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THE PLANNING COMMISSION PRESIDENT AND THE TRANSIT CORRIDORS CABINET
posted by Gloria Ohland | 245mp
January 10, 2013
Bill Roschen is president of the City of LA’s Planning Commission, which has final approval over hundreds of millions of square feet of development in the 478 square miles that make up the City of Los Angeles. He is only the second architect to ever head the commission — renown African American architect Paul Williams served on the first planning commission, in 1920.
In 2007, when Roschen was vice president, the city planning commission issued a “Do Real Planning” manifesto with the express goal of elevating development decisions out of the mire of politics and into the realm of professional planning based on community engagement and consensus. Roschen has sought to do this in difficult discussions about infill and redevelopment projects in Hollywood, around USC, and in the Cornfield/Arroyo Seco neighborhood northeast of Chinatown. He’s also been a part of teams that developed 3,000 housing units in Hollywood. His goal is to approve and to build projects that honor the context and history of neighborhoods, that are grounded in community politics, and that help move architecture toward “a public intelligence . . . and larger public purpose for architecture.”
The Transit Corridors Cabinet is something he has helped the mayor’s office coordinate, and he says:
On why LA has the best neighborhoods in the world:“Neighborhoods in Los Angeles are each so different. Each has amazing housing product. And each neighborhood is connected by main streets that should support the people who live there with shopping and services and corner grocery stores. We destroyed that with a car culture that turned main streets into rivers of fast-moving cars that are unsafe for people on foot or bicycle.”
On engaging the public:“If we really are going to change our urban form — to be oriented around bus or rail instead of the car — then it requires a thoughtful public conversation. This needs to be a public-private partnership. We need to experiment with new ways of public engagement.”
On accountability:“All eight departments will discuss their six-month workplan with the public before taking it to the LA City Council. This is the first time the city has tried out this kind of process in the name of ‘accountability.’”
On LA’s emergence as a “transit metropolis”:“Mayor Villaraigosa’s legacy of investment in transit and TOD will transform the City of Los Angeles. Collaborative, collective efforts like the Transit Corridors Cabinet are necessary to implement the policy changes that can accelerate this transformation.”
On the name “Transit Corridors Cabinet":“A lot of cities are talking about transit-oriented development or TOD. But this isn’t just about development. It’s about connecting neighborhoods with transit corridors as well as the car. It’s about urban form.”
On “doing real planning”:“As a city we have left it up to developers to define how the city evolves. The process needs to be more well-considered. We need to understand developers’ strengths and their weaknesses, and then integrate this understanding into the craft of urban form.”
On the importance of bike/ped:“Neighborhoods need to be connected with corridors that are walkable and bikeable. And these corridors need to offer people something to walk or bike to.”
On working collectively:“The city has to bring about this transformation while doing more with less staff and funding. It’s easier to work in isolation than to work collectively, but it isn’t as efficient, effective, or progressive. City departments and their managers understand this.”
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Earlier Musings
I've been giving a good deal of thought lately to what it is about this place, Eagle Harbor and its Keweenaw setting, that I and many others find so captivating. If, as seems to be the case, change is in the wind, then what aspects of what we have and enjoy need to be preserved, even enhanced, to assure that for us and those who follow us, the "Magic of Eagle Harbor", as Evelyn Fisher Burda, the adroit chronicler of Harbor families and mores, once coined it, is maintained.
Recent events, notably the Mt. Bohemia Ski Resort debate and the new Eagle Harbor South residential subdivision, have served as a catalyst for some challenging of the comfortable feeling that the Eagle Harbor of our youth will be the same Eagle Harbor of our adult years, and of the years of our children and grandchildren. It won't, and in truth "our" Eagle Harbor is in many important ways vastly changed from that of our own grandparents and great-grandparents. Massive mine timbering logs don't cover the beach, saloons don't line Front Street, young small pox victims are not being regularly buried in Pine Grove, the roads are paved, fresh vegetables in winter are taken for granted. Change, usually for the better, is constantly at work.
But some important things remain from that and earlier eras. The physical setting is still as majestic, and the big lake still dominates our weather and thus the rhythm of our lives. The scale of our settlement still remains comfortably within the range of our eye and our capacity to walk, and an awareness of our remoteness still colors our attitude about our place in the world, and buffers the impact of busier places and events. And the joy and necessity of close community still influences our social behavior. There are other such legacies, and in their totality they are the bedrock of our concept of this place.
The intervening years have added other stratums to that foundation of place. We have developed a strong sense of history, the recognition that others were here before us and left their beneficial marks. These connections with the past are deep and readily apparent; evidenced by family ties, the cottages and public buildings they bequeathed to us, the still present ruins and artifacts of their toil and lives, and the legends and stories of earlier times and people that echo through our minds and enrich our gatherings. This history is an important part of who we are, both individually, and as community. A part of what we consider Eagle Harbor.
We have also developed the belief that this is a place with minimal constraints. A place where we are free to roam about, unfettered in our pursuit of berry, beach, mountaintop, pretty rock, game, vistas, or brookies. A legacy of benevolent landowners, forest management policy, and culture. And it's not just roaming that is minimally constrained. It extends to the way we govern our actions, our relationships - a place where norms rather than rules most influence our actions, both individually and collectively.
Eagle Harbor is also a place with a character of it's own. A character sufficiently distinctive from other Keweenaw communities that it helps to define the kind of place it is. Some say it is a "cottage" community, a place for summer gatherings of families, many of who are descendents of the original owners of the cottages they occupy. Indeed, the near shore harbor and near lake landscape is still dominated by the cottages; wood structures built decades ago for seasonal use and characterized by the simplicity of their design, and the many windows and or porches on their harbor or lake view facings. Most have been lovingly maintained. Some, like mine, have been converted to year-around occupancy, but even these still retain the look of an earlier era. The near shore cottages, and their brethren, the cottages and homes located back in the "village", convey in their informality, their unpretentiousness, and in their infinite variety, a sense that this is a place for family gathering, for casual living, for enjoying life - as indeed it is.
That sense that Eagle Harbor is primarily a place to stay, albeit of sometimes-short duration, rather than a place to visit, is strengthened by the relative absence of facilities intended to serve the short-term visitor. An historic general store, opened just seasonally, two small motels, a lakeside seasonal lodge, a couple of "locals" restaurants, one or two off-the-road gift shops, a single gas pump - that's it. As much a circumstance of being off the main tourist path (US 41), than by any grand design, the relative absence of "commercial" activity is nevertheless a part of what many feel makes Eagle Harbor so distinctive.
No listing of what makes Eagle Harbor tick would be complete without a recognition of our good fortune in having good commercial and public services nearby. For we are indeed a "dependent" community. Wonderful, but incomplete. The absence of commercial activities here means we depend on people and facilities in other places to help satisfy our needs. While our dependency is not as evident as it was to Eagle Harbor's first residents, who would flock in ecstatic state to the docks when the wharf bell signaled the approach of spring's first supply boat from the Sault, it is just as real. Fortunately, the things and services we need are nearby. Their accessibility is part of what makes this place special. Life in Eagle Harbor would be intolerable without the road crews from Mohawk, the skilled care of Keweenaw Memorial's medical staff, the skilled tradesmen from Allouez and Laurium, and yes, even the green bananas from Fraki's. Eagle Harbor is therefore not a place that that can afford to close its eyes and interests to the needs and aspirations of the communities around us. We are linked to these places. The social and economic well being of these places, and their people, is important to us.
It would be remiss, especially for me, not to include our unique opportunity for intimate interface with the natural world among the things that make Eagle Harbor such a special place. Followers of my journals about my life here, know how much joy, awe, understanding, yes, even wisdom has flowed into my life as I have lived in a setting where the world of nature is so omnipresent. Nancy Lord was right as she observed, "...when we don't live with birds or weather or waves we lose the opportunity to think hard about ourselves, to discover from nature important facts about human nature." Luckily for those of us who can call Eagle Harbor home, or have the privilege to stay here, the birds, the weather, the waves and much more are daily at our door. This is a special place in large part because of the "discoveries" our natural world affords us.
I embarked on this musing about what makes Eagle Harbor and its environs so special unsure of what I would find. My first thought was that the answer was obvious - it is the people of this place. The caring, thoughtful, energetic people who daily bless my life.. But I am of the school that people are shaped by their environment, by the circumstances of their lives - a lesson learned from the world Nancy Lord speaks of. The people of this place are a gift, but aren't we just the proxies, the trustees, or perhaps the celebrants, of something more important? Whatever it is that makes this place so special was here before we arrived, and, hopefully, will be here when we are gone. Then I turned to the July 4th activities, the Popeye Runs, the pig roasts, the Christmas Eve services at St Peter's - perhaps the most visible celebrations of our collective happiness with this place. But these are but the rituals of our life here, a joy and important for building a sense of community, but not the reason the Harbor's so special. What then, I wondered, are the "shapers" that have worked their magic on the people of this place - making them and me so compatible and so mutually captivated.
The list evolved: a majestic physical setting, the influence of the big lake, the scale of our settlement, our physical and resulting attitudinal remoteness, a close community, our strong sense of history, the minimal constraints on roaming and personal actions, the distinctive cottage character of our town, the absence of "commercial" activity, our confident dependency on others, and, the intimacy of our interface with the natural world.
The product of my musing is certainly not exhaustive, and some will surely differ with all or part of it. The result, nonetheless, is satisfying to me. It helps me embark on the process of identifying what needs to be done to assure that for me and those who will follow me, the "Magic of Eagle Harbor", at least as I know it, will be maintained.
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On February 28, 2014, Endo Health Solutions Inc.("Endo") and Paladin Laboratories Inc. ("Paladin") consummated a transaction under an arrangement agreement pursuant to which each of Endo and Paladin was acquired by a new Irish holding company, Endo International plc ("New Endo"). Under the terms of the arrangement agreement (a) New Endo acquired Paladin pursuant to a plan of arrangement under Canadian law and (b) a newly formed subsidiary of New Endo merged with and into Endo, with Endo as the surviving corporation in the merger and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New Endo. This report reflects the beneficial ownership of the reporting person at the time of the consummation of the agreement and does not include the securities of New Endo acquired by the reporting person upon the consummation of the agreement. The reporting person will file a Form 4 reflecting his acquisition of New Endo securities in connection with the consummation of the agreement.
No securities are beneficially owned.
/s/ Caroline B. Manogue, by power of attorney
03/04/2014
** Signature of Reporting Person
Date
Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly.
* If the form is filed by more than one reporting person,
see
Instruction
5
(b)(v).
Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient,
see
Instruction 6 for procedure.
Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number.
LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR
SECTION 16 REPORTING OBLIGATIONS
Know all by these present that the undersigned hereby makes, constitutes and
appoints Caroline B. Manogue, Daniel A. Rudio, Richard Casten and Justin Dailey
as the undersigned's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power and
authority as hereinafter described on behalf of and in the name, place and stead
of each of the undersigned to:
(1) prepare, execute, acknowledge, deliver and file Forms 3, 4, and 5 (including
any amendments thereto) with respect to the securities of Endo Health Solutions
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, any national securities exchanges and the Company, as
considered necessary or advisable under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as amended
from time to time (the "Exchange Act");
(2) seek or obtain, as the undersigned's representative and on the undersigned's
behalf, information on transactions in the Company's securities from any third
party, including brokers, employee benefit plan administrators and trustees, and
the undersigned hereby authorizes any such person to release any
such
information to the undersigned and approves and ratifies any such release of
information; and
(3) perform any and all other acts which in the discretion of such
attorney-in-fact are necessary or desirable for and on behalf of the undersigned
in connection with the foregoing.
The undersigned acknowledges that:
(1) this Power of Attorney authorizes, but does not require, such
attorney-in-fact to act in their discretion on information provided to such
attorney-in-fact without independent verification of such information;
(2) any documents prepared and/or executed by such attorney-in-fact on behalf of
the undersigned pursuant to this Power of Attorney will be in such form and will
contain such information and disclosure as such attorney-in-fact, in his or her
discretion, deems necessary or desirable;
(3) neither the Company nor such attorney-in-fact assumes (i) any liability for
the undersigned's responsibility to comply with the requirement of the Exchange
Act, (ii) any liability of the undersigned for any failure to comply with such
requirements, or (iii) any obligation or liability of the undersigned for profit
disgorgement under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act; and
(4) this Power of Attorney does not relieve the undersigned from responsibility
for compliance with the undersigned's obligations under the Exchange Act,
including without limitation the reporting requirements under Section 16 of the
Exchange Act.
The undersigned hereby gives and grants the foregoing attorney-in-fact full
power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever
requisite, necessary or appropriate to be done in and about the foregoing
matters as fully to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could
do if present, hereby ratifying all that such attorney-in-fact of, for and on
behalf of the undersigned, shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of
this Limited Power of Attorney.
This Power of Attorney shall remain in full force and effect with respect to
each undersigned until revoked by such undersigned in a signed writing delivered
to such attorney-in-fact.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Power of Attorney to be
executed as of this 10th day of December 2013.
SIGNATURE TITLE
/S/ ARTHUR J. HIGGINS Director
Arthur J. Higgins
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA:
COUNTY OF CHESTER:
On this 10 day of December 2013, the above-named individual personally appeared
before me, and acknowledged that he executed the foregoing instrument for the
purposes therein contained.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
/s/ Susan E. Dear
Notary Public
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
NOTARIAL SEAL
SUSAN E. DEAR, Notary Public
Bethel Twp., Delaware County
My Commission Expires January 8, 2017
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This product uses the FRED® API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
0.92Acreage
ResZoning
289Road Frontage
This well-kept 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has plenty to offer the entire family. Ideally located in the Groton State Forest with access to hiking trails, walking distance to the public beach (Boulder Beach State Park), VAST Trails and horseback riding. Enjoy relaxing or entertaining friends and family on the large, level, landscaped lot with a view to the water. The expansive, enclosed back porch/sunroom can accommodate the whole gang. The 36 X 24 detached garage is ideal to store your toys and the full unfinished 2nd floor could be turned into another living space. Also included is another finished outbuilding which can be used for a home office or studio. There is also another outbuilding which could be used as a one-car garage or storage area that also converts into a screen room. Don't worry about losing power, this home is equipped with a generator that powers on automatically when power is disrupted to the home. Well below assessed value. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!
Convenient location for this Unique 3 bedroom 2 bath home with large family room and living room with woodstove. Dining area and living room have had the wood floors recently refinished. New Carpet in large family room with lots of sliders, gas fired fireplace. Circular stairway leads up to master bedroom with its own bath, walk in closet and new wood floors. Two other 2nd floor bedrooms also have gleaming wood floors and one has huge closet plus built ins. All new carpet in family room, hall and stairs. Enjoy breakfast on your spacious deck overlooking yard bordered by woods. Children attend sought after Hollis/Brookline School District. Close proximity to Lake Potanipo to enjoy swimming, fishing and water sports. Affordable family home @ $229,900More
This beautiful level country lot is the perfect place to build a home! With 24.35 acres of common land and Lewis Creek access there is plenty of room to play! This turn-key build package offers a well flowing first floor where you will find a custom kitchen, dining room, spacious family room, half bathroom, a mudroom, covered front porch and a main floor master bedroom with bath and walk in closet! The second floor offers two bedrooms, closets and a full bathroom. Work with the award winning builder to customize the finishes to your preferences with the allowances allotted, or create a new plan tailored to fit your specific needs. The options are limitless!More
Raymonds Newest Neighborhood along the Exeter River......Riverview Estates. This Three Bedroom Colonials is up and framed. The Osprey features a Large Kitchen with Eat-in Area, Stainless Appliances, Granite Counter Top, Sliders to the Deck, Spacious Familyroom, Hardwood in the Foyer, Formal Diningroom with Hardwood Flooring, Office/Study, Oak Staircase to the Second Floor, Master Suite with Private Bath, 2nd Floor Laundry Hookups, FHA/Gas Heat, Electric Hot Water, Paved Driveways and more. Move in within 75 days.More
This 2 large bedroom 2 bath double wide home w/full basement , 3 car detached garage & beautiful 5.2 acres of level 100% usable open field lawn w/fruit trees, and views in rural part of Plymouth. Inside of house has been all redone a few years ago . It is beautiful spacious & sunny with new flooring, kitchen & living room have new tongue and groove wood ceiling, repainted replaced the second bath all new &expanded 2 of the original 3 bedrooms into one bedrooms , making 2 large bedrooms one with its own private bath. The house has a 3 car detached garage is structurally sound & very spacious but needs cosmetic(the T-1-11 at the bottom is not in great shape & will need new roof in next few years) . The house has a metal roof Sun/screen entry room which could be winterized and converted to year round use . 48 Hour minimum required notice to show as house is rented until June 1 . After June 1 Seller is wiling to lease with the option w/deposit & plan in placeMore
Beautiful Victorian w/ much of its original charm! Many original features include the grand staircase, tin ceilings, the 2nd story foyer w/ beautiful arched windows & the peaceful screened summer porch. With the right touch, this home will have additional upgrades to bring this old beauty into the 21st century with charm & class!More
Nestled in a lush suburban setting, Zion Hill Estates is a combination of small town charm and big city convenience. With nearby shopping, dining, entertainment, and only 30 minutes to Boston, these fully customizable homes will surely be a winner. These homes will be situated on a cul-de-sac setting with 14 other properties. The Salem Town Forest is conveniently adjacent to the neighborhood and there for your exploration and enjoyment. All of the homes are carefully crafted and individually custom designed by one of the area's premier builders. Whether you desire a cape, a ranch or a two-story home, this builder aims to please and is happy to sit down with buyers to discuss all options and possibilities. Call today to start creating the home of your dreams! Disclosure: Photos & plans included are not actual since home has not been built, but serve as ideas you may want customized by the builder. Pricing on homes will be starting at $579,900 depending on each plan.More
Diamond Edge Development is proud to present this beautiful home to be build on this fantastic cul de sac lot with views! Oversized hip roof Ranch with 4 bedrooms, 2 car attached garage, walk out basement. Open Concept, hardwood floors, stone front cable, and so much more.More
Fresh, bright, and welcoming in a nice neighborhood setting close to trails and easy commute/walk/bike to town. Simple and has everything you might need,sunroom, hardwood floors, open kitchen/dining/LR area with a fireplace, a finished room in the basement for office, guests, storage, etc. and a one car under garage. Newer heating system, good roof and paved drive with plenty of parking. Good sunny yard for gardens. This home has everything you need in a sturdy package.More
Your search is over! Now is your chance to own this incredibly maintained raised ranch with in-law apartment. This spacious home offers 3 large bedrooms, and 1 full bath on the main level, providing you with all the great features of single family living, yet you can also have the option of using the lower level as a rental property or in-law suite! Lower level converted into in-law apartment in 2008 has a nice open floor plan to include bright living area, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances & portable dishwasher, and large master with good size closet. Upstairs you'll enjoy the nice open concept kitchen and dining area, large open living room, and a spacious master bedroom with slightly vaulted ceilings! Fall in love the huge, private back porch with separated fenced in yard for upstairs and downstairs which could easily be converted back into one large space. Over-sized, detached 2 stall garage is a great place for all of those big toys! So what are you waiting for? You could potentially earn extra rental income while enjoying your own spacious home! That alone makes this property a MUST SEE!More
Copyright 2017 Northern New England Real Estate Network, Inc. All rights reserved. This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the IDX Program of NEREN. Subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice. This web site is updated daily.
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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1443161883363295654.post5515591830040811155..comments2009-07-17T13:54:14.426-05:00Comments on Entanglement....: -At least pay better!Phys Studenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1443161883363295654.post-34352871309782937242008-09-19T07:48:00.000-05:002008-09-19T07:48:00.000-05:00al anine, "but during my MS I made $13K annually a...al anine, <BR/><BR/>"but during my MS I made $13K annually and <B>survived</B> and had fun. Given I did not attend a lot of movies! "<BR/><BR/>Why do we have to "survive"? We make basically the same as a waiter, but a waiter has more free time (he can work two-jobs, he can go home and sleep, or whatever). <BR/><BR/>As for working out late at night, why? why why why? Why are grad students supposed to give up their lives? <BR/><BR/>I understand that going to grad school is a personal decision, we are here because we want to, but that doesn't mean that we must be treated like shit.<BR/><BR/>In my experience, some university administrators try to make it "nice" for their students, but departments and advisors do not really care. They want results, and they expect you to work long, extra hours.Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1443161883363295654.post-5088811259058614192008-09-04T11:50:00.000-05:002008-09-04T11:50:00.000-05:00Interesting post. I think graduate school is hard ...Interesting post. I think graduate school is hard if you want to have a normal life. I did a terminal MS before I started my Ph.D. and I had no friends I spent time with on any regular basis that were not in my program(now I just have no friends, hah!). As for excercise, you can always find an hour or two while an experiment is running to go off to the gym or work out late at night. Being a graduate student is stressful but I think it is also very satisfying. And what is everyones preoccupation with money? If by $1000 a month you include rent and such I can understand that this is not a lot of money but during my MS I made $13K annually and survived and had fun. Given I did not attend a lot of movies! <BR/>Some University health programs include visits to a massage therapists, just complain of low-back pain hah! <BR/>I think that if you don't gain some visceral perverse sort of pleasure from doing science, grad school will always be a pain or just really long.Al Aninehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]
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Ewan McGregor -“…he took preventative action before starring on Broadway last year, tweeting about his use of an app called Conquering Anxiety.”
Laurence Olivier –” ..suffered five years of agonising dread following a press night in 1960,when he found his voice diminishing and the audience “beginning to go giddily around”….The venerable Sybil Thorndike gave him trenchant advice “Take drugs, darling, we do”!
So why aren’t you on the list?
Well, I bet it’s because you have your own techniques for minimising the problem.
Here are three recommended techniques …
1. Don’t take drugs, and don’t take alcohol either.
2. Remember you’ve got a message you want your audience to hear, and they, if they’ve been given a free choice to attend, want to hear it. Enjoy the recognition they’ve given you, just by turning up!
3. Use your nerves to your advantage. Let them fuel your preparation. Prepare, prepare and prepare, so that when you stand up to present you have no regrets.
Final word and a bonus piece of advice from the pianist Steven Osborne, also on Susannah’s list…“Chiefly he urges a sense of proportion – “Ask yourself; when I’m on my deathbed, will I still care about the fluffed note in bar 14”!
Coshing is the practice used by airlines to manipulate the sleeping patterns of passengers by raising the temperature on long flights, usually of five hours or more, to calm passengers and give flight attendants a break.
Medical experts contend that the practice amounts to mass sedation.
As Dr Ian Perry, a London based physician and international aviation consultant said – “Passengers may get off a plane feeling tired and wretched, with sticky eyes and numbing headache……”
Has it happened to you?
Well, if you are in business the answer is almost certainly yes, even if you have never flown!
That’s because many business presenters adopt the same practice, they induce sleep and mass sedation in their audiences.
They cosh them! They leave them feeling tired and wretched….!
So, whats the answer?
Well, it’s difficult to influence other presenters to take action but you can do something about your own impact.
Don’t cosh your audiences, as it’s all so unnecessary, and so easily avoided. Seek help and advice from someone like yours truly, read books, subscribe to blogs like this one, and leave your audiences feeling fresh and inspired, after their flight with you!
Why not become – The Worlds Favourite Presenter? (see what I did there?…British Airways and all that jazz……!!!)
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No Wasted Space
Smaller homes call for creative uses of space. Here, a small office area makes use of an empty stairway landing. A wall of built-in cabinetry ensures the small space lives large with storage capacity. Two cushy upholstered chairs adds additional seating that can be used for reading, resting, or relaxing in the quiet area.
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Somber Prospects for Madagascar’s Economy
Submitted by Noro Andriamihaja
On Tue, 02/02/2010
Madagascar’s economy has been in recession since the beginning of the political crisis in March 2009, and prospects for 2010 don’t look too promising. The prudent fiscal policy adopted by the Government will be increasingly difficult to sustain in 2010. Key financial indicators continue to be vulnerable to policy shifts and shocks, and export competitiveness losses have begun to create pressures on the balance of payments. All in all, a major turnaround in the downward trend of economic activities is unlikely to occur in 2010.
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visit: ncse.com
A Science Teacher in the Grand Canyon: An Interview with Marie Story, Part 1
Marie Story is one of threeteachers who won an NCSE scholarship to raft the Grand Canyon with our own Steve Newton. She sent us a wonderful essay about her experience. I’m going to share some excerpts from her essay in a bit, but there is so much more about Story I’d like to share with you. I was able to chat with her while she was driving with her family to Idaho to get a better view of the eclipse. That tells you how dedicated she is to truly experiencing the world around her, and it provides insight into what makes her such a good teacher. She is always looking for ways to turn experience into teaching.
Story has the mind of a scientist. She is a careful observer, always looking for connections in the world around her. She sees things most people would not notice, and she is always looking for ways to integrate her insights into her teaching. You can hear this when she describes her trip down the Grand Canyon, or even a visit to the dentist. Here is an excerpt from her essay that illustrates how she can take simple observations and turn them into valuable lessons:
I grind my teeth in my sleep. As a result, I had to go to the dentist the other day to get an attractive mouth guard to protect my pearly whites. When I saw the mold they took of my mouth, I asked if I could keep it. After some weird looks, I explained that I am a science teacher, and they smiled and nodded, because after all, everyone knows the science teacher struggle. Science teachers struggle with the ability to be present in an experience; because they are always looking for making connections in the real world that they can take back to their classroom. It doesn’t matter if we are in the dentist’s office, meeting new people, or even on our honeymoon, our brains are looking for concrete examples that we can scaffold into our abstract lessons for our students.
Another thing I realized from talking with Story is how cognizant she is of how her students learn, and how concerned she is to how to craft their learning through hands-on experiences. She currently teaches eighth-grade physical science, and though climate change is not explicitly in the physical sciences curriculum where she teaches, where there’s a will, there’s a way. She plans to seize the opportunity to teach about climate change when she covers light waves and energy. Here is another excerpt from her essay that shows where this spark of insight may have come from.
In the Grand Canyon, there was an incredible amount of phenomena that I recorded to bring back to my classroom. Perhaps my favorite example of observable phenomena that I saw in the Grand Canyon was when we reached the Little Colorado. As we rounded the corner away from the Colorado River, the deep green water that we had become so accustomed to became a beautiful powder blue, as if from a movie. I would show a video as I explained this, allowing my students a glimpse into this incredible paradise. And then I would stop talking, because there would be 15 hands in the air. It would start off with, “Why was the water blue?” but I wouldn’t answer that question. Instead, pushing for more observations or deeper questioning skills, I would allow others to continue to ask questions:
“What color was the water when you cupped it in your hands?”
Photo courtesy of Nate Chisholm
“What color was the ground?”
“Was the blue in the water reflecting the sky?”Photo courtesy of Brad Hoge
I want to stop here to reflect on something Story said. We’ll continue with part 2 shortly, so you can see how she would continue this lesson. But first, I want to explore the use of the term “phenomena.” When she used the word “phenomena,” she’s using it in a pedagogical sense. Science teachers use the term to mean “observable events or objects that can be used to illustrate scientific concepts.” Good teachers are always on the lookout for “phenomena” that they can use to hang a lesson on.
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2.11.2013
Papa Semper
Very few saw it coming. As we all experience the shock, sadness, and mourning of losing our beloved Pope Benedict XVI- not through death but resignation- we continue to struggle for answers and pray and reach for the trust and faith we know should be ours.
Boomers like me immediately compare Benedict with the the Pope who filled most of our life- Blessed John Paul. How could Benedict step down when John Paul showed the world what suffering and the dignity of old age really was?
But it isn't fair to compare the two Pontiffs. While great friends with great respect toward one another, they are very different. And so were their Papacies. Benedict called himself a "little pope" and JPII a "great pope."While taking nothing away from beloved Pope John Paul, who changed our lives, what Pope Benedict accomplished in seven years would make even a super hero tired.
Pope Benedict's legacy will most certainly include the restoration of orthodoxy in the liturgy, especially in reviving the Extraordinary Form, orthodox appointments to the College of Cardinals, and in relations with Anglicans, The Society of Pius X, and the orthodox churches. And numerous books, and trips. Remember, Joseph Ratzinger was never one to see himself in the spotlight- unlike Karol Wojtyla, who was born to be on the world's stage. While we would like to see him stay to fulfill this mission, Papa knows best. And who has the most direct link to Heaven, if not the Vicar of Christ?
Cardinal Arinze explains:
"I haven't any doubt about his wisdom," the cardinal said. "He doesn't rush. He is not rash. He is gentle. But he's also clear-headed and firm."
Benedict, on the other hand, is teaching another lesson. He recognizes that he can no longer give his best to the Church, he loves. He is willingly stepping down so that another pope may more effectively lead the Church. Benedict’s greatest gift to the Church and the world is his humility. His resignation will set a precedent for future popes. And, his humility will be spoken of until the end of time.- Fr. Michael Orsi
Pope Benedict shows us there is dignity in relinquishing his position, in the humility it takes to know one's limitations, and to allow for the Holy Spirit to breathe life once again into Holy Mother Church. He is doing what is best for us, whether we understand or not. Courage and virtue come in many forms.
We love you Papa Benedict! Pray for us, as we pray for you!
Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord.
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2013-04-10
Baby Makes Three
I made a mistake and posted "Shopping for Two" when this is the one I wanted to post since Catch the Bug was having it's weekly Stella Says Sketch #34 challenge. Oh well! UPDATE: I took down "Shopping for Two" and will re-post later this month....hope it works...haha (Challenges below)
AKV-Expecting is this week's freebie from Bugaboo Stamps. Hurry and get it while it's still free. I tweaked the sketch to suit my needs. I TOTALLY CASED Lola's card. Pretty CAS (clean and simple)!
CelyPerfect card!! It is going to be fun to watch the progression.You should try the triple time stamping, it is so much fun and so quick. I bet with your imagination you could work the pregnancy into it. :)The tut for it was posted in one of my posts. If you want it just give me a shout and I will dig it up for you.Myrna
This is such a fun card, and so perfect for your son and daughter-in-law. Gosh, you really did a fabulous job coordinating everything. Gorgeous paper piecing, coloring, polka dots (my favorite) and your stitching is perfection. Can you tell I love it!
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About Me
I'm a Carolina Girl who loves the beach, beach music, along with fishing, sailing swimming and people watching on the beach, but my body is stuck in Greenville, South Carolina. I would rather have the intense sun on my back and the hot grainy sand in my shoes than to have a comfortable chair to sit and view the Blue Ridge Mountains.
I'm an obsessor of colors and paper crafting. I truly believe making cards and crafts keeps my heart and mind healthy.
As a child I can remember getting my fanny spanked on a weekly basis for leaving my art work on all the walls in our house. Paper had too small of boundaries!!
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Get Clients for Coaching & Consulting in Atlanta Georgia 30376
Get Clients for Coaching & Consulting in Atlanta Georgia 30376
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Kyle Wagner
Samsung's new Series 5 Ultra laptop doesn't look like anything special. But that's the whole point—it's for people not looking for anything too out of the ordinary, in terms of both specs and price.
The Series 5 Ultra is pretty much the same computer as the existing Series 5—just now with a touch panel. It seems strange that Samsung opted to give its mid-tier laptop touch powers instead of its flagship Series 9. But it could make sense to just get regular people used to using touchscreens with the regular old computers they buy.
The Series 5 has a 1366x768 display, 10-point capacitive touch, i3 and i5 Ivy Bridge processors, and 4GB of RAM. It has a 500GB HDD, with a 24GB SSD ExpressCache. The laptop weighs 3.83 pounds, which isn't too much heavier than the 3.35 of the old Series 5.
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Why isn't this in the totally gorgeous Series 9? Cost, and thinness. The Series 9 was already so thin that it had to sacrifice some of the keyboard travel distance that made the first version so good; adding the thickness and weight of a touchscreen—not to mention the cost to an already-expensive machine—would have been too much, at least for now.
The Series 5 Ultra will cost between $800 and $850 in its two configurations.
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The new ban on a drug that is widely used by the Somali community has been condemned as “ludicrous” by drug support services in Cardiff.
Possessing, selling and importing khat – a plant that is used as a stimulant by Somali, Ethiopian, Kenyan and Yemeni communities – became illegal yesterday.
Ibrahim Harbi, of the Somali Integration Society in Cardiff, said use of the drug among the local Somali community had escalated in recent years, due to social problems, such as unemployment.
“I think the ban is a good thing, but my worry is that the community could be criminalised for something that is part if their culture and their traditions,” he explained.
“There certainly needs to be a programme of education to go along with this and support for those individuals who are addicted, because otherwise, a lot of people are likely to carry on. The Government needs to see the bigger picture.”
Martin Blakebrough, of the Kaleidoscope Project, which provides support to people with drug and alcohol problems in South Wales, condemned the ban as “ludicrous”.
“I think it is a silly move,” he said. “Khat has been around for a long time and the law will disproportionately affect people from ethnic minorities.
“It is a mild stimulant and it is true that some people have had difficulties with it, but no more so than with legal drugs, like alcohol and tobacco.”
He added: “A lot of the people who will be affected by the ban do not even drink alcohol and they would argue that khat is a similarly social drug.
“The new law will just push it underground and prompt some of these people to take other drugs, which can be much more dangerous.”
Khat, which makes users feel more alert, happy and talkative when chewed, is now banned as a class C drug, despite advice from official Government advisers that it should not be classified.
Danny Kushlick, director of Transform Drug Policy Foundation, said: “Yet again the Government has ignored the advice of its experts and prohibited another drug.
“As ever, it will serve to create a new income stream for organised crime and that insurgents could profit from.
“At the same time it will unnecessarily criminalise a minority group of Somalis and Yemenis, and deprive producers overseas of much needed legitimate revenue.
“It is high time that the legal regulation option was considered, not only for khat, but for other prohibited drugs.”
Around 2,560 tonnes of the drug, worth £13.8 million, was imported to the UK between 2011 and 2012, bringing in £2.8 million of tax revenues.
In a written statement earlier this year, Theresa May said despite the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs not to ban khat, the body acknowledged that there was an absence of robust evidence in a number of areas.
The Home Secretary said the whole of northern Europe and the majority of other EU member states have banned khat, as well as most of the G8 countries including Canada and the USA.
Mrs May said failure to take action in the UK would place the country at serious risk of becoming a single hub for the illegal onward trafficking of khat to countries where it is banned.
Chief Constable Andy Bliss, national policing lead for drugs, said: “Enforcement of the khat ban will be firm but proportionate.”
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from the another-one-down dept
The mass infringement lawsuit shakedown plan is looking shakier and shakier these days as more and more courts keep hitting back on these cases. More and more judges (with one notable exception) are recognizing that these lawyers are just using the court system to pressure people into paying up... and they don't seem to like it very much. The latest involves Chicago divorce lawyer-turned-porn P2P shakedown lawyer, John Steele. Steele has already had some trouble with judges buying his arguments. Steele is also the guy trying to set these lawsuits up as reverse class actions -- a strategy that failed miserably the first time around.
However, despite that loss, Steele has tried again for another reverse class action. Earlier, the judge denied Steele's motion for expedited discovery. Expedited discovery is a pretty standard thing that almost every court grants as a matter of course, but we've now seen a few courts in these mass infringement lawsuits refuse, after realizing the only purpose behind expedited discovery is to get the names/addresses of people in order to hit them up with settlement offers. In this case, the judge specifically ordered the court clerk not to issue subpoenas in the case, to stop Steele from getting the info he needed to pressure people into settling. Steele still pushed forward, trying to get the court to approve things so he could send out the subpoenas and get the names.
But the judge is having none of it.
In an incredibly short, but clearly well-thought out response (pdf) to Steele, Judge Harold Baker, makes it clear that he wants no part of this. First, he points out that IP addresses do not match up well with individuals, and even points to the recent story of a home being raided for child porn due to an open WiFi router, to highlight that an IP address does not show who's actually doing the downloading:
Moreover, VPR ignores the fact that IP
subscribers are not necessarily copyright infringers. Carolyn Thompson writes in an MSNBC
article of a raid by federal agents on a home that was linked to downloaded child pornography.
The identity and location of the subscriber were provided by the ISP. The desktop computer,
iPhones, and iPads of the homeowner and his wife were seized in the raid. Federal agents
returned the equipment after determining that no one at the home had downloaded the illegal
material. Agents eventually traced the downloads to a neighbor who had used multiple IP
subscribers’ Wi-Fi connections (including a secure connection from the State University of New
York). See Carolyn Thompson, Bizarre Pornography Raid Underscores Wi-Fi Privacy Risks
(April 25, 2011), http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42740201/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/
The list of IP addresses attached to VPR’s complaint suggests, in at least some instances,
a similar disconnect between IP subscriber and copyright infringer. The ISPs include a number
of universities, such as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, and the University of Minnesota, as well as
corporations and utility companies. Where an IP address might actually identify an individual
subscriber and address the correlation is still far from perfect, as illustrated in the MSNBC
article. The infringer might be the subscriber, someone in the subscriber’s household, a visitor
with her laptop, a neighbor, or someone parked on the street at any given moment.
But, much more importantly, Judge Baker notes the serious fear of chilling effects from these lawsuits, pressuring people to settle even if they are innocent, and even calls out one of Steele's other cases, where Steele has dropped a bunch of defendants who settled. While that may have been good for Steele at the time, Judge Baker uses it to point out that this appears to be Steele's business model, rather than a real legal situation, and he sees no reason to help Steele out in this fishing expedition to scare people into settling:
In Hard Drive Productions, Inc. v. Does 1 - 1000,
counsel sought leave to dismiss more than 100 Doe defendants, stating that some of the Does had
“reached a mutually satisfactory resolution of their differences” with the plaintiff.... Orin Kerr, a professor at George Washington
University Law School, noted that whether you’re guilty or not, “you look like a suspect.”
Could expedited discovery be used to wrest quick settlements, even from people who have done
nothing wrong? The embarrassment of public exposure might be too great, the legal system too
daunting and expensive, for some to ask whether VPR has competent evidence to prove its case.
In its order denying the motion for expedited discovery, the court noted that until at least
one person is served, the court lacks personal jurisdiction over anyone. The court has no
jurisdiction over any of the Does at this time; the imprimatur of this court will not be used to
advance a “fishing expedition by means of a perversion of the purpose and intent” of class
actions.
from the fishing-expedition dept
We recently wrote about an attempt by one of the growing number of mass P2P pre-settlement lawsuit lawyers, John Steele, to file a reverse of defendant class action lawsuit to try to get around the issue of misjoinder in combining a bunch of totally unrelated individuals in a single lawsuit. Typically, of course, class action lawsuits involve a class as the "plaintiff" not the defendant. It's not unheard of to have a defendant class action, but it is rare. Either way, the judge doesn't seem to be buying it. In a recent hearing the judge noted that the whole thing felt like a fishing expedition, and barred the court from issuing any subpoenas until an adversarial hearing was held. It's unclear who will represent the still anonymous "class," but hopefully the judge takes a note from another court and brings in experts like Public Citizen and the EFF.
from the against-the-class? dept
Wow. We've noted that the various lawyers who have jumped on the mass copyright infringement shakedown bandwagon (mostly for clients in the porn business) have been running into some serious problems on the issue of "joinder" -- tying all of those defendants into a single group. You're only supposed to be able to do that if they were all involved together in breaking the law. So far, the courts haven't been buying it for the most part. However, it appears one of the lawyers involved in these cases, John Steele, is trying a bit of a novel strategy: a class action lawsuit in reverse.
Normally, a class action lawsuit involves a "class" of related people as the plaintiffs. Steele is arguing that you can lump all of the defendants into a class as well:
This Court has personal jurisdiction over the Class because the putative named class representative Defendants are residents of Illinois. This Court has in personam jurisdiction over absent class members because due process is satisfied by providing them with best practicable notice, an opportunity to opt-out, and adequate representation. In addition, the Court may exercise personal jurisdiction over individual Defendants because their infringing activity should have reasonably been anticipated to violate the Copyright Act in this jurisdiction. Therefore, due process is satisfied because any person engaged in such activity could reasonably anticipate being haled into this jurisdiction where he or she violated the Copyright Act.
Now, there have been a few examples of such defendant class action lawsuits in the past, but they're very rare, and usually require a pretty damn good reason. I'd be surprised if the judge grants it here. As in other cases like this, judges have pointed out that the mass group of defendants sued are not really comparable, as they each may have extremely different defenses, and were not really connected to each other in any way at all.
On a totally separate note, what is it with the lawyers bringing these mass P2P porn cases all having names out of some bad novel? Evan Stone. John Steele. Ken Ford. Is there some rule that you need a forceful, single syllable last name to be one of these lawyers?
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Sunday, 2 October 2016
Possibly one of the most well-known quotes in living history
I would say. I ended my last blog saying I dare to dream that I will be one of
the lucky ones to see the cure of PH and that I can live a very happy, exciting
and long life. That dream hasn’t
changed. I’ve just desperately been trying to make this dream turn into
reality. For the most part, I have. I think everyone would agree who has seen
or spoken to me in the past 6 months that they have seen an extremely happy,
positive girl, more than I have been in a long time, maybe ever. I’ve dared to
dream that all the fitness I am doing and how active I am being is keeping my
chances of living longer than the doctors have predicted. The past few months I have felt as strong as
ever, if not the fittest I have ever felt. I have even started to dream about
entering the Paralympics, as after all having a heart/lung condition, surely
ticks that box? I’m not sure what sport I would want to enter yet, but you have
to dream big to aspire to the next step.
Looking back at my 32, nearly 33 years of life so far, I
realise there is a common theme. I have always had big dreams and the majority
of the times I have succeeded in accomplishing them. What I have also learnt is
that I don’t tend to do things the most straight forward way, instead taking a
massive detour, but undeterred I get there, it just might take me longer than
other people.
I always struggled at school academically. I started my
infant years at a local Catholic school and as I always finished my work first
I was chosen to deliver the milk to the other classes. When I was 7 I moved to
a more academic school and went from being one of the cleverest in the class to
finding the work much more challenging. I worked hard with few rewards along
the way, until aged 16 an English teacher suspected I was dyslexic. After
various tests and numerous assessments the suspicion was confirmed. Receiving the
news refocused me in a positive way and with a lot of hard and encouragement I
was able to be very successful in my exams both at school and university.
As a lot of you know I was due to move to Australia in 2013,
having secured a job and sponsorship. It is 3 years ago nearly to the day that
I was desperately checking my emails to see if my visa had come through. For
some reason and I still don’t know why, the visa was massively delayed and what
should have taken 3 weeks took nearly 4 months to come through. It was during
this time when I fell ill and I was told my dream of Australia wasn’t meant to
be. It may sound silly but I went through a grief cycle when I was told
Australia was not an option anymore. Not only was I dealing with being told I
had PH but also being told the life I had dreamed about and was just about to
start was no longer a reality, I found this really hard to accept. It took me
quite a while to get over, but I did and I accepted that it was unlikely I
would ever make it to Australia again. During the last 2 and bit years I
focused on other dreams, mainly trying to live each day and focus on the here
and now. So when earlier this year the opportunity arose for me to go to
Australia for a few months, as you can imagine I jumped at the chance.
Living with a condition like PH, it’s tough. At the
beginning you’re not really sure whether you can dream, as the future seems to
be tainted. When you’re told your life will be significantly cut short by a
disease that no one really understands or has any know how of how to halt it,
it’s hard to know what to do. It was only really earlier this year when my mental
mind-set changed that my health started to react positively. During the last 6
months I have even looked to the future and actually stopped worrying about how
long I have to live and focused on my life pre PH, and I believe this has been
down to my new mental attitude. Apart from the regular reminder to take my
tablets every few hours I almost forget now I have ph.
My latest dream has been working out how I can get out to
Australia longer term. I’ve been trying every which way to try and make this
happen, speaking with immigration lawyers, various medical professionals, and
at the moment it has been proving quite challenging. But if having PH has
taught me anything, it is to dream big, expect the unexpected, have a little
bit of hope and if it’s meant to be it will all work out. Typical for me I had
to fall in love with an Aussie and make life that bit harder, but then if life
was straight forward wouldn’t it be boring!
It’s been a frustrating week with a few tears, and a few
“why me?” and “when will I get a break?” but walking back from work to home
this evening in the rain (which I may add is a 3.3 mile walk) I have come to the
realisation that it will happen, I just need to give it time. Plus I have lots
to be grateful for as I am due to head out on a trip to Australia and Bali in
November.
Quite a few people in my situation I know have made bucket
lists. As usual being me I like to name things differently so I have put
together a dream list. Some achievable, some maybe a tad unrealistic but it’s
good to have goals. Hopefully I will start to put many of these into action
over the next few months/years. So here I will start my list of top 10 things I
dream of achieving. I’m sure over time I will add more, as half the fun is to
keep dreaming.
Raise money for PHA charity, doing some kind of
fitness competition. Not sure what this will look like yet but if anyone has
any thoughts I will happily listen
Enter MasterChef
Travel as much as I can all round the world
Smash my current shuttle walking test when next
at Sheffield, beating my current record of 690m
Find a sport I can compete in the Paralympics
(well I have to dream big!!!)
Open a deli/café
Live in Australia
Adopt children
Be able to run 5km (for anyone who knows me,
knows this would be an absolute miracle to do, but keen to give it a go)
About Me
Hi, my name is Gemsy and I'm trying to raise awareness about a rare heart and lung condition I have called Pulmonary Hypertension. This is my story on how living with an incurable lung and heart disease affects me.
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After defeating Majin Buu, life is peaceful once again. Ordered by Chi-chi to earn money, Goku works even as he wants to train even more. Meanwhile, Goten, about to become a brother-in-law to Videl, sets out on a journey with Trunks to find her a present.
Like in any culture, Japanese kids grow up listening to the stories repeatedly told by their parents and grandparents. The boy born from a peach; the princess from the moon who is discovered inside a bamboo; the old man who can make a dead cherry tree blossom, etc. These short stories that teach kids to see both the dark and bright sides of life have passed traditional moral values from generation to generation.
Greatness,Glory,Gold. A Pirate Named Gold Roger also known as the Pirate King has conquered this all. He was executed with an unknown reason but before he died he had revealed his last word about The legendary Treasure named One Piece which was hidden in the Grand Line. 22 years after his Death, A Pirate named Monkey D. Luffy appeared and has only one Goal, To Become the Next Pirate King and Find The Treasure One Piece. This Start The Never Ending Adventure...
Yūya Sakaki is a 14-old year student who wants to become a professional entertainment duelist to give everyone a smile, but one day, he ends up fighting an exhibition match against the current champion of the Pro Duel World. This fight will lead him to make a decision, and confront the difficulties to make his dream come true.
Mumbling Chuta Kokonose doesn't have many friends. In fact, the only conversations he has anymore are with voices inside his head. Little does he know that this voice doesn't mean he's crazy. It just means he has an alien living inside his body. (from manga)
Sorey is a human youth who grew up among the “seraphim” (tenzoku), spiritual beings invisible to human eyes. He believes in the folklore that every human was able to see the seraphim long ago and dreams of unraveling the ancient mystery to make the world a place where people and seraphim can live together in peace. During a visit to the human capital, he becomes embroiled in an incident during which he pulls out a holy sword imbedded in a rock and ends up becoming a “Shepherd,” one who casts away calamity from the world.
Akko Kagari is an ordinary girl who joins the renowned witch academy for witch girls, Luna Nova Academy. When she was younger, she went to Magical Festa, a magic show hosted by a witch named Shiny Chariot. Akko was so mesmerized and inspired by Shiny Chariot's performance that she dreamed to someday be a "cool" witch like her. This young and impressionable Akko takes Shiny Chariot's words as her own motto: "Never forget, a believing heart is your magic.“ As part of a class, Akko and her classmates go into a labyrinth under the Tower of Luna Nova. There, a sealed ancient dragon was unleashed by one of her classmates. Akko tries to stop the dragon, but…
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For Chinese, US Visa Halt Puts Jobs, Citizen Hopes at Risk
BEIJING (AP) — Courtney Huang fell in love with the U.S. as a nursing student in Texas. She ended up staying 13 years and wants to become a U.S. citizen.
But Huang now finds her job, future, and dreams of citizenship on the line since the Trump administration barred entry last month to non-U.S. citizens and residents flying in from China over the coronavirus outbreak.
With crucial deadlines looming, her plans look increasingly at risk.
“I’m really scared,” Huang said. “I have a lot there. If I don’t go back, it’s just going to be very difficult.”
The U.S. suspended visa processing in China on Feb. 3, citing limited staffing during the virus outbreak. No deadline extensions have been announced and it’s not known when the suspension will be lifted. That's put hundreds of Chinese citizens applying for U.S. work visas in limbo, fretting as their jobs look increasingly at risk.
Huang had returned to China to see her parents over the Lunar New Year holiday in late January. She had recently landed a new job in California and her work visa was on the verge of approval when the American Consulate in Shanghai announced it was returning everyone’s passports.
After weeks of fretting and weighing her options at her parent’s home in eastern China, Huang flew to Thailand. She now plans to wait out a mandated 14-day self-quarantine before seeing if she can get her visa from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
Though Huang was born and raised in China, her whole life is now in Oakland, California, where she has an apartment, car, friends and job. With her Christian faith and gregarious, outspoken manner, the U.S. feels like home.
“I feel like I fit in better there. Free speech, free religion,” Huang said. Clean air, better career opportunities for women and a liberal social environment were also draws, she added.
Huang obtained a nursing degree in Texas, then a master’s degree in bioengineering from U.C. Berkeley. She’s on the verge of completing an M.B.A., with an eye toward settling permanently.
Now, Huang is concerned those plans could fall apart. Though her new employers, a company that provides clinical support for physicians, are understanding, Huang worries that as the months go by, there’s a possibility she may lose her job — and with it, her right to work in the U.S.
Like Huang, Kevin Yang, a Chinese doctoral student researching immunology at an American university, is also reconsidering his options. After moving to the U.s. eight years ago, Yang has returned home each winter holiday and had his student visa renewed without a hitch.
This year, though, Yang became one of many Chinese citizens caught up in the brutal tussle between Beijing and Washington over trade and technology.
When Yang applied for a visa in December, the State Department told him it was being delayed while they investigated his background for ties to the Chinese government. American officials have in recent years grown alarmed over the alleged theft of U.S. technology by China, casting a cloud of suspicion on Chinese citizens like Yang who work in the sciences.
Told the check would take four weeks, Yang changed his flights and prepared to stay longer.
Then in late January, the Chinese government began locking down whole cities to contain the virus. Soon after, Trump announced the U.S. travel ban. Yang got his passport back in the mail with no visa.
American officials told Yang's academic adviser that since Yang no longer had a visa, they could no longer pay his stipend or fund his research with federal grant money. Hospital surveys that Yang said he spent “thousands of dollars and thousands of hours” over two years to set up were now in peril, something he described as a crushing blow.
“Maybe it’s time for me to start thinking about an alternative career,” Yang said, mulling the possibility he won’t be able to finish his Ph.D. “It’s like restarting my life.”
Discouraging high-skilled foreigners from immigrating could undermine the U.S. economy and its global prominence, said Anastasia Tonello, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Nearly 2.5 million Chinese were in the U.S. as of 2018, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, and most are significantly better educated than the average American. China is also the main source of foreign students enrolled in U.S. higher education.
“I just don’t think this was thought through,” she said. “These are just such broad strokes and can cause so much damage.”
The U.S. isn't the only country currently restricting entry from China. Travelers face restrictions across the globe, from neighboring North Korea to far-flung New Zealand, Somalia, and Guatemala. Australia, a major destination for Chinese students and immigrants, also has banned arrivals and stopped issuing visas.
Such restrictions have been loudly criticized by China's Foreign Ministry, though Beijing frequently singles out the United States.
Yang and Huang both say they understand why a travel ban could help contain the virus. But they say the U.S. halt on new visas — with no deadline extensions or other accommodations — is frustrating and unreasonable.
Even more frustrating for Huang is the sense that the U.S. is trying to bar her from coming back.
“I’m not being respected. I work in the states as a talent; I pay my taxes diligently,” Huang said. “This just makes me feel like, ‘Oh, maybe I’m just not welcome in the states.’”
Even for Chinese with visas, the clock is ticking. Tom, a programmer from the epicenter of the outbreak, the city of Wuhan, had just obtained a master’s degree in computer science from Emory University in Georgia. He has a U.S. visa but got stuck in Wuhan after the city was quarantined.
Under American law, foreign students have 90 days after graduation to start new jobs if they want to stay and work in the U.S. If Tom is still trapped in Wuhan by May, he’ll lose both his new job at Amazon and his chance to work in America altogether.
“I’d have to start all over again,” Tom said, declining to provide his last name for fear it could affect his visa and career prospects. “I just worry every day about whether I can go back to America.”
Tom says his family spent around $70,000 to send him to Emory for a shot at a better life in the U.S. He didn’t want to work in China, deterred by the Chinese tech industry’s notoriously-long hours, popularly known as “996” –9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.
Courtney Huang fell in love with the U.S. as a nursing student in Texas. She ended up staying 13 years and wants to become a U.S. citizen.But Huang now finds her job, future, and dreams of citizenship on the line since the Trump administration barred entry last month to...
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Meet the Midtown Messenger
Publishing for 24 years, the Hometown News prints six papers that cover Brookhaven, Decatur, Tucker, Norcross, Lilburn and the Ponce corridor. Make that a lucky seven when the Midtown Messen-ger debuts this summer.
Sprawling and vibrant Midtown borders Buckhead to the north, Downtown to the south, heads west to Howell Mill Road and the happening Westside community and nudges Monroe Drive and Virginia-Highland to the east. There is plenty happening in between!
This writer landed his first Atlanta job in Midtown after relocating here in 1987. I was working at Brother Juniper’s restaurant, a beloved breakfast and lunch place at the corner of Peachtree and 11th streets that was run by a religious order. I recall internationally famous drag performer and recording star Ru Paul coming in after gigs at the seedy Weekends nightspot across the street, his six-foot-plus frame draped across two booths as he sipped coffee. Mr. Universe Lee Haney stopped in daily for his regular breakfast of six scrambled egg whites and two plain waffles on the way to his eponymous gym on Ponce. The area still had echoes of “the Strip,” its 1960s and ’70s incarnation of hippies, flophouses and free concerts by the Allman Brothers Band in Piedmont Park. No more.
In 2014, Brother Juniper’s has been supplanted by a posh nightclub, and the strip that housed Weekends is now a hulking Federal Reserve Bank. Mom-and -pop stores have given way to gleaming glass towers. Like Atlanta, Midtown is constantly morphing.
There are stately old neighborhoods like Ansley Park along with up-and-comers such as Home and Berkeley Parks. There is the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Margaret Mitchell House. The Red Light Café, Center Stage Theatre and Smith’s Olde Bar dish up live roots music and rock, while Churchill Grounds offers jazz. As for restaurants –where to start? Hometown News will be there to cover it all!
As the slogan says: “Midtown is the heart of it all.” And Hometown News is now in the heart of Mid-town!
To advertise in the Midtown Messenger, call 770-938-8506 or 770-493-3003
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted without permission. All efforts are made to assure factual accuracy within each issue published, but Hometown News, Inc. cannot be held responsible for changes, omissions or errors.
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I bring to you my periscope of the corporate world and the journey which i had in it to emerge out with a juice ‘recipes’ of the various corporate paradigms through my blog. I intend to share these recipes of starting, running sustaining a business and finally making it successful!
Covid19 – the business thereafter,
Covid19 has brought the whole world to stand still. World over the economy has come to grinding halt. We do not know when the things will be at normalcy. what has happened is reality, and what is unknown is uncertainty. We can look to Covid19 as threat to our existence or as opportunity. Covid19 has affected large and small , from established businesses to startups. Covid19 has caught the whole world unaware so nothing much can be done now but to wait and play along. The important question being asked as to what next.
How do we maintained continuity of business ?
The larger question is how should we maintained continuity in future. Leadership around the world is grappling with the current crises but there is very little that can be done at this point of time. Management has to think about such future crises and how should they be handled. Universally the answer being put forward is to shift to on line business model. But we can not shift the business model overnight and not every business can shift to on line business model. it would take substantial time to change. The bigger question is for those who are not based on the on line business model say manufacturing sector or service industry. The e commerce model was anyways on the online business model and will continue to do so.
Is digitization the only answer to such type of problem ?
Digitization has been a wave for last 5 to 6 years and it is not new. Unfortunately many companies were not implementing the same for multiple reasons like cost, effort, time, culture etc. Covid19 situation will push these companies to undertake digitization at much faster pace.
Manufacturing and service industry – Apart from actual manufacturing / or last mile delivery many of the processes can be automated. The activities facing the customer acquisitions, retention , lead generations, pre sales activities can easily be digitized. There are certain industries where digitization is way too less and they would certainly suffer the losses. The reason for them is simply complacency.
Agriculture / farming – This segment is worst hit since it is hugely dependent on human capital specially in developing countries. Asian and African countries will certainly suffer since technology advancement and implementation is way too less. Of course the geographical and demo graphical aspects are also responsible for this.
Having said this the above mentioned sectors have to move aggressively for digitization but such implementations are costly and require substantial time. Technologies like Augmented reality, ERP. Artificial intelligence , Robotics, CRM, Drone, etc need huge investment but it would now become necessary .
Investment in technology is not the only challenge.
Digitization through investment in technology alone can not solve the problem and for any management challenge to implement the same is far bigger. For conventional and established industries it is not only the machine but people, culture, process everything will undergo a change. This would require serious strategy and impeccable execution. Nevertheless the process has to start earnestly.
Covid19 and startup world
Covid19 has placed a different kind of challenge in front of startups. However i would classify them in to different categories
Startups at the idea stage – Startups at the idea stage has an opportunity to retest, verify and introspect about their model. This is the time where they have the opportunity to think if they need to make a pivot in the proposed business model. This kind of situation was not anticipated and many business models will undergo change and it would impact the startup if those companies happen to be their end customers or suppliers.
Startups at early stage of the life cycle – These startups would be hard hit since they are already operational and have raised initial capital and there has been some revenue traction. Unfortunately they would be under sever cash crunch and this time will push them backwards. But optimistically this is also the time where they can re-access their initial strategies , invest time in to data analysis. This would also open up some thought process for possible collaborations , joining hands or even for opportunity to ride on each others strength.
Startups at the maturity stage – They are of course well established in business and have already raised multiple rounds of business. Unfortunately for these companies the situation is like stock market where it would be a waiting game.
These are exceptional times but certainly it has taught us a lot on personal and professional level.
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Chris is the editor-in-chief at SEGA Nerds and Mega Visions Magazine. Over the years, he's written for publications like Joystiq, PSP Fanboy, RETRO magazine, among others. Oh yeah, he's also been a diehard SEGA Nerd his entire life.
At SEGA Nerds, we strive to produce content of the highest quality. We cover everything, both old and new that's SEGA related to honor what we believe to be the greatest video game company of all time. We hope you enjoy your time at our humble, little site. Keep the dream alive!
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QCAD 3 (currently release candidate 5) improves file format compatibility and also lets you export to various older versions of DXF to target a specific version of Autocad. TrueType fonts are also supported.
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9 Space Pictures That Look Like Santa, Rudolph, And Other Christmas Things
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the universe, not a star complex was stirring, not even Cygnus X! Merry Christmas from Popular Science. We're taking off a couple days to go spend time with our families. Enjoy these festive space pics in the meantime. Miss you already.
Is that the face of jolly old St. Nick, or a million-mile-wide nebula? The gas and dust of the cosmos often align into very familiar scenes from Earth. We've gathered nine space pictures that look just like your favorite Christmas things: Rudolph, snow angels, tree ornaments, and more.
Snow angel, or Sharpless 2-106
On the night before Christmas, all the little stellar boys and girls ran outside to make angels in a freshly fallen snow of super-hot gas. (Hubble snapped this image of Sharpless 2-106, a bi-polar star-forming region. Read more here.) They were having such a festive time in the nebula that they almost forgot to...NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Christmas ornaments, or Cygnus X
...decorate the Cygnus X Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments of gas and dust. (In this image of the Cygnus X star complex, tendrils of dust appear in green and red, while the brightest areas are warm centers of star birth. Read more here.) Now everything was set for St. Nick's arrival! But how would Santa navigate through all that snow, dust, and hot gas?NASA/JPL-Caltech/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA
Rudolph, or red supergiant V838 Monocerotis
With Rudolph's help, of course! The bullied and maligned reindeer came thundering to the rescue with his luminous red nose. (When this bloated, dying supergiant star suddenly brightened in 2002, it lit up surrounding dust clouds and caused what's called a light echo. Read more here.) Santa filled his sleigh with toys and...NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Santa's sleigh, or NGC 2736 nebula
...soared across the sky at 400,000 miles per hour. (The Pencil Nebula is moving so fast that it will visibly change positions in the sky during a human lifetime. Read more here.) The stellar children all slept in their beds, waiting for Santa and dreaming of toy space ships and construction sets. All but one trouble-making, bedtime-disdaining little girl...ESO
Pajama'd child, or the Flame nebula
Young Nebula Lou Who, clutching her pillow, crept downstairs--she wanted to catch Kris Kringle coming down the chimney. Didn't she know that Santa doesn't leave presents for children who won't go to sleep? (Here, the Flame Nebula lights up the constellation Orion's belt. Read more here.) "HO HO HO!" roared Santa Claus. "WHO GOES THERE?" Nebula Lou Who stared at him in horror...NASA/JPL-Caltech
Santa Claus, or IC 2118 nebula
But when Santa saw the little girl, he smiled knowingly. "Don't you know that I don't leave presents for children who won't go to bed?" (Nebula IC 2118, in the constellation Orion, is illuminated by nearby star Rigel. Read more here.) Then he tapped his nose and disappeared up the chimney...NASA/STScI Digitized Sky Survey/Noel Carboni
Christmas tree, or R136 stellar grouping
Nebula Lou Who walked wide-eyed towards the Christmas tree. She saw no shiny wrapping paper. No ribbons or bows. (This stellar nursery is the largest in our local galactic neighbored. It houses some of the most massive known stars. Read more here.) Suddenly, from the base of the tree, she heard a rustle...NASA, ESA, and F. Paresce (INAF-IASF, Bologna, Italy), R. O'Connell (University of Virginia, Charlottesville), and the Wide Field Camera 3 Science Oversight Committee
New puppy, or S 308 Wolf-Rayet bubble
It was a puppy! The gift every child, and no parent, hopes Santa will leave under the tree. "Ahooo!" said the puppy. (This 60-light-years-across Wolf-Rayet bubble was formed when giant stars created huge stellar winds. Read more here.) Santa and Rudolph returned to the North Star, stuffed with cookies and thinking of all the happy little children...ESA, J. Toala & M. Guerrero (IAA-CSIC), Y.-H. Chu & R. Gruendl (UIUC), S. Arthur (CRyA–UNAM), R. Smith (NOAO/CTIO), S. Snowden (NASA/GSFC) and G. Ramos-Larios (IAM)
Wreath, or Barnard 3 nebula
Happy holidays from Popular Science! Check out our gift guides here, and then drink some eggnog and browse all our pretty space pictures. (The green ring of the Wreath Nebula is made of warm dust very similar to smog found on Earth, while the red cloud in the middle is likely made of cool, metallic dust. Read more here.)NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA
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A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head....more
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The Union flag is the official centuries old national flag of Great Britain.
It never ceases to amaze me that the left wing have the mental duplicity to claim the salary of public office in this country, and yet show so much loathing for our Nations symbols; flags, anthems, Patron Saints, language, history.
Labour and the rest of the socialist loony left and Marxists are saying the union flag is the same as the Nazi flag. They are trying to compare our patriotism to ‘nazism’, but they very conveniently forget that Hitler and the nazis were in fact socialists themselves.
It is not Nazi to fly your own country’s flag in your own country!
What do the Marxists who hate England and have banned the word from the English language, expect us to fly as a flag in our own country? They took away the St Georges cross and are now taking away the Union Jack.
Presumably they want the communist flag or the flag of ISIS flying instead. Just so as to not offend anybody.
This is what happens when the country becomes Balkanised. This is what happens when the Marxist-bent forces in political office under the guise of political correctness work to destroy an entire country. This is what happens when the people remain silent, when they do nothing to save their country and themselves from subjugation by the forces of Liberal fascism.
Hopefully, with the wind of change putting the wind up so many white Liberal fascists who are now an ideology in total retreat, will, belatedly, come to its senses but not before, one hopes, inflicting terminal damage on themselves.
If the British flag frightens people because national flags = Nazi. Then why aren’t they equally frightened of censorship which does = Nazi and Communist of which both are genocidal? Communism being worse!
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Irish Coin Money Clip
Click to enlarge image(s)
Irish Coin Money Clip. Great use for this favorite coin replica. Money clip meaures 2 inches wide by 1 inch tall. Coin measures inch round. Arrives in a gift pouch.
Our Money clips are new for fall 2014. Nearly any design can be placed on a money clip for you. We currently only offer the Ancient Casting Bronze for our designs on the silver metal clip, due to soldering issues with the other bronzes.
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The overall cost of credit for manufacturers in the Midlands has remained largely unchanged over the past two months, but there signs that supply problems are starting to moderate for bigger firms.
According to a new survey published by EEF, there has been little in the way of significant change in the lending environment for manufacturers.
Over the past two months around three in ten companies reported an increase in the overall cost of credit, virtually unchanged now for three consecutive quarters.
The survey indicates a modest improvement in the supply of credit and the availability of new lines of borrowing, but this trend has been concentrated primarily among medium and large companies, with some small firms still facing constraints in accessing finance.
EEF Midlands director Martin Wassell said: “The recession and the crisis in financial markets have worsened the costs and conditions attached to accessing finance and the credit markets for many businesses.
“Despite the pick up in the economy, too few companies are seeing a significant improvement in lending conditions.
“This was never likely to be a swift or easy process, but we are concerned that the rise in the cost of new borrowing may be signalling that the supply of finance is not able to keep up the upturn in manufacturing activity.
“As banks rebuild their balance sheets and take a more cautious approach to risk given the uncertainty surrounding the recovery we are not likely to see much movement in these indicators in the short term.
“The fact that government has chosen to tackle this issue as an early priority is to be welcomed.”
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Cliff Lee, the former Cy Young Award winner, is a key to the success of the Philadelphia rotation. Recently, the team committed to Cole Hamels with a six-year, $140 million contract.
In 2011, the team signed Lee, then a free agent, to a contract guaranteeing him about $97 million through 2015. He also has a no-trade clause to 21 teams in the MLB within his contract.
Thus far Lee has been anything but an ace in 2012. However, for having an “off year,” the southpaw hasn’t exactly fallen to pieces. His 3.95 ERA and 119:23 strikeout-to-walk ratio are not awful numbers for a starting MLB pitcher. Much of his struggles have come due to lacking run support from the Phils offense.
The logistics of moving him coupled with the decline in his play this year suggest the Phillies wouldn’t fully benefit from trading the lefty.
There’s also the matter of wild-card contention. The Phillies have seemingly played themselves out of the race for the NL East’s playoff seed, but remain only 10 games back from a wild-card berth. It seems unrealistic because of the poor play of the team thus far, but if they can get hot at the right time, they may be able to make a run at that wild-card spot.
Stranger things have happened in the MLB in September.
If they do make a run, they’re going to need Lee down the stretch. While it may have been a prominent rumor, a trade of Lee just doesn’t fit right now. Heyman’s source indicates the Phillies have no plans to move Lee during the season.
If the Phils are looking to dump salary, it would be wise to move Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence instead of a cornerstone of their pitching rotation. Lee will rebound, there’s no guarantee Victorino (free agent at the end of the year) or Pence (free agent at the end of 2013 season) will be coming back to Philadelphia.
According to these sources and conventional wisdom, they have made the right decision.
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Well, all good things must come to an end, for me its the 2008 coaster season.
One of the coaster clubs had arranged a fall event at the park, so
that seemed like just as good a way as any to end the season, surrounded
by a lot of friends. So I registered and then headed to the park on
the 25th. The park was slated to open at 11am that day, but we could
start checking in as early as 10am. Park arrival was easy, and soon
I was checked in and was looking through my FUNvelope, but not just a normal
size FUNvelope but a manila envelope stuffed full of goodness. Okay,
it had the usual stuff, an event lanyard, admission ticket, picnic ticket,
wristband for all day free drinks, as well as a copy of the days schedule
of events, a park guide and a haunt guide. What really made the packet
special were four little pieces of paper that might easily be missed.
These were front of the line tickets for four different Haunt attractions.
Knowing this is a Saturday, having some Haunt express tickets would
come in most handy.
Leading up to the event, we didn't know for sure what rides we would have
for our half hour private ride time. In fact when they first opened the gates
they told us one thing, but owing to the non cooperation of a certain ride,
we wound up with another. In the end we wound up with Flight of Fear
and Racer for our early ride time. What made the Flight of Fear rides really
special is they had the work lights on inside the show building, allowing
for a very unique ride experience where we got to see just how tight that
trackwork is. Talk about headchopper effects, wow. I took 2
or 3 rides on Flight of Fear, then headed over to get a token ride on Racer.
Not many people riding the one side of Racer that was open, and to make matters
worse, they made you walk around every time. So I got one ride on Racer,
but I could see Firehawk testing. So, right after my Racer ride I zoomed
down and planted myself to be one of the first people in line for Firehawk.
Of course it didn't open on time, but still I got that ride out fo
the way. Nice to have two of the low capacity popula rides out of the
way just minutes after park opening. It would wind up being my lasdt
flight on Firehawk for the season.
After Firehawk, I knew I had to pay special attention to the schedule.
This event is loaded with tons of activities, and you can opt to do
as many or as few ot them as you wish. The next activity was a lights
on tour of Club Blood. So, I took the time to snag a ride on Adventure
Expres, and Son of Beast while I waited. I'lll miss Firehwak in the
off season, Son of Beast, not so much. Right around 11 a section of Club
Blood queue rail was removed so we could walk up to the front door of Club
Blood. Before going in we were told the rules - no touching anything,
especially the props, the lights will be on, all that common sense stuff.
We were led into the building and I noted a lot of detail in the sets
and props that you just can't see well with the lights off. I also
noted that there seems to be a service channell all the way around the perimieter
of the haunt, along with numerous exit doors you don't normally see. In
addition the maze itself is riddled with curtained off escape paths that
you normally can't get to because thats also where the actors place themselves.
It was a pretty interesting tour, even if you did have to use your
imagination as the actosrs and some fo the loose props were not there. The
animatronic in the hopsital scene was working which caused a few t jump even
in this behind the scenes tour. The park had converted an onld 80's
era vending machne into a "Condom and Lubricants" machine I hadn't noticed
before. We followed the usual tour path and were soon outside, but
not alowed to leave the area yet. This caused some confusion as they
hadn't explained to us the whole tour experience. Now, we are going
to tour it again, still no actors, but with the sounds and lights in their
show setting. It is amazing haw easy it was to get disoriented even
after just taking a full lights on tour. Later tonight, we can come
back a third time and get the full experience using our front of the line
ticket for Club Blood.
After the Club Blood tour, I took the chance to score a ride on Face/OFf
before heading out of the park to get my season pass processed. I had
bought the platinum pass this year, then got absolutely no use out of it,
and barely got enough uses here to make it worth its while, So, I
downgraded to a Gold Pass for 2009. That mean an all new photo session
of course, and soon I was racing through the park at the speed of light hoping
I didn't get shut out of the next behind the scenes tour.
The next tour was Racer. I headed to the gate nearest Zephyr and was
delighted to learn I could still get in. The person working the gate
just explained "the rules" and let us in. Racer tour was more of an
access to this concrete pad right at the base of the first drop from which
we could take some cool close up pictures. Hey, it's better than nothing.
After this tour I got my Vortex and Italian Job rides in just before
making the trek to Massacare Manor.
Our Massacare Manor tour would be handled much like the Club Blood tour.
One pass wiht all the show lights on, one pass with work lights on.
Due to the use of blacklight in this haunt there are some things you
can see only with the work lights, and some you can see only with the show
lights. Oh, and thery left a couple of the mechancial props turned
on, just to get a few scares in early. After this tour, I decided to
rest for a few minutes with a couple slices of Larosas Pizza back in Rivertown.
I hadn't gotten breakfast and was starting t get hungry. I finished
up just in time to snag a Beast ride before heading to beasts tour.
It started out as just another Beast photo tour, the likes of which I have
done numerous times. This one only went as far as the area right past
the first drop, instead of going all the way to the far reaches of the ride.
I don't think anybody minded becuase it wasn't really Beast we were
coming to see this time, you see the Beast tour spilled over into the Diamondback
tour. That's right the first photo tour of the 2009 new ride Diamondback.
We got to see some track pieces on a truck behind the Tomb Raider building.
Walk along side the first drop which came to an abrupt end. We
then followed the footings down a steep hill, then back up an even steeper
hill. We notices a Hsunt prop of a man hanging from the train trestle,
but nobody could figure out who in the park could actually see it. Up on
top of the steep hill we could look at the footings for the turnaround, and
judging by some of the fittings, it will have some interesting banking.
Then it was back down the steep hill, adnd out the way we came.
Thanks for the sneak peek, Kings Island.
It was then almost time for dinner, but I knew the Eiffell Tower would close
at 6pm, so I took the time to go up and get some photos from on top of tower.
This had the side effect of making me one of the last people to get
to the International Restaurant. I made do with what was left of the
Skyline Buffet. The salad bar was pretty much totalled, as was the
cheese, but not to worry, I could still take a dinner plate and pile it high
with pasta, chilli, and onions. I formed walls around the sides with
coneys.
There was the usual Q&A and presentation in the International Restaurant
about Diamondback after dinner. Then I headed to Graeters to have some
black raspberry chip ice cream. I ate my ice cream while standing in
line for Redbeard's Revenge. Mind you it was COLD tonight, somebody
asked me "How can you eat ice cream in this cold weather?" I responded "With
a spoon." I note the former General Store is NOT a part of the attraction,
except its porch and the entire pathway between the general store and the
little sign carver's booth (man, I remember when that was the Rib Pit!) was
filled with a rope queue maze for RedBeard's. Soon enough the gate was opened,
and I made the journey into the unknown. The first part of the attraction
is outdoors in the space formerly used as the Back Porch Stage. Creepy. I
make my way at a fast clip though the boat dock themed outside area, as there
was really nothing to obscure the path. Then I headed into the former Mining
Company building which is the inside of the haunted pirate ship. Ah yes,
this is more of a haunt than the fun filled CarnEVIL. I think my favorite
scene is when you see, I think its the captain's wife looking all pretty
in bed and just as you are looking at her someone else pops there head in
through a slot right above the bed telling you to get moving on. Distraction,
its a wonderful device in haunting. So I made my way through the haunted
pirate ship and soon find myself back out on the midway next to Wings.
After that, I noted the line for Tombtone Terrortory was stretched back past
the White Water Canyon Entrance, and it doesn't even open for 30 minutes.
Knowing what a low capacity drag it is, I get in line and endure the
wait. There was one comic moment where one scareactor was doing a pretty
bad job standing right in front of this girl and the girl thought he was
just being annoying, what he was really doing was distracting her so the
other one could some right up behind her, Loved it when she jumped
about 5 feet., The Tombstone Terrortory line stretched all the way
to the train station where they had an extra wueue maze setup. Eventually
I make it onto a train. Juding from how far I moved right at 8am, they
must not let people into the actual queue area early. During the train
ride the narrator tells you a rather lame ghost story to kill time. At least
they have dropped the charade of the train breaking down, now the story is
you have arrived in some abandoned ghost town. Ah, that does work better
considering the train does stop at a train platform. You know that train
platform you see on the left just past white water canyon wihen you ride
the train, thats where the train stops and they tell everybody to get off
the train. You exit to the platform then the directions were to exit the
train and go to the left through the gate, well there are gtes at both ends,
and I followed a crowd that went through the gate to the right into the grass
field where the pumpkin patch is during the day. I think the crew is learning
they have to take more control of the crowd as they didn't sound that happy.
So we walked through the grass field and rejoined those that took the proper
gate. The train returns to Rivertown empty.
You are then led down a paved road, and I know what is coming, so I am jockeying
for position all the way down the road, but so are other people. At the end
of the paved road, you cross over the railroad tracks, and go through a service
gate that leads to the very back of the White Water Canyon observation area.
The back part of the observation is a queue area where you again have to
wait in line. Seems that now that they brought hundreds of people here at
a time, they now want to group you into small groups. They dutifully group
us into our group, and we enter the walking part of the haunt. Which has
some old west themeing and winds through the canyon observation area. Then
they have what could have been the feature of the haunt, its a simple device
where they have a small one person wide tunnel built with several sheets
of burlap about 2' apart, oh and they are constantly blowing artificial smoke
into this contraption. So you can't see whats ahead, you are worried that
just beyond that next burlap sheet is a scene worse than death, but all in
all nothing jumps out at you in this device. What actually happens is that
people take it so apprehensively that they are going through it one at a
time, and a huge bottleneck forms trying to get through it. This means that
by the time you get out of it at the other side, the rest of the haunt is
a long 'conga line' of people. Which means for the majority of the haunt
you just have one long solid parade of guests going down the White Water
Canyon exit path. From here on out the scareactors are innefectual at best,
because you can see ahead what is going to happen, you just don't know who
its going to happen to. I think it richly deserves the rating of SUCKFEST
it received in the message boards. Oh it had its moments like the hanging
heads in the covered bridge, or jumping up at you on the rampway up, but
all in all this one did not end with a "It's over already!", it ended with
a "Thank goodness thats over with"
After Tombstone Terrortory I start to feel good, all I have left in haunting
land are carnEVIL, Cemetary, Club Blood, and Massacare Manor. (Recall,
I don't care for Death Row), and I have express passes for three of those,
and Cemetary never has a line, what could go wrong? I head to CarnEVIL and
the line is wrapped clean around Little Bill's Giggle Coaster heading up
towards towe Not the use of the passes had never really been explained, so
I figured I would head down the exit path. It worked as the person
working the exit let me in the exit door and secretly join the next group
entering. Folks in line will never know they got linejumped, and the
people in my group could plainly see my VIP lanyard. CarnEVIL is a
good fit for Nick Universe. For one, it's the only haunt that has the lights
on for most of the maze, all the better to see those special "3-D" patterns
along the walls. I don't think this would scare anybody, unless you are of
those people that has a distinct fear of clowns. The place is bright and
cheery and themed to a fun house. You have the hall of doors, (plenty of
good jump out opportunities there), a fortune teller, the light tunnel where
you cross a bridge through a revolving drum and the light patterns along
the wall make it feel like you are moving instead of the walls. My favorite
scene in this one was the room that is all black with polka dots all over
the walls, standing dead ahead of you is a scare actor dressed up in exactly
the same pattern as the walls, add a strobe light to that and you have a
great effect, such a good effect that it has been a staple in haunted houses
in the area for quite some time. On the way out, you are allowed to keep
your glasses, or toss them in a bin. I note nothing special or collectible
about the glasses, so I toss them in the bin, and go up the exit ramp which
comes out by the Scooby Doo Meet and Greet.
I then go take my lumps at Cemetary. The line is all the way back past
International Showplace, not only that they actually have a queue maze set
up around the Carousel. Tell me I didn't just wait nearly 45-60 minutes
for Cemetary. What's wose, the haunt hasn't really impved since last
year. Oh, they changed the routing so you exit across from the airbrush
shop now, but mostly the same thing, You walk through a graveyard and
spirits come following you.
After Cemetary, I head to Festhaus to catch Ghouls Gone Wild. Think your
typical theme park rock music revue with a haunted theme and you have it.
Lots of haloween music, some coarse language. Apparently
the park does offer a family friendly version during the day, but at night
the inunednoo and course language is allowed. It even has some indoor
pyro effects, what's not to like. After the show I duck out the back
door of Festhaus and head to Club Blood.
At Club Blood, they have the VIP lanyard situation under control, and even
handle it in theme. A club bouncer greets you as you approach the haunt.
"Ah, VIP List?" He then shows you right past the line to the doorway
into Club Blood. Club Blood is one of the newer mazes, in a brand new
building loctated behind Extreme Skyflyer. It is the much talked about R
rated haunted maze. We enter and first you head down an ally towards Club
Blood where the actors talk openly about drugs and the like, then you pass
a bouncer to enter the club where scantily dressed women are doing exotic
dancing and cages and poles are invovled but they do keep their clothes on.
Hey, this is a family park after all. You then go though the very gross haunted
clubs bathroom, where some poor schmuck is worshiping a very nasty looking
toilet. The second half of the attraction seems to be a haunted hospital,
and the key scene is a nurse appearing to give head to a cadaver. Scary,
no, risque yes, and potentially disturbing, yes. After the haunted hospital
like area it is the hall of mirrors and then as you leave you go past the
club's bar.
Okay, one more haunt to get out of the way, but first I take a spin on Delirium.
Ahh, fast, forecful, love it. Okay, I get to Massacare Manor,
and they have a VIP entrance setup next to the regular entrance. Well
thought out here as well. This is your traditional haunted house, where
the theme is well, a house. Watch out for that freezer!
After Massacare Manor, I stop by the funnel cake stand for an outrageouly
overpriced Apple funnel cake, before heading to Dead Awakenings. We
have passes for prioirty seating, and so I get seated right in the very first
row. Dead Awakenings is a stage show designed for mature adults, and
the park is sure to make that known before the show starts. Adult subjects
are key to the show, including some bondage, what looks like either a rape
or knifing scene, a lap dance scene, straightjacketed dancers, and lots of
song and dance by scantily dressed performers and a lot of fishnets. Even
the music is a bit edgier than you would expect in a theme park show. I was
seated center house towards the rear of the seating bowl, and it was fun
watching the crowd reactions. Yes, there were a lot of walk outs, but I liked
the ones where the wife/girlfriend/whatever looked sincerely ticked off,
practically dragging their husband/boyfriend/whatever behind them who had
this look like "I WAS enjoying this, but I know I had best better act morally
offended for the sake of me own relationship" I admit, I quite liked the
show. After that, the formal event schedule had concluded, so I decided
that since the park was crowded anyways, to just call it a season and head
home. See you next season!
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HONGDA concrete pump truck is developed by applying modern advanced computer simulation techniques and systematically analyzing what effect the change of such various parameters as stress,displacement,natural frequency,etc. pump truck structure receives has on boom¡¯s fatigue life on HONGDA GROUP¡¯s drawing on advanced experience both at home and abroad. Meantime, the group optimized hydraulic system¡¯s design,adopted latest free fluid technique,greatly lessened pumping reversal¡¯s impact on boom,and won many patents on pump truck boom structure¡¯s optimization and hydraulic system¡¯s design. Perfect product quality control,perfect product making,and absolutely adequate quality inspection make HONGDA pump truck achieve CHINA¡¯s leading level and international advanced level. Pump system adopts steel plates all from SWEDISH SSAB, which have been treated by high-strength coldrolling with yield strength beyond 900Mpa, to ensure boom system with high-strength and light weight. The system¡¯s aggregate carrying pipe,landing leg,and oil tank,etc. all have been treated by 100% stess removing after welding. Every welding seam has been treated by 100% nondestructive evaluation or X radial check to avoid any tiny defect and to make the machine more enduring.
The boom system adopts slewing bearing from GERMANY ROTHE ERDE or imported ITALY product, which have higher strength and longer using life with texture to be 42CrMo.
Accurate data support from finite element analysis and dynamics simulation analysis act as design basis to ensure boom system with a scientific structure and excellent property. Stess and strain test are conducted by national test center to verify the agreement between boom structure calculated analysis result and actual working condition.
HONGDA pump truck adopts international buying with key parts all from international famous brand which have the following features:
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Contact
Working hours:
to work with clients:
Monday to Friday
9:00 to 15:00 pm
Croatian immigrants and their descendants abroad
According to the census taken in April 2001 there were 4. 437, 460 inhabitants in Croatia.
Based on the estimates and assessments of Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices, Croatian Catholic missions, as well as the censuses taken in the countries where Croat immigrants and their descendants reside, and also based on the estimates of Croatian communities in some of those countries, it is estimated that there are about 3,000,000 Croatian immigrants and their descendants living outside Croatia and worldwide.
Based on the assessments by individual countries around the world, the number of Croats and their descendants is as follows:
Traditionally, Croatia has been a country of immigration. Several periods need to be singled out which marked the immigration of Croats.
- From 1880’s until World War I: United States, Latin America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand - From 1918 until World War II: Germany, France, Belgium - At the end and immediately after World War II: Argentina and other countries in Latin America and North America - After 1965s: Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada- After 1990s: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand
Croats kept immigrating both for economic and political reasons, although it can be said that both reasons played a role in the immigration.
Older Croat population abroad, primarily „economic immigration“ overseas, still shows interests in the events in the homeland, while the younger generation, largely assimilated, is mostly interested in its Croat roots.
A very specific group of Croatian immigrants is made up of “economic immigrants” going back to the sixties of the previous century, and mostly residing in the countries of Western Europe. One part of it is well integrated into host countries (especially younger Croats), while the other part still perceives itself as guests and wishes to return to Croatia.The largest number of political immigrants are the “ Bleiburg survivors” who, after World War II, settled in South and North America.Croat immigration, in the course of 1990s, bears the mark of the refugees from war-torn areas, and is also the result of the Greater Serbian war of aggression. The largest number of these immigrants moved to the countries of Western Europe and to overseas countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand). Some of them did, however, return to Croatia.A typical mark for all Croat immigrants, either those who live in overseas countries, or those who live in the immediate vicinity of their homeland, is the desire to cooperate with their homeland. Our main goal should be based on the fact how to preserve the identity of Croatian immigrants, regardless of the time of their departure, reasons for leaving, levels of education, and the overall profile of Croat immigrants.
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Ancient Wisdom by Imperial Tonics
There is a new product on the market! Ancient Wisdom Tonic Superfood by Imperial contains a blend of extracts of the royal family of Chinese herbs. Its ingredients set it apart from its predecessors on the market. I am excited I have been asked to review this amazing formula.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for 5,000 of years. There are three treasures associated with TCM: Jing, Qi, and Shen. It is said disease arise when one or more of the three treasures are out of balance. Help balance your treasures by incorporating this tonic into a beverage or meal. Find out at the end how I made one yummy smoothie out of it!
Here is what’s in Ancient Wisdom Tonic Superfood and why it’s so good for you:
Astralagus IV Extract
An excellent immune booster, thought to slow down the aging process, could play an important role in treating cancer, and normalize disturbances in the body.
Duanwood Reishi Spores
Improves how we handle stress, promotes balance, supports digestion which therefore stimulates our immune system and boosts energy levels. Duanwood Reishi is more potent and beneficial to conventional Reishi mushrooms.
An effective blood tonic to support healthy aging, healthy muscles, tendons and bones.
I love incorporating this tonic superfood into my diet and here’s how I did it this morning:
Matcha Mint Choc Chip (serves 1 – 2)
2 cups coconut water
1 tsp Ancient Wisdom
1 tsp matcha powder
1 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
2 dates
1 drop pure peppermint essential oil (culinary grade)
¾ cup fresh or frozen spinach
½ ripe avocado
1 tsp as garnish with pure cacao nibs
Sweeten with stevia or raw honey to taste (if you wish)
Blend all ingredients together!
This can also simply be added to your coffee in the morning (I tried that too, yum!), tea, or anything else you like! I love finding products that have such extraordinary health benefits in addition to a healthy eating routine. Cheers to an extra boost!
Hi! I'm Leah, thanks for stopping by! The field of health and wellness is my passion, so I have created a space to answer your health questions all while filling you in on my own personal journey along the way. I am a daughter, wife, sister, new mom, dog mommy, spinner, yogi, traveler, and chocolate lover. I am a certified Holistic Health Coach and if you have a question you want a real-girl answer to, just ask!
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn
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Payday Loans Thompson
Our Payday loan no paperwork nz Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. State regulators say the majority of internet payday lenders are not licensed with. located at 1133 Vultee Blvd. SGF Faith Leaders. Get a Loan, payday loans stratford online. We will help you with Payday Loans, Cash Advances, Title Loans, and Installment Loans. State regulators Most online payday lenders illegal. Payday loans are usually payday loans thompson elements These loans are for small amounts.
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It Crowd: The Complete Second Season
All six episodes from the second series─"The Work Outing," "Return of the Golden Child," "Moss and the German," "The Dinner Party," "Smoke and Mirrors," and "Men Without Women"─are featured. 144 min. total. Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; outtakes; featurette. **6 episodes on 1 disc. 144 min.**
You May Also Like
All six episodes from the second series─"The Work Outing," "Return of the Golden Child," "Moss and the German," "The Dinner Party," "Smoke and Mirrors," and "Men Without Women"─are featured. 144 min. total. Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; outtakes; featurette. **6 episodes on 1 disc. 144 min.**
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Does anyone need- Googles Down catwoman and/or a Ras al Ghul. PM with your city, state and zip if you want it. This the last call. If you want either or both at actual cost now is the time, i'll be tossing it back in a week
As many of you know I really love the movie masters stuff (yeah, even the GL movie masters figures. I have all of them and I really love them). Anyway, I just heard about that movie Batman (in the 6 inch scale) and had to share it:
$55 + shipping for a 6 inch figure? No thanks. Don't care how many articulation points he has. It's not worth it for that price. If he came with a removable cowl and a bunch of bat accessories, then MAYBE... but it doesn't look like he comes with anything.
$55 + shipping for a 6 inch figure? No thanks. Don't care how many articulation points he has. It's not worth it for that price. If he came with a removable cowl and a bunch of bat accessories, then MAYBE... but it doesn't look like he comes with anything.
It comes with a few extras, but it's the amount of detail and the cloth cape that made me order it.
As many of you know I really love the movie masters stuff (yeah, even the GL movie masters figures. I have all of them and I really love them). Anyway, I just heard about that movie Batman (in the 6 inch scale) and had to share it:
I preordered mine too. For me it was an easy decision. Goodbye Mattel 6" figures...I'll miss your low quality and near-impossiblity to find at retail lol. One superb figure for the price of three sub-standard ones. And less to collect which saves me money in the long run.
I really hope Medicom makes more Batman movie figures. I like what I see so far.
| 1,662 |
Share this:
FOXBORO, Mass. — There's a theory budding in the Patriots' locker room. Those back-to-back losses midway through the season, some think, could have been the best thing to ever happen to the team this season.
It's hard to argue. After dropping a pair of games to the Steelers and Giants — as the Patriots came off the bye week, no less — to drop to 5-3 and into a three-way tie for first place in the AFC East, New England ripped off a 10-game winning streak.
And here they are, back at the Super Bowl for the fifth time in 11 years. Every single one of their Super Bowl journeys has been different, and this trip isn't excluded from that.
"Going back to that time period, everybody was kind of freaking out — not us personally, but outside of the locker room," linebacker Rob Ninkovich said of the two-game skid. "And I think we did a great job of taking all that, putting that aside and focusing on what we had to do, and that's win. We won the rest of the games, won through the playoffs, so obviously it might have sparked something in us to say, 'Hey, we're not losing anymore.'"
The Patriots' attitude and mental toughness formed in training camp, but their resiliency can most obviously be traced back to early November. It started with injuries, as linebacker Jerod Mayo and tight end Aaron Hernandez were still working their way back to form. And linebacker Brandon Spikes and safety Patrick Chung went down during the loss to the Giants.
It's been an extremely gradual process, but the Patriots have finally gotten their health back, aside from an ankle injury to tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will play in the Super Bowl despite the ailment.
"Getting guys back, first and foremost," Mayo said of the difference between now and November. "Being able to play with the same group of guys for a couple weeks, which is an extended period for this team this year, I think that's the main thing for us.
"It helped develop our mental toughness. At the same time, it helped our versatility, being able to put different players in the game and doing things like that really helped us."
And then, it was about execution. They followed the defeat to the Giants with a convincing road victory against the Jets, and they erased multiple-possession deficits to win four of their last six regular-season games. That adversity was more on a smaller scale than the back-to-back losses, but the Patriots showed character on the fly in those games.
"I think the best thing that could have happened to this football team was us losing those back-to-back games in the middle of the season," said wide receiver Matthew Slater, a co-captain. "Adversity, I think, is a good thing depending on how you respond to it, and we responded so well to the adversity that we faced. A lot of people counted us out, sitting at 5-3, struggling, people talking about the defense, the offense, special teams. But at that point, I think we rallied together, and we really found out what we had. The character of this football team was on display from there on out. In hindsight, those two losses might have been the best thing to happen to this team."
Now, here it is, a second chance for the Patriots to meet the Giants. Adversity, character, resiliency, it's all going to play a role on the fate of a team's season. But at this point, the Patriots need to prove that it all meant something — that, over the last two and a half months, it helped them become a better team than the Giants.
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Our Learning
We are currently involved in radical curriculum innovation to make our children’s learning as broad, exciting and appealing as possible which in turn achieves high standards in every aspect of their learning. Our aim is for children to be inspired in all areas of school life and to become independent learners equipped for the future.
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Toni Nadal: Endurance
Toni Nadal led Rafael Nadal from ground zero to the number one player in the world. Their incredible return to the top of the mountain in 2017 is a testament to Toni Nadal’s faith in both Rafa and himself. As coach and player, Toni and Rafa appeared in 23 grand slam finals, winning 16. Their journey which is filled with highs and lows, great rivals and severe critics has been well documented. Through it all, Toni fought the good fight while keeping his head held high and ethos intact. ELITE Tennis Journal salutes Toni Nadal for a job well done!
“Joder!” curses Toni Nadal. Interrupt Toni when he is in task mode and the oaths fly out of his mouth like hot sparks from a blacksmith’s anvil. It is important to understand that Toni does not curse casually, nor as a form of insult, rather of exasperation. In this particular case, it is the frustration of being delayed and quite possibly missing a flight from Palma de Mallorca to Madrid. We are at the entrance of the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy in Manacor and the airport is nearly an hours’ drive away. I am but one of a handful of obstacles keeping Toni from getting to the airport on time. Standing aside, I watch Toni multi-task; answer phone calls, sign papers, button his dress shirt, tie his leather shoes, and wrestle my oversize travel bag into the back of his two-door Mercedes SLC Roadster. Eventually, the retractable hardtop would come down, my bag would go in and we are ready to go. I briefly considered suggesting a hands-free apparatus for his phone, but then I realized that Toni Nadal is anything but hands-free.
Pato believes it is his job to make sure his player has everything in order to play his best; racquets perfect, water, balls, and like this. And I say, ‘this is not my opinion.
Finally we are on our way. Toni looks at his watch and utters one last ‘joder’. But this curse is different, a bit softer, more of a slow drawn-out sigh of relief. Leaving the academy, Toni drives through a mix of newly paved roads, narrow cobblestone alleys, and a couple of roundabouts which he accelerates out of with the grace, speed, and confidence one would expect from Fernando Alonso. As if on cue, the phone finally stops ringing just as Toni hits the Ma-15 highway.
“One time I have a big discussion with Pato Clavet,” Toni begins. “Pato believes it is his job to make sure his player has everything in order to play his best; racquets perfect, water, balls, and like this. And I say, ‘this is not my opinion.’ If Rafa forgets his water, I say, ‘well it is your problem, today you don’t drink water.’ My work is not to bring water. Do you want to be a professional coach or a waiter?”
Our route to the airport takes us through the heart of Mallorca where windmills used to grind grain and pump water casts long shadows over fields which produce almond, fig and olive trees in great abundance. Restaurants, fortified with heavy brick barbeque grills and wood-fired ovens look like they were built to feed legions of Roman soldiers. Meals are peasant food soaked in olive oil and portions are big enough to last for days. While Barcelona may very well be the cradle of Spanish tennis; it is here on the island of Mallorca, part of Spain’s autonomous zone, that lies…
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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump bowed on Monday to overwhelming pressure that he personally condemn white supremacists who incited bloody demonstrations in Charlottesville, Va., over the weekend, labeling their racists views “evil” after two days of equivocal statements.
“Racism is evil,” said Mr. Trump, delivering a statement from the White House at a hastily arranged appearance meant to halt the growing political threat posed by the situation. “And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the K.K.K., neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.”
Yet even Mr. Trump’s allies worried that his measured remarks, delivered two days after dozens of public figures issued more forceful denunciations, came too late to reverse the self-inflicted damage on his moral standing as president.
——Updated Above
(As of August 12th, 2017)
A mob of HUNDREDS of white supremacists, neo-nazis, and alt-right descended upon the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia carrying torches and shouting “You will not replace us!” according to DailyProgress.
Let’s be totally clear about one thing, racism NEVER died. Likely never will, but this era of Donald Trump and band of merry bigots have emboldened these people in a way that we haven’t seen in quite some time.
The racist rally was sparked by the city of Charlottesville’s decision to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. from the ironically named Emancipation Park.
Anti-racist protesters shared a “beautiful” moment together before terror struck when a car plowed into the massive crowd of people demonstrating against a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. One person died and 19 others were injured in the incident.
Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer announced the death on Twitter, hours after the governor declared a state of emergency. Hospital officials confirmed to The Associated Press the number of casualties. Fifteen other injuries were reported related to the rally, the City of Charlottesville said.
The victim who died was a 32-year-old female, Chief Al Thomas of the Charlottesville Police Department said at a news conference.
Following a morning of clashes, the white supremacists at the rally and counter-protesters began to clear out Saturday afternoon after police threatened arrests. Hundreds of counter-protesters had met together to oppose the white supremacist gathering, marching in solidarity with marginalized groups, chanting “Black Lives Matter!” among other slogans.
Moments later, a car plowed into the crowd, and bodies went flying. Please !! Stop the violence !!
One person was killed and 19 others were injured in the attack. 20-year-old James Alex Fields from Ohio has been arrested for the terrorism.
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How would Jindal have approached FDR’s New Deal had he been Governor of Louisiana during the Great Depression?
Anyone who still wonders why Gov. Bobby Jindal trots around the country uttering his venom-laced attacks on Washington in general and the Obama administration in particular should understand something. It’s all about politics; he is simply pandering to what he perceives as his base which is, at best, an illusion.
His foaming at the mouth courtship with his invisible support group is something like playing with an imaginary friend. In Jindal’s case, we have it on pretty good authority that he had two imaginary friends as a child but they would go to the other end of the playground and never let him join them. You will notice he never shows up in any of the lists of potential major GOP presidential candidates. That’s because the Republican Party just doesn’t want to play with him.
We have to give Jindal credit for one thing, however; he backs his rhetoric with action.
In his steadfast resistance to anything Washington, we have seen him:
Reject $300 million in federal funding for a Baton Rouge to New Orleans high speed passenger rail connection because he doesn’t want federal control;
Pretend to reject $98 million in federal stimulus funds for recovery from the 2008 recession while quietly taking the funds and handing out checks to municipalities during his highly-publicized visits to Protestant churches in north Louisiana;
Reject $80 million in federal funding to expand broadband internet service into rural areas of the state, primarily in north Louisiana;
Reject $15.7 billion in federal Medicaid expansion funds because he incorrectly claimed it would cost Louisiana taxpayers up to $1.7 billion over 10 years. He provided no figures to back that claim but did defiantly say Obama “won’t bully Louisiana.” Meanwhile, more than 200,000 low-income Louisiana residents are still without medical insurance.
Reject the Common Core State Standards Initiative after previously voicing his wholehearted support for the standards, again saying, “We won’t let the federal government take over Louisiana’s education standards.”
Prevail upon the legislature to reject an increase in the minimum wage, to reject tightening regulation of payday loan companies, to ban discrimination against gays, and to reject support of equal pay for women—most probably because all such proposals have the ugly thumbprints of Washington all over them.
So, taking into account his polarizing negativity against Washington, it’s pretty easy to see that things might have been different if we’d never had this little demagogue as governor.
But then we got to wondering how Louisiana might have fared down through the years if we had always been saddled with a Jindal on the fourth floor of the State Capitol. We would probably have beaten South Carolina in being the first state to secede from the Union.
But for the sake of simplicity, let’s just go back to Franklin Roosevelt’s administration. That’s pretty fair because U.S. Sen. Huey Long (whom Jindal often seems to be trying to emulate) was about as anti-New Deal then as Jindal is anti-everything federal is today. Moreover, the nation was reeling from the Great Depression, thanks to Wall Street’s greed, just as America was suffering from the Recession of 2008, thanks in large part to Wall Street again gone amok.
Works Progress Administration projects:
Big Charity Hospital in New Orleans where many Louisiana physicians received their training for decades (including Congressmen Bill Cassidy and Charles Boustany, Jr.);
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) which brought electric power to Louisiana’s most rural farm communities (and without which, to paraphrase the late comic Brother Dave Gardner, they’d all be watching TV by candlelight);
State Capitol Annex across Third Street from the State Capitol;
More courthouses were constructed under the program from 1936 to 1940 than in any other period in state history. They include courthouses in the parishes of St. Bernard, Natchitoches, Iberia Parish, Caldwell, Cameron, East Carroll, Jackson, Madison, Rapides, St. Landry and Terrebonne.
Two buildings at what is now the University of Louisiana Monroe, three on the McNeese campus, seven each at Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana Tech, a water tower at Grambling State University, eight additions at Northwestern State University and 12 at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, all of which significantly extended the reach of higher education in the state.
Scores of new elementary and high schools (including this writer’s Alma Mater, Ruston High School), as well as high school science labs, gymnasium-auditoriums, home economics cottages, athletic fields, music rooms and vocational education shops;
New buildings for the Hansen’s Disease Center at Carville;
The Huey P. Long Bridge in New Orleans;
Extensive improvements and updates to the French Market in New Orleans;
Expansion of the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans;
Paving of 40 miles of roadway on Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City as well as the clearing of 15 miles of bayous and drainage canals and the rehabilitation of 43 wooden bridges on the base;
Improvements to the 1,300-acre City Park in New Orleans;
The Louisiana State Museum in Shreveport;
Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans;
The old City Hall in Denham Springs;
Construction of the Louisiana State School for the Deaf (now housing an administration building for the Baton Rouge Police Department);
Conversion of a Baton Rouge swamp into the University Lakes around which many LSU professors, former U.S. Congressman Henson Moore and current Congressman Bill Cassidy now reside;
Eradication program to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes near the New Orleans lakefront.
Huey Long did everything in his power to throw up roadblocks to FDR. His reasons? He planned to run for President in 1936 and he needed to incite opposition to Roosevelt and Washington in order to build a national political base. In fact, before his death in September of 1935, Long was quite effective as fewer than three dozen PWA projects were fully authorized for the state.
Sound familiar?
Following Long’s death and with his obstructionist policy abandoned by his successors, FDR funneled $80 million into Louisiana for roads, bridges, water and sewerage systems, parks, playgrounds, public housing, library and bookmobile programs and literacy drives. That’s $80 million in 1930s dollars. About what it would take to fund that proposed broadband internet expansion for rural north Louisiana today.
So, let’s ask Jindal to hop into our time machine and travel back to September 1935 where he will run and be elected governor just in time to revive the Kingfish’s anti-Roosevelt rhetoric.
Big Charity Hospital? Who needs it? But wait. Jindal wouldn’t have that facility today to give away in his privatization plan yet to be approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). And without Big Charity, there probably never would have been similar state hospitals in Houma, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport or Monroe to close or privatize.
All those courthouses? Shoot, just drop them in the Capital Outlay bill and sell some more state bonds. We can always raise the state’s debt ceiling.
As for all those buildings on the university campuses across the state, hasn’t anyone been paying attention? We’re cutting funding for all that. Who needs public colleges anyway? Let the students get a student loan and go to ITI Technical College.
And Ruston High School? We’ll just turn that into a charter and issue vouchers to the white kids—the smart rich ones.
All those New Deal programs created jobs for Louisianians? Well, so what? There probably wouldn’t have been an unemployment problem in the first place if the workers weren’t so greedy back then and would’ve agreed to work for 15 cents an hour. That’s what happens when you raise the minimum wage.
Fast Forward 30 years
And lest we forget, we probably need to include a couple of programs President Lyndon B. Johnson rammed through Congress.
The Civil Rights Bill opened the door of opportunity for African Americans as nothing since the Emancipation Proclamation had done. And of course there was bitter opposition right down to passage—and beyond. There are those, some in elective office, who would repeal the act today, given the opportunity. The irony is that LBJ had opposed every Civil Rights measure in Congress when he was a senator but when he ascended to the presidency upon JFK’s assassination, he told one supporter, “I’m everybody’s president now.”
And, of course, there is the precursor to the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare.
Of course, that would be that radical Social Security Amendment of 1965 which created Medicare and Medicaid.
There was rabid opposition to Medicare by Republicans and the American Medical Association which insisted there was no need for the federal government to intervene in the relationship between patient and physician. Today, if any politician ever tried to terminate Medicare services, he would have a blue-haired riot on his hands and rightly so.
Medicare now provides medical insurance to 50 million elderly Americans and Medicaid does the same for another 51 million low-income or disabled Americans.
Perhaps someone should ask Republican Congressmen Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge (6th District and a candidate for U.S. Senate against incumbent Mary Landrieu) and John Fleming of Minden (4th District), and Charles Boustany, Jr. (3rd District) each of whom is a physician and each of whom opposes Obamacare, what percentage of their income as practicing physicians walked in the door as Medicare or Medicaid patients?
Then check with Jindal to see how that squares with his opposition to the welfare state and such socialistic practices.
9 Responses
Don’t know about Fleming and Boustany, but as an staff doctor at EKL in Baton Rouge, I feel quite confident that a large percentage of Cassidy’s income came from Medicaid and Medicare during his years there. At least between the drug company paid junkets to exotic locales he took of which I seem to remember being around 38 or so. Curious outspoken against the ACA, Cassidy sponsored an extremely similar bill in the Louisiana house which went down in flames. Ah yes, Bill Cassidy, hypocrite extraordinaire. Remember that Cassidy was a Democrat for years until he wanted to enter politics so he switched and has morphed into the hate spewing politician he now is as he desperately try’s to convince Republicans he can do nothing positive for the people with the rest of the GOP.
Excellent, excellent article. Jindal’s foaming at the mouth that you mention sure does not seem to be doing him any good. A Quinnipiac poll released today of the Republican hopefuls has Jindal at one percent. This is the second poll in a week, I believe where he has come in at one percent. The Quinnipiac poll also shows Jindal losing momentum, from a high of three percent earlier in the year, to the present one percent. Way to go, Piyush. He is as bad a panderer as he is a governor, and that’s saying something.
Right on, Veritas! My daughter is now 45 and has been gone from our home for many years. Several months ago I was cleaning a drawer in her old bedroom and discovered an old political lapel pin that was given to her at a party at the Governor’s Mansion when she was quite young. The pin said: “EWE in 83.” I felt then, as well as now, that I wish we could erase Ferret Face and substitute EWE. Whatever what he took–if anything–he did not steal from the people of Louisiana. And I can say absolutely that he treated civil service employees fairly. And that cannot be said about Piyush.
Remember the bumper sticker in the Edwards/Duke election? In case you have forgotten–or are too young to have seen it–the message was: “Vote for the Crook, It’s Important!” We didn’t know it then, but those were the good old days.
Tom, this article deserves national circulation. The specifics apply in large measure to Louisiana but the crux of the attitude and resulting actions is a national problem. Thank you for tying together so many diverse specifics into a concise composition.
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these are all REAL paper objects. and he destroys them after they have been photographed. because there is no way to preserve them.he had an exhibition in San Francisco one year ago. any Yvette did not go - gggrrr
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Klauke standard tools and sets ecompass a large range of screwdrivers, cutters, pliers and all the accessories that is needed while working in any engineering process. Tools are insulated and VDE approved up to 1000V.
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The International Language Institute hosted the yearly KU Training Day, in which a new generation of graduates received their Instructor Certificates. It’s the most relevant institutional event of the year, in which new solutions are brought forward to the many challenges of English teaching in Nicaragua.
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Superior Water Damage Remediation in Poway, CA
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Standard homeowner and business insurance policies almost universally exclude water damage repairs due to natural flooding. You need a special flood rider for that. They're expensive, so many people choose FEMA's NFIP (National Flood Insurance Plan). Insurance coverage also excludes preventable damage, and that includes water damage repairs and mold removal that could have been avoided with immediate action from licensed services. Fortunately, the cost of those mitigation steps usually is covered.
Having dealt with pretty much every major insurance company covering San Diego County, CA for two decades, we'll know exactly what mitigation actions are necessary and exactly what detailed documentation is expected for a smooth insurance claims process. We'll provide that through email and web communications, including digital photos, for ongoing communications and faster processing.
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Kevin Rose
Biography
By Glenn McFarlane:
If the essence of football is about rising to the occasion, and giving your best when the greatest reward is at stake, Kevin Rose deserves to rank highly at the Collingwood Football Club.
He might not have possessed the finest set of skills, and he might sometimes have been unfairly judged in comparison to his almost peerless brother, Bob, but Kevin Rose was a solid contributor who rarely let his teammates down in 10 seasons and 159 matches.
Across that span of time, he played in four Grand Finals, and although he only won flag, Rose was a considerable performer in all of them.
He came to the club from Nyah West – as Bob had – and would be third of four Rose brothers to represent the Magpies in the seniors.
His association with Collingwood started as a 15-year-old in the under 19s in 1955 – in Bob’s last year as a Magpie player – and it would take him considerable time to make his mark on the club.
Finally, in 1958, Kevin Rose got his chance, and he would grasp it with open arms, and a steely determination to succeed.
Rose would win the club’s reserves best-and-fairest in that memorable season, but he got his chance late in the year to push for senior selection.
He made his senior debut against Carlton in Round 16, but spent the first three of his matches as the reserve. His first full game came in the 1958 preliminary final against North Melbourne, and he would perform well enough to guarantee his spot in the Grand Final against Melbourne the following week.
On that famous day in Collingwood’s history, the team had seven players who had played fewer than 20 matches, and the average age was 22 years and 344 days. Rose was in his fifth game – and only his second full game – and he was only 19 years of age. But he played his role at half-back well in what was arguably the biggest upset in Grand Final history, as the young Magpies downed the Demons.
He only managed three games the following year, but went on to prove himself as a durable footballer in the years after – once playing 112 games in succession.
Rose had a competitive spirit and a team-first attitude that endeared him to coach Phonse Kyne in his early years, even if sometimes his ungainly kicking style caused some heartburn.
He explained in A Century of the Best: “I learned early just to play within my limitations, and to make the most out of what ability I did have. I guess I was never in the first three picked each week, but I still played a lot of games.”
Few Collingwood players could hold their heads up high in the 1960 Grand Final thrashing at the hands of Melbourne, but Rose was one of them. He never stopped trying, even though the odds were against him and the game – and the premiership – was long gone.
But it was his performance on Ron Barassi in the 1964 Grand Final that won him the highest individual accolades. By that stage, Rose had transformed into an industrious ruck rover and his brother Bob was in his first year of coaching Collingwood.
Kevin kept the game’s highest-profile and most-damaging player uncharacteristically quiet. At one stage, he also had the honour of having Barassi shifted off him for a period.
But sadly his hopes of another premiership were thwarted when in the dying moments of the game Demon back pocket player Neil Crompton streamed down the ground following his opponent and kicked the winning goal. It was heartbreaking for Rose, and for the Magpies, losing by only four points.
More pain would come two years later when St Kilda edged out Collingwood to win the 1966 Grand Final by a solitary point.
Fittingly, Rose’s last game came in a final – the 1967 first semi-final against Geelong. It shouldn’t have surprised anyone that he was one of Collingwood’s best players that day, kicking a goal and having more than 20 disposals. Frustratingly, it ended with a loss.
That was the end of Rose’s time at Collingwood as a player, as he moved to Prahran in the VFA where he had more success as a player and coach, and he also would later coach Fitzroy in the VFL.
But that was not the end of his contribution to the Magpies. Later, as a president, and board member, he served the club with distinction.
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Description
"Chalked" by Alexander Scally, directed by Joshua Thomas. Scally veered away from the unrest itself and literally into gentrified territory, in which a white couple and black real estate agent must confront the realities of buying a "fixer upper" in a "developing" neighborhood.
The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA) is an inclusive and independent organization that believes that arts and culture are essential to the vitality of the Greater-Baltimore region and that the cultural community is stronger together than apart.
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Airborne Hi-Def On YouTube
AD NUMBER: 2004-12-03
MANUFACTURER: SAABSUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2004-12-03SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness
directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and
SAAB 340B series airplanes, that requires inspection of the main
landing gear's (MLG) separation bolt harness, corrective actions if
necessary, and replacement of the MLG's separation bolt harness.
For certain airplanes, this AD also requires modification of the
MLG separation bolt's electrical harness. This action is necessary
to prevent failure of the MLG to extend during use of the emergency
backup system. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.This amendment adopts a new airworthiness
directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab ModelSAAB SF340A and
SAAB 340B series airplanes, that requires inspection of the main
landinggear's (MLG) separation bolt harness, corrective actions if
necessary, and replacement of theMLG's separation bolt harness. For
certain airplanes, this AD also requires modification of theMLG
separation bolt's electrical harness. This action is necessary to
prevent failure of the MLG to extend during use of the emergency
backup system. This action is intended to address the identified
unsafe condition.
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• Shoshin Nembutsuge [Hymn of True Entrusting Heart and the Nembutsu], excerpt from the “Chapter on Practice” ofKyogyoshinsho• Jodo Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land]• Koso Wasan [Hymns of the Pure Land Masters]• Shozomatsu Wasan [Hymns of the Dharma-Ages]
Rennyo Shonin’s Gobunsho Letters
Teaching: Attaining the “entrusting heart”—awakening to the compassion of Amida Tathagata (Buddha) through the working of the Primal Vow—we shall walk the path of life reciting Amida’s Name (Nembutsu). At the end of life, we will be born in the Pure Land and attain Buddhahood, returning at once to this delusional world to guide people to awakening.
Way of Life: Guided by the teaching of Shinran Shonin, we shall listen to the compassionate calling of Amida Tathagata and recite the Nembutsu. While always reflecting on ourselves, amidst our feelings of regret and joy, we shall live expressing our gratitude without depending on petitionary prayer and superstition.
Purpose: The Hongwanji is a community of people joined together in revering the teaching of Shinran Shonin and saying the Nembutsu. We seek to share with others the wisdom and compassion of Amida Tathagata. By doing so, we shall work toward the realization of a society in which everyone is able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment.
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Everyone loves a good comeback story. Ideally, it's a tale that tugs on your heart strings and produces a few tears. Unfortunately, I can't offer you that type of drama. What I can produce is a list of players who have the talent, swagger and opportunity to change the way the playoff races unfold in 2015.
More» Fernandez could make second-half impact
After playing for his original team across 15 seasons, Jimmy Rollins is bumped off the top of the longest tenured list as he returns to his California roots to play in Los Angeles. It will be so odd to see Rollins wearing the color blue that pictures may seem photoshopped.
More»Rollins on joining Dodgers, looking ahead to 2015
Since last fall, Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain became a dad for the first time, won the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award and starred in the World Series.
More» Cain, CF
A few months after taking over for Kirk Gibson, D-backs skipper Chip Hale is finally on the verge of his first Spring Training as a big league manager. There's excitement but also some nervous anticipation. Hale knows he'll make some mistakes along the way. Baseball is not a perfect sport.
More»Gilbert discusses Hale's managerial competitiveness
Today's 'view' is aided by the use of a rear view mirror along with the handy work of the MLB Network Research Department. While this is typically the time of year to project, predict and forecast the future, it seems a bit fruitless at this point in 2015.
More»Randy Johnson discusses playing for the D-backs
Let me take you back to Smithtown, N.Y., 1985. The Smithtown Recreation Baseball Camp was running like a tight ship. Hundreds of boys whose ages ranged from 8-14 spread out across a dozen baseball fields on the grounds of Smithtown High School East. The dream was to someday play in college. One coach in particular was already living that dream.
More»Biggio on New York roots, love of the game
Unfortunately, Fred McGriff will most likely not be among the group of players inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Make no mistake, Crime Dog deserves a place in Cooperstown. Given the fact the highest percentage of the vote he's received in five years of eligibility is 23.9 percent, don't bet on one of the most feared power hitters of his era being named on 75 percent of the ballots.
More»McGriff strings together 10 seasons of 30-plus homers
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guErRilla candy is Travis Hay's one-stop destination for opinionated and informed musing about all things music, ranging from noteworthy news bits about the local scene to rants about how the national music media gets more things wrong than it does right.
Blake Lewis’ return to the Puget Sound
While EC wasn’t in attendance, P-I reporter Meghan Peters was. From what Meghan wrote, it sounds like Blake tore it up on stage and delivered a great set for his hometown fans.
Here’s a snippet from Meghan’s review:
Few were left seated as cheers filled the Tacoma Dome for the Bothell resident. His 20-minute solo set was the most original performance of the show, incorporating the contestant’s guitar playing, use of drum machines and the ever-famous beat-boxing.
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Main navigation
Breadcrumb
Preventing mother to baby transmission
Without the right treatment and care, a woman living with HIV can pass HIV on to her baby. This is called mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) or vertical transmission. Taking anti-HIV drugs can dramatically reduce the risk of you passing on HIV to your baby.
Content
How can vertical transmission be prevented?
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There is a set of effective strategies that prevent mother-to-child transmission from taking place. These are called PMTCT: prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Many women living with HIV have given birth to HIV negative children by taking these precautions:
Having a vaginal delivery (rather than a caesarean delivery) if your HIV viral load is detectable.
Breastfeeding.
How does HIV treatment prevent mother-to-baby transmission of HIV?
Text
Everyone with HIV is now recommended to start treatment at diagnosis whatever their CD4 count.
There are two different ways in which anti-HIV drugs act to prevent MTCT:
They reduce your viral load so your baby is exposed to less HIV while in the womb and during birth. The aim of HIV treatment is to get, and keep, your viral load to undetectable levels. (If your viral load is below 50, it’s called undetectable although most clinics in the UK can measure below 20 copies/ml.)
Some anti-HIV drugs cross the placenta and enter your baby’s body, preventing the virus from ever taking hold. Newborn babies are given a short course of anti-HIV drugs after they’re born when their mother is known to be HIV positive.
You can reduce the risk of HIV transmission further by having a managed delivery. Your doctor will look at your viral load when you are 36 weeks pregnant and discuss options with you.
Antenatal care for women living with HIV
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You're likely to be looked after by a team of healthcare workers during your pregnancy.
You’ll still get your care at your HIV clinic. But, as well as your HIV doctor and clinic staff, you’re likely to see an obstetrician (a doctor who delivers babies), a specialist midwife and a paediatrician.
Other people you may see, depending on the kind of help you’ll need, could include:
a peer support worker
a community midwife
a counsellor
a psychologist
a social worker or a patient advocate.
They’ll help you with issues like problems with housing, finances or alcohol and drug use. They can provide support and advice on your eligibility for free NHS treatment and other financial help, such as help with formula feeding.
Like all health professionals, the members of your antenatal care team are bound by confidentiality guidelines and will not disclose your status to anyone without your consent.
How should I feed my baby?
You may have mixed feelings about bottle-feeding (especially if most other mothers you know breastfeed), but remember that over 8 out of 10 mothers in the UK are feeding their babies with formula milk by the time the baby is 3 months old.
Holding your baby in a breastfeeding position with lots of eye contact and skin-to-skin contact will create the same close bond.
If you are not breastfeeding, people will not think it is unusual, or think it has anything to do with being HIV positive.
Family and friends may ask why you aren’t breastfeeding, and dealing with their questions can be difficult. If you don’t want to talk about HIV, you could say that you are not producing enough milk, that you have mastitis (inflammation of the breast), or that you have cracked nipples.
If you choose to breastfeed:
If you are on treatment with an undetectable viral load and choose to breastfeed your baby, then see your doctor before you start. Your clinic team can help you make it as safe as possible for your baby, but it will not be as safe as using formula.
You should breastfeed your baby for as short a time as possible, and the baby should only have breastmilk for the first 6 months, and not formula or cow’s milk too.
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Edit:
If you need to group by some columns, you can do it this way, provided that you have a RDD[(SomeColumns, Iterable[MyObject])]. The following lines would give you a map that associates each "range" to its number of occurences.
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It all seemed to be going to well until Norman Bates busted out his iPod. Up until then (and granted, it was just a few minutes of airtime), it seemed like A&E's new scripted series, Bates Motel, was at least trying to preserve the legacy and reality of its source material, Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 horror classic Psycho. But no, this prequel series, which premiered last night, is set in the present, an act of folding time for the sake of...what? Not scaring the kids away with something that would have to be set in the '40s to preserve the timeline set by the film (and Robert Bloch's 1959 novel of the same name) while chronicling the adolescence of Norman Bates?
One of the original things we both agreed on is we didn't want to do an homage. We thought there was no value in retelling a story that we were never going to tell as well as Alfred Hitchcock. We just used these characters as a point of departure. Kerry had this idea, thinking about this in terms of being a tragedy, which I instantly responded to. We just made it ours. It really became our story, taking these characters as launching points.
I see bastardization, they say respect. OK, whatever. Not like it really matters. Psycho has proven tough enough to withstand the most brutal of hackings. A line of follow-ups with diminishing returns (including the 1990 made-for-TV prequel Psycho IV: The Beginning, and another pilot-turned-TV-movie in 1987, also called Bates Motel), Gus Van Sant's needless, almost shot-for-shot 1998 remake, and countless B-level copycat slashers have done nothing to diminish the status of Hitchcock's original as one of the most effective horror films ever made. It is synonymous with the genre. There wouldn't be so many attempts to ride its coattails if it weren't.
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And so, instead of getting upset about the ridiculous, trashy nature of Bates Motel, that nature can be enjoyed on its own terms. Yes, this crappy show is part of a legacy that is key to the shaping of an arm of contemporary pop culture, but it's also just a crappy show. Its wide-eyed Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) flips in and out of an English accent (a cornerstone of camp) and is pursued by a pack of five outrageously attractive high-school vixens, despite his dweeby awkwardness. He attends a party that is scored by My Bloody Valentine and then Radiohead – when the latter plays, the kids slow dance. Meanwhile, his on-the-verge mother, Norma, is played by the acclaimed Vera Farmiga, who is either absurdly unpretentious in her role selection, or who consciously surrounds herself with material that she is better than, the way an insecure beautiful person might surround him or herself with less attractive people. (I mean, have you seen Orphan? I love it, but oh boy is it intensely pungent garbage.) She carries herself with a catlike affect, a waking slumber that suggests participatory unwillingness. Her character ends up stabbing a stock frustrated townie eight times after he has kicked her in the stomach, sliced her with a knife, gagged her, bent her over a table, handcuffed her to it and raped her in the most visceral scene of the sort that I've ever seen made for TV. That part isn't enjoyably trashy, it's just trashy.
Upon discovering his mother's murdered rapist, Norman howls, "There's a dead man on the floor! There's a lake of blood!" And then the show is enjoyable again.
In a perverse way, the B-ness of Bates Motel is true to Psycho's legacy, too. While a box office smash from the start, it took time to gain the critical acclaim that it eventually did. In the excellent horror history Reel Terror (check its cover if you need more evidence of Psycho as a genre synonym), David Konow runs down the varying assessments upon release ("A first-rate mystery thriller," wrote The Hollywood Reporter; "Third-rate Hitchcock," wrote Esquire) and the eventual turn-around:
[Star] Janet Leigh recalled the reviews being 60 percent negative, 40 percent positive...Hitchock had seen reviews for his films turn around before, and several years after the initial release of Psycho, critics gave it a second look and saw a much different movie. Bosley Crowther in The New York Times first called it "a blot on an honorable career," but then changed his opinion and had it on his ten best list for the year. Time called the shower scene "one of the messiest, most nauseating murders ever filmed," then in 1966 the magazine called it "superlative" and "masterly."
I'm not expecting a turnaround like that for Bates Motel, although the show's brand of good badness does tend to ripen over time. That, of course, is a different sort of sea change — I don't think anyone's going to mistake this for landmark television anytime in the future. I'll be watching just to see how things progress, though – and to see how they deal with the whole cross-dressing, possible mother-fucking thing.
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The Institute
The Daniel K. Inouye Institute was established in 2013 to preserve Senator Inouye's papers and tell his life story; support STEM education, civics learning and international educational-cultural exchanges; and establish a repository of the Asian American/Pacific experience.
Senator Inouye's legacy is being honored and carried forward by a range of initiatives:
The establishment of the Daniel K. Inouye Center for Democratic Leadership on the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. It will support:
The Inouye congressional papers, from which pertinent components will be digitized and shared with the Library of Congress to create a virtual reading room.
An oral history which will complement the telling of Senator's story by his family, friends and colleagues in Hawaii, throughout our nation, and on an international stage.
The Dan and Maggie Inouye Endowed Chair.
Academic programs including the Public Policy Center and public lectures on leadership and the importance of civic engagement.
Support for middle and high school STEM and civics programs to inspire the next generation of leaders.
The Inouye video and media collection at the Giugni Archives at the University of West Oahu, which will be digitally available.
International educational and cultural exchanges, which will seek a greater understanding among students, to include the recently named "Tomodachi Inouye Scholars."
Partnership between the Smithsonian Institution, Bishop Museum and the DKI Institute to tell and share the Asian American Pacific story in Hawaii.
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Canada should prioritise chem feeds - association
11 September 2006 19:16[Source: ICIS news]
TORONTO (ICIS news)--?xml:namespace>Canada must prioritise access to chemical feedstocks to ensure that chemical production can prosper, the Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA) said on Monday.
?xml:namespace>
“Federal and provincial governments must recognise the importance of energy and feedstock to the viability of chemicals manufacturing in Canada,” Michael Bourque, Ottawa-based CCPA spokesman said in an interview.
Bourque was speaking with reference to Dow Chemical’s announcement to close all its plants at the Sarnia petrochemicals hub in Ontario by the end of 2008 due to lack of feedstock there following the suspension of ethylene shipments on the Cochin pipeline. The Dow closures demonstrate the importance of access to feedstocks for Canada’s chemicals industry, he said.
Bourque said that CCPA is urging, in particular, that the proposed Mackenzie Delta natural gas pipeline be routed through Alberta’s existing pipeline hub so that ethane can be stripped out of the gas in Alberta for upgrading into chemicals, instead of the gas simply being shipped directly to Chicago and other points south.
Canada’s petrochemicals industry is looking to the planned 760-mile Mackenzie pipeline, and a natural gas pipeline project from Alaska's North Slope,to provide sufficient ethane and other natural gas liquids (NGL) feedstock to expand and build new plants, particularly in Alberta.
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As some of you may already be aware, we have begun construction of a new forum as a rebirth of PHO and continuing on into future projects.
This forum is called Silph Co., and can be found by clicking the banner below. We are in the process of transferring some of our old resources, and the forum is open for posting. It will be sad to see PHO go, but we look forward to a bright future with Silph.
The forums here will be moved to an archive, and the url will redirect to the new site in the coming days/weeks.
Generation 3 (Traditional)Traditionally, Generation 3 is hacked using tools, hex editors and patches. This is for you if you do that.
Hey again guys. Ever since I've gotten back into hacking I've been making all sorts of little 'discoveries' and whatnot and here's a good one that I managed to somehow pull off a long time ago but ever since then totally forgot how. I've noticed there's a few guides out there for this kind of thing but they either require ASM (assembly language) or a different ROM like FireRed. Some of us don't prefer having to use ASM, some aren't hacking FireRed. Basically, I needed to figure this out through trial and error - especially since I already knew it was possible. I think this is a different method than the one I used before... but whatever works, right? It's easy, here's how you do it:
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Make a trainer battle script that uses this format, and fill in the "?"s with what you want. All bold parts are very important things that seem to have to be in that order (just to make sure the song plays at the same time the battle does). In Italics are the comments (you can leave them there if you copy-paste), and the red parts are things you may/may not need to change:
*= About the setflag commands... This script was mostly made for special trainer battles (ones where they don't challenge you on sight like the average route trainer). I tested it without the setflag and with a typical trainer ID and the battle could be repeated over and over without them, likely because of the additional commands in this script that aren't in normal battles.
Now, Special 0x3E is the real key here. It's purpose is to simply start a trainer battle that can be customized somewhat as long as things are in the right order. If you don't use it, as far as I know it will never give you the right results. It has specific equivalents in the other games (Ruby, FireRed), and you can find those in their special lists which have been publicized already.
EDIT: The values you use for "playsong" can be found in Advance-Map's "Musik_??.ini" files (be sure to find the correct game code: BPEE for the US Emerald ROM), and in Sappy's song list - though Sappy displays them in decimal instead of hex.
You should be able to pull off this same thing the same way with other types of trainer battles (double, gym), although it could work a little differently. Go ahead and experiment though, make things work for you. Thanks for reading.
Thank you very much, I was actually gonna look into this soon I love you for this
I'm glad you like it. As soon as I remembered how to do this trick, I couldn't wait to share it, especially because of how hard it is to find stuff like this. I plan to post some more guides in the near future.
Since I'm not hacking Emerald and that whole ASM thing gives me a headache, is there any way for this to work in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen?
Crocky from PC wrote a tutorial like this for FireRed. Here it is. Anyway, the only real difference should theoretically be the value for 'special' in the script. Anything else is just possible differences in the script structure between the games.
Crocky from PC wrote a tutorial like this for FireRed. Here it is. Anyway, the only real difference should theoretically be the value for 'special' in the script. Anything else is just possible differences in the script structure between the games.
Thanks. I couldn't figure out ASM at all. Glad there are alternatives here and there.
So I've been trying this (in a script tile, rather than a normal trainer) and the battle repeats itself. Know how to fix?
Wierd, when I copied this script over to a tile it doesn't repeat once the custom flag is set (although for some reason with a script tile it makes the player face downwards after... May need 'applymovement' to fix that one). What var number + value are you using with the script tile? I may need to see the script also so I can find out what's going on.
Hello again, thanks for your help before by linking to Crocky's guide for this in FireRed.
Now, is there any way to do something like this for regional wild battle music without ASM?
Unfortunately, I don't know of any way to do that without ASM. The only place I've seen it is in Jambo51's trainer music controlling guide (it includes changing the wild battle theme by region), which is with ASM and is for FireRed so I've never done it before.
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7 Reasons to Love Drones
Before we get into the 7 reasons why you should love drones, we should first consider those who might not completely know what they are and what their purpose is. Drones are a commodity or in some cases a necessity that is becoming alarmingly more popular. This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as their intentions aren’t intrusive and are otherwise harmless.
So what are they? They are portable machines designed to perform some certain functions or actions while flying in the air. They are essentially programmed machines that are remotely controlled via a command interface to fly around at the users will. They usually consist of 3 or more motors with blades that are used to maneuver the craft through the air space. They serve a very wide scope of roles that cover both professional roles and some more informal roles for the purposes of entertainment. People buy drones for their ability to reach areas which are otherwise harder to get to by conventional methods. The reasons why we would need a commodity such as this is to either get a good shot with a camera, to deliver things to remote locations or to interact with things that are in places harder to reach. For this reason they are much more than just toys that we fly around. Many companies and individuals rely on these machines to help them in their fields of work. So while also being a play toy it can also be an essential piece of your tool box.
Some Reasons To Love These Things
It’s Fun!
If you’ve ever used one before than you know what the first and simplest reason is. They are fun! The drone puts you in the so called ‘pilots’ seat and lets you fly it wildly around, whether it be in your home or out in the park. Wherever it may be the excitement varies little and the experience is always very enjoyable. You can show off your skills to your friends or even race against them if they have drones of their own. The activities that a drone offers are numbered but are well worth the money and more than enough to keep you busy.
In some places there are even functions or competitions organized around racing drones around a designated circuit, determining who is the fastest and best pilot. These functions are very popular and attract a lot of attention and in some cases the prizes are pretty sweet too.
They Can Be Used For Surveillance
If you are a project manager for example, that is overlooking a construction site and needs eyes everywhere at once, than there might be a reason for you to love drones as well. Most drones today are outfitted with cameras or what would in this case be considered surveillance material. In this instance you might be interested in investing some assets into acquiring a few to keep an eye on things for you. Drones are portable and fast with quite the range. Project managers on a site can dispatch them to quickly get to a certain task-critical location. With their ability to seamlessly fly over obstacles they can effectively get to a remote location, whether it be elevated or on the ground. Apart from just this example there could be many such applications of drones as surveillance equipment, perhaps on oil rigs, prisons etc.
Recording Yourself
As popular as selfies have become there is little that beats an aerial shot of you standing at the edge of a cliff face and the shot being captured over the chasm that separates you from the camera. Although this might be a little intense it just goes to show some of the possibilities that having a drone can unlock. It can not only take pictures but also capture footage. This footage can be of you hiking, sailing, riding your bike, basically anything that you can come up with. It opens a whole new dynamic to taking your videos while having a great deal of fun operating them.
Youtubers
If you are a Youtuber and you are looking to upload higher quality posts and videos, then you might have noticed the increasing demand for drone usage to make Youtube videos. They can be used to make very interesting and smooth camera transitions. You can use them to capture the entire surrounding and not only the immediate area, with the option of some drones able to fly and operate at very high heights. Most of these types of drones also incorporate 4k cameras that offer amazing picture quality. These are all tools that an up and coming Youtuber could use to their advantage to bring the audience the best of their channel.
Delivery Service?
In some cases drones can be used as a means to get aid or packages to locations otherwise difficult to reach. In places like Africa or in places struck by natural disasters these machines can be used to deliver much needed food, medical aid or supplies to critical areas. The mobility of drones and the option of flight means that this can be achieved with a high level of effectiveness.
Another form of delivery could be in the food industry, where food could be delivered to your door stop via a drone. This has already been tested and has turned out successful. Other applications of these forms of delivery could be to golfers requesting new balls or soft drinks while on the golf course.
Sports
Whether you’re into football, motor cross, tennis or formula one racing they could all look better with some drones in the air. This is obviously not the entire list of sports, that would almost be impossible to summarize, but the point is, the more angles you have the better it all can look. Drones have the ability to be positioned exactly where you want them in almost any given space, of course not taking into account areas blocked by obstacles. This can give you the edge when watching your favorite sport, as you’ll be able to see it from a completely new perspective.
Concerts
Concerts are yet another reason to love drones! They can get reasonably up close and personal to the performer and just as quickly spin around and fly over the entire audience. Drones in these settings can really make the difference as it gives you a sense of what you can see from any given perspective and how far a certain place is from the stage. Also drones can fly in and capture a certain moment taking place in the crowd with ease, as it does not have to push through massive crowds of people to get there.
So in Summation
All in all these are just some of the reasons to love drones, but in all honesty there are tones more. Drones come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as power. So maybe this could be another thing that you find to love. All the same drones are a big part of our lives now and the sooner we embrace them and recognize their potential the sooner we can exploit this potential and implement it in our everyday lives.
Keep in mind that they are pricey and you might find that you have to save up a while before you can get your hands on one, but once you do, you won’t be regretting it.
| 6,890 |
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Nike Pro Combat Compression Boy's Short
Item #522804100
Reg. Price $22.00
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Nike Pro Combat Compression Boy's Short
The Nike Boys Pro Combat Compression Short is a great undergarment to keep sweat away from the skin during the tough matches. It features a repeat waistband and the authentic Nike Pro Combat jock tag at the waistline.
The Pro Combat has ultimate moisture management to keep your head in the game and awesome mobility to reach any shot thrown at you.
90% polyester / 10% spandex circular knit jersey
This Item In Other Colors or Sizes:
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Polyester/Spandex
Fit
Fitted
Length
5 inches
Technologies
Dri-Fit
Style
Underwear
Gender
Boy's
Color
White
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Reg. Price $22.00
Sale Price $6.60
You Save $15.40!
Product Ratings and Reviews
Nike Pro Combat Compression Boy's Short
The Nike Boys Pro Combat Compression Short is a great undergarment to keep sweat away from the skin during the tough matches. It features a repeat waistband and the authentic Nike Pro Combat jock tag at the waistline.
The Pro Combat has ultimate moisture management to keep your head in the game and awesome mobility to reach any shot thrown at you.
90% polyester / 10% spandex circular knit jersey
Fabric
Polyester/Spandex
Fit
Fitted
Length
5 inches
Technologies
Dri-Fit
Style
Underwear
Gender
Boy's
Color
White
No reviews have been written for this product.Be the first one! –
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| 1,673 |
India has won! Acche din ane wale hai: PM-in-waiting Modi
India has won! Acche din ane wale hai: PM-in-waiting Modi
"India has won! Good days are ahead," Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said on Friday in his first reaction to the poll trends that indicate an impending BJP victory in the Lok Sabha polls.
"India has won! Bharat ki Vijay. Ache din ane wale hai (good days are ahead)," Modi, who is all set to become the prime minister, tweeted.
India has won! Acche din ane wale hai: PM-in-waiting Modi
In initial trends, the BJP alone was leading in 275 seats -- its best ever tally in Lok Sabha polls, while the National Democratic Alliance is set to cross the 300-mark. The earlier best by the BJP was 182 seats in the 1999 Lok Sabha polls when the party formed its government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee.
India has won! Acche din ane wale hai: PM-in-waiting Modi
In initial trends, the BJP alone was leading in 275 seats -- its best ever tally in Lok Sabha polls, while the National Democratic Alliance is set to cross the 300-mark. The earlier best by the BJP was 182 seats in the 1999 Lok Sabha polls when the party formed its government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee.
| 1,213 |
Empathy, Sotomayor, and Democracy: The Conservative Stealth Strategy
05/30/2009 11:25 pm ET
|
Updated
May 25, 2011
160
George Lakoff
Author of Don't Think of an Elephant! | UC Berkeley Professor of Linguistics | Founder of Reframe America
The Sotomayor nomination has given radical conservatives new life. They have launched an attack that is nominally aimed at Judge Sotomayor. But it is really a coordinated stealth attack -- on President Obama's central vision, on progressive thought itself, and on Republicans who might stray from the conservative hard line.
There are several fronts: Empathy, feelings, racism, activist judges. Each one has a hidden dimension. And if progressives think conservative attacks are just about Sotomayor, they may wind up helping conservatives regroup.
Conservatives believe that Sotomayor will be confirmed, and so their attacks may seem irrational to Democrats, a last gasp, a grasping at straws, a sign that the party is breaking up.
Actually, something sneakier and possibly dangerous is going on.
Let's start with the attack on empathy. Why empathy? Isn't empathy a good thing?
Empathy is at the heart of progressive thought. It is the capacity to put oneself in the shoes of others -- not just individuals, but whole categories of people: one's countrymen, those in other countries, other living beings, especially those who are in some way oppressed, threatened, or harmed. Empathy is the capacity to care, to feel what others feel, to understand what others are facing and what their lives are like. Empathy extends well beyond feeling to understanding, and it extends beyond individuals to groups, communities, peoples, even species. Empathy is at the heart of real rationality, because it goes to the heart of our values, which are the basis of our sense of justice.
Progressives care about others as well as themselves. They have a moral obligation to act on their empathy -- a social responsibility in addition to personal responsibility, a responsibility to make the world better by making themselves better. This leads to a view of a government that cares about its citizens and has a moral obligation to protect and empower them. Protection includes worker, consumer, and environmental protection as well as safety nets and health care. Empowerment includes what is in the president's stimulus plan: infrastructure, education, communication, energy, the availability of credit from banks, a stock market that works. No one can earn anything at all in this country without protection and empowerment by the government. All progressive legislation is made on this basis.
The president wrote of empathy in The Audacity of Hope, "It is at the heart of my moral code and it is how I understand the Golden Rule -- not simply as a call to sympathy or charity, but as something more demanding, a call to stand in somebody else's shoes and see through their eyes."
President Obama has argued that empathy is the basis of our democracy. Why do we promote freedom and fairness for everyone, not just ourselves or the rich and powerful? The answer is empathy. We care about our countrymen and have an obligation to act on that care and to set up a government for the protection and empowerment of all. That is at the heart of everything he does.
The link between empathy and democracy has been established historically by Professor Lynn Hunt of UCLA in her important book, Inventing Human Rights. Click here to hear her speak.
The link between empathy and progressive thought is spelled out in my book Moral Politics and in my new book The Political Mind, just out in paperback.
In describing his ideal Supreme Court justice, President Obama cited empathy as a major desideratum. Why? Because that is what our democracy is about. A justice has to take empathy into account because his or her decisions will affect the lives of others. Before making a decision you have to put yourself in the shoes of those whom your decision will affect. Similarly, in judging causation, fairness requires that social causes as well as individual causes be taken into account. Empathy forces you to notice what is crucial in so many Supreme Court cases: systemic and social causes and who a decision can harm. As such, empathy correctly understood is crucial to judgment. A judge without empathy is a judge unfit for a democracy.
President Obama has described Justice Sotomayor in empathetic terms -- a life story that would lead her to understand people who live through oppression and deprivation and what it does to them. In other words, a life story that would allow her to appreciate the consequences of judicial decisions and the causal effects of living in an unequal society.
Empathy in this sense is a threat to conservatism, which features individual, not social, responsibility and a strict, punitive form of "justice." It is no surprise that empathy would be a major conservative target in the Sotomayor evaluation.
But the target is not empathy as it really exists. Instead, the conservatives are reframing empathy to make it attackable. Their "empathy" is idiosyncratic, personal feeling for an individual, presumably the defendant in a legal case. With "empathy" reframed in this way, Charles Krauthammer can say, echoing Karl Rove, "Justice is not about empathy." The argument goes like this: Empathy is a matter personal feelings. Personal feelings should not be the basis of a judicial decision of the Supreme Court. Therefore, "justice is not about empathy." Reframe the word "empathy" and it not only disqualifies Sotomayor; it delegitimizes Obama's central moral principle, his approach to government, his understanding of the nature of our democracy, and progressive politics in general.
We cannot let conservatives get away with redefining empathy as irrational and idiosyncratic personal feeling. Empathy is the basis of our democracy and its true meaning must be defended.
But the attack can be sneaky. Take David Brooks' column in the New York Times. He frames what he calls "The Empathy Issue" in terms of the use of emotions in decision-making. He is doing a conservative reframing of the issue. What is sneaky is that he starts by saying a number of true things about emotions. As Antonio Damasio pointed out in Descartes' Error, you can't make rational decisions without emotions. If you have a brain injury that wipes out your emotional capacity, you don't know what to want, since like and not-like mean nothing, and you can't tell what others will think of you. Here is Brooks:
People without emotions cannot make sensible decisions because they don't know how much anything is worth. People without social emotions like empathy are not objective decision-makers. They are sociopaths who sometimes end up on death row.
Supreme Court justices, like all of us, are emotional intuitionists. They begin their decision-making processes with certain models in their heads. These are models of how the world works and should work, which have been idiosyncratically ingrained by genes, culture, education, parents and events. These models shape the way judges perceive the world.
Note the mixture of truth and non-truth. Yes, sensible decisions require emotions. Yes, people without empathy are sociopaths. Yes, we all make decisions based on models in our head of how the world works. That's basic cognitive science. Mixed in with it is conservative reframing. No, empathy is a lot more than a "social emotion." No, using models of the world in decision-making need not be a matter of emotion. It's just how real reason works. Then the conclusion.
But because we're emotional creatures in an idiosyncratic world, it's prudent to have judges who are cautious, incrementalist and minimalist. It's prudent to have judges who decide cases narrowly, who emphasize the specific context of each case, who value gradual change, small steps and modest self-restraint.
Right-leaning thinkers from Edmund Burke to Friedrich Hayek understood that emotion is prone to overshadow reason. They understood that emotion can be a wise guide in some circumstances and a dangerous deceiver in others. It's not whether judges rely on emotion and empathy, it's how they educate their sentiments within the discipline of manners and morals, tradition and practice.
Empathy here has been reframed as emotion that is "idiosyncratic" -- personal -- a danger to reason. "Sentiments," that is, emotions, must be "disciplined" to fit "manners and morals, tradition and practice"-- in short, the existing social and political order. This is perfect radical conservatism in the guise of sweet, moderate reasonableness. Where Rove and Krauthammer have the iron fists, Brooks has the velvet glove.
The attack on empathy becomes an attack on feelings, with feelings as not merely at odds with justice, but at odds with good sense. Where Brooks' tone is sweetly reasonable, G. Gordon Liddy is outrageous:
Let's hope that the key conferences aren't when she's menstruating or something, or just before she's going to menstruate. That would really be bad. Lord knows what we would get then.
Liddy is saying what Brooks is saying: Emotion is irrational and dangerous. Only Liddy is not nicely-nicely. The attack on feelings is of a piece with the old attack on "bleeding-heart liberals." And one step away from Cheney's attack on Obama and defense of torture.
What about Newt Gingrich calling Sotomayor a racist? It is linked directly to the personal feeling argument: because of her personal feelings for her own kind -- Latinos and women -- she will discriminate against white men. It is to support that view that the New Haven firemen case keeps being brought up.
The real target here goes beyond Sotomayor. In the last election, conservative populists moved toward Obama. Conservative populists are working people, mostly white men, who have conservative views of the family, of masculinity, and of the military, and who have bought into the idea of the "liberal elite" as looking down on them. Right now, they are hurting economically, losing their jobs and their homes. Empathy is something they need. The racist card is an attempt to revive their fears of affirmative action, fears of their jobs -- and their pride -- being taken by minorities and women. The racist attack has a political purpose, holding onto conservative populists. The overt form of the old conservative argument is made regularly these days: liberalism is identity politics.
Incidentally, Democrats are walking into the Gingrich trap. I heard Ed Schultz defending Sotomayor by saying over and over why she was "not a racist," and using the word "racist" next to her name repeatedly. It was like Nixon saying, "I am not a crook." When Democrats make that mistake, I sometimes wonder why I bothered to write Don't Think of an Elephant!
The attack on Sotomayor as an "activist judge" completes the pattern of radical conservative reasoning: Because of her empathy, which is personal feeling, which in turn is a form of racism, she will interpret the constitution not rationally, blindly, and objectively, but to suit her emotions.
It is vital at this point to understand how conservatives get away with the "activist judge" ploy. As any cognitive linguist knows, there is no such thing as "strict construction" of the Constitution. The reason was given by, of all people, David Brooks, as we discussed above.
Supreme Court justices, like all of us, ... begin their decision-making processes with certain models in their heads. These are models of how the world works and should work... These models shape the way judges perceive the world.
These models also shape they way the most "strict constructionist" of judges read the Constitution. Such models are physically part of the brain and typically operate below the level of consciousness. Conservatives are thus as much "judicial activists" as anyone else.
So how do conservative Republicans get away with the "activist judge" ploy? Democrats hand it to them. Why? Because most Democrats grew up with and still believe a view of reason that has been shown in cognitive science and neuroscience to be false. The sciences of mind have shown that real reason is largely unconscious, requires emotion, uses "models" (frames, metaphors, narratives) and so does not fit the world directly.
But Democrats tend to believe that reason is conscious, can fit the world directly, and works by logic, not frames or metaphors. They thus believe that words have fixed literal meanings that fit the world in itself, regardless of models, frames, metaphors, or narratives. If you believe this, then original meaning could make sense. Democrats don't fight it when they should.
Democrats make another move that allows them to keep their view of reason. They adopt the view of the "living constitution," which opens them up to charges of "judicial activism," charges made by conservative judicial activists. The source of the problem lies in the Democrats' lack of understanding of their own unconscious reasoning processes. One of many Democrats' deepest beliefs contradicts the facts about the brain and the mind and allows conservative judges to be activists while claiming to be strict constructionists.
Taken together, the attacks on Sotomayor work as attacks on Obama and progressive thought. They are also attacks on "moderate" conservatives, who think with progressives on many issues. The attacks activate radical conservative ideas in the brains of those who voted for Bush and the 47% of the voters who voted for McCain.
Radical conservatives know that Sotomayor will be confirmed. They also know that their very understanding of the world is being threatened by Obama's success. But they have a major strength. They have their message machine intact, with trained spokespeople booked on TV and radio shows all over the country. Attacking Sotomayor, even when they know she will win, allows them to rally their forces and get swing-voting conservatives thinking their way again.
How should Democrats respond?
Democrats should go on offense. They need to rally behind empathy -- real empathy, not empathy reframed as emotion and personal feeling. They need to speak regularly about empathy as being the basis of our democracy. They need to point out that empathy leads one to notice real social and systemic causes of our troubles and to notice when and how judicial decisions and legislation can harm the most vulnerable of our countrymen. And finally that empathy is the reason that we have the principles of freedom and fairness -- which are necessary components of justice.
Above all, Democrats should be aware that the attack on Sotomayor is not just about Sotomayor. It is an attack on the basis of our democracy and must be answered.
George Lakoff is Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Science and Linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley. His latest book, The Political Mind, appears in paperback on June 2.
| 15,005 |
Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 3:16 am Post subject: For those who like to cook
For those who like to cook, Beano is doing this great promotion where you and a best friend submit a recipe. Go to www.beanogas.com. The grand prize winners get a trip to a luxurious spa. Iím spreading the word on behalf of Beano.
| 306 |
1 lightyear (ly) = 94605284000000000 decimeter (dm).
Lightyear (ly) is a unit of Length used in Metric system.
Decimeter (dm) is a unit of Length used in Metric system.
Decimeters also can be marked as decimetres.
| 213 |
The eighth day of the 2014 World Cup saw a young Columbian showcase his immense talent, another poor World Cup performance from England, some fine finishes from Luis Suarez, a lack of finishing and poor shot selection from Japan, and a concussion that should give FIFA reason to review its concussion policy.
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Main menu
Discovery Recap: The War Without, the War Within (Season 1, Episode 14)
Previously on Star Trek Discovery: Ash Tyler’s strange behavior finally gets the attention of his crewmates and L’Rell admitted that he is really Voq, altered to appear and act like Tyler. With two people inside him fighting one another, L’Rell convinces Saru that she’s the only one who can save him – and presumably she does so by “killing” was remains of Voq so that only Tyler remains. In the Mirror Universe, Emperor Georgiou and Burnham together defeat (and kill) Lorca. Just as the Emperor is about to fall to his remaining troops, Burham grabs her during beam out. Despite their lack of spores on board, Tilly and Stamets devise a plan to get home and destroy the Terran Flagship at the same time, but when Discovery arrives back in the Prime Universe, they find that they overshot by 9 months and it appears the Klingons have won the war.
Back in the Prime Universe with two episodes left: Let’s DO THIS.
The crew of the Discovery are getting their bearings and worker bees are changing that pesky “I” back to a “U” on their saucer when Saru goes to see Burnham, and learns for the first time that Emperor Georgiou is on board. And she wants to eat him. Saru keeps mostly cool and orders Georgiou immediately transported to quarters, but then confronts Burnham about her lies regarding the “lack” of Kelpians in the other universe. She wanted to “spare [him] the pain.” That seems to be a good enough answer for Saru, but I think there’s still more to unpack there. But before they go there, Saru threatens the poor, nameless transporter operator with charges of treason if he ever speaks a word of what he’s seen. And then Saru is summoned to sickbay.
Saru and Burnham have a walk-and-talk: Burnham rattles of “excuses” for bringing the Emperor back but settles on it basically being a debt she wants to repay to her captain, but not quite in those words. Saru seems to understand and forgive once again. Burnham asks for an update on the war and the ship, and Saru then fills her in on Tyler, telling her that “the Klingon” has been excised and asking her to go see him and “offer encouragement.” She refuses.
Saru gets an update from the medical staff: They appear to have Tyler left in a modified Klingon body, making him neither/both Klingon nor/and Human. Saru and Tyler talk it out, and Tyler is able to give more gory details about his surgeries by accessing Voq’s memories and is willing to provide any information he can to the Federation. And then reveals that Voq submitted to this torture willingly, as a sacrifice for his people, and that he and L’Rell were in love. The Tyler that remains seems truly remorseful, and wants to make amends for what he did when Voq was in control. Saru tells Tyler that it’s Voq who is responsible for the death of Culber (among other things) and although he’ll be monitored and have limited privileges on board, he does not deserve to be in the brig.
Saru returns to the bridge just as a Federation vessel approaches… with sheilds up. A boarding party beams over, guns at the ready. Once they secure the bridge, Sarek and Cornwell follow, looking for Lorca. Before getting a response to her demand, Cornwell gives a simple command and is able to take control of the ship, then tells Sarek to “start with [Saru].” That’s right, a forced mind meld on the acting captain in the middle of the bridge, right in front of the crew. But it’s “what the times require” according to Sarek.
Sarek confirms that Saru is Prime Saru, but that Discovery’s been through a lot. Cornwell asks after Lorca again, and Sarek lets her know: He’s dead.
Time for a meeting! But first, Cornwell phasers the bowl of fortune cookies sitting on the table in the conference room. Amaze. She’s furious at Lorca, but also at herself for not grounding him when he started acting erratically. And Sarek attempts to comfort her (I guess) by pointing out that it was “not the most obvious conclusion” that Lorca had been replaced by his Mirror Universe counterpart. Hate to burst your bubble, but it kinda was to the audience.
We quickly learn that Discovery’s Terran counterpart was destroyed by Klingons shortly after they arrived in the Prime Universe. Cornwell processes the intelligence Discovery gained in the Mirror Universe and comes to the conclusion that Prime Lorca, the Lorca she knew and presumably loved, is almost certainly dead. So that means we’re definitely going to see him again, right?
Cornwell takes a beat and then refocuses on the briefing: With Discovery gone for the last 9 months, the Federation fleet has been without the hard-earned cloak-breaking algorithm gained from Stamets’s spore jump extravaganza. The algorithm now been sent to the remaining ships, but the damage has already been done. Twenty percent of former Federation space is now occupied by Klingons. Cornwell runs down the brutal and unconventional – but also uncoordinated – attacks from the Klingons, still fighting as 24 houses rather than a unified empire, which makes them even more difficult to predict and defend against.
Cornwell orders Discovery to jump to Starbase 1, one of the last remaining Federation outposts, where all information regarding their trip to the Mirror Universe will be destroyed. When questioned by the crew, Sarek points out that the prospect of another universe, a universe where someone you loved and lost might still live, could be so tempting to some as to be dangerous. But then it’s Stamets’s turn to take the air out of the room when he tells them they can’t jump. So they the dangerous way – by warp.
Cornwell’s about to call the meeting to a close when Burnham has one more ball to drop: Emperor Georgiou. She takes Cornwell and Sarek to the Emperor, and they have quite and interesting standoff. Mirror Georgiou simply wants to go home, Burnham is pushing for her to be granted political asylum, and Cornwell just doesn’t want to be dealing with this. They don’t even know how to send her home, but for now they want to keep her somewhat happy.
Elsewhere on the ship, Tyler is on his way to the mess and runs into Stamets in the hall. He immediately apologizes, but of course Stamets feels just pain and anger. Before he storms off, he makes sure that Tyler feels even a small part of the pain. It’s difficult to watch, and it is beautifully acted by both Shazad Latif and Anthony Rapp.
As Tyler enters the mess, the room goes quiet, as his crewmates watch him head to the food slot, then the whispers start. He seems to know to expect this, and takes a seat alone. Tilly, once again proving to be the kindest person in space, excuses herself from her table and goes to sit with him. He tries to give her an out, saying that he’s fine, to which she replies, “How could that possibly be true?” Then, proving to be the most understanding person in space, she tells him he doesn’t have to talk if he doesn’t want to – just eat. Following her example, others begin to come over and pull up chairs, trying to support someone they know as a friend.
Coming out of warp, Discovery can’t reach the Starbase on subspace. When they go to the view screen, there’s debris floating around the starbase and a Klingon house crest painted on the exterior. Not a single non-Human lifesign is aboard. Discovery detects that they’re being scanned and Saru orders a retreat.
Cornwell is shook. She leaves the bridge and goes to see L’Rell, as they have a certain understanding. She brings L’Rell up to speed, telling her that the Klingons are winning, but without honor or unity. L’Rell insists that the preservation of Klingon culture is worth it, but Cornwell fights back that the Klingon culture is not under attack and that the Federation stands for equality for all. L’Rell stands her ground and that’s when Cornwell loses patience – she asks L’Rell what the Klingons are after, sine they won’t even make demands or accept surrender. Matter-of-factly, L’Rell tells her that Klingons must either conquer or be conquered.
Burnham checks in with Georgiou, who picked up on her connection with Sarek, and is clearly trying to figure out how to play that to her advantage. But Burnham’s just there to get some tactical advice from the Emperor, looking for any insight on how to defeat the Klingons and bring this war to an end. Before answering, Georgiou wants a real answer for why Burnham brought her to this universe. Burnham wanted to show her a place of hope (funny thing, when you’re on the losing side of a war), but even Georgiou knows that Burnham is trying to alleviate her guilt. She can use that, too, and starts to spill the beans. Burnham takes what she’s learned straight to Cornwell.
Cornwell has finally reached what’s left of Command, and it’s meeting time. The Klingons are amassing for an attack on Earth, but Cornwell says its time to go to them: she wants to strike Qo’noS. Except that no human’s been there in the last century and there’s no way to analyze the surface at long range because of the atmosphere or something. But she has a plan for some very short range scans. Qo’noS is a planet of caves, thanks to lots of ancient volcanic activity, and she plans to jump Discovery inside one of those caves in order to scan the surface of the planet and locate tactical targets. You know what? I’m just going to choose to believe that a starship built to withstand all the spinning that comes with a jump through the mycelial network can withstand the subterranean pressures of an alien planet. I mean, if KelvinKirk’s Enterprise can hang out underwater, anything’s possible. Actually, no. I’m still mad about that one.
Still, one problem. No spores. Why does everyone except poor Paul keep forgetting this? Stamets is ready to go grow some more mushrooms, with some magic time-defying terra-forming on a nearby moon. (They couldn’t have done this in the Mirror Universe?) Tilly questions this plan, because Stamets’s own research on this wasn’t decisive, but apparently that was by design. He’s got this.
Emperor Georgiou, meanwhile, has summoned Sarek to her quarters to compare and contrast their respective Michael Burnhams. Georgiou tells Sarek she wants to help the Federation end the war, but that she couldn’t give Burnham all the information necessary to do so. The Klingons will regroup and come back stronger. But Georgiou believes she can bring this conflict to its conclusion, and guarantee victory for the Federation. In return, she wants her freedom.
Sarek decides to head back to Vulcan to discuss some “evolving details” with leadership there, which Burnham questions. Sarek deflects, and in turn decides to question Michael about her relationship with Tyler, which he learned about from his mind meld with Saru. There are some many levels of ick right there. Clearly, Burnham is still conflicted about her feelings for Tyler, both then and now, and Sarek encourages her to make peace through granting grace. Burnham seems disappointed by her emotional choices, and Sarek simply reminds her that she’s human. As he says goodbye, he not-so-subtly hints that it could be for the last time.
Burnham goes to get a status report from Tilly, who’s preparing the spore-growing torpedos. Spore-pedos. But they end up talking about the exchange she just had with Sarek. Tilly asks if Burnham ever expected to see war and death in Starfleet. Burnham’s seen it all before, but Tilly hasn’t. She says that makes her naive, but Burnham says that makes her optimistic. This prompts Tilly to share what she learned from Captain Killy – in order to maintain that optimism, we must understand the darkness inside of us, and by understanding it, we can fight it. And then, she too tells Burnham to go see Tyler, saying that he’s not the same person who killed Culber and tried to kill Burnham, and how they choose to treat him now determines who they really are.
Discovery arrives at the moon Stamets has picked out, and there’s a beautiful mycelial forest in full bloom within a few minutes! SCIENCE! As the spore generation percentage count increases, you can see the hope growing on the faces of the bridge crew. Again, well done.
At the prodding of nearly everyone, Burnham goes to see Tyler. He apologizes, explains that Voq is gone, and Burnham believes him. What upsets her is that Ash Tyler, who promised to come to her if things got to hard, didn’t. Tyler implies first that he shouldn’t be held to that promise because he doesn’t know who he is anymore, but also that the promise doesn’t matter because this is really about Burnham running away because “things got complicated.” That complication apparently being that he was Klingon and her parents were killed by Klingons. Excuse you? This is some bull. shit.
Burnham opens the floodgates and lets him have it. She does not owe him a damn thing. So then, he tries to tell her that the only reason he’s not Voq right now is that his feelings for her kept him grounded in his humanity, and he doesn’t think he can be that Ash Tyler again without her. She tells him that she had to rediscover herself after the Battle of the Binary Stars. It’s hard, but she did it alone, because it’s something that has to be done alone. He’ll have to do it alone, too.
Cornwell checks in with Command again, and the Federation Council has agreed to Georgiou’s plan. They have no choice. She returns to bridge to brief the entire ship on the next part of their mission: The jump inside Qo’noS. And then, surprising everyone else, she introduces the mission commander: Captain Phillipa Georgiou. “Long presumed dead,” she was recently rescued and brought aboard under Cornwell’s specific orders. And after a brief exchange with Burnham, Captain Georgiou takes the center seat.
Real talk: Going into this episode, the thing that I was most afraid of was some kind of reset that would bring us back to the start of the war or return Culber to sickbay, cheapening everything we’ve seen to this point. It doesn’t seem that is the case – instead of that single spore that landed on Tilly shoulder somehow triggering a time jump, reset, and resurrection, we’ll be bringing Terran Empire tactics to the Prime Universe and jump inside a planet. And I am here for it.
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8 comments for “Discovery Recap: The War Without, the War Within (Season 1, Episode 14)”
Rayén
February 7, 2018 at 11:02 am
Excellent recap! I love the Emperor pretending to be the nice Captain, there are so many layers of acting here, done so well! you could almost see an evil smirk in the emperor while taking the captain’s chair: bravo!! I am loving this show.
I liked how they handled a lot of this episode – I’m still not convinced Prime!Lorca is really dead (the writers are just keeping him on ice for series 2 or 3, maybe?), and I’m not convinced Emperor Pippa isn’t just going to triple-cross everyone the moment she sees an opportunity, but this makes things more interesting! I’m also hoping that the green spore-thing that landed on Tilly’s shoulder is something to do with Culber, but hey, we may never know. And maybe we’re not supposed to. 🙂
You call her Emperor Pippa too? LOL – I reckon Jason Isaacs improvised that and they just went with it.
I think I literally held my breath when we saw the back of her head – I was really worried until we saw her face!
Can’t wait for UK Netflix to hurry up and give us the next episode… It’s over too soon!
I could also see this look on Emperor Pippa’s face that seems to say “oh my this universe is just ripe for the plucking, all these weak Federationists won’t know what hit them,and I’ll be Emeperor HERE.”
| 15,939 |
Outbound Key Bridge reopens
4:30 p.m.: Police have cleared the intersection and traffic is flowing in both directions.
4 p.m. Update: Well, that was short-lived. There were some cars allowed earlier, but now traffic seems to be restricted to salt trucks.
3:55 p.m. Update: Outbound traffic is now being allowed onto the bridge.
3:46 p.m. Update: Now there's just once police car blocking the lanes.
3:36 p.m. Update: A second police car has joined the first to block the outbound lanes of the bridge. Earlier, we saw a police officer stop some drivers who were trying to go around.
3:21 p.m. Update: This may take while. There are flares now set up in the intersection to alert motorists to the closure. It's also snowing and visibility is decreasing.
3:12 p.m. Update: Traffic cameras show that a police vehicle is blocking access to the outbound lanes of the Key Bridge. Inbound traffic is flowing normally.
Original post: DDOTDC just tweeted that the outbound Key Bridge is closed for snow removal. No word yet on how long this may take.
| 1,046 |
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| 2,505 |
As he often does when the weather's decent, Pete Seeger recently played a free show outdoors in Beacon, N.Y. A few dozen people packed around the stage that held Seeger, his ever-present banjo and a small band; a group of kids in red T-shirts clustered down in front, singing along. The emcee for the afternoon was Susan Wright, the music teacher at Beacon Elementary School, where Seeger visits regularly.
"Friday, he came in and we worked with the kids," Wright says. "He's kind of like having a great elder musician-historian come to visit — a combination grandfather and Santa Claus, but really skinny. They know, when he comes, we're gonna sing together. We're gonna do stuff together. They really get him."
Seeger has been singing for anyone who'll hear him throughout what he refuses to call his "career." There's good reason for that, says David Bernz, who produced two new Seeger albums.
"Almost every time that Pete interacted with the mass media, on some level they spit him back," Bernz says. "The Almanacs [Seeger's 1940s folk group], they got on the radio, and then immediately, people criticized their politics and they were off. The Weavers were on the radio; they got blacklisted. He gets a Columbia Records contract, but then he finds out they're keeping his records in the warehouse. [Network executives behind] the Smothers Brothers want to edit him out.
"The great thing about Pete is ... he would never let that stop him," Bernz says. "He sang at every little church, little school, summer camp, gathering — year in, year out, to kids and adults alike. And when you look back on it after these decades, you realize that Pete has been heard."
Woody's Way
Tall and lean, in faded Levi's and corduroy shirt, Pete Seeger still pretty much looks like he did when the young Harvard dropout met the man who helped him find his life's work: Woody Guthrie.
"I was working in Washington, D.C., at the time with Alan Lomax, the folklorist," Seeger says. "And in Alan's house I met Woody, and he found that I could follow him in any song he played. I had a good ear and I stayed in tune, played the right chord, didn't play anything too fancy. So pretty soon, I was tagging along with him."
Seeger says Guthrie taught him not only lots of songs but also how to play in saloons, get paid first, how to ride the rails — carefully — and that no matter the consequences, to stick with your beliefs.
In a spoken-word track on his new Guthrie tribute album, Pete Remembers Woody, Seeger tells the story of Guthrie's famous slogan.
"He went through WWII with a piece of cardboard pasted to the top of his guitar: 'This machine kills fascists,' " Seeger says on the recording. "He really wanted his guitar to help win the war against Hitler. When Woody went into a hospital in 1952 ... I put something similar on my banjo: 'This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender.' "
'We'd Like People To Sing Our Songs'
Seeger has written that on every banjo he's had since then, including the one he used to compose the tunes on his other new album, A More Perfect Union, which features the guitarist Lorre Wyatt.
"I occasionally get together with a good songwriter and work with him or her, because I can't do what I want all myself," Seeger says. "I knew Lorre Wyatt when he was in his early 20s."
Wyatt is now in his 60s and occasionally makes the four-hour drive from his home in Massachusetts to Seeger's place, which overlooks the Hudson River. He recalls the genesis of their recent collaboration, a phone conversation in which Seeger unwittingly spun a poetic line.
"Pete called up one time — this was a couple winters ago, when it was a really hard winter and [he was] running low on wood," Wyatt says. "He said to me, 'The elm, you skip; it's the devil to split. Stick with maple, ash and oak.' And I grabbed my pen, and we continued to talk about wood."
Like the wood Seeger still splits, most of the songs he's written come from his life. On the new album with Wyatt, there's one about cats howling for their supper, a song about old apples, and another another about the Hudson River, whose preservation has become Seeger's latest cause. Though his voice is a little lower now, the key to the songs remains the same: Make the lyrics accessible, and try to keep the words no more than two syllables long.
"We'd like people to sing our songs. We don't want a melody that's so difficult, an ordinary person couldn't sing it," Seeger says. "I think Lorre and I would agree 100 percent on that."
Copyright 2017 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
From Grover's Corners, we travel to Beacon, New York, where folk singer, environmentalist and activist Pete Seeger is still going strong. At the age of 93, he still splits his own firewood; he's just published a book of his collected writings, and released two new CDs. Karen Michel paid Peter Seeger a visit.
(SOUNDBITE OF BANJO STRUMMING)
SUSAN WRIGHT: OK. Before we start, can we all just please say a big thank you to Pete Seeger.
(CHEERS, APPLAUSE)
KAREN MICHEL, BYLINE: As Pete Seeger often does when the weather's decent, he's playing for free outdoors, in Beacon, New York.
PETE SEEGER: Here we go. Everybody knows this song.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND")
MICHEL: A few dozen people packed around the stage that held Seeger and his ever-present banjo. A group of kids, in red T-shirts, clustered down front, singing along.
: (Singing) ... is your land, this land is my land...
SEEGER: Yeah, yeah!
: from California to the New York island...
SEEGER: Whoo-hoo!
MICHEL: The emcee for the afternoon was Susan Wright, the music teacher in the Beacon elementary school where Seeger regularly visits.
WRIGHT: Friday, he came in; and we worked on these songs with the kids. He's kind of like a combination grandfather and Santa Claus, but really skinny. 'Cause they know when he comes, we're going to sing together; we're going to do stuff together. They really - they get him. They really do.
MICHEL: Seeger's been singing for anyone who'll hear him, throughout what he refuses to refer to as his career. And there's good reason, says David Bernz, who produced Seeger's two new CDs.
DAVID BERNZ: Almost everytime that Pete interacted with the mass media, on some level they spit him back. You know, The Almanacs, they got on the radio and then immediately, people criticized their politics and they were off. The Weavers were on the radio; they got blacklisted. The Smothers Brothers want to edit him out. And the great thing about Pete - and the reason you saw him on the street yesterday, in front of the little crowd and so forth, is because he never would stop. He would never let that stop him. He sang at every little church, little school, summer camp, gathering. And when you look back on it, after these decades, you realize that Pete has been heard.
SEEGER: Well, I was working in Washington, D.C., at the time, with Alan Lomax, the folklorist...
MICHEL: Tall and lean, in faded Levis and a faded corduroy shirt, Pete Seeger still pretty much looks like he did when the young Harvard dropout met the man who helped him find his life's work - Woody Guthrie.
SEEGER: And he found that I could follow him, in any song he played. I had a good ear, and I stayed in tune; played the right chord; didn't play anything too fancy. So pretty soon, I was tagging along with him.
(SOUNDBITE OF BANJO MUSIC)
MICHEL: On one of his new CDs, Seeger says Guthrie taught him not only lots of songs but how to play in saloons - get paid first; how to ride the rails - carefully; and that no matter the consequences, to stick with your beliefs.
(SOUNDBITE OF COMMENTS ON CD)
SEEGER: He went through World War II with a piece of cardboard placed into the top of his guitar - "This machine kills fascists." And he really wanted his guitar to help win the war against Hitler. When Woody went into a hospital in 1952 - I think it was - I put something similar on my banjo - "This machine surrounds hate, and forces it to surrender."
MICHEL: Seeger's written that on every banjo he's had since then, including the one he used to compose the tunes on his other new CD, which features guitarist Lorre Wyatt.
SEEGER: And let me see if I'm in tune.
(SOUNDBITE OF BANJO TUNING)
MICHEL: The two sit in Seeger's living room, talking and playing a few tunes.
(SOUNDBITE OF BANJO TUNING)
SEEGER: I occasionally get together with a good songwriter, and work with him or her because I can't do what want, all myself. I knew Lorre Wyatt when he was in his early 20s.
MICHEL: Wyatt's now in his 60s, and occasionally makes the four-hour drive from his home in Massachusetts to Seeger's, overlooking the Hudson River.
LORRE WYATT: Pete called up one time - this was couple of winters ago, when it was really, hard winter; running low on wood. And he said to me just this line: "The elm you skip is the devil to split. Stick with maple, ash and oak." And I grabbed my pen, and then we just continued to talk about wood.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG)
MICHEL: Like the wood Seeger still splits, most of the songs he's written come from his life. On the new CD with Wyatt, there's one about cats howling for their supper; a song about old apples; and another that's about the river that's become his cause.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "BOUNTIFUL RIVER")
MICHEL: Though Seeger's voice is a little lower now, the key to the songs remains the same - make the lyrics accessible, and try to keep the words no more than two syllables long.
| 9,549 |
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Attackers can search easily through shortened URL services that use only 5 to 7 characters, producing a small search space, making them vulnerable to brute-force hacking, Cornell researchers discovered.
WEBINAR:On-Demand
Shortened URLs are convenient for sharing long Web addresses in email messages and through social media, but at the same time, pose a privacy hazard as the URLs produced by popular services are so short they are vulnerable to brute-force searching, a Cornell Tech research effort found.
In a paper published in April, two researchers revealed that the 5- and 6-character URLs produced by popular shortening services could be easily searched to discover sensitive documents inadvisedly shared by their owners. Attackers could scan shortened URLs at a sustained rate of 2.6 lookups every second, and would only have to pay $36,700 to rent the cloud computing time necessary to do so, co-authors Martin Georgiev and Vitaly Shmatikov stated in the report.
The lesson for users is that the obfuscation of a shortened link does not add security, Shmatikov, a professor of computer science at Cornell Tech, told eWEEK via email.
"When you share a short link, you should assume that you are sharing with everybody … whether it’s [a] OneDrive document or driving directions from your home address,” he said. “When cloud services offer users to generate a short link—like OneDrive did until recently—they should warn the users that by generating the link they are making the content public.”
Further reading
The researchers found more than 70 million URL mappings on Bit.ly and almost 24 million URL mappings on Google Maps through their technique. To study the privacy implications, the researchers focused on Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage offering. They found that nearly 20,000 URLs linked to a file or folder on Microsoft's OneDrive or SkyDrive service. The accounts could be traversed by anyone with the shortened URL who uses a brute-force search, to discover other files on the sharer's cloud space.
Many of the accounts allowed anyone with the shortened URL to write to the folder, change a file and save it, raising concerns that attackers could embed malware into the files.
The shortening services need to make the URLs at least eight characters to make the space of all possible URLs computationally difficult to search, Shmatikov said.
"Given computing and scanning capabilities available today, eight characters or longer should be reasonably safe for now," he said.
After Georgiev and Shmatikov notified Google of the security risk, the company increased the number of characters used by the shortened URLs produced by Google Maps to at least 11. eWEEK confirmed that Google Maps currently assigns shortened URLs of 12 characters.
Microsoft, on the other hand, did not acknowledge the weaknesses, but made two changes: It removed the "shorten link" option from OneDrive and blocked the systematic enumeration of files and folders by users with a shortened link, the researchers said.
"The only change in this respect is that having discovered one shared document; it is no longer trivial to discover all other shared documents in the same account since the account traversal methodology described in the paper no longer seems to work," Shmatikov said.
Cornell Tech is a New York City-based graduate and research institution founded by Cornell University.
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| 4,864 |
Rise in dog bites sparks concerns
Walking his dog in a Waynesville neighborhood one summer evening several weeks ago, fear was the farthest thing from Dan Elliott’s mind. So when a pit bull came charging after Elliott and his 80-pound Australian Shepherd mix, sinking his teeth into the dog’s hindquarters, Elliott was shocked. It took a full minute for the owner to unlock his pit bull’s jaws from Elliott’s dog.
Turns out, what happened to Elliott’s dog wasn’t an isolated incident. Haywood County Animal Control Senior Field Officer Keith Adams revealed that during the first part of June, 12 dog-bite incidents were investigated in the area — and county ordinances currently in place might not be doing enough to prevent these from occurring.
Elliott’s dog survived the attack, though he is still walking with a severe limp even after expensive surgery. Animal control officers, whom Elliott praised as being “very professional and quick to act,” could do little to prosecute the owner or seize the animal, however.
Though the pit bull was roaming the streets without a leash — which is illegal in the town limits of Waynesville — animal control can only issue a warning if it is the first time the animal has been reported to them (though there are exceptions in certain cases, such as if the animal had been violent). The second time an animal is reported in an area off-leash, the owner is issued a $50 fine. The flipside of the punishments is that they can only be enforced if the owner can be located, which is not always easy to do.
Haywood County dermatologist Dr. Rufus Thomas experienced the difficulty of enforcing leash laws firsthand when his 18-year-old cat was attacked and killed by a pit bull on his porch. Though the two pit bulls on Thomas’ street were kept in a pen, they often escaped under the loose watch of their owner. By the time Thomas had finished attending to his cat, the pit bulls had returned to their pen. That meant the animal control officers could not levy fines on the owner, since they had not physically witnessed the dogs roaming.
Muzzling the problem
Another problem presented by the county regulations is that it is much harder to levy punishment when an animal attacks another animal. An animal that bites a person is automatically quarantined for 10 days, after which they may be retrieved at the owners’ expense, according to Adams. Though no criminal charges are filed, the owner of the animal that is deemed vicious receives a civil penalty in the form of a $100 fine.
Turning a vicious animal back over to the original owner hasn’t always had a good outcome in the past. Adams remembers a specific incident where an animal that had bitten a child was turned back over to its owners after the 10-day quarantine. Less than two months later, the animal bit someone else — at which point it was shot and killed by the owner. The practice of “dispatching” an animal (a term for destroying or killing it) is not illegal if it is the owner’s decision. But, Adams said, it is an unfair end to an animal whose behavior is often the result of others’ mistreatment.
Both Thomas and Elliott agree that the owners of large and potentially dangerous animals need to be held to a greater level of responsibility.
“It’s an owner issue. I’m not mad at the dog, I’m mad at the owner. The problem with dogs like that is that if you’re a bad owner and make a pit bull mean, those types of dogs have the capability to kill someone,” Elliott said.
Greg Sessoms, Elliott’s roommate, echoed this sentiment.
“I don’t know if some of the owners of these dogs are exercising the level of responsibility they should given the potential danger of those animals. There’s a higher level of responsibility if you’re going to own an animal like that,” Sessoms said.
Sessoms suggested that requiring owners to register their animals — and even outlawing the possession of certain breeds within town limits — might prevent these sorts of attacks from occurring.
In the end, however, Adams is convinced that the true solution for preventing dog attacks falls with the owner.
“Animals can be raised right if you give them love, attention, and socialize them with other animals and people. But if you’re not going to treat the animal fairly and show it love and attention, and instead yell and scream and beat it, it’s going to turn on you,” Adams said.
| 4,457 |
News About This Theater
Originally built in 1914 with a dirt floor. The 1941 edition of Film Daily Yearbook gives a seating capacity for the Clinton Theatre as 540. It was renovated in 1949 and was given an Art Deco style facade.
Now known as the Cinema, it is now the oldest, continuously run, single-screen theater in Rochester, NY.
Since the theatre business is stuggling we encourage the owner of the theatre to host more special events like Indian movie screening. I am in Rochester I tried to contact the owner of the theatre, she is very poor in communication. I called and left messages many times, emailed NO RESPONSE. This is not good. We need to try hard to keep this business going on.
Attractive simple deco but I could not tolerate the way that the titles are scrunched on the reader board—was almost to think that it was a limiting design fault except that there is a picture with proper spacing. Drivers should not have to try to decipher the marquee titles.
I lived down the street from The Cinema for almost two years while in college. It was easily my favorite place to see a movie in Rochester. Second-run, three-dollar double features were the main attraction. As well as the simple Art Deco design, comfy seats, house kittens who sat on your lap, and the fact that I could look down the street, see the Marquee, and decide if I wanted to venture down the block or not. I saw many memorable double bills here, easily ingratiating myself as a regular. The staff were always super-friendly with me and obliging with the free refills.
I haven’t made it back to The Cinema since I left Rochester but I am happy to hear this place is still up-and-running. In two years, it will hit the century mark, perhaps making it the longest running independent movie house in the Northeast? I don’t know for sure but I do know that The Cinema is a treasure and a bargain.
I have a letter dated September 29, 1927, typed on stationary with a Clinton Theatre letterhead. It details “specifications for Clinton Theatre main roof”. Below CLINTON THEATRE is: South Clinton and Goodman Streets. Below that, is: High Class Photoplays. In the upper left corner is: Office, 366 Main Street West. In the upper right: Phone, Main 6229.
| 2,246 |
Product Information
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The Accuracy Systems adjustable gas block allows you to tune your gas system for optimum performance. By adjusting the gas system you can; adjust ejection distance of the brass and increase recovery, reduce wear on your operating rod and increase accuracy by tuning the harmonics of your rifle. The gas block can also be turned off completely so the rifle will operate as a single shot. Easy installation, replaces the factory gas block with four screws. This gas block fits 0.625" diameter barrels.
| 545 |
Obamacare = Publicly funded abortion.
If you support the Health Plan you are supporting publicly funded abortion.
Friday, November 4, 2011
"DOMA advances the common good in a manner consistent with the human dignity of all persons."
Here is the full text of the testimony provided by Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to uphold the Defense of Marriage Amendment:November 2, 2011Dear Member of the United States Senate Judiciary Committee:
As Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, I urge you to uphold the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) by opposing the Respect for Marriage Act (S. 598) and any other measure seeking DOMA’s repeal.
DOMA recognizes for federal purposes that marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman. It also prevents the redefinition of marriage in any one state from forcing other states to follow suit. DOMA’s codified definition of marriage reflects a deeply rooted and enduring consensus, based on truths about the human person discernible by reason and accessible to people of all faiths or none at all. Millions of citizens have gone to the ballot in thirty states to ratify similar DOMA proposals by substantial majorities. Forty one states in all have enacted their own DOMAs. Popularity alone does not determine what is right. But in the face of such broad support in the present day, not to mention a legacy of lived experience and reasoned reflection measured in millennia in every society and civilization throughout all of human history, repealing a measure that merely recognizes the truth of marriage is all the more improvident.I raise for your consideration two points: DOMA is rational, and its repeal would be unjust. A. DOMA is grounded in reason and experience. It takes into account the distinguishing properties of unity and procreation that mark the relationship of husband and wife.Marriage is a comprehensive union of man and woman, a total, permanent, faithful, and fruitful sharing of lives between husband and wife. This union is a great and unique good in itself, and is critical for the common good. There are fundamental reasons why sexual difference and the complementarity between man and woman have always been considered essential to the meaning of marriage.
The connection between sexual difference and procreation is obvious and unique. The public status of marriage owes its origin and existence to the natural capacity of man and woman to bring children into the world. Research substantiates that children thrive best when reared by both a mom and a dad married to each other. Marriage has been and should remain a child-centered institution.
Even when a marriage is not blessed with children, all husbands and wives can model for society the possibilities and potential for mutual collaboration between the sexes. They can teach children generally by their witness and exemplify for other men and women what it means to be husband and wife. They also can provide an essential service to society through adopting children, who need the care of a mother and a father.
The unitive and procreative realities at stake cannot be ignored. They are not mere cultural constructs that can be discarded at will, with little or no social cost. Instead, they flow directly from the immutable nature of the human person, and so our society ignores them at great peril. By contrast, where these human realities are respected, the benefits to society are unparalleled. This explains why Congress, nearly all of the states, and millions of voters affirm marriage as an institution founded on sexual difference. DOMA furthers the common good by preserving in federal law the essential connection between marriage, sexual difference, the good of children, and public policy.B. Redefining marriage to mean simply an arrangement of consenting adults violates justice because it interferes with basic human rights.First, changing the institution of marriage by making it indifferent to the absence of one sex or the other denies that children have the fundamental human right to be cared by both their mother and father. Such revision transforms marriage from a child-centered to an adult-centered status to the detriment of children. DOMA maintains marriage’s proper focus on reinforcing the interests of children.
Second, redefining marriage also threatens the fundamental human right of religious freedom. Those who refuse on moral and religious grounds to accept or accommodate the redefinition of legal marriage are already being wrongly accused of bigotry and hatred, bias and prejudice. They are being stigmatized and marginalized precisely because they are exercising their religious freedom to teach and practice their values.
In places where marriage’s core meaning has been altered through legal action, officials are beginning to target for punishment those believers and churches that refuse to adapt. Any non-conforming conduct and even expressions of disagreement, based simply on support for marriage as understood since time immemorial, are wrongly being treated as if they harmed society, and somehow constituted a form of evil equal to racism. DOMA represents an essential protection against such threats to faith and conscience.
All persons have a rightful claim to our utmost respect. There is no corresponding duty, however, for society to disregard the meaning of sexual difference and its practical consequences for the common good; to override fundamental rights, such as religious liberty; and to re-define our most basic social institution. DOMA advances the common good in a manner consistent with the human dignity of all persons.
For all of the above-stated reasons, I strongly urge you to uphold DOMA and to reject any bill, including S. 598, that would repeal it.
St. John Bosco, pray for us!
About Me
Fr. Malloy served as a Salesian of Don Bosco. He was the Provincial of the Western and then Eastern Province of the Salesians.
He was president of Don Bosco Technical Institute in San Gabriel, CA. Former pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Surrey, B.C. and then Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco. From its inception until his death he served as the Chaplain of the Walk for Life West Coast. His final earthly posting was at Salesian High School in Richmond, CA, just a stone's throw from where he was born and raised. At age 91, Fr. John died on Wednesday of Holy Week in the Year of our Lord 2013.
Gibbons J. Cooney served as Fr. Malloy's secretary from 2001-2007 at Saints Peter and Paul, San Francisco, and as Father's assistant blogger.
| 6,696 |
couch
You are hanging on to the couch
to hold in place, saving it and
warming it
and transferring divine scent into
old cushion. I’ve gone through
three watches since you began to
love me. I’ve sold many hearts to
the monkey’s since I first saw you.
And still you dance asleep, blue pants
white sweater, sweet smelling
perfectly packaged bottle
of vintage bliss, on my faded bluedaisy couch.
And my fleeting smile
takes a bow.
I've recently had to buy a convertible couch to replace the old, decaying one I currently sleep on. I thought it would be an easy choice but it turned out there are many alternatives. I asked E2 for advice and got none.
The Fold-Out — The couch on which I now sleep is a fold-out couch. The main reason why I sleep on it without folding the bed part out is because I'm too lazy, but also because it has a very thin mattress, squeaks like a witch's joints whenever I move or breathe, and there is nothing about it which is not bent, protruding, or otherwise uncomfortable. My mother offered to give me the fold-out couch she has in her living room, which she's been meaning to replace for about a year. However, as their name implies, the bed of the fold-out couch has to fold out from under it. Therefore, the mattress is always very thin. I have back problems, and need a proper couch, so even though a relatively new couch would definitely be an improvement over my old piece of shit, it wouldn't really solve my problem. But the fact remains that the only good-looking convertible couches are the fold-out ones. They're the perfect choice if you're going to need it primarily as a couch and fold the bed out every once in a while for a guest or if, unlike me, you're a tough guy (or girl!) and can reguarily sleep on a 2" mattress.
The Futon — Now, I keep hearing that the westernized version of the traditional Japanese futon is uncomfortable. If they were that uncomfortable, why would people keep buying them? I don't know. But my experience is that futons are the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in, ever. Well, there was that woman's waterbed in Massachusetts, once I got used to it... But that's an other story for an other time. Futons might not work for you (you loser), but they do for me. That and a big blanket, and I'm the happiest man alive. That's a big pro, but there are also a few cons. First of all, if futons as beds are grand, futons as couches are ridiculous. They look silly, and they feel silly. I mean, really! Have you ever looked at one? Furthermore, I would have to unmake and make my bed every day, which is the kind of regular work which I am completely and utterly unable to perform.
The Z Couch — When I first heard of a Z couch, I had no idea what the hell it could be until I saw it for myself. It might therefore be hard to explain what it's like but please bear with me. The Z couch is really a bed that you fold like an accordion, so that two thirds form the seat and the back of the couch, and the third part is bent behind it, like this: _/|. You just pull the seat away from the back, and the other two parts go horizontal, folding out into a real bed with a real mattress. The major con? Z couches are ugly.
The Click-Clack — The click-clack is the old school convertible couch. Its back is also bent backward like a slash. Grab the seat, lift it up until it goes "Click!" and then let it down. "Clack!" The back has gone horizontal and you've got a king-size bed, with a real mattress. Also, with click-clacks, you don't need to make your bed every morning. Have a cover which looks good, er, cover the bed with it every morning, click-clack, and you're good to go. However, since they have no armrests, anyone who's slept in a click-clack knows the pillows are bound to be pushed and slid off the edge and to the floor. Bugger. But, what may be more important, everyone has a click-clack. It just looks completely utilitarian, this bent bed. It's also uncomfortable, and with its back bent backwards from the perpendicular, it's impossible to sit up straight in these things.
| 4,073 |
The wage gap is a statistical indicator often used as an index of the
status of women's earnings relative to men's. It is also used to compare
the earnings of other races and ethnicities to those of white males, a
group generally not subject to race- or sex-based discrimination. The wage
gap is expressed as a percentage (e.g., in 2012, women earned 80.9% as
much as men aged 16 and over) and is calculated by dividing the median annual earnings for
women by the median annual earnings for men.
The Equal Pay Act was signed in 1963, making it illegal for employers
to pay unequal wages to men and women who hold the same job and do the
same work. At the time of the EPA's passage, women earned just 58 cents
for every dollar earned by men. By 2011, that rate had increased to
82 cents. Minority women
fare the worst. African-American women earn just 69 cents to every dollar
earned by white men, and for Hispanic women that figure drops to merely 60
cents per dollar. Asian women are the exception, earning 87 cents for every dollar earned by white men--a sum higher than women of all other races/ethnicities as well as African-American and Hispanic men.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research looked at a 15-year model and found that women's cumulative earnings show a far greater disparity than annual comparisons. Women’s lower work hours and their years with zero earnings due to family care certainly are factors affecting the report's findings: women workers in their prime earning years earned 62% less than men, or only $0.38 for every dollar men earned. During that 15-year period, the average woman earned only $273,592 while the average man earned $722,693 (in 1999 dollars).
| 1,696 |
Mr. Chairman and
distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, I am honored to be here today
representing the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). I am Steven Ladik, President of the American Immigration Lawyers
Association. AILA is the immigration bar association of more than 7,500
attorneys who practice immigration law.Founded in 1946, the association is a nonpartisan, nonprofit
organization and is an affiliated organization of the American Bar Association
(ABA).
AILA takes a very
broad view on immigration matters because our member attorneys represent tens
of thousands of U.S. families who have applied for permanent residence for
their spouses, children, and other close relatives to lawfully enter and reside
in the United States.AILA Members also
represent thousands of U.S. businesses and industries that sponsor highly
skilled foreign professionals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary
basis or, having proved the unavailability of U.S. workers, on a permanent
basis.Our members also represent asylum
seekers, often on a pro bono basis, as well as athletes, entertainers, and
foreign students.
AILA appreciates this
opportunity to express its views on the issue of the restructuring of the
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Before discussing any specific
proposals, it is important to frame the issues before us. As the federal agency
responsible for both enforcing U.S. immigration law and adjudicating
applications for naturalization and family and business immigration, the INS
needs to function efficiently, effectively, and fairly.The INS needs to function well, now more than
ever before, given the September 11 terrorist attacks. These attacks underscore
what we knew all along: that the agency’s two functions, enforcement and
adjudications, are both in the national interest and merit the attention of and
support from Congress.
The INS increasingly
has come under attack from Congress, its customers, the press, and the general
public for ineffective management of its dual adjudication and enforcement
functions. Sweeping changes in the law and unprecedented growth in the size and
responsibilities of the INS have overwhelmed the agency.In spite of some modest successes in INS’
efforts to improve customer service, AILA attorneys still must tell clients
that they must wait years to reunite with close family members, acquire U.S.
citizenship to participate in our democracy, and obtain needed legal immigrants
to fill employment needs, all because an over tasked and under resourced
bureaucracy is taking years to adjudicate their applications.
The INS also has been
severely criticized for failing to effectively enforce immigration laws through
nationally set priorities applied consistently, professionally and
humanely.Post-September 11, many have
concluded that the agency cannot do its job because of reports that some of the
terrorists were in legal status, others had overstayed their visas, and the
status of others are simply unknown because of the lack of any records about
them.While “Fortress America” is
impossible to achieve and not in our national interest, we also cannot tell what
is in people’s minds and hearts. So, we must take care here with our
criticisms.Among other possible changes
in needed in the law, this situation points to mandating that federal law
enforcement agencies share intelligence information, an important provision in
several recent bills including H.R. 3205 that was introduced by Representatives
Conyers (D-MI), the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, Cannon (R-UT),
Berman (D-CA), and Graves (R-MO). Finally, many criticize the INS for detaining
people without disclosing who is in detention, the charges against them, and
where and under what circumstances they are being held. While the agency and
our entire government have an enormously difficult task, we must seek to
balance our security needs with maintaining the very principles for which we
are fighting:We must act within
Constitutional bounds.
Why has the INS
faltered in carrying out its missions?There are many reasons for this and both the INS and Congress must share
responsibility. First, the agency’s combined functions of immigration
enforcement and adjudications need to be both better differentiated and
coordinated.Second, are the vast
changes in immigration law, the unprecedented growth in the INS’ size and
responsibilities, and ineffective management that together have contributed to
the agency’s current state. Third, is the continued
absence of adequate resources on the adjudications side that Congress, as it
addresses restructuring, must consider. Finally,
Congress has contributed to the agency’s problems because of conflicting,
complicated, unfunded, and incomplete mandates.The results? People wait years to reunite with
close family members and to obtain U.S. citizenship, businesses are forced to
wait years to fill jobs with needed legal immigrants, immigration laws are not
enforced consistently, professionally, or humanely, and the INS is crippled
because it is granted neither the financial resources nor sometimes the
authority (such as access to relevant data bases of other federal law
enforcement agencies) to successfully fulfill its functions.
AILA already is on
record urging the creation of a new, independent cabinet-level department or
agency combining all current immigration functions of the INS and the
Departments of Justice, State, and Labor. Such an agency should separate, but
coordinate, immigration services and enforcement functions.If a new, independent agency is unfeasible,
AILA urges the creation within the Department of Justice of two separate, but
coordinated, entities for services and enforcement. Those new bureaus should be
overseen by someone in charge, either an Associate Attorney General for
Immigration Matters or an Administrator of Immigration Affairs, who reports
directly to the Attorney General. Having such a person in charge would improve
accountability by fully integrating policy making with policy implementation,
ensuring direct access to high-level officials within the executive branch,
attracting top managerial talent, and coordinating the efforts of the two
bureaus.
To put it simply, a
high-level individual with clout should head the reorganized, and adequately
funded. immigration agency, and the adjudications and
enforcement functions should be separated, but strategically coordinated,
within the Department of Justice.What
is needed is this single, focused, and adequately funded national chain of
command to pursue both an integrated national enforcement strategy and the
immigration services functions.
We are pleased that
the Immigration Subcommittee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Bush
Administration all support reforming the INS. We look forward to working with
all parties to effect a sound restructuring of the
federal immigration function.To that
end, we are eager to review the Administration’s plan that would
administratively reorganize the agency. We believe that a significant number of
the issues can be resolved administratively and that any Congressional
initiatives need to await review of the Administration’s plans.We also caution the Administration and
Congress to undertake this reorganization in a way that takes into account of,
and does not disrupt, the enforcement and adjudication requirements of our
post-September 11 world.
AILA welcomes
Representatives Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Gekas’ (R-PA) interest in this
issue.The Chairs of the Judiciary
Committee and Immigration and Claims Subcommittee respectively have important
roles to play and perspectives to explore in the intensifying debate about
restructuring. Their introduction of H.R. 3231, the Immigration Reform and
Accountability Act of 2001, reflects their concerns and the importance of the
issue to them. We also look forward to working with Representative Sheila
Jackson-Lee (D-TX), the Ranking Member of the Immigration and Claims
Subcommittee, who introduced H.R. 1562, the Immigration Restructuring and
Accountability Act of 2001. Representative Jackson-Lee also has a keen interest
in this issue and much to contribute to the debate.AILA looks forward to exploring those areas where
we agree and differ and recognize that we share the same goal:an effective, efficient and fair immigration
function.
AILA believes that any
successful reorganization of the INS must be based on the following five
criteria:
(1)Accountability and leadership must
come from the top. Appoint a high level, full-time person in charge of both the
adjudications and enforcement functions.This person will integrate policy making with policy implementation and
lead and coordinate the separate service and enforcement functions.
There needs to be one
full-time, high-level person in charge of our nation’s immigration functions.
Having one person in charge would improve accountability, so very important
after the September 11 terrorist attacks, by fully integrating policy making
with policy implementation, ensuring direct access to high-level officials
within the executive branch, attracting top managerial talent, having authority
both horizontally and vertically, and leading the efforts of the two bureaus. Especially
after September 11, it is vitally important that one person at the top
articulates a clear, coherent, and unified immigration policy within the
government, to Congress, and to the world.
Unfortunately, as
introduced, H.R. 3231 does not create a high level person with clout.The bill abolishes the INS and creates a new
Agency for Immigration Affairs (AIA) headed by an Associate Attorney General
(AAG).However, this AAG appears to have
insufficient authority, especially when compared to the authority and clout
given to the Directors of the two bureaus the bill creates, the Bureaus of
Immigration Services and Adjudications and Enforcement.(In contrast, H.R. 1562 creates an Associate
Attorney General for Immigration Affairs whose office has more authority than
the two bureaus the bill also creates.)
It is highly unlikely
that a coherent, unified immigration policy could result from the immigration
structure created in H.R. 3231. Among other functions, the AAG oversees and
supervises the two bureaus and the Executive Office of Immigration Review
(EOIR), coordinates the administration of national immigration policy,
reconciles conflicting polices of the two bureaus and EOIR, and allocates and
coordinates resources through the Office of Shared Services. However, the AAG’s insufficient authority is underscored by the weak
positions created within the AIA:legal
advisor (rather than a General Counsel) who provides legal advise
to the AAG and issues legal opinions on “general issues of law,” policy advisor
(rather than an Office of Policy and Strategy), and chief financial advisor
(rather than a Chief Budget Officer). While the Director of the Office of
Shared Services is housed within the AIA, H.R. 3231 includes a study to
determine if this function should be transferred to the two bureaus.Finally, an Office of Ombudsman is housed in
the AIA and, while reporting to the AAG, is independent of the AAG and reports
directly to Congress. (Furthermore, the Ombudsman has extensive
responsibilities with regard to problems with the Bureau of Immigration
Services and Adjudications, but has no responsibility for addressing problems
individuals may have with the Bureau of Enforcement.No other entity appears to fulfill that
function, certainly not the AIA.)Finally, the bill creates in the AIA an office of Professional
Responsibility and Quality Review. Importantly, H.R. 3231 includes no
authorization to fund the AAG.
The clout and
authority created in H.R. 3231 is exercised by, not the AAG, but rather, the
two Bureaus and their Directors. H.R. 3231 separates out the two current
functions of the INS and creates within the Department of Justice a Bureau of
Immigration Services and Adjudications, and a Bureau of Enforcement, each
headed by a Director.While both
Directors report to the AAG, this reporting appears not to grant much authority
to that office.Each of the Bureau Directors
establishes policies, oversees the administration of such policies and is in
charge of the functions within each of their Bureaus. Housed within each are
offices with real mandates and authority. Each Bureau has its own General
Counsel, Office of Policy and Strategy, Chief Budget Officer, Office of
Operations Statistics, Office of Congressional, Intergovernmental and Public
Affairs, as well as field and operational offices.H.R. 3231 goes into detail about the sector
and field organization of the Bureaus that might be best left to be determined
administratively to allow the immigration functions to better respond to
changing circumstances.
In summary, the
structure laid out in H.R. 3231 -- a weak AAG and two strong, separated
bureaus, is a recipe for conflicting legal strategies, public and budgetary
policies, and information relayed to Congress and the general public. H.R. 1562
does not exhibit this problem.The bill
establishes in the Department of Justice an Office of the Associate Attorney
General for Immigration Affairs (AAGIA).The AAGIA is in charge, supervising and coordinating the functions
performed by the Directors of the Bureaus of Immigration Services and
Enforcement that are established under this bill.The AAGIA’s office
includes many of the necessary functions for someone in charge: a Legal
Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Shared Services, and the Office of
Immigration Quality Assurance, Professional Responsibility, and Customer
Service.Furthermore, the two bureaus
established in H.R. 1562, unlike those in H.R. 3231, are not created to be
competing centers of authority.In
addition, the bill adds an important office to both bureaus: an Office of
Children’s Affairs.Each of these
offices is charged with any and all responsibility and authority relating to
the special needs of children.H.R. 1562
also strives to provide protections against processing delays by including a
Sense of Congress that the Directors of the Bureau of Immigration Services
“shall develop, implement and maintain procedures to ensure, to the extent
practicable,” that all complete benefit applications are granted or denied
within reasonable periods of time that are noted in the bill’s provisions. H.R.
1562 also mandates that the Attorney General, no later than one year after
enactment, submits to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees an
implementation plan that details an organizational structure that shall “ensure
accountability by, and coordination among,” the Office of the AAGIA and the two
bureaus.
Given this country’s
urgent need to maintain and upgrade our security, it is now more pressing than
ever to place one person in charge who is accountable
so that our laws are implemented quickly and fairly, rather than developing two
rival bureaucracies that will create and implement balkanized immigration
policies. Given this need for one person to be in charge of the two functions,
we also believe, in contrast to H.R. 3231 that places inspections in the Bureau
of Enforcement, that inspections should be housed in the AAG’s
office. Given that enforcement and adjudications come together in the
inspections process, it is important that the person in charge oversees the
exercise of this procedure and that inspectors receive training in
adjudications standards and enforcement procedures.
The need for someone
in charge of national policy who has authority over the two immigration
functions is evident with regard to this nation’s security needs. Such a
structure is evident in other areas as well. For instance, immigration
enforcement officers interdicting or inspecting asylum seekers will likely have
a different interpretation than do immigration service personnel on whether the
asylum seeker is eligible for protection under U.S. laws and treaty
obligations.
(2)Coordinate the
separated enforcement and adjudications functions.
AILA believes that
separating, while coordinating, the enforcement and adjudications functions
will lead to more clarity of mission and greater accountability, which, in turn
will lead to more efficient adjudications and more accountable, consistent, and
professional enforcement.H.R. 3231
meets one-half of that principle. It does create two separate Bureaus within
the newly created Agency for Immigration Affairs in the Department of Justice:
The Bureau of Services and Adjudications and the Bureau of Immigration
Enforcement. However coordination is as important as separation and H.R. 3231
provides little meaningful coordination between the functions.This coordination is largely lacking because
there is no high level official with authority over the two bureaus who would be able to coordinate shared information systems,
legal counsel, policies, and administrative infrastructure, including personnel
and training. The two bureaus would end up working at cross-purposes, with its
leaders sending conflicting messages on policy matters of complex laws.
Why is coordination so important?Please consider the following examples:
1)The Border Patrol
picks up a suspected illegal alien.He
claims to be a lawful permanent resident, but does not have his green card in
his possession.The Border Patrol needs
to check his status with Adjudications before determining whether to deport or
detain him.
2)Immigration
Adjudications receives a petition for H-1B status and suspects
fraud.The Service Center wants to check
on the employer’s record with INS and whether it has been found to hire
undocumented workers in the past.The
Adjudications division would need to access enforcement records to check on the
employer’s work site investigations records.
3)An adjustment
applicant claims to have no periods of unlawful presence.The Immigration Adjudicator suspects
otherwise based upon claimed dates of entry.Without easy access to entry/exit records from Inspections, the
adjudicator cannot confirm her suspicions.
4)There is a
discrepancy regarding physical presence in an application for Temporary
Protected Status (TPS).INS needs to
examine entry databases.Without easy
access to those inspections records, the application cannot be properly or
efficiently adjudicated.
Without someone in
charge who can resolve differences and close linkages between the two bureaus,
such routine referrals would likely become Kafkaesque nightmares. Congressional
staff handling requests for assistance on immigration matters also would have
to deal with two separate agencies, making their jobs much more difficult and
time-consuming.
(3)Provide adequate
resources for the adjudications and enforcement functions and ensure that
direct Congressional appropriations are available to supplement user fees.
As Congress ponders
reforming the INS, we urge you to also review how immigration functions have
been and should be funded. Currently, enforcement functions are supported by
Congressional appropriations, while adjudiciations
are almost entirely funded by user fees.In theory, fees paid by applicants for immigration benefits are used for
adjudicating the applications. In practice, however, a large share of the user
fees has been diverted to support other functions. Immigrants, particularly
when they already are experiencing lengthy delays and unacceptable levels of
service, should not be forced to pick up the check for programs unrelated to
the processing of their applications.The responsibility for programs that do not generate fees should be
shared among all taxpayers.
AILA supported the
establishment of the Examination Fee Account when it was first created.However, given its current history and the
status of that account, we have revised our views to urge Congress to
supplement user fees with Congressional appropriations to ensure that an
appropriate level of service is achieved.In addition, we urge Congress to stop diverting funds from the user fee
account to pay for unrelated, but important, initiatives.Congress should find sources of funding,
other than from user fees, to pay for these efforts.Importantly, given our nation’s enhanced
security needs after the September terrorist attacks, it is important that
Congress and the Administration support direct federal appropriations for the
kinds of technological, staffing, and infrastructure needs that both the
Department of State and INS (in its enforcement and adjudications functions)
will require. Such funding needs to come from direct federal appropriations.
Both agencies security agendas cannot be supported through user fees alone.
This enhanced capacity to meet our security needs is a national function best
supported through the federal government and will require such support on an
ongoing basis.
H.R. 3231, as does
H.R. 1562, takes some positive steps with regard to funding. Both bills
authorize appropriating funds for FY 2002 through 2004 to reduce the backlogs
in processing applications.Both also
provide a Sense of Congress that the missions of both bureaus are “equally
important,” that both bureaus should be “adequately funded,” and that neither
the adjudication nor enforcement function should operate at levels below that
in existence prior to the restructuring. H.R. 3231 also authorizes
appropriations for transition purposes and generally prohibits the transfer of
fees among the bureaus. However, H.R. 3231 provides no authorization to fund
the AAG or the AIA, with no account created for either, in contrast to the two
bureaus and the EOIR for which separate accounts are established in the
Treasury Department.In addition, H.R.
3231, by eliminating the fee account funding for asylum and refugee
adjudications and not authorizing appropriations for these important functions
essentially leaves both completely unfunded.
However, neither bill
sends the important signal that direct Congressional appropriations need to
regularly and on an ongoing basis supplement user fees.Without such a commitment, there will be
continuing backlogs in adjudications since direct Congressional appropriations
would be needed to ensure that backlogs do not reappear. H.R. 3231, introduced
after September 11, also does not take into account the need to authorize the
funding of additional kinds of procedures and protections the INS will need to
put into place given the terrorist attacks.
(4) Judicial, civil and other functions
should not be subsumed within the Agency for Immigration Affairs.
H.R. 3231 subsumes the
EOIR within the newly created Agency for Immigration Affairs.While few details are included in the bill,
the AAG would oversee the work of, and supervise, the Director of the Executive
Office for Immigration Review.The AAG
also would review on referral decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals
(BIA) that the AAG directs the Board to refer, the Chairman or a majority of
the BIA refers, and the Directors of the Bureaus of Immigration Services and
Adjudications and Enforcement requests to be referred.
Among other functions,
EOIR reviews decisions denying asylum that are referred to them by the
INS.Similarly, EOIR makes asylum
determinations as the objective arbiter in adverse removal proceedings to which
INS is a party. EOIR, while part of the Justice Department,
is now independent from INS, and should remain so. This separation has
been important in ensuring that asylum seekers and others who go before EOIR
receive a fair hearing.
By mandating that the
AAG oversees the work of, and supervises, the EOIR, H.R. 3231 would infringe on
EOIR’s objectivity and independence. It is vitally
important to prevent institutional pressures from undermining EOIR’s ability to make impartial decisions in asylum and
other cases argued by Immigration Enforcement trial attorneys.If this provision of H.R. 3231 would become
law, Immigration judges and immigration “prosecutors” would all belong to the
same bureaucracy, thereby making it less likely that asylum
seekers and others would receive a fair hearing or a meaningful appeal.
These concerns apply
to the review on referral decisions of the BIA that is an independent appellate
body. Also of concern is that fact that functions currently performed by the
Department of Justice’s Civil Rights, Civil, and Criminal Divisions are
transferred to the two newly created bureaus.
(5) Any reorganization of the Immigration and Naturalization Service must
contribute to enhancing our nation’s security.
The Immigration and
Naturalization Service has an important role to play in helping our nation
enhance its security. To aid in that effort, a restructured immigration agency
needs a strong leader at the top who can quickly undertake decisive actions,
especially in periods of emergency.To
be effective, particularly in times of crisis, a reorganized agency also must
have accountability. Creating an agency with a weak position at the top (who is
the only Presidential appointee confirmed by Congress) and empowering the heads
of two conflicting bureaucracies is a recipe for conflict and dysfunction,
precisely what is not needed in ordinary times, and certainly not during
emergencies such as what we are now experiencing. H.R. 3231 proposes a
reorganization of the INS that does not fit our needs.
While a reorganized INS can help us isolate terrorists, we must
remember, as President Bush recently affirmed, that we are a nation of
immigrants. As we seek to create new means to isolate terrorists, we must take
care not to isolate America in the process.A reorganized INS must work toward these goals:Ensure that people who mean to do us harm are
barred from entering the U.S. but put out the welcome mat for people seeking to
reunify with their families, foreign professionals and others who fill the
needs of our economy, and asylees and refugees
seeking safe haven.
CONCLUSION
INS restructuring is
not a dry exercise involving reform of a government bureaucracy.Decisions in this area will impact directly
on our national security, as well as on the lives of hundreds of thousands of
American citizens, businesses, and legal immigrants who daily interact with
this system.Making the wrong decisions
can weaken our security through less effective and unfair enforcement, and
result in unconscionable delays in citizenship processing, reuniting families,
and helping business to acquire the workers they need.
As we continue to discuss
and debate the reorganization of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, it
is important to remember that:
·Restructuring is
but the first step in a long process, the end result of which needs to be
effective, efficient, and fair adjudications and enforcement.The Administration and Congress need to be
mindful of the end result.Both must
continue to pay attention to the INS’s needs and the
demands it faces, especially after September 11, while the agency needs to
deliver on its promises.
·Congress has the
opportunity to make reorganization a success. Reorganization should and can be
a nonpartisan effort that brings together the best thinking of Republicans and
Democrats, experts in the field, and the INS’ customers. We need to give the
Administration the opportunity to unveil its plan to Congress and the public.
In addition, Congress must recognize its important role in creating and
maintaining a vital and successful federal immigration function.Conflicting, complicated, unfunded and
incomplete mandates will threaten the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission
and bring us right back to where we are today.
·Any meaningful
restructuring of the immigration function needs to include financing
proposals.Restructuring would be
incomplete without also reviewing the sources of funding for this function,
especially given the increased demands on the agency that have resulted from
the September terrorist attacks. Furthermore, especially given the diversion of
funds in the adjudications function noted above and the fact that the
adjudications function cannot continue to be solely or largely funded through
user fees, any successful restructuring plan must respond to the funding needs
of the adjudications function.Both
enforcement and adjudications are in the national interest and should receive
adequate resources.
Mr. Chairman, thank you
very much for this opportunity to share my thoughts and perspectives with the
Subcommittee.AILA remains available to
discuss these matters with you at any future time, and is dedicated to working
with Congress and the Administration to ensure that reorganization succeeds. We
appreciate the opportunity this hearing has given us to explore this important
issue. Thank you.
| 28,812 |
Weather News
Showers soak NE NSW and SE QLD
Showers have continued to drench coastal parts of northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland, with some places seeing their heaviest April rain in half a decade.
The rain that soaked central NSW yesterday shifted north during the day as a weak low pressure trough moved up the coast and combined with moist onshore winds.
The highest totals were in the northeastern corner of NSW, with widespread falls of 50-70mm. Myocum received the highest total in the state with 95mm to 9am, while nearby Mullumbimby picked up 90mm, its heaviest April total in four years. Evans Head also copped a drenching with 82mm, the towns heaviest April rain in five years and heaviest rain since January.
In southeast QLD there were widespread totals of 30-40mm, although parts of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Gold Coast saw up to 50-70mm.
Showers should persist over the next couple of days, although they should be significantly lighter with most places likely to see less than 15mm. However, heavier showers may redevelop on Sunday as another trough moves through the region.
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6.17.2010
Risk Denialism and the Costs of Prevention
Sol's posts about the BP oil spill (here and here) got me thinking a little bit about the interplay between denialism and risk and how deeply related that is to the sprawling mess of concepts we put under the umbrella of "sustainable development."
One of the major themes in the coverage of the spill has been how poorly equipped BP was to deal with a spill of this magnitude. Now, regardless of your opinion of BP as a company, ex-post this is a badthing. BP would much rather, right now, be known for its quick, competent and effective response to a major catastrophe than be roundly (and for that matter, rightly) villainized. They've lost about half their market cap since the spill happened, and now they have to set up a $20 billion clean up escrow account. Why weren't they better prepared?
There are a few potential answers to that. The spill's magnitude may simply have been completely unforeseeable, a "Black Swan" -style event that BP can be forgiven for not anticipating the same way New Yorkers can be forgiven for not buying tornado insurance. Or perhaps, net of prior cost-benefit analysis, the probability of a spill this big was so low compared to the cost of maintaining intervention equipment that BP decided to skimp on it, akin to how most New Yorkers spurn flood or wind insurance despite the fact that hurricanes intermittentlyhammer the city. But the answer that now seems most likely is that that there was a fundamental disconnect between what the rig workers told upper management (internal BP documents refer to it pre-spill as a "nightmare") and what upper management told them to do. This is akin to New Yorkers not buying renter's insurance after they've been told the burglary rate in their neighborhood is quite high.
What I find interesting about this is how closely the framework of this story jibes with so many of the other narratives in environment and development. A group of technically trained experts warns of a potentially catastrophic risk (climate change, overfishing, pandemic flu) only to have their warnings discarded by cost-bearing decision makers (politicians, corporate executives, voters) who deny that the risk is as great or even extant. In these scenarios, it's not that the decision makers wouldn't face massive costs should they turn out to be wrong, it's that there's a big difference between what their behavior indicates they think the probability of facing those costs is and what they're being told by technical advisors.
Why? Well, it seems that cost-bearing seems to have a very strong influence on how someone interprets difficult-to-verify information about risks, especially social / shared risks. In psychology this is known as the defensive denial hypothesis and there's a fair bit of empirical evidence to support it. The BP managers tasked with running the platform knew the immediate costs of reducing flow, or stopping drilling, or increasing safeguards, and it seems highly likely that this influenced how they interpreted warnings from the rig workers. The same sort of phenomenon seems to occur in a lot of other areas: fishermen are more sanguine about the risks of overfishing, oil executives downplay the risk of climate change, and derivatives traders claim that their activities are nowhere near dangerous enough to warrant regulation. Now, many other factors are clearly at stake in all of these, from discounting to strategic maneuvering to cheap talk, but given the genuineness with which deniers of, say, climate change argue their case, it seems difficult to say that they are not at least somewhat personally convinced that their interpretation of the evidence is correct.
Now that on its own isn't terribly revelatory, but when you combine it with the notion that perceptions of costs can be subject to manipulation as well, you get an interesting result. The more (or less) salient a risk's mitigation cost is made, the lower (or higher) people come to view the probability of that risk. Witness, for example, the repeated attempts to link efforts to combat climate change to personal tax burden by those who think (or claim to think) that it's a bogus risk. This may not even necessarily be an actual cost: the Jennifer McCarthy- led trend in parents refusing to vaccinate their children (leading to the actual risk of polio, measles, etc.) seems to be almost entirely a function of parents being led to believe that there is a potential cost to vaccination (possible autism) that is not supported by scientific evidence. BP's managers faced the immediate and salient costs of risk mitigation steps that they'd need to justify to highers-up and behaved in a way that seems to indicate that they didn't think the risk of a major industrial accident was worth fretting over.
So what? I think the lesson here is that while risk denial is often depicted as stemming from short-sightedness, or ignorance, or political zealotry, it's actually pretty common human behavior. People have preferences and like to align their behavior appropriately, and if that means that they have to subconsciously alter their assessments of how dangerous some far off activity may be, they'll do so. If we are concerned about arresting climate change, or preserving biodiversity, or managing natural resources, then it's important to keep in mind that the way people perceive the incidence of the cost of mitigation will not only affect their preferences in terms of raw cost-benefit analysis, but also legitimately move their perception of the riskiness of their behavior. If we want political support for efforts to deal with these sort of risks, it thus seems similarly important to find and then emphasize ways in which the costs can be made low and painless as it is to stress the potential for future damages.
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The economy is in meltdown and charities are suffering as so many of us feel we can’t afford to give as much as we’d like to. Well, this is the giving season so here at Moneymagpie, we’ve uncovered a host of ways you can still give to your favourite cause without spending so much as a single penny!
Shop online for cashback
Earn while you buy stuff on the web, then give the proceeds to charity (or don’t…)
Give or Take is one of a number of websites that allow you to earn cash from purchases made online – and then tease you with the choice of keeping all your loot or giving it to charity.
With a range of 700 stores to choose from there’s something for everyone. Organic and fair trade shops, high street department stores and even products for your pooch are only a few of the options available on the site. And the idea is simple: the more you shop, the more you earn!
During registration you’ll be asked to choose whether you’re a ‘Giver’ or a ‘Taker’. Givers (who won’t have to pay a joining fee) will see their cashback donated monthly to their charity if they earn £10 or more. Takers (who are asked to pay a £5 annual fee) will get money paid straight into their account once they tot-up £25 or more.
It works by Give or Take earning a referral fee from the stores they direct you towards. And, instead of keeping it all to themselves, they give it straight back to you! So, take the hint: be a Giver, not a Taker. Sign up here for free to start giving for nothing.
Another great site is TheGivingMachine. Every time you shop online through the TheGivingMachine you generate free cash donations for a charity you support. It’s the only not for profit social enterprise of its kind, which means they can make the highest donation possible to the charity or school of your choice.
It works as each sale they make generates a commission, and they are able to convert 75% of this commission into free cash donations. With 1,300 retailers signed up for the program and the ability to support any charity you want (if it’s not there you can register the charity/school) this is a great way to help a good cause without paying directly.
Search, Surf and Donate
Helping charitable organisations can also be as simple as switching on your computer and exploring the internet. There are a range of search engines that offer proceeds to good causes and, at most, they require a quick and easy registration that will take no more than a few minutes.
Everyclick
Everyclick is another useful website which tallies up money while you search the web and works with up to 200,000 UK charities. You can also create your own sponsorship page (and get friends and supporters to join you on your fundraising quest), browse and shop online (half of the revenue Everyclick earns goes to charity) and even donate directly to an organisation. Claiming Gift Aid is also possible. However, take note: all credit and debit card donations are subject to a 4.8% charge to cover transfer costs.
Charity Credit cards
There are a lot of charity credit cards but be aware, that many of them pay very little to the charity they are ‘helping’.
Green and ethical cards
‘Think’ credit card (Co-op bank)
The Co-operative Bank, the original eco-friendly and ethical bank (since 1992 it has refused to invest in companies involved in the arms trade, global climate change, genetic engineering, animal testing and use of sweated labour), offers a card that donates a percentage to the protection of a tropical, endangered rainforest. For every £100 you spend, the Co-op will donate 25p to the RSPB’s Indonesian Rainforest project.
The bank also rewards cardholders when shopping in a more green and ethically-conscious manner; there is 0% p.a. for three months when you make a purchase with one of their ethical partners.
Save your money, save the earth!
Triodos bank
Ever wanted to help with the battle against human rights abuses, be part of a war against poverty, or contribute to fight climate change by simply saving money? By signing up with the ethically super-charged Triodos Bank you certainly can. Sit back as your savings gain interest, safe in the knowledge that your money is being lent to causes aiming to make the world a better place.
Awarded the accolade of ‘Sustainable Bank of the Year’ by the Financial Times in 2009, Triodos has blazed a carbon-free, eco-trail in transparent, sustainable and ethically-conscious banking. It lends money to businesses and charities they deem to be of social or ecological benefit, and it’s the only commercial bank in the UK that allows customers to see precisely to whom they lend their money.
Triodos offers many different options, including Online Saver and Charity Saver accounts. The current interest rate for the Online Saver account is 0.30% and is only manageable online but you can open an account for as little as £1.
You’ll need £100 to open a Charity Saver account, but there are a range of options as to which organisations you can help; from making the lives of torture survivors better to helping fund Buddhist centres around the world. Interest rates for savings on the Charity Saver account are 0.05% for over £100, £1000+ at a rate of 0.10%, and an account with over £25,000 will benefit by 0.15% AER.
Triodos will also donate 0.25% of your total end-of-year balance to whichever cause you choose. Obviously, the more you save, the more money the organisation receives. And if you’re a UK tax-payer, you can also Gift Aid your donation – so your favourite charity will receive that little bit extra. It all counts!
Gift Aid
Operated by the tax office, Gift Aid is a government-driven initiative that allows charities to claim back the basic rate of tax on contributions made by UK citizens. This means that for every pound you give, your chosen charity will receive an extra 25p from Inland Revenue – at no extra cost to you!
Gift Aid can apply to donations of any amount, large or small, by cash, cheque, postal order, direct debit, standing order, debit or credit card (and even to donations of foreign currency).
Do I qualify?
To use Gift Aid, you must pay income or capital gains tax. And you must have paid enough tax in the tax year in question to cover the amount which the charity will reclaim. (For example, if you were donating £100 to a charity, you’d have had to have paid at least £25 to Inland Revenue that tax year.)
Sue Ryder Care was the first charity to pioneer the innovative scheme covering donated goods with their ‘Sign on the Line’ campaign and managed to raise an extra £1 million in their first year. Other charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Help The Aged quickly followed suit.
Bonus for higher rate taxpayers
If you’re a higher rate tax payer, you can also claim back the difference between basic and higher rate tax. That means that for every pound you give away, you can get more back from the taxman (which you could keep, or give to charity).
So how do I do it?
The scheme is really easy. All you have to do is to fill in a simple declaration form. Most charities will have their own Gift Aid section you can fill in on their donation form or appeal. A single form will cover every donation you make in future to the charity (be it in cash or used items), and you can even backdate claims for up to 6 years prior the date of the declaration.
A sample Gift Aid form can be found here. The Institute of Fundraising also has a useful Gift Aid Help website where experts are on-hand to answer any of your questions.
Recycle for charity
Clean up the office- ask each employee to donate unwanted goods and get your local charity shop to organise a collection!
You can recycle and give to charity at the same time! Everyday office items like mobile phones, inkjet cartridges and laptops can be recycled with companies such as “Recycle4Charity” which will help a charity each time you recycle.
Give at Christmas
If you’re a hairdresser, you could contact your local nursing home, hospice or cancer ward. Bring along some mince pies and spend an afternoon making someone look their best!
Operate a shoebox scheme this Christmas! This project enables families, schools, individuals, churches and businesses to cover shoeboxes in Christmas wrapping paper, fill them with new toys (school supplies, sweets etc.) and send them to needy children around the world. Think of things they need as well as things to play with, toothpaste and a toothbrush for example! Visit operationchristmaschild to find out more.
Sending a Christmas card can be more effective than you might think- send one with a message of solidarity or kindness to someone who is in danger or unjustly imprisoned- there are 32 individuals, groups and communities that need your support. It will give strength and hope to its recipient as well as show the prison staff and political authorities that the world is watching what they are doing. To find out how to get involved click here.
Next time you pop out to the supermarket, why not contact your local Age Concern and see if any of the elderly in your area need some Christmas shopping done. You could also sneak a small gift in with their shopping!
Instead of sending Christmas cards to your loved ones, you could send an email and donate the money saved on the card and postage to charity.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
3 thoughts on “Give money to charity – without spending a penny!”
I was mis-sold a pension back in the eighties and have been reluctant to consult anyone about a pension. I have just looked at co-op and I found their pension site of interest.
Has anyone else got any advice? I already have an old teachers pension but cannot contribute as I do ‘ supply’ work .
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I meant instrumental tracks. How do I make plugin skip looking lyrics up for vocal-less songs. Some way of making plugin remember which songs are instrumental. Right now, I manually (with mass-tagger) create <lyrics> tag with some value (empty tag doesn't work, plugin starts its fruitless search). What I'm looking for is a more elegant solution. If it doesn't exist, consider this post a feature request.
hello!it is possible to:- save the lyrics in a dedicated sub folder of the music folder?- save the lyrics with the same name as the music file?- to follow the line with a different colour when the song is payed?
Yes to all. Did you explore the save options on the preferences\lyric saving tab? Here you can specify, for example, "Save to user defined directory" and specify the filename format using title formatting. The plug-in works best if the artist name is either in the saved filename or file path. I may have misunderstood your last point, but you can configure the highline and normal colour on the right click panel preferences menu if that's what you mean (if in UI mode default colour preferences are used).
I manage to change the highline of the lyrics but i try to change the save option to the "save to user defined directory". I create a folder called lyrics as a sub directory of the music folder. In "custom directory" i put the name lyrics but the plugin didn't save anything in that directory.I want to have the lyrics of the songs in a specific sub folders of each directory of songs.
Music folder1 lyrics folder2 lyrics
Second, i want to ask if you can use the proxy address, user and password from the foobar. For now, if i have to change the credentials of the proxy in foobar, the changes didn't propagate to lyrics and i have to put the same credentials in the plugin again.
If you use "Save to user defined directory", then entering the below as the custom directory should give you what you want.
CODE
$directory_path(%path%)\lyrics
I cannot really answer your proxy server question, but looking at the options it seems as though both foobar2000 core and lyrics 3 can be set to use internet explorer proxy server settings or if you want to use custom settings for foobar2000 core and lyrics 3 then they have to be entered in both locations.
Everytime a song changes or I change song my foobar freezes for a good 10 seconds, and sometimes crashes. My friend doesn't have this problem, he says it changes instantly. Its definitely the lyrics plugin that makes it freeze.
You did not say which version you are using - I thought major problems like you describe had been eradicated quite a number of versions back; at least nobody else seems to be reporting such issues. Everything works fine for me even on a very slow XP machine. I suggest you try the latest beta if you are not already using it (0.3.6 beta 5 - see post #1 for link) as it has some stability and bug fixes compared with 0.3.5.2. Also have you proven its lyrics3, e.g. by using a basic install (e.g. portable) without any other extra components and then showing the problem occurs upon installing lyrics3? If the problem still persists, then please ensure the crash reports are submitted so that it can be properly investigated.
I have some .wv files with CUE_TRACK##_LYRICS embedded lyrics. I placed tag search as first option and added CUE_TRACK##_LYRICS to the search properties, but with no luck, both with 0.3.5.2 and 0.3.6 beta 5 - any way to get the plugin to display them?
Is there a way to disable lyrics for songs? I have many instrumentals and sometimes the databases have lyrics that only contain artist and title because the track doesn't have any lyrics.What I do atm is select "next lyrics" until it doesn't find anything and falls back to the fallback text. An option like "this song has no lyrics"/"don't show or search lyrics for this song" would be cool.
Songs you do not wish to search lyrics for have to be identified in some way; using instrumental as part of a multi-value tag would work for such tracks. Otherwise you could create a custom tag to indicate lyric searching should not occur and call it what you want. Even if there was a formal filter built into lyrics3 it seems there would still need to be a way of identifying tracks where lyric searching should not take place. This could be a context menu item such as "Never search for lyrics for this track" that when clicked saved a flag to the associations database for songs where lyric searching should not take place - but this would still require manual interaction for each of these types of song & for the vern to add the feature. The solution I referenced in #1089 pertained to what you can do now and I find it works well and automatically for my instrumental tracks. But adding the extra menu item would be a nice feature that provides an alternative and probably more intuitive solution.
Also sometimes I want to save lyrics to mp3 tag (additionally) but I can't do that unless I go to Preferences and change default save method but this is not good for me because Automatic Save is enabled, I don't want to save lyrics to tag all the time.
What should I specify in the plug-in settings for the next behavior scenario:When I launch and play musical track (file), the corresponding text file with the lyrics should be found and attached, as was made before by 'foo_uie_lyrics2'Perhaps, I should place a special command in 'Lyrics searching / Local file search' ? I've tried several different variants, but still didn't succeed.So I kindly ask you for assistance.
I just updated foobar and this plugin to latest releases and now Minilyrics not in available sources for lyrics search. It was much better with it, because lyrics in plugin always updated immediately after minilyrics downloaded them.
Why I only have access to 30% of the lyrics and not full text?We currently offer only 30% of lyrics for Not Commercial Use (personal use and beta testing). In order to get the full view you need to buy a Licensing Data Package
QUOTE
How much does it cost to get full access to Lyrics?We offer annual data licensing packages that are customized to meet your needs with fees ranging from $25,000 to higher depending on the audience for the data and which data are being licensed. We are not able to offer any sort of data license for less than $20,000. Usually in case of a web site we do offer a fixed CPM offering so you're charged every 1,000 lyrics displayed. In any case we would ask a minimum year fee of 20,000$
How can i upload my lyrics to the online databases which foo_uie_lyrics_3 uses by default? I want to support the community and share my lyrics.
I have already tried lyrics.wikia.com, but the procedure / coding is not user-friendly and time consuming as hell... TuneWiki is much simpler but i don't know if they support the timestamps which i generated with foo_uie_lyrics3 ? Also it seems to be another database which is not open for the plugin (?)
Is there a way to upload new lyrics to the "timestamped" 1-3 servers? An automatic built-in option would be nice... Or does it already work this way?
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BREAKING: Guess Which Planet NASA Just Announced It Found Water On? Gamechanger
NASA scientists just made a major announcement today that is changing the game in the discussion of exploring and colonizing Mars.
Today, scientists have said that they have found evidence of liquid water on the surface of the red planet. They believe streaks of moisture running down from mountain tops show that water is either rising up from underground ice or salty aquifers, or condensing out of the thin Martian atmosphere.
[revad1]
“There is liquid water today on the surface of Mars,” Michael Meyer, the lead scientist on NASA’s Mars told The Guardian. “Because of this, we suspect that it is at least possible to have a habitable environment today.”
Next up will be further exploration of these areas which could eventually lead to the first humans being sent to Mars to colonize. Check out some of these photos from Mars:
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Would you want to be a part of the first colonization party? Let us know in the comments below!
___________________
From the Guardian:
Liquid water runs down canyons and crater walls over the summer months on Mars, according to researchers who say the discovery raises the chances of being home to some form of life.
The trickles leave long, dark stains on the Martian terrain that can reach hundreds of metres downhill in the warmer months, before they dry up in the autumn as surface temperatures drop.
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Images taken from the Mars orbit show cliffs, and the steep walls of valleys and craters, streaked with summertime flows that in the most active spots combine to form intricate fan-like patterns.
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The Magic of David Copperfield IX: The Escape from Alcatraz (1987) Free Watch
This is the 9th CBS Copperfield TV special, introduced by the host Ann Jillian after a short presentation by David Copperfield himself from the Alcatraz prison's beacon. It is the first one...
See full summary »
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Apple gets permission to sell two new iPads in Eurasian Economic Union
It's about time that the company launched new iPads so it's certainly not going to be surprising when it finally does that. The timing of the Eurasian filings indicates that two new iPads will be launching much sooner than that. Those filing are necessary regulatory hurdles if any company wants to sell a product within the region, and it just so happens to give us a little glimpse at what is on the way in the near future. Also, the report states that Apple has acquired the marketing approvals of two tablet models - A1893 and A1954. Those model numbers don't correspond to iPads already on the market. Similar filings have appeared before which revolved around the iPhone 7, and AirPods so it is not surprising that we will be seeing these as well.
Apple did not hold a press event for the $329 iPad, only announcing it in a press release.
Rejoice, iPad lovers: New Apple-branded tablets may be coming soon.
Since there are two iPad models mentioned in the EEC document, it's safe to assume these are 10.5 and 12.9-inch iPad Pros, and not the smaller 9.7-inch iPad. All the pomp and circumstance is reserved for something new and somewhat-interesting, like adding FaceID or a bezel-free screen. This year, the iPad Pro 3 2018 is expected to undergo a major overhaul as well, which will result in a brand-new tablet resembling the iPhone X. Even if the new model isn't for you, it means you might be able to get some money off the 2017 model.
Ireland vs Wales, Six Nations 2018
Porter and Farrell will both starting in the Championship for the first time and Schmidt is focusing on their opportunity to impress, rather than the absence of Henshaw, Furlong and Henderson. 2/23/2018
Waiting is tough, it works on your mind
Pandey admitted he was a bit slow in his first outing on this tour at the Wanderers, where he scored 29 not out off 27 balls. Pandey has the belief that with a more consistent run in the side, he can prove himself worthy of regular selection. 2/23/2018
Florida deputy assigned to Stoneman Douglas HS resigns
"What I saw was a deputy arrive at the West side of building 12, take up a position and he never went in", said Sheriff Israel. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel emphasized that "only deputies who are trained and qualified will carry those rifles". 2/23/2018
Stoneman Douglas Student: 'I Am Not a Crisis Actor'
The mugshot reveals a 26-year-old arrested in SC with the same name, and a very similar identity to the Parkland student. The FBI has acknowledged that agents received a tip about suspect Nikolas Cruz but failed to investigate it. 2/23/2018
Mueller files new charges against Manafort and Gates
The indictment alleges that Manafort laundered more than $30 million in income that he hid from U.S. authorities. But they can only make a deal if they have valuable information that Mueller can use in other prosecutions. 2/23/2018
Wendy Williams Reveals She's Battling Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive, known as hyperthyroidism . Wendy Williams is taking a three-week hiatus from her show to focus on her health, she said on her show Wednesday . 2/23/2018
Gartner confirms smartphone sale's slide
Huawei and Xiaomi were the only smartphone vendors which enjoyed growth year-on-year at 7.6 percent and 79 percent, respectively. It's also expecting a boost for Samsung in Q1 as it unpacks its successor Galaxy flagships. 2/23/2018
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Henry's "express charge" to the army (p. 549)
But now to proceed with king Henry's doings. After this, when the wind came about prosperous toTitus Livius. his purpose, he caused the mariners to weigh up anchors and hoist up sails, and to set forward with aThe king saileth over into France with his host. thousand ships on the vigil of Our Lady Day the Assumption, and took land at Caux, commonly called Kidcaux, where the river of Seine runneth into the sea, without resistance. At his first coming on land,Titus Livius. A charitable proclamation. he caused proclamation to be made, that no person should be so hardy on pain of death either to take any thing out of any church that belonged to the same, or to hurt or do any violence either to priests, women, or any such as should be found without weapon or armor, and not ready to make resistance; also that no man should renew any quarrel or strife,Princely and wisely whereby any fray might arise to the disquieting of the army [TLN 1556-61].
The next day after his landing, he marched toward the town of Harfleur, standing on the river of Seine between two hills; he besieged it on every side, Harding.raising bulwarks and a bastille, in which the two earls of Kent and Huntington were placed, with Cornwall, Gray, Steward, and Porter. On that side towards the sea the king lodged with his field, and the Duke of Clarence on the further side towards Rouen. There were within the town the lords de Touteville and Gaucourt, with divers other that valiantly defended the siege, doing what damage they could to their adversaries and damming up the river that hath his course through the town. The water rose so high betwixt the king's camp and the Duke of Clarence's camp (divided by the same river) that the Englishmen were constrained to withdraw their artillery from one side, where they had planted the same.
39The French king being advertised that king Henry was arrived on that coast, sent in all hast the Lord d'Albret, Constable of France, the Seneschal of France, the Lord Boucicault Marshal of France, the Seneschal of Hainault, the Lord Ligne, with other, which fortified towns with men, victuals, and artillery on all those frontiers towards the sea. And hearing that Harfleur was besieged, they cameThe king besieged Harfleur. to the castle of Caudebec, being not far from Harfleur, to the intent they might succor their friends which were besieged by some policy or means; but the Englishmen, notwithstanding all the damage that the Frenchmen could work against them, foraged the country, spoiled the villages, bringing many a rich prey to the camp before Harfleur. And daily was the town assaulted, for the Duke of Gloucester, to whom the order of the siege was committed, made three mines under the ground, and approaching to the walls with his engines and ordnance, would not suffer them within to take any rest [TLN 1183-84].
40For although they with their countermining somewhat disappointed the Englishmen [TLN 1179-80] and came to fight with them hand to hand within the mines, so that Titus Livius.they went no further forward with that work, yet they were so enclosed on each side as well by water as land, that succor they saw could none come to them: for the king lying with his battle on the hill side on the one party, and the Duke of Clarence beyond the river that passeth by the town and runneth into Seine on the other party, beside other lords and captains that were lodged with their retinues for their most advantage, none could be suffered to go in or come forth without their license, insomuch that such powder as was sent to have been conveyed into the town by water was taken by the English ships that watched the river.
41The captains within the town, perceiving that they were not able long to resist the continual assaults of the Englishmen, knowing that their walls were undermined, and like to be overthrown (as Harding.one of their bulwarks was already, where the earls Thom. Walsi.of Huntington and Kent had set up their banners) sent an officer at arms forth about midnight after The seventeenth of September they within Harfleur pray parley.the feast day of Saint Lambert, which fell that year upon the Tuesday, to beseech the King of England to appoint some certain persons as commissioners from him, with whom they within might treat about some agreement. The Duke of Clarence, to whom this messenger first declared his errand, advertised the king of their request, who granting thereto, appointed the Duke of Exeter, with the Lord Fitzhugh and Sir Thomas Erpingham, to understand their minds, who at the first requested a truce until Sunday next following the feast of Saint Michael, in which mean time if no succor came to remove the siege, they would undertake to deliver the town into the king's hands, their lives and goods saved.
42The king advertised hereof sent them word that except they would surrender the town to him the morrow next ensuing, without any condition, they should spend no more time in talk about the matter. But yet at length through the earnest suit of the French lords, the king was contented to grant them truce until nine of the clock the next Sunday, beingA five days' respite. the two-and-twentieth of September; with condition that if in the meantime no rescue came, they should yield the town at that hour, with their bodies and goods to stand at the king's pleasure. And for assurance thereof, they delivered into the king's hands thirty of their best captains and merchants within that town as pledges. . . .
43The king nevertheless was after content to grant a respite upon certain conditions: that the captains within might have time to send to the French king for succor (as before ye have heard) lest he, intending greater exploits, might lose time in such small matters. When this composition was agreed upon, the Lord Bacquevill was sent unto the French king, to declare in what point the town stood. To whom the dauphin answered that the king's power was not yet assembled in such number as was convenient to raise so great a siege [TLN 1304-7]. This answer being brought unto the captains within the town, they rendered it up to the King of England after that the third day was expired, which was on the day of Saint Maurice, being the seven-and-thirtiethHarfleur yielded and sacked. day after the siege was first laid. The soldiers were ransomed and the town sacked, to the great gain of the Englishmen. Some writing of this yielding Abr. Fl. Out of Angl. prae. sub Hen. 5. and Polychron.up of Harfleur do in like sort make mention of the distress whereto the people, then expelled out of their habitations, were driven: insomuch as parents with their children, young maids, and old folk went out of the town gates with heavy hearts (God wot) as put to their present shifts to seek them a new abode. Besides that, King Henry caused proclamation to be made within his own dominions of England that whosoever (either handicraftsman, merchantman, gentleman, or plowman) would inhabit in Harfleur should have his dwelling given him gratis, and his heir after him also enjoy the like grace and favor; insomuch that great multitudes flocked to the seacoasts, waiting wind and weather for their transportage into Harfleur, where being arrived, wonderful it is to tell, within how short a time the town was peopled. . . .
44All this done, the king ordained captain to the town his uncle the Duke of Exeter [TLN 1311-14], who established his lieutenant there one Sir John Fastolf, with fifteen hundred men . . . . And because many of his nobles whilst this siege lay before Harfleur fell sick of the flux and other diseases, divers also dead . . . the king licensed his brother the Duke of Clarence, John Earl Marshal, and John Earl of Arundel, being infected with that disease, to return into England.
45King Henry, after the winning of Harfleur, determined to have proceeded further in the winning of other towns and fortresses, but because the dead time of the winter approached, it was determined by advice of his council that he should in all convenient speed set forward and march through the country towards Calais by land, lest his return as then homewards should of slanderous tongues be named a running away [TLN 1315-18]. And yet that journey was adjudged Great death in the host by the flux.perilous, by reason that the number of his people was much minished by the flux and other fevers, which sore vexed and brought to death above fifteen hundred persons of the army; and this was the cause that his return was the sooner appointed and concluded. . . .
When the king had repaired the walls, bulwarks and rampires about the town and furnished it with victuals and artillery, he removed from Harfleur toward Pontoise, intending to pass the river of Somme with his army before the bridges were either withdrawn or broken. Such victuals and other necessaries as were to be carried with the army he appointed to be laid on horses, leaving the carts and wagons behind for less encumber.
47The French king, hearing that the town of Harfleur was gotten, and that the King of England was marching forward into the bowels of the realm of France, sent out proclamations and assembled people on every side, committing the whole charge of his army to his son the dauphin and Duke of Aquitaine, who incontinently caused the bridges to Corn and victuals destroyed where the Englishmen should pass.be broken, and the passages to be kept. Also they caused all the corn and victuals to be conveyed away or destroyed in all places where it was conjectured that the Englishmen would pass. The King of England, nothing dismayed herewith, kept his journey in spite of his enemies, constraining them within divers towns and holds to furnish him with victuals. . . .
48At length the king approached the river of Somme, and finding all the bridges broken, he came to the passage Blanche Tâche.of Blanche Tâche, where his great-grandfather King Edward the Third a little before had stricken the battle of Crècy, but the passage was now so impeached with stakes in the bottom of the ford that he could not pass, his enemies besides thereaway so swarming on all sides. He therefore marched forwards to Arry, marching with his army and passing with his carriage in so martial a manner that he appeared so terrible to his enemies as they durst not offer him battle. And yet the Lord d'Albret, Constable of France, the Marshal Boucicault, the Earl of Vendôme, Great Master of France, the Duke of Alençon, and the Earl of Richmond, with all the puissance of the dauphin, lay at Abbeville, but ever kept the passages and coasted aloof, like a hawk: though eager, yet not hardy on her prey. The King of England kept on his journey till he came to the bridge of Saint Marence, where he found above thirty thousand Frenchmen, and there pitched his field, looking surely to be fought withal. . . .
49[After a skirmish with the garrison at the town of Corbie,] King Henry passeth the river of Somme with his host.the king the same day found a shallow, between Corbie and Peron, which never was espied before, at which he with his army and carriages the night ensuing, passed the water of Somme without let or danger [TLN 1380], and therewith determined to make haste towards Calais, and not to seek for battle, The king's army but of 15,000.except he were thereto constrained, because that his army by sickness was sore diminished, insomuch that he had but only two thousand horsemen and thirteen thousand archers, billmen, and of all sorts of other footmen [TLN 1595-96].
The English army sore afflicted.The Englishmen were brought into some distress in this journey by reason of their victuals in manner spent and no hope to get more, for the enemies had destroyed all the corn before they came. Rest could they none take, for their enemies with alarms did ever so infest them; daily it rained, and nightly it freezed; of fuel there was great scarcity, of fluxes plenty; money enough, but wares for their relief to bestow it on had they none. Yet in this great necessity the poor people of the country were not spoiled, nor any thing taken of them without payment, nor any outrage or offense done by the Englishmen, except one, which was that a soldier took a pix out of a church [TLN 1488-92], for which he was apprehended and Justice in war.the king not once removed till the box was restored, and the offender strangled [TLN 1553-54]. The people of the countriesNote the force of justice. thereabout, hearing of such zeal in him to the maintenance of justice, ministered to his army victuals, and other necessaries, although by open proclamationHall. so to do they were prohibited [TLN 1560-61].
The French king being at Rouen, and hearing The French king consulteth how to deal with the Englishmen.that King Henry was passed the river of Somme, was much displeased therewith, and assembling his council to the number of five-and-thirty, asked their advice what was to be done. There was amongst these five-and-thirty his son the dauphin, calling Dauphin King of Sicily.himself King of Sicily; the dukes of Berry and Brittany; the Earl of Pontieu, the king's youngest son; and other high estates. At length thirty of them agreed that the Englishmen should not depart unfought withal [TLN 1390-91], and five were of a contrary opinion, The French king sendeth defiance to King Henry.but the greater number ruled the matter; and so Montjoy king-at-arms was sent to the King of England to defy him as the enemy of France [TLN 1415-16, 1568-85], and to tell him that he should shortly have battle. King King Henry's answer to the defiance.Henry advisedly answered:
52Mine intent is to do as it pleaseth God. I will not seek your master at this time, but if he or his seek me, I will meet with them, God willing. If any of your nation attempt once to stop me in my journey now towards Calais, at their jeopardy be it; and yet wish I not any of you so unadvised as to be the occasion that I dye your tawny ground with your red blood [TLN 1589-1612].
53When he had thus answered the herald, he gave him a princely reward and license to depart [TLN 1608]. Upon whose return with this answer, it was incontinently on the French side proclaimed that all men of war should resort to the constable to fight with the King of England. Whereupon all men apt for armor and desirous of honor drew them toward the field. The dauphin sore desired to have been at the battle, but he was prohibited by his father. . . .
The King of England, hearing that the Frenchmen approached, and that there was another river for him to pass with his army by a bridge, and doubting lest if the same bridge should be broken it would be greatly to his hindrance, appointed certain captains with their hands to go thither with all speed before him, and to take possession thereof, and so to keep it till his coming thither.
55Those that were sent, finding the Frenchmen busy to break down their bridge, assailed them so vigorously that they discomfited them and took and slew them; and so the bridge was preserved till the king came and passed the river by the same with his whole army [TLN 1451-62, 1537-48]. This was on the two-and-twentieth day of October.
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Hyperbolic Shade Sails
We also have a range of 3D Hyperbolics, which have 'shaped' seams. This means that when tensioned the sail has a twisted or shaped appearance. It is possble to create a twist with a simple 'flat sail', but to create a real 3D effect look up the Hypers & HyperLITE's!
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These days, everyone seems to race through the day multi-tasking at breakneck speed, with no time for quiet prayer. Author Barbara Bartocci was frustrated by this fact-until she realized an important truth: Every single task is potentially holy if we do it with a holy intent. And that's the premise of Grace on the Go. This book offers quick, imaginative ways to help busy people make prayer an integral part of their days.
Part One contains short reflections from real life, designed to lead the reader into a few minutes of quiet meditative prayer, offering a brief "step of holy action" to incorporate into an ordinary day. Part Two offers ways to turn a single minute-from drive time to lunch time-into a prayerful encounter with God.
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Post Stalks Photographer Who Secretly Snapped Photos of Neighbors
From the vantage point of neighbor Mariel Kravitz’s apartment, The Postcaptured a few pictures of photographer, and Tribeca peeper, Arne Svenson’s apartment. This comes after Mr. Svenson put on a Manhattan exhibit titled “Neighbors,” which featured unwilling shots of Mr. Svenson’s neighbors, including Ms. Kravitz.
Using a telephoto lens, Mr. Svenson peered into the floor-to-ceiling windows of his neighbors and snapped pictures. He then distributed prints both online and in a gallery. Employing the same strategy, The Post got a few pictures of Mr. Svenson’s apartment, including a mannequin doll in the front window.
Ms. Kravitz was outraged to see her likeness in Mr. Svenson’s show. More so than herself, Ms. Kravitz worries about the pictures that Mr. Svenson might have of her daughter. “He probably took thousands or more. I have a young daughter. It’s more than me. Does he have any of her? That’s my biggest concern,” she told The Post.
Not content with simply turning the tables, some neighbors are pursuing legal action. Matthew and Martha Foster, parents to two and four-year-old children pictured in the gallery, are demanding that Mr. Svenson give up his negatives and stop selling the prints, according to their lawsuit.
For now it seems like the best option for these Manhattanites is simple. Many are installing blinds.
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English Inn – Custom Case Study
VGF has designed and installed many custom projects over the years, indoor, outdoor, large, and small. Here you’ll find a collection a few favourite projects, some straight-forward, some filled with challenges, and others that are just plain ‘ole fun. We put them together to form the Vancouver Gas Fireplaces Custom Case Studies.
The English Inn in Victoria, an old tourist attraction was redesigned into a high-end boutique-style hotel, complete with a gourmet restaurant. As part of this renovation, VGF Custom Fireplaces was approached to design a fireplace for the restaurant lounge. The plan was to create an eight-foot long polished stainless steel finished unit that would mysteriously thrust out of a wood paneled wall with no visible means of support. This fireplace was to be both the signature piece and main focus for the room.
The original room had an old wood-burning fireplace, so to accommodate the new piece; the opening had to be enlarged to accept both a welded steel support frame, which was grouted into a cement base and a fabricated smoke chamber/draft hood. The smoke hood was tapered up to accept the 6″ stainless steel liner, which was installed to the top of the chimney with a powered draft inducer to ensure proper venting.
The support frame for the fireplace extends through the body of the fireplace from the support frame like an exoskeleton, allowing the fireplace to appear suspended in space. The body of the fireplace was constructed of two fully welded layers of steel, with a 2100-degree heat barrier blanket placed in between the layers and an air space. The complete fabricated body, support structure, and draft hood was delivered and installed in one piece, bolted down and fastened back to the wall behind.
Two sand pan-style burners have been placed into the body, providing a seamless bed of sand on which high temperature logs are placed. These logs can be replaced with lava rock, river rock, chains, ceramic objects, or any combination of non-combustible material. The burners are controlled with electronic ignition and fully interlocked with pre and post purge capabilities to the draft inducer. The draft inducer has a pressure switch, which ensures a positive draft before allowing the valves to engage.
The fireplace’s stainless steel finish is created by two fabricated sleeves slid over the body. The end result is an eye-catching combination of a warm fire contained within a stainless steel enclosure, pushing out of a rich wood paneled surface.
The confluence of three prime elements were behind the success of this project: Jeff Smith, the designer for the English Inn, approached VGF Custom Fireplaces to see if the fireplace was technically possible to do and how much it would cost, and the owner, appreciating the value of the visual impact and atmosphere that would be created, gave the green light to proceed. The concept designer, technical designer, and owner were all equally essential for this original custom fireplace to be created.
VGF Custom Fireplaces is involved with projects throughout North America. Due to geographical and jurisdictional restraints, VGF will often just technically design the fireplace, or design and provide some to all of the components, yet not necessarily do the installation. For the English Inn project, VGF Custom Fireplaces provided all the fireplace elements, conducted the full installation, and set up all the required services.
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Vancouver Gas Fireplaces’ custom fabrications and installations are designed and tested to exceed UL/ULC standards and associated sections pertaining to the harmonized North American Gas Code.
In British Columbia our custom projects are subject to an
independent preliminary review by the Equipment Approvals Manager of the Gas Safety Authority of British Columbia and a subsequent field review and inspection by Independent Arms Length Government Inspectors.
Our installations and fabrications outside of British Columbia have been independently tested and approved by ULC, Inreteck and other certified and recognized independent testing agencies through out North America as specifically required by local jurisdictions.
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Lawmakers Move To Address Student Concussions
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – The state House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously approved new rules to govern how coaches and parents handle concussions and traumatic brain injuries sustained by Pennsylvania student athletes, requiring coaches to remove students from games if they exhibit signs of such injuries.
Under the bill, the departments of Health and Education would develop guidelines to limit when injured students would be allowed to return to the playing field, and an appropriate medical professional would have to sign off on the return.
The Safety in Youth Sports Act proposal also would require coaches to undergo training and would give parents and student-athletes more information about the risks of brain injuries.
Rep. Tim Briggs, DMontgomery, who worked on the legislation for several years, said he hopes it will help prevent injuries that can be devastating and carry lifelong implications. He said 31 states have adopted similar measures.
“Over the years, the mentality of head injuries in sports was to shake it off and get back in the game, and I wanted to make sure I played a part in protecting our most vulnerable resource, our children,” Briggs said on the House floor shortly after the vote.
The bill was sent back over to the Senate, which in June approved a nearly identical version. A Senate Republican spokesman said Wednesday the bill would probably go to Gov. Tom Corbett within weeks, and Corbett said he was likely to sign it.
Glenda White, a woman from the Harrisburg suburbs, told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg for Wednesday's edition that her daughter Elaina hurt her head during a field hockey game two years ago, but stayed in and played three more games despite a severe headache.
When the symptoms did not go away, she was evaluated by a specialist in concussions.
“At the time, I'd always heard from the coaches: `Suck it up, go on,”' White, who supports the bill, told the newspaper. “I almost felt ashamed as a parent that I didn't recognize the seriousness of it, and I do think that people need to be educated on what this is really about.”
Coaches who act according to the law would be immune from civil liability, but if they violate its provisions they could get suspended or eventually banned from coaching.
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I sewed and pieced all 25 spool blocks together for the top... but then I had to make - again - decisions! Yes... what kind of borders I would like to have? I think the original pieced border is too restless(?) for my 'Gentle Art'.
But you won't never believe...
this time I got a real mad idea to crochet a border lace myself!
I have no clue, when it will be crocheted... so far 13 tiny pieces is crocheted, what is enough for one border...
And... so that life wouldn't be too easy ;o)...
... after I had sewn the last block of the 2013 Designer Mystery BOM called 'April Showers' (the block pointed by the yellow arrow), I decided not to follow the instructions of the finishing kit.
When I became such a rebel? Or do I only try to be a little too creative...
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Together for the Common Good conference
The programme for the Together for the Common Good conference (6-8 September) has been announced.
T4CG is a national project looking at how different Christian traditions and other faith communities can work better together for social justice.
The conference weekend has an emphasis on delegate participation and includes working groups, panel discussions, speeches and informal sessions and speakers include Archbishop Bernard Longley, Dr Anna Rowlands, Revd Ruth Gee, Lord Maurice Glasman, Bernadette Farrell, Dame Mary Tanner, Frank Field MP and Phillip Blond, among others in an interesting line up.
The overall project is inspired by the Sheppard Worlock partnership and T4CG is also running a research process which is calling for case studies and other contributions. The organisers suggest registering soon to avoid disappointment. Online booking and further details are at www.togetherforthecommongood.co.uk
Throughout 2017, Sports Chaplaincy UK has been celebrating its 25th anniversary year, which now sees nearly 450 chaplains in a range of sports clubs, from elite to disabilities as well as a new campaign to begin promoting Gym Chaplains.
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Political Assassination and the Crimes of War: The “Unnatural Death” of Dr. David Kelly
Ten Years ago: David Kelly Died in Oxfordshire, 17-18 July 2003
A bearded man of avuncular appearance had started early in replying to e-mails on the 17th July 2003. He was in the office of his pretty cottage, with the scent of roses telling of an English summer. The little village of Southmoor was stirring. He was to send over 80 via one of five hard drives and mostly in reply. Some would be encrypted because he was writing to friends and colleagues who like him shared secrets in the field of “WMDs”. And some would be human and ordinary as from a father of three daughters. He had delighted in seeing a new born foal and arranged to take his daughter Rachel down the village that Thursday evening to see young life together.
Many of the e-mails in his inbox were from friends expressing sympathy for his having been put through the mangle of the state machine; his responses were hopeful. In one he spoke of arrangements having been made for his return to Iraq in 8 days; he was looking forward to that. This man from the Welsh Valleys graduated with his DSc in microbiology from Linacre College, Oxford in 1971. He joined the Civil Service in 1984 and was acting head of the Porton Down ‘Defence’ Microbiology Division for 10 years. These functions on Salisbury Plain widened (1)
In 1989, he was involved in investigations into the Soviet violations of the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and was a key member of the inspection team visiting the former USSRbetween 1991 and 1994.He was much valued as an interrogator and sought after round the world for his deep knowledge and sharp intelligence.
He was a member of the UNSCOM team finding and disabling germ and chemical weapons in Iraq.He would have seen the irony that almost all of these had been supplied to Iraq by western nations, including an anthrax strain that was originally cultured from a cow in Oxfordshire before WW2 (2).He visited 37 times between 1991 and 1998, when the team was pulled out before the bombing campaign of Operation Desert Fox. (3)He must have known that UNSCOM was also a cover for spying; the coordinates of defence systems and much else were being recorded for the later destruction of Babylon.
‘The same mission folders that UNSCOM put together to inspect specific buildings and offices in its search for concealed Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) became the basis for the targeting folders that missile launchers and pilots used in December (Desert Fox).‘William Arkin (4)
Was he aware too during those years of the terrible suffering and the death toll of children arising from ‘sanctions’ due to foul drinking water, lack of food and medicines?This most keen observer and family man would surely have got to know.
He had the highest level of security clearance from the SIS of the US and the UK but he was not on the payroll of MI6, it is said.He was attached to the Proliferation and Arms Control Secretariat of the Ministry of Defence whilst the Foreign and Commonwealth Office paid him.His base remained the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down.He translated ‘intelligence’ into the language of science and was required to explain scientific matters within his ambit for the media when asked.
He was an important part of the complex and clandestine mechanism which was lighting slow fuses for the demolition of Iraq and for the prime benefit of an entity just two borders away.The hunt for “WMDs” in the land of the two rivers had a hollow ring given the three nearest countries – ‘Israel’, Pakistan and India have not had their nuclear weapons inspected by the IAEA.As for germ weapons (5), of the 16 non-signatory states ‘Israel’ is one and ‘No action is expected in near future.’
US, UK and UN hypocrisies flourished in the sun.UNSCOM begat UNMOVIC and UNMOVIC begat IRG.How was it this sober scientist was involved with this sham?Saddam’s Iraq had been supported in its war with Iran and April Glaspie the US Ambassador to Iraq had later passed him the green light to invade Kuwait.The litany of black lies was long and blood soaked.The ‘turkey shoot’ as Iraqi soldiers and civilians streamed back from Kuwait under white flags ended with live burial for hundreds by US army bulldozers(6). In Baghdad, the charred remains of over 400 women and children in the Amiriya bomb shelter were testament to Allied and UN evil.(7&8)And were not the two laser guided bombs WMDs?
The context in which Dr Kelly did his duty for the UN and the UK has been outlined.The intelligence for targeting, bridgeheads etc was in place.The paramount war criminal and psychopath, Anthony Blair, conspired with Bush in April 2002 at Crawford over blood oozing steaks to tear into Iraq. The black propaganda machine changed gear.A succession of signatories of The Project for the New American Century began appearing nightly, courtesy of the State Broadcaster, the BBC.We could soon tell Wolfowitz from Bolton, and Perle from Bolton.Mangold tried to scare the pants off vulnerable members of the UK public in September 2002 with sarin in the Tokyo tube and with all the focus on the rogue regime.The Sun carried the headline “Brits 45mins from doom” to its 6 million readers.The prescription of Oded Yinon from the ‘Israeli’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs was being followed to the letter (9).“Iraq, rich in oil on the one hand and internally torn on the other, is guaranteed as a candidate for Israel’s targets. Its dissolution is even more important for us than that of Syria.”
And so it was, that against majority opinion in the UK and the truth, a massive invasion and bombardment started 22nd March 2003.It had been planned since 1988. (10)A sceptical British public became more certain that the hell had been conjured up and brought to earth.On May 29 the author heard Andrew Gilligan at 6.20 am on the premier propaganda programme, the BBC’s Today, say that a source had told him the ‘September’ dossier had been enhanced.(There was probably no mention of the ‘Iraq Dossier’ of 3rd February which within 3 days was shown by Rangwala to be fake throughout. (11) )The hunt started slowly, but soon the ‘government’ hounds were in full cry.Hoon and Campbell were out in front.Journalists were encouraged to call the MoD and to state the name of a suspect.Given that experts in the field were few, David Kelly’s identity as a possible source soon emerged.This act of treachery was wrong on two counts.Firstly the confidentiality of the names of public servants in charges of this sort is usually maintained.Secondly, anybody with his ‘security’ attachments should have had his identity concealed both for his sake and for the operational integrity of the establishments.The furore flowing from the ‘outing’ was fierce.The quarry felt the heat of slavering hounds about his neck.
He was called, improperly given his post, before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons on the 15th, two days before he ‘walked’.The BBC film of an anxious man wheeling quickly into the elaborate building with his minders was played numerous times and perhaps to reinforce a picture of a man at the end of his tether.Later, at the Hutton Inquiry, it was reported this committee had concluded he was not Gilligan’s source.He was interrogated by the Intelligence and Security Committee the next day.The transcript (12) conveys a picture of a composed and honest man.There is evidence of self-delusion however:-
HowarthHow did you arrive at your figure of 30% probability?It is appears to have a kind of exactitude, or is it meant to be merely illustrative?
Kelly Its illustrative, as an estimate
HowarthIllustrating a lot,a little?
Kelly Its verging to a little rather than to a lot
MatesTwo to one against!
Laughter…….
Dr Kelly had defined earlier in the hearing that he believed there was a 30% chance of ANY weapon containing biological or chemical agents.He does not appear to have revised his assessment when no such weapons were used by the Iraqi forces even though they were faced with total defeat.
Reference was made at this hearing to a letter from Hoon, the Minister of War . “…..in that normally it was Secretaries of State and heads of sections that came to give evidence and that it should not be taken as a precedent for calling in any junior official within that department.”Efforts were made to demean Dr Kelly but the evidence suggests he remained robust even though he was not used to such treatment in his very senior position.
David Kelly completed his correspondence on this the 17th of July, which included a report to the FCO, and changed from track suit into jeans and a shirt ready for a customary walk.He was described later by his wife Janice as being exhausted and shrunken within himself.She suffered from arthritis and had gone up stairs to rest on the bed. She heard him take a telephone call at about 3 pm (from Wing Commander Clarke at the MoD) and he then left for a walk. The W/Co ‘phoned again at 3.20 pm but he was away by then so Mrs Kelly answered.The W/Co ‘phoned every 15 minutes because Dr Kelly always had his cell phone with him and was always easy to contact.An ‘electronic’ voice said ‘the number you have rung is not reacting’, which is the normal one that one would expect if the telephone itself had been switched off.The number when dialled before 6 by James Harrison of the same office rang but there was no answer.
When he did not return the family were alerted.According to reports in the Guardian and Scotsman a lay search party was formed later that day, but no member was called to the inquiry (13&14).A Mrs Susan Melling was quoted.In these reports, a farmer Weaver(sic) – in fact Weaving, hailed Dr Kelly who was reported to be dressed in jeans and a shirt.Weaving might have been the last person to see Dr Kelly alive.(15)The importance of that in an inquiry into an unnatural death is obvious but he was not called either.
The family informed the police at 23.40 hours that he was missing, about 9 hours after he had left the house, and this in spite of the maelstrom swirling around the man and the very secret nature of his morbid work.The roses freshened in the night air and down the road the foal was nuzzling the mare.
David Halpin is a retired orthopaedic and trauma surgeon.He vehemently opposed the destruction of a sovereign Iraq and its people.The manner in which the investigation of this unnatural death was done and the principles of those who conducted it, will be examined in articles written by several authors which will appear twice per week in Global Research. Thus people will read what we perceive to be the truth and it will be a permanent record.We contend, on very good evidence, that due process has been subverted.We have been pleading for an inquest for 10 years and we will continue to do so as informed citizens who believe our law should rule supreme.‘ Where ever the law ends, tyranny begins.’ John Locke 1675.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are of sole responsibility of the author(s). The Centre for Research on Globalization will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article. The Center of Research on Globalization grants permission to cross-post original Global Research articles on community internet sites as long as the text & title are not modified. The source and the author's copyright must be displayed. For publication of Global Research articles in print or other forms including commercial internet sites, contact: [email protected]
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She is a self-proclaimed "hero of justice" who often imitates the personality and quirks of various characters from tokusatsu series. Despite this, she is completely uninvolved with the supernatural, until she becomes victim to a certain oddity.
Contents
Despite being younger, Karen is taller than Koyomi — a fact that often dismays him — and is the tallest of the three siblings at 170cm (5'7"). Karen ties her black hair into a ponytail on the right side of her head and uses a similar hair accessory as her sister (both their accessories have a sunny side-up egg design). She also has dark gray irises like her siblings.
Befitting her name, Karen is a hot-blooded girl who acts as if she is a superhero who has the duty of protecting others from danger. She likes to imitate characters from various tokusatsu live action series like Dekaranger. Fortunately, she manages to pull it off due to her flexibility and quick reflexes, which are a product of her constant exercise and training, which involves practicing karate and capoeira, among other martial arts.
Her personality often collides with Koyomi's more laid back personality more recently, especially since Koyomi has developed a certain degree of anxiety over his sisters' safety due to his experiences with the supernatural. In fact, he has called Karen's habit of acting like a superhero alongside her sister a "travesty". Along with her sister, Karen does not believe in the supernatural. At times, she acts like a bit of an air-head.
Karen, during the time before Koyomi's transformation into a vampire, often had sparring sessions on judo with her older brother. She eventually notices that Koyomi stopped attending judo sessions with her. Karen has a boyfriend named Mizudori, but they apparently haven't been getting along very well.
This section contains content from Kizumonogatari.Exclusive to the novel, Karen is called by Koyomi who explains he'll be gone on a "journey of self discovery" for an uncertain amount of time during spring break. She buys it.
This section contains content from Nekomonogatari Black.During the warm first day of Golden Week , Karen decides to take the opportunity to go out and do some jogging. She ended up doing a full marathon, and came back home with so much sweat in her body that she looked like she came from a swimming pool. As she regains the fluids she lost during her long jogging session, Koyomi, who has been interested in finding out what his feelings for a certain "Miss H." are, asks for her insight in the topic. According to Karen, love is "the feeling when you see someone of the opposite sex and you want to have his/her babies".[1]
This section contains content from Bakemonogatari.Karen had a short argument with her older brother Koyomi when he refused to stay at home for Mother's Day. It caused Koyomi to want to not return to his home, and this allowed him to meet Mayoi Hachikuji.
Fortunately, after Koyomi was able to bring Mayoi to her destination, he was able to make up with Karen.
This section contains content from Nisemonogatari.News began to spread concerning students who are scammed by a certain person who uses fake charms to make money. Karen caught wind of these rumors and went on an investigation to find out who the culprit is, with some help from Tsubasa Hanekawa. Karen finds out that a man named Deishuu Kaiki is the man behind the fake charms and she confronts him on an unknown location alone.
In spite of Karen's determination in taking down Deishuu, she was unable to apprehend him. In fact, Deishuu effortlessly defeats Karen by inflicting her with the curse of a flame-wreathe bee , which gave her a burning fever that lasted for three days.
Like Hitagi, she refused any help from anyone which eventually leads to her and Koyomi fighting each other. Later, it was revealed that it was set up by Deishuu.
It was revealed that the reason she and Tsukihi got boyfriends was so that Koyomi would become jealous. They found boyfriends in Koyomi's image with Karen's boyfriend being shorter than her. She and Tsukihi also thought that Koyomi's girlfriend was Tsubasa.
On the morning of February 13, Karen and Tsukihi wake up Koyomi as usual. After noticing the date on the calendar he asks them if they are ready to give him chocolate and Karen replies that he should be worrying about his college entrance exams rather than Valentine's Day. To this, Koyomi tells her that she'll not pass the grade if she lets her guard down. He then proceeds to tickle her foot. She laughs and proudly tells him that the skin under her foot has become thicker as she has trained well. However, he then licks her foot which makes her drop her guard. After that, She asks Koyomi to get a hot bath ready for her when she'll come back from her morning run. She proposes him to go run with her but he declines.
After going for a sleepover in Suruga's house, Karen, Tsukihi, and Suruga herself are kidnapped in their sleep and hidden in the shrine's donation box by Tadatsuru Teori.
In Suruga Devil, she became a high school student and she also has gotten closer with Koyomi to the point that Suruga worries that their relationship would go down a wrong turn. It also seems that when Karen went to high school, her and Tsukihi's "Fire Sisters" duo was broken off.
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An example of an isozyme is glucokinase, a variant of hexokinase which is not
inhibited by glucose 6-phosphate. Its different regulatory features and lower
affinity for glucose (compared to other hexokinases), allows it to serve different
functions in cells of specific organs, such as
Both of these processes must only occur when glucose is abundant,or
problems occur.
Isozymes or Isoenzymes are proteins with different structure which catalyze
the same reaction. Frequently they are oligomers made with different
polypeptide chains, so they usually differ in regulatory mechanisms and in
kinetic characteristics.
From the physiological point of view, isozymes allow the existence of similar
enzymes with different characteristics, “customized” to specific tissue
requirements or metabolic conditions.
One example of the advantages of having isoenzymes for adjusting the
metabolism to different conditions and/ or in different organs is the following:
Glucokinase and Hexokinase are typical examples of isoenzymes. In fact,
there are four Hexokinases: I, II, III and IV. Hexokinase I is present in all
mammalian tissues, and Hexokinase IV, aka Glucokinase, is found mainly
in liver, pancreas and brain.
Both enzymes catalyze the phosphorylation of Glucose:
Glucose + ATP —–à Glucose 6 (P) + ADP
Hexokinase I has a low Km and is inhibited by glucose 6 (P). Glucokinase
is not inhibited by Glucose 6 (P) and his Km is high. These two facts
indicate that the activity of glucokinase depends on the availability
of substrate and not on the demand of the product.
Since Glucokinase is not inhibited by glucose 6 phosphate, in
conditions of high concentrations of glucose this enzyme
continues phosphorylating glucose, which can be used for
glycogen synthesis in liver. Additionally, since Glucokinase
has a high Km, its activity does not compromise the supply
of glucose to other organs; in other words, if Glucokinase
had a low Km, and since it is not inhibited by its product, it
would continue converting glucose to glucose 6 phosphate
in the liver, making glucose unavailable for other organs
(remember that after meals, glucose arrives first to the liver
through the portal system).
The enzyme Lactate Dehydrogenase is made of two (H-
and M-) sub units, combined in different Permutations
and Combinations depending on the tissue in which it
is present as shown in table,
Type
Composition
Location
LDH1
HHHH
Heart and Erythrocyte
LDH2
HHHM
Heart and Erythrocyte
LDH3
HHMM
Brain and Kidney
LDH4
HMMM
Skeletal Muscle and Liver
LDH5
MMMM
Skeletal Muscle and Liver
While isozymes may be almost identical in function
(defined by Michaelis constant, KM)
The sum of zwitterion charges result in identifyjng
difference inmigratiion toward the anode by gel
electrophoresis, and this forms the basis for the use
of isozymes as molecular markers.
To identify isozymes, a crude protein extract is made by
grinding animal or plant tissue with an extraction buffer,
and the components of extract are separated according
to their charge by gel electrophoresis.
They were classically purified by ion-exchange column
chromatography after first precipitation with ammonium
sulfate, followed by dialysis.
In cells, the immediate energy sources involve glucose oxidation. In anaerobic metabolism, the donor of the phosphate group is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the reaction is catalyzed via the hexokinase or glucokinase: Glucose +ATP-Mg²+ = Glucose-6-phosphate (ΔGo = – 3.4 kcal/mol with hexokinase as the co-enzyme for the reaction.).
In the following step, the conversion of G-6-phosphate into F-1-6-bisphosphate is mediated by the enzyme phosphofructokinase with the co-factor ATP-Mg²+. This reaction has a large negative free energy difference and is irreversible under normal cellular conditions. In the second step of glycolysis, phosphoenolpyruvic acid in the presence of Mg²+ and K+ is transformed into pyruvic acid. In cancer cells or in the absence of oxygen, the transformation of pyruvic acid into lactic acid alters the process of glycolysis.
The energetic sum of anaerobic glycolysis is ΔGo = -34.64 kcal/mol. However a glucose molecule contains 686kcal/mol and, the energy difference (654.51 kcal) allows the potential for un-controlled reactions during carcinogenesis. The transfer of electrons from NADPH in each place of the conserved unit of energy transmits conformational exchanges in the mitochondrial ATPase. The reaction ADP³+ P²¯ + H²–à ATP + H2O is reversible. The terminal oxygen from ADP binds the P2¯ by forming an intermediate pentacovalent complex, resulting in the formation of ATP and H2O. This reaction requires Mg²+ and an ATP-synthetase, which is known as the H+-ATPase or the Fo-F1-ATPase complex. Intracellular calcium induces mitochondrial swelling and aging. [12].
The known marker of monitoring of treatment in cancer diseases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that is localized to the cytosol of human cells and catalyzes the reversible reduction of pyruvate to lactate via using hydrogenated nicotinamide deaminase (NADH) as co-enzyme.
The causes of high LDH and high Mg levels in the serum include neoplastic states that promote the high production of intracellular LDH and the increased use of Mg²+ during molecular synthesis in processes pf carcinogenesis (Pyruvate acid>> LDH/NADH >>Lactate acid + NAD), [13].
LDH is released from tissues in patients with physiological or pathological conditions and is present in the serum as a tetramer that is composed of the two monomers LDH-A and LDH-B, which can be combined into 5 isoenzymes: LDH-1 (B4), LDH-2 (B3-A1), LDH-3 (B2-A2), LDH-4 (B1-A3) and LDH-5 (A4). The LDH-A gene is located on chromosome 11, whereas the LDH-B gene is located on chromosome 12. The monomers differ based on their sensitivity to allosteric modulators. They facilitate adaptive metabolism in various tissues. The LDH-4 isoform predominates in the myocardium, is inhibited by pyruvate and is guided by the anaerobic conversion to lactate.
Total LDH, which is derived from hemolytic processes, is used as a marker for monitoring the response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced neoplasm with or without metastasis. LDH levels in patients with malignant disease are increased as the result of high levels of the isoenzyme LDH-3 in patients with hematological malignant diseases and of the high level of the isoenzymes LDH-4 and LDH-5, which are increased in patients with other malignant diseases of tissues such as the liver, muscle, lungs, and conjunctive tissues. High concentrations of serum LDH damage the cell membrane [11, 31].
Relation between LDH and Mg as Factors of Interest in the Monitoring and Prognoses of Cancer
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is ubiquitous in animals and
man, and it occurs in different organs of the body, each
region having a unique conformation of the subunits, but
the significance was once disputed. Perhaps the experiments
of Jakob and Monod on the lac 1 operon put to restany
notions that isoenzymes and their conformational forms are
something of no real significance. This concept does not
necessarily apply in all cases of isoenzyme differences, by
which I mean that there may be a difference in reactivity at
the active site.
For that matter, Jakob and Monod discovered and elucidated
allosterism.
The site the effector binds to is termed the allosteric site.
Allosteric sites allow effectors to bind to the protein, often
resulting in a conformational change. Effectors that enhance
the protein’s activity are referred to as allosteric activators,
whereas those that decrease the protein’s activity are calledallosteric inhibitors.
Allosteric regulations are a natural example of control loops,
such as feedback from downstream products or feedforward from upstream substrates. Long-range allostery is especially
important in cell signaling. Allosteric regulation
is also particularly important in the cell’s ability to adjustenzyme activity.
The term allostery comes from the Greekallos (ἄλλος), “other,”
and stereos (στερεὀς), “solid (object).” This is in reference
to the fact that the regulatory site of an allosteric protein is
physically distinct from its active site.
Jacob and Monod model of lac repressor
Most allosteric effects can be explained by the concertedMWC model put forth by Monod, Wyman, and Changeux, [2]
or by the sequential model described by Koshland, Nemethy,
and Filmer.[3] Both postulate that enzyme subunits exist in
one of two conformations, tensed (T) or relaxed (R), and
that relaxed subunits bind substrate more readily than
those in the tense state. The two models differ most in
their assumptions about subunit interaction and the pre-
existence of both states.
The sequential model (2) of allosteric regulation holds that subunits
are not connected in such a way that a conformational change in
one induces a similar change in the others. Thus, all enzyme
subunits do not necessitate the same conformation. Moreover,
the sequential model dictates that molecules of substrate
bind via aninduced fit protocol. In general, when a subunit
randomly collides with a molecule of substrate, the active site,
in essence, forms a glove around its substrate.
While such an induced fit converts a subunit from the tensed
state to relaxed state, it does not propagate the conformational
change to adjacent subunits. Instead, substrate-binding at
one subunit only slightly alters the structure of other
subunits so that their binding sites are more receptive to
substrate.
To summarize:
subunits need not exist in the same conformation
molecules of substrate bind via induced-fit protocol
conformational changes are not propagated to all
subunits
The discovery of morpheeins has revealed a previously
unforeseen mechanism to target universally essential
enzymes for species-specific drug design and discovery.
A morpheein-based inhibitor would function by binding
to and stabilizing the inactive morpheein form of the
enzyme, thereby shifting the equilibrium to favor that form (3).
Non-regulatory allostery
A non-regulatory allosteric site refers to any non-regulatory
component of an enzyme (or any protein), that is not itself
an amino acid. For instance, many enzymes require sodium
binding to ensure proper function. However, the sodium
does not necessarily act as a regulatory subunit; the sodium
is always present and there are no known biological processes
to add/remove sodium to regulate enzyme activity. Non-
regulatory allostery could comprise any other ions besides
sodium (calcium, magnesium, zinc), as well as other chemicals
and possibly vitamins.
Lactate and malate dehydrogenases
LDH is a key enzyme in glycolysis. Anaerobic glycolysis is theconversion of pyruvate into lactate acid in the absence
of oxygen. This pathway is important to glycolysis in two main
ways. The first is that
if pyruvate were to build up glycoysis
the generation of ATP would slow.
The second is anaerobic respiration
allows for the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH.
NAD+ is required when glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
dehydrogenase oxidizes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate in
glycolysis, which generates NADH. Lactate dehydrogenase
is responsible for the anaerobic conversion of NADH to
NAD+. Click here to see the residues which form
interactions with pyruvate in the Lactate Dehydrogenase
from Cryptosporidium parvum (2fm3). (Wikipedia)
Glycolysis ends with the synthesis of pyruvate. But, to be
self-functioning, it must end with lactate. Why? Anaerobic
means “without oxygen”. This is tantamount to saying
“without mitochondria”.
The mitochondria are especially adept at oxidizing
NADH to NAD+. NAD+ is needed to keep the glyceraldehyde-
3-PO4 dehydrogenase reaction functioning.
If glycolysis is to continue when no oxygen is present or in
short supply (as in a working muscle), an alternative means
of oxidizing NADH must occur.
Pyruvate has 2 metabolic fates:
it can either be converted into lactate or to acetyl-CoA .
Note that in animals and plants the electrons in NADH
are transferred to pyruvate which reduces the carbonyl
carbon in the pyruvate molecule to an alcohol. The
reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase.
Lactate (or L-lactate to be more precise) is thus a
“waste product”, since it has no metabolic fate other
than to be converted back into pyruvate in a reverse of
the forward reaction.
More importantly, the NAD+ feeds back to the glyceraldehyde-
3-PO4 dehydrogenase reaction, which allows glycolysis
to continue. Were it not for lactate formation, glycolysis
as a self-functioning pathway could not exist.
In yeast a slightly different end of glycolysis becomes apparent.
Yeast do not synthesize lactate. They do, however, oxidize
NADH back to NAD+ anaerobically. How do they do this? The
answer is they make ethanol. In the reaction the pyruvate is
converted into acetaldehyde. The reaction is catalyzed by a
lyase enzyme, pyruvate decarboxylase, which removes the
carboxyl group as a CO2. Acetaldehyde is formed because
the electron pair that bonds the –COO group is not removed
by the decarboxylation. A proton is plucked from the
environment giving the final product, acetaldehyde.
Acetaldehyde is now the substrate that will oxidize NADH to
NAD+ and in the process ethanol is formed.
There is another advantage to the pyruvate-lactate interchange.
The lactate formed by lactate dehydrogenase can be
reconverted. This allows a cell to synthesize glucose from lactate.
Converting lactate to glucose is a major feature of gluconeogenesis,
an anabolic pathway that synthesizes glucose from smaller
precursors such as lactate. This is important because acetyl-CoA
cannot be converted back to pyruvate and hence cannot be a
source of carbons for glucose biosynthesis.
ADP. ADP is required in the 3-phosphoglycerate kinase reaction
and in the pyruvate kinase reaction. It is formed from ATP in the
hexokinase reaction and the phosphofructokinase-I reaction.
NADH, ADP and PO4. NADH oxidation is important in glycolysis.
NADH is converted into NAD+ in the mitochondria. That
reaction is promoted by O2 ; NAD+ stays in the mitochondria.
Also in the mitochondria, ATP is formed by condensing ADP
with PO4. Thus, O2 allows mitochondria to out-compete the
cytosol for ADP, NADH and PO4, all limiting substrates or
coenzymes.
In vertebrates, gluconeogenesis takes place mainly in the liver
and, to a lesser extent, in the cortex of kidneys. In many
animals, the process occurs during periods of fasting,starvation, low-carbohydrate diets, or intense exercise.
The process is highly endergonic until it is coupled to the
hydrolysis of ATP or GTP, effectively making the processexergonic. For example, the pathway leading from pyruvate
to glucose-6-phosphate requires 4 molecules of ATP and
2 molecules of GTP to proceed spontaneously. Gluco-
neogenesis is a target of therapy for type II diabetes,
such as metformin, which inhibits glucose formation
and stimulates glucose uptake by cells.
Lactate is formed at the endstage of glycolysis with insufficient
oxygen is transported to the liver where it is converted intopyruvate by the Cori cycle using the enzyme lactate
dehydrogenase. In this reaction lactate loses two electrons
(becomes oxidized) and is converted to pyruvate. NAD+
gains two electrons (is reduced) and is converted to NADH.
Both lactate and NAD+ bind to the active site of the enzyme
lactate dehydrogenase and both lactate and NAD+ participate
in the catalysis reaction. In fact, catalysis could not occur
unless the coenzyme NAD+ bound to the active site.
As lactate concentration builds in the circulation from heavy
muscle production (M-type), or from circulatory insufficiency,
the circulating lactic acid reaches the liver.
The lactic acid is taken up by the liver, and the high
concentration of lactic acid drives the backward reaction,
unrestricted.
Pyruvate, the first designated substrate of the gluconeogenic
pathway, can then be used to generate glucose. Transamination
or deamination of amino acids facilitates entering of their
carbon skeleton into the cycle directly (as pyruvate or
oxaloacetate), or indirectly via the citric acid cycle. It is
known that odd-chain fatty acids can be oxidized to yieldpropionyl-CoA, a precursor for succinyl-CoA, which can
be converted to pyruvate and enter into gluconeogenesis.
Lactic dehydrogenase isozymes of bovine and rabbit lens and
cornea were analyzed by starch gel electrophoresis.
Although there was a progressive loss of enzyme activity in
the lenses of both species with increasing age, the loss of
isozymes was more clearly evident in the bovine lens. In
the adult bovine lens,
lactic dehydrogenase isozyme Iwas predominant,
while in the adult rabbit lens, isozymes 3–5were mainly present.
The mobility of lens isozymes was identical to that of isozymes
in other tissues. Furthermore, the isozymes were not localized
to any major specific lens crystallin.
Changes in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (l-lactate:
NAD+ oxidoreductase EC 1.1.1.27) isozymes are associated with
the growth and differentiation of bovine lens cells. Calf and adult
lens epithelial cells contain all 5 isozymes. The cathodal forms are
most active in the calf-epithelial cells; the anodal forms are most
active in the fiber cells. This transition from cathodal to anodal
forms of lactate dehydrogenase in the epithelial cells is associated
with cellular aging.
During the differentiation of an epithelial cell to a fiber cell, in calf
and adult lenses there is an enhancement of
the transition from cathodal forms to anodal forms.
The regulation of lactate dehydrogenase subunit synthesis may
be associated, therefore, with
the replicative activity of these cells.
In cells having the greatest replicative activity (calf epithelial
cells) the cathodal isozymes are most active; in cells having a
decreased mitotic activity (adult epithelial cells) the anodal
isozymes are most active. The non-replicative
fiber cell of calf and adult shows a transition toward the
anodal forms.
Although lens fiber cells have a low rate of oxidative metabolismlactate dehydrogenase-I is the most active isozyme in these
cells. Kinetically,
lactate dehydrogenase-I factors other than, or in addition
to, the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism
are involved in regulating the synthesis of lactate dehydrogenase subunits.
Abbreviations LDH; lactate dehydrogenase
What is not examined to resolve the discrepancy (see the next item):
The Vessell paper was a challenge to the work in Nathan
Kaplan’s lab. However, there is sufficient complexity revealed
in these works that there is no conceptual foundation.
The analogy is to the loss of cell nuclei in crystallin lens
fiber formation with the LDH-H type subunits (aerobic?)
The findings are reproduced in several laboratories.
In the lens, glucose is catabolized primarily to lactic
acid, and is not appreciably combusted to CO2
(J Kinoshita. Glucose metabolism of Lens)
However, synthetic processes, including nuclear DNA and
cell replication requires TPNH. This is produced by means
of the Pentose Shunt.
The most favorable conditions for the lens are achieved
by incubating in a medium containing glucose in the
presence of oxygen. Under these conditions of
incubation (Kinoshita)
the lens remains completely transparent,
it maintains normal levels of high energy phosphate
bonds and cations, and
it shows a high rate of arginine incorporationinto protein.
incubation in the absence of glucose, but in the presence of oxygen
a haze is found in the lens,
a drop in high energy phosphate level is observed, and
Changes in cation levels are apparent.
A 50 percent decrease in the incorporation of arginine
into lens protein is also observed.
the most unfavorable condition for the lens is an anaerobic
incubation in a medium without glucose
Pirie2 observed that a-glycerophosphate is one of the end products
of lens metabolism. Its oxidation with DPN as the cofactor could
channel its electrons directly into the ETC to produce energy without
involving the Krebs cycle. a-Glycerophosphate is formed from intermediates of the glycolytic scheme by reduction of dihydroxy-
acetone phosphate, one of the triose phosphates produced in
glycolysis.
the dehydrogenase of the mitochondria catalyzes the transfer
of elections to form DPNH by the following reactions:
a-glycerophosphate + DPN+ ± dihydroxyacetone ……..
phosphate + DPNH.
The DPNH is channeled into the oxidative phosphorylation
mechanism to form ATP. The dihydroxyacetone phosphate
then diffuses out into the soluble cytoplasm, interacts with
the glycolytic intermediates by the reversal of the above reaction,
The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme
pattern were studied in four concentric layers of adult
bovine and calf lenses. In both groups the specific activity of
the total LDH diminished progressively toward the internal
nuclear layer; the decrease was greater in the adult lenses.
The enzyme activities in the cortical layers of the calf lens
were lower than in the adult lens, but in the inner nuclear layers,
the opposite was found. All of the 5 LDH isoenzymes were found
in each layer. In both groups of animals the LDH1 isoenzyme
prevailed, followed by LDH2. No differences were found in the
percentage of each isoenzyme in the different lens layers.
The differences in the activitie(s) of LDH found may be due
to post-translational or post-synthetic modifications which
may occur during the aging process.
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) interconverts pyruvate and
lactate with concomitant interconversion of NADH and NAD(+).
Although crystal structures of a variety of LDH have previously
been described, a notable absence has been any of the
three known human forms of this glycolytic enzyme. We have
now determined the crystal structures of two isoforms of
human LDH-the M form, predominantly found in muscle; and
the H form, found mainly in cardiac muscle. Both structures
have been crystallized as ternary complexes in the presence
of the NADH cofactor and oxamate, a substrate-like inhibitor.
Although each of these isoforms has different kinetic properties,
the domain structure, subunit association, and active-site regions
are indistinguishable between the two structures.
The pK(a) that governs the K(M) for pyruvate for the two isozymes
is found to differ by about 0.94 pH units, consistent with variation in
pK(a) of the active-site histidine.
The close similarity of these crystal structures suggests the distinctive
activity of these enzyme isoforms is likely to result
directly from variation of charged surface residues peripheral to the active site,
a hypothesis supported by electrostatic calculations based on each structure.
The catalytic step in the conversion of pyruvate to L-lactate in the
enzyme L-lactate dehydrogenase involves the transfer of both a
proton and a hydride ion (A.R. Clarke, T. Atkinson and J.J. Holbrook,
TIBS, 14 (1989) 101.) However, it is not known whether the
reaction is concerted or, if a multistep process, the order in
which the transfers of the proton and the hydride ions take
place. Four possible non-concerted mechanisms can be
proposed, which differ in the order of the transfers of the
proton and hydride ion and the protonation state of the substrate
carboxylate group during the transfers. The energies and
optimized geometries of the corresponding intermediates,
protonated pyruvate, protonated pyruvic acid, deprotonated
L-lactate and deprotonated L-lactic acid, are computed using
the semiempirical AM 1 and ab initio SCF/3–21 G – methods.
These calculations are complementary to the study of
the substrates for the enzyme discussed in a previous paper
(K.E. Norris and J.E. Gready, J. Mol. Struct. (Theochem),
258 (1992) 109.) The structures and energetics of protonated
pyruvate and deprotonated L-lactate provide some
important insights into the requirements for enzymic reaction
and the characteristics of the transition state.
Pyruvate production by Enterococcus casseliflavus A-12
from gluconate in an alkaline medium
A newly isolated lactic acid bacterium, Enterococcus casseliflavus
A-12, produced pyruvic acid (16 g/l) during aerobic culture in
an alkaline medium containing sodium gluconate (50 g/l) as
the carbon source. The production was dependent on the pH
of the culture, the optimum initial pH being 10.0. With static
culture, the organism produced lactic acid (2.7 g/l) from both
gluconate and glucose. Pyruvate did not accumulate in growing
cultures on glucose, but resting cells obtained from a culture
on gluconate produced pyruvate from glucose as well as
gluconate. The enzyme profiles of the organism, which
grew on gluconate and glucose, suggested that gluconate
was metabolized via the Entner-Doudoroff and Embdem-
Meyerhof-Parnas pathways in aerobic culture, and that glucose
was oxidized mainly via the latter pathway under both aerobic
and anaerobic conditions. Gluconokinase, a key enzyme in
the aerobic metabolism of gluconate, was partially purified
from this strain and characterized.
A specific, highly active malate dehydrogenase by redesign
of a lactate dehydrogenase framework
Three variations to the structure of the nicotinamide adenine
dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent L-lactate dehydrogenase
from Bacillus stearothermophilus were made to try to
change the substrate specificity from lactate to malate:
Asp197—-Asn, Thr246—-Gly, and Gln102—-Arg).
Each modification shifts the specificity from lactate to malate, although
only the last (Gln102—-Arg) provides an effective and
highly specific catalyst for the new substrate.
This synthetic enzyme has a ratio of catalytic rate (kcat) to
Michaelis constant (Km) for oxaloacetate of 4.2 x 10(6)M-1 s-1,
equal to that of native lactate dehydrogenase for its natural
substrate, pyruvate, and a maximum velocity (250 s-1),
which is double that reported for a natural malate from B.
stearothermophilus.
Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) (EC 1.1.1.37) catalyzes the
conversion of oxaloacetate and malate. This reaction is
important in cellular metabolism, and it is coupled with
easily detectable cofactor oxidation/reduction. It is a
rather ubiquitous enzyme, for which several isoforms
have been identified, differing in their subcellular
localization and their specificity for the cofactor NAD
or NADP. The nucleotide binding characteristics can
be altered by a single amino acid change. Multiple
amino acid sequence alignments of MDH show there is a
low degree of primary structural similarity, apart from
several positions crucial for catalysis, cofactor binding
and the subunit interface.
Despite the low amino acids sequence identity their
3-dimensional structures are very similar.
MDH is a group of multimeric enzymes consisting of
identical subunits usually organized as either dimer
or tetramers with subunit molecular weights of 30-35 kDa.
Malate dehydrogenase (MDH2) is an enzyme in the citric
acid cycle that catalyzes the conversion of malate into
oxaloacetate (using NAD+) and vice versa (this is a
reversible reaction). Malate dehydrogenase is also
involved in gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose
from smaller molecules.Pyruvate in the mitochondria is acted upon by pyruvate
carboxylase to form oxaloacetate, a citric acid cycle
intermediate.In order to get the oxaloacetate out of the mitochondria,
malate dehydrogenase reduces it to malate, and it then
traverses the inner mitochondrial membrane.Once in the cytosol, the malate is oxidized back to
oxaloacetate by cytosolic malate dehydrogenase.
Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH)(PDB entry 2x0i) is most known
for its role in the metabolic pathway of the tricarboxylic acid cycle,
critical to cellular respiration; The enzyme has other metabolic roles in –
glyoxylate bypass,
amino acid synthesis,
glucogenesis, and
oxidation/reduction balance .
An oxidoreductase, MDH has been extensively studied due to its
isozymes The enzyme exists in two places inside a cell:
the mitochondria and cytoplasm.
In the mitochondria, the enzyme catalyzes the reaction of
malate to oxaloacetate;
in the cytoplasm, the enzyme catalyzes oxaloacetate to
malate to allow transport.
The enzyme malate dehydrogenase is composed of either
a dimer or tetramer depending on the location of the enzyme
and the organism it is located in. During catalysis, the enzyme
subunits are
non-cooperative between active sites.
The mitochondrial MDH is complexly,
allosterically controlled by citrate, but no other known
metabolic regulation mechanisms have been discovered.
the exact mechanism of regulation has yet to be discovered.
Kinetically, the pH of optimization is 7.6 for oxaloacetate
conversion and 9.6 for malate conversion. The reported
K(m) value for malate conversion is 215 uM and the V(max)
value is 87.8 uM/min.
Comment:
The mMDH and the cMDH both form ternary complex
of MDH-NAD+-OAA formed during the forward reaction,
like the LDH H-type isozyme LDH-NAD+-PYR (mot the M-type).
However, the binding of the Enz-coenzyme-substrate is not
as strong as for the H-type LDH. .The regulatory role has
not been established.
ABSTRACT These studies determine the levels of malate
dehydrogenase isoenzymes in cardiac muscle by a steady
state kinetic method which depends on the differential inhibition
of these isoenzyme forms by high concentrations of oxaloacetate.
This inhibition is similar to that exhibited by lactate dehydrogenase
in the presence of high concentrations of pyruvate. The results
obtained by this method are comparable in resolution to those
obtained by CM-Sephadex fractionation and by differential
centrifugation for the analyses of mitochondrial malate
dehydrogenase and cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase in
tissues. The use of standard curves of percent inhibition of
malate dehydrogenase activity plotted against the ratio of
mitochondrial MDH activity to the total of mMDH and cMDH
activities [ malate dehydrogenase ratio] (percent m-type) is
introduced for studies of comparative mitochondrial
function in heart muscle of different species or in different
tissues of the same species.
Using a reconstituted [3H]norepinephrine
release assay in permeabilized PC12 cells, we
found that essential proteins that support the triggering
stage of Ca21-stimulated exocytosis are enriched in an
EGTA extract of brain membranes. Fractionation of this
extract allowed purification of two factors that stimulate
secretion in the absence of any other cytosolic proteins.
These are calmodulin and protein kinase Ca
(PKCa). Their effects on secretion were confirmed using
commercial and recombinant proteins. Calmodulin enhances
secretion in the absence of ATP, whereas PKC
requires ATP to increase secretion, suggesting that
phosphorylation is involved in PKC- but not calmodulin
mediated stimulation. Both proteins modulate release
events that occur in the triggering stage of exocytosis.
Department of Biochemistry, University College of Science,
Osmania University, Hyderabad 500 007, India
The maintenance of regular vascular tone substantially
depends on the bioavailability of endothelium-derived
nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by eNOS. The essential
role of NO, as the elusive endothelium-derived relaxing
factor (EDRF), was the topic of research that won the
1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The eNOS
gene, as a candidate gene in the investigations on
hypertension genetics, has attracted the attention of
several researchers because of the established role
of NO in vascular homeostasis. The eNOS variants
located in the 7q35-q36 region have been investigated
for their association with CVD, particularly hypertension.
Three variants, viz., (i) G894T substitution in exon 7
resulting in a Glu to Asp substitution at codon 298 (rs1799983),
(ii) an insertion-deletion in intron 4 (4a/b) consisting of two
alleles (the a*-deletion which has four tandem 27-bp repeats
and the b*-insertion having five repeats), and (iii) a T786C
substitution in the promoter region (rs2070744), have been
extensively studied20-22. Individual SNPs often cause only
a modest change in the resulting gene expression or function.
It is, therefore, the concurrent presence of a number of SNPs
or haplotypes within a defined region of the chromosome that
determines susceptibility to disease development and progression,
particularly in case of polygenic diseases.
Shankarishan et al24 analysed for the first time the prevalence
of eNOS exon 7 Glu298Asp polymorphism in tea garden community
of North Eastern India, who are a high risk group for CVD. This study
also included indigenous Assamese population and found no
significant difference between the distribution patterns of eNOS
exon 7 Glu298Asp variants between the communities. They have
rightly mentioned that for developing public health policies and
programmes it is necessary to know the prevalence and distribution
of the candidate genes in the population, as well as trends in
different population groups. They have also observed that the
eNOS exon 7 homozygous GG wild genotype (75.8%) was
predominant in the study population followed by heterozygous
GT genotype (21.5%) and homozygous TT genotype (2.7%).
The frequency distribution of the homozygous GG, heterozygous
GT and homozygous mutant TT genotypes were comparable to
that of the north Indian and south Indian population.
Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene have
been associated inconsistently with cardiovascular diseases.
Varying distribution of eNOS variants among ethnic groups may
explain inter-ethnic differences in nitric oxide mediated vasodilation
and response to drugs28. Different population studies showed
association of eNOS polymorphisms with variations in NO
formation and response to drugs. Cardiovascular drugs including
statins increase eNOS expression and upregulate NO formation
and this effect may be responsible for protective, pleiotropic
effects produced by statins31. With respect to hypertension,
studies have reported interactions between diuretics and
polymorphisms in eNOS gene. Particularly, the Glu298Asp
polymorphism made a statistically significant contribution to
predicting blood pressure response to diuretics.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and Its Interaction
With Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Is a Key Factor for
the Vascular Dysfunction of Experimental Sepsis
Vascular dysfunction plays a central role in sepsis, and it is
characterized by hypotension and hyporesponsiveness to
vasoconstrictors. Nitric oxide is regarded as a central element
of sepsis vascular dysfunction. The high amounts of nitric
oxide produced during sepsis are mainly derived from the
inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase 2.
We have previously shown that nitric oxide synthase 2 levels
decrease in later stages of sepsis, whereas levels and activity
of soluble guanylate cyclase increase. Therefore, we studied
the putative role of other relevant nitric oxide sources, namely,
the neuronal (nitric oxide synthase 1) isoform, in sepsis
and its relationship with soluble guanylate cyclase.
We also studied the consequences of
nitric oxide synthase 1 blockade in the hyporesponsiveness
to vasoconstrictors.
1) Both nitric oxide synthase 1 and soluble guanylate cyclase
are expressed in higher levels in vascular tissues during sepsis;
3) pharmacological blockade of nitric oxide synthase 1 using
7-nitroindazole or S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline reverts the hypo
responsiveness to phenylephrine and increases the vaso
constrictor effect of norepinephrine and phenylephrine.
Sepsis induces increased expression and physical association
of nitric oxide synthase 1/soluble guanylate cyclase and a higher
production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate that together
may help explain sepsis-induced vascular dysfunction.
†Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences,
Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation
and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
‡Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical
Sciences, and Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California,
Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center,
San Antonio, Texas
Overproduction of NO by nNOS is implicated in the pathogenesis of
diverse neuronal disorders. Since NO signaling is involved in
diverse physiological functions, selective inhibition of nNOS
over other isoforms is essential to minimize side effects. A series of
α-amino functionalized aminopyridine derivatives (3−8) were
designed to probe the structure−activity relationship between ligand,
heme propionate, and H4B. Compound 8R was identified as the
most potent and selective molecule of this study, exhibiting a Ki of
24 nM for nNOS, with 273-fold and 2822-fold selectivity against
iNOS and eNOS, respectively.Although crystal structures of 8R
complexed with nNOS and eNOS revealed a similar binding mode,
the selectivity stems from the distinct electrostatic environments in
two isoforms that result in much lower inhibitor binding free energy
in nNOS than in eNOS. These findings provide a basis for further
development of simple, but even more selective and potent, nNOS
inhibitors
In cells, the immediate energy sources involve glucose oxidation. In anaerobic metabolism, the donor of the phosphate group is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and the reaction is catalyzed via the hexokinase or glucokinase: Glucose +ATP-Mg²+ = Glucose-6-phosphate (ΔGo = – 3.4 kcal/mol with hexokinase as the co-enzyme for the reaction.).
In the following step, the conversion of G-6-phosphate into F-1-6-bisphosphate is mediated by the enzyme phosphofructokinase with the co-factor ATP-Mg²+. This reaction has a large negative free energy difference and is irreversible under normal cellular conditions. In the second step of glycolysis, phosphoenolpyruvic acid in the presence of Mg²+ and K+ is transformed into pyruvic acid. In cancer cells or in the absence of oxygen, the transformation of pyruvic acid into lactic acid alters the process of glycolysis.
The energetic sum of anaerobic glycolysis is ΔGo = -34.64 kcal/mol. However a glucose molecule contains 686kcal/mol and, the energy difference (654.51 kcal) allows the potential for un-controlled reactions during carcinogenesis. The transfer of electrons from NADPH in each place of the conserved unit of energy transmits conformational exchanges in the mitochondrial ATPase. The reaction ADP³+ P²¯ + H²–à ATP + H2O is reversible. The terminal oxygen from ADP binds the P2¯ by forming an intermediate pentacovalent complex, resulting in the formation of ATP and H2O. This reaction requires Mg²+ and an ATP-synthetase, which is known as the H+-ATPase or the Fo-F1-ATPase complex. Intracellular calcium induces mitochondrial swelling and aging. [12].
The known marker of monitoring of treatment in cancer diseases, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that is localized to the cytosol of human cells and catalyzes the reversible reduction of pyruvate to lactate via using hydrogenated nicotinamide deaminase (NADH) as co-enzyme.
The causes of high LDH and high Mg levels in the serum include neoplastic states that promote the high production of intracellular LDH and the increased use of Mg²+ during molecular synthesis in processes pf carcinogenesis (Pyruvate acid>> LDH/NADH >>Lactate acid + NAD), [13].
LDH is released from tissues in patients with physiological or pathological conditions and is present in the serum as a tetramer that is composed of the two monomers LDH-A and LDH-B, which can be combined into 5 isoenzymes: LDH-1 (B4), LDH-2 (B3-A1), LDH-3 (B2-A2), LDH-4 (B1-A3) and LDH-5 (A4). The LDH-A gene is located on chromosome 11, whereas the LDH-B gene is located on chromosome 12. The monomers differ based on their sensitivity to allosteric modulators. They facilitate adaptive metabolism in various tissues. The LDH-4 isoform predominates in the myocardium, is inhibited by pyruvate and is guided by the anaerobic conversion to lactate.
Total LDH, which is derived from hemolytic processes, is used as a marker for monitoring the response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced neoplasm with or without metastasis. LDH levels in patients with malignant disease are increased as the result of high levels of the isoenzyme LDH-3 in patients with hematological malignant diseases and of the high level of the isoenzymes LDH-4 and LDH-5, which are increased in patients with other malignant diseases of tissues such as the liver, muscle, lungs, and conjunctive tissues. High concentrations of serum LDH damage the cell membrane [11, 31].
Relation between LDH and Mg as Factors of Interest in the Monitoring and Prognoses of Cancer
The inhibition be pyruvate is related by a ternary complex formed by NAD+ formed in the catalytic forward reaction Pyruvate + NADH –> Lactate + NAD(+). The reaction can be followed in an Aminco-Morrow stop-flow analyzer and occurs in ~ 500 msec. The reaction does not occur with the muscle type LDH, and it is regulatory in function. I did not know about the role of intracellular Mg(2+) in the catalysis, as my own work was in Nate Kaplan’s lab in 1970-73.
This difference in the behavior of the isoenzyme types was considered to be important then in elucidating functional roles, but it was challenged by Vessell earlier. The isoenzymes were first described by Clement Markert at Yale. I think, but don’t know, that the Mg++ would have a role in driving the forward reaction, but I can’t conceptualize how it might have any role in the difference between muscle and heart.
I didn’t quite know why oncologists used it specifically. Cancer cells exhibit the reliance on the anaerobic (muscle) type enzyme, which is also typical of liver, but with respect to the adenylate kinases – the liver AK and muscle AK (myokinase) are different. That difference was discovered by Masahiro Chiga, and differences in the reaction with sulfhydryl reagents were identified by Percy Russell.
Oddly enough, Vessell had a point. The RBC has the heart type predominance, not the M-type. He thought that it was related to the loss of nuclei from the reticulocyte. I did not buy that, and I had worked on the lens of the eye at the time.
The IDH1 and IDH2 genes are mutated in > 75% of different malignant diseases. Two distinct alterations are caused by tumor-derived mutations in IDH1 or IDH2,
IDH1 and IDH2 mutations have been observed in myeloid malignancies, including de novo and secondary AML (15%–30%), and in pre-leukemic clone malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasm (85% of the chronic phase and 20% of transformed cases in acute leukemia.
Aurelian Udristioiu, M.D
City Targu Jiu, Romania
AACC, NACB, Member, USA.
| 42,944 |
A small, quiet town in Northern Virginia. Consists of various, scattered farms and housing developments as well as a SuperTarget and a Harris Teeter. Nestled in between the snobby town of Gainesville, and the hick country known as Nokesville. Known for their great parties.
(Br-IH-stow)- A "Bristow" is a hairy little man, similar to a hobbit. This "man" has a very low self-esteen and cries at least 3 times a day for being accused of being a bristow. He rids his anger by beating women, usually with his fists/open hand, but has been known to occasionally headbutt.
Masturbating a mans cock while using tongue on his arse hole.
Named after Eric Bristow the famous British darts player who always threw darts like he was wankin someone off round the front while pushing his tongue up chuff mountain at the back
Oh I just went into the toilets in Finsbury park and some gay bastard asked me if I wanted a bristow.
| 916 |
IFF LMR NATURALS
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IFF-LMR presents at the BSF TableTalk™ Exhibition in Amsterdam
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On January 22nd, 80 perfumers and flavourists of the BSP and BSF attended the 1st ever IFF-LMR Speed-Tasting event, which took them around the World in 80 minutes, discovering some of IFF-LMR 100% pure and natural ingredients
| 680 |
Benjamin Eby: pioneer Mennonite bishop of the Mennonite Church (MC) serving in Ontario. The eleventh child of Christian Eby and his wife Catharine Bricker, Benjamin was born in the old homestead on Hammer Creek, Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 2 May 1785. On 25 February 1807 he married Mary Brubacher. That spring he and his wife immigrated to Waterloo County, ON, arriving at what was later Berlin (now Kitchener) on June 21. He was ordained as minister (MC) on 27 November 1809 and as bishop on 11 October 1812. In 1813 his dream of having a meetinghouse was realized with the erection of a log structure of modest dimensions, the first building erected solely for religious worship in Waterloo County. The congregation had not fewer than 150 members. Possibly as early as 1815 Benjamin Eby built a frame annex to the log church, with a movable partition between it and the main building. This annex served as a schoolhouse of which he was for many years the teacher. At the same time he carried on his farming. His farm was lot 2 of the Beasley Tract, comprising a large part of the East Ward of the modern city of Kitchener. To Benjamin and Mary Eby were born eleven children. In August 1834, Mary died of cholera. Some time after her death Benjamin married the widow of Abraham Erb, the founder of Waterloo. On 28 June 1853, Eby died.
To sketch the life of Benjamin Eby is to consider the man, his work, his interests, and his influence. As a farmer he seems to have been successful. He was at least generous with his money, as the few remaining records of his financial transactions indicate. In 1816, when the church purchased an acre of land to add to its holdings, he donated an additional three quarters of an acre. All this is now part of the property of First Mennonite Church of Kitchener. Between 1825 and 1830 two men, John Hoffman and Samuel Bowers, wanted to establish a furniture factory. Appealing in vain to various sources for land, they came finally to Bishop Eby, who readily made land available to them. This too was a gift. The third transaction was in connection with the founding, in 1835, of the first newspaper in inner Canada, the Canada Museum, by Henry W. Peterson. Benjamin Eby not only encouraged this enterprise by word but purchased two shares of stock at $40.00 each, a larger risk than anyone else, apart from Mr. Peterson, was willing or able to take. Again, in 1836, he donated $16.00 toward the building of a cemetery wall, the next highest gift being $4.00. Relatively small as those sums are today they were important in those pioneer days. Judged in relation to his times and his contemporaries all these transactions establish Benjamin Eby as a substantial farmer in his community. Of his occupation as a preacher only a few recorded comments survive. H.W. Peterson, publisher and Lutheran lay preacher, says in his diary: "Stayed all night at Benjamin Eby's, went with him and his family to the meeting or church. He prayed and preached well. He is a good man." An anonymous writer in the Berlin Daily Telegraph for May 19, 1906, says: "His sermons were full of good sense, very intelligible, lying parallel with the understanding of attentive hearers." A tradition has it that there were invariably tears in his eyes when he entered the pulpit on a Sabbath morning. For many years, from 1818-19 to the early 1840's, he was also the community schoolmaster. In this period he wrote two spelling or reading books, Neues Buchstabir- und Lesebuch (1839) and Fibel (1843). He also wrote a work on Mennonite faith and history entitled Kurzgefasste Kirchen-geschichte und Glaubenslehre der Taufgesinnten Christen oder Mennoniten (1841). He was most likely the compiler of the Gemeinschaftliche Liedersammlung (Berlin, 1836), which was long used in Ontario. Thus he was farmer, teacher, preacher, and author. As might be expected, his interests went beyond his own community. He corresponded with European Mennonites and published some of the letters received in Briefe an die Mennonisten Gemeine in Ober Canada (1840) and Zweyter Brief aus Dänemark (1841).
The physical man must be noted briefly. There was a tradition that he was frail. Aus 'em Bennie gebts ka Bauer, er muss Schulmester werre. (Bennie will never make a farmer, he must become a schoolteacher.) Yet he made two journeys to Canada on horseback through the wilderness, hewed for himself a home, prospered substantially, and was unusually active in church and community affairs. One of his coats, seen by the present writer, would indicate that he was about five feet, six inches tall, weighing possibly 150 lbs.
'
Up to 1833 the Waterloo County settlement was known as "Ben Eby's" or "Ebytown," thus establishing Eby as the leading citizen of his community. With the arrival of increasing numbers of German non-Mennonites, the name of the settlement was changed in 1833 to Berlin. The record of his influence and activities bears eloquent testimony that he had both a keen sense of civic and denominational responsibility. In his account of Benjamin Eby's funeral, written for the July 7, 1855 issue of the Guelph Advertiser, H.S. Peterson calls him "an Israelite in whom there was no guile, and that he was sincerely pious, humble, exemplary, practical, and non-sectarian, and eminently successful in his day and generation." The anonymous friend in the Daily Telegraph (Berlin, ON, 19 May 1906) says: "He was a person of unblemished character. Naturally of a sweet and gentle disposition, friendly and obliging, always ready to serve his friends in any way that he could by his interest and authority. This he did freely and generously, not proud or haughty, but serious in giving good counsel, and greatly esteemed for his integrity by all ranks and denominations. All very much desired his company and wholesome conversations." Eby's Kurzgefasste Kirchengeschichte of 1841 had many reprints: Lancaster 1853; Elkhart 1868, 1879, 1901; Kitchener 1919. His Neues Buchstabir- und Lesebuch of 1839 was also often reprinted: Berlin, ON 1842, 1847; Elkhart 1869, 1871, 1882, 1896, 1909.
| 6,112 |
Month: October 2018
MONDAY OCTOBER 15, 2018: MORE than 600 people turned out last Thursday at noon in Perth to remind the West Australian Government that the fracking industry does not have a social licence to operate in the state. The rally included a micro march to a giant inflatable cow set up on the lawns of parliament house. The cow, named Daisy, […]
THURSDAY October 11, 2018: Hundreds of people are expected to gather at 12 noon at Parliament House in Perth todayto send a clear message to the State Government that the fracking industry does not have a social licence to operate in Western Australia. The rally will include the presentation to the Parliament of a petition signed by more than 14,000 […]
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