also managed a leveraged buyout of a division of MacMillan under the proviso that they would publish her first book. It sold 50,000 copies. Between the book and the children's bank, she finally convinced Simon and Schuster that there was interest in the topic. She got out of the children's banking business as soon as the institution had served its purpose of garnering publicity for her book idea.
Godfrey's 1994 book, "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees: A Parent's Guide to Raising Financially Responsible Children," sold more than 1 million copies and was featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. It has been revised and republished as recently as 2006.
Godfrey's talk at the Princeton Chamber will focus on how to raise financially responsible children. The most important lesson, she says, is to teach them that the only way to get money is to earn it. "There's no entitlement program in life. It's not that I whine for it and I get it," she says. She advises giving kids a way to earn money by doing certain household chores, like vacuuming and laundry, so that they can learn housekeeping skills and money management at the same time.
She says parents should help the children manage the money they earn by splitting it between three purposes: giving some to | 1,118 |
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Games boss lashes organisers for Pearson treatment
October 8, 2010 — 4.15pm
Let-down Sally: Pearson stripped of 100m gold
Perkins punishment 'self-imposed'
Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell on Friday accused besieged Delhi organisers of "blunders" and "inexperience" as the disaster-hit event lurched from one crisis to another.
Fennell, who has faced a daily barrage of criticism over the running of the 11-day showpiece, hit out at the farcical scenes which saw Australian 100m runner Sally Pearson stripped of her gold medal late Thursday.
Pearson was disqualified as 100m winner after a false start, but she was only informed that an appeal had been launched as she was preparing to receive the gold medal.
"There was a problem over communicating that appeals had been launched. There was a major communication blunder by the athletics officials," said Fennell.
Emotional . . . Sally Pearson anxiously waiting for the jury's verdict that decided to upheld an appeal to disqualify her from the 100m. Credit:Getty Images
"If there is a protest, then the athletes should be put on hold and told the reasons why. We received complaints about it. That treatment is unsatisfactory."
Last night Pearson found herself sitting on the same bus as English officials, who had just robbed her of a gold medal.
The sprinter and other Australians, including head athletics coach Eric Hollingsworth, were at the rear of the bus.
The English contingent were up the front.
Distraught ... Sally Pearson. Credit:Jason South
The trip back to the athletes village started uncomfortably following the controversial women's 100m final at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Pearson won the race but lost the gold medal when disqualified because of an English protest.
Sally Pearson celebrates after winning the 100m. Credit:Getty Images
So how did Pearson respond to the uneasy air in the bus?
"Sally decided that she wanted to go and talk to the English manager," Holl<|fim_middle|>008 Beijing Olympics.
"No chance, no chance," he said.
"This is Sally Pearson we're talking about, this isn't an ordinary athlete, this is a great athlete.
"She will certainly be ready for the hurdles."
AFP/AAP | ingsworth said on Friday.
President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Mike Fennell. Credit:Getty Images
"She went up to the manager, and said there was no hard feelings and all the best to the (English) girl that got (promoted to) the bronze medal.
"Now that is another example of how we do business in Australia.
"I can assure you, with all the emotions that were going through Sally, that was a big deal for her to do.
"But it's also part of the process of getting on with winning the gold medal in 100m hurdles later in the meet."
Hollingsworth said there was no chance of Pearson being sapped by the sprint experience ahead of her pet hurdle event, in which she won silver at the 2 | 157 |
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Y Combinator, a genre-defining modern incarnation of the startup incubator concept, has put small amounts of money into hundreds of startups in recent years, including some that Facebook has purchased, like Parakey and Divvyshot. It is arguably the best-networked early-stage web investor in Silicon Valley and the tech world today.
The firm runs a competitive application process where it looks for small teams with great ideas and technical talent. Then it provides a small investment, typically around $20,000 or less, in exchange for 2<|fim_middle|> It hosts a season-long course at its Silicon Valley headquarters for these companies, bringing in high-profile entrepreneur and investor speakers to help guide each class in building their products and businesses. At the end of each cycle, it has the classes present to top angel and venture investors, and press — its most recent class just presented this week, see here for more details. Overall, it has already helped dozens of companies launch, get traction, raise funding, and sell.
Given Y Combinator's expertise in nurturing young companies, the partnership should help Facebook get more promising entrepreneurs focused on its ecosystem, especially growing initiatives like Credits. In exchange, Facebook's backing should help Y Combinator define itself as the best way for any startup to make it big with a social product. | % to 10% equity, along with basic legal support. | 14 |
Hi all! It's Terhi here again with another process video to show you. I used "Flourish 24" chippies I altered before (link to the post) with gesso and PanPastels and the for "happy" chippie I used embossing powder because I wanted to have lots of different textures to my page. I love to use lots of color Read more ..
Hello, Hello! Hope everyone is having a great week so far. Mine has been extremely busy. I was just looking at my calendar for the remainder of the week and i'm pretty sure i won't have any time to rest until monday. The thought has me exhausted already! But in the midst of all of Read more ..
Hey there crafty neighbors!!! I hope you are having a beautiful month! I'm popping in today to share a layout I created using lots of Creative Embellishments goodies 🙂 Here's a look at my daughters at a little place called "Christmas Town" here in Tampa: I started my page by creating a my background ( Read more ..
Hello friends! I hope you are having a lovely<|fim_middle|> chippie circles. . I've really been trying to use up some of my scraps and thought this card would be a great way to do that. My favorite way to use any of CE chippies is by leaving them raw. I Read more .. | day so far. It's Lee-Anne here and today I wanted to share a shabby chic/vintage layout I created. I am an eclectic scrapbooker and lately I have been creating more vintage/shabby chic layouts. Perhaps it's because I long for Spring because where I live, it is Read more ..
Hi everyone, Kelley here with a project tray that I constructed out of oven burner lids and candlestick holders from the dollar tree. I was totally inspired by projects on Pinterest and Youtube, but I had to give it my grungy spin. I treated the trays and holders with gesso before rusting with Metal Effects Iron Paint Read more ..
Happy Thursday friends! Nicolle here sharing a fun project with you today. When I saw Heidi Swapp's Marquee letters I absolutely fell in love. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. I took a sort of shabby chic approach with them. It's one style I am trying to better myself with. Read more ..
Hi everyone and happy hump day to you all! Today I have a mixed media layout to share featuring lots of Creative Embellishments goodies and some of the NEW Word Chippys…they are so much fun! I am a one/two word title girl so these word sets are so fabulous! In the top corner I Read more ..
Hi Everyone Kathleen here with some new inspiration for you. Hope the New Year is treating you well so far. I recently took some photos of my new puppy. She is a terror! Nothing is safe from her. Nothing!! But who could resist those eyes! So, I thought this layout would be a fitting Read more ..
Hi everyone! Maria here today sharing with you a card i made with some | 351 |
Hossam Ghaly Bids Farewell to Ahly Fans in 1-0 Win Over Ajax Amsterdam
Published May 11th, 2018 - 08:15 GMT
Ahly skipper Hossam Ghaly bid farewell to the team's fans<|fim_middle|>© Copyright Al-Ahram Publishing House
Iran Will Sit in Vienna But it Will be 'Tough' Talks
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PSG Star Messi Unhappy in Paris | in a testimonial game against Ajax Amsterdam on Friday (Photo: Ahly's official Twitter account)
A tearful Hossam Ghaly bid an emotional farewell to Egyptian giants Ahly as they secured a late 1-0 win over Ajax Amsterdam in a testimonial marking his last game with his boyhood club on Friday.
The central midfielder, a talented schemer who was best known for his upfield passes and neat distribution of the ball, struggled to control his emotions as he addressed the crowd in the United Arab Emirates city of Al-Ain.
He thanked the supporters and expressed his gratitude for his family, including his wife who accompanied him on the pitch. He shed tears when speaking about his late father before kick-off.
Ahly scored the winner with seven minutes remaining when new signing Salah Mohsen chested down a long ball and sent a superb low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Ghaly was substituted with 14 minutes remaining, to a standing ovation.
The 36-year-old is a fan favourite whose fighting spirit was always lauded by Ahly's demanding supporters.
Nicknamed El Capitano, he was also criticised for losing his temper on a number of occasions, including in May 2015 when he kicked the captain's armband to the ground after being sent off in an Egyptian Premier League game.
He was consequently stripped off Ahly's captaincy but was later re-named as the team's skipper.
Ghaly is no stranger to controversy, having been vilified for a similar action while at English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in 2007.
He incurred the wrath of the Spurs' supporters when he angrily threw the team's shirt to the ground after being substituted in a league game against Blackburn Rovers.
Tottenham loaned him out to Derby County the following season before allowing him to leave on a free transfer in 2009.
Ghaly came through the youth ranks of Ahly, making his first-team debut in 2000. He went on to win four Egyptian league titles, two Egypt Cups, two African Champions Leagues and one African Confederation Cup among other minor accolades.
He also had stints with Saudi Arabia's Nasr, Belgian side Lierse and Dutch outfit Feyenoord.
Ghaly said he was not interested in becoming a coach, focusing instead on taking up an administrative role at Ahly.
Tags:Derby CountyHossam GhalyEnglish Premier LeagueEgyptian Premier leagueSalah Mohsen
| 518 |
Home > Days out > Recreation and Access policy advice and guidance > Managing access
Public Rights of Way in Wales
An overview of public rights of way in Wales and NRW's role
Definitive Maps of public rights of way
Rights of Way Improvement Plans and funding
National trails, the Wales Coast Path and other promoted routes
Other access opportunities in Wales
What are Rights of Way Improvement Plans?
RoWIP Funding Programme
RoWIP Related research
Public rights of way provide one of the main means of accessing and enjoying the countryside in Wales. There are around 33,000km (20,750 miles) of public rights of way in Wales. They are all public highways and the public has a right to use them. Local authorities are responsible for the management of public rights of way.
There are four different categories of public right of way:
Public footpaths, which can be used by walkers only. Most public rights of way in Wales are footpaths
Public bridleways, which can be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders
Restricted byways, which can be used by the same groups as bridleways, while also allowing horse-drawn carriages and other non-motorised vehicles
Byways open to all traffic, which may be accessed by all users, including those in motorised vehicles
People using pushchairs or wheelchairs can use all of the above routes where they are physically suitable. Restrictions that may apply to areas of Access Land with public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 do not apply to public rights of way that cross the land.
People may take a dog with them when using public rights of way, although there is no duty for highway authorities or landowners to provide stiles that are suitable for dogs.
The Countryside Code, the Trail Users Code and Dog Walking Code provide information and advice about using public rights of way and visiting the outdoors.
Most public rights of way will be recorded on a definitive map and statement for the area.
Natural Resources Wales works with the Welsh Government, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure public rights of way are:
In excellent condition and easy to use
Well-publicised and easy to find out about
As accessible to all lawful users as possible
Examples of this include:
Providing specialist advice and responding to consultations on Rights of Way legislation and policy
Providing advice on guidance Welsh Government issue to the public and others
Coordinating the delivery of the three National Trails in Wales and the Wales Coast Path
Responding as a statutory consultee to Rights of Way Improvement Plans in Wales
Local highway authorities are required by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to produce a Rights of Way Improvement Plan for their area, most current plans run until 2017.
These strategic plans set out the authority's key priorities for improving the rights of way over the life of the Plan.
Welsh Government has provided a major boost to the implementation of these Plans through the ROWIP Funding Programme which is administered and managed by Natural Resources Wales. Since 2008/9 the Welsh Government has invested £10.9 million to help local authorities to implement their rights of way improvement plans with a further £1million in 2016/17.
Further information about ROWIPs and the results of the Funding Programme.
Natural Resources Wales coordinates the delivery of the three National Trails in Wales and the Wales Coast Path. These are the flagships of the public rights of way network in Wales. Click here to find out more about our involvement in these exciting projects. Natural Resources Wales is also working with partners to provide national promotion for regional and local longer distance quality assured routes.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provided new public access rights to many areas of mountain, moor, heath and common land across Wales. Most of the forest estate managed by Natural Resources Wales has also been dedicated as Access Land. Find out more about Access Land here. Cycle tracks are a special designation of route created with cycling in mind, but you can often walk or ride horses on them too. The National Cycling Network includes many of these routes and is publicised by Sustrans on their website.
There may be opportunities to enjoy permissive access in some areas. Permissive access is not a public right. Instead, it is land, or routes, that the owner allows people to use. These are often not shown on maps because they are not permanent. Many public or charitable landowning organisations such as the National Trust, Woodland and Wildlife Trusts and local authorities will provide access on sites that they own or manage. Check their websites to see what's on offer near you. There may even be opportunities to get involved<|fim_middle|> sections will lead into a Statement of Action for the management and improvement of local rights of way over the life of the Plan. The Statement of Action should include key aims and priorities, long term strategic commitments and details of what will be deferred to Delivery Plans.
For the new ROWIPs Welsh Government introduced a Delivery Plan. These are 1-3 year work plans which were introduced to enable authorities to be more flexible to funding opportunities and changing legislation.
Have your say on Rights of way
There are opportunities as part of the ROWIP review for the public and interested stakeholders to help the authority develop their plan by providing information about their needs and priorities.
Local Access Forums have a key role to support the development of the ROWIP. Find out more about LAFs here
https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/recreation-and-access-policy-advice-and-guidance/networks-and-partnerships/local-access-forums/?lang=en
NRW is a statutory consultee for all ROWIPs and is looking at how NRW managed land can help meet public needs
The 10 year ROWIP Funding Programme came to and end in 2018. The Welsh Government provided a major boost to the implementation of the first Plans by means of the RoWIP Funding Programme. This was administered and managed by Natural Resources Wales. In total, the Welsh Government allocated just under £12.86 million over the life of the programme. Information about the work delivered which supported the implementation of the first plans is available here
Link to 10 year report .
No recent research has been commissioned in relation to Rights of Way Improvement Plans.
Two pieces of research based on the first ROWIPs in Wales were commissioned:
Download Full Report of Wales ROWIP Review.PDF (1 MB)
In 2013/14, Natural Resources Wales was tasked with commissioning a review of RoWIPs. This formed the basis of Natural Resources Wales's advice to the Welsh Government. These research reports are also available below.
Open Access Land Restrictions on Access Land Exclusions and restrictions More
Open Access Land Walking Open Access Land maps
Wales Coast Path National Trails Sustrans Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group | in maintaining those sites.
The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 places a duty on each Highway Authority in England and Wales to publish a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP).
These are 10-year prioritised plans for the improvement of the local rights of way network and are intended to benefit the public. Securing an improved network, for walking, cycling, horse riding and off-road users. People with sight and mobility problems are specifically mentioned by the CRoW Act and the additional requirements of the Equality Act 2010 also apply.
The plans set out the principle means by which local highway authorities are to identify, prioritise and plan for improvements to their local rights of way network.
ROWIP Review
Local authorities must review their Rights of Way Improvement Plan within 10 years of producing their last plan. Since the first plans were produced in 2007/8 this means that the second round of ROWIPs should have been reviewed.
Welsh Government issued statutory guidance setting out how this should be done.
https://gov.wales/rights-way-improvement-plans-guidance-local-authorities
and the key steps involved.
Authorities must:
- Plan for the Review: issue and outline and timetable and initial consultation
- Carry out new assessments
- Review the previous ROWIP and decide if they need to amend it
- Publish a Draft ROWIP. This is subject to a minimum 12-week public consultation
- Revise the Draft ROWIP
- Publish their Final ROWIP
The published RoWIPs should have distinct sections setting out the strategic context and assessment of an authority's local rights of way. These | 347 |
Checks/Remote Deposit Capture
Beware mobile malware
Smartphones dominate all our lives—and the bad guys know it
Written by Steve Cocheo
While banks broadly appear to have avoided the scourge of the WannaCry attacks of May, a serious threat may be right at hand—literally. The source of that risk is<|fim_middle|> Amazon Fire tablets. (In 2019, Amazon plans to end support for this oddly named service in favor of concentrating on its own Amazon Appstore.)
Pascual uses Amazon Underground apps himself. However, he points out that there are risks.
First off, he explains, "Who's to say that Amazon vets apps as well as others?"
Second, the risk of unlocking security to permit sideloading involves not only the initial load, but the risk that security doesn't get turned back on.
People do things very quickly on their devices. How often have you suddenly realized how many apps you have open on your device that you thought you had shut off?
One of the risks of not restoring security settings is that this can expose the device to a "drive-by" download. That is a download of malware going on in the background when an unprotected device is visiting a compromised website, for example.
But Pascual says the other risk is the app that materializes out on the internet from some unknown source, not even from a quasi-official site like Amazon's. He says this often happens when a popular new app, especially a hot, new mobile game, becomes available in one app store but initially not on the other. Excited fans often don't want to wait for the official release on their platform of choice. So they succumb to the temptation to download the supposedly re-ported version of the hot property. The bootleg may turn out to be carrying malware.
One example, says Pascual, is the popular Super Mario Run, released for Apple devices several months ahead of the Android version. Fraudsters used a phony version of the game to infect Android users with the Marcher mobile banking Trojan malware.
Extent of the risk
Javelin's report estimates that nearly 8 million mobile banking users expose themselves to the risk of malware infiltration because of sideloading.
"Unlike desktop malware, which can infect devices invisibly through malicious websites, mobile malware typically requires the user to actively consent to install the app," according to the Javelin report's executive summary. "This requires malware operators to disguise their app as something with legitimate functionality."
Javelin's research indicates that only 6.1% of smartphone owners say that they have sideloaded. However, the research determined that among active users of mobile person-to-person payments and mobile wallets, over 10% have sideloaded.
One common way that the malware attacks, once loaded, is by placing an overlay on the desired app. This screen requires entry of log-in information, payment information, and other details that can be used by the malware attacker to rip off the consumer and his bank. The report details how one overlay actually required duped users to shoot photos of identification documents.
"Malware is designed to compromise the individual user," says Pascual. From the criminals' perspective, the "beauty" of this method is that the fraud is automated, he explains. They set up the false apps, and build in the malware. Then they wait for the compromised data they seek to roll in.
This adds to an exposure that already exists. "Existing malware families have long had the ability to compromise SMS [text] messages, undermining the most prevalent form of two-factor authentication used by U.S. financial institutions," according to the Javelin executive summary. "Overlay attacks represent a potent new means of compromising static credentials, such as passwords and security questions." Sideloading can increase the potential for having both forms of security negated.
Javelin's report warns that countries outside the United States, where third-party app sources are more prevalent, have seen more malware attacks. But this is expected to change as criminals further exploit fresh targets in the United States.
Regarding consumers, Pascual recommends that banks reach out to educate them about the risks to their legitimate apps and device functionality of going outside the official app zone. While he has done so himself, he stresses that after downloading something from, say, Amazon Underground, he makes sure that he's turned security settings back on.
He also recommends turning on all alerts offered by financial providers. Activating both text and email alerts will provide an email backup in case the text alert channel has been compromised. Malware fraudsters may intercept the alert.
Pascual says BYOD is less common among banks than other types of companies. But he adds that this doesn't mean employees with company-provided devices aren't sideloading third-party apps.
"Who knows what's tagging along with the app from that third-party store?" says Pascual. "You want to be sure that this practice is completely disallowed."
Increasingly, the ability to detect overlay fraud and related malware practices on a device is being built into mobile financial apps. This enables an institution to shut down all or selected functionality of its app on a compromised device. Javelin's report stresses that phasing out of text-based authentication to alternative methods like biometrics will make it harder for crooks to infiltrate accounts.
Download more about Javelin's report
Tagged under Payments, Risk Management, Online, Cyberfraud/ID Theft, Feature, Feature3,
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Payments Topics | customer and banker smartphones.
Analyst Al Pascual's examination of mobile malware risks began with a casual comment by one of Javelin's clients. The customer and Pascual had been discussing risks facing mobile services, and the client remarked that mobile malware might be something like Bigfoot. That is, in spite of the rumors and the "sightings," was it really even out there?
That got Pascual wondering, and he dug into the matter. He found that mobile malware indeed does exist, and can wind up on a device in several different ways. As a result of his inquiry, Javelin recently published its 2017 Mobile Banking Malware Report as a warning to the industry for bankers with company devices as well as BYOD (bring your own device) connections to bank systems. Of potentially more importance, actually, was Javelin's intent to raise the bankers' awareness of the risks mobile malware poses to bank customers' devices.
Fraud seems almost inevitable today in the age of the mobile device. "At the end of the day," points out Pascual, "we pay a price for increased convenience. Insuring security is on you."
Where do you get apps?
Typically, the apps that people put on their devices come from an official source related to that device. For iPhone users, home base is Apple's App Store. For Android users, there is the Google Play store, formerly known as Android Market.
In both cases, the store operators are supposed to vet the offerings available to be sure that, among other things, they don't contain harmful code. Pascual says that the App Store has historically done a better job in vetting apps, though he says that's not to say that risks don't slip through. He says Google's store has grown better in vetting. Among recent efforts to improve app safety is the developer tool Google SafetyNet and the consumer-oriented Google Bouncer, which screens apps for risks.
These efforts can protect many users, says Pascual, but a risk remains that "you can drive a truck through."
This is a practice called "sideloading." Sideloading refers to obtaining apps from a source other than one of the official stores. Accomplishing this requires making a change to security settings to allow the device to download from other than its home base. It's the device equivalent of turning off your home's burglar alarm system. Or, perhaps more exactly, it's venturing into a sketchy part of your town where you know the police don't patrol. It's possible that nothing may happen, but you never know.
You can find readily the instructions for doing this on either family of devices by Googling the word "sideload." (This is not a recommendation to do so.)
Says Gizmodo's online "Field Guide": "So why is sideloading important? Sometimes you might want to install an app that doesn't meet the rules of iOS and Android; or you might want to join a beta test where only unofficial app packages are available. Most users will never need to sideload an app in their lives, but it can be a handy trick to know."
You may wonder why anyone but the technically initiated would meddle with this sideload capability when there are huge numbers of apps that have at least been subjected to the giants' vetting. One point is that not everyone downloading apps is accessing "Joe Schmo's Bargain App Basement."
Dangers of nonofficial apps
Pascual points out that there's a major source of nonofficial apps. It's part of the world's biggest online retailer and goes by the name of Amazon Underground. On this service, Amazon offers many popular apps that it calls "actually free." Even in-app purchases are free. They can be downloaded to Android devices and to | 778 |
New comics 11/1/06
Filed under: 52, agents of atlas, atom, batman, criminal, fantastic four, hawkgirl, justice league, legion, nightwing, seven soldiers, she-hulk, superman, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 3:35 am
Seems like every week I'm complaining about how hectic it's all become, and this week was no different. Wednesday was my birthday (37, woo!), but I had a big stack of comics to read, long-distance congratulatory phone calls, and a Grumpy Old Fan column to write.
Anyway, about those comics….
Seven Soldiers #1 (written by Grant Morrison, drawn by J.H. Williams III) arrived here a week late, and even though I've read other commentaries online I'm still not sure what to make of it. Overall I enjoyed it, especially the Zatanna bits, but coming to it relatively cold I probably didn't get as much out of it on the first reading as I could have. I'm seriously considering getting the four paperbacks when the last one comes out in a few months.
Justice League of America #3 (written by Brad Meltzer, pencilled by Ed Benes, inked by Sandra Hope) was the first issue since #0 that, on balance, I enjoyed. Most of the enjoyment came from Green Lantern, Black Canary, and Arsenal fighting an army of multicolored Red Tornadoes, but a cameo by an old reserve member and that last-minute reveal were also welcome nods to the book's history. As slow as this reinvention has been, at least Meltzer knows how to handle the minutiae. I just hope the "Big Three fantasy draft" doesn't last much longer.
Superman Confidential #1 (written by Darwyn Cooke, drawn by Tim Sale) was a decent opener that started out with the Royal Flush Gang and ended with our reporter heroes working to bring down an evil casino developer. I have to say, I am not the biggest fan of Tim Sale's Superman (it's the face, mostly), but his Lois Lane is very saucy. I am also a bit dubious on what appears to be sentient Kryptonite. If it's just a narrative device, though, that's OK. I wouldn't expect Cooke to set up the Kryptonite for an heroic sacrifice and/or telling Supes it's always loved him.
For an issue with a nice anniversary-friendly number, Detective Comics #825 (written by Royal McGraw, pencilled by Marcos Marz, inked by Luciana del Negro) tells a pretty inoffensive, unremarkable story about the return of Doctor Phosphorus, a character who first appeared in a Detective from about thirty years ago. I could say more about his narrative significance and the melding of 1970s nuclear fears with 1940s-style corporate deceit, but that really doesn't come into play here. Batman figures out a scientific way of stopping him, it's a bit more lighthearted than it would have been prior to Infinite Crisis, and next month Paul Dini will be back.
I like the new-to-52 art team of Patrick Olliffe and Drew Geraci (52 #26 otherwise produced by writers Grant Morrison, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid, with breakdowns by Keith Giffen). I also like the return of the Sivana Family, which I don't think even the nostalgic Jerry Ordway series had time to bring back. (Had they been seen in Outsiders?) They work well with the Black Marvel Family, too, and "Tawky Crawky." As for the rest of it, not to sound like a broken record, but 52 itself is becoming immune to these little weekly roundups. It has its own rhythm and its own pace. In fact, since I've just gotten through watching "Friday Night Lights," it strikes me as a similar kind of thing. "FNL" isn't telling a larger story, as far as I can see, just exploring the same sorts of sports-vs.-everything else tensions every week. 52's job is, apparently, to keep DC Nation entertained weekly while filling in the missing year. Of course, I say that now, but when things pick up in a few weeks and it all starts coming together, I'll look like an idiot.
Hawkgirl #57 welcomes new artist Joe Bennett (fresh from 52) to go along with returning writer Walter Simonson, and darn if the book doesn't make more sense than it did under Howard Chaykin. To be fair, the story seems a bit more straightforward than the Chaykin arc, since it deals with Kendra being kidnapped to stand trial for her role in the Rann-Thanagar War, but Bennett's work is moodier and less flashy. Again, I still like Chaykin, but in hindsight he probably wasn't the right artist for this book.
The All New Atom #5 (written by Gail Simone, drawn by Eddy Barrows) finds the miniature invaders and the Evil Atom (don't think his codename is in this issue) all causing problems for our hero, not to mention his father and the Dean having issues with him too. I liked this issue pretty well, even if it did lead into the Brave New World preview which is, by now, five months old. (Will the paperback put it in its proper place?) Barrows, like Bennett, has the kind of style that doesn't call attention to itself, which makes its wow-moments stand out that much more. When Bennett shows Hawkgirl winging over the city, or here, where Barrows shows Ryan Choi size-changing to impress his dad, it's impressive to the reader too. Also, Simone must enjoy the miniature-invader dialect, because clearly she's having fun with it.
I want to like Nightwing #126 (written by Marv Wolfman, pencilled by Dan Jurgens, inked by Norm Rapmund), but it's not easy. For one thing, isn't the name "Biotech Pharmaceuticals" something like "Robot-Made Cars"? I thought biotech was more of a process or a classification, not a brand. Anyway, this is more of some guy in battle armor being killed and no one being quite sure who's behind it or why. There is a bit of tension when one of NW's buddies (who might be new to this arc, for all I know) is threatened with death, and Marv has Dick doing what you'd expect Dick Grayson to do — namely, have warm conversations with Alfred Pennyworth and get set up to give acrobatics lessons (not a euphemism). It's not a bad issue, but it's just kind of there.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23 (written by Mark Waid, pencilled by Barry Kitson, inked by Mick Gray) presents a verrry interesting story that I'm surprised wasn't called "Supergirl's Return To Krypton!" Unfortunately for the Legion, they render Supergirl powerless in a "Mission: Impossible"-esque attempt to get her better adjusted to the 31st Century, just when what I take to be the Legion of Super-Villains attacks. Best issue in a while, and that's saying a lot.
I was also surprised at how much of She-Hulk 2 #13 (written by Dan Slott, pencilled by Rick Burchett, inked by Cliff Rathburn) I was able to follow, given its roots in '80s Marvel continuity. Basically, it's the origins of Thanos and Starfox, continued, as presented through more of Starfox's trial on Titan. However, because the focus is on Starfox's alleged abuse of his mind-control powers, it's easier for me, the rookie, to understand; and, of course, having She-Hulk as the reader's guide also helps. Finally, once again it's good to see Rick Burchett working. He has a distinctive style that doesn't get in the way of his solid storytelling, and he's just so versatile otherwise.
Agents of Atlas #4 (written by Jeff Parker, pencilled by Leonard Kirk, inked by Kris Justice), and Beyond #5 (written by Dwayne McDuffie, drawn by Scott Kolins) are similarly new-reader-friendly, although I'm a little confused about who's watching the AOA on the first page. Still, both tell pretty straightforward superhero stories with a lot of panache — AOA has fights with giant lobster-creatures and a fun montage of Shutting Down Enemy Bases, and Beyond uses its focus on Hank and Janet to set up its last-reel reversal. Looking forward to the conclusions of both.
I liked Criminal #2 (written by Ed Brubaker, drawn by Sean Phillips) more than I did #1, probably because this was the issue that put the big heist into motion and I could follow the characters better once I saw what they were doing. Not much more to say beyond complimenting the skills of the writer and artist, and others have done that more eloquently than I could.
Appropriately enough, we close with Fantastic Four: The End #1, by Alan Davis (and Mark Farmer inking, according to the cover). If you've read The Nail or Superboy's Legion, you can expect more of the same here — highlights of the FF's storied history, rearranged in new, apocalyptic patterns. The opening fight with a borgified Dr. Doom especially recalls The Nail's Batman/Joker bloodbath, right down to the casualties. Making everyone subject to an anti-aging treatment, and setting the story in an indeterminate future, also brings to mind Howard Chaykin and Jose Luis Garcia Lopez's Twilight miniseries, which recast many of DC's goofy '60s sci-fi characters. All of this is to say that I doubt Davis will go too dark with this miniseries, its title notwithstanding. Moreover, whatever happens, it will look very very pretty.
Filed under: batman, captain america, crisis, fantastic four, gotham central, green lantern, legion, seven soldiers, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 11:00 pm
This week was unusual for a couple of reasons. First, it featured new issues of Green Lantern and Legion of Super-Heroes after only two weeks, since both series are trying to get back to a regular monthly schedule. Second, I expected both Gotham Central and the Rann-Thanagar War Special to have endings, but instead both seemed beholden to larger corporate storytelling concerns. In the case of GC, take that as a spoiler.
Other than that, not a bad week. Batman and the Monster Men #4 (by Matt Wagner) and Detective Comics #816 (written by Shane McCarthy, art by Cliff Chiang) both featured good, straightforward, entertaining Batman stories. BMM relates Batman's narrow escape from the lair of Hugo Strange's monsters; and 'Tec finishes up the Mr. Zsasz two-parter with the cops chasing both hero and villain. Both explore the balance between mundane crime and super-crime, and both feature healthy doses of Bat-mystique.
Green Lantern #8 (written by Geoff Johns, drawn by Carlos Pacheco) finishes its latest two-parter with Mongul (and Mongal, his unfortunately-named sister), and since half of it is Pacheco-illustrated dream sequences, I had much the same reaction as I did with Pacheco's Superman/Batman arc: very pretty, and it gives him room to draw all kinds of outlandish situations, but ultimately it doesn't add up to much. I'm still trying to work out how Hal's fantasy would be so seductive to him. Either Johns doesn't quite get the Black Mercy, or he's just throwing in wild scenarios and teasing the explanations. Anyway, once GL and Green Arrow get back to reality, it's all fun and games until somebody's head comes off, and I'm wondering — between this and Infinite Crisis, can I bring the "Four Beheadings And A Funeral" joke out of storage?
Legion #14 (written by Mark Waid, pencilled by Ken Lashley and Adam DeKraker) continues with the political and personal fallout from the Legion's victory over Terror Firma. Again, it's probably a cop-out, but I need to read this book from the beginning. There was a point when it all seemed familiar but radically new, and now it seems to have assumed that the reader is familiar with the radically-new aspects. It's not poorly done by any means, and I don't dislike the characters, but I get the feeling I've spent too little time with them.
Seven Soldiers: Bulleteer #3 (written by Grant Morrison, pencilled by Yanick Paquette) was a fun issue mostly for the inclusion of Mind-Grabber Kid, a one-off Denny O'Neil character from the late �60s post-Gardner Fox era of Justice League of America. Now MGK is an adult trying to trade on his moment of fame at a superhero convention. Yes, it's easy to mock comic conventions, but it's also fun, and Morrison does it with a knowing wink. There was a lot of cheesecake in this book at first, but now I can see where Morrison has been going with it.
Fantastic Four #534 (written by J. Michael Straczynski, drawn by Mike McKone) continues Ben and Johnny's fight with the Hulk, but throws into the mix the notion that the Hulk is acting out all of his most painful memories in a gamma-fueled haze. It feels a bit more like a Hulk story than an FF story, and it probably requires at least a passing knowledge of Hulk history to understand completely, but it works. Ben and Johnny are handled well too. A fun "Franklin Richards" story rounds out the issue.
Captain America #14 (written by Ed Brubaker, drawn by<|fim_middle|> and a not-unexpected happy ending. I suppose I'll reserve further comments until about 2015, when "Rogue War" comes up in the Johns recaps.
Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight #4 (written by Grant Morrison, drawn by Simone Bianchi) feels like a bit of a cheat, if only because it leads directly into the Seven Soldiers special, out around the same time I'll be recapping "Rogue War." Other than that, it's about the same as the previous three issues. Bianchi's art is still very pretty. Morrison's big twist makes sense in the context of the genre, but he doesn't seem to do a lot with it. Again, I'll probably do an omnibus recap of this one.
The cover of Batman: Gotham Knights #68 (written by A.J. Lieberman, drawn by Al Barrionuevo and Bit) features exciting images of a determined Batman, a menacing Hush, a demented Alfred, and some guy chained in a cell. The actual issue is very different, basically telling a disjointed-in-time story about Hush's plan to defeat Batman through clones. There's no Batman, except a cameo appearance by his silhouette. The art isn't bad at all, but Lieberman's writing is starting to remind me of the literary equivalent of an early-'90s Image wannabee. It's all attitude and flash, with few fundamentals; and it assumes that the reader can get by on inference and nuance.
Speaking of attitude, JLA Classified #11 (written by Warren Ellis, art by Jackson "Butch" Guice) improves greatly on Part 1 of "New Maps Of Hell." This is the roundup issue, where each member of the Justice League responds to the crisis during his or her own snappy vignette. Also, a bit more of the mystery is revealed. That's about it for the plot, but it's all fun and entertaining – the kind of "To the Batcave, Robin!" issue that fanboys young and old dream about writing. Parts of it feel like Morrison, but he would have taken about six pages.
Green Lantern #4 (written by Geoff Johns, drawn by Ethan van Sciver) starts a new arc with Hector Hammond and a couple other old GL villains. Johns' treatment of the Flash's Rogues irritated me after a while, but the GL villains seem more suited to his style. The story itself starts with a steal from a classic "X Files," takes a trip to Oa for a new/old GL Corps reunion, and descends into prison for yet another Silence of the Lambs-style confab. However, it all comes together well, even the Hannibal Lecter stuff. Van Sciver's Hector Hammond makes MODOK look like Teddy Ruxpin (how's that for a geek-trifecta reference?), and Johns lets him live vicariously (and ickily) through Hal, even for a moment. As much as Johns gets ripped for his over-reliance on continuity and forced drama, I think he's really enjoying himself with this series, and it shows.
Wonder Woman #220 (written by Greg Rucka, pencilled by David Lopez, inked by Bit) is the flip side of this month's Adventures of Superman, also written by Rucka. It is more substantial than AoS, though, because it dovetails Rucka's subplots and supporting cast with the "Sacrifice"/OMAC macro-plot. Specifically, WW confronts a couple of Max Lord's foot soldiers, one of whom turns out to be a close friend. Thus, as with Sasha Bordeaux in Detective and OMAC, Rucka has treated negatively another of his own characters who once was very sympathetic. I don't know whether this means Rucka doesn't care about his characters, although that doesn't seem likely. Rather, it seems to be more indicative of How Bad Things Are Now. In any event, this was a good issue, and while I don't like the repetitiveness of the flashbacks, I appreciate Rucka doing that for the benefit of those happy few who only read this book.
Astro City: The Dark Age #3 (written by Kurt Busiek, drawn by Brent Anderson) is confident enough in its gritty evocation of '70s superheroics to slip in a Ron Burgundy cameo. Such confidence is justified. The two brothers' story gets a bit more interesting this issue, even as the superheroes get more attention on the global political stage. One thing which confused me was the chronology of Tyranos Rex. Because he's clearly a Thing-analogue, I thought he was a founding member of the First Family, but according to this issue maybe not. Still, the great thing about Astro City is Busiek's ability to convey entire peripheral story arcs with just a few lines of narrative shorthand. Maybe it speaks only to the fanboy in me, but I would hope more casual readers could get sucked in too.
Hero Squared #2 (written by Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis, drawn by Joe Abraham, Mark Badger, and Shannon Denton) relates Captain Valor's last battle on his own Earth, told first from his perspective and then from Caliginous'. (Badger and Denton do the flashbacks.) Except for a fairly obvious series of gay-Batman jokes, and the notion that Caliginous' version is less truthful than Valor's, it's all about as clever as you'd expect. I almost don't mind the $3.99 per issue, especially since I've been driving less these days.
It's a tribute to the Solo series that I picked up issue #6 solely on the strength of its predecessors. I had almost no idea who Jordi Bernet was, outside of an 8-page Batman story from several years ago. His style reminds me a lot of Alex Toth and Joe Kubert – thick pencils, full figures, and very expressive faces. Reading this was like watching a Sergio Leone Western (not least because a couple of the stories have frontier themes): a European artist makes a classic American medium his own, and hey, there's Eastwood/Batman too!
Star Wars: Empire #33 (written by Thomas Andrews, drawn by Adriana Melo) presents the Jabiim storyline's penultimate chapter, and things are starting to pick up. However, I'm still confused about who did what to whom, both 20 years ago and today. Mitigating this are nice scenes involving Vader, whose presence helps bring together the present-day and Clone Wars elements. There are also familiar elements like Star Destroyers and Rogue Squadron. Still, I'm waiting for Luke, the ostensible hero, to get more involved. Maybe next issue.
Captain America #9 (written by Ed Brubaker, drawn by Michael Lark) was a winner of an issue that could have stood effectively on its own. Cap, Fury, and Sharon go on a raid that fails, thanks to the intersection of business and politics. I read this wondering why Cap has to wear the gaudy flag-colored costume and use only an indestructible shield as a weapon, when the SHIELD agents get more practical black outfits with guns. Watching Cap rage with frustration at the men who have made his mission fail, it brought home Cap's symbolic nature. He has to act a certain way because of what he represents, just like his country has to act a certain way because of what it represents, and practicality must sometimes take a back seat to the symbolism of acting rightly.
Astonishing X-Men #12 (written by Joss Whedon, drawn by John Cassaday) is the big "season finale" blowout between the X-Men and the sentient Danger Room/Sentinel. Most of it is well-choreographed action with snappy Whedon dialogue, but the emotional zinger is a revelation about Xavier's use of the Danger Room over the years. That's not quite as successful, because it feels both forced and tacked-on. Looks like the title is taking a brief hiatus, and I don't know whether I'll be back when it returns. I do like the villains reintroduced on the last page, so we'll see.
Filed under: batman, captain america, crisis, defenders, green lantern, justice league, lotdk, seven soldiers, shanna, superman, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 8:44 pm
A little shameless self-promotion first: in today's Permanent Damage, comics writer/columnist Steven Grant has some blog recommendations. No, this humble effort isn't one of them, but Mr. Grant did choose to quote yours truly's latest essay in recommending The Great Curve.
Onward and upward.
Action Comics #830 (Gail Simone, writer; John Byrne and Nelson, artists), featuring Dr. Psycho vs. Superman, was clever and suspenseful. Using Superman's universal appeal against him also played nicely with the current subplot of those same citizens starting to really distrust him. I liked this one a lot.
I also continue to like "Crisis of Conscience," which continued in JLA #117 (Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg, writers; Chris Batista, artist). It is clearly a big part of Crossover Madness, but it also feels like a standalone JLA adventure. Good to see Despero back, and his motivation for being involved makes sense. Nice art, too.
Rann-Thanagar War #4 (Dave Gibbons, writer; Ivan Reis & Marc Campos, artists) offers more wall-to-wall mayhem on several fronts. However, I am starting to notice that Gibbons is making Kyle Rayner talk like a more uptight version of Hal Jordan — giving him the "Great Guardians!" epithet, for example. As for the mayhem, it's all rendered well, and I'm sure it's building to some pulse-pounding conclusion.
Our "heroes" attack a Secret Society base in Villains United #4 (Gail Simone, writer; Dale Eaglesham & Rodney Ramos, artists), dressed in stealthy charcoal-colored costumes that make Cat-Man look even more like Batman. There's fightin,' killin,' lovin,' and an obvious crossover with another regular series. It's pretty fun, but I'm still trying to work out the Parademon/Rag Doll relationship.
Speaking of crossovers, Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #3 (Grant Morrison, writer; Ryan Sook, artist) suddenly finds itself in the middle of another 7S series' subplots — at which point I resolved reluctantly to take a comprehensive look at each of these miniseries (and probably the JLA Classified arc), to see if they made more sense collectively. Not that this was bad, but as irregularly as these books come out, it's hard to remember the relative importance of various cross-title allusions. Zatanna is still very enjoyable by itself, and despite the crossover it may be the most accessible to a superhero-reading mouth-breather like me.
Conversely, Seven Soldiers: Klarion #3 (Grant Morrison, writer; Frazer Irving, artist) was almost a self-contained story with another good Morrison idea — a teen gang with superhero-esque codenames and a Menudo rule mandating graduation to an older version of the teen gang at age 16. The superhero-reading mouth-breader in me also appreciated this issue's many allusions to venerable DC heroes, although the artifact the teen gang steals is probably one too and I just don't recognize it. About the only thing wrong with this issue was on the first page: Roanoke's not in West Virginia.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #194 (D. Curtis Johnson & J.H. Williams III, writers; Seth Fisher, artist) starts our intrepid Bat-band on its road to tragedy, and as far as that goes it's a good read. Wait — that came out wrong. I do like Batman's operatives, but because this is a flashback, we know they won't be his agents for long. Likewise, the old "I can't trust you anymore! (sniff)" from Gordon is also somewhat hollow, because we know where their relationship is going too. Still, this is one of LOTDK's better arcs in a while, especially with its less intense Batman.
Batman #643 (Bill Willingham, writer; Giuseppe Camuncoli & Sandra Hope, artists) presents Part 2 of "War Crimes," in which we discover there's another Batman causing trouble — and wearing a costume with the unfashionable yellow oval, no less! The Joker's around too, despite having been bludgeoned (apparently) to death in this very title a few months back. Art's not bad, but it's hard to distinguish from other Bat-books in last summer's "War Games" storyline. Maybe that's the point. Also, this issue has one of the weaker cliffhangers I can remember: Batman on the phone to Alfred, waiting for a minor computer analysis.
Good thing "War Crimes" continues in Detective Comics #810 (Andersen Gabrych, writer; Pete Woods & Bit, artists), which advances the plot nicely. Too bad the cover contains a pretty sizable spoiler. Batman gets to be more of a human in this issue, laying a bouquet at a Stephanie Brown memorial and having a heart-to-heart with Stephanie's mom. The Joker, Black Mask, and the media types are all used well too. Yellow journalism is a fairly easy target, but still. I do hope this storyline is actually wrapped up next issue, because I'm getting pretty weary of all these crossovers and mega-plots.
There are no such intrusions on the plot of Green Lantern #3 (Geoff Johns, writer; Carlos Pacheco, artist), in which Hal battles two Manhunters, with the newer model being able to siphon off his ring power. The big set piece is a nearly-drained GL having to use an Air Force jet to kill a Manhunter before it destroys the jet and him. The solution seems a little forced, but it's still a nice hokey moment.
Captain America #8 (Ed Brubaker, writer; Steve Epting, artist) featured Cap's denial of Bucky's return, along with pretty convincing evidence about what happened to Mr. Barnes after his last adventure with Cap. The whole issue is that kind of setup, which I suppose now means Cap has to track down the Winter Soldier along with the rogue Soviet general and stolen Cosmic Cube. It's good setup regardless, and I guess I'm on board for the rest of "The Winter Soldier."
I don't quite know what to say about Shanna The She-Devil #7 (Frank Cho, writer/artist), except that I expected a lot more from this miniseries than seven issues' worth of bikinis and killing dinosaurs. Frank Cho is a skilled artist, to be sure, and I'd probably buy his work in the future, provided he was drawing someone else's script. I've been reading Liberty Meadows via an e-mail service for the past couple of months too, and it hasn't convinced me that he's just slumming with Shanna. I don't even think you could call this an "art book," unless you like looking at hot blondes and lots of gore. Maybe there is a market for that; I don't know. Still, I can't believe I didn't stop buying this book when I had the chance.
Finally, Defenders #2 (Keith Giffen & J.M. DeMatteis, writers; Kevin Maguire, artist) is proving not to be in quite the same vein as the creators' Justice League work. It's played for laughs, but its events are more objectively serious. Most of this issue focuses on Dormammu and Umar, siblings so close I'm surprised there hasn't been a Donny & Marie joke. The villains capture our heroes and then spend much of the issue trying to decide what to do with them. That doesn't sound too funny, and it's not laugh-out-loud funny like the JLI stuff was, but it's definitely not all grim and angsty.
Old Comics, July '05
Filed under: astro city, batman, crisis, defenders, fantastic four, firestorm, flash, gotham central, hero squared, justice league, legion, seven soldiers, star wars, superman, weekly roundups, wonder woman, x-men — Tom Bondurant @ 7:06 pm
Well, I'm back, having spent the first few days of the week in Roanoke with about a thousand other people taking the Virginia bar. Thanks for all the good wishes, both on the blogoversary and for the bar. I hope I live up to them.
I did read some comics in the few moments I wasn't studying, and no less than Steve Lieber was nice enough to send me a couple that he had drawn. First up was Family Reunion, written by Sean Stewart. It's evidently been out for a while, and many of you have probably already seen it, but if not, I liked it. There's a lot of information packed into eight pages, and both Stewart and Lieber economize their efforts to good effect. I got strong senses of the handful of characters through a good selection of scenes. It's based on a novel by Stewart, but I don't know if I'd rather read the novel or see more comics by this team. Probably a good choice either way.
More recently, Lieber drew Flytrap Episode One: Juggling Act, from a script by his wife, Sara Ryan. Here I was impressed by the different style Lieber used — thicker lines and perhaps more "cartoony" than in Family Reunion. Although Flytrap is more of a sitcom than Family Reunion, the change in style serves it well. FR grounded its fantastic element in very realistic artwork; and Flytrap is meant to be wackier. At 14 pages, it's almost twice as long, but it has to set up the continuing adventures of Maddy and her clients. This it did admirably, focusing more on Maddy than on said clients, but making her sympathetic enough that the clients' eccentricity doesn't need to be much more of a hook. I'm now officially interested in what happens next, so good job, Steve and Sara. More information about both mini-comics at Steve's website.
Now, quick hits on the stuff I got at the comics shop.
Superman #219, Action Comics #829, Adventures of Superman #642, Wonder Woman #219, OMAC Project #4: I would have liked "Sacrifice" better if the first couple of parts had been better-executed. I think the planning was good, and in hindsight it worked well, but although I have nothing against Mark Verheiden or Gail Simone I wish Rucka could have written the whole thing. The art in Superman #219 was also rather weak. I've posted my thoughts on Wonder Woman's role over on The Great Curve.
Wonder Woman #218: Lots of closure as Rucka and Ron Randall wrap up various storylines from the past couple of years. I liked the storylines and was satisfied with their conclusions — and where's Ron Randall been, anyway?
Defenders #1: Funny stuff, if not as wacky or familiar as the "Not The Justice League" stories — and while playing the Silver Surfer as a zonked-out beach bum is inspired, it's also not close enough to the character's mainstream portrayal to be really satirical.
Hero Squared #1: Glad to see this again, but $4.00? I thought gas was expensive.
GLA #4: More of the wacky, less of the grim, and I did like the ending a lot.
Astonishing X-Men #11: I guess I should be glad there were no obvious NOMAD/V'Ger "The creator is a carbon-unit!" moments.
Serenity #1: Satisfactorily evocative of the TV show, which is about all one can ask, right? For the first time in a while, the Best Wife Ever was excited to read a comic. Not that she's read this one yet, but still….
Day Of Vengeance #4: Not bad, but I was hoping the teenaged girl would be related to Amethyst or (better yet) Crazy Jane.
Villains United #3: I liked Paul Pelletier's art, and Val Semeiks isn't bad either — but who knew the new Rag Doll was a dude?
Rann/Thanagar War #3: Lots of yelling, fighting, ray-blasts, and explosions, but that's not all bad.
Batman: Gotham Knights #67: The best part of this issue was the artwork, by Rick Burchett. I'm sure he doesn't get more Bat-work because he's "too cartoony" for the discriminating Bat-fan; but his distinctive style is always welcome. As for the story itself, Bruce gets blackmailed by a failed videographer who discovers Batman's secret identity. This is the first part of a continued story, but its cliffhanger hinges on an event that cannot be what it seems, and so fails to build much suspense.
Batman #642: This was a gap-filler issue, not badly executed but not really saying much important either. However, I thought Chris Marrinan and Andrew Pepoy made an interesting choice to draw Batman in a bulky, blocky way, more like Dick Sprang than Frank Miller. As long as he was around, Rick Burchett should have drawn this one too.
Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #193: The animated Batman series of the '90s did Mr. Freeze a huge favor by filling his origin with pathos. This story can't hope to improve on that one. Instead, its high point is a Batman who unironically gives out business cards (!) and who's assembling a Shadow-like group of operatives. More with this Batman in the mainline books, please.
Detective Comics #808: Another solid installment of "City of Crime." I do like Lapham's use of Robin, and keep hoping for more Robin in the mainline Bat-books.
Gotham Central #33: Speaking of Robin, did I ever tell you about my idea for a Batman story where the Joker takes the Donald Trump role in his own version of "The Apprentice," kidnapping high school athletes and killing them while ostensibly training them to be Robin? That would have been pretty lame. This was the opposite of lame.
Batman: Dark Detective #s 5-6: Um, did Englehart & Rogers just decide an abrupt ending would be cool, or are they setting us up for a sequel?
Seven Soldiers: Manhattan Guardian #3: For me, this was more fun than the Subway Pirates; and Morrison and Stewart did a good job with the breakup scene too.
JLA #s 115-116: This is turning into a pretty decent storyline not just on a crossover level, but also as a Justice League adventure. I like Johns and Heinberg's script, and Batista and Farmer's art. I thought this would be a placeholding, gap-filling arc between "Syndicate Rules" and the aftermath of Infinite Crisis, but it's exceeded my expectations.
JLA Classified #10: I thought Warren Ellis hated the Fantastic Four, but apparently that's nothing compared to how he treats Perry White in this issue. Some fine Butch Guice artwork can't make up for some weird dialogue.
Shanna The She-Devil #6: Yeah, yeah, dinosaurs, bikinis, "Kill Me!!!," blah blah blah.
Star Wars Empire #32: Not bad as far as Luke/Leia Rebel Alliance stories go, but again, when did Leia get so tall and busty?
Firestorm #15: Still zippy and fun.
DC Special: The Return Of Donna Troy #2: I'm not sure anyone can be in quite the right frame of mind to read this book unless they have first read, and thoroughly enjoyed, the stories in the Who Is Donna Troy? paperback. The "Who Is Wonder Girl?" 5-parter from 1988 also celebrated the return of George Perez, and was infused with fanfic-levels of "You guys are my bestest friends ever in the whole universe and I love you very much!" moments. It's as if Wolfman and Perez took Donna's 1984 wedding issue from Tales of the Teen Titans #50, which was (seriously) a masterpiece of subtlety and careful emotional release, and decided to not take any chances and really wear their hearts on their sleeves. So far, Phil Jiminez has been dialing up the emotional manipulation in this miniseries, with this issue especially playing to the longime Titans fanboys and -girls in the audience. I understand his viewpoint — I hadn't read Donna's wedding issue in a good ten years before last week, and I still got misty-eyed — but this is getting to be too much. If the former New Teen Titans don't end Donna's destructive rampage with anything but a big teary group hug, I'll be very surprised.
Fantastic Four #529: Lose the social worker and this would be a much better book, even with the "nanny search" subplot.
Astro City: The Dark Age #2, City Of Tomorrow #4: More of the same, and in neither case is it unwelcome.
Legion of Super-Heroes #8: Guest penciller Kevin Sharpe isn't bad, but his figures are stiffer and more awkwardly posed than Kitson's. Nice job by Waid on exploding all the subplots at once, though.
Incredible Hulk: Destruction #1: I bought this because it was Peter David and because "House of M" completists have robbed me of the regular Hulk issues. It's not bad, but I have a feeling the HoM stuff is better.
Flash #224: It's too bad that "Rogue War" has gotten good just as Johns is getting ready to leave. Coming soon to this site: a retrospective on the Johns Flash era, in which I will attempt to be fair and balanced despite his unfortunate focus on the Rogues.
Superman/Batman #21: I will gladly pay Jeph Loeb to never write Bizarro or Batzarro again.
All-Star Batman & Robin #1: Reply hazy; ask again later. | Steve Epting) concludes "The Winter Soldier" and, in fact, wraps up a dangling plotline from as far back as issue #1. Although it's a Cap/WS fight, it builds both on Cap's emotions for Bucky and WS's confusion about his own origins, so there's more dramatic heft to it.
It also provides an ending, which brings me to Gotham Central #40 (written by Greg Rucka, drawn by Kano and Stefano Gaudiano) and Rann-Thanagar War Special #1 (written by Dave Gibbons, drawn by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado). With RTWS I kind of understand, and arguably I have tacitly bought into the whole concept of this sort of "half-issue" (as in, this should have been Infinite Crisis #4.5) on the front end.
RTWS does three things: it allows everyone in space to point and gawk at the big hands coming out of the space-warp; it resolves the Rann-Thanagar war; and it sets up the new Ion series. Now, maybe when I see this in the larger Infinite Crisis context, I will understand the editorial meeting at which it was decided that these three things should happen in a special outside the main miniseries. Right now, though, this particular issue just feels very padded. It contains one extremely unfortunate (and I hope accidental) reference to the big "footprints" revelation in Identity Crisis, and the Ion setup also comes out of left field (and will probably be revisited even further in Ion #1). I was sorry to see the one person die, though, and that was handled decently.
In hindsight, though, this last arc of Gotham Central has been nothing but setup for future series — specifically, Detective Allen as the new Spectre, and Detective Montoya working out unresolved issues about Allen�s murder. As setup it's okay, but I was expecting some closure and I don't feel like this last issue of the series was a fitting end for the arc, let alone the series itself. I had thought Gotham Central was insulated somewhat by larger editorial dictates, and it's disappointing to see so patently that in the end, it wasn't.
Filed under: batman, gotham central, seven soldiers, she-hulk, spider-man, superman, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 10:20 pm
Detective Comics #814 (written by David Lapham, pencilled by Ramon Bachs, inked by Nathan Massengill) is a somewhat confusing conclusion to "City of Crime," the twelve-part epic that was interrupted by a crossover and so took over twelve months to tell. It ends on the note of cheerful nihilism that marked the rest of the arc, but it asks the reader to remember characters and subplots from about a year ago, and so may be more appreciated in collected form. Overall I enjoyed "City of Crime," and if I get time may do an omnibus recap.
More to the point is Batman and the Monster Men #2 (by Matt Wagner), which also intends to use a large cast — including Hugo Strange, Boss Maroni, Julie Madison, and her father — but so far keeps better track of them. Wagner has always drawn a great-looking Batman, and here the minimalist "Year One" style isn't far from his own. My one quibble is a familiar one, namely first-person narration from various perspectives. It's not hard to tell who's speaking, but there's not a lot to differentiate the speakers when they switch.
Gotham Central #38 (written by Greg Rucka, pencilled by Kano, inked by Stefano Gaudiano) starts what will probably be the book's last arc. Despite the cover, and the rumors swirling around bad cop Jim Corrigan, there are no hints that he was the original Spectre or will be again. (Still, if a murdered do-gooder were to become the Spectre's new host, like good cop Jim Corrigan did back in the day, one could make an argument for a candidate in this issue.) Better characterization of Montoya and Allen this issue, and I continue to be amazed with how consistent the look of the book has been.
Superman #224 (written by Mark Verheiden, pencilled by Tom Derenick, inked by Wayne Faucher) presents a compare-and-contrast story of Superman vs. Blackrock and Luthor vs. an OMAC which actually comes off fairly well. While I don't want to say that there were no good "corporate Luthor" stories, in the old days he couldn't just steal a plane and kill a pilot; and not having to get through those plot mechanics makes things go faster. The issue includes another switch-to-Superman moment, which I am noticing more and more in recent months, and which I applaud for purely sentimental reasons.
Superman Secret Files 2005 includes two stories, a kids'-eye view, a Lois-meets-Superman tale, and an odd Bizarro two-pager. The first story, written by Devin Grayson with art by Ariel Olivetti, is sweet, if a little mawkish. The Lois story, written by Jami Bernard with art by Renato Guedes, is fine, but I can't decide if its slightly revisionist take on Lois' early relationship to Supes puts her in a good light. It has an uncanny Christopher Reeve evocation on the last page. The Bizarro "origin," written by Christine Boylan with art by Carlos Ferreira and Drew Geraci, starts out as a parody and ends up in pathos. None is absolutely essential, but then again, none are really the kinds of Superman stories the monthly books have been telling, so on balance it may be worth a look.
Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle #2 (written by Grant Morrison, pencilled by Billy Patton and Freddie Williams II, inked by Michael Bair) reveals more of the "disguised" New Gods, and I start getting confused. Not because I'm trying to fit this into a convoluted DC-mainstream timeline, or trying to decide whether this is "real" or an alternate universe, but because I'm looking for familiar faces and everybody is drawn as hulking bald men. Still, by the end Darkseid and DeSaad are revealed, and that helps things get creepier. Maybe the larger plot will turn out to be "Shilo Norman escapes from the alternate universe," which would be OK but not very imaginative (considering I thought of it), so I hope Morrison ramps things up a little more and eases up on all the bald guys.
She-Hulk 2 #2 (written by Dan Slott, pencilled by Juan Bobillo, inked by Marcelo Sosa) features the big Return Of Hawkeye, sort of, and it may or may not be permanent. There are some funny bits, and a couple of heartfelt ones. However, the whole plot also revolves around a weird time paradox which exists for its own sake. Now, that's fine, and I can accept it, but I'm still trying to work out the mechanics.
Finally — and I do mean "finally" — Spider-Man/Black Cat #4 (written by Kevin Smith, drawn by Terry & Rachel Dodson) is an extended set of conversations between BC and Matt Murdock and Matt and Peter Parker; and it ends with a Spidey/Daredevil/mystery villain fight. "Oh, a dialogue-driven Kevin Smith book," you say,"how innovative." Yeah, it's like that, but it doesn't seem as witty as Smith's earlier Marvel work. (And when I say "earlier" … oh, it's just too easy, isn't it?) Moreover, Smith makes a big deal of not revealing Matt Murdock, when it's patently obvious virtually from the cover. The other thing is, I'm not sure about the Daredevil timeline. I am not a real DD scholar, but I think it refers to events from the intervening years, and that seems like cheating to me.
New comics 11/23/05
Filed under: batman, captain america, flash, seven soldiers, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 2:43 am
Apparently a shipping snafu delayed last week's comics two days, but we were having so much fun entertaining my parents over the holidays that I didn't get to the shop until today. Thus, here are very raw impressions of books which have probably already faded into distant memories.
I'm guessing Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #4 (written by Grant Morrison, pencilled by Ryan Sook, inked by Mick Gray) is best appreciated in the contexts of both its preceding issues and the larger 7S project as a whole, because on its own its conclusion left me scratching my head. The art was good as always, there were some interesting attempts to break the fourth wall, and the banter between Zatanna and her sidekick was entertaining too. It just felt like overhearing the end of somebody else's conversation.
On the other hand, Seven Soldiers: Frankenstein #1 (written by Morrison, drawn by Doug Mahnke) was quite good, in the vein of vintage Swamp Thing or Sandman stories. Like those, it didn't spend much time on the hero, but focused instead on a Carrie-style magic-powered geek whose goal is revenge on his tormentors — and who instead brings the monster's wrath on his head. It'll take me a couple more readings to get a feel for the monster's background, but gosh this was a good issue.
Maybe I'm feeling a bit more charitable now that it's a lame duck, but Batman: Gotham Knights #71 (written by A.J. Lieberman, pencilled by Al Barrionuevo, inked by Bit) wasn't too bad. Although the cover is completely misleading, once you get inside it's a decent caper story about Batman having to break into Arkham Asylum to save Alfred's life. The action scenes are the best part, because the rest has to wrap up an impenetrable plot about Hush creating a Clayface to both frame and kill Alfred, and those parts are either glossed over or sound like bad Gotham Central impersonations. Anyway, at least Lieberman has Batman acting like a human being for a few pages.
Flash #228 (written by Joey Cavalieri, pencilled by Val Semeiks, inked by Livesay) was okay. It's better than last issue, because it turns away from being another dark-alternate-future story, but then it brings in Nightwing, Cyborg, a locked-room mystery, and Dexter Myles, longtime curator of the Flash Museum. The scenes with Dexter are kind of sweet, if only because this is probably his first appearance in at least 15 years, but again, it's just marking time until the end of Infinite Crisis.
The best book of the week was Captain America #12 (written by Ed Brubaker, pencilled by Steve Epting and Michael Lark), in which Cap comes to grips with the identity of the Winter Soldier. As much as anyone can feel sorry for a fictional character, this issue made me feel for Cap. Meanwhile, Lukin puts the Cosmic Cube on the open market, with unexpected, but appropriate, results. As if that weren't enough, Brubaker and Lark throw in some zombies! What more could anyone ask?
Filed under: batman, captain atom, firestorm, seven soldiers, superman, weekly roundups, wonder woman — Tom Bondurant @ 11:50 pm
Apparently I missed Wonder Woman #222 (written by Greg Rucka, pencilled by Cliff Richards, inked by Ray Snyder) last week. Not surprisingly, it's plugged into the rest of DC's crossover madness, but the bulk of the issue is a straightforward Wonder Woman/Cheetah fight. Despite being saddled with a bad case of the Eartha Kitts during her Legion of Doom tenure on "Super Friends," the Cheetah has historically been an interesting villain. George Perez revamped her as a maverick archaeologist who stumbled into an Edgar Rice Burroughs-esque pulp-fiction cat-god religion, and she went after Wonder Woman for (among other things) her magic lasso. Rucka revisits that, but also brings in a bit of the old "Wonder Woman is too perfect" jealousy which informed the character originally. In any event, it all meshes well with other current events surrounding Diana, and plays much better than the star-crossed Cheetah-Zoom team-up from the recent Flash crossover. The art is good enough, although some of the shading reminded me of woodcuts.
Superman #223 (written by Mark Verheiden, pencilled by Ed Benes and Marc Campos, inked by a platoon) is likewise a Superman/Supergirl/Blackrock fight, with Infinite Crisis implications. Basically Superman tries to teach Supergirl, who's been trained by Wonder Woman, not to cross the line into killing the way WW has. I like Supergirl as a concept well enough, but this Supergirl still hasn't emerged as a real person for me, and sadly this issue didn't do much to advance that.
Firestorm #19 (written by Stuart Moore, pencilled by Jamal Igle, inked by Rob Stull and Keith Champagne) is also an Infinite Crisis tie-in, but it inserts Firestorm into the proceedings with the happy-go-lucky style and charm this title has developed. Jason merges with a couple of fun "partners," and meets up again with Gehenna, the strange girl from a couple of issues back. Along the way Firehawk introduces him to the Outsiders and Donna "No New Hero Name, Evidently" Troy, who have recruited him for a big space mission evidently meant for Infinite Crisis #2. This book is DC's She-Hulk, showing just as much love of the superhero milieu without being so silly. (Not that silly is bad.)
Detective Comics #813 (written by David Lapham, pencilled by Ramon Bachs, inked by Nathan Massengill) presents the penultimate chapter of "City of Crime," and as a single installment it's pretty good. Lapham basically tells a straightforward story of Batman riding to the rescue, throwing in Robin, Gordon, the Batcopter, the Batmobile, and an omnipresent Bat-Signal. Batman also confronts the mind behind the conspiracy. In short, this issue brings everything to a boil for the big finish next month. Honestly, I realize this may be at best just an above-average Batman story in the whole scheme of things, but as I said it pushes a number of good buttons and helps remind me what I like about Batman. These days that's pretty good.
Opening Seven Soldiers: Bulleteer #1 (written by Grant Morrison, pencilled by Yanick Paquette, inked by Michael Bair), I noticed two things right away, and they kept popping up the rest of the issue. Man, Bulleteer has a nice set of … hair. Seriously, for a comic that explores the quasi-pornographic aspects of superhumanity, what's the message here? My guess is, we're all voyeurs, because check out our heroine's huge … tracts of land! I did like the issue — for the writing, too, perverts.
And then I read Captain Atom: Armageddon #1 (written by Will Pfeiffer, pencilled by Giuseppe Camuncoli, inked by Sandra Hope), about a guy also trapped in silver skin, and it was okay. I've followed Cap from his post-Crisis series through pretty much all his DC appearances, but once he was outed as a government agent, he lost a lot of what made him compelling. Now that his "man out of time" aspects have also been downplayed, he's just another indestructible guy who flies, shoots, and leaves. (Okay, maybe not "leaves," but you saw where I was going.) Anyway, I'm hoping that this miniseries, which once again makes Cap a fish out of water, will help spark the character. So far not bad, although no cheesecake. At least it's a good introduction to Cap.
Filed under: astro city, batman, green lantern, seven soldiers, she-hulk, star wars, superman, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 12:14 pm
We begin this week with Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #2 (written by Dave Gibbons and Geoff Johns, pencilled by Patrick Gleason, inked by Prentis Rollins and Christian Alamy). It features two plots: one group of GLs visits Mogo, the antisocial Lantern introduced by Alan Moore; and a pair of antagonistic trainees (one from Rann, one from Thanagar) gets assigned to protect a boring shipping route. Neither rises much above standard super-hero fare, but both tie into a larger story involving galactic politics. Besides, I've always liked the Corps for its tremendous potential — not just to show how different characters would use a power ring, but for its political and legal implications. Still, I have two complaints about the issue: the art seems sloppier than it was in #1; and since when does Thanagar have a reptilian race?
Batman #646 (written by Judd Winick, pencilled by Shane Davis, inked by various people) felt very familiar, since once again it revolved around the Batman/Red Hood/Black Mask triangle. By the last few pages a new player has been added, and that itself makes the story more interesting, but we're going on a year since the Hood's been introduced and there's only so far Winick can draw out the tension between him and Batman. Apparently the next (sorely missed) Batman Annual will wrap things up, but how long until then? I did enjoy the issue, since much of it was a well-done set piece involving Batman, a couple of scared hoods, and a bomb needing defusing. Davis' art was fine, although I hope Doug Mahnke isn't gone for good.
Meanwhile, Batman: Gotham Knights #70 (written by A.J. Lieberman, pencilled by Al Barrionuevo, inked by Bit) was okay, I suppose. It advanced the Alfred/Hush/Clayface plot significantly, even with some exposition about the nature of Clayface. By the way, that itself reminded me of Lieberman's recent Poison Ivy storyline, because it too seemed to spend a lot of time in laboratories wondering how to replicate/cure a villain's condition. Like the Poison Ivy story, this has been better than Lieberman's usual meanderings, although that's not saying much. Not that strict adherence to continuity is a requirement for me, but I do wonder about a series which picks up threads from other Bat-titles and doesn't get much going the other way.
Superman #222 (written by Mark Verheiden, pencilled by Ed Benes and Joe Prado, inked by various folks) was better than I expected. Lois finds herself the target of an OMAC after having a fight with Clark. Both get to be journalists, which is nice, although it too contributes to the tension. Lois' beef is presented well enough that I actually wondered whether splitting them up might not be part of the Big DC Plan after all. In other words, some good character work peeks through all the fight scenes. The different pencils are virtually indistinguishable to my casual eye, and they seem preoccupied with the shapely forms of Lois and her new assistant, if that's an enticement to any of you.
Seven Soldiers: Klarion #4 (written by Grant Morrison, drawn by Frazer Irving) was also basically a big fight issue. Klarion and his friends and neighbors repel invaders from the world above. The art was fantastic, and the dialogue was good, but that's about it for the plot. Like the other 7S miniseries, it's To Be Continued….
Astro City: The Dark Age #4 (written by Kurt Busiek, drawn by Brent Anderson) concludes Book One (the Silver Agent story arc) by using familiar superhero elements in an unconventional way. An invasion from Monstro City interrupts the Silver Agent's death sentence, and in the melee the brothers we've been following resolve their personal issues. However, the plot isn't really the point of the issue. Busiek is more concerned with cathartic emotional release, whether it be that of the public, the brothers, or even the reader. The Silver Agent's fate is simply the catalyst for that release. Busiek and Anderson do a great job of building the tension, piling on more and more developments and using those familiar elements to good effect. There is a twist of sorts at the end which may come off hokey, but I thought was satisfying regardless. Bring on Book Two!
I had been thinking about dropping Star Wars: Empire (#36 written by Welles Hartley, pencilled by Davide Fabbri, inked by Christian Dalla Vecchia), but Part 1 of "The Wrong Side Of The War" was very good. Picking up from last issue, the Empire is pacifying the resistance on Jabiim, allowing us to focus on Imperial Lieutenant Sunber. Sunber cares about his men, even the cloned infantry. He is also torn between duty and his feelings for the Empire's prisoners. This probably telegraphs his character arc for the rest of the story. Still, telling it from Sunber's perspective was a nice touch, and the art effectively portrayed all the familiar Imperial hardware mowing down resistance. A final revelation concerning a very familiar Star Wars character was an especially pleasant surprise. I'm looking forward to the rest of the arc.
Finally, She-Hulk (vol. 2) #1 (written by Dan Slott, pencilled by Juan Bobillo, inked by Marcelo Sosa) was just as fun as I would have expected. A time-travel case inspires Shulkie towards a unique jury pool, but along the way there are a couple of fights, a few Avengers, and a jab or two at the comics industry.
She-Hulk is a funny book, and not just in the literal sense. Because it's about a superheroic attorney, much of its humor comes from its perspective on How Things Work in the Marvel Universe. (Shulkie's researchers use comics alongside their casebooks, for example.) Accordingly, it's a style of realism that, to a certain extent, repudiates the more serious, allegedly more "mature" style on display elsewhere. Naturally, I don't expect She-Hulk's style to set the company-wide editorial tone anytime soon.
Speaking of which, as you know I have not read any of the Avengers/House of M stuff, so I have no frame of reference for Shulkie's flashbacks in this issue, but I didn't think that was detrimental. To me that's part of the charm of any superhero book — if the cliches, references, and motifs are used properly, the reader can accept them for their effects without having to know everything about them. (See also Astro City, above.) Slott's pretty good at doing that, which is why I feel comfortable reading one of his Marvel books without being drowned in continuity. One of these days he'll slip up, but I hope I'm not there to see it.
Filed under: batman, captain america, crisis, fantastic four, firestorm, green lantern, justice league, seven soldiers, superman, weekly roundups — Tom Bondurant @ 9:35 pm
At the risk of sounding like the stereotypical frothing-at-the-mouth angry superhero fan, I have to get this off my chest:
Day of Vengeance #6 (written by Bill Willingham, pencilled by Justiniano, inked by Walden Wong) is the worst comic I have read in a while, even including Willingham's Leslie Thompkins kiss-off in Batman. As the last issue of a miniseries, it doesn't conclude the story it started. Instead, it goes for what I can only assume is a series of shocks — cliffhangers, really, since the people and places affected are too important to "die" — designed to get the reader to buy Infinite Crisis. News flash, DC: we were going to do that already, and it would have been nice if DoV had been able to streamline InfC's storytelling. The last few pages could easily have been, and probably will be, incorporated into Infinite Crisis itself, arguably making the entire miniseries pointless. As for the Shadowpact, it defeats one of its foes early on, spends the rest of the issue patting itself on the back, and stands around like disinterested spectators for the aforementioned cliffhangers. The last panel of the issue has the Shadowpacters rallying themselves unironically, and the "next issue" blurb encourages us to watch out for their further adventures. Not if Bill Willingham is anywhere near, I won't. (By the way, DC — how does the destruction of you-know-what over here affect the status of you-know-who in Villains United?)
Speaking of writers whose work frustrates me, Batman: Gotham Knights #69 (written by A.J. Lieberman, pencilled by Al Barrionuevo, inked by Bit) might actually start Lieberman back on the road to redemption, at least in my eyes. He seems to be retconning away one of the biggest mistakes of the Jeph Loeb/Jim Lee crowd-pleaser "Hush," namely the identity of the eponymous villain. The flashbacks and flash-forwards are better this issue, the dialogue isn't as arch, and the art has been consistently good. I wonder if I have reached some kind of critical mass with Lieberman, where his stuff finally starts to make sense….
Captain America #10 (written by Ed Brubaker, pencilled by Lee Weeks) interrupts "The Winter Soldier" for a House of M crossover. So far this is the first and only House of M issue I've read, and only because Brubaker's writing it. As alternate histories go, things start off pretty well for Cap, but he soon finds himself unwelcome at both ends of the political spectrum. Brubaker presents a series of compelling vignettes — the problem is, they never approach any real climax, and the book just runs out of pages after a while. It's well-executed otherwise.
Green Lantern Corps: Recharge #1 (written by Geoff Johns and Dave Gibbons, pencilled by Patrick Gleason, inked by Christian Alamy and Prentiss Rollins) is a fine introduction to the new GL Corps, focusing on Guy Gardner and a would-be Lantern from Sinestro's old space sector. Johns and Gibbons combine for some subtler dialogue than I usually associate with Johns. The Korugarian physician, clearly the main guest star, is fleshed out well, even if her story seems a bit predictable this early on. The art is decent too. Except for Guy's head looking like a helium balloon in some panels, everybody looks heroic and the aliens look appropriately alien.
Finally (for this week, at least), Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle #1 (written by Grant Morrison, drawn by Pasqual Ferry) almost read like a Mister Miracle Elseworlds. It doesn't seem to have much to do with the other 7S projects, but that's not necessarily bad. Giving the New Gods the alternate-reality treatment is a good way to invest the longtime fan emotionally, and for a newcomer they are effective just as elements of another reality to which Mr. Miracle isn't quite sure he belongs. The art was different than I remember seeing from previous Ferry projects — more painted and three-dimensional — but still very good. Too bad he's not coming back next issue.
Now to last week, except I'm saving Rann-Thanagar War #5, Star Wars: Empire #34, and Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight #195 for omnibus recaps.
Chris Eliopolous' Franklin Richards: Son Of A Genius was a fun special, kind of a cross between Calvin & Hobbes and "Dexter's Laboratory," but good on its own terms, and no previous knowledge of the Fantastic Four was required.
Action Comics #831 (written by Gail Simone, pencilled by John Byrne, inked by Nelson) featured both a Superman/Black Adam/Dr. Psycho fight and a Bizarro/Zoom race. Bizarro comes off a lot more fun here than he does in Superman/Batman (for example), and Simone uses him to good comic effect against the more businesslike villains of the Secret Society. The Superman/Black Adam stuff is entertaining too, but not as much. Jimmy Olsen is here too, drawn with a Beatle/Chekov mophead when he had more of a shaggy '70s 'do in the last Superman — but I quibble. At least the Super-books are paying attention to Jimmy again. Simone also writes a funny Perry White. I mention these things because it's been easy for the Superman writers to get caught up in the whole "let's make everything big, cosmic, and gut-wrenching" paradigm, and miss the interaction with Supes' normal friends that was a hallmark for so long. Simone is the most evocative of those old tropes at the moment, and the books are better for it.
Black Adam (get 'im while you can, folks!) is also in Firestorm #17 (written by Stuart Moore, pencilled by Jamal Igle, inked by Prentiss Rollins and Rob Stull), trying to recapture 'Stormy after the Secret Six broke him out of Secret Society captivity over in Villains United. However, the real guest-star is Gehenna, a young woman also being used as a power source by the Society. Their escape from the Society's base is both exciting and romantic, and the issue does a good job of conveying Jason's thrills at both defeating super-baddies and flirting with a teenaged hottie.
Another immensely enjoyable issue last week was JLA #118 (written by Geoff Johns and Allan Heinberg, pencilled by Chris Batista, inked by Mark Farmer), in which J'Onn J'Onzz and Aquaman square off against Despero, Zatanna seeks sanctuary on Themyscira, and the rest of the JLA votes on further mindwiping. This would be a good story even without the Identity Crisis theatrics, and it left me anticipating the next issue.
Finally (for sure), All-Star Batman & Robin #2 (written by Frank Miller, pencilled by Jim Lee, inked by Scott Williams) felt a little better than last issue. It seems looser and more freewheeling now that it doesn't have to establish a certain mood or live up to first-issue expectations. The subtext of the issue deals with Batman's emotional manipulation of Dick Grayson, and Dick's realization he's being manipulated. I have a theory that Robin exists to show readers it would be fun to live Batman's life without actually being Bruce Wayne, so I wonder if Miller is headed someplace similar. Still, the true test will come once Dick gets into the short pants and elf shoes.
Filed under: astro city, batman, captain america, flash, green lantern, hero squared, justice league, seven soldiers, solo, star wars, weekly roundups, wonder woman, x-men — Tom Bondurant @ 4:28 pm
Lots of concluding storylines this week, so I've been torn between doing entire-arc wrap-ups and single-issue impressions. Going with the latter for now, but expect the former later.
Flash #225 (written by Geoff Johns, drawn by Howard Porter & Livesay) closes off not only "Rogue War," but also Johns' 5-year writing tenure. As such, it works better as the end of an era than the end of this particular arc. "Rogue War" started with much fanfare as the final battle between old-school and new-school villains, but it has finished as the unofficial sequel to the first Zoom storyline from about 2 ½ years ago. It's a decent action issue with fine artwork | 6,772 |
Cocktail Investing Ep 5: M&A activity among Consumer Staples, fast food thematic signals, Fed-Speak, and what exactly is the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT)?
in: Digital Lifestyle
Tags: Amazon.com (AMZN), Apple (APPL), Campbell Soup (CPB), Facebook (FB), General Mills (GIS), Houlihan Lokey (HLI), JM Smucker (SJM), Kraft Heinz (KHC), Macy's (M), Major League Baseball, McDonald's (MCD), Nordstrom (JWN), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI) Restaurant Brands Intl (QSR), Twitter (TWTR), Unilever (UL), United Parcel Service (UPS), Whole Foods Market (WFM)
In this week's program, Tematica's cocktail mixologists, Chris Versace and Lenore Hawkins sit down to discuss some of the week's economic data, relevant political events and share where they have spotted a few of the latest Thematic Signals, such as:
What McDonald's (MCD) soft drink promotional price cuts mean to our Cash Strapped Consumer
How the Connected Society is pushing UPS to up its game as online shoppers increasingly expect two-day shipping.
Major League Baseball looks to remain relevant in our Content is King world by potentially partnering with Facebook (FB), which in turn is placing its app on Apple TV (AAPL), as the way we consume content and connect with each other continues to evolve.
This week saw some telling moves in the M&A arena with Kraft (KHC) calling off its prematurely disclosed bid for Unilever (UL) as consumer staples companies such as JM Smucker (SJM) and General Mills (GIS) struggle — not exactly a robust sign for the economy despite what we see in the headlines. Others like Restaurant Brands (QSR) that are looking to buy growth get an agreement done with Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI), and we talk about the whys behind that strategic rationale.
Of course, this week we received the clear-as-mud minutes from the latest Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee meeting, which we dig into as well as dish out the 411 on what this Border Adjustment Tax is<|fim_middle|>I)
JM Smucker (SJM)
Kraft Heinz (KHC)
Macy's (M)
McDonald's (MCD)
Nordstrom (JWN)
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI)
Restaurant Brands Intl (QSR)
Twitter (TWTR)
Unilever (UL)
United Parcel Service (UPS)
Whole Foods Market (WFM)
Lenore Hawkins Tematica Research Chief Macro Strategist
Chris Versace Tematica Research Founder and Chief Investment Officer
If Social Media Giant Inks a Deal with MLB It Could be More Than a Connected Society Play
Tags: Amazon, AMZN, DIS, Disney, ESPN, Facebook, FB, Major League Baseball, MLB, netflix, NFLX, Twitter, TWTR
Earlier today, Reuters is reporting that Connected Society company Facebook (FB) is in talks with Major League Baseball (MLB) to live stream at least one game per week during the upcoming season. We've seen Facebook live stream other sporting events, like basketball and soccer, but should the company ink a deal with MLB it would mean a steady stream of games over the season.
Given the nature of live sporting events, as well as the strong fan following, we see Facebook's angle in offering this kind of program as threefold — looking to attract incremental users, drive additional minutes of use, and deliver more advertising to its user base, which should improve its monetization efforts. All three of those are very much in tune with Facebook's existing revenue strategy and meshes rather well with its growing interest in attacking the TV advertising market.
From a high level such a deal pushing Facebook not only deeper into the increasingly Connected Society, but pulling it into our Content is King investing theme as well. Sporting events are one of the last holdouts in the move to streaming services, and its loyal fan base is likely to shift to video consumption alternatives that allow them to get events where they want, when they want and on the device they have at the time be it TV, smartphone, computer or tablet. With the recent deployment of its app for Apple's (AAPL) Apple TV and others soon to follow, Facebook has all of these modalities covered.
To date, Netflix (NFLX) has shied away from streaming such events, and while there have been rumblings about Amazon (AMZN) entering the fray with its Prime video platform, Twitter (TWTR) has been one of the few to venture into this area live streaming Thursday night NFL games last season. Between Facebook and Twitter, we see MLB and others opting for Facebook given its larger and more global reach as well as far greater success at monetizing its user base.
Should a deal with MLB come through, we would see this not only as a positive development but one that likely paves the way for more streaming video content on Facebook's platforms — sports or otherwise. As avid consumers of streaming content, we would welcome this with open arms; as investors, depending on the scope of such a rollout there could be upside to our $155 price target for the Facebook stock.
On the Major League Baseball / ESPN side of the Equation
Today's news report about this potential Facebook / MLB deal doesn't mention Major League Baseball's other media and streaming activities, particularly ESPN. This spring will make the beginning of the fifth year of a $5.6 billion agreement between MLB and ESPN that keeps the national pastime on that network through 2021. Of course, the struggles of Disney-owned ESPN have been well-documented recently as its cable subscriber numbers continue to decline as chord-cutting activity increases, as well as seeing consumers trade down to smaller cable packages that omit ESPN.
Major League Baseball, on the other hand, has been at the forefront of the streaming of its games and app-driven content through BAMTech, the digital media company spun off by Major League Baseball's MLB Advanced Media. Just last year, The Walt Disney Co (DIS) stepped up to make a $1 billion investment in BAMTech, joining MLB and the National Hockey League as co-owners.
So while this Facebook/MLB story makes no mention of Disney and ESPN, it's pretty clear from the tangled web of BAMTech ownership, that ESPN will either be somehow involved in the streaming of these live events on Facebook (possibly producing the broadcast and using ESPN announcers) or in the very least Disney will financially benefit from the deal given its ownership in BAMTech.
We'll be watching to see if any such move develops.
We continue to rate FB shares a Buy with $155 price target.
We continue to rate AMZN shares a Buy and our price target remains $975
We continue to rate DIS shares a Buy with a $125 price target. | all about and how it could affect you and the companies in which you invest.
The teflon market continues to push up as valuations get further into the stratosphere and forward EPS estimates get revised downward. We've now gone an unprecedented 8 years without a 20 percent correction and the VIX 65-day moving average has dropped down into territory that normally precedes a pullback. While we are optimistic when it comes to the economy, we have to acknowledge our Aging of the Population theme means the first baby boomers are turning 70 this year with 1.5 million doing so each year over the next 15 years, which will have a dramatic impact on spending as well as health care costs. That's especially the case when only 50% of them have saved enough for retirement.
But with CEO's of major U.S. manufacturers making the headlines that Trump is the most pro-business president since the founding fathers, stocks are holding up just fine… for now. More on that on the podcast. Listen now.
Companies mentioned on the Podcast
Amazon.com (AMZN)
Apple (APPL)
Campbell Soup (CPB)
Facebook (FB)
General Mills (GIS)
Houlihan Lokey (HL | 255 |
« Smart energy for smart cities market to reach $20.9 billion by 2024 | Main | Commercial operation of UAVs beyond-line-of-sight coming soon »
Using UAVs to create digital surface models for northern peatlands research
I just attended a fascinating presentation with the unprepossessing title of "CCRS/NRC/McGill Scientists - TOPICS OF PEATLANDS AND THE MER BLEUE BOG." This was about a new project called MBASSS initiated by scientists from the Canada Centre for Remote Processing (CCRS), National Research Council (NRC), and McGill University to acquire airborne hyperspectral imagery and ground-based measurements for the purpose of validating satelllite optical earth observation (EO) multi-hyperspectral data products for northern/subarctic peatlands.
The world has about about 3 million square km of northern boreal peatlands, which are huge carbon stores, estimated to contain 200 to 600 gigaton<|fim_middle|> quite impressive with 3-5 cm pixels and rmse less than 5 cm.
Posted at 06:00 PM in 3D data, Digital elevation models, Imagery, UAVs | Permalink
Geoff, you should check out Bentley's Acute3D technology for reality modeling.... www.Acute3D.com
It produces amazing 3D surfaces from photographs taken from AUVs.
Posted by: Levin Rodriguez | November 25, 2015 at 10:44 AM | nes (Gt) of carbon. About one million square km of these are in Canada. Peatlands act as both a carbon source and a carbon sink in the terrestrial carbon cycle. The net effect of northern peatlands is a small to moderate carbon sink, removing an estimated 49 billion kg/yr (Tg/yr) of carbon from the atmosphere.
75% of these peatlands are bogs and one of these is Mer Bleue a 28 square km bog very near to Ottawa. Since it is much easier to study a bog that is 13 km from Ottawa than to travel a thousand km to subarctic Canada, Mer Bleue, which already has a peatland observatory, was chosen for the study.
Mer Bleue is normally a net sink for carbon, removing on average 60 grams of carbon per square meter per year (g C m-2 yr -1), but this can vary from year to year depending on factors such as water level. Historically it has ranged from 10 to 128 g C m-2 yr -1.
Conventional overflights for the project are being conducted by the NRC using a fixed wind aircraft (Twin Beaver). But as an alternative, Matt Maloney of CCRS has conducted trial flights with three different UAVs. At the low end with a Phantom 2 equipped wiith a GoPro camera. The other devices are a Spyder PX8 and an Aeromapper EV2 with a Sony camera. He had to get Transport Canada Flight Certification which requires line of site, daylight only and less than 300m altitude operation. The area covered by the UAV flights was 500 square meters.
He used a technique called structure from motion which takes the 2D images captured by the UAV and stitches them into point clouds, ortho mosaics, and digital surface models. By way of comparison with a typical fixed wing overflight equipped with LiDAR which typically generates two points per square meter, the point clouds captured from the UAV have a density of 500 points per square meter. The ortho mosaics and digital surface models captured with the UAVs (and using ground control points)were | 462 |
Mount Cerro Paine First Viewpoint
Follow a steep path along the western slope of Mount Cerro Paine up to the D'Agostini Viewpoint.
Mount Cerro Paine Half Day Tour
6.5 km / 4 mi
4 hrs total
This unforgettable hike follows a stunning path along the western slope of Mount Cerro Paine (1,508 meters) and offers a view of the famous Las Torres Mountains for the majority of the climb. You'll climb through a native forest of lenga trees, so pay attention to the birds and also the unique vegetation that grows on the forest floor. Reaching the treeline, look behind you and take in the contrast of the deep green foliage, the celeste lake, and the grey mountains. You'll shortly arrive at<|fim_middle|>)}}
What does it include?
All of our tours include an expert and friendly bilingual guide who is thrilled to make your experience the best it can be! Feel free to ask questions and learn as much as you can about the special place you are visiting. Snacks are also included.
1 Guided hike
2 Don't forget to bring your camera, with its batteries charged and space on the SD card, so you can capture the unforgettable moments!
We are here to answer all your questions. | the D'Agostini Viewpoint, which looks out towards a valley, glaciers, lakes, and the famous granite Las Torres towers.
What is there to enjoy?
Paine Massif
A small but striking mountain range that beholds the majority of the Park's top sights, including the Las Torres Mountains, Mount Cerro Paine, Ascencio Valley, and the Francés Valley.
Native Lenga Forest
One of Patagonia's iconic trees, Nothofagus pumilio thrives in areas with low temperatures and heavy snow. Lenga woodland provides a habitat for many animals such as Magellanic woodpeckers, Austral parakeets, Chilean flickers and other forest birds.
D'Agostini Viewpoint
An incredible panoramic on Mount Cerro Paine which looks out towards a valley, glaciers, lakes, and the famous granite Las Torres Mountains.
Lake Nordenskjöld
Uniting Pudete with Paine Grande, this turquoise lake serves as the starting point for ecstatic trekkers. It sits under the Los Cuernos Mountains and has an average depth of 200m / 650ft and covers an area of 28 km² / 11mi². It is named after Otto Nordenskjöld (1869-1928), a Swedish-Finnish explorer who dedicated himself to the study of Antarctica, Greenland, Chile, and Peru.
Abundant and diverse wildlife run freely in Torres del Paine National Park, most notably guanacos, Chilean skunk, grey and Andean foxes, pumas, Andean deer, flamengos, flightless Rheas, and condors. Within the Park lives 120 types of birds, 25 mammals, 4 fish, 3 amphibians, 7 reptiles and 170 species of insect.
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Уильям Л. «Билли» Шеперд-младший (; род. 18 ноября 1949 года, Бедфорд, штат Индиана, США) — американский профессиональный баскет<|fim_middle|>лер Бульдогс» (баскетбол)
Игроки «Вирджиния Сквайрз»
Игроки «Сан-Диего Конкистадорс»
Игроки «Мемфис Саундс» | болист, который выступал в Американской баскетбольной ассоциации, отыграв три из девяти сезонов её существования. Кроме того успел поиграть в ААБА.
Ранние годы
Уильям Шеперд родился 18 ноября 1949 года в городе Бедфорд (штат Индиана), а затем перебрался в город Кармел (штат Индиана), где посещал одноимённую среднюю школу, в которой выступал за местную баскетбольную команду под руководством своего отца Билла Шеперда-старшего. В «Кармел Грейхаунд» за четыре сезона набрал 2465 очков, а в выпускном классе был признан лучшим баскетболистом Индианы среди старшеклассников.
Студенческая карьера
Профессиональная карьера
Примечания
Ссылки
Статистика в АБА на сайте Basketball-Reference.com
Краткая биография в АБА на сайте Nasljerseys.com
Баскетболисты США
Игроки «Бат | 294 |
Texas was recently awarded federal funds for<|fim_middle|> that serve 73 counties. All other states either have or are starting ADRCs, too.
Learn more about ADRCs in Texas. | the Balancing Incentive Program to increase access to Medicaid community-based, long-term services and supports, as well as a related program to expand the state's network of Aging and Disability Resource Centers. BIP provides incentives to make home and community-based services accessible and easy to understand. This includes creating a "no wrong door"/single-point of entry for services, conflict-free case management services, and a core standardized assessment tool.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services is holding stakeholder meetings over the next couple of months to get input on how to design the program. A three-year work plan is due in December that describes state milestones for reaching BIP goals.
Learn about the Balancing Incentive Program.
Under the enhanced Aging and Disability Resource Center program, counselors will work with individuals and caregivers to empower and support people in making their own, person-centered decisions on long-term services and supports needs, resources, finances and planning. The ADRC system will serve all LTSS populations and payers, including individuals with physical disabilities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family caregivers and seniors with functional impairments. Texas currently has 14 ADRCs | 233 |
The Chicago Bears capitalized on two missed Pittsburgh field goals, scoring 10 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to hand the defending Super Champions their first loss of the season.
Pittsburgh which held a 14-7 lead in the 4th quarter could not close out the game.
Jay Cutler led the Bears on two 4th quarter scoring drives, throwing a 7 yard touchdown pass to Johnny Knox at 6:25 in the 4th quarter and leading the Bears down the field on their game winning drive, setting up a Robbie Gould field goal (44 yards) with 15 seconds left in the game.
The leagues #1 defense in 2008 failed to make a key stop late in the game and could not slow down Cutler and the Bears in the 4th quarter. Cutler threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns.
As the game progressed, Cutler became much more comfortable, avoiding the Steelers blitz and using quick precise passes.
Cutler's performance was enough to off-set the play of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Santonio Holmes.
Roethlisberger threw for 221 yards with 2 touchdowns (1 pass, 1 run) and one interception. Roethlisberger put the Steelers in position to win the game but Reed's field goal misses of 38 yards and 43 yards will be the story of the game.
Santonio Holmes hauled in 5 receptions for 83 yards but did have three drops on the afternoon. Holmes leads the team with 14 receptions through the first two games of the season.
The Steelers running game provided a few big plays but lacked consistency for the most part. Rashard Mendenhall had 39 yard run in the 3rd quarter setting up a 2 yard Ben Roethlisberger touchdown run in the 3rd quarter.
Willie Parker rushed for 47<|fim_middle|>15 p.m.
The Baltimore Ravens (2-0) have taken sole possession of first place in the AFC North. The Ravens defeated the San Diego Chargers 31-26. | yards on 14 yards.
Roethlisberger led the Steelers 13 play – 92 yard touchdown drive on their first possession of the game.
The Steelers (1-1) travel to Cincinnati (1-1) in week 3. Kickoff is set for 4: | 61 |
Living Home Construction & Design specializes in new construction and renovation services for Utah homeowners and commercial clients. We build custom homes our clients love.
We keep your project on schedule and on budget. We deal in the little details to hone craftsmanship that you expect and deserve.
I have worked with Living Home Construction & Design executing specialized millwork and cabinetry. I have always been extremely impressed by Chris Townson's organizational prowess and his ability to keep complex projects running like clockwork. Chris has built a reliable and professional team of subcontractors who share his standards of excellence and service.
Living Home has completed several on-schedule, on-budget projects at our home<|fim_middle|> his willingness to go the extra mile for us, we are more than willing to go the extra mile for him. That's the quality you want in a contractor! | the past two years including installing new and refinishing existing wood floors, interior painting, stonework, eavestrough work, and also some demolition and reconstruction. We really enjoy working with Chris and his team of professionals and will continue to do so as projects arise.
After interviewing multiple builders for our remodeling project, we chose Living Home Construction and we couldn't have been happier. The craftsmanship was suburb! Our supervisor, Chris was thoughtful, efficient and an excellent communicator and always making himself available to us.
Living Home delivered an incredible remodel on time and on budget. Their craftsmanship and standard of work is excellent. We found them to be very professional and easy to work with. The work they did in our house was extensive and we couldn't be happier with the end result. We will use them again in the future.
Signature Floors has collaborated with Chris Towson and Living Home for many years. We're always impressed by his skill as a contractor, his integrity, and his driving desire to please his clients. Because of professionalism and | 207 |
Issue 190 of Simply Cards & Papercraft goes on sale today and features two stunning gifts, an A4 stamp set and coordinating dies – the reaction on Facebook to this issue has been amazing already so we advise you get your copy sooner rather than later<|fim_middle|> light bulb with Glossy Accents and set aside to dry to finish. | !
Along with all the inspiration in the magazine for using these gorgeous gifts Christina has been kind enough to make two bonus cardmaking tutorials and create this step-by-step video which we know you will enjoy.
1 Create a 5×7" tent-fold card blank from white cardstock and cut panels of white and grey cardstock to measure slightly smaller.
2 Stamp the smaller images from the stamp set all over the white panel using various colours of ink. Allow to dry and adhere onto the card front, leaving narrow borders.
3 On a spare piece of white cardstock stamp the sentiment and border using Mermaid Lagoon Distress Oxide Ink.
4 Cut into a stitched circle and mount onto the card front using 3D foam pads. Embellish the card front with gems to finish.
This fun card is perfect for a special friend or loved-one who needs cheering up!
1 Create a white 4¼x5½ tent-fold card blank from white cardstock. Stamp the large light bulb with the 'love' element in the centre, onto white cardstock, colour and fussy-cut.
Dried Marigold Distress Ink onto the panel using the stencil.
3 Add the light bulb onto the card front using 3D foam tape to add dimension. Using Wild Honey Distress Ink stamp rays around the bulb as shown.
4 Stamp the sentiment onto a small square and add to the card using 3D foam tape. Cover the | 291 |
Nordstrom has appointed two new members to its board of directors, adding Forerunner Ventures founder and managing director Kirsten Green and Glenda McNeal, president of enterprise strategic partnerships at American Express.
Green launched San Francisco-based Forerunner Ventures, one of the most successful women-founded venture capital firms in Silicon Vally, in 2010. According to a press statement, the firm "is dedicated to investing in ambitious entrepreneurs<|fim_middle|> Trust and the World Travel & Tourism Council.
"As Nordstrom focuses on its ambition to be the best fashion retailer in a digital world and achieving its long-term financial commitments, we're pleased to welcome both Kirsten and Glenda to our board of directors," said Brad Smith, chairman of the Nordstrom board in a release. "The unique perspectives and experiences they bring to Nordstrom will continue to support our efforts to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers."
The company also announced that Phil Satre, a current independent director appointed to the board in 2006, will retire in May.
Following the addition of Green and McNeal, Satre's departure will bring the total number of directors to 11, nine of whom serve as independent directors, five of whom are female and three of whom are people of color. | who define and dominate a new generation of commerce," with a portfolio that includes both B2C and B2B companies such as Bonobos, Dollar Shave Club, Jet and Warby Parker.
Green currently serves as a member of the board of directors at Glossier, Outdoor Voices, Ritual, Inturn and Indigo Fair, among other Forerunner portfolio companies, and has led efforts to raise more than $650 million in investments for over 80 companies.
McNeal currently leads American Express' strategy, negotiations and key initiatives for strategic relationships, including those with its largest travel, e-commerce, technology and retail partners. Previously, McNeal led the company through key expansions into new industries that do not typically accept credit cards. She currently serves on the boards of RLJ Lodging | 162 |
This document is a resource and tool for Manitoba school divisions and schools to develop their own policies, protocols, and/or guidelines related to supporting transgender and gender diverse students.
This resource provides guidelines for ensuring that schools are safe, respectful and equitable places for transgender and gender diverse students while supporting their individual process.
Manitoba Education and Training is committed to supporting school communities in providing safe learning environments. Guided by Safe and Caring Schools legislation, Manitoba school boards are proactive in creating and sustaining safe schools.
Healthy school communities, where positive relationships are established, are known to prevent and respond to issues of school safety. With parents as partners, educators do their best to ensure all children and youth feel safe, confident, and capable as they interact with others and develop as learners. Utilizing a whole-school approach to planning for safety and belonging, educators, students and parents work together to address serious issues recognized as 'bullying' and school violence.
Parents, students and educators care about living and learning in a world that is healthy and safe. With all members of the school community sharing responsibility and working toward this goal, schools are safe and caring places to learn. Together, through this lens of<|fim_middle|> Caring Schools initiatives and related information in Manitoba. Links to Manitoba document resources are provided. | strength, connections, possibilities, and solutions are found to keeping our schools safe and caring.
In this site you will find an overview of the history and a summary of Safe and | 35 |
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andreas Seppi meet in the quarterfinals of the 2019 tennis Sydney International.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is coming off a straight<|fim_middle|> points and 30 percent of his second serve points. Seppi won 61 percent of his total service points and saved four of his six break points. Seppi has been in control of his first two matches, but he must do a much better job with his second serve if he's going to have a chance of winning this match. The 34-year-old Italian is showing there's still something left in the tank after what was a rough 2018 season. Seppi has a shot to win three matches in a single tournament for the second time in his last four tries. Seppi has split his last six matches on hard court.
There's no pervious matches between these two players.
You never want to give a player as experienced as Seppi no shot to win a match, but the bottom line is he's a shell of himself at this point and has had little to no recent success on the main stage. Despite a shaky performance in the Hopman Cup, Tsitsipas has been one of the hotter players on tour the last couple of months and has become a bet on player when facing lesser talented players.
Tsitsipas should cruise in this match, winning it in straight sets. | sets win over Guido Andreozzi that took 19 games to decide. In the victory, Tsitsipas won 74 percent of his first serve points and 56 percent of his second serve points. Tsitsipas won 68 percent of his total service points and converted on three of his five break points. Tsitsipas looked more like the Tsitsipas we saw who finished up the 2018 season, as he was sharp with his serve and finished points quickly. There was some cause for concern after a rough showing in the Hopman Cup, but if Tsitsipas is going to play like he did in his last match, he should be considered the favorite to win this tournament. We'll see which version of Tsitsipas shows up this time around. Tsitsipas has split his last six matches on hard court.
Andreas Seppi is coming off a straight sets win over Martin Klizan that took 21 games to decide. In the victory, Seppi won 74 percent of his first serve | 224 |
One day you're hiking in a tank top and shorts, and then the very next day you're putting on a<|fim_middle|> Precautions for Autumn Hiking. In this paragraph, I cover important items to bring with you when hiking in fall along with safety precautions to take into consideration. I hope you will read the full story and share it with your friends so that we can all continue to be safe out there this fall.
This is around the corner in less than a month! | down jacket and digging out your winter boots. All I can say is welcome to autumn in the Canadian Rockies and in the words of my favourite reality TV show: Always Expect the Unexpected!
An autumn day hike can lead you through three different seasons in the course of a day with temperatures plummeting the higher you go. Weather is hard to predict and you will often encounter snow as you go further into the backcountry or climb above tree line. With this kind of uncertainty it can be challenging to pack in the morning and one has to "up their game" in order to stay safe on the trails.
Layers, layers, layers! Think t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, fleece sweater, rain jacket or similar waterproof layer, and a light puffy that you'll keep in your pack for rest stops. (Again, you can always carry what you aren't wearing).
No cotton, No denim, and no shorts unless you have warmer pants in your pack to put on over top.
Wear water proof hiking shoes rather than light trail runners that will get soaked if you encounter snow (and it doesn't hurt to throw some ice cleats or micro spikes in your pack in case the trail gets slippery).
Always bring mittens, a warm hat, and even a buff or something similar to protect your face from the wind.
This story was first published by Campers Village and appears in its entirety on their website.
To continue reading, please go to the Campers Village website to read the next paragraph of this story on Special | 305 |
Turning your life into material with Benjamin Law
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Your museum of screen culture
Writer, journalist, broadcaster and all-round polymath Benjamin Law talks diversity on Australian screens, storytelling and how to draw narrative inspiration from your own life
Benjamin Law helped bring some much needed diversity to Australian screens when his 2014 book, The Family Law, was adapted for television.
As he tells Denise Eriksen from Media Monitors in this interview, "When I turned on the television there were very few Asian Australian faces on television, so that just gave me the impression from my neighbourhood and my access to the media, because it was largely pre-internet, that Australia must just be all-white and even by that stage we must've been one of the most multicultural nations on the planet."
Thanks to creatives like Benjamin, Australia is finally seeing an increase in on-screen diversity that more truthfully reflects our national character, but he also has tips for turning your own life into a story worth of the screen.
Running Free is a series of screen-related interviews for up and coming industry professionals, presented by Media Monitors and ACMI on YouTube.
Some embedded content has been omitted:
Running Free: Turning Your Life into Material with Benjamin Law by ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
View here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSMJkJc6xmg
I really do think that when you're a storyteller, and that's what the media and the arts are, you do have a responsibility to tell the stories and a full range and diversity of what those stories actually are out there.
Benjamin Law
About Benjamin Law
Benjamin Law is an Australian writer and broadcaster. He created and co-wrote three seasons of the award-winning SBS TV series The Family Law, based on his memoir, and his debut play Torch the Place ran February–March 2020. Every week, Benjamin co-hosts ABC RN's weekly national pop culture show Stop Everything and interviews public figures for Good Weekend. He also co-hosts online startup and tech TV show That Startup Show.
Explore Australian TV history
Esther Coleman-Hawkins: So Denise, I reckon my family story would be fascinating
Denise Eriksen: What? You're from the north of England, what do you mean?
ECH: Exactly. We could break new ground, you know. People think we're as thick as two short planks. We wear flat caps. We race whippets ...
DE: Yeah, but that's all true isn't it? No, Benjamin Law, like he's got a genuinely fascinating story to tell. And he's about to tell us what it feels like to have that out in the public domain.
ECH: Ey up.
DE: Ey up, indeed.
Today our guest on Running Free is actually one of my personal heroes, I have to admit it. Benjamin Law. He's a writer, a journalist, a researcher a radio broadcaster, and he co-hosts, Stop Everything a pop culture show on Radio National but I've always found him funny and smart and clever. Hello Benjamin, my personal hero.
Benjamin Law: Hi Denise. Thank you so much for taking the $1,000 check we arranged prior, to say all those lovely things about me.
DE: So, easy. I was so happy to bank it actually, I bloody mean it. Tragic. But yeah ...
BL: Lovely. Thank you so much. Also, by the way, when you introduced me with all that roll call of things that I actually do for a living, first of all thank you for saying I'm not a comedian. Not that I don't have anything against comedians. It's just often people call me a comedian. I'm like, "have I done standup?" But you also pointed out "researcher", which often people don't know about me, but I have been a researcher in a lot of my work. I still am, but a lot of people often skip that. So I actually liked that you brought that up.
DE: Well good. Because it was actually one of the things that we are going to talk a little bit about, your research, but that comes later because actually you're... I want to understand what's involved in telling your personal stories because so many of us think that we have a personal story in us and, and you've had an amazing personal story which you've shared on virtually every platform. So, that's what we're going to talk about as a micro skill today.
BL: Let's dig deep, well...
DE: Who are you? What's your background? And we've only got half an hour, so make it brief.
BL: Well, look, this is a good question for anyone who's listened in and going, "Who is this guy and why am I listening?" But so I'm ... I mean, so all those things that you said I am writer ... Look when I put down on a form what my occupation is, I usually just say writer. Writer and broadcaster is the easiest way, but to be honest, you know what I do and where I've come from ... The shortest answer is, I'm like that little weedy gay Asian-Australian kid in most Australian suburbs who had dreams of something big, Denise, and those dreams were to be an actor on Home and Away. And when that didn't turn out, I tried writing and it's ... and it's worked out great, actually. `
DE: What were the barriers to you becoming an actor on Home and Away.
BL: Ah, you know, my face, my lack of acting ability. You know, the fact that I grew up in like a coastal suburb in Queensland that was not near the, you know, the film and TV industry whatsoever. Also, I'm not a good actor. When I was growing up as well, like, I'm totally happy with how I look now, but I can honestly say I was one of the rattiest, strangest looking kids. You know, I had really bad acne. My mouth was just full of orthodontics. That is not a face that belonged on Home and Away, quite frankly.
DE: Actually, there was sort of a little bit of a serious intent behind that question because equally from your cultural background, it was probably always going to be a barrier to get you, you know, onto Home and Away. And is that sort of one of the motivations that led you to telling your own stories in the way in which you do?
BL: Of course. I mean, growing up, the funny thing was we were one of the very few Asian-Australian families in my neighbourhood. And when I turned on the television there were very few Asian-Australian faces on television. So that just gave me the impression from my neighbourhood and my access to the media, because it was a largely pre-Internet that Australia must've just been all white. And even by that stage we were one of the most multicultural nations on the planet. And so now that I now live in cities and I understand what multiculturalism actually is in this country – you know, like one in five of us speak languages, other than English at home; a quarter of us were born overseas – with that in mind, I think there's a huge kind of discrepancy between our neighbourhoods, our workplaces, our communities, our schools, versus what we actually present on television. And for some people that that might not be a big issue but I really do think that when you're a storyteller and that's what the media and the arts are, you do have a responsibility to tell the stories in the full range and diversity of what those stories actually are out there.
DE: And of course, you sort of burst into my life and probably the lives of many, many Australians through The Family Law. We're going to just play a little at clip here first because I don't believe anybody on the planet hasn't seen it, but here's a trailer for the third season. Let's have a look at this.
The Family Law Season 3 | Trailer by Matchbox Pictures
View here: https://youtu.be/57L362rJrf0
DE: What led you to write The Family Law?
BL: Well ...
DE: The book I guess, is the first question.
BL: I mean, this probably is an indication of how unambitious I am in some ways, because I actually didn't have any ideas to write The Family Law as a book. I submitted two essays to an anthology group, 'Growing up Asian in Australia'. And I was like, "Oh yeah, I grew up Asian in Australia, I'll just write to that." And it was edited by Alice Pung who wrote His Father's Daughter and Unpolished Gem. Really, really fantastic writer and a really dear friend of mine nowadays. And they published both of the essays that I wrote for the book and the publisher, Chris Pike from Black Inc. Books was like, "Do you have a book up your sleeve?" and I absolutely didn't. So of course I said, "Yes". I just, I didn't have an A to Z linear narrative or really a memoir in a traditional form that I wanted to write. But I was reading a lot of David Sedaris at the<|fim_middle|> to put myself down. It's just, I didn't come from the world of screen prior to creating and co-writing this show. And so I was really as much as the first season, especially with me writing this TV show. It was this massive education. It felt like a four year degree that was shoved into the making of one season. So with Tony and Debbie, as executive producers with Sophie Miller being the show runner and producer. It was really Sophie, our other producer, Julie Eckersley, really framing what the show would be. And then I would be collaborating with them. You know, television is such a collaborative exercise and I trusted them because I trusted their judgment from day one. I didn't go with Matchbox straight away. There were a few different counter offers about how to make The Family Law from different production companies. But I trusted this company because I knew what were trying to make was the same thing that I was trying to make.
DE: How much drama license is there between the book and the series?
BL: Oh, so much. I mean, most of it's fictionalised in a way. And we decided very early on that we weren't, well, we're not making a documentary, right? And plus the structure of the book is nonexistent. It's a collection of essays. There's no structure to it whatsoever. It's a hot mess. And television is all about structure; three acts, one episode, six episodes over one time period. You know it's very, very, just so how television is constructed. So of course, you know, all of those acts are fictionalised. We brought the show to present day, so that signals straight away that we've departed from my life. And at the same time though, I can confirm that there are some scenes in the show that almost played beat for beat, like they did in real life. And some of the key scenes like my mom kicking my dad out of the house, the way in which the show portrays that is very similar to what happened. The way in which I came out as gay to my parents. I mean like the conversation that happened in real life was such bizarre comedy champagne anyway. We're like, well let's just go straight in the work's already done for us. But of course we're providing a lot of narrative scaffolding around that in order to make sure that as an episode of television, it can really work. You know, real life is kind of a bit more messy and shambolic, than a half hour television comedy. So you've got to create a lot of stuff around that to make sure that it works as a TV show.
DE: And of course the other important sort of aspect of your public storytelling has been you know, your life as a gay man, as a young Asian gay man. And there's a couple of things that I wanted to talk to you about with that. And the first thing is I was really interested, Or I've not read yet, Gaysia [Adventures in the Queer East], is that how you say it? And exploring Asia as a gay man – Why? And tell me about it.
BL: Well, coming out of The Family Law, which was a memoir that I was just writing in my own, at that stage a living room I( didn't have an office) and just focusing on my family and memories for so long. I mean, that is not a recipe for robust mental health. You know what I mean? Like you're cooped up in doors, you're not researching. And the the thing that I really like doing is getting out there and getting other people's stories. And when you're just telling your own story over and over again, and then you're editing your own story, it does kind of feel a bit gross. And for my next project I wanted to get out there, look at other people's lives other people's stories At the same time, the other thing that was happening was I was really interested in a lot of LGBTIQA+ stories from overseas. And a lot of them were in Asia, and also as child of migrants, you also raised with this, what if question, right? Like what if, what would my life have been like if I was born, in my case, in China, where my dad was born or in Malaysia, where my mum was born. What would my life be like if I was in Hong Kong where my cousins live for instance. As a gay person in the 21st century, what does that look like? And so it became this journalistic endeavour not to capture the entirety of the queer experience in Asia, because that's impossible; that would be like asking, "What is it like to be a woman in Australia?" Like the only way that you can do that is to look at different case studies that can't really represent anything beyond themselves but hopefully illuminates something about that particular ... not even just country, but that particular situation. So that was a good maybe two and a half years, I think, from memory, (gosh, it was such a long time ago) of traveling and researching on and off between Australia and Asia.
DE: And I mean, when I was actually researching talking to you today, one of the things that I was really interested in talking to you about is Deep Water, the true story, which was the SBS drama. And I noticed that you were a researcher and I think producer or associate producer, or something like that.
BL: Yeah. So there were actually two projects that were called Deep Water. There was Deep Water, the drama, and there was Deep Water, the real story, which was the feature length documentary that accompanied the drama. So these projects were produced in tandem by Blackfella [Films] to be screened on SBS. And they were about the spate of gay hate crimes between the seventies and the nineties in Sydney that resulted in dozens and dozens of men, queer men, killed in these hate crimes. So there was the drama and I worked on the documentary side of things. I worked as associate producer and researcher going through a lot of archives, police records and things like that. So I became one of those people that you see in, you know micro film detective montage sequences, essentially.
DE: How did you cope with what you were reading and what you were hearing when you were doing that documentary.
BL: Look, I have to admit, there are some things that I saw and encountered in the research process that part of you feels like maybe it would have been better for my mental health if I hadn't had seen that. Because there are things that you really cannot unsee like photographs from crime scenes. When you go to interview people who worked on crime scenes or interview people at morgues and they show you images and you're like, "Whoa, wow, that is, that is really intense". But at the same time as a researcher you do feel that responsibility to bear witness. You know, why are we telling these stories in the first place?
DE: I could talk to you about that one for ages, but I am going to move on now to Torch the Place because it was your first play. And I know that you said in one of the pieces I was reading, that your family were hoarders. So tell me, just summarise Torch the Place for me because it wasn't so much based on your view, on discrimination as such, it was more sort of an internal family problem, wasn't it?
BL: Yeah, of course. So Torch the Place was a play that I wrote for Melbourne Theatre Company and we almost finished it just before coronavirus. We just missed out on having our final bows, but that's okay. We're much luckier than a lot of other productions out there. And it was a play that I wrote because I just love family horror, comedy-dramas. And I love the format of, you know, stories like August: Osage County where it's a family coming together for a reunion and all these fights and secrets and recriminations are gonna come out. Give me a dysfunctional family coming back for a reunion, I'm there. And so I wrote a version of that where the central problem of this family or the central kind of conundrum is hoarding. So, you know, both of my parents as a lot of migrant background parents in Australia, a lot of parents generally, I think, you know held onto a lot of stuff when we were growing up. And part of that comes from that sense of not wanting to waste anything. If you're from a migrant or refugee background, especially you really know the value of stuff. You don't waste things. And then I think another part of that conversation is also about mental health as well. You know, proper hoarding, compulsive hoarding does come from a place of trauma, not just loss, because if that was the case, you know, there wouldn't be wealthy or rich hoarders of which there are plenty. And so I wanted to take this topic that has been looked at and reported but I think mostly in a sensationalised way, to humanise what's actually going on there. You know we've watched reality TV shows with hoarders. We've seen the tabloid news articles about the hoarders down the street, all that sort of stuff. But, what has actually happened to that person and that family for them to actually reach that state. And so it's a very serious conversation. One that braids together big conversations like mental health, real estate, late capitalism, you know, disaster capitalism, big, big conversations. And I think one of the best ways to access big conversations is through comedy, you know. To be able to make really intimidating conversations less intimidating is through laughter. And that's why I wrote a black comedy about all of it.
DE: It's universal stories that you're telling. And that's so much sort of a progression I think from maybe where you started a little bit. Is that fair?
BL: Yeah, you pick up on a really interesting point because I think sometimes when people see a play like Nakkiah's [Lui] work or my work there are going to be aspects of it that are about, in her case Aboriginality, in my case about sexual identity, about ethnicity, but there are some aspects or some ideas that we're trying to approach, that mightn't have anything to do with race or cultural background. And one of the really gratifying things say with The Family Law was how many audience members said "Oh my gosh, thank you for telling my family story". And these are like white people or Greek-Australians or whatever. And you know your immediate instinct is, wait, what are you talking about? But of course for them, they saw what we were trying to make. We wrote a comedy for the first three seasons that was about divorce, and for the third season about coming out. You know, it happened to be an Asian-Australian family and with Torch the Place, what was really gorgeous was I saw many productions of it. You know, I'd be in the crowd seeing how the play was turning out and just hearing conversations of, you know, Jewish women or Greek women saying, "Oh my gosh, you know, that's my, that's our family story". And maybe it really shouldn't be a surprise because I've seen enough shows and TV shows and movies that really feel like something I relate to. And of course the characters are all white, you know but that's basic human empathy and storytelling right? We really showcase the specifics and out of the specifics come these universal resonances and you know, like we don't go to plays with majority white casts and say, "Wow, what a really great representation of white storytelling or what a really great representation of a Caucasian family." It's because we've had enough of those stories, a diversity of those stories where that doesn't really matter so much. And so yes, on one hand I'm really, really cognisant and conscious of the fact that I want to showcase Asian-Australian stories. And at the same time, not conversely, I think simultaneously, I also want to make sure that we're growing the richness of that so that we can tell stories that aren't ostensibly about race as much as those stories also matter, simultaneously.
DE: And for an audience member look like me, I'm just bloody delighted to see the number of fantastic Asian-Australian actors on my screens. I mean, it's ... Anyway, look I could bang on about that as well, but, you know I get so frustrated that it's only white Australian actors and it's just, I think that's what I've loved so much about your work is that you and a whole bunch of people right, you know, like all sorts of people have now brought forward a much more cultural diversity on our screens. And for that, I thank very, very much
BL: Oh, that's very kind Denise. It does remind me, I mean, I was at a summit in New Zealand last year, actually in Auckland. And we were having similar conversations you know, the Kiwis and the Ozzies because you know, the Kiwi storytelling tradition has always incorporated Maui migrant pacquiao right? Like all of these conversations ...
DE: Absolutely
BL: ...represented in their fullness. And I think in Australia maybe ... sometimes I get the sense we're a little bit behind which makes it sound like a race, which it isn't, but there is an imperative that we tell these stories that we all, actually it's not out of charity that we're telling minority stories. We're telling them because we think there's originality there. We think there's important storytelling there, and you know, I think that's represented in audience numbers and box office sales and things like that.
DE: Oh totally. Totally. And as, as a New Zealander that's absolutely how I grew up. And I was bloody thrilled that I did. I'd like to just sort of move to the end of the interview now. Cause I've taken up a lot of your time and we're almost out of it. There are people out there that will have their own stories to tell. I guess my first question is what would you do differently now, if anything and it may not be, about telling your own personal stories on the various platforms that you've told them on.
BL: I don't actually think I would do anything differently and that's not, that's not the same thing as saying I did everything correctly. It's more that the stories that I was telling at that time were the right stories for then, like certainly there are parts of The Family Law the book where I'm like, "Oh my gosh, I really would not write that the same way anymore". That's not the same as saying, "I wish I'd written it differently," because I think it's almost like a tattoo, right? You know that was a time in place and it might not suit you anymore. But it's a reminder that that was the person. And that in my case was the writer that I was at that stage. It's a time capsule. And it reached the people that it could and it affected them in the ways that, that it was meant to.
DE: What's your advice to people. How do people start to tell their own stories? Can you pick on any, I'm sure you're asked this stuff all the time. What do they leave out? How do they start? What do you do?
BL: I think the answer is actually in your question Denise. You have to start. And I think that's one of the scariest things for a lot of people. You know, being faced with the blank page. But what I would really encourage people is, often people try to be super ambitious, like want to write their memoir, which I would say that's kind of like trying to run a marathon before you've really even trained for one. You've got to have smaller goals. So instead of trying to write a book try to write a short essay, that's 600 words, 650 words. See what that feels like. And after you've done that maybe try to write a 1,500 word piece. Try to write lists you know, like 30 things that I wish I had known before I'd turned 21 and make it a fun exercise. So that's the first step, to actually just start, and beyond that it really depends on the kind of story that you're trying to tell. So if you want to get into screenwriting making sure that you've joined the Australian Writers Guild and you know, what resources are out there. If you're into prose or feature writing, or you want to write a book or a novel, you know, get in touch with your state or territory writer's centre. I know that this sounds like it's not mystical stuff anymore. Like I'm giving you resources right? But that's where you have to start. You have to find out, what resources are out there. If you're not going to go to university to study this stuff you know, maybe do a short course or a weekend course or a year course that's delivered online by your state or territory writer's centre and start figuring out ways to do that. You know there are really great books about writing that you can get on top of, but you kind of have to ... I think the biggest advice that I'd give is incorporate it into routine. It's kind of like exercise. You're not going to do it unless it becomes habit. So if you can make it a daily habit and make it an achievable one Not writing a book, but writing an hour a day that's more what you need to aim towards.
DE: That is a brilliant way to end. And I really want to say an enormous, thank you. It's been an absolute privilege talking to you today.
BL: Thanks Denise, thank you. It's been such a joy talking to you.
DE: No, it's been great. So that's it for Running Free for this session. I've got to say thank you to ACMI who have so patiently recorded this and edited it and done everything for us. And don't forget, if you want to know more about what we do at Media Mentors do check out our webpage, which is mediamentors.com.au. Thanks again for watching. See you next time.
DE: Thank you Ben,
BL: Thanks Denise.
DE: that was really great.
BL: I loved it.
DE: What a gorgeous chat, really appreciate it. | time, someone who I still love and adore and read everything that he writes, and I was like, "I can't ... I don't think I can write a memoir-memoir but I can write a collection of essays." And then as I was writing it, I realised all the essays were about my family. So it became The Family Law. Very clever play on words, of course. And that's that. And that was the starting point for it becoming a book. And that was a starting point for the book becoming a TV show.
DE: Before we move into the TV show. How did your family take to that? I mean, what negotiations did you do with your family about this exploration of their lives in public?
BL: Well, with the book, it was totally kind of okay because by that stage I was writing for Frankie Magazine, quite a bit. And I was writing about my family quite a bit. And I was learning about the lines that I could and couldn't cross. And I was quite consultative in whatever I wrote about them. I made sure that they got to read a copy. And then I do remember when I got the book contract I'm like, "Hey, guess what everyone, I've got a book contract and they we're like, "Yay." And I'm like, "And it's also about us" And they were like, "Arg, arg". But when I sent them all copies of the manuscript, you know, months before it came out, most of the feedback was about spelling and grammar. That just gives you an idea of what my family's like. And even my dad who, you know ... I hope that I've been fair to him in the book. At the same time, I did worry about what he thought, how I thought I had portrayed him. And he was like, "Look, I have to be honest, I haven't even read the manuscript". Like I've given him months by this stage. And he's like, I probably won't either. It's not because he doesn't care. He's just a very busy man and he's not a big reader. And he's like, "Ah, but if, I understand that if, you know I'd written a book, it'd be different. If your mom had written a book, it'd be different. And I am going to trust you and your readers to hopefully understand the same thing". He was extremely Zen about it. But I do think that the television shows a much more different prospect. You know, books are a bit more of a private experience, but a TV show is quite public. And I think that was another level of confrontation for my family. It was quite intense. But in the end they read the scripts. They loved what they were seeing. They met all the actors. Each of us has like the mini-me version of us out there in terms of the actors that portrayed versions of us. So it's quite cute.
DE: You worked with of course, a brilliant Tony Ayres and Debbie Lee, who, I mean, they're also, but not quite my big heroes as you are, right?
BL: I love both of those people, they're the producers of The Family Law.
DE: Yeah, so how much actual say did you have in how your book was taken and made into that series?
BL: Well, a lot but at the same time, I was also the dumbest person in the room and I don't say that | 722 |
Today's Dish: Hartford Yard Goats welcomes one millionth fan
Today's Dish
by: Joyce Ogirri
The Dunkin' Donuts Park reached a huge milestone. On Saturday, their one millionth<|fim_middle|>avie wins Travelers Championship on Sunday. This was Reavie's second PGA tour victory and his first since 2008.
Flying Wallendas Nik And Lijana safely crossed each other 25 stories above Times Square on a high wire.
'Toy Story 4' tops the weekend box office bringing in $118 million. The best bow of any of the films in the franchise's 24-year history and the fourth-largest opening ever for an animated film.
'Scamp The Tramp' took top honors at the 31st annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest in California.
The goal of the annual competition is to bring attention to the needs of rescued dogs. Scamp and his owner won a trophy, a $1,500 prize and a trip to New York.
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(WTNH) — One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. Today marks 50 years as man on the moon.
Today the rocket launched from the Kennedy space center in Florida and sent Apollo 11 into orbit. Four days later, humans landed on the moon the first time ever. | fan walked the gates to the park in Hartford.
Chris Bruff grew up in Bloomfield. It was the Bruff family's first time at Dunkin' Donuts Park.
Chez Re | 39 |
Her new husband Nick Jonas gifted her a nearly $200,000 Maybach this week<|fim_middle|> a Tiffany's in London to buy it.
Priyanka's 26-year-old husband gave her the Maybach to celebrate the Jonas Brothers' reunion single Sucker topping the Billboard Hot 100.
'When the hubby goes number one.. the wifey gets a @maybach !! Introducing.. Extra Chopra Jonas.. haha .. I love you baby!! Yaaay! Best husband ever.. @nickjonas,' she wrote on Instagram alongside an album of them posing in front of the car.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, as she is now, was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last month and explained that she 'always wanted to' obtain Nick's surname.
He Sang in the Belly of the Earth I love to sing Psalm 16, because it's a psalm of joy and gladness in God's goodness.
Adele and Simon Konecki Break Up: See Their Love Story Through the Years We're rolling in the deep over this celebrity split. | .
And Priyanka Chopra radiated glamour when she was glimpsed this Thursday emerging from the vehicle in Beverly Hills.
The 36-year-old flashed her midriff in a button-up crop top, slipping into fitted jeans and lending herself a bit of extra stature on high-heeled black boots.
Accentuating her screen siren features with makeup, she accessorized with cat-eye sunglasses and a gleaming watch on her day out.
The Bihar-born daughter of military doctors could be seen wearing the glittering engagement ring Nick gave her after shutting down | 111 |
The artwork 'Drop' can be heard in the hotel's lifts and seen in the corridor of the 7th floor. The artist Kymat created the calming sound of water, which was then photographed and visualised in an impressive way by Thomas Koch.
The sound becomes visible in<|fim_middle|>'s album 'Good Vibrations', enabling them to hear and sense what is visualised in the water-sound-images, which can be seen on the 7th floor. | a water-sound-image installation. With the help of a loudspeaker and clever lighting, a wave pattern is created in a water container. Depending on the frequency and set up, individual structures – some static, some moving – appear on the surface of the water, which are then photographed in Thomas Koch's Kymatic laboratory. These water-sound-images are a process of alternating chaos and order, as occurs constantly in nature. The orderly, static patterns and forms can be found in the world of flowers, plants, animals and people.
In the lifts at Scandic Hamburg Emporio, guests are accompanied from the dark sea bed to the bright surface of the water by the song 'Drop' from Kymat | 144 |
Cash -
FedNotes
Consumer Payments and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the April 2021 Supplemental Survey
Author(s): Shaun O'Brien
Download PDF (243 kb)
Download Chart Data (70 kb)
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve's national Cash Product Office (CPO), Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston have collaborated to conduct three supplemental COVID-19 surveys. These surveys were fielded to better understand how the pandemic disrupted consumer payments and shopping behavior. The three surveys were fielded in April 2020, August 2020, and April 2021 as part of the University of Southern California's COVID-19 longitudinal survey.1 The third supplemental survey took place between April 15th and May 25th and focused on consumer cash holdings, shopping behavior, and coin use. This paper reports findings from the most recent supplemental COVID-19 survey, which finds that the patterns of consumer behavior established in late summer 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hold true, despite the facts that COVID-19 cases have decreased and that businesses have reopened for indoor and outdoor services in the United States.
The high-level findings from this survey are:
Consumers continue to hold more store of value cash compared to pre-pandemic amounts.
Consistent with the findings in the April and August 2020 supplemental surveys, fewer consumers are making in-person payments compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The share of individuals making in-person payments and using cash in April 2021 declined slightly compared to August 2020.
Consumers continue to state that they are not affected by coin allocations implemented by the Federal Reserve, and the share of individuals redeeming, or depositing coin remains low.
Overall, the data shows that consumer cash holdings behavior and payment choice continue to deviate from pre-pandemic trends. The average value of store of value cash continued to increase with April 2021 holdings at $325, an increase of approximately $80 compared to pre-pandemic values reported in October 2019.2 3 While average store of value holdings increased, the average value of money consumers held in their pocket, purse, or wallet remained consistent compared to pre-pandemic levels at around $70.
Although overall demand for cash has increased throughout the pandemic, the share of individuals who reported making an in-person payment over the previous 30 days remains well below pre-pandemic levels at 56 percent in April 2021. In addition, of those making an in-person payment, the share of consumers making a cash payment in the last 30 days also declined to 58 percent, down from 73 percent in August.
Fewer individuals reportedly made in-person payments even as Federal Reserve coin inventory levels were declining just as they were in the Spring in 2020.4 Even with U.S. Mint production of new coins, the available coin supply was insufficient to meet order demand from depository institutions due to the continued slowdown in circulation of coin associated with the reduced use of cash in transactions. As a result, the Federal Reserve once again limited coin orders starting in May 2021. Prior to the pandemic, the Federal Reserve received 7-8 coins back in deposits for every 10 coins it paid out in orders. Since the pandemic, the Federal Reserve continues to only receive 3-4 coins back for every 10 coins it pays out. Despite this second round of coin allocations, most consumers continue to experience little disruption when receiving change. Similar findings were reported in August 2020, shortly after the first coin allocation policy was implemented. These seemingly contradictory results may indicate that, while many individuals are not making in-person cash payments and therefore not experiencing issues receiving coin, those who are making in-person cash payments are doing so more often than in August 2020 resulting in greater demand for coin.
Methodology: Supplemental COVID-19 Surveys
To learn about consumers' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve conducted supplemental surveys by adding between 8 and 12 questions to the COVID-19 tracking survey fielded by University of Southern California. These supplemental surveys were conducted throughout the pandemic to supplement data collected from the annual Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (Diary) studies in October of 2019 and 2020. The supplemental surveys investigated how the pandemic's extraordinary disruption affected payments, consumers' cash holdings, shopping behavior, and coin use and circulation. The panel structure of these supplemental surveys meant that many respondents to the October 2019 and October 2020 Diary studies also participated in the supplemental surveys.
Two previous papers that were published by the CPO reported results from the April and August 2020 supplemental surveys.5 The first paper reported results for 2,737 individuals who also participated in the October 2019 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (Diary) and the second supplemental paper reported results for 2,605 individuals who took part in both the October 2019 Diary as well as the first supplemental survey. However, continuing this same methodology and including only individuals who participated in both the 2019 and 2020 annual Diary studies as well as the two previous supplemental studies would have reduced the panel for this analysis to only 817 participants. This would have excluded more than three quarters of the participants from the final supplemental survey.6 Thus, rather than, excluding such a large number of participants, the data in this paper reports the results for all participants from each survey. As a result, the data reported here differ from previous publications, but it is important to note the overall conclusions reached in the previous papers are not affected.
Table 1: Dates and contents of supplementary surveys and contents
Panel Sample Size
Full Sample
First supplemental survey Respondents to the 2019 DCPC and to supplemental survey 1 2,737 6,287
Second supplemental survey Respondents to the 2019 DCPC, supplemental survey 1, and supplemental survey 2 2,605 6,238
Third supplemental survey Respondents to the 2019 and 2020 DCPC, supplemental survey 1, and supplemental survey 2 817 6,052
This paper would not have been possible without the support and contributions of the following individuals. From the Atlanta Fed: Kevin Foster, Claire Greene, Marcin Hitczenko, Brian Prescott, and Oz Shy. From the Boston Fed: Joanna Stavins and Ruth Cohen. From the San Francisco Fed: Tom Flannigan, Simon Kwan, and Justin Wray. From the Cash Product Office: Alexander Bau, Benjamin Gold, Jamie Law, Louise Willard, Kathleen Young, and Roger Replogle.
1. Cash Demand Remained High Throughout Pandemic
Since mid-March 2020, the demand for U.S. currency has been unprecedented. The Federal Reserve has provided more than $350 billion in net cash orders paid to banks and credit unions as consumer demand for cash continued to increase throughout the pandemic. To understand how consumer cash holdings and shopping behavior changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve included questions about cash holdings in each of the three supplemental surveys to augment the data from the annual Diary of Consumer Payment Choice.
Average Value of Cash Held per U.S. Customer:
Pocket, Purse, or Wallet
View chart as text +
October 2017: $61
April 2020: $78
August 2020: $69
The April 2021 cash holdings data shows two important results. First, there was no significant change in the amount of cash held in one's pocket, purse, or wallet (on-person cash holdings) as holdings in April 2021 were about $69, unchanged from August 2020 (Figure 1).7,8 Second, store-of-value cash holdings (cash held in one's home, car, or elsewhere) have continued to increase throughout the pandemic as the average value increased to $326 (Figure 2), an increase of $92 compared to October 2020.9 Since October 2019, store of value cash holdings have increased 35 percent while the value of currency in circulation increased approximately 20 percent.
Figure 2 also shows the results for two different store of value questions; the data points in red show the results when participants were asked to report their cash holdings by denomination and the data points in blue show the results when participants were asked to report their aggregate cash holdings. For each annual Diary study, participants report their cash holdings by denomination. However, due to the limitations of the supplemental surveys, respondents were initially asked to report aggregate cash values rather than a denominational breakdown.
Currency in Circulation and Store of Value Cash
Holdings by Question Type
Month and Year
Store of Value Holdings Aggregate
Store of Value Holdings by Denomination
Currency in Circulation
October 2017 $199 $1,585,186,000,000
April 2020 $363 $1,910,511,000,000
August 2020 $410 $2,013,961,000,000
April 2021 $418 $326 $2,163,465,000,000
The difference in how participants were asked to report their holdings may have caused the differences in cash holdings between the supplemental data from April and August 2020 and the annual Diary studies. In October 2020, participants reported average store of value holdings to be about $300, a significant decline when compared to the $410 average holdings that were reported in August 2020. This result was surprising especially as the value of currency in circulation continued to increase over that same period. To test whether the participant data entry method was causing the difference or whether store of value holdings declined in October, the April 2021 survey randomly assigned participants to report cash holdings either as an aggregate value or by counting and reporting holdings by denomination.10
The supplemental survey results from April 2021 showed the average value of on-person holdings was $70 when reported in aggregate and $69 when reported by denomination. These values were similar to previously reported holdings in the April and August 2020 supplemental surveys as well as the October 2020 Diary, suggesting the data entry method by participants did affect reported on-person cash holdings.11 However this was not the case when participants reported their store<|fim_middle|>9 Pandemic: A Supplement to the 2020 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice." Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Cash FedNotes.
Kumar, Raynil and Shaun O'Brien. 2019. "2019 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice." Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Cash FedNotes.
1. Additional information regarding the Understanding America Study panel, COVID-19 surveys and data can be found at the University of Southern California Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research website Understanding America Study (usc.edu)
2. Cash holdings from April 2021 are compared to October 2020 as these values provide a more accurate comparison because of how participants were asked to enter their cash holdings. A more detailed description of how cash holdings were reported is provided in section 1.
3. Participants were asked to report both the value of cash held in one's pocket, purse, or wallet, which is considered on-person holdings, and cash held in one's home, care, or elsewhere, which is considered store of value cash holdings
4. In pre-pandemic times, coin inventories generally decline in the early spring decline before increasing throughout late spring. However, during these past two years, deposits have not rebounded which resulted in the Federal Reserve implementing a coin allocation in the spring the last two years.
5. See Consumer Payments and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Supplement to the 2020 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice and Payments and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Second Supplement to the 2020 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice.
6. The large decline in the number of panel participants from the 2020 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice was due to two factors. First, two versions of the 2020 Diary were fielded to allow testing of new and different versions of survey questions. Second, new Diary participants were asked to participate to determine whether previous experience with the Diary affected survey responses.
7. The chart shows the average value by denomination which was truncated at the 99 percent level. The average on-person cash holdings reported by aggregate results was $70 which was also truncated at the 99 percent level.
8. While some portion of these differences may be related to seasonality, order and receipt volume to and from the Federal Reserve suggests the largest seasonality differences are between late November/ early December and late January/ early February. These large swings in volume correspond to increased cash volume related to the holiday season and the subsequent "flowback" of cash to the Federal Reserve.
9. Previous supplemental papers only report results for those who also participated in the October 2019 study.Please see the section "Note Regarding COVID-19 Supplemental Surveys" above.
10. The random assignment was applied for both on-person cash holdings as well as cash stored elsewhere questions.
11. The assumption is this on-person cash isused for making payments or as a backup payment option.
12. Values of cash stored elsewhere are truncated at the 99 percent level.
13. A different version of this question which asked whether merchants refused to accept cash was included in the first supplemental survey in April 2020.
14. See: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's Diary of Consumer Payment Choice-Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and USC's Understanding America Study.
DATA AND INFORMATION
Survey and Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, data, tables, and reports for download.
U.S. Coin Task Force, #getcoinmoving
UNDERSTANDING CORONAVIRUS IN AMERICA
The project described here relies on data from surveys administered by the Understanding America Study (UAS), which is maintained by the Center for Economic and Social Research at the University of Southern California (USC). The content of this paper is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of USC or UAS. The collection of the UAS COVID-19 tracking data is supported in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and by grant U01AG054580 from the National Institute on Aging, and many others. | of value holdings. Participants entering aggregate values reported average holdings of $418, which is $92 more than the average holdings of those who reported by denomination.12 Despite this difference, it is not known which method of reporting is more accurate. On the one hand, asking individuals to report the store of value holdings by denomination is burdensome and may result in underreporting. On the other hand, asking individuals to report aggregate values may result in overreporting as respondents may not recall periodically drawing down of their cash holdings. Additional analysis and research will be required to understand these differences. Nevertheless, using the data from either question format, we find that consumers have increased their cash holdings to values above pre-pandemic levels.
2. As of April 2021, 6 in 10 Consumers Shop In-Person
Throughout the pandemic, the share of individuals making in-person payments has remained well below pre-pandemic levels. In April 2020, only one-third of individuals reported making an in-person payment since early March 2020. However, in-person payments rebounded in August 2020 when the second supplemental survey found the share of consumers making at least one in-person payment in the last 30 days jumped from 34 percent to 60 percent; a similar share was reported in April 2021. These results suggest that the shopping habits developed during the pandemic have been slow to change and continue to deviate from pre-pandemic trends, at least until this point.
Share of Participants
Reporting In-Person Payments in
Previous 30 Days
October 2019: 96%
April 2020: 34%
August 2020: 60%
The latest data shows this has been the case for the share of people making in-person cash payments as well. Only 58 percent of consumers reported making cash payments over the last 30 days in April 2021, a similar share reported in April of last year and well below the 73 percent share reported in August 2020 (Figure 4). As discussed in the paper "2021 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice", much of the increase in not-in-person payments took place at grocery stores, sit-down restaurants, and fast-food locations; generally, places where cash use was common before the pandemic. As we await data from the upcoming annual Diary study, it will be interesting to see how consumers make payments at these traditionally in-person merchants and whether cash payments increase compared to data from 2020.
Use Cash for Any in-
Person Payments?
Yes 57% 73% 58%
No 42% 26% 40%
Unsure 1% 1% 2%
3. Consumers Report Almost No Trouble Getting Change
On May 18, 2021, shortly before the third supplemental survey was completed, limits on coin orders from the Federal Reserve were implemented for a second time. This second round of coin allocations is noteworthy because the consumer survey data does not align as "cleanly" as it did during the first allocations implemented in June 2020. In the summer of 2020, the share of consumers making in-person cash payments had increased relative to the start of the pandemic and this in-turn increased demand for coin. However, it is important to note that the supplemental survey does not contain data on the number of payments consumers made but rather the share of people who are making in-person payments, including cash. Therefore, it is possible that consumers who shopped in-person in April and May 2021, did so more frequently and used cash more often for those in-person purchases, which would increase the demand for coin despite the lower share of people making in-person cash payments compared to August 2020. Even as the circulation of coins remains below pre-pandemic levels and the Federal Reserve again allocated coin orders to banks and credit unions, few consumers report problems receiving change when they use cash, results which remained consistent compared to last August (Figure 5).
Did You Receive Change When Using Cash?
Yes, I received change 78% 80%
No, I paid the exact amount 19% 18%
No, I should have received change but I did not 2% 1%
Unsure 1% 1%
Another reason that people could be making cash payments more frequently is the reduction in merchant steering observed since last summer (Figure 6). Survey respondents were asked how often merchants asked them to use debit or credit cards instead of cash at the in-person point of sale. In August 2020, 45 percent of consumers reported that merchants asked for debit or credit cards at least some of the time,13 and this share declined to 19 percent in April 2021. Also, in April, about two-thirds of consumers reported that merchants never asked then to use cards, up 24 percentage points from August.
How often did sellers ask to use a debit or credit card
instead of cash?
Always 5% 6%
Most of the time 7% 18%
Sometimes 7% 21%
Rarely 11% 11%
Never 66% 42%
Therefore, when consumers do make payments in cash and receive change, that change often ends up in one's car or residence in jars or piggy banks. However, given the limited impact on consumers, there remains little incentive for individuals to use, deposit, or redeem their coins (Figure 7). While consumers reported little disruption in receiving coins, from a supply chain perspective, the Federal Reserve, financial institutions, and retailers have needed to balance how to distribute allocations in as fair and equitable manner as possible.
In the Last 30 Days Have You...
Paid for something using coins?
Deposited coins at a bank?
Redeemed coins at a kiosk?
August 2020 29% 4% 3%
April 2021 26% 3% 3%
If the share of people making in-person payments remains below pre-pandemic levels, then there is a risk of persistent reduced use, deposit, and redemption of coin that will affect the circulation and available supply for some time. Therefore, assuming the share of people shopping in-person continues at current levels, additional and easier methods for using and depositing coin may need to be considered until a new equilibrium between supply and demand is reached.
The third supplemental survey conducted in April 2021 continues to show that consumer shopping behavior has changed throughout the pandemic. As consumers' store of value cash holdings increased to $326, an $80 increase compared to October 2019, so too did the value of currency and coin in circulation which reached $2.18 trillion by the end of May 2021. While the demand for cash remained elevated at the time of writing this paper, the share of people making in-person payments remains depressed and even declined slightly from the 73 percent reported in August to at 56 percent in April. Despite fewer people reporting an in-person payment over the last 30 days, the demand for coin continues to outpace supply. Yet the supply issues for coins are not affecting consumers in a significant way as only four percent report depositing or redeeming coin which may continue to limit circulation as consumers have little incentive to put their coin back into circulation.
In general, the data from the third supplemental survey shows that cash holdings, consumer payments, and shopping behavior have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. As the risk from the pandemic continues, it is difficult to determine whether consumer payment behavior will revert to trends akin to pre-pandemic levels. For example, consumers might maintain an elevated level of cash holdings and continue making an increased share of payments online. Or, perhaps, individuals may prefer to shop in-person and spend down their cash holdings rather than shopping online. Regardless of how the pandemic will continue to affect consumer payment behavior, the 2021 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice will be helpful in providing early insight into how payments will continue to evolve.
Diary of Consumer Payment Choice
Developed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Consumer Payment Research Center (CPRC) and currently managed by the Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice collects data about shopping and payments behavior from a unique, nationally representative survey of consumers administered by the University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research.14
The Federal Reserve's national Cash Product Office (CPO) uses data from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (Diary) to understand consumer cash use and anticipate its ongoing role in the payments landscape. The Diary, a collaboration of the Federal Reserve banks of Atlanta and Boston and the Federal Reserve Cash Product Office, is fielded using USC's Understanding America Study panel, which comprises approximately 9,000 respondents from across the United States.
Supplemental COVID-19 Surveys
The Federal Reserve's national Cash Product Office (CPO) uses data from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (Diary) to understand consumer cash use and anticipate its ongoing role in the payments landscape. Developed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's Consumer Payment Research Center (CPRC) and currently managed by the Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Diary collects data about shopping and payments behavior from a unique, nationally representative survey of consumers administered by the University of Southern California (USC) Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research. USC's Understanding America Study panel of households comprises approximately 9,000 respondents from across the United States, 6,052 of which completed the 27th wave of the COVID-19 series of surveys.
About the Cash Product Office
As the nation's central bank, the Federal Reserve ensures that cash is available when and where it is needed, including in times of crisis and business disruption, by providing FedCash® Services to depository institutions and, through them, to the general public. In fulfilling this role, the Federal Reserve's primary responsibility is to maintain public confidence in the integrity and availability of U.S. currency.
The Federal Reserve System's Cash Product Office (CPO) provides strategic leadership for this key function by formulating and implementing service level policies, operational guidance, and technology strategies for U.S. currency and coin services provided by Federal Reserve Banks nationally and internationally. In addition to guiding policies and procedures, the CPO establishes budget guidance for FedCash® Services, provides support for Federal Reserve currency and coin inventory management, and supports business continuity planning at the supply chain level. It also conducts market research and works with financial institutions and retailers to analyze trends in cash usage.
Coyle, Kelsey, Laura Kim, and Shaun O'Brien. 2021. "Consumer Payments & the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Second Supplement to the 2020 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice." Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Cash FedNotes.
Foster, Kevin, and Claire Greene. 2021. "Consumer behavior in a health crisis: What happened with cash?" Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Policy Hub.
Foster, Kevin, Claire Greene, and Joanna Stavins. 2021. "The 2020 Survey of Consumer Payment Choice: Summary Results." Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Research Data Report 20–3.
Greene, Claire, and Joanna Stavins. 2021. "The 2020 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice." Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Research Data Report 20-4.
Kim, Laura, Raynil Kumar, and Shaun O'Brien. 2020. "2020 Findings from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice." Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Cash FedNotes.
Kim, Laura, Raynil Kumar, and Shaun O'Brien. 2020. "Consumer Payments & the COVID-1 | 2,519 |
Delivery Hero Raises $30 Million in Series D Funding
All, Startup Funding
Berlin-based online food marketplace Delivery Hero<|fim_middle|> Surface "mini" expected to Ship by End of 2013
Media reports suggests that tech giant Microsoft is working on a new tablet called the…
Time to grow slowly!
All businesses want to grow fast but the hardest part about business is being able…
100 million Windows 8 licenses sold, Skydrive hits the 250 million mark
Since its launch six months ago, Windows 8 has been taunted to be a success…
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Google developing Android videogame console, smartwatch
Zynga CEO Pincus Replaced by Xbox Head Mattrick | raised a $30 million series D round bringing its funding total to more than $130 million.
The round was led by Phenomen Ventures, with participation from existing investors Team Europe, Kite Ventures who have participated in Delivery Hero's last three rounds, ru-Net, Tengelmann Ventures, Holtzbrinck Ventures, Point Nine Capital and Kreos Capital.
Founded in October 2010 and led by Niklas Östberg, Delivery Hero which is headquartered in Berlin is a worldwide network of online food ordering sites with more than 600 employees. Delivery Hero currently generates more than $400 million in annual turnover. More than 35,000 restaurants are connected to its service across Sweden, Finland, Poland, Austria, Germany, UK, Denmark, Russia, Australia, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Mexico and India.
As for where the funding will go: Delivery Hero said it will "primarily" invest the follow-on Series D into strengthening its presence in existing markets but also said it plans to "further expand its position: — without specifying whether that means expansion into new markets, or merely ramping up its existing operations.
Written by Regina Timothy
Editor of TechNews Report. Loves all things technology
Microsoft | 260 |
USA Youth Women's Water Polo Takes Fifth At FIN<|fim_middle|>7 USA Diving Synchronized National Championships Headed to Atlanta
Love Swimming? See 12 New Swim Jobs » | A World Championsips
The USA Youth Women's National Team took fifth place at the FINA Youth World Championship in New Zealand following an... Current photo via Mike Lewis/Ola Vista Photography
December 18th, 2016 News, Water Polo
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The USA Youth Women's National Team took fifth place at the FINA Youth World Championship in New Zealand following an 11-10 win over Greece on the final day of play. Paige Hauschild (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal) powered the offense with seven goals in the win while Heidi Ritner (CDM Aquatics/SOPAC) recorded nine saves in net. Team USA finished action in New Zealand with just one loss turning in a 5-1-1 record with wins over Japan, Germany, Greece and China twice. To watch a full replay of the fifth place match, click here. For more information on the tournament, click here.
After the two teams tied 10-10 earlier in the tournament, their rematch proved to be close as well. Greece took a 4-3 lead after the first quarter and a 7-6 lead at halftime. Team USA rallied in the third quarter to even the match at 9-9 after three periods. In the final quarter the United States was able to outscore Greece 2-1 to take the match 11-10.
Team USA went 2/7 on power plays while Greece was 5/7 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.
USA 11 (3, 3, 3, 2) P. Hauschild 7, A. Fischer 2, S. Klass 1, R. Neushul 1
GRE 10 (4, 3, 2, 1)
Saves – USA – H. Ritner 9
5×4 – USA – 2/7 – GRE – 5/7
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – GRE – 0/0
Courtesy of USA Water Polo.
« 201 | 518 |
Of course Literature Circles have been available as a instructional routine for many years now. This post presents a video of students engaged in a Literature Circle that you can show the students as well as all the print materials<|fim_middle|> other to try more challenging texts! | you will need for students to use!!
The resurgence of Literature Circles might seem surprising in light of the new Common Core standards. However, it makes sense given what we know about the standards - pulling evidence from the text, encouraging multiple perspectives, identifying author craft, etc... Plus, Literature Circles allows students the power of choice which is an essential factor in increasing motivation.
Many teachers and students struggle with how to get started. How does it look? What should students talk about? How can the conversation extend beyond just what students wrote on their role sheet? What is important to note is that what students can SEE, student can DO! Included in this post is a video with students modeling what Literature Circles look like, sound like and how they are arranged. This video should be used before students engage in their first Lit Circle. Let them notice what students are doing and what their responsibilities are. This will help reduce their learning curve sharply and motivate them to engage in their own Lit Circle.
B. Discussion and preparation of Literature Circle roles. Attached to this post are the role sheets you can have the students use to prepare.
C. Show the video. Discuss with the students what they notice, what they see students doing and what role the text plays in the their conversations.
D. Have them conduct their very first Literature Circle!
From here, you're off to the races! Students can start to really hone their dialogue skills and challenge each | 289 |
Shares of Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) have fallen by a third this year, from $195 to $133, mainly on worries that have socked the wider health-care sector. The volatility that has gripped the broad market is taking a toll on this group, the best performer since 2011. Public furor over some drug companies' doubling and tripling of product prices is also hurting the sector.
A closer look at the attractions of this specialty pharma company suggests that the drop could be an opportunity to get a fast grower at a relatively reasonable price, according to Henry<|fim_middle|> (JAZZ) have fallen by a third this year, from $195 to $133, mainly on worries that have socked the wider health-care sector. | de Vismes, an investment advisor for wealthy individuals and a 40-year market veteran. His clients own Jazz shares.
The Ireland-domiciled outfit made its name with Xyrem, a drug for daytime sleepiness or narcolepsy. Its sales continue to rise sharply, up 30% in the second quarter, generating roughly 70% of total revenue. Corporate results have been strong—albeit a little choppy—over the past seven years, with revenue up an average of 50% annually, and earnings per share up 40%.
With 19 Xyrem patents that expire from 2019 to 2033, and a nice pipeline, the growth should continue, says de Vismes. A late-stage drug investigation now under way could extend Xyrem to a wider set of patients. And the U.S. is testing Defibrotide, already approved in Europe for patients with obstruction of small veins in the liver.
How cheap is Jazz? Shares trade at 11 times the 2016 consensus analyst estimate of $11.72 a share, up 20% from an estimated $9.66 this year. The money manager calls the P/E ratio compelling, compared with its historical average above 20 and 16 for the broad market, which offers slower growth.
Jazz's fortunes depend mainly on Xyrem right now. That risk, however, should continue to ease as the company brings new drugs to market and broadens its product line into hematology and oncology. As that happens, investors are likely to see a snazzy return from the stock.
Shares of Jazz Pharmaceuticals | 350 |
Camera Tips
Sandy Smith Memorial
Sandy Smith Memorial Photography Competition
The Sandy Smith Memorial Photo Competion is held on the long weekend of June every year. The competition is open to all ages and all level of<|fim_middle|>15 Cudgegong Camera Club. All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by Amber Creative
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The exhibition is held at the CWA hall in Gulgong during the Henry Lawson Festival.
The Sandy Smith Memorial Photography Competition honours our much loved and respected President, Sandy Smith who died suddenly early in 2014. It commemorates Sandy's remarkable life and her contribution to the Club.
Sandy had many passions, none more so than travelling to learn about new cultures and record these experiences through her remarkable photography. Sandy frequently presented her travel photos of interesting places at Club meetings. To acknowledge Sandy's travel and as a way of encouraging others to look outside their world, Cudgegong Camera Club has added a category named "Travel" to its annual Sandy Smith Photography Competition.
Competition is open to professional & amateur photographers.
All entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
Entries must be photographed within the last 2 years.
Digital enhancements are to be kept to those features that "enhance" the existing content of an image such as exposure and tonal adjustments, sharpening, cropping and straightening, and cloning for retouching. Digital enhancement of images is permissible in all classes.
For display purposes it would be appreciated if exhibitors could place velcro on the back corners of each entry.
Framed and images printed on canvas are not permitted and will not be accepted.
All images must be mounted on cardboard or matted.
Entrant's name, entry section and class, sale price or NFS (Not for Sale) must be clearly marked on the back of each entry.
Under 18 & 12 Years –maximum size including mat 40cm x 30cm.
All other Sections maximum size including mat 51cm x 41cm.
Entries exceeding these measurements will not be hung.
Click here to download the Entry Form
Cudgegong Camera Club's Sandy Smith Photography Competition honours our much loved and respected President, Sandy Smith who died suddenly early in 2014. It commemorates Sandy's remarkable life and her contribution to the Club.
Sandy was a remarkable woman - full of life, energy, compassion, generosity, talents, skills, dreams, hope and kindness - qualities that she shared with Cudgegong Camera Club members over many years.
A born teacher (and as a professional for many years) Sandy taught her photography skills and shared her knowledge at Club meetings each month, making sure new and interesting topics were delivered to members and to encourage further participation throughout the community.
Would you like to join our club?
Come along to Club Mudgee (upstairs) on the first Tuesday of the month for our meetings.
We start at 7pm. We welcome beginners to professionals.
$25 Membership - All Welcome!
We are a group of enthusiastic photographers who meet once a month from February to December.
Our club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Upstairs at Club Mudgee at 7pm. All welcome.
Our membership fees are $25 per member paid every year.
Join us of Facebook to keep up-to-date with all our latest news and events.
© Copyright 20 | 629 |
If you live near the Elizabeth area, turn to LLumar's professional<|fim_middle|> look that's polished and professional. Select a tint shade from a variety of choices, ranging from translucent to deep charcoal. When installed by your LLumar dealer, non-reflective window tint provides a uniform look that blends seamlessly with the design of your building. For businesses that need a shiny exterior to increase solar heat rejection, but a less reflective interior for nighttime privacy, a dual-reflective option is also available. Commercial window tint isn't just for the exterior of buildings, though. It can add privacy and style to large conference rooms, bland stairwells, and interior office windows too. Ready to cut your business's energy costs and increase your facility's style? Call or visit the experts at a LLumar window tinting location near Elizabeth to get started!
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When choosing your window tint near Elizabeth, visit a company you know you can trust to get the job done correctly. No matter whether you're looking to tint the windows of your car, office, or home, you'll find a variety of premier tint shades at your nearby location. Our window tint is cut specifically for your office, home, or car windows to make sure it's a perfect fit—every single time, and for every window! Other window films may change color, peel, or bubble, but not ours! They're made to last! Likewise, when your window film is installed by our factory-trained experts, you could get the added assurance of a lifetime limited warranty. This warranty means that in the off-chance your office, car, or home window tint bubbles, fades, or become discolored, we'll remove and replace it free of charge.
Continued exposure to sunlight and heat can damage the interior of your car, especially in the long-term, and cause the upholstery or dash to crack, peel, or fade. LLumar's window tints provide today's drivers with great protection and value for their money. Tinting your car windows means better safeguarding the interior of your car, but also everyone in it, from the sun's heat and harmful rays. Choose from your tinting company's full line of automotive window tint shades, ranging from clear to dark charcoal. The laws in your state may legally limit the level of darkness you can select for your car windows. Call or visit today to review the shades that are within your state's legal guidelines!
When installed by one of our expert technicians, home window tint offers your family additional protection from harmful ultraviolet rays and sometimes, important privacy. Have the windows in your home tinted to help prevent the fading of furnishings, floors, and artwork by the sun. It helps keep out up to 99% of the sun's destructive ultraviolet rays that lead to discoloration and fading. Over the spring and summer months, it helps keep your home at a more comfortable temperature. What's more, once their home window tint was installed, many customers reported seeing their monthly energy bills go down by as much as 15%! As an added bonus, LLumar is LEED-certified, which means you could save even more cash through tax credits and incentives from the city or government.
With window tinting for your business, you can help reduce the strain on your facility's energy bill and achieve a | 649 |
Why the buzz about the Internet of Things and Smart Cities?
When you hear the phrases Smart Cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) do they bring up visions of a futuristic movie theme rather than the fact that Smart Cities already exist on some level today? Or do you think it's really not possible for cities to intelligently apply technology? Then you'll want to continue reading as we think you'll be surprised to learn what's happening around the world.
The Internet of Things is being hailed as the 4th industrial revolution. While there are a range of estimates in circulation, all numbers are staggering. IDC forecasts that the worldwide market for IoT solutions will grow from<|fim_middle|> future use of this solution could be applied to streets and roads to:
broadcast information in real time
obtain exact data on speed, number of cars (in breakdown on lanes)
optimize operation of traffic lights
In this project, First Line Software not only provided the technology solution; we also collaborated with our client to bring the idea to reality and build out the plan for the solution.
How will your company respond and prepare for these opportunities?
While the opportunities are numerous and potential for significant revenues are real. . .companies need to be prepared by partnering with technology providers and developers that possess the skills and experience to walk with them from ideation to planning, from planning to development, from development to implementation. First Line Software stands ready to partner with you for success as you embrace opportunities associated with Smart Cities and the Internet of Things. Contact us today. | $1.9 trillion in 2013 to $7.1 trillion in 2020. Cisco's John Chambers has predicted that $19 trillion in economic value will be created by the Internet of Things.
Altimeter Group defines the Internet of Things as: the interconnection and interaction of the digital and physical worlds, wherein uniquely identifiable embedded technology connects and integrates physical 'things' to information networks via existing and emerging Internet infrastructure. IoT is a platform for connecting people, objects, and environments to inform and enable visibility, engagement, and innovation.
A subset of the market for IoT solutions is that of Smart Cities. Pike Research estimates that Smart City technology investments will increase to $108 billion by 2020. Navigant Research forecasts that global smart city technology revenue will grow from $8.8 billion annually in 2014 to $27.5 billion in 2023.
With such stunning predictions of revenue opportunities, is your city or company prepared to participate in these developments? In this post, we'll take a closer look at the opportunities, existing tools and infrastructure, and examples of embracing the possibilities of the Internet of Things and Smart Cities.
What does the Internet of Things and Smart Cities Mean for Business?
The IoT goes far beyond "device-to-device" connections by connecting humans, devices and "things" that range from roads to plants to buildings to animals to machines. These connections are being linked to one another and the Internet, enabling higher computing power, automation and advanced smart applications. Once these objects are connected and data is collected, relevant information can be relayed to kiosks, digital signage, tablets, wearables, connected transportation mechanisms such as cars, 3D printers, and of course, smartphones.
As cities around the world embrace the Internet of Things and become "Smart Cities", the demand for new products and services that use context-aware networks and sensing infrastructure will increase exponentially. Data-driven technologies are shaping cities for tomorrow.
The city of Barcelona has been participating as a Smart City for several years. Manel Sanroma, chief information officer for the city of Barcelona reported at the CES 2014 Conference that the city has reduced costs by about $3.1 billion a year by installing sensors in public water pipes and parking meters so they are used more efficiently, among other applications. A second example is Barcelona's wirelessly-connected garbage bins that are fitted with sensors to monitor trash levels. The collected data is used to plan the optimal routes for garbage collection and update garbage truck drivers in real time regarding which routes to take, optimizing productivity and reducing waste management service costs.
Sensors will be a key factor in establishing the connections to enable intelligent systems for monitoring and collecting huge amounts of data that can assess current conditions as well as predict future usage and developing situations. In the case of developing situations such as severe weather or natural disasters, alerts can be activated for preparation in the case of severe weather and mitigation of damage from major water leaks. More day-to-day practical applications include smart parking systems, wireless waste management, infrastructure monitoring and building energy management.
This trend is certainly driving remarkable results and there are several reasons why:
Infrastructure continues to improve and stabilize – a number of companies and organizations are partnering up to collaborate on establishing systems. For example, Ericsson Research in cooperation with the Swedish Institute of Computer Science and Uppsala University developed a system called the IoT Framework. The IoT Framework is a computational engine for quantitative information accumulated by sensors connected via any IP network such as the Internet.
Open source sensor platforms now exist – companies are making their technology available as open source platform frameworks. The Sensor Platforms, Inc. framework is designed for sensor data acquisition, communication, and interpretation that is compatible with any CPU architecture or real-time operating system.
Standards are being put in place – again, numerous organizations and companies are working together to establish standards on multiple fronts. Regarding sensors, the Sensor Web Enablement Initiative (SWE) by the OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) has recently gained importance through its maturity and its broad support from research and industry. The SWE seeks to provide open standards and protocols that make sensors discoverable, query-able, and controllable over the Internet.
By now you might be wondering how your company can tap into this trend and the associated revenue opportunities. Let's look at just one example of how one company applied the use of sensors to improve efficiency, attract customers, and increase revenues.
From Isolated Parking Lot to Easily Being Found – Saving Drivers Time and Money
A parking lot operator identified an opportunity. First, there were too many cars for the number of available parking spots. Second, there was no simple way for a driver to know whether there were parking spaces available at the parking lot they had found.
In a study by BBVA research, operator's country was #4 on a list that predicts increases in the number of cars being operated in cities from 2010 - 2020. Other research reported that drivers in the city center were spending 30% of their time searching for an available parking space.
This company had heard about using sensors and live information boards; but they needed a technology partner who could build the system for their multiple parking lots.
Contact was made with First Line Software who worked alongside them from the beginning to create and develop a solution that would not only make for happier drivers; but also increase the parking management company's revenues. This project required:
828 sensors to be installed into the asphalt
137 repeaters are mounted on information boards
25 parking payment terminals were added to the parking lot
Parking lot monitoring system delivered these results:
Reduced parking lot search time by 50% - from 15.6 minutes to 7.6 minutes – saving time and fuel for drivers
Improved rotation of cars by 8% and increased revenues by 11%
Reduced number of cars that were illegally parked or exceeded pre-paid time
This was just the first parking lot of several to be converted into smart parking facilities. Our client has a number of additional lots that will also benefit from this monitoring solution.
It was determined that possible | 1,256 |
COWBOYS-BUCCANEERS ON NBC AND PEACOCK IS MOST-WATCHED NFL KICKOFF GAME SINCE 2015 WITH TOTAL AUDIENCE<|fim_middle|> get their first regular-season look at the sights and sounds of the new and spectacular SoFi Stadium with a full crowd in attendance, as well as the Rams debut of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams host Khalil Mack and Chicago Bears, who welcome two new quarterbacks in Andy Dalton and first-round draft pick Justin Fields.
Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET with Football Night in America, with SNF kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Universo. The new Peacock Sunday Night Football Final follows all SNF games, providing analysis of each Sunday game along with highlights and interviews. | DELIVERY OF 26 MILLION VIEWERS
NBC's NFL Kickoff Game is Most-Watched Show Since Super Bowl LV in February
Cowboys-Buccaneers on Peacock and NBC Sports Digital is Most-Streamed NBC NFL Game, Excluding Super Bowls
Matthew Stafford Makes Los Angeles Rams Debut in First-Regular Season Game with Fans at SoFi Stadium vs. Khalil Mack & Chicago Bears This Sunday on NBC, Peacock and Universo; Coverage Begins with Football Night in America at 7 p.m. ET, Followed by SNF at 8:20 p.m. ET
STAMFORD, Conn. – September 10, 2021 – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' thrilling 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the opening game of the NFL season last night on NBC and Peacock ranks as the most-watched NFL Kickoff Game since 2015, which was also the most-watched season in NBC Sunday Night Football history.
Cowboys-Bucs registered a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) average of approximately 26.0 million viewers across NBC TV, Peacock, NBC Sports Digital, and NFL Digital platforms, based on preliminary data – marking the largest NFL Kickoff Game audience since Steelers-Patriots in 2015 (27.4 million viewers) and up 20% from last year's NFL Kickoff Game (21.6 million TAD for Texans-Chiefs, 9/10/20).
With an average of approximately 24.4 million viewers on NBC, the NFL Kickoff Game is television's most-watched show since Super Bowl LV in February.
NBC's TV coverage peaked at 25.4 million viewers between 9:45-10 p.m. ET and topped 22 million viewers in 11 of the 14 quarter-hours from 8:30 p.m. ET through 11:55 p.m. ET.
The Average Minute Audience (AMA) for last night's live stream via Peacock, NBC Sports Digital platforms, NFL Digital platforms, Cowboys and Buccaneers mobile properties, and Yahoo Sports mobile properties was approximately 1.6 million viewers – the highest ever for an NBC NFL game, excluding Super Bowls – and up 64% from last year's NFL Kickoff Game (970,000).
Viewership figures are based upon preliminary data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics. Official national data for NBC will be available on Monday.
Last night's game (8:24 p.m.-11:55 p.m. ET) registered a national TV household rating of 13.4/32 – up 20% from last year (11.2/23).
TOP METERED MARKETS FOR COWBOYS-BUCCANEERS (based on 44 markets available):
1. Dallas 29.1/56
2. San Antonio 25.5/45
3. Tampa 24.6/50
4. Providence 23.1/44
5. Austin 22.9/46
6. Boston 21.4/43
7. Cleveland 20.3/40
8. Jacksonville 20.1/38
9. Norfolk 19.9/39
10. Milwaukee 17.7/37
NBC Sports' NFL Kickoff Weekend coverage continues this Sunday, Sept. 12 with the season opener of Sunday Night Football as fans | 754 |
ACES FOR FREE SPEECH
Oct. 1st, 2012 at 3:09 PM
It's Banned Books Week, and there's nothing I hate more than banning books (no, not even the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys), so I'm doing my little bit with a fundraiser for the COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND.
The CBLDF is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of free speech and free expression in comics books, graphic novels, and related fields. My own roots as a "funny book" fan go all the way back to the letters of comment I published in FANTASTIC FOUR, AVENGERS, and other Marvel comics back in the early 60s. I also attended the very first comicon, and won my first writing prize for an amateur prose superhero yarn (an Alley Award, which I never received, sob), so comics are a medium dear to my heart... as anyone who has ever read my own long-running WILD CARDS series of mosaic novels surely knows.
Accordingly, I've donated one hundred (100) signed hardcover copies of the Wild Cards mosaic novel INSIDE STRAIGHT to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, to be offered to the first hundred donors making contributors of $100 or more.
The copies have all been signed by yours truly... as well as by my assistant editor, Melinda M. Snodgrass, and writers Daniel Abraham, Carrie Vaughn, Michael Cassutt, John Jos. Miller, and Caroline Spector. Which is to say, by ALL the contributors save for the elusive S.L. Farrell. This "Seven Signature Special" will continue only so long as the supplies last.
All contributions to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are tax deductible.
For<|fim_middle|> environmental issues, as well as answers to any other question you would have about the libertarian philosophy.
Before delving into a specific issue, though, I would recommend a few books that lay out our main principles so that you can better understand how we come to the positions that we do. Most of these books you can get for free at mises.org in their literature section.
Libertarianism Today by Jacob Huebert
For a New Liberty by Murray Rothbard
The Ethics of Liberty by Murray Rothbard
The Market For Liberty by Morris and Linda Tannehill
and Democracy The God That Failed by Hans Hermann Hoppe
I lived most of my life as a pretty die hard liberal, but those books completely changed my life. If you ever do have questions, feel free to friend me on facebook. I'd be more than happy to help in any way I can. I love the discussion of ideas more than anything so don't hesitate to ask whatever you like. If I know the answer I'll tell you, and if I can't explain it well enough then I can point you in the right direction.
Dan Cotter : Not Every Political Philosophy Wants to Tell People [+2] | more than 25 years, the CBLDF has been protecting the comics medium in courtrooms, libraries, and classrooms all over the United States by providing legal counsel and education on issues relating to comics censorship. A proud sponsor of Banned Book Week, the CBLDF is supporting several events around the country supporting the Freedom to Read, and offers a rich range of resources about banned comics and how to defend against challenges on www.cbldf.org.
Most recently, the CBLDF has called for a school district in Connecticut to rescind a graphic novel ban carried out against the district's own policies. In the past year the Fund prevailed in a case defending an American comic book reader who faced wrongful criminal charges in Canada because of Japanese comic book images on his laptop computer. An amicus brief they authored was also cited by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down an unconstitutional California law seeking to regulate violent content in the case Brown v. EMA.
"The CBLDF is a small organization with a powerful mission, and that work is only possible because of the generous contribution of our supporters," CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says. "We're extremely grateful to Mr. Martin for this generous contribution, and to everyone who will have the opportunity to own one of these unique signed novels. The CBLDF is a tremendous team effort between the creative and readership communities who value the importance of intellectual freedom for comics and all media. We're thankful to be celebrating Banned Books Week with George in this extraordinary way."
To make your contribution, and order your copy of INSIDE STRAIGHT, go to:
http://cbldf.myshopify.com/products/inside-straight
All monies should go direct to the CBLDF, not to me.
Sorry, I cannot add a personal inscription to your book. The copies have already been signed by all concerned (save for Mr. Farrell), and are on their way to the CBLDF.
Free speech is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, yet somehow it is always under attack. The world is full of people who think they know better, and want to tell you what you should read, what you should write, what you should see. Christian fundamentalists, Muslim extremists, the right, the left... everybody seems to have a book or two they want banned, an idea or two they don't want expressed. Well, I say it's spinach, and I say the hell with them.
Donate some money, get a tax deduction, visit the world of the Wild Cards, and add a swell signed collectible to your collection... that's a win, win, win, win if I ever heard one.
And thanks.
Current Location:home
collecting,
free speech,
Dan Cotter
Oct. 2nd, 2012 10:00 pm (UTC)
Not Every Political Philosophy Wants to Tell People
Libertarians, like myself, believe in the non-aggression principle, which means that you can't commit acts of aggression against the innocent. In other words, you can only use aggression in self-defense. In other words, keep your hands to your self and don't steal. All of our views start from this first principle. Then you must define property rights, which we would do through Lockean homesteading principles. The human race needs a healthy dose of "mind your own business."
If you care to understand what it means to be a libertarian and why we are wholly different than the left-right paradigm, read this:
http://mises.org/daily/3660
t40rs731n
Re: Not Every Political Philosophy Wants to Tell People
Libertarians are against censorship? Truly? I have to admit that while I would disagree with some stances (ie I believe there needs to be environmental protections because when corporations were left alone to take care of it they did a poor job), that would make me intrigued?
I always hear that the Libertarians are all about freedom. And when I think of Freedom, I think of Thoreau's Civil Disobedience. But I always wondered "Whose Freedom?" My questions could go on forever, and this isn't the place. I will check out that site.
Yes, of course, libertarians are against censorship. We believe people should be free to do as they wish as long as they don't commit acts of violence against another person or his property. As for the environment, we believe that it should be illegal to pollute another person's property. That would be an act of aggression. Obviously, it is a complex issue, and you get knee deep in the complexities of libertarian theory when you delve into our views on the environment, but it is safe to say that we also want to live in a clean world. If you check out that site you'll find much on | 996 |
Earth's Survivors Life<|fim_middle|> Life Stories: Billy | Stories: Beth
Dell Sweet
Beth comes from Los Angeles in the first days of the Apocalypse and makes her way across the country to the east coast and then finds herself backtracking across the states to the middle of the country and the Nation which is growing in the former state of Kentucky.
Before the apocalypse she is beginning to pull herself back up from the gutter of life, learning to live again, trust and believe. The apocalypse almost crushes that hope she had begun to grow, but she must fight past that, refuse to believe the end has really come.
She travels across the country with Billy, facing both the living and the dead as she makes her way from one coast to the other. The trip is long and she is holding out hope of structure, life, safety on the east coast: Hopes that may not be realized.
The dead seem to have it in for her and twice she is attacked by them as she makes her journey. It is only her own resolve and courage that will help her to overcome those attacks if she can and make her way to the Nation and the safety she has been searching for…
W.G. Sweet
Smashwords, Inc.
More Books by Dell Sweet
Earth's Survivors America The Dead: Begins The End
Earth's Survivors SE 3. The Outrunner Books
Earth's Survivors: Watertown
White Trash
Earth's Survivors: Knock
Earth's Survivors Life Stories: Candace and Mike
Earth's Survivors Life Stories: Bear
Earth's Survivors | 313 |
Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 review: A versatile entry-level 2.1 speaker system
The Kratos S3 brings full, warm sound to music, movies, and games.
By Michael Ansaldo
Freelance contributor, PCWorld | PT
Samsung's post-Prime Day TV and soundbar deals include its gorgeous 8K QLED TV
Amazon's Echo Connect lets you make landline calls with your Echo devices, and...
Buy a year of Microsoft Office 365 Home, and get a $50 gift card from Amazon
Sound BlasterX Kratos S3
A pair of external PC speakers will improve any PC's audio, but to really bring your sound to life you need a 2.1 system. Creative's Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 ($80 on Amazon) offers an excellent opportunity to upgrade your audio to the next level without too much expense.
Note: This review is part of our roundup of budget computer speakers. Go there for details on competing products and our buying advice.
The Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 is the entry-level 2.1 speaker system in Creative's gaming line, though the only thing that visually separates these from standard PC speakers is the logo emblazoned across all three components. The system's boxy design is fairly conservative as gaming speakers go, and all three enclosures are constructed entirely of wood for a warmer, more natural sound.
The satellites measure approximately 6.2-by-3.7-by-4 inches and sport one mesh-covered 2.75-inch driver each. The left one includes a power/volume knob, an LED indicator that lights when the speakers are on, and a headphone jack.
[ Further reading: The best Bluetooth speakers ]
This 2.1 system is versatile enough for all your media.
The ported subwoofer measures 9-by-6.<|fim_middle|>Hive and writes the Max Productivity column for PCWorld. | 7-by-9 inches and weighs about 5 pounds. Four short legs provide ground clearance for the 5.25-inch down-firing woofer. You control the bass level with a knob on the back of the unit, which also features a 3.5mm audio input where you can plug in your phone or mp3 player.
Each satellite has its own attached connecting cord, the left with an RCA plug and the right with a 13 pin mini-DIN connector. On the back of the subwoofer, where the satellites plug in, is the power cord and an attached 3.5 mm cable that plugs into the audio out jack on your PC.
With 92 watts of peak power, it's no surprise that the Kratos S3 can fill a room, and we never felt the need to push the volume much past the halfway point. The system has a warm sound overall, with crisp highs and mids. The subwoofer puts out an impressive amount of bass, and we were able to move it under the desk without it losing its presence in the mix. Your not going to get audiophile quality at this price, but the Kratos S3 delivered well above-average sound—with minimal distortion only when pushed to the limit—whether playing music, gaming, or watching film.
The Kratos S3's components are constructed entirely of wood for a warmer sound.
We found the Sound BlasterX Kratos versatile enough to bring the best out of all our media. It delivers full warm sound and offers more clarity and a smaller footprint than rival systems we've tested. Though it sounds great all by itself, the system can also be used with Sound BlasterX Acoustic Engine Lite software to tweak the audio for different scenarios.
With its rich sound and low price, the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 is an excellent option for upgrading to your first 2.1 speaker system.
Wooden construction enables natural, warm sound
Small footprint
Deep, rich bass
No extra audio inputs for mobile devices
Michael Ansaldo is a veteran consumer and small-business technology journalist. He contributes regularly to Tech | 433 |
What is red velvet cake, really?
<|fim_middle|> cheese version. Either way, this cake is mostly just a vehicle for that sweet, pristine white frosting.
"If we went back in a time machine and made yellow velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, we'd be all about that cake," Rockman says. "Red velvet cake is just a vessel for the cream cheese frosting, which is just what people want."
Cooking SchoolBurning Questions | Kate Bernot
The combination of vivid red and pristine white icing is certainly striking inside a bakery case, but I've never been able to point to red velvet cake's exact flavor. It's… well… chocolate? Plus frosting? While we're asking questions, what constitutes red velvet cake—besides its color—in the first place?
Perhaps because of this confusion, red velvet cake has its critics. Orange Is The New Black's Officer O'Neill goes on a rant against red velvet at a bakery in season three: "In your heart of hearts, you know as well as I do, red velvet is bullshit. It tastes like Play-Doh. It is not velvety. And the only thing that's good about it is the cream cheese frosting, which is meant to live on top of carrot cake, like God intended. Red velvet isn't a thing."
But it is a thing, and has been for decades. Stella Parks of Bravetart fame claimed in a segment on The Splendid Table last week that the cake has its roots in the Victorian era. There was a "velvet cake" with a smooth, soft crumb, as well as a "dense and fudgy" chocolate cake made with egg yolks. Parks claimed that around 1911, the two recipes converged and a "velvet cocoa cake" was born.
But that doesn't explain its signature red hue. To find out, I got in touch with the people most responsible for red velvet cake's explosion onto the home baking scene: the Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients company, based in Gonzales, Texas. As manufacturers of red food coloring, among other products, the company heavily promoted home-baking recipes for the cake, which derived its hue from their bottled dyes.
The company tells me it began including recipe cards for red velvet cake in its food-coloring packages sometime between the 1920s and 1950s, and also featured the recipe on tear-off displays inside grocery stores. Though Adams doesn't have an exact date for its invention, the company says red velvet cake was promoted heavily during the 1940s and '50s and again beginning in the 1980s.
Before the debut of food coloring, though, red velvet cake was likely more rust-colored, not the vivid red we recognize today. And the velvet portion of its name referred to the light texture of the cake, not the frosting.
"Traditionally, red velvet cake had a buttermilk or vinegar component that activated with the baking soda to make it super fluffy or velvety. Plus the cocoa powder wasn't alkalized, so that would turn it a reddish-brown color when those combined," says Amanda Rockman, corporate executive pastry chef for New Waterloo hospitality group in Austin, Texas.
But who invented this distinctively hued cake? There are as many origin stories as there are recipes.
The Adams company credits Betty Adams, the wife of third-generation owner John G. Adams. Other historians credit bakers at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. After a few decades, the cake became associated with the American South, and then with Sex And The City favorite Magnolia Bakery.
"I think it's like pizza; everyone wants to claim it," Rockman says. "It probably came from some mom in like, Virginia, who went to bake a cake but had buttermilk instead of regular milk and then boom, red velvet cake."
Modern versions play with the ingredients a bit, but always keep the iconic, red-and-white colors intact. Using beet or pomegranate juice to dye the cake is one contemporary tweak; or using whipped goat cheese icing for a more savory version; or even using red wine in the batter.
However you bake it, bakers say the reason for its enduring appeal is simpler: Most people say it's all about the frosting. Betty Adams' recipe calls for ermine icing, a boiled milk icing made with flour that's also sometimes called flour buttercream or butter roux icing. Today, most red velvet cakes are made with a lightly tangy, sweet cream | 844 |
Home > About Us > Media Center > In the News > 2018 Articles Archive
Malibu Lagoon After the Woolsey Fire
KPCC 89.3 – December 21, 2018
TBF's Tom Ford is interviewed by A. Martinez of KPCC's morning show, Take Two, about Malibu Lagoon and the Woolsey Fire: "In 2013, the project to enhance water quality and restore habitat conditions at the lagoon was completed, and long term scientific monitoring began. Since then, the non-profit environmental group The Bay Foundation has hosted monthly monitoring and maintenance events open to the public. Last month was the first clean up since Woolsey fire." LISTEN (starts at 28:00 min.)
Woolsey Fire Could Have Lasting Impact on Malibu Lagoon
Malibu Times – November 29, 2018
Now that the steep canyon hillsides above the creek are void of vegetation, what happens if landslides or heavy rain wash large amounts of sediment into the water? Local nonprofit The Bay Foundation has begun considering the effects, and how the fire could affect the landscape and the sediment flow to the ocean.
The Malibu Times consulted scientist Tom Ford, executive director of The Bay Foundation, about the possible effects on the Malibu Creek and Lagoon from the Woolsey Fire. …READ MORE
Woolsey Fire Threatens Malibu Ecosystem
Santa Monica Daily Press – November 16, 2018
The Woolsey fire has destroyed hundreds of homes in Malibu. …Though the city will rebuild, it will never be the same. The same may be true of Malibu's abundant wild lands<|fim_middle|> of Malibu Environmental Sustainability Department, Heal the Bay, The Bay Foundation and other organizations that are part of the Marine Protected Areas had educational booths….READ MORE
Life Finds a Way: Native Species Get a Helping Hand from Restoration Efforts in the LAX Dunes
The Argonaut – September 6, 2018 (Cover story)
Standing amid the sand and brush on the north end of the LAX Dunes, it's strange to think there once was a neighborhood here — and very hard to believe that a few decades ago this nature preserve was slated to become a golf resort.
…In this smaller space, five years of painstaking scientific work and grueling physical labor have facilitated the return of native fauna such as Blainville's horned lizard (featured on this week's cover), the snakelike California legless lizard and the burrowing owl — each listed by the California wildlife officials as a species of special concern — and native flora like the bright yellow beach evening primrose and light green beach bur.
…Revitalization of the butterfly preserve at the south end of the dunes began in the early 1990s, but the northern portion largely sat idle until LAX and The Bay Foundation kicked off restoration work in June 2013. This summer The Bay Foundation released a five-year scientific monitoring analysis detailing restoration activities and progress within the six-acre active restoration area….READ MORE
Decommissioned Ocean Sensor Revived by Public/Private Partnership
Santa Monica Daily Press – August 15, 2018
A coalition of local water safety organizations has revived a previously decommissioned sensor at the Santa Monica Pier to provide updated data as part of a Federal ocean monitoring program. Divers from the Bay Foundation, Los Angeles Waterkeeper and the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) dove below the Pier this week to refurbish a sensor pack that measures temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, and water level at frequent intervals in the nearshore coastal ocean.
…Tom Ford, Executive Director of The Bay Foundation said having a constant stream of data establishes an important baseline for future research than can help frame debates about ocean changes….READ MORE
Restoring Abalone in Santa Monica Bay
Santa Monica Mirror – August 12, 2018
Gone are the days where freedivers or scuba-divers can collect abalone in Southern California. …The Santa Monica Bay was once thriving with seven different species: red, pink, green, white, black, pinto and flat. However, according to The Bay Foundation, due to severe over-harvesting and a disease called withering syndrome, the species have been on the decline since the late 90's.
…The Bay Foundation amped up their efforts for abalone restoration in 2016, creating an abalone research lab at the Southern California Marine Institute in San Pedro. In the lab, they currently have the red and green species. They have been growing juveniles, so they can out-plant them….READ MORE
Groomed to Death
Hakai Magazine – July 31, 2018
…On a cloudy May morning, she's [TBF's Karina Johnston] come out to one particular stretch of beach to show me what an ungroomed beach looks like in an urban environment, and the answer is, in part, flowers. Hundreds of canary-yellow flowers—the blooms of beach evening primrose—dot the rippling contours of the low dunes here. It's the site of a pilot rewilding project that Johnston has been shepherding for the past two years.
In December 2016, the Bay Foundation, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica, erected a wooden sand fence on this section of the beach—a little larger than a stadium-sized soccer field—to keep the groomers out and encourage the formation of dune hummocks….READ MORE
Cara Santa Maria/Talk Nerdy Interview with TBF's Heather Burdick
Talk Nerdy Podcast – July 16, 2018
In this episode of Talk Nerdy, science journalist Cara Santa Maria is joined in studio by Heather Burdick, the Director of Marine Operations for The Bay Foundation. They talk about Heather's Marine Program work on various projects involving research, monitoring, and ecological restoration throughout Santa Monica Bay. They specifically discuss the Palos Verdes Kelp Restoration Project and southern California abalone recovery efforts….LISTEN
Image of the Day: Ab Lab
TheScientist.com – July 6, 2018
Disease and overharvesting have depleted the types and quantities of abalones (Haliotis rufescens) found in Santa Monica Bay. The Bay Foundation has been trying to replace the marine snails to their natural habitats since 2010. Most recently, the organization has been spawning abalones in a research laboratory with plans to reintroduce them into the kelp forests off Palos Verdes in California….WATCH VIDEO
What's Being Done to Revive L.A.'s Decimated Abalone Population
Los Angeles Magazine – July 2018
In the Bay Foundation's two-year-old Abalone Research Laboratory on Terminal Island, abalone of varying sizes pass their days submerged in white tanks of saltwater. They look more like bewhiskered stones than snails, but when a palm-size one is removed from the water, the mollusk rises up on the muscular foot it uses to attach to surfaces and swivels defensively to the left and right. As two tiny eyes peer out from beneath the shell, short tentacles tickle the air, revealing a certain obstinate charm. "You hang out with them long enough, and then you just fall in love with them. I don't know why," says Heather Burdick, the foundation's marine programs manager….READ MORE
Educational Video for Boaters + Honey Pot Day
The Mariner Magazine – July 2018 (pg. 8)
Two "Off the Wire" posts, about TBF's new vessel sewage 'how-to' video, and this summer's Honey Pot Day program.
SCAS Member Project Update: TBF Abalone Research and Restoration
The Smilodon Newsletter (SCAS) – Spring 2018 (p.3)
The Bay Foundation (TBF), a research based environmental non-profit and affiliate of Loyola Marymount University's Coastal Research Institute (CRI), constructed a laboratory for abalone research and restoration projects in 2016. This research lab allows TBF to conduct controlled experiments to better understand abalone broodstock conditioning and spawning behavior. … The Ab Lab's many successes over the past several years include. …READ MORE
7 Creative Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
The Argonaut – April 19, 2018
Pull some weeds: Join The Bay Foundation from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help restore the Culver City Rain Garden, native landscaping designed to filter storm water runoff on its way to Ballona Creek. RSVP at santamonicabay.org for location information. …READ MORE
A Giant Swath of Ocean off California's Coast Could Get New Protections
KPCC 89.3 – April 12, 2018
The Pacific Fishery Management Council's proposed ban would put almost the entire coast of Southern California, between Point Conception and the Mexico border up to 200 miles off shore, off limits to bottom-trawl fishing. It's meant to prevent the kind of ecological and habitat damage that corals and sponges have experienced further up the coast.
The proposed ban also gives scientists a chance to make new discoveries in an untouched ocean wilderness. "We don't even really know what's down there!", said Tom Ford, the head of The Bay Foundation. "The ocean is difficult to explore, and it's expensive."…READ MORE
SMa.r.t. – Santa Monica's Achilles Heel (Opinion)
Santa Monica Mirror – April 6, 2018
Our expansive beaches largely define Santa Monica. How might our community be impacted, both financially and otherwise, should this vital asset disappear beneath the waves?
…Although there are many measures that are needed to protect our city's assets, the most important is the continued protection of the PCH and the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
…A pilot project currently underway by The Bay Foundation might not solve this problem but is a step in the right direction. In 2016 they embarked on a beach dune restoration project in front of the Annenberg Beach Club. This low-cost solution, at a larger scale, might help protect our coast while simultaneously creating a wildlife preserve with native flora and fauna….READ MORE
Become a DockWalker
The Mariner – April 2018 (p. 9)
The statewide Dockwalker program continues its multi-year boater-education efforts with five free local Dockwalker workshops now through May…."Boat owners appreciate the opportunity to fill out the questionnaire and receive information about environmentally-responsible boating," states certified Dockwalker John Carroll. "[Boaters] are also thankful that someone is taking the time to spread the word about environmental safeguards among the boating community."…READ MORE
'Floating Forests", Sentinels of Biodiversity
Le Temps (Switzerland's French-speaking newspaper) – March 27, 2018
"The Amazon without trees would not be the Amazon. California without its kelp forests is no longer California. "Tom Ford, director of the Bay Foundation in Los Angeles, is not alone in spinning the Amazonian metaphor at the mention of giant kelp forests. All specialists of this wonderful brown alga dare to compare with the lungs of the planet: same biodiversity, same vertical ecosystem, same ecological importance … and same questions as to its future.
For like the other 110 varieties of kelp, or laminaria, listed around the world, "the giant kelp is under pressure," says Thomas Wernberg, a professor at the University of Western Australia. Co-author of a global study on all the varieties of these algae, published with 36 other researchers in November 2016 in the American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences(PNAS), he states that "38% of the studied regions knew a decline of the kelp over the last fifty years. …READ MORE
Eco-Tip: 'Dockwalkers Teach Boaters Environmental Safety: Training is Next Week
Ventura County Star – March 25, 2018
On Friday, volunteers will receive training and materials qualifying them to be official "Dockwalkers," with access to local boaters at Ventura and Channel Islands harbors.
Besides talking with boaters about environmental safety, Dockwalkers distribute Boater Kits, which include tide calendars, oil absorbent sheets, oil absorbent pillows and fuel bibs that can be placed around fuel pump nozzles to capture leaks….READ MORE
The LAX Dunes: Restoring Our Natural Environment
Whole Life Times – February / March 2018
Trash and pollution affect natural habitats from the mountains to the sea. Similarly, invasive vegetation deprives animals of their preferred habitats, limiting their health and growth. To help reverse this negative trend at the LAX Dunes, The Bay Foundation (TBF) along with Friends of the LAX Dunes (FOLD) and community volunteers are making valiant efforts to restore and protect the Dunes' valuable resources, including threatened species.
…As part of the regular volunteer days led jointly by TBF and FOLD, local organizations regularly take the initiative to volunteer and make an impact, including Girl and Boy Scout troops, United Airlines, CA Native Plant Society, and various high school groups. Employees of the Santa Monica Patagonia store have volunteered hundreds of hours to help preserve the Dunes. …READ MORE
In Focus: Sparking Public Interest in the Ballona Wetlands
"California In Focus" / Spectrum Cable – January 30, 2018 (VIDEO)
Karina Johnston, TBF Director of Watershed Programs, is interviewed.
Room to Grow: Native Plants and Birds Are Making a Comeback on Santa Monica Beach
The Argonaut – January 11, 2018 (Cover story)
Imagine Santa Monica's flat-combed beach covered in pink and yellow wildflowers. It may sound outlandish, but it's happening as we speak inside a small fenced-off restoration area just north of the Annenberg Beach House.
"Look at this big guy," says The Bay Foundation's Rod Abbott, giddy as a schoolboy, examining the pink flowers of a red sand verbena sprouting up next to a hummock of ice-green sea scale. "I don't have kids, so these plants are like my kids," he jokes.
Last December marked the one-year anniversary of The Bay Foundation's pilot project to transform three acres of Santa Monica's flat, highly groomed beach into a beautiful and healthy ecosystem….READ MORE | and famous shoreline.
Coastal Changes: Local scientists said mudflows could upset the delicate ecosystem of Malibu Lagoon, an estuary at Malibu Point, as well as the Santa Monica Bay and the area's watershed.
"If there's a tremendous amount of sediment, the nutrients that come along with that could impair water quality and contribute to harmful algal blooms," said Tom Ford, executive director of the Bay Foundation. "Organisms … could be buried or displaced by sediment moving down into streams, the lagoon or the open ocean."…READ MORE
38 Restaurants Make Malibu's 2018 Clean Bay Certified List
Santa Monica Daily Press – October 30, 2018
The City of Malibu and the Bay Foundation announced the 2018 Clean Bay Certified restaurants with 38 Malibu establishments, highlighting the community's commitment to clean water and sustainability. The program was started in 2006 by The Bay Foundation to recognize food establishments that integrate sustainability and ocean-mindedness into their business practices.
"I am proud of Malibu's local restaurants whose management and staff have shown how much they care about the environment and the community by making the Clean Bay Restaurant list," said Mayor Rick Mullen. "This great program rewards those restaurants by giving them a stamp of approval, and lets customers know which restaurants they can support for being green."…READ MORE
Honor the Ocean
The City of Malibu celebrated the Marine Protected Areas that preserve our coastal environment at Honor the Ocean, Saturday, October 20, at Zuma Beach. …The Bay Foundation hosted a fun, educational scavenger hunt and USC Sea Grant led a guided beach walk. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wishtoyo Foundation, the City | 358 |
The United States and Cuba
by Jules Robert Benjamin
Synopses & Reviews
Publisher Comments
From its independence from Spain in 1898 until the 1960s, Cuba was dominated by the political and economic presence of the United States. Benjamin studies this unequal relationship through 1934, by examining U.S. trade, investment, and capital lending<|fim_middle|>."
—The Review of Politics
"A very impressive study. . . it will be a significant and well-known book. this is first-class scholarship."
—David Healy
Jules Robert Benjamin is professor emeritus of history at Ithaca College.
Pitt Latin American (Paperback)
Pitt Latin American Series
Jules Robert Benjamin
Jules RobertBenjamin
World History-General | ; Cuban institutions and social movements; and U.S. foreign policy. Benjamin convincingly argues that U.S. hegemony shaped Cuban internal politics by exploiting the island's economy, dividing the nationalist movement, co-opting Cuban moderates, and robbing post-1933 leadership of its legitimacy.
"A very impressive study. . . . This is first-class nalysis lies in his recognition that the economic and political dimensions of the U.S.-Cuban relationship cannot be fully understood in isolation from one another."
—Latin American Research Review
"Jules Benjamin's level-headed and thorough study of the origins and nature of the now-vanished U.S. hegemony in Cuba provides invaluable background | 141 |
Share your experience of WW2 at Merton Libraries
3 November 2003 · by M<|fim_middle|> 4pm.
For more information, contact Andrew Chadwick on 020 8648 4070
← MEDIA INVITATION TO
London wide safety video launched → | erton Web Team · in Children, Schools and Families. ·
Volunteer website guides to help showcase the BBC People's War website
From 11 November, anyone with memories or an interest in World War II can take part in an exciting new project called the People's War, a website being run by the BBC which will feature in three of Merton's libraries. We are also looking for volunteers interested in lending their time to help others access the website to record their stories, as part of Merton's ongoing Lending Time project being run by Merton and Community Service Volunteers (CSV).
The project is a joint initiative between the Services to Older People scheme (run by Merton Library & Heritage Service) and the Lending Time scheme. The People's War will be featured at West Barnes, Pollards Hill & Morden libraries, where volunteers will be on hand to help people view the website and use it to record their own memories. It is hoped that a massive archive of personal stories will accumulate, which can be kept as a real testimony to the war years, and shared with others now and in the future.
If you are experienced in using the Internet, then why not lend your time to assist with the project by acting as a volunteer website guide. CSV and Volunteer guides will help to introduce new users to the site and show those with less experience of the Internet how to navigate through the site and record their own stories.
Andrew Chadwick, Lending Time Project Manager says: "Website guides can help so many people to get involved. It's a really rewarding role which is why we are very keen to hear from anyone interested."
Wendy Siemaszko, Older Person's Library Development Officer says: "Many people have so much to share about the Second World War. Introducing the People's War website in Merton's libraries makes this an ideal opportunity to record personal stories in a unique way"
The website will be featured at West Barnes, Pollards Hill & Morden Libraries for two weeks from 11 November on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2 to | 423 |
October <|fim_middle|> a good time and the ride was as it has always been a pleasant and peaceful ride along the river. | 27 and 28th are days you needed to mark on your calendar. I hope this year's will be the biggest event yet. Our first day of will begin in Eastway Park in Charlotte, NC. We will ride through Downtown with stops at various points of interest, including an elementary school, Panther's Stadium, and if time permits, the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Lunch will be provided at Central Piedmont Community College followed by a trip down Sugar Creek Greenway to Freedom Park. From there we will ride through some of the residential areas of Charlotte to Hawthorn Academy where we will speak to the gathered students. The ride will end back at Eastway Park.
The crew went on a trip. Oh yes we did. Deb, Tony, John, Ron, Carol and I all decided in a moment of weakness to join up with the Freedom Riders in Pennsylvania. We left Charlotte Thursday morning, and a short 10 hours later we arrived in Lewisburg, PA. We were greeted by Kevin Bittenbender and his team at Kevin's home where we were served some of the best food and memories of growing up in the great white north. Antipasto, BBQ meat with red sauce, a bean salad…… mmmmmm memories. All of this topped off by adult beverages and lots of friendship.
The Warriors just spent this past weekend exploring the Swamp Rabbit Trailfrom Greenville, to Travelers Rest SC. This was a fantastic opportunity to meet and renew old friendships with SC Warriors. Sue D really came through with donations from Sabal Homes, DAV Greenville, and GE Veterans Greenville. Because of their generosity we all had a place to sleep, lunch and a Saturday night burgers and dogs on the grill dinner.
The Rally has come and gone leaving great memories, renewed friendships and new friendships. The mountains of Tennessee were once again a fantastic place to spend a few days with some wonderful people. We arrived in Marysville on Thursday with just enough time to get registered for the Friday ride. The ride left from the Tremont Lodge in Townsend at 0830 and headed down stream toward Coulter Bridge. Jane and I were about 20 minutes behind due to an early mechanical failure of the tandem. We still had | 453 |
US STOCKS-U.S. stocks slide as renewed tariff threat compounds pandemic fears
By Stephen Culp
(For a live blog on the U.S. stock market, click or type LIVE/ in a news window.)
* Tesla plunges after Musk tweet
* Amazon drops, sees possible Q2 loss
* U.S. manufacturing skids to 11-year low in April
* Indexes down: Dow 2.70%, S&P 500 3.05%, Nasdaq 3.38% (Updates to late afternoon, changes dateline, byline)
NEW YORK, May 1 (Reuters) - Wall Street stocks dropped sharply on Friday as investor risk appetite was soured by the revived specter of tariffs against China, threatened anew by U.S. President Donald Trump in retaliation for the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought global economies to a grinding halt.
All three major U.S. stock averages were down more than 2%, with the Nasdaq on course for its worst day in a month.
May is often marked by sell-offs, and on the month's first day, with jitters on the rise as some U.S. states begin easing shutdown mandates, the adage holds true.
"Usually investors hinge onto the old 'sell in May and go away,'" said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York. "And while I don't think that's the case, I think this market will head lower."
This comes on the heels of April's remarkable run, which saw the S&P 500 and the Dow posting their strongest monthly gains in 33 years.
Trump said his administration was crafting retaliatory measures against China as punishment for the coronavirus outbreak, once again sparking tariff fears that rattled markets through much of the last two years.
"The last thing you want is (tariff) retaliation when the world economy looks like it's headed into depression," Cardillo added. "The coronavirus has put everything out of whack, but the economy was already weakening due to the trade war, and while Trump is not responsible for the coronavirus, he's responsible for the trade war."
A mixed bag of earnings, particularly a disappointing report from Amazon.com, along with a fresh round of dismal economic data,<|fim_middle|>&P 500 having reported. Of those, 68% have beaten consensus estimates.
In aggregate, first-quarter S&P 500 earnings are seen falling 12.7% from a year ago, a sharp reversal from the 6.3% annual growth forecast as it stood at the beginning of the year.
Tesla Inc plunged 9.4% after a tweet from company Chief Executive Elon Musk said its stock price was "too high."
Amazon.com shares slid 6.9% after the online retailer warned pandemic-related expenses could lead to its first quarterly loss in five years.
Apple Inc's quarterly results beat expectations, but the iPhone maker declined to provide current-quarter forecasts. Its shares were off 1.3%.
Exxon Mobil dropped 6.1% after the company reported a drop in profit due to a massive $3 billion writedown on plummeting oil demand and prices.
Rival Chevron Corp posted a 38% profit increase and slashed spending plans. Its shares were down 2.0%.
Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 7.16-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 6.52-to-1 ratio favored decliners.
The S&P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and two new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 16 new highs and 10 new lows. (Reporting by Stephen Culp; editing by Jonathan Oatis) | also weighed on sentiment.
The U.S. manufacturing sector skidded to an 11-year low last month as factories were shuttered to comply with mandated shutdowns, according to the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing managers index (PMI).
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 656.85 points, or 2.7%, to 23,688.87, the S&P 500 lost 88.9 points, or 3.05%, to 2,823.53 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 300.88 points, or 3.38%, to 8,588.68.
All 11 sectors of the S&P 500 were in the red, with energy companies suffering the largest percentage drop.
Reporting season has crossed the halfway mark, with 275 of the companies in the S | 197 |
Engagement with all stakeholders who might contribute to, or be affected by, the risk of a Major Accident is an integral part of the management and regulation of risks. Key aims of risk communication are to inform and advise people about risks they can control, to dissuade people from risky behaviour and to enable effective participation in managing risks. This theme focuses on new approaches for the identification, management and communication of risks in the major hazard industries. A further focus will relate to best practices for communicating safety and successful risk management to protect and engage the wider public.
Experience has shown that serious accidents almost never result from a single cause. Human and organisational factors have significantly contributed to the causes of several recent incidents in a variety of industries with major accident hazards. In these incidents, management systems failed to effectively<|fim_middle|> tank storage of flammable liquids); as well as offshore oil and gas operations. Theme 7 "Regulatory Issues" seeks to address questions related to the development and practical application of process safety related regulations. This should include not only the legal aspects, but also mechanisms and tools for achieving effective compliance. Contributions on regulatory issues which go beyond those of the EU are also welcome. | secure the barriers in place, and, since humans implement these management systems, humans are implicitly involved in some way. This theme is open to all aspects of human and organisational failure, and especially to new or novel ways to understand and control these failures.
Preserving knowledge and experience (good or bad) is essential in a highly dynamic business environment. This theme is therefore focused on systems and methods to capture, retain and store knowledge. It will also cover the transfer of know-how to engineers, plant managers and operators "on the front line". This theme will focus on case histories and the analysis of actual incidents and accidents, both of which are important sources of experience. In addition the theme will address methods for systematic incident investigation and derivation and the communication of lessons learned.
Fires and explosions still cause the highest amount of physical damage in the process industries, meriting a separate theme dedicated solely to this threat. The theme covers all topics related to preventing and mitigating fire and explosion damage. Topics will cover fire and explosion resistant design of plants and buildings, ex-zoning, fire and gas detection, alarm and mitigation systems, and relief systems. This theme will also cover the important topic of elimination of ignition sources, addressing areas such as static electricity; the identification of hazardous materials; and the safety assessment of chemical reactions (e.g. runaway reactions, self-ignition).
The calculation capacity at hand in a normal PC or Laptop has extended the accessibility of simulation and modeling software to a much wider range of users. Understanding the underlying models and their limitations is a critical step to judge the reliability and applicability of the results obtained. This theme focuses on the capacity to use desktop methods to simulate and model situations which are difficult to reproduce due to their scale or hazard level. It will also address the practical application of such tools. Modeling or simulation of source terms; the dispersion of hazardous materials; fire and explosion; or of any other process safety related modeling including the prediction of hazardous properties, will fall within in this theme.
Process Safety Engineering (PSE) focuses on safety issues in the design phase of industrial process facilities, but is not limited to it. PSE examines the reduction, suppression and elimination of hazards from manufacturing processes, with specific attention on inherent safety and successful engineering practices. Potential solutions may include: next to design-based safety; add-on safety features; safety instrumented functions and safety integrity levels; layer of protection analysis; resilience for process safety; and related topics. Contributions dealing with innovative developments in safety aspects of plants and products are particularly welcome, as are new approaches in process engineering design.
Regulatory issues in process safety and loss prevention are dominated within the European Union by the Seveso Directives, of which the Seveso III Directive is required to be implemented in national legislation by 31st May 2015. However, this only describes a framework for the control of major accident hazards in onshore operations. Many more specific regulations exist, covering such topics as: classification of hazardous substances; definition of explosive atmospheres; design and operation of particular types of installation (e.g. LPG storage, | 629 |
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductees Depeche Mode announced today at a special event in Berlin that they will be releasing a new album and embarking on a world tour in 2023. The tour will include a Dublin show at Malahide Castle on 14 June. This will be Depeche Mode's biggest ever Irish concert.
The Memento Mori Tour will support the band's forthcoming 15th studio album, Memento Mori, due out in Spring 2023.
In speaking about Memento Mori, Martin Gore commented, "We started work on this project early in the pandemic, and its themes were directly inspired by that time. After Fletch's passing, we decided to continue as we're sure this is what he would have wanted, and that has really given the project an extra level of meaning." Dave Gahan added, "<|fim_middle|> opposite our hotel)
Our package includes the following:-
Luxurious overnight accommodation
Signature cocktail before the concert
Complimentary wifi throughout the hotel
Date: Jun 14 2023
Malahide Castle | Fletch would have loved this album. We're really looking forward to sharing it with you soon, and we can't wait to present it to you live at the shows next year."
The Memento Mori Tour will be Depeche Mode's 19th tour and their first in over five years. The band's most recent outing, the 2017-2018 Global Spirit Tour was its longest to date and was one of the year's highest grossing tours.
Concert Package (not including ticket)
We are just a 25 minute LUAS ride away from the Malahide Castle (the Luas is | 132 |
It is Tuesday morning, 5:30. I was so tired after work last night that I went to bed at 9, so now I'm up early. In two days, it will be the anniversary of your kidnapping. I feel as though there is a clock ticking in my heart as the day approaches, even though it has been so many days, so many years. I never know exactly what to do for your anniversary. We usually go to the market where you were kidnapped and hang ribbons on the tree next to the spot where you were kidnapped. The year that Nana died, we took her ashes and scattered them just outside the Golden Gate on the anniversary of your kidnapping. At that time, we were still thinking that probably you were not alive, that Nana had probably found you once she'd passed on. One year I actually tried to just make it a regular day. I tried to get up and go to work and pretend nothing had happened. My body repaid me by making me very sick.
This year, your step-grandmother hung yellow ribbons not long ago, lots of them, so I don't know how much work we will have to do, but we will go there. A few people always go with me, some strangers, some friends. I never know what to do, what to say. This last year has been such a major year for us. I guess it's a time of reflection and a time to look forward. All that has happened in this last year can't all be for nothing.
I have a four-day weekend this week. It wasn't my choice. My boss decided to close the office on Saturday, which is one of my regular work days. At first I was upset, but then I realized it's probably a gift from God. I really need the time to rest and unwind, and hopefully I will get some work done on your book. Our book.
Do you have any idea how much of a<|fim_middle|> the safe return of your beloved Michaela.
My heart and prayers are with you always. | gift you have been to the world? After you were gone, there was a song that always reminded me of you, "The Warrior is a Child" by Twila Paris. I had Pastor Jay from church sing it at a birthday concert a local church held for your tenth birthday. Even in those early days when I felt you to be most vulnerable and I worried most about you, I felt a certain sense of your strength. You always had that, that strength of character, maturity, intelligence, along with your incredibly loving heart.
If you read the comments that so many people have left on these letters to you, and on my other blogs, you will see what a gift you are to the world. I may write these words, but you are the one who has written them on my heart. I get so many e-mails and comments from people, I know that these words are touching people's hearts. In part, it is our love that touches them. Remember our last words to each other? "I love you." Those are not often the last words between a mother and a child who is going off to ride her scooter to the store. You were my first child, and I'd longed for you for so many years before I'd finally been able to have you. I don't remember you ever being difficult. I don't remember us ever arguing. I don't remember you ever getting in trouble. Perhaps my memory is selective, but you were such a good girl, such a really nice person.
But our love has been tested and tried in the deepest depths of grief and fear, and that makes it shine in my heart. It is hard for me to find the words for what I'm trying to say. It's like a sunset. If the sky was streaked with red and pink all the time, it would not be so beautiful. It is the fact that it is fleeting, that we cannot hold onto it, that makes us stand and stare at it in awe while it is still there. In its essence, that is what all real love is like. Whenever we choose to really love, we choose to embrace loss one near or far day. Even though love may last for a lifetime, eventually we will lose the one we love, or be lost to them. Knowing that makes us see love for what it is, as a glorious sunset, as a shimmering rainbow, a billowing cloud, something that touches us, makes us want to clutch it and hold onto it, even though we know it is impossible. This is what I've learned from loving you, and it is truly as beautiful as it is terrible, because as deep as the loss is, the love is far, far, far deeper and richer and of everlasting beauty and immeasurable value. People who have experienced loss themselves recognize this, and relate to it. People who have not are perhaps recognizing love's terrifying beauty, acknowledging for the first time something they had only suspected before.
I hear also from many people who suffer grief themselves. For them, I think they just get strength from the fact that I am still alive. They say, if you could survive that, then I can survive what I am going through. Honestly, I have done that myself many times in the last 21 years. Many times I have been faced with heartaches and difficulties, and I've said to myself, "Michaela was kidnapped and I am still alive. This is nowhere near as bad as that, so I will survive this, too." Many times when I was afraid, I have said to myself, "I have survived the worst that could happen. I can do this, too."
This is you. This is your gift to the world. And I give it in your honor, in love for you. I strive to keep you alive and present by keeping you alive in people's minds and hearts. You are so loved, always.
God bless you, my sweet daughter.
I read everyone of these and Michaela does give hope...and so do you. Love as fleeting as a sunset is so true. And so beautifully written and felt. God bless you, in His time (and hopefully yours).
Your description of love and loss is so perfect. I do believe Michaela and all the lost children are actually a gift to the world. Chosen by God to actually help to save the lives of other children. Thier tragic stories makes parents and children more alert, more educated and more careful.
Who knows how many potential kidnappings they have prevented And hundreds of childrens lives they have saved through thier sacrifice?
Chosen as God's warriors- these special children maybe as delicate as a cotton ball on the outside but inside they possess a soul stronger than iron. That is why they are chosen. They are special and God knows that. Rare and unique their parents should be proud of them.
Their stories have taught so much and have prevented the same happening to countless other children. I thank them for that.
Hope the anniversary goes well. Hope this time it ends with a positive feeling because hopefully by the next one you will have Michaela back.
Beautiful Sharon, beautiful. I love so much that you and Michaela's last words were love you. I love to say this to my kids, and I'm blessed to receive it back ten fold. I wonder how many times Michaela has remembered those last words. How much this has sustained her. A mother daughter bound so strong, so God cemented. I pray, as does everyone who follows your blog that she is out there and one day you are joined together again. I can't imagine anything else. You will see her again.....if not in this world, in eternity for sure. She can't be kidnapped forever. She will one day be joined with you and spend eternity unseparated from her mother. You and her to provide love to us, and much more.
Michaela and Sharon you are both truly gifts from God. The two of you have helped me so much in my grief.
Michaela and Sharon you have friends you don't even know all across America and beyond. Your message of faith and hope and love has touched us like no other has been able to in our own sufferings.
I will stand beside you both in spirit tomorrow at 10:00 California time.
My heart aches for your loss, and I can only imagine my joy and rejoicing , were I to click on this site and find that Michaela had come home to you. I am a mother also and your pain stabs at my heart. Praying every day for | 1,341 |
What's power pop, you ask? It's ridiculously radio-friendly hooks and close vocal harmonies, mixed with a hefty dose of Marshall stacks and relentless four-on-the-floor beat. Perfect for music fans who like a little sugar in their rock! The genre has its roots in the British Invasion sound of the mid-sixties, borrowing heavily from The Who and The Beatles, as well as Americans, The Byrds. Following the demise of the Fab Four at the start of the '70s, a host of new groups hoping to carry the pop torch amped up their jangling Rickenbacker 12-strings and made a bid for Billboard glory. Only a few made it, but the music that came out of the power pop golden era (1973-1982) is still among the catchiest ever committed to wax.
Read on for 20 essential power pop tracks that will be lodged in your brain for the rest of your life. Overly commercial? Maybe. Guilty pleasures? Possibly. But you'll be singing right along, we guarantee it! Be warned: This ear candy is so sweet, you're going to have to brush your speakers before bedtime.
The British pub-rocker had scored previous hits during his stint in Brinsley Shwartz, recording the original version of Elvis Costello's "What So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love And Understand." That tune is power pop to the max, but Nick's solo debut Jesus Of Cool brought out even bigger guns like "Little Hitler", "Roller Show" and this cut.
This band straight outta Youngstown, Ohio anticipated the raw energy of Cheap Trick a few years early. Like a garage freak-beat band that recently bought amps, this stomper is just one of many great cuts from their excellent first album, No More, No Less. Despite boasting catchy riff-heavy songs and opening for The Stooges, Bob Seger, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, they didn't match the success of Badfinger, The Raspberries, and other power-pop brethren.
You could pick pretty much any cut from their jangley debut Stands For Decibels and stick it on this list. Chris Stamey and Will Rigby, formerly of power poppers Sneakers, teamed up with Peter Holsapple in the early '80s for a southern-friend sound. The dynamic tension between Stamey's avante-garde style and Holsapple's shimmering guitar work made for an interesting sweet-and-salty (or black and white) blend that has become a cult favorite. For many, they are the definitive power pop band.
"Baby's Coming Back" might be a tad more coherent, but the album opener from '93's Spilt Milk hits you like a potentially lethal sugar high. Queen-like multi-tracked harmonies, bone-crunching guitar, thundering drums, Beatle-y keyboards and even a string section all mix together in a uniquely-structured cotton candy confection.
Bram (real name, Peter Bramall) scraped the U.S. Top 40 charts with this one, the catchiest ode to "solo fantasizing" since The Who's "Pictures Of Lily" over a decade before. Considering his dedication to the '60s Mod style, you almost have to wonder if it was an accident…or a tribute?
The LA-based trio only released a four-song EP during their four-year lifespan, but it contained this pop standard that went on to be covered by Blondie. Just as the song went on to a bigger and better fate, so did the band members; Paul Collins went on to form The Beat, while Peter Case founded The Plimsouls, responsible for another power pop gem, "A Million Miles Away".
Not to be confused with the Bruce Springsteen song, the Tulsa-born Dwight brought us this stellar cut, with roots in both British Invasion and Sun Records rockabilly. No one blended the two genres with his skill and sizzle, but sadly this proved to be the band's only chart success.
Although often maligned as a one-hit-wonder, The Knack are responsible for arguably the most successful power pop song of all time. "My Sharona" spent six weeks at Number 1 and was Capitol Records' fastest gold status debut single since the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" fifteen years earlier. The song made them icons of the genre, but their lesser-known follow-up is equally incredible.
The Cars evolved into more of a new-wave act, but their debut single had it's feet firmly in the power pop camp. Elliot Easton's punchy guitar riffs propel the song forward, but Greg Hawkes' synth lines are the icing on top.
Crenshaw had one hell of a musical bootcamp: he got his big break as a John Lennon impersonator in an off-Broadway touring company of Beatlemania. Several years of learning the ins-and-outs of the Fab's catalog certainly had an effect, as his songs are a master class in how to write the perfect pop hook. Blending bright uptempo guitars with complex chord structures, he mimicked Buddy Holly hiccup'y vocal delivery so well that he was tapped to play the late rock pioneer in the 1987 film, La Bamba.
It's been called the best Merseybeat song that America has produced, and there's no argument here. The descending "clothesline harmony" of the lead vocalists plays like an updated "Please Please Me". If you squint, it almost looks like the real thing!
Mr. Rundgren is a multiple inductee into the Power Pop Hall of Fame, first for this work with the late-sixties group, Nazz. "Open My Eyes" is a little too old (and a little too hard) to be considered power pop, but he certainly knew which way the wind was blowing. Several years later he was making blissed out tracks with his band Utopia, and in recent years he served as lead vocalist for The "New" Cars. But our favorite Todd-era is his early '70s solo period, which brought forth Runt, Runt: The Ballad of Todd Rundgren,and the sublime double-disc Something/Anything? The latter is front-loaded with perfection like "I Saw The Light", "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference", "Hello It's Me", and this larynx-shredder.
Immediate<|fim_middle|> helped out on guitar duty, but the killer song was all theirs.
Technically they weren't a real band, but The Wonder's titular "hit" song from the film That Thing You Do made a very real run on the Top 40. Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne wrote and lent backing vocals to the song. All their tunes are great, but our favorite always has to be this deeper cut. | disqualification for inclusion in the Clueless soundtrack. Immediate RE-inclusion for being awesome. The Groovies got their start way back in 1969 as a blusey San-Fran bar band, but really hit their stride after guitarist Cyril Jordan took command, injecting a some Mersey-side melodies and Byrds-like electric 12-string lines.
Purists might find this more pop punk, but sue us. The brash and yearning "Teenage Kicks" perfectly sums up the hormonal frenzy of young love (which is, as they say, hard to beat). The song was a favorite of the incalculably influential DJ, John Peel, who requested that the words "Teenage dreams, so hard to beat" be engraved on his tombstone. He tragically suffered a fatal heart attack in 2004, but was eventually granted his wish.
Wanna know what being in love feels like? Just listen to this masterwork from these Brits, filled with cascading guitars and rough and ready Wh0-like vocal attack. The breakneck pace sends that song forward faster than a '55 Chevy on a spring day. This is one for the jukebox.
The folks who brought us the full length power pop staple Live At The Budokan also gave us this swirling anthem to teenage rebellion. It soars like a amped up symphony for four minutes and twelve seconds of pure ecstasy, and the final "We're all alright!" softens to otherwise devastating emotional crash when it finally comes in for landing.
How does one of the best air-guitar riffs in rock sit alongside those gorgeous angelic harmonies? It's a neat trick that takes us to pop heaven every time. Eric Carmen and the boys were determined to pay tribute to all of their '60s favorites, borrowing the "come on" bridge from The Beatles' "Please Please Me". They looked to The Rolling Stones' for lyrical raunchiness, which is totally masked with their Beach Boy vocal work. For more, see "Overnight Sensation", "Tonight" and "I Wanna Be With You".
The original power pop foursome. Although the "Beatle clone" comparisons grew tiresome, there was some truth to the hype. Badfinger were signed to the Fab's Apple Records label, and their first hit, "Come And Get It", was written and produced by Paul McCartney. But by the time the band truly took flight in 1970, they were doing it on their own. Kind of. George Harrison was rumored to have | 528 |
Home / Feature / Golfing for Good
Golfing for Good
Hannah Dupay Organizes Junior Golf Tournament
Story by Amy Larson, Photos by Cy Gilbert and courtesy of BanBury Golf Course
Once in a while, the elements combine to create a perfect service opportunity. Eagle golfer and entrepreneur Hannah Dupay may only be 11 years old, but she is already making a world of difference for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
"She's been well-spoken since she was tiny. People wouldn't believe me when I'd say, 'She's only five.' She's just Hannah. I don't know how else to put it," said Hannah's mother Lisha Southern-Kelly, reminiscing about her inspirational daughter.
Before Hannah Dupay was even born, her cousin, Ruben Cuervo, endured a terrible battle with cancer, including several bone marrow transplants donated by his four-year-old brother at the Memphis St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Family photo archives contain a picture of Hannah and her cousin in a limousine that the Make-A-Wish Foundation sent as part of Ruben's wish for a trip to Disney World. Today, Hannah's cousin is 15, driving, and in remission. Hannah looks to those early childhood experiences as a continual source of inspiration.
As Hannah grew, she became an enthusiastic golfer, playing competitively by age nine. While on the course, she noticed an ongoing need<|fim_middle|> and Karalie DeLuca, who passed away as the result of a heart condition. Proceeds go to children and families fighting cardiac diseases. Information courtesy of Rick O'Neill, Head Golf Pro.
Finally, Hillcrest Country Club is hosting the 26th Annual Alberston's Boise Open on July 6th through the 12th. The Tyson Foods Tickets Fore Charity program allows groups and individuals to select an organization to donate the proceeds of their ticket sales to, such as local high schools and sports teams.
Whichever events you participate in, golf with the knowledge that you are helping individuals in need.
Previous: The New Albertson's
Next: Outdoor Gear Guide | : most golf ball markers attached to hats or visors, which the then-ten-year-old didn't like to wear. As a solution, she invented magnet-embedded hair accessories containing the golf markers, and her first business, Goodie Girl Golf, was born. Mother and daughter went to the PGA merchandise show, and Hannah's business was featured on the Golf Channel. Goodie Girl Golf is now expanding into junior golf apparel and possibly, golf shoes.
"I personally didn't think I'd wake up one day and hear, 'Mom, I want to start a business and be a CEO,'" says Southern-Kelly, "She's just a kid who is so far beyond her years. She's such a giving person."
That generous spirit became apparent at what seemed like an otherwise ordinary local Make-A-Wish tournament. Both Hannah and her mother quickly realized that she was the sole participating junior, which meant she would be golfing with three older gentlemen.
"Those men were so nice," says Southern-Kelly, "They told us, 'We don't even need to play, she's doing so great out here.' They realized she felt out of place."
"It was really surprising and made me a little sad," Hannah said. "I thought there were going to be at least ten juniors."
She says she knows that many kids don't get the opportunity to learn about cancer firsthand, like she did, and that kids don't understand how much they can help. They also often don't understand what it takes to make a difference.
When the tournament ended, Hannah looked over at her mom and said, "I'd really like my company to host a junior event to raise money for the kids of Make-A-Wish. If I could get kids to do it, they could learn that they might be small in size, but that they're extremely powerful. Kids can make a difference too."
"We got a lot of support," Hannah says. She also got encouragement from her 1500 Twitter followers based all over the country, who were fascinated by the story of a ten-year-old CEO.
"People were really happy with the idea," Hannah says, "but some didn't think it was a real, serious thing that would ever come true. We got a lot of help, and it was amazing."
She visited Make-A-Wish's downtown Boise office to get a feel for what they did. They were more used to Kids for Wish Kids events, where children held bake sales and car washes to raise money for other children. Hannah's dream was a little bigger. She met some of the kids and families that the organization impacted and encouraged Make-A-Wish kids to attend the tournament so that participants could meet them, hear their stories, and become further inspired.
The first junior-focused Make-A-Wish golf tournament (which was open to all ages) was held last October. While there, Hannah spoke with a cancer patient who told her, "It's been hard, but once you get through it, it becomes something that you can kind of learn from."
The initial tournament hosted approximately 30 golfers, and raised $1,000 in much-needed funding for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"For the average kid's four-person family, a trip to a Disney park costs around $6,000," Hannah notes.
This year, Goodie Girl Golf's young CEO, who was featured on TV as a Seven's Hero and donates spare time at the Meridian Food Bank, thought the junior-geared tournament's repeat should happen much sooner, since kids are busy with soccer and football in the fall. A pre-summer date of May 30, 2015at BanBury Golf Course seemed ideal. When course officials sat down with Hannah and her mother, the Lewis and Clark Middle School sixth-grader, coached by BanBury's Chelsea Kinard, told them she'd like to see 100 junior golfers participating at the challenging course's event.
"She never ceases to amaze me," says Southern-Kelly, "She keeps really busy. Every now and then, I want to say, 'Hey, Hannah, go play Barbies or something,' but she enjoys being around a lot of people. She helps kids at school who struggle with their grades. We discussed homeschooling, but she wanted to be around the kids and decided to challenge herself in other ways. For her, the social part usually wins out."
For a girl who has already left such a mark on her community, it's not surprising to learn that she has big plans for the future. One is to apply for a spot on the popular television show "Shark Tank," which she watches frequently, in order to gain a broader understanding of business. She'd also like to become a doctor or research scientist someday to aid in finding solutions and cures for cancer.
Her personal experiences with cancer, coupled with an entrepreneurial, helpful, and social personality, experience as a CEO, and a natural talent for influencing others prepared Hannah Dupay to make a meaningful difference at a young age. Hannah is quick to offer her gratitude towards her mother, her coach Chelsea Kinard, BanBury's Head Pro, Ben Bryson, and many others.
"More than anything else, "says Hannah's mom, "this tournament means the most to her."
"I'm very excited," Hannah agrees, "I'm counting down the days."
In addition to Hannah Dupay's junior tournament, there are a variety of giving-through-golf opportunities in the Treasure Valley.
Eagle Hills Golf Course hosts the Hartz Memorial Tournament on May 17th; the Idaho Sliders Youth Foundation Fundraiser May 30th; and the Charlie Alvaro Memorial Scholarship Tournament on June 6th. June 12th is the Boise Burnout Fund Tournament; the Mike Ohge Memorial Tournament is June 13th, the Wounded Warrior Tournament is on June 14th; and Angels Anonymous Tournament, which benefits the Women's and Children's Alliance, takes place on June 19th. Information courtesy of Kyle Weeks, Head Golf Pro.
Spurwing Golf Course is hosting the Suicide Prevention Tournament on August 24th and the Fundsy Tournament September 24th. Information courtesy of Adam Martens, Head Golf Pro.
FalconCrest Golf Club has hosted the John Borbonus Tournament each year in early May for the past nine years, in honor of the owner's son who was killed overseas. Proceeds go to the Idaho Veterans Assistance League and Boise State Golf. On June 5th, they'll host the Jayden DeLuca Foundation golf tournament, in memory of the two and a half year-old daughter of Jeremy | 1,372 |
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Although meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, it has gained worldwide popularity in the last few decades. Utilized as a technique to support physical and emotional health, a daily mindfulness practice provides countless benefits. ThetaHealing Institute of Knowledge in Bigfork, MT, teaches students to utilize deep states of meditation to access the theta brain responsible for creating overall wellness. Here, they share a few of the most common benefits of the practice.
Emotions are caused by chemical reactions to our thoughts and responses to stimuli. Meditation techniques train the mind to relax and release the focus on specific thoughts. This allows the nervous system to react to the body's current physical state rather than worry or have anxiety, enhancing an overall feeling of emotional wellness.
Living with long<|fim_middle|> of Holistic Medicine? | -term, chronic stress takes a heavy toll on your mental and physical well-being. Meditation works with the nervous system to reduce stress. The "fight or flight" responses are quieted during the practice, while the "rest and digest" functions are stimulated.
Those who suffer from restless sleep find meditation to be of great assistance. Spending even just a few moments practicing mindfulness before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster. When you take the time to quiet your mind, you'll likely sleep more deeply, helping you to fully recharge.
For those who are interested in meditation, many helpful, skillful practitioners trained by the ThetaHealing Institute of Knowledge in Bigfork, MT, can help you on your journey. The Institute offers instruction in the ThetaHealing technique, which helps create positive changes to your spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. To learn more about the life changing seminars, visit their website or call (406) 206 3232.
What Are the Benefits | 201 |
DUMPS; JUNKYARDS
§ 82-1. Regulations for dumping.
§ 82-2. Storage of materials.
§ 82-3. Junkyards to be enclosed.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Windsor 7-25-67 as Section 8 of Article XVII of 1967 Ordinance Book. Section 82-4 added at time of adoption of Code, see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I. Other amendments noted where applicable.]
Gar<|fim_middle|> Code of the Village of Windsor containing the list of Fines and Penalties for the Village.
* Amended 9/4/2001; L.L. 5-2001 | bage, rubbish and refuse – See Ch. 107.
Dumping of refuse, waste, materials and other substances is permitted subject to the issuance of a special permit by the Board of Appeals. The dumping of refuse, etc., in permitted districts shall not be allowed to become unsightly or constitute a menace to public health or safety. The following regulations shall apply:
A. Dumping shall be conducted only between the hours 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
B. Each day's dumping shall be covered with at least four (4) inches of clean fill dirt.
C. Insect and rodent control shall be the responsibility of the operator of the dump.
D. The operator of the dump shall at all times keep fire hazard at a minimum.
The storage of junk, rags, scrap paper, scrap metal, automobile parts or building materials, salvage yards or similar uses will be permitted only in industrial districts, and such storage material must be kept in an orderly and inoffensive manner.
All junkyards and similar establishments shall be enclosed by a tight and solid fence or hedge at least six (6) feet in height, with openings only for ingress and egress. Said fence or hedge shall be kept in good condition, repair and appearance.
§ 82-4. Penalties for offenses*
Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be liable to a penalty set forth in Appendix C of the | 295 |
© 2017 by STEVEN AGUILÓ-ARBUES.
--Click Here for Resume PDF--
Argentinean-American Steven Aguiló-Arbues enjoys his various roles as a conductor, vocal coach, répétiteur, and recitalist. He has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist throughout Spain, Italy, Peru and the United States, and has worked on many opera productions, including:
-Die Zauberflöte
-Madama Butterfly
-Don Giovanni
-La Boheme
-Dialogues des Carmélites
-Rigoletto
-Idomeneo
-Il Barbiere di Siviglia
-Carmen
-Tosca
-Le Nozze di Figaro
-Dido and Aeneas
-Florencia en el Amazonas
-Roméo et Juliette
-Don Pasquale, and more
(please see resume for complete list).
His interest in American musical theatre has led him to prepare productions of Oklahoma!, A Chorus Line, Pippin, and Anything Goes.
Mr. Aguiló-Arbues has played masterclasses and studio coachings with renowned artists including Marylin Horne, Thomas Hampson, Renata Scotto<|fim_middle|> as:
-The Juilliard School
-Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
-The Manhattan School of Music
-Mannes School of Music
-University of Southern California
-Yale
-Indiana University, Bloomington
-Peabody Institute
Mr. Aguiló-Arbues is currently the Program and Music Director of Studio Artists at Sarasota Opera. He also serves as Conductor for Denver's Inside the Orchestra, a professional orchestra that introduces orchestra, ballet, and opera music to children and their families through a fast-paced interactive scripted concert.
www.InsidetheOrchestra.org
He also performs regularly as a Central City Opera Touring Artist as a pianist/coach and maintains a busy coaching and recital schedule when in Colorado. Mr. Aguiló-Arbues has served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, Centro Studi Lirica in Italy, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
His love for opera has led him to work with Opera Colorado, The Atlanta Opera, Central City Opera, Sarasota Opera, Boulder Opera Company, Colorado Light Opera, the Crested Butte Music Festival, and the Miami Music Festival. Mr. Aguiló-Arbues earned his Professional Studies Certificate and Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. He resides in Colorado with his wife Emily Murdock and their daughter Sofia.
BIO/RESUME | , Nico Castel, Marni Nixon, Martin Katz, Stephen Lord, Samuel Ramey, and the Takács String Quartet, among others.
He has coached singers who have gone on to win regional and national finalist titles in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions as well as sing at opera companies around the world, including the:
-Metropolitan Opera in New York City
-Wiener Staatsoper
-Teatro alla Scala
-Deutsche Oper Berlin
-Royal Opera House Convent Garden
-Lyric Opera of Chicago
-Washington National Opera
-San Francisco Opera
-Santa Fe Opera
-Houston Grand Opera
-Oper Frankfurt
-English National Opera
-Zürich Opernhaus
-Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe
-Salzburg Festival
Students that he has coached have gone on to study at institutions such | 178 |
Delivering Packages to the<|fim_middle|> last asked this question in 2002—before smartphones, Facebook or Twitter became ubiquitous. More than one in three (35%) appear to be heavy readers, reading 11 or more books in the past year, while close to half (48%) read between one and 10 and just 16% read none."
Horror House
Mark Greif
On the Ship
A Philip Roth Bonanza | Afterworld, and Other News
By Dan Piepenbring
Jizo statues at Zōjō-ji Temple in Tokyo. Photo: Jakub Hałun
Mainly writers are paid for cleaning your gutters, vacuuming under the seats in your car, and standing in line for you at the DMV. But sometimes, for reasons that few understand and even fewer are willing to discuss on the record, writers are paid to write. A new book, Scratch, collects essays about this legendary experience. Laura Miller thinks it's in more urgent need of demystification than anything else in the profession: "Few connections are more mysterious than the one between writing books and making money … For authors, money, however obscurely, is always entangled with legitimacy because writers have for centuries equated publication with professional and artistic anointment. Anyone can call themselves 'a writer,' but to be published (by somebody other than yourself) is to be a real writer. It's indeed a significant testimonial when someone else wants to invest their own money in a writer's work, so it's easy to forget that a publisher is actually the writer's business partner, not a conferrer of literary worth … Publishing isn't literature: Literature is literature. Publishing is a separate, if related enterprise."
Mark Greif aspires to join the tradition of Emerson and Thoreau—examining the reasons behind our self-presentation and directing readers toward a moral good. Jon Baskin writes of the "new unfreedom" that Greif beliefs has captured us: "In the more privileged parts of the developed West, we have largely emancipated ourselves from biological necessities (hunger, disease) and even from moral ones (God, the old taboos), but, perplexed by our unprecedented liberty, we have fabricated a new set of necessities to take their place. We no longer suffer from food scarcity, so we devise a baroque maze of taboos regarding what we can consume. We no longer prohibit any one form of sex, and yet, in making sex an all-important component of our self-esteem, we bow down to a new set of norms (namely, that we should always want sex, and with different partners) nearly as coercive as the old. We squander our 'free time,' a relatively recent gift of history, at the gym, in ridiculous outfits, on primitive machines, in order that we may have a little more free time to spend in a future that perpetually recedes."
As a kid, John Waters set up a "Horror House" in his parents' garage. If you paid a quarter, you, too, could suffer some abuse at his hands, and you'd even call it fun. Remembering the Horror House now, Waters recognizes the early signs of his gift for provocation (and a lot of youthful entrepreneurship): "The first unlucky kid would enter in the pitch-blackness and I'd immediately squirt him or her with a violent blast of chemical powder shot loudly from a fire extinguisher my dad let me borrow from our kitchen. Then I'd kick the person in the shins. Hard. They'd scream, and the kids in line outside would hear the cries of distress, which only added to their anticipation and excitement. Naturally, the patron inside would try to escape me, and that's when they'd trip over my wires and fall. But you know what? They loved it! They'd laugh, get right back up, grope their way through the rest, fall several more times, and then race back outside and get in line all over again to give me their money. I'm still doing the same thing in my career today, aren't I? All because my mom and dad allowed me to turn our first house into the demented childhood amusement park that lived in my brain."
After a miscarriage, Angela Elson and her husband found themselves in need of a tradition, some ritual way to process their grief. They turned to Japan, where they found Jizo: "According to Buddhist belief, a baby who is never born can't go to heaven, having never had the opportunity to accumulate good karma. But Jizo, a sort of patron saint of fetal demise, can smuggle these half-baked souls to paradise in his pockets. He also delivers the toys and snacks we saw being left at his feet on Mount Koya. Jizo is the U.P.S. guy of the afterlife. Brady and I grieved the baby in ways that were different but equally sad. One thing we both understood perfectly, though, was Jizo—why we had to search for the right kind of red yarn, how I had to crochet the smallest hat and coat three times to get it right. It was nice for us to have something to do, a project to finish in lieu of the baby I failed to complete."
At last, from Gallup, some good, hard data to refute anyone who would argue that reading is in decline in America. (Assuming their polling accuracy here is better than it was during the election.) "Despite the abundance of digital diversions vying for their time and attention, most Americans are still reading books. In fact, they are consuming books at nearly the same rate that they were when Gallup | 1,070 |
ManH Customers Fair Very Well in 'Retail 100' List
September 28, 2009 Alex Woodie
We take competitive claims by vendors with a grain of salt here at The Four Hundred (see IBM Says Microsoft 'Grossly Exaggerated' Exchange Sales Data elsewhere in this newsletter). But we also give credit where credit is due, and from the looks of it, customers of warehouse management system (WMS) software developer Manhattan Associates are disproportionably represented on the Chain Store Age 100 list of the biggest retailers in the United States.
For years, Manhattan Associates has been hailed for its "best of breed" WMS, which is designed to help manage their large-scale product storage and distribution activities. And while ManH develops an open systems product, its RPG-based WMS for i OS servers remains the company's foundational product.
If you've wondered what kind of actual market penetration corresponds with so-called "best of breed" products<|fim_middle|> and Microsoft Shoot for the Clouds with PHP | , now you have a number you can hang your hat on: 35.
That's the number (and percentage) of customers that ManH says it has on the Chain Store Age magazine's annual list of the 100 biggest retailers in the U.S. The latest top 100 report is featured in the magazine's August/September issue, and can be accessed on the Internet in PDF format here.
Name Dropping Alert
According to ManH, some of its customers on this list include: no. 4 Home Depot, with $71 billion in 2008 revenue; no. 26 H.E. Butt Grocery Company, with $14.5 billion in revenue; no. 33 BJ's Wholesale Club, with more than $10 billion in revenues; no. 75 Dick's Sporting Goods, with $4.1 billion in revenues; and no. 82 O'Reilly Auto Parts, with $3.5 billion in revenues.
For permission reasons, ManH did not disclose who the other 27 customers are on this list. It also did not say what percentage of its customers were running the i OS version of its WMS or the one that runs on Unix and Windows, but an educated guess, based on ManH's own ruminations on the established place i OS products have in the WMS field (PDF format) and our analysis of the company's case studies says it's somewhere north of 50 percent.
Judging from the large number of retailers on the list that are known to be AS/400 shops–including Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, CDW, Kroger Foods, Menards, Meijer, Dollar General, Bass Pro Shops, Ikea, Williams Sonoma, and dozens more–it's not hard to imagine what the rest of ManH's Chain Store Age 100 impressive lineup would look like.
The Economy Squeezes Manhattan Associates in Q4
Manhattan Associates Publicizes System i Successes
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Tags: Tags: mtfh_rc, Volume 18, Number 34 -- September 28, 2009
New Generation Software
NGS: Celebrating 40 Years!
NGS thanks the thousands of people who have used our software over the past 40 years, especially those of you who still do. We're just as committed to supporting you now as ever.
If you aren't currently using our NGS-IQ query, reporting and analytics solution, this year is a great time to start.
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IBM Targets Mid Market with Cognos Express LANSA Gives aXes Screen Modernization Tool a Makeover
TFH Volume: 18 Issue: 34
This Issue Sponsored By
IBM to Mothball a Whole Bunch of Stuff with Power7
IBM, VMware Cooking Up vSphere 4.0 Support for i
What Apple Did That IBM Must Emulate
As I See It: After You're Gone (.com)
IBM Says Microsoft 'Grossly Exaggerated' Exchange Sales Data
Dataram Launches SAN Accelerator Appliance
IT Competitiveness Index Shifts, but U.S. Remains on Top
Storage Software Doing Better Than Hardware, Says IDC
Zend, IBM, | 746 |
Thursday, May 17, 2018 [Tweets] [Favorites]
The Moat Map
Ben Thompson:
This relationship between the differentiation of the supplier base and the degree of externalization of the network effect forms a map of effective moats; to again take these six companies in order:
Facebook has completely internalized its network and commoditized its content supplier base, and has no motivation to, for example, share its advertising proceeds. Google similarly has internalized its network effects and commoditized its supplier base; however, given that its supply is from 3rd parties, the company does have more of a motivation to sustain those third parties (this helps explain, for example, why Google's off-site advertising products have always been far superior to Facebook<|fim_middle|> means to deepen the moat; unfortunately Apple for too long didn't allow for suitable business models.
Update (2018-06-02): Ben Thompson (Hacker News):
Once a platform dips under the Bill Gates Line, though, the long-term potential of a business built on a "platform" starts to decline. Apple's App Store, for example, has all of the trappings of a platform, but Apple quite clearly captures the vast majority of the overall ecosystem, both because of the profitability of the iPhone and also because of its control of App Store economics; the paucity of strong and durable businesses on the App Store is a natural outgrowth of that.
Patrick O'Shaughnessy:
This 20-minute talk by @benthompson on the difference between platforms and aggregators is fantastic.
Amazon Apple Business Facebook Google iOS Microsoft Netflix Uber
Stay up-to-date by subscribing to the Comments RSS Feed for this post. | 's).
Netflix and Amazon's network effects are partially internalized and partially externalized, and similarly, both have differentiated suppliers that remain very much subordinate to the Amazon and Netflix customer relationship.
Apple and Microsoft, meanwhile, have the most differentiated suppliers on their platforms, which makes sense given that both depend on largely externalized network effects. "Must-have" apps ultimately accrue to the platform's benefit.
To be sure, the company has been more than fine: its developer ecosystem is plenty strong enough to allow the company's product chops to come to the fore. I continue to believe, though, that Apple's moat could be even deeper had the company considered the above Moat Map: the network effects of a platform like iOS are mostly externalized, which means that highly differentiated suppliers are the best | 160 |
Organization design is about building a foundation that fosters collaboration, enables communication, builds strong relationships, and enhances productivity and agility.
Organization design is more than creating a structure of boxes connected by lines on a page.
Jabian's approach starts with understanding your business strategy and goals. We then focus on gaining a deep understanding of the current state of the organization, from the internal interactions and styles of the existing team to how the organization interfaces with other teams and organizations.
From there, we identify opportunities for improvement. Functions are mapped to define performance and interactions are aligned among teams. Only then do we consider individual roles, reporting relationships, incentives and compensation, and the potential career path.
Any reorganization requires a thoughtful approach to change management, including the right leadership messaging and communications to keep the organization as productive as possible throughout the transition.
Jabian's Organization Design Framework outlines the concepts that must be considered to create a well-designed organization, which includes alignment of the roles, responsibilities, incentive structure, and interactions of its people and capabilities with its business context, goals<|fim_middle|> Work: How Will You Organize? | , and culture. This alignment helps foster collaboration, innovation, and productivity.
Reimagining | 18 |
How this all started
My visit(s) to Delianuova
Monica's visit to Delianuova
Media (Photos/Videos)
Delianuova/Kane Links
Delianuova Travel Help
Pictures of Delianuova
Calabria DNA Project
Delianuova's Home Page
History of Delianuova
Delianuova Mapping
Delianuova Musical Association
Honey from<|fim_middle|> Amid miles of silver-green olive trees and orange groves, nestled into the valley of the Aspromonte Mountains, we found Delianuova.
It was a place my mother had heard about many times as a child. My "Nana," in her broken English, would speak of the village and its people, and tell stories from her childhood.
Most memorable was Nana's description of her childhood home and how it sat among a connected line of houses on a narrow street, with one step up from the street to the front door and five steps up once the door was opened.
It became our goal to find that house, to sit on the front step that Nana's feet had crossed over many thousands of times from her birth to the day she left Delianuova as a "spinster" in her early 30s to come to America for her arranged marriage to my grandfather.
We had expected to see unspoiled landscapes, old-world structures, and a slower, more traditional way of life, and we were not disappointed. What we did not expect was the shower of warmth and kinship we experienced from the people of Delianuova.
The phone in our hotel room began to ring just hours after we checked in, announcing the arrival of about a dozen people who shared my grandparents' surnames, each conversing with my mother in the Calabrese Italian dialect Mom had learned from her parents nearly half a century ago.
My mother (Angelina Gangemi Lewis) and I, on the stoop of her childhood home
They discussed names and dates and details of our Delianuovan ancestry, trying to establish a connection to our bloodlines. And even though no one remembered my grandparents and no direct relationship could be established, we knew from their engaging manner, the angularity of their physical features, and their outpouring of warmth that we somehow belonged.
Even those who did not share our surnames embraced us. A local man named Enzo, whom I had reached two years ago on the Internet via one of Delianuova's few computers, took us on a city and mountain tour. He unearthed church records dating back hundreds of years, and pointed us to the home he believed had been my Nana's.
It turned out he was right. Not only was my mother able to sit on the step of her mother's childhood home - a home among a connected line of houses on a narrow street, with one step up from the street to the front door and five steps up once the door was opened — she touched the baptismal font where her father was baptized. She literally felt her mother's presence in the very church Nana attended each and every Sunday.
And from this two-day visit, I gained insight into where my mother's kindness and generosity and my daughter's sense of unconditional acceptance originated. I may have even discovered — among the laughing, upbeat Delianuovans — where I got my offbeat sense of humor.
The old adage says, "Never look back," but when it comes to your history and your roots, the more you look into the past, the more it tells you about the person you are today.
MONICA LEWIS writes about family life every Thursday in the Erie Times-News.
Disclaimer: All information on this site has been legally obtained from publicly available records, or through family members who have consented to its publication. Use of this information is intended for the genealogical benefit of family members only. If you feel that any information on this site should not be published, or should you wish that any information about a particular family member should be removed from our genealogy records, please contact us.
Copyright © Yetto.com. All rights reserved. | Delianuova
Kane Chamber of Commerce
Kane's Home page
Kane Lobo Wolves
AltaVista Translator
Giuseppe Ietto
Mike Yetto
Pete's Cat Page
Robert Yetto
Guertin.com
Solomon's Site
Beth Guertin
Falcone-Sammarco
End Of The World?!
Other Silly Stuff...
From the Erie Times-News, November 13, 2003
Delianuova, Italy, daughters reunite
In this fast-paced world, we tend to spend a great deal of time looking ahead. We set our job goals for the upcoming year, we save for our children's college education and we start shopping for what we'll wear to the New Year's Eve party six weeks from now.
But every once in a while, it's important to turn around, to look back, to try to understand where you came from.
Last week, my mother, my daughter and I looked back. We looked way back. We traveled nearly 5,000 miles to the tiny village of Delianuova, Italy, the birthplace of my mother's immigrant parents, Angelo Gangemi and Francesca Costanzo Gangemi. | 257 |
Thanks for dropping in on the blog tour for talented author Ian Thomas Malone. I've read the College Dialogues and have anticipated the release of this for a while. There is something about the way he presents philosophy that makes what is usually considered a long winded genre very fun and enjoyable for young adults and seasoned minds.
High School, a rite of passage for all American teenagers, can be a daunting experience. Wouldn't it be nice to have a little help along the way? George Tecce, known as The Chief, takes a hiatus from his collegiate adventures to help students navigate through the often daunting labyrinth with his signature off-kilter enlightening comedy. No topic is off limits as The Chief breaks down high school for students and parents discussing such topics as bullying, prom, and the dreaded group project. Refreshingly unique and accessible, Five High School Dialogues is the perfect all-inclusive guide to high school.
Ian Thomas Malone is an author, yogi, actor, and commentator from Greenwich, CT. He is also a graduate of Boston College, where he founded The Rock. He is the grandson of noted Sherlockian scholar Colonel John Linsenmeyer. Ian has published thousands of articles on diverse subjects such as pop culture, baseball, and social commentary. His favorite things to post on social media are pictures of his golden retriever Georgie and his collection of stuffed animals.
Ian firmly believes "there's more to life than books you know, but not much more," a quote from his hero Morrisy. When he's not reading, writing, or teaching yoga, he can probably be found in a pool playing water polo.He aspires to move to the Hundred Acre Wood someday, though he hopes it has wi-fi by then.
needs an extension. After a brief explanation, George deduces that Amber was unable to do her work over the weekend because she was hungover. The two have a conversation on the risks associated with underage drinking and its effect on one's work.
Chief: Why don't you tell me why you need this extension and then I can maybe turn that maybe into the answer you desire?
Amber: Well, it's due on Wednesday so I figured I'd ask today since I didn't think you would be too forgiving if I asked you the day before.
Chief: A smart assumption. Why don't you tell me why you need this extension?
Amber: Well, I have basketball practice for two hours tonight and there's a game tomorrow. It's an away game so I won't get back until pretty late. Plus I have a math test tomorrow that I'm behind on. I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Chief: Naturally. That sounds quite overwhelming.
Amber: It is. I usually manage. I'm not that great at basketball, but it's fun and I really like the team.
weekend to prepare for this stuff. I assume the away game wasn't a spur of the moment type of event?
Amber: Nope. It's been on the schedule all season.
Chief: A test and essay is rough, especially when you've probably got other homework to take care of as well.
Amber: Yeah, there's also science and history. I wasn't expecting those to be much of a burden, but we got assigned a lot of work today. I've moved a little bit of it around, but there's just so much of it that I wanted to see if I could have an extra day or two to get it all under control.
people would have just done a poor job and not gone through the effort to talk to the teacher.
Amber: My grades are important to me. I know I'm only a sophomore, but I've heard that colleges like to see consistency and I want them to see that I've been a<|fim_middle|> today either.
Chief: Headaches aren't usually the primary symptom of twenty-four hour bugs. Unless this was caused by something else.
illnesses on Sundays. You know what tended to cause it? | good student all four years.
Chief: Yes, also known as Sunday. Did you have practice?
Amber: No, we usually have Sundays off.
Chief: Did you do any work yesterday?
Chief: Did Netflix get in the way?
Amber: Not quite. I wasn't really feeling well at all. My head was killing me.
Chief: Were you sick on Saturday?
Chief: You don't seem sick | 85 |
An all time classic choice for your vintage watches, like a (new) old friend from the past. Vintage leather never fails to impress with its subtle finish and aged look, ideal for both dress and sport timepieces. The combinations of leather and color of stitching is carefully selected, keeping in mind that the smallest details, transform these elegant straps to essential creations.
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A strap that looks as if it has a story to tell. Perfection found on its color flaws, this unique strap from hand made Italian leather would pair perfectly with steel or gold.
Not just another black strap, due to its unique, "jaguar"-green stitching that automatically | 237 |
Listen// A beautiful use of space
Boy Bjorn's latest single is an expansive alt single that feels like<|fim_middle|>: Alone At The Severance, Alternative, Ambient, Boy Bjorn, Listen
← Premiere// J F L E – Problems
Listen// Her's chase invisible rabbits → | an induction to a cult.
There are few words to describe Boy Bjorn's latest single, Alone At The Severance.
Sitting somewhere between a spiritual induction to a cult and an artistic alt-rock epic, Boy Bjorn's sound is not your typical track. It's unique in that it doesn't fit too comfortably into any particular sound or subgenre; it simply exists and escalates in a cavernous space it carves out for itself. That said, it doesn't alienate listeners and it's easy to see how it could grow into a mid-to-late set staple in the future.
Against this soundscape, Boy Bjorn tackles philosophical themes. As he explains it:
"Alone at the Severance was born from conversations about society and existentialism. The mid-20s pursuit of truth. All the long, inebriated talks I've had with friends that get compressed to a silent agreement that 'we're believing a lie, but it's alright'. I think sometimes we're all just trying to find our own way of saying that. But I wanted to set that thought against a light, ethereal backdrop to shed some of its weight. The more important part of this story is that it's alright."
Categories: Listen • Tags | 255 |
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