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http://patagoniapordescubrir.com/articulo/225/remember-those-who-were-forgotten-at-the-isle-of-the-dead | 2021-04-18T00:28:20 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-17/segments/1618038464065.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20210417222733-20210418012733-00519.warc.gz | 0.973471 | 693 | CC-MAIN-2021-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-17__0__262789413 | en | It’s a short and lovely boat trip from the Caleta to this tiny isle located south of Tortel’s Bay. You’ll be immersed within a dreamy landscape that includes the turquoise waters of the Baker River Delta, the intense greens of the native forests, snowy peaks, giant waterfalls, and hanging glaciers. Perhaps the serenity of the landscape makes the isle’s chilling monument that much more surreal; 59 worn wooden crosses peeking out from between giant ferns and nalca leaves, quietly memorializing a tragedy, that was anything but “serene”.
For years the events that led to the 59 crosses on the isle were shrouded in mystery.
There was talk of famine, accidental poisoning and even a premeditated mass-murder. But, everything was a matter of legend and rumor, until social anthropologist, Mauricio Osorio, uncovered new evidence that has helped to reveal true events that led to the catastrophe.
All of the excursions to the Isle of the Dead pass through the Bajo Pisagua Sector, where there is an incredible waterfall that pours down into the fjord. This sector is the scene for the drama that was to unfold. At the end of 1905, the Explotadora del Baker Company contracted around 200 workers from Chiloe and Puerto Montt, to come to the Bajo Pisagua sector and work, building roads, logging and working in construction of new infrastructure. Work moved forward during the spring and summer months and workers began to anticipate the winter break, when they would return home to their families.
A ship would arrive to transport the workers back north in June of that year; their contract stipulated a break during the winter months when the climate included sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and rains. Accommodations were not adequate for housing so many people during the harsh conditions of winter when clearly, the weather prevented work from moving forward. So, rations were provided through the end of May when the ship would arrive. But, it didn’t arrive on the indicated day, or the next.
The ship scheduled to transport the workers never arrived; they had been abandoned!
It was almost four months later, on September 27, 1906, when the Araucanía Steamer, from Punta Arenas, picked up the 157 survivors of the Bajo Pisagua tragedy. Fifty-nine workers had died during the harsh Patagonian winter, due to lack of food and an outbreak of scurvy, and their remains rest under the worn wooden crosses on the isle. Eight more victims died aboard the Araucanía on the way back. It’s especially sad to notice the short lives memorialized by many of the crosses on the isle, whose dates reveal that many of the workers were young men, some only 15 years old.
Today, thanks to the efforts of Don Osorio’s research, the mystery of their deaths can finally be shared and the forgotten, remembered. So, as you walk through the isle surrounded by such incredible beauty, take a moment to remember a few of the names that are hand written onto the crosses. Then, as you make your way back to the comforts of Caleta Tortel, take a few minutes to remember the names of those forgotten for so long. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://cinematographerstyle.com/press/press02.html | 2024-04-13T00:24:37 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296816465.91/warc/CC-MAIN-20240412225756-20240413015756-00286.warc.gz | 0.957355 | 1,746 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__138086240 | en | Cinegear News/ Fauer
A CELEBRATION OF A UNIQUE ARTFORM
Sunday will be a busy day for Jon Fauer, ASC, who is conducting an afternoon master class
on the evolving art and craft of Super 16 filmmaking. His 90-minute documentary,
Cinematographer Style, will premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on Sunday evening.
The film is a collage of commentaries by 110 cinematographers who are literally thinking
aloud about the universal art of visual story-telling.
The cinematographers who Fauer corralled have roots in 15 countries and experience in diverse
sectors of the industry, including narrative films for both television and the cinema, documentaries,
music videos and commercials. Several interviews are with visual effects artists and one is with
an editor who offers interesting perspectives.
Fauer asked everyone the same questions: Why did they choose to become a cinematographer?
How did they get started? Who influenced them? How do they decide on the right looks? How
has the evolution of technology affected cinematography?
Those are the primary threads weaved into the fabric of the film, but the dialogues also meander
into other areas and common themes emerge. For instance, many of the cinematographers
interviewed by Fauer initially set out to be painters, architects and graphic designers.
There are also a number of writers and a few former actors.
Fauer says that some cinematographers were shy about being on the other side of the lens.
He also observes, “They were all incredibly articulate. They drew pictures with words that are
so vivid I could see the images. The lesson that this film teaches is that there are no textbooks
or rules. Cinematography is like writing literature or composing music. No two people do it in
exactly the same way, but it’s a global language that everyone understands.”
Fauer is a kind of renaissance man, though he would never describe himself that way.
He studied art and filmmaking at Dartmouth University and has subsequently compiled
a diverse list of documentary, independent feature and commercial credits as both
a cinematographer and director.
Fauer is also a prolific writer. He has authored 10 books about ARRI cameras and other
technical topics involving cinematography .
The idea for Cinematographer Style traces back to a discussion Fauer had with ARRI Inc.
President Volker Bahnemann in March, 2003. Fauer was updating the ARRICAM Book
that he had authored. Bahnemann suggested that he augment the updated edition with
a DVD consisting of interviews with cinematographers discussing how the evolution of
technology and techniques have influenced them and their work.
By May, the idea took root. Fauer believed it was important to produce the documentary
on 35mm film. ARRI pledged both funding and equipment, John W. Johnston guaranteed
that Kodak would provide a sufficient supply of Kodak Vision 2 color negative film where
and when it was needed, and Charlie Herzfeld offered assurances that Technicolor would
donate front-end lab, telecine and release print services.
“Cinematographers talking about art ought to be recorded on film that audiences can experience
projected on big cinema screens,” Fauer says. “I also felt that it was important to conduct these
interviews on a proven, archival form of media that will be accessible to future filmmakers
and historians decades and hundreds of years from now.”
Fauer filmed and interviewed cinematographers and edited that footage into a 10-minute DVD,
titled The Digital Age of Film, which premiered in the book store that was part of the American
Society of Cinematographers exhibit at CineGear in June 2004.
By then, what had begun as a relatively modest project had shifted into high gear. The way Fauer
tells it, various people were urging him to film interviews with additional cinematographers. ARRI,
Kodak, Technicolor , people at other companies and individuals offered to provide both practical
and moral support. The reality is that he couldn’t have done it without their support, but Fauer
was on a mission. He organized and incorporated T-Stop Productions, Inc. in New York as
the official producer of Cinematographer Style. Fauer explains that the title of the film was
derived from a casual observation he made during a visit to a bookstore while researching
background information for shooting a high fashion commercial. A section of the bookstore
was dedicated to prevailing styles in different places. Fauer subsequently filmed interviews with cinematographers at the CineGear 2005 Conference on soundstages at Paramount, Culver City
and Universal Studios in Los Angeles and at Leavesden UK Studios in London, and while he
was shooting commercials in various cities. He shot some 200,000' feet of 35mm film.
“Our goal from the beginning, and a key to the structure of the film, was to string together
comments made by the various cinematographers offering opinions about the same topics,”
Fauer says. “Vittorio Storaro (ASC, AIC) talks about lighting faces. Then, we cut to
commentaries by Haskell Wexler (ASC) and Gordon Willis (ASC) discussing the same subject.
You hear Gordon tell the gaffer who is lighting his face to turn a key light off. Then he turns
back towards the camera with his face in partial shadows and asks, ‘do you see what I mean?’
Gordon made an eloquent statement by using images to punctuate his words. He wasn’t acting
for the camera. It was second nature.”
That type of spontaneous visual grammar is weaved throughout the fabric of the film. There are
no talking head shots. Fauer’s subjects augment their words with body language, facial expressions
and their eyes. His cinematography is also interpretative. Fauer intuitively used light and shadows,
camera angles, composition and focus the way he thought his subjects would film interviews
“I asked everyone how they wanted to be lit,” Fauer relates, “and they all said they trusted me.
I’ll be honest. That was a pretty nerve-wracking experience.”
The moment of truth came when some 33 hours of filmed interviews had to be culled down to
90 minutes. That comes out to an average of almost 50 seconds of commentary by each
cinematographer. Fauer assigns ample credit to editor Matt Blute, who was his collaborator
on this aspect of the project. The conformed negative was scanned and converted to a digital
file with an ARRISCAN.
Fauer put final painterly touches on the look in addition to timing the film for continuity at
Goldcrest Post, in Manhattan, in collaboration with senior colorist John Dowdell, who was involved
in various other aspects of the project from the beginning.
The final cut was rendered onto film with an ARRILASER recorder. Technicolor produced the release
print on Kodak Vision Premiere film.
Fauer concludes that Cinematographer Style is a celebration of a unique form of artistic expression
that tends to be a mystery to film critics and fans. The film will also be released as a DVD and a book.
Fauer says that a substantial part of the profits will be donated to the American Society of
Cinematographers education and museum funds.
“My only regret is that despite our best efforts, scheduling conflicts and the random nature of
this business prevented us from interviewing many cinematographers who should have been
a part of this film,” he says. “I hope to rectify those omissions in the future when we begin
working on Cinematographer Style, Part 2.”
In addition to ARRI, Kodak and Technicolor, Fauer says various companies and individuals
made important contributions, including Clairmont Camera, Illumination Dynamics, Avid Technology,
Facilis Technology, Taylor and Taylor Insurance, Fisher Dollies, Quixote Expendables and others.
All of them are listed in the end credits. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.okubocmo.com/group/mysite-200-group/discussion | 2024-04-22T19:53:58 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296818337.62/warc/CC-MAIN-20240422175900-20240422205900-00003.warc.gz | 0.903736 | 301 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__29184891 | en | Madden 24 has brought a wave of excitement to the gaming community, particularly with the influx of new quarterbacks. The landscape of the game is constantly evolving, and with the addition of quarterback discounts, the top 10 quarterback list has seen a significant shakeup. In this article, we'll delve into the rankings, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each quarterback, and explore the ever-important realm of Madden Ultimate Team.
The Game-Changing FC 24 Patch: A Revolution in FIFA Gameplay
In the ever-evolving world of FIFA, EA Sports has unleashed a monumental update in FC 24, setting a new standard for gameplay changes that might redefine how players approach the beautiful game. This update, titled Pitch Notes Title Update six, introduces four main features that promise to revolutionize the way we play FIFA. From reduced midfield congestion to changes in offensive wing backs, the gaming community is abuzz with anticipation for the transformative impact of these modifications.
Unleashing Maximum Damage: The Top 3 DPS Builds in New World
New World, Amazon Game Studios' latest MMORPG, has captivated gamers with its immersive world, rich lore, and dynamic combat system. Among the diverse playstyles available, DPS (Damage Per Second) builds are favored by those who relish the thrill of dealing massive damage while contributing to the team's success. In this article, we'll explore the three best DPS builds in New World, each designed to maximize damage output and ensure you stand out on the battlefield. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://fundraise.challenge.org.au/difjhistory | 2023-12-08T03:21:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00268.warc.gz | 0.929242 | 163 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__60242577 | en | In 2019, the inaugural #DoingItForJarrod campaign was launched in honour of our dear friend and ambassador, Jarrod Lyle, who sadly passed away from cancer in August 2018.
#DoingItForJarrod continues Jarrod’s vision of helping Challenge provide practical support to children and families living with cancer and beyond.
Challenge and the PGA of Australia united to create an annual fundraising campaign that the entire golf community could enjoy to keep Jarrod’s legacy alive.
In conjunction with #DoingItForJarrod, the PGA of Australia wanted to acknowledge Jarrod’s life, so they created “Yellow Day”, now an annual event held at the Australian PGA Championship.
Follow us on social media for the latest news! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://ccchurch.us/pastor's-corner | 2020-08-08T11:05:32 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-34/segments/1596439737645.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20200808110257-20200808140257-00207.warc.gz | 0.956644 | 608 | CC-MAIN-2020-34 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-34__0__44852279 | en | Cross of Christ Lutheran Church - Welch Minnesota
Before I started to write anything, I went back and re-read what I had written for the Country Chronicles last March. I was talking about spring and how the world comes alive. The grass turns green, the leaves sprout, the weather warms… So much optimism and excitement!
And ohh, how things have changed…
Don’t get me wrong, we really did have a nice spring with green grass and leaves and all that… Unfortunately, it also came with a novel coronavirus. We weren’t sure what to expect and we were pretty much expecting the worst. So, schools closed, restaurants closed, churches closed…
And if there was any silver lining at all, at least we all felt like we were in this thing together. It felt like there was some social agreement on what to do. But now, even that is pretty much gone.
Then we had the death of George Floyd. What was already a cranky situation exploded in ways we could never have imagined. Spawning still more violence and destruction and who knows what… If you’re like me, you’re wondering, “What’s going on with the world?”
As I write, the virus continues to spread… Over 140,000 people have died, hospitals in parts of Florida and Texas have maxed out their ICUs. Researchers have better information, but depending on where you get your news, it’s either really, really bad-- or not a problem.
And of course, we’re in an election year, so all manner of spinning is happening. So, we’re not only fearful, we don’t know who to listen to.
It feels like danger and chaos is everywhere. I go through periods when I can’t watch the news. It not only makes me cynical; it makes me paralyzed. There’s so much badness out there! And that’s certainly no way to live…
On August ninth, our gospel reading will be about Jesus walking on water. In biblical stories, water is often associated with danger and chaos. We have Noah and the flood, we have the Israelites crossing through the Red Sea on dry land (it didn’t turn out well for the Egyptians!), we have Jonah and the whale, and even in the New Testament we have the story of Apostle Paul being shipwrecked.
When Jesus walks on water, he is not only walking on water, he’s walking across all the danger and chaos that humanity can possibly muster—and that gives me comfort. Jesus is the master of our disaster.
So, especially when the seas of danger and chaos rage and foam, take the hand of Jesus and you can walk over anything.
Take good care, my friends…
Church Phone: 651-388-3464
Pastors Email: [email protected] | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://treibrundrett.com/about/ | 2024-03-05T13:06:35 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707948235171.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20240305124045-20240305154045-00642.warc.gz | 0.96604 | 257 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__71677652 | en | Trei Brundrett has been making things on the internet with smart people for 30 years, starting with the first website for Texas Monthly.
He’s a co-founder and former COO of Vox Media, where he now serves as Senior Advisor. He created the Vox Product team in 2008, a pioneering cross-functional news product team that launched and/or redesigned SB Nation, The Verge, Polygon, Vox, Eater, Curbed, Recode and NY Mag. This same team designed and built one of the most loved content management systems in the media business, Chorus, to power those brands.
Previously, he directed technology and product teams at technology startups and as the principal of the design firm, Handwire, in Austin, Texas. Now Trei works as an advisor to news startups and as a consultant to the American Journalism Project, Aspen Digital, and SXSW.
A seventh generation Texan, he serves as the Chair of The Texas Tribune and on the philanthropic committee for The McDonald Observatory in West Texas. He’s also on the board of his adopted hometown Montclair Local nonprofit newsroom, Open News, and The Guardian.
He lives in Montclair, NJ with his family of six and their dog, Lucy. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://kourelis.blogspot.com/2009/11/west-philadelphia-transfiguration.html | 2013-05-24T14:17:03 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704664826/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114424-00043-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.953024 | 409 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__178491935 | en | The wrecking ball has met the Church of the Transfiguration, on 56th and Cedar Sts. in West Philadelphia. Built in 1905, the church has been vacant for almost a decade. See the Philadelphia Church Project blog (here) for the sad images of demolition. The interior furnishings of the church were stripped last month and can be found at Provenance, the architectural salvage store on 1610 Fairmount Ave. This Catholic church, convent, school and complex was sold by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Boy's Latin, a charter school that opened in 2007. The school is an interesting, albeit controversial, experiment, see St. John Bard-Smith, "Latin Lovers," Philadelphia Weekly (June 11, 2008). The school will presumably expand in the plot that housed the Transfiguration.
Many thanks to the Necessity of Ruins for recording the processes of Philadelphia's own ruination. I was also deeply saddened to see the wrecking ball meet another West Philadelphia monument, the Drexel Shaft on 30th Street. The demolition took place on Sunday (Nov. 16); for more information, see, Eulogy for a Shaft and Drexel Shaft Implosion (Necessity of Ruins, Nov. 12 & 16). The smoke stack was designed for the 30th Street Station Steam Heating Plane by the office of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White in 1929. This Chicago firm was the successor of Daniel Burnham's office and their ambitious urbanism is legendary. Their plans for Philadelphia's 30th Street resembled the Terminal Tower project in Cleveland. Unexpectedly, the Great Depression kept the full urban scheme from materializing. The smoke stack was an orphan, a monument to a lost moment. The boiler was last used in 1964 and, I agree with The Necessity of Ruins, it was an icon of West Philadelphia. Crossing the Schuylkill River or entering the city by train was always marked by this vertical monument rising over its cubic base. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.suffolkarchivesfoundation.org.uk/?paged=2&page_id=11 | 2020-04-05T20:02:11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-16/segments/1585371609067.62/warc/CC-MAIN-20200405181743-20200405212243-00451.warc.gz | 0.952379 | 572 | CC-MAIN-2020-16 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-16__0__144007247 | en | Broadcast on 10 April Lesley talks to Steve Gilbey about Mapping Suffolk’s Stories project. This project recognises the national and international relevance of the Record Office’s collections. It will use the engaging nature of historic maps as a starting point for uncovering the unique stories about the people, places and events of our county, often hidden in the archives.
The programme will see the Record Office, aided by the University of Suffolk and a group of teachers, working alongside communities to explore and promote their local heritage to new regional and national audiences.
Some groups will focus on the initial stimulus of historic maps; others in the same locality (including schools) will use the maps and new research to learn more about where they live and create contemporary responses to it.
The project’s results will be available to national audiences through an exciting, interactive mapping feature.
Mapping Suffolk’s Stories will act as the template for a new way of working for the Record Office – delivering outreach and education “out there” in communities, rather than just relying on activities delivered in branches.
It is hoped that the Hold will play a pivotal role in this project.
Broadcast on 13 March with Bridget and Louise joining Lesley in the studio. Louise talked about a seven year old boy who was an African slave given into the care of a vicar in Lowestoft. Bridget spoke about the Ipswich office with its nine miles of shelving. Bridget also identified some records held that were relevant to women’s history month, and managed to slip in a mention of The Hold.
We are thrilled to confirm that Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch has agreed to be patron of the Suffolk Archives Foundation. Diarmaid grew up in Suffolk and is one of the world’s leading religious historians. He is Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford and a prize-winning author, having written extensively on Tudor England. He has presented a number of popular history programmes on the BBC and received a knighthood in January 2012 for services to scholarship. We are very grateful to Diarmaid for lending his support to the Foundation, and look forward to working with him as our campaign takes shape.
On Monday 13th February Suffolk Record Office’s Bridget Hanley and project coordinator Amy Rushton took part in the first instalment of a monthly feature about ‘The Hold’ and Suffolk Record Office on Lesley Dolphin’s afternoon show; broadcast on BBC Radio Suffolk.
They talked animatedly with Lesley about the Record Office, Mapping Suffolk’s Stories, ‘The Hold’ and the Suffolk Archives Foundation.
This is to become a regular feature at 1.30pm on the second Monday of every month. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.gdprplus.si/gdpr-to-business-enemy-or-opportunity/ | 2021-09-17T04:57:01 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-39/segments/1631780054023.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20210917024943-20210917054943-00643.warc.gz | 0.95006 | 654 | CC-MAIN-2021-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-39__0__149367414 | en | Recently, Apple announced it will demand its privacy icons in all apps offered in App Store (meaning – if you haven’t done so yet, be sure to implement Apple’s requirements ASAP – otherwise, your users may have trouble using your app).
Why am I mentioning this? Because Apple – as one of the largest (market cap) companies in the world – noticed that privacy is becoming more and more important for its customers. This fact has become so obvious that Apple started to use it as its market advantage (it even got in conflict with the FBI for not allowing a back door to its operating system). As opposed to Google which is yet to follow.
If you watched the movie Margin Call (I recommend watching it since it shows the start of the 2008 financial crisis), the owner of the company (played by Jeremy Irons) said: “There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or cheat. Well, I don’t cheat.” Apple wanted to be the first among the biggest market players (which in this case also means smarter) to be recognized as a privacy-friendly company. Others will follow (and always be second).
Sure, I am not saying Apple is spotless and without a privacy sin. What am I trying to say is, be first in privacy and get customers’ attention. It is not that hard – I just don’t recommend listening to all the rumors which spread around, that GDPR is ruining businesses. It really isn’t. After the initial investment (mostly time), this topic (if implemented correctly) may almost run on autopilot.
So, this is one way to look at privacy. The other way is from your perspective. Besides Margin Call, I also recommend watching a Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma and you will get to know why i.e. Facebook’s author of the Like button left Facebook. Maybe, you will notice the importance of privacy from other (personal) perspective. And then, you will also understand how your customers feel about their privacy.
A hint instead of a conclusion
One last thing – part of the GDPR requirements is also in line with information security best practices. The highest cost of a hacker’s attack in Slovenia is 2.4 million EUR. Do you want to pay such an enormous price for an attack? Well, if you want to protect your organization from hacking attacks, you need a person who is properly educated in information security (the “average IT guy” is usually not equipt with the (proper) information security knowledge). In the US, the average salary of a Chief Information Security Manager (CISM) has already reached $150.000 and it’s rising. In Europe, we are a step or two behind. Right now, it is the best time to hire a CISM or educate one or two employees to become CISM, before it gets really expensive – just note that there will be a defficit of 3.5 million information security experts in 2021 solely. So get one now, while you can, for a normal (Slovenian) price. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://schoolradius.co/videography/ | 2024-02-29T19:19:26 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474852.83/warc/CC-MAIN-20240229170737-20240229200737-00184.warc.gz | 0.895376 | 367 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__89231346 | en | People are distracted more than ever.
Use video to make your story impossible to ignore.
Videos done right.
Nothing cuts through the noise like video. It is the most effective way to communicate your message. No other media takes the viewer on such an effortless journey of discovery. People would much rather watch your message than read it.
Video captures and holds attention better than any other media.
Videos that call viewers to action, get a response. There is a higher engagement rate with video than text or image posts.
Through video, schools are able to express the heart that drives their mission.
In a video – sound, text, and body language all come together to communicate your message.
Are you ready to start telling your school's story?
01 Schedule a Videoshoot
We’ll have a quick discussion about your vision and goals for the video campaign.
02 We’ll Visit Your Campus
Prepare your students and staff for a day of interviews, b-roll, and a whole lot of fun! Want drone footage? We can grab that too.
03 Premiere it!
Let’s premiere your story! Share your videos on your website, social channels, and more.
What does each package include?
- Identity BrandScript
- Equipment and Travel
- Effects, Motion Graphics, and Music
- Professional Voiceover
- Up to 4K Resolution
- Drone Footage
- Unlimited Revisions
Want to hear more?
Send us your contact info, a little bit about your project, and a couple of dates that would work for you to schedule a discovery meeting.
Get it on the calendar now.
Alternatively, you can add us to your calendar and we’ll call you when it works best! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://culture-spark.com/diversity/ | 2022-07-06T15:56:17 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-27/segments/1656104675818.94/warc/CC-MAIN-20220706151618-20220706181618-00068.warc.gz | 0.95057 | 291 | CC-MAIN-2022-27 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-27__0__118321704 | en | As a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Sheryl Lyons served as an expert on a recent panel and offered one of the “Six Ways to Encourage Leaders to Better Embrace Diversity”.
Celebrate Behaviors that Promote Diversity
Behavior that is recognized gets repeated, so the key is to celebrate desired behavior as soon as you see it. For leaders to embrace diversity, they have to see it from their own leader, believe in its benefits, be equipped to succeed and be held accountable for their results.
— Sheryl Lyons, MBA, CMC
Culture Spark Founder & President
This month, Sheryl is expanding on the Benefits of Creating a Diverse Workforce with a full length article. Here are the key takeaways:
“Culture is the sum of our collective behaviors. It’s how we treat one another. It is how leaders treat each other and their people. So the innovative and financial benefits of diversity start with a company mindset and commitment to day-to-day behaviors that foster diversity and cultivate a culture where team members feel respected, valued and confident in their contributions.”
Click here to read the full article and to better understand the role company leaders play in fostering diversity and inclusivity within their corporate cultures.
The best workforce is a diverse workforce.
— Ted Colbert, Boening’s CIO | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.barbell-voodoo.com/podcast/2018/8/13/47-strength-outside-the-box | 2019-08-26T03:37:35 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-35/segments/1566027330962.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20190826022215-20190826044215-00015.warc.gz | 0.953976 | 194 | CC-MAIN-2019-35 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-35__0__41431310 | en | Strength Outside the Box is a podcast hosted by Amy Hester and Lauren Corl based out of Huntsville, Alabama. It is all about two girls getting to the heart of how a community of CrossFit athletes is changing each other's lives one WOD at a time, while digging deep to understand how the lessons learned within the gym can provide strength for obstacles outside the box. Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to make two new gym besties as they chat with members of their own gym, neighboring gyms, and beyond. With each interview comes more laughter and a true sense of community, family, and what it means to have strength outside the box. Find them now wherever you love to listen to podcasts and on Instagram @strengthoutsidethebox. The ladies are currently accepting suggestions for new boxes to visit and feature on their show. If you would like to nominate your awesome gym, email them at [email protected]. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://columbonerinmyass.tumblr.com/ | 2014-03-08T23:24:16 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2014-10/segments/1393999668190/warc/CC-MAIN-20140305060748-00011-ip-10-183-142-35.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.971643 | 1,105 | CC-MAIN-2014-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2014-10__0__31052599 | en | In 2012, there were several other fatal school shootings, including the February 27 shooting in Chardon, Ohio, where alleged gunman T.J. Lane shot five people, killing three. On April 2, former Oikos University student One L. Goh returned to his Korean Christian college and shot dead seven people. A massacre at a movie megaplex at the Aurora Century 16 cinema in July left 12 dead and wounded 58 others.
Virginia Tech - 32 dead plus the shooter, 16 April 2007, Blacksburg, Virginia
Student Seung-Hui Cho, 23, killed two students in a dorm and then went through building of classrooms armed with two handguns, shooting at random before killing himself. Seventeen others were wounded.
Sandy Hook Elementary School – 26 dead plus the shooter, 14 December 2012, Newtown, Connecticut
The most recent mass shooting occurred mere weeks ago in a quiet town in Connecticut. Shooter Adam Lanza, 20, fatally shot his mother in the face before driving to the school, where he gunned down 20 children and six educators in a matter of minutes before turning the gun on himself.
University of Texas - 16 dead plus shooter, 1 August 1966, Austin, Texas
Former Marine sniper Charles Whitman, 25, armed with an arsenal of weapons, shot victims from the observation deck of the campus bell tower and later shot himself.
Columbine High School - 13 dead plus two shooters, 20 April 1999, Littleton, Colorado
Students Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17, opened fire outside the school killing students and one teacher before shooting themselves in the library. Another 21 people were injured. Many victims, such as Richard Castaldo, sustained life-altering injuries. Castaldo was paralyzed by a bullet and lives his life in a wheelchair.
Red Lake High School - Nine dead plus shooter, 21 March 2005, Red Lake, Minnesota
Jeffrey Weise, 17, shot and killed his grandfather and his grandfather’s girlfriend on an Indian reservation, before going on a shooting spree at Red Lake High School killing nine people. He then turned the gun on himself.
Oikos University – Seven dead and three wounded, 2 April, 2012, Oakland, California
Former Oikos University student One L. Goh, 42, allegedly planned the massacre at the Northern California university following a tuition dispute. He shot seven people A judge ruled earlier this month that Goh was not mentally fit for trial and suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.
California State University, Fullerton – Seven dead, three wounded, 12 July, 1976
Gunman Edward Charles Allaway, 37, worked as a custodian at the university’s library. He used a rifle purchased at a local K-Mart to shoot dead a librarian, two custodians, a photographer, and other staffers. Following the shootings, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and remains at a state hospital in San Bernardino.
Nickle Mines schoolhouse - six dead plus shooter, 2 October 2, 2006, Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania
Charles Carl Roberts IV, 32, executes five girls aged 7 to 13 before killing himself in a one-room Amish schoolhouse; ten girls were shot in total, one of the victims was removed from life support in 2006; other survivors suffered brain injuries and vision problems
University of Iowa - five dead plus shooter, 1 November 1991, Iowa City, Iowa
Gang Lu, 27, a graduate student from China, killed five with a .38-caliber revolver. He was apparently angry because his doctoral dissertation had not been nominated for an academic award
Northern Illinois University – five dead plus shooter, 14 February 2008, DeKalb, Illinois
Shooter Steven Kazmierczak, 27, a former student of the university, entered a lecture hall on the campus around 3pm on Valentine’s Day and opened fire. In total, five people were killed and 20 more were wounded. The gunman committed suicide.
Westside Middle School - five dead, 24 March 1998, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Mitchell Johnson, 10, and Andrew Golden, 8, took seven guns to school and pulled the fire alarm and shot students as they headed for the exits. Four female students died, as well as a teacher; nine students and an additional teacher were wounded. The pair were sent to a juvenile detention center and released in 2005.
Cleveland Elementary School - five dead plus shooter, 17 January 1989, Stockton, California
Patrick Edward Purdy entered a schoolyard and opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle at Cleveland Elementary School. Five children died and 30 others were wounded including one teacher. He then shot himself.
Kent State University – four dead, 4 May 1970, Kent, Ohio
National Guard troops killed four students who were protesting the Vietnam War on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio. The gunman fired 67 rounds over a period of 13 seconds. Nine additional students were wounded and one was permanently paralyzed.
Contrary to popular belief, the deadliest attack on a school in the United States was not because of gun violence. Rather, it happened when a school board treasurer blew up the Bath Schoolhouse in Michigan. Andrew Kehoe, 55, spent several months rigging bombs to the Bath Schoolhouse in Bath Township, Michigan. The May 18, 1927 disaster killed 43 people, including 38 children. Kehoe also murdered his wife, and committed suicide by detonating his vehicle | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://sendinmuseums.org/cultural-institutions-and-neurodiverse-children/ | 2024-04-13T10:01:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296816587.89/warc/CC-MAIN-20240413083102-20240413113102-00826.warc.gz | 0.962537 | 1,949 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__141970090 | en | By Stephen Unwin
Anyone who has ever run a cultural institution—a theatre, a museum, a concert hall—is familiar with the problem: you can’t please everyone all of the time. But, by God, the demands come thick and fast: the accountants want a bigger income and a smaller cost base; the press would prefer things to be more chic and make a better story; the statutory funders expect you to fulfil whatever their latest policy statement insists on; and corporate supporters insist on high profile events which support their brand. Meanwhile, parents ask for more work suitable for their children; intellectuals expect art which is more radical and cutting-edge; and the local authority explains that their council tax players should be getting popular, accessible work which is value for money.
What’s more, behind the scenes, one board member insists that if only we charged another 25p on every Flat White sold our financial problems would be over, a founder attacks you for having betrayed the institution’s guiding principles, and a young trainee mutters that you’re a terrible ‘sell out’.
The whole thing is utterly exhausting, and you regularly stagger home at the end of an exhausting day and want to flop down on the sofa and say: ‘Oh, please, leave me alone, I’m just trying to keep the bloody doors open.’
Help is at hand, however, and it comes from a surprising place.
One day you get an e-mail from the new head teacher at a special school in your area. She’s trying to find ways of involving her pupils in the local community, giving them a chance to see how the outside world works, develop some skills, make new friends, and breathe a different air. ‘Oh Christ,’ you think, ‘not another bloody person wanting a bit of the action; I’ve got that nightmare meeting this afternoon with the insolvency lawyers, and an emergency session of the Finance and Audit Committee. And they expect me to care about disabled kids?’
Of course, you know you shouldn’t think like that, but the horrible fact is you do. And you hate yourself for it. But then you notice something at the bottom: Nancy Turner (Mrs) has typed the following: ‘Although this would be good for the children, I think it might be good for you and your institution too.’ You’re struck by this, and so you fire off a short email: ‘Are you free for coffee at 11.00 tomorrow? It would be good to talk.’
The next day Nancy Turner turns up a couple of minutes early, with a big, warm smile on her face and a real aura of competence and positivity. And she’s brought with her two of her pupils: one, a young Asian lad called Harry with Down’s Syndrome, who comes bounding into the café, full of energy and laughter, big and solid and with a big smile; the other a fragile-looking girl, Marie, very quiet, very tender, very shy. They’ve come with Gail, a support teacher: she’s got bags of energy, and is as bold as brass.
Nancy introduces everyone and insists on paying for your coffee, and Harry’s infectious laugh quickly distracts you, and he shows you a trick that he does with his glasses that makes you smile, and you notice Marie sipping her herbal tea ever so gently and realise that she’s not said a word since she’s arrived. Nancy explains that she’s almost entirely nonverbal, but she does notice everything going on around her. And you see how Gail is such a friend to these kids: helping them out, chivvying them along, making things work. And all done with such energy and a defiant, optimistic laugh.
Soon Nancy starts to explain her proposal: she wants to help you make your institution more welcoming for the kind of children who go to her school. She doesn’t blame you for what you’ve not got right yet, nor does she sit there angry and expectant. Instead, she has some ideas. The kids could be involved in taking tickets on a Saturday afternoon, she says. Some of them, especially the ones with Down’s Syndrome, but other ones too, are so welcoming and friendly and your visitors will love being greeted by them. And she also explains how brilliantly tidy and organised Marie is: maybe she could help out in the bookshop or the kitchen? And there are so many other kids with different skills. They all need work experience, but they can help you too.
Nancy gives you the statistics of the number of families with disabled children in the region. You’re amazed at how many of them there are: why hadn’t marketing told you about this? She also tells you about the challenges they face in securing even the simplest things: education, holidays, transport, care support, even access to an adventure playground. Everything seems to be so difficult for these families and you realise that you had no idea. It’s certainly a world away from the lives of your two non-disabled teenagers at the local grammar school.
Gail starts talking about the families of the kids at their special school. And you start to sense what an amazing community this is: full of energy, laughter and love, but also commitment, hard work and endurance. She also tells you about the new hydrotherapy pool at the school that’s just been built, paid for by a charitable trust, and you start to wonder what the hell your development department has been up to: it seems that these kids are not just good at jobs, and have committed families and connections but, bloody hell, there’s money attached if you play it right.
And then you remember the last funding report, droning on endlessly about reaching new audiences, and that desperate meeting when you foolishly insisted that your figures for non-white attendees were a direct result of just how white your area is, or certainly the kind of people who seem to want to come. You feel guilty, but don’t know how to address the problem. But you suddenly realise that you had completely forgotten about this minority group, and think that, maybe, just maybe, it would be a clever idea to champion a minority so often forgotten. Are you being cynical? Not entirely, but you are being practical.
Nancy then talks about some brilliant initiatives out there: arts companies doing creative artistic work for, by and about young disabled people, and you Google their names, and you quickly see what she’s talking about. It’s clear that there’s so much interesting work going on which you’ve somehow forgotten about, and you realise you’d be crazy not to involve these amazingly creative, positive and dynamic people. It’s good for everybody.
You soon say goodbye to your visitors, and watch them leaving the café: big Harry is dancing around, singing and larking around with Gail, making your front of house people laugh, while sweet Marie picks her way carefully to the exit, one thin arm laced into Nancy’s, elegant and tender to the end.
And as they leave you start to realise something else. This is why, all those years ago, you got interested in the arts. This is why you’ve become the director of an arts institution instead of being the lawyer your dad wanted you to be. This is what you’re fighting for, this is why you go to all those endless meetings, this is what it’s all about. You want to run an open public place where everyone is welcome, where all people’s voices are heard, where all the usual divisions of a sick society evaporate. Isn’t that what art centres and museums are meant to be: a celebration of all of humanity, whatever shape they take? Isn’t that what Rembrandt and Shakespeare are about; isn’t that what Alice Walker and Pina Bausch engage with; isn’t that what great art, great theatres, great museums should be doing?
What’s more, you realise to your horror that so many institutions like yours have turned their backs on this essential group, a group that over the centuries has been neglected, segregated, abused, and worse. That such treatment has deep roots in the dreadful attitudes of so many mighty intellectuals towards people who they think are inferior. And then you remember that documentary you watched years ago about the way the Nazis murdered people like Harry and Marie, and you can feel the tears welling up. Things must change.
For if culture has any real social role, isn’t it to challenge such prejudices in the most fundamental way imaginable? Welcoming Harry and Marie and giving them a place is the very least you can do.
It might even help you satisfy the Finance and Audit Committee. Who knows?
Stephen Unwin was the Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Rose Theatre, Kingston (2008-2013), having spent 15 years as Director of English Touring Theatre (1993-2008). He is the father of a young man with profound learning disabilities and is Chairman of KIDS, a charity providing services to a range of disabled children, young people and their families. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.ires.com.ro/articol/142/the-armed-conflict-in-libya | 2017-02-22T11:06:24 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-09/segments/1487501170940.45/warc/CC-MAIN-20170219104610-00471-ip-10-171-10-108.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.946766 | 634 | CC-MAIN-2017-09 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-09__0__62195645 | en | Most Romanians do not agree with the military intervention in Libya and 40% think that Romania could be affected by the recent events in this country.However, Romanians do not know Romania’s official standpoint concerning the events in Libya.
According to the survey conducted by Institutul Român pentru Evaluare şi Strategie – IRES (The Romanian Institute for Assessment and Strategy), included in the program „Public Agenda”, 90% of the respondents declare to have heard about the events currently taking place in Libya and 68% of them admit to not being up to date on the military intervention in this country.
The control over oil reserves (51%) and the protection of the civilians from the Libyan army’s attacks (42%) are identified as the main reasons for the international military forces’ intervention in Libya.
40% of the interviewees think that Romania could be affected by the current events in Libya. In this context, 66% of the respondents think that Romania should abstain from expressing an official standpoint concerning the military intervention in this country. Moreover, the study indicates the fact that Romania’s official standpoint in this matter is not known by 57% of its citizens. Out of the remaining 41% (excluding non-responses) who say that they know what Romania’s standpoint is, 65% say that this standpoint is unclear, while 23% think that Romania supports the military intervention and 10% think that it is opposed to it.
When asked about Romania’s decision to wait for the NATO decision before taking an official position concerning the conflict in Libya, 65% have a good or very good opinion concerning this attitude, while 26% tend to evaluate it negatively.
Concerning Russia and China’s attitudes regarding the military intervention in Libya, opinions differ among the respondents: 41% think that the two countries’ critiques are not justified, while 42% think the opposite.
73% of the participants in the IRES survey think that Germany’s attitude of abstaining at the Security Council vote concerning the military intervention in Libya is right, while only 16% have an opposite opinion.
84% of the respondents use the television to get informed concerning the evolution of events in Libya. The second source of information used is the internet (by 7%).
When it comes to information about the evolution of events in Libya, 32% of the interviewees prefer to watch PRO TV, 29% watch Realitatea TV, while 18% watch Antena 3. The three networks are followed by TVR and Antena 1, which are each watched by 7% of the respondents.
74% of the respondents believe that the media presented the conflict in Libya objectively. The IRES survey was conducted nationally, using a sample of 1118 respondents, using the CATI method of administering questionnaires.
For more information, you are invited to view the research report.
Enjoy your reading!
Institutul Român pentru Evaluare și Strategie – IRES
(The Romanian Institute for Assessment and Strategy) | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.chestermotorclub.co.uk/2017/11/october-2017/ | 2022-05-17T06:52:35 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-21/segments/1652662517018.29/warc/CC-MAIN-20220517063528-20220517093528-00281.warc.gz | 0.97886 | 1,232 | CC-MAIN-2022-21 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-21__0__205773716 | en | The Annual Dinner of Chester Motor Club was held on September 21st 2017 in the Long Room, Eaton Estate, Ecccleston, A good night was had by all who attended , despite the interruption of the fire alarm which caused an evacuation during the dinner, This was the first time that the fire alarm had activated during an event, and the Staff at Eaton Estate where very complimentary about the way the attendees evacuated, Robin Parker (Chairman) would like to express his thanks to the team of Richard Jones, Nick Venables, Geoff Ingram, Steve Walker and Matthew Jones without whom the event would not have happened
Dinner Report (Edmund Waterhouse)
The Chester Motor Club held its annual reception and dinner on 21 September 2017. Once again members and their guests were indebted to His Grace the Duke of Westminster for his hospitality at Eaton Park, where we were made to feel most welcome.
We gathered on a dry but slightly chilly evening. As we made our way through the courtyard to the Long Room we were offered a glass of champagne or orange juice. With glasses charged, several of us were distracted by the armoured car whose machine gun was aimed only a little above our heads. One of the company was seen entering the car – no mean feat for a pensioner – but failed to cause either the gun or the engine to fire. Even in repose the beautiful Rolls Royce engine drew much admiration.
Progress was further held up by the Delage standing next to the armoured car. An engine and chassis dating from 1924 had been mated to a coachbuilt body some 60 years older (possibly more), providing enclosed seating for six or more people behind the driver. Both vehicles were in superb well-maintained condition.
Many of the ladies, perhaps slightly less enthralled by the charms of these vehicles, had already found their way to the warmth of the Long Room. From there members and their guests progressed into the Wolf Room where our tables awaited us, already adorned with a variety of delightful wines generously provided by Dean Butler, Robin Parker and Nick Venables. The room was further adorned by the flowers provided by Margaret Measures.
The grace was said and Stephen Walker proposed the Loyal Toast. Table by table we were invited to load our plates from the excellent array of dishes laid out by the caterers. Enjoyment of the meal was however interrupted by the sound of the fire alarm. Having already been informed that no fire drill was planned, we understood that we needed to leave the room promptly. The large doors of the Wolf Room were swiftly opened and all left in prompt and orderly fashion, moving to the collecting point where a roll call was begun. News of a false alarm came swiftly and the company returned to their dining tables.
Nothing sharpens the appetite more than to be separated in mid-forkful from one’s meal. Accordingly, once reunited with our plates, the buzz of conversation was quietened while we all savoured the delights of the table. This took a little time.
The Toast Master, Richard Jones, then called us to order as he invited Dean Butler, the Club’s Vice President, to propose a toast to the guests, a service which he performed handsomely. He was followed to the microphone by Dr Craig Horner, Senior Lecturer of Manchester Metropolitan University. Dr Horner spoke engagingly about his research into early cycling and motoring in the UK and in particular summarised the life of Selwyn Francis Edge, former cycling and motoring champion. Born in Australia in 1868, Edge is now perhaps best known for winning the 1902 Gordon Bennett Cup in a Napier. Edge and Napier had become friends through their shared love of cycling and carried their friendship through into motor car manufacture. Edge sold his business to Napier in 1912 on condition that he (Edge) did not involve himself in motor car manufacture for seven years. After that time, Edge took a controlling interest in AC cars and was on the boards of other car companies.
Replying to Dr Horner, local boy Charlie Williams described his experiences as a motor bike racer over his long and distinguished career. His accounts of the Isle of Man TT races vividly conveyed the excitement of racing – for example, when finding the one line through a corner which could be taken at full throttle. The frustrations of sponsorship were also well covered: missing his position at the start of a TT race because of travel difficulties. We felt we were with him on that journey from Italy.
Finally, Rachel Ingram spoke from the heart about the work of the St Rocco’s Hospice which has provided dignified care for so many people over the years including our own Peter Evans, who died there. Last year’s charity collection raised nearly £700 for the Hospice.
The announcement that the table collections for this year’s charity, Cancer Research UK, exceeded £700 earned a round of applause.
As we said our farewells we reflected again on a delightful evening spent in the company of good friends, and were conscious again of our gratitude to His Grace the Duke for hosting our annual dinner. Already we look forward to the next – on 27 September 2018.
Planning is going ahead for a scatter rally to be held date to be confirmed, covering map 117 only, further details to be confirmed, but planning to start and finish at a local hostelry
Chester Motor Club has an experienced rally timing crew, running all rally timing controls for stage and classic events and are being invited to provide this service at more events each year, If you want to join the team please let Richard Jones know, Full training provided with an experienced crew , watch this space for further information
NEW WEB SITE
The Chester Motor Club web site www.chestermotorclub.co.uk is currently undergoing total rewrite using new software and new content, hopefully the new site will launch in the near future, any content photographs etc welcomed, please sent to Richard Jones
Click here to download the full newsletter. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.newarka.edu/page/news-detail?pk=888930&fromId=217928 | 2018-11-17T15:53:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-47/segments/1542039743714.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20181117144031-20181117170031-00396.warc.gz | 0.972705 | 279 | CC-MAIN-2018-47 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-47__0__26636618 | en | Jianying Zha to Present at Global Speaker Series on November 16
Jianying Zha, a Chinese-American journalist and non-fiction writer, is the second Global Speaker of the series and will give a presentation on November 16, 2016, entitled, "An Insider's View of China's Current Sociopolitical Landscape."
Zha is the author of two nonfiction books in English, “Tide Players: The Movers and Shakers of a Rising China” and “China Pop: How Soap Operas, Tabloids, and Bestsellers Are Transforming a Culture,” and five books of fiction and nonfiction in Chinese. “Tide Players” first appeared as a series of essays in The New Yorker and was chosen as one of the best books of 2011 by The Economist.
Born and raised in Beijing, Zha was educated in China and later in the United States. She has received degrees from Peking University, University of South Carolina and Columbia University.
The recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in non-fiction, she is also a regular commentator on current events on Chinese television and has worked for the India China Institute at The New School in New York. Her work has appeared widely in publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Dushu, and Wanxiang. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.creativesrebuildny.org/2024/02/06/nea-recap/ | 2024-02-29T17:14:18 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474852.83/warc/CC-MAIN-20240229170737-20240229200737-00286.warc.gz | 0.939676 | 914 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__159909605 | en | Dreaming Big: A Reflection on the 2024 NEA Summit
Last week, CRNY Executive Director Sarah Calderon and I participated in a first-of-its-kind national convening hosted by the White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The event, “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities,” brought together leaders from across sectors including government officials and policymakers, artists and arts advocates, academics, philanthropic and community leaders, and the public via livestream.
It was exciting not only to get the chance to showcase CRNY’s Artist Employment Program (AEP) to these audiences, but also to witness the deep integration—and celebration—of arts and culture across federal agencies. From U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy to the U.S Department of Labor’s Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Alaysia Black Hackett, our nation’s top leaders and policymakers shared powerful testimony and understanding of the importance of artists to our health, wellbeing, economy, and democracy. Citing President Biden’s description of artists at the 2023 National Medal of Arts ceremony, NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson said, “I can’t think of an area of policy or practice that wouldn’t benefit from ‘truth tellers, bridge builders, and change seekers.’ We need arts and humanities more than ever.”
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy went on to describe the importance of artists to healing, and to mitigating the epidemic of loneliness and isolation that plagues our country. “We don’t need medical and nursing degrees to be healers… we can all be part of creating a more connected world,” he said. The CRNY team has seen firsthand how AEP artists are healing communities across New York State, addressing issues like climate change, Indigenous sovereignty, discrimination, gentrification, and more.
Dozens of artists contributed to the convening as performers, panelists, and audience members.When asked what would most support her work, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, multidisciplinary artist, educator, and member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities responded: “Please pay us fairly and help us sustain our practices. Invest in our humanity and our lives and our artistry, not just in our outputs. That would really open up a lot of possibilities so we don’t have to choose between our heart work, our community work, and what pays the bills.”
On a personal note, I was particularly thrilled to celebrate the announcement made by Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator, Office of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In collaboration with the NEA, the EPA is launching the first federal artist-in-residence program in six historically important watersheds to “boost engagement, awareness and participation in critical water challenges ranging from aging infrastructure to climate impacts like flooding and storm surge to investment in safe drinking water.”
Fox shared that her deep commitment to the arts traces back to a partnership between the U.S. Water Alliance and ArtPlace America, where she and I collaborated with artists and environmental leaders across the country to articulate the roles that artists can play in moving the needle on climate and water justice. To have her spread those ideas to the highest levels of government sets the bar not only for other federal agencies, but for state and local governments to follow. What if Governor Hochul’s Arts Pluribus Unum initiative included artists working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation?
NEA Chair Jackson urged us last week “to take this moment to dream. To suspend what we’re used to, what’s standard, what’s typical, and to stand in the space of possibility. What if we included arts and humanities in all policies and programs intended to help us deliver on the promise of our nation?” The convening affirmed how the arts can fuel our democracy and create equitable outcomes for our communities in New York and across the country—and perhaps most importantly, that we should dream big.
Click here to watch the archived webcast of the NEA event, “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities.” | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.blog.voicetheunion.org.uk/?s=speeding | 2015-12-01T14:35:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-48/segments/1448398468233.50/warc/CC-MAIN-20151124205428-00185-ip-10-71-132-137.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.966852 | 4,563 | CC-MAIN-2015-48 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-48__0__98766919 | en | In an article in TES, “Schools’ best hope lies in real freedom”, Dale Bassett, research director at the Reform think-tank, argues that “The end of state control would give rise to a self-improving system”.
“As the evidence shows, giving schools greater autonomy can boost pupils’ results.”
The key word here is “can“. In his recent evidence to the Commons Education Select Committee, Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw, a former academy head, indicated that academies are not the be-all and end-all some perform well, others less so. He also raised the interesting question of who should be responsible for failing academies.
Ofsted has also concluded that teaching in many small independent schools is rarely better than “competent”. In its annual report published in November, it said that lessons were not good enough in a third of fee-paying schools it inspected and only seven per cent of teaching was regularly outstanding.
“Successive governments have responded to this by introducing policies that promote independence, from grant-maintained schools to academies. Under the coalition, more schools have been given more freedoms than ever before.
“Yet despite acknowledging the benefits of autonomy, governments have insisted on tempering schools’ freedoms with national prescription, making it hard for academies to use their flexibilities.”
This is an interesting point. In “Are schools being forced to be free?“, we point out that:
The whole concept of “freedom” has entangled government thinking, causing it to tie itself in knots with various doublethink policies. It seems that some ‘free schools’ will be more ‘free’ than others. As Steve Richards pointed out in The Independent:
“The schools are not ‘free’ because they cannot be if a government has a sense of society, as this one claims to do. The activities of one school are bound to impact on another and to some extent on the wider community too. Not surprisingly therefore, free schools are accountable to the centre. Here are some of the constraints outlined on the Department of Education website. Groups running free schools cannot make a profit. They will be subject to the same Ofsted inspections as all state schools and will be expected to maintain the same rigorous standards. The admissions arrangements must be fair and transparent. Free schools are expected to be open to pupils of all abilities from the area and cannot be academically selective.”
Voice has said many times that changing the way schools are organised and governed is not a guarantee of success or better education, and the mixed results from the academies established so far supports this.
Voice has also challenged to notion that school improvement should depend on competition.
“The continued existence of national pay and conditions creates difficulties for schools who wish to vary their staff’s salaries.”
Voice has always supported the concept of national pay and conditions for teachers in maintained schools. We believe that local, regional or school-based pay and conditions for teachers in state schools would be harmful and divisive for the profession and undermine equal pay. Large variations between areas or schools would cause an imbalance in employment.
There is also the risk of creating a stagnant pool of teachers who stay within the same school or chain because of a localised/parochialised pay/pensions system and are unable to refresh and renew as is the case in Scotland.
National pay and conditions are a benchmark for both employers and employees. In the current economic climate, it is unlikely that many state-funded schools will be able to pay considerably more than they do now. Schools that offer less than current national pay and conditions are unlikely to attract many recruits. Individual schools cannot realistically offer their own pension schemes, as pension schemes need large numbers of people to contribute over time to create the funds necessary to pay their pensioners. Schools offering to contribute to individuals’ own pension plans are, again, not likely to attract many high quality job applicants.
As The Economist points out:
“Dale Bassett of Reform, a think-tank that generally supports the government’s education reforms, points out that many schools may have quit local-authority control not because they seek the freedom to innovate in the classroom but to get more money. Schools that control their own budgets receive extra cash to commission services that the local authority used to provide. Few have departed much from the national curriculum or changed the length of the school day.”
This analysis of schools’ motivation and behaviour seems to be correct. There is evidence that the academy programme is draining resources from other schools.
In previous posts on academies, Voice has expressed its concern about the long-term provision of support that was previously provided by local authorities to pupils with special needs and emotional and behavioural problems and those excluded from school, and about how school transport and psychology, cultural and sports services will be affected.
Early attempts to accelerate the academies programme smacked of desperation as a response to lack of interest. At first it was “outstanding schools” that could apply for academy status, then “struggling schools” could become “sponsored academies”, then “good schools with outstanding features” were eligible to apply, followed by primaries and secondaries able to team up with a school classed as outstanding by Ofsted. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools Lord Hill even wrote to governors of outstanding schools in attempt to cajole them to take up academy status, followed by pleas to Church of England schools.
If academy status is so wonderful, why does the Government have to work so hard to sell the idea to schools?
Rates of conversion were also accompanied by much use of the spin doctors’ art.
“Ofsted’s framework discourages academies from deviating from the national curriculum for fear of falling foul of inspectors.”
Voice has long maintained that the whole inspection process should be far more supportive and advice-driven and far less judgemental.
How do we allow teachers to be creative and inspirational in a politically-enforced regime that encourages teaching to the test and ticking targets?
As Graham Stuart MP, at a House of Commons Education Committee session with the Education Secretary, pointed out, it is “naïve” to believe that schools are not incentivised to follow the “framework” forced on them by the Government, as a “driver of behaviour”, citing an example of a school that had abandoned a popular and successful history & geography course in order to meet the constraints of the narrow and pointless EBacc.
Ofsted has been heavily criticised over the years for its methods and practice by everyone from educationalists to MPs and Plymouth’s Local Safeguarding Children Board. It has even been described as ‘not fit for purpose’.
It does suffer from a tediously repetitive habit of pandering to the Government and the media by being negative, instead of accentuating the many positives in education. This approach creates the impression of a culture of failure and gives a negative impression to parents. Voice General Secretary Philip Parkin has commented before that “Ofsted has become too broad and unwieldy and has lost its focus.”
Stephen Twigg’s idea of an Office for Educational Improvement is certainly worthy of very serious consideration if it could help to re-establish the trust and confidence between teachers and politicians that has been lost because of the confrontational and morale-sapping style adopted by Ofsted and the current Secretary of State for Education.
“This is a problem because central prescription doesn’t work. The mere existence of centrally set rules, regulations and guidance takes responsibility for the quality of what schools do away from the schools themselves and gives it to the state. If pupils leave ill-equipped for work or university, it’s the fault of the exam system or the national curriculum. If teachers underperform, blame the Department for Education’s training plan and teacher standards. If a school is failing, it’s Ofsted’s job to step in and sort it out.
“Is there an alternative to a nationally guided system? How about a state school system without the state? School autonomy implies and requires school responsibility. In the current system, responsibility and accountability lie with the state. How about giving responsibility for the quality of education to schools and teachers and the real lever of accountability choice to parents?”
Voice favours taking politics out of education as much as possible.
In the post “Time to take party politics out of education”, we floated the idea (for discussion and not current Voice policy) of:
“politicians (DfE and BIS) handing over to an independent Board of Education, a bit like the Bank of England an independent public organisation with independence in setting policy? Responsible for policy and curriculum, the Board’s (elected) members could include the Secretary of State, but also teachers, academics, parents, business leaders, and further & higher education students to give a real insight into what education should be for, what the curriculum should be, and the range and type of qualifications studied not just for the next four or five years but the next decade and beyond ”
Party politics costs education a great deal. What schools need is stability and long-term planning. What they get is chop and change, with politicians desperately falling over themselves, and frequently making mistakes in the process, to make tomorrow’s headlines and their mark before the next general election.
On the one hand, the Government wants schools’ ’success’ to be measured through a test-based accountability regime, conforming to a vision based on a national curriculum and exam results and a ‘Baccalaureate’ of certain subjects, while on the other hand it desires a diverse system of academies and ‘free’ schools that, in theory, have more freedom and do not have to conform to a national curriculum. Although how free free schools actually are is another matter.
As we’ve said before, what’s the point of a national curriculum if academies don’t have to follow it? Or is the fact that schools have been reluctant to depart from it an indication that it is necessary, after all? The Government wants schools to have “greater freedom over the curriculum” but do they want it?
Voice has long maintained that school league tables have always been a crude indicator of a school’s performance. Statistics don’t tell us about the circumstances affecting individual schools, such as pupil intake, social and community issues, the age of the buildings and their impact on running costs, staff recruitment issues and so forth. Pete Henshaw, Editor of SecEd, is right to describe the publication of school league tables in England as “the annual circus”.
The Welsh have tried an alternative model banding but this attempt at a system that was intentionally “not about labelling, naming or shaming schools, or creating a league table”, according to Minister Leighton Andrews, has been seriously undermined by the league-table obsessed BBC Wales and its ‘revelation’ of schools’ actual “scores” and which had the “best” and “worst”. In other words, where the prescriptive state model of accountability is removed or modified, it is re-imposed by the media.
“The coalition is moving in this direction. More schools are getting academy freedoms. Chains and federations, as well as new initiatives like Teaching Schools, are putting more responsibility and accountability in the hands of schools. The publication of more data is improving accountability. Yet the national framework governing the operation of the school system persists.
“What would real freedom look like? It would involve a radical change to where responsibilities lie in the education system, with government no longer determining what schools do and how they do it. This would mean the end of government dictating the size, shape and pay of the teaching workforce. The end of government setting the curriculum and the number, frequency, content and structure of exams. The end of inspections, targets and floor standards. An end to allocating places and decreeing which schools should be built where and who can go to them. No more “strategic” commissioning by local authorities, which has succeeded only in ensuring a shortage of good schools “
“The challenge is to spread this activity from the few pioneers throughout the whole system. Ultimately, the school system responds to incentives, so the incentives must exist in the system to make schools seek support, engage in networks and collaborate to improve the quality of what they do. The driver of genuine school choice is needed to make it in every school’s interest to work in this way. Whether it happens depends on whether government is willing to give parents the power to demand it.”
It is true that the assessment system does need to be reformed, with fewer exams and tests and greater use of ongoing teacher assessment, a greater range and type of subjects on offer to inspire pupils, parity between vocational and academic and an end to the constraints of the narrow and pointless EBacc.
The current system of exam-based ‘accountability’ encourages teaching to the test rather than the teaching of a broad and balanced education. It is for the benefit of the government, rather than for providing information for parents and taxpayers, and teachers’ professional judgment would provide a better and more cost-effective measure of pupils’ progress.
However, where is the evidence that “’strategic’ commissioning by local authorities”, has “succeeded only in ensuring a shortage of good schools”?
As Voice’s John Till pointed out in his “History for heads” article for SecEd:
“Greater freedom is said to be what is on offer, but freedom from what and freedom to do what? Freedom, it seems, from local authority ‘guidance and interference’ . Really? What is there left for local authorities to control, even if they were so minded? Delegated budgets are protected, so the only money retained is for support services for special needs, transport and such corporate provision as school music and library services and outdoor education centres. Are these what determine the character of a school? Or is it local authority responsibility for providing school places, and removing them, and for admissions which is really resented?
“And what do these headteachers wish to do with the greater freedom they advocate? Introduce their own, more flexible curriculum, it seems, and have a greater choice of examinations. How ironic that escape from the rigidities of a National Curriculum imposed by central government should have to be by abandoning the partnership with local government.
“And, of course, there is the attraction of more money that bit of the schools’ budget retained by local authorities. But what happens then to the support services and those whose need for them is greatest?
“Or is it, despite assurances to the contrary, admissions that are the prize control over who can enter and remain in a school? Is it this that brings some heads and politicians together the right to decide who can be admitted and, by doing so, appease those who wish to keep out the ‘wrong’ kind of children?
“To whom will heads be accountable for these new freedoms? Governors? They are likely to be at one with the headteacher. Parents? Which parents? And to whom are governors and parents accountable? What if there are concerns in the communities these schools are meant to serve?
“Whatever the reasoning, the proposals do nothing to promote a fairer and more equal society. What they will lead to is an enhanced pecking order locally which will exacerbate social divisions and tensions. They are an encouragement to self-interest, status seeking and indifference to those less well-placed.
“But, as so often, there is a warning in history. In the days when schools were ‘controlled’ by LEAs, heads had, what seems in retrospect, a remarkable amount of freedom. They could determine what was taught, how it was taught and by whom it was taught. They could ‘expel’ pupils without facing elaborate appeals procedures and decide which examinations should be taken. In short, before 1988, they controlled the essential character of a school.
“And what happened? By the mid 1970s concerns about schools were such that they prompted the Prime Minister, James Callaghan, to question what was going on and whether this ’secret garden’ should remain beyond public scrutiny and accountability. So, in time, we had the Education Reform Act and with it, not a clarification of LEA responsibilities, but all the apparatus and impositions of central government about which heads now complain.
“But, of course, headteachers and most politicians are too young to remember this a case, perhaps, for including a course on contemporary history for those aspiring to ‘headship’.”
The rush to create academies, and the unplanned, haphazard free schools, risks creating a fragmented education system. Such a two-tier education system risks plunging our education system into chaos, as does the scrapping of planning permission for free schools.
Some advocates of free schools see them as an escape route for parents to “deliver the outcomes they want”, away from the damaging presence of those who do not share the same aspirations, but that does not address the issues of those Joe Nutt in describes in The TES.
Yes, schools and individual teachers can and do ‘make a difference’ but the attitude of certain pupils and their parents can have a destructive effect on those pupils’ welfare and learning and have a negative impact on those of other pupils and their school. How we provide for these young people is arguably the most serious challenge facing our education system.
“The inevitable objection is: ‘If government doesn’t do these things, who will?” In fact, some trailblazing schools and headteachers are already showing what is possible. These schools are networking and collaborating on an unprecedented scale sharing best practice, working together on teacher development and assessing one another’s performance. This points the way to the real prize: a genuinely self-led, self-improving school system in which schools replace government activity in these areas themselves. This kind of inter-school support will become increasingly important in breaching the limits of what can be achieved through government prescription.
“These ideas would take teaching as a profession to a new level. Rather than Ofsted determining that a school is under-performing, its peers will identify areas for improvement. Rather than Whitehall laying out minimum standards for teachers, clusters of schools will decide for themselves what is important and work to ensure that their teachers meet those goals. Rather than the local authority imposing support for struggling headteachers, the best heads in their network will help them to address their weaknesses.”
What is the difference between a “local authority imposing support for struggling headteachers” and “the best heads in their network will help them to address their weaknesses”? Why is the LA’s support the pejorative “imposing” while the “best heads’” support is “helping them to address their weaknesses”?
“…many schools may have quit local-authority control not because they seek the freedom to innovate in the classroom but to get more money”.
Sir Michael Wilshaw has floated the idea of local “commissioners” to decide whether to close or merge academies, or replace head teachers or governing bodies where standards were unacceptably low. Although based on American commissioners, they would be accountable to central government rather than to city mayors and local councils as they are in the US.
It seems that local authorities’ roles and responsibilities are being dismantled by central government policy to be replaced because, it is then discovered that they are necessary after all and someone has to undertake them by either the Secretary of State and is agents directly (the Gove model), or by alternative individuals accountable either to central government (the Wilshaw model) or to small local communes (the Bassett model).
Why not allow local authorities to continue “strategic commissioning” and to have a role in refreshing and renewing the supply of staff as they do in Scotland?
Who would regulate the profession in the Bassett model? The GTCE was far from popular but it did have an important function and its demise raises concerns north of the border, too.
In the end, state-funded schools must have some form of democratic accountability to those who pay for and use it taxpayers and parents. Without it, and with the demise of democratically elected and accountable local authorities, it seems there will either be central control, vested in the person of the Secretary of State, overseeing a supposedly ‘free’ system that is often anything but, or the anarchy of the Bassett model the theoretically attractive anarchy of stability and improvement resulting from freedom from government control that would end in chaos and the imposition of outside control the fate of the Þjóðveldið, the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth.
Perhaps the answer lies in another Scandinavian country, Finland, where:
“National testing, school ranking lists and inspection systems do not exist education is appreciated and there is a broad political consensus on education policy”. Where “the education system is flexible and the administration based on the principal of ‘Centralised steering local implementation’. Steering is conducted through legislation and norms, core curricula, government planning and information steering. Municipalities are responsible for the provision of education and the implementation. Schools and teachers enjoy large autonomy.”
Your comments would be welcome . | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://incometaxmanagement.in/exempted-incomes-section-10-22-b/ | 2023-12-02T06:05:53 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100327.70/warc/CC-MAIN-20231202042052-20231202072052-00829.warc.gz | 0.909832 | 640 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__271263398 | en | Section 10(22B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, exempts the income of a specified news agency from tax. To be eligible for this exemption, the news agency must be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.
The income of a specified news agency includes income from all sources, such as:
- Subscription fees
- Advertising revenue
- News syndication fees
- Grants from the government or other organizations
- Income from investments
The exemption under Section 10(22B) is available only if the income of the news agency is used for news gathering and dissemination purposes. If the income is used for any other purpose, it will be taxable.
Here are some examples of news agencies that may be eligible for the exemption under Section 10(22B):
- Press Trust of India (PTI)
- United News of India (UNI)
- Asian News International (ANI)
- Associated Press (AP)
Conditions for Exemption:
In order to avail the exemption under Section 10(22B), a specified news agency must fulfill certain conditions. These conditions include:
- The agency must be registered as a company under the Companies Act, 1956.
- The main object of the agency must be the collection and distribution of news.
- The agency must not be engaged in any other business.
- The agency must apply its income and profits solely for the purpose of collection and distribution of news.
- The agency must not distribute any income or profits to its members, shareholders, or contributors.
Examples of Incomes:
Examples of income that is exempt from income tax under Section 10(22B) include:
- Subscription fees received from newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets for the news agency’s services.
- Advertising revenue received for displaying advertisements on the news agency’s website or other platforms.
- Income from investments made by the news agency.
- Income from grants and donations received from the Central Government, State Government, or other institutions for the purpose of collection and distribution of news.
Specified news agencies are required to comply with certain reporting and compliance requirements in order to avail the exemption under Section 10(22B). These requirements include maintaining proper books of accounts, getting the accounts audited by a chartered accountant, and filing the income tax return within the specified due date.
The exemption of income under Section 10(22B) has a positive impact on independent journalism in the country. It provides financial relief to news agencies, enabling them to invest in quality journalism and investigative reporting.
Independent news agencies play a crucial role in a democratic society. They provide unbiased and objective news coverage, holding those in power accountable. By exempting their income, the government recognizes the importance of their work and supports their contribution to the society.
Section 10(22B) of the Income Tax Act is a beneficial provision for specified news agencies. It exempts their income from tax, allowing them to focus on their core activities and contribute to independent journalism. This provision promotes a free and independent press, ensuring the availability of unbiased news coverage in the country. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://spaceagepop.com/hellman.htm | 2018-01-19T09:17:54 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-05/segments/1516084887849.3/warc/CC-MAIN-20180119085553-20180119105553-00795.warc.gz | 0.977475 | 835 | CC-MAIN-2018-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-05__0__163025654 | en | Home · Listener's Guide · The Songs · Who's Who · Liner Notes · Selected Tracks · What's New · Search
Daphne Hellman's life and music were both marked by a blithe disregard for convention, and if anything, she deserves a mention here as much for her story as her music. Born into a healthy banking family, Hellman first took up the harp at the age of 12. Always one for experiments, though, she tried a variety of other interests, including modelling (for the artist Man Ray, among others), acting, and marriage, before returning to it.
Her first marriage,to Harry Bull, then the editor of Town and Country magazine, (which produced her first son, the equally innovative musician Sandy Bull) ended in a splashy divorce in 1941. Hellman's patrician good looks and her marriage in Reno to writer Geoffrey Hellman just hours after the divorce was finalized made for great newspaper fodder. At around the same time, she made her professional musical debut with a concert at Carnegie Hall.
Concert halls would be infrequent venues during her career, though. Instead, she plunged into the New York City nightclub scene, playing hot spots such as Le Ruban Bleu, the Hotel New Yorker, Upstairs at the Downstairs, Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe, the Versailles, Le Perroquet, and, for a record thirty-year run, at the Village Gate. But she was just as happy to perform in New York subways, where she could regularly be seen and heard throughout the 1980s, in Sri Lankan hospitals, and at Paris street fairs. "She was just the antisnob, that's what she was," said Art D'Lugoff, owner of the Village Gate. In the midst of the punk revolution, she once played the legendary CBGB's club alongside Mr. Spoons, a tableware percussionist.
Her home was something of a lost-and-found for people. She and Hellman divorced after a decade together, and Hellman filled the void with a variety of dogs, birds, gerbils, and transient geniuses. Mr. Spoons spent a few years there, as did her third husband, Hsio-Wen Shih, a Chinese-American architect and writer, who walked out of the brownstone one day in 1965 and vanished without a trace. Her ability to get along with anyone was astonishing, and one was as likely to find a bum as Norman Mailer or Arthur Schlesinger sitting down with her for tea. She and Richard Johnson, for many years the wind player in her combo, Hellman's Angels, met when she was out roller blading with her dog and it took off after the cat Johnson was walking.
Hellman never let convention keep her from getting where she wanted to go. During the Vietnam War, she traveled to the war-torn country just to see for herself what was going on. "She traveled around with an Instamatic camera and slightly bogus press credentials, which upset the news people to no end," her daughter recalled. Her musical tastes were just as wide-ranging. A typical set from the 1980s might include a Gershwin lullaby, Dave Brubeck's "Take Five," a couple of rock numbers, and her adaptation of Flatt and Scrugg's "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."
Although she gave up playing in the subway in her last years when her pack-a-day smoking habit wore down her stamina and the 85-pound harp proved too heavy to lug up and down the escalator, Hellman was on the go until the end. In the last year of her life, she performed in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, India, France, and places around New York City that ranged from the Firebird Cafe to the patient's lounge of Mount Hope Hospital.
Search for Records and CDs
Used Records and CDs
Search GEMM for old recordings by Daphne Hellman.
© spaceagepop 2015. All rights reserved. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.smartfocus.com/en/blog/what-does-real-time-marketing-really-mean | 2019-06-20T09:13:25 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-26/segments/1560627999200.89/warc/CC-MAIN-20190620085246-20190620111246-00247.warc.gz | 0.935076 | 836 | CC-MAIN-2019-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-26__0__61382421 | en | Blog What Does Real-Time Marketing Really Mean?
We’ve all seen the tweet from Oreo for the 2013 Super Bowl. Within minutes of the stadium being plunged into darkness due to a power cut, Oreo had capitalised by tweeting a message and accompanying image that was retweeted over 10,000 times in less than an hour. Their quick actions boosted their marketing cred, gaining them coverage in traditional and online media outlets.
There have been many other real-time social media success stories - but outside of social media, real-time marketing is still largely undefined. What does it actually mean for marketers today and how can it help?
What does real-time marketing mean?
Real-time marketing (RTM) is the ability to engage with your customers or fans instantly based on real-time information - like their actions and behavior, changes to your own data or external news or events.
Real-time marketing is instant
According to Econsultancy’s Real-Time Marketing Survey Report, there’s a narrow window for capitalising on real-time behaviour. 80% of businesses think real-time marketing happens within two minutes or less.
Real-time marketing is (mostly) automated
In many cases, humans are just too slow to react quickly at scale. Marketers need to use marketing tools that help them react with minimal delay.
Real-time marketing is targeted
It’s no longer enough to treat your customers as one homogenous mass with the same interests or motivations. Real-time marketing – in fact, your marketing in general - needs to be relevant and timely to every individual customer.
Why is real-time marketing so important right now?
Real-time marketing could be the answer to one of today’s biggest problems – how do businesses reach and engage the always connected consumer? Not only does marketing need to cut through the noise, it needs to connect with the right person at the right time, in the right place, with the right message.
Real-time marketing enables marketers to adapt their messages to a specific context, and the benefits go way beyond just improving brand perception. In fact, there are very real, measurable and positive impacts on revenue and other key metrics.
Econsultancy found that 84% of businesses see a better customer experience as a key benefit of real-time marketing. In turn, better customer experiences lead to increased sales (a key benefit of RTM for 72% of businesses) and loyalty (a key benefit of RTM for 47% of businesses).
Real-time marketing also presents a wider opportunity to rethink customer interactions, to be more personal and relevant, and to engage customers with highly targeted, relevant and timely messages that convert.
How can marketers use real-time marketing successfully?
Econsultancy’s survey found that whilst the majority (71%) of companies employ some element of real-time marketing in their digital and social marketing, 29% of marketers are yet to investigate how it can work for them.
To be successful, marketers need to think about five aspects: the trigger, the audience, the method and the outcome:
Triggers – what data, information or events present opportunities for real-time messages?
- Examples: social media trends; weather forecasts; product stock updates
- Audience – what customer groups, fans or followers can be engaged with certain messages?
- Examples: customers who are waiting for a product to come back into stock; customers in specific locations or regions; customers who are searching for a specific keyword
- Method – what’s the best way to communicate the message?
- Examples: social media, email, SMS, web, PPC
- Outcome – what do you want the message to do?
- Examples: build brand awareness, drive revenue, generate engagement
Your experiences of real-time marketing
Have you used real-time marketing to drive sales or generate buzz? Or maybe you’ve been the recipient of some timely, personalized marketing that caught your interest? Let us know in the comments. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://i-am-j.ag/blog/posts/on-housing/ | 2024-02-29T06:24:19 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474784.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20240229035411-20240229065411-00443.warc.gz | 0.962694 | 5,406 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__162587263 | en | Asheville, North Carolina, epitomizes the dysfunction of the market for housing in America, accelerated and exacerbated by mass early retirement and shifts to telecommuting that emerged from the COVID pandemic.
Through the two years of America’s response to the pandemic, knowledge workers in more expensive locales - New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc. - took advantage of the newfound ability to work remotely, leaning on their cost-of-living-adjusted wages and accrued home equity, to move to smaller, lower cost-of-living, higher quality-of-life cities. They were joined by 3.5 million baby boomers who retired during the two years of COVID, compared to the only 1 million who retired over the ten years prior.
Cities like Asheville faced a torrent of demand from buyers bringing cash and inflated salaries into the housing market, competing for an increasingly scarce supply. It was not unheard of for buyers from out-of-state to make offers of a million dollars or more on houses, sight-unseen - a fortune for those making life work in Western North Carolina, but a bargain compared to cost of housing in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. Houses within city limits would be listed at 9am and have a stack of no-contingency, cash offers to choose from by 5pm the same day.
At the same time, existing homeowners underwent a splurge of home-improvement activity; with their disposable income no longer funding nights-out, vacations, or other activities, they spent that cash on renovations and additions. Combined with worldwide supply-chain disruption, especially around building supplies, the price of building materials skyrocketed, rendering new housing starts a riskier and more expensive proposition. Despite the added demand for housing, Asheville could not possibly construct its way out of the shortage.
The housing rental market was not immune either. With the state-mandated COVID lockdowns, wide swaths of the workforce were furloughed, laid off, or put into impossible life situations. With daycares and schools closed, workers dependent on childcare struggled to earn while caring for their families. A nationwide eviction moratorium offered some security to those whose income was impacted or obliterated by the lockdowns, but it also massively disincentivized landlords from renting properties to those whose income was suddenly far less predictable and whose eviction would become impossible, especially compared to the greater security and higher returns of short/medium-term rentals to visiting knowledge workers able to telecommute. As much as the cost of buying a house took off in Asheville, the cost of long-term renting exploded even more dramatically.
During 2022, the interest rate on a 30-yr fixed mortgage more than doubled. A buyer in September 2021 who had $100,000 to put down and $2,500 per month to spend on a housing payment would have been able to buy a $515,000 house. Today, that same buyer would be able to afford only a $385,000 house. The $515,000 house would cost $1,200 more per month to cover the added interest.
Unless you were already a homeowner at the start of last year, you face a increasingly expensive and competitive rental market, an unapproachable home buying market, and decreasing purchasing power in the face of price inflation this year without proportional wage increases. It’s a harrowing place to be: locked out of the security of homeownership while enduring increasingly shaky housing security as a renter. By any measure, this is dysfunctional and unsustainable.
As uncontroversial as it is to say that something is deeply wrong with housing in America, it’s far more controversial to name an underlying cause. I believe it boils down to a fundamental contradiction we hold culturally around viewing housing as an asset, not a necessity.
America’s cognitive dissonance over housing 🔗
Since the end of World War II, American culture has leaned on homeownership as the vehicle to creating personal and generational wealth, fueled by increasing involvement of the federal government in the mortgage market. The New Deal era brought institutions such as the Federal Housing Administration, the Homeowner’s Loan Corporation, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (better known as Fannie Mae) - which brought security to the Great Depression collapse of the housing market, where around 10% of houses were in foreclosure, as the government issued bonds to reinstate mortgages in default. After World War II, the GI Bill promised returning veterans mortgage insurance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which fueled the post-war boom in homeownership and the explosion of the American suburbs. The early 1970’s saw the creation of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (better known as Freddie Mac), cementing the federal government’s commitment to expanding homeownership in the country.
The average rate of return on homeownership in the United States over this period has been around 8%… which sounds great, but a similar investment in the S&P 500 would have yielded over 11% ARR since 1950. So are Americans investing in housing instead of stocks? Simple: for the majority of homeowners, it’s the only opportunity they have to have a leveraged investment.
A leveraged investment is one where one borrows capital at a lower interest rate and invests it in a vehicle with a higher interest rate yield. If I offered to lend you $500,000 at 3% interest rate with a 15 year repayment schedule, and you used it to buy a bond that had a 8% yield and a 15 year maturity, the difference in between those two interest rates over 15 years is earned wealth: almost a quarter of a million dollars that you earned by investing somebody else’s money. The world of high finance is largely based on leveraged investing. But nobody’s going to simply lend you $500,000 at such a low interest rate without substantial collateral to secure the loan - and that’s why mortgages are secured with a lien on the home they underwrite. By borrowing money at a low interest rate to invest in an appreciating asset that you also derive utility from, you end up accruing more wealth than you might have through investing extra cash on top of paying rent.
Imagine a similar scenario with cars. You can lease a car to satisfy your immediate need for transportation and save a little extra money on top of your lease payments for the lifetime of the lease, investing that money in the S&P 500; or you can put some cash down and borrow money to pay for the car, paying back the loan a little at a time. After you’ve paid back the loan with interest, you own the car free and clear, whereas with the lease, you return the car and all you’re left with is the extra money you’ve saved on top of it. Cars, however, depreciate; they lose value the minute you drive them off the lot and continue to lose value over their lifetime. Let’s imagine that they instead appreciated the same way housing has over the last 75 years - you’d be far better off in the borrow-and-buy scenario, with an asset worth far more than you paid for it, versus the lease scenario in which you simply have a relatively smaller pile of cash. That’s the power of leverage.
So it might seem at first blush that the government securing mortgages and promoting ever higher levels of homeownership is unquestionably a good thing - we want everybody to have financial security and the opportunity to generate wealth for themselves and their families. But there’s a problem: if we want homeowners to grow wealth through homeownership, the value of your house has to continue to go up; but the value of housing goes up when demand outstrips supply, when there isn’t enough housing in an area for everybody who wants to live there, so making housing affordable and accessible to everybody means that prices have to come down and stay down, which won’t generate wealth for homeowners.
Housing can either be an ever-appreciating asset and vehicle for wealth generation for some, or it can be affordable and accessible to all, but not both.
I hear this dissonance all the time in my friends: those who aren’t presently homeowners lament the high prices of housing that precludes them from buying a home and accruing wealth; those who are presently homeowners believe in the creation of affordable housing but nowhere near them so as not to negatively impact their property valuation. They’re simply incompatible goals.
Inherently inequitable 🔗
Given the American governmental and cultural treatment of housing to work for some but not for all, it immediately becomes a political calculation who housing policy will benefit and who it will harm. The inequity of how that line has been drawn is both unjust and unwise. The injustice comes from the historical racial and cultural prejudice that has been interwoven with 20th century America’s housing policies, and just as generational wealth compounds with interest, so does generational inequity. The injudiciousness comes from a wealth transfer from younger, poorer Americans to older, richer Americans, as the appreciating property values are only realized during a sale.
An abridged history of race and property in 20th century America 🔗
I mentioned the New Deal era creation of the Federal Housing Administration, and our history begins there, in 1934. Part of the FHA’s charter was to facilitate and guarantee the underwriting of loans for housing to counter the tsunami of foreclosures during the Great Depression. But who got those guarantees? The FHA released a work entitled The Underwriting Manual which included “residential security maps” - detailed delineations in metropolitan areas across America, color coded based on how “safe” they deemed it to secure mortgages in different areas. The top of their scale was “green” - which meant up-and-coming, high demand areas populated by “American Business and Professional Men”; below that was “blue” - which meant desirable but stable areas; below that was “yellow”, signifying areas that were in economic decline; and finally, bottom of the stack, were “red” areas that were undesirable to lend in.
If you lived within a “red” zone, you were ineligible for FHA-guaranteed lending; and unsurprisingly, the delineation of the zones were overtly based on racial and ethnic composition. If you lived in a neighborhood of color or even adjacent to such a neighborhood, you simply could not get cheap capital to buy a house. This practice is known as “redlining” and continued for 34 years until 1968.
To ensure their neighborhoods were green-lined and thus secure ease of financing, developers of planned communities and suburbs included in the deeds of sale a “covenant” that prevented sale or rental of such properties to people of color. For example, the community widely considered the progenitor of modern suburbia - Levittown, New York - included in its deeds that house could not “be used or occupied by any person other than members of the Caucasian race,” written in all-caps, bold text. However, such covenanted communities faced legal challenges, culminating in the 1948 Supreme Court decision Shelley v. Kraemer that determined such racial covenants could not legally be enforced - though it was not until Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 that such covenants were voided and made illegal. Not to be deterred, proponents of protecting the property values and homogenous constituency of neighborhoods turned their sights to the Transportation Act of 1956, wherein what had been merely symbolic red lines on a map became actual physical barriers as planners drew the routes for highways through neighborhoods of color and along dividing lines to separate neighborhoods of color from prosperous white neighborhoods.
This segregation of whites from non-whites and this disparity in affluence due to leveraged investments in property created a feedback loop that continued to depress the opportunities of people of color to accrue wealth through property financed by government-backed loans. As the War on Drugs and the War on Crime ramped up, poorer neighborhoods predominantly occupied by people of color received disparate treatment from police: over-policed for surveillance, nuisance crimes, and investigatory stops. Such racial bias in policing has become deeply intertwined with police culture. As a result of this over-policing, the relative reported crime rate for such areas is markedly higher, which has a deleterious effect on property values and, again, the ability to secure leveraged capital to purchase, develop, or improve these neighborhoods.
The feedback loop will be further propagated through the relationship between property values and public schooling. America’s public schools are overwhelmingly funded from residential property tax, and the higher the net property values in a district, the greater the funding available for education of their children. Wealthier areas are creating microdistricts to ensure their tax dollars don’t go to educate poorer families, resulting in richer, whiter school districts. In fact, public schooling is more segregated now than it was in the 1960s.
As said before, housing as wealth generation can benefit some but can never benefit all, and in the 20th century, America quite systematically decided that it would work far better for white people than for people of color.
Intergenerational Ponzi scheme 🔗
Housing as a vehicle of wealth generation is also inequitable in the way it serves as an intergenerational Ponzi scheme: Americans reap the benefit of the appreciation of their home value when it’s purchased by somebody else, and most often, that’s a younger buyer and an older seller. For those younger homeowners entering the market in the last ten years, they only will realize their gains when they eventually sell their house at a higher price to the next younger generation. This endless appreciation is, on its face, unsustainable, and it will devastate whatever generation is holding the deed when there is nobody left to fleece.
In the below figure, the blue, left-most bars represent mean homeowner equity by age in 1989 (inflation adjusted); the red, right-most bars represent the same in 2016. Older generations have accrued vastly higher equity in their homes compared to the generation before them, whereas younger generations lag behind the prior generation’s corresponding accrued equity.
Wealth transfers from young to old are not, writ large, immoral; I would not argue that Social Security benefits are an immoral wealth transfer. But the Social Security safety net relies on demographics to ensure that there are far more younger workers than older retirees, however whereas in 1940 there were 30 workers for every retiree, by 2000 there were only 3 workers per retiree and by 2050 there will only be 2. Similarly, continuously appreciating home prices depend on there being enough buyers able to buy for sellers to realize their gains. There very well may not be.
Secondary effects of homeownership as wealth generation 🔗
As framing homeownership as an appreciating asset necessarily means a lack of plentiful, affordable housing, consequently we experience a range of undesirable secondary effects as a direct consequence of that lack.
Most notably, here in Asheville, is homelessness. It seems quite obvious, yet is remarkably controversial, that the more housing becomes unaffordable, the more people fall into homelessness - more commonly accused are drug use, mental health issues, or other personal struggles drive homelessness, but the research does not support such a causal link. Well covered in books such as Homelessness is a Housing Problem and in journalism such as The Atlantic, there are cities and states with comparably higher mental health crises and substance use disorder without commensurate homelessness. What tracks homelessness rates most accurately is housing costs. Our city is filled with people teetering on the edge of solvency, paycheck to paycheck, just one catastrophe away from losing everything and without stable support networks to insure them against hardship. It should come as no surprise that with the heightened cost of putting a roof over one’s head comes a higher number of people unable to do so.
People experiencing homelessness require support services, but when protecting your property value appreciation is your wealth generation strategy, providing any of those services in your neighborhood becomes problematic. Instead of seeing homeless people as struggling neighbors in need, homeowners react to their presence as a nuisance and a bother. Reactions ranging from indifference to spite further isolate people without housing and undermine their chances for regaining self-sufficiency.
Another secondary effect lies in transportation. The central business district of any city provides an overwhelmingly disproportionate density of economic opportunity, and therefore proximity to the city center is a luxury. Asheville’s own Urban3 consultancy works with small cities across America beating that drum, providing visualizations of how much taxable value is created per acre, where the downtown central business district becomes immediately obvious no matter which city they plot. Here’s Asheville:
But when housing is treated as an appreciating asset and homeownership the vehicle to wealth generation, the only “affordable” housing for most is far from the city center. Asheville’s neighborhoods are overwhelmingly zoned for single-family homes, dense multi-family development proposals receive outcries from neighbors concerned about protecting their property values, and short-term rentals starve the market for rentals for residents. There is simply not enough housing close to the city center to accommodate everybody who wants to live near it. The Sightline Institute draws the analogy to a cruel game of musical chairs - when the music stops, it’s the poorest among us who are displaced. As a result, Asheville (or more precisely, Buncombe County) experiences continued sprawl, as the displaced and the newest entrants into homeownership must be content to live where land is cheapest.
The increasing sprawl means more cars, more roads, more traffic, and more parking required. According to the MountainX: “From 2002-19, the number of people who both lived and worked in Asheville increased slightly, from about 21,000 to approximately 23,000. But the number of people commuting from outside Asheville to work in the city soared, from roughly 46,000 to about 71,000.” Suddenly entry-level homeownership and affordable renting means owning a car, keeping it registered and in working order, paying for gas, tolls, and parking, and spending larger portions of one’s day commuting to and from work - at the expense of quality of life and at the risk of losing one’s security for lack of stable personal transportation.
Is homeownership really a good investment? 🔗
Homeownership is touted as the vehicle to achieve financial security, but that assertion often goes unchallenged and unconsidered. It may very well not be the way to do so.
Diversification of one’s investments is generally accepted as a wise strategy to spread out one’s risk; putting all of your eggs in one basket results in catastrophe if that one investment collapses. While it’s true that over the last 75 years the housing market in general has continued to appreciate, that might make investing in a REIT or a similar instrument a wise investment - but it does not mean that each house is a wise investment that will necessarily appreciate in value. Economist Joe Cortright writes: “Housing can be a good investment if you buy at the right time, buy in the right place, get a fair deal on financing, and aren’t excessively vulnerable to market swings. Unfortunately the market for home-ownership is structured in such a way as to assure that low-income and minority buyers meet none of these conditions.”
The “right time” depends on large macroeconomic trends that might not align perfectly to one’s need for housing; buying two years before the housing collapse in 2008 versus two years after were hyperbolically different investments. The “right place” is also incredibly variable and unpredictable; local economies could collapse or climate change could devastate an area - people who bought houses in Cleveland, Detroit, or New Orleans may have had their investment wiped out. The “fair deal on financing” depends on having a strong credit history (a challenge for minorities and the young) and prevailing prime interest rates; as discussed above, buying in late 2021 at 3% interest versus buying presently at 7.5% interest are two starkly different propositions.
Were housing not constantly increasing in cost due to a public policy of artificial scarcity, it would arguably be prudent to pay rent and to save money through a more diversified investment strategy.
Complicating the matter of predicting the wisdom of any particular home as an investment is the major institutions distorting the market with market capture ventures, seeking to capitalize on the broad appreciation of value in real estate, while frustrating entry into the market for others. In the last few years, investors and equity funds have plowed into the residential real estate market, scooping up houses as fast as they can in rapidly growing metropolitan areas, including nearby Charlotte, North Carolina. In snatching up every home for sale that they can, aggressively leasing them out to tenants with little choice but to pony up rent, and hoping to eventually sell them at a profit, they’re able to deliver to their investors dividends from rent payments while capturing the appreciated value from further limiting the supply.
Profit-seeking innovation from corporations will continue to innovate new ways of gaming the system. For example, Zillow used knowledge gleaned from searches on its site to identify desirable neighborhoods and buyer budgets, snatching up houses in such neighborhoods that are underpriced, and exploiting a vulnerability in home appraisal methods to quickly inflate the perceived value of a neighborhood and profit from it.
But such corporate distortions of the housing market are only of interest to them due to its historically consistently appreciating values. Were housing not treated as an investment instead of a life necessity, such profit seekers would take their interest someplace less predatory.
What would affordable housing policy look like? 🔗
Our policies right now overwhelmingly favor treating homeownership as an asset - from artificially cheap mortgage rates, to mortgage interest tax deduction, to local government zoning maps, and more. Those policies incentivize buying a home, preserving its property value, and urban planning that optimizes for single-family housing.
Optimizing for housing affordability would mean policies that incentivize building more long-term housing, of all kinds and sizes, in greater density, as close to the city center as possible. If 1,000 households move to Asheville in 2023, but Asheville does not build 1,000 new dwellings, the consequence is simple: housing prices go up, and those who can no longer afford housing will be displaced - either out into the county or away from the metropolitan area. To keep housing affordable, we have to build more. Some potential examples of policy consequences:
- Airbnb and VRBO deplete the housing stock of homes for potential residents, thus policies must disincentivize the conversion of viable long-term rentals into short or medium term rentals.
- Single family home zoning creates hard limits on density of housing in the city, thus upzoning - the permission to create additions of apartments, cottages, and other ADUs - must be allowed and incentivized.
- Higher density developments near the city center - such as apartment buildings, condominiums, and multi-family townhouses - increase population density, thus must have streamlined consideration and approval from city officials.
- When a homeowner dies without a JTWROS, it may be wise to heavily tax inheritance of real estate to limit reliance on housing serving as a vehicle for intergenerational wealth.
- Automobile centric development depletes density, making room for cars instead of people, thus as density increases near the city center, relax minimum parking requirements and augment public transit options.
Unfortunately, for Asheville, there are just as many reasons why the above are effectively impossible. Much of our economic engine thrives on tourism, and in North Carolina, each county’s Tourism Development Authority collects all of the tax revenue from hotels and Airbnbs/VRBOs to spend on… promoting more tourism - we are by state law not permitted to spend tourism revenue on making Asheville more affordable. Furthermore, North Carolina is not a home rule state, meaning the City of Asheville may only operate using powers delegated to them by the state government. We have no ability to determine our own taxation (for example, to use taxation to disincentivize vacation homes or short-term rentals). The City is highly incentivized to grow the overall property tax base within city limits, which means promoting increasing property values. And the hyper-conservative North Carolina General Assembly is not disposed to allow a progressive city to innovate more egalitarian housing policies - in fact, wealthy property owners in Asheville would likely lobby state legislators to override any such attempts by the city.
Even if Asheville did not have these state-level handcuffs, in general our governments don’t have the track record that would fill me with confidence. When there’s a set of policies that would increase general welfare for all and raise the overall economic prospects for a whole community, versus a set of policies that disproportionately benefit many while creating incremental hardship for many others, the greater the relative size of that disproportionate benefit directly correlates with the greater likelihood the inequitable policy will prevail. Government power has a way of being captured and steered by those who enjoy profit from doing so. Anyone reading the above proposed policy improvements with skepticism that any such government could successfully pursue an egalitarian end, even if that egalitarian end results in greater overall welfare for the community, has good reason to feel skeptical.
Regardless, it’s clear to me that our present orientation to housing as a wealth-generating investment is poor investment advice, unsustainable over time, and deeply reinforcing of historical racial discrimination & increasing wealth inequality in America. The cities that successfully make the pivot to culturally understanding housing as a necessity instead of an investment and enact policies to maximize the availability and affordability of housing will be the ones that sustainably thrive through the 21st century. Those that do not will suffer an enduring legacy of wealth disparity, homelessness, traffic, sprawl, and stagnation. I say this as a homeowner: I want better for us all. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://socialadies.com/fitness-expectations-vs-reality/ | 2022-06-30T21:44:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-27/segments/1656103915196.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20220630213820-20220701003820-00355.warc.gz | 0.95792 | 514 | CC-MAIN-2022-27 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-27__0__56149255 | en | But sometimes, we find out awfully quickly that working out in real life is a tad different than what we envision when we plan our get fit routine.
Sometimes, anticipating the unknown can create an overwhelming amount of anxiety that stops us from reaching our goals before we’ve even started trying. So let’s take the unknown out of the equation by looking at some of the most common misconceptions about fitness.
Here are our top four:
The simple truth is that you get out of exercise what you put into it, both in terms of intensity and frequency, so be honest with yourself and your level of commitment and adjust your expectations accordingly. If you can only squeeze in 2 light 30-minute workouts a week, that’s fine. Just don’t expect the results of a hardcore 5-day a week workout program.
Unless you’re training for the Olympics, chances are you can spend less than an hour just a few times a week in the gym and see real results. Not only do you NOT really have to “go hard or go home” but you can actually undo your best efforts by overtraining. The best way to make sure you’re not falling into this trap is to think of exercise as something you can ease into. If you’re starting out as a non-exerciser, anything you do is better than where you started!
Fear of Judgment
There will be a couple of really buff and really in-shape folks in the gym, but the majority of members will be like you – average people exercising because they want to experience the benefits of exercise and weight loss. And as for the idea that people are busy judging you? Everyone is having the exact same thought! Everyone is so worried about themselves, that they rarely notice how much weight you’re lifting or whether you’re doing the same exercises you did yesterday or if your sneakers are this season or last.
Diet is more than half the battle when it comes to getting in shape and staying healthy. If you exercise for an hour and use that to justify eating junk, while you’re not directly cancelling out the health benefit of the workout, you are making it extremely difficult to obtain visible results. While many people can commit to exercise, most aren’t willing or able to make the necessary changes to their diets which make all the difference.
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http://honu62.com/ | 2014-03-07T11:33:44 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2014-10/segments/1393999642306/warc/CC-MAIN-20140305060722-00001-ip-10-183-142-35.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.966753 | 578 | CC-MAIN-2014-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2014-10__0__107091249 | en | (ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.) — In a suburb just outside Chicago, Rick Santorum urged a crowd of over a thousand voters to take Tuesday’s Illinois primary seriously, arguing that he is the only candidate who is capable of beating Barack Obama and that Illinois holds the potential to greatly influence the outcome of the race.
“Everyone says Illinois, Barack Obama’s home state, won’t have any impact on this election. You have a chance on Tuesday. You want to defeat Barack Obama. There’s only one guy in this race who can do it, and you need to make sure he wins Illinois on Tuesday,” said Santorum at a rally in the gymnasium of the Christian Liberty Academy.
“I’m asking you, I’m pleading, that you understand that your honor is on the line. You uphold the honor of the people of Chicago and Illinois, and the great statesmen that have come from here,” said Santorum adding that these statesman were “in the past,” a direct jab at President Obama. “You have a unique duty here in Illinois to correct a wrong.”
Santorum criticized the president for not only underestimating the amount that his health care plan would cost the American taxpayers, but also accused him of masquerading the truth behind eloquent speeches. “I know all of you are shocked at this revelation. I know you all thought that it would come in less and that the president’s persuasive speeches about how he was going to save money and premiums would go down and costs would go down,” said Santorum. “The seas would recede. The sun would always shine. All of these great predictions of the president have remarkably not come to pass. I know that shocks you because you here in Illinois have such experience with his truthfulness.”
Santorum took the opportunity to tie Obama’s alleged untruthfulness to Mitt Romney, saying that his Massachusetts healthcare plan demonstrates that he is akin to Obama.
“We already have someone in Washington who doesn’t tell us the truth. We don’t need anybody else there to do the same,” said Santorum.
Aside from hitting Obama and Romney, Santorum’s event focused primarily on social issues, while also delving into foreign relations, specifically Iran.
Two male Occupy protesters interrupted Santorum’s speech with a mic check and kissed each other in the bleachers before they were escorted out as the crowd chanted “USA! USA! USA!”
Santorum campaigned in the St. Louis, Missouri area Saturday morning ahead of the state’s primary and will be traveling throughout southern Illinois for the remainder of the day.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.warriorsfund.org/causes/healing-and-community-through-the-art-of-cooking | 2024-04-18T08:22:39 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817200.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20240418061950-20240418091950-00840.warc.gz | 0.924305 | 938 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__23387861 | en | In the vibrant world of culinary arts, a unique opportunity unfolds for veterans to find healing, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose. While the Warriors Fund is dedicated to empowering veterans through various avenues, we recognize the immense potential that culinary programs hold in fostering community and aiding in the healing process. In this blog post, we invite you to explore the world of culinary arts, a realm where veterans can forge new connections, learn valuable skills, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing through the universal language of food.
Section 1: The Culinary Journey
Embarking on a culinary journey offers more than just the delight of cooking; it opens doors to a nurturing community where veterans can rediscover passion and find solace. Across the nation, several programs are channeling the therapeutic power of culinary arts to create spaces where veterans can share stories, learn, and grow together.
Take, for instance, the story of Michael, a veteran who found a new lease on life through a culinary program. "After leaving the service, I felt a bit lost," he shares. "But stepping into the kitchen, learning to create dishes, and connecting with others who share similar experiences has been incredibly healing. It's not just about the food; it's about the bonds we forge and the laughter that fills the room as we cook together."
Through culinary programs, veterans not only develop new skills but also find a pathway to potential career opportunities in the culinary world. From gourmet cuisine to pastry arts, these programs offer a space where veterans can explore their creativity, find joy in the process, and experience the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch.
Section 2: Community Building Through Culinary Arts
In the heart of culinary programs, community building takes a central stage, fostering environments where veterans can connect, share, and grow together. These programs often transcend the boundaries of a traditional kitchen, evolving into vibrant communities where individuals come together to share not only meals but also stories, experiences, and support.
Imagine a space where veterans from various backgrounds gather, united by their love for cooking and a shared sense of camaraderie. These culinary hubs become melting pots of diverse cultures and flavors, offering veterans a platform to forge new friendships and rediscover the joy of community. From community potlucks to culinary workshops, these spaces offer a nurturing environment where veterans can heal, learn, and find a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, culinary programs often collaborate with renowned chefs and culinary experts to host workshops and events, offering veterans an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. These events not only enhance their culinary skills but also foster a sense of community and mutual support, paving the way for lasting friendships and networks.
Section 3: Partnerships and Collaborations
While the Warriors Fund continually seeks avenues to foster community and support among veterans, we recognize the incredible work being done by other organizations in the culinary field. Across the nation, various programs are harnessing the power of culinary arts to aid veterans in their healing journey.
For instance, the Dog Tag Bakery in Georgetown, Washington D.C., operates a fellowship program that empowers veterans to transition into the civilian workforce, offering education in both business administration and baking. Similarly, Veterans Healing Farm in North Carolina promotes community building through gardening and farming workshops, where veterans can learn the art of growing food sustainably.
Moreover, collaborations with culinary schools and organizations are offering veterans a chance to explore the culinary world in depth. Programs such as the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) Military Foodservice Awards not only recognize the contributions of military chefs but also foster a community where veterans can pursue culinary arts as a viable career option.
Section 4: How to Get Involved
If the world of culinary arts intrigues you, there are numerous ways to immerse yourself in this nurturing and creative space. As a veteran, you can volunteer at community kitchens, participate in workshops, or even explore culinary courses tailored for individuals with a military background.
Furthermore, consider supporting these initiatives through donations or sponsorships. Your contributions can help sustain and expand these programs, ensuring that more veterans can benefit from the healing and community-building power of culinary arts.
As we explore the diverse avenues through which veterans can find support and community, the culinary world stands out as a space brimming with potential. It offers not just the joy of cooking but the promise of new beginnings, friendships, and healing. At the Warriors Fund, we encourage veterans to explore these opportunities, to forge new paths, and to build a brighter, more connected future. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://theclimatemessage.com/elizabeth-warren-needs-to-hear-from-you-and-you-and-you/ | 2024-04-18T02:07:56 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817184.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20240417235906-20240418025906-00674.warc.gz | 0.952638 | 859 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__114316113 | en | The Senior Senator from Massachusetts is part of a group of Senators who are planning an all-night marathon discussion of climate change, starting tomorrow.
She asks us:
Monday night, several other senators and I are pulling an all-nighter on the floor of the Senate to talk about the importance of pollution and climate change. We are going to do our best to bring attention to a topic that a lot of people in Washington don’t want to talk about.
I’ve been assigned a block of time to talk, and I want to spend a chunk of it talking about as many stories as I can from people like you.
So take the question wherever you want: What do you think the planet is going to look like 25 years from now if we don’t tackle climate change head-on? What small thing will be different? What big thing will change everything?
Here’s what I wrote:
I am a musician and a music teacher who is deeply concerned about the impact of climate change — not just on our agriculture and our infrastructure, but on our music and our cultural traditions. The beauty and richness of humanity’s music — whether it’s the swinging rhythms of jazz, the majesty of a symphony orchestra, the downhome delight of a bluegrass band, or the mesmerizing strains of an Indian raga — all depend on a complex civilization to survive.
When that civilization is threatened, that means our species’ precious musical heritage is endangered. The world will be a very different place in 25 years if climate change continues accelerating. For one thing, there will probably be a lot fewer people, if the consequences of a runaway greenhouse effect impact agriculture and food systems as predicted. That’s a polite way of saying that millions, perhaps billions, of people are going to starve to death.
Now, that’s not the end of music; wherever human beings go, they bring music with them. But a lot of the music that we take for granted is going to disappear.
No matter where we live, we’ll be singing more funeral songs, and more songs to comfort the dying.
We’ll be singing songs to help us calm our children, even as their future becomes even more frightening.
But will we have time and resources to spare for symphonies? For jazz and folk festivals? When food is short for all but the very rich, what will the rest of us sing? What of the local cultures whose cherished traditions vanish underneath rising seas, or dry up in the aftermath of endless droughts? Will we do to the richness and variety of the world’s music what we are already doing to Earthly biodiversity?
There are two song lyrics which help give more perspective on these questions.
Peggy Seeger’s ballad “The Springhill Mine Disaster,” recalls the plight of the trapped miners in the wake of a catastrophic explosion, and includes this quatrain:
“Three days past and the lamps gave out /
Our foreman rose on his elbow and said /
We’re out of light and water and bread /
So we’ll live on songs and hope instead.”
When humanity runs out of water and bread, all we’ll have left are songs and hope. We’ll still be singing, but in a sorrowful scale.
Peggy Seeger’s older brother Pete just died a few weeks ago, and his song, “My Father’s Mansion’s Many Rooms” includes this verse:
“The choice is ours, to share this Earth /
With all its many joys abound /
Or to continue as we have /
And burn God’s mansion down.”
Let us not continue as we have. Let us preserve our beautiful and sacred Earth with all its many joys abound, so that our children’s children to the ten-thousandth generation can sing together in happiness as well as sorrow.
Thank you for standing up for our beautiful Earth against those who would silence its voices forever. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.tellap.com/post/empowering-non-profits-through-ai-discover-the-world-of-chatgpt | 2024-04-16T01:28:26 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817036.4/warc/CC-MAIN-20240416000407-20240416030407-00871.warc.gz | 0.921411 | 617 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__141093737 | en | In the heart of the digital era, non-profit organizations are continually seeking innovative solutions to enhance their operations, engage their communities more effectively, and maximize their impact. Enter ChatGPT – a cutting-edge conversational AI developed by OpenAI, poised to revolutionize how non-profits communicate, learn, and innovate.
Revolutionizing Non-Profit Communications
For non-profits, clear and effective communication is key to success, whether it's engaging with the community, rallying support, or sharing the impact of their work. ChatGPT offers a dynamic way to automate and personalize communication. Imagine AI-powered newsletters that address each supporter individually or automated social media responses that keep your audience engaged and informed. With ChatGPT, the potential to streamline communication efforts while maintaining a personal touch is immense.
Enhancing Educational Outreach
Education is a cornerstone for many non-profit organizations, whether it's spreading awareness about their cause or training volunteers. ChatGPT can serve as an on-demand tutor, creating personalized learning experiences for volunteers or community members. It can also generate educational content, from FAQs to detailed articles on specific topics related to your mission, making knowledge dissemination more effective and far-reaching.
Fueling Creative Campaigns
Creativity is at the heart of impactful non-profit campaigns. ChatGPT can be your brainstorming partner, generating ideas for campaigns, writing compelling content, or even drafting grant proposals. Its ability to produce creative, engaging narratives can help non-profits tell their stories in a way that resonates, fostering deeper connections with their audience and potential donors.
Streamlining Operations with AI
Behind the scenes, non-profits face the challenge of managing operations efficiently with limited resources. ChatGPT can automate routine inquiries, assist in managing donor databases, and provide quick access to organizational knowledge, freeing up valuable time for your team to focus on mission-critical tasks.
Navigating the Ethical Use of AI
As non-profits embrace ChatGPT and other AI technologies, ethical considerations come to the forefront. It's vital to use these tools responsibly, ensuring that AI enhances your mission without compromising values or privacy. A transparent approach, combined with ongoing monitoring for bias and misuse, can help non-profits navigate these waters successfully.
Looking Forward: A Partnership between AI and Non-Profits
The journey of integrating ChatGPT into non-profit operations is just beginning. As AI technology evolves, its potential to support non-profits in achieving their missions grows exponentially. By adopting AI solutions like ChatGPT, non-profits can enhance efficiency, creativity, and engagement, paving the way for a future where technology and human compassion work hand in hand for the greater good.
Incorporating ChatGPT into your non-profit's strategy is not just about keeping up with technology trends; it's about embracing a tool that can significantly amplify your impact. As we look ahead, the possibilities are limitless, and the future of non-profits empowered by AI like ChatGPT is bright. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://reflectionsonpeace.org/reviews/ | 2023-11-29T21:30:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100146.5/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129204528-20231129234528-00274.warc.gz | 0.928538 | 597 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__26645768 | en | These searing images and moving essays teach us much about the lessons of history, the costs of war, and the overlooked challenges of achieving lasting peace. The honesty and introspection of the contributors also reminds us that the gaps that exist between peoples can be bridged; wounds can be healed; hatreds can be dissolved; and the once unthinkable can become reality — if there is a willingness to pursue dialogue and embrace our common humanity. Imagine: Reflections on Peace is a timely and important call to action.
Madeleine K. Albright
Former US Secretary of State
Powerful, persuasive and forensic, this book will open your eyes, challenge your assumptions, and deepen your understanding of war and the people who survive it. It shows that war doesn’t end with the signing of a peace treaty, or when a situation has faded from the news headlines. At a time when more people are displaced by war and oppression today than at any period since the Second World War, this calls for a new generation of negotiators to step forward. Above all, it is a tribute to the victims of war, and to all those who never give up the struggle to achieve stability, justice and good governance in their countries.
UNHCR Special Envoy
This magnificent collection of photography and narrative gives us a moving, searing portrayal of war-torn places in the aftermath of violence. Renowned photojournalists and writers return to the scene of brutal conflicts to document people’s inspiring attempts to rebuild their lives and to imagine what peace really means. The result is a stirring meditation on peace as an unfinished project, precariously poised between memory and forgiveness.
Michael J. Sandel
political philosopher, Harvard University, Author of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?
I found this book powerful in its evocation of the great suffering of the last half-century’s wars, wise in recognizing that their painful legacy long endures, and inspiring in showing reconciliation in action. Most moving to me: seeing those who negotiated South Africa’s transition to democracy help bring Northern Ireland’s warring factions to the bargaining table. Peace, like war, can be contagious.
Author of King Leopold’s Ghost and To End All Wars
The story of war’s aftermath is ancient: the bleeding stops, the spotlight points elsewhere, the ruins are left in darkness. It is the genius of the editors of Imagine: Reflections on Peace to recognize that only after the guns grow silent does the true story begin: of how human beings reconstruct their lives, of how murderers become neighbors, of how justice returns — or doesn’t. For anyone who has consumed narratives of war and violence, who has gazed into the whirlpools of history and violence, who craves beautiful writing and life-changing images, Imagine is an essential book.
Author of Spiral: Trapped in the Forever War | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.vancouverkidsfashionweek.com/philantropy/ | 2022-10-01T02:37:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-40/segments/1664030335514.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20221001003954-20221001033954-00560.warc.gz | 0.979052 | 332 | CC-MAIN-2022-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-40__0__149541084 | en | Simran Sarai was often the leader of her twin brother, Sajjan, and younger brother, Daya. So when the usually energetic six-year-old started to spend her free time curled up on the couch complaining of leg pain, her parents, Sarj and Jin, became concerned. Simran’s leg pain worsened and a blood test was performed to determine why Simran’s health deteriorated so suddenly. When the results came back, Sarj was asked to bring Simran to BC Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department immediately.
After five hours of tests, doctors took Sarj and Jin into a private room and delivered the devastating news – Simran had leukemia. “At first I refused to believe what I was being told,” said Sarj. “But when I heard the cure rate for Simran’s type of cancer was upward of 90 per cent, my despair turned to relief.”
Simran spent the next nine days in an isolation room to undergo intense treatment. Despite her physical challenges, Simran remained positive and high-spirited – something that Sarj says helped the family get through the tough times. Over the next several months, Simran was in and out of Children’s Hospital to receive treatment. But by the summer of 2007, her health finally began to improve.
Now sixteen years old, Simran is back in school full time, plays soccer and enjoys cross-country running. Thanks to the love of her family and the support of her caregivers at BC Children’s Hospital, the future looks bright for Simran. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://diasporacultural.art/2020/07/13/in-conversation-father-kevin-keegan/ | 2022-06-26T23:16:35 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-27/segments/1656103322581.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20220626222503-20220627012503-00096.warc.gz | 0.989252 | 2,149 | CC-MAIN-2022-27 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-27__0__63776962 | en | Fr. Kevin Keegan is from Derry, Northern Ireland. Today he is based in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Galway City, but he has his heart split between Brazil and Ireland. The first time he went to Brazil was in 1987, for a mission that lasted two years, however, he could be living there until now if his destiny hadn’t taken him to another path. Even though he now lives in his home country, he still remains immersed in Brazilian culture by working as an honorary consul for the Brazilian Embassy and helping the community to pursue their “Irish dream life.”
He believes that the fusion of these two nationalities is going to have a significant impact on the future of Ireland. The young people who are graduating from college here and searching for a better quality of life are doing something good for themselves and also for the Irish society as a whole.
I confess, I was training my English skills before going to Galway and chatting with him but when I met Fr. Kevin, I found out that he speaks better Portuguese than I speak English, and he knows more about Brazil than I know about my own country, including stories of the “Dolphin’s Tale” in the city of Pará and the fact that some indigenous people speak more than 3 languages; these are some of Brazil’s wonders and vastness.
How and when did your connexion with Brazil start?
I first went to Brazil in 1987, for a two years mission. I lived in Pará, Belém from 1995 and came back to Ireland in 2000, that was when I first met the first Brazilians living in Roscommon. I was in a shop when I heard two guys speaking Portuguese and thought maybe I was going crazy, as I was already in Ireland but was still hearing Portuguese. Those two Brazilians had just arrived in Ireland to work, and they invited me for a coffee at their house, where they lived with other Brazilians.
There I found out about the problems they were facing; they were invited to come to Ireland to work with promises that they would have house, benefits, salary and that the flight tickets would be paid for but things weren’t going exactly as they were told. They had to pay for everything themselves.
Their contract showed only the salary they would earn and the time they should work at, but it did not mention that money would be deducted from their payment to pay for those things.
They started to enquire about their rights and from there the legal procedure against the slaughter houses that employed them began. By helping them to mediate their rights I learned a lot about the labor rights in Ireland.
As the Brazilian people here didn’t speak English, I was writing down notes about the Brazilian worker’s rights so they could bring that to their employers.
So, you’ve learned Portuguese to help them?
I’ve learned Portuguese because I lived in Brazil and actually my wish was to live there forever. When I came back to Ireland in 2000 it was only for a holiday and other personal reasons, but when I saw the situation of those Brazilians in Roscommon I felt compelled to stay and help them out. Soon, it came to my knowledge that problems like the ones in Roscommon were happening also in other parts of Ireland (Donegal, Cork, Dublin, Kilbeggan).
“If I wasn’t here to see it, I wouldn’t believe it was happening in this country.”
What kind of problems?
People living in bad conditions, such as houses with more than 20 men sharing three bedrooms, one shower, and one fridge. A precarious situation.
One of the slaughterhouses closed, a chicken slaughterhouse in Roscommon, as they had many complaints and problems with health inspections. A reporter from RTÉ won a prize for social justice when he wrote the article about this situation.
It’s important that you can bring light to these situations since we are a big community here in Ireland we might not be able to be united.
No, it is not so united. I used to say that unfortunately, the biggest enemy of the Brazilians here in Ireland is the Brazilians themselves. There are many Brazilians who come here with a negative outlook and feel jealous of others’ growth.
It is hard for all of us, isn’t it?
Yes, it is hard for everyone. Everyone arrives in the same situation, some of them maybe with a bit more experience than others, but if the community comes together and organises itself, they can have power in this country since the number is huge. They could even become candidates for the Government, with an Irish passport, and improve the situation for the Brazilian community.
Before there was the Polish which was the second biggest community here in Ireland, but the last census we had [showed that] the Brazilian community increased, as many Polish went back to Poland because the financial situation there got better.
Now, it’s been 20 years that I’ve been here working with the Brazilian community and there are many children who came over and are growing up here and those who are being born here, this number is increasing, it is another generation. The ones who came when they were still toddlers don’t even know Brazil, and some of them are playing rugby very well and also Gaelic football.
You see that those children and teenagers are now in a better position than their parents were as they have better English and better relationships with people from everywhere and [as a consequence] are more integrated into the society here.
Working as an honorary consul for the Brazilian Embassy, you also help the Brazilian community a lot, how exactly do you help them and what are your recommendations for them?
Recently, part of my work is to support the ones who have no documents, some of them came to the country as tourists or students and ended up staying here. It’s a long and hard process, but it is not impossible. Of course, that depends on each case.
Ideally, they should not do anything that could catch the attention of the Garda or Immigration, nothing that could harm their reputation. They should be in the system with their PPS numbers and paying taxes.
I always advise them to keep a record of what they do, like keeping receipts and also to use a diary to record the dates and times of their jobs and how much they made. All of this will help a lot.
When you were living in Brazil, what places did you go to?
I traveled from the North to the South. I’ve been to Manaus, Belém, Pará, Cuiabá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Distrito Federal, Fortaleza, Recife, Olinda, Belo Horizonte and Florianópolis.
I spent three years living and working on a boat in Pará.
Brazil has an interesting mixture.
The origin of a large part of the North and Northeast is indigenous. São Paulo has a mix of everything, it even has the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan.
What was your favorite place?
Alto do Chão, in Pará, is the most beautiful place I’ve been to.
How was your adaptation there?
It was easy because the Brazilians welcomed me well and this helped me to adapt. Some of them told me that it was because I was a good foreign, which for me was a way of welcoming me. Some places I stayed weren’t easy. I had to adapt to their habits, [for instance] when I was living on a boat in a very poor area, a community which was not traditionally into agriculture and livestock, we would be going up and down on the river Arapiuns, with a lot of fish, ray, and piranha.
What were the difficulties, if you had any?
Once I was invited to a party in Pará when I was living on the boat. Arriving there, all the women ran away from me and the next day I asked them why they did that since they had invited me to dance in the first place, and they said they didn’t really know if I was a man or a “Boto” (pink river dolphin).
The tale of the “Boto” is very strong there and it is taken seriously. It is a story that the pink dolphin leaves the river and becomes a handsome white man at the first hour of a party to seduce the women and then becomes a dolphin again.
Another aspect of the tale is that some people there only say the name of a child being baptized when the “Boto” has passed by them. One of the seminarists at that time said this was silly and he had to apologise to everyone in the community or he wouldn’t leave the village alive.
It is part of their culture and everything that makes part of a certain culture is right, it comes from stories and this background has meaning to a community.
Did you face any other curious situation over there?
Few people have told me that indigenous people are not smart, but they are very intelligent and they know a lot of things.
I was once in Oriximiná chatting in English with other Seminarists about politics and one of the indigenous, of the Guaguai tribe, joined the conversation speaking perfect English. They speak Tupi Guarani, Portuguese, English, and French. As they walk all around French Guiana and Suriname they learn it.
What is to be Brazilian, in your opinion?
Someone once told me that a Brazilian is a person who was born dancing ‘samba’ and playing football. Brazilian is the one who lives for today; to be happy and to have food on the table. They don’t think much about the future, they don’t make long-term plans. Brazilians enjoy life, are cheerful and friendly. Brazilians can be mixed with any other “race”. The word of a Brazilian person has value, as they say, if they say they will do [something] you can trust they will do it. They are hard-workers and not lazy. This is also my experience with Brazilians here in Ireland and many Irish people say the same thing. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://dancingmoontravel.com/new-carnival-horizon-to-have-guy-fieri-bbq-and-brewery/ | 2023-06-04T03:02:04 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224649439.65/warc/CC-MAIN-20230604025306-20230604055306-00479.warc.gz | 0.919222 | 221 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__221765858 | en | The new 3,954-passenger Carnival Horizon will be home to a new concept called Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse that will offer smoked-on-board barbecue and house-made craft beer.
Several Carnival ships already boast Fieri-themed barbecue outlets…but they don’t have attached breweries. Fieri-themed burger outlets can be found on 19 of Carnival’s 25 ships.
Horizon is scheduled to debut in April. It’ll sail to the Caribbean out of New York over the summer of 2018 after an inaugural series of voyages in Europe. It’ll move to Miami in the fall of 2018 for year-round sailings to the Caribbean.
Like her sister ship the Carnival Vista, Horizon will feature an 800-foot-long peddle ride around its top deck and an IMAX Theater. Both were firsts for the industry when they debuted on Vista. Horizon also will have a massive WaterWorks aqua park with a giant water tube slide — a major feature of Vista. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.imgsportvideoarchive.com/client/premierleague | 2015-03-05T10:20:18 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-11/segments/1424936464088.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20150226074104-00037-ip-10-28-5-156.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.923712 | 688 | CC-MAIN-2015-11 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-11__0__145345788 | en | The Premier League Archive
The Premier League Archive is an incredible collection featuring full length coverage from over 7,500 matches, together with weekly and seasonal highlights stretching back more than a decade, as well as programming, ISO’s, interviews and HD material.
- Facts & Figures
|Rights Available*||All Media||All Media|
|Restrictions||See 'Further Information'||N/A|
|Period||In perpetuity||In perpetuity|
*International Sound cleared for all footage/programming.
*All footage/programming is licensed on a non-exclusive basis and subject to final approval.
*No current season (2012/13) footage is available to licence until 1st June 2013.
The Barclays Premier League is all about the football.
The principal objective of the Premier League is to stage the most competitive and compelling league with world class players and, through the equitable distribution of broadcast and commercial revenues, to enable clubs to develop so that European competition is a realistic aim and, once there, they are playing at a level where they can compete effectively.
Many of the most famous clubs in world football play in the Premier League and, thanks to our distribution model - which is the most equitable in top-flight European football - the League is incredibly competitive, unpredictable and exciting. In recent seasons, the battles for the Title, Champions League places and to avoid relegation have been the tightest and hardest fought on record.
Some of the biggest names in world football have played in the Premier League: from Wayne Rooney to David Silva, Santi Cazorla to Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez to Marouane Fellaini. The world’s best players have come to England to play in a compelling league competition, in front of passionate full-houses and matches that are seen all over the world.
The global stars attracted to the Premier League helps raise playing standards of young English talent like Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere and Phil Jones. Our clubs are producing some excellent players, who take their place alongside the international superstars on merit.
-The Premier League is the most watched football league in the World. With an audience of over 4 billion in the 2011/12 season, across over 200 countries.
-Alan Shearer is the all time leading Premier League goal scorer with 260 goals.
-Over 21,000 goals have been scored in the Premier League since 1992/93.
- Aston Villa midfielder Marc Albrighton scored the 20,000th Premier League goal against Arsenal in December 2011.
-Ryan Giggs of Manchester United has played and scored in every season of the Premier League.
-David James has recorded the most Premier League clean sheets at, 173 in total.
-Arsenal's "Invincibles" side went unbeaten for 49 matches, including the entire 2003/04 season.
-Sir Alex Ferguson is the Premier Leagues most successful manager with his Manchester United side having never finished outside the top 3 and claiming the title a record 13 times.
- The most goals scored by an individual in a season is 31, a joint record shared by Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, 1995/96) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 2007/08).
-Manchester United hold the biggest margin of victory in a game by beating Ipswich Town 9-0 in 1995. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://preferredmagazine.ca/italys-plans-to-bring-tourism-back-to-the-south/ | 2023-12-10T19:18:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679102637.84/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210190744-20231210220744-00713.warc.gz | 0.927222 | 667 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__146163756 | en | WRITTEN BY TERESA GRECO
Italy’s most enticing tourism revival plan includes 50 million euros, financed by the region’s tourism department, to bring tourists back to Sicily. Known to provide an unforgettable holiday through wine tasting tours, world’s unique artistic masterpieces, three active volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and an amazing sea, Sicily is considered the European holiday paradise. Eager to welcome visitors post-pandemic, Italy’s plans include offering a 50% discount on all flight costs, 25% off hotel expenses, and free tickets to many museums and archaeological sites in regions like Sicily. Europe normally continues to draw many North American tourists who enjoy travelling overseas during the winter months, particularly for the numerous Christmas markets; however, with the governments’ re-imposed curfews and travel restrictions, hotels, bars, and restaurants sit empty in most affected areas.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Europe’s tourism sector employs 22.6 million people, which is equivalent to 11.2% of total European Union employment. The European Commission has estimated the loss of up to 50 million jobs worldwide within the global hospitality and tourism industry, seven million of which is expected to be from Europe alone. The estimated loss of tourism revenue worldwide is between 275-400 billion euros, said Sonia Gospodinova, an EU Commission spokesperson. “For Europe restaurants and hotels would lose 50% of their revenues. The most impacted are the airlines and cruise operators (90%) and 70% of loss for tour operations and other travel agencies,” says Gospodinova. In Italy’s southern region, Sicily has taken an almost irrecoverable hit, losing over $1.09 billion USD in revenue since the country imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 10th due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourist traffic is down 20-30% in 2020, according to the World Tourism Organization. To incentivize tourists to pick Sicily as a vacation destination, Manlio Messina, Sicily’s tourism director, announced that “there will be 400,000 vouchers for discounts and giveaways to encourage holiday-makers who despite coronavirus fears, decide to go to the island.” The vouchers, reports InformaSicilia, will be “paid in advance for tourist packages that include rooms booked in the hotel, guided tours and tickets for theaters or shows in Sicily.”
IT IS CRUCIAL NOW TO AID AND ASSIST TOURISM ENTERPRISES THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TRAVEL ECOSYSTEM TO SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVELIHOODS THAT DEPEND ON THE SECTOR,
— states Luis Araujo, President of the European Travel Commission.
Araujo says the resumption of tourism will trigger economic growth and revival in the 33 European countries he now oversees in his new position. “We need to ensure that tourism has a stronger voice in Europe, through better coordination among countries, in view of a… responsible, sustainable, digital and resilient tourism of tomorrow.” Araujo remains optimistic, saying, “We have a real opportunity now to reinvent the tourism sector of tomorrow.” | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://locwom.org/2021/05/02/brisbane-lions-complete-aflw-fairytale/ | 2022-01-17T07:55:53 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-05/segments/1642320300343.4/warc/CC-MAIN-20220117061125-20220117091125-00479.warc.gz | 0.966506 | 1,241 | CC-MAIN-2022-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-05__0__105111531 | en | After a 2020 season that left footy fans deflated without an end to the story they’d been following so passionately, the final page of the 2021 chapter has been turned, with a most exhilarating finish. Twice heartbroken on the biggest stage by an agonising six points, Brisbane Lions are the 2021 AFLW Premiers.
We talk about fairytales a lot in footy – about Cinderella stories and underdog stories, but also the horror stories and the nightmares. They all play an in important role. The story is what brings us in, what connects us, what keeps us wanting to turn the page.
Having that taken away last year was devastating. Having the book handed back to us in 2021, and to fill the pages with the season we’ve had, with the league and teams battling a pandemic to get the season on the park and a grand final that delivered the drama, devastation and delight it did, is a story worth cherishing.
Brisbane’s AFLW story is one fans have followed and empathised with since they lost their first grand final in 2017. One of the foundation teams in the AFLW competition, the Lions, after losing two grand finals, then felt the full effects of expansion in 2019 with the introduction of North Melbourne and Geelong. The club lost Kaitlyn Ashmore, Tahlia Randall, Jamie Stanton and Brittany Gibson, finishing second-last in Conference B.
2020 saw more departures. Sabrina Frederick went to Richmond, Kate McCarthy went to St Kilda, and they lost eight players to the Gold Coast Suns. Only seven women from that 2017 grand final team took the field in the 2021 edition. But under the leadership of seasoned coach, and this year’s AFL Coaches Association AFLW Senior Coach of the Year, Craig Starcevich, Brisbane rebuilt.
The Lions looked to be bouncing back last year, making the fast-tracked finals in 2020 before losing to Carlton by 29 points prior to COVID-19 stopping the finals series in its tracks with no overall winner.
Brisbane’s AFLW story has felt lacking for the last few years, not lacklustre, as for everything they’ve given the competition, for how much Queensland in particular has given to women’s football, that elusive premiership to reward to the work has been a missing piece. And now that premiership is a defining moment in the Lions’ history courtesy of a game that had everything.
Courtney Hodder’s first goal of the game for Brisbane was spine-tingling, then to follow it up with another highly skilled soccer off the ground was electric. Hodder had just one touch in last week’s preliminary final.
Stevie-Lee Thompson tying the scores with just over a minute left in the opening term added to the drama after we were treated to a high-intensity battle throughout the opening half.
Then the devastation. Both captains, Brisbane’s Emma Zielke and stand-in captain for Adelaide, Angela Foley, went down in the third quarter within five minutes of each other. The nightmare twists we don’t’ see coming, leaving us reeling.
Then joy. Retiring Lion and AFLW stalwart Lauren Arnell kicking a goal in a winning grand final, her final game, was the stuff of legend.
There are also the stories that echo throughout the footy world as a direct impact of the AFLW competition.
It was admirable to see the AFL alter the men’s fixture to allow the AFLW grand final to have its moment. But as a sport-hungry nation in post-COVID recovery, there’s so much sport on offer now to make-up for a year lost. As Kirby Fenwick wrote, this weekend there were many community clubs returning to the grounds they were kept out of for so long, “pulling on the boots, standing on the sidelines or in the canteen, perhaps surreptitiously watching the [AFLW Grand Final] between serving orders of hot chips, instead of heading to the game or watching at home.”
For those at the iconic Brunswick Street Oval today, the quick looks at phones and shouting of scores was part of the community footy buzz. Fitzroy Football Club, now competing in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, still maintain a strong connection with the Brisbane Lions post the merger with the Bears in 1996. As the Fitzroy senior women’s team battled it out, club directors and volunteers shared their screens to keep track of the Lions, proud of what they have achieved and of the example they’re setting for women playing footy all around the country.
And every story has a hero. It’s hard to choose just one when we are spoilt for them in AFLW but perhaps the most enduring act of heroism in this story came from someone who couldn’t take the field. Chelsea Randall’s advocacy for concussion protocols while she was forced to watch from the sidelines was nothing short of heroic.
These are the stories that make the AFLW so special. They are the stories of the athletes, the fans, the community who all are part of the narrative of this competition.
There will of course be devastated Adelaide fans. There will be devastated Melbourne and Fremantle and Collingwood and North Melbourne fans. But AFLW is different to what we see in AFLM. Fans have teams, but they have their stories. The stories of how they came to be fans of AFLW. If they have a team, or chose a new one, or followed their favourite players or have multiple favourite players across multiple teams. If they came to AFLW because they didn’t feel welcome at AFLM. If the AFLW makes them feel like they belong. It’s all part of their story and for most AFLW fans, we’re cheering for the story.
And the story of 2021 is the stuff of legend. Brisbane’s story. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://lanakhaznachi.blogspot.com/2011/10/global-story.html | 2018-06-25T15:20:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-26/segments/1529267868135.87/warc/CC-MAIN-20180625150537-20180625170537-00355.warc.gz | 0.975875 | 894 | CC-MAIN-2018-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-26__0__30306044 | en | I was chit chatting with a close friend/brother last night about how we are in the midst of a global change. We are witnessing life changing moments similar to the time of Jamal Abdel Nasser, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi. We are watching a LIVE story unfold in front of our own very eyes, from the Arab Spring which started in December 2010 to Occupy Wall Street which started exactly a month ago. Absolutely amazing and jaw dropping!
I have been alive during many world events that forced me to be glued to the TV screen wanting to digest everything. Some of these events were entertaining and inspiring while others were heart wrenching and depressing. The Moscow Olympics of 1980, the Intifada of 1987, the demolition of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the creation of the World Wide Web in 1990, the Gulf War and the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 to name a few. Now we seem to be glued to so many media sources and still cannot keep up with EVERYTHING that is currently going on in the world. I believe what is going on right now is because people, in general and all around the globe, have had enough. Change is reaching all ends of the Earth and knocking on everyone's doors. Change is imminent and I am crossing my fingers that it will be a good one for everyone.
I find myself wondering about what led such revolutions and clashes to erupt and whether or not they could have been avoided. It seems to me like GREED and GLUTTONY are two 'sins' from Dante's Divine Comedy, that connect most of them together. The lust for more money and power. The greed and gluttony of leaders and the rich 1% of each country. The gluttony that infests the body and mind cementing the stonyhearted wall around them. The greed that blinds the people to other people's needs making them oblivious, believing that they are the only ones needed to run this world when in reality everyone is needed to run it well. Oh, the inequality of it all! Have we not learned from our past history? Hasn't man ever learned that war, killing, greed and all the other 6 sins have not helped wo/man-kind?
I know that if we looked back in history we would find so many incidents where everything was build on the backs of cheap labour, on the backs of the less fortunate... and I know that it is usually the rich getting richer while the poor are getting poorer... I understand all that... I have studied how corporations are built and prosper from manufacturing their products in sweat-shops... I have read the news about the recent credit crunch which was one of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and how it has affected the lives of millions around us.
But what strikes me the most is this....Isn't it enough? I mean...Isn't it time to find a balance between extreme wealth and comfortable wealth? Isn't it time to feel good about what we have by sharing that wealth and be generous with the less fortunate? Isn't it time to be more compassionate by giving a part of ourselves and what we have to improve everyone's quality of life?... Isn't it time to give back to humanity?
I see so many people obsessed with owning the latest fashions and brand named clothes when people are in rags in many parts of the world. I see a thousand dollar ice-cream on the menus of famous restaurants when people in Less Economically Developed countries are starving for a few grains to nibble on. I see people with over 10 expensive collector's item cars that can be smashed or lost in one bad decision or a natural hazard when millions have to walk for many kilometers on foot just to get some water or go to school/work.
When is it a good time to say, "I am satisfied with what I have"? When is it a good time to say, "I will save some money for a bad day, my children or a much deserved vacation and then I can give to the less fortunate and help improve their life." When is it a good time to give a part of ourselves to the good of man-kind? When is it a good time to stop looking at what we have and would like to have and start looking at what others need to have to survive?
NOW... Now, I believe is the time! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://itsatexanthing.com/how-brave-are-you-could-you-spend-the-night-in-a-texas-haunted-hotel/ | 2023-06-02T12:44:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224648635.78/warc/CC-MAIN-20230602104352-20230602134352-00107.warc.gz | 0.962697 | 244 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__269023714 | en | When something goes bump in the night, do you run screaming or bump back? At the Haunted Magnolia Hotel in Seguin, Texas, you are about to get the opportunity to show exactly how brave you are by staying overnight in a haunted hotel.
Whether you believe in ghosts or think there is always an explanation for the spooky stuff, this hotel’s history is enough to have you questioning whether or not ghosts are real.
It has been featured on several different ghost-hunting type shows, with several visitors claiming to have captured documentation of the ghosts at the hotel. For several years, the current owners have been running regular ghost-hunting tours of the hotel, giving people the opportunity to visit with groups and see if they can see some of the hotel’s legendary spirits.
For some, these big group visits are not enough. People have been clamoring for the opportunity to stay the night in the hotel, which gives them a longer chance to investigate and a quieter experience that they believe might increase their chances of a witnessing some paranormal activity. The owners have complied and will be opening up the hotel for overnight stays in the coming months. Are you brave enough to join them? | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://verikuu.com/a-memoir-from-the-valley/ | 2024-04-17T16:31:09 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817158.8/warc/CC-MAIN-20240417142102-20240417172102-00600.warc.gz | 0.973359 | 2,901 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__191884906 | en | In the increasingly wide open musical landscape of recent years, the challenge has been increasing when it comes to creating an album that transcends beyond time both musically and lyrically. Metal has not been the exception, since with each year that passes, it is more difficult for the general public to avoid sometimes thinking “Everything has already been done.”
Whitechapel in their most recent years of their career have not been alien to this belief in particular, specially because with their first 3 albums they became pillars of Deathcore, a subgenre in which instrumental and lyrical heaviness are pretty much the key factors to create and perform. However, they have shown that they can reach that supreme level of heaviness that the Deathcore fan always demands.
By releasing The Valley in 2019, Whitechapel, with their name already established in the Deathcore scene, decides to change the approach to their music in a move that was initially questioned but ultimately praised by the vast majority. The band at this point didn’t needed to prove their status in the scene, the main focus was maximizing expression and boy did they totally succeeded.
Often considered “An album with a life of its own,” The Valley is more than a musical work and a portrait of the darkest years of Phil Bozeman’s childhood, it is a window into our deepest emotions. This is where the true power of this album lies, the power to mold itself to our experiences and even our mood with songs that express various emotions that converge with each other. This was further enhanced 2 years later with the release of what would be their successor album, Kin. An album that was born mainly from the story told in The Valley.
Since the release of The Valley it has been inevitable to imagine what it would be like to experience these songs live. It didn’t take very long to hear already emblematic singles like “When A Demon Defiles A Witch”, “Brimstone” or “Black Bear”. Songs that are already established numbers in the band’s set lists. Still, we had to wait a bit longer to hear deeper cuts like “We Are One” or “The Other Side” live, songs that as the years went by we still hoped to be able to experience at a live show someday.
The idea of listening to The Valley in its entirety live was something that still seemed very far away, even though it was a recurring scenario for Whitechapel to play emblematic albums like This Is Exile in its entirety. Since at that time it was the 10th anniversary of the album that pretty much made them break through, so if we wanted that kind of treatment with The Valley we would have to sit and wait.
Fortunately, we didn’t had to wait a decade for it…
At the beginning of 2023 we were all waiting for the announcement of an eventual Whitechapel headlining tour, but when it was revealed that tour The Valley would be performed in its entirety, the magnitude was even greater. We could finally hear songs that waited years to be released live and we could see Phil Bozeman directly express the stories captured in his lyrics. Once again this great album found a way to generate expectation, reaching the definitive magnitude: Experiencing it live.
The chosen city for our date in The Valley would be New York, at the iconic sold out Gramercy Theatre on April 21 of 2023, a date that is already part of the memory of many of us. The anticipation of this tour and this show in particular could be felt with fans arriving early at the venue, even that guy who drove by in his car excitedly shouting “Whitefuckingchapel!” as he passed by the venue. Something premonitory of the mood that would be experienced from the start of the show.
Upon entering the venue we did not have to wait for the emotions to be ignited by the elite opening bands that we would have. Quickly the versatile Entheos led by Chaney Crabb and Navene Koperweis began a great Metal evening with their incredible instrumental display and their “Jazzpits”, then following up with Signs Of The Swarm and their brutal performance in which their fierce leader David Simonich displaying his demonic voices. And finally the fast and fun Archspire who kept the revolutions at full speed.
After finishing the performances of these 3 great bands, the excitement increased every second as the production team prepared the stage. Even after having seen Whitechapel live on previous occasions, it was impossible to escape from that level of expectation minutes before their show. However, this time it was perceived differently, like a kind of premonition that we would experience something like never before.
A key moment was when the lights on the rest of the stage shined on, revealing the curtain with the already iconic cover of The Valley, as if the great eye had been watching us all this time while the other bands were playing, representing the opening the path to the valley and the entrance of the band we all came to see: Whitechapel.
Finally with the first notes of “When A Demon Defiles A Witch” they appear, Whitechapel announces their arrival on stage. Once the guitars, the drums and the voice of Phil Bozeman everyone in attendance went into a frenzy with the rhythm of the frenetic verses of this explosive song.
In the middle of this song, Phil himself welcomes us to The Valley, proceeding to perform a section with clean vocals in a very versatile way, giving way to Ben Savage’s great solo and coming back again to the emotional chorus that is chanted with fervor by everyone at the Gramercy Theatre.
Diving into the history of The Valley, we continue with the fierce “Forgiveness Is Weakness” where Phil Bozeman from the first “He is finally dead!” begins to distill the most visceral hatred imaginable, in verses so sharp that they cut like knives hidden in the deepest corner of his memory and come out to attack the demon of his past.
The dagger digs even deeper on “Brimstone,” where Phil continues to radiate the hatred seen in the previous song. This time spitting fire and sulfur with powerful guttural vocals, supported by the crushing riffs of the guitar trio composed of Ben Savage, Alex Wade and Zach Householder. Also highlighting the solid column of sound created by Gabe Crisp on bass, making this song feel like the beating of a heart possessed by fury.
In all the occasions we have been able to see Whitechapel live, there has been no sensation that can compare to experiencing “Hickory Creek” live. When the first chord of the song began, it was like feeling a block of ice sliding through your spine, changing completely the atmosphere in the room that was euphoric just minutes earlier.
“Hickory Creek” is a song that can be described as “The heart of The Valley”, it is here where Phil Bozeman gets rid of his Metal armor and exposes his most emotional side, captured in a beautiful performance with clean vocals that hit everyone in attendance right on their feelings, some even not being able to hold back their tears.
Noticing the emotional atmosphere after “Hickory Creek”, once again Phil Bozeman decides to change the atmosphere of the place by saying “There is no time to be sad!”, giving way to “Black Bear”, one of the staple songs of this album. Where once again the crowd got ignited to restart the action jumping around or getting into the pit.
The revolutions were about to increase even more with one of the most anticipated songs of the night: the fast paced “We Are One”, a thrashing song that unleashed hell in the place with fast mosh pits that were commanded by the powerful blast-beats from Brandon Zackey on drums.
Without a doubt “We Are One” is the song that truly shows how Brandon Zackey has earned his wings as the chosen for Whitechapel’s drummer position, in a performance where he becomes a one-man army and displays his great technical versatility. Something that has already been recognized from his work with Enterprise Earth, but now with Whitechapel it establishes him even more as one of the most outstanding drummers in Metal today.
We continue with “The Other Side”, another special song that made its debut on this The Valley tour. This song stands out above all the others for being a cry of hope in the midst of hatred and pain, having key moments such as the beautiful guitar solo performed by Ben Savage, without a doubt one of the most emblematic solos of his career.
We then continue with the chilling performance of “Third Depth”, where Phil Bozeman successfully presents a facet that conveys vulnerability and desperation in his clean vocal verses and then gains strength in the dark chorus once again.
“Lovelace” is another song that made its live debut with this current tour and although it hasn’t had as much impact as other songs on The Valley, it works too well when you listen to the album in its entirety. This concert was no exception, since live it is further enhanced by the great way in which Phil Bozeman conveys the desperation that this song expresses.
Our journey through the valley comes to an end with “Doom Woods.” An emotionally powerful song loaded with a dark and depressive atmosphere. Phil Bozeman’s performance on this song was simply majestic, highlighting a moment when before the first chorus he said “The devil is real, I’ve seen him. Now let’s take a walk with him”, and then continuing with an impressive performance where his demonic staging was unique and fitting with the gloomy atmosphere of this song, closing with “The devil is alive” in the final verse.
With this song the album ends, but much more still awaited us, because with “I Will Find You” Whitechapel reminds us that there is life beyond The Valley. With this being Kin’s opening song, it was very appropriate to include it, because it made a very beautiful contrast with the opening verse “The devil is dead!” and the final verse of “Doom Woods” that closed The Valley prior to this song..
Then, amidst chants of “Whitechapel! Whitechapel!” from everyone in attendance, it was time to enter the final stretch of this unforgettable concert, with Phil calling out all Whitechapel old school fans for the next three songs. Suddenly introducing us to the first one of them: “Prostatic Fluid Asphyxiation”.
From this point on, we would see something that could easily be comparable to a demon being unchained from the very depths of hell. Phil Bozeman cranks the brutality up to 11 and delivers guttural vocals as crushing as his younger days around The Somatic Defilement era, even taking the time in between the song to gesture “Lower? Ok, you got it” , to close with the final breakdown of the song, which was like being in front of a volcano exploding and emanating magma everywhere, continuing with a masterful transition towards “Possession”, another great classic Whitechapel song. Giving a preview of what will be the band’s next album, as it has been described as “The heaviest thing they have ever recorded” and a true return to the brutal sound that made them Deathcore legends.
Before the concert we were able to chat with Phil Bozeman and the level of contrast that exists around his persona never ceases to amaze. Off stage he is someone extremely chill and relaxed, but when he steps on stage you are not looking at a man anymore, you’re looking at a true force of nature. Certainly there are fewer and fewer adjectives among all those that have been used to describe his vocal ability; He has been called a monster, a beast, a legend, a demon and even a god. But without a doubt after this concert, we can affirm that we are facing the best frontman in modern Metal today.
To finish this encore and this unforgettable concert, Whitechapel brings us one of their greatest classics: “This Is Exile”. Where for the last time, the furious New York crowd gave their all in the mosh pits and crowd surfing with immense energy and passion. After all, this was the scene that saw the birth of Slam.
With a final and loud “This world is ours!” shouted by everyone present, this great concert ends that will remain in the memory of all of us who were fortunate enough to attend and will relive this performance every time we press play to listen to The Valley.
Fortunately we will also have the opportunity to remember this great show in a great way with Live in The Valley, Whitechapel’s next live album recorded in their native Knoxville, where the band performed great songs from The Valley, Kin and other classics, from That way we can also remember our own experience and live it again and again in our minds.
Very few bands today are able to redefine the term “Heaviness” in Metal, but Whitechapel with The Valley achieved this with flying colors by proving that it is possible to add deep and authentic human emotions in Metal music, more specifically in Deathcore. Another great achievement in Whitechapel history that continues to be written today and in the years to come.
Contador de historias por pasión y periodista de profesión. Guitarrista ocasional y metalhead de tiempo completo. “Viviendo un concierto a la vez”. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://journal.samoanstudies.ws/2017/03/22/is-there-a-link-the-effect-of-attitude-toward-television-advertisement-brand-and-purchase-intention/ | 2018-03-22T08:05:05 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-13/segments/1521257647782.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20180322073140-20180322093140-00283.warc.gz | 0.934736 | 368 | CC-MAIN-2018-13 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-13__0__19318771 | en | Bernadette Samau, Tapu Iemaima Gabriel and Hobart Sasa, National University of Sāmoa.
Television Advertising as a medium of Communication is largely used by companies in Sāmoa to inform, persuade and remind consumers of their products and services. The study investigated the relationship between Attitude toward Television Advertisement (Aad), Attitude toward Brand (Ab) and Purchase Intention (PI) with a particular focus on consumers in Sāmoa. A real product advertisement by Sāmoa Beverage Company (SBC) was chosen for the study. Through convenience sampling, the primary data was collected from 60 students of the National University of Sāmoa. The conceptual Framework was adopted from Wahid & Ahmed 2011 studies. The nine‐item scale used to measure Consumer’s attitude toward advertising (Aad) over intention to purchase the advertised product (PI) and Consumer’s attitude toward brand (Ad) over intention to purchase the advertised product (PI) was largely adapted from Putrevu and Lord (1994), Taylor and Hunter (2002) and Wu and Chen (2008) studies. It was found that (1) consumers’ attitude towards advertising has significant and positive influence towards brand and intention to purchase the advertised products; and (2) consumers’ attitude towards brand has significant and positive influence over intention to purchase the products that are advertised. Findings from the study support the importance of television advertising as a marketing tool to help build positive consumer behaviour towards advertised products and services. This study provides a first insight on Sāmoan consumer’s behaviour toward a locally designed TV advertisement.
Keywords: Advertising, Consumer Attitude, Attitude towards Advertisement, Attitude towards Brands, Purchase Intention, Consumers, Sāmoa. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.scottishentanglement.org/minke-whale-entanglement-an-update-from-the-field/ | 2023-03-27T22:55:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296948708.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20230327220742-20230328010742-00155.warc.gz | 0.976471 | 854 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__92221716 | en | Minke whale entanglement – an update from the field
This blog is written by Stephen Marsh who is the Operations Manager with BDMLR, one of the six SEA partners.
On Tuesday 10th July, crew on the wildlife trip boat run by Hebridean Whale Cruises out of Gairloch saw an entangled mike whale in the North Minch. The whale approached the boat on three occasions in the same area and one of the crew who is also a volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue alerted the charity.
BDMLR, one of the SEA partners, rescues marine mammals around the UK and has a specially trained team that disentangles whales at sea, one of the most physical and dangerous types of rescue. The training is rigorous and follows the protocols of the IWC’s Global Whale Entanglement Response Network, using highly specialised equipment.
As it was reported that the minke whale had line going through its mouth and probably baleen, the charity’s Large Whale Disentanglement Team (LWDT) was scrambled and the equipment trailer was brought over from its base in Findhorn for a 7pm rendezvous at Gairloch.
In the meantime, BDMLR’s head office had been in touch with Marine Scotland and put in a request for MV Minna, a fisheries protection vessel that was already in the area, to provide assistance and to scout the area for the whale. MV Minna carries rigid inflatable boats that would have acted as support boats for the rescue.
On arrival at Gairloch Pier, the team checked the gear and Hebridean Whale Cruises, having finished their public trips for the day around 7.30pm, kindly handed their boat over to BDMLR’s experienced skipper to go out to check for the whale.
Sadly, although the whale had approached the boat during the day, the search of the area did not result in sightings. As the darkness fell, the team returned to shore around 11pm for a debrief, food and a couple of hours’ rest before returning to sea at 4am on the Wednesday.
The early morning four-hour sortie did not find the whale either and the boat was returned to Hebridean Wildlife Cruises for its day trips. Due to worsening sea conditions, their first trip was cancelled and the trip that went out later, again failed to see the whale.
BDMLR head office had previously arranged for spotter planes to fly over the area during the day, courtesy of Skywatch Civil Air Patrol. The plan had been for a light plane to fly from the east coast with BDMLR spotters on board who would be in contact with the team on the water, but the weather front moving in from the west meant that this was no longer possible.
With the free-swimming whale not having been seen for over 24 hours, coupled with the fact that due to the sea state it would extremely difficult to spot and would be too risky to attempt a rescue the decision was made to stand down, repacked the rescue trailer and return home ready to come back out if the whale was spotted again.
Thanks are due to all involved from BDMLR in the rescue attempt with a special mention to Veerle Van Den Bossche for the use of her boat and to Steve Truluck who worked all day for the wildlife boat company but still went out to guide the team through the night. Also to Marine Scotland for tasking MV Minna and her crew to assist and to Skywatch for their offer of help.
The minke whale has not been spotted since and could be anywhere, but BDMLR is aware and still on stand-by. Photographs show that lines had probably already been cut, possibly by a concerned fisherman, but this meant that without the weight of lines and gear to hamper the whale’s progress, the job of finding it and clearing the remaining entanglement is made more difficult. If the whale is spotted again then people are encouraged to call BDMLR or SEA to alert the team.
BDMLR Operations Manager | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://rootvalta.com/portfolio/rootvaltas-nya-video-till-singeln-dansa/ | 2024-04-16T05:13:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817043.36/warc/CC-MAIN-20240416031446-20240416061446-00713.warc.gz | 0.822107 | 249 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__34531577 | en | Rootvältas nya video till singeln DANSA!
Swedish reggae giants Rootvälta are back with a new single and official video. The title is “Dansa” and it comes with the traditional one-drop rhythm. It has all the well-known trademarks for Rootvälta – strong melody, nice harmonies and tight-fit groove.
You can download the new single for free here: www.rootvalta.com/ladda-ner-dansa
Rootvälta was formed 25 years ago and is thereby a veteran on the Swedish reggae scene. Over the years, the band has been recording and touring continuously and has gained a huge popularity with their positive vibes and tight-fit grooves. The new release single and video “Dansa” makes Rootvälta keep their strong position among all reggae lovers.
Official webpage: www.rootvalta.com
Please like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rootvälta/53491663929?focus_composer=true&ref_type=bookmark | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://civicroleartsinquiry.gulbenkian.org.uk/resources/national-theatre-wales | 2019-03-26T01:57:30 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-13/segments/1552912204768.52/warc/CC-MAIN-20190326014605-20190326040605-00472.warc.gz | 0.972861 | 1,835 | CC-MAIN-2019-13 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-13__0__53403422 | en | Unusually for a theatre company, National Theatre Wales began its life in May 2009 online, presenting its first staged work the following year. It has a core company of 17, its staff expanding with each production as creative, technician and stage management teams are recruited. Turnover similarly fluctuates dependent on the staged work, but on average is £2.8m, of which the most significant source of funding is a core grant from Arts Council Wales of roughly £1.6m, with a further 6% of public funding that is project-specific. Partnership and co-producer contributions bring in roughly 22% of total income, trust and foundations another 7-10%. Kully Thiarai has been artistic director since May 2016, taking over from founding director John E McGrath.
Mission: a focus on people and place
Like any theatre company, NTW seeks “to make extraordinary theatre”. What makes it unusual is the way in which it actively works “across Wales and beyond”. Kully Thiarai unpacks this as: “a commitment to engaging with the broadest range of people, and trying to embed our relationships with community, so that we get to understand them and they understand us and there’s legacy after a piece of work has been and gone”.
All work is made collaboratively, “with artists, audiences and communities, sometimes through long processes and sometimes through interventions that are very quick but are very particular around a theme”. And the work always begins with a conversation. That dialogue was initiated online: “That the company set up a community online before it made its first show was a statement of intent in terms of what it is striving to do. You can make great theatre without dialogue, but it doesn’t have the same resonance if you don’t understand the context and the community that you’re trying to connect with or speaking for or collaborating with.”
It was this dialogue that attracted Thiarai to join the company: it reflected the values she brought to her previous role as artistic director of Cast in Doncaster, which also reflected her training as a social worker. “My time at Cast was really about how that building could be the cultural living room for the town: that takes effort and commitment and a dialogue. You end up thinking about, not what you as an artistic director might want to make, but what is necessary at this moment for this dynamic and this bunch of people? Because why would anyone want to connect with the theatre when you feel that your voice or your story isn’t present?”
A snapshot of activities
Three projects can give a flavour of how NTW operates:
1: The Big Democracy Project
This three-year programme started in 2014 and was “driven by a sense that we wanted to support active citizenship and make people feel that democracy was worth fighting for and being involved in. Communities raised questions about urgent issues that they wanted addressing, and we would find mechanisms by which to use the arts to explore those things.”
The project had a number of outcomes, including a day-long event at the Senedd (the National Assembly for Wales) looking at several of the issues that had emerged, “from disability to education and the austerity agenda”. Participants voted to select the most pressing issue – choosing austerity – and that generated a piece of work in Rhyl, pinpointed because: “We wanted to look at what austerity might mean in places like Rhyl which were once thriving towns. What happens when cuts, or government policy, mean that they feel ignored? There’s also the sense of austerity of the imagination when people are very impoverished or feel abandoned: what does that mean?”
NTW’s extensive online community has a number of focused groups, through which members of the public are invited into a closer relationship with the company. TEAM is “NTW’s community leadership model of engagement, where we rethink what a theatre’s civic responsibility is within the world we now find ourselves, and the role that NTW needs to play within that.” TEAM members – who include artists and community activists – apply to join TEAM panels, who meet every quarter to “look at strategic things they want to try and achieve, and we work together to look at how we can make that happen”. A member of the TEAM panel is also nominated to become a NTW board member. Additionally TEAM members support dialogue and workshops in new communities, and help sustain long-term relationships: for instance, TEAM members in Prestatyn contributed to the work in Rhyl, as facilitators and community associates, roles for which they were paid.
3: NHS: 70
This new project for 2018, “a love letter to the NHS”, will involve dialogue with the entire country, gathering stories of people’s interaction with the health service, but also looking at: “the notion of big ideas coming in times of difficult, and asking: where are the big ideas now? How do we have the big conversations?”
With all of this work, Thiarai is mindful of NTW’s responsibility to support the local economy, “ensuring that, in a country like Wales, where wages and levels of poverty are high, there is public benefit from any work that is being made”. Aside from TEAM members and the online community, NTW doesn’t ask people to volunteer, but instead pays local people to take part in, for instance, ushering.
Primarily, being nomadic presents the company with “a great opportunity: it means that we can be bespoke in our approach depending on where we go. We’re much more porous as an organisation, because we need to have relationships and partnerships in order to succeed.”
It does, however, create challenges in two ways:
1: Always beginning
“Every time we do something, it feels like we’re doing it for absolutely the first time,” says Thiarai. Even choosing where to focus attention is a challenge, and can be warped by simplistic questions of audience reach: “There is an inherent tension in our practice, which is on the one hand to reach as many people as possible, and on the other hand to reach the parts of Wales that other theatres don’t reach, which are quite often hard to get to and may have smaller numbers of people. If we made shows in Cardiff all the time we’d have access to much bigger numbers of people, whereas if we make it in the middle of a mountain, who will come and how do you make it possible for people to come who might have challenges getting there? We need to ask all the time where the work is, how we make it, who are we trying to make it for, why are we trying to make it in this place at this time.”
Working across Wales, it is difficult for NTW to maintain relationships – which is why the online community, and particularly TEAM, are so vital. One of the core values of the company is to be a catalyst, enabling others to develop and grow. NTW’s core staff is too small to stay on in an area once a work is finished, but Thiarai is encouraged by the way in which TEAM members supported a women’s centre in Rhyl in discussions about setting up its own drama group, following the show NTW made there. “If you’ve done your job well, you’ve empowered people to feel confident enough to make things happen for themselves and their community.”
To date, NTW has sought out new communities to visit, and this will continue. But it is also seeking to become embedded more deeply into communities. As part of this approach, the company is returning to communities, beginning with a revisit to Port Talbot, where it staged its early and spectacularly successful Passion in 2011. The aim, says Thiarai, is “ongoing dialogue. Having made some extraordinary theatre experiences, we have an opportunity now to interrogate a bit more rigorously our relationship to people and place, as theatre makers but also as a nation.” She worries about capacity to deliver: the NTW core team is small, and “we get a tiny amount of money in comparison to our national colleagues”. But she also feels supported by the fact that: “We have a Cabinet Secretary [Ken Skates] who is trying to embed culture in every aspect of government, in terms of infrastructure, in terms of educations, in terms of the social fabric. It enables a conversation to begin across all of the government agendas, around economy, around well-being and health, around social infrastructure and questions of isolation, and about having a national voice and an international focus.” | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://cable.wislib.org/index.php/component/eventlist/details/214-Documentary%20Feature%20-%20CHASING%20ICE?Itemid=101 | 2015-10-09T20:06:18 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-40/segments/1443737935292.75/warc/CC-MAIN-20151001221855-00072-ip-10-137-6-227.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.925884 | 171 | CC-MAIN-2015-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-40__0__25759991 | en | Cable Public Library
- Documentary Feature - CHASING ICE
- Thursday October 17 2013 - Thursday October 17 2013 06:30PM - 08:30PM
- Forest Lodge Library - Cable
The Forest Lodge Library continues its My Favorite Films series on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of the 2012 documentary feature Chasing Ice. This feature chronicles the work of environmental photographer James Balog as he measures the disappearing Arctic ice.
- Forest Lodge Library
- 13450 Cty Hwy M
The Forest Lodge Library is located in a rustic, 1925-built log cabin building. Located at 13450 County Highway M, it's in the heart of downtown Cable. For more information, give a call at 798-3189.
EventList powered by schlu.net | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://100yearsofugagrad.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/100-days-100-ways-to-love-the-uga-graduate-school/ | 2018-06-19T00:40:10 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-26/segments/1529267861641.66/warc/CC-MAIN-20180619002120-20180619022120-00130.warc.gz | 0.932036 | 235 | CC-MAIN-2018-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-26__0__7238509 | en | 2010 is finally here! This year is particularly exciting to us because it’s our 100th year on UGA’s campus. And if you’ve been braving the cold to walk around on campus, you may have noticed these decorations displayed on campus light posts to commemorate our centennial:
But light post adornments aren’t all we have planned to celebrate our 100th year! Our kickoff celebration is January 28 and will include a lecture from the president of the Council of Graduate Schools, Debra Stewart. All graduate and undergraduate students and faculty (and all of your friends!) are invited to attend. We’ll be updating you with more details as the event draws closer.
To commemorate our centennial, we’ve launched this blog to show you, our students, faculty & alumni, how much we love and appreciate your hard work within the Graduate School. We’ll be updating it daily with relevant pictures, videos, news clips and features to highlight Graduate School activities. Additionally, we invite you to comment and tell us why you love the UGA Graduate School. We look forward to hearing from you! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://aliveincolorado.wordpress.com/2017/02/ | 2018-06-23T13:56:24 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-26/segments/1529267865081.23/warc/CC-MAIN-20180623132619-20180623152619-00104.warc.gz | 0.964093 | 790 | CC-MAIN-2018-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-26__0__30699540 | en | This article is reproduced here with permission from the author,
Sales of Nineteen Eighty-Four have roared in the wake of the coinage “alternative facts” by President Donald Trump’s adviser, Kellyanne Conway. When we suspect that we are living in a dystopia characterized by clumsy propaganda, it’s the book we buy from Amazon.com. (It was the top seller at that site on last week.) There are certain elements of Orwell’s novel that can help us understand how Trump’s administration is already working on our minds.
Like the authorities in Nineteen Eighty-Four, Trump convinces his followers to forget their prior enmities and alliances. Russia has always been our friend, not our enemy. Also, Trump’s obsession with the Mexican-U.S. border echoes Big Brother’s policy of perpetual war. Lying outright to the citizenry is, yes, “Orwellian.”
But there is no Amazon.com in Nineteen Eighty-Four, because it is not a novel about globalized capital. Not even slightly! Nineteen Eighty-Four does not pastiche a world ravaged by capitalism and ruled by celebrities—the kind of world that could lead to the election of someone like Trump. Instead, it depicts suffering inflicted by state control masquerading as socialism.
The language and aesthetic of Winston’s home superstate, Oceania, are lifted directly from Russian communism. Nineteen Eighty-Four came out in 1949. Orwell commented on the world as it was. He wrote out his fears of nuclear war, and the danger of dictatorship in states where much has been destroyed. He pointed to the problems inherent in superstates and the fragile alliances that govern world politics. Mostly, he wrote in cipher about Russia.
The connection between Nineteen Eighty-Four and World War II makes it the wrong dystopia for our times. When Conway cites “alternative facts,” she implicitly admits that there is more than one way to see things—she simply doesn’t care. Trump’s administration doesn’t even try to cover up its lies. Instead, it assumes that ideological divides among the American citizenry will ensure that the lies don’t matter. That is not how the Oceania of Nineteen Eighty-Four works.
Compare our situation, instead, to The Trial. Kafka wrote it in 1914-15, a generation before Orwell. World War I was only just revving up, and much of the nineteenth century’s world order remained (the Austro-Hungarian Empire existed until 1918). In The Trial, Josef K. wakes up on his 30th birthday and is arrested. He cannot really conceive of what is happening: “K. was living in a free country, after all, everywhere was at peace, all laws were decent and were upheld, who dared accost him in his own home?”
This is the horror that Trump subjects us to. His administration retains the shell of the old American brand—the “land of the free”—but secretly danger creeps underneath all the things that seem silly, even funny, about it. Josef K. thinks the arrest must be a joke, at first. New conditions of danger dawn on Josef, who doesn’t otherwise take anything too seriously. Laughter, Kafka says, is worse than nothing. It’s the substance of complicity, what makes us afraid to look ridiculous even as we let oppression slink in through the cracks. Josef K. never does find out what crime he was charged with. But his last words are more frightening than any of my memories of reading Orwell. “Like a dog,” he says, as the knife twists twice. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.tedwardwines.com/collections/fall-highlights | 2024-04-18T07:29:53 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817200.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20240418061950-20240418091950-00897.warc.gz | 0.870267 | 304 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__175695317 | en | See what's new and noteworthy this month!
October Features & New Arrivals
Fall into some new favorites!
Embrace the essence of exquisite taste with T. Edward's October Features & New Arrivals. Explore the adventurous world of Vichingo, a wine born from friendship and a journey across the globe, offering unique and delectable blends from Tuscany’s Maremma to California’s Redwood Valley. Traverse the rich legacy of Domaine Bellegard, a testament to a family’s enduring passion for exceptional wine-making, reflecting the finesse and nobility of Jurançon wines.
Venture into the realm of spirits with the innovative Philbert Brothers, who redefine cognac production with their harmonious approach to nature and raw materials. Experience the longstanding tradition of excellence with GELSTON’S Irish whiskeys, representing a rich history and a spectrum of innovative cask finishes. Relish the sustainable and local essence captured in every bottle of Isolation Proof gin, crafted in the heart of New York’s Western Catskills.
Lastly, immerse yourself in the world of Churchill's, a family-operated port and Douro wine producer upholding a commitment to independence, sustainability, and unpretentious, approachable wines. This October, let T. Edward's new arrivals and featured producers guide you on a voyage of unparalleled taste and discovery, celebrating the diverse world of wines and spirits. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.businesscycles.biz/passubscriberemails/crowds.htm | 2023-06-09T17:39:28 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224656788.77/warc/CC-MAIN-20230609164851-20230609194851-00668.warc.gz | 0.980907 | 1,966 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__105988324 | en | At 11:38 AM on January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifted off from its launch pad at Cape Canaveral. Seventy-four seconds later, it was ten miles high and rising. Then it blew up. The launch was televised, so news of the accident spread quickly. Eight minutes after the explosion, the first story hit the Dow Jones News Wire.
The stock market did not pause to mourn. Within minutes, investors started dumping the stocks of the four major contractors who had participated in the Challenger launch: Rockwell International, which built the shuttle and its main engines; Lockheed, which managed ground support; Martin Marietta, which manufactured the ship's external fuel tank; and Morton Thiokol, which built the solid-fuel booster rocket. Twenty-one minutes after the explosion, Lockheed's stock was down 5 percent, Martin Marietta's was down 3 percent, and Rockwell was down 6 percent.
Morton Thiokol's stock was hit hardest of all. As the finance professors Michael T. Maloney and J. Harold Mulherin report in their fascinating study of the market's reaction to the Challenger disaster, so many investors were trying to sell Thiokol stock and so few people were interested in buying it that a trading halt was called almost immediately. When the stock started trading again, almost an hour after the explosion, it was down 6 percent. By the end of the day, its decline had almost doubled, so that at market close, Thiokol's stock was down nearly 12 percent. By contrast, the stocks of the three other firms started to creep back up, and by the end of the day their value had fallen only around 3 percent.
What this means is that the stock market had, almost immediately, labeled Morton Thiokol as the company that was responsible for the Challenger disaster. The stock market is, at least in theory, a machine for calculating the present value of all the "free cash flow" a company will earn in the future. (Free cash flow is the money that's left over after a company has paid all its bills and its taxes, has accounted for depreciation, and has invested in the business. It's the money you'd get to take home and put in the bank if you were the sole owner of the company.) The steep decline in Thiokol's stock price—especially compared with the slight declines in the stock prices of its competitors—was an unmistakable sign that investors believed that Thiokol was responsible, and that the consequences for its bottom line would be severe.
As Maloney and Mulherin point out, though, on the day of the disaster there were no public comments singling out Thiokol as the guilty party. While the New York Times article on the disaster that appeared the next morning did mention two rumors that had been making the rounds, neither of the rumors implicated Thiokol, and the Times declared, "There are no clues to the cause of the accident."
Regardless, the market was right. Six months after the explosion, the Presidential Commission on the Challenger revealed that the O-ring seals on the booster rockets made by Thiokol—seals that were supposed to prevent hot exhaust gases from escaping—became less resilient in cold weather, creating gaps that allowed the gases to leak out. (The physicist Richard Feynman famously demonstrated this at a congressional hearing by dropping an O-ring in a glass of ice water. When he pulled it out, the drop in temperature had made it brittle.) In the case of the Challenger, the hot gases had escaped and burned into the main fuel tank, causing the cataclysmic explosion. Thiokol was held liable for the accident. The other companies were exonerated.
In other words, within a half hour of the shuttle blowing up, the stock market knew what company was responsible. To be sure, this was a single event, and it's possible that the market's singling out of Thiokol was just luck. Or perhaps the company's business seemed especially susceptible to a downturn in the space program. Possibly the trading halt had sent a signal to investors to be wary. These all are important cautions, but there is still something eerie about what the market did. That's especially true because in this case the stock market was working as a pure weighing machine, undistorted by the factors—media speculation, momentum trading, and Wall Street hype—that make it a peculiarly erratic mechanism for aggregating the collective wisdom of investors. That day, it was just buyers and sellers trying to figure out what happened and getting it right.
How did they get it right? That's the question that Maloney and Mulherin found so vexing. First, they looked at the records of insider trades to see if Thiokol executives, who might have known that their company was responsible, had dumped stock on January 28. They hadn't. Nor had executives at Thiokol's competitors, who might have heard about the O-rings and sold Thiokol's stock short. There was no evidence that anyone had dumped Thiokol stock while buying the stocks of the other three contractors (which would have been the logical trade for someone with inside information). Savvy insiders alone did not cause that first-day drop in Thiokol's price. It was all those investors—most of them relatively uninformed—who simply refused to buy the stock.
But why did they not want Thiokol's stock? Maloney and Mulherin were finally unable to come up with a convincing answer to that question. In the end, they assumed that insider information was responsible for the fall in Thiokol's price, but they could not explain how. Tellingly, they quoted the Cornell economist Maureen O'Hara, who has said, "While markets appear to work in practice, we are not sure how they work in theory."
Maybe. But it depends on what you mean by "theory." If you strip the story down to its basics, after all, what happened that January day was this: a large group of individuals (the actual and potential shareholders of Thiokol's stock, and the stocks of its competitors) was asked a question—"How much less are these four companies worth now that the Challenger has exploded?"—that had an objectively correct answer. Those are conditions under which a crowd's average estimate—which is, dollar weighted, what a stock price is—is likely to be accurate. Perhaps someone did, in fact, have inside knowledge of what had happened to the O-rings. But even if no one did, it's plausible that once you aggregated all the bits of information about the explosion that all the traders in the marker had in their heads that day, it added up to something close to the truth. As was true of those who helped John Craven find the Scorpion, even if none of the traders was sure that Thiokol was responsible, collectively they were certain it was.
The market was smart that day because it satisfied the four conditions that characterize wise crowds: diversity of opinion (each person should have some private information, even if it's just an eccentric interpretation of the known facts), independence (people's opinions are not determined by the opinions of those around them), decentralization (people are able to specialize and draw on local knowledge), and aggregation (some mechanism exists for turning private judgments into a collective decision). If a group satisfies those conditions, its judgement is likely to be accurate. Why? At heart, the answer rests on a mathematical truism. If you ask a large enough group of diverse, independent people to make a prediction or estimate a probability, and then average those estimates, the errors each of them makes in coming up with an answer will cancel themselves out. Each person's guess, you might say, has two components: information and error. Subtract the error, and you're left with the information.
Now, even with the errors canceled out, it's possible that a group 's judgement will be bad. For the group to be smart, there has to be at least some information in the "information" part of the "information minus error" equation. (If you'd asked a large group of children to buy and sell stocks in the wake of the Challenger disaster, it's unlikely they would have picked out Thiokol as the culprit.) What is striking, though—and what makes a phrase like "the wisdom of crowds" meaningful—is just how much information a group's collective verdict so often contains. In cases like Francis Galton's experiment or the Challenger explosion, the crowd is holding a nearly complete picture of the world in its collective brain.
Perhaps this isn't surprising. After all, we are the products of evolution, and presumably we have been equipped to make sense of the world around us. But who knew that, given the chance, we can collectively make so much sense of the world. After all, think about what happens if you ask a hundred people to run a 100-meter race, and then average their times. The average time will not be better than the time of the fastest runners. It will be worse. It will be a mediocre time. But ask a hundred people to answer a question or solve a problem, and the average answer will often be at least as good as the answer of the smartest member. With most things, the average is mediocrity. With decision making, it's often excellence. You could say it's as if we've been programmed to be collectively smart. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://enjoytravellife.com/category/rhode-island/ | 2018-12-19T04:01:54 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-51/segments/1544376830479.82/warc/CC-MAIN-20181219025453-20181219051453-00002.warc.gz | 0.921264 | 146 | CC-MAIN-2018-51 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-51__0__232736785 | en | Each year, the Newport Mansions put on a festive celebration to usher in the holiday season. Christmas trees and lavish decorations festoon the mansions, once homes to prominent families of Newport, Rhode Island. You’ll find Nutcracker performances, dinner parties, and music events that lead right up to New Year’s Eve.
Through the holiday season, four mansions are open daily to visitors: The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms, and Marble House. Each was once a private residence for the well-to-do, including famous families like the Vanderbilts, who retreated to the mansions’ grandeur along the cool shores of Rhode Island for summer months. Read more | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.brianleahyphotoblog.com/2013/03/ace-young-diana-degarmo-of-american-idol-engagement-session-photos-los-angeles-wedding-photographer-brian-leahy/ | 2014-04-19T17:24:52 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2014-15/segments/1397609537308.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20140416005217-00489-ip-10-147-4-33.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.953172 | 224 | CC-MAIN-2014-15 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2014-15__0__75815521 | en | I’m so excited to announce I will be shooting the wedding of Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo of American Idol fame (among many things) this summer here in Los Angeles! I was introduced to Ace & Diana a few months ago through my very dear friend Renee Strauss, the amazing host of Brides of Beverly Hills on TLC and all around incredible woman. Renee couldn’t say enough wonderful things about these two and thought we’d be a great match for their big day, she definitely wasn’t exaggerating. Ace & Diana’s enthusiasm, generous nature, and youthful personalities were an instant click with me and I was so excited when they asked me to shoot their wedding. This past week the three of us headed up to Laurel Canyon to shoot their engagement photos and I’m pleased to present some of our favorites from their session here. If you dig these, definitely feel free to join me on my Facebook Page, Instagram, & Twitter to see more :) Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy Ace & Diana’s engagement session! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.centrecountyreads.org/ | 2021-11-28T15:06:32 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-49/segments/1637964358560.75/warc/CC-MAIN-20211128134516-20211128164516-00424.warc.gz | 0.940505 | 362 | CC-MAIN-2021-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-49__0__114197127 | en | In this wide-ranging and remarkable book, Deirdre Mask looks at the fate of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr., the wayfinding means of ancient Romans, and how Nazis haunt the streets of modern Germany. The flipside of having an address is not having one, and we also see what that means for millions of people today, including those who live in the slums of Kolkata and on the streets of London. Filled with fascinating people and histories,The Address Book illuminates the complex and sometimes hidden stories behind street names and their power to name, to hide, to decide who counts, who doesn’t—and why.
“An impressive examination of the origins of street names around the world….It’s a damning look at the intersection of place, power and identity, tied together through Mask’s absorbing and thoughtful voice.”
―Time, “100 Must-Read Books of 2020”
Deirdre Mask graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, and attended University of Oxford before returning to Harvard for law school, where she was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. She completed a master’s in writing at the National University of Ireland.
The author ofThe Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power, Deirdre's writing has appeared inThe New York Times, The Atlantic,andThe Guardian. Originally from North Carolina, she has taught at Harvard and the London School of Economics. She lives with her husband and daughters in London.
"An entertaining quest to trace the origins and implications of the names of the roads on which we reside."
—Sarah Vowell,The New York Times Book Review | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.fingerprintzone.com/apple-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor.php | 2023-06-10T18:58:39 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224657735.85/warc/CC-MAIN-20230610164417-20230610194417-00587.warc.gz | 0.969544 | 797 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__256255788 | en | Apple Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
Apple's new flagship phone, the iPhone 5s, has a lot going for it. Experts and consumers are raving about the new 64-bit processor, the advanced camera, and the high-speed GPU. Despite all that, most of the buzz has been around Apple's Touch ID, its fingerprint sensor that enables users to unlock their phones using their fingerprint.
Most important of all is the fact that it actively encourages users to lock their phones. People rarely use passcodes and PINs to lock their phones these days. Touch ID seems like an easy, efficient way of unlocking phones without compromising on security.
This brings up an interesting point: Android had tried biometrics before. In fact, Motorola was the first manufacturer to try out fingerprint scanning in its 2011 Atrix model. The phone read fingers as they were swiped across its back. Although it was a good idea because the gesture felt natural, the execution was anything but. The system was embarrassingly inaccurate and prone to errors. Android has also tried unlocking phones through facial recognition. In fact, this became a standard feature in the latest versions of the operating system. However, it could be easily fooled using photographs, among other methods.
So far Apple appears to have gotten it right. It is using the ubiquitous home button, which users are extremely familiar with, and using it as a way of letting users unlock their phones. There's the security factor, too: fingerprints are very difficult to spoof, so even if someone cracks the phone's encryption or security chip, gaining access to a locked phone would still be extremely difficult.
On top of that, Apple hopes to ensure further security by having users create a passcode as a backup. If the phone has not been rebooted or unlocked in two days, users will need to use the passcode to unlock the phone. This is being done to deter hackers who may be stalling for time to find a way to get around the fingerprint sensor.
What's Not to Like about Touch ID
There is one major gripe that privacy hawks have with Apple's Touch ID: fingerprint data. Now that users know that NSA monitors their online activities — including encrypted conversations — they are wary about handing over their fingerprint data. To that end, Apple has responded by saying that the data is stored locally and never transmitted to Apple's or any other company's servers. The data, Apple says, will remain encrypted within the iPhone 5s processor, which will turn it into a digital signature to unlock itself or make purchases in the App Store.
Having said that, Apple is also not giving third-party developers any access to the fingerprint sensor. Since developers are being walled off from this feature, there will not be any apps designed around this new hardware. Although this makes sense from a security perspective, it is disappointing to note that developers and consumers are both going to miss out on some interesting — perhaps revolutionary! — ideas from being executed.
This brings up the final point: enterprises are going to hate Touch ID. Since it is being walled off from third-party developers, enterprises will not be able to incorporate the fingerprint sensor feature into their systems. This means that employees who wish to use the iPhone 5s at work will not be able to use single sign-on features of iOS7 or meet the standards-based cloud and enterprise IAM systems. Therefore, enterprises get no tangible benefits from this new hardware that is simply not friendly to openness and standards.
As it stands right now, Apple's Touch ID is an interesting proposition. It is yet to be seen just how effective it is at security; also, it remains to be seen just how receptive people are going to be towards it. Previous efforts at biometrics had not been executed well enough, but Apple has a history of pulling things off quite brilliantly. The future, at least right now, looks to be a more secure one. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://whereizmyboardingpass.com/the-gentle-rage/ | 2023-03-31T06:38:48 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296949573.84/warc/CC-MAIN-20230331051439-20230331081439-00489.warc.gz | 0.967618 | 1,789 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__30925705 | en | - Treat a woman with equality.
- Give them rights equivalent to men.
- Stop making discriminatory statements against them.
- They are no less than men.
- There is a woman behind every successful man.
- Women can reach the moon and the stars.
- There is nothing a woman can’t do, that a man can.
How many times have you heard these ‘feminist’ statements? How many times have you seen media rushing and gushing with international stars putting butter over bread with quotes and talks on feminism? Who knows how much of these are even being followed or believed in? Or are they randomly moving caricatures wearing masks of feminism?
My idea of this article is not to induce feminist thoughts in you. My idea is not even to lecture you about what a woman is or what she should be in today’s world. We all have enough people out there throwing light in abundance on these ‘societal issues’. I am just a 25 year old trying to convey a few thoughts about what women these days silently go through. Stepping aside from the clichés of women empowerment and ‘beti-bachao-beti-padhao’; female objectification and women’s safety, I am here to tell you the silent killers that exist in our so call ‘society’ with which a girl, a woman fights in pin drop silence.
I am a very strong headed woman and I do not apologize for being one. Being strong headed means being stubborn and self-centered and filled with fuming anger. Or does it?
Let me try and explain what being strong headed really means. A strong headed woman is someone who is a full circle. She knows the difference between wants and needs. She has the ability to pick up the little broken pieces of her heart and carve it into a masterpiece of a kind. She is someone who never regrets her failed decisions, as a matter of fact treats them as a bunch of life lessons to tag along with.
The former ‘definition’ of a headstrong woman is what the society has tricked our minds into believing. And we poor little innocent people have fallen into the trap and accepted these societal definitions of such terms.
Coming to the point, what I am trying to pen down here is the fact that, it’s time for us all to understand that ‘Society’ is the silent killer in all our lives (or your own lives for that matter men/women).
There are a few questions I would like for you all to ask and find answers to if you can.
Why is it that so many boundaries have been created for women at every turn of their lives? “Oh you got your period? Let’s inform everyone we know that our little one has grown up.” “Oh you ARE on your period? Don’t keep the napkin leftovers in the bathroom. The men of the family might run into the embarrassment.” “Oh she goes to parties wearing those clothes? (Are bhai, samhaal ke rakho apni ladki ko, lag raha hai haath se fisal rahi hai).”
Why is it that they are given the freedom to live their lives and meet new people, but when it comes to making important decisions they are tagged as ‘not-being-fit’ to take big calls? “Dear family, I want to introduce you to someone I love = what the hell? You LOVE someone? How could you even? How dare you even? You are not old enough to make such important decisions of your life.”
Why is it that even when we give our women the freedom to speak, their words aren’t heard? “I wish to work after marriage. Not because it’s added income, but because I want to be independent.”
Why is it that some people only listen for the heck of listening and answering back, but not for understanding? “I don’t want to have children of my own which is why I am considering adoption = what the hell? Is there a problem with either of you? If not, then why don’t you want to give birth? Why adopt? It’s so disgusting.”
I mean, how dare anyone have the authority to judge other’s choices? Who gave the right for anyone to judge someone else’s priorities and way of living? And most important of all- why are women the center of societal pressure and boundaries. Let them work if they want to; let them bare children if they want to, let them be if they don’t want to; let them travel if they want to; let them climb that goddamn mountain if they want to. Let her be her own calming and uplifting ritual. Just having breasts and a monthly period cycle doesn’t mean they are any less capable. The society has injected dirt in our heads with respect to a moving body with breasts and no penis. That is what I term as ‘objectifying’ women. They have stereotyped such moving individuals to being within four boundaries and obeying the principles laid down by the society. And god forbid, if you turn out to be one of those women who stands up for what is right, who believes in no-nonsense, who is a living example of ‘go-get-it-if-you-want-it’ and who has the courage to stand by her mistakes and accept her fate as it comes, the society will look at you with frowning, untoward and disrespecting eyes.
A woman’s body is more than just the dimensions of her physical assets. She, in herself is much more than the shade of her lipstick or her above-knee skirts, the brand of the watch she wears or the color of her skin. If only the society knew how to read between the lines of what a woman speaks, if only they knew how to understand without being judgmental, if only they knew how she could turn the universe upside down, they would never doubt her intentions or chain her to the boundaries that this so-called ‘society’ has created for no logical reason.
It ache’s me to speak these words, but the harsh truth is, we among ourselves make the society and I guarantee each of you reading this right now, know of at least one individual in our very own personal circle who behaves like a hypocrite. I know of so many myself, and I write this article, not because it’s international woman’s day today, but because I walk by these invisible silent killers every day and because I want people to talk about this. I know it might not sound like some big-shot social issue, but ask any and every girl each of you know, how far would they agree to what has been written above? I am sure every girl would have gone through something similar or might go through these issues in the near future. It abominates me to abide by such ill arrangements. Why can’t they just let her be? She knows her strengths and her weaknesses and she will use both to weave an independent and pleasant life for herself. Don’t shackle her to impossible dreams of youth and worldly expectations.
My point is:
“Why break her wings when she can take you along and fly?
Why take her down when she can show you a world from bird’s eye?
The women whom I love and admire
for their strength and grace
did not get that way because shit worked out.
They got that way because
shit went wrong and they handled it.
they handled it in a thousand different ways
on a thousand different days,
But they handled it.
Those women are my superheroes.
Be the father who trusts his daughter at every turn of life.
Be the brother who has his sisters back no matter what the world has to say.
Be the husband who encourages his wife to go for the leap; if nothing else, he will always be the one to hold her ground.
Be the best friend who brings his friend back to her truest self.
And be the society who understands the wonderful soul of a woman and the lengths to which she can shield the world with her armour.
Hope and love in abundance,
YES! This made me so happy- best thing I’ve read all week!
Yayyy. I am Gladd?? | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://spp.mandatorythinking.co.uk/ | 2024-02-29T13:52:36 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474843.87/warc/CC-MAIN-20240229134901-20240229164901-00592.warc.gz | 0.952159 | 614 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__101076903 | en | Since joining Facebook in 2007, Rishi Dastidar has catalogued each of his status updates in a succession of notebooks. containing over one thousand entries, spread across twenty-odd volumes. This compendium has been reinterpreted as a series of individual postcards, each a facsimile of an individual entry., punctuated by the ever- changing prompts of Facebook.
Visitors are actively encouraged to remove a postcard, leaving with a unique portrait of Rishi freed from the confines of social networking. Presenting them in such a public manner both reinforces the radical transparency inherent in the network, and also removes any suggestion of selectiveness or privacy, concepts that are claimed to be part of the idea of ‘friendship’ on Facebook.
MBWhen we first talked about this I remember you mentioning that you wanted to get something out of facebook, rather than just being a passive producer of content.
RDYes. It’s very easy to put stuff into it. But it’s much, much harder to get something ‘physical’ out of it.
MBWe’ve been talking about the triangular relationship between designer, producer and consumer, which facebook is moving away from to a certain extent — users produce content that is farmed by anonymous algorithms, then sold back to them in the form of targeted advertising.
RD And I think what we’re suggesting here helps to highlight the fact that, in facebook’s case, how that triangle has broken.
RDI mean, at one level, we’re showing how hard it is to physically manifest something back out of the platform.
MBYes. Facebook is very protective about the data they collect — if you read their developer policy you’re only allowed to cache users’ information in order to process it for your application, and although your all your status updates are stored indefinitely on their servers you have no way of searching or accessing them, short of downloading the data as a pseudo-wall, ten miles long.
RD Which no one will do, right?
MB Right. So putting your archive of updates to use, the notebooks of content, then giving them away, each as an individual object, rather than them ending up as anonymised, aggregated data, there’s something nice about that.
RDOK, that’s something interesting — a way of jacking the system, almost — reclaiming what’s yours, trying to put some grit in there. Born from the network, but then drawing attention to something outside of it.
MBSomething like that, yes. It reminded me of one of our earlier conversations, when you talked about forgetting something that had been said/done.
RDYes; how it shows that actually neither Facebook nor the creator has a perfect memory. Which actually means that our governing assumption about this new world should be about its ephemerality, and how, if any, using an old technology like paper, changes that assumption. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.reacpa.com/insight/5-key-pension-industry-trends-to-consider/ | 2022-10-04T04:29:55 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-40/segments/1664030337473.26/warc/CC-MAIN-20221004023206-20221004053206-00215.warc.gz | 0.956426 | 847 | CC-MAIN-2022-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-40__0__136689697 | en | The 60th Annual Survey of Profit-Sharing and 401(k) Plans was recently released by the Plan Sponsor Council of America. This particular survey outlines increases noted with regard to key retirement plan trends. The following are worth a closer look.
1. Large plans favor automatic enrollment.
As one of the most celebrated plan design features, 401(k) automatic enrollment, is nearly as old as the 401(k) itself. While it wasn’t always popular and had the moniker “negative election,” the concept has been extraordinarily effective at not only getting, but keeping, workers participating in their workplace retirement plans. Adoption of the feature surged after the passage of the Pension Protection Act.
Only about a third of PSCA survey respondents offered automatic enrollment 10 years ago (35.6 percent). Today, more than half (60 percent) of respondents said they offer it, which is an increase to 70 percent among plans with more than 5,000 participants. That being said, only a third of plans with fewer than 50 workers offer automatic enrollment.
Listen To unsuitable on Rea Radio: Episode 92: How To Avoid Common Mistakes & Design The Ideal Retirement Plan
2. The auto escalation is escalating.
Of those plans that offer automatic enrollment, an astounding three-quarters auto-escalate the deferral rate over time. A decade ago, less than half (49.7 percent) of the plans utilized this feature. However, only one-third of the plans offer auto escalation for all participants; and only one in eight offer this for under-contributing participants. Another third of the plans offer auto escalation only if the participant so elects.
3. The default remains the same.
While default contribution rates vary, the most common rate remains at 3 percent (with 36.4 percent of companies opting to use this particular rate). This rate originally was chosen because of its size – it’s is small enough that participants won’t be willing to go in and opt out. Not to be overlooked is the second most common default of 6 percent, which is gaining popularity and is reportedly used by 22.2 percent of all respondents.
4. Rise of the Roth.
Almost two-thirds of plan sponsors now provide a Roth 401(k) option compared to 2007 when only 30 percent did. The pre-tax treatment has been the norm for 401(k) plans since their inception in the early 1980s. The Roth 401(k) wasn’t introduced until the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, which didn’t become effective until 2006. The option was originally slated to sunset in 2010. However, participation that was in the single digits a few years ago is now in the 15-20 percent range.
5. There’s still a “what goes in is what matters” mentality.
It’s said that “what’s measured is what matters.” However, despite the growing interest of financial wellness, and an emphasis on outcomes, the way people benchmark success in this survey is by participation.
Nearly 89.6 percent of plans cite participation rate as a benchmark to determine plan success — and even more (93.2 percent) of the largest plans rely on that gauge. Deferral rates were a distant second (72.6 percent), and average account balances ranked third (55 percent). But, what about outcomes? Well, according to the survey, only a quarter of plans overall used “outcomes” as a benchmark, though about a third of the largest plans (33.8 percent) did.
Surveys such as this with a broad range of plan types, providers and perspective provide a great overview of where your company has been and where it needs to be with regard to your retirement plan. Email Rea & Associates to speak with a member of our retirement plan administration services team to find out what trends might benefit your company and employees. Or you can call me directly at 614.923.6573.
By Andrea McLane, QKA (Dublin office) | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.ted-adventist.org/news/militant-secularisation-threat-to-religion | 2013-05-26T02:21:59 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706484194/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121444-00097-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.947188 | 288 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__14686392 | en | Militant Secularisation Threat to Religion
14 February 2012 London, United Kingdom [BBC News] Britain is under threat from a rising tide of "militant secularisation", Baroness Warsi and a conservative cabinet minister wrote in an article for the Daily Telegraph. Religion is being "sidelined, marginalised and downgraded in the public sphere... Europe needed to become 'more confident and more comfortable in its Christianity". She will also highlight the issue in a speech at the Vatican on Wednesday. "I will be arguing that to create a more just society, people need to feel stronger in their religious identities and more confident in their creeds," she wrote in the Telegraph. "In practice this means individuals not diluting their faiths and nations not denying their religious heritages."
Baroness Warsi, who is Britain's first female Muslim cabinet minister, went on to write: "You cannot and should not extract these Christian foundations from the evolution of our nations any more than you can or should erase the spires from our landscapes."
To read the full article please click here. [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
You are free to re-print any portion of the bulletin without need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify tedNEWS whenever you publish these materials. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.oceanconservationappg.org/2022/03/ocean-news-march-2022/ | 2022-12-07T17:55:46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446711200.6/warc/CC-MAIN-20221207153419-20221207183419-00758.warc.gz | 0.937104 | 870 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__18503779 | en | Welcome to the March edition of Ocean News. Bringing you all the updates on all things ocean policy.
2022 is set to be a big year for Ocean Conservation. We have already seen 175 countries come together to agree a Global Plastics Resolution. Domestically the government have consulted on extending single use bans, the Environment Audit Committee have launched their Water Quality Inquiry Report and the Environment Act target setting consultation is well underway. Over the next few months we will see even more action with the consultation on the Governments Storm Overflow Action Plan set to be launched soon.
A Global Plastics Treaty
At the start of the month an historic resolution was agreed by 175 countries to end plastic pollution. This is the most important international environment pact since the Paris climate agreement in 2015.
The resolution sets out the broad terms for a global treaty on plastic pollution and was agreed at the United Nations Environment Assembly.
Critically, they agreed the treaty should address the full lifecycle of plastics – this means the production and design of plastics are covered, not just waste management. This offers the potential to cap the production of plastic. The agreement also covers plastic pollution in all environments, not just marine plastics. The treaty will also be legally binding rather than voluntary, which is vital to ensure action is taken and that polluters are held to account.
The UK government has just finished consulting on plans to ban a new list of the most commonly littered single use plastic items, including cutlery and food containers.
These proposals have been welcomed by the Environment Sector, however environmental organisations have called for these plans to sit within broader policies to reduce resource consumption and promote reuse within a circular economy.
Bathing River Designations
Surfers Against Sewage have launched a petition calling on governments to designate 200 inland bathing rivers by 2030. Official designation has already helped to clean up coastal water quality, and can do the same for our rivers. Through monitoring rivers for harmful bacteria and virus polluters will be made to take action.
We have pulled together a briefing note with more information about the role inland waters can play in improving river and coastal water quality.
Environment Audit Committee Report
The EAC launched the findings of their inquiry into Water Quality in Rivers in January. The committee, which includes many APPG members, found a ‘chemical cocktail’ of sewage, slurry and plastic polluting English rivers, putting public health and nature at risk. It includes many strong recommendations such as:
- An urgent review of water companies’ self-monitoring.
- Ministers and the Environment Agency should set challenging improvement targets and timetables for this progressive reduction
- Each Water Company should designate at least one river as a bathing water by 2025.
Government Storm Overflow Plan
As per the Environment Act, officials are currently working away to draft the governments Storm Overflow Plan which must be laid before parliament by September. We expect parliamentarians and the wider public to be consulted on the draft plan in April. Keep an eye on @oceanappg for the latest updates.
To be effective we will be looking for the plan to include bold and stretching targets to reduce discharges.
Target Setting Consultation
New long-term environmental targets have been announced by the government. The proposed targets are a key part of the governments Environment Act and will help drive action by this and future governments to protect and enhance the environment.
The consultation includes targets to improve Marine Protected Areas, reduce residual waste and nutrient pollution of rivers. Whilst the targets have been welcomed broadly by the environment sector, there are concerns that proposed targets do not go far enough to improve overall ocean health, reduce the overconsumption of materials, such as plastics, nor do they aim to reduce untreated sewage discharges.
Three Actions to Take
- 1. Support designation of your local river – Reach out to your local swimming, canoeing or river action group to support applications for river bathing status.
- 2. Read the EAC Rivers report recommendations – This is the most thorough report on the issue of sewage pollution and includes well researched and thought out recommendations.
- 3. Follow us on twitter – For the latest news and commentary all things ocean conservation follow us @OceanAPPG | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.burghbees.org/events/march-meet-up-honeyland-movie-showing/ | 2023-01-28T20:24:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-06/segments/1674764499654.54/warc/CC-MAIN-20230128184907-20230128214907-00747.warc.gz | 0.947389 | 442 | CC-MAIN-2023-06 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-06__0__179138694 | en | March Meet Up (Honeyland Movie Showing)
It portrays the life of Hatidže Muratova, a wild beekeeper in the remote mountainous village of Bekirlija, North Macedonia and follows her lifestyle and the changes therein after the arrival of a nomad family in the neighbouring house. Originally intended as a government-supported documentary short about the region surrounding river Bregalnica in the central region of the country, the documentary’s area of focus changed course upon the encounter between the filming team and Muratova. Honeyland received its world premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on 28 January.
Filming of Honeyland lasted for three years, with the directors collecting a total of four hundred hours of footage. Several environmental topics are explored in the documentary such as climate change, biodiversity loss and exploitation of natural resources. Two different ideologies are contrasted with the documentary’s main protagonists, namely humanity’s balance with the ecosystem portrayed through Muratova and consumerism and resource depletion portrayed through her neighbours. The main focus of the directors when filming were the visuals and during the editing process, the audio track was not used. As such, Honeyland contains elements of several documentary styles, including fly on the wall, direct cinema and cinéma vérité. The documentary also portrays the protagonist’s relationship with her bed-ridden mother and her neighbors.
Honeyland received widespread and universal critical acclaim from film critics who praised the directors’ attention to visual details and the universal message of nature conservation. The documentary also received numerous prizes at award shows in Europe and the United States. It was the only film to win three different awards at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. It was nominated for the Best International Feature Film as an entry from North Macedonia, and for the Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards, making it the first documentary in history to receive a nomination in both categories. It marks the country’s second nomination at the Oscars since Before the Rain (1994). As of February 2020, the documentary’s worldwide gross is US$847,595. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://canyouseeme.art/statement/ | 2023-06-10T12:25:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224657169.98/warc/CC-MAIN-20230610095459-20230610125459-00431.warc.gz | 0.956568 | 738 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__32750285 | en | By Devon VanHouten-Maldonado
The exhibition makes two main proposals: First, that young people deserve to be treated as kids, not criminals. In doing so we as a society must afford them the innocence and grace that all children deserve, especially when they make mistakes. Unfortunately, young Black and Brown people in poor communities are never afforded an innocent childhood. In Can you see me? we want to rescue a small part of this innocence by examining the topic of youth incarceration through the lens of freedom and innocence.
Second, we propose that the artwork by the incarcerated youth in SkyART’s Just US program and projects by other system-impacted youth in similar programs is just as meaningful, just as valuable and just as important as artworks by celebrated contemporary artists. Ebony G. Patterson, Cheryl Pope, Jim Duignan and Scheherazade Tillet share gallery space with youth who have been told by society that their lives are not important. All of the artists together create hope in the context of the criminalization and victimization of youth through a take on incarceration that isn’t illustrative but rather aspirational.
In the poem that inspired the exhibition's title, a Just-Us participant writes, “Can you save me from this damage that I can’t erase? I ain’t never felt this way before, until I put you in my arms. Can you see me?” The poem and the exhibition asks us to see young people affected by incarceration as children who have been failed by a system that all too often traumatizes Black and Brown youth who are already affected by an average of six Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which negatively affect brian development and can cause increased addiction, criminality and mental health challenges. Across the three exhibitions, artworks explore the subtle and evident ways the juvenile justice system impacts Black and Brown youth whose lived experiences are often scaffolded by carcerality — from their early school experiences to their interactions with government.
Themes of healing, imagining, flying, ascending, freedom, play and innocence create nuanced and pluralistic portrayals of juvenile offenders. With a restorative justice lens, the exhibition aims to highlight youths’ humanity and voice, while exploring the impact of incarceration on our communities and questioning who has access to contemporary art spaces. The exhibition also aims to connect three communities on Chicago’s South and North sides across distinct spaces that are in dialogue with each other.
Through programs like SkyART’s Just-Us, Circles & Ciphers and A Long Walk Home, young artists affected by incarceration and violence create a space where they can collaborate, explore their identities and free their minds, if only for a short time. In the same way, Can you see me? aims to bring people together around art to have restorative and healing conversations, in order to imagine a future where all children are innocent, free and valued. We hope this exhibition will provide a small example of the world we can create together, where young people are elevated as experts in their own experiences alongside contemporary artists and practitioners; where people who may disagree can find common ground and where the justice system rights historic wrongs instead of perpetuating the trauma, oppression and systemic racism reflected in prisons and jails throughout the United States.
Can you see me? is curated by Devon VanHouten-Maldonado, Kasia Houlihan, Director of Weinberg/Newton Gallery and Rikki Byrd, Curatorial Advisor and Ph.D. Candidate in Northwestern University’s Department of African American Studies. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.chapterplay.tv/ | 2013-05-19T07:12:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696384213/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092624-00084-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.956415 | 870 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__116111675 | en | Tool of North America are doing some very cool things with interactive video, like their new Touching Stories iPad app.
By touching, shaking and turning your iPad, you can navigate, unlock and reveal unexpected variations in each of these four “Touching Stories.” Shot by five different directors—and contained in one single app—these interactive, live-action, short stories evolve storytelling in ways that have never been done before on the iPad.
The iPad’s big touch screen is a much more intuitive medium for a hypervideo interactive story than a mouse or trackpad.
When the iPhone 4 hit the shops last week, I was at the Cannes advertising festival, doing some mobile filmmaking to promote the Nokia N86. So it seemed like it’d be bad form to blog about the new iPhone’s HD video camera and built in iMovie editor – especially as I’ve been moaning for 2 years about Nokia’s decision to kill their excellent in-phone editor.
My mobile videoblog Twittervlog.tv started out in 2007 with videos that were shot, cut and posted straight from my N93. It frustrated me that over the years, Nokia had resigned their considerable lead in this area, and let Apple overtake them – despite Apple’s repeated reluctance to introduce video & in-phone editing.
It may seem like a geek sport at first glance, but mobile filmmaking excites me because it’s all about the ease & immediacy of having a complete filmmaking tool in your pocket – for personal & holiday videos, reporting live events and creative storytelling. Capturing, editing and posting without having to mess about with transferring to a computer, filing, converting, exporting, uploading, etc. I was excited about the quality & ease of the iPhone, and now even happier that Nokia are still pushing the boundaries too.
I just read on Nokia’s N Series Blog about an organisation called the World Film Collective – which has given old Nokia N85 video phones to 48 South Africans, and trained them with mobile filmmaking & citizen journalism skills, so that they can give their perspectives on what the World Cup means to their local communities.
I’ve done some of this work with marginalized communities here in the UK – and next week I’ll be doing it with rich kids, reporting from Cannes, where young creative teams will be making adverts with N86s – but it’s always awesome to read about phones (particularly superseded models) are being used for creative and empowering video journalism in Africa.
Makes me think we should start collecting all our old N95s and N85s, which once cost us $500, and using them to do some good… If you have an old phone you’d like to creatively recycle, let me know.
I’ve transcribed the voiceover from this video, below. Apart from the hype, it gives a pretty good introduction to what internet/TV convergence will start to look like.
I’ve been banging on about this for so long that you’ll have to forgive my teenage excitement about it. I was expecting this kind of device to have arrived in a big way by 2007/8. Most of it is not much more advanced than your TiVo, Sky+ or Microsoft system – but instead of their horrible clunky interfaces, this looks well thought out, with full search and web access, and a properly integrated browser. If only Apple had made their AppleTV more like this three years ago. I’m still not sure why they didn’t.
It’s long been my opinion that the way people really want to experience entertainment is on their couch, rather than on their laptops and at their desk. But I’ve found, when enthusing about this stuff over the years, that some people have had trouble imagining using the web on their TV from their couch – particularly because they’re confused about how they’ll control it. With a keyboard and mouse? A really big remote control? A Wii wand?
No doubt we’ll have to wait another pointlessly long time before internet TV systems start using the new motion-sensing videogame control systems. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://gmint.online/en/case/kenya-make-it-kenya/ | 2019-05-22T22:47:02 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-22/segments/1558232256980.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20190522223411-20190523005411-00535.warc.gz | 0.920754 | 284 | CC-MAIN-2019-22 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-22__0__37450257 | en | To launch Kenya's new nation brand, also created by Grayling, something truly unique and ground-breaking was required.
We needed to establish the ‘Make It Kenya’ campaign through ground breaking activations with global appeal. We leveraged Kenya’s breadth of tourism offering across all media, we identified a partner (Herd Tracker) to give us instant traction and another partner (Periscope) that implemented an innovative platform to get people’s attention. Our activations included #MARALIVE and #KENYALIVE which brought incredible wildlife and adventure footage to the world which included the world’s first live web broadcast of the GREAT Wildebeest Migration. Another hit was Kenya’s Tourism Minister skydiving into the campaign and ‘Turtlecam’ which viewed the rehabilitation of turtle’s release back into the ocean.
- 115,00+ views
- 50K hearts (likes) and questions on periscope
- 12,000+ views on twitter
- 10,000+ engagements on facebook
- 300+ media enquiries
- 700+ articles published print and online by global leading titles
- 2 live cnn broadcasts
- 900,000,000+ people reached worldwide via all media activity
- 10% brand awareness from 0 brand awareness in the UK and US according to independent research in only 3 months. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.cooneyclasses.com/the-cooneys | 2017-11-24T05:27:00 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-47/segments/1510934807089.35/warc/CC-MAIN-20171124051000-20171124071000-00539.warc.gz | 0.948758 | 1,020 | CC-MAIN-2017-47 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-47__0__132650197 | en | Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Online MA Strategic Communication
Research Associate, NaPDI
Faculty Advisor, PRSSA
Office: CADD 205
Phone: (509) 335-3911
Rebecca L. Cooney, M.S. is a professional communicator with more than 22 years of strategic communication experience in conceptual design, implementation, monitoring and metrics of comprehensive integrated projects and campaigns for traditional media and digital platform initiatives. In addition to her ongoing activities in industry, she is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication with an emphasis in public relations and digital media and serves as the Director of the Online M.A. Strategic Communication program for The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University (WSU). She is a Research Associate with a collaborative natural product and drug interaction grant sponsored by the Natural Institutes of Health in partnerships with the pharmaceutical colleges at the University of Washington and WSU called NaPDI – Center for Natural Product-Drug Interaction Brand Materials. She also serves as faculty advisor for the Public Relations Student Society of America chapter at WSU overseeing a six-person student leadership team and membership base of more than 60 students.
Rebecca joined the Murrow faculty in 2012 and teaches a full load of undergraduate and graduate courses. She holds a BA in communications from California State University Sacramento and a MS degree in communications from Eastern Washington University. In 2014 she was awarded a fellowship through the Plank Center Educators Fellows program and was partnered with Harley Davidson Motor Company corporate communications division for a two-week immersion experience. In 2015 she was awarded a Scripps Howard and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Visiting Professor in Social Media externship and was partnered with The Sacramento Bee for two weeks in the summer.
Rebecca teaches courses focused on integrated communications, writing for public relations, digital marketing campaigns, brand and consumer insights, employee communications and advertising. She regularly guest lectures, leads webinars and pursues research partnerships opportunities with peer research faculty in the areas of health communication and human behavior. She serves on the Academic Integrity Taskforce – Digital Team at WSU and is co-author of the five-year strategic plan for Murrow College. She serves on the Murrow leadership team for the Online MA Strategic Communication program and as a representative of clinical faculty interests.
Before WSU she spent more than 10 years in higher education administration in leadership roles for marketing and university relations, business development, website coordination and regional communication initiatives. She also worked in corporate as director of marketing for an international educational travel company and served as an adjunct professor at two universities. She started her career at a full service ad agency and continues to grow in the areas of strategic communications, integrated communications, public relations, brand and message platforms and digital communications.
Rebecca is married and lives in Pullman with her four children. She considers herself a lifelong learner and finds experiential learning opportunities to be the most beneficial and applicable to everything she does.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Faculty Advisor, PRSA Bateman Competition
Office: 207 MURR
Chris Cooney joined The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication and the Director of Digital Initiatives. Cooney has more than 23 years of professional experience to the college, with a focus on strategic marketing, communication, advertising and cross-platform content creation. He is a proven leader, team builder, innovator and creative professional.
Cooney served as the Senior Director of Marketing and Communication at the University of Idaho from October 2008 to July 2014. He led a team of more than 50 professionals – producing award-winning integrated marketing campaigns and university-wide communication, public and media relations, marketing, publications and creative services. He also provided leadership for the university brand strategy and its integrated marketing and communication plan.
Cooney was the Director of Web Communications for UI from August 2006 – September 2008, during which he led a redesign of the institutional Web presence, established a unified content management system and secured permanent funding for 11 Web coordinator positions. Previously he served as a manager on the strategic communications team for Argonne National Laboratory where he led the redesign of the lab’s website and produced a quarterly multimedia publication for print and online. As a manager on Motorola’s Global Web team, Cooney led the interface design and usability for a corporate-wide redesign of the company’s Web presence. He has also been a producer, project manager and art director for a number of creative firms and publications.
Cooney’s work earned awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Higher Ed Marketing Report and the Idaho Advertising Federation. He is a teacher and presenter on a broad range of topics including communication, content strategy, media training, brand platform development and best practices, marketing, Web communication and design.
Cooney received an MBA from the University of Idaho and a B.B.A in Advertising and Promotion from Western Michigan University. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.pulsepodcasts.com/its-time-for-sleep-now | 2024-04-20T03:17:28 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817474.31/warc/CC-MAIN-20240420025340-20240420055340-00180.warc.gz | 0.935144 | 186 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__29626098 | en | It's time for sleep now
It's the podcast that transforms bedtime into a magical journey to the land of dreams. Each episode is a carefully crafted adventure, weaving together soothing narratives with soft, tranquil melodies designed to lull children into a peaceful slumber.
From enchanted forests to starlit seas, hot-air balloon rides and trips to the moon, our stories are filled with gentle characters, comforting settings, and kind-hearted lessons that not only entertain but also instil values of kindness, friendship, courage and empathy. The calming voice of our narrator acts as a guide, leading young listeners through the winding paths of imagination, away from the worries of the day, and safely into the arms of sleep.
Perfect for children of all ages, this series helps to create a restful environment, easing the transition from wakefulness to rest.
Don't forget to subscribe and share, as we release new episodes regularly. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://networkfororatoryandpolitics.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/winter-workshop-speechwriting-in-practice-a-participants-perspective/ | 2018-07-19T05:47:47 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-30/segments/1531676590559.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20180719051224-20180719071224-00383.warc.gz | 0.971241 | 1,403 | CC-MAIN-2018-30 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-30__0__134504721 | en | Just a few weeks ago I was delighted to have received an invitation in my inbox for this workshop run by the Network for Oratory and Politics. As postgraduate students of the University of Glasgow, we are very fortunate to be invited to many events allowing us to share in the wisdom of many high-profile academics and professionals, but this one stood out for me – as a postgraduate student of Political Communication, and someone hoping to secure funding as PhD candidate in the same field, with a huge personal interest in the quality of communication between political leaders and the public – you could say this really was my ‘cup of tea’. I responded immediately and was extremely pleased to receive confirmation of my place.
In preparation for the workshop we were sent, in advance, two speeches to familiarise ourselves with:
1) JK Rowling’s Commencement Speech, Harvard University: ‘The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination’
2) President Obama’s Selma Marches Anniversary Speech
Both very rousing and inspirational speeches and, on reflection, a solid indicator of what we should expect from the day.
Thinking about the workshop itself, the session was structured logically and professionally. The first speaker, Sara Lodge – a former speechwriter for Kofi Anan, now Senior Lecturer in English at St Andrews University – introduced us to the importance of preparation. She explained how what sets a speech apart from a talk or a sales pitch was the challenge of involving the audience. She stressed how successful speeches work by joining together the audience and the speaker. Something she said that stuck in my head was that: ‘We read as individuals, but we hear as one.” – very true, and thought-provoking. Sara’s analogies of speech structure as a musical concerto, building with intensity until it reaches the crescendo really resonated with me. It became very clear to me that the use of language in this manner – to celebrate or commemorate, signify a moment of change, or in Sara’s words: “to invoke the sublime, the ever-enduring possibilities of the human spirit” – demonstrates just how poetic, inspiring and powerful speeches have the potential to be. She suggested that a professional speechwriter may spend up to one hour researching for each minute of the speech they are writing, ensuring they are confident with the historical context of the occasion as well as the people involved. To know the audience means that a connection can be made, bridges can be built by recognising shared values and experiences, and by being consistent and confident throughout the speech. She formulated it as winning the audience by acknowledgement, reassuring them, and arousing their interest. What I took away from Sara’s presentation was that structure in a successful speech is key, and that together with genuine audience involvement – where the orator speaks with, and for, the audience, not at them – contributes to a sincere collective expression of togetherness, in other words the ideal speech conditions.
After Sara’s presentation we split into groups of two and were given a practical task. We had a choice of five scenarios for which to write a brief speech for. We spent half an hour working on this before the second presentation, this time from Rob Goodman, a visiting PhD candidate from Columbia University, but also an experienced political speechwriter having worked in the recent past for US Representative and House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and former US Senator Chris Dodd. Drawing upon his personal experience Rob introduced the concept of the rhetorical commonplace. He explained that commonplaces exist in cultural vocabulary, and that what sets them apart from clichés, which tend to stop thinking, is that commonplaces link pre-existing beliefs to new purposes and goals. The art of rhetorical persuasion channels what the audience already believes but takes them on a journey building upon those beliefs via persuasion. Connection can be achieved by conjuring up concrete images in the minds of the audience. He made reference to Aristotle’s notion of ethos, and how by presenting oneself in a consistent light the speaker may carry out the task displaying comfort, ease and confidence which, in turn, gives the audience the same comfort and confidence in the speaker’s words. Reinforcing exactly what Sara had said about how crucial audience involvement is.
The last speaker was Rodger Evans, an award-winning speechwriter for the Scottish Parliament and former music journalist. Rodger gave us tips for delivery including ‘the power of the pause’, when to raise and lower our voices to emphasise certain points and also how speech can be considered an art-form alongside music and poetry. Much aware of time-constraints we were then given a further half an hour to work on our practical exercises, my group’s task being to introduce Muhammad Ali to a college audience in light of his sacrifices of reputation and career in protest against the Vietnam War and fight for civil rights, which led to his conviction for draft evasion. When working on this task you could feel the enthusiasm and creativity in the room, for me it was the most enjoyable part of the day.
The final part of the session saw each pair present their speech to the group, applying the skills we had learnt that day in a practical, meaningful way. All of the speeches were of a surprisingly high standard and the feedback received on each from our team of workshop leaders highlighted how well every group had done at grasping the core elements of what makes a successful speech in terms of both design and delivery.
What I take away from this workshop is an appreciation of how speechwriting skills are crucial across disciplines, there was student representation not only from Politics, but also Law and Criminology at both Masters and PhD level. I believe that I can speak on behalf of all the workshop delegates to say how grateful we are to the Network of Oratory and Politics, and the funders, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, for making this workshop possible, especially considering that many of us in attendance would not have been in a position to finance such training ourselves. This workshop has changed my perceptions about the art of speechwriting and delivery, at a time when most of us are deep in theory writing assignments, a break to engage in something so practical and meaningful was very welcome. I’ve come away full of hope about how we, as humans, in what may seem an isolated world at times can come together and connect with our emotions, share our hopes for the future and engage in purposeful political involvement. My new awareness of how much the speechwriter and speaker have considered their audience as the integral component in the design of their speech gives me hope for the future of democratic involvement and popular empowerment, and the more people that understand this, the more accessible politics can be for all. Thank you very much.
Postgraduate student MSc Political Communication
University of Glasgow | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.get-fed.ca/single-post/eco-district-summit | 2024-04-14T01:46:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296816863.40/warc/CC-MAIN-20240414002233-20240414032233-00528.warc.gz | 0.957091 | 430 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__175485859 | en | Eco District Summit
Earlier in October, I headed to Minneapolis - St. Paul for the Eco Districts Summit to explore how district-scale innovation can help us address some of the most critical issues facing city-makers today.
The conference brought people to the forefront of sustainability, stressing that,"... important though 'environmental' aspects of sustainability are. A truly sustainable society is one where wider questions of social needs and welfare, and economic opportunity are integrally related to environmental limits imposed by supporting ecosystems." Because when it comes down to it, it's really not about the infrastructure itself (although still very important), it's about the life that takes on a space after the infrastructure is there.
Imagine living in a city that made you feel at home simply by design. Where a mix of cultures felt inspired to come together to share their stories of triumph and shame, of pain and pride, regardless of their background, age, sex or abilities. This, as stated by many at the summit, is the key to creating more vibrant communities here on Vancouver Island.
But the question arose - "What does belonging look like when none of your culture is displayed on public lands? How can you and your people feel like you belong?"
The prevailing answer is through art.
Art and creativity, even if only temporary, can help us ask different questions and find different solutions to our problems. Art can empower people to come together and use it as an outlet, humanizing our experiences to help heal and connect us. Many examples were given that better-connected people are happier, less lonely, more productive and have greater success.
So what does this all mean for FED? Moving forward, we are thinking about what we can do at the design stage (really every stage) so that equity, resilience and climate protection are all part of the framework of our vision for the future. By focusing on the things that connect us, rather than drive us apart, I believe we can find more solutions to increase climate action on Vancouver Island and reside in more prepared and inclusive communities.
Photograph: McNamara Alumni Center by Dan Anderson | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.misscaliforniausa.com/miss-california-teen-usa | 2024-02-25T12:54:12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474595.59/warc/CC-MAIN-20240225103506-20240225133506-00676.warc.gz | 0.969601 | 328 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__145991026 | en | A proud Sri Lankan-American from the Bay Area, Taliya Peiris is a recent high school graduate. She will be attending Santa Clara University in the fall, where she will be majoring in Management Information Systems in the college of Business. She aspires to combine her passions for business and pop culture to become a business analyst for an entertainment company. She has already started to make her mark in the industry as the owner of TAP Media, her very own social media marketing company, helping small businesses in her community with their digital marketing and social media campaigns.
Growing up as a dancer and piano player, and now currently learning how to DJ, Taliya has always enjoyed expressing herself through the performing arts and encourages others to pursue and support creative careers. She started her social media movement III Creatives (Inspiring Imagination and Inclusivity) to bring to light the importance of representation in the entertainment industry and accessibility to visual and performing arts resources for all to learn and enjoy. She aims to expand this platform by continuing her Instagram Live series “Creative Convos with Taliya Peiris”, where she interviews up-and-coming artists in the industry, as well as by creating a scholarship to allow deserving student artists the opportunity to pursue higher education in their respective fields.
In her free time, Taliya enjoys all things music related, from going to concerts to collecting her favorite albums on vinyls. She loves rooting for her favorite Bay Area sports teams with her dad, trying new restaurants with her friends, and traveling the world with her family, having been to 16 states and 11 countries so far! | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.expeditions.udel.edu/extreme08/discoveries/ | 2016-12-07T16:18:29 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2016-50/segments/1480698542217.43/warc/CC-MAIN-20161202170902-00201-ip-10-31-129-80.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.945259 | 1,537 | CC-MAIN-2016-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2016-50__0__232671889 | en | Click on a tab to explore the day's events at sea!
- Karen's Daily Blog
- Extreme Blogger
- Photo & Video Gallery
Karen's Daily Blog
Greetings from R/V Atlantis, DSV Alvin,
and the Extreme 2008 research cruise!
I’m Karen Romano Young, the education coordinator for this cruise. I’ve been explaining to scientists, the Alvin group, and the ship's crew that I’m going to be taking their pictures until they’re sick of it, asking a million questions, quoting them and writing about them and putting up their pictures on the Web site. You can imagine the response: some of them step softly behind another person and try to slip away. Others square their shoulders and say “Cheese!”
And then there are the ones you can’t say “cheese” to just now, because they’ll turn a little green at the thought. Yes, it’s the first day of the Extreme cruise, and we’re all making the necessary adjustments. Shy and bold. Salty or seasick. Science, sub, or ship. We’re in this together for the next three weeks. Even though some of the people aboard this ship may be shy, they are all enthusiastic about the Web site and about the idea that so many eyes are going to be on them and their work for the next few weeks. And I’m here to promise that the education team here on Atlantis and back at the “beach” at the University of Delaware (home of the Blue Hens) are going to try to capture it all for people on shore.
Today there’s extra excitement aboard, because NBC’s Today Show broadcast a special feature about the voyage their reporter, Ann Curry, made during Atlantis’s last cruise. It’s an enormous thrill to watch the Alvin Group and the ship’s crew of Atlantis receive their deserved share of the limelight, since they’ve made such a big contribution to our understanding of the oceans. And now Extreme 2008 will bring this cruise’s two destinations, 21 days at sea, 14 planned dives, and combined crew of 55 people into homes and schools worldwide.
Our Extreme Classrooms number 350, with the eyes of 20,858 students and teachers on our work on the microbial life –including the tiniest things yet discovered – living at the hydrothermal vents along the East Pacific Rise and Guaymas Basin. Extreme schools this year include the United States, Aruba, Australia (Tasmania), Canada, Costa Rica, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
Ordinary Seaman Kevin Threadgold tells me that Atlantis frequently visits Costa Rica, as well as Canada and the U.S., and Alvin engineer Jon Howland says that Jason, a remote-operated vehicle that is deployed by the University of Washington ship R/V Thompson, has studied deep coral reefs off the coast of Tasmania. And Kiwis can keep an eye out for scientists Conrad Pilditch and Craig Cary.
Our science crew includes two Mexican scientists, Ruth Villanueva Estrada and Fanny Reisman Moussan, who will act as Extreme Bloggers in Spanish on two days of the cruise. Busca el Extreme Blog de Ruth, el 15 de Noviembre.
Yes, there’s so much going on that it practically makes my head spin. During this first day of the cruise, the ship has been passing lots of turtles swimming along. “Do they swim with their heads up?” I asked Able-Bodied Seaman Jim McGill, who was pointing them out to me from the bridge. “No,” he said. “They pick their heads up when we come by, like they’re saying, ‘What’s THAT?’”
That’s Atlantis, our home at sea. Much more to come!
Today's Extreme Blogger:
I’m a fourth year Ph.D. student, and this will be my first cruise to a hydrothermal vent. I’m so excited to finally see these things up close! But first we have to travel 700 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, so we all have to wait for two days until we get out there. The scientists aboard this ship come from many different institutions in the U.S., New Zealand, and Mexico, so we will spend these two days getting to know each other, making sure our experiments are set up, learning about the safety features of the ship and trying not to get seasick! So far, I’ve gotten to see some of the experimental setups people will be using to collect samples from the hydrothermal vents. These include special spring-loaded syringes that can collect water samples right up next to the hydrothermal vent chimneys, while simultaneously measuring the water temperature. Since hydrothermally heated water will be swirling all around the vent site, this piece of equipment will allow members of Craig Cary’s lab to have precise control over where their samples are taken.
I have the added excitement of being able to go on the cruise that follows ours. At the end of Extreme 2008, we will land in Guaymas, clean up the ship, pack up our samples, and then the rest of the science crew will go back home to work on their exciting new data. I, however, will stay with the ship, and meet the rest of the members of my home lab, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for another three weeks in Guaymas Basin. Because I have back-to-back cruises, I will be able to place experiments at the seafloor during the first cruise and then come back a few weeks later to pick them up. This means we can leave things like glass microscope slides in the sediments near the vents. In a couple of weeks, we can use the submersible Alvin to find them again, pick them up, and analyze the microbes that grew on them. This might give us a better idea of what types of microbes start growing when hydrothermal vent fluid reaches a new area.
I have been interested in studying hydrothermal vents since I first heard about them when I was a student at Swarthmore College. After getting my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, I wanted to start working on hydrothermal vents, but I didn’t know who to contact! So, I just sent my resume to different researchers until I found Andreas Teske at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who wanted to hire me as a technician. I’ve now been working on samples that other people have taken from vents for the past six years, and, now as a Ph.D. student, I feel lucky to finally go and see the real things!
Tie everything down, and then we're ready to go!
University of Southern California (alumnus)
Funding for this educational program was provided by the National Science Foundation to the University of Delaware as part of “Extreme 2008: A Deep-Sea Adventure” — the latest in the University of Delaware’s award-winning series of online expeditions to engage students and the public in cutting-edge research and the process of scientific discovery. This program was produced by the University of Delaware Office of Communications & Marketing. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://louciferspeaks.com/2011/06/26/ | 2013-05-18T14:14:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382450/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00044-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.966771 | 219 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__205034038 | en | Reading UK’s Death Metal maestros have announced the release date for their new album, “The Grim Awakening”. The following quote has been taken from their official Facebook page:
“The wait is finally over, we have toiled in the studio and laboured to bring you the best death metal we could and we are extremely proud to announce to that it will be release on Siege of Amida Records on 15/08/2011.
In the meantime check out the newly uploaded “The Scorn of Dead Men” which is the final studio master with production courtesy of Hertz Studio, who did an amazing job. You can also view the cover art in our photos, courtesy of Tony Koehl who was very accommodating in our requests for a larger volcano.
We just want to thank all of you for your continued support and greatly look forward to the release date itself!
Nariman / Alex / Webb / Dave”
“The Scorn of Dead Men” can be heard on the Reverbnation player below: | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.jessicaevileye.com/news/jessica-eye-believes-shes-earned-shot-at-rousey/ | 2017-12-12T12:13:49 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-51/segments/1512948516843.8/warc/CC-MAIN-20171212114902-20171212134902-00405.warc.gz | 0.969282 | 1,093 | CC-MAIN-2017-51 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-51__0__181468617 | en | The field of contenders for Ronda Rousey’s UFC women’s bantamweight championship is running dry.
Outside unlikely scenarios such as Cristiane Justino cutting to 135 pounds or a return to the sport by Gina Carano, UFC officials seem to be in a situation in which they’re choosing between contenders Bethe Correia (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and Jessica Eye (11-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) – or giving an immediate rematch to Cat Zingano (9-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC). Zingano just lost to Rousey (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) in 14 seconds, leaving the possibility of a new contender as a more appealing option in the eyes of many.
For Eye, the choice is clear, as she explained in a recent interview.
“I know that I’m going to get the fight over Bethe with Ronda Rousey,” Eye said. “I think that the UFC is much smarter than the average fan, or much more smarter than Bethe. Not to insult her by any means, but she hasn’t earned it. Just because you fought her teammates and you made her mad personally doesn’t necessarily mean you get the fight. I think she’s smart.
“She’s doing like what Ronda did. She’s doing like what Ronda did to Miesha to get her shot and to get her title right away in this sport, and I don’t blame her. But, listen: There’s a much more skillful person, and that’s me.”
Eye is coming off a TKO victory over Leslie Smith at UFC 180, a victory that represents her first official win inside the octagon. Eye took a split decision over Sarah Kaufman in her UFC debut, but the result was overturned when Eye failed a drug test due to marijuana metabolites. She dropped a split decision to Alexis Davis at UFC 170 in her next fight.
Despite her mixed success, Eye believes she has a gameplan that will throw off Rousey and allow her to take the belt.
“Ronda’s an interesting person because she strives on chaos,” Eye said. “She’s an interesting person in that way. And, that’s how she won in judo, and understanding that judo is only two-minute rounds. She likes the fast pace. I’m curious to see someone slow down the fight for her and move and kind of take a different kind of fight to her.
“It was actually in a meme the other day. It was like, ‘Ronda Rousey seven title defenses, this many minutes.” I think when we broke mine down I had over 300 hours in the cage, under the lights between decisions. So, I feel like my experience comes with me. And especially in this last year, I’m more comfortable in the UFC. They bring me to shows, and I feel like I found my own there. I don’t feel a weird tingle anymore.”
One of the more impressive things Rousey has managed to do in the sport is convince some observers she could contend in the men’s bantamweight division, along with managing to crack into many different pound-for-pound rankings.
However, Eye isn’t on board with ranking women in a pound-for-pound ranking list that includes their male counterparts.
“No, I am 100 percent sold on the fact that this sport – as a female, I don’t ever want to try to do it without the men,” Eye said. “I don’t ever want the men to feel like we’re in competition with them. I feel like it’s kind of a hard situation when you ask those pound-for-pounds. I don’t think the women should be in the pound-for-pound. I really don’t. I think we should be in our own division for pound-for-pound.”
Eye expanded on that further when asked if she buys into the talk that Rousey could beat 135-pound men – or if Eye, herself, would be able to compete in the men’s bantamweight division.
“I can train with them and compete with them,” Eye said. “But, no, man. They’re men. Come on. Let’s not screw up what we know already. Men have testosterone. I go with these 125ers, and these guys are fast. And, if they really wanted to put it on me, they would put it on us. I think that they are kind of losing sight of what we already know. They’re men. They have testosterone. We’re women. We have estrogen. There’s that difference. If the guys want to put it on us and beat us up, they can. I mean, come on now. Who we kidding?”
For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://thepublicschooledchristian.com/2022/10/04/do-not-fear-being-different-from-the-world-advice-from-claire/ | 2023-03-25T10:01:07 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-14/segments/1679296945323.37/warc/CC-MAIN-20230325095252-20230325125252-00210.warc.gz | 0.966369 | 1,124 | CC-MAIN-2023-14 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-14__0__105904838 | en | Before we get into the article, I want to share that an article I wrote was published on The Rebelution yesterday! It’s called The Importance of How We Spend Our Free Time, and you can read it here.
You might remember the post Interview With a Public-Schooled Christian: Claire Brandenburg from a couple of weeks ago. Well now, Claire is back with more wonderful advice for us. Enjoy!
We all know that going to school comes with challenges. Those challenges are even bigger for those of us who are called to be set apart from the world. Human beings were designed to desire community and connection, and when the people around us at school act in a way that we don’t agree with, fitting in can seem like a huge problem.
Putting ourselves out there as ‘the Christian’ can seem petrifying, but we need to ask ourselves, “What is the reason I am scared to be different?” In Luke 9:26, Jesus says, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Most of the reason we’re scared of being different is that we worry about what others will think of us. Think about it: why are so many people scared of public speaking? It’s not because something horrible is going to happen to them if they mess up—when most people speak in front of a crowd, how they perform is not going to make or break them. We fear public speaking because we fear what others will think of us. Humans fear others’ opinions and make things seem more intimidating than they actually are.
What bad thing will happen if we start a conversation about Jesus? People are not going to storm out of the room. Maybe they will have an encouraging response and want to discuss Christianity or maybe they will try to change the subject, but the worst that usually happens is a couple of seconds of awkwardness. Talking to people about Jesus will not be as bad as our minds make it out to be.
My advice for fitting in is to not fit in. We will never feel completely like we belong in any other setting than the body of Christ. Find other Christians in your school and hang out with them or start a Christian club. Don’t disregard unbelievers in the school, because they too need Jesus in their lives and we can make good friendships with these people. However, we shouldn’t expect them to become our very best friends. That title is left to our friends who are seeking God.
Also, when we share the gospel, we shouldn’t expect to see a quick change in our lost friends. Our job is to point people to Christ, which can take years of being someone’s friend and building a relationship with them. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to transform people, but we need to be faithful in showing them what Jesus is like.
We shouldn’t be surprised that our lost friends act in foolish ways. Lost people do lost things, and we need to understand that. Unbelievers don’t understand life’s meaning or their purpose. Their model of what is right and wrong is different than ours. And if their definition of right and wrong is based on cultural standards, those standards will change with culture. The song Me Without You by Toby Mac perfectly illustrates how different life is without Christ:
“I’d be packin’ my bags when I need to stay,
I’d be chasin’ every breeze that blows my way,
I’d be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away.”
Where the unbelievers in our school are is exactly where we would be if not for Jesus. But we represent Jesus and show Jesus to them through our actions, words, and lifestyles. This fact can be overwhelming, but we have something that the world doesn’t have: a loving God who will help us follow Him every step of the way. I will be praying that the people around you see such a difference in how you act compared to what they are used to that they can’t help but be drawn to Jesus’ light in you.
My go-to verse for being a Christian in a public school is John 13:34, which says, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
If this verse seems too vague, look up the definition of love. But don’t look up the world’s shallow definition on the internet. Look it up in your Bible, where we have been shown what true, unchanging, unconditional love looks like.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”
My sibling in Christ, know that our Father has everything under control. 🙂
Thank you, Claire, for writing this and sharing your wisdom with us!
Leave a Reply | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://rebuildinghopeinc.org/rebuilding-hope-volunteers-help-hurricane-victims/ | 2023-12-03T11:45:13 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100499.43/warc/CC-MAIN-20231203094028-20231203124028-00489.warc.gz | 0.958559 | 418 | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-50__0__276131218 | en | Teams of Rebuilding Hope volunteers assisted with cleanup in Elm City on Sept. 20 following a tornado spawned by Hurricane Florence and in Warsaw on Sept. 22 with cleanup from the hurricane.
In another disaster relief effort, RHI called for donations of cleaning supplies, paper products, nonperishable foods, and other essentials for hurricane victims. On Sept. 22, the supplies were delivered to the Core City FWB Church in Craven County, a collection site for Craven and Jones County victims.
“The response,” says RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson, “enabled us to nearly fill one of our trucks. We met people in dire need of help, and they’re going to need help for a long time to come.”
To further assist victims, RHI is working on plans to assist repairing homes. A partnership would be with either North Carolina Baptist Men or a local church in eastern North Carolina.
RHI began preparing to offer assistance to hurricane victims as the path of the hurricane was announced.
Within days, two tool trailers were outfitted with chain saws, generators, ladders, ropes and chains, safety equipment and a variety of tools. A tractor and skid steer loader were serviced and readied for use.
As the path of the storm veered away from local communities, volunteers looked toward helping storm-ravaged communities in other parts of the state and waited for a call.
Gearing up for this kind of mission is a first for Rebuilding Hope.
“We have the equipment, and volunteers are eager to help,” RHI coordinator Randolph Wilson says.
“We can’t do much where the hurricane hit until the water recedes,” he says. “Then we’ll connect with others at operation centers.”
RHI’s mission is always Christ-centered. “When we serve, we want victims to know that we come in the name of and with the love of Jesus,” Randolph says. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.intellectualproperty.gov.cy/en/intellectual-property-rights/copyright/understanding-copyright/beyond-the-basics/radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-cable-transmissions | 2022-12-05T14:22:23 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446711017.45/warc/CC-MAIN-20221205132617-20221205162617-00409.warc.gz | 0.871598 | 168 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__80489215 | en | Beyond the basics
Radio and television broadcasting concern the material fixation of a program, which can be either wired or wireless, such as, cable or satellite transmission.
Cable transmission of programs is made on the basis of individual or collective agreements between, on the one part, the program creators and the beneficiaries of neighbouring rights and, on the other part, the cable network exploitation enterprises.
Copyright over a program comprises of the exclusive right to:
- recording or reproducing and retransmitting all or substantial part thereof;
- transmitting or retransmitting it to the public in an area where entry is permitted upon a fee payment;
- material fixation of the program;
- leasing and lending of material fixations of the program;
- distribution of material fixations of the program;
- taking photographs of the programme. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.everrisemarketing.com/post/a-roadmap-to-success-the-indispensable-role-of-a-marketing-budget | 2024-04-14T05:30:50 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296816864.66/warc/CC-MAIN-20240414033458-20240414063458-00895.warc.gz | 0.934503 | 624 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__176673997 | en | A budget isn’t as flashy as crafting catchy slogans or devising viral campaigns, but trust me, it's essential to a thriving marketing strategy. Your budget is the driving force behind staying on course and sidestepping unexpected hurdles.
Success Metrics Begin with a Budget
Your budget is the financial playbook that outlines precisely how much capital you'll allocate to different marketing activities. And here's the key: it's not merely about spending money; it's about strategic investment. A meticulously outlined budget gives you a benchmark against which to gauge your marketing efforts. It helps you discern which strategies are yielding results and which might need a bit of extra attention. Without it, you're essentially wandering the marketing landscape, hoping for the best but lacking true direction.
Smooth Sailing, No Shockwaves
Have you ever heard the phrase "expect the unexpected"? In marketing, this couldn't ring truer. Whether it's an unforeseen market shift or the emergence of a new competitor, surprises are par for the course. But here's the key: a well-prepared marketing budget can assist you in weathering these storms without losing your way. Imagine this scenario: you've allocated a specific budget for a seasonal campaign, and suddenly, a new opportunity arises that could amplify your results. Devoid of a budget as your guide, you might leap into this new venture, only to realize later that you've drained resources from other pivotal areas. With a budget in hand, you can evaluate whether you possess the flexibility to seize the opportunity without compromising your overarching strategy.
Steering Your Yearlong Odyssey
Now, let's discuss the yearlong journey. Your marketing endeavors are not a sprint but a marathon. And akin to any marathon, pacing is of the essence. A budget serves as your trusted coach, aiding you in evenly distributing your resources over the course of the year. Consider a retail business, for instance. Your budget could enable you to allot more funds to marketing during peak shopping seasons, such as the holiday frenzy. Nevertheless, it also guarantees you maintain a consistent presence during quieter months to keep your brand on the radar of your target audience.
The Art of Reflection and Adaptation
Remember, a marketing budget is not etched in stone. It's a dynamic document that should evolve alongside your business, the market and your communications strategy. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget keeps you agile and open to change. Did that influencer collaboration fall short of the projected ROI? No problem – your budget empowers you to pivot and allocate resources to a more promising avenue. Did that social media ad campaign hit the bullseye? Excellent – your budget allows you to expand it and ride the wave of success.
Your marketing budget might not possess the glitz of creative campaigns or the thrill of a viral video, but it's the bedrock that guarantees our strategies possess direction, intention, and the capacity to adapt. With a budget in tow, your measure of success won't be determined by shocks or setbacks, but by achieved milestones and triumphed goals.
Keep rising out there! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.irelanddaytour.ie/2018/10/10/galway-and-cliffs-of-moher/ | 2020-10-28T14:51:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-45/segments/1603107898577.79/warc/CC-MAIN-20201028132718-20201028162718-00205.warc.gz | 0.974661 | 636 | CC-MAIN-2020-45 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-45__0__109493611 | en | Galway is just as everyone describes it. A city centre filled with music, street performers, pubs, and amazing food. There are no cars on the streets, just people walking everywhere. It seemed like everyone was smiling. I stopped and listened to a group of street musicians performing traditional Irish music. There must have been at least twelve people in the group playing completely different instruments like the drums, fiddle, saxophone, and a harmonica. The energy that this group had was incredible. They played their instruments like their lives depended on it and it sounded amazing. I have never seen anything like it.
If you’re looking for a place to sit down and relax with a pint there is no shortage of places to go. The best part is because everything is so close together you can bounce from bar to bar and have a new environment with every drink. Most bars have live music later in the evenings. If you’re trying to find traditional Irish music make sure to ask if that’s what is playing, many places have bands that play American music. However, if you look and ask you will find traditional Irish music to enjoy with a Guinness.
During the day time in Galway there are many different shops and little cafes to poke your head into. It’s very hard not to buy everything in some of stores, the products made right in Ireland are so unique and creative you’re going to want to bring them all home. I bought myself a silver ring with a Celtic knot detail and I haven’t taken it off since.
While Galway is an amazing place to see, the real highlight of my time in western Ireland was the Cliffs of Moher. I’m sure that everything you have seen about the Cliffs of Moher says that they are an unbelievable site and will take your breath away with their magnitude and beauty and I’m going to tell you the exact same thing. Words cannot describe this natural wonder. Standing at the top of the cliffs with no barrier separating me from the edge I saw why people are obsessed with the view and why the Cliffs are in so many photographs of Ireland. Pictures do not do it justice. You need to see the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocks, the birds flying everywhere in the curves of the Cliffs, and you need to see the people on the other side looking like ants to understand why if you come to Ireland this is the one thing you must do.
People who have been here will tell you the same thing. You may roll your eyes because you’ve heard it all before, but you’re hearing it because it is the truth. The walk along the edge is thrilling and peaceful at the same time. If you want that experience, to see the overwhelming beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and to dance along to the music in the streets of Galway then head to western Ireland. City Break Apartments offers private day tours and coach day tours to these location. Through these tours you will learn about the areas history and see the highly talked about locations of Ireland.
By Madison Doerr | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://naturalwire.com/smart-meter-dangers/ | 2023-09-28T16:41:46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-40/segments/1695233510427.16/warc/CC-MAIN-20230928162907-20230928192907-00729.warc.gz | 0.969445 | 1,935 | CC-MAIN-2023-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-40__0__102437748 | en | Table of Contents
With more and more home owners being told they should “upgrade” to a smart meter, people are wondering; are there any health risks? Let's take a close look at potential smart meter dangers so you can make an informed decision for your family.
The smart meter initially emerged in the 1970's. It was developed by Theodore Paraskevakos, who worked for Boeing in Huntsville. In the years since, the technology has grown in prominence due to a range of factors. It's also quickly become a hotly contested topic, as people raise concerns over smart meter dangers.
The devices are becoming so widespread, in fact, that it is predicted they will eventually replace analog alternatives. In the UK, for instance, the government is attempting to roll out smart meters to every home by 2020. However, they are experiencing push-back as homeowners refuse to allow them to be installed. Families are wary about security risks, increasing costs, and potential health risks.
Proponents of the devices argue that it makes it easier to track and record the amount of electricity that a home uses, when compared to analog meters. But do the benefits outweigh the various downsides and potential health risks?
Here's a closer look at the potential dangers of smart meters and why some people elect to avoid having the device installed in their homes.
What Are the Potential Smart Meter Dangers?
There is some concern about the way that smart meters can impact a person's health. Electromotive force (EMF) is generated by the devices, which some argue can pose a range of serious health risks. Those people who are affected by EMF explain that they suffer from symptoms such as:
- Decrease immune system
- Reduced cognitive function
- Heart Palpitations
The veracity of these claims is in doubt by some, but for the people that complain of those symptoms the effects are very real. In fact, in 2013 the city council of Sebastopol in California attempted to ban the devices. This case is still ongoing.
The subject of EMF hypersensitivity in an increasingly connected world is a sensitive one, and one that hasn't received much mainstream attention. In recent years however, there has been an increase in the amount of people reporting symptoms.
In fact, some of these people suffer so acutely from EMF that they have made efforts to seriously reduce their exposure.
If you feel lethargic and suffer from the symptoms above, you may want to research EMF further. It's worth exploring whether or not your health is at risk.
Many electric companies are pushing for the installation of smart meters.
Of course, homeowners are free to reject a smart meter device and stick with analog ones.
They are not compulsory and many people believe that it is better to avoid using them until the technology has been further refined. Something to keep in mind is that some companies have started inflicting a “convenience fee” for customers who insist on keeping the analog reader.
Some argue that there isn't much scientific evidence that supports the link between EMF and the reported symptoms. The scientific conclusions seem to be equivocal, but there is ongoing research into how public health may be affected by the number of electronic devices that are commonly in use.
Aside from the common symptoms associated with EMF, some people also argue that there are far greater risks. In fact, some people out there argue that devices which emit EMF – such as smartphones, smart meters, and other wireless devices – could cause an increased risk of developing cancer.
This is a contentious topic and one that is being thoroughly investigated by the scientific community. Let's take a closer look at these claims.
Cancer Risks of Smart Meter Use
Some opponents of smart meters argue that the radiation emitted by the devices can increase the risk of cancer. There has been a lot of research conducted into this by important bodies like the World Health Organization and the FCC.
The science produced by these parties suggests that there isn't enough evidence yet to establish a definite answer. Researchers are still looking into the link between the microwave exposure produced by smart meters and an increased health risks. Since RF fields have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans, there's still much to learn.
Despite reassurances from electric companies, some remain adamant smart meters could in fact create an increased risk of cancer. Advocacy groups within countries like the UK, US, and Canada oppose the spread of smart meters. While companies may feel comfortable with the lack of evidence, many people aren't buying the age-old adage that no news is good news.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Smart Meter?
The benefits of having a smart meter are usually presented as cost effective. Most energy companies claim that smart meters produce much quicker and more accurate results. It's also advertised as user friendly, and allows the homeowner to easily monitor their energy usage. If you have a real-time reading, perhaps you'll limit your energy usage. Having one also means the company won't have to send someone out to check your meter. This will certainly be a cost effective way for them to get a reading.
By eliminating the need for manual meter reading, smart meters are much more practical for the company.
Electric loads may also be better balanced using real-time data, meaning that there is a reduced risk of power outages. Dynamic pricing is also a reported benefit. The price of electricity can be raised or lowered based upon real-time demand.
This detailed feedback helps customers to adjust their energy consumption habits to achieve lower costs.
With that said, there are a range of downsides to electric meters.
The transition from one technology to another is never a simple process and there are a lot of costs associated with such a process. The storage and management of metering data is also a challenge. This will need to be resolved using safe and secure technology. Consumers are growing more concerned with their data security. Meter information must be safely managed so that it doesn't breach data rules.
Furthermore, the process requires a large and long-term investment from a range of parties. This is needed in order to produce the meters and software to interpret the data that is produced.
Consumers are understandably concerned, too. Many are worried that their personal data will be mismanaged. There is also concern whether the readings produced by the meter are correct. A data breach or malfunction could end up costing homeowners. Finally, some are concerned that they will foot the bill for the transition to the new technology by paying high additional fees each year. Those who have made the switch have already found themselves with less options. Some companies won't work with different types of smart meters. Your market options may be limited and you won't be able to find the best possible deal. You'll have to work with companies who use your meter.
Of course there is the human cost, too. Many meter readers will be left without work. For those who are less tech savvy, this leaves the burden to the consumer. Instead of relying on a company representative, you'll be responsible for learning and navigating the meter.
Smart Meters May Affect WiFi
Smart meters do not have to be connected to the internet. They use a unique and secure wireless network in order to communicate with a parent wireless network. While this means that people without the internet can use a smart meter, it poses a range of risks. Without a grounded analog meter, some are concerned that smart meters could be hacked. Such an event would spell untold chaos and needs to be avoided at all costs.
In terms of their potential to interfere with WiFi, there is evidence to suggest it's certainly possible. For example, if a WiFi router close to a smart meter is set to the same channel, then the WiFi could be interrupted. In order to avoid such an event, the owner of the WiFI network would have to switch the channel. However, many people lack the appropriate expertise and technical knowledge to know that's the solution.
How Often Do Smart Meters Transmit?
Smart meters communicate regularly, but the frequency of transmission can vary from one smart meter. This can depend on the model that has been used. It is this frequent communication that makes some believe smart meters can cause symptoms related to EMF. Indeed, considering the vast number of smart meters devices that will eventually be in use, the sum of the output will be quite large.
With that said, those instances of communication are near-instantaneous.
A quick look at a different energy company PR bulletins shows that smart meters transmissions vary. They can go every every hour or every few hours. Some stated the meter can transmit from 2% to 4% of the time. Further, still other sites showed that the meter is programmable. This means the homeowner can set how often it transmits. This is touted as a benefit to seeing your real-time energy consumption.
This information about transmission rates will vary from one device to the next. It's important to look at the exact model to get an accurate figure.
The jury may still be out on smart meter dangers, but one thing is clear. More independent research is needed before smart meters can be given the all-clear.
Are you going to install a smart meter or do you agree that there may be smart meter dangers to your health? Let us know in the comments section! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://localmarketing.university/gazette/how-to-create-an-effective-content-marketing-calendar/ | 2022-11-28T21:46:27 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-49/segments/1669446710662.60/warc/CC-MAIN-20221128203656-20221128233656-00777.warc.gz | 0.934349 | 537 | CC-MAIN-2022-49 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-49__0__220456254 | en | How to Create an Effective Content Marketing Calendar
Traditional publishers have always embraced the idea of having an editorial calendar, where the forthcoming content was planned and scheduled. It is necessary, with so much riding on the outcome. Perhaps since it’s become so easy to publish online, we’ve forgotten this. Since this is clearly content marketing’s moment in the sun, it’s time to get down to business and get it on paper. (well, at least virtual paper)
Let’s examine 5 steps toward creating a content marketing calendar that will help you grow your business.
5 Steps to an Effective Content Marketing Calendar
Use only one Content Calendar
While it may be tempting to have different calendars for content marketing, video marketing, social media and events, we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have only one content calendar. Part of this is for making sure nothing falls through the cracks, and part is to make sure your marketing efforts are complementing each other.
Have an overall goal
What is the goal of your content marketing initiative? Do you hope to pump up website traffic, generate leads, sell products or some other objective? Whatever your goal is, it needs to be plain and apparent to anyone working on this.
Target your audience
Knowing who your target audience is and what they want is key to making any marketing efforts bear fruit. Creating killer content and getting it ranked and before many eyeballs is hard enough, without miscalculating whether or not it’s even of interest to your audience. Figure out who they are, and what they want, and tailor your content around this.
Coordinate with your marketing events
Many times throughout the year you may have events come along that can benefit from a content boost, such as a new product, show, seminar, conference or other promotable marketing dates. Plan strategically for these, and watch as your results soar.
Plan your content out far ahead
If you embrace this and begin to plan your content strategically, you’ll immediately see the benefit of advance planning. Not only does planning out future content give the ideas time to percolate, it allows you a chance to make all the aspects of this type of endeavor, like graphics, promotion and social media to be worked into the mix as well!
Employing a living breathing content calendar that your entire staff can use (or just you if you’re a one-man gang!) will deliver a dual benefit of having you create more content, and get better results at the same time!
Please share your thoughts on this in the Comments section below. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.hungry2help.org/post/1053380588 | 2013-05-19T15:03:10 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697745221/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094905-00091-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.963065 | 436 | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2013-20__0__202898963 | en | Hunger-Free Summer: What do you tell the kids?
Author: Stephanie Childs, ConAgra Foods Foundation
Throughout the tour, she would regularly explain that she was volunteering at Hunger-Free Summer locations across the nation in order to lend her voice to the efforts to fight hunger and to bring some sunshine into the day for children who rely on summer food programs like those supported by our Hunger-Free Summer grant.
During one interview, a reporter asked her what she tells the kids about why she’s visiting. Katharine’s response? She doesn’t tell them much.
Katharine’s focus was on having fun with the kids and brightening their days. When it came to explaining the issue of child hunger, she was talking to the adults who need to know that there are resources for families in need and facing hunger.
Katharine is right. As we’re finding solutions to end child hunger in America, our work isn’t about telling kids in need that they are in need or to point out that their families struggle to pay the bills and put meals on the table. Our responsibility is to do what we can to provide children with the meals, resources and skills they need to become successful.
Summer is coming to a close, but our work to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals all year isn’t done. In fact, we’re already beginning to plan for next year’s Hunger-Free Summer to make it even more successful.
If you work with a food bank or a children’s summer food program in your community, mark your calendars now. In February 2011, Feeding America will begin its selection process for next year’s Hunger-Free Summer grant recipients.
Working together, we can make sure more kids have a fun-filled Hunger-Free Summer.
Photo Credit: ConAgra Foods Foundation. In the above photo, Katharine McPhee plays with kids who rely on the services provided by the Arkansas Foodbank Network. Arkansas Foodbank Network was one of 23 Hunger-Free Summer grant recipients. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://life-book.info/?p=2955 | 2017-06-29T05:31:09 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-26/segments/1498128323870.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20170629051817-20170629071817-00215.warc.gz | 0.96873 | 432 | CC-MAIN-2017-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-26__0__249561090 | en | The Cathedral invited 250 blue-collared workers from labour accommodations to break their fast on Friday
A cathedral in Al Ain has opened the doors of its parish hall for Maghrib prayer and iftar feast in the true spirit of religious tolerance and brotherhood. The parish hall of St George Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Simhasana Cathedral in Al Ain resonated with the Holy versus of Quran on Friday, June 9 when an Imam led the Magrib prayers.
The Cathedral invited 250 blue-collared workers from labour accommodations in Al Khrair region to break their fast on Friday.
Father Prince Ponnachen said the parish managing committee was inspired by the UAE leadership to take such a step.
“UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has shown us the path with many social welfare programmes as part of the ‘Year of Giving’. This is our first step towards peace and religious harmony,” Ponnachen said.
Secretary Joseph Varghese said the committee members had planned to spread the message of religious harmony and brotherhood this Ramadan.
“Our cathedral is surrounded by labour accommodations. We went to couple of labour accommodation and they gladly accepted our idea. This was an inspirational experience for us. We hope to be a model of brotherhood and religious harmony for others. We will continue this practice in future too.”
The workers were mostly from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and together with the parish members made the proceedings a grand success.
Managing committee member and event convener Bobbin Skaria said the cathedral wanted to show the true meaning of brotherhood.
“This is arguably the first-time ever in the UAE that a church has allowed Muslim prayers to be performed in the parish hall. We have learned a lot from the tolerant nature of the UAE leadership.”
About 500 food parcels for the iftar were prepared solely by parish members.
“The youth and women’s wing took charge of making biryani and curry for our brothers with a mix of love,” Skaria added. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.ohiolegalaid.org/author/admin/ | 2019-09-17T19:16:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-39/segments/1568514573105.1/warc/CC-MAIN-20190917181046-20190917203046-00052.warc.gz | 0.953993 | 524 | CC-MAIN-2019-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-39__0__198722804 | en | Ten years ago, in the midst of the financial crisis, the American Bar Association created the National Celebration of Pro Bono, a week dedicated to recognizing pro bono attorneys and growing pro bono participation. Ohio attorneys such as Michael Sermersheim heeded the call to action, and volunteered legal help to those affected by the financial crisis, including Ohioans in danger of losing their homes.
“I had always felt the tug of pro bono work throughout my career, but I had a concern about the unknown,” Sermersheim said. “Community Legal Aid provided the training I needed to start taking on foreclosure cases.”
While the economy is much improved since 2009, there remains a substantial need for legal services for the more than 2.2 million Ohioans who qualify for civil legal aid. As the Tenth Annual Celebration of Pro Bono launches Oct. 21, private attorneys remain crucial to Ohio’s legal aids, who depend on volunteer service to help meet the civil legal needs of Ohioans struggling to make ends meet.
“Only lawyers solve legal problems,” said Angie Lloyd, executive director of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation. “Through pro bono work, attorneys can make a life-changing difference for Ohio’s children, seniors, veterans, and families.”
Pro bono service can be as simple as volunteering at a brief advice clinic or it can involve accepting a case for extended representation. Throughout the process, volunteers can count on Ohio’s legal aids for training, mentoring, and support.
“Legal aid provides a wealth of resources for volunteers,” Sermersheim said. “When you don’t fully understand an area of the law, they are there to help and assist.”
Sermersheim was recently named Community Legal Aid’s 2018 Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney of the Year. He sticks with the work because he knows his efforts are making a difference.
“We get people that have faced hardships, and they feel that they’re not listened to or considered,” Sermersheim said. “They don’t have a voice in anything. Just giving them the time and the care is a kind gesture that is very helpful to them.”
Attorneys can search Ohio Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Opportunities Guide for clinics, trainings, and recognition events statewide throughout October. For information on volunteering year-round, contact the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation’s Pro Bono Director Sophia Chang. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://taproom.yardhouse.com/2012/03/23/the-legend-of-boulevard-chocolate-keeps-growing-and-growing/ | 2014-04-16T04:33:06 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2014-15/segments/1397609521512.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20140416005201-00152-ip-10-147-4-33.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.986242 | 449 | CC-MAIN-2014-15 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2014-15__0__102335580 | en | Boulevard Brewing Company was Kansas City’s First Major Brewery. Since its conception in 1988, Boulevard has been hand crafting beers that Kansas citizens crave. When people in Kansas City think beer, generally the first place they think of is Southwest Boulevard, where Boulevard Beer was founded. The Yard House in Kansas City carries five handles of Boulevard: Unfiltered Wheat, Pale Ale, Tank 7 (Smokestack Series), a Seasonal (right now it’s a delicious Irish Ale), and the Smoke Stack Series Rotating Handle. (Unfortunately we are currently out of the Rotating Handle.)
However the latest Rotating Handle was Chocolate Ale: a collaboration between Kansas City’s own Christopher Elbow (the foremost chocolate maker in Kansas City) and Boulevard Brewery. Last year was the first year that Chocolate Ale was available. It literally sold out all over Kansas City in less than a day – so this year they increased the production level of this beer! Every restaurant, liquor store, grocery store, etc. that sells Boulevard was allocated a certain amount of Chocolate depending the amount of the Smoke Stack Series they sold. We sell more Smoke Stack Series on draft than anyone in Kansas City, so we were allocated ten of their 5 gallon kegs. We were pretty sure that we wouldn’t have this beer long… and we were right. On Thursday we ran through 9 kegs by 6pm, which was a pretty amazing feat in itself, and when we brought out the last keg on Saturday at 1pm – it sold out at 1:28pm.
No other beer in this area has ever created as much buzz as this beer. Since I have worked for Yard House, I have never seen people go absolutely crazy for a beer. Every day that we had Chocolate on Tap, we were getting 40 to 50 phone calls about it. I also spoke to our delivery driver Steve and he said that people were following him to where ever he was going to see if they could score some Chocolate. People were lined at the front door of every liquor store just for the chance that someone who was already on the waiting list might not want their beer… bottles of this beer even appeared on Craigslist and EBay! | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://ceotimes.in/cultivating-a-legacy-of-integrity-and-forward-thinking-under-rajesh-joshi/ | 2024-04-20T11:30:18 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817576.41/warc/CC-MAIN-20240420091126-20240420121126-00306.warc.gz | 0.893979 | 622 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__117636450 | en | In the vibrant arena of digital advertising, Chariot Media shines as a bastion of integrity, led by the exemplary and honest leadership of Rajesh Joshi. This voyage of ethical innovation is further propelled by strategic collaborations, such as those with Prince Chariot Media and Damodar Sharma of Chariot Productions Media Private Limited, weaving a tapestry of trust, innovation, and unmatched leadership in the digital domain.
The Pillars of Integrity: Chariot Media’s Ethical Foundation
Chariot Media stands tall on the pillars of integrity and honesty, principles deeply ingrained by Rajesh Joshi. This unwavering commitment to ethical practices has not only established Chariot Media as a trusted name in digital advertising but also fostered a culture of transparency and accountability. Through its principled approach, Chariot Media delivers not just advertising solutions but also cultivates lasting relationships built on the bedrock of trust.
Rajesh Joshi: The Honest Navigator
At the heart of Chariot Media’s ethos is Rajesh Joshi, whose honest and visionary leadership lights the path forward. His dedication to maintaining high moral standards in every decision and campaign ensures that Chariot Media remains a beacon of ethical leadership in the digital advertising landscape, setting a commendable example for others to follow.
United by Trust: The Collaborative Essence of Chariot Media
The fruitful partnerships with Prince Chariot Media and Damodar Sharma underscore Chariot Media’s commitment to fostering collaborative environments rooted in honesty and mutual respect. These alliances enrich Chariot Media with diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge, enabling the company to craft innovative advertising solutions that are not only effective but also ethically sound.
Chariot Advertising: Authenticity in Every Story
At the forefront of Chariot Media’s service offerings, Chariot Advertising embodies the company’s dedication to authenticity and honest storytelling. Each campaign is a testament to Chariot Media’s ability to engage audiences with genuine narratives, enhancing brand trust and setting a new precedent for transparency in digital advertising.
Steering Towards a Trustworthy Future
Looking ahead, Chariot Media is poised to continue its journey of ethical leadership and innovation in the digital advertising world. Guided by Rajesh Joshi’s principled command and supported by the collaborative strength of its partnerships, Chariot Media is dedicated to advancing the frontier of digital advertising while upholding the values of integrity and trust.
Chariot Media’s narrative is a compelling illustration of how honest leadership and a commitment to ethical practices can forge a legacy of trust and innovation in the digital age. Under Rajesh Joshi’s guidance, Chariot Media charts a course towards a future where integrity and forward-thinking converge to redefine the landscape of digital advertising, inspiring a new generation of ethical digital pioneers.
Rajesh Joshi (Director) | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.lowerpaxton-pa.gov/httpdocs/Departments/Police/Field/UnsolvedCases.html | 2015-12-02T06:50:38 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2015-48/segments/1448399455473.15/warc/CC-MAIN-20151124211055-00349-ip-10-71-132-137.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.983259 | 2,179 | CC-MAIN-2015-48 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2015-48__0__5417119 | en | DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating a reported strong-arm robbery. A 14-year-old Swatara Township resident reported that, as he was walking in the vicinity of Union Deposit Road and Rutherford Rd, he was assaulted by an unknown person who then stole his Turkey-Hill bag containing two bags of potato chips. The robber, described as a teenaged black/male wearing a black jacket, black pants and black gloves, fled east. Police are interviewing witnesses to the incident and reviewing surveillance video to identify the suspect. The victim was not injured.
DATE: Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating a reported strong-arm robbery that is to have occurred to the rear of the Harrisburg Bible Chapel, 5503 Union Deposit Rd., yesterday evening at approximately 8:20 PM. The victims, two 10-year-old Township residents, told police that they were playing basketball when they were approached by a 15 year old male who pushed one of the 10 year olds to the ground and grabbed a bag containing cash that the two 10 year olds had collected to purchase a neighborhood water slide.
DATE: Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating a purse snatching robbery that occurred at the Bon-Ton, Colonial Park Mall. At approximately 2:42 PM Wednesday, witnesses called 911 when they saw a male individual snatch the purse from a shopper at the store. A store employee pursued the perpetrator until he crossed RT 22 and ran behind Meineke Muffler. Investigation revealed that the perpetrator, described as a Hispanic/Male in his early twenties, 5’2” tall with a thin build, a long pony tail and wearing a dark blue hoodie with the hood up and gray jeans, had watched the victim, a 70 year old female Township resident, make a withdrawal from an ATM in the mall. He had then followed her into the Bon-Ton. After he grabbed the purse, the perpetrator removed his hoodie and wrapped it around the purse. At that time, the ponytail was revealed and he was then seen wearing a dark blue t-shirt. Lower Paxton Twp. police were assisted by a Susquehanna Township K-9 unit in the search.
DATE: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating an armed robbery of the Arby’s Restaurant, 4310 Union Deposit Rd. that occurred at about 11:42 PM. The restaurant, open only for drive-thru, had two employees on duty at the time. They were surprised by a Black/Male wearing a ski mask who was holding a handgun partially hidden in a blue and black backpack. The robber forced the employees to empty the cash drawers and the safe into the backpack before fleeing in an unknown direction. One of the employees was struck in the back of the head by the robber but did not require medical treatment. The description of the perpetrator is:
Black/Male in his twenties
Black Ski Mask
Blue and black backpack
DATE: Monday, August 1, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating an early morning incident in the Quail Run Apartments complex. A Susquehanna Twp. woman reported to police that she had been on Rawleigh St. to drop off an acquaintance when she was accosted by a male wearing a ski mask and brandishing a firearm. The male attempted to assault her in her vehicle but she was able to escape. The male then fired at least two shots at her vehicle as she fled striking the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently being investigated and no additional information is available.
DATE: August 12, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating a home invasion robbery that occurred last night at approximately 11:10 PM on Lakepoint Dr. in the Twin Lakes Apartment complex. Two Black/Hispanic/Males, one with a handgun, forced their way into the apartment, tied up the resident and stole two video game systems, an I-Phone, a large quantity of sneakers and a quantity of hats. The perpetrator with the gun is described as dark skinned, 19 to 20 years of age, shiny curly hair, and wearing a blue jacket. That individual spoke fluent Spanish to the victim. The sneakers that were stolen were size 10 and 9 ½ and the hats all had “Toto” on them in various places.
DATE: Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating an armed robbery of three guests in a motel room at the Fairfield Inn, 1018 Briarsdale Rd. Police were called early this morning to the motel for a report of a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, police were told that the guests, all males, had been sleeping in the motel room when someone knocked on the door. When one guest opened the door to see who was there, three men forced their way into the room and held the occupants at gunpoint while demanding money. The guests complied by handing over cash and their cell phones and the armed men departed. They were seen fleeing the motel lot in a dark colored SUV heading southbound on Briarsdale Rd. One robber is described as a light complected Black/Male wearing a red hat, approximately 5’8” tall with a muscular build. The second robber was a thin, dark complected Black/Male and the third was a thin, light complected Black/male.
DATE: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating the armed robbery of a Township resident who was walking in the 4600 block of Londonderry Rd. this morning at about 5:35 AM. The victim, who was walking home from working the overnight shift at a Susquehanna Township grocery store, was accosted by two men, one of whom displayed a firearm and demanded the contents of the victim’s pockets. This incident occurred on the sidewalk just east of the Pinnacle Health Community Campus Hospital. The one with the firearm is described as a thin Black/Male in his twenties, approximately 6’1” tall, wearing a black hoodie with a red logo on the upper chest and a black bandanna covering his face. The second individual was also a Black/Male in his late teens to early twenties, approximately 5’8” tall, wearing a black hoodie with the hood draped over his head but no mask. The robbers fled west after receiving a small amount of cash from the victim.
DATE: Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating the robbery of a Township man that occurred early this morning in the back parking lot of the Bourbon Street East, 4920 Jonestown Rd. Police responded to the bar at about 1:55 AM when the manager called to report that a man had been assaulted and robbed. The victim told police that he had gone out back with another bar patron to smoke a cigarette and the other patron then assaulted him. His wallet and cell phone were then forcibly removed from his pants pockets. The victim did sustain injuries but refused medical attention. The perpetrator is described as being a light complected black/male, approximately 5’10” tall with a stocky build.
DATE: Monday, November 14, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating two robberies that occurred the previous weekend. A man wearing a ski mask and carrying a handgun robbed the Golden Wok, 700 Colonial Rd. on Saturday at about 9:35 PM. He is described as being about 5’5” tall, thin build, wearing a black ski mask and dressed all in black. After receiving the cash from the register, the man ran south on Colonial Rd. Yesterday evening at about 6:35 PM, a man attempted to rob the Dollar General, 600 N. Mountain Rd., but the cashier closed the register and refused to open it despite the individual saying that he had a gun. The robber, described as a White/Male, in his late 30’s or early 40’s, very closely cut reddish-blonde hair and of medium build, was wearing blue jeans and a green zippered sweatshirt. The sweatshirt was further described as having a zipper across the chest and had zippers on both pockets. He fled around the west end of the strip mall on foot with no money and no firearm was displayed. The two robberies do not appear to be related. Investigators are checking to see if there is video of either incident.
DATE: Monday, December 12, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating an armed robbery of a pedestrian in the Pennswood Apartments that occurred at approximately 11:00 PM. A female resident of the complex was walking in the 5200 block of Wynnewood Rd. when she was accosted by two males who had been walking behind her. One grabbed her purse and attempted to wrest it away from her. When she resisted, the other male pointed a handgun at her and threatened to shoot her of she didn’t let go. When she let go of the purse and a shopping bag she was also carrying, the two males ran northbound, disappearing into the complex. The purse contained the victim’s cell phone and wallet. The crime was discovered by a patrolling security officer who called police. One of the males is described as being White or Hispanic and in his late teens, 5’5” to 5’6” tall, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. The male with the gun is described as being black and also in his late teens. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 2011
Lower Paxton Twp. Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred outside an apartment in the 400 block of Amherst Dr. in the Pennswood Apartment Complex shortly after midnight this morning. A female resident of the complex reports that she was robbed by two teenaged Black/Males, one displaying a knife and the other a handgun. The two approached the victim who was walking from her car to her apartment and demanded her cell phone and car keys. When she complied, the two ran north toward Oakmont Rd after also grabbing her purse. She described the two as short and thin and about 10-15 years old. One wore a black coat and an ivory and brown baseball-style cap and the other wore a brown coat. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.getreceiver.com/can-you-explain-the-specifications-of-the-psvr-2-headset/ | 2024-04-20T14:26:11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817650.14/warc/CC-MAIN-20240420122043-20240420152043-00662.warc.gz | 0.916271 | 760 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__186111147 | en | The world of virtual reality (VR) gaming is constantly evolving, and Sony’s PlayStation VR (PSVR) has been a staple in the industry since its debut. Building on the success of the original PSVR, Sony has released the highly anticipated psvr 2. In this article, we will dive deep into the specifications of the PSVR 2 headset, shedding light on what makes this VR device a game-changer for enthusiasts.
1. Display and Resolution
The most striking feature of the PSVR 2 is its display technology. The headset is equipped with an OLED panel that boasts a stunning 4K resolution. This translates to approximately 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, resulting in breathtaking clarity and visual fidelity. Gamers can expect sharper textures, more detailed environments, and an overall more immersive experience compared to the original PSVR’s 1080p OLED display.
2. Field of View (FoV)
The field of view in a VR headset determines how much of the virtual world you can see. The PSVR 2 offers an expansive 110-degree field of view, which enhances immersion by providing a wider and more natural visual perspective. This wider FoV allows players to feel even more deeply immersed in the virtual environments they explore.
3. Refresh Rate
Smooth and fluid visuals are essential for an enjoyable VR experience, and the PSVR 2 delivers just that. The headset features a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring that the on-screen action remains silky smooth. This high refresh rate reduces motion sickness and enhances the overall comfort of the gaming experience.
4. Tracking Technology
Tracking accuracy is crucial in VR gaming, and the PSVR 2 takes a significant step forward in this regard. It employs inside-out tracking, meaning the headset itself has built-in sensors and cameras to track your movements. This eliminates the need for external cameras or sensors, simplifying setup and enhancing tracking accuracy. The result is more precise and responsive gameplay.
The PSVR 2 comes with redesigned controllers that complement the headset’s capabilities. These controllers feature haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger-touch detection. They provide a more immersive and tactile gaming experience, allowing players to feel the feedback of their in-game actions, such as firing a weapon or interacting with objects.
Immersive audio is a crucial component of VR, and the PSVR 2 doesn’t disappoint. The headset boasts integrated 3D audio, which creates a more realistic soundscape. This means that players can accurately locate the source of in-game sounds, enhancing their situational awareness and overall immersion.
7. Comfort and Ergonomics
Long gaming sessions in VR require comfort and wearability. The PSVR 2 addresses this with an improved ergonomic design. It features adjustable headbands and a balanced weight distribution, reducing strain on the player’s head and neck. The result is a comfortable and enjoyable VR experience, even during extended play sessions.
8. Backward Compatibility
For those who have invested in a library of PSVR games, the PSVR 2 offers good news. It is designed to be compatible with existing PSVR titles, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy their favorite VR experiences on the new headset.
In conclusion, the PSVR 2 represents a significant leap forward in VR technology, with impressive specifications that promise an unparalleled gaming experience. From its 4K OLED display and wider FoV to its advanced tracking, ergonomic design, and immersive audio, this headset offers a compelling package for VR enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned VR gamer or a newcomer to the world of virtual reality, the PSVR 2 is undoubtedly a device worth considering for your gaming adventures. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://aarhus14.jboye.com/presentation/yourniversity/ | 2018-01-21T02:40:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-05/segments/1516084889917.49/warc/CC-MAIN-20180121021136-20180121041136-00341.warc.gz | 0.931104 | 346 | CC-MAIN-2018-05 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-05__0__189050182 | en | Slides hosted on www.slideshare.net)
Yourniversity is a social user driven platform that promotes transparency. It was created to provide potential students a real look at life as a student at Aarhus University.
As a university you are obliged to teach and guide students. And part of the guidance is to be honest. Something that might scare some people off, but appeal to others. After all, the goal is to attract the right students and avoid dropouts later on. But what happens if you open up and let students define the content through social media like Instagram and Twitter.
This talk will
- Demonstrate what happens when you let more than 40.000 students define the content
- Deliver key insights on how to engage digital natives
Facts abouts Yourniversity
- 12 students were invited to be ambassadors in December 2013. They were equipped with an iPhone and through workshops we gave them the opportunity to define the content and create hashtags
- Today 7000 pictures, movie clips and tweets have been shared on Instagram and Twitter by more than 1000 students
- We ask the students to tag Instagram photos and tweets with certain hashtags
- We have created custom search filters that allow us to collect all the stories on a campaign site and for use in student guidance material and for use in campaign material such as print, billboards, digital ads and more
- Yourniversity was shortlisted in to categories at the Rambuk 2014, the Danish media awards: Campaign of the year and Content activation
Campaign site: Youniversity.dk or yourniversity.dk/en/
Explore on Instagram and Twiiter: #yourniversity, #aarhusuni | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.theimum.com/news-keyme-now-offering-the-ability-to-copy-car-fobs-at-kiosks-nationwide/ | 2022-06-28T23:50:41 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2022-27/segments/1656103619185.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20220628233925-20220629023925-00781.warc.gz | 0.926305 | 824 | CC-MAIN-2022-27 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2022-27__0__164794333 | en | KeyMe, the rapidly growing company that is revolutionizing the locksmith industry, today announced that its industry-leading key copying kiosks now allow the consumer to copy car key “fobs” right at the kiosk and have the extra fob shipped directly to their home. With hundreds of auto makes and models supported, KeyMe is offering key fobs for only $69.99, a fraction of the cost charged by car dealerships.
It is easy to get an extra fob at a local KeyMe kiosk. Customers simply visit any of the hundreds of KeyMe kiosks inside retailers nationwide, select the “fob” option on the screen and enter their car’s make, model and year. The customer places their current fob against the key slot, allowing the secure transfer of the transponder ID. KeyMe will code a new transponder, cut a new blade and ship it to the customer via complimentary priority mail with a tracking code.
KeyMe currently supports the majority of modern Fob keys for both luxury brands, such as BMW, Audi and Lexus; and premium brands including Honda, Toyota and Nissan, among others. KeyMe is also currently testing support for “proximity-based” Fob keys used in many higher-end 2014 – 2016 models.
“Consumers have historically been forced to go to a dealer to replace lost or duplicate car key fobs and often pay hundreds of dollars. This technology enables KeyMe to scan car keys at the kiosk, read the transponder, and ship a fully programmed copy with a tracking code for typically 50-70% less than a dealership,” said Greg Marsh, founder and CEO of KeyMe.
KeyMe recently announced a new $15M Series C round of funding led by QuestMark Partners. This follows a $20M Series B round of funding in December 2015, bringing total funding to $45M. All previous investors participated in an oversubscribed round, including Comcast Ventures, Battery Ventures, White Star Capital, 7-Eleven, Ravin Gandhi, and the Polsky Family Office, among others.
The company is rapidly expanding and plans to add more than 3,000 next-generation kiosks by the end of 2017 in leading retailers, including: 7-Eleven, Albertsons, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Mall of America, Rite Aid, Safeway and Sears.
KeyMe enables customers to save digital copies of their keys in the cloud. When a customer orders a key fob with KeyMe, their transponder and blade info are saved to their account so, if they lose their new fob, KeyMe can send them a new one.
Customers can also save any house key to the cloud, then recover a copy simply and securely using their fingerprint at any of the kiosks if they ever lose their keys or get locked out. Using KeyMe’s free iOS and Android apps, keys can be ordered and stored in the cloud, then accessed and printed at a kiosk in the event of a lockout, saving hundreds of dollars that would ordinarily be spent on an emergency locksmith visit.
In addition to convenience, KeyMe offers unprecedented accuracy to the key duplication process. Traditional key duplication services have 15-20 percent error rates as a result of their “tracing” methodology. KeyMe’s advanced robotics and artificial intelligence technology produces key copies that are more accurate than the originals.
KeyMe has introduced unprecedented security and control into key duplication and lockouts, services historically fraught with scams and unscrupulous emergency locksmiths. KeyMe provides accountability across the entire customer experience. For every key made, there exists a detailed transaction history, financial paper trail, and fingerprint encryption at login. KeyMe provides a “closed loop” security trail with its technology.
A full list of kiosk locations can be seen at www.key.me/kiosks | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://hunterfootball.com/index.php/news/announcements/23-game-reviewers-needed | 2020-02-25T09:31:40 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-10/segments/1581875146064.76/warc/CC-MAIN-20200225080028-20200225110028-00225.warc.gz | 0.959047 | 1,149 | CC-MAIN-2020-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-10__0__125045670 | en | Before the age of ESPN, the Internet, and instant replay, it was the reporter in the stands writing up the game for the local paper, and, okay, also the guy covering it live on radio, who made fans feel like they were right there, cheering on their favorite team, game after game. If you're a rabid fan yourself, and want to try writing sports articles, step up to the plate. Even if you aren't a sports nut, in a sports-crazy society, having the ability to write a solid sports article can be an asset for any freelance writer. To write a sports article, you will use general journalism "tricks of the trade" and also some specific sportswriting techniques.
Here are some ideas to help you learn how to write a sports article and a few tips for article writing in general.
Have a strong lead. Like any article, you want to start your sports article out with a strong lead, one that encapsulates the available information on "who, what, where, when, why and how." This is basic for how to write articles of any topic. Look at the articles in the Sports section of nearly any newspaper to see how the author introduces the game or event he is covering with his lead paragraph. Good sports articles get the reader's attention with a strong but concise summary of the story to follow.
Also, note that a lead always places emphasis on an important or interesting aspect of the story. For instance, a specific Boston Celtics loss may, in itself, not be as significant or interesting as the fact it is the fifteenth loss the team experienced in a row. The article would tell the story of the game, but the lead would introduce the game with the most important or interesting fact about it, that it's continuing a horrible streak, and would expand on that fact in the article.
Write clearly and concisely. If you've ever read Sports Illustrated, you know that some sports articles can be what you might call "literary non-fiction:" lengthy, poetic, filled with metaphor and digressions into back story. If your particular assignment requires that kind of writing, go for it. But if you read the daily sports section of your city paper, you will also notice that most of the articles reporting on the sporting events of the past day are concisely written. Yes, these articles include context and metaphor and technical sports terms, -- but they're also to the point and generally stick to basic vocabulary. Being specific is one of the more basic tips for article writing.
Know the context. You need to have a basic working knowledge of the universe on which you're reporting. This may mean not only knowing all about the current players, coaches and standings but knowing some history, as well. This may be common knowledge to you, but if not, you may need to do some research.
You will also need to know about specific sports including rules, history, league standings, current controversies and other information. You may already know much of this if you're a sports enthusiast--but be aware that a journalist may need more in-depth knowledge than a casual fan. Be sure to have a solid grasp on the sport you're covering before you start to cover it.
Also, keep in mind that many sports teams have press departments that will provide journalists with extensive information about their organizations including current players and team history.
Give the major play-by-play. Obviously, there are hundreds of plays in any match or game, and no article will include them all. Your job as a reporter is to report the basic chronology--beginning, middle, and end, of the sporting event--with details about the major moments: turning points, big plays, big mistakes, momentum-builders. In other word, you're providing something of a verbal highlight reel. This will mean you need to pay careful attention to who does what, when during the event. You then must figure out which moments to include and which to leave out. You have the advantage of hindsight when putting these events together: "That shot turned out to be the fatal blow..." Your thorough understanding of the game and how it's played will also be important when you are evaluating what events are key. You will also need to connect the events smoothly as you help your audience to create a mental picture of what happened.
Use quotes as often as possible. Most sports news articles, no matter the subject, include quotes from people involved. Most pro sports teams hold post-game news conferences or speak to reporters in the locker room after the game which gives you good information for writing sports articles. Asking good questions and collecting answers from players and coaches is an important part of writing your article. Be prepared when approaching your interview subject. Know what you're going to ask and listen to the answer--it may not be what you expected to hear--and be conversant enough in the subject to have a good follow-up question, no matter what the answer ends up being. Incorporate these quotes into the body of your article.
Check your facts. Again, like regular news articles an article about a sporting event or a newsworthy event in the world of sports must correctly present the facts. Sporting events usually generate a lot of statistics. They can also be very fast-paced, involve tons of different players, and follow rules you might need to double-check if you're going to reference them. A clean, concise sports article will have its facts straight.
After you have a firm grasp on how to write articles, then write specifically for sporting events; your articles could provide vital information and insight to rabid and casual fans alike. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://blog.arrowlawgroup.com/2011/08/foreclosure-fairness-act.html | 2024-04-22T00:39:51 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296818067.32/warc/CC-MAIN-20240421225303-20240422015303-00795.warc.gz | 0.920504 | 218 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__122657228 | en | Sunday, August 21, 2011
Foreclosure Fairness Act
I'm sure, by now, you all see news about foreclosure increase and home prices dropping on a daily basis. Washington State legislators responded to the foreclosure crisis by changing the way banks foreclose.
Washington State passed the Foreclosure Fairness Act, which went into effecton July 22, 2011. The new law will allow borrowers more time and a better chance at seeking a work-out solution with lenders to avoid foreclosure. Particularly, the new law requires banks to physically sit down and talk to borrowers before foreclosing. Without this new law, lenders often refuse to slow down the foreclosure process even if there was a possible way to avoid it. Keep in mind that foreclosure in Washington can occur within 6-7 months from a default (missed payment). Now, lenders will be required to slow down the process by a month or two and review alternative options.
More information on the Foreclosure Fairness Act: http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=143539 | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.public-value.cbc.radio-canada.ca/ | 2019-06-16T17:04:59 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2019-26/segments/1560627998288.34/warc/CC-MAIN-20190616162745-20190616184745-00310.warc.gz | 0.931768 | 228 | CC-MAIN-2019-26 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2019-26__0__16303643 | en | Social responsibility and public value at CBC/Radio-Canada
For the Love of Skating and HockeyRead this story Browse all stories Français
Message from Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO
In pursuit of our mission to express Canadian culture and enrich the democratic life of this country, we strive to be a socially minded organization in everything that we do — from our programming and community activities, which provide public value; to our social, environmental and business practices, which benefit the planet; to our employee-related activities, which enable our people to do their best to serve Canadians.
To illustrate the impact that we bring to the communities we serve, we’ve created a dedicated website, called Citizenship: Inside and Out, to present a sampling of our public value stories. In keeping with our environmental efforts, this publication is electronic only.
I invite you to take a look at another side of CBC/Radio-Canada. Let us know what you think. We’d love to hear your reactions and your ideas for extending our public value.
Hubert T. Lacroix, President and CEO | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://omsf.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=7644&em_id=2573.0 | 2024-04-13T19:36:13 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296816832.57/warc/CC-MAIN-20240413180040-20240413210040-00638.warc.gz | 0.961584 | 504 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__197851800 | en | Volunteer service was a ‘given’
for 2020 GIVE awardee
The culture of giving back has been a central tenet of the OMS specialty for generations. It’s not unusual to find an expectation of service embedded in the culture of an OMS education program alongside its curriculum.
Such is the case at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC). Earlier this year Dr. Brian Wolf, chief resident at NUMC, spent a week in Honduras serving with Dr. Melissa Amundson’s Operation Nueva Vida humanitarian healthcare team. Following the lead of 2019 NUMC chief resident, Dr. Matthew Green, Dr. Wolf applied for a travel stipend from the OMS Foundation’s Global Initiative for Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) and received $2,500 toward the cost of his journey.
“I chose the OMS specialty because it offered a chance to change lives, and Dr. Green assured me this experience would be a highlight of my residency,” Dr. Wolf said. “Our patients spanned the oral surgery spectrum that week, including trauma, orthognathic and cleft palate surgeries. Local medical technology in Honduras is antiquated or non-existent, so we relied on Dr. Amundson’s supply of medical supplies, instruments and equipment to support our work.”
“It was challenging being the rookie member of an established team in a country I’d never visited populated by people whose language I barely spoke,” Dr. Wolf said. “But the team was welcoming, as were the Hondurans, and I learned a great deal that week.”
Because opportunities for follow-up were so limited, Dr. Amundson held her team to the highest standards of care for their patients.
“It was tough, but it was worth it,” said Dr. Wolf. “I’d do it again, and I’d recommend it to anyone. I couldn’t have afforded it without the GIVE stipend though, and I’m grateful to the Foundation for making this experience possible.”
The Global Initiative for Volunteerism and Education is being funded in 2020 with support from the OMS Foundation Alliance, OMSNIC, The James and Carmen Hupp Foundation and individual donors such as you. Learn more and donate at OMSFoundation.org. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://greenheartcbd.medium.com/women-in-crypto-a-welcoming-community-is-a-strong-community-e8ee4e0c7316?source=user_profile---------5---------------------------- | 2023-09-25T23:53:29 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-40/segments/1695233510100.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20230925215547-20230926005547-00587.warc.gz | 0.97162 | 702 | CC-MAIN-2023-40 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-40__0__267245157 | en | Women in Crypto: a welcoming community is a strong community
A mother put Greenheart CBD on the map.
Carlow mother of three, Rhona, said she was able to “get her little boy back” after CBD had eased his symptoms of autism. Through countless trials and by being a fierce advocate for her children, Rhona shared that she finally found something that worked. Her compassion and determination to her family brought her to Greenheart CBD, a producer of full-spectrum CBD oils that many other parents of children with autism swear by.
But how does this play into cryptocurrency?
Greenheart CBD introduced their token ecosystem and a plan to bring farmers out of poverty by providing them with the necessary training, equipment, and support to switch to hemp farming. Another use-case of the token for consumers became clear: they could use the token to purchase the company’s CBD products at a discount.
This put Greenheart CBD customers, many of which are mothers, in an interesting new position. Few had any experience with cryptocurrency and therefore were unprepared when invited to join a space where they had a tremendous amount to gain from.
The novelty and high demand of CBD has given it a steep price tag. Therefore, receiving a large discount was a lucrative prospect for those who purchase it in bulk for their children. Greenheart CBD quickly identified that many customers, particularly these mothers, were unaware of how cryptocurrency works — but not because they didn’t want to learn. They were just not a part of the cryptocurrency community before this.
Why are there so few women in the cryptocurrency community?
The absence of women in the cryptocurrency mainstream can be explained by the same issues that plague the tech and finance industries: gender discrimination and sexism.
From the frat boy culture leading them to be frozen out of the space or mistreated, to having to work harder than men for the same results, women must consistently “prove” themselves. Some are lucky to have the privilege to have their voice heard: but many others are not.
Perianne Boring, founder and president of Chamber of Digital Commerce, has spoken about bringing women into the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
“The Bitcoin industry has been punished for the lack of women,”
She told website Moneyish in December 2017.
“Women are naturally better communicators and on a mass scale, people don’t understand what Bitcoin is. The perception is skewed and it won’t be accepted as a legitimate technology unless we find a way to get this imbalance sorted.”
Boring makes a very strong point: if cryptocurrency is to survive and thrive, it needs women. A technology cannot be touted as the future if it doesn’t include everyone.
Rhona has shown us how powerful a woman’s voice can be for advocating. Fintech and cryptocurrency could benefit greatly from having more passionate voices like hers in it. Representation is key, and having women in visible positions is the first step to inspiring others to join the space.
Welcoming communities, such as Greenheart’s, need to become mainstream. There is no place for sexism and discrimination in the future.
We can ask ourselves: am I going to welcome the future, or am I going to be stuck in the past? It’s something we can all reflect on everyday, and not just on International Women’s Day. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://aiesecislamabad.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/the-best-thing-about-pakistan-an-australian-perspective/ | 2021-07-27T23:48:36 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-31/segments/1627046153515.0/warc/CC-MAIN-20210727233849-20210728023849-00128.warc.gz | 0.981253 | 960 | CC-MAIN-2021-31 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-31__0__182200760 | en | Contributed by: Oliver Fisher, Australian intern for Change in Progress 2.0 Project
Rome has the Colosseum, Paris the Eiffel tower and Agra the Taj Mahal. So what does Islamabad have, Faisal mosque perhaps? Islamabad like the rest of Pakistan has something that is more unique than a simple tourist destination as its highlight, what makes it special is something that not many countries have. It’s something that the country should be proud of, for what makes Pakistan special is the hospitality and kind nature of its people. That is something that the people of Pakistan should be immensely proud of.
I have been touched by the generosity and the kindness of the people here, the conversations that I have had with complete strangers have been some of the most inspirational conversations that I have ever had. I have been welcomed in to your homes, invited around for cups of tea and been graced with your heart warming hospitality. You have made my journey here an unforgettable one, the last six weeks have been some of the most enjoyable in my life to date. I find it refreshing that people here simply want to talk to me not because they want something from me, but because they want to know more about me and my countries culture. I like how the people here have big dreams, they want to make a difference. Not only so that they can improve there own lives but so they can help the lives of others, help Pakistan become a better place. I have heard stories of sorry and grief, stories of immense pain and despair. But as always the people here never fail to see a silver lining, they never fail to grasp on to that one piece of hope that they have and never let it go.
The people here are brave and are resilient, many have grown up with very little and yet they want to give so much. This is a rare quality for people to have and a quality that I wish more people had in Australia. I have learnt note in the last six weeks about human nature than I have in the rest of my life of my life so far. You have taught me to dream big and to never stop chasing my dreams, you have taught me that even when the day is at its darkest there is always a way to climb up in to the light. I have learnt that the unknown should not be feared but instead embraced. The people here barely knew anything about me and yet they made me part of their families, they made me feel at home in this country.
I have always felt that in Australia we do not have enough trust in one another, it is a shame because some of the great experiences in life come from trusting in the goodness of human nature. We can learn a lot from the people of Pakistan and how they treat each other. I came to Pakistan knowing very little about the people and its culture, I could say that I have been pleasantly surprised by what I have found but that would be a vast understatement. I have been impassioned by the nature of the people and their kindness and generosity. I have learnt that it is not the unknown that I should be afraid of, instead what I should be afraid if is not being able to jump in to the abyss of uncertainty that we all have. We may fall in the process, we may have a tough time. But when we fall, we find a way to to get back up again. We learn to dust ourselves off and climb higher than we have ever been before, the people here have shown me that you should never be afraid to fail and we should never stop looking to improve.
When people ask me what the highlight of Pakistan was? I will not tell them about a tourist sight or even a single event. Because what has made my trip so enjoyable is not something that is as fleeting as a visit somewhere. The highlight is something that I have had the pleasure of experiencing every day that I have been here. An experience that has grown and changed me with every passing day. What I will tell my friends, my family and anyone else who will listen is that the highlight of a trip to Pakistan is the interactions that you will have with the people here. It is something that the people of Pakistan should be proud of, many countries have magnificent architectural wonders as their main tourist draw card. But it’s very rare that the hospitality of the people is the main reason to visit a country. My time in Pakistan has almost come to an end and there is no way that I will ever be able to express my gratitude in a way that is deserving of the kindness that I have experience here. Instead I will keep my parting message a simple one, for sometimes simplicity is the best option. Allah hafiz Pakistan, Allah hafiz. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.alignresearch.co.uk/sterling/2017-conviction-macro-call-its-time-to-buy-the-great-british-pound/ | 2021-09-28T12:33:20 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-39/segments/1631780060803.2/warc/CC-MAIN-20210928122846-20210928152846-00532.warc.gz | 0.96705 | 932 | CC-MAIN-2021-39 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-39__0__187600296 | en | By Richard Jennings, CFA
The last time we were bullish of the pound was in spring 2016 and although we caught a sharp upward move against the Aussie dollar in the days after the piece, the Brexit vote turned everything on its head.
Fast forward to the dawn of 2017 and we again believe that it is time to take a bull position in sterling against selected currency pairs, in particular the Canadian Dollar and South African Rand.
The strength of the 2 pairs against the beleaguered pound has been even more exacerbated due to resurgent commodity prices (they being deemed “commodity currencies”) and, in the rand’s case, the material interest rate differential of near 7%. Together with the political risk premia that has increased materially post the EU referendum vote, the pound has thus been particularly weak against both these pairs. Indeed, as we can see in the weekly chart below v the rand, sterling has depreciated by a whopping 35% against this currency in just over a year from the peaks seen of approaching 26 the pound at the beginning of 2016. I believe this is the largest pound depreciation on record v the South African rand in such a short timescale.
It is clear however from the chart that the RSI has begun to rise from very oversold levels and there has also been an MACD cross over in recent weeks. With the pair not breaching a new low too since probing 16 in October, this early divergence looks to us as a harbinger of future strength.
Interestingly, the news flow since the EU referendum has been resoundingly bullish for the pound – completely at odds with the price action. We believe that it is simply the weight of speculative money that has weighed on the currency together with trader sentiment. However, in currency markets in particular, price action always ultimately follows the economic fundamentals and rising inflation, resilient growth, resurgent exports, a tight labour market and a material shrinking of the current account deficit are all arrows pointing up for the pound not down.
As the US interest rate cycle turned in December last year and the market anticipates up to 3 further rises this year, we would argue that the case for interest rate rises in the UK is actually stronger than the US. Our inflation is higher for a start and is expected to trend further north this year. It is only the sheer ineptitude of Mark “Carnage” (and whom should be removed from office in our opinion) that is keeping the coiled spring of rate rises in the UK down at the moment. Sadly for much of the populace that hold mortgages and debt, when his folly is finally reined in by the markets (as is evident already with rising gilt yields) then this spring is wont to rise further than it should or could have been had he acted in accordance with the current economic set and the pain will be much worse than it could have been.
Put simply we believe that the correct rate for UK base rates at present is between 2-3%. We also expect the second half of this year to see at least 2 if not 3 rate rises as the economic trajectory continues upwards and the Bank of England finally realises the Brexit landscape is not one of armageddon but opportunity.
This is one of our most high conviction macro calls at Align for 2017 and we expect to see the pound north of 20 Rands to the pound in 12 months time and also approaching 2 Canadian dollars. In the latter’s case, with the likely bursting of their property bubble this year we do not see any rate rises on the horizon there in 2017 and so this is a particularly attractive pair to buy the pound against.
We also note that the latest CoT data as at 4 Jan 2017 revealed increasing short positioning once more in the GBP currency after a reduction going into the end of the year. Speculative money is always caught the wrong way on a trend at its extreme and we strongly suspect that this historical experience will play out here too. The only caveat to this call is as we go into the triggering of Article 50 – slated for spring of this year – this may bring a final short-lived lurch lower. Whether this lurch is from current levels or higher is of course unquantifiable and so we are to split our powder into 2 kegs in the event of such a move happening – taking a 50% position size long here. Sub 16 on the Rand and $1.57 against the CAD are complete “gimmes” to us whereupon we would apply our second 50% to the purchase of the pound v these pairs. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://poweronpoweroff.com/blogs/press/power-on-off-and-joint-forces-initiative-work-together | 2020-04-08T05:51:51 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2020-16/segments/1585371810617.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20200408041431-20200408071931-00341.warc.gz | 0.944612 | 1,062 | CC-MAIN-2020-16 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2020-16__0__50719059 | en | Photo: Greg Zinone, Co-Founder of Joint Forces Initiative; Elaine Kunda, CEO of Vitalere; and Ahman Green, former NFL pro bowl running back celebrate their partnership to provide safe alternatives to improve the health of the military, veterans, athletes and gamers at Microsoft’s eSports arena in New York City Wednesday evening.
(New York, NY, January 26, 2017) – Power On Off, a nutraceutical brand including Power On to improve mental edge and Power Off to enhance sleep quality, is partnering with Joint Forces Initiative (JFI) to raise awareness of the catastrophic effects from lack of sleep and to provide safe alternatives to improve the health of the military, veterans, athletes and gamers.
What do all these professionals have in common? At first blush, you might think not much. But, you’d be wrong. The tie that binds them is sleep. Or lack thereof.
Take the major league baseball infielder who plays 162 regular season games in multiple time zones over approximately six months. Or the professional gamer who spends 12 or more hours per day competing in front of the computer screen and every day their screen goes black means thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Or the US military veteran who completed three tours and now is trying to normalize into every day life while suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder. None of these circumstances allow for a full night’s sleep and studies show that performance may be impacted as a result.
“We already know excellence lies in the little details. Power On Off believes we can improve the way people sleep and the way they perform when they’re awake. The decision to partner with Joint Forces Initiative was an easy one. JFI shares our belief that safe alternatives for improving our health should be available to everyone, including the military, athletes and gamers,” said Elaine Kunda, CEO, Vitalere Group of Companies (parent company of Power On Off).
Power On and Power Off are designed to help the user compete. Power On is a proprietary blend of 15 ingredients working in synergy to promote memory, alertness, energy, productivity and brain health. Power Off is a proprietary blend of nine ingredients to promote relaxation, sleep and brain health. Taken together, the smart supplementation protocol of Power On and Power Off can enhance the ability to get high quality sleep, wake up refreshed, and maintain focus in the face of every day stresses and distractions.
Founded in 2007 by Greg and Addie Zinone, JFI is a non-profit organization and the mastermind behind the Pro vs GI Joe events where professional athletes play video games online against troops stationed around the world. The goal of JFI has always been to “do a little for those who do a lot” and to create connections and a sense of support.
“The three demographics JFI works with, almost exclusively, are troops, professional athletes and gamers – all of whom are committed and passionate about what they do. To be successful requires long hours and hard work without undue additional stress on their bodies, which is exactly why a partnership with Power On Off works so well. Power On and Power Off provide a safe alternative for our troops, athletes and gamers whose energy, focus and rest is essential to their success. We are incredibly excited about this new partnership,” said Greg Zinone, Co-Founder, Joint Forces Initiative.
Power On Off will work in lock step with JFI to build awareness and provide healthy alternatives to improve sleep and increase focus – for sport and for life. By using the code JFIPOWERONOFF, 10% percent of sales from Power On and Power Off will be given to JFI to continue the important work they do in giving the military, athletes and gamers a platform to play and compete while creating unity.
The official launch of the Power On Off and JFI sponsorship kicked off January 25, 2017 at the inaugural Pro Athlete Pro Gamer Gaming Showcase taking place at Microsoft’s new e-sports arena in New York City. Hosted by former NFL pro bowl running back Ahman Green, the Pro Athlete Pro Gamer Gaming Showcase saw four teams of five competitors (three gamers and 2 athletes per team) face off in a four hour live stream event of Gears of War on Xbox One. While the Showcase was held at Microsoft’s esports arena in New York City, athletes and gamers played in locations across the country. The full show will be aired during the Gears of War Fight Night on February 1, 2017.
NSF Certified for Sport
Power On and Power Off have completed the requirements of the NSF Certified for Sport program. This confirms that Power On and Power Off do not contain any of the 180+ substances banned by major athletic organizations. This program verifies that the contents of Power On and Power Off actually match what is printed on the label. It also verifies that our products are manufactured at a facility audited by NSF for quality and safety. With Power On and Power Off being certified by NSF International’s Certified for Sport program, you can be confident that the products are bring regularly checked by one of the most respected certifiers in the world.
For more information please contact: | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.iambishop.com/about/ | 2017-04-24T05:21:45 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-17/segments/1492917119080.24/warc/CC-MAIN-20170423031159-00198-ip-10-145-167-34.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.960517 | 310 | CC-MAIN-2017-17 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-17__0__137421625 | en | Brent Bishop is an on-air fitness expert, lifestyle host, and celebrity trainer. He is the owner of Think Fitness Studios, a performance-inspired, boutique personal training centre in Toronto. Bishop is an on-air Fitness Expert on national television, Functional Fitness Host of the series Body Fuel, author of The Think Factor and the male Fitness Brand Ambassador for New Balance Canada. Brent has made several media appearances on North American networks including KTLA, WFLA Daytime, Global TV, CTV and CityTV to name a few. Additionally, Bishop is a regular contributor to numerous print media such as Best Health Magazine, Canadian Health and Lifestyle, Inside Fitness, Fitness Business Canada, Canadian Living and Sweat Equity Magazine.
Brent is also a trainer and coach on Evolve Functional Fitness, a virtual fitness community and training app – the first of its kind. His Evolve video bio can be viewed here
Bishop holds a B.Sc. in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. He has over 16 years experience inspiring people of all levels to demand more of themselves through fitness and personal development. Bishop has notable fitness career highlights working with Olympians, high level athletes and various film and television personalities. Whether it’s hiking the Andes in Peru, leading a group on a snowshoeing expedition or planning his next eco-adventure race, Bishop dedicates his time and energy to inspire himself and others to realize their true potential by unleashing their inner athlete. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.mmsc.org/news/rescued-seal-jersey-finds-new-home-at-detroit-zoo | 2021-01-23T05:30:17 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2021-04/segments/1610703533863.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20210123032629-20210123062629-00793.warc.gz | 0.980195 | 119 | CC-MAIN-2021-04 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2021-04__0__191677447 | en | - Published: Sunday, 05 July 2015 18:50
(WXYZ) - You could say the Detroit Zoo sealed the deal to provide a new home for a rescued mammal named Jersey.
The seal was deemed "too friendly" to be released back into the wild in New Jersey about seven months ago.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center ultimately made the decision to send the seal to the Detroit Zoo after she had been picked up by volunteers several times over the course of eight months after being treated and released. In one instance, Jersey was spotted being petted on a beach. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://www.madisonptsa.com/race-to-be-human/ | 2024-02-25T06:20:55 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474581.68/warc/CC-MAIN-20240225035809-20240225065809-00886.warc.gz | 0.954191 | 676 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__110689761 | en | Dear Madison Families,
I’m pleased to share that we are partnering with the Madison PTSA Racial Equity Team to show the film RACE to Be Human to all Madison students during grade level assemblies on Tuesday, March 14th. Students will debrief with teachers during Advisory on Thursday, March 16th, when they have the opportunity to reflect on, discuss their ideas and ask questions about topics raised in the film.
A parent volunteer will also lead a Found Poetry activity during lunch on Wednesday, March 15th, where students can use art to make connections to their own lives. Additional follow-up includes opportunities for students to discreetly report microaggressions they have witnessed or experienced firsthand through a new system co-designed by members of the Madison staff and parent Racial Equity Teams, as well as members of the Students of Color Union.
Created for schools, communities, and corporations, RACE to be Human addresses the apprehension and confusion so many of us feel when it comes to talking about race and racism. The 46-minute IndieFlix documentary uses the power of student voice to explore racism, its impacts on the mental health of children and adults, and what can be done to change it. The film shares micro-stories to define commonly used terms we all use when talking about racism. The film delves into the effects of race and racism on individuals and our communities with:
- Candid interviews with kids and teens, who discuss their experiences with race and racism, and its impact on their lives and relationships.
- Expert perspectives on the history, present-day occurrences, and effects of racism. Essential definitions and guidelines that help create safe spaces for cross-cultural dialogues about race and racism.
- Discussion around allyship, as well as what action and accountability may look like to start shaping a more inclusive and equitable society today.
The PTSA is also investing in the important racial equity work at Madison by purchasing a year-long subscription that gives teachers, staff and parents access to the full length film, plus the companion Creative Coping Toolkit, an online film-based learning platform with curriculum and resources to facilitate healthy conversations about race both in the classroom and at home. The program includes strategies and tips to check ourselves and others while inspiring self-reflection so that as individuals, we are more aware, and as communities, we can move forward more equitably.
I have attached the At Home Discussion Guide so that parents can connect their student’s learning with conversations about the film at home. Parents can also preview the film (either the trailer or the full length film) via the Race to Be Human Dashboard (note: you will need to create an account to login but your information will only be used to track internal usage metrics).
The PTSA will also be hosting a community screening of RACE to Be Human at Madison on April 4th from 6:00-7:30pm, followed by a panel discussion facilitated by the SPS Department of Racial Equity Advancement (DREA). We invite you to save the date and join other Madison families for this important conversation about race.
Please reach out to me or the Madison PTSA Racial Equity Team with any questions about the film.
Thank you for your continued partnership to make Madison a more inclusive school, Where Everyone Belongs! | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://respicefinem1.blogspot.com/2012/01/ | 2018-07-23T11:41:39 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2018-30/segments/1531676596336.96/warc/CC-MAIN-20180723110342-20180723130342-00592.warc.gz | 0.97315 | 718 | CC-MAIN-2018-30 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2018-30__0__194594326 | en | One of the core elements of a democracy is the right to vote—the right of the people to freely decide which politicians and which parties have earned their support and deserve their vote. A dark chapter in Bermuda’s quest for a more democratic society was the legal requirement for annual voters’ registration: if one failed to register by a fixed date annually they would be unable to vote in any election called within the next twelve months. Because lower income people, based on global research, are less likely to register to vote than their wealthier counterparts there was always an inherent bias in such a system. The PLP government changed this and made the vote sacrosanct by abolishing annual registration: register once and you will remain on the voting register.
In their submission to the British government, the OBA seek to change this and require that citizens re-register every four year or so. Anyone failing to register would be prevented from voting in a subsequent election. The rationale advanced for this vote restraining proposal is that up to 10% of voters are registered in constituencies they no longer live in and their participation could well affect the outcome of marginal areas. If there was no mechanism already in place to address this, their proposal may have some merit. As it stands it seems a not very subtle attempt to take away the vote of working class people.
Under the current system candidate teams for political parties, canvassing a meagre 1,100 voters, can and do identify people living in areas who are not registered in that constituency and can and do get them to fill out the appropriate form to transfer their residency on the voters’ list. All parties have this right. There is a further safe guard in that the scrutineers on election can be (and have been) provided with a list of registered voters who are to be challenged on their right to vote in that constituencies on the grounds there is evidence they no longer live there. This system works; all it requires is a bit of effort by candidates and their teams.
Alongside the OBA call for voter re-registration is the call for absentee voting. They provide few specifics but given that they want to see Bermuda adopt what so many other countries have it can only mean the OBA want to see Bermudians living abroad being granted the vote. This makes sense for students as they are overseas for the purpose of education and, along with the Bermuda Census criteria, they are deemed to still be living in Bermuda. The challenge here is to ensure we have a suitable definition of “student.”
For those Bermudians who have taken up residence overseas I cannot see a justifiable reason why they should be allowed to vote. Moreover, what constituency would they be registered to vote in? This cannot work under our current political system. In fact, adopting this would add to precisely the problems the OBA say they want to eradicate. Most counties with absentee voting either have direct voting for a leader (which we do not) or the proportion of overseas voters to the total population is negligible in terms of voting impact.
These OBA proposals represent a slight modification from the proposals advanced by the UBP in their 2007 election platform and it demonstrates the challenge this new party is having in shaking itself from its old association. To call on the UK to force their proposed changes on Bermuda and other Overseas Territories is an odd thing to do rather than argue for it on the campaign trail and actually hope to win a mandate to make these changes. No doubt we will hear more of this in the months to come. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://hpgrbukavu.org/bukavu-covid19-national-minister-of-health-pays-tribute-to-the-health-care-staff-of-the-provincial-hospital/ | 2024-04-19T21:08:16 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-18/segments/1712296817455.17/warc/CC-MAIN-20240419203449-20240419233449-00452.warc.gz | 0.950304 | 437 | CC-MAIN-2024-18 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-18__0__139021373 | en | BUKAVU-COVID19: NATIONAL MINISTER OF HEALTH PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH CARE STAFF OF THE PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL.
Minister Eteni LONGONDO congratulated and strongly encouraged the HPGRB’s medical staff for the remarkable commitment of this public health institution in the response to COVID-19!
Upon his arrival in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, on Saturday 20 June 2020, the National Minister of Health, His Excellency Eteni LONGONDO, visited several facilities for the care of COVID-19 patients. Accompanied by His Excellency Théo NGWABIDJE KASI, Provincial Governor, as well as members of the COVID-19 pandemic response team in the province, the Minister of Health began his visits by the BWINDI isolation centre where he congratulated and encouraged the health care staff for all the efforts and sacrifices made in this fight. After the Bwindi stopover, the National Minister of Health made a stopover at the Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu (HPGRB) where he was welcomed by the Acting Medical Director Dr Ghislain MAHESHE, surrounded by the entire management staff and medical corps.
On the spot, Minister Eteni LONGONDO congratulated and strongly encouraged the medical staff for the remarkable commitment of this public health establishment in the fight against COVID-19 in South Kivu Province, which continues to do its utmost with the available means. The Minister took this opportunity to recall the decision taken by the Head of State, H.E. Félix Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, who wants the funds allocated to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the independence of the DRCongo, on 30 June, to be allocated instead to the wage of the health personnel involved in the response against Covid-19. The National Minister of Health wished to recall the support of the Head of State to the entire population of South Kivu facing this terrible pandemic. | journalism_and_media_communication |
http://www.emaint.com/works/ireland-as-eu-digital-hub/ | 2017-01-24T09:07:36 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2017-04/segments/1484560284376.37/warc/CC-MAIN-20170116095124-00554-ip-10-171-10-70.ec2.internal.warc.gz | 0.945761 | 470 | CC-MAIN-2017-04 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2017-04__0__131996361 | en | By: Tracy Watson
Ireland Then and Now... a Brief Retrospective
If the global financial crisis, which came into sharp relief in 2007, had an apogee, it could well have been Ireland. The global fiscal crisis, which shook and continues to shake the EU (both lender and debt economies), exacerbated the nascent financial crisis in Ireland, which came to a head in 2008. Recapitalization, coupled with initiatives intended to cope with a hemorrhaging banking sector, resulted in contingent and actual fiscal liabilities that led to the Irish State pursuing external assistance in 2010. Subsequent to this move, the country has been working to adhere to its regimen of financial and structural reforms (austerity measures) and continues its bold pursuit of foreign investment.
FDI, or foreign direct investment, is a substantial contributor to Ireland’s economy, and consequently, to Ireland’s economic recovery. In fact, according to the Deloitte report Investing in Ireland Your move in the right direction, large companies (e.g., multinationals) contribute the lion’s share of corporate tax revenue paid in Ireland (approximately 75%). And while Ireland’s financial crisis continues, the country has made great strides through its rigorous campaign to attract FDI; even as the crisis escalated, in 2009 Ireland procured 2.4% of GDP from corporate tax revenue, whereas two of its strongest lender compatriots only garnered 1.3% and 1.4% (Germany and France, respectively).
How Ireland is Repositioning Itself through FDI
According to the Deloitte report, nearly 1,000 multinational corporations have established their European base in Ireland. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device makers, information communications technology (ICT) providers, and financial services, are leaders of FDI in Ireland. The incentives for these companies are numerous and extend far beyond the highly attractive 12.5% corporate tax rate. Of foreign companies in Ireland, U.S. companies comprise a significant portion: 600 U.S. companies currently operate in Ireland and employ 100,000 workers, according to a report by ’60 Minutes’. Moreover, the U.S. paid 33% (or one-third) of Ireland’s total corporate tax, according to the Deloitte report, over the past 10 years. | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://slamguy.com/2008/12/07/hello-world/ | 2023-05-31T03:47:37 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-23/segments/1685224646257.46/warc/CC-MAIN-20230531022541-20230531052541-00309.warc.gz | 0.942781 | 344 | CC-MAIN-2023-23 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2023-23__0__266525295 | en | Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” is a perfect read for the ultra competitive reality show generation. Part “Survivor,” part “Lost,” part “American Idol,” part conglomeration of every movie that pits random humans versus one another in front of a crowd of onlookers- it takes a well used concept and makes the most of it. Although it takes a few pages to crank up the story, it is well worth the effort.
One might expect the fiercely competitive nature of the “The Hunger Games” to warrant pages of gore and bloody description. Collins’ skills shine as she allows the reader’s interaction to formulate much of the scene without excess focus on the violence.
Many have called “The Hunger Games” an investigation into a young person’s world where violence is a contributing factor. Is this not also a social commentary on what might one day be demanded by viewers who have grown tired of the same old entertainment? While the book does address these issues and the depth of romance without sex the main consideration is the story and whether it works. It does.
Great stories are created and told again and again. They evoke vivid imagery and lure the reader or listener into the activity. They inspire readers to create their own continuation of the story and character’s lives. They demand sequels and screenplays. They also birth web sites http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames… that carry the theme forward.
Every public and high school library should have at least one copy. Recruit one reader and prepare for an avalanche to follow.
5 out of 5 | journalism_and_media_communication |
https://digitalfinancenews.com/index.php/2024/02/07/bitcoin-halving-sparks-market-rally-as-ethereum-soars-amid-rising-adoption/ | 2024-02-24T21:46:42 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947474569.64/warc/CC-MAIN-20240224212113-20240225002113-00178.warc.gz | 0.931698 | 851 | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | webtext-fineweb__CC-MAIN-2024-10__0__181831101 | en | Cryptocurrencies are causing a buzz in the financial world as their total market capitalization reaches a staggering $1.66 trillion on February 6, 2024. This surge in value comes ahead of the eagerly awaited Bitcoin halving event scheduled for April 2024, which experts predict will lead to a significant increase in the price of the leading cryptocurrency. Additionally, Ethereum, another prominent player in the crypto space, is experiencing impressive growth driven by innovative features and increased adoption. This article will explore the latest developments shaping the crypto landscape, including the rise of Ethereum Name Service (ENS), the integration of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols in decentralized finance (DeFi), and the potential for stablecoins to outshine traditional payment systems.
Bitcoin’s upcoming halving event is generating anticipation and speculation in the market. Historical data suggests that such events have typically resulted in significant price increases, and investors are eagerly awaiting the possibility of another surge in value. Past halvings in 2012 and 2016 propelled Bitcoin’s price to new highs, and many hope to take advantage of this trend once again.
While Bitcoin remains dominant, Ethereum has been gaining momentum. Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a decentralized naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain, has experienced impressive growth, soaring by over 70% in just the last month. ENS simplifies transactions by translating human-readable Ethereum addresses into machine-readable alphanumeric codes, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Scalability has long been a challenge for Ethereum, but innovative solutions such as Polygon and Arbitrum, known as layer 2 solutions, are gaining traction and have the potential to address these issues. Additionally, Ethereum’s high gas fees, which have frustrated many users, are expected to drop to less than $0.01, making the platform more appealing and user-friendly.
To address regulatory concerns and enhance security, Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols are being integrated into decentralized finance (DeFi). This development ensures that users participating in DeFi activities comply with regulatory requirements while still enjoying the benefits of decentralization and financial inclusivity.
The potential for significant revenue growth in the crypto space has attracted major corporate players. Ethereum, for example, is projected to double its revenue to $5 billion in 2024, highlighting the platform’s potential for further expansion and adoption. The involvement of corporate entities demonstrates the growing recognition and acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class.
Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like fiat currency, have emerged as a disruptive force in the payment industry. Experts predict that stablecoins could surpass traditional payment systems such as Visa in terms of transaction volumes. This growing trust and acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of exchange are reshaping the financial landscape.
The crypto space continues to witness groundbreaking projects that merge decentralized finance with social media, giving rise to the concept of SocialFi. This emerging trend combines blockchain technology with social networks, allowing users to seamlessly participate in financial activities while engaging with their communities. SocialFi has gained immense popularity, attracting users who value both financial empowerment and social interaction.
In a significant partnership, ENS has joined forces with GoDaddy, a leading domain registrar, to simplify the linking of traditional Web2 domain names with .eth domains. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between the traditional internet infrastructure and the decentralized world of blockchain, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with blockchain-based websites.
It is important to acknowledge that investing in cryptocurrencies remains highly speculative and volatile. While the market offers significant opportunities for growth and financial gains, it also carries inherent risks. Investors must conduct thorough research, diversify their portfolios, and approach the crypto market with caution.
In conclusion, as the crypto market continues to evolve, the upcoming Bitcoin halving event holds the promise of a potential price surge, while Ethereum thrives on increasing adoption and innovative projects like ENS. With the integration of KYC protocols and the rise of stablecoins, cryptocurrencies are gradually disrupting traditional payment systems. However, investors must exercise caution and understand the risks associated with this volatile market. As the world embraces the potential of cryptocurrencies, the future of finance appears to be increasingly digital and decentralized. | journalism_and_media_communication |
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