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Tag: dc animated universe Superman: The Animated Series (1998) -Little Girl Lost Parts I & II, and Where There’s Smoke Season 2 of Superman’s (Tim Daly) animated adventures comes to a close this week, with the two parter, Little Girl Lost, which introduces the DC Animated Universe to Kara (Nicholle Tom), better known as Supergirl. The story aired as a whole on 2 May, 1998. The first part sees Superman rescuing the sole survivor of… Superman: The Animated Series (1997/1998) – Warrior Queen, and Apokolips… Now! Parts I & II Superman (Tim Daly) has problems of a different sort in the first episode up this week. Warrior Queen aired on 22 November, 1997 and has the arrival of Maxima (Sharon Lawrence) to the fair planet Earth in hopes of marrying the one man she believes worthy of her… The Man of Steel. Behind the scenes… Superman: The Animated Series (1997)- Prototype, The Late Mr. Kent, and Heavy Metal The DC Animated Universe welcomes another staple from the comic world to Metropolis this week with the introduction of John Henry Irons (Micheal Dorn). Prototype first aired on 11 October, 1997. Irons is an inventor, but it seems that his new power suit, has made it’s pilot, Corey Mills (Xander Berkley) very unstable. The suit… Superman: The Animated Series (1997) – World’s Finest Part III, Bizarro’s World and The Hand of Fate Superman (Tim Daly) and Batman (Kevin Conroy) join forces in World’s Finest Part III. Originally airing on 4 October, 1997, the story comes to its conclusion as our two caped heroes take on Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown) and the Joker (Mark Hamill). And with this episode, we see the beginning of the formation of the… Superman: The Animated Series (1996) – The Way of All Flesh, Stolen Memories and The Main Man: Part I John Corben (Malcolm McDowell) returns as the cyborg Metallo to menace Superman (Tim Daly) in The Way of All Flesh, which had an original airdate of 28 September, 1996. Corben breaks out of a prison after an attack, while Supes easily handles the rest of the escapees, John eludes our hero. He meets up with Luthor (Clancy Brown),…

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THE NOTED EXPERIMENT We note things. Noteworthy things. Noteworthy Things Andrea Brunner, Co-Founder, Strategic + Brand Partnerships Andrea brings over 20 years of account management experience to her role as co-founder of The Noted Experiment. Prior to TNE, Andrea worked with a number of well-curated, award-winning publications, including Texas Monthly. She’s skilled at leveraging deep relationships to create partnerships through traditional print and digital media as well as the development and execution of multi-platform programs that weave together mobile, social and branded content. During this time, she met the most incredible people behind the brands she worked with, so one day, she decided to partner with some friends and start telling the stories that she #noted along the way. By virtue of the fact it was a new venture, it made sense to classify it as an “experiment” – The Noted Experiment. In her free time, Andrea loves to laugh, drink wine and talk! She is a boy Mom, a pilot’s wife and has a passion for connecting people together…her life is definitely a story in itself. Her favorite comeback? NOTED. Erica Gibbins Co-Founder, Operations + Video Creative With a background in theater and on camera work, Erica has always had a passion for sharing creative experiences with people. From performing on stage to reporting in front of the camera, Erica has done it. As most of us creative types know, that doesn’t always pay the bills. So, after graduating from the University of Arizona, Erica pursued a career in business and technology. Selling technology (or anything for that matter) is a performance in and of itself and being able to marry business acumen with creativity and performing lit a fire, a passion, in Erica that she didn’t even know she had. Being a Mom, wife (to the most creative person she knows) and lover of yoga consumes the majority of her life, but there is always room for creative expression. Enter – The Noted Experiment – and where you’ll find Erica spending most of her extra time from here on out! Mel Bell Co-Founder, All Things Creative + Social Media Mel (full name is Melissa in case you’re wondering, but she doesn’t answer to that unless you’re Grandma) originally hails from the Pacific Northwest. She grew up in the Seattle area, attended the University of Colorado and moved to Texas for work just after graduation. She started her career in sales but soon thereafter found herself in a marketing role which she quickly learned was her actual calling. Mel has always had an interest in writing and art so it made for a smooth transition. Following a three-year stint in Dallas, Mel headed South for a new role in Austin which, as it turns out, was a little more her speed. So much so, she’s been known to say, “If Seattle and Boulder had a love-child in Texas — it would be Austin.” Her experience spans B2C, B2B and non-profit specializing in corporate communications, PR and marketing. While she’s been known to churn out a ton of graphics, design websites and run social platforms, one of her favorite creative outlets is illustration. Joining The Noted Experiment was a no brainer for Mel because she’s an avid believer in the power of storytelling, especially when it’s done in an authentic and meaningful way. Mel is married to her better half, Tanner, and they have two rescue pups named Pippy and Nola. She and her husband have been known to compete in the occasional BBQ competition (including a 1st Place Brisket in America’s Best Historic Small Town Granbury, TX *humblebrag*). Get #noteworthy video content delivered straight to your inbox

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What are you unwilling to give to God? What would it take for you to worship God generously? I met Joseph when he came for graduate studies from Kenya. We spent a few months building friendship by sharing our background, and he told me about the impact of his father on his life. Joseph said his father influenced him deeply by how devoted he was to know the Living God, by knowing the Scriptures thoroughly. His dad modeled a love for the Bible and tirelessly read it, studied it, meditated on it, memorized it, and sought to live according to it. He taught the Word to his seven children and instilled in them the same love and holy habits he had developed. Joseph told me one story that when his dad was a young man, he experienced the struggle and cost of living generously for God. His father’s family had endured yet another drought that made farming basically impossible in southern Kenya. The lack of water had killed many of the cattle, and the people of Kenya were in failing health due to water deprivation. Desperate for work, Joseph’s dad left home, hoping to find a way to support himself and his family. After weeks of searching, he ended up in Nairobi with a church that helped provide a place to stay and food, while he looked for work. The church was working to raise funds for a building expansion project and the pastor was challenging the people to give sacrificially and generously to the effort. Joseph’s dad wanted to give, but he had no money to contribute. Still without employment, he didn’t have spare change, bread, or anything to place before God on the altar. As he wept in the church pew about his lack of an offering, he remembered that he actually did have a few possessions. He had his clothes, a mat to sleep on, and an old canteen for carrying water. Leaving his shirt and coat at the altar, he walked away with nothing but his T-shirt, pants, belt, and his one pair of shoes. Incidentally, the pastor’s sermon that day was about the woman in Bethany who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair and perfume. Read Matthew 26:6-13. Joseph’s dad’s story is very similar, isn’t it? Both he and the woman gave what they had – not under pressure, threat, or in an effort to curry favor from God. They both did it out of love for God. What they did was done simply, quietly, and yet extravagantly. They modeled something many of us often forget – that God is worth it – that He is the exalted Creator of the Universe. He is the Sovereign Ruler, all-powerful, wise, just, forgiving, and loving toward all He has made. Joseph told me that his father initially did not tell anyone about his act of worship, even his parents or siblings at the time. He thought that asking God to replace his shirt and coat would undermine the gift. God however, thought differently, and His generosity would once again be expressed. Within days, Joseph’s dad found a job and he was provided new clothes. Joseph and his siblings heard this story many years later and were profoundly affected. Such acts of generosity – whether shirts given or perfume poured out – reveal the deep love of a person’s heart. Joseph told me that he and his siblings are all ardent followers of Jesus today, because of the example set by their father. Are you willing to literally give the shirt – or coat – off your back, to honor the Lord for who He is? Live communally. Generosity is a reflection of the heart. Your giving does affect others. P.S. This will be the last MM for June. I will resume writing in July. I want to introduce you to Mark and Sally, both of whom are atheists that I knew at M.I.T. Mark was a third year undergraduate from California, studying Computer Science, and we met lifting weights. I was wearing a T-shirt that said, “Ask me about Him,” Mark asked and we started talking. He told me pretty quickly he was an atheist. When I asked him to describe what that meant to him, he said he denied the existence of God, he doesn’t pray, read the Bible, or go to church. The only thing he likes about Christianity is laughing at his friends who believe in that stuff, and arguing with them about the reliability of the Bible. He believes Christians are the weakest people alive because they use Christianity as a crutch to avoid the real world. And the more vocal they are about their religion, the more hypocritical they are. He also believes most Christians are insensitive, judgmental, anti-homosexual, and a negative influence in society. Sally, a graduate student in Chemistry, reads the Bible regularly, but lives a lot like Mark. She has trouble balancing her checkbook, handling her divorced parents, and dealing with her live-in boyfriend – who is scared to death about marriage. Sally was raised in a Christian family that went to church and said they believed in the Bible. She used phrases like, “God told me” and “God is good” and would tell you she started following Jesus when she was ten at a church revival. After praying and crying a lot at the meeting, she tried to go back to school and live a life of purity and integrity. She held on to her belief in God for a few months, but soon slipped into her old way of life…a bad attitude, and habits she wasn’t proud of. She later told her mom and dad that she was pregnant by a boy in the youth group and they threw her out of the house. At 26, she was doing things she knew she shouldn’t. She said she was too busy to go to church or connect with Christians on campus. She prayed most nights – mostly that her boyfriend would become a Christian like she is. “If only he believed in Jesus, then he might want to marry me.” If you asked her, Sally would say that “I know that my life doesn’t look like a Christian’s life should, but I do believe in God.” Isn’t that great? She believes in God but doesn’t live like He exists. Mark doesn’t believe in God and Sally does. Is there really any difference between them? I have known Christian students who lived as if God did not exist. Many of them said they believed in God, BUT did not really know Him; they read the Bible but did not live according to it; they were still ashamed of their past; they were not sure God loved them; they did not believe in prayer answered by God; they did not think He is fair because many of their why questions were never answered; they would not forgive themselves or others; they still worried all the time; they still pursued happiness at any cost; they trusted more in their intellect; they would not share their faith (i.e., pray, give, and go); and they attended, but did not really serve His Church. There is nothing wrong with having doubts, wrestling with hard questions, wondering if what we believe really matters, and facing the reality that it is a struggle to see our words and actions match our beliefs. Craig Groeschel wrote a book called The Christian Atheist, in which he argues many struggle with real Christianity. Craig stated in the intro that he is a recovering Christian Atheist, and that at age 25, he was a full time pastor and part-time follower of Jesus. Think theologically. It is possible to overcome the inconsistencies between what we believe and how we live. Consider the costs. Be willing to read Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount and do what it takes to live that way (His Spirit will help you). Following Jesus is not about getting your needs met, or even feeling like a comfortable spectator. Jesus calls us to a life of surrender where His Spirit will empower us to lead Kingdom honoring lives. Read Matthew 16:25-26, Galatians 2:20, Acts 20:24, and Philippians 3:8. Is that the kind of follower you want to be?

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EDC executive vice president heads to Hudson River Park Trust May.May 27, 2011 09:29 AM Madelyn Wils, executive vice president of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, is leaving her role at EDC to become president and chief executive of Hudson River Park Trust, a body that manages public lands along the river below 59th Street, according to the New York Times. In her new position, Wils will be charged with increasing revenue from waterfront properties to fund the continued development of piers along the river. So far, the trust has spent approximately $400 million in development costs to revive maritime buildings and convert them into recreational spaces. Its managers are regularly frustrated with community oppositions to the projects, including at Pier 57, where they were forced to scrap various proposals. At EDC, Wils was involved in the development of Seward Park on the Lower East Side and the relocation of auto repair facilities in and around Citi Field in Queens. She also helped plan the Sept. 11 memorial at Ground Zero. Before starting in her new position, Wils will oversee the launch of a ferry service on the East River. [NYT] economic development corporationhudson river parkPier 57 Progressives opposing Queens development target AOC The West Village’s Pier 40 could be home to a new 700K-sf commercial development Lights, camera, development: City issues RFP for film studio in Sunset Park EDC has spent half of its $700M rezoning fund money on just four neighborhoods Day in the life of: James Patchett City moves forward with Sunnyside Yard development plans Demo regrets: City officials lament tearing down rental buildings to make way for long-delayed DoBro park Google upping its footprint at Pier 57

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N.J. firm pays $31M for UWS retail condo By Adam Pincus From left: Alto CEO Yaniv Melamud, architect Costas Kondylis and 200 West End Avenue The Klein Group, a retail-focused real estate firm based in New Jersey, partnered with the Israeli company Alto Private Investments to purchase a retail condominium at the Costas Kondylis-designed 200 West End Avenue at 70th Street for $31 million. The purchase of the 26,000-square-foot condo from investment firm Clarion Partners closed this past Friday, and was the Klein Group’s second acquisition in New York City. It was the first acquisition for Alto in the Big Apple, Dalit Weichselbaum, vice president of marketing for Alto, said. The firm owns 70 percent of the condo, while Klein Group holds a 30 percent interest, she said. Alto has other U.S. investments, including in Chicago and Indianapolis. Clarion Partners, formerly ING Clarion Partners, sold the condo with approximately 13,000 square feet of ground floor space and about the same amount below grade. The Clarett Group developed the 170-unit condo tower, at the corner of West End Avenue and 70th Street, which opened in 2008. Clarett Group closed its New York office in March. The sale price equates to about $1,800 for the ground-floor space and $500 for the lower level. Asking rents for the ground-floor retail range from $100 per foot to $125 per foot, a source familiar with the deal said. Eastdil Secured’s Adam Spies, Kenneth Ziebelman and Shannon Ching brokered the deal for Clarion. Eastdil brought the property to market last fall with a target price of $35 million. Ross Kaplan of Newmark Knight Frank advised the Klein Group. Suzanne Franks, vice president at Clarion, said, “We are pleased with the pricing, believing it to be in line with what our research indicates are current market parameters.” Representatives from Eastdil, Klein Group and Newmark either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment. A CVS drugstore at the 200 West End Avenue condo has a lease that runs through 2024 for 10,000 square feet of ground floor space and 6,000 square feet below grade, while a wine store has a 15-year lease for 1,800 square feet on the ground floor. Klein Group’s first acquisition in New York City was in March 2010, when it paid $3.6 million for a retail condo in 111 Fulton Street at the corner of William Street in Lower Manhattan. A Chipotle Mexican Grill leases that location. Klein Group owns and manages 16 properties with 600,000 square feet of space, mostly in New Jersey, according to its website. Millennials are flocking to these neighborhoods in New York Co-op at famed Hotel des Artistes asks $3.75M Lincoln Square leads Manhattan in new resi permits AvalonBay files plans for 33-story Lincoln Square tower Romancing the home: Kathleen Turner sells UWS condo American Bible Society sells Lincoln Square HQ for $300M Most popular Manhattan, Brooklyn rental listings in October UWS retail boosted with restaurants, nightlife

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Breastimonials Practitioner & Product Referrals Switzerland Medical Board Condemns Mammography Screenings: Here’s Why You Should Probably Never Get One June 15th, 2017master Switzerland Medical Board Condemns Mammography Screenings: Here’s Why You Should Probably Never Get One June 2, 2017 Breast Care, June 2017master In 2013, the Swiss Medical Board, an independent health technology assessment initiative, was requested to prepare a review of mammography screening. The team of medical professionals included a medical ethicist, a clinical epidemiologist, a pharmacologist, an oncologic surgeon, a nurse scientist, a lawyer, and a health economist. Two of those members, Nikola Biller-Andorno, M.D. Ph. D. and Peter Juni, M.D, opened up about the project in the New England Journal of Medicine. They said: “As we embarked on the project, we were aware of the controversies that have surrounded mammography screening for the past 10-15 years. When we received the available evidence and contemplated its implications in detail, however, we became increasingly concerned.” In 2016, it is estimated that approximately 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States as well as 61,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Mammograms continue to be touted as the most effective screening tool we have today to find breast cancer. However, these two doctors were shocked to discover that there is minimal evidence that actually indicates that the benefits of mammography screening outweigh the harms. “The relative risk reduction of approximately 20 percent in breast-cancer mortality associated with mammography that is currently described by most expert panels came at the price of a considerable diagnostic cascade, with repeat mammography, subsequent biopsies, and over-diagnosis of breast cancers — cancers that would never have become clinically apparent.” The Canadian National Breast Screening Study, which was conducted over the course of 25 years, concluded that 106 of 484 screen-detected cancers were over-diagnosed. The doctors explained: “This means that 106 of the 44,925 healthy women in the screening group were diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer unnecessarily, which resulted in needless surgical interventions, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or some combination of these therapies.” The fact that the benefits of this form of cancer screening are so overestimated seems worrisome for the medical community and patients at large. How, in this day and age, do we not have more awareness, more answers, and better technology? Another review of 10 trials involving more than 600,000 women discovered no evidence that mammography screening was effective on overall mortality. This caused concern over the benefits of the medical practice. A survey of U.S. women’s views on the mammography screenings discovered that 71.5 percent of women think that it lessened risk of death from breast cancer by half, while 72.1 percent believed that 80 deaths could be avoided per each 1,000 women screened. Their perceptions were gravely over-calculated. In fact, when looking at the real numbers, mammography results in a risk reduction of 20 percent and only 1 death can be prevented per 1,000 women screened. The Swiss Medical Board report became public in February 2014, provoking the board to advise that the quality of mammography screening ought to be evaluated and that women should be educated about both the benefits and the harms of the medical practice. The report created controversy within the Swiss medical community, even though it supports a growing perspective around the world that mammography for breast cancer screening in asymptomatic populations is outdated and harmful at best. When reviewing the data in regards to every breast cancer death prevented in U.S. women over a 10-year period of yearly screening starting at the age of 50, you will find that: 490-670 women usually have a false positive mammogram with repeat examination 70-100 women usually have an unnecessary biopsy 3-14 women were the victim of over-diagnosed breast cancer that would never reach clinical relevance Furthermore, up to 50 percent of women have breast tissue that is dense. This makes it very hard to read mammograms correctly, as dense breast tissue and cancer both show up white on an X-ray. Due to the lack of evidence in support of mammography and the clear potential risks involved with them, the board chose to recommend cancelling mammography-screening programs altogether. Although their recommendations are not legally binding, the report caused an uproar amongst Swiss cancer experts and organizations. The doctors on board reported: “One of the main arguments used against it was that it contradicted the global consensus of leading experts in the field… Another argument was that the report unsettled women, but we wonder how to avoid unsettling women, given the available evidence.” It’s clearly no mystery why the board become increasingly concerned about their researcher. The “evidence” simply does not back up the global consensus of other experiences in the field suggesting that mammograms were safe and capable of saving lives. When it comes down to it, we are dealing with outdated clinical trials, the benefits do not clearly outweigh the harms, and women’s perceptions of mammography benefits do not match reality, More Information On Breast Screenings I believe that if you did have a tumor, the last thing you would want to do is crush that tumor between two plates, because that would spread it. – Dr. Sarah Mybill, General Practitioner (taken from the documentary trailer below) I think if a woman from the age of 50 has a mammogram every year, or every two years, she’s going to get breast cancer as a direct result from that – Dr. Patrick Kingsley, Clinical Ecologist (take from the documentary trailer below) In 2011, 220,097 women and 2,078 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,931 women and 443 men in the United States died from breast cancer. It has become the most common type of cancer among women. Below is a trailer to a documentary entitled, “The Promise.” The film interviews various researchers, scientists, doctors (and more), all of whom are hoping to shed light on a practice which is turning out to be not only useless, but harmful to those taking part. There is more information below the video, but I highly recommend you watch the documentary. There is a wealth of scientific data concluding that mammograms are not, as the CDC claims, the most effective way to detect breast cancer. In fact, having a mammogram is likely the last thing you want to do if you have breast cancer. A study published in The European Journal of Public Healthtitled “Trends in breast cancer stage distribution before, during and after introduction of a screening programme in Norway” found that breast screenings actually increase the incidence of localized stage cancers without reducing the incidence of advanced cancers. (source) The study, which used a huge population sample of 1.8 million Norwegian women diagnosed with breast cancer from 1987 – 2010, found that: “The annual incidence of localized breast cancer among women aged 50–69 years rose from 63.9 per 100 000 before the introduction of screening to 141.2 afterwards, corresponding to a ratio of 2.21 (95% confidence interval: 2.10; 2.32).The incidence of more advanced cancers increased from 86.9 to 117.3 per 100 000 afterwards, corresponding to a 1.35 (1.29; 1.42)-fold increase. Advanced cancers also increased among younger women not eligible for screening, whereas their incidence of localized cancers remained nearly constant.” This study outlines how Norway’s breast screening program has actually increased the chance of being diagnosed with early stage breast cancer by more than 200%, as well contributing to an increased chance of receiving advanced stage breast cancer diagnosis by 35%. This is the opposite of what mammograms are supposed to do; if they were useful then the incidence of cancers would be lower and not higher. The study concluded that: Incidence of localized breast cancer increased significantly among women aged 50–69 years old after introduction of screening, while the incidence of more advanced cancers was not reduced in the same period when compared to the younger unscreened age group.(source) It’s important to note that, “although the study did measure the impact of Norway’s breast screening programme, a comparison of trends between participants and non-participants in the age group eligible for screening warrants further investigation. Also the causal link between stage distribution and mortality needs to be investigated in the context of screening.” A paper published in 2011 in the British Medical Journal set out to prove that breast screening by mammography is associated with a steeper fall in mortality cancer compared to other countries who were not offering this service. They did not expect to find the complete opposite; they found a drop in breast cancer mortality among women who were not screened. They concluded that the recent downward trend in breast cancer mortality had nothing to do with screening and everything to do with improvements in treatment and service provision. (source) The new data published in the BMJ now suggests that none of the gratifying falls in breast cancer can be attributed to screening and that the very existence of a NHSBSP (national breast screening programme) should be questioned. Unless there is public pressure for an independent inquiry to challenge the status quo, it will be business as usual for the screening programme. Furthermore, the Department of Health has painted itself into a corner and it is no longer a question of scientific debate – the subject has become too politicized by those who like to avoid U-turns at all costs. – Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and visiting Professor of Medical Humanities at University College London, is a leading British surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer treatment (source) This would be an asymptomatic woman walking along the high street, having a mammogram, and then two weeks later she’s told she has to have a mastectomy. This is so cruel that it should make you weep. (quote taken from the documentary trailer above) As Sayer Ji, founder of Greenmedinfo.com points out, a National Cancer Institute commissioned expert panel concluded that “early stage cancers” are not cancer, they are benign or indolent growths. This means that millions of women were wrongly diagnosed with breast cancer over the past few decades and have been subjected to harmful treatment, when they would have been better off leaving it untreated or diagnosed; frighteningly, it is not uncommon for a breast cancer misdiagnosis to occur. Another study that was recently published in the British Medical Journal concluded that regular mammogram screenings do not reduce breast cancer death rates. And they found no evidence to suggest that mammograms are more effective than personal breast exams at detecting cancer in the designated age group. The study involved 90, 000 Canadian women and compared breast cancer incidence and mortality up to 25 years in women aged 40-59.(source) The study was conducted over a period of 25 years. Many Studies Showing The Same Thing The sheer number of studies that have been published on breast mammography examinations and their failure to produce a benefit in screened populations is overwhelming. What’s even more disturbing is the fact that these types of examinations have also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, and to have negative implications for both physical and mental health. For a database of published studies on this topic, you can click HERE. You can also find access to more research here. U-turns do not embarrass clinical scientists, unlike politicians: if the evidence changes then our minds must change. As the national programme began to run its course, two disturbing observations made me begin to question my original support. First, about 10 years after the initiation of the service, updated analyses of the original data set by independent groups in Europe and the US found that the initial estimate of benefit in the reduction of breast cancer mortality was grossly exaggerated. – Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and visiting Professor of Medical Humanities at University College London, is a leading British surgical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer treatment (source) ← Why Mammography Screening is being Abolished in Switzerland Abolishing Mammography Screening Programs? A View from the Swiss Medical Board → The Autumn 2017 Newsletter January Newsletter....Here are our favorite Products here at the Breast Center! Breast cancer truth: Recovery IS possible with the ‘seven essentials’ to vibrant health Can Wearing Your Bra Cause Cancer? Copyright 2017. Thermography Center of Sonoma County. All rights reserved. Website Design by Kathleen Desforges of Big Lion Media Thermography Center of Sonoma County 440 South E. Street, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404

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THE ROAD TO CONCORD Rethinking The Notion, Source And Principles Of Individual Rights And Liberty THE ADDENDUM CONTACTING ADMIN BEFORE YOU BEGIN: How do You Define Liberty? BEFORE YOU BEGIN: From Where do You Say Rights Come? BEFORE YOU BEGIN: How do You Define a ‘Right?’ BEFORE YOU START: How do You Define Justice? BASIC PRECEPTS COMMON UNDERSTANDINGS Objective Reality: an Undeniable Truth HUMAN NATURE IS FIXED IMPORTANT JUXSTAPOSITIONS Delegated vs. Assumed Authority Democracy vs. the Republic Federal vs. National Government Justice vs. Fairness Natural vs. Civil Rights Philosophy vs. Ideology The Collective vs. the Cooperative The Constrained vs. Unconstrained view of Human Nature Tolerance vs. Acceptance ‘REASON’ ‘Reason has Limits’ ‘SCIENCE’ SCIENCE HAS LIMITS Consolidation: the Tyranny of the Collective Democracy: The Tyranny of the Masses Dishonesty: The Tyranny of Deception Government: the Tyranny of Power Ignorance: the Tyranny of Manipulation Party: the Tyranny of Faction Silence: the Tyranny of Apathy WILLFUL IGNORANCE NATURAL RIGHTS DEREVATION Free Will: the First Principle of Natural Law Free Will Demands Personal Responsibility Defining Natural Rights Extrapolating Our Natural Right Rights Bubbles: the Origin of Universal Morality Morality Is Black And White: There Is No Gray The Pursuit of Happiness Under Natural Law To What Purpose, Liberty? The Natural Right to Contract The Consequences of Rejecting the Social Contract PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION THE FOUNDERS DIRECTIONS ORIGINAL INTENT: Principles of Interpretation THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION In the Founders’ Words: The Connection between God, Liberty and the Founding of America In the Founders’ Words: the Essential Role of Religion in Public and Civic Life Misunderstandings of the Difference between ‘Secular’ and ‘Theocracy’ Why there is no Mention of Religion in the Constitution The Biblical Concepts Built into the Declaration and Constitution Oaths: Religion in Our Legal System The First Amendment was Originally Intended to Protect ALL Denominations of Christianity ENEMIES OF LIBERTY: Destroy the Language, Destroy the Whole of Society “Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason.*” — Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1735 Have you ever heard someone say something to the affect of ‘Words mean things?’ I’m reasonably sure that all of us, at some point in our lives, have heard something similar to this, but I wonder how many of us ever stopped to reflect on how important the idea behind these words actually is. What would it be like to live in a world where we could never know the meaning of the words we used? How would a society function if the meaning of a word could be arbitrarily changed at any given moment? Could anyone ever feel safe or secure in such a society if the words that were thought to protect you yesterday were suddenly understood as justification for your condemnation today? How could anything like the notion of individual rights and liberty or the rule of law possibly exist in a world such as this? And what of justice? Can justice exist in a society where the words ‘justice‘ and ‘injustice‘ are used interchangeably? For that matter, how could one keep their sanity in that world, or even know what sanity is? But, more importantly, what type of person would not only accept, but even advocate for such a world? Well, we need not wonder because we in The United States are living in just such a world today. Before we look at why someone might not only accept but even advocate for a world in which the meaning of words can be changed at any time and for any reason, let us try to fully understand the problem. First, we must understand that an attack on language is an attack on Natural Law and the Social Contract. It is an attack on Natural Law because it seeks to undermine the laws by which language is governed. It is an attack on the Social Contract because, if the language is destroyed, then so is that contract. In this case, that would be the U.S Constitution. Therefore, the deliberate attempt to pervert, corrupt or destroy the plain meaning of words is an attack on the Creator as well as society. Next, we need to understand that we are not just dealing with the meaning of a given word being changed over time. That is natural. It is the process by which a language evolves. For example, a contact once referred to a person we knew who could give us information or help us in other ways. Later, it referred to a part in an ignition system for an internal gas combustion engine. Still later after that, it was known as a corrective lens word directly on the eye. All three of these meanings for the word, ‘contact,’ are still in use. We can usually determine which is intended by the context of what is being said. What we are talking about is a deliberate attempt to confuse am issue or idea by destroying the words people use to discuss it. What happens when the meaning of a word is intentionally changed for the expressed purpose of confusing people so they cannot be sure they understand what is being said? An example of this would be the modern use of the word ‘racism.’ Racism is a modern word. It did not exist at the time of our nation’s founding. According to “The Barnhart Concise Dictionary of Etymology, The Origins of American English Words,” the word, ‘racism‘ was first used in 1936. Originally, it referred to a belief that one race of people was superior to all others. Soon afterward, it came to be understood as an institutional practice or policy whose outcome was based on the race of the person to whom it was applied. After that, it was used to refer to bigotry or prejudice. Today, it is used to indicate a person who disagrees — for any reason — with anyone considered to be a racial minority. At the same time, many people assert that black people cannot be racist, which is a direct contradiction to the definition of the word (i.e. it assumes something about a person or people based simply on their race). The word, ‘racist,’ has always been a political term, but it has turned into a political weapon which is used to prevent any serious discussion about the real issues while silencing anyone who tries to do so. So why do minorities demand that society address problems of race-relations while, at the same time, they use the words connected to race-relations to shut down any and all discussion about the issue? How can society possibly hope to resolve something it is not allowed to discuss? Make no mistake about this: these things are done intentionally. They are deliberately forced upon society so that discussion can be shut down and opposition silenced. The following video is an excellent example of how the process works. As you watch it, consider how the words have been constructed to confuse the issue, shut down debate and destroy anyone who tries to disagree with the artificially constructed narrative that has been forced upon them: Clearly then, the intention behind the deliberate confusing of the language is to cause social confusion. But to what end? Why would anyone want to cause confusion by perverting the language? Well, when it comes to matters such as this, I find that we can almost always look to America’s founders for help: “How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!” — Samuel Adams But it is not just those who love liberty who understand this principle. Those who seek to re-make society according to their own desires also understand it, and they use it as a weapon in the furtherance of their goals. We can see that this is true by considering the words of George Orwell, a Fabian Socialist:** “Political chaos is connected with the decay of language… one can probably bring about some improvement by starting at the verbal end.” “Political language… is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” As a Fabian, Orwell’s thinking is connected to their allies in America, the Progressives. Among the most prominent Progressive founding fathers was John Dewey. Dewey believed that people could be controlled through the ‘scientific’ use of language (as do the majority of those who use language as a weapon). For Dewey, what a person thinks or how they understand a given subject is all controlled by their language. If you find the right word to describe something, then and only then do you properly understand it: “Every one has experienced how learning an appropriate name for what was dim and vague cleared up and crystallized the whole matter. Some meaning seems distinct almost within reach, but is elusive; it refuses to condense into definite form; the attaching of a word somehow (just how, it is almost impossible to say) puts limits around the meaning, draws it out from the void, makes it stand out as an entity on its own account.” ― John Dewey, How We Think Consequently, Dewey — and people like him — came to believe that people could be controlled by giving or taking away the words they used. For Dewey, if you do not have a word to describe something, then you can never really understand it; and if you can never rally understand it, then you cannot advance that idea or agenda. Or, to put it another way: if you have no words to express individualism, then you will accept collectivism because you have no way to describe individualism to others. Now, my dear reader, stop and consider whether or not you see this line of reasoning behind the attempts to control our language in the West today? How often do we see the words that were once used to discuss the idea of individualism turned into forms of self-condemnation while new, “acceptable” words are introduced that can only be used in connection to the collective? Now, I acknowledge that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding this whole subject. There are many reasons for this confusion, and — taken individually — any one of them may appear to contradict my argument. But this is because the attack on our society, through the destruction of our language, is a process. Consequently, it must be looked at as an on-going process. However, if we look past the surface appearances, we will find that there is a trend behind this process. We will also find that this trend has a pattern. What’s more, both the trend and the pattern point to a systematic progression (i.e. a step-by-step progress, a.k.a. ‘progressivism’) toward a single agenda: the desire to destroy our society. But why destroy society? “One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes a revolution in order to establish a dictatorship.” — George Orwell As I prepare to close, let me ask you to consider one last point. Woodrow Wilson wrote about his desires to change America into what, if I could be permitted to paraphrase him, could bee described as a ‘scientifically’ administrated, democratic dictatorship. In short, Wilson wanted to make America into a dictatorship where the President was elected by the people, after which, he would have complete and unquestioned control until the next election. This elected dictator would then ‘administrate’ the government through a group of special, ‘scientifically’ trained bureaucracies who were appointed to their jobs and held their positions for life. Wilson called this the ‘American’ version of Communism. However, unlike the Communist model, Wilson knew he could never mount a successful revolution in America. Therefore, he would have to construct this new government by infecting the current system and changing it from within, like some science-fiction virus that turns people into aliens. This incremental change of America was Wilson’s idea of ‘Progress,’ hence the name, ‘Progressive.’ Now, consider Wilson and Orwell together here. You start a revolution to establish a dictatorship. But what if a traditional revolution is impossible? Then you might do as Wilson described and change things slowly, by subverting the system from within it. You start by taking over the colleges (which Wilson advocated) and then the public schools (which Dewey advocated) so as to indoctrinate the children. You use these indoctrinated products to gain elected office and positions within the rest of society, such as the whole of education, entertainment, the media and especially the courts. Then you start changing our history, our language, our laws and you protect these progressive advances of your agenda by using the courts to strike down any challenges to them. Until, eventually, you become bold enough to just come right out and tell people what you are doing: Now, consider how people might have heard this if our language had not been perverted: 2 a : of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical fundamental change 1 a : to change in composition or structure Or he could have just said: b : a fundamental change in political organization; especially : the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed Now, if the whole of America still understood language as well as our founders, do you think the nation might have heard this man differently? Do you think they might have recognized the threat in his words? And do you see how he was able to openly declare his intentions without fear of being found out because he knew the language had been so corrupted that no one would understand what he was really saying? Finally, do you see why they seek to destroy our language? By destroying our language, they can do things openly that they would never be able to get away with if the people actually understand their true intentions. * By this Franklin was referring to those people who seek to confuse by using a lot of words — especially ‘big words’ — to confuse their audience. These people often present themselves as the most ‘reasonable’ party in the debate when, in reality, they are usually the least reasonable. Or, to put this in terms of a more modern American colloquialism: “If they can’t dazzle you with brilliance (i.e. a well reasoned argument), they will baffle you with bull (i.e. lies hidden behind a lot of ‘big’ words). ** Orwell was a Fabian Socialist. Unlike Huxley, Orwell never left the society. Since the Fabian Society’s stated goal is to re-make the world according to their desires, and because they adopted the symbol of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I am unwilling to give Orwell any benefit of the doubt. If the reader wishes, this link explains more about why I believe Orwell was one of those seeking to cause chaos. And though many may find the information in this link ‘conspiratorial,’ most everything in it can be verified through more ‘reputable’ books on this subject. I chose to provide this link simply because I believe there is a better chance people will read it than the several rather dry books from which the information is actually drawn (all of which I own and have read). Posted on May 3, 2018 August 8, 2018 by Black3ActualPosted in ARCHIVES, Uncategorized Previous Previous post: POINTS TO PONDER: Can the Rest of the World Stay Free and Prosperous if America Looses the 2nd Amendment? Next Next post: PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL LAW: The Proper Way to Change the Government 4 thoughts on “ENEMIES OF LIBERTY: Destroy the Language, Destroy the Whole of Society” Black3Actual says: Reblogged this on The Rio Norte Line. Pingback: PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL LAW: An Attack on the Social Contract is Defined as Subversion – THE ROAD TO CONCORD summer5963 says: Whew, that was a lot, Mr. Joe. But I agree with every point- that I understood. For language, I can’t say I know the history of it and who decided to create homophones, and how many generations it would take to cause destruction. Homophones opened the doors to eventually become prey for perversion? What screwed everything up was when education became a forced entity, paid for by taxpayers, hidden under the guise that it’s a “right” vs a privilege (there’s the corruption). The master of deception knows what he’s doing – education system being a target. It’s now the sunken ship in salt water. YES! The master of deception knows EXACTLY what he is doing — and he is the force behind all of this. 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Princeton President tells The Tab: ‘A leading university has become the target of a hostile government’ Jessica Li ‘CEU has become the target of a hostile government, precisely because it is a leading university’ After the introduction of a legislation in the Hungarian parliament aimed at shutting down the country’s top-ranked Central European University, Princeton University president Christopher Eisgruber ’83 penned an open letter to Rector Michael Ignatieff expressing concern. As the streets of Budapest erupted in protest against the parliamentary attack on Hungary’s famed humanities institution known for its liberal thought, The Tab sat down with Eisgruber to discuss his work with CEU and his thoughts on the legislation. Why did you decide to write the letter? I think there are a few reasons that come together. One is that the Central European University is really a great institution. It is a place that Princeton has a lot of connections with. Secondly, it’s a place I know personally, so I felt very able to speak for the importance of the institution on the basis of the work I had done there. And thirdly, there are very important issues of academic freedom at stake. This is a leading university that has become the target of a hostile government, precisely because it is a leading university. So this is a circumstance where we have to stand up for institutions that are at risk. Have you heard back from CEU since you wrote the letter? I got a nice note from the Rector of CEU, Michael Ignatieff, who is himself an extremely prominent political theorist and has given the Tanner lectures on Human Values here on the Princeton campus a couple years ago. He published a book on human rights with Princeton University Press after giving these lectures. Rector Ignatieff’s work published by Princeton University Press You mentioned that you and other faculty members are now organizing for CEU. What additional work have you and others done? There are many faculty members and university presidents who are now organizing while all of this is happening very rapidly in Budapest. Whether or not we’re able to stop this, we don’t know. It’s probably not a surprise to the government that there’s opposition but we hope we can change their mind. I have agreed to add my name to another letter that is being put together among presidents and chancellors of universities in support of CEU. I can’t give anymore details at this point. In your letter, you wrote that “while directing Princeton’s Program in Law and Public Affairs, I co-directed a joint Princeton/CEU project on international human rights.” Could you elaborate more on that experience? Global Justice and the Bulwarks of Localism: Human Rights in Context (2005) was the result of a pair of conferences we did; one at Central European University in Budapest, and another follow-up conference in Princeton. I had spent three days on CEU’s campus, during which there were discussions about human rights and local culture. And the main question was under what circumstances are human rights claims universal and when are they sensitive to context or culture. It was a very high quality set of conferences. I was impressed because the participants associated with Central European University, including my co-director, Andras Sajo, were excellent as were the students. There were faculty members from other universities and constitutional judges from across Europe there as well. It was clear that Central European University’s network was very strong. Book co-authored by Eisgruber and CEU counterpart Andras Sajo Are there other areas of involvement Princeton has with CEU? We have undergraduate students who have studied at Central European University. And we have a number of faculty who had taught there or had projects done in conjunction with CEU. You also wrote in your letter that “No one should be deceived: the legislation is an unconscionable attack upon academic freedom.” How did you reach this conclusion? I believe what the new legislation proposes is a new requirement beyond those that CEU had already met. The CEU had been in existence for over 25 years and during that period had been in compliance with relevant Hungarian laws as well as laws in the United States. This new legislation adds a requirement, which is that foreign universities with campuses in Hungary are required to have campuses in their country of origin. The only university affected by this requirement is the Central European University, because every other university already does have campus in their country of origin. CEU would be effectively be shut down by it. So, the Hungarian legislature effectively asked, in some sense, ‘hey what’s different about this University,’ and they figured out that it doesn’t have a campus in the United States. Now they are trying to enact a law that singles out Central European University, after it has been operating for 25 years as the most prominent institution in Hungary and one of the most prominent in Europe in many fields. As a constitutional scholar, do you think, if this legislation goes through, that it may set a precedent for institutionalized suppression of academic freedom in the United States? No. I don’t. Fortunately, I don’t think the same kinds of risks are there. I do think we need to be sensitive to this in other parts of the world. There were a number of steps taken in Turkey to remove faculty members from prominent universities after the failed coup. So, we’re seeing it more in the world. We are seeing it in places with strong universities and rich traditions like Hungary. I think we need to stand with those institutions when events like this take place. I think we’re fortunate to have strong support for institutions in the United States. But things changed very rapidly in Hungary so it’s hard to predict the future. Do you think there are stronger legal protections in the United States for academic freedom? I think there are protections of principle and there are cultural protections and legal protections. What we’ve seen in Hungary is that there’s a set of constitutional protections that over time, have been surmounted by the current government. The full text of Eisgruber’s letter is shown below: Dear Dr. lgnatieff, In light of pending legislation in Hungary that endangers your university, I write to express my esteem for the work of the Central European University, my support for your institution, and my deep concern about the Hungarian government’s treatment of it. Many faculty members at Princeton have worked closely with the Central European University. I am among them. While directing Princeton’s Program in Law and Public Affairs, I co-directed a joint Princeton/CEU project on international human rights. It resulted in the publication of a volume that I co-edited, Global Justice and the Bulwarks of Localism: Human Rights in Context (2005). Joint ventures require considerable work, and I entered this one because of the Central European University’s reputation for research and teaching excellence. The Central European University has rapidly established itself as one of the world’s important centers for scholarship and learning. I am therefore deeply concerned that the Hungarian government has proposed legislation that appears intended to shut down the Central European University. Though the legislation comes disguised in neutral categories, its key provisions affect only one university. No one should be deceived: the legislation is an unconscionable attack upon academic freedom, and all friends of free speech and civil society should recognize and oppose it as such. I know that many of my colleagues here at Princeton join me in hoping that the Central European University will be able to continue its valuable work despite this assault upon it. With sincere good wishes, Christopher L. Eisgruber Sign the petition here. @JessicaYiYiLi

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2018 Cannes Marathon: I, Daniel Blake (Winner of the Palme d’Or and Palm DogManitarian Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival) Directed by Ken Loach and written by Paul Laverty, I, Daniel Blake is the story of a disabled man who learns he won’t be getting benefits as he befriends a single mother struggling to get by. The film is an exploration of a man dealing with his health and the need to get what he’s earned as he also deals with the modern world and their indifference towards him and others trying to get by. Starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires. I, Daniel Blake is an engrossing and searing film from Ken Loach. The film is a simple story of a man who had just recovered from a heart attack as he realizes that he is unable to work due to his health as he is seeking health benefits only to see that things have changed and certain requirements are needed which he is unable to comprehend. Along the way, he befriends a single mother with two kids who is struggling to find a job as she is in debt and needs to take care of her children as he offers to help her out. Paul Laverty’s screenplay follows the titular character (Dave Johns) who is already dealing with the loss of his wife as well as his failing health where he knows he can’t do any kind of work where he hopes to get health benefits feeling he has done so much. Yet, he is dealing with the fact that he has to fill documents online and digitally as he doesn’t own nor knows how to use a computer as he has hard time trying to fulfill the requirements. Even as he has to attend meetings that end up being a waste of time. When he goes to a welfare center, he also hears the complaints from this young woman in Katie Morgan (Hayley Squires) who is being sanctioned for arriving late as she had no idea where the building was. Daniel sees what has happened to her as he tries to help her out while filing his own appeal for his benefits which becomes more difficult despite the help of a young neighbor in China (Kema Sikazwe) and a welfare worker in Ann (Kate Rutter). Still, Daniel’s struggle forces him to come to terms with the way the government treats him and many others as he makes a defying act to the system that won’t give him what he wants. Ken Loach’s direction is understated in its approach to telling the story of this man and his fight against a system that wants to prevent him from getting what he deserves. Shot on location in Newcastle, the film does play into this world of the working class as well as those who haven’t caught up with the ideas and methods of the 21st Century. While there’s some wide shots in Loach’s compositions of the locations as well as one key scene late in the film that play into Daniel’s defiance against the system. Much of Loach’s approach to compositions is emphasized on close-ups and medium shots to play into the intimate moments in the welfare center and the food bank as well as the interactions with the characters. Notably in scenes that play into the struggle of people in a system that is complicated where Daniel struggles to understand what he had to do to get these benefits as if there is something de-humanizing to what is happening to him. Loach’s direction also showcase a scene at the food bank where Katie breaks down due to her hunger as it emphasizes that she and Daniel are among those that are struggling. Even as it has this arc where Katie’s desperation for work would lead her into a terrifying path that would force Daniel to get the attention of the system in a grand way. Overall, Loach crafts a rapturous and poignant film about a man’s desire to get health benefits for himself and others in need of help. Cinematographer Robbie Ryan does excellent work with the film’s cinematography as it is largely straightforward in terms of its approach to natural lighting for some of the scenes at night while being completely natural for the scenes in the day. Editor Jonathan Morris does brilliant work with the editing as it has a few transitional fade-outs for much of the film with some rhythmic cuts to play into some of the big dramatic moments. Production designers Fergus Clegg and Linda Wilson do fantastic work with the look of the apartments that Daniel and Kate live in as well as the welfare center and the food bank with all of the food that is available. Costume designer George Slater does nice work with the costumes as it is largely casual to play into the look of the characters and the city they live in. Sound editor Kevin Brazier and sound recordist Ray Beckett do terrific work with the sound as it is natural in its setting as well as capturing the chaos that emerges in some of the film’s dramatic moments. The film’s music by George Fenton is wonderful for its low-key score that is a mixture of piano and orchestral music that is used sparingly in parts of the film including its final credits. The casting by Kahleen Crawford is superb as it feature some notable small roles from Steven Richens as a friend of China in Piper, Micky McGregor as a convenience store security guard named Ivan, Kate Rutter as the sympathetic welfare worker Ann, Sharon Percy as a less sympathetic welfare worker in Sheila, Kema Sikazwe as Daniel’s neighbor China who sells counterfeit shoes to make a living, and the duo of Dylan McKiernan and Briana Shann in their respective roles as Katie’s kids Dylan and Daisy who learn a few trades from Daniel as well as get a perspective on the way the world works. Hayley Squires is incredible as Katie Morgan as a single mother who had just moved to Newcastle from London as she deals with her new surroundings, hunger, and the struggle to feed her children as she becomes desperate as it’s a somber performance from Squires. Finally, there’s Dave Johns in a phenomenal performance as the titular character as a 59-year old carpenter who has a heart condition as he’s trying to get benefits that will ensure his own security as he deals with the modern world and all of its demands as it is a gripping and realistic performance that showcases some of the struggles that people from a previous generation or two cope with modern society in not getting what they deserve as Johns’ performance is truly a major highlight of the film. I, Daniel Blake is a tremendous film from Ken Loach that features great performances from Dave Johns and Hayley Squire. Along with Paul Laverty’s compelling script, naturalistic visuals, and themes about respect and the need to get what one person truly deserves. It’s a film that does have a lot of political insight into the idea of welfare and how a man decides to defy the system in an attempt to get his benefits for himself and others shackled by the expectations of the 21st Century. In the end, I, Daniel Blake is a magnificent film from Ken Loach. Ken Loach Films: (Cathy Comes Home) - (Poor Cow) – Kes - (Save the Children Fund Film) - (Family Life) - (The Price of Coal) - (Black Jack) - (The Gamekeeper) - (Looks and Smiles) - (Which Side Are You On?) - (Fatherland) - (Hidden Agenda) - (Riff-Raff) - (Raining Stones) - (Ladybird Ladybird) - (Land and Freedom) - (A Contemporary Case of Common Ownership) - (Carla’s Song) - (The Flickering Flame) - (McLibel (1997 film)) - (My Name is Joe) - (Bread and Roses) - (The Navigators) – Sweet Sixteen - (Ae Fond Kiss…) – (Tickets) – (McLibel (2005 film)) – The Wind That Shakes the Barley - It's a Free World - Looking for Eric - (Route Irish) – (The Angel’s Snare) – (The Spirit of ’45) – Jimmy's Hall Labels: dave johns, hayley squires, ken loach, paul laverty Great review, I liked this one as well. The actors had amazing chemistry. I’ve been meaning to watch more Ken Loach. This could be a good place to start. @Brittani-Actually, they were non-professionals which made it much more realistic as it's one of the reasons why I like Ken Loach. @vinnieh-Actually, the best film to start with is Kes, then go to The Wind That Shakes the Barley and then whatever else you can find. Films That I Saw: May 2018 The Auteurs #65: Lucrecia Martel Il Posto 2018 Blind Spot Series: All Quiet on the Western ... 2018 Cannes Marathon Post-Mortem 2018 Cannes Marathon: After the Storm 2018 Cannes Marathon: The Tree of Wooden Clogs 2018 Cannes Marathon: Paterson 2018 Cannes Marathon: Personal Shopper 2018 Cannes Marathon: The Salesman 2018 Cannes Marathon: Captain Fantastic 2018 Cannes Marathon: Respire 2018 Cannes Marathon: The Lobster 2018 Cannes Marathon: The Go-Between Thursday Movie Picks: Cannes Favorites 2018 Cannes Marathon: Union Pacific 2018 Cannes Marathon: A Special Day Thursday Movie Picks: Characters Making a New Sta...

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Catch these CONAN360° LIVE Pre-Shows from Comic-Con by Bobby Carlton Conan is no stranger to Comic-Con, and this year he’s expanding his 360° presence with the CONAN360° LIVE Pre-Shows. For the past two years, Conan O’Brien has relocated his entire talk show two hours south from Stage 15 on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, CA down to the Spreckels Theater in San Diego during Comic-Con. Beginning in 2015, he pioneered the path for 360° broadcast from a late-night talk show, showcasing late-night comic-book high jinks, nerdy movie trailer debuts, and superhero exclusives in full immersion. This year, Team Coco has decided to expand their 360° broadcast with the addition of the CONAN360° LIVE Pre-Show, presented by AT&T and hosted by comedy duo Chris Redd and Moses Storm—AKA Redd Storm. Each CONAN360° LIVE Pre-Show is a one-hour episode building up to “Conan at Comic-Con,” and will include behind-the-scenes footage of some of the Team Coco Comic-Con skits, interviews with writers, pre-recorded VR content, and other CONAN favorites like Jordan Schlansky, Sona Movsesian, Bill Tull, and even, Conan O’Brien himself. The Pre-Shows are all shot and streamed in 4K 360° video using Nokia Ozo placed strategically throughout the theater. One will be on the roof where Chris Redd and Moses Storm host the Pre-show, one on the CONAN stage, as well as cameras at fan-interaction stations in the theater itself and the celebrity entrance. Speaking of Storm, he posted his enthusiasm on his Facebook page last week: We are hosting all the pre-shows for Conan!! If you would have told 12-year old me this, you would have had to rush me to the ER with compound fractures because I would have tried to do a standing backflip. Storm is no stranger to VR, having participated in a VR stand-up show in the past in AltSpaceVR. What makes this format so compelling, at least based on my experience in the first Pre-Shows, is how natural it makes all the fanfare seem. I felt like I was just hanging out on a rooftop with two dudes…who happen to be friends with Conan O’Brien…and happened to invited me along because I had nothing better to do. If you missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s show, don’t sweat it—you can stream them all online. The remaining CONAN360° LIVE Pre-Shows will be streamed live on Facebook, YouTube, teamcoco.com/360, and on the Team Coco app, which is available in iOS and Android app store. Be sure to catch the final live broadcasts below (all PST): Friday (today), 7/21: 3:30 PM Saturday, 7/22: 12 PM Sunday, 7/23: 7 PM (re-air of the Friday pre-show) As far as the Conan at Comic-Con show itself, CONAN will air again on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 with the following casts: Stars from The Lego Ninjago Movie: Dave Franco, Olivia Munn, Justin Theroux, Zach Woods, Michael Pena, Kumail Nanjiani and Abbi Jacobson Stars from Game of Thrones: Alfie Allen, Jacob Anderson, John Bradley, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Nathalie Emmanuel, Conleth Hill, Sophie Turner and Isaac Hempstead Wright​ Comic-Con Conan at Comic-Con CONAN360 CONAN360 LIVE Pre-Show Redd Storm The Creepy VR School Bus at Comic-Con Inside Look: Blade Runner 2049 Experience at Comic-Con Bobby Carlton Hello, my name is Bobby Carlton. When I'm not exploring the world of immersive technology, I'm writing rock songs about lost love. I'd also like to mention that I can do 25 push-ups in a row.

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Iredell County Public Library by Ryan Hoddinott | Jun 7, 2019 | Attractions, Things To Do 201 N. Tradd Street, 704-878-3090. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am-9 pm, Friday: 9 am-6 pm. The New Iredell County Public Library opened its doors to the public on April 11, 2005. The library is located in downtown Statesville in a complex of county buildings that... Key To Escape by Ryan Hoddinott | May 11, 2018 | Attractions, Things To Do 150 E. Sharpe Street. Escape entertainment/team building venue for ages 12 and up. Hours: Mon-Tues-By Appointment, Sun & Wed-Thurs-noon-9 pm, Fri-Sat-noon-11 pm. For more information and/or to make a reservation, either call 704-253-4559 or go to:... Fourth Creek Burying Ground by Ryan Hoddinott | Feb 28, 2018 | Attractions, Things To Do 202 W. End Ave (Corner of N. Meeting Street and West End Avenue). Historic grave markers, circa: 1750s. Statesville’s only cemetery until the late 1880s. Bounded by a rock wall which contains on the NE corner one of the four original corner posts of the city! Cemetery... Southern Distilling Company by Ryan Hoddinott | Jul 28, 2017 | Attractions, Things To Do 211 Jennings Rd, 704-978-7175. Hours: M-Sat: 10 am-6 pm. The storied distilling heritage of Statesville is reawakened by Southern Distilling Company. Bringing high quality, local bourbon and brandy production back to this agricultural community, in a 25,000... Statesville Historical Collection 212 N. Center Street. (704) 878-2383. Hours: Monday-Friday-Noon to 5 pm. Free Admission. Visitors can view over 1,000 photographs, mostly of the downtown area, dating back to the early 1900s through the 1960s. Other artifacts and memorabilia are also on display. Rescue Ranch by Ryan Hoddinott | May 28, 2014 | Attractions Formed in 2012 on 87-acres in Statesville, North Carolina, Rescue Ranch is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization founded by Krissie Newman and her husband, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman. Rescue Ranch promotes humane education by focusing on rescuing on a...

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Home / Politics / US Independence Day celebrated in Vietnam’s southern hub US Independence Day celebrated in Vietnam’s southern hub ngoc Politics 562 Views On Wednesday evening, the Consulate General of the United States in Ho Chi Minh City hosted a reception to celebrate the 238th anniversary of American Independence Day (July 4, 1776-July 4, 2014). Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Manh Ha (L) joins U.S. Consul General Rena Bitter (M) and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear in a toast at the celebration of the 238th anniversary of American Independence Day in Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, 2014. The event, held at the White Palace Convention Center in Phu Nhuan District, was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear and Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Manh Ha, along with the diplomatic corps, the business community from both nations, and local media. At the beginning of the ceremony, many people were amazed and impressed by remarks made in fluent Vietnamese by Consul General Rena Bitter. In her address at the event, Rena said there has been major progress in the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam over the last year. “As we celebrate America’s independence tonight, we are also celebrating what we have achieved together by building a closer relationship between our two countries with many of you playing a role in making that happen,” she said. David Shear, who is expected to conclude his term soon after serving as the U.S. president’s representative in Vietnam for three years, flew from Hanoi to deliver his speech at the celebration. The U.S. ambassador highlighted the Comprehensive Partnership signed by Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama during the former’s visit to the White House in Washington last July, saying it was a sign of the great progress that has been made since the two countries re-normalized relations in 1995. According to David Shear, the economic relationship between the two sides has grown rapidly with trade growing from US$18 billion to $30 billion during his term from 2011 to 2014. The two nations have also seen great progress in other fields such as education, tourism, healthcare, and energy. In the education field, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung recently approved a license for Fulbright University, which will be the first American-style university in Vietnam. Regarding the consequences of war, the U.S. and Vietnam has been working together on Agent Orange remediation at Da Nang International Airport, removing unexploded ordnance in three provinces, and assisting persons with disabilities throughout Vietnam. “This is the third time I’ve had the honor to host our July 4th celebration, and it is likely my last, so I’d like to thank you all for your support and cooperation,” Ambassador David Shear said during his address. “As I look out at the faces of the many friends I have worked with over these past few years, I am optimistic about the prospects for our shared future,” he elaborated. For his part, Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Le Manh Ha hailed Ambassador Shear’s contribution to Vietnam-U.S. bilateral relations in many aspects and wished him all the best for his future career. The deputy chairman highly appreciated the achievements, especially the Comprehensive Partnership, reached by the two countries. He believes that a bright future awaits the Vietnam – U.S. Comprehensive Partnership given their joint efforts on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. For Ho Chi Minh City alone, Ha pointed out that the city has been a popular destination for many American investors. As of May 31, 2014 the city is home to 285 American investment projects worth $524.65 million, putting the U.S. in 12th place of all foreign investors. Previous Japan set for first arms export under new rules: report Next Vietnam asks China to clarify arrest of six fishermen The robbery group was active in the center of Saigon Step to prepare the important strategic personnel of the Party Extensive investigation of the Ministry of Construction Inspectorate money What did lawyer Nguyen Huu Linh say after the trial? The couple in Hue built ‘dynamic’ to serve the people who played in turmoil Hospital staff go to the wedding with … ambulance: ‘Turning road’ The minister voted on the iPad, the Government session took just 10 minutes The General Secretary and the State President preside over the Politburo meeting Hoang Anh Gia Lai fall back following defeat to Nghe An Experts pinpoint severe environmental impacts of suspended reclamation project in southern Vietnam Color Me Run held for all Chinese boats crashed into Vietnam’s law enforcement vessel 3 times Royal antiques displayed to celebrate capital Liberation Day Service prices soar despite steady power supply on Vietnam’s Ly Son Island Baby bear to arrive at rescue centre tomorrow Costa hat-trick downs Swansea, City draw with Arsenal

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What are the main parties saying about savings and investment inequality for women? Date Posted: Thursday 5th December 2019 #GE2019WomenandGirlsElectionSavings Women have lower levels of savings, are less likely than men to hold investments and have different priorities when investing. This means that government policy on savings and investment affects women and men differently. At this election several parties have made proposals for significant changes in the treatment of investment income – so how are these likely to impact on women? As with so much else in the economy, the gender impact of savings and investment policy comes down to care. Women are more likely than men to spend time in unpaid care, which means they have less time for paid work, earn less and have lower incomes over their lifetimes. This spills over into the pensions gap when they retire (retired women have just over 10% of the private pension wealth of men). That’s one reason why state pension systems are an important part of the retirement-provision mix. They can credit carers with accrued pension during periods of unpaid work, whereas private pensions seldom do. Less obviously, the same issues also affect non-pension savings and investments. The £10 billion a year of tax reliefs for capital gains, individual savings accounts and other saving vehicles are in theory available equally to both men and women. However, in practice, women’s lower average earnings and broken careers mean they have less capacity to take advantage of these opportunities. Men and women are equally likely to have savings but women save less on average[1] and women are less likely to be saving regularly (56% of women against 63% of men)[2]. Women are also less likely to hold investments, such as bonds and shares, with a greater tendency to hold cash savings[3]. Thus men would be more likely than women to be affected by proposals in several of the election manifestos (Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Labour) to put the taxation of gains and investment income on a par with other income. Labour would achieve this by equalising tax rates for wealth with income tax rates. Under Liberal Democratic proposals, it would involve abolishing the capital gains tax allowance and having just a single personal allowance to set against combined income and gains. The Green Party proposals are more radical, suggesting that most personal taxes be replaced by a new consolidated tax on income and gains. If the revenue raised by removing tax advantages for wealth was spent to help fund better public services and extending free child care, this would support greater gender equality. Women and men also save differently to men. It is often suggested that women are more risk averse than men, but the case may be overstated. Women tend to save for different things; questioned about motives for saving, women are more likely to be savings for holidays, home improvements and children[4] and more women than men (41% versus 36%) are likely to think that having an emergency fund is very important[5]. Where women do invest, evidence suggests there may be some gender differences. Women are more successful than men, achieving slightly higher returns through avoiding the most speculative stocks and switching less often which reduces their transaction costs[6]. Research from Aberdeen Standard Investments[7] has found that women show greater interested in investments that pay attention to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues than their male counterparts (24% versus 20%). That could make women’s investing an important force in the light of measures across all parties’ manifestos aimed at encouraging investment in green technologies and, in the case of the Labour and Liberal Democrat proposals, requiring greater disclosure by companies and pension funds about their approach to ESG and long-term sustainability. Read more about gender impacts of non-pension savings and investment here.

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Queen Issues Statement About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Future tarrah-gibbons Queen Elizabeth II released a statement about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's future in the royal family on Monday. The Queen has agreed a "period of transition" in which the couple will spend time in both Canada and the United Kingdom, BBC reported. In the statement, she said she is "entirely supportive," although she "would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal family." Read the full statement below. Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family. Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK. These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days. Over the weekend, it was reported that senior members of the family would meet to make important decisions. Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry met at the queen's Sandringham Estate. Sources of Kensington Palace said that Markle, who was in Canada, might call into the meeting. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a bombshell announcement declaring plans to "step back" from royal duties and work towards becoming "financially independent." The Palace issued a statement to the press in response to the announcement later. "Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," the statement read. "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through." Since the announcement, the couple's wax figures have also been taken out been taken out of the royal family display at Madame Tussauds in London.

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Winebrenner Theological Seminary was established in 1942 as a graduate school of divinity of Findlay College (renamed The University of Findlay in 1989).  In 1961, Winebrenner received its charter from the State of Ohio, to become an independent, degree-granting institution. Winebrenner is a fully accredited institution. It is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Winebrenner is chartered by the State of Ohio and has received a Certificate of Authorization from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools 10 Summit Park Drive Approved degrees:  Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, and Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling. Winebrenner is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program by the Association of Theological Schools. 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Ohio Department of Higher Education 25 South Front Street National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) 3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130 Boulder CO 80301 Non-Immigrant Alien Students: Winebrenner Theological Seminary is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Unduplicated Headcount for the Most Recent Full Academic Year:  103 (AY 2017-2018) Teacher/Student Ratio:  1:6 Diversity of Student Body: Currently, Winebrenner’s student body is comprised of students representing 22 different denominations and faith communities. Degrees Awarded: Diploma in Pastoral Training Percent of student body enrolled in each degree program: Master of Divinity = 13% Master of Arts in Practical Theology = 15% Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling = 17% Doctor of Ministry = 4% Institute of Christian Studies=51% Built in 2003, the Winebrenner building is owned and operated by the University of Findlay. Winebrenner Theological Seminary leases office and classroom space. Financial Accountability: Winebrenner is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

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Ozzy Osbourne Postpones Start Of Tour Dates In 2020 posted by Andrew Magnotta @AndrewMagnotta - Oct 9, 2019 Ozzy Osbourne will have to wait a while longer before resuming his 'No More Tours 2.' Dates on the ill-fated farewell trek have repeatedly been pushed back while the Black Sabbath icon wrestles with a gauntlet of health issues that began a year ago with a near-fatal staph infection, continued last January with a severe flu that led to pneumonia and culminated in a serious fall in the spring in which he broke his neck. In recent interviews, Ozzy has complained of his monotonous rehabilitation work and how he's been desperate to get back in shape and on tour. While Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne insists her husband is improving, Ozzy still needs more time to make sure he's right. The singer issued the update in a video message posted to his social media on Thursday. He began by addressing the neck operation he underwent in the spring. "I've got a lot more nuts and bolts in my neck now than in my car," he said. "I'm not dying; I am recovering — it's just taking a little bit longer than everyone thought it would. I'm bored stiff being stuck on a f---ing bed all day. I can't wait to get off my ass and get going again." He then broke the news to European fans that his rescheduled shows there are now "TBA." Ozzy's first tour dates of 2020 were to begin in late-January. "I'm postponing the European tour because I'm not ready," he explained, before clarifying, "I'm not retiring. I've still got gigs to do — but when I do come back on an American tour, I wanna be 100 percent ready to come out and knock your f---ing socks off. And also, there's a new album on the way." He closed with a thanks to his band and crew and to fellow legendary metal act Judas Priest, which was scheduled to join in on the European dates. "I just wanna say one thing to the fans: I sincerely thank you for your patience and your loyalty," he added. "I love you. Now, will you f--- off and let me get better." Ozzy's North American tour dates are set to start in May. So far, those dates are not affected by the recent news. Ozzy did not say exactly when the European tour would be rescheduled. Get all Ozzy's tour dates here.

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Chamber of Commerce to Move Downtown, Sell Current Building The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama will sell the building it currently occupies on Jack Warner Parkway and move into the Regions Bank facility on 9th Street in downtown Tuscaloosa, the organization announced Tuesday afternoon. In a message to supporters, Chamber President and CEO Jim Page said Chamber leadership unanimously voted on the purchase at its November 21st meeting. Their long-term goal is to create a collaborative facility where the organization and area businesses can exist under one roof and work seamlessly together. (submitted) Page said the leadership at Regions offered to sell the building to the Chamber well below market value because they share the vision of creating a "center for workforce and community development, utilizing the significant capacity this building has to bring like-minded partners together for unprecedented collaboration and synergy under one roof." Page said the bank will not leave downtown Tuscaloosa, but instead will lease space in the 9th Street building from the Chamber until they build an adjacent, modern branch facility on the east side of the property. "This decision by the Chamber to move forward with acquiring the 9th Street property is the result of several months of serious due diligence by many people and that same approach will be taken over the coming weeks as we go through the customary due diligence that is necessary to successfully close on a real estate transaction," Page said. Page said the foundation of this plan came from the example set by Commerce Lexington, Inc. in Kentucky, where the West Alabama Chamber took its annual benchmarking last year. There, several community partners share one facility and eliminate many of the barriers that frequently prevent collaborative projects. "This is a special moment for our 119 year-old organization and, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your continued support," Page said in closing. Categories: Announcements, Local News

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Interview with No Alarms October 15, 2018 Interviews, MusicDetroit, Indie Music, No Alarms, RockRaghav Govindarajan After seeing the EP posted on reddit, and being downright addicted to a genre of music that I hadn’t visited in years, I decided to reach out to Andrew from No Alarms to talk to him about how the band came to be, some of his inspiration, songwriting approach, and more. He’s an absolute gentleman and I want to take this time to thank him for getting back to me. How did No Alarms come to be? I’ve been writing music for about a decade, but I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so the name No Alarms didn’t come about until I finally had music that I felt good about sharing. Early in 2016, I started to pair warm synths with indie rock and pop structures, and knew I had something on my hands when I found myself dancing to the early tracks by myself in my bedroom! I wrote around 11 songs for the debut EP, and cut that down to 5 that I was really happy with. It was a learning process, picking a name, learning more about graphic design, and becoming an entrepreneur, really. You need to have the full skill set to succeed these days, and that’s taken time to develop, and is still ongoing. I moved from Texas to Detroit during the final recording stages of the EP, and realized that I wanted to have a full band to play affecting live shows with, so I found 4 other super talented musicians, and we’ve been together since mid-2017. What’s your musical background, growing up, what music inspired you and made you want to pick up an instrument? My parents started me on piano when I was 7, so that was my first introduction to music. I wasn’t the biggest fan of piano at the time, but I’m so grateful that they did that, because something just stuck. I played alto sax in middle school, but it wasn’t until I got my first electric guitar at 14 that I really fell in love. Some of my first CDs were Sum 41, Blink 182, Jimi Hendrix, etc. A lot of pop punk stuff that, looking back, really taught me a lot of vocal delivery structure. I grew up playing guitar with a few friends and were super competitive when it came to technical skills. Lots of Metallica, lots of AC/DC, lots of classic rock. I got a little tired of that style in high school, and discovered indie rock, and was absolutely hooked. It had the guitar technicality of some classic rock bands, but flipped it on its head by taking you to emotional landscapes you didn’t know existed. Bloc Party, The Mars Volta, Interpol, The Killers, I couldn’t get enough. I went to college, started writing spacey prog rock into GarageBand, and realized that most musicians are flakes. Or are into music for some reason other than the music. So I learned to sing, learned to play drums, took up piano again, graduated, then kept writing. While I’m an even-keeled person in general, when it comes to writing, I’m a control freak. So, it kind of became necessary to learn how to do it all myself. I see that No Alarms was just you, Andrew, and now it’s a full group of five people. What has that transition been like from being a solo artist that wrote everything to having other members to bounce ideas off of? The transition has been great, it was crucial to get the chemistry right and we have an awesome group, both talent wise and personality wise. It’s great to have input on songwriting and I’ve asked a few guys to contribute when I think there’s a good fit. The writing side is definitely still driven by me, it’s important for me to express my creative vision and I love the balance that we have now. It’s a fluid situation and I’m looking forward to seeing how we grow on the writing side. Songwriting wise, all the songs on the No Alarms EP sound different, inspired by different artists and sounds, yet all fit together really well. Was the process any different for a song in particular or do you stick to a particular formula There’s no magic bullet or process, but I’ll say that I rarely write lyrics before the bulk of the instrumentals are completed. I have to know how the music makes me feel, and the kind of mood it evokes before I can pin it down with lyrics. I wanted it to be clear from the jump that I don’t intend on writing the same song twice. At first, I was a tad worried that the songs would sound disparate, but realized that my voice, song structure, and synth palate tie a common thread through the songs that lends them cohesiveness. Most of the time, I’ll come up with one guitar or synth line, and just start building a house around that foundation. Sometimes, however, I’ll hear a lot of the arrangement at once. The bass guitar, the rhythm, and a melody will play in my head, and I’ll realize it’s something new. I was home in Texas for Christmas and heard the whole arrangement for “The Wrong Side” at once, and rushed to my laptop to get it down. Didn’t have a guitar or a mic handy, so I mapped everything out with keys. Overall, I have a ton of artists that influence me, and I want to let each of those influences shine at different points, so I plan on writing a ton of different types of songs. I, like quite a few others, found out about your music when we saw its vinyl release. What was it like releasing your debut EP on vinyl? Was any mastering done different? Did it make you reflect on the EP and what you could have done differently? It was a long but worthwhile process! The masters were actually the same for the digital release, and the vinyl manufacturer turned out some incredible sounding records. Having the physical green vinyl release was definitely a milestone, and a point of reflection for me. It’s always go, go, go, and push, push, push, so having a moment just to reflect on what I’d made was a really cool life checkpoint for me. I see that the first single, “The Landing” is coming out on September 7th. What can we expect from it, and is a full length LP going to follow it? The Landing is a synth-laden alt-pop track that just oozes optimism. The song is about taking a leap of faith and having it work out. I had just watched the Black Mirror episode “Hang the DJ,” and was riding high off of optimistic inspiration, and felt compelled to make something purely joyful, purely hopeful. I wrote the verses to climb and climb, leading to a chorus that just exuded optimism, and that made you want to move! Overall, I wanted to capture the feeling of landing on your feet after taking a leap of faith. “Right Is What’s Left” was on the ABC Show “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World”. How’d that come together? I reached out to a licensing company called Crucial Music out of LA, they pitch for movies, TV, and commercials, and really loved my stuff. I got an email about 2 days before airing that “Right is What’s Left” got its first placement. Licensing/sync is a huge part of the indie musician’s income stream these days, so I wanted to go after it early. What inspires you to make music. The topics that we saw on “Amateur Telephony” and “Right is What’s Left” are definitely distinct. Everything from the mundane to the amazing inspires me to write music! I think what’s important is cohesion between vocals and instrumentation. Once the instrumentation for a song is nearing completion, I pull out my notebook and go through either lyrics I’ve already written, or start jotting down ideas and concepts that the music brings to mind. For this album specifically, I wanted to tackle issues of drug addiction and codependency. I had a few friends from my hometown go through opioid addiction and subsequently rehab, so I wanted to highlight that for this first album. Have you guys toured the EP yet? What’s the crowd experience been like? We’ve played Detroit, Indianapolis, and Chicago so far, and plan to grow our streaming fan base online before we start touring outside of the region. The crowd response has been amazing so far! It’s such a cool moment to see new fans dancing to and really resonating with tunes that were previously just in my head! Being based in Detroit, has the surrounding environment affected your lyrical content and songwriting? How did it differ from when you lived in Texas? Moving to Detroit has definitely affected my songwriting. This city is so full of life, and the youth movement is fostering the city’s creative growth at such a rapid rate. People are into all sorts of music here, Hip Hop, Classic Rock, Indie Rock, EDM, so there’s definitely a lot more in the melting pot to draw from here than there was in West Texas. ← The Messenger – The most surprising Metroidvania of the year Top 10 Albums of 2018 →

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HomeCitiesO'FallonHeadline entertainment for O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest includes Pat Benatar, Walker Hayes Headline entertainment for O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest includes Pat Benatar, Walker Hayes Apr. 12, 2019 9:40 AM O'Fallon, Upcoming Events 1 City of O'Fallon and Tamara Duncan Headline bands for O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest were announced at the March 28 O’Fallon City Council meeting. This year’s starring performers are: Rock n’ roll legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, on tour celebrating their 40th anniversary, with opening act Gabby Barrett on Thursday, July 4, and country music star Walker Hayes with opening acts Noah Guthrie and Missouri-native Filmore on Wednesday, July 3. The 2019 Heritage & Freedom Fest will be held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 T. R. Hughes Boulevard, O’Fallon, Missouri, 63366. “Once again, the O’Fallon City Council and I are proud to bring nationally-known entertainers to the Main Stage for our community to see and hear live at our City’s biggest, most patriotic party of the year, the Heritage & Freedom Fest,” said O’Fallon’s Mayor, Bill Hennessy. “The concerts are free, the bands are outstanding, and we’ll end each show with spectacular fireworks displays. O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest kicks off on Tuesday, July 2, featuring a new carnival, a colorful midway, family-friendly sideshows and other activities from 4–10 p.m. (There will be no fireworks or Main Stage music on Tuesday.) Carnival rides, the midway and festival food and merchandise vendors will be open for business throughout the festival over all three festival dates, July 2-4. On Wednesday, July 3 (4-11 p.m.) and Thursday, July 4 (noon to 10 p.m.), the festival will get into full party mode with free concerts, fireworks, and free kids’ and family-friendly activities. On Independence Day at 9:30 a.m., O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade, which is one of the biggest in the area, will step off from Main and Third streets and proceed north to Tom Ginnever Avenue, continue east on Tom Ginnever and end at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the festival entrance. Band Bios Country Music Night, July 3 Country music’s Walker Hayes and Filmore will perform their chart-topping hits as they headline the Festival’s popular country night on July 3rd. Walker Hayes Monument Records recording artist, Walker Hayes, is a singer/songwriter originally from Mobile, Ala. Hayes’ current single “90’s Country” made its debut on Good Morning America and is available for purchase or download everywhere. The single, which references 22 90’s country songs, was written by Hayes, Shane McAnally and LYRX and co-produced by David Garcia, McAnally and Hayes. In December 2017, Hayes released his debut album boom, which he co- produced with Grammy-Award winning producer and songwriter, McAnally. The 10-track album includes the RIAA certified Platinum hit, “You Broke Up With Me” as well as fan favorites “Halloween” and “Beautiful. Tracks from the album were nominated for Radio Disney Country Favorite Song (“You Broke Up With Me”), CMT Breakthrough Music Video of the Year (“You Broke Up With Me”) and AIMP Song of the Year (“Craig”). Hayes is currently headlining his Dream On It Tour. Last year, he headlined his first every Good As Gold Tour and has previously toured with Kelsea Ballerina, Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion and more. Filmore Filmore is an anything-but-typical country singer/songwriter. The Missouri-native, who now calls Nashville home, tallies more than 50 million on-demand streams to date and has been featured by Spotify, The New York Times, SiriusXM’s “The Highway,” The Bobby Bones Show, Apple Music, CMT, and Pandora. In addition to Spotify featuring Filmore on noteworthy playlists such as “New Music Friday” and “Wild Country,” etc., he was the first unsigned artist to become the face of the coveted “Hot Country” playlist, and has had multiple tracks reach the US Top 50 Viral Chart. Sacrifice only begins to describe the man, who is unequivocally all-in to expand his reach worldwide. He has honed his electric and engaging live show by touring alongside Sam Hunt, Russell Dickerson, Brett Young, Carrie Underwood, Jon Pardi, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, and Dan + Shay among others, on the way to headlining sold-out clubs across the country. Recent festival highlights include Watershed, CMA Fest, Stagecoach, Country Thunder USA, SXSW, Faster Horses, Buckle and Boots (UK), The Rooftop at Pier 17 in NYC, and you can look for him on tour with Walker Hayes from January through May of 2019. “Heart’s Having a Hard Time,” the latest release from Filmore, was featured by The New York Times on “The Playlist.” In less than a month since its December 14, 2018 release, the song has already amassed millions of on-demand streams. Noah Guthrie Singer/songwriter Noah Guthrie built a name for himself when, at the age of 15, he began recording covers of popular songs on YouTube. He began touring at 16, performing over 200 shows by the age of 18. All the while, Noah continued writing his own music, and in 2013, Noah released his first original album, Among the Wildest Things. As Noah continued touring, he was spotted by casting directors for the television show, Glee, who cast Noah as the character, Roderick Meeks, on the final season of the show. While spending eight months in Los Angeles filming Glee, Noah continued to write new music. As soon as he returned home to South Carolina, Noah began recording with his brother and friends, resulting in his second album, The Valley, which highlights the range of Noah’s vocal abilities with tender love songs as well as soaring ballads. With his band, Good Trouble, Noah continues to tour and build his following with powerful and touching stage performances all over the world. Noah, and his band, were recently featured performers on Rock Boat XVIII. Rock n’ Roll Night, July 4 On Fourth of July, rock the night away featuring powerhouse rock n’ roll legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo and former American Idol contestant and up-and-coming singer Gabby Barrett. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have been making music together for four decades. Pat and Neil met each other in 1979 for the first time in a small rehearsal room at SIR Studios in New York City. The rest as they say “is history.” Pat Benatar’s staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits including; “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” and “We Live For Love.” Together they have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over thirty million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy awards. In 1982, Benatar and Giraldo were married and have two grown daughters. In 2018, they joyfully became grandparents for the first time. Their musical career has endured for forty years and this summer for their 40th Anniversary, the duo is embarking on a multi-city tour, undoubtedly thrilling their fans everywhere. Gabby Barrett came into prominence when the 18 year old vocal powerhouse hit the national stage as a finalist on Season 16 of American Idol. Gabby is one of eight children from Munhall, PA (near Pittsburgh). She began singing live in gospel choirs at the age of nine and, in 2014, she won Kean Quest Talent Search. Prior to Idol she performed over 100 shows and helped raise money for a host of regional charities including the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and the Ronald McDonald House. She was even regarded as “A voice you must hear” by The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. During Idol, Gabby collaborated on performances with superstars Bebe Rexha, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland and Luke Bryan, and toured on the American Idol Live! 2018 tour. Gabby just wrapped up a nationwide tour with Chris Lane on the “Laps Around The Sun Tour.” She has been writing and recording with award-winning producer Ross Copperman to release throughout 2019. Wentzville School District bus fleet receives excellence award for inspection approval rate St. Charles County Food Inspection Scores: Candy City, Sugar Cubed, Kona Ice Rob.. says: May. 10, 2019 9:38 AM at 9:38 AM Have any idea what time Pat would come on stage on the 4th ?

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Senate Shutdown Package Includes DACA, Immigration Reforms Matthew Shick, Sr. Director, Gov't Relations & Regulatory Affairs mshick@aamc.org Brett Roude, Legislative Analyst broude@aamc.org Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) Jan. 22 introduced the End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act (S.Amdt 5 to H.R. 268), which would end the current partial government shutdown [see related story] and provide temporary status for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in exchange for $5.7 billion for a border wall. This legislation is in line with President Trump’s proposed deal to reopen the government. Important immigration provisions for academic medicine include: A revised BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act (H.R. 496), a proposal from former Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) that was introduced in the 115th Congress. This section would provide DACA recipients with a 3-year temporary provisional protected presence and employment authorization. Extension of the Conrad 30 J-1 waiver program through Sept. 30. Democrats objected to the plan due to provisions that end in-country asylum for unaccompanied alien children and a 3-year temporary “provisional protected presence” for immigrants who entered the United States with Temporary Protected Status. Concurrently, the Supreme Court Jan. 22 announced they will take no action on the administration’s plan to shut down the DACA program. As a result, lower court rulings will stand, ensuring that current DACA recipients will continue to receive protections. The Supreme Court is not expected to rule on the administration’s challenge to the DACA program in 2019.

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Mali Pays the Price of al-Qaeda’s Asymmetrical Threat Posted on October 28, 2010 by McGregor Over half the world’s kidnappings for ransom occur in Latin America, however, among these nations only Mexico and Colombia merit official U.S. travel advisories that mention the danger of kidnapping. Despite this, Mexico and Colombia continue to enjoy thriving tourist industries. Yet the African state of Mali, with only a handful of such kidnappings each year, has been afflicted with similar travel advisories, not only from the United States, but from other Western nations as well that have devastated a nascent tourism industry with enormous potential. The difference? Al-Qaeda. Mali’s Military: Up to the Job? With an economy based on agriculture and gold production, Mali is one of the poorest nations in the world. The development of a tourism industry based on the growing popularity of Saharan tourism (particularly in European markets) promised a new economic sector, a source of foreign currency and a potential solution to the unrest in Mali’s Saharan north, which is largely based on lack of economic opportunity. To the disappointment of Mali’s government, this growing economic sector has come to a halt due to the criminal activities of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), whose Southern Command now focuses on drug trafficking, smuggling and high-profile kidnappings for ransom. The tourism industry of some regions of the north is now operating at only 10-15% of capacity. On October 15, Mali’s Minister of Tourism and Crafts, N’Diaye Ba, complained of what might be termed “the al-Qaeda effect,” or the disproportional damage caused by even the limited presence of Islamist terrorists: While it is undeniable that some events that took place in the Sahel-Saharan strip incite prudence to avoid endangering the lives of visitors, it’s equally evident that a zero risk exists nowhere in the world… The use of the terrorist menace, which gives free publicity to the terrorists, seems like a fearful weapon to compromise all the prospects of development of a place, a region, a country (AFP, October 15). Since al-Qaeda took advantage of Mali’s weak security infrastructure to establish bases in the vast desert wilderness of the country’s north roughly two years ago, Mali has entered a situation in which the presence of the terrorists prevents the economic development that would convince tribal elements in the north (particularly the Arab tribes and to a lesser degree, the Tuareg) from joining or doing business with AQIM units that are rolling in cash as a result of collecting enormous ransoms (estimates vary from 70 to 150 million Euros in total) based on their fearsome reputation. International vs. Regional Solutions Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré says that Mali is both “a hostage and a victim” of AQIM: “These people [i.e. AQIM] are not Malians. They came from the Maghreb with ideas that we do not know. The problem is the lack of regional cooperation. Everyone complains about their neighbor…” (Ennahar [Algiers], October 1). Mali’s government has declared a series of measures designed to deal with the concerns about its security: • A rational occupation of territory by the state administration. • Increased mobility on the part of troops for prevention and intervention. • A social mobilization to reduce the influence of sects and criminal groups (AFP, October 15). The G8’s Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG) held a two day meeting in Bamako in mid-October to discuss the AQIM threat. President Amadou Toumani Touré told the meeting that security alone could not resolve the AQIM issue, saying that development of the Sahel region is necessary to undercut support for militant groups (AFP, October 14). Though the meeting was also attended by representatives of the African Union (AU), the UN, the EU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), its success was hampered by the absence of Algeria, which refused to attend due to the presence of Moroccan representatives (Le Républicain [Bamako], October 14; Ennahar [Algiers], October 13; AFP, October 13). Tensions between the two states remain high due to disagreement over the status of the Western Sahara. Malian Colonel Yamoussa Camara said in the meeting that foreign forces should avoid operations in Mali and limit themselves to providing training and equipment to Mali’s armed forces to prevent the latter from losing popular support (AP, October 13). There were complaints in Mali in September that Mauritanian troops were operating against AQIM in the north of the country while Mali’s own troops were busy with parades celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence (Jeune Afrique, October 9). Colonel Camara’s remarks were echoed a week later by Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mourad Medelci who said foreign military operations in the area are undesirable. According to Medelci, “We are responsible for security, as the Sahel, of all who live in the area where the situation is worrisome… Algeria has never said that countries that are not part of this area were not affected [by terrorist activities]. If these countries can provide assistance, they are welcome but they cannot establish themselves among us to bring the solution” (Ennahar, October 22). Mali’s insistence that regional cooperation is the key to solving the AQIM dilemma must overcome significant distrust between many of the countries of the Sahel/Sahara region. Besides the seemingly intractable diplomatic conflict between Algeria and Morocco, there is also suspicion of the motives and activities of Libya’s Muammar Khadafy. Even inside Mali, there are misgivings regarding the sincerity of Algeria’s counterterrorism efforts; according to numerous reports circulating in Mali, the last words of Colonel Lamana Ould Bou (a senior Malian security officer investigating AQIM activities in northern Mali before being gunned down in his home last June by unknown assailants) were, “The Département du Renseignement et de la Sécurité [DRS] is at the heart of AQIM” (al-Jazeera, August 29; Le Hoggar [Bamako], October 11). The Algerian DRS is widely believed to have infiltrated operatives into the DRS, with some suspicious Sahel observers even claiming AQIM is a false-flag operation run entirely by the Algerian intelligence service. The question of allowing foreign military operations in Mali became more complicated when Mauritanian aircraft in pursuit of suspected al-Qaeda fighters killed two civilians near Timbuktu in September (Reuters, September 20). However, with little ability to control its northern region, Mali seems determined to avoid inflaming AQIM by allowing military forces of France (the former colonial power) to be based there (Le Monde, September 22). Mali does, however, accept military training from French forces and has a number of American Special Forces training teams stationed within Mali (see Terrorism Monitor Briefs, June 4). Nevertheless, based on the inability of Mali’s military to even refuel Mauritanian forces during a September 18 clash with AQIM in northern Mali, Algerian authorities have described Mali’s armed forces as “incompetent” (Jeune Afrique, October 15). The Arlit Hostage Crisis The latest crisis involves the kidnapping of seven Areva and Satom employees from the uranium mine at Arlit in northern Niger on September 15. The operation was carried out by the Tarek Ibn Ziyad katiba (military unit) led by AQIM commander Abd al-Hamid Abu Zaid (a.k.a. Abid Hammadou) (Le Monde, October 11). Five of the hostages are French; the other two are from Togo and Madagascar. Heavy fighting between AQIM forces under Algerian commander Yahya Abu Hamam and Mauritanian forces was reported shortly after the abductions (Ennahar, October 15; Jeune Afrique, October 9). The Arlit Hostages While this latest group of hostages is being held in northern Mali, there are denials from all sides that France ever requested permission to base troops or aircraft involved in the search on Malian territory, though this may be a sop to Bamako’s sensitivity on the issue. The air component of the search is thus based in Niamey in neighboring Niger, while French Special Forces are awaiting deployment in the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou. The Kidal airstrip in northern Mali would be useful in the search, but would have the disadvantage of exposing French forces to direct attacks by AQIM (Jeune Afrique, October 9; Air & Cosmos [Paris], September 29; Le Monde, September 22). Not surprisingly, one of AQIM’s reported demands for the release of the hostages is a commitment from Bamako that further French and Mauritanian military operations will not be allowed on Malian territory (L’Indépendant [Bamako], October 12). When and if the time comes for a military intervention on Malian soil to save the hostages, it is expected that Bamako will look the other way until the operation is completed. Is Regional Security Cooperation a Mirage? As a result of the Tamanrasset meeting, a joint Sahel information center (Centre de Renseignement sur le Sahel – CRS) was established by the intelligence chiefs of Algeria, Niger, Mali and Mauritania in Algiers on October 7 to collect intelligence from the security services of the four nations and make it available to the new joint military operations center in Tamanrasset (L’Expression [Abidjan], October 7). In April, Algeria, Niger, Mali and Mauritania formed the Tamanrasset-based Joint Operational Military Committee, designed to provide a joint response to border security and terrorism issues. Ten days after the Arlit abductions, the committee (composed of the military chiefs of the four nations) met on September 26 to establish a coordinated response against the AQIM threat. The committee is currently headed by Malian Brigadier-General Gabriel Poudiougou, but there is little enthusiasm in Bamako for the new security center in Tamanrasset, which is referred to at the highest levels of the government as “an empty shell” (Jeune Afrique, October 15). The absence of Chad, Libya and Morocco from the new cooperative security infrastructure will certainly hinder efforts to eliminate AQIM from the region. The leaders of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Chad held a consultative meeting on the sidelines of the Arab-African Summit in the Libyan city of Sirté on October 10, though this did not seem to ease the admission of new members into the four-nation Sahel security grouping. Mali’s efforts to broaden the group have been continually vetoed by Algiers. Earlier this month, however, Libya donated two much-needed Italian Marchetti surveillance aircraft to Mali to combat local unrest (AFP, October 4). Despite the insecurity in its own northern region and the fact the Arlit hostages were seized in Niger before being moved to Mali, Niamey has been quick to identify Mali as the source of regional insecurity. According to Amadou Marou, president of Niger’s National Consultative Council (which is managing the country in the aftermath of February’s military coup), “Somalia got away from us and northern Mali is in the process of getting away from us” (AFP, October 15). International crime statistics alone will not solve Mali’s dilemma, nor will claims that it is the object of a “disinformation campaign” (AFP, October 15). So long as AQIM can conduct one kidnapping or hold one hostage on Malian territory each year, it will, in the current perception that there is no kidnapper as deadly as an al-Qaeda kidnapper, prevent the necessary economic development of Mali’s northern region. To enable development, Mali is left in the unenviable situation of having to establish almost complete security in a vast region with precious few security resources or having to turn to foreign military forces to aid in the elimination of al-Qaeda elements – something these same forces have failed to achieve elsewhere. Mali, however, cannot disclaim any responsibility or involvement in the rash of AQIM kidnappings. A sophisticated network of mostly Malian negotiators and mediators has emerged, with these middlemen making enormous profits through receiving a cut of the ransoms. Some mediators are even believed to participate in the kidnappings and then act as negotiators (Info Matin [Bamako], October 14; L’Indicateur du Renouveau [Bamako], October 14; Daily Times [Karachi] October 12). There can be little doubt that, as with the Sahel/Saharan narcotics trade, some of these illicit funds are reaching senior levels of the political and military structure in Bamako. This does not make Mali unique among nations facing similar problems, but the lure of easy money in an impoverished nation represents a threat in itself. One option being considered in the Malian capital to deal with the security threat is rearming and deploying Tuareg fighters (only recently disarmed after rebelling against the central government) to hunt down and eliminate al-Qaeda operatives. At present, Bamako faces a problem that is more criminal in nature than political or religious, but foreign intervention brings the immediate risk of escalation and an uncertain political future in the event of a popular backlash in Mali. Neither prospect promises a new era of stability, so Bamako will likely continue for now in its calls for a regional security cooperation that may be largely illusory due to the mutual suspicions of the Sahel/Sahara nations. This article first appeared in the October 28, 2010 issue of the Jamestown Foundation’s Terrorism Monitor Posted in Mali, Niger, Sahara/Sahel Chadian Insurgency Collapses as Sudan Secures Western Border before Referendum in South The new friendship between Chad and Sudan has led to the complete collapse of the once powerful Chadian armed opposition, which was reliant on Sudanese bases and assistance. The collapse comes as part of a major security restructuring in the Chad-Sudan-Central African Republic region, one that will help enable Khartoum to focus on the South Sudan as the January 2011 South Sudan independence referendum draws near. General Mahamat Nouri With last year’s rapprochement between Khartoum and N’Djamena came new joint border patrols that put an effective end to cross-border operations by Chadian rebel groups. Union des Forces de Résistance (UFR) spokesman Abderahman Koulamallah acknowledged that the movement’s armed presence in Sudan was “a matter of longstanding concern for Sudanese authorities,” adding that UFR forces would leave their bases in Sudan voluntarily “because of the friendly ties that bind us” (Afrol News, October 4). Nevertheless, Khartoum encouraged their departure by expelling their leaders to Doha and restricting access to local markets. In these conditions, Koulamallah announced the willingness of the UFR to hold immediate and unconditional talks with the Déby regime, saying, “It is time that the leaders of the armed opposition and those in government meet as soon as possible. This is a new step since we are calling for a dialogue without condition. We believe that the reconciliation with Sudan was one thing and the reconciliation between Chadians is another. We are awaiting the Chadian government’s response” (Radio France Internationale, October 20). General Mahamat Nouri, leader of the Alliance nationale pour le changement démocratique (ANCD) and the Union des forces pour la démocratie et le développement (UFDD) coalition, opposed the disarmament of his forces, but could do little about it, after being expelled to Doha, other than offer the hope that his fighters would be granted refugee status rather than returned to Chad (L’Observateur [N’Djamena], September 30; PANA Online, September 7). There were fears in the ANCD that President Déby had demanded the extradition of some 30 ANCD leaders, though authorities in N’Djamena later denied this (Radio France Internationale, September 27). Timane Erdimi’s UFR agreed to disarm and return to Chad in mid-October, though some have vowed to establish new bases in the Central African Republic (CAR) (Afrol News, October 11; for Erdimi and the UFR see Militant Leadership Monitor, July 30). There are reports that Chadian rebel Adam Yacoub, a former military commander in the UFR, has crossed into the CAR with fighters under his command (Sudan Tribune, September 27). Many UFR fighters had planned to move to the CAR, but the border was better patrolled than expected and hoped-for assistance from the Sudanese government in making the move failed to materialize (Afrol News, October 4). With their leaders gone, discipline began breaking down in the remaining formations of opposition fighters. Near the North Darfur town of Kutum, Chadian fighters were accused of raping local women, terrorizing farmers, preventing the harvest from being brought in and threatening people with their weapons (Radio Dabanga, October 1). In the Wadi Saleh district of West Darfur, Chadian rebels entered the town of Garsila with the intention of liberating two of their leaders who had been arrested after refusing to order the fighters to disarm (Radio Dabanga, October 21). Many of the rebels have chosen to return to N’Djamena and take advantage of an amnesty being offered by President Idriss Déby. Most UFR fighters assembled in the North Darfur capital of al-Fashir to be returned in five batches with the cooperation of officials from the Chadian government and military (Sudan Tribune, October 12). The UN’s Mission des Nations Unies en République Centrafricaine et au Tchad (MINURCAT), which has provided security along Chad’s borders with Darfur and the CAR since 2007, ended military operations on October 15 in preparation for a full withdrawal by the end of the year at the request of the Chadian government (UN News Service, October 20). As the UN forces prepare to depart, regional solutions to the continued insecurity caused by groups like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) are being developed. A mid-October meeting in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), resulted in a commitment from Uganda, Sudan, the CAR and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to create a joint operations center responsible for enabling the effective exchange of intelligence (Daily Monitor [Kampala], October 19). Sudan is also forming a joint border patrol with the CAR to monitor the movements of Chadian and Sudanese rebels moving to the region. According to Colonel Fatah al-Rahim Abdalla Sulayman, the commander of Sudanese forces operating in the area, a military protocol has already been signed between Bangui and Khartoum with some elements of the new border force already active (SUNA, September 26; Sudan Tribune, September 27). Minni Minawi The establishment of the joint border patrol with Chad gave Khartoum a chance to find a useful role for Minni Minawi’s faction of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), which abandoned the rebellion in Darfur in 2006 to join with the Khartoum government. Since then, Minawi’s group has suffered from extensive desertions as it was put to work fighting former comrades and fellow tribesmen in Darfur. The joint border patrol had a recent success with the liberation of a kidnapped Chinese engineer who had been seized in northern Darfur by Chadian gunmen from Ennedi, close to the Sudan border (AFP, September 17; Radio France Internationale, September 15). With the resolution of Chad’s long-standing dispute with Sudan and the dispersal of the armed opposition, President Déby has been displaying a newfound confidence that extends to risking the departure of French military forces in N’Djamena (Opération Epervier) by demanding rent for facilities used by the French. The French forces (which include three Mirage 2000 warplanes) have ensured the survival of the Déby government by providing intelligence and logistical support in the regime’s struggle with rebel forces. French military medical teams also provide free surgical and dental operations to Chadian citizens, but the entire force has the option of moving to Gabon if Déby’s demands prove excessive (Jeune Afrique, September 3). Legislative elections are scheduled to be held in Chad on February 5, 2011 with a presidential poll set to begin on April 3. This article first appeared in the October 28, 2010 issue of the Jamestown Foundation’s Terrorism Monitor. Posted in Chad, Sudan Philippines Adopts More Mobile Sea-Based Strategy against Abu Sayyaf The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are restructuring their campaign against Abu Sayyaf Islamist militants in Western Mindanao by adopting the fleet marine concept as a replacement for the Sulu Archipelago-based Joint Task Force Comet (Sun Star Network, September 15). The make-up of the Philippine Republic presents a special challenge to internal security forces, as it is composed of 7,000 islands and islets spanning 60,000 square miles of sea. The commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), Lieutenant General Benjamin Muhammad Dolorfino, described the fleet marine concept as an opportunity to use the sea as a maneuvering space rather than an obstacle. The transfer of assault operations to amphibious units will help level the intelligence-gathering battle, which the AFP has been losing to the militants’ intelligence network. According to Dolorfino, “We are so easy to detect with our ground operations. The whole island instantly knows [we are coming] just by the sound of a six-by-six truck revving up” (Sun Star Network, September 15). Landings from the sea will help restore the element of surprise to AFP operations. The seas and waterways of the southwestern Philippines were once plagued with Muslim pirates – now these are part of the operational zone of Abu Sayyaf, a notorious composite Islamist terrorist group/criminal gang with deep roots in Western Mindanao, specifically the Zamboanga Peninsula and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago (most notably the island province of Basilan). Abu Sayyaf is light on ideology but capable of striking with brutal effectiveness and a callous disregard for civilian lives, as seen in the February 2004 bombing of Superferry 14 in Manila harbor, killing 116 people. Though Abu Sayyaf has been pressured by U.S.-supported Filipino troops for several years, they still have the ability to lash back, as was seen in a September 16 ambush in which militants under the command of Nur Hassan Jamiri and Long Malat Sulayman killed three soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion. Later in the day, however, a government mortar team zeroed in on the militants, killing two, including Commander Sulayman (Manila Times, September 17; Philippine Star, September 18). Police and Air Force intelligence agents have also recently captured long-wanted militants Bidung Ismael (a.k.a. Ben Ismael) and Jul Ahmad Ahaadi (a.k.a. Jul Puti) (Philippine News Agency, October 15; Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 8). Three days earlier, the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations killed Sulu provincial leader Gafur Jumdail (a.k.a. Doc Abu) and two associates (Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 5). Abu Sayyaf Militants October witnessed a pair of important training exercises conducted in the Philippines with U.S. military forces – the joint naval Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT – which included the first participation of U.S. and Philippine riverine forces) and PHIBLEX 11 (amPHIbious Landing EXercises), which rehearsed amphibious assaults (SunStar Network, October 13; Philippine Star, October 13; Manila Bulletin, October 10). Created in 1950 for use against communist guerrillas, the 9,500 man Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has already been active alongside the Philippines Army and police units in fighting against Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the southern province of Basilan, though they have been operating largely as infantry units (Manila Bulletin, March 21; ABS-CBN [Manila], December 19, 2008). The Marines are organized into three active-service brigades, a fourth reserve brigade, and a support and services brigade. According to Rear Admiral Ernesto Marayag, current Marine amphibious assault operations are executed by small units carrying out “surgical strikes.” Marayag stated, “This is not the same as in the Saving Private Ryan film. We put in one or two teams or one company during the right time, under cover of darkness, because surprise is vital in any special operations” (ABS-CBN [Manila], December 19, 2008). Marine commander Brigadier Rustico Guerrero announced that 60 dogs of the military K-9 unit will also be deployed in hunting down ASG members (Pilipino Star Ngayon, September 8). However, amphibious operations will be hampered by the absence of the surveillance and attack capabilities offered by helicopters – the Navy’s last helicopter crashed off Zamboanga nearly two months ago and the bidding for two new helicopters has been suspended due to suspected collusion between suppliers and defense officials (Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 5; Manila Standard, October 5). The Philippine Navy (Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas), to which the Marines belong, is in desperate need of modernization. Its 31 Second World War-era ships are generally conceded to be incapable of patrolling and securing the Philippines’ territorial waters (Manila Bulletin, July 27). Posted in Abu Sayyaf, Philippines Renegade Opposition Leader Predicts Oil War in Sudan In a recent interview with a pan-Arab daily, a leading Sudanese politician claimed a vote for secession by the oil-rich South Sudan in the upcoming January referendum will not be accepted by the Khartoum government, leading to a third round in the North-South civil war that has already killed over two million Sudanese since 1955 (Asharq al-Awsat, October 8). Ali Mahmoud Hassanein (Sudan Tribune) Ali Mahmoud Hassanein, Deputy Chairman of al-Hizb al-Ittihadi al-Dimuqrati (Democratic Unionist Party – DUP), now lives in self-imposed exile in London, where he is organizing a broad coalition “whose primary objective is to topple the government of Omar al-Bashir.” Hassanein was recently in the United States, where he was seeking support for his new front. He rejects suggestions that he is participating in “hotel activism,” noting he had little choice but to flee Sudan after security officials warned him that he would be killed if he continued his political activities after being released from prison last year. In 2008 Hassanein was imprisoned on charges of attempting to overthrow the government after advocating al-Bashir’s trial by the ICC (Sudan Tribune, August 30). Prior to that, Hassanein was arrested along with 30 other opposition figures in July 2007 on similar charges (Reuters, December 29, 2008). Hassanein is convinced that a vote for independence in South Sudan will soon be followed by al-Bashir’s military crossing into the South to occupy the oil fields: There are two possibilities: either the Southerners will choose secession, or, if the referendum is cancelled or if its results are questioned, they will declare unilateral independence. In both cases, al-Bashir will declare, on TV in a national address to the nation, that the oil fields are in danger and that Sudan’s national security is at stake. He will then declare that he has ordered the armed forces to take control of the oil fields. The veteran 76-year-old politician is a notable opponent of the Sudanese president, whom he describes as “a dictator and a criminal.” Hassanein’s hard-line approach to the Sudanese president and his insistence that the president be tried by the International Criminal Court (which indicted al-Bashir in July 2008) has put him at odds with the DUP leader, Sayed Mohammad Osman al-Mirghani, who is also the leader of Sudan’s Khatmiyya Sufi Order. Sayed al-Mirghani has favored cooperation with al-Bashir since 2005 after having led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), an umbrella group of armed opposition wings. This political reversal has led the DUP’s deputy leader to criticize the role of Sudan’s traditional political parties in supporting the military/Islamist regime in Khartoum: One of the reasons for establishing our movement was our belief that the traditional Sudanese political parties have failed to reflect the aspirations of the Sudanese people. They have been afflicted by inept leadership and have been dominated by certain families. This doesn’t just apply to the DUP, but all other traditional political parties as well. Here Hassanein was certainly criticizing the DUP’s traditional rival, Sudan’s Umma Party, which is dominated by the descendants of the 19th century Mahdi. The DUP has always been the private preserve of the Mirghani family, leading to calls for Hassanein’s resignation from the party over his opposition to Sayed al-Mirghani. Hassanein, however, rejects such calls, saying, “I am a Unionist, I always have been, and I will die a Unionist.” Hassanein believes Washington’s apparent improvement of relations with Khartoum is a temporary measure: After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which was sponsored by the U.S., it became clear that the U.S. wanted Southern Sudan to secede. So, now as the referendum in the South is getting closer and closer, the U.S., as expected, is appeasing al-Bashir so that he will not endanger the new state in the South. The DUP deputy also pointed out that the Southern administration will not relinquish the Southern oil fields without defending them and has been purchasing tanks, planes and weapons with the knowledge that al-Bashir will never let them go. He claimed, “Not only will there be renewed war in the South, but also in Darfur, the east and other parts of Sudan.” President al-Bashir told Sudan’s parliament last week that he would “not accept” any alternative to Sudanese unity, though his remarks were later downplayed by the Foreign Minister (AFP, October 15). According to Hassanein, with 90% of Sudan’s export revenues coming from oil, al-Bashir and his followers have changed their priorities “from ideology to business and from Shari’a to oil. They have become largely preoccupied with oil companies, pipelines, refineries, explorations, exports and revenues.” Hassanein suggests that without oil revenues the government will go bankrupt, with an economic collapse leading to the political collapse of the regime. Posted in Oil Industry, South Sudan, Sudan Schism in al-Shabaab Leadership in Somalia Follows Failed Ramadan Offensive Though denials have been issued, the failure of al-Shabaab’s Ramadan offensive, intended to rout Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) from Mogadishu, appears to have led to a major rift between the group’s Amir, Shaykh Abdi Godane “Abu Zubayr”, and his deputy, Shaykh Mukhtar Robow “Abu Mansur.” Mukhtar Robow “Abu Mansur” Though the rivalry between Abu Mansur and Godane goes back some time, it only burst into the open after Abu Mansur’s 1,200 to 2,000 fighters from the southern Bay and Bakool regions began to take heavy losses in the Ramadan offensive. Nearly all of Abu Mansur’s fighters are members of the Digil and Mirifle, known jointly as the Rahanweyn. There are reports of hundreds of deaths and desertions in the Bay-Bakool force, which was apparently pushed into the frontlines of the fighting by northern commanders. Abu Mansur downplayed complaints from his men that they were treated badly by other Shabaab commanders and failed to receive medical treatment when wounded until one of his commanders, Shaykh Ayub, went missing. Eventually Abu Mansur learned from Godane that the Shaykh had been badly wounded and was killed by members of al-Shabaab’s Amniyaat special forces unit (loyal to Godane) to ensure he would die a martyr. This proved the last straw for Abu Mansur, who ordered the withdrawal of his men from the battlefield in Mogadishu (Jowhar, October 8; Wadanka.com, September 28; Suna Times, October 9). There are questions within al-Shabaab regarding financial improprieties and the appointment of members of Godane’s northern Isaaq clan to vital positions within the movement. A three-day mediation between the two leaders in a hotel in the southern Somali town of Marka failed completely, leading to Abu Mansur’s withdrawal of fighters under his command from Mogadishu (Waagacusub.com, October 1). Godane was supported in the dispute by Shaykh Ibrahim Haji Jama “al-Afghani”, another Shabaab commander from the Isaaq clan, who was quoted as saying, “Mukhtar Robow is a transgressor. He is a tribalist. He is nothing. Let him leave” (Jowhar.com, October 8; Wadanka.com, September 28). According to one report, Abu Mansur made five demands of the Shabaab leadership: • The resignation of Abdi Godane as the movement’s leader. • An agreement to allow aid agencies to operate freely in Somalia. • The disbanding of the Amniyaat Special Forces. • The launch of an investigation into the death of senior al-Shabaab commanders in the frontlines. • The dismissal of any al-Shabaab commanders found to be responsible for these deaths (Jowhar.com, October 8). After TFG and AMISOM forces began making gains in the fighting, Abu Mansur’s forces returned to Mogadishu from the towns of Baidoa and Hudur in the Bay and Bakool regions (New Vision [Kampala], October 5; Dhacdo.com, October 12). Apparently having made his point that the fighters from these regions were essential to al-Shabaab’s military success, Abu Mansur’s troops were able to help stabilize the frontlines in Mogadishu. Abu Mansur is reported to have met in Mogadishu with Shaykh Hassan Dahir Aweys, leader of rival Islamist militia Hizb al-Islam, with the two discussing closer ties and a possible alliance against Godane (Markacadey.net, October 10). Abu Mansur was al-Shabaab’s chief negotiator in unification talks with Hizb al-Islam earlier this year that collapsed at the last moment when Godane insisted that Shaykh Aweys’ movement be absorbed into al-Shabaab and operate under that name only. There is speculation that Abu Mansur’s negotiations with Hizb al-Islam were designed to bring the Hawiye clan (which dominates Hizb al-Islam) into his camp, thus creating a powerful coalition against the outsider Abdi Godane, whose Isaaq clan is largely based in breakaway Somaliland and plays a small part in the fighting in south Somalia. Abu Mansur took to the minbar (pulpit) of a mosque in Mogadishu’s Bakara market on October 8 to deny the reports of the rift (Garowe Online, October 9; Shabelle Media Network, October 9). As if to refute the view of some observers that Abu Mansur is nothing more than a “nationalist in Islamist garb,” the Shabaab deputy leader used the presence of the media to send his greetings to Osama bin Laden, assuring him that al-Shabaab were the students of al-Qaeda. “We are sending a message to our group leader – al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden – that we are still continuing fighting until we join our fellow brothers who were killed by American troops in other countries,” said Abu Mansur (IRIN, October 14; Shabelle Media Network, October 8; Garowe Online, October 9). He then followed his Mogadishu statement with another denial at the Dabaqeynka mosque in Baidoa, where he urged residents of the Bay and Bakool regions to join in the fighting. He described reports of the rift as a fabrication designed to sow suspicion in the ranks of the mujahideen (Somaaljecel.com, October 13). Abu Mansur’s very public style is at odds with Abdi Godane’s furtiveness. The latter rarely makes public appearances or statements and was widely ridiculed in Somalia after photos appeared on the internet of the Shabaab leader donning women’s clothing as a disguise. One of the major issues between the two men has been Godane’s insistence on banning humanitarian aid agencies from working in Somalia, a ban actively opposed by Abu Mansur and the main reason the latter was relieved of his position as al-Shabaab spokesman last year. Lately the al-Shabaab leadership has even warned Somalis against accepting medical help or pharmaceutical drugs from AMISOM forces, virtually the only source of medical aid for many Somalis caught in war-torn Mogadishu. It appears the military stalemates in Mogadishu and in Central Somalia against the Sufi Ahlu Sunna wa’l-Jama’a militia have begun to take their toll on the Shabaab leadership, allowing clan rivalries to emerge that were successfully submerged in the movement so long as it continued to gain ground. Godane’s secretive style of leadership and absence from the frontlines does not play well with the Somali fighters under his command, which may leave him perilously short of armed support should Abu Mansur make a play for the leadership. Posted in Somalia Tribal Dispute Makes Oil-Rich Abyei Region Potential Flashpoint for Renewed Sudanese Conflict Posted on October 4, 2010 by McGregor The future of the Sudan may lay in Abyei, a relatively small district on the border between Sudan’s North and South. Its status as part of either North or South Sudan will be determined in a plebiscite on January 9, held simultaneously with a referendum in the South that is expected to lead to the secession of the Southern provinces. Though the Abyei region is rich in high-quality crude oil, a conflict with the potential to ignite a new round of civil war may actually be fought over grazing rights. Ngok Dinka Leaders Sitting atop the Muglad Basin, Abyei is one of Sudan’s most productive regions for high-quality oil production. It is also home to the agricultural Ngok Dinka tribe, closely related to other Dinka clans in the South Sudan. However, for up to eight months a year it is also home to the nomadic Missiriya Arabs, part of the Baqqara (cattle-herding) Arab group that dwells in southern Darfur and southern Kordofan and takes its herds south for precious water and grazing during Sudan’s dry season (Asharq al-Awsat, August 6, 2009). Abyei’s troubled status began in 1905 when the Anglo-Egyptian administration of Sudan transferred the “area of the nine Ngok Dinka chieftains” from the southern Bahr al-Ghazal province to the northern province of Kordofan. Relations between the Ngok Dinka and the Missiriya were amicable until the outbreak of the 1956-1972 North-South civil war, when the Ngok Dinka sided largely with the southern Anyanya separatist movement. When the war resumed in 1983, the Ngok Dinka again sided with the Southern opposition, this time in the form of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M). Beginning in 1965, the Missiriya and other Baqqara Arabs were armed by Khartoum, forming mounted units known as the Murahileen. These militias raided the southern civilian population in SPLA-controlled territory, carrying out atrocities and kidnappings with a free hand. Though relations between the southern agriculturalists and the nomadic Arabs had always been uneasy, this strategy opened an irrevocable gulf between the two communities in the Abyei region. Clashes occurred in the region in 2007 and 2008, when the town of Abyei was effectively razed to the ground by government-allied forces. The borders of Abyei were redrawn by an international arbitration tribunal in 2009 to neither side’s satisfaction, though the most productive oil fields were separated from a diminished Abyei and attached to the northern Kordofan province (RFI, July 22, 2009). The final status of the region is to be determined in a January 2011 referendum to be held simultaneously with the referendum on Southern independence, but a referendum commission has yet to be organized and there are still disputes regarding who is eligible to vote (Sudan Tribune, September 30; PANA Online [Dakar], September 24). With a vote for southern separation looking like a near certainty, the Missiriya fear that they will lose access to their traditional grazing lands. In this sense they are at odds with the National Congress Party of President Omar al-Bashir, which is willing to lose tribal grazing lands in favor of retaining oil fields. As the plebiscite approaches and the question of whether the Missiriya will be allowed to vote on Abyei’s future remains unresolved, the rhetoric of Missiriya leaders has grown more incendiary. According to Missiriya chief Mukhtar Babo Nimr, “We will use force to achieve our rights and we will use weapons against anyone who tries to stop us from voting in the referendum… If they don’t meet our demands then we will set everything alight. If that leads to war then so be it” (Reuters, September 29). The Missiriya have prevented the demarcation of the new tribunal-ordered borders and the summer was marked by demonstrations organized by both the Njok Dinka and the Missiriya, as well as a number of attacks on villages by gunmen. Arop Madut Arop, a parliamentarian from Abyei, noted the southern peoples of Abyei “may take up arms. Their people in the SPLA/M may defect and go and join them and suddenly the northern army will also come in [and] within a few days, Sudan is back to war” (IRIN, July 8). This article first appeared in the October 4, 2010 issue of the Jamestown Foundation’s Terrorism Monitor Posted in South Sudan, Sudan Jihad in the Rasht Valley: Tajikistan’s Security Dilemma Efforts by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon to solve his problem with Islamist militants through lengthy sentences for detained opposition members encountered a serious reversal on August 22 when 25 militants made a dramatic escape from a State National Security Committee (SNSC) remand center Tajikistan’s capital city of Dushanbe, killing four guards in the process. Tajikistan has experienced little internal success since obtaining its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union in 1991. A devastating civil war followed from 1992 to 1997, which provoked the loss of most of Tajikistan’s ethnic Russian and European population, which formed much of the country’s professional and administrative classes. A peace and reconciliation agreement in 1997 promised a new era, but in recent years the regime has expelled most of the former armed Islamist opposition from their posts in the reconciliation government, adding to a wave of unrest fueled by corruption, economic failure and the revival of Islam after decades of Soviet repression. The Jailbreak The SNSC remand center in Dushanbe has its own security staff and is located inside a larger remand center operated by the Ministry of Justice. Though the escapees appear to have been in control of the SNSC facility for four hours, they nevertheless took Justice Ministry guards by surprise as they burst out of the SNSC building dressed in regulation camouflage uniforms. One car was commandeered by the fugitives, but it is unclear how the rest escaped through the city without hindrance (Avesta [Dushanbe], August 25). Escape Planner Ibrohim Nasriddinov According to one report, the escapees were able to arm themselves with 20 pistols, seven AK-47 assault rifles, one machine-gun and four grenades (Nigoh [Dushanbe], September 1). Most of the fugitives had been charged with plotting a coup against the state and had been handed stiff sentences of 15 to 30 years imprisonment by Tajikistan’s Supreme Court on August 20. Unidentified gunmen who were believed to be part of the group of escaped prisoners fought a four-hour gun-battle with Defense Ministry outposts in the Romit Canyon (about 45 km from Dushanbe) on September 3 (Asia-Plus Online [Dushanbe], September 3; Itar-Tass, September 3). Authorities believe the escape was organized by Ibrohim Nasriddinov, who was serving 23 years for murder and the planning of a terrorist act. Nasriddinov was caught on September 7 (Interfax, September 7). He is frequently identified as a former inmate of Guantanamo Bay although his name does not appear on the official list of prisoners (RFE/RL, August 7, 2007; Itar-Tass, September 7). There were reports that Nasriddinov was treated as a “privileged” prisoner, being allowed to move around the facility freely at night (Asia-Plus Online, September 2). Close relations between prisoners and guards coupled with understaffing (three guards for 90 prisoners) were cited as reasons for the success of the escape (Imruznews [Dushanbe], September 1). The fugitives included 15 citizens of Tajikistan, five citizens of Russia, four citizens of Afghanistan and two citizens of Uzbekistan (Interfax, September 7; Khovar [Dushanbe], September 24). The two Uzbeks, Furkat Khalmetov and Khamidullo Yuldashov, were convicted of illegal border crossing and participating in an attempt to overthrow the government of Tajikistan, respectively (Itar-Tass, September 24). A Dagestani escapee, Gusein Sulaymanov, was killed after wounding three policemen in a September 8 raid on a house used by militants (Interfax, September 29). Another escapee, Rahmiddin Azizov, a former Rasht Valley security officer, was killed in an operation in the Fayzobod district (Asia Plus Online, September 27; Interfax, September 29). Rahmiddin was serving a life sentence and was charged with belonging to a militant group led by his brother, Negmat (RIA Novosti, September 26). Most of the fugitives were seized in last year’s Operation Kuknor (“Poppy”) and are alleged to have been former loyalists of Lieutenant General Mirzo Ziyoev, the military commander of the Tajik Islamists in the civil war who was given a high military rank and his own paramilitary in the reconciliation that followed the war (Itar-Tass, September 2). He was dismissed in 2006 and accused of having joined the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), an assertion that was quickly denied by late IMU leader Tahir Yuldash (RFE/RL Uzbek Service, July 16, 2009; Ferghana.ru, July 16, 2009). Ziyoev was captured by security forces on July 11, 2009 and died later that day in crossfire between security forces and a group of militants (Millat [Dushanbe], July 23; al-Jazeera, July 16, 2009; IWPR, July 23, 2009). Though some escapees were thought to be headed to the Afghanistan border, most were believed to be on their way to the eastern Tavildara district, where they were apprehended in a military sweep last year. The Dagestan Connection One of four Dagestanis involved in the escape, Magomet Ahkmadov was named as one of the three men who led the breakout by killing four guards and wounding two others (Interfax, August 24). The other leaders included Mirzomen Abiyev, Kazbek Dzhabailov, and Gusein Sulaymonov, who was later killed in a gunfight with police (Interfax, September 29). Another Dagestani, Ahmad Sultanov, was sentenced to nine years in prison only days after the prison break for “circulating extremist ideas” and making calls for jihad. Sultanov is an alleged member of Dagestan’s Shari’a Jamaat, one of the most active armed Islamist groups in the North Caucasus (Itar-Tass, August 27). The Ambush in the Kamarob Gorge Using grenades and automatic weapons, an unidentified militant group ambushed a military convoy in the Kamarob gorge of eastern Tajikistan, about 260 km from Dushanbe, on September 19. The attack killed at least 28 soldiers and left many more wounded, leaving the government to suspect experienced guerrilla leaders like Mirzokhuja Ahmadov (a.k.a. “Belgi”), Abdullo Rakhimov and Alovudin Davlatov (a.k.a. Ali Bedak) of responsibility for the assault. Later reports put the death toll at 40 of the total 75 man detachment (RIA Novosti, September 20). The Tajik Defense Ministry insisted fighters from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Chechnya were part of the ambush force (Itar-Tass, September 26). Tajik security officials identified Abdullo Rakhimov (better known as “Mullo Abdullo”) as the main suspect, and a later video message from an IMU spokesman claimed responsibility on behalf of the movement, which has had little presence outside the northwest frontier region of Pakistan since 2001. Issued by Abdufattokh Ahmadi, the message said the attack was a response to several issues, including the closure of “thousands” of mosques, unreasonable detention of Muslims, a prohibition on headscarves, and government cooperation with the United States and NATO against Afghanistan’s Muslims (Radio Liberty Tajik Service, September 23; Ferghana.ru, September, 24). Calls for the resignation of the Tajik defense minister followed criticism that the army consisted of poorly-trained and poorly-supplied workers and farmers, many of whom are young and without military experience (Farazh [Dushanbe], September 22; Chark-i Gardun [Dushanbe], September 22). Last June the United States announced it would build a $10 million Counterterrorism Training Center at Qarotogh in Tajikistan’s Shahrinav District, pending an agreement with the Tajikistan government. Both Washington and Dushanbe have made it clear that the center will train only Tajik soldiers and will not house American military personnel. U.S. assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, Robert Blake, told reporters on September 1 that the United States had no intention of establishing a military presence in Tajikistan (Interfax, September 7). Tajik Military Operations Following the Kamorab Gorge Ambush Two days after the ambush in the Kamorab Gorge, government troops began searching houses in the Rasht Valley belonging to former members of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO), the leading opposition front in the civil war. Security forces encountered resistance at the home of Mirzokhuja Ahmadov, where five of Ahmadov’s followers were killed in a gunfight. Security forces reported seizing assault rifles, grenade launchers, mines and three completed bombs containing nearly 20 kg of explosives (RIA Novosti, September 23). Ahmadov himself was not found at the scene and his whereabouts remain unknown. The former Islamist warlord was formerly head of the government’s organized crime unit in the Rasht Valley following post-civil war reintegration efforts. An attempt to arrest him in 1998 resulted in the shooting death of Oleg Zakharchenko, chief of Tajikistan’s OMON police unit, by one of Ahmadov’s men. Government officials have accused Ahmadov of sheltering Mullo Abdullo in his home since the latter’s return from Afghanistan (RFE/RL, September 28). The government attack reportedly prompted another former opposition commander, Shoh Iskandarov, to join the militants in the mountains (RFE/RL, September 22). Rasht Valley The raid on Ahmadov’s residence came only a week after Defense Minister Sherali Khayrulloev, Interior Minister Abdurahim Qahhorov and SCNS Deputy Leader Mansurjon Umarov met with Ahmadov and Iskandarov to assure them military operations in the Rasht Valley were intended only to apprehend Mullo Abdullo (RFE/RL, September 15). There were also rumors that the ministers had asked for the ex-warlords’ cooperation in hunting down Mullo Abdullo. The ambush in the Kamarob Gorge appears to have led to a turnabout in government policy. According to an Interior Ministry spokesman, two more members of Ahmadov’s group were detained without resistance on September 29, but many other suspected members of Ahmadov’s group might be released due to lack of evidence (RFE/RL, September 29). The pursuit of the spectral Mullo Abdullo, who largely disappeared from view after reports he was captured by government forces in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in 2002, and who may or may not have returned to the Rasht Valley last year, consumes much of the efforts of Tajikistan’s security forces and provides a convenient bogeyman for government use. Mullo Abdullo has not been seen in Tajikistan since September 2000, when a government offensive destroyed most of his group. Mullo Abdullo’s wife claims she does not know the whereabouts of her husband and does not believe he was responsible for the ambushed convoy (Asia-Plus Online, September 27). Continuing military operations are being led by the chief of the Tajik General Staff, Ramil Nadyrov, and are reported to involve Tajik Special Forces and helicopter gunships (Itar-Tass, September 30; AFP, September 20). Rumors of Russian intervention in the form of troops or helicopters from the Russian 201st Motor Rifle Division base in Tajikistan began circulating after several alleged sightings in early September, but both Tajik and Russian sources denied the involvement of Russian personnel in the counterterrorist operations (Avesta, September 8; Itar-Tass, September 30). The 201st Division is permanently based in Tajikistan where it has been responsible for guarding the border with Afghanistan against militant incursions since 2001. While some Tajiks suspected Russian involvement in the hunt for the fugitives, others accused Russian or other “foreign forces” of engineering the escape (Farazh [Dushanbe], September 1; Millat [Dushanbe], September 1). The mass escape, both alarming and humiliating, resulted in quick changes to the nation’s security leadership. Colonel-General Khairidin Abdurakhimov was relieved of his duties as head of the State National Security Committee (SNSC) “at his own request” and was replaced by Saimumin Yatimov, a former diplomat who became involved in state security matters in 2000 (Asia Plus Online, September 2; Interfax, September 7). All other top officials of the SNSC were dismissed, as well (Itar-Tass, September 2). The Khudzhand Suicide Bombing A rare Tajik suicide car-bombing on September 3 targeted a regional police unit in the northern town of Khudzhand (350 km north of Dushanbe), killing at least two policemen and injuring nearly two dozen others (Interfax, September 3; September 7; Asia-Plus Online, September 3; Avesta, September 3; Daydzhest Press [Dushanbe], September 9). Authorities blamed the IMU, but responsibility for the attack was later claimed by a previously unknown group calling itself Jamaat Ansarullah. The claim suggested the assailants were local in origin; “The operation was carried out in response to the killing and humiliation of our brothers and ordinary Muslims behind the walls of that God-damned place” (Kavkaz-Tsentr, September 8). A representative of Tajikistan’s Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP) was hesitant in accepting the claim, saying “enemies of Islam” invent organizations with Arab names to tie Muslims to acts of violence. “As far as we know, there is no such organization even among banned religious organizations in our country. I even doubt that it exists in the world,” stated the IRP representative (Asia-Plus Online, September 11). A September 5 explosion at a Dushanbe disco that wounded seven people was at first believed to be an attack by radical Islamists, but investigations revealed the blast was the result of “gross misconduct by visitors using pyrotechnics” (Interfax, September 7). Taliban on the Border On September 10, a Tajik border patrol encountered what they described as a large group of Islamist fighters, including Afghan Taliban, trying to cross the border from Afghanistan. A firefight lasting nearly 24 hours ensued, with the border police eventually driving off the Taliban incursion. Authorities claimed one officer and 20 Taliban were killed. Though only seven Taliban bodies were recovered, officials said the rest were observed being put into the river by their former comrades to be carried away. The battle took place roughly 210 km south of Dushanbe on the banks of the River Pyandzh and on a number of islands in the river occupied by Taliban fighters (Reuters, September 11; AFP, September 13). Response from the Legal Islamist Opposition In an effort to curb extremism, President Emomali Rahmon has asked parents to arrange for the return of their children studying at Islamic institutions abroad, claiming they were being trained as “extremists and terrorists” (Asia-Plus Online, August 30). The request proved highly controversial and brought pointed criticism from the opposition Islamic Renaissance Party (the only legal Islamic party in Tajikistan) (Asia-Plus Online, August 26). The IRP responded to the new violence by issuing a call for national unity and a halt in the process of destabilization (Ozodagon [Dushanbe], September 22). Party leader Muhiddin Kabiri said his appeals to the government to open discussions with the militant opposition had fallen on deaf ears and led to the current violence (Najot [Dushanbe], September 23). Kabiri maintains that moderates form the majority in Tajikistan, but both the secular government and the armed Islamist opposition are now dominated by extremists. The government has jailed more than 100 members of banned Islamic groups in the last year alone. Kabiri’s views on the violence were sought by assistant to the U.S. secretary of state on South and Central Asia Robert Blake during a recent two-day visit to Dushanbe (Vecherniy Dushanbe, September 7). It is difficult to get a clear picture of the security picture in Tajikistan. Foreign press reports are quick to work al-Qaeda into their headlines, with reports suggesting all of Tajikistan’s militants are somehow operatives of that organization. Tajik authorities prefer to blame their troubles on a revival of the IMU in Tajikistan or alternatively to blame Islamist opponents of the government who have already been subject to a campaign of marginalization for some years. The possible emergence of new groups such as the Jamaat Ansarullah and the pursuit of shadowy figures such as Mullo Abdullo tend to confuse the picture even more. Along the frontier with Afghanistan there is the risk of fugitive militants escaping across the border to join the Taliban while other groups of Taliban are apparently trying to make their way into Tajikistan. Presenting its troubles in the framework of the “war on terrorism” allows the Dushanbe government to avoid discussions of official nepotism, corruption and inefficiency as factors causing unrest in the country. The small number of militants active in Tajikistan does not pose an existential threat to the nation, as some have suggested. They have little influence outside the Rasht Valley and do not enjoy the levels of popular support the armed opposition had in the 1990s. However, economic stagnation and the continuing marginalization of all types of political opposition threaten to create the conditions in which militant groups could flourish, especially those offering an Islamic solution to Tajikistan’s problems in harmony with the nation’s ongoing grass-roots Islamic revival. Posted in Daghestan, Tajikistan PKK Commander Suggests Kurdish Alignment with Israel against Turkey Murat Karayilan PKK Commander Murat Karayilan compared the situation of Turkey’s Kurds to the Jewish Holocaust in a public appeal to Israel to ally itself with the radical Kurdish nationalist movement against the Turkish state. The appeal was made in a recent interview with an Israeli journalist that was later broadcast on Israel’s Channel 2 Television (Haaretz, September 22): More than any other people in the world, I would have expected Israel to understand and identify with us. After all, you, who have experienced the Holocaust, massacres, expulsions and persecution, now see our people, the Kurdish people, experiencing that same fate. Everyone in this area – Syrians, Turks and Iranians – wants and is trying to destroy us, and you, of all people, are the ones providing them with the weapons to destroy us. Karayilan was interviewed at a secret hideout in the Qandil Mountains of northern Iraq, close to the border with Iran. With PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan confined to a Turkish prison, Karayilan has emerged as the effective leader of the Kurdish cross-border insurgency. Ocalan was seized in Nairobi in 1999, allegedly by a team of Israeli Mossad agents who turned the PKK leader over to Turkish security services (Daily Nation [Nairobi], February 27). Since then, however, there has been a general belief in Turkey that Israel has provided arms and training to PKK and Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq. An Israeli commando team involved in training Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq was forced to withdraw in 2005 after their presence was made public, but recent reports indicate Israeli military trainers have returned to the region (Yedioth Ahronoth, December 1, 2005; Ynet, December 1, 2005; Arutz Sheva, February 5; Today’s Zaman, June 9). Despite this belief, one of the PKK commander’s main concerns was the supply of Israeli-made Heron class unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Turkish military. The UAVs have been highly effective in locating PKK positions in difficult terrain for targeting by Turkish forces (see Terrorism Focus Briefs, April 1, 2008). Karayilan remarked of the change in relations: Once we were friends. In the 1960s and 1970s, Israel went out of its way to assist the Kurds. We admired you. But since the 1980s, from the moment you tightened your relationship, and your military cooperation, with Turkey, you have been considered here to be among those who systematically assist in our oppression and eradication… It is clear and natural to us that there should be relations between Israel and Turkey. Why not? But why should these relations come at our expense, at the expense of our lives? I wonder if Israelis are at all aware of the use that is made of the weapons and training they provide to Turkey. Israel has not made an official statement on Karayilan’s interview, but an Israeli diplomat requesting anonymity told a Turkish daily, “The Israeli position is known and clear. We see the PKK as a terrorist organization and we support the Turkish fight against terror” (Today’s Zaman, September 22). Despite what seemed to be a vicious public disagreement between Israel and Turkey following the May 31 Israeli commando raid on a Turkish ship carrying aid to Gaza, diplomatic and military officials worked behind the scenes to ensure economic and military ties remained relatively undamaged by the feud (Hurriyet, September 22; see Terrorism Monitor Briefs, June 12). Karayilan, however, attempted to exploit the rift: More than any other Turkish head of state, this prime minister, [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, openly shows how he is tightening relations with Hezbollah and Syria. He hugs [Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad and praises Hamas. Are you sure this is your friend? An important ministerial summit between Turkey and Syria is scheduled for October 2-3, with terrorism expected to be one of the principal topics of discussion. Turkey is intent on improving economic relations with Syria and has already received Syrian support on the PKK issue (Hurriyet, September 28). However, the May 31 incident brought an abrupt end to Turkish efforts to mediate between Syria and Israel. Turkish interior minister Besir Atalay is also expected to meet soon with his counterparts in Syria and Iran to discuss the PKK threat. Only a few days before Karayilan’s interview was broadcast, three PKK members were reported arrested in the port city of Jounieh by Lebanon’s Military Intelligence on charges of spying for Israel (Journal of the Turkish Weekly, September 23). Lebanon has arrested over 70 people on suspicion of spying for Israel since April 2009 (AFP, September 24). Posted in Israel, Kurds, Turkey

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Dasavidha raga navati kusuma manjari is a musical work in which Pandit Adibhatla Narayana Das exhibited his monumental skill in literary craftsmanship and musical composition. It is a raga malika comprising ninety ragas in ten categories and nine ragas in each category. The ten categories are: (1) Sarva-sampurna ragas (2) Shadava-oudava ragas (3) Oudava-shadava ragas (4) Sampurna-oudava ragas (5) Oudava-sampurna ragas (6) Suddha-shadava ragas (7) Sampurna-shadava ragas (8) Shadava-sampurna ragas (9) Suddha-oudava ragas & (10) Vakra ragas. As the ninety ragas are woven as flowers in a garland, it is named dasavidha raga navati kusuma manjari. The raga malika is a prayer to goddess Kanyakumari and is in two parts, the first half in Samskrit and the second in Telugu. The names of the ragas are used as a part of the prayer in each line of the first part. Thus the composer dictated the ragas in which each line should be sung. The same ragas are repeated in the inverse order in the second half. The raga malika can be sung in all talas evolving from the five jatis of eka-tala. Another important feature of this raga malika is this: while a vocalist sings it, and five musicians keep time each with a different eka-tala, by the time the raga-malika is completely sung all the eka-talas could be concluded and not in between. If a musician can accomplish singing the raga malika to five different talas it would be a great achievement. Pandit Narayana Das used to perform such a feat which he called Panchamukhi, after the five facets of Paramasiva. The five facets of Paramasiva are Sadyojatha, Vamadeva, Eesana, Tatpurusha and Aghora. The performance of Panchamukhi earned Pandit Narayana Das the title of Panchamuki-Parameswara. The five talas he used to perform were trisragati with the right hand; chaturasragati with the left hand; khanda with the right shoulder; misra with the left shoulder and sankeerna with the head. He also performed Shanmukhi also known as Laghusekharam in musical theory. The performance of five and six talas earned him the title, Layabrahma. ‘Mahamahopadhyaya’, ‘Sangeethasekhara’ Nookala Chinasatyanarayana has this to say of the Sangeetha Prabandham: “A student of this prabandham who begins his musical education with the first line becomes a vidwan by the time he accomplishes singing the 180th line or aavartham. If a music vidwan practises this Prabandham daily, there would be nothing beyond his capability with regard to performance of music or tala.” "Translation of Khayyam's works released" - The Hindu The report which appeared in The Hindu, Vijayawada on May 6, 2012 The report which appeared in Eenadu, Vijayawada on May 6, 2012 The Kendriya Sahitya Akademi recently re-published Pandit Srimadajjada Adibhatla Narayana Das' Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam, first published in 1932, under its 'Rare Books Series' programme. The book was released at a function organised by the Sahitya Akademi and Vijayawada Book Festival Society at Vijayawada on May 5, 2012. (See the English and Telugu invitations below.) The event was prominently reported by The Hindu, The Hans India and Eenadu among other newspapers. For details of Pandit Srimadajjada Adibhatla Narayana Das' Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam see these reviews: A Monument Of Scholarship and Body's Soul & Earth Is Heaven Seen in the picture are from left to right: R. C. Mahesh, Regional Secretary, Sahitya Akademi; Upadhyayula Narayana Das, great-grandson of Pandit Narayana Das; Jayasri Mohanraj, translator and Professor, English & Foreign Languages Universtiy, Hyderbadad; Turlapati Kutumba Rao, writer and journalist, P. Satyavathi, writer and U. A. Narasimha Murthy, literary critic and writer. Labels: Jaysri Mohanraj, P Satyavathi, R C Mahesh, Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam, Sahitya Akademi, Turlapati Kutumba Rao, U A Narasimha Murthy, Upadhyayula Narayana Das, Vijayawada Book Festival Society “If intimacy with Islamic scholars stimulated him to learn Arabic and Persian, kinship with Hindustani classical singers made him cultivate their style. The cultivation of the Hindustani style added a rare and unique hybrid timbre to his music not usually found in the rendering of Carnatic singers and won him many accolades including those from the Maharajah of Mysore and Rabindranath Tagore. This is because it was unusual for Carnatic singers to be able to sing Hindustani and vice versa. The hybrid style he developed left an indelible stamp on the progress of Carnatic music. It was adopted by later musicians including some of the greats of Carnatic music, marking it as the sui generis of Vizianagaram music. Eventually when Narayana Das became the first principal of Sri Vijayarama Gana Pathasala (the first music college in South India) it became part of the curriculum. The Maharajah of Vizianagaram established the Music College in 1919 to honour the Pandit and enable enthusiasts to learn music from him. The college produced many great musicians. Pandit Narayana Das inducted violin maestro Dwaram Venkata Swamy Naidu as a lecturer in the college. Dwaram succeeded Pandit Narayana Das as principal after the latter relinquished office in 1936.” The following article on Pandit Srimadajjada Adibhatla Narayana Das appeared in The Hans India of January 8, 2012. The original may be seen here: The versatile genius ............................................................................................................ Sir Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy, eminent litterateur, educationist and founder Vice Chancellor of Andhra University described Srimadajjada Adibhatla Narayana Das (1864-1945) as a ‘university’. Sir Ramalinga Reddy was not exaggerating, for Narayana Dasu was a linguist with proficiency in as many as eight languages, poet, philosopher, writer, composer, dancer, actor and the creator of the unique art form, Hari Katha. It is well nigh impossible to find a parallel for him in the history of Indian literature. Adibhatla Narayana Das was the only scholar who had mastery over four classical languages (Sanskrit, Telugu, Arabic and Persian) and translated from Persian and English into Sanskrit and Telugu; the only litterateur who wrote a comparative treatise on the works of Kalidas and Shakespeare; the only writer-composer who translated into Telugu and set to music Rig-Vedic hymns and the only writer-composer who composed a geeta-malika comprising 90 Carnatic ragas. As a writer-composer who composed music in all the 72 Carnatic ragas, he was next only to Thyagaraja. His literary output was voluminous. He wrote over 50 books in Telugu, Sanskrit and Atcha-Telugu (Desyandhramu or Telugu unmixed of Sanskrit). His works included original story-poems (Kavyas and Prabandhas), Harikathas, prose works, musical works, dramas, translations, treatises in philosophy and Vedic studies and children’s literature. For want of space, only a few of his works are introduced here: Navarasatarangini (1922): A study that compares, contrasts and critiques the treatment of the nine rasas or moods in the plays of Shakespeare and Kalidas. A voluminous work, with a lengthy preface, it vetted the entire of body of dramatic literature of the two writers. Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam (1932): Narayana Das felt that Edward Fitzgerald’s English renderings of Omar Khaiyam’s Rubaiyat were not literal and did not do justice to the spirit of the Persian poet’s philosophy. In order to demonstrate his thesis, Narayana Das translated both the original Persian and the English renderings into Sanskrit and Atcha-Telugu. “Hyderabad Bulletin”*, a prominent newspaper of the time felt the book merited a review - Here are some excerpts from the editorial entitled, “A Monument of Scholarship”: “[...] a careful perusal of the book fills us with admiration at the astounding scholarship of the learned Pandit […] In these degenerate days when scholarship has fallen on evil times, it is incredible to learn that a Hindu, with Telugu as his mother tongue, should have been so filled with admiration for a Persian poet that, after he had passed his sixtieth year, he took the trouble to master so alien a language, and translate the masterpiece not only into Telugu but into another classical language, Sanskrit.” Jagajjyothi (1942-43): It was his magnum opus in which he analysed, discussed and critiqued ancient Vedic lore and tried to apply his theories to everyday life. It contains the quintessence of Narayana Das’ philosophy and outlook towards life. In this he was at once heretical and traditional, rational and religious. He distilled all that is good in all Indian philosophies and brought about a synthesis and propounded a new philosophy of humanism. Dasavidharaganavati Kusumamanjari(1938): An outstanding musical work of unparalleled erudition, it is a Devi stotram comprising 90 Carnatic ragas. The first half is in Sanskrit and the second half in Telugu. Vizianagarm of the late nineteenth century was a haven of literary and artistic talent and was - to borrow a phrase from renaissance literature - in a state of intellectual ferment. Narayana Das’ innate artistry blossomed and flourished. Narayana Das used to absorb knowledge the way sponge absorbs water. If intimacy with Islamic scholars stimulated him to learn Arabic and Persian, kinship with Hindustani classical singers made him cultivate their style. The cultivation of the Hindustani style added a rare and unique hybrid timbre to his music not usually found in the rendering of Carnatic singers and won him many accolades including those from the Maharajah of Mysore and Rabindranath Tagore. This is because it was unusual for Carnatic singers to be able to sing Hindustani and vice versa. The hybrid style he developed left an indelible stamp on the progress of Carnatic music. It was adopted by later musicians, including some of the greats of Carnatic music. Eventually when Narayana Das became the first principal of Sri Vijayarama Gana Pathasala (the first music college in South India) it became part of the curriculum. The Maharajah of Vizianagaram established the Music College in 1919 to honour the Pandit and enable enthusiasts to learn music from him. The college produced many great musicians. Pandit Narayana Das inducted violin maestro Dwaram Venkata Swamy Naidu as a lecturer in the college. Dwaram succeeded Pandit Narayana Das as principal after the latter relinquished office in 1936. Pandit Narayana Das’ literary and musical accomplishments left him peerless in his time. The literary and musical elite of his time joined to honour him with the title of “Sangitha Sahitya Sarvabhauma.” The musical maestros of his time honoured him with titles like “Laya Brahma” and “Panchamukhi Parameswara” for his ability to sing to five talas, beat with two arms, two feet and head. Five musicians used to keep time with him when he performed “Panchamukhi.” The versatile genius breathed his last on January 2, 1945. ............................................................................................................. *To read the editorial review of Pandit Narayana Das' Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiayam by Hyderabad Bulletin please see: A MONUMENT OF SCHOLARSHIP V. V. Subrahmanya Sastry, who was a mathematician by training and statistician by profession, worked in the health department of the government of AP. Hailing from an orthodox family of Vedic scholars, he was well versed in the Shastras and Upanishadic philosophy. This is his critique of Pandit Narayana Das’ Jagajjyoti. V.V. Subrahmanya Sastry The unforgettable personality of Adibhatla Narayana Das, popularly known as the ‘Harikatha-pithmaha’, had innumerable facets all beaming with outstanding brilliance. Even during his lifetime several people including scholars of every grade and every field of specialization looked upon him as a savant of rare genius. Some of his admirers were even regarding him as an ‘Avatar’ or ‘Leela Vibhuti’ of God Almighty. What was the secret of his eminence? Narayana Das was in fact a giant among men in many respects. By virtues of hard work, dedication to the cause of revival of spiritual and religious enlightenment in the minds of people of his time, he attained a unique status as an exponent of renaissance. The secret of his eminence seems to lie firstly in the versatility and the depth of insight he exhibited in diverse fields of art, literature and philosophy, and secondly in the extraordinary and flawless wisdom with which his discourses, writings and deeds were always replete. Though every piece of composition that emanated from this great thinker bore the stamp of his inner quest and wisdom, it appears to me that his unfinished book “Jagajjyoti” contains the special message, which he yearned to broadcast for posterity. This work is now available in print in two volumes each consisting of four chapters. Here and there in this treatise one comes across instances of repetition of some pet theories and opinions of the author; but by and large all the one hundred and twenty four topics covered in the book had been expertly handled. Even the repetition of certain phrases and some ideas from topic to topic served only to emphasize the unity of understanding, rather than sound in any way jarring or biased. Evidently the author, being essentially a songster, had dexterously used the unique art of repeating set patterns of expressions as an effective tool for impressing the reader with the doctrine he sought to preach. It is not however a new-fangled creed of a sectarian system that Narayana Das had endeavoured to preach in this book. He was of course voicing his own inmost vision; say the most valued realization he experienced in his life’s course. But through voracious reading, overfull grasp, critical faculty and creative imagination, he was able to assimilate the true spirit of the very classics in every branch of the hoary Vedic culture. Again being a gifted scholar, teacher, actor, poet and also as a mature citizen, professional artist and social reformer and saint, he could communicate the fruits of his wisdom and rich experience in this book in a telling way. His message is something like ‘Old wine in new bottles’, valuable in itself and also attractively presented. As the title of his book suggests, it is a source of illumination to the world as natural and potent as the effulgence of the Sun-god. By way of illustrating the method adopted by the author in weaving out an endless dissertation of this type, I detail below the contents of a few topics. To start with, under the first topic, in Chapter I of Volume I, the author propounds the view that what prevails in the world process in reality is only ‘Daivam’ (the Divine Will) and that ‘Pourusham’ (the individual human will) is but the conditioned effort of a finitised consciousness aimed at a limited accomplishment. This serves firstly as a prayer to the sublime Reality that is beyond the apparent phenomena of the world and yet forms the substratum of all this. This is quite in accordance with the tenets of ‘Advaita’ (monism). Secondly it also presents in brief the essence of his thesis that the only Reality that counts, manifesting itself in the form of the Devine Will and the revelation of the 18 ‘vidyas’ (branches of learning), helps those good-natured individuals who exert themselves genuinely for the welfare of the public at large. Thus in a way it turns out to be a benediction also to the suffering and groping humanity. Under the second topic in Chapter I of Vol. I, which is by far the smallest in size, the author describes one of the finest and most uncontroversial modes of interpreting the concept of classifying Time into different ages named 'Treta', ‘Krita’, ‘Dwapara’, and ‘Kali’. The time that is spent by an individual in mental awareness and verbal praise of Godhead is ‘Kali’; the time spent in adoring God in word, mind and deed with complete surrender is ‘Dwapara’; the time spent in universal love saturated and supported by right knowledge discriminating what is substantial from what is illusory is ‘Treta’; and the time spent in realization of the absolute Truth devoid of the functioning of the gross mind is ‘Krita’. Thus the classification of Time into Yugas like ‘Krita’ is to be understood basically with reference to the stages of evolution of human individual. While being of primary interest to the microcosm, it may be of course capable of extending to the macrocosm also. Thus, the popular conception of Time as being subdivided into the historic periods such as ‘Krita Yuga’, ‘Treta Yuga’ etc., with gradually diminishing degrees of righteousness and realization, gains its validity. In this connection, the reader will also note that the author is prone to adopt in this book a thoroughly independent and original outlook on life deriving of course due inspiration from authority of some scriptures in doing so. In the third topic he deals with ‘Time and Action’. The concept of time as also that of other elementary substances like Earth etc. is relative to the functioning of the Mind, while Mind itself is a member of the nine-fold group of elementary substances, according to the school of ‘Nyaya Darsana’. The notion of Activity in turn arises with reference to the elementary substances including Time and Mind, while activity greatly influences the basic matrix ofMind. This sounds somewhat like an extension of the ‘Theory of Relativity’, which reveals the author’s power of synthesizing the orthodox and the ultra-modern viewpoints together. In the subsequent topic he describes the characteristic features of the three different states of consciousness, namely, wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Here he points to the identity of deep sleep to ‘Akasha Tatva’. In the next topic, the ‘Upanishadic’ Theory of Cosmology pertaining to the order of creation is indicated. The later topics deal with discussions on Natureand Soul, Soul Force, the extent of validity of distinctions of class and creed ‘Varna’ and ‘Ashrama’ (caste and stages of life) and so forth. It is not intended to give in this article an exhaustive discussion on all or any of the topics. In fact one will have only to read each one of the topics in full and in the original for oneself, in order to appreciate the tenor in which it is constructed, and sense the real import sought to be conveyed therein. A brief indication of the subjects touched in the rest of the book is however attempted in what follows. In Chapter 2 of Volume I, more light is thrown on the roles of individual exertion and Divine Will, and on the empirical nature of the caste system etc., and then on the methods of interpreting the Vedas, the Smrithis and other religious literature. Coming to the question as to how one should interpret the ancient sayings of wisdom, Narayana Das approaches the problem with extraordinary powers of comprehension, extremely modern scientific techniques of analysis, a careful identification of all possible alternates and piercing vision culminating in proper decision-making. His method may be illustrated by the way he tackled the well known Mantra, “Chatvari Sringah…”. He has elaborated five alternative interpretations for this Mantra, each one being based on a different branch of learning viz., Science of sound, that of Ritual, that of Music, that of Life and that of Economics. At the end, the reader is left wondering how inscrutable the real or inner meaning of the Vedic hymns usually is and how futile it may be for an ordinary student to attempt an analysis of such texts particularly in the context of possible interpretations for favouring an action which is in conflict with normal code of humanistic conduct. Having dazzled the reader’s vision in this fashion the author finally concludes to the effect that from a comprehensive study of the ancient lore, one observes the necessity to reconcile the teachings of 'Smritis’ (Sastras) with those of ‘Srutis’ (Vedas), and in this effort one has inevitably to conceded that the inner meaning of all the hymns must revolve round the pre-eminence of ‘Parabrahma’: the absolute Truth which is non-different from pure Consciousness and universal Love. All this eventually leads to lend only a very limited and circumscribed sanction for the cult of animal sacrifice (Pasumedha) in the system of ‘Srauta Yajnas’ (that mode of ritualistic worship which is specially enjoined by Vedas) and the corresponding deceptions of the form of Yajna Purusha (Sacrificial fire God). In Chapter 3, some further criticism regarding the ostensible complexity of ‘Srauta Yajna Kanda’ is presented, followed by an appreciation of the benevolent guidance afforded by Jagadguru Sankaracharya in his great commentary ‘Sareeraka Meemansa Bhashya’. In Chapter 4, the merits of Upanishadic Cult, Bhagavatha Cult, Nadabrahma Upasana, etc., have been elaborated. In the remaining Chapters 5 to 8, the foregoing subjects have been reviewed and amplified sometimes in a different strain and with greater emphasis than before on the need for a deep study for the utilitarian branches of learning such as the science of aesthetics (Adharva Veda) and medical science (Ayurveda) etc. Incidentally the author indicates his devotional fervour towards the chief Deities (Devata) like ‘Bala Tripura Sundari Amba’, ‘Narayana’, ‘Sree Rama’, ‘Sri Krishna’; ‘Sada Siva’ and so forth, revealing that his Jnana is not divorced from his Bhakti. Narayana Das is in perfect unison with the Upanishadic seers and other prophets articularly ‘Kapila’, ‘Goutama Buddha’, ‘Vyasa’ and ‘Sankara Bhagavatpada’. His head is full of Advaita Vijnana and his heart is steeped in ‘Bhagavata Dharma’. His appeal to fellow-men chiefly for promoting the pursuit of “Humanism” - humanism based on faith in God, spirit of detachment and enlightenment of real values. He denounces in strong words, all superstitious adoption of ritualism particularly that which involves the sacrificing of animals. He is against subjugation and persecution of any section of mankind by another. He deprecates the practice of half-baked spiritual austerities and would not approve of irrational adoption of ‘Mantras’ and ‘Tantras’ by persons lacking a thorough insight into the subtleties and implications of the ancient formulary. His contempt for the pedantic grammarians, imposing astrologers, stonehearted ritualists, and unruly infidels now abundant in the community knows no bounds. What he confidently preaches as a safe course for the common man is just a good neighbourly, open-minded, and well-balanced living refined with up to date and sophisticated mode of self-expression. On the other hand, he has a more stringent recipe to suggest for another type of seekers namely the more eligible souls of advanced stature. And that is the pursuit of absolute bliss promised for an adept that established himself in the uninhibited, fearless and boundless state of 'Jeevanmukti’. Here the characteristics of a ‘Jeevanmukta’ are identified as being a self-actualising divine consciousness and an enlivening universal love for all the creatures. Thus the chief watchwords of Narayana Das may be taken to be the two maxims: “Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu” and “Amrutamabhayamatma” as is borne out by his own statement in the summarizing section under the caption “Manavonnati” occurring at page 23 of Volume 1., Chapter 2 of ‘Jagajjyoti’. This is but natural to a personage endowed with Divine Treasure (‘Daivisampath’). Though Narayana Das initially displayed a ‘Gandharva’ outlook, in that he liked music, dancing, stories (Harikatha) and aesthetic perfection, he gradually evolved the ‘Brahma’ outlook, highly intellectual and moral, capable of scientific, philosophical and religious, self-disciplined and impartial to all beings. His progress towards the goal of eternal values was so steady, sure and rapid that the very remembrance of his life and work continues to enchant and ennoble the society from which he emerged. Reproduced from the "Harikathapitamaha Srimadajjada Adibhatla Narayana Dasa Satajayantutsava Sanchika" (1967), the souvenir published by the Samskruthi Samithi, Chirala to commemorate the great man's birth centenary. R. Appalaswamy was a lecturer in English at the Maharajah’s College, Vizianagaram. Regarded as a maverick philosopher and reputed to be a scholar in several Indian and European languages including, Greek, Latin, Sanskrit and Telugu, he was a literary critic and writer. R. Appalaswamy In my boyhood days, already during my middle school years, Narayana Das had established himself as the inventor of a new species of serious entertainment called ‘Harikatha’, which combines poetry, music and dance for the production of intensity which is the very soul of art in all its magical manifestations. He was a name to conjure with throughout the length and breadth of Telugu land and it was not unoften that I saw the stalwart’s portrait in printed pamphlets of his Harikathas in the hands of village readers. I had not the good fortune, however, of having witnessed a Harikatha performance by him until I came to Vizianagaram for my college studies when he was already past the prime of his life and was working as principal of the Music College under the Maharaja’s management. It was during the late twenties of the century that I first saw him and he was then already a sexagenarian but still possessed a physical beauty and an abundance of vigour, which drew forth the admiration of both old and young of either sex. I remember having been present at two Harikathas in those days and his megaphone bass voice which needed no mike for an audience of several thousand still rings in my ears over a stretch of thirty long vicissitudinous years. He had a very well preserved body, which was a miracle in itself. He had stones to his ears that lighted up his face, a fine turned moustache that enhanced his lion-like elegance and a pair of eyes that had at once the depth of waters stilled at even and the quicksilver sparkle of stars of the first magnitude that seemed to engage all celestial bodies in a cosmic dance and made the beholder gape in all the wonder of the Yeatsian exclamation-interrogation: O body swayed to music, O brightening glance! How can we know the dancer from the dance? He was frequently to be met with in those days of an evening along the main road with half a dozen disciples in his company with his arms thrown over his walking stick laid across the back of his neck behind his capacious shoulders, all absorbed in a peripatetic lesson in music and a difficult dance step. At a certain point in his low-toned discourse he would go into a spin and, as he pirouetted like a teenage girl, his voice would go mounting up and execute a spellbinding Raga that transfixed the passers by in a tableau of exceeding self-transcendence. There were then no radio receiving sets and no cacophonous amplification of cinema music that wears out our nerves in these days of universal electrification. With his uncompromising red canvas shoes, with his dhoti front tucked over one leg and his gold anklet of victory glinting challenge on the other, he was a tower of strength for purposes of offence and of defence for the Telugu-speaking people in sister realms of poetry and music. Narayana Das had a force of personality, which marked him out as an institution among his people during his lifetime. He was a man of intensive scholarship both in Telugu and Sanskrit, and his knowledge of Persian, Hindi and English was of quite a high order. While he could write Sanskrit fluently both in prose and in verse, he deprecated over-Sanskritization of the mother tongue and demonstrated how accessible and expressive Telugu could be in an allegorical poem like ‘Batasari’ (or the Traveller) which is an original poem and not a translation of Goldsmith’s Traveller. It was for this very reason that he refused to accept any Sanskrit title and compelled a certain organisation that honoured him to call him “Ata patala meti”. He disagreed with music critics who still hold that the ‘marg’ tradition in music as represented by Thyagaraja is superior to the ‘Desi’ or folk tradition. According to Narayana Das the ‘marg’ tradition is somewhat different from that of Thyagaraja and was in use for chanting Vedic Hymns in times gone by. He was strongly of the conviction that the true musician should purify and refine the musical sensibility of his time and achieve correspondence with the dormant psychic strivings of his generation. He put the theory into practice and clicked admirably with his public, which was ready to respond to his suggestions. And he was thoroughly versed in Natyasastra both in theory and in practice. His skill in ‘Tala’ or rhythm was unrivalled and he was the only man in his own day who could execute the ‘Shanmukha’ or sextuple ‘Tala’ with his hands and his arms against the sides and his right foot beating five orders of sounds to synchronise with a prescribed tag sung in Sanskrit. The output of Narayana Das as a writer, to say the least, was considerable. In his twentone Harikathas, seventeen in Telugu, three in Sanskrit and one in Atcha-Telugu, he treats Puranic themes in an original and personal way and his interpretation comes home to the business and bosoms of all conditions of the population. He won renown for his Sanskrit Harikathas in Bengal and Uttar Pradesh through Hindi as his medium. He received the praises of the great Tagore himself who was in the habit of corresponding with him in matters relating to music. Seven Sathakams in Telugu and two in Sanskrit of especial fluency, all deserve a high place in modern literature. He tried his hand at Drama too and his plays ‘Sarangadhara’ and Dambhapura Prabasanam have to be popularised by being given due publicity. ‘Batasari’ his Telugu kavyam, has become a classic and his kavyam in Sanskrit entitled ‘Tarakam’ has elicited unstinted praise from Professor Geldner of Marburg University who has expressed his homage in Sanskrit verse of remarkable purity. Narayana Das had a versatile genius and his translations should be closely examined in juxtaposition with their originals in order to be struck with their unique beauty and their closeness to the text that is sought to be rendered into Telugu. He composed music for his Telugu renderings of some famous passages from the Rigveda, which he held, was sung to tunes very much like his own in ancient times. Who can deny that his translation of Omar Khaiyam ("Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam") into Sanskrit and pure Telugu side by side is a ‘tour de force’? What concision and what trenchancy meet the reader in every verse and how favourably does a Persian-knowing reader react when he compares Dasu’s renderings with those of Fitzgerald. ‘Navarasatarangini’ brings into juxtaposition all most all famous passages from Shakespeare and Kalidas and the translations are a perennial source of delight to the discerning reader considering their closeness to texts and their limpidity. It may be noted in passing that, in his introduction to this compilation, the translator makes no bones, according to his lights, about placing the English poet higher than the Indian though this opinion might clash with that of the majority of his countrymen. It is a pity that the Telugu public has not seen fit to bring out a de Luxe edition of Aesops Fables by Narayana Das - which he entitled Nuru gnati - for the delectation of children. He also translated the Bhagavadgita (Velpu mata), Lalita Sahasranamam (Talli vinki) and Vishnusahasranamam (Vennuni veyiperla vinakari) into pure Telugu for the average reader. He has compiled a compendium of Ayurveda (Manki minku) for the general use. He set great store by the Dictionary of pure Telugu (Seema palku vahi) which he laboriously compiled as he believed in reviving the old vocabulary which possesses such expressive magic. ‘Melubanti’, a travelogue preserves the most delightful of his memories, and the Sanskrit work, Sarvapuranasaram reveals the range of his encyclopaedic attainments. Jagajjyoti and Purushardha sadhanam, above all, crystallize his deep understanding of scripture and his outspoken views on the corruption that has overtaken our religious and social institutions. Narayana Das had no hypocrisy in him and he condemned hypocrisy wherever he found it with all the emphasis at his command. He had no patience with barriers of caste and of creed, and he is all out for social justice both in Jagajjyoti and Purushardhasadhanam. Readers of his autobiography which was serially published in Bharati though it has not yet been brought out in book form cannot have failed to come to the conclusion that concealment is not in the man’s nature and that the man stands revealed in all his massive grandeur and draws forth our love and affection for his qualities as well as the defects of those qualities. We in Telugu land have every reason to be proud of leaders of humanism like Veeresalingam, Gurajada and Narayana Das whose centenaries have been celebrated in succession. It is a matter for humiliation for the Telugu speaking people, or that at any rate, is the strong feeling of the writer of this essay that we have not been able to move the centre to issue postage stamps in their honour in connection with their centenary celebrations. We need have no doubt at all that Narayana Das will be remembered for all time as one of the luminaries of Indian art and literature. "Translation of Khayyam's works released" - The Hi... Adibhatla's Rubaiyat of Omar Khaiyam published by ... The Man And The Encyclopaedic Range Of His Interes...

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American Foreign Service Association My Agency APHIS Why U.S. Ambassadors Should Be Career Professionals The Foreign Service Journal > January/February 2017 > Why U.S. Ambassadors Should Be Career Professionals BY EDWARD L. PECK The United States is unique among developed nations in that nearly a third of U.S. embassies—and more than 60 percent of those located in major developed countries—are headed by political appointees without experience in diplomacy. Though some governments do send political appointees to represent them in Washington and other key capitals, the vast majority of their missions are headed by trained career diplomats. Without a doubt, the ability to raise millions of dollars for a presidential campaign is a valuable skill. But rewarding a fundraiser or “bundler” with the job of heading a U.S. embassy reveals total ignorance of what the job entails. Almost unknown outside diplomatic circles, an ambassador’s responsibilities are numerous, complex and important—sometimes critical. And, as with any and all top management positions, they cannot be effectively carried out by beginners. Moreover, selling an important federal position in this manner impedes attainment of our international objectives, violates the basic principles of good governance, ignores existing law and is understandably resented by the nations on the receiving end of such appointments. I do not mean in any way to cast aspersions on the abilities, character, successes, skills, patriotism or other commendable attributes of the nominees. But as a new administration takes office, I submit that it is high time to abolish the spoils system once and for all, for U.S. diplomacy. America does not benefit from this practice. The Chief of Mission Mandate In the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (Public Law 96-465), Congress spelled out what chiefs of mission are expected to do, as well as the qualifications required. Section 207, Responsibilities of the Chief of Mission, merits a close reading: “Under the direction of the president, the chief of mission to a foreign country: (1) shall have full responsibility for the direction, coordination and supervision of all government executive branch employees in that country (except for employees under the command of a United States area military commander); and (2) shall keep fully and currently informed with respect to all activities and operations of the government within that country, and shall insure that all government executive branch employees in that country (except for employees under the command of a United States area military commander) comply fully with all applicable directives of the chief of mission.” These explicit and extensive responsibilties also appear in the letter of instruction each COM receives from the U.S. president on appointment: “As chief of mission, you have full responsibility for the direction, coordination and supervision of all United States government executive branch employees (except for employees under the command of a United States area military commander).” The letter ends with, “As chief of mission, you are not only my personal representative, but that of our country.” The COM’s mandate encompasses a massive list of activities to direct, coordinate and supervise. More than two dozen agencies with active roles in foreign policy formulation have personnel operating programs abroad; predictably, these are most numerous in the more important (read pleasant) countries sought by most political appointees. Since agencies cannot instruct each other, effective management of manifold overseas activities is often difficult from Washington, requiring careful coordination. But foreign policy is only an expression of intentions until it is implemented, and that is an effort that takes place over seas. The COM needs to be able to inject a critical level of control and coordination into the implementation stage of foreign policy on the ground. This requires a firm grounding in the byzantine workings of the domestic interagency arena. Applying the level of control expected by Congress and the president also demands knowledge of agency mandates and what they are actually doing. Expecting a novice ambassador to perform these tasks effectively ignores the universal requirement of experience for the senior position in any operational entity engaged not in establishing strategic objectives but in producing the desired results. Our embassies are the diplomatic equivalent of “boots on the ground,” endeavoring to implement Washington’s decisions. There is no time for on-the-job-training program for the boss of such missions, who must thoroughly know the business in order to direct it. The Job Outside the Embassy Section 304 (a) (2) of the Foreign Service Act specifies that “positions as chief of mission should normally be accorded to career members of the [Foreign] Service, though circumstances will warrant appointments from time to time of qualified individuals who are not career members of the Service” (emphasis added). Further, nominees “should possess clearly demonstrated competence to perform the duties of a chief of mission, including … useful knowledge of the language … and understanding of the history, the culture, the economic and political institutions, and the interests of that country.” The law also states: “… contributions to political campaigns should not be a factor.” COMs have two basic external functions. First, they must keep host governments informed about American opinions, interests and objectives. Second—equally important, but sometimes more difficult—they are to report local reactions to U.S. initiatives back to Washington and analyze them. The recipients of such reporting at the White House/National Security Council, the State Department and other agencies should be able to rely on the COM’s previous diplomatic experience and knowledge, as stipulated in the law, and thus his or her ability to present a complete and rational picture. In that regard, it is useful to bear in mind that career diplomats work seamlessly for administrations of either political party, while political appointees are closely tied to the party in power, a bond that can influence their reporting. Why “Pay to Play” Does Not Hold Up Despite the irrefutable logic concerning the advantages of relying on experienced professionals for top jobs in every line of endeavor, advocates of political appointees for top diplomatic positions put forward the following arguments in support of novice U.S. ambassadors. Presidents can choose anyone they want. Wrong. They can nominate whomever they want, but the Senate has a constitutional “advise and consent” role. The only criterion for confirmation should be the expectation of high-level performance. Yet with rare exceptions even the egregiously unqualified are confirmed, since both parties relish their turn to reward bagmen or bagwomen (aka “bundlers”). (It is worth noting that political nominees seldom purchase an embassy with only their own money. Much of what they donate is collected from others.) Other nations welcome political appointees. Nope. Celebrities may thrill part of the population, but host governments do not want to discuss complicated, important issues with a neophyte, especially one representing a superpower. Consider: Anyone with a health issue would prefer to consult a medical school graduate who earned an M.D., rather than someone handed the degree in return for a large donation. It is true that few governments publicly complain about such appointees, but editorials in local media make their true feelings about unqualified U.S. ambassadors quite clear. To put it bluntly, sending a beginner with no connection to the host country instead of a trained diplomatic professional is correctly seen as demeaning. Businesses do the same. Wrong. No company puts a manufacturing facility—the operational equivalent of an embassy—under a neophyte. Embassies are engaged in the hands-on tactics of implementation, not headquarters’ formulation of strategy. The political appointee can raise issues directly with the president. Conceivable, but highly doubtful. Even if a chief of mission is a friend of the president they might not get through the White House switchboard, let alone broach an arcane subject. And even if they did, an end-run around established communication channels would be more likely to backfire than succeed. Political appointees can bring fresh perspectives. Inexperience is not a qualification. Dealing with the interests of other nations, often involving contentious, convoluted, long-standing issues, can make new approaches irrelevant or worse. Fresh ideas, if needed, can come from Washington. The same approach is employed in the Defense Department. Wrong. The COM is equivalent to a field commander. No civilian commands troops, planes or ships. The U.S. military used to sell commissions, until familiarity with warfare was recognized as a better qualification than money. Generals do not command aircraft carriers; admirals never lead infantry divisions. COMs only need a good deputy chief of mission and staff to do an effective job. Blatant sophistry. If anything, this argument describes a figurehead ambassador, whose most meaningful contribution would be to do as instructed and stay out of the way. If it were true, anyone could be given a title like “Performer of Open Heart Surgery.” Good deputy: “OK, now you can snip off the little ... No! Not that!” There have been some excellent political ambassadors. True, but this underlines the fundamental problem: nominees are not chosen on the basis of qualifications or anticipated performance. And even if they occasionally perform well, the accolades should go to their deputy chief of mission and staff. The usual result is the installation of non-performers, at best, and genuine embarrassments at worst. The Smart Money Is on Career Professionals America has at least some interests in every country in the world. Maintenance and advancement of those interests requires the presence of diplomatic professionals. No law of nature automatically makes career ambassadors more capable than novices, but they know the business, have been tested and proven deserving of increased responsibility. A political appointee may possess numerous commendable and meaningful skills, but those often have little to do with the specialized work of an ambassador, both in terms of managing the embassy or conducting outreach in the host country. The smart bet would be to stop placing responsibility for managing our day-to-day bilateral relations in the hands of neophytes. Instead, presidents should turn to the men and women of the Foreign Service, who are ready, willing and able to represent America across the globe, to carry out that function. Edward L. Peck, a Foreign Service officer from 1956 to 1989, served as chief of mission in Mauritania and Iraq, among many other assignments including postings to Sweden, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. Ambassador Peck later served as executive secretary of the American Academy of Diplomacy. In that capacity he prepared evaluations on the qualifications of more than 150 political and career nominees for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, using the same materials those nominees had submitted to the committee. AFSA President’s column, FSJ June 2016 FSJ Main Page FSJ Archive Monthly Featured FSJ Content Featured Content from This Issue: FOCUS ON NOTES TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION Mr. President, You Have Partners at State to Help Navigate the World’s Shoals One Story, Two Events, Seven Leadership Lessons Foreign Assistance: Time to Sharpen a Vital Diplomatic Tool Notes to the New Administration Developing the Next Generation of Followers at USAID President's Views: Dear S—You Can Count on Us Speaking Out: Why U.S. Ambassadors Should Be Career Professionals Reflections: Rip Van Winkle in the Foreign Service AFSA NEWS State VP Voice: Speaking of Elections 2016 AFSA Tax Guide American Foreign Service Association 2101 E STREET NW ©2019 BY AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy Website built with Drupal by Taoti Creative

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Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Below is a list of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City sorted by price range (highest first). If you wish to telephone a hotel the area code for Ho Chi Minh City is 08 (+848 from outside Vietnam). Three, Four & 5 Star Hotels Sheraton Price Range: More than $100 per night 88 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Legend Saigon Price Range: More than $100 per night 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Caravelle Price Range: More than $100 per night 19 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Equatorial Price Range: Up to $100 per night 242 Tran Binh Trong, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Majestic Hotel Price Range: From $70 per night 1 Dong Khoi - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City New World Hotel Saigon Price Range: From $75 per night 76 Le Lai - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Omni Hotel Price Range: From $75 per night 251 Nguyen Van Troi - Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City Renaissance Riverside Price Range: Up to $100 per night 8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Sofitel Plaza Price Range: Up to $100 per night 17 Le Duan Boulevard - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Amara Price Range: Up to $85 per night 323 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Rex Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 141 Nguyen Hue Avenuenue - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Chains First Hotel Price Range: Up to $100 per night 18 Hoang Viet - Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:844 1175/ 844 1167) Que Huong Hotel Price Range: Up to $100 per night 167 Hai Ba Trung - District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:829 4227) Sai Gon Hotel Price Range: Up to $100 per night 41-47 Dong Du Rue - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:829 9734/ 824 4982) Arc-en-ciel Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 52-56 Tan Da - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:855 4435) Dong Khanh Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 2 Tran Hung Dao B - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:923 6404) Nam Phuong Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 46-48 Hai Ba Trung - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:822 4446/ 829 9766) Riverside Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 18 Ton Duc Thang - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:823 1117/ 822 4038) Saigon Star Hotel Price Range: Up to $85 per night 204 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai - District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:930 6290/ 930 6297) Bat Dat I Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 238-244 Tran Hung Dao - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:8551 662/ 8555 819) Fortune Hotel Price Range: 700 Tran Hung Dao - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:923 5548) Le Le Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 171 Pham Ngu Lao - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 8686) Dien Luc Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 5/11 Nguyen Sieu - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:825 6064) Oscar Price Range: From $38 per night 68A Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Bong Sen I Price Range: From $42 per night 117-123 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Continental Hotel Price Range: From $55 per night 132-134 Dong Khoi - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Palace Hotel Price Range: From $40 per night 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd. - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Kimdo Royal City Hotel Price Range: From $45 per night 133 Nguyen Hue Avenue., Ho Chi Minh City Grand Hotel Price Range: From $55 per night 12 Ngo Duc Ke (Dong Khoi), Ho Chi Minh City Novotel Garden Plaza Price Range: From $60 per night 309B-311 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City Duxton Hotel Price Range: From $75 per night 63 Hguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Liberty I Price Range: Up to $65 per night 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Liberty II Price Range: Up to $65 per night 129-133 Ham Nghi Blvd, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Liberty III Price Range: Up to $65 per night 187 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Liberty IV Price Range: Up to $65 per night 265 Pham Ngu Lao St., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Liberty VI Price Range: Up to $65 per night 177 - 179 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Metropole Price Range: Up to $65 per night 148 Tran Hung Dao, District, Ho Chi Minh City International Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 19 Vo Van Tan - District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:930 4009) Spring Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 44-46 Le Thanh Ton - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:829 7362) Vien Dong Hotel Price Range: Up to $65 per night 275A Pham Ngu Lao - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 8098/ 836 8941) Bach Dang Hotel Price Range: Up to $50 per night 33 Mac Thi Buoi - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:825 1501/ 822 4268) Giant Dragon Hotel Price Range: Up to $50 per night 173 Pham Ngu Lao - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 1935/ 836 9268) Phuong Hoang Hotel Price Range: Up to $50 per night 411 Tran Hung Dao B - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:551 888) Rang Dong Hotel Price Range: Up to $50 per night 81-83 Cach mang Thang 8 - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:839 8264/ 839 8265) Hotel 127 Price Range: Up to $25 per night 127 Cong Quynh - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 8761/836 5073) Hotel 70 Price Range: Up to $25 per night 70 Bui Vien - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 9569) Bich Thuy Friendly Guesthouse Price Range: Up to $25 per night 5 Do Quang Dau - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 9953) Hanh Hoa Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night 211-213 Pham Ngu Lao - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 7353/ 836 0047) 64 Bui Vien - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 5073/ 837 7694) Mai Phai Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night Minh Chau Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night Quyen Thanh Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night 212 De Tham - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:836 8570/ 836 9226) Tan Da I Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night 17-19-21 Tan Da - District 5, Ho Chi Minh City (Tel:857 7718) Tan Thanh Thanh Hotel Price Range: Up to $25 per night About Ho Chi Minh City | Getting There & Around | What to See | Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Restaurants | Bars/Clubs | Sports/Fitness Medical/Dental | Travel Agents/Airlines | Books

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Not Everybody’s a Superstar By Eric Davis, Institute for Corporate Productivity It's time to take off the type-A blinders and get some perspective; not everybody in the workplace is a superstar or future leader, and a lot of people don't want to be. They want to work, to get things done, to keep things moving, and to do a good job of it. They don't have huge egos or need constant attention, validation, public praise, or a corner office; however, just because they aren't tooting their own horns every time they do a good job doesn't mean they aren't as valuable to an organization as any recognized hi-po or future leader. How organizations value people and their contributions can be a source of toxicity and a serious team killer if not managed well. Moreover, i4cp's recent study on performance management shows that, more often than not, it's not managed well. High-performing organizations take the time to do it better, but even among that group less than half (47%) agreed that their performance management processes promoted the desire behaviors to a high or very high extent, and only 42% considered their processes efficient. More telling is that, overall, even fewer employees find the performance management processes to be fair (38%) or valuable (27%), numbers that climb to only 49% and 42% respectively among higher performers. If you've spent any time in the workforce, you know that it's not uncommon for work groups to be demoralized by a culture that promotes an "either you're a star or your dead weight" mentality. Instead of acknowledging reliable workers as the core of a company, these people are treated like "low-potentials" for not constantly seeking advancement and attention. Consider, however, how many times you would have paid more for one good follower than ten wanna-be leaders stumbling over each other to take charge and do it their way. Followers are there to focus on the work at hand and get it done, arguably qualities and skills unto themselves. I'm not saying that high-potential recognition and leadership development aren't important, or that these people don't need a lions-share to stay motivated. It's not about making everybody a winner or not addressing low performance. A lot of talent and initiative are buried out there, with the only missing skill being the art of self-promotion in the void of substandard performance management. With the sad state of most performance management programs, it's no wonder that engagement is dropping while voluntary attrition is rising. Perhaps, it's time to reevaluate priorities in pay-for-performance and work on developing teams rather than focusing the spotlight solely on the stars. Every superstar needs a manager, a stage crew, a stylist, security, personal assistants, and a cadre of other hard-working people doing what they do best to ensure their success. Think of some of the award show acceptance speeches you've seen, specifically, the list of names you've never heard before being read off a scrap of paper held by a gushing star—the "little people" that made it all possible. For more information, visit www.i4cp.com Eric Davis, Institute for Corporate Productivity Eric Davis is associate editor at i4cp.

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Site of the Week – SFScope It’s not every science fiction (or, in this case, speculative fiction) website that has a direct link to such a giant in the field as Isaac Asimov, but SFScope is lucky enough to boast that pedigree. That’s because the site’s editor and founder, Ian Randal Strock, started out as the editorial assistant at the science fiction magazines Analog and Asimov’s — where he had the privilege of spending time with Asimov once a week every week for the last three years of the author’s life (he passed away in 1992). “He was short, nebbishy, unfashionably comfortable, brilliant, completely interested and interesting, and a hell of a lot of fun to be with,” Strock relates. Not surprisingly, Strock counts Asimov among his professional influences and the written word has been the focus of his career. That’s why SFScope, which hit the web early last year, includes more news about books, magazines, comics and graphic novels than it does about films and television. “We shy away from the constant rumor updates about coming movies,” Strock says. “There are so many other sites already covering that aspect of the field.” Instead, when SFScope does cover the visual media, it tries to feature news that hasn’t already been published in “eleventy dozen other places in the last ten minutes.” So, Strock, who writes as much as 90 percent of the news on the site, will highlight, for instance, items about books and stories being made into films (see last week’s “Robert A. Heinlein’s The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag May Become Feature Film“). “I’ll talk about them when it seems particularly newsworthy to me,” notes Strock. He also runs movie, television and book reviews by Sarah Stegall because he admires her in-depth analyses. Strock — who will have his first book published this fall, The Presidential Book of Lists — started SFScope to “deliver the news of the speculative fiction fields in a timely, accessible fashion.” Readership is growing slowly but steadily each month, currently averaging 15,000 visitors a month. There are between three and nine new articles each weekday — and what’s going to end up being popular is always difficult to predict. “When I reported on the impending demise of Weekly World News, I thought it might be of interest to just a few of our readers,” he says. “It was the most popular article we’ve ever published — the hits were off the scale.” In short, “I just keep reporting the news, and the readers keep reading

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What This Guy Learned Working 8 Feet Away From Richard Branson A startup entrepreneur and former Virgin exec reveals valuable inside lessons he learned while working with Richard Branson on a daily basis. Melissa Stanger The lessons you learn when first starting out in business are crucial to your ability to succeed. And who better to learn business lessons from than Richard Branson? Alexis Dormandy got his first big break in business in 1996, joining Virgin at age 24 and working for Richard Branson himself, just eight feet away from his office. We spoke to Dormandy about the lessons he took away from his time at Virgin, and how they fueled his own successful business, social recommendation sharing site LoveThis. Melissa Stranger: What did you do at Virgin? Alexis Dormandy: I worked my way up and ended up on the board of Virgin Group, ran all their new businesses, and was the founder of Virgin Mobile and Virgin Active. Then I ended up running Orange, the British mobile service. It was an incredible opportunity. It all happened very quickly. You learn very fast and work very hard. MS: What was it like being in business with Richard Branson? AD: I absolutely loved it, without reservation. The whole business is run on trust, so you get to run the small projects when you start off, and if you do a good job you get the slightly bigger projects, and if that works out you get the slightly bigger projects. And then six years later, you end up doing about five jobs all at the same time because you want their trust, and they trust you. I don’t think there was a single decision I made that Richard ever second-guessed me on. The creative autonomy is incredible. But that’s after you understand what’s expected and the culture of the organization, and you have to make decisions on that basis. I had the freedom to get things done that you wouldn’t believe, not ever being second-guessed about what needs to be done. It seems almost totally unrealistic. You may have a 12-week target, but you’d never quite need it. It may take you 12 weeks, but it may take you 20, and that’s still five times the speed anyone else could do it, and it shows an incredible level of customer focus. And the business had this incredibly good attitude about things. The customer is focused on with a level of detail you wouldn’t believe. He cared about the customer experience. And if he does, then everybody else does. Second is the culture of the organization. You just breathe the culture, which is about trying to do something that nobody else has done, and helping people; it’s about the attitude of everyone there, and so you feel you’re sort of on this mission for the future, to produce something, which is very motivating. And lastly, I’ve never met anyone who can negotiate a deal like Richard can. MS:How closely did you work with him? What was your relationship with him like? AD: At the time, my office was about 8 feet away from his. I worked in his house for about two years, so I saw him every day. I certainly wouldn’t want to exaggerate my relationship with him, as it was a while ago, but while we were in London, I saw him every day. MS: What did you learn from him? AD: One is that the product is everything. You’ve got to have the best product in the market to even be admitted to it. I think many large businesses think the products are just one thing, one thing of many, whereas at Virgin the product is everything. The second bit is that setting totally unrealistic expectations is the way to go. You’ve got to set them ridiculously high, especially when it comes to deadlines. If you aim for 12 weeks you might pull off 20; if you aim for 30 weeks it might take you a year. And it makes people think very rationally about how long it’ll take to complete a big project, and plan. It’s not so much advice, but I think he genuinely and readily cared about the customer and the employee a lot, and a lot more than the money. I’d say if I had to rank it, he put the customer first, the employee second, and money about sixth. And people didn’t believe you could be so successful without being obsessed with the money. There’s nothing more likely to get him interested in doing something than to be told it couldn’t be done. If you were to meet with someone who said, ‘Oh, that can’t be done,’ you’d probably say, ‘Okay, I won’t do it then.’ Richard would say that those people wouldn’t succeed in business. If your first nature is such that if somebody says it can’t be done, and you say, ‘Excellent. If I can find a way of doing that, then we’ll make lots of money,’ then you will succeed in an entrepreneurial environment. Someone says it can’t be done, and you just walk away and do it anyway. MS: What’s one thing you wish people knew about business that you know? AD: In all the really successful businesses that Richard’s been involved with and I’ve been involved with, it’s all come down to the numbers. I was also involved with Bono’s charity, RED, and that made $120 million in 18 months. The reason it made that much money is because it had a very exciting commercial model, which is actually a profit share with a bunch of businesses it did deals with. Virgin Mobile made Richard a billion dollars because of the very clever commercial model. And too often people think, ‘Well, if I’m really enthusiastic and it’s a really exciting idea and so on, it’s going to work.’ But actually you’ve got to have somebody on your team who really understands the numbers, because it’s the numbers in the end that are going to make you money. And it’s fine if you’re personally not excited by numbers, but you’ve got to have somebody around who is, because otherwise it makes it very difficult to succeed. MS: You've mentioned that the best advice you learned from Virgin is to hire for attitude. Why is that important? AD: What I usually see is you tend to fire people for attitude and hire people for skills. But attitude is the most important thing in a business, and you should hire for attitude, not just fire for it. You’d probably be firing a lot less people if you did. And that’s what Virgin does. They look at the CVs of the people applying for jobs, and they’re looking for skills, but hiring more for the can-do attitude and approach, because it gets more done and is more important than the CV. What I learned at Virgin is that if you don’t put attitude at the top of the list, then actually that person tends to get themselves rejected by the system as soon as they’re hired. I don’t mean rejected physically, I mean that they don’t get stuff done. If you’re in a group of 99 people all with a similar approach, and you have a different approach, it doesn’t really work. You’ve got to hire people who will fit in with the team. Photo: lovethis.com

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Trouble Brewing in the ‘Coalition of the Ascendant’ Patrick McDermott, American Renaissance, November 26, 2018 Astute observers have known for some time that Democrats are no longer the party of the working class. The white working class has steadily abandoned the party since the 1960s, but their ranks have been replenished by college-educated whites who have been marching in the opposite direction. Today, the Democratic Party has become an alliance of minorities and the college-educated, the so-called Coalition of the Ascendant that twice elected Barack Obama president. This coalition is unstable, however. The 2018 elections revealed cracks that will eventually tear it apart and ultimately save the nation’s white population from its current crisis. The problem with college-educated whites It is not immediately obvious that the coalition may be in trouble. College graduates as a whole have been trending toward the Democrats for more than 20 years. Although white college graduates are more conservative than non-white college graduates, they only narrowly backed Donald Trump — by 48-45 percent — in 2016. In this year’s midterms, they swung to the Democrats, backing them by a margin of 53-45 percent. This leftward trend among college-educated whites is serious enough to pose a threat to Mr. Trump’s reelection. White liberals have also been at the heart of the leftward lurch in the Democratic Party, including a strong shift left on race and immigration. From 2001-2017, the share of white Democrats calling themselves liberal nearly doubled, from 28 to 55 percent. Together, these leftward trends among college-educated and liberal white voters have been just as important as the demographic changes that are also moving Democrats and certain parts of the country to the left. The two trends have been mutually reinforcing. The leftward trend among college-educated whites has slowed only modestly in the face of a far-left minority candidate. In this year’s governor’s race in Georgia, college-educated whites backed the white Republican, Brian Kemp, by 59-40 percent, but in the previous election in 2014 — a competitive race that featured two white candidates — the Republican margin was a crushing 68-28 percent. The candidacy of Stacey Abrams, a far-left black activist, did not appreciably slow the leftward march of college-educated whites, even in the heart of the South. Cracks in the coalition This tendency among college-educated whites is worrying, but it is not the whole story. The ones who live in the nation’s largest cosmopolitan cities are racial outliers. For example, from 2000-2016, a period when college-educated whites in blue America were trending left, the overall white vote shifted toward the GOP by five percent (excluding third parties). College-educated whites in blue states such as California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and New York supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, but college-educated whites in red America and working-class whites in just about every state supported Mr. Trump. To be sure, college-educated whites who live in places such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, are among the most influential in society. They are the “elite” to which most of the populists of Europe and America are opposed. Even among this educated elite, however, cracks can be found in their alliance with non-whites. In the 2018 midterms, some of the Democrats’ highest-profile losses were minority candidates running in states at or approaching majority-minority status: Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Andrew Gillum in Florida, and Lupe Valdez in Texas. Meanwhile, many of the party’s highest-profile winners in states at or approaching majority-minority status were white: Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona), Gavin Newsom (California), Diane Feinstein (California), and Jacky Rosen (Nevada) — along with Beto O’Rourke, who narrowly lost in Texas. Why is this a problem? White Democrats like these do not have a promising future, and certainly not in majority-minority states. This becomes more obvious when one looks further down the ballot at the farm team — the elected officials in state office who will be tomorrow’s Democratic leaders. They look nothing like this year’s lily-white crop of Democratic victors. For example, in the California State Assembly, two-thirds of the Democratic members of the lower chamber are non-white. In New Mexico’s state legislature, over half the Democrats (who control both chambers) are Hispanics, as is the state’s newly elected governor. In Texas, an overwhelming majority of Democrats in the state legislature are non-white. The same is true of its Democratic congressional delegation. In Georgia, over half the Democrats in both chambers of the state legislature are black, as are all four Democrats in its congressional delegation. This is the true face of the emerging Democratic Party, not white politicians like Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, or newer (but still white) candidates like Beto O’Rourke. The brown and black politicians coming up through the ranks in these states are not especially concerned about the needs of white liberals. They are concerned about their own people, many of whom still live in poverty. The coming crack-up The future of the Democratic Party is not hard to see if you know where to look. The upstairs-downstairs nature of the Coalition of the Ascendant is already facing tensions at the local level in places such as San Francisco and New York City. Upscale liberal whites in gentrified urban neighborhoods frequently resist affordable housing developments and battle efforts to desegregate their schools. Those differences are minor compared to what is coming in the next decade. Consider: In 2020, or shortly thereafter, the Democrats will become a majority-minority party; More minority presidential candidates will seek office, giving the nation a more accurate sense of the Democrats’ agenda; Democrats in Congress will tip majority-minority, with corresponding changes in their congressional leadership; Minority candidates such as Stacey Abrams will be elected governor in majority-minority states; States such as California and Georgia are likely to suffer from worsening poverty and Third World conditions; and A left-wing president will probably be elected after Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, and/or Florida are demographically transformed into blue states. How will white America — including college-educated whites — react to these changes? What will they do when the nation’s emerging brown and black majority demands equal housing, free health care, and ever-increasing levels of affirmative action? Who will pay? The very college-educated whites who are today so enthusiastically embracing their role in the Coalition of the Ascendant. Far-left, urban white voters who supported candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez may not care. Moderate suburban soccer moms in places such as Nebraska or Wisconsin are another story. Some of them may have voted for (usually white) Democrats this year because they felt uncomfortable with Donald Trump’s personal style. They were not endorsing Democratic Socialists, nor were they voting to endanger the futures of their children. The NYC Democratic Socialists of America organized a march to #AbolishICE. (Credit Image: © Erik Mcgregor/Pacific Press via ZUMA Wire) Many studies have shown that fear, not persuasion, is the most effective way to change core convictions. Experimental research has shown that growing awareness of the nation’s pending demographic change makes whites more conservative and makes them feel closer to other whites. Most of white America does not feel threatened yet, but it will — and with good reason. The world’s long history of ethnic conflict has not been kind to minorities, with outcomes ranging from oppression to ethnic cleansing or worse. Such conflict is highly correlated with genetic diversity and ethnic polarization. There is probably no better example of “white privilege” than the foolish belief among whites that they are somehow exempt from these larger historical forces, especially given the real world examples in South Africa and Haiti. Wishful thinking is not a counterstrategy. The 2018 elections were a setback not just for Republicans, but also for advocates who hoped that white America would wake up to the growing threat. But the story is not over. College-educated white Americans who are so willingly abandoning their racial kin today are about to experience a rude awakening. Until then, Republicans would do well to dust off a copy of the Sailer Strategy and infuse Trump’s nationalism with something else he campaigned on but that has largely gone missing — a healthy dose of pro-working class populism. Given the powerful lock that the dominant moral mythology has on our white educated elite, the crisis confronting white America will get worse before it gets better. This seems inevitable. But there is also truth in the old aphorism that it is always darkest before the dawn. The dawn is coming. That, too, is inevitable. Topics: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elections, Race and Politics, Stacey Abrams, the Demographic Transformation About Patrick McDermott View all posts by Patrick McDermott Mr. McDermott is a political analyst in Washington, DC. < The Closing of the Conservative Mind German Prosecutors Charge Chinese-Born Engineer in Industrial Espionage Case >

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YouTube offline video downloads are supported in 125 countries Rita El Khoury 2018/03/01 3:30am PST Mar 1, 2018 About a month ago, we noticed that the ability to download YouTube videos for offline viewing had rolled out to more countries. At the time, we were able to confirm Lebanon, Iraq, Morocco, Azerbaijan, and UAE had it based on our devices and reports from our comment section, but we knew there must have been more. And more there is, in fact many many more. The list of countries with support for YouTube offline viewing and downloading used to have only 16 countries (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt, and 10 others). Now 109 countries have been added for a total of 125. This coincides with the expansion of YouTube Go to more than 130 countries, so it looks like these same countries will get Go and in the same go (hah) the option to download videos in the full YouTube app. That's handy if you don't use the dedicated mini app. If you live in one of these countries, the option has most likely rolled out to you already and you've probably noticed the 4th Download button below any video. If not, do check for it again and it should technically be there or show up soon. And if you don't live in these countries, then I'm really sorry for you. There are many "unofficial" solutions to watch YouTube offline or you could sign up for YouTube Red if it's available to you or wait until it comes to you. It's worth noting that Google has a small disclaimer at the top of the list stating that, "Please note: YouTube may not be launched in the following locations and therefore may not operate in these territories. We are working to launch more territories and bring a localized version of YouTube to more countries." It's tough to explain how YouTube could not be launched in a location but still have offline video support, but from my quick research it seems that some countries have a limited ban on YouTube, so that would explain how the service isn't accessible to everyone there but supports offline downloads where it's available. save youtube video watch youtube offline Samsung's official Oreo update notes for the Galaxy S8 are now live The first wave of Google I/O invites has started going out

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Trump’s actions on North Korea have consequences. Here’s a list of them. It was mocked when it first appeared a few days ago. But now the White House commemorative coin — the one struck to mark the great peace summit between President Trump and “Supreme Leader” Kim Jong Un — will go down in history. Like the famous “ Inverted Jenny ” — a 1918 stamp with the image of an airplane printed upside down — the coin has already become a collectible. It pompously marks an event that isn’t going to happen, and its price will rise sharply as a result. The other results of the canceled summit are less amusing. Remember, Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal didn’t automatically return the Middle East to where it was before the pact was signed in 2015: It returned us to a worse place. We’re now unable to reimpose sanctions on Iran because the coalition that enforced them is broken. Trump’s withdrawal from the Kim summit doesn’t return the Korean Peninsula to status quo ante either. Even if he returns to the negotiating table next month, we do not live in the same world that we lived in on March 7, the day before a plan for the now-canceled summit was announced. Actions have consequences. Here’s a list of them. We don’t have the credibility that we had before. This is the most important consequence of Trump’s impulsive decisions, first to agree to a summit with no warning, and then to cancel the summit with no warning. The one “card” the United States has always held on the Korean Peninsula was its military presence, coupled with the presumption that, if provoked or attacked, U.S. forces would respond. Now that it’s clear how eager Trump was for a summit, how much he wanted the Nobel Peace Prize that Fox News promised him, and how rapidly he pivoted from calling Kim “Rocket Man” and “maniac” to “very open” and “very honorable,” any further bluster from the president will just sound ludicrous. A U.S. president’s ignorance has been on naked display. I was with apolitical Polish friends in Warsaw just after the summit cancellation was announced. Normally they don’t pay much attention to North Korea, but this time they were filled with questions: Doesn’t Trump have any advisers? Kim is a famously unpredictable leader from a famously unpredictable country; shouldn’t someone have warned the president that Kim might start spouting threats again? It’s easy to forget, inside the United States, that everyone else around the world is also watching the president, also following his thoughtless actions, and also drawing the conclusion that he’s not listening to expert advice, or any advice. Other national leaders — in Russia, China, Europe — who may negotiate with the United States in the near future are also watching, and also drawing conclusions: This is a man who is easily tricked, easily swayed — and easily spooked into changing course. The North Korean leader’s prestige and legitimacy are enhanced. The bizarre language of Trump’s letter to Kim is worth a few moments of analysis. “I was very much looking forward to being there with you,” wrote the U.S. president to one of the bloodiest dictators on the planet. “I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me.” He also thanked Kim for the release of three American hostages — “a beautiful gesture” – which ignores the fact that it was the North Korean police who brutally and illegally captured the hostages in the first place. Like all dictators, Kim is perennially insecure; now he has less reason to be so. The maintenance of sanctions is now more difficult. Sanctions are a tricky diplomatic tool: They only stand a chance of succeeding if the sanctioned country believes that they will be imposed consistently, unanimously and over a long period. The United States has proven itself to be an inconsistent player; the president cannot be trusted to follow any course for a long time; he might abandon or reverse policy on the Korean Peninsula at any moment. As was the case with Iran, the whiplash changes in U.S. policy leave regional allies in an impossible position. He either forgot or didn’t bother to tell the South Koreans that he was changing his mind. Why should South Korea, or indeed China, pay the economic price of sanctions if the United States might drop the ball again at any moment? Everyone now has reasons to strike separate deals with North Korea, to cut out the United States and ignore our interests. Whatever happens, our Asian alliances are weakened. The story might have other weird side effects. It could emerge that national security adviser John Bolton was trying to sabotage the summit through reckless commentary. Yes, there are always a lot of different voices on U.S. foreign policy; it’s not unusual for Congress or state officials to strike different notes. But in this administration, it isn’t even clear that people in the Executive Office Building share the same strategy. Worse, it is not even clear that the president himself knows what that strategy is . Posted in Recent Articles, The Washington Post Column Zuckerberg’s visit to Brussels shows European politicians also have no clue about social media Ireland’s abortion referendum reminds us that history is never written in stone

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The Doobie Brothers Live From The Beacon Theatre Set For Release The Doobie Brothers have announced that they will be releasing their new package "Live From The Beacon Theatre" on June 28 in various formats including 2CD, 2CD/DVD, And Blu-ray. The package was captured during the band's first show at the Beacon Theatre for the first time in 25 years that took place last November, where they performed two of their iconic albums, "Toulouse Street" and "The Captain And Me." The show featured deep cuts and songs never-before performed live by the band like "Mamaloi," "O'Connelly Corners," "Ukiah," and "The Captain And Me." See the tracklisting below: CD Track Listing: Disc One: Toulouse Street 1. "Listen To The Music" 2. "Rockin' Down The Highway" 3. "Mamaloi" 4. "Toulouse Street" 5. "Cotton Mouth" 6. "Don't Start Me To Talkin'" 7. "Jesus Is Just Alright" 8. "White Sun" 9. "Disciple" 10. "Snake Man" Disc Two: The Captain And Me 1. "Natural Thing" 2. Band Intros 3. "Long Train Runnin'" 4. "China Grove" 5. "Dark Eyed Cajun Woman" 6. "Clear As The Driven Snow" 7. "Without You" 8. "South City Midnight Lady" 9. "Evil Woman" 10. "Busted Down Around O'Connelly Corners" 11. "Ukiah" 12. "The Captain And Me" 13. "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)" 14. "Black Water" 15. "Listen To The Music" (Reprise) Historic Doobie Brothers Show Captured For TV Special Doobie Brothers In The Studio For Toulouse Street Anniversary The Doobie Brothers and Chicago Announce Summer Tour More The Doobie Brothers News

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Our advice for Greg Schiano as he returns as Rutgers football coach Here’s a look at the task ahead and what Greg Schiano must do to turn around the Rutgers football program. Our advice for Greg Schiano as he returns as Rutgers football coach Here’s a look at the task ahead and what Greg Schiano must do to turn around the Rutgers football program. Check out this story on app.com: https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/college/rutgers/2019/12/03/greg-schiano-returns-rutgers-football-coach/2587852001/ John Rowe, Staff Writer Published 5:33 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2019 | Updated 8:28 a.m. ET Dec. 3, 2019 Greg Schiano through the years Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano talks with linebackers Keandre Jones (16) and Baron Browning (5) during a timeout in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium on Nov 18, 2017. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 7, 2017. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on Oct 28, 2017. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer (C) and defensive coordinator Greg Schiano (R) react after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on Oct 28, 2017. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes assistant coach Greg Schiano during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ohio Stadium on Nov 11, 2017. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports ; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano takes a note during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium on Nov 18, 2017. Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports Greg Schiano with members of the Ohio State defense in season opener against Bowling Green. Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes assistant coach Greg Schiano during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes lead 62-3 in the fourth quarter on Nov 5, 2016. Joseph Maiorana, Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports Greg Schiano, Ohio State, defense coordinator, answers questions during a Fiesta Bowl press conference, December 28, 2016, at the Camelback Inn, 5402 E Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Mark Henle, Mark Henle/The Republic Ohio State linebacker Dante Booker gets congratulations for an interception from defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. Noah K. Murray/USA TODAY Sports Ohio State defensive coordinator and former Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano during the Rutgers Football Tri-state Showcase held on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University for high school recruits. June 8, 2016, Florham Park, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer Ohio State defensive coordinator and former Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano, l, Rutgers head football coach Chris Ash and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer talk during the Rutgers Football Tri-state Showcase held on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University for high school recruits. June 8, 2016, Florham Park, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano yells in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Dec 29, 2013. New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 42-17. Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports Greg Schiano (Ohio State, defense coordinator) answers questions during a Fiesta Bowl press conference, December 28, 2016, at the Camelback Inn, 5402 E Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Mark Henle/The Republic Greg Schiano is in his first season as an associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator for Urban Meyer at Ohio State. Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano brought respectability to Rutgers during his 11 seasons as the Scarlet Knights' head coach. USA TODAY Sports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano reacts on the sideline in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in New Orleans. Associated Press New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks with Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano following a win in a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Dec 29, 2013. The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 42-17. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Dec 29, 2013. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano greet at the end of the game at Raymond James Stadium on Dec 15, 2013. San Francisco 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-14. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Former head coach of Rutgers football and head coach of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, now Ohio State associate head coach/ defensive coordinator Greg Schiano throws a ball before an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, in Piscataway, N.J. Associated Press Greg Schiano shakes hands with Jim Harbaugh when they were both head coaches in the NFL. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano reacts in the fourth quarter. The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-6 at Bank of America Stadium on Dec 1, 2013. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports Eric LeGrand with Greg Schiano, then-Buccaneers head coach, before the start of a 2012 preseason game in which LeGrand was named an honorary captain for Tampa Bay. Schiano, the former Rutgers coach when LeGrand was paralyzed, is the co-defensive coordinator of Ohio State. Associated Press In a Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano watches during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, in Tampa, Fla. Associated Press In a Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, in St. Louis. Associated Press Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano reacts against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on Dec 15, 2013. San Francisco 49ers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-14. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Coach Greg Schiano of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks to the media at an introduction press conference Jat the team training facility anuary 27, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. Getty Images Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, center, talks with officials during the first half of an NFL preseason football game with the Washington Redskins, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Landover, Md. Associated Press In this Dec. 29, 2013, file photo, former Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano addresses players during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Now serving as an analyst for the NFL Network, Schiano discussed Razorback football this week at the Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano yells at an official during the second quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium on Dec 8, 2013. Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano greets cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) prior to a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Dec 22, 2013. Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports Former Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano is now the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. Mark R. Sullivan/MyCentralJersey, File photo Former Rutgers running back Ray Rice and his former coach Greg Schiano. CHRIS PEDOTA / THE RECORD Rutgers' head coach Greg Schiano leads his team onto the field before college football action against Syracuse Saturday, Nov. 25, 2006 in Piscataway, N.J. Rutgers won 38 - 7. Associated Press Rutgers coach Greg Schiano applauds one of his teams touchdowns during the first half of their college football game against Louisville in Louisville, Ky., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007. Associated Press Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano waits for a ruling during the third quarter of their 22-20 win over South Florida in an NCAA football game Friday night Sept. 29, 2006 in Tampa, Fla. Associated Press Rutgers coach Greg Schiano addresses the media during an NCAA college football news conference at New York's Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. Rutgers is scheduled to takes on Iowa State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at the stadium on Dec. 30, 2011. Associated Press Coach Greg Schiano with the Internationl Bowl championship trophy after Rutgers defeated Ball State of Indiana 52 to 30 in the International Bowl at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Saturday, January 5, 2008. JODY SOMERS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/HOME NEWS TRIBUNE A young Greg Schiano unveils his first recruiting class at Rutgers in February 2001. File photo Greg Schiano introduced his first recruiting class in 2001, about two months after taking the job as Rutgers coach. File photo The to-do list Greg Schiano has put together for his second stint as Rutgers football coach is longer than Shaquille O’Neal’s arms. Welcome back to the Big Ten Conference, Coach. In the season you sat out after a two-year run as Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator, nothing much has changed. Ohio State is still on top of the toughest conference not named the SEC, with Michigan still trying to figure out how it can wrestle the mantle away from the Buckeyes. Greg Schiano, on the first day of Rutgers training camp in 2009, figures to be in the mix as athletic director looks to decide on his next head coach (Photo: FILE PHOTO) And, oh yes, Rutgers was at the bottom of the Big Ten East, unable to win a game. The coach who rescued RU the first time has an even tougher assignment this time around. Let’s not forget that the now-defunct Big East Conference was never in the same college football class as the Big Ten. That, however, should never diminish what Schiano pulled off. He resurrected a program that was near the bottom of Division I, and brought it to a ranking as high as No. 7 in the national polls. But a ranking like that is a pipe dream right now. Schiano has a lot of hard work ahead of him as he first tries to make the Scarlet Knights even relevant in the Big Ten. Here’s a look at the task ahead and what Schiano must do: 1. Quick recruiting fix The early signing period begins Dec. 18, so Schiano has a short amount of time to turn some recruits. Until they sign their letters of intent, all recruits are fair game. Annually, a decent bunch of three-star-and-higher players change their minds. Let’s not forgot that Saquon Barkley verbally committed to Rutgers before changing to Penn State, and so did current Wisconsin star running back Jonathan Taylor. Schiano desperately needs a quarterback or two, at the very least, to provide competition at the position. With the late start, Schiano might have to settle for a junior college transfer who can fill the position for a season or two while the coach comes up with a high school answer. Plus a little bit of luck wouldn’t hurt. Ray Rice, arguably the best player in Rutgers history, was ready to go to Syracuse out of high school until the Orange fired coach Paul Pasqualoni. Rice then turn to RU. 2. Keep New Jersey’s finest here Arguably the best quarterback in Rutgers history, Mike Teel was a two-star recruit out of Don Bosco Prep. (Photo: File photo) Bob Mulcahy, the athletic director who hired Schiano in 2000, once joked that Rutgers was going to build a wall around New Jersey so Joe Paterno and Penn State couldn’t steal New Jersey’s best high school prospects. That, of course, never happened, but let’s not forget that Schiano tapped into Don Bosco Prep, the top high school program in the state at the time, and came away with Mike Teel, Gary Nova, Leonte Carroo and Darius Hamilton. He beat out Miami, Pittsburgh and other high-level programs. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Will Greg Schiano be able to get New Jersey's top recruits? To do that again, Schiano must reintroduce himself to the state’s premier high school coaches, many of whom are at the same schools he encountered them 10 or more years ago. Many of them have already publicly endorsed Schiano, grateful that Rutgers coaches again will be in contact with them, which other staffs rarely did. Keeping Jersey players home has long been a goal of Rutgers coaches. But Schiano has been the only one to be somewhat successful. 3. Establish a solid coaching staff Nov 30, 2019; University Park, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights interim head coach Nunzio Campanile walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports (Photo: Matthew OHaren, Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports) Use the extra money you negotiated for assistants' salaries to good use. Especially important are your choices as offensive and defensive coordinators. And while your defensive background is an asset, don’t try to be a full-time coordinator. You have enough on your plate. Just a suggestion: keep Nunzio Campanile on your offensive staff. The former Bergen Catholic coach has recruiting ties to the state, and his handling of his interim head coaching status after Chris Ash was fired was a textbook example of grace under fire. But don’t stop there. Campanile’s brother, Anthony, is the linebackers coach and recruiter at Michigan, and was considered a potential candidate for Rutgers, when both sides were cooling off after the first round of negotiations. Let’s have a staff that doesn’t need directions to drive to St. Peter’s Prep, Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, or Piscataway, because they already know their way around the state. 4. Patience, patience, patience This is a long-range assignment, so as long as it might take, the head coach needs to be the rock everybody can lean on. Remember, the head coach is the face of the program. He’s out there in front of the cameras after games, and he’s the most recognizable face when he shows up at a school to recruit. Even with his reluctance to do so (which didn’t make him an exception), Schiano performed these duties well in his first go-round. He needs to keep this in the back of his mind because it probably is going to get worse this time before it gets better. 5. Be yourself, not somebody else Greg Schiano and Rutgers have reached a contract agreement that brings the 53-year-old former Scarlet Knights head coach back to Piscataway. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File) (Photo: The Associated Press) Like most Division I head coaches, Schiano can be tough to deal with at times. He’s a control freak and he mandates his stamp of approval be on everything associated with the program. Since he has so much to do to revive RU, he needs to delegate more authority and needs to patch up some relationships, especially with athletic director Pat Hobbs, who has proven to be an excellent fundraiser, a trait Schiano can put to good use as he tries to build more on-campus facilities. While I never thought Schiano was an X's-and-O's genius, give him credit: his teams play hard for him. His work ethic is off the charts, but never expect any lengthy newspaper or television profiles of him. That’s not his style. What the public didn’t see most impressed me the last time around. I attended the post-game news conference in which a teary-eyed Schiano had to detail the severity of Eric LeGrand’s injury, suffered against Army at then-New Meadowlands Stadium in 2010. What some of the public didn’t know was that Schiano, for several months to follow, would leave Piscataway at the end of practices daily and drive to Hackensack University Medical Center to lift LeGrand’s spirits. Rutgers basketball shuts down Minnesota, makes strong case for Top 25 ranking Seton Hall basketball: Powell reaches 2,000 points, leads rally past St. John's Associated Press Top 25 basketball poll: Jerry Carino's ballot Rutgers Wrestling: Cornell holds on for win over Rutgers Seton Hall basketball: Myles Powell on verge of 2,000-point milestone Who was the best Shore Conference girls golfer of the decade?

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MOTOGP SEPANG - TEST DAY1 MOTOGP JEREZ - TEST DAY3 THE 2016 MOTOGP SEASON BEGINS IN MALAYSIA THE FIRST OF THREE DAYS OF TESTING TODAY FOR BAUTISTA AND BRADL ON THE APRILIA RS-GP MACHINES Sepang (Malaysia), 1 February 2016 - The 2016 MotoGP season kicked off with the first day of tests, traditionally held at Sepang, with Aprilia committed to their second year in the top motorcycle racing category. For the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini official riders, Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl, it is also a return to the saddle after the long winter break, so for the first day they were mainly focused on getting back into the groove. From a technical point of view, the area of greatest interest has to do with the new electronics, a unique package that must be developed and matched to the peculiar characteristics of each bike. The team focused their efforts on this front, looking for a basic setup that can then be transferred to the new 2016 Aprilia RS-GP prototype. On the first of the three days scheduled Alvaro Bautista put in 34 laps and his team mate, Stefan Bradl, put in 39. “After two months without a bike this first test is essential for getting back into the groove. We have a lot of work to do, especially in terms of the new electronics package. I'm expecting three intense days where we can take as many steps forward as possible, progress that we'll then be able to use on the new bike.” “Here at Sepang we'll use the 2015 RS-GP, but the work schedule is rather tight for us anyway. The feeling with the new electronics and the new tyres must be developed lap by lap. The first tests of the season are always something special. You get back onto the track after a long break but it really only takes a few kilometres to reacquire the right sensations.”

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Sotheby’s Announces Giacometti & Picasso November Headliners October 3, 2013 by Marion Maneker Sotheby’s announced two star lots for its Impressionist and Modern art sales in New York this November. One is this Picasso, Tete de Femme: Painted in March of 1935, the work is distinguished as perhaps the last major canvas that the artist completed before taking a year-long break from painting, during the time of his contentious divorce from Olga Khokhlova as well as Marie-Thérèse’s pregnancy with their child, Maya. Tête de femme is estimated to sell for $20/30 million in the November auction. In the last five years, six of Picasso’s depictions of Marie-Thérèse have achieved prices of more than $20 million at auction. The most recent examples were sold at Sotheby’s in London and New York: Femme assise près d’une fenêtre, which sold for $44.8 million in London in February 2013, and Nature morte aux tulipes, which sold for $41.5 million in New York in November 2012. And this Alberto Giacometti sculpture of his brother Diego: By the 1950s, Giacometti shifted his attention from the elongated figures of his post-war years and turned to figural sculptures that were more naturalistic in scale. Many were heads and half-length busts, completed between 1951 and 1957 and often executed from memory. For the most part, these sculptures were solid, designed without a base, and executed with the matiére pétrie, or kneaded method, which heightened the expressiveness of the figure. The first owner of this sculpture was Richard K. Weil (1902-1996), the St. Louis manufacturer and trustee of Washington University. Weil and his wife Florence Steinberg Weil were avid collectors of modern art and major benefactors of the University’s Art Department and Gallery. The couple acquired this bronze from Giacometti’s European dealer Maeght in 1957 and sold it to the present owner in 1980. Sotheby's London Imp-Mod Preview This Week's Guarantees Giacometti Chandelier Coming to Sothebys in London Sotheby’s Unveils $17m Finn Collection of Giacometti, Arp & Moore for May Sotheby's Will Sell Giacometti in London Sotheby’s Has 1937 Marie-Thérèse for London Sale Filed Under: General Tagged With: Giacometti, Picasso, Sotheby's

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Arts and criminal justice Want to commission an art project? Working in the arts and CJS Accredit your course Resources for arts organisations Demonstrating your impact Creative practice Monument Fellowship Local practice development Arts Forum Key current policy Evidence Library NCJAA events and training NCJAA past events Prison arts in Scotland – by Kate Davey The Evidence Library is a comprehensive high-quality resource for professionals, academics and others working in the criminal justice system. More about the Evidence Library NCJAA On 11th May, I travelled to Glasgow in preparation for the Scottish Prison Arts Network (SPAN): Skill Share Session and Glasgow Museums: Insight Café, which were taking place the following day. On the 11th itself I visited Citizens Theatre, the principal producing theatre in the west of Scotland. Additionally, the theatre has a fantastic learning department which is committed to enhancing the lives of all kinds of people in Glasgow and beyond. When I arrived I met Elly Goodman, Citizen Theatre’s Community Drama Artist. Elly was leading a Street Cones rehearsal in preparation for their performance at the Insight Café on the 12th May. Street Cones is an inspiring organisation, which was set up by people with experience of the Criminal Justice System with the aim of preventing young people going down the wrong pathways into crime, substance misuse and bad decision making. Their performance at the Insight Café was a rehearsed reading, but it seemed to me that all of the actors were very competent without the script as well. The performance combined the stories of each individual actor in monologues, short scenes and music. The fact that these men are not simply actors but have all really experienced what they are performing made it a powerful piece. The Street Cones group has changed over the past year with people coming and going as they progress and move into paid employment and college courses – there really are some fantastic success stories – so the piece they have been working on has been continuously morphing to incorporate the stories of the men as they come and go. The men involved in the group come from a real variety of backgrounds with different experiences of the prison system; from one member who ended up in prison for the first time at the age of 55, to another who had been in and out of prison for most of his life. In the afternoon, Elly and I – along with Elly’s colleagues Angela and Carly – headed to a local women’s centre, where we were going to be facilitating a journalism and magazine workshop. Citizens Theatre has been working with the centre for a long time, providing theatre drop-ins and workshops and organising plays and performances. This project, which sees the women decide on content and design for a bi-annual magazine about the centre and all it has to offer has been running for about a month and is funded by Comic Relief. We sat in the garden as it was such a beautiful day and worked with the women on deciding on content, transcribing interviews and writing articles. The group felt very safe, and the women were able to share their life stories, interests and passions in the form of magazine articles and one-to-one interviews. The magazine aims to challenge some of the myths that surround the centre, and provide the women who use the centre, as well as those who might use it in the future, with practical advice and information on the services available. The next day I headed to St Mungo’s Museum in the necropolis area of Glasgow for the SPAN Skill Share event and Glasgow Museums: Insight Café. The day started with a presentation from students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who had recently undertaken placements in Scottish prisons as part of their degree. The students spoke about what they had learned from the practical module, and recited a phrase they said epitomised their experience: “You are a group of students working with another group of students.” They read a poem authored by one of the participants of their project, and performed a song they had written with one of the groups. The students’ presentation was followed by a talk from Ryan Dobbins, the Learning Centre Manager at HMP Shotts. Ryan spoke about the benefits of having students on placement in prisons, bringing a new perspective and fresh ideas. He outlined the positives of having new and different skills in the department, but also noted that there were a lot of things for students to take into consideration before deciding to undertake a project in a prison setting. Ryan passed over to Inigo Garrido in the audience who spoke about his involvement in the creation and development of STIR Magazine in Shotts. The STIR group produces a creative arts magazine and formal publications like artists’ guides to working in prison. They also offer strategic marketing assistance to organisations like the Prison Inspectorate, providing real-life professional experience for the participants involved. The day involved a fair amount of talk about the future of arts in criminal justice in Scotland – following the retraction of a special Creative Scotland funding stream reserved solely for arts and criminal justice projects. The Scottish Prison System (SPS) is a great supporter of the work of many of the arts organisations working in prison settings, but it is difficult without match funding from Creative Scotland. Jess Thorpe, Lecturer in Arts in Social Justice at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, asked if we are lighting a fire and then extinguishing it, with reference to both the student placements offered by the Conservatoire, and prisoners taking up arts opportunities. Funding limitations mean that opportunities to work in the sector are few and far between, restricting the professional journey those wanting to work in the sector are able to take. In an attempt to overcome the competitiveness of securing funding, SPAN is considering establishing an arts consortium to reflect the geography of prisons in Scotland. This would mean working with a small group of arts organisations across Scotland to secure larger amounts of funding that could be distributed between the organisations. Following a brief discussion about funding and the future of the arts we had a talk from Denise Russell, a prison officer from HMP Greenock who is currently on secondment to Tomorrow’s Women, a Third Sector organisation supporting women who have come out of prison, and Carol Laula, an arts practitioner who has taken part in the SPAN mentoring scheme. It was useful to hear about SPAN’s experience of running a professional mentoring scheme, which is very similar to the one we run at the National Alliance for Arts in Criminal Justice. After lunch, the Insight Café part of the event began. This was hosted primarily by Glasgow Open Museum which does a lot of outreach work with people who are unable to physically attend the museums. In this section, we saw Street Cones’ performance – which was inspiring – and heard from various museum professionals about specific projects and working with prisoners and prisons more generally. Overall, the two days I spent in Glasgow were inspiring and insightful. It was amazing to see what a thriving prison arts sector there is in Glasgow – and Scotland more widely. I think the similarities between SPAN and the NAACJ mean we can learn a lot from each other’s work, in turn strengthening and supporting the sector UK-wide. Conversations, HMP Stafford, Image courtesy of the Koestler Trust Shutter stories: prison life behind the lens Open Clasp performance of Key Change at the Houses of Parliament Singing the same tune: arts in criminal justice settings championed across government departments – By Alison Frater and Jessica Plant Alison Frater Reaching out with art from death row in San Quentin, California – By Nicola White Diversity, arts and criminal justice: Bringing people together – by Alison Frater National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA Email: info@artsincriminaljustice.org.uk Stories of the incarcerated – learning from the USA Man Up and talk Sandwell becomes first Youth Offending Service to receive Artsmark Award Uses of information policy Managed by Clinks

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Caixin OnlineChina New legal rules make punishments clearer in Chinese graft cases Guidelines issued by the country’s top court and prosecutor’s office have expanded the definition of bribery and pushed up the requirements for the death penalty (From Caixin Online) By staff reporters Zhou Dongxu and Shan Yuxiao A new set of legal guidelines for judges and prosecutors handling graft trials have revised the minimum threshold for […] Guidelines issued by the country’s top court and prosecutor’s office have expanded the definition of bribery and pushed up the requirements for the death penalty (From Caixin Online) By staff reporters Zhou Dongxu and Shan Yuxiao A new set of legal guidelines for judges and prosecutors handling graft trials have revised the minimum threshold for cases that qualify for criminal prosecution and clarified where capital punishment can be used, a move legal experts say will reduce confusion in courts. The document released by the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, the prosecutor’s office, on April 18 said that defendants found guilty of embezzling funds or accepting bribes worth more than 3 million yuan, or about US$ 460,000, will receive the death penalty. Previously, officials convicted of taking bribes worth 100,000 yuan or more could be sentenced to death. The guidelines apply to graft trials involving government workers, including bureaucrats and employees of state-owned enterprises. The benchmark for a case that qualifies for criminal prosecution has also been raised. A criminal case can be brought if bribe is 30,000 yuan or more, up from 5,000 yuan, the document shows. The guidelines supplement revisions made to the Criminal Law in November, and replace sentencing criteria set out in 1997, which have long been criticized for being out of date. Under the new rules, embezzling funds or receiving bribes worth 10,000 yuan to 1.5 million yuan is defined as a “relatively serious offence” and carries a prison sentence of three to 10 years. Those suspected of taking 1.5 million yuan to 3 million yuan in bribes are labeled “serious offenders” and will face a minimum jail term of ten years and this can go up to life imprisonment. If defendants are convicted of “especially serious” offences with an “extremely vile impact,” such as stealing funds earmarked for disaster relief efforts, they may face the death penalty, the document show. This is the first time in two decades that the sentencing criteria for graft cases have been revised. Several legal experts said the guidelines were more lenient than what they expected. Read more BusinessChinaCaixin Online

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The Prophet Adam and Human Evolution By Sheikh (Dr.) Haitham al-Haddad Praise be to Allah, the supreme Creator, Fashioner of mankind, Sustainer of the universe. All is His divine will, and his command is executed immediately. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, who came from the noble Adam, created and fashioned from clay, and preceded by none. The theory of human evolution, namely that man descended from apes, is widely accepted amongst non-Muslims although there have been many non-Muslim scientists, atheists included, who argue that it is flawed. As an opinion, it was wholly rejected by all Muslims as it goes against their basic knowledge that Allah created Adam with his own hands, from clay, in the physical form of a human being, and then breathed life into it. Even so, there have been a few Muslims over the years that have endorsed the theory attempting to initiate a discussion on the topic, whilst there are non-Muslims who criticise us for being ‘simple-minded’ and ‘scientifically inconsistent’. Due to such attacks, some Muslims felt inferior and thought that the problem could be rectified by an acceptance of the evolution theory, or at least accepting it as a valid alternative. However, the decisive verses of the Qur’an as well as the ahadith (Prophetic narrations) provide a problem for such an undertaking, and so we find that there are mistakes and random misinterpretations. Of course, those of truth will always oppose such heresy, to which these Muslim evolutionists, if there ever was such a term (!), respond that “we believe in the existence of Allah, the initial Creator, yet what is wrong in concluding that the way in which God created all human beings, including the first human, Adam, was by means of evolution, and namely, non-human parents who descended from apes?” Such people insist that this latest version of the theory is compatible with revelation given that there is no unequivocal scriptural text to deny it! In order to deal with such unfounded claims, I would like to approach the issue in a scholastic and systematic manner so as to demonstrate how theological deviancy comes about through incompetence in systematically and rationally deriving meaning from the scriptural texts. It is due to this incompetence (that we should all be aware of so we save ourselves) that some attempt to legitimise the theory of human evolution and others unrecognised views that accompany it. It is commonly believed that the Qur’an and the ahadith (Prophetic traditions) are the only sources of Islamic authority, yet we find that one of the primary causes of an individual’s theological (and legal) deviancy is the attempt to fully understand the divine texts by his/herself, with complete disregard for the profound understandings and well-substantiated views of hundreds of thousands of Muslim scholars from around the world who have contributed to the vast corpus of Islamic scholarship over the last 1400 years. The irony of such disregard is that Muslim proponents of the evolution process completely brush aside Islamic scholarly consensus yet are the first to advocate the (supposed) consensus of non-Muslim scientists! It is clear that priorities are misplaced, for in glorifying western scientists the proponents of human evolution neglect the intellectual aptitude of Muslim scholars, particularly, the early scholars who were extremely astute and would, with all dedication, intensely scrutinise each and every aspect of the Islamic religion prior to any form of endorsement or inclination towards a given view – in fact, it is only very recently that scientists have adopted the same level of rigour. Given such a profound analysis, none of Islam’s scholars, let alone the greatest amongst them, ever articulated the view that Adam came into existence as a result of some evolutionary process. In fact, none of Islam’s early scholars ever even considered the possibility of Adam being created in stages of existence, or that he experienced childhood at some time of his life. In adopting a religious opinion which is counter to a scholarly consensus made up of thousands of Muslim scholars over a long period of time, the proponents of human evolution expose their distorted outlook on Islamic knowledge and the Muslims scholars (as a collective) whom Allah has appointed as trustees of the faith. Such an attitude implies that Allah, may he be free from such an implication, has allowed the entire Muslim ummah, over a period spanning more than a millennium, to deviate from the truth whilst the correct view is uncovered by (theological) laymen in recent times! Disregarding the binding legacy of scholastic consensus goes against plain old common sense and a number of verses and Prophetic traditions that state that scholars, not as individuals but as a collective, are the trustees of the faith. The explicit statements are numerous, such as Allah’s statement, “And We sent not before you but men to whom We inspired, so ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know”[1], and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying, “the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets.” To believe that Adam had monkey-like parents (despite the fact that overwhelming evidences go against it) and to completely abandon the consensus of Muslims is indicative of deep-rooted arrogance, a rejection of the clear evidences, or ignoring the correct methodology in understanding the divine texts. For example, the first step of a sound methodology would be to analyse whether the conclusion is consistent with the Arabic language, since Arabic is the primary tool used in interpreting divine revelation, and so, any interpretation that fails to fall within the framework of the Arabic language is one that is redundant. For example, the Arabs did not consider the phrase kun fa yakun (be! And it is/was) to be an indefinite period of time, for indeed, the phrase illustrates the power and might of God that His will is manifested immediately and decisively, without delay. Even the phrase “be! And it is/was” in English implies it (whatever it is) happens instantaneously, and to argue otherwise would be a distortion of the English language! Another key principle that must be established when dealing with scripture is the inter-contextualisation of the entire divine text – in order to correctly interpret the Qur’an and ahadith we must approach them, not as solitary verses, but as one coherent and homogeneous unit that affords a holistic interpretation, and not an interpretation based on preconceived ideas that singles out isolated verses so as to misconstrue them. Indeed, to approach the divine scriptures having already decided the matter is an insincere attempt to justify one’s belief, and to approach them enquiring into what Allah has ordained, in an open an unbiased way, is to demonstrate the sincere intention to receive guidance. Another irony is the fact that the evolutionists try to place a theory (evolution) over fact (the Qur’an and ahadith). Do we not ponder why it is still considered a theory despite the fact that the idea has been around, in some popular form, since Darwin and is promoted so fanatically by its protagonists? It is truly unfortunate to see those who ascribe to Islam promote the theory of human evolution, and then do so by relying on mutashabih (ambiguous) verses of the Qur’an, some of which are clear kinaya[2] (metonyms), and leave off muhkam (explicit) verses. This is precisely what Allah warns us against, saying, “Those with deviation in their hearts follow what is undefined in it, desiring conflict, seeking its (false) interpretation.”[3] Evolution, in relating to man, is such an unfounded concept that to engage with it on par with academic and intellectual standards is to afford it credence, it being deserving of nothing but aversion. I could perhaps list all of the scientific inaccuracies of claiming that Adam came from apes, but as a Muslim it is more than sufficient to adopt the understanding of the scholars rather than derive a misconstrued meaning from a lone verse or hadith. This should be the case with any Muslim who believes that Allah has ordained certain measures to guard Islam against innovation, and hence, I shall, very limitedly, mention a small number of proofs which, for the benefit of the Muslim masses, simply expose the foolishness of this supposition. The Qur’an clearly states that Adam was created by Allah, and with His own hands, “He said, ‘Iblis, what prevented you prostrating to what I created with My own two hands?”[4] In addition, the famous Companion, Abdullah ibn Umar, said, “Allah created four things with His hand: the Throne, the Pen, the Garden of Eden and Adam. To the rest of His creation He said, ‘Be!’ and it was.”[5]This narration clearly shows that the Companions believed that these four things, Adam included, were created in a way different to other animals and creatures. The authenticated ahadith furnish us with further examples that leave no doubt whatsoever that this was an actual act performed by Allah. For example, the Messenger of Allah said that on the Last Day, mankind would go from Prophet to Prophet requesting intercession; they would go to Adam and say, “You are the father of mankind, Allah created you with His hands, had the angels prostrate to you, and taught you the names of all things.”[6] If Adam was created from a ‘despised drop’ and like all other human beings, then what is the point of singling him out as being created by Allah’s hands? “The likeness of Jesus, to Allah, is the same as Adam. He created him from earth and then He said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was.”[7] This verse is often quoted in isolation from the reasons for which it was revealed, thus, some evolutionists claim that the verse asserts that Jesus and Adam were born in the same way – through the womb of a female. Such an interpretation is deceptive as a brief look into the sabab al-nuzul (causes for revelation) quickly makes clear that the verse was revealed to repudiate the Christian argument that proof of Jesus’ divinity is his having no earthly father. The verse states that Adam had no parents whatsoever, being created instead from earth, yet this did not make him divine; the comparison then was between the single parent of Jesus and the absence of parents in regards to Adam. The Qur’an informs us that Allah “taught Adam the names of all things”[8] and so, we resolutely know that Allah engaged Adam directly. Allah also says, “O mankind! Be mindful of your Lord who created you from a single soul and created its mate from it and then disseminated many men and women from the two of them.”[9] “It is He who created you from a single soul and made from him his spouse so that he might find repose in her.”[10] “O mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other.”[11] If we were to ignorantly suppose that Adam was born of evolved apes, we would then be positing, according to the verses above, that the creation of Hawwa’ was ever so more significant than that of Adam as she was not born but actually fashioned, by God, from Adam. Thus, in negating the instantaneous creation of Adam, the evolutionist is still left having to affirm the instantaneous creation of Hawwa’! And it is this fact, from amongst the many, that exposes the nonsense spewed by evolutionists, for in striving to negate a miracle of God (the creation of Adam), they resort to having to affirm it elsewhere (the creation of Hawwa’), that is, if they can resist the urge to deny the book of God outrightly. The story of the Sabbath-breakers is well known whereby Allah cursed the disobedient and turned them into monkeys and pigs.[12] How then, can the honoured sons of Adam[13] actually come from that which is considered a curse? Of course, in being honoured, it is only logical to conclude that either humans haven’t come from apes, or that we negate the maskh itself and claim that the Sabbath-breakers did not turn into apes and pigs. Even if we were to state, for the sake of argument, that the transformation was metaphorical, the essential point still remains that they were cursed by taking on qualities of monkeys and apes. Correspondingly, there are various contradictions that arise in relation to Adam and Hawwa’ when attempting to scripturally justify human evolution. There are various mutawatir texts that confirm that Adam and Hawwa’ lived as spouses and that mankind came from the two, indeed the textual evidences regarding this point are particularly decisive. Furthermore, it seems quite an irrational interpretation that Allah mentions Hawwa’ as being brought into existence through Allah’s direct involvement, yet Adam, the first human being receives no such honour! It is extremely clear that the evolutionists and their deviant ideas refuse to acknowledge the entire textual discourse surrounding the creation of Adam, instead using solitary verses as a justification for evolutionist beliefs. Thus, in order to attempt some form of reconciliation between the two accounts, the evolutionist must adapt the Qur’an to fit the theory, or the theory to fit the Qur’an, or transform both equally, and in every case, each possibility is as preposterous as the others, all serving as evil paths to heresy. In going beyond the Qur’an, we find that the ahadith are full with authentic narrations concerning the creation of Adam, and in keeping with deceitful intent we find that many liberals and evolutionists completely ignore the existence of such ahadith. Indeed they have to, for the shari’ah of Allah is preserved through the Prophetic narrations and so the evolutionists will do anything to maintain their secular outlook on the Islamic faith. In fact, the notion of evolution is deeply secular as it divorces the involvement of God in creation and attempts to posit Nietzsche’s opinion that if there is a god, then he merely initiated creation (which grew on its own) and that god is now non-existent or dead – we seek protection from Allah from such profanity. We find that Anas ibn Malik relates from the Prophet, “When Allah fashioned Adam in Paradise, He left him as He willed. Iblis then wandered around him examining him. Upon seeing him as hollow from within, he recognised that Adam had been created with a disposition that he would not have control over himself.”[14] I have not seen any scholar, past or present, who affords science the authority to determine how Adam was created. In cases where scholars do refer to science (in a limited capacity), they tend to provide their conclusions and then either explicitly/implicitly mention that this matter should be dealt with through science. In numerous verses the Qur’an commands mankind to reflect on the various types of creation, the alternation of day and night, and the celestial orbit of planets, but there is no indication whatsoever of an evolved Adam. In fact, the Qur’an describes the process of human creation in the womb but discounts the evolution of humans from monkey-like beings. If it is argued that the lack of evolutionary descriptions in the Qur’an is due to evolution’s complex nature, then we retort with the fact that so too is the process of foetal development, yet revelation informs us of it and to its fullest extent. There are countless texts that can be analysed, but to do so would make this article voluminous. However, even light analysis of the Qur’an and Sunnah makes it exceedingly evident that such heretical beliefs have no place within Islamic thought – the Companions and early Muslims all understood the manner in which Adam was created by Allah and it is preposterous to claim that Allah revealed scripture that was misunderstood by all of the aforementioned, yet the Most High did not rectify their misreading! Is the creation of Adam a scientific or religious matter? In reality, there is no disparity between religious creed and science, and if there seems to be so, it inevitably implies that there has been some form of misunderstanding, either in terms of our religious or scientific knowledge. However, a decisive part of being Muslim is to acknowledge that the information related by way of the Qur’an and Sunnah entails certainty, whereas any other knowledge that we acquire is prone to human error. Thus, if the scriptures posit anything related to science and the overwhelming majority of scholars affirm its meaning, then we have to believe in it accordingly as such knowledge is fact-based and not merely human perception. The Qur’an and Sunnah address various disciplines such as science, history, geography, anthropology, politics and others. Whatever is mentioned there should be adopted as an aspect of our faith, “they say: we believe in it, all of it is from our Lord.”[15] Failing to do so suggests either one’s negation of more than half of the Qur’an, or accepting a text which is essentially devoid of meaning as it ends up meaning anything we desire it to, and this is how many of the obdurate fall into disbelief. For example, it has been repeatedly argued that the Qur’an is not a book of history, and so, the heretics argue that we are not obligated to believe historical details which Allah has revealed. Of course, the Qur’an is not a book of many things, but that is not to suggest that various topics are touched upon. Indeed, Allah says, “There is not a moving (living) creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings, but are communities like you. We have neglected nothing in the Book, and then to their Lord they (all) shall be gathered.”[16] The ruling concerning the belief in Adam’s primate descendents. Restricting the discussion merely to a ruling may be counterproductive as anyone who mistakenly concludes that it is not kufr (disbelief) will assume such profanation is to be tolerated, and so therefore, the main issue is not the ruling of such an immoral belief and whether it is kufr, but instead the gravity of this belief and what it signifies – it is the negation of what the ummah has endorsed as well as being in violation of countless proofs that state otherwise. Endorsing the presumption that humans evolved necessitates accepting reprehensible beliefs about the noble Prophet, Adam, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, and that his parents were either apes or ape-like beings! It is to insult the station of prophethood by claiming that Adam was taken care of by human-like baboons. Were Adam’s parents able to speak or did they merely grunt? Were they obliged to worship Allah or not? What was the extent of Adam’s cognitive faculties? Do human beings now have more advanced faculties than he did – have they evolved since his time on earth? How is it that the Qur’an disregards a significant aspect of Adam’s life although he discusses, in detail, what was before it and what came after. If we believe that Allah is the Creator and can create anything, then what is wrong in accepting that he created Adam directly from clay, fashioned him, and brought him to life instantaneously? What is it that they negate? Why do we need to distort the meanings of countless Qur’anic verses in favour of a theory that continually changes? Must we negate the numerous and authentic ahadith that clearly establish a non-evolutionist narrative? In conclusion, to use the theory of Darwin or any other theory that stems from it in order to justify the wicked belief that Adam was born of non-human parents is, in essence, to deny the existence of Allah as supreme creator who creates from nothing by mere command. It is this method of creating (although there are other ways as well) that establishes Allah’s rububiyyah (lordship), for in affirming unjustified theories of human evolution we make chance the creator, since anything that is created exists merely because chance decided so. But Allah says, “Or do they assign to Allah partners who created the like of His creation, so that (both) creations seemed alike to them?’ Say: ‘Allah is the Creator of all things; He is the One, the Irresistible.’”[17] I call upon those who believe and adhere to Islam to affirm the clear and decisive Qur’anic revelations and lucid ahadith, all of which negate the notion of human evolution, let alone Adam having non-human parents. I also call upon them to make the Islamic texts the primary source of authority in all of their affairs, since (Allah) the One who reveals revelation is most knowledgeable about the affairs of the universe. Let us not allow those of no faith to dictate our readings of scripture, our implementation of the Islamic faith, or our notions of what is to be deemed as being most superior, both in terms of creed and actions. For those Muslims who endorse the theory of human evolution, contemplate the scripture with a believing and unbiased heart whilst keeping in mind the Sunnah of Allah’s noble Messenger. Strive against egotism and haughtiness and do not fear the criticisms of the disbelievers. Allah says, “Therefore flee unto Allah; I am a plain warner to you from Him. And set not any other god along with Allah; I am a plain warner to you from Him.”[18] May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his family, his Companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness and the correct creed. Source: www.islam21c.com [1] 16:43; 21:7 [2] See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metonymy [3] 3:7 [4] 38:75 [5] Lalika’i, no. 729-730 [6] Authenticity agreed upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim; a mutawaatir hadith. [7] 3:59 [10] 7:189 [11] 49:13 [12] cf. 5:60, 7:166 [14] Muslim [15] 7:3 [16] 6:38 [18] 51:50-51 Original article: http://www.islam21c.com/theology/2127-the-prophet-adam-and-human-evolution/

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Home Louisiana Weekend Getaway: Natchitoches, Louisiana Weekend Getaway: Natchitoches, Louisiana Celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of Steel Magnolias in the 300-year-old Louisiana town where the classic was filmed. Kevin Benefield Downtown Natchitoches Natchitoches Tourism In 1714, an adventurous French-Canadian entrepreneur named Louis Antoine Juchereau de St. Denis pushed into the wilderness of present-day central Louisiana, establishing a trading post along the Red River on land occupied by the Natchitoches Indians. It was the first permanent European settlement in what would become the Louisiana Territory and a crossroads where French, Spanish, African, Native American, and Creole influences combined. This year, the city of Natchitoches (pronounced NAK-a-tish) celebrates its tricentennial, welcoming visitors to discover this cradle of Louisiana’s Creole culture; however, it’s another observance that drew us to this idyllic small town: the twenty-fifth anniversary of the movie Steel Magnolias. Lana Luckie Robert Harling, who wrote the short story and play based on the life and death of his younger sister, Susan, grew up in Natchitoches, and he modeled the story’s fictional setting on his hometown. When it came time to film the movie based on Harling’s adapted screenplay, Natchitoches was selected as the location, and the cast and crew descended on the town. “I remember a very ‘Hollywood-type’ movie studio exec being concerned about the stars’ privacy while living in our small town during the filming,” Harling says. “I knew there would be no issue. In fact, it was just the opposite. Not much could faze a proud town that was 275 years old at the time. True to form, one of the local grande dames commented on the oncoming tidal wave of huge stars [including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, and Olympia Dukakis] and production crews. She worried, ‘I just hope all those Californians leave us alone.’ “They were, however, very intrigued by this new girl, Julia Roberts, who would portray my sister Susan’s character of Shelby,” he says. “She stole all our hearts—and the rest of the world’s, too.” (The role would garner Roberts her first Oscar nomination and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.) Downtown Natchitoches and Cane River Lake Harling has fond memories of the months the movie was filmed, playing pool with Hannah (who portrayed young hairdresser Annelle Dupuy Desoto) at a roadhouse on the outskirts of town and driving around on Sundays with Parton (who played beauty shop owner Truvy Jones) in search of fried okra. The townspeople also came to embrace the Hollywood crowd, opening their doors and doing all they could to make their new neighbors feel at home. An outstanding local restaurant on the banks of Lake Sibley, The Mariner became the Spago of Natchitoches, says Harling. “Everyone was there.” “I remember the managers of the grocery stores marveling at all the special requests made by the ‘movie people,’” he says. “At the time, I don’t think the Piggly Wiggly had ever stocked caviar. I still laugh at one grocer’s observation: ‘If it hadn’t been for [director] Herbert Ross, I’d never have known the difference between Osetra and Beluga.’” In the quarter century since filming wrapped, the movie has become a Southern classic. Many fans can quote the script line for line. So what’s at the heart of its lasting appeal? “I’ve had twenty-five years to think about this,” Harling says. “The story is true, and despite its very specific setting, the dynamic is universal. My sister and my mother were incredible women. The characters are witty and real; their dialogue is lifted from life. It’s a celebration of spectacular individuals, which reinforces the idea that we can make it through the good and the bad with support, friendship, love, and laughter. In today’s world, that reassurance becomes more and more essential.” While today’s visitor may not run into Shirley MacLaine (who played crusty grande dame Ouiser Boudreaux) at the supermarket or have the chance to sidle up to Olympia Dukakis (who portrayed Clairee Belcher, the cheery widow) at a local watering hole, most of the movie’s filming locations remain intact, as does the welcoming spirit of the town that inspired Steel Magnolias. Natchitoches is in fact known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana, boasting dozens of lovely establishments, many of them situated in historic homes. But for the diehard fan, there’s only one game in town: The Steel Magnolia House. Built in the 1840s along the banks of the Cane River, the structure once known as the Taylor-Cook House originally served as a store and is thought to have been a hospital during the Civil War. In 1900, it was moved several hundred yards from its riverfront location to the street where it now stands, and for decades it was a private residence. When location scouts saw the beautiful historic home—and its large trees and swimming pool, which were essential to the plot—they chose it as the Eatenton family home, where Shelby lived with her brothers and parents M’Lynn and Drum (played by Sally Field and Tom Skerritt); many of the movie’s most memorable scenes were filmed here. The Steel Magnolia House In 2003, the home was transformed into a bed and breakfast, and last fall Don and Desiree Dyess—owners of Maison Louisiane, a beautiful bed and breakfast just two houses down the street—purchased and renovated the property. Visitors can count on plenty of Steel Magnolias memorabilia—from costume sketches to behind-the-scenes photos—and can choose from six suites named for movie characters. Of course, they can also reminisce about favorite scenes shot on the property, like Ouiser’s serving of the legendary armadillo groom’s cake in the garage out back. Steel Magnolias tour maps are available at the house (and at the downtown visitors center), but for the ultimate insider experience, book an hour or a day with local tour operator Barbara Bailey. For $30 an hour, Bailey will tailor a tour to your interests and timeframe, jump in the backseat of your car, and regale you with stories as she directs you on a drive around town. She’ll take you past the private homes where the cast lived during filming and the house that served as Truvy’s Beauty Spot (she’ll even swing you by the local salon where the original sign now hangs). She’ll point out Aunt Fern’s home and escort you through American Cemetery, scene of the film’s climactic graveside scene, before paying a visit to the adjacent Susan Harling Robinson Memorial Garden. She’ll guide you to the small community of Melrose, just twenty miles from Natchitoches, to Saint Augustine Catholic Church, the first church built by and for free people of color in Louisiana and the setting for Shelby’s wedding. Then it’s back to Natchitoches’s thirty-three-block National Historic Landmark District and the downtown shops, where the wardrobe department purchased clothes for the film’s characters. And what a downtown it is. Many of the district’s churches, townhouses, and mercantile buildings were constructed in the mid-nineteenth century and represent a range of French and Spanish architectural styles. Today, the historic structures are home to bed and breakfasts, cafes, bars, galleries, boutiques, and the state’s oldest general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile. Even born-and-bred Harling can’t get enough of it. “To me, downtown is the most special,” he says. “Its cobblestone streets, wrought iron, and classic architecture make it seem like a miniature French Quarter without the strip clubs.” Running alongside Front Street is Cane River Lake and the Downtown Riverbank, a wide, green lakefront park that is the site of many of the movie’s—and the town’s—annual celebrations. The Christmas carnival in Steel Magnolias was patterned on the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights, a six-week show featuring millions of twinkling bulbs, a hundred brightly lit set pieces floating on the lake, and spectacular fireworks shows every weekend. Natchitoches has put on the festival since 1926, and there’s no better way to cap a wintertime visit. Harling remembers it fondly. “One of my favorite moments growing up—and I know Susan loved this too—was the ‘turning on the lights’ during the Christmas Festival. It still gives me goose bumps to think about it. “It was always a chilly Saturday night in December. We’d have just spent the day in a Christmas carnival atmosphere, cavorting with friends and family, stuffed with festival food,” he says. “Festival night, there is a world-class fireworks display, which I remember growing more awesome with each passing year. It’s magic. “The booms and blasts of color in the sky finish exploding,” he says. “It’s quiet. Then the city turns off all the lights downtown. The huge festival crowd stands in total darkness for a beat, then the Christmas lights pop on. Thousands of people gasp at the dazzling holiday beauty. It’s an amazing moment. It still thrills.” Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic Site In 1716, a small company of French colonial troops arrived in the settlement of Natchitoches and constructed Fort St. Jean Baptiste to guard against Spanish advances from the province of Texas. It served as a military outpost and trading center until 1762. Today, a historically accurate reconstruction welcomes guests, who learn about the area’s colonial history through living-history programs and reenactments. 318-357-3101 Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile The oldest general store in Louisiana, Kaffie-Frederick was established in 1863 and has been doing business out of its downtown location on Front Street since 1893. Today, shoppers will discover an eclectic selection of goods, from general hardware and vintage toys to Christmas decorations and coffins. Every sale is rung up on the store’s first hand-cranked cash register that’s been in use since 1917. Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant For twenty-five years, butcher James Lasyone ground meat for the local ladies to use in their meat pies. In 1967, he opened his restaurant, drawing raves for his version of the Creole delicacy featuring spiced beef and pork in a golden-brown turnover. Today, his daughters keep the tradition alive, serving the famous meat pies, along with red beans and rice, Southern-fried catfish, and crawfish pies. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum The dazzling new museum showcases the region’s Creole history and leading industries, as well as the state’s top athletes. It also houses a collection of works by Natchitoches native and celebrated Louisiana folk artist Clementine Hunter. The building, designed by Trahan Architects, is itself a work of art, evoking the region’s rivers with sinuous molded-stone interiors and an elegant cypress-plank exterior. Lakeside Retreat: Novelist Susan Rebecca White’s highs and lows on a mountain lake in the Smokies How to let the good times roll at Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama Historic hospitality and timeless charm intersect on Columbus, Mississippi’s Main and Fifth Streets

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Finding Amsterdam’s hidden treasures You may have already visited Amsterdam, and think you know it. Well, think again, because the city still has some surprises for those who explore a little further. On the other hand, if this is your first trip, getting away from the main attractions will still help to make your stay more interesting. by Riccardo Smith EYE Film Museum If you’re a film fan, you’ll love this museum in its striking architect-designed building opposite Central Station, on the north bank of the river IJ (with a free ferry between the two). Film showings, in screening rooms of varying sizes (right down to pods), range from newly-restored classics to the latest arthouse releases, also taking in alternative genres. Permanent and temporary exhibitions, complemented by interactive presentations, provide everything an enthusiast could want, with regular events and educational activities. The basement has a permanent display of items considered important in film history, including equipment such as the iconic 35mm Mitchell camera. The EYE Film Museum moved from its previous location in a nineteenth-century pavilion in the Vondelpark, and joined three more film institutes in 2009 to become what it is now. In 2012 it opened in this striking venue, where lighting and a modern white interior complement the cinematic experience perfectly. A well-stocked shop of film memorabilia will allow you to take some memories away with you, but not before you’ve sampled the waterside café and restaurant, with its beautiful views. Four incredible African destinations to visit in 2020 [PHOTOS] How to get a budgeted Egypt Nile cruise booking and what to expect on the journey? #travelgram: live tourist snaps have turned solo adventures into social occasions Dutch Resistance Museum In May 1940, the army of Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands, occupying it until May 1945, with dreadful consequences for the population. The museum, known locally as De Verzetsmuseum, details the Dutch resistance movement that arose, which could involve forging papers, spying, helping to hide those in danger (such as Anne Frank), producing newspapers, assisting escapes or simply carrying messages, as the young Audrey Hepburn and other children did. Using films, pictures and objects, visitors are led through a complete history of the period, from the 1930s when Nazism was on the rise in Germany, through to the time when the peaceful existence of the Dutch people was suddenly and brutally shattered, and finishing in the post-war year of 1950. The chronological arrangement of events and developments helps visitors to grasp the increasing oppression, and the day to day life of citizens. Learning about the well-organised and dedicated resistance is an emotional but enlightening experience, and you won’t regret finding time to visit the Dutch Resistance Museum. Amsterdam’s Northern Neighbourhood The Eye is situated in lively Amsterdam Noord, where pretty villages nestle in green spaces, providing a contrast with stunning modern buildings, waterside dwellings and artists’ studios, while festivals capture the spirit of the place. Catch the free ferry from Central Station, and explore! Alternatively, Amsterdam’s cycle-paths and sign-posted routes are perfect for bikes. Ride alongside the Ijsselmeer canal to the protected historic village of Durgerdam, or head for thirteenth-century Buiksloot, where villagers built their wooden houses on a dyke for protection. No longer on open water and now part of Amsterdam, its history and the lower level of its gardens are a must-see. Discover the traditional Windmill D’Admiraal, on Noordhollandsch Canal, or take a river cruise. Have fun with the activities in the lively park of Noorderpark, or browse a street market such as Pekmarkt. Take in some jazz at the Bimhuis, or in the same venue, enjoy a concert at Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ. Food lovers are spoilt for choice, but don’t forget the local pancakes! Amsterdam Forest At the city’s edge, you’ll find its biggest park and leisure area, the Amsterdamse Bos. Green open spaces and rich woodlands are ideal for picnicking, and provide plenty of opportunities for walking or cycling along designated routes. Children will love the goat farm and petting zoo, and everyone will go for the home-made cheese and delicious ice cream, both courtesy of the local herd. If you don’t fancy the climbing park, you can relax in the botanical garden, or catch a play at the outdoor theatre. Rowing contests are held on a long canal called the bosbaan, and you can hire pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and bicycles. If you’re feeling lazy, an excursion boat will show you around, or you can safely take a dip in the clear water. Electric boats are suitable for children from the age of four, and back on dry land, they can find out about all things nautical, learn how to tie knots, and can even try out a crane! Go Further Afield for the Day Why would you want to limit yourself to the borders of Amsterdam? In a country as small as The Netherlands, a day trip from the busy capital can give you a whole new view on the country. Some villages are within easy reach by bike or public transport. The bridges of ancient Weesp, historic Muiden and its castle, and the fortress village of Naarden are all close by, while for a change, Amstelveen is known for its modern and contemporary art galleries. At Zaanse Schans, picturesque windmills await you. In this small country, it’s also possible to venture a little further, perhaps to the city of Utrecht, modern Rotterdam with its alternative scene, beautiful Delft, or Leiden with its famous university. Buy cheeses at the market in Alkmaar or travel just twenty minutes from Amsterdam to Haarlem. Finally, don’t forget the seaside! Zandvoort is only thirty minutes away, or from Scheveningen, you can also visit the Hague. IJmuiden is the place for wind surfing or for flying kites, but do leave time to see the lighthouses.

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Prof. Roberto Orecchia Home Prof--Roberto-Orecchia • Professor of Radiation Oncology University of Milan – Italy. Mr. Head of the Residency Program of Radiation Oncology University of Milan Italy. Head of the Faculty for Radiology Technician - University of Milan - Italy. Chairman of the Department of Radiation oncology European Institute of Oncology Milan – Italy. • The Scientific Director of the CNAO Foundation (Italian Centre for Hadrotherapy) Pavia – Italy. • President of Italian Association of Radiation Oncology. • Board Member of ESTRO (European Association of Radiotherapy). He serves as a Member of International Scientific Advisory Board at Istituto Europeo di Oncologia s.r.l. • Lead Independent Director of SAES Getters SpA and has been its Independent Non Executive Director since April 21, 2009. • Board Member of LUVI Foundation for research and palliative care (in collaboration with the Floriani Foundation). He serves as a Honorary Member of GLAC/RO (Latin-American Group of Oncologic Radiotherapy) and Associate Professor of La Plata University of Argentina. • Vice President and Scientific Director of the TERA Foundation. Mr. Orecchia serves as the President of the International Society of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (ISIORT). • More than 300 publications on review (207 reviewed on Pub Med) national and international, chapters and books and other teaching materials on the following arguments: integration between radiotherapy and medicine or drugs, hyperthermia, brachytherapy and recently, high precision radiotherapy techniques (radiotherapy in 3D-conformal, stereotactic, intraoperative, IMRT). • His Main interests are: breast cancer, prostate cancer and head and neck cancer. He coordinate an international project involving 20 European countries funded by the European Community for more than 8 million euro (the ULICE Project).

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Benchmark Community Bank Kenbridge, VA Benchmark Community Bank is an FDIC-insured bank founded in 1971 and currently headquartered in Kenbridge, VA. As of December 31, 2017, the bank held equity of $67.3 million on assets of $595.2 million. U.S. bank customers have $525.6 million on deposit at 14 offices in multiple states run by 167 full-time employees. With that footprint, the bank holds loans and leases worth $482.0 million, including $417.2 million worth of real estate loans. Overall, Bankrate believes that, as of December 31, 2017, Benchmark Community Bank exhibited a good condition, earning 4 out of 5 stars for safety and soundness. Keep reading for an analysis of how the bank did on the three key criteria Bankrate used to grade American banks. Capital is an essential measurement of an institution's financial fortitude. It works as a bulwark against losses and affords protection for accountholders when a bank is struggling financially. When it comes to safety and soundness, the higher the capital, the better. On our test to measure capital adequacy, Benchmark Community Bank scored 14 out of a possible 30 points, beating out the national average of 13.13. One widely used measure of this buffer is a bank's Tier 1 capital ratio. Benchmark Community Bank's Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.92 percent, above the 6 percent level considered adequate by regulators, but lower than the national average of 25.65 percent. The higher the capital ratio, the better the bank will be able to stand up to financial challenges. Overall, Benchmark Community Bank held equity amounting to 11.31 percent of its assets, which was lower than the national average of 12.03 percent. Bankrate uses this test to estimate the effect of problem assets, such as past-due loans, on the bank's loan loss reserves and overall capitalization. Having a large number of these kinds of assets may eventually force a bank to use capital to cover losses, diminishing its cushion of equity. It also means that there are likely to be many assets that are in non-accrual status and thus aren't earning interest for the bank, resulting in reduced earnings and potentially more risk of a failure in the future. Benchmark Community Bank came in below the national average of 37.49 on Bankrate's asset quality test, racking up 36 out of a possible 40 points . The percentage of problem assets a bank holds compared to its total assets is a useful indicator of asset quality.As of December 31, 2017, 0.65 percent of Benchmark Community Bank's loans were noncurrent -- in other words, they were more than 90 days past due or were in non-accrual status. That's below the national average of 1.01 percent. Banks maintain a reserve known as an "allowance for loan and lease losses" to deal with problem assets . Comparing the size of that reserve to the total amount of problem loans can be a useful indicator when evaluating a bank's ability to manage troubled assets. Unfortunately, the FDIC did not provide information on Benchmark Community Bank's loan loss allowance in its most recent filings. How profitable a bank is affects its long-term survivability. A bank can retain its earnings, boosting its capital buffer, or use them to deal with problematic loans, likely making the bank more resilient in times of trouble. Losses, on the other hand, diminish a bank's ability to do those things. Benchmark Community Bank scored 18 out of a possible 30 on Bankrate's test of earnings, exceeding the national average of 15.12. One widely used measure of a bank's earnings is return on equity, or net income (profit, essentially) divided by total equity. Benchmark Community Bank's most recent annualized quarterly return on equity was 9.38 percent, above the national average of 8.10 percent. The bank reported net income of $6.2 million on total equity of $67.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The bank had an annualized return on average assets, or ROA, of 1.08 percent, above the 1 percent deemed satisfactory in accordance with industry standards, and above the average for U.S. banks of 1.00 percent.

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Durden Banking Company, Incorporated Twin City, GA Durden Banking Company, Incorporated is an FDIC-insured bank started in 1934 and currently based in Twin City, GA. As of December 31, 2017, the bank had equity of $25.2 million on $163.8 million in assets. With 47 full-time employees in 4 offices in GA, the bank currently holds loans and leases worth $103.6 million, including real estate loans of $80.1 million. U.S. bank customers currently have $138.1 million in deposits with the bank. Overall, Bankrate believes that, as of December 31, 2017, Durden Banking Company, Incorporated exhibited a superior condition, earning a full 5 stars for safety and soundness. Here's a breakdown of how the bank fared on the three major criteria Bankrate used to grade U.S. banks on safety and soundness. Capital acts as a cushion against losses and as protection for account holders during periods of economic instability for the bank. Therefore, a bank's level of capital is a key measurement of an institution's financial resilience. When it comes to safety and soundness, the higher the capital, the better. On our test to measure capital adequacy, Durden Banking Company, Incorporated achieved a score of 22 out of a possible 30 points, beating out the national average of 13.13. A bank's Tier 1 capital ratio is a widely followed measure of this buffer. Durden Banking Company, Incorporated's Tier 1 capital ratio was 25.16 percent, higher than the 6 percent level considered adequate by regulators, but below the national average of 25.65 percent. The higher the capital ratio, the better the bank will be able to stand up to financial challenges. Overall, Durden Banking Company, Incorporated held equity amounting to 15.35 percent of its assets, which exceeded the national average of 12.03 percent. Bankrate uses this test to estimate the impact of troubled assets, such as unpaid loans, on the bank's reserves set aside to cover loan losses, as well as overall capitalization. Having a large number of these kinds of assets may eventually force a bank to use capital to absorb losses, decreasing its cushion of equity. Many of those assets are also likely to be in non-accrual status and thus aren't earning money, decreasing earnings and elevating the chances of a future failure. Durden Banking Company, Incorporated scored 40 out of a possible 40 points on Bankrate's test of asset quality, exceeding the national average of 37.49. The percentage of problem assets a bank holds compared to its total assets is a useful indicator of asset quality.As of December 31, 2017, 1.20 percent of Durden Banking Company, Incorporated's loans were noncurrent -- in other words, they were more than 90 days past due or were in non-accrual status. That's above the national average of 1.01 percent. Banks maintain a reserve known as an "allowance for loan and lease losses" to deal with problem assets . Comparing the size of that reserve to the total amount of at-risk loans can be a widely used indicator when evaluating a bank's ability to manage troubled assets. Unfortunately, the FDIC did not provide information on Durden Banking Company, Incorporated's loan loss allowance in its most recent filings. How profitable a bank is affects its long-term survivability. A bank can retain its earnings, expanding its capital buffer, or use them to address problematic loans, potentially making the bank more resilient in times of trouble. Conversely, losses take away from a bank's ability to do those things. Durden Banking Company, Incorporated outperformed the average on Bankrate's test of earnings, achieving a score of 22 out of a possible 30. Return on equity, calculated by dividing net income (profit, essentially) by total equity, is one widely used measure of a bank's earnings. Durden Banking Company, Incorporated's most recent annualized quarterly return on equity was 12.30 percent, above the national average of 8.10 percent. The bank earned net income of $3.0 million on total equity of $25.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. The bank reported an annualized return on average assets, or ROA, of 1.86 percent, above the 1 percent deemed satisfactory in accordance with industry standards, and above the average for U.S. banks of 1.00 percent.

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Kids' Club Eligible Laura Ingalls Wilder: Storyteller of the Prairie by Ginger WadsworthGinger Wadsworth Tells the life story of the author of the "Little House" books from her childhood in Wisconsin to her death at Rocky Ridge Farm at the age of ninety. Lerner Biographies Series Lexile: 890L (what's this?) Gr 5-8This readable biography clarifies the chronology of events that were described in the "Little House" books and gives additional information about the family and Wilder's adult life that was not covered in the series. Wadsworth quotes from correspondences between mother and daughter to support the view that Wilder wrote drafts and sought and accepted help from her daughter, Rose, an accomplished writer, in forming the final manuscripts. The book is illustrated with reprints of Garth Williams's illustrations for the original books, family photographs, and historical photographs depicting the times and places the family lived. Source notes are appended. The book will primarily appeal to readers who have enjoyed the "Little House" books. It is shorter but similar in approach to Laura Ingalls Wilder (HarperCollins, 1992) written by long-time Ingalls Wilder researcher, William Anderson. Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson's The World of Little House (HarperCollins, 1996) is an attractive alternative for readers who are just beginning the series.Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN

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BR Home Page > B-R Bullpen Bullpen Front Page BR Front Page Tyler Adamczyk From BR Bullpen Tyler F. Adamczyk Bats Right, Throws Right Height 6' 6", Weight 190 lb. High School Westlake High School Born November 9, 1982 in Raleigh, NC USA BR Minors page Biographical information[edit] Tyler Adamczyk was a minor league baseball pitcher who played from 2002 to 2006 in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, and in the independent Northern League in 2007. Drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2001 amateur draft, Adamczyk began his professional career the next season. He pitched for the rookie-level Johnson City Cardinals in 2002, going 4-3 with a 3.41 ERA in 13 games (11 starts). He made 26 starts for the Peoria Chiefs in 2003, going 7-12 with a 4.49 ERA. He led the Midwest League with 15 home runs allowed. With the Palm Beach Cardinals in 2004, Adamczyk went 5-10 with a 5.00 ERA in 26 games (25 starts), walking 71 and throwing a Florida State League-high 26 wild pitches in 136 2/3 IP. Tyler was one walk behind FSL leader Rich Hill. He split the 2005 season between the Swing of the Quad Cities (15 games, 9 starts, 4-3, 7.83 ERA) and the Palm Beach Cardinals (14 games, 13 starts, 3-7, 6.68 ERA) going a combined 7-10 with a 7.20 ERA in 29 games (22 starts). He became primarily a reliever for the first time in 2006, when he appeared in 33 games but started only three of them. He went 0-4 with a 4.21 ERA that season for Palm Beach. In 2007, he pitched for the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League, making 11 appearances (3 starts) and going 0-2 with an 11.63 ERA. In 21 2/3 innings with the Flyers, he had 22 walks and only 10 strikeouts. Overall, he went 23-41 with a 5.34 ERA over the course of his six-year minor league career. He appeared in 138 games, making 89 starts. In 549 2/3 innings, he had 267 walks and 325 strikeouts. This biographical article is missing the person's: full name Retrieved from "https://www.baseball-reference.com/bpv/index.php?title=Tyler_Adamczyk&oldid=585297" Births in 1982 Missing Full Name Content is available under GNU Free Documentation License unless otherwise noted. About the BR Bullpen You are here: BR Home Page > B-R Bullpen Site Last Updated:

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Sinn Fein leader tells Theresa May she must protect Good Friday Agreement Mary Lou McDonald had a ‘detailed conversation’ about Brexit issues in a phone call with the Prime Minister. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald does not want a hard Irish border post-Brexit (Liam McBurney/PA) Sinn Fein have told the Prime Minister that she must deliver on promises she made to protect the Good Friday Agreement. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/sinn-fein-leader-tells-theresa-may-she-must-protect-good-friday-agreement-37983732.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/cf9b0/37983730.ece/AUTOCROP/h342/bpanews_72c4dae4-af4f-47c8-a916-5124d689871d_1 Speaking after a phone call with Theresa May on Thursday, the party’s leader Mary Lou McDonald said she made it clear that any decisions taken on the UK’s departure from the EU must protect citizen rights and avoid a hard border. “We had a phone call with Mrs May around lunchtime, it was quite a detailed conversation, where we set out for her the consequences of a crash Brexit,” Ms McDonald said. "The idea of reinstating any form of the border on the island of Ireland is almost like suggesting we rebuild the Berlin wall, from a political point of view. It is imperative that we protect political progress." - @MaryLouMcDonald pic.twitter.com/bdkKGMOmzH — Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) April 4, 2019 “She informs us that efforts are underway to secure some level of agreement in Westminster and she states that it is not her intention or preference to exit without a deal. “However the reality is, that as we speak, that is still a very live possibility. “We’ve put it to the Prime Minister that at the beginning of this Brexit debacle commitments were given to protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts, to prevent any hardening of the border and to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights. “She didn’t give us any assurances as to how this would be achieved in the absence of any agreement. The idea of reinstating the border on the island of Ireland is almost like suggesting we rebuild the Berlin wall Mary Lou McDonald “I think it’s important we understand that Irish prosperity, in addition to being linked to single market is also linked to the all-island economy. “It’s not just about the economy and trade, its not a technical dilemma, it’s a political question and the idea of reinstating the border on the island of Ireland is almost like suggesting we rebuild the Berlin wall. “We have to be very, very clear that we must protect political progress and we set all of that out for Mrs May this morning. Ms McDonald says she believes that the Prime Minister is dedicated to leaving the EU with a deal, however she is unsure how Mrs May will proceed as Westminster remains deadlocked. “I have the clear sense that reaching a deal is her first preference, and that is the course of action she has set out,” Ms McDonald said. “I can’t guess where this will land and I suspect she might be in the same position – which is cause for concern for all of us. “There’s no use saying you support the Good Friday Agreement, we need actions. “We told her in no uncertain terms that the commitments given in the beginning must be honoured.” The call comes as efforts intensify to find a way through the Brexit impasse. The UK Government and the Labour Party’s negotiating teams are locked in intensive talks in the hope of agreeing a position which could win a majority in the House of Commons in the coming days, allowing Theresa May to request a short delay to Article 50. Manhunt for suspect in gruesome killing probe 'I can still hear myself screaming 'no' at the police officers' - parents of tragic Nora... By Aoife Walsh The parents of Nora Quoirin, a teenager who was found dead 10 days after disappearing in Malaysia while on a family holiday, have told of the harrowing moment they learned of her death.

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Home › Sport › Football › Irish League › Glentoran Glentoran aren't in the title race but we're on the right road, says Robbie McDaid Glentoran 1 Crusaders 1 Take off: Robbie McDaid goes airborne to get the better of Crues goalkeeper Gerard Doherty By Alex Mills December 16 2019 11:00 AM Robbie McDaid admits he prefers Glentoran to operate under the radar and not be classed as title candidates. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/glentoran/glentoran-arent-in-the-title-race-but-were-on-the-right-road-says-robbie-mcdaid-38787069.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/irish-league/glentoran/e087f/38787068.ece/AUTOCROP/h342/2019-12-16_spo_55702974_I1.JPG The 23-year-old gobbled up his 12th goal of the season in Saturday's bruising clash with Crusaders to help keep the east Belfast team firmly in the mix approaching the hectic festive schedule. Mick McDermott's boys hadn't beaten their cross-town rivals in League combat since April 2014 and, when Jamie McGonigle shot the Crues into the lead just after the break, it appeared it would be business as usual. Although the gutsy Glens produced a stirring second-half showing, they had to rely on McDaid's cool finish 10 minutes from time to salvage the situation. It meant the winless hoodoo continued, but at least they added another point to their Danske Bank Premiership tally. The game, however, was marred by the last minute dismissal of Glens striker Cameron Stewart, who was shown a straight red card by referee Tim Marshall for an alleged elbowing incident involving Crues defender Howard Beverland. "I wouldn't say we are in the title race at the minute," conceded McDaid. "Yes, we have done extremely well. We talked at the start of the campaign and our aim was to be more competitive - I think we definitely are. Please log in or register with belfasttelegraph.co.uk for free access to this article. New to Belfasttelegraph.co.uk? Sign up "You can see from our squad that the boys that come on (from the bench) can make a difference. That's something we haven't had for the past few seasons. "To talk about titles, it's very early days. The gaffer maintains it's a process, what we are doing is part of a long-term plan, not a short-term fix. "We are on our way, of course, but we'll not be getting carried away with a couple of decent results. "And we do take satisfaction of going toe-to-toe with Crusaders - a team that have won titles over the last few years. They are pretty similar to Linfield, they are always there or thereabouts when it comes to April-May time. "Yes, we were happy (with the result), but it could have been a lot better if we had taken all three points. If you look at the top teams in the league, they do rescue points from nowhere in that last 10 minutes, so I thought that was important for us. "We were pushing for a goal and I thought it was only a matter of time before the ball went into the net. Thankfully I was able to put it away. "It's something like six seasons since Glentoran has beaten Crusaders, so we are disappointed from that aspect but, in terms of how the game panned out, we probably would have taken a point, being 1-0 down with 10 minutes left." McDaid admits the Glens are now braced for what will be a 'massive challenge' over the next three weeks, starting at Carrick Rangers on Saturday. "It's a big ask, but these are the games we want to be involved in," he added. "We've picked up five points from three really difficult games (Crusaders, Coleraine and Cliftonville). "We are under no illusions, next week will be just as tough. There are no easy games in the league, but with every match coming thick and fast over the month of December, you could find yourself very much out of the top three or four, or even out of the title race. "There is a possibility of dropping out of the pack. Mick talked about it at the beginning of the month of how important it is to keep as close as possible to the top three or four." Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter admitted he was happy with the point against a team he reckons will certainly be in the title mix come the end of the season. "Can they win it? One hundred percent they can win it," said Baxter. "But there are four or five other team with the capability of winning it as well. "Glentoran are on a great run. They are only a couple of points of it (the top of the table). "To me, there is not a lot of difference between any of the top six teams." GLENTORAN: Antolovic, Kane, Peers, Gallagher (Van Overbeek, 75 mins), McDaid, Stewart, McClean, Pepper, Crowe, O'Neill (Nasseri, 61 mins), Plum. Unused subs: Morris, Birney, Frazer, Herron, Murray. CRUSADERS: Doherty, Burns, Beverland, Coates (Hegarty, 46 mins), Lowry, McGonigle (Heatley, 85 mins), Caddell, Forsythe, O'Rourke, Owens (Cushley, 85 mins), Clarke. Unused subs: O'Neill, Ruddy, Thompson, McElroy. Referee: Tim Marshall (Irvinestown) Man of the match: Robbie McDaid Match rating: 7/10 Daniels ready to hit the goal groove after injury strains Cowan taking nothing for granted after perfect start By Colin Speer Keith Cowan was delighted to mark his Glentoran debut with a goal and, more importantly, play his part in the win over Institute, which returned his side to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership. New boys quick to adopt McDermott's mantra as Glentoran go top By Gareth Hanna It hasn't taken long for Glentoran's new signings to get with the programme. Glentoran are back and will challenge for big prizes, says Morris By Graham Luney Glentoran player/coach Elliott Morris believes the club are now ready to challenge for the big prizes in domestic football. 'It was a dream': Striker Andrew Mitchell explains decision to leave boyhood club Glenavon for... By Gareth Hanna It was never really supposed to be like this.

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Check out Ranbir Kapoor's dacoit avatar from Shamshera RK looks unrecognizable in his leaked photo When it comes to experimenting with his looks and roles, actor Ranbir Kapoor has never shied away. The Sanju actor doesn’t want to be type-casted in any role, and so he has been trying out his hands on a variety of roles. Needless to say, most of his films have shattered the box office records, and earned him heaps of appraisals for his acting skills. Currently, the Barfi actor is busy shooting Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra and Karan Malhotra's Shamshera simultaneously. While the RK fans are desperately waiting to see him pairing up with his real-life girlfriend Alia Bhatt, the actor was spotted at the sets of Shamshera in an unusual look. Ranbir Kapoor looks barely recognizable in his badass daku avatar, in the YRF production film, co-starring Vaani Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt. Taking about the film, the Rockstar actor said, "It is not a story of a 'daaku', but a film based in the 1800s, it is about a dacoit tribe who are fighting for their right and independence from the British. There was a great story of heroism, a story rooted in our country which actually happened back then." He further added, "It is a departure from the kind of films I have done, it is not the coming-of-age lover boy roles which I have done often. 'Shamshera' is in the aspirational space, the space of true, badass commercial cinema." Helmed by director Karan Malhotra, Shamshera is slated to release on July 31, 2020.

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More Surprises in Store Richard T. Golinski, CFA Investment markets started the year on a positive note with the major U.S. and foreign stock indices up more than 2% through late January and gauges of investor sentiment and business optimism indicating an upbeat mood to start the year. At the same time, the potential for surprises, both positive and negative, is greater this year than at any time since the financial crisis. Given this uncertainty, investors should proceed carefully and focus on diversification. In this article, we share some thoughts on the economic and market environment. We also review one of the key components of a diversified portfolio, foreign stocks. Uncertainty Reigns After last year’s political shocks of Trump’s election victory and the British vote to exit the European Union, 2017 is shaping up to be another year marked by surprises. President Trump ran on a platform of dramatic change to the status quo and he has already demonstrated his intent to follow through. Major uncertainty exists in key areas including foreign relations, trade policy, tax policy, and the structure of the U.S. healthcare system. Overseas, France and Germany hold presidential elections this year and anti-E.U. candidates have a legitimate chance of winning. With uncertainty so high, the range of potential outcomes for economies and markets is wider than usual. Growth and Inflation Likely to Increase Although difficult to make predictions in this state of uncertainty, we believe the most likely scenario for the U.S. economy is for growth to accelerate moderately from the sluggish rates of the recent past. Subdued business investment has held back growth since the Great Recession and we expect some improvement on this front. Business owners are generally more optimistic, encouraged by President Trump’s pro-business platform of deregulation, lower taxes, and increased infrastructure spending. To the extent this optimism translates into decisions to expand and invest, economic growth should receive a boost. The chart below reflects one measure of the improved mood, showing a big jump in optimism among small business owners since the election. Source: Bloomberg, National Federation of Independent Business We expect inflation to increase slightly but to remain low by historical standards. The Federal Reserve’s preferred metric, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index (PCE), is currently growing at an annual rate of 1.7%, and we expect this rate to approach the Fed’s target of 2% by the end of 2017. While unlikely, inflation could rise even faster if wage growth continues to accelerate and companies respond by raising prices. As the chart below shows, hourly wages grew 2.9% last year, the largest increase since 2008. We will be monitoring the trend in wages for signs of potential inflationary pressures. Foreign Stocks – Key Component of Diversified Portfolios Over the past six years, foreign stocks have underperformed U.S. stocks by nearly 11% per year.1 Given this poor relative performance, some may now question the value of owning them. We believe the case for owning foreign stocks is compelling for a few reasons: Diversification – Foreign stocks comprise nearly half (46%) of the value of all stocks in the world. In an unpredictable world, nobody knows with any certainty which countries’ stocks will be the best performers in the future. By spreading one’s bets and owning companies based in many different countries, investors who own foreign stocks in addition to U.S. stocks ensure they will own some of the future winners. Rotation – The strong outperformance by U.S. stocks is not particularly unusual. In fact, as recently as 2007, the degree of outperformance over the prior six years was even greater. Back then, however, it was foreign stocks that led the way, outperforming U.S. stocks by more than 13% per year from 2002 through 2007.1 Relative performance between U.S. stocks and foreign stocks tends to rotate over time and investors should be careful to avoid the potential trap of selling the recent laggard shortly before its performance turns up. Valuation –The valuation differential between U.S. and foreign stocks provides a strong case for owning foreign stocks. As of the end of 2016, the Cyclically Adjusted Price Earnings Ratio (CAPE) of U.S. stocks stood at 28 while the CAPEs of developed country and emerging market stocks were just 14 and 11, respectively.2 At these valuation levels, U.S. stocks are expensive relative to both their own historical average and to foreign stocks. Given these valuation differences, we believe the odds are reasonable that foreign stocks will outperform U.S. stocks over the next five-to-ten years. At present, we typically recommend a 30% allocation to foreign stocks within the stock portion of our clients’ portfolios. This allocation is consistent with our research indicating that U.S. investors can capture most of the diversification benefits of foreign stocks by allocating between 25% and 35% of their equity holdings to foreign stocks. Proceed Carefully If the new Trump administration avoids major stumbles and the U.S. economy performs in-line with our expectations, stocks should generate solid returns this year and bond returns should be positive. However, given the high levels of uncertainty (and high U.S. stock valuations), investors should resist the temptation to increase their stock allocations in an attempt to capture more of the market’s gains. By remaining disciplined and maintaining diversified exposure to stocks and bonds in both U.S. and foreign markets, investors should be well-positioned to navigate what 2017 may have in store. 1 U.S. stocks represented by the S&P 500 Index, foreign stocks represented by the MSCI All Country World excl. U.S. Index. For the period 2011 through 2016, U.S. stocks and foreign stocks generated annualized returns of 12.47% and 1.62%, respectively. For the period 2002 through 2007, U.S. stocks and foreign stocks generated annualized returns of 2.94% and 16.46%, respectively. 2 Source: Robert Shiller, Research Affiliates

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Waste Management Announces Plan to Increase the Quarterly Dividend Rate and Confirms Authorization for Share Repurchases Per Share Dividend to Increase from $2.05 to $2.18 on an Annual Basis HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 6.3% increase in the planned quarterly dividend rate for 2020, from $0.5125 to $0.545 per share. On an annual basis, the per share dividend rate increases from $2.05 to $2.18. “Dividends remain our top priority for capital allocation after we invest in the business to drive long-term profitable growth,” said Jim Fish, President and Chief Executive Officer of Waste Management, Inc. “Our business continues to generate strong and consistent free cash flow,(a) and we are pleased to be increasing our planned quarterly dividend rate for the seventeenth consecutive year.” Waste Management’s Board of Directors must declare each future quarterly dividend prior to payment. The Board of Directors intends to declare the first quarter 2020 dividend in February, at which time the Company will announce the record and payment dates for this dividend. It is expected that the first increased dividend will be paid in March of 2020. The Company also confirms that it has $1.32 billion remaining on its existing Board of Directors’ authorization to repurchase the Company’s common stock. Future share repurchases will be made at the discretion of management and will depend on various relevant factors, including the Company’s net earnings, financial condition, and cash required for future business plans, growth, and acquisitions. “Given the pending acquisition of Advanced Disposal, we initially anticipate repurchasing shares in 2020 at a level sufficient to offset dilution from equity compensation plans. Our capital allocation framework remains focused on maximizing long-term value through our growth initiatives and returning excess cash to shareholders,” concluded Fish. The Company, from time to time, provides estimates of financial and other data, comments on expectations relating to future periods and makes statements of opinion, view or belief about current and future events. This press release contains such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the amount, declaration, timing and payment of dividends in 2020, future share repurchases, the acquisition of Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. (“Advanced Disposal”), and future business performance and free cash flow. You should view these statements with caution. They are based on the facts and circumstances known to the Company as of the date the statements are made. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from those set forth in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, increased competition; pricing actions; failure to implement our optimization, growth, and cost savings initiatives and overall business strategy; failure to identify acquisition targets and negotiate attractive terms; failure to consummate or integrate the acquisition of Advanced Disposal or other acquisitions; failure to obtain the results anticipated from the acquisition of Advanced Disposal or other acquisitions; environmental and other regulations; commodity price fluctuations; international trade restrictions; disposal alternatives and waste diversion; declining waste volumes; failure to develop and protect new technology; failure of technology to perform as expected; preventing, detecting and addressing cybersecurity incidents; significant environmental or other incidents resulting in liabilities and brand damage; weakness in economic conditions; failure to obtain and maintain necessary permits; labor disruptions; impairment charges; and negative outcomes of litigation or governmental proceedings. Please also see the Company’s filings with the SEC, including Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to its business. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, including financial estimates and forecasts, whether as a result of future events, circumstances or developments or otherwise. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. Free cash flow is not intended to replace “Net cash provided by operating activities,” which is the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures, plus proceeds from divestitures of business (net of cash divested) and other sales of assets. This definition may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides collection, transfer, disposal services, and recycling and resource recovery. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The Company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management, visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com. www.wm.com Ed Egl eegl@wm.com Andy Izquierdo aizquierdo@wm.com

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For years, Keenam “Kason” Park has helped dozens of private high schools across Massachusetts and the country recruit international students, mostly from China. He had a knack for placing students at Catholic schools, filling seats as their local enrollment declined and generating new revenue that kept some struggling schools solvent. In return, Chinese students gained the opportunity to perfect their English and learn about American culture, hopefully solidifying an edge in the ever-hot race for admission to elite US colleges. But a little more than a week ago, Park’s company, Eduboston, stunned the schools, students, and families it had been working with when it announced it would be abruptly closing up shop Sept. 30. The move came amid lawsuits, accusations of fraud, and an apparent mountain of debt. Now, dozens of schools and more than 300 students in Massachusetts and across the country could be out hefty sums of money. Tuition bills are going unpaid, payments for students’ health insurance have ceased, and host families aren’t receiving their monthly stipends, even though the company collected tens of thousands of dollars from individual families to cover those expenditures. And some schools are concerned Park may be preparing to skip town. His six-bedroom home in Weston is on the market for $2.75 million , and a lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court last month by Cape Cod Academy in Osterville raised the prospect of Park leaving the country. Eduboston owes the academy $763,950 in tuition it collected from 20 students it recruited from China for this school year, the academy said in its lawsuit. “Hopefully, Park is an honorable man who will not flee. Nevertheless he is the picture of flight risk: a foreign national with offshore accounts who had withheld funds in the past and who is sending his family out of the United States,” according to the lawsuit filed in September in Suffolk Superior Court, which described Park as a Korean national. “Should Park and the money disappear, [Cape Cod Academy] would be in peril.” A judge subsequently placed strict spending limits on Eduboston and Park’s personal finances, and ordered any proceeds from the sale of the home to go toward covering the academy’s outstanding tuition bills. Park, who declined to comment through his attorney, has been candid about his firm’s financial problems, inviting schools to a Sept. 19 meeting at a Marriott hotel in Newton where he shared detailed financial information — albeit only to those who signed nondisclosure agreements. “Eduboston is undergoing a temporary, but serious, cash flow crisis, which is delaying our ability to make timely tuition payments, especially to those schools with whom we have enjoyed a long-standing and successful relationship,” Park wrote in the invitation. “I acknowledge the need to rectify past mistakes. But, I sincerely believe, and I hope you share this belief, that through my leadership, Eduboston has provided and will continue to provide the highest quality foreign exchange program of its kind in the country.” One week later, Park informed the schools that he would be closing Eduboston, which is officially registered with the state as K&B Education Group, on Sept. 30. Panicked schools, students, and families quickly began to triage. At least one student has turned to online crowdfunding. A 17-year-old junior from Korea said in an interview that he is one of 15 international students at a Catholic high school on the South Shore in this predicament. Most of the other students are from China, he said, and one is from Vietnam. He asked not to be named because he hasn’t received permission from his school to talk with the media. The student said his family had given Eduboston more than $45,000 this year for tuition, stipends for his host family, and other fees. The school has waived the tuition, he said, but he still needs to pay $10,800 to his host family. The student said it had become awkward asking friends for help, and he waited days before making his online donation request public. “It’s stressful,” he said. “The school is a victim, the host family is a victim, and we are a victim.” At the Bancroft School in Worcester, 14 students from China enrolled this fall, but Eduboston has not paid any of the tuition it collected for this year. The amount is probably more than $600,000, according to Globe calculations. “While this is a shocking and disappointing situation that has caused our school unforeseen financial challenges, our top priority is the care of our students,” Bancroft head of school Trey Cassidy said. “We will ensure they are cared for by well-qualified host families, receive an outstanding academic experience, and establish a lasting connection to our community while they remain students at Bancroft.” A number of schools within the Archdiocese of Boston will probably be affected, spokesman Terrence Donilon said, but he did not specify which ones. “Those schools have consulted with the Catholic Schools Office and are working with both of Eduboston and other organizations to try to help place students,” he said in a statement. “Given this is now a legal matter, we would reserve further comment at this time.” For years, international students — especially from China — had been a burgeoning market for high schools seeking to reverse dwindling enrollment or diversify their campuses. Massachusetts is a top destination, and some local schools, such as Lexington Christian Academy , have added dormitory rooms for foreign students. But after peaking in 2016 with nearly 81,981 international students at US secondary schools, enrollment has since dropped to 73,612 in 2018, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a New York nonprofit. The changing marketplace, in turn, has created a more competitive environment for recruiting companies, which many US schools rely on to enroll international students. Eduboston, for instance, had asked schools to sign exclusive recruiting agreements — an arrangement that Cape Cod Academy rebuffed, according to its lawsuit. Some schools have banked too heavily on international students. Pope John XXIII High School in Everett, for instance, opened a dormitory a few years ago to help house its booming international student population instead of relying only on host families. But the contractor it hired to manage the dorm and perform other duties ran into financial problems that turned out to be the death knell for the school. In January, the contractor abruptly disclosed that it was shuttering the dorm within 48 hours and the approximately 40 students needed to move out. Pope John XXIII administrators opted to operate the dorm at the school’s expense for another month, and the students eventually either moved in with host families or returned home. The dorm fiasco, officials said, resulted in a $1 million-plus shortfall for Pope John XXIII that ultimately forced it to close in June. At the time, international students made up 25 percent of the 282 students. The archdiocese last week declined to comment on the matter. Financial problems have apparently plagued Eduboston for years. In an attempt to put the company on better financial footing, Park about four years ago turned to a longtime friend, Luke Choi, for help. Choi invested about $3 million in the business in exchange for an ownership stake, a leadership role, and other interests, according to a lawsuit Choi filed in California this summer. To Choi, it sounded like a good investment: Park assured him the company had the potential to generate a net profit of $9,000 to $10,000 per student. Balance sheets showed annual income between $373,000 and $1.2 million, according to the lawsuit. But unbeknownst to Choi, the lawsuit contends, Park had nearly bankrupted the company after taking out more than $3 million and investing it in risky stock options. He also owed a former owner and business partner $2 million. Park, the lawsuit said, used Choi’s money to pay off debt and funneled some to other businesses he ran that Choi was not involved in. Park later disclosed to Choi the cash-flow problems and how he had used Choi’s money to remedy them, according to the suit. In a cross complaint, Park argued the real problem behind the dispute was that Choi’s wife was upset about the investment and wanted the money back. Park said he agreed to pay back the money. “Choi was extremely grateful to Park for his willingness to help Choi out during this time of personal crisis,” Park’s complaint said. But Park fell behind on the payments, prompting Choi to file the lawsuit; meanwhile, Park is seeking to recoup $350,000 in interest payments he gave Choi on his investment. Park has a history of financial problems, court records say. US marshals in 2014 seized his Aston Martin Virage luxury car, after he defaulted on a federal student loan more than a decade earlier. Park got his car back within days, writing two checks totalling $86,922.62 to cover the remaining principal, interest, and penalties. Yet until recently, Eduboston showed few, if any, outward signs of financial stress. It was certified by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, a membership organization based in Virginia that evaluates and certifies long-term international student exchange programs at the secondary level. The organization has certified more than 60 companies. Part of the process entails companies submitting a 10-page application completed by a certified public accountant, including a copy of the company’s most recent financial audit or review. “If a program is seen to be noncompliant, they are given corrective action, a conditional listing, or a denial of listing,” said Christopher Page, the organization’s executive director. Two weeks ago, the organization revoked Eduboston’s certification. Eduboston told schools, students, and host families in a letter announcing its closure that was obtained by the Globe that it had exhausted all options to stay in business, even after hiring turnaround professionals. “Accordingly, our only option at this time is to liquidate the business and return to overseas parents as much of their prepaid tuition for 2020-2021 as we can,” the letter said. It also stated that as of Sept. 30, the company would no longer be able to pay host families or cover medical insurance for students, tuition to schools, or commissions owed to partner agencies, noting 339 students were affected. A rival company, Cambridge Network, has meanwhile stepped into the fray. It is offering to cover the costs for host family stipends, medical insurance, and other services for the affected students — if they put down a deposit to retain its services for the next school year. “Over the past week or so, we have put together what amounts to a rescue effort,” said Barbara Liang, senior vice president. “We do feel we have the responsibility to protect the integrity of this industry and protect those parents and students who have been affected.” James Vaznis can be reached at james.vaznis@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globevaznis.

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Warrior Micky Ward Speaks On His Incredible Ring Career James Slater - November 4, 2019 Unimaginably tough warrior Micky Ward was in Newcastle, in the north of England yesterday, for a meet and greet with the fans. An afternoon show, Ward, immortalized by his three epic fights with Arturo Gatti and the excellent film ‘The Fighter,’ spoke with fans, posed for photos, signed memorabilia and answered questions. A huge hit with the knowledgeable crowd of around 150 people, Ward, now aged 54 and content in retirement, had we fans both laughing and enthralled all afternoon. Ward on his failed IBF title challenge of Vince Phillips in August, 1997: Dillian Whyte still negotiating with Alexander Povetkin “Yeah, I was stopped on a cut eye. It happens in boxing. I looked up, and I saw all my family, they were going crazy, throwing beer, screaming that the fight shouldn’t be stopped. I was like, ‘what are you throwing beer in for!’ Anyway, I go to the doctor, the plastic surgeon, and he told me that I was lucky they stopped the fight, that I was like a millimeter away from going blind in that eye because the cut was so deep. So knowing that, thank God they did stop it. But all my family were going crazy in the balcony. There were better fights up on that balcony that night than in the ring!” On his points loss to Zab Judah in June of 1998: “Fighting Zab Judah was like fighting a ghost. He was so fast. He could move and move, and he was a lefty and he had some pop in his punches. I just couldn’t catch up to him, the b*****d. He was fast. When he stood still, I did nail him with a body shot and to this day he says that’s one of the hardest punches he’s ever been hit by. I said, ‘f**k, why didn’t you stay there then!’ But it was tough because I was getting up in age, and I was thinking, how many opportunities was I gonna get? I knew I had to step on the gas after that.” On his WBU 140 pound title win over Shea Neary in London in March of 2000: “I didn’t have any support at all. I knew it’d be like that, his home country. I heard my music start to play as I left the dressing room and they were all booing me. I said, ‘f**k, maybe I should go back in the dressing room (laughs). But as the fight wore on, he was a tough kid, I was just ready for that fight. It was my time and I felt I had fought the better competition. Taking nothing away from him, he was a tough kid, in good condition. But it was my night and things turned out in may favour for once.” On the three unforgettable fights with Arturo Gatti: “I was going after the money at that stage. It’s a goal for any fighter to become a world champion, but in your thirties, after having worked consruction and stuff like that, you’re going for the money. You know, you can’t go into a store with a world title belt and say, ‘give me a loaf of bread,’ You need money. Don’t get me wrong, it’s every fighters’s goal to become world champion, but I had to take care of my family, so I went for the money. I fought so many tough guys, but Arturo is right at the top in terms of the toughest but at the same time it wouldn’t be right to discount the other tough guys I met before Gatti. Emanuel Burton (Ward W10 in 2001), who later became Emanuel Augustus, he was as tough as Gatti. But when you’re in a fight like that, (Ward winning the first fight with Gatti via decision) you don’t really know how special it is until you watch it and you hear the commentary and what they said about the fight. In the ninth round, when I dropped him, after the fight had been back and forth, back and forth, I caught him with a body shot and he went down, and I was like, ‘f**k, please don’t get up!’ He got up and I was like, ‘muthaf***a!’ If it was anybody else I think they would’ve stopped it, but Frank Cappuccino, because it was him [Gatti], he gave Gatti the benefit of the doubt, which was the right thing to do. If they’d stopped the fight we wouldn’t have had a trilogy. “After the win they offered me good money to fight other guys, I forget who, but I said no I want Gatti again. He gave me a chance and I wanted to give him a chance. It was such a good fight. But the second fight wasn’t so f*****g good for me. The third round, he caught me a right hand right on top of the ear, he ruptured my ear-drum. He was ahead in the fight early – I’m never ahead in any damn fight at the beginning. I went down and I got back up and I told the ref I was okay – but my head was going ‘Whooshh!’ I felt like I was on the Boardwalk outside, the craziest roller-coaster! The fight resumes and Arturo’s throwing punches at me like a muthaf***a! My legs are gone and my brain’s gone. It was all cloudy in my head. He hit me with a right hand right on the button, probably the hardest punch he ever hit me with, and that woke me up. God’s honest truth, I was still wobbly, but the dizziness went away. It was the craziest thing and the doctor told me later that a punch can do that, either bring you back or put you to sleep. “The third fight, I knocked him down in the sixth. At the end of the round, I was thinking he’s still gonna be dazed in the seventh. Dicky [Eklund] is screaming at me in the corner and I can’t understand a world he’s saying! I get off the stool and it was like I’d got knocked down, my legs were gone – they were like jelly. I had nothing in me. It was like I got old all of a sudden. I had to fight the last three rounds being totally drained. I had nothing but I wasn’t quitting. I had nothing in me after that knockdown. I knew I was quitting after that fight, win lose or draw. I would so much prefer to have health than all the money in the world. Too many fighters stay around too long.” On the untimely death of his good friend: “We became really close friends. Arturo showed up at the emergency room after the third fight. My brain had shifted in the ninth round, it made my eye muscles go out of whack. I was seeing double for a year. I had to get surgery on both eyes to put the muscles back so I could see normal. And while I was waiting for the doctor, they called a guy in who wanted to speak with me, to say hello. I couldn’t see who it was and I was like, ‘who is this guy?’ And it was Arturo. He’s laying there with a big bag of ice on him, and the first thing out of his mouth is, and he could have said anything, he says, ‘Mick, you okay?’ We had just tried to kill each other, and I get goosebumps now, thinking about it – for someone to ask if I was okay, you know, he cared about me. That’s the kind of guy he was and we became friends. “I walked him into the ring for every fight of his after that. I hung out with him. They called me to train him for the last fight of his career. It was hard when he died. We had become close. He’d call me drunk, I’d call him drunk. He’d call me at like three in the morning, he’d put me on the phone with like three different people, speaking Canadian, so I couldn’t understand a word! Arturo’s talking a million miles an hour. He had that Canadian/Italian accent and I have the Boston accent and so we couldn’t understand each other. But when we were drinking, we could understand each other perfectly (laughs). But no-one else could understand us! I got a call, I was at a lake with my family, and I was told the bad news, that they had found Arturo dead in Brazil. Arturo had recently called me, to say he was going to come and see me on set for the film (‘The Fighter.’) I told him okay. That’s the last time I ever spoke to him. “I know for a fact, he never quit in the ring, and he’d never quit in life. What happened, I don’t know. I can’t speculate. I’m not going to pinpoint her (Gatti’s wife), I just know there’s something more to it. I guarantee it wasn’t suicide. What happened, who the hell knows. But she knows, maybe. He had two beautiful kids, he’d never quit in life. I guess I’ll leave it at that.” Micky Ward, 38-13(28). Previous boxing news: Is Canelo Alvarez Pound-for-Pound King? Next boxing news: Heavyweight Alex Flores looking ahead to Nov. 7 return You are here: Home / Boxing News / Warrior Micky Ward Speaks On His Incredible Ring Career

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Homeless man living in tent by busy road says he enjoys his "nomadic life" Derek Doggett doesn't want people to feel sorry for him Robin Jenkins Kate WilsonPolitical Editor A man who lives in a tent on the side of a busy road says he chooses to live this way rather than conform to what society considers to be the norm. Derek Doggett, 61, set up his tent on a piece of grass just off Tewkesbury Road in Cheltenham at the beginning of December, reports Gloucestershire Live. He said he chose that spot because he had less of a chance of being moved on or targeted by thieves. Neglected dog left 'screaming in pain' as three responsible ignored its plight Derek, like many other homeless people, has struggled with drink and drugs in the past and has gone through some very tough times, living by himself on the streets in the UK and in Europe. But he says he has been free of problems, that were caused by drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, for many years. Derek says he doesn’t want people to feel sorry for him because he mainly enjoys the nomadic lifestyle he has chosen. Derek Doggett lives in a tent next to a busy road (Image: Rob Jenkins) He said: “I’ve lived this life for over 21 years now, on and off the streets, travelling around - meeting some wonderful people and some not so wonderful people. “I’m trying to reorganise my life I suppose. “I tend to enjoy what I’m doing. We all have good days and bad days but this lifestyle is what I have chosen for myself for a long time now because of different restrictions on housing.” He added: “I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. Some have dropped off clothes and food at the tent where I am now. I’m very grateful to them but I would rather they give it to Open Door. Ryanair announces massive January sale from Bristol Airport with flights less than £10 “I can look after myself but there are a lot of people out there who can’t. “I have had some really tough times but I’ve enjoyed a lot of things. I don’t really need sympathy. I’m not sorry for my lifestyle.” Cheltenham Open Door helps those who are poor, going through hard times or distressed. Derek often goes there for meals and for a shower. “I’m literally a free spirit,” he said. The Bristol grandfather who has sold Christmas trees for more than 60 years Asked if he ever gets lonely, he said: “I suppose I do but not very often. Most people need other people around but I don’t. “I don’t have a problem being on my own. I like the peace and quiet. It was almost like meditation when I walked across Spain.” Derek is originally from London but says his travels have taken him to many towns and cities. BBCA video of Laurence Fox performing on Jeremy Vine has resurfaced and people are slating itIt has been described as "absolutely dreadful"

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Bristol Rovers FC Bristol Rovers loan star Jack Bonham released by parent club Brentford He was brilliant for the Gas this season David Byrom Jack Bonham claps the away support following Rovers' 0-0 draw at Coventry Sign up to FREE daily email alerts from BristolLive - Weekday Bristol Rovers FC Jack Bonham has been released by Brentford. The goalkeeper spent this season on loan at Bristol Rovers, where he was instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation. Bonham, 25, kept 18 clean sheets in his 40 league appearances for the Gas, pulling off a number of fine saves. Jack Bonham of Bristol Rovers (Image: Matt McNulty/JMP) His form was so good that, in the first half of the season, it was revealed that a number of clubs had sent scouts to watch him play, with some Championship clubs linked with January moves for him. In November, Bonham admitted that he was aware there was interest in him. “I’m aware that people are coming and there’s an interest which is always great to hear, but my focus is just game-by-game and trying to get us up the league table. It’s nice to hear, but I don’t pay too much attention to it.” he said. 'Hope we see you again' - Bristol Rovers fans react as Alex Jakubiak returns to Watford Yet he remained at Rovers for the second half of the season and continued to impress, with manager Graham Coughlan paying tribute to him after he kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw with Fleetwood Town that secured the Gas' safety. He said: "Jack is an excellent goalie. Jack is one of the reasons we've kept 18 clean sheets and he was different class again, but as have all the lads in the defence to be honest. T "hey've put their bodies on the line and they've been different class and Jack has been a mainstay in the goal. He should be rightly happy and proud of himself, he's been brilliant for us." Where Bonham goes next remains to be seen but plenty of Gas fans will no doubt want to see him return to the Memorial Stadium.

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Please select which sections you would like to print: The Earth system Evidence for climate change Solar variability Tectonic activity Orbital (Milankovich) variations Climate change within a human life span Interannual variation Decadal variation Climate change since the emergence of civilization Centennial-scale variation Millennial and multimillennial variation Thermal maxima ENSO variation in the Holocene Amplification of the Indian Ocean monsoon Climate change since the advent of humans Recent glacial and interglacial periods The most recent glacial phase The Last Glacial Maximum The last deglaciation Climate change and the emergence of agriculture Glacial and interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene The last great cooling Climate change through geologic time Cenozoic climates Phanerozoic climates Climates of early Earth Faint young Sun paradox Photosynthesis and atmospheric chemistry Snowball Earth hypothesis Abrupt climate changes in Earth history Load Previous Page glacierEvidence of Earth's glacial past. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The history of humanity—from the initial appearance of genus Homo over 2,000,000 years ago to the advent and expansion of the modern human species (Homo sapiens) beginning some 150,000 years ago—is integrally linked to climate variation and change. Homo sapiens has experienced nearly two full glacial-interglacial cycles, but its global geographical expansion, massive population increase, cultural diversification, and worldwide ecological domination began only during the last glacial period and accelerated during the last glacial-interglacial transition. The first bipedal apes appeared in a time of climatic transition and variation, and Homo erectus, an extinct species possibly ancestral to modern humans, originated during the colder Pleistocene Epoch and survived both the transition period and multiple glacial-interglacial cycles. Thus, it can be said that climate variation has been the midwife of humanity and its various cultures and civilizations. With glacial ice restricted to high latitudes and altitudes, Earth 125,000 years ago was in an interglacial period similar to the one occurring today. During the past 125,000 years, however, the Earth system went through an entire glacial-interglacial cycle, only the most recent of many taking place over the last million years. The most recent period of cooling and glaciation began approximately 120,000 years ago. Significant ice sheets developed and persisted over much of Canada and northern Eurasia. After the initial development of glacial conditions, the Earth system alternated between two modes, one of cold temperatures and growing glaciers and the other of relatively warm temperatures (although much cooler than today) and retreating glaciers. These Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) cycles, recorded in both ice cores and marine sediments, occurred approximately every 1,500 years. A lower-frequency cycle, called the Bond cycle, is superimposed on the pattern of DO cycles; Bond cycles occurred every 3,000–8,000 years. Each Bond cycle is characterized by unusually cold conditions that take place during the cold phase of a DO cycle, the subsequent Heinrich event (which is a brief dry and cold phase), and the rapid warming phase that follows each Heinrich event. During each Heinrich event, massive fleets of icebergs were released into the North Atlantic, carrying rocks picked up by the glaciers far out to sea. Heinrich events are marked in marine sediments by conspicuous layers of iceberg-transported rock fragments. Many of the transitions in the DO and Bond cycles were rapid and abrupt, and they are being studied intensely by paleoclimatologists and Earth system scientists to understand the driving mechanisms of such dramatic climatic variations. These cycles now appear to result from interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, ice sheets, and continental rivers that influence thermohaline circulation (the pattern of ocean currents driven by differences in water density, salinity, and temperature, rather than wind). Thermohaline circulation, in turn, controls ocean heat transport, such as the Gulf Stream. During the past 25,000 years, the Earth system has undergone a series of dramatic transitions. The most recent glacial period peaked 21,500 years ago during the Last Glacial Maximum, or LGM. At that time, the northern third of North America was covered by the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which extended as far south as Des Moines, Iowa; Cincinnati, Ohio; and New York City. The Cordilleran Ice Sheet covered much of western Canada as well as northern Washington, Idaho, and Montana in the United States. In Europe the Scandinavian Ice Sheet sat atop the British Isles, Scandinavia, northeastern Europe, and north-central Siberia. Montane glaciers were extensive in other regions, even at low latitudes in Africa and South America. Global sea level was 125 metres ( 410 feet) below modern levels, because of the long-term net transfer of water from the oceans to the ice sheets. Temperatures near Earth’s surface in unglaciated regions were about 5 °C (9 °F) cooler than today. Many Northern Hemisphere plant and animal species inhabited areas far south of their present ranges. For example, jack pine and white spruce trees grew in northwestern Georgia, 1,000 km (600 miles) south of their modern range limits in the Great Lakes region of North America. The continental ice sheets began to melt back about 20,000 years ago. Drilling and dating of submerged fossil coral reefs provide a clear record of increasing sea levels as the ice melted. The most rapid melting began 15,000 years ago. For example, the southern boundary of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in North America was north of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions by 10,000 years ago, and it had completely disappeared by 6,000 years ago. The warming trend was punctuated by transient cooling events, most notably the Younger Dryas climate interval of 12,800–11,600 years ago. The climatic regimes that developed during the deglaciation period in many areas, including much of North America, have no modern analog (i.e., no regions exist with comparable seasonal regimes of temperature and moisture). For example, in the interior of North America, climates were much more continental (that is, characterized by warm summers and cold winters) than they are today. Also, paleontological studies indicate assemblages of plant, insect, and vertebrate species that do not occur anywhere today. Spruce trees grew with temperate hardwoods (ash, hornbeam, oak, and elm) in the upper Mississippi River and Ohio River regions. In Alaska, birch and poplar grew in woodlands, and there were very few of the spruce trees that dominate the present-day Alaskan landscape. Boreal and temperate mammals, whose geographic ranges are widely separated today, coexisted in central North America and Russia during this period of deglaciation. These unparalleled climatic conditions probably resulted from the combination of a unique orbital pattern that increased summer insolation and reduced winter insolation in the Northern Hemisphere and the continued presence of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets, which themselves altered atmospheric circulation patterns. The first known examples of animal domestication occurred in western Asia between 11,000 and 9,500 years ago when goats and sheep were first herded, whereas examples of plant domestication date to 9,000 years ago when wheat, lentils, rye, and barley were first cultivated. This phase of technological increase occurred during a time of climatic transition that followed the last glacial period. A number of scientists have suggested that, although climate change imposed stresses on hunter-gatherer-forager societies by causing rapid shifts in resources, it also provided opportunities as new plant and animal resources appeared. The glacial period that peaked 21,500 years ago was only the most recent of five glacial periods in the last 450,000 years. In fact, the Earth system has alternated between glacial and interglacial regimes for more than two million years, a period of time known as the Pleistocene. The duration and severity of the glacial periods increased during this period, with a particularly sharp change occurring between 900,000 and 600,000 years ago. Earth is currently within the most recent interglacial period, which started 11,700 years ago and is commonly known as the Holocene Epoch. The continental glaciations of the Pleistocene left signatures on the landscape in the form of glacial deposits and landforms; however, the best knowledge of the magnitude and timing of the various glacial and interglacial periods comes from oxygen isotope records in ocean sediments. These records provide both a direct measure of sea level and an indirect measure of global ice volume. Water molecules composed of a lighter isotope of oxygen, 16O, are evaporated more readily than molecules bearing a heavier isotope, 18O. Glacial periods are characterized by high 18O concentrations and represent a net transfer of water, especially with 16O, from the oceans to the ice sheets. Oxygen isotope records indicate that interglacial periods have typically lasted 10,000–15,000 years, and maximum glacial periods were of similar length. Most of the past 500,000 years—approximately 80 percent—have been spent within various intermediate glacial states that were warmer than glacial maxima but cooler than interglacials. During these intermediate times, substantial glaciers occurred over much of Canada and probably covered Scandinavia as well. These intermediate states were not constant; they were characterized by continual, millennial-scale climate variation. There has been no average or typical state for global climate during Pleistocene and Holocene times; the Earth system has been in continual flux between interglacial and glacial patterns. The cycling of the Earth system between glacial and interglacial modes has been ultimately driven by orbital variations. However, orbital forcing is by itself insufficient to explain all of this variation, and Earth system scientists are focusing their attention on the interactions and feedbacks between the myriad components of the Earth system. For example, the initial development of a continental ice sheet increases albedo over a portion of Earth, reducing surface absorption of sunlight and leading to further cooling. Similarly, changes in terrestrial vegetation, such as the replacement of forests by tundra, feed back into the atmosphere via changes in both albedo and latent heat flux from evapotranspiration. Forests—particularly those of tropical and temperate areas, with their large leaf area—release great amounts of water vapour and latent heat through transpiration. Tundra plants, which are much smaller, possess tiny leaves designed to slow water loss; they release only a small fraction of the water vapour that forests do. The blue areas are those that were covered by ice sheets in the past. The Kansan and Nebraskan sheets overlapped almost the same areas, and the Wisconsin and Illinoisan sheets covered approximately the same territory. In the high altitudes of the West are the Cordilleran ice sheets. An area at the junction of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois was never entirely covered with ice. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Europe, like North America, had four periods of glaciation. Successive ice caps reached limits that differed only slightly. The area covered by ice at any time is shown in white. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The discovery in ice core records that atmospheric concentrations of two potent greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane, have decreased during past glacial periods and peaked during interglacials indicates important feedback processes in the Earth system. Reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations during the transition to a glacial phase would reinforce and amplify cooling already under way. The reverse is true for transition to interglacial periods. The glacial carbon sink remains a topic of considerable research activity. A full understanding of glacial-interglacial carbon dynamics requires knowledge of the complex interplay among ocean chemistry and circulation, ecology of marine and terrestrial organisms, ice sheet dynamics, and atmospheric chemistry and circulation. Global Footprint Network - Climate Change: Carbon Footprint Australian Academy of Science - What Is Climate Change? Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand - Evidence for Climate Change Environmental Protection Agency - What Is Climate Change? Environmental and Energy Study Institute - Climate Change UCAR Center for Science Education - Climate Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. climate change - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11) climate change - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

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Metcalf renovations begin, close Soldiers Arch By Ben Noble Katie Wilson / Herald The transformation of Metcalf Chemistry and Research Laboratory into a home for the newly created Department of Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences has begun, according to Vice President for Facilities Management Stephen Maiorisi. The first phase of construction, which began in early June, will mainly consist of the demolition of interior walls while keeping the outer structure intact, he said. Over the next year, the space will be reconfigured to include modern laboratories, new classrooms and offices for the department’s faculty members. The $42 million project is slated to be complete during the fall of 2011 and is proceeding on schedule, he said. The path through Soldier’s Arch, which is adjacent to Metcalf, closed last month due to its proximity to the construction site. Pedestrians attempting to access Lincoln Field from Thayer Street during the summer will need to use the walkway between Caswell and Hegeman halls, according to a summer construction map posted on the Facilities Management website. “We know this is a heavily used area, which is why we wanted to get this part done over the summer,” Maiorisi said.The arch will reopen in late August in time for the upcoming academic year, he said. Secondo ’16 GS: Reality distortion: the unnerving legacy of the 2010s

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Chatteris potter Joe Perry in Masters mission Mark Plummer Joe Perry plays in The Masters on Monday. Joe Perry is out to improve on his miserable record in The Masters tomorrow. The Chatteris cueman takes on Barry Hawkins at the Alexandra Palace in London in the first round of a tournament featuring the top 16 players in the world. The Masters has not been a successful event for Perry - he has only won one match during seven previous appearances. Perry, ranked 10th in the world, eased past Chinese ace Ding Junhui 6-3 in the opening round last year before being beaten by Mark Allen in the quarter-finals.

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top-stories, A woman told the man who violently raped her that she hates him and can never forgive him for what he did. Robert Glen Sirl, 48, faced sentencing in the ACT Supreme Court on Monday on two charges for which a jury previously found him guilty, rape and causing grievous bodily harm. The court previously heard the woman and Sirl, whom she knew as Chappo, drank the drug ice in coffee before Sirl claimed tens of thousands in cash had gone missing, and refused to let her leave until it was found. Sirl pinned the woman down in his bedroom and raped her twice. On one occasion he used a sharp, bladed object consistent with a knife, but the exact object could not be determined. A medical examination discovered the woman had suffered five incised wounds within her vagina and lost more than 1.5 litres of blood due to her injuries. Facing Sirl in court on Monday, the woman read a victim impact statement and said while her physical wounds may have healed, she feared she would never recover from the mental trauma she suffered. She said she had met Sirl at a "very low point" in her life. "I was very vulnerable and naive about the drug scene," the woman said. "What Chappo did to me I will never recover from. "I replay what happened to me over and over and it sickens me." She said medication she'd been prescribed for her mental health after the rape had given her unforeseen heart complications. She stopped taking the medication and was left to face the full force of the reality of what she suffered, she said. The woman said she suffered financial stress due to having to move home after the attack. She was not the sole victim, she said, as her family had experienced trauma due to Sirl's actions, particularly her son, who feared for his mother's wellbeing. "I have a small peace of mind Chappo won't be able to harm anyone while he's in jail," she said. "I can't express the hate I have for you. "I'll never forgive you Chappo for what you've done." Sirl pleaded not guilty at trial and maintained he and the woman had engaged in consensual sex. His defence barrister, Katrina Musgrove, said Sirl had a life impacted by family violence and drug use from an early age. The first entry on Sirl's criminal history was as a 10-year-old, she said, and he had used cannabis and methamphetamine from age eight and 14 respectively. She said Sirl had demonstrated periods of abstaining from alcohol and drugs in his life, noting 13 years of abstaining from alcohol and Sirl's claim he had not used drugs while in jail. This pointed to Sirl's prospects for rehabilitation, she said. She also argued that compared to other instances of sexual violence, this case was at the mid-range of severity as it lacked elements such as humiliation or degradation of the victim. Sirl has also been found guilty of maintaining a sexual relationship with a minor and will face a sentencing hearing for that offence later on Monday. Sirl's sentence will be handed down later in the week. https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc76xv5n5uild687jd65b.jpg/r0_277_720_684_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg GRAPHIC CONTENT December 9 2019 - 12:30PM 'I can't express the hate I have for you': Victim condemns rapist in ACT Supreme Court Elliot Williams A woman told the man who violently raped her that she hates him and can never forgive him for what he did. Robert Glen Sirl, 48, faced sentencing in the ACT Supreme Court on Monday on two charges for which a jury previously found him guilty, rape and causing grievous bodily harm. Robert Glen Sirl, 48, who has been found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent and recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm. Picture: Facebook The court previously heard the woman and Sirl, whom she knew as Chappo, drank the drug ice in coffee before Sirl claimed tens of thousands in cash had gone missing, and refused to let her leave until it was found. Sirl pinned the woman down in his bedroom and raped her twice. On one occasion he used a sharp, bladed object consistent with a knife, but the exact object could not be determined. A medical examination discovered the woman had suffered five incised wounds within her vagina and lost more than 1.5 litres of blood due to her injuries. Facing Sirl in court on Monday, the woman read a victim impact statement and said while her physical wounds may have healed, she feared she would never recover from the mental trauma she suffered. She said she had met Sirl at a "very low point" in her life. "I was very vulnerable and naive about the drug scene," the woman said. "What Chappo did to me I will never recover from. "I replay what happened to me over and over and it sickens me." She said medication she'd been prescribed for her mental health after the rape had given her unforeseen heart complications. She stopped taking the medication and was left to face the full force of the reality of what she suffered, she said. The woman said she suffered financial stress due to having to move home after the attack. She was not the sole victim, she said, as her family had experienced trauma due to Sirl's actions, particularly her son, who feared for his mother's wellbeing. "I have a small peace of mind Chappo won't be able to harm anyone while he's in jail," she said. "I can't express the hate I have for you. "I'll never forgive you Chappo for what you've done." Sirl pleaded not guilty at trial and maintained he and the woman had engaged in consensual sex. His defence barrister, Katrina Musgrove, said Sirl had a life impacted by family violence and drug use from an early age. The first entry on Sirl's criminal history was as a 10-year-old, she said, and he had used cannabis and methamphetamine from age eight and 14 respectively. She said Sirl had demonstrated periods of abstaining from alcohol and drugs in his life, noting 13 years of abstaining from alcohol and Sirl's claim he had not used drugs while in jail. This pointed to Sirl's prospects for rehabilitation, she said. She also argued that compared to other instances of sexual violence, this case was at the mid-range of severity as it lacked elements such as humiliation or degradation of the victim. Sirl has also been found guilty of maintaining a sexual relationship with a minor and will face a sentencing hearing for that offence later on Monday. Sirl's sentence will be handed down later in the week.

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Forum Home > Mining History. > The Earls of Dudley. Careless Mine Owners. The ( Rich ) Countess of Dudley, with a few family members. 1907. As I said in a previous Topic, Mining is a dangerous game, not for the faint hearted. Made even more so, by some shockingly poor judgements, most of which went unpunished, because Mine Owners had a great deal of influence in the community. After the Summer Bank Holiday, on 13 August, 1856, the miners at the Earl of Dudleys pit, Ramrod Hall, in Whiteheath, prepared to begin the days work. The mine was worked by two Butty Miners for the Earl, Richard Baker, and his son Thomas Baker. The younger Baker was supposed the have already checked the pit for gas, but hadn't bothered and sent down 8 men down with lighted candles. The flame of the candles turned blue, a sign of Gas, and shouted a warning back to the surface. The men already down the mine, extinguished their Candles, ( yes, they used naked flames in all the pits ) and waited for the Butty. to come down. Thomas Baker, and 7 other miners got into the skip, carrying a shovel full of burning coals, with which to light both the underground furnace, which worked the ventilation, and the miners candles. He had decided to ignore the warning about the Gas, putting it down to a tendency of the miners to avoid a bit of work at any cost. About a third of the way down, burning coal and gas met, and there was a tremendous explosion. The force of the blast sheared off the rope on the skip, which plummeted down the shaft, onto the men below. All the men in the skip were killed, as were 4 near the shaft. The explosion was heard a mile and a half away. Newspapers of the day had a tendency not avoid the details of such accidents, and what today would be seen as a bit insensitive, was normal for the time. What rested at the bottom of the shaft was described as, " one indiscriminate mass of mutilated flesh, bones, entrails and blood. Some of the skulls were lying here and there, as perfectly empty as eggshells deprived of their contents " Not the sort of stuff the relatives would welcome hearing. The names of the dead are listed below. Thomas Barker 23 Richard Cartwright 43 John Sheldon 36 Thomas Shaw 35 Thomas Round 34 John Willetts 28 William Simpson 33 Samuel Willett 26 ( may have been the brother of John ) Joseph Fulford 16 Thomas Hampton 18 John Bryan 13. The use of young boys was pretty common at the time, there being no restriction on working ages. Lord Ward, was indeed having a bad year, because 2 months before, on 20th June, there had been another little disaster. At his Number 20 Pit, at Old Park, Dudley, due to some very poor maintenance on the Chain that held the skip, it had flat links at one end, and the normal round ones fastened to the skip. It was one of the round ones, made locally, that caused the problem, it snapped, and sent 8 men plunging to their doom down the shaft. The ages of the dead, are a stark reminder of the social conditions then prevailing. What does stand out, is that 3 members of the same family, were amongst the dead. I can't even begin to imagine, the heartache and sorrow that must have caused. There is no mention of any blame being attached to the Earl of Dudley, for either incident. Steven Crewe 20 John Crewe 18 William Crewe 13 Jessie Hawthorn 18 Henry Fielder 14 Joseph Jones 20 Henry Glaze 13 Joseph Plant 15. Sorry it's such a sad story, but it's a fairly typical for the mining industry in the Black Country, and I suppose, around the Country as a whole. February 19, 2011 at 3:08 PM Flag Quote & Reply I have been reminded, that I shouldn't let anyone to think, that the Earl of Dudley was anything other than a man who cared for his workman. Here's a little Mining accident that had a happier ending. The News of the survivors draws a huge crowd. Nearing the end of a shift, at the ' Nine Locks '' pit in Brierley Hill, the men found that the way out to the shaft, had become flooded. This trapped 12 men in the Mine, with very little food, and with little chance of getting out quickly. It took a long time to pump out water in a mine, given that in 1869, a pumps capacity was quite low. The Earl of Dudley however, acted with speed and dispatch, bringing in as much power as was available. Even so, it still took almost a week, to rescue the trapped miners. They survived on a few crust's, a bit of Pork and bread, and by chewing a great deal of the leather on belts, straps and Shoes. One man died before the rescue, either affected by Gas, or he just gave up hope. The event attracted a great many people to the Pit Bank, who, it has to be said, didn't expect to see any of them emerge alive. But out they came, apparently none the worse for the ordeal, hailed as a miracle at the time. Have you got a family name amongst them ? Thomas Hunt. Benjamin Higgs. Jack Holden. John Handley. Timothy Taylor. David Hickman. Steven Page. George Skidmore. Zachariah Pearson. Joseph Pearson. ? Timmins. ? Sankey. 12 very lucky miners, who were grateful, that the Earl of Dudley was the Mine owner, for a less caring owner may not have been prepared, to spend the money on extra equipment. DemonR I have to say that mining does seem just as dangerous now. Only I expect the survivors in Dudley didn't become celebrities. Somewhere in the past was the loss of just being grateful to see another day. It depends, in this day and age DemonR, in just which country you decide to go mining. The UK, hasn't had a notifiable serious accident for many years now, thank goodness. Other Countries apparently, have still not learnt from previous mistakes, and continue to cut costs, and corners. There's no room in a mine for errors, you very rarely get a second chance. March 1, 2011 at 10:35 AM Flag Quote & Reply With so many mines, Lord Ward, put a great deal of trust in his managers, sometimes, it was pointless. On 9th February, 1865, word reached him of yet another loss of life in one of his Pits. This time, his No.10 Pit, at Salt Well. Both the manager, and his deputy, knew there was a large overhang of thick coal, 17 feet above the working face. The face was 28 feet across, and they failed to ensure that props were put in place. They claimed they had inspected and piked the overhang, and it was in a safe condition. It wasn't. A small charge had earlier been fired at the face, and halfway through the shift, down came the overhang, which weighed many tons. The six men who were working near it, never had a chance. Frantic efforts by the miners, found one man still alive, but the deputy, in a panic about reporting it, and being unwilling to "cause a fuss up top", refused to send for medical aid. The man died, before he could be bought to the surface. Enoch Johnson. 18 William Mason. 30 Enoch Roberts. 36 Joseph Smith. 18 Joseph Rough. 31 Richard ( Pikey ) Richards. 30 All these men died needlessly, crushed to death beneath 50 tons of coal. Although the manager and deputy were dismissed, they were soon in employment again, at another of the Earls mines. Lord Ward could however be described, by some, as a ruthless, uncaring mine owner. If we take the statement he gave out, when Joseph Meadows murdered a barmaid, in 1855, we can see why. He said the crime was the foulest he had come across, and the accused deserved the full retribution the law could provide. This, from a man, who had awarded just one Guinea each, to the Widows of some of his miners, after they were killed in one of his pits. Joseph Stanford and George Smith had been employed at his lordships Old Park Colliery as pikemen. On 19th January, 1855, the unsupported overhang under which they were working, crashed down. It weighed several tons, and the two men never had the chance to escape.The fault clearly lay with the owner and his managers for cutting corners, in the persuit of profit. He even got a Sermon, from a local Vicar, praising him, for his benevolence. He should rightly have been prosecuted. but as the saying goes, ' you can't convict money '. It was calculated, that if each of the dead miners weighed 10 stones, they were valued by the Earl at just 2 pence a pound. The dead miners listed, left behind15 dependents. For Lord Ward, a Magistrate, it must have been a comfort, that his wise words would prove true for Joseph Meadows, but it appears to have very little to say about the poor miners. April 18, 2011 at 11:57 AM Flag Quote & Reply No matter how well thought of by the ordinary denizens of the Black Country, there were others, more educated and better informed, who did not share the same view. In 1890, at the height of the strikes and unrest that troubled the region, at least one notable national paper, was proud to be actively agitating for change. After a visit to the Earls Iron and Chain works, at Round Oak, Brierley Hill, dispite him being one of the most powrful men in England, they pulled no punches in denouncing his methods. In their article they pointed out the extraordinary rights he possesed over the minerals in the region. At the time, his lordships agents, were tearing coal from what was known as the " 30 foot seam ", the only problem being, that they were doing it from a shallow part, alongside the main road. Did his Lordship consult the locals, did he hell, he didn't have to, a charter granted to him meant that he didn't have to consult anyone. He simply took it. Never mind that the houses and shops along the road, some of them newly built, would be in imminent danger of collapse. Even the few people who owned land wern't safe. he had, it would appear, the absolute right to extract the coal from where he liked. The locals, it was reported, had fought back, but all to no avail, their case was ruled out of order, and the digging continued. Altogether, over 20 square miles of the region were in this Charter, which gave Lord Ward, the Trusteeship of all this land, even that which he didn't own. Most of the tumble-down state of the properties are directly connected to this activity, they reported, to which the noble Lord made this response. He invited the Newspapers representatives to a sumptuous supper, no doubt expecting them to bury the story, he failed, because they didn't. The last line was very telling, they wondered how many of the Lords workers, had the choice of so much meat with their own humble meals. Answers on a postage stamp please. May 8, 2011 at 4:35 PM Flag Quote & Reply In response to several questions regarding the near disaster at the Nine Locks Pit, ( see post in this topic above ) and I am sorry for the little delay, caused I should add, by that not being the proper name of the mine. It's official name was The Wallows Colliery, owned as stated, by the Earl of Dudley. The only man who died, was in fact William Ashman, aged 50, unmarried who was born in Somerset. He had previously been lodging with his married sister, Joanah Cooper, in Toll End Road, Tipton. His death, on 20th March 1869, was recorded as suffocation, due to the ingesting of Carbolic Acid Gas. Coincidently, while going through a few records, I found another death, at the same mine, The Wallows, just a week before this one, on 13th March, and it does have a connection. Obediah Skidmore, aged 15, was killed by a fall of coal on that date. A relative, George Skidmore, was amongst the lucky survivors of the later accident. Obediah was the 5th child of 7, of Noah and Esther Skidmore, who had moved from Brierley Hill, and in the early 1860s, were living in Cromwell Street, Dudley. There were two other deaths that same year at the mine, one just a few months after the flooding, which means that the water didn't do all that much damage. It's amazing sometimes, just what turns up during a bit of research, I hope all this helps and fills in a few family gaps. November 1, 2011 at 12:07 PM Flag Quote & Reply The old Earl of Dudley, as you may gather, very rarely had to stump up money for compensation. The Courts, and Inquest juries, were only too aware of how powerful a figure he was. This all changed in 1880, not just for him, but for all the Industrialists in the Country. Under pressure, the Government passed a bill that year, The Employers Liability Act. This Act enabled employees, injured at work, to claim compensation, whether or not they belonged to what was known as a " Field Club ". These were small local schemes, set up by the miners groups, each miner paying in 6 pence a week, and which paid out funds to distressed miners and their families. An incident occured in 1881, which changed forever, this rather one sided satate of affairs. Henry Griffiths, 35 years old, was born near Kingswinford, in 1846. He had previously been a Butcher, at 57, High Street, Kingswinford, but on marriage to Phoebe E Baker, in 1872 at Ambelcote, had reverted to his grandfathers trade, and became a miner. Working for the Earl of Dudley, as a " Sinker ". He was employed to dig and maintain the pit shafts, and in November 1881, he was at a pit near Himley. On the 19th of that month, having completed work on a shaft, he and his workmate climbed into a " Bowke ", ( see photo in gallery ) and were winched to the surface up the mines pumping shaft. In control of the ascent, was the mines engine driver, and, as at most of the Earls Pits, there was no safety device to prevent an overwind. Lives depended on the skill and attention of the driver, and on this occassion, these qualities were sadly lacking. They reached the surface, and to their horror, they continued to rise towards the giant iron pulleys. Entaglement with these would either rip off arms or legs, or tear a man apart. They both leapt out of the bowke. Griffiths companion was lucky, he managed to cling on to the pithead frame, but Griffiths missed and fell over 250 feet down the shaft. He did not survive the fall. Negligence was proved at the inquest, but as any claim for compensation had died with the man, the old Earl escaped making any payment. Enter Phoebe Griffiths, and a very competant Lawyer. Phoebe Griffiths, who was left with a 2 year old son, also named Henry, had no other means of support, other than the small payout from the Field Club. It was decided to make a claim under the new legislation, the result being far from certain. The Court however, came to a very different conclusion than was expected. It ruled that Mrs Griffiths, as the dead mans dependent, had every right to ask for compensation, the Act, said the Judge, did not preclude a claim for lost income, especially as negligence had already been admitted. She was awarded £150, and almost overnight, most of the Field Clubs, shut down. They were no longer needed, the act had at last made a difference to injuries at work, and not before time either. It didn't in the end make much difference to Phoebe Griffiths, barely 4 years from her husbands tragic death, she herself was laid to rest in Ambelcote Church Yard. Their son Henry though, lived on, looked after by the relatives, he finally died in 1963, somewhere near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Just a little bit more social history added to the pile. December 23, 2011 at 2:54 PM Flag Quote & Reply I was asked, sometime ago, if I have not been a bit harsh toward the old Earls of Dudley. Pondering on the matter, the answer would have to be no. Take a good look around the area, and what can you see of any good works. There is no School they founded, no Libraries or other facilities built for the population, in fact they left very little behind. At one time, an Earl of Dudley, was one of the most powerful, and richest men in the Land. The vast bulk of this wealth, coming from the early exploitation of the areas mineral wealth. From Himley, Shut End, Kingswinford, Gornal, Pensnett, Bromley, Brierley Hill, Quarry Bank and Saltwell, the riches of the ground poured out to line the families pockets. In Saltwell alone, over the period of intense mining, the Earl had 33 pits, all working flat out. The family also owned many Ironworks, fed by the mineral wealth the mines produced. It was said, that the rents collected by the Earls agents in one year, would have paid off the national debt. The family aquired a fine house when Witley Court was purchased, and then demolished it to make way for an even grander version. By todays standards, untold millions went into the construction and lavish decorations of this house. It was used for entertaining the most rich and powerful of their many friends, which of course, included Royalty. It was true, that sums of money were given to local causes, mostly small change to one Earl, who gambled in a day, more than some earned in a lifetime of toil. Dudley has no lasting legacy provided by the family, as in other places, the spirit of giving never being a strong point of the Earls of Dudley. There was no endowment of a University, no grand Civic buildings, no recognition of the people, or the area, for making him and his family, the richest in the Kingdom. There are some who believe he gave to the town, Dudley Castle, he didn't, because they didn't own it. Around the turn of the century, things began to change for the Earl. Industry went into decline, the undertakings began to lose money, and sales of the Earls land became more common. This became a flood after the end of the first World War, and saw Witley Court go on the market as well. The family moved back to Himley Hall, but spent ever increasing time in London, and more sales of land followed. Eventually, even the mighty Ironworks at Round Oak was sold off. Once again, have a good look round, you wouldn't even know today that such a powerful family had ever been in the area, nor would you believe, that many workers doffed their caps, whenever they went past in their fancy carriages. October 18, 2012 at 3:54 PM Flag Quote & Reply Now it's a fact, that whenever there was spot of bother at one of the Earls Mines, there was virtually no action taken against the sometimes blatant negligence. Take this case from 1858, which occured in one the Lords pits at Saltwell. At work, on the evening of 18th March, were Richard Pearson, John Baugh, Benjamin Ward, and supposedly a young boy. The men were working in what was called a " stall ", which was about 15 feet long, and cut into the coalface for about 6 feet, the height of the cut being about 3 feet. There was not much room to work in, and they were about to exit and bring it down. The ends were supported by thick pillers of coal, and extra propping was not concidered neccessary. This was the standard way of working throughout the Blackcountry, although it was a very wasteful way to do the job, for only about a third of the coal was ever bought to the surface. All three were still in the stall, when, without warning, the whole lot came down. Between 6 and 9 tons of coal buried Ward and Baugh, Pearson, who was almost out, managed to free himself. It's here, that the story gets a bit strange, for at the inquest, Pearson says he made his way alone to the bottom of the shaft, seeking help. What happened to the boy? My guess is that it was the son of one of the miners, and he was well below the age at which children were allowed underground. Apart from those working at the coal face, there was no one else in the pit, and to summon help, Pearson hammered on the metal skip used to carry both men and coal to the surface. There was no reply. For over 30 minutes, he banged the skips side, and exhusted, he paused to rest his weary arms. He was just about to start his hammering again when he heard the faint sound of voices, so he shouted up the shaft for help. It was young courting couple, and as soon as they had been told people were trapped, the young man ran off to seek assistance. The mine was deserted, he could not locate the Watchman who should have been in the hut, nor could he find anyone on the site. Some distance from the mine lived James Bunn, who the young man knew was a Butty Miner, so he banged on his door, explained what had happened, and then went, with Bunns instructions, to fetch another Butty Miner, Joseph Griffiths, and alert the mines Engineer. By the time they had assembled at the pit, and arrived at the shaft bottom, over two hours had elapsed. It took a further 3 hours, to dig out the crushed and mangled bodies of 26 year old Ward, and 44 year old Baugh. The mines Inspector put the blame for the fall, squarely on the men for not using props, but reserved some astonishment that there was no one at the surface of the mine. At the Inquest, held 4 days later, no explanation was offered as to why the Watchman was absent from his post. Maybe, because the Red Lion was the nearest Pub to the mine they should have asked the Landlord where he was. In any case, the usual verdict of Accidental Death was recorded on both men, just two more to add to the total attributed to the Earls mining activity. One of the Earl of Dudleys most profitable ventures, were the series of coal mines at Shut End, Kingswinford. So great was the output, that the Earl built, at great expense, his very own private Railway. This allowed the coal produced, to be sent both to a wharfe on the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, and also, coupled with another line to his Dibdale Mines, directly to what become, The Round Oak Steel Works. It also, carried raw materials and finished products of several Brick and Tile works, and was a very profitable investment. Not much interferred with the Earls operation, not even the death of five men at the Pit. The days work, at the Shut End Colliery, was just beginning on Monday the 14th September, 1829. There were already three down the mine, when the next four men climbed into an iron bucket called a Bowke, and were winched down the shaft. They hadn't gone far down, when the area was rocked with a huge explosion, that was heard as far away as Woodside, Dudley. The bowke was blown out of the shaft, like a shot from a cannon, reaching over a hundred feet in the air, before crashing to earth with a mighty thud. The startled miners, waiting to begin work, rushed to the scene, but the occupants were way beyond any mortal help. " Mangled to a pulp " was how one described the sad remains of what once had been four happily married family men. The situation down below was also desperate, for all three were very badly burnt, and it took a herculian effort to repair the equipment for the rescue. There are no ages or address's given for the dead men, but one report says those already down the pit were youngsters. Two survived, but William Round, died the next day, on the15th September. As for the men in the bowke, their names were William Cooper, Zachariah Guest, William Guest, and William Bunn. As no work was done on the Sunday, an inspection for Gas should have been carried out. There is no mention of this, and the mine's deputy doesn't appear to be among the dead or injured. That the explosion was caused by a naked flame, is almost certain, as this was the cause of almost every accident of this nature at the time, in all the mining districts of the country. Production though, was soon back to normal, jobs were hard to find at any time, and there was no shortage of men willing to risk their lives to earn a crust, and of course, to inadvertantly fill the Earls pocket with cash. September 4, 2014 at 2:57 PM Flag Quote & Reply Anyone studying the history of the coal industry in the Black Country will come across the Dudley family. Here is an abridged extract from the book by George Barnsby; Social Conditions in the Black Country (1800-1900) "It has been estimated that in the middle of the century the Dudleys, although owning only 25,000 acres, had the sixth largest income in the country. Their fortune was firmly based on the ever rising value of their rents and revenue from the royalties on the mineral mined from the lands they leased.... In 1873 the Earl of Dudley's mines raised nearly 1,000,000 tons of coal or perhaps one seventh of all coal mined in the field.... ....The influence of the Earl was exercised through his chief agent. Until 1871 this was Smith-Shenstone, who in retirement, was presented with 1000 ounces of silver. Leadership on all matters pertaining to the industry of the area came from the agent's office. He was the decisive voice of the quarterly meeting of Iron Masters, the price of iron regulating the ironworker's sliding scale was the Earl's iron, the price of coal regulating the miner's sliding scale was the Earl's coal, when the Mines Drainage Commission was set up, the Earl's importance entitled him to separate representation. This immense influence is not only cognate to the effectiveness of monopoly control, but to the more general question of the perpetuation of deplorable social and economic conditions in the area. The Dudley's gave no lead in the area regarding safety in mines. In the middle of the century their mines were no lesser death traps than those of other owners, and some of the ghastliest accidents of the century occurred in the Dudley mines. In so far as rates of wages could be influenced the Dudleys played the leading role and theirs was also a main responsibility for the decision to embark on the immense strikes of the century and the usual methods used to break them by invocation of the Master and Servant Acts, importation of blacklegs, the use of courts dominated by employer JPs and the calling in of military force.... .... As late as 1907 it was reported that at the Dudley's colliery at Himley there was one manager and one under manager for 11 pits, seven of which there were more than 30 men underground. At his Conygre and Saltwell pits there was the same staff for 12 pits. The Coal Mines Regulation Act requiring that each pit of more than 30 men should be controlled by a qualified person had then been in operation for 35 years. But the greatest indictment of the Dudleys is that they were chiefly responsible for the great evil from which most of the abuses flowed, namely the perpetuation of the butty system. The mines of the Earl of Dudley continued into the 20th century to be worked by butties. The evidence to the Royal Commission of Mines 1907-8 could have been taken from the enquiries of the 1840s. The chief object of the butty system was to obtain coal at the cheapest cost and pits were worked in an unskilful way to the neglect of discipline and safety precautions.... ...In addition to the neglect of safety precautions and the continuation of the Tommy Shop quoted in the evidence, the butty system almost necessarily involved the continuation of the lethal pillar and stall method of working the coal, and this method of work continued in the Earl of Dudley's pits. Thus the Earl's of Dudley, far from using their immense influence to ameliorate social and economic conditions were an active, and in some respects a decisive influence, in perpetuating disgraceful conditions." February 8, 2016 at 6:40 AM Flag Quote & Reply Now as mentioned before, the The Earls of Dudley, did not own the ruin that stands on the hill dominating the surrounding area. Dudley Castle. they did though, own the land on which now stands the impressive Black Country Living Museum. On this small piece of tri-angular shaped land, the Earl had, Castle Fields Limestone Mines, Limestone Furnaces, The Coneygree Furnaces Ironworks, A Brickworks, and the Coneygree Colliery. In fact, almost every thing required to produce good quality Iron, including, from a strata beneath the coal, Ironstone. The Museum has an estimate of between 24 to 27 coal shafts on this site, but I am now going to suggest that the estimate is a bit on the low side. It was a shallow field of the famous Staffordshire Thick Coal Seam mined on the site, and, as also mentioned before, in a rather wasteful way. Looking at the old maps, one from the 1880s, shows the presence of many disused mine shafts, and the map shows the old Coneygree Colliery, with the number, Pit 73. Not far away, and near to the site of the old Brickworks, stands Pit number 57, with both of them still in operation in 1883. The Museum may wish to re-evaluate the site's history a bit. Even though the old Earl of Dudley was a powerful man of his times, it was only a matter of time before the availible coal on this site ran out, and he would be forced to seek supply's from elsewhere, for he couldn't tunnel underneath Tipton, he didn't own it. There was a miners strike in 1889, which effectively shut down a great many of the small mines, and the Earl transfered his interests to his Saltwell and Himley mines, and in particular, a site in Baggeridge Wood. The deepest mine in the area, at almost 2,000 feet deep, it cost a fortune to sink, because of water problems, it needed a double brick and iron lined mainshaft. It opened in 1910. Someone asked me to identify, in which pit on the site, her relative had been killed in, back in 1870. With so many shafts and numbers, it's an impossible question to answer, for the the inquests all show it as Coneygree Colliery. Here's a short list of some of the unfortunate miners. On the 17th August,1866, James Dial, aged 34, and his fellow hewer, John Rollason, aged 23, were holing in a stall, when the top of a pillar holding, up the thick coal gave way. Both men were killed instantly, crushed to death under 7 tons of coal. The next month, on 21st September, Joseph Taylor, aged 21, working in a lower level of the mine, was also killed by the roof falling in. This time it was Ironstone. There appears to be only one case of the explosion of Firedamp, which also happened in this year, Thomas Williams, aged 24, who was badly injured on the 16th October, and died in agony on the 28th November. We also get an example of how they got rid of the waste at the time. John Sherwood, aged 15, a colliery boy, was pushing tubs along a roadway, when the timber supports, under the pressure from the Slack stacked behind them, gave way and suffocated him. This was a similar occurance to that in the one I mentioned from 1870, but this time it was one of the pits Deputies, Thomas Greenfield, who died, buried alive in a sea of fast moving slack and dust. I have not found a reference to either number 73 or number 57 pits beyond 1891. The flood of 1865. There were just six men working Pit No.71, on the 10th February,1865. The Earl of Dudley, after working the area for over 20 years, had leased the old mine to Messers Brown and Taylor. All the mines in this area, now split by the new Tipton Road, were shallow pits, the coal seam being between 40 and 120 feet from the surface. Pit 71s shaft was 40 feet deep. The area around this shaft had been mined before, most of the old shafts having supposedly been filled in with spoil. There were no records kept by the Earls Agents, so it was impossible to say just how many shafts there were, and, more to the point, which ones had simple been abandoned and left unfilled. The miners employed by Messers Welch and Barrows, in the adjoining pit, had a lucky escape on the 15th January, when an old and unmarked shaft suddenly collapsed, and let in a large amount of water from a nearby arm of the canal. It was agreed, that from then on. a thick wall of coal, about 50 yards long, would be left between the other ( now closed down ) mine, and the branch of the Birmingham Canal, that was the cause of the incident. Another wall of coal, about 80 yards long was left as as a safety measure between pit 71. and the other arm of the canal. Work progressed, and the roadway was extended from the shaft bottom, for a distance of 153 yards. At no stage was any roadway driven beneath the Canal due the obvious danger of the ingress of water. On the friday before the accident however, another old shaft was discovered about 75 yards from the shaft, but was not concidered to be a danger. There were three men working at the coal face on the day, John Walton, aged 47, his brother, David Walton, aged 50. and David's son, Joseph Walton, aged 16. The other three miners, Henry Nicklin, John Smith, and John Turner, were working about 53 yards from the shaft, near a cross over roadway. Suddenly, and without a sound, the air flow in the mine reversed, a sure sign that something serious had occurred, and on Nicklin's advice, the three made a hurried exit towards the shaft. In pitch blackness, for the rush of air had blown the candles out, the sound of rolling water was the only noise. The engine driver, just for once, actually at his post, quickly sent down the cage when he heard the call for help. The alarm was quickly raised, and the cage again lowered, in case the other three miners had also escaped what by now, was obviously a rapidily flooding pit. One look at the canal would have left no one in any doubt where the water was coming from, for the hole was clearly visable in the canal arm, and it quickly emptied as the mine filled up. Rescue, until the water had subsided, was impossible, and in any case, there was not the slightest doubt that all three would be found dead. As was indeed the case, and all of them close to where they had last been working. The map shows the location of Pit 71, ( marked in red ) and as described at the inquest, and from the Mines Inspectors Report, 40 yards yards from the end of the canal wharf, with a mark showing the aproximate spot of the old unmarked shaft, a dotted line showing the pits roadway, and the spot where the the tree bodies were found.The statement made by the Earls agent, Thomas Latham, that no tunneling had actually gone under the canal, may have been quite true, but this old shaft had been sunk extremely close to the canal, ( later evidence suggests that it was just 10 feet from the canal bank ) in order to extract as much coal as possible. Latham had worked for the Earl during this period, and should have been well aware that the shaft was there. From the position of several other old shafts shown, on the Maps, it appears that sinking a shaft close to the Canal was common practice. As no plans allegedly existed, or couldn't be produced, it couldn't be proved either way, and a verdict of Accidental Death was recorded. Devastating news for the families, as one of the Waltons, David, left behind a widow and seven children. Once again, the old Earl escaped any censure for the unnecessary loss of life, and a claim from the Canal Company for compensation. Just one more thing of note. Three Horses were also drowned, valued each at £40. One newspaper expressed the hope, that such a loss, would not add greatly to the Pits operators financial burden. Just a few years later, Thomas Latham, the Earls loyal servant and mining engineer, was killed in one of the pits, buried under a landslide of coal dust and slack. I would call that poetic justice. Derek Gittings March 29, 2016 at 5:23 AM Flag Quote & Reply

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The SAUSD Web site emphasizes this key focus; highlighting the establishment of a theory of action, development of a theoretical framework, and intentional professional development. SAUSD believes that effective and consistent communication is essential for successful implementation of the Common Core. The Web site highlights multiple avenues to communicate with teachers, staff, and community members. Avenues of communication include the Common Core Newsletter and Frequently Asked Questions published bi-weekly, Common Core blog, and access to videos and presentations highlighting on-going implementation plans. Santa Ana invites districts in California and throughout the nation to access their Common Core State Standards Web site. SAUSD’s goal is to assist other districts in accelerating the implementation of the Common Core and form lasting, collaborative partnerships. Elk Grove Unified School District The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) has produced resources to assist their teachers and instructional leaders with the implementation of the CCSS for Mathematics and English Language Arts and Literacy in History-Social Studies, Science, and Technical subjects. Currently in their second of a three-year CCSS transition plan, EGUSD is poised to begin full implementation of CCSS in the 2013–14 school year. Please visit the EGUSD CCSS Web page to access these resources. Santee School District Educators, students, and parents are presented with a myriad of options when searching the Web for information about CCSS. In order to ensure stakeholders have the best information, Santee School District created An Introduction to CCSS Web site. Please visit the Web site for resources to help the transition to CCSS. Val Verde Unified School District Thank you for your interest in Val Verde Unified School District’s Common Core Resources Web page. In VVUSD’s initial attempts to build a CCSS/SBAC resource library, we quickly found ourselves buried with options to the point we were drinking from a fire hose! Our website represents an effort to select the most pertinent resources from across California and the United States to support our transition to the Common Core. San Francisco Unified School District's Math Department SFUSDMath.org houses a diverse collection of news and resources for teachers, students, families, and the community as the district moves forward with implementation of the CCSS. The Web site is used as a central point for implementation of SFUSD’s new teacher-curated math core curriculum which holds rich math tasks at the center of the students’ experience. Important shifts in the district also include their new secondary course sequence , which was unanimously passed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in February 2014. Follow SFUSD’s fun math problems, graphs, updates, cartoons, and photos on Twitter! @SFUSDMath Hawthorne School District The Hawthorne School District (HSD) has been compiling a broad collection of high-quality resources on its Common Core Web page to support teachers and parents during the transition to the new standards. Please visit the HSD Common Core State Standards Web page to check them out. Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District/CTA Teacher Cohort Lesson Study Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District and the California Teachers Association (CTA)’s Teacher Leadership Cohort provided time, opportunity, and resources for their eighth grade math teachers to work collaboratively in their first year of transition to CCSS through cross-school lesson studies. The teachers involved now describe this as the best professional development to support their transition - and the district plans to continue the work across grade levels. Read about their journey and find resources to start your own lesson study on the Common Core Cohort Web page. The Center on Standards & Assessment Implementation (CSAI) is a federally-funded content center that supports states' efforts to improve state policies and practices for college- and career-ready standards and assessments. The CSAI Web site provides center-created resources on the implementation of new standards and assessments, as well as a searchable database of resources from other organizations that address standards and assessment. Please visit The Center on Standards & Assessment Implementation Web site for more information. Silicon Valley Community Foundation: Embrace the Core Web Site and Communications Toolkit As educators, we may be teaching students in classrooms, but we are also educating the larger community about how learning is changing in the 21st century. Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Embrace the Core Web site and Communications Toolkit are designed to help educators cut through the noise and communicate with parents about California's Common Core State Standards. Teachers, principals, district leaders, after-school program administrators, and anyone else who regularly fields questions from parents can use the posters, sample letters to parents, talking points, and various other resources to drive those conversations. For more information, please visit the Embrace the Core Web site . The toolkit is available on the Web site in the Common Core Communications Toolkit page . Questions: Common Core Team | commoncoreteam@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0881 Last Reviewed: Thursday, November 21, 2019 Trending in Common Core State Standards Common Core State Standards Resources What are the Common Core Standards? CCSS Mathematics Resources CCSS English Language Arts Resources CCSS and CA ELD Standards Resources CCSS Literacy Resources CCSS Resources for Parents and Guardians Mathematics Resources for Parents and Guardians CCSS Professional Learning Modules for Educators More Trending Items Recently Posted in Common Core State Standards No items posted in the last 60 days.

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Home » Media Center » Press Releases CECC Chairman Issues Statement on Wo Weihan Death Penalty Case Congressional-Executive Commission on China | www.cecc.gov (Washington, DC)—We note with significant interest that the Chinese government may be revisiting procedural issues in the death penalty case of Mr. Wo Weihan, whose execution is pending. Concerns have been raised over matters such as Mr. Wo’s access to counsel, his access to information during preparation of his defense, the transparency of proceedings that resulted in his conviction and sentencing, and the manner in which questions concerning the proportionality of his punishment were reviewed. We shall continue to monitor press reports indicating that China's Supreme People's Court may be taking time to complete a full, fair and transparent review of Mr. Wo's death sentence. The effective implementation of basic human rights, and the ability of all people in China to live under the rule of law depends on careful attention to and transparent compliance with procedural norms and safeguards that meet international standards. Additional information is available on the Commission's website at: www.cecc.gov Enter Prisoner Name:

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Sweet Project for Students at The Culinary Institute of America: Maple Syrup from Tree to Jug Posted: Friday, April 11, 2014 j_levine@culinary.edu Hyde Park, NY – While many college students were tapping kegs on their spring break, some students at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY were tapping trees in March. These students—from Chef Peter Greweling's Chocolate and Confectionery Technology and Techniques class and Dr. Deirdre Murphy's Ecology of Food bachelor's degree course—volunteered to take part in harvesting sap to make maple syrup at the college for the first time. Using 16 maple trees on the north side of campus, the students assisted Professors Greweling and Murphy with each step of the process, including tapping, collecting the sap, boiling, straining, testing, and bottling the syrup. "It is pretty miraculous to watch the nearly clear, barely sweet sap transform into rich, sweet syrup through the process of evaporation," says Greweling. After an abnormally long and harsh winter, tree tapping late in the season produced syrup that is darker and has a stronger flavor than what most people are used to, Chef Greweling said. It can take up to 50 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. The four gallons of syrup produced this year will be used in Chef Greweling's class and incorporated into desserts at the CIA's restaurants on campus. For next year's syrup season, he hopes to have an outdoor "sugar shack" set up for boiling the sap right from the tree. "Making maple syrup is a natural fit for our students; it is as much an ingrained part of the culture of the Hudson Valley as making wine is in California," said Chef Greweling, who is seeking to use this experience to develop an undergraduate course at the CIA that will include the history, culture, and technology of maple syrup. Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images Photo 1: Professor Peter Greweling (in sunglasses) is joined by students in The Culinary Institute of America's Food Ecology course (from left) Brian Shickle, Joonho Jun, and Kristin McGinn in harvesting sap from maple trees on the college's Hyde Park, NY campus in late March 2014. (Photo credit: CIA/Marc Haymon) Photo 2: The sap harvested from maple trees and made into syrup by faculty and students at The Culinary Institute of America came from trees near student housing on the college's Hyde Park, NY campus. (Photo credit: CIA/Marc Haymon) Photo 3: Professor Deirdre Murphy taps into a maple tree on The Culinary Institute of America's Hyde Park, NY campus in late March 2014. This first-time effort by students and faculty yielded about four gallons of maple syrup. (Photo credit: CIA/Marc Haymon) Photo 4: Real Hudson Valley maple syrup produced by students and faculty at The Culinary Institute of America will be incorporated into desserts at the campus restaurants and used in classes. (Photo credit: CIA/Marc Haymon) Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 46,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore.

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You Don't Know Jack Review Xbox 360 | PS3 | PC | Wii | DS System: DS, PS3, Xbox 2360, PC, Wii Dev: Jellyvision Pub: THQ Release: February 8th, 2011 Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p Crude Humor, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes You Really Don't Know... by Jake Valentine My first experience of You Don't Know Jack was when I was ten. I overheard my dad and his friend playing a game that was making fun of them for getting incorrect answers. Several years later, I began to comprehend the beauty of the You Don't Know Jack series, with its pinnacle, You Don't Know Jack: The Ride, becoming a regular experience for me. When I discovered that THQ was bringing You Don't Know Jack to consoles in 2011, I was excited. As it turns out, this was well worth the wait. Now, some of you might be wondering, "what the hell is You Don't Know Jack?" It's a trivia game unlike any other trivia game out there. Games consist of three rounds - two five-question rounds and a final round called the "Jack Attack" where you must match two like words or phrases based on a previously mentioned clue. For example, if the clue is city nicknames, Big Apple would go with New York. Most questions are multiple choice. There are a couple of instances where questions will be presented in different manners, such as "Dis or Dat," which is where you must match up the item with the category it belongs to (e.g. if O-Zone is a boy band or bug repellent). One of the new additions is "Who's The Dummy," where a dummy will give a question, but is unable to say certain letters properly and you have to carefully read in order to get the correct answer. My personal favorite is the "Wrong Answer of the Game." Each game has an incorrect answer that will actually give you bonus dollars, based on its sponsor. For example, a sponsor for one game was "Blood Co." and its correct wrong answer was "Dracula." There's an undeniable style to Jack that you can't help but love, even during its constant mocking of wrong answers. Its most recognizable feature is the ability to screw people by forcing them to answer a question. The screwer is rewarded if the screwee is incorrect, but punished if they get the answer correctly. Sufficed to say, be careful who you screw. It should be no surprise that the game is filled with crude humor. The game's host, Cookie Masterson, is not afraid to poke fun at relevant topics such as Mel Gibson and Twilight. In addition, between games there'll be various audio clips played as you browse menus. You'll hear comedy bits, such as an advertisement for "Sam and Ella's Restaurant," a news flash that Charlie Sheen has been elected president, and so on. Part of the game's fun is discovering these easter eggs, if you even want to call them that. Each trivia game will last anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes, regardless if you're playing alone or with up to four people. In previous entries to the series, only one player buzzes in to answer, allowing one person to dominate the game. Now, everyone is allowed to answer, which welcomes competitive play. No round is over until the final scores are calculated. I can't tell you how many times I'm able to come back from a deficit and win in the Jack Attack. When playing online, lag kills. If there's a group of people who each know their trivia and are quick on the answer button, the fastest connection always seems to get the answer right. It's annoying, but it isn't game breaking; this isn't a common occurrence you'll encounter, ala host advantage in Gears of War. It's just, you know, annoying. Jack won't blow you away with spectacular high-definition graphics or a deep and involving story. But then again, it's not supposed to. The essence of You Don't Know Jack is playing with friends, having fun, and getting a good laugh. The little changes of gameplay in comparison to other entries, especially the ability to allow everyone to answer a question, make for a better experience. There's lots of fun and humor to be found in Jack; I highly recommend that you always select "I Don't Care" for choosing a name on local multiplayer. While I won't be having marathon sessions of You Don't Know Jack anytime soon, I can see myself playing a game or two every day for a long, long time. At a price of $29.99, it's money well spent. CCC Freelance Writer RATING OUT OF 5 They do the job. There's nothing groundbreaking here but they have a uniform style to them that fits the game well. They're also a vast improvement over how the game used to look. It's a trivia game. The buttons do their job and the control set up is simplistic. Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting Cookie is back and better than ever, and boy, am I glad about it. The entire audio presentation is excellent. Seventy-three episodes, plus planned DLC for more. It's a great way to waste twenty minutes with friends or strangers over Xbox Live. But part of me worries how quickly the episodes will repeat if I play for too long. Still, it's a lot of fun. Overall Rating - Great Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown. Review Rating Legend 0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 - 2.9 = Average 3.5 - 3.9 = Good 4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy 2.0 - 2.4 = Poor 3.0 - 3.4 = Fair 4.0 - 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best The classic trivia series is back and on your favorite console! Up to four players compete through three rounds of entertaining trivia. Answer correctly to win cash! Answer incorrectly and get ridiculed! Downloadable trivia packs add to more fun and keep each trivia episode fresh and up to date. Are you the trivia master? Compare your scores to friends and strangers via Xbox Live leaderboards!

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5 of the Craziest Video Game Marketing Stunts of All Time Grabbing the fleeting attention of the modern gamer is no easy task, so marketers often go to great lengths to get their games noticed. Sometimes this results in stunts that, in hindsight, probably weren’t great ideas. Other times the results are simply outrageous or bizarre. Anything to get your game talked about, right? Here are five wild marketing stunts for video games you may very well have played. 1. Win an island in Just Cause 3 Who wouldn’t want their own island? Although it’s usually only attainable by the super rich, having a private island is the dream of many. Realizing that dream is exactly the promise Square Enix offered when it released Just Cause 3, a game about liberating an island from a tyrannical ruler. To be the winner, all you had to do was rack up more “Chaos Points” than anyone else in the first three months of its release. The catch? Let’s leave it to Square Enix to lay them out: All taxes and fees associated with purchasing and obtaining of Island (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, escrow, and closing costs) are the responsibility of the Winner. Sponsor does not guarantee the Island to be inhabitable, developed, or reachable by any means other than a boat. Sounds like it could end up being a little less than the paradise it initially seems. If, once you have the details, it doesn’t seem like a great deal to you, the winner could alternatively claim a $50,000 cash prize. That’s probably wiser for all parties involved. 2. Free Bethesda games if you named your baby “Dovahkiin” Naming a child is no easy task, but Bethesda decided to make it easier for any fans lucky enough to have a child born on November 11, 2011, the release date for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. If you had a baby on that day, this marketing stunt offered free Bethesda games for life to anyone who named the child “Dovahkiin,” which translates from a made-up dragon language to the phrase “dragon-born.” Activision did a similar stunt when it offered $10,000 to the first fan to name their child Turok near the release of Turok: Evolution. The difference is that a couple actually did name their Skyrim release date-born son Dovahkiin. You can read all about it on Bethesda’s blog. 3. God of War II goat sacrifice To build buzz for God of War II, Sony threw a party for members of European media in Athens, Greece. The theme of the party was debauchery, and to illustrate the full extent of the wild and crazy fun, Sony brought a decapitated goat to the shindig. While they called it a “goat sacrifice,” the poor farm animal had really come from a local butcher, and it had been killed for meat purposes rather than sacrificial ones. Still, bringing a headless goat even to the most debauched party in town is probably a bad idea. As you can imagine, Sony took lots of flack from animal rights groups for the lapse in judgment. 4. Body parts strewn in London for Resident Evil 5 Who doesn’t enjoy chancing upon a disembodied limb when you go out for a stroll? That’s the situation Capcom created when it hid realistic-looking body parts around Trafalgar Square in London — heads, arms, legs, you name it. The idea was that whichever fan collected the most body parts would win a vacation to Africa, where the game is set. The only problem was that, when the contest ended, not all of the body parts were accounted for. According to a statement from Capcom: The body parts are very realistic and we don’t want people to be alarmed by them. They’ve all been taken from their original positions, but we now have no idea where they are. If you have them, please either return them, or dispose of them in a responsible and careful manner. In addition, chicken livers were used for added gore, and, uncooked, they can be dangerous. In other words, playing with these fake body parts could result in salmonella. 5. Hitman: Absolution Facebook app to kill your friends When you get down to it, most of us want to murder our friends from time to time, right? To coincide with the release of Hitman: Absolution, Square Enix released a Facebook app that let you threaten to do just that. The app would send a message to a friend of your choice, telling them they were marked for death. You could even give a reason you wanted them dead and identify them to the bald assassin by things like “her hairy legs” or “her small tits.” The message would come through with the text “I just hired Agent 47 to put a hit on you. Click here to see how you meet your end.” What could possibly go wrong? Many things, all of which are blindingly obvious. The app was removed just hours after going up, and the news stories about it were widespread. Come to think of it, it probably went exactly as Square Enix’s marketing gurus wanted. Follow Chris on Twitter @_chrislreed Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! More from Entertainment Cheat Sheet: The 10 Best Xbox One Exclusive Games Released So Far The 7 Best PlayStation 4 Exclusive Games Released So Far The 10 Best Wii U Video Games Released So Far

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Home>Your stories>Anthea Almost two years on from a near-fatal stroke experience, Anthea from Toowoomba is a happy, healthy toddler. She is a strong, determined little sister to Kai and daughter to Karli and Dan. Although she is doing well now, the beginning of her journey was not so easy. In 2017, just six weeks after Karli and Dan brought Anthea home from hospital, things didn’t go quite as planned. Fondly known as Anthy by her family, the then six-week-old woke up from an afternoon nap in tears. After numerous attempts to soothe Anthea, her crying had only become worse. Karli noticed that Anthea was cool but sweaty with very low body temperatures. As minutes went by her crying turned into screaming and groaning. Her mouth was drooping on one side and her eyes were rolling back into her head. Karli and Dan took Anthea to the emergency department of their local hospital in Toowoomba. During the 10-minute car ride to the hospital, Anthea was becoming unresponsive, even after Karli tried talking to her and tickling her feet. When they arrived at the hospital, the doctor did a blood test, but everything came back as normal. The doctors decided it was best for Anthea to be airlifted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH). When the retrieval service arrived in Toowoomba, Anthea was sedated and intubated and had a cannula inserted for medical treatment. Upon arrival at the QCH, Anthea was admitted to the Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). An ultrasound on her head showed fluid on her brain. Soon after this she was rushed in for an MRI which showed an extensive bleed and a large clot on her brain. The six-week-old had suffered from a stroke. Anthea was rushed in for a six-hour surgery to drain the bleed on her brain and had multiple blood transfusions. Karli said after surgery Anthea was sent back to PICU for close monitoring and was told that the next 24-48 hours would be critical to Anthea’s survival. “Anthea amazed us with a fast recovery. She was able to be woken up and extubated quicker than initially planned,” Karli said. “We spent the next week in PICU before being transported to a ward for a further two weeks. After that we were discharged and on our way home to Toowoomba with a nasogastric tube to assist with her feeding. “Over the next few months we worked on trying to feed Anthea, so we could remove the nasogastric tube. We also had multiple follow up visits with the ophthalmology department at QCH because the pressure in her brain had caused significant damage to her eyes.” In April 2019 Anthea had strabismus surgery (an operation to align the eyes) which has helped her greatly. Anthea is now doing well and visits the QCH for regular check-ups with Ophthalmology as the extent of eyesight damage is still unknown.

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12,000 Boy Scouts members were victims of sexual abuse from thousands of leaders, expert says CP Current Page: U.S. | Wednesday, April 24, 2019 By Leonardo Blair, Christian Post Reporter | Wednesday, April 24, 2019 A Boy Scout works on a canoe at camp Maple Dell on July 31, 2015 outside Payson, Utah. | George Frey/Getty Images More than 12,000 Boy Scout members have been victims of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of 7,819 allegedly sexually abusive troop leaders and volunteers, according to an analysis of long-held records in the organization known as the “perversion files.” The perversion files, which have previously been highlighted, show thousands of offenders of childhood sexual abuse that have been removed from the Boy Scouts of America over the years. The files were kept private at the BSA headquarters. At a press conference in New York City on Tuesday, trial lawyer Jeff Anderson, a widely recognized pioneer in sexual abuse litigation and a champion of survivors of childhood sexual abuse, revealed the abuse numbers based on the testimony of Dr. Janet Warren, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia’s medical school from a case earlier this year. The new testimony was entered into the court record as part of a January trial about child sex abuse at a Minnesota children's theater company. “Dr. Janet Warren testified that she has been retained by the Boy Scouts of America and for the last five years she has been auditing these files and reviewing them. And she revealed to us, to our shock and dismay that there are 7,819 perpetrators of childhood sexual abuse in these files,” Anderson said in a recording of the press conference. Jeff Anderson (C) widely recognized pioneer in sexual abuse litigation and a champion of survivors of childhood sexual abuse announce that more than 12,000 Boy Scouts were victims of sexual abuse at a press conference in New York City on Tuesday April 23, 2019. At his right is attorney, Trusha Goffe and on his left is a survivor and survivor advocate who co-founded New York Loves Kids. | Screenshot/YouTube “Secondly, she revealed under oath, in her audit working for the Boy Scouts of America, that there are 12,254 victims of childhood sexual abuse in those files, in the perversion files of Scout leaders. That’s not a number known to us or revealed before,” he explained. Warren testified that she has been "on private contract" with the BSA for the past five years, evaluating perversion files from 1944 through 2016. The BSA released a statement to ABC News expressing sympathy to the victims and highlighted their ongoing efforts to protect children. “We care deeply about all victims of child abuse and sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed during their time in Scouting. We believe victims, we support them, and we have paid for unlimited counseling by a provider of their choice,” the organization said. “Nothing is more important than the safety and protection of children in Scouting and we are outraged that there have been times when individuals took advantage of our programs to abuse innocent children.” Earlier this year, New York State passed the Child Victims Act which will allow child victims to seek prosecution against their abuser until the age of 55 in civil cases, up from a previous limit of age 23. In criminal cases, victims can seek prosecution until they turn 28. The bill also includes a one-year window during which victims of any age or time limit can come forward to prosecute. Anderson said it is because of this new law that he chose to ring the alarm on the extent of the abuse in the BSA in the city. At least 130 allegedly abusive leaders have been identified in the state. “Knowing that the Child Victims Act has now been passed into law in New York and knowing the survivors will now be given a voice and are given a voice to bring an action, the same way we brought actions against the Boy Scouts of America, the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy, schools and organizations across this country, survivors in New York are now given this chance but they don’t have that chance to exercise that voice and do it legally until August 14th,” Anderson said. “When we got this information we had to sound the alarm. We knew that in New York, as we’ve reviewed these files and distilled this information, there are 130 in New York alone.” It is unclear if any potential lawsuits against the BSA will reap much by way of financial penalty. Last December, after being slapped with a federal trademark lawsuit by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the BSA was reportedly considering bankruptcy as membership plummeted and legal costs from defending itself against lawsuits alleging sexual abuse of boys mounted. Sources told The Wall Street Journal that the BSA hired law firm Sidley Austin LLP for assistance with a possible Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The BSA confirmed in a statement that it was “working with experts to explore all options available to ensure that the local and national programming of the Boy Scouts of America continues uninterrupted.” Chief Scout Executive Michael Surbaugh noted in the statement that while there were “no imminent actions or immediate decisions expected” the organization continued to examine the best way to manage a desire to carry out their mission while compensating victims of sexual abuse at the same time. “We have a social and moral responsibility to fairly compensate victims who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting, and we also have an obligation to carry out our mission to serve youth, families and local communities through our programs,” Surbaugh said. “Throughout our history we have taken proactive steps to help victims heal and prevent future abuse. I want to stress that at no time in our history have we knowingly allowed a sexual predator to work with youth, and we always seek to act swiftly when alerted to abuse allegations,” he added. The BSA is one of the largest Scouting organizations in the U.S. as well as one of the largest youth organizations in the country with more than 2.4 million youth participants and nearly 1 million adult volunteers. Boy Scouts consider bankruptcy as membership plummets, cost of sex abuse lawsuits mount Girl Scouts Sue Boy Scouts for Causing Confusion With Gender Neutral Rebranding Boy Scouts of America to Provide Condoms to Teens at World Scout Jamboree Christian alternative to Boy Scouts sees boost in interest amid Girl Scouts lawsuit against BSA Fla. students hold first pro-life club meeting after school lifts ban on ‘controversial’ group Virginia couple wins battle to hold Bible study at retirement center: settlement Facebook says 'denying existence' of trans identities on platform is 'hate speech' Secular group blasts National Cathedral Bible blessing as 'vile, Christian supremacy’

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Professional Connections Fall-Winter 2018 Early Childhood Workshops Congregational/Hebrew Schools Articles for Educators Professional Learning Communities Israel & Odessa Education Israel Desk Israel Calendar Shevet Achim Shinshinim Host a Shinshin Meet our Shinshinim Shinshinim Schools Israel High Community Fund for Israel Experiences Baltimore Stands with Israel Israel Advocacy Hebrew Language Resources Library & Resource Center Hakerem Educator Awards 2013 Shalom, Baby! Shalom, Baby! Gift Box PJ Library Tot Shabbat PJ Our Way IAC Keshet Sfarim Kveller J Town Melton Adult Education Current Melton Courses Melton Core Curriculum Instructors Jewish Resources for Families Jewish Play Guide Community Fund for Israel Experience Disability and Inclusion Services J.D.A.I.M. 2019 Gesher LaTorah Jewish Advocates for Deaf Education ASL Meet Up Deafblind Shabbaton Jewish Captioning Initiative JillFoxFund Maryland Special Needs Advocacy Project Student Testing Assistance Referrals & Support Day School Finder Congregational/Hebrew School Finder Preschool Finder Synagogue Finder Jewish Holiday Resource Guide CJE Professionals Home › CJE Professionals Meet the professionals behind the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education: Eli Bass Jewish Education Coordinator Eli comes to the CJE from Susquehanna University where he served as the Director of Jewish Life. In this role he supported the Hillel community on campus and implemented a variety of Jewish programming. Eli enjoys supporting Jewish growth and helping learners take their next Jewish step. As Jewish Education coordinator, Eli is happy to work with colleagues across the Baltimore Jewish community. He provides resources and support to assist other agencies in facilitating learning that nurtures Jewish identity and strengthens our community. Eli has a Masters in Jewish Education from JTS with a degree focused on Jewish experiential education with a certificate in Israel Education. Eli also has a background in outdoor education including work with Eden Village summer camp and the Teva Learning Center. Outside the office Eli enjoys baking breads and bagels and running. Gabrielle Burger Director, Jewish Educational Engagement Gabrielle has had the privilege of working at CJE for the past 6 years, and has worked for many other Baltimore Jewish institutions over her 17 years in Baltimore. Gabrielle moved to Baltimore from Jerusalem, Israel, where she lived for 7 years. Before that, Gabrielle lived in Massachusetts and Tennessee. Gabrielle has her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from University of Baltimore, and her Master’s Degree in Jewish Professional Studies from the Spertus Institute. In her work, Gabrielle has the privilege of meeting and engaging with different members of the community across all age groups and Jewish identities. Her passion for experiential Jewish Education makes working at CJE, and specifically heading the Engagement team, more fun than work! She is an avid Ravens and Orioles fan, loves all things sci-fi, her favorite PJ Library book is Bagels from Benny, and her favorite Tot Shabbat song is “Bim Bam”. Jessica Fink After spending half of her childhood in sunny San Diego and the other half in equally-sunny South Florida, Jessica began her career as an educator at the University of Florida, where she received her degree in Elementary Education (and became a devoted Gator fan). She continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Master's in Elementary Education. She taught pre-kindergarten in Philadelphia until she moved to New York City to complete a Master's in Library Science at The Pratt Institute, while also teaching at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School. Her tour of the northeast finally ended in Baltimore in 2012, where Jessica began teaching at the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community Day School and led programming at the local libraries for the JCC Parent, Infant and Toddler Program. She was previously a Community Connector for the CJE and has been happily serving the community as the CJE librarian for the past few years. Jessica resides in Pikesville with her husband, daughter, and son. Martha Goodman Coordinator, Maryland Special Needs Advocacy Program (MDSNAP) Martha has been with the CJE since 2005, working with parent volunteers to support over 200 families each year, as they navigate the special education system. MDSNAP has a close working relationship with the local school systems, Jewish community schools, and other agencies of the ASSOCIATED, advocating for Jewish students in whatever school they choose to attend. Martha is a member of the Special Education State Advisory Committee. Smadar Haika-Fox Director, Shinshinim Hub Smadar was born in Israel and earned her Masters degree from Tel Aviv University. After meeting her husband in college, she moved to the US almost twenty years ago. Smadar's strong management experience will assist her in helping the shinshinim bring the Jewish communities in Baltimore and Israel closer together. She has extensive volunteer experience at schools, the Jewish community and beyond. In her free time, Smadar enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband and three kids. Stacy Jarvis Israel Education Associate Stacy was born and raised in the Philly area. She spent four year in central Pennsylvania attending The Pennsylvania State University. While at Penn State she earned her BA and MA in International Affairs. Her interest in education as a way of ending conflict combined with her love of the Jewish community led her to join the CJE as an Israel Education Associate where she works to bring Jewish people together in Baltimore, Ashkelon and Odessa. In her free time, she enjoys reading and going “down the shore.” Laura Jasso Laura Jasso was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She moved to Northern Virginia in 2008 to attend college at George Mason University. During her college years she became passionate about Jewish education and started working as a preschool teacher during her senior year of college. Following graduation she became a full time educator at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia. During the summer of 2016, she volunteered in Jerusalem at the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin. Upon her return to the States, she realized she wanted to be part of a larger Jewish community, moved to Baltimore and joined the CJE as the project assistant where she provides marketing and event support with a special focus on social media. Lucia Johnson Lucy holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. For several years, she taught at an Annapolis area Jewish Preschool, as well as a religious school. Once her children began day school she joined their board of trustees where she served in various capacities, ending with two years as President. She plans to pursue an MA degree from Gallaudet University beginning in the Fall of 2019. At CJE, Lucy enjoys utilizing her skills and expertise in technology to better the lives of all learners, which is critical for her role in managing the CFIE Israel scholarship program and maintaining the PJ Library database. Amian Frost Kelemer Amian is passionate about ensuring access to outstanding Jewish education for all members of the greater Baltimore community. This commitment was first shaped by her teaching experience at Gesher LaTorah over 24 years ago and she has been working at the CJE in various capacities ever since! Amian received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Education from Barnard College, Columbia University and her Master’s Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Amian is honored to work with the exceptional board and staff of the CJE to fulfill the agency’s mission. When not at the office, Amian enjoys playing violin, cooking and spending time with her husband and five children. Leah Margolis Leah directs the Finance and Human Resource departments of the CJE. After receiving her CPA, she worked in the non-profit arena before moving to THE ASSOCIATED where she worked for six years. In 2006, she moved to the CJE. Amalia Phillips Director, Israel & Overseas Education Amalia, an Israeli native (sabra), has lived in Montreal, Canada, and Atlanta, Georgia and currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland. In addition to a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master's degree in Instructional and Performance Technology, she attended DSLTI in New York where she completed the Day School Leadership Training program. In Atlanta, Amalia was the principal of the Epstein Elementary School (Solomon Schechter), the largest Jewish day school in Atlanta with over 600 children. Most recently, Amalia trained as a mediator for Ann Arundel County and has been facilitating programs in conflict resolution for several years. In her spare time, she makes jewelry, upcycles kids’ clothing and practices yoga. Amalia loves her job as the Director of Israel and Overseas Education where she gets to inspire American Jews to invest in a personal relationship with Israel in the belief that Israel is essential to our identity as Jews. Terri Rosen After working for 13 years as operations coordinator for a financial planner, Terri joined the CJE as Executive Assistant. Following graduation from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Terri was the marketing coordinator for an architecture firm in Boston before moving to Baltimore with her husband in 2003, where they now live with their 4 children. In 2011, Terri was instrumental in the founding of Ohr Chadash Academy (where her children attend) and served on the OCA Board of Directors, inlcuding two years as the Board Chair. Her volunteer work in the school added to her passion for education and led her to the CJE where her responsibilities include supporting the Executive Management Team, CJE board members, and the agency’s educational professionals. Reena Roshgadol Shinshinim Logisitics Coordinator Reena joined the CJE in 2008 after working for an Israeli non-profit education organization. For the past 10 years she has worked on building and administering the CFIE Israel scholarship program as well as being involved in PJ Library subscriptions and working the back-end database. Her passion for Israel has led her to shift to working with our Israel emissaries, the shinshinim, managing the logistical aspects of their time in the US and being a support base for them. In addition, Reena continues to utilize her techinical knowledge and creativity to support CJE’s programs. In her spare time she is passionate about yoga and reading and loves spending time with her family and friends. Zina Segal Director, Adult Learning Zina Segal moved to the States just a few years ago from Saint Petersburg, Russia. Zina holds an Master’s of Arts in Digital Humanities from Saint Petersburg State University. She has been involved in Jewish communal life since she was a teenager, making all the way from camper to Educational Director of JAFI’s summer camp. Zina was involved in establishing teen and young adults’ programs at the first Reform synagogue in Saint Petersburg. After spending a year in the Beit Midrash of Pardes in Jerusalem, where she was studying Torah and Talmud, she came back home to become a Director of Jewish Programs and Community Development at the new JCC. During her work at the JCC she oversaw family programs (including abroad summer camps), the Center for Adult Learning and the Young Leadership Development program. Zina’s greatest passion are books that she edited for different programs at the JCC. In the time outside of the CJE, Zina is working on her masters in Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service at Towson and enjoying time with her husband and son. Rachel Delman Turniansky Director, Disability and Inclusion Services Rachel holds a Master’s of Arts degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Infant and Toddler Habilitation from Gallaudet University and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Hearing and Language Disabilities from Long Island University. She has worked at CJE since 2000 and her portfolio has included consulting with Jewish early childhood education programs as well as facilitating and coordinating professional development for general educators and special educators. Prior to her work with CJE, Rachel worked as a special educator at the Hearing and Speech Agency’s Gateway school and has worked in Baltimore City and County as a special educator. She is a member of the Jewish Special Education International Consortium, a network of professionals in the area of special needs from central agencies from around the country, as well as Canada and Israel. She is an active participant of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore’s Disability Task Force. She is also the recipient of the Nathan and Ruth Lipsetts Jewish Educator Award. Rebecca Tyler Rebecca moved to the Baltimore community from Sharon, MA about 2 years ago. Rebecca grew up in the MA area and relocated with her family to become part of a bigger Jewish community. Rebecca graduated from Adelphi University in Garden City, NY with a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance. She is the first person you will see when you walk through the doors of the CJE and is happy to assist you with anything you may need. In her free time, Rebecca loves spending time with her husband, her 2 sons and her friends. She also loves to cook, read attend shiurim in the community and is an avid New England sports fan. Joan Vander Walde Israel Engagement Associate, Shevet Achim Coordinator With over four decades of experience as a Jewish educator, Joan coordinates the Shevet Achim school twinning program between Baltimore and Ashkelon. Previously, she worked as a teacher, counselor, social/emotional curriculum developer, educational leader and Middle School Principal at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland. She also conducted field research on Jewish and Israel experiential education at camps in North America for the Avi Chai Foundation. After directing the Pardes Rodef Shalom Schools Program for four years, at the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies, she now serves as a consultant to the program. In addition, Joan mentors Jewish day school teacher leaders based in the USA, Canada and Mexico for Legacy Heritage Fund through the Legacy Heritage Teachers Institute. Julie Wohl Family Engagement Specialist When not teaching or painting, Julie Wohl is usually dreaming about teaching or painting! She received her Master’s Degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary before working in a variety of synagogue, communal and camp settings. She is the co-author and illustrator of Siddur Mah Tov : a Family Shabbat Prayer Book (Behrman House, 2010) and the illustrator of Simply Seder: a Family Haggadah (Behrman House, 2011), as well as the author of the recently published Make, Create Celebrate! Jewish Holidays through Art (Behrman House, 2018). She is the founder of Jewish Learning Thru Art,a traveling creative arts beit midrash and has directed synagogue schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Detroit. After recently moving to Maryland with her husband and two sons, she is very excited to be a new member of the CJE team and to get to know the Baltimore Jewish community. Yael Zelinger Disability and Inclusion Associate, Coordinator of JADE: Jewish Advocates for Deaf Education Yael has worked at CJE since 1999, advocating for and supporting individuals with special needs. As a member of the Disability and Inclusion team her role has included: Establishing and managing the Access Fund for the Jewish Deaf and hard of hearing community, Co-Chairing the only biennial Deafblind Shabbatonim in the country, Coordinating professional development workshops on special education topics for educators, and Conducting B’more Inclusive Jewish disAbility Awareness experiences in Jewish schools and organizations. Yael earned her Master of Arts in Deaf Education/Special Education from Western Maryland College. She continues to work with practicality and passion to ensure that the Jewish community is welcoming and accommodating of every member. The Louise D. & Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education 5708 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Tel: 410-735-5000 Fax: 410-735-5002 Email: info@cjebaltimore.org CJE is an agency funded by THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. www.associated.org

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Donald Trump picks Mick Mulvaney to be next chief of staff Jonathan Lemire, Catherine Lucey and Jill Colvin The Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday picked budget director Mick Mulvaney to be his next chief of staff, ending a chaotic search for a new chief of staff that had been inching forward with the feel of an unfolding reality TV show. Trump tweeted that Mulvaney "will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction." "Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration," Trump posted. "I look forward to working with him in this new capacity as we continue to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! John will be staying until the end of the year. He is a GREAT PATRIOT and I want to personally thank him for his service!" Though deemed an "acting" chief of staff, Mulvaney's term will be open-ended, according to a senior White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters. The position does not require confirmation. Mulvaney, who will be Trump's third chief of staff, will now take on his third job in the administration; he is the head of the Office of Management and had simultaneously led the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A former Tea Party congressman, was among a faction on the hard right that bullied GOP leaders into a 2013 government shutdown confrontation by insisting on lacing a must-pass spending bill with provisions designed to cripple President Barack Obama's signature health care law. The appointment of the affable, fast-talking South Carolinian came just hours after another candidate for the post, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, took himself out of contention for the job. Christie cited family reasons in a statement saying that he was asking Trump to remove him from consideration. He had met with Trump on Thursday to discuss the job, according to a person familiar with the meeting who was not authorized to discuss it publicly. Christie's departure is the latest twist in a search triggered when Trump's preferred candidate to replace Kelly bowed out. Trump said Thursday that he was weighing five possibilities. Among the others he considered: his 2016 deputy campaign manager David Bossie, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Trump senior aide and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had also been the subject of speculation, signaled his lack of interest. A person familiar with the matter said Kushner believed that he could serve the president best in his current role. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters. The names of acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and even White House communications director Bill Shine and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders had also been floated. The president's hunt for a new chief reverted to square one last weekend when Nick Ayers, Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, took himself out of the running and decided that he would instead leave the White House. The announcement surprised even senior staffers who believed that Ayers' ascension was a done deal. Trump's first chief of staff, Reince Priebus, served for six months before leaving in July 2017.

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An F-14 Tomcat Fighter Catches The Arresting Wire On The Rain-soaked Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) An F-14 Tomcat Fighter Catches The Arresting Wire On The Rain-soaked Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) clip art Embed this Art into your website: 1. Select a size, 2. Copy the HTML from the code box, 3. Paste the HTML into your website. <!-- Size: 140 px -- > <a href="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-th.png"><img src="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-th.png" alt='An F-14 Tomcat Fighter Catches The Arresting Wire On The Rain-soaked Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) clip art'/></a> <a href="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-md.png"><img src="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-md.png" alt='An F-14 Tomcat Fighter Catches The Arresting Wire On The Rain-soaked Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) clip art'/></a> <a href="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-hi.png"><img src="/cliparts/e/S/T/L/f/J/an-f-14-tomcat-fighter-catches-the-arresting-wire-on-the-rain-soaked-flight-deck-aboard-uss-harry-s-hi.png" alt='An F-14 Tomcat Fighter Catches The Arresting Wire On The Rain-soaked Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) clip art'/></a> Derivatives & Responses Shared By: Navy Collection 05-01-2010 Click Stars To Rate arresting No description given An F-14 Tomcat (center) Prepares To Launch From The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Theodore Roosevelt (cvn 71), As An F/a-18 Hornet (right) Prepares To Launch An F/a-18 Hornet Makes An Arrested Landing On The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) An F/a-18e Assigned To The Tophatters Of Strike Fighter Squadron Fourteen (vfa-14). An F/a-18f Super Hornet Makes An Arrested Landing On The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Nimitz (cvn 68) An F/a-18c Hornet, Loaded With A 2,000-lb. Gbu-12 Guided Missile, Is Relocated On The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Kitty Hawk (cv 63). A 2,000-lb. Gbu-12 Guided Missile Rests On The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Kitty Hawk (cv 63). An F/a-18 Hornet Launches From The Flight Deck Aboard The Aircraft Carrier Uss Kitty Hawk (cv 63) An F/a-18c Hornet Prepares To Launch From The Flight Deck Aboard Uss Abraham Lincoln (cvn 72). An F/a-18f Super Hornet Attached To The An F/a-18f Super Hornet Attached To The Black Aces Of Strike Fighter Squadron Forty One (vfa-41) An E-2c Hawkeye Attaached To The Wallbangers Of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Seventeen (vaw-117) Approaches The Flight Deck For A Landing Aboard Uss Nimitz (cvn 68). An Av-8b Harrier Prepares To Take Launch From The Flight Deck Aboard The Amphibious Assault Ship Uss Tarawa (lha-1) To Support Ground Combat Operations In Southern Iraq An S-3 Viking Assigned To The Checkmates Of Sea Control Squadron Two-two (vs-22) An F/a-18 Hornet Launches From The Flight Deck Aboard The Aircraft Carrier Uss Harry S. Truman (cvn 75) An F/a-18f Super Hornet Assigned To Strike Fighter Squadron Forty-one (vfa-41) Aboard The Aircraft Carrier Uss Nimitz (cvn 68) Comes In For A Landing On The Flight Deck Of Aircraft Carrier Uss Abraham Lincoln (cvn 72) Clipart For: PEOPLE GOT HERE BY SEARCHING:

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Cardinal Langley’s success is built upon the philosophy of St Jean Baptiste de la Salle, where emphasis is placed on community, relationships and the value of each individual. All that we do is rooted in Gospel Values and is designed to enable each individual to grow in maturity, faith and love. To achieve such aspirations, our expectations of all students are very high. Attitudes and values based on self-respect and respect for others are reinforced through clear guidance in relation to appearance, academic achievement, behaviour and participation in extra-curricular activities. In Key Stage 3, students are taught across all National Curriculum subjects in either mixed ability groups or sets according to prior learning and ability. GCSE choices are made towards the end of Year 8 and developing good habits and a positive attitude to learning are essential. A distinctive feature of Cardinal Langley RC High School is the emphasis we place on learning experiences outside the classroom. Students benefit enormously from the extra-curricular activities we offer and from enrichment opportunities when they engage with visiting speakers, theatre groups, external visits and residential experiences. This approach is reinforced through our commitment to developing within all students, a capacity to act responsibly, show initiative and make a positive contribution to both the school and local communities. In Key Stage 4 we offer a personalised curriculum which is tailored to the needs, abilities and aspirations of each student. A wide range of GCSE subjects are offered in addition to more vocational courses delivered on site or at a local college. As a Catholic school we are proud of our inclusive nature and are committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities for students of all abilities. We have a dedicated and highly experienced team working in our Additional Needs department to ensure all students receive the support they require to be successful. The school conforms to the new SEN Code of Practice and the Equalities Act. A nominated member of staff has specific responsibility in this area and works with school based staff, partner primary schools, the Local Authority and other external agencies to ensure the right support is in place. Academic Support & Pastoral Care Students will be part of a pastoral Form Class and will normally have the same Form Tutor and Head of Year throughout the first five years at Cardinal Langley. The stable relationships which develop enable students to feel safe, secure and more confident. Our House System runs alongside the Year Group and creates another family of staff and students which will come together for a range of activities to promote each individual’s well-being and development. The school staff now numbers over one hundred including teachers, specialist mentors, teaching assistants, learning supervisors, administrators, librarians, technicians and premises staff. All staff are committed to work for the best interests of each individual student.

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Language : AZ Circumvention of technological protection measures as a cybercrime Without any doubt, the circumvention of an effective technological measure to protect an intellectual work could be considered as a cybercrime in the international legislation. It is a theme with links in the field of intellectual property, the criminal law and technologies of information and communications. We define technological protection measures as any mechanism or technical work designed with the objective to control or make impossible the non-authorized use, copy or access to an intellectual work’s content without the right-holder permission, the abuse of an authorization granted or generally to protect the copyright on an intellectual work. As a justification for its application, these kind of rights are consequences of the privileges that the owner can apply inside his intellectual work when it is presented in a technologic format, so there are possibilities to include mechanisms of protection against a non-authorization copy or a misuse of it, along with other offences that can avoid the exploitation of an intellectual work by its owner. In this sense, the Convention of Europe on Cybercrime stands the protection of the copyright as a possible matter to be sheltered by criminal laws so the Agreement’s parties and the observant countries can elaborate the necessary norms to include them in its legal systems if they do not have it. “Article 10.– Offences related to infringements of copyright and related rights 1.- Each Party shall adopt such legislative and other measures as may be necessary to establish as criminal offences under its domestic law the infringement of copyright (…), with the exception of any moral rights conferred by such conventions, where such acts are committed willfully, on a commercial scale and by means of a computer system. 2.- (…) From the same scope, the Directive 2001/29 of the Parliament and the Council of the European Union (Chapter III, article 6) exhorts to the country parties to include and regulate the technological measures in its internal legislation. This very same Directive 2001/29, article 6, paragraph 3, defines the "technological measures" as “any technology, device or component that, in the normal course of its operation, is designed to prevent or restrict acts, in respect of works or other subject-matter, which are not authorized by the rightholders of any copyright or any right related to copyright as provided for by law…” Copyright legislation from different countries has recognized expressly the technological measures to protect software, electronic apparatus and other digital works against its non-authorized use, duplication or breaking the owner’s exploitation rights, meanly grounded in the copyright’s protection (author’s rights). Examples of those technological measures could be the use of passwords, contents encryption, watermarks, identifications logos, amount of time to allow the use, or in general any technical device that prevents the illicit duplication or non-authorized access to the software’s content that could breaks the author’s rights to the royalties. In such cases, those behaviors can bring sanction in the criminal field against persons who break the technical preventions. They are measures designed for digital works susceptible to include such technical barriers. It is important to have clear that the technological measure must to be “effective”, including methods or technological devices that, working the way they were designed, control the access to the protected work. This means that protection cannot be break by accident. So, it is necessary that the action of circumvent the protection must be intentional. The article 6 paragraph 3 of the Directive 2001/29 of the Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, explains what means “effective technological measure”: "Technological measures shall be deemed "effective" where the use of a protected work or other subject-matter is controlled by the rightholders through application of an access control or protection process, such as encryption, scrambling or other transformation of the work or other subject-matter or a copy control mechanism, which achieves the protection objective.” According with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), there are several technological measures and its characteristics vary from time to time. Besides, the WIPO shares the measures in two groups depending if they are use a) to limit the access to the intellectual work’s contents and it only can be access by authorized persons; or b) to control the use by authorized consumers, but without go away beyond the granted authorization: “In general, right holders seek to control the use of their works in the online environment by utilizing specialized technologies. Technological protection measures take various forms and their features are continually changing. These measures can broadly be grouped into two categories: first, measures that are deployed to limit access to protected content to users who are authorized to such access. Common access control features are, for example, cryptography, passwords, and digital signatures that secure the access to information and protected content. The second major group of technologies aims at controlling the use of protected content once users have access to the work. According to the corresponding license agreement, certain uses of protected content may be allowed for certain purposes. To make sure that these obligations are complied with and no unauthorized reproductions are made, the respective technological measures attempt to track and control copying, and thus prevent the user from surpassing the right he has been granted. Examples of such copy control measures are serial copy management systems for audio digital taping devices, and scrambling systems for DVDs that prevent third parties from reproducing content without authorization.” (World Intellectual Property Organization; FAQ’s section. How do technological protection measures work? [Consulted: March 31th., 2013]. http://www.wipo.int/enforcement/en/faq/technological/faq03.html) As the reader can conclude, the circumvention of any technological protection measures can require an expertise level, skills and technological knowledge that are not common, so it is a conduct that must be sanctioned as a typical cybercrime. Besides, it implies the use of sophisticated equipment or software that could be exclusively created by the active subject with the objective to elude the protection measures. Indeed, this scenario should have a narrow relationship with the article 6 of the Convention on Cybercrime because it implies abuses of technical devices to commit informatics offences: “Article 6 – Misuse of devices 1.- Each Party shall adopt such legislative and other measures as may be necessary to establish as criminal offences under its domestic law, when committed intentionally and without right: a) the production, sale, procurement for use, import, distribution or otherwise making available of: i.- a device, including a computer program, designed or adapted primarily for the purpose of committing any of the offences established in accordance with the above Articles 2 through 5; ii.- a computer password, access code, or similar data by which the whole or any part of a computer system is capable of being accessed, with intent that it be used for the purpose of committing any of the offences established in Articles 2 through 5; and b) the possession of an item referred to in paragraphs a.i or ii above, with intent that it be used for the purpose of committing any of the offences established in Articles 2 through 5. A Party may require by law that a number of such items be possessed before criminal liability attaches. 2.- This article shall not be interpreted as imposing criminal liability where the production, sale, procurement for use, import, distribution or otherwise making available or possession referred to in paragraph 1 of this article is not for the purpose of committing an offence established in accordance with Articles 2 through 5 of this Convention, such as for the authorised testing or protection of a computer system. 3.- Each Party may reserve the right not to apply paragraph 1 of this article, provided that the reservation does not concern the sale, distribution or otherwise making available of the items referred to in paragraph 1 a.ii of this article.” Nevertheless, the content of the article 6 does not make a formal reference to the article 10 of the Convention on Cybercrime about copyright protection. That is why we have to discard the application of this article 6 because its content about misuse of devices does not include the technological protection measures but the basic penal crimes from the articles 2 to 5 such illegal access, illegal interception, data interference and system interference. None of them stand a reference about protection of intellectual property or copyright. In spite of such omission, we would not find differences among create an cyber virus, break the authentication process while mounting a software, install a tricky file inside a firmware or circumvent a videogame protection. All such behaviors imply very similar actions so they are equally criminal offences; they have connection with actions like for example the creation of a password or access code to achieve an illicit interception or an illegal access. The only difference will be if there are copyright´s elements involved. It could be convenient that the article 6 of the Convention on Cybercrime, which deals with the misuse of devices, can include the reference to the article 10, so the action of circumvent a technological protection measures can be expressly contented as a cybercrime against the copyright in technological products. Finally, I would like to ask some questions to the reader: 1.- Does your country include the technological protection measures in your legal system? 2. - If yes, is it a cybercrime o just an action against the intellectual property? 3.- If your legal system does not include the technological protection measures, is there an legislative initiative to include them as a cybercrime or at least as a violation against copyright? - * - Comment by Jose Francisco Salas-Ruiz on April 1, 2013 at 1:05am There is a Spanish version of this post. I hope you will find it useful.

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Watch What Happens When You Cut Films Down to Non-White Speaking Roles Dylan Marron’s new series, “Every Single Word,” does just that to devastating affect. Sameer Rao Jul 9, 2015 1:26PM ET Colorlines Screenshot of Ana Dela Cruz (L) and Laura Dern in "The Fault in Our Stars," one of the movies in Dylan Marron's "Every Single Word" project. Taken July 9, 2015. Credit: Colorlines Screenshot Although Hollywood’s minimization of actors of color in blockbuster films is nothing new, the effects of cutting a film down to only the parts where actors of color are speaking is, to say the least, striking. This is exactly what Dylan Marron, a New York-based writer and actor, is doing with his new video series, “Every Single Word.” Using films without an overt race focus like “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Her,” Maron shows, with damning visual clarity, how few captivating roles actually exist for people of color in Hollywood’s biggest films. When speaking with NBC News, Marron (who has been nominated for a Drama Desk Award) talked about how he, from a young age, understood how his race might affect his chances of getting a role: Third grade I went to an open casting call for ‘Home Alone 3.’ I just remember…feeling like ‘what was I doing there?’ and it was one of the first moments that I realized that I was different and that difference was going to affect something. He also talked about how this marginalization in Hollywood can be so easy to ignore, and described the video project as illuminating: I didn’t even notice until later, that’s one of the craziest things. Although I would think about it later, I didn’t immediately leave Spike Jones’ ‘Her’ saying ‘ugh there were no people of color.’ That’s why this is insidious. We are so dazzled by the entertainment and storytelling, we don’t realize the unconscious coding is happening. Click here to read more of Marron’s statements at NBC News, and visit the “Every Single Word” Tumblr for more videos. Dylan Marron Every Single Word More Arts & Culture

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MasterCard 2Q earnings climb as revenue grows NEW YORK (AP) - MasterCard, the payments processing company, reported a 19 percent increase in its second-quarter profit as more people worldwide used its debit and credit cards to make payments. NEW YORK (AP) � MasterCard, the payments processing company, reported a 19 percent increase in its second-quarter profit as more people worldwide used its debit and credit cards to make payments. The results topped Wall Street expectations, and its shares jumped more than 3 percent to an all-time high in morning trading Wednesday. The company's business is growing most strongly in emerging markets. The dollar value of transactions made using debit and credit cards bearing the MasterCard logo rose 17 percent in Latin America and 21 percent in the combined Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific region. The value of transactions in the U.S. increased 6.5 percent. "We had a very good second quarter supported by increases in volume and transactions in all regions of the world despite slow economic growth globally," said Ajay Banga, MasterCard president and CEO. The company, based in Purchase, N.Y., earned $848 million, or $6.96 a share, in the second quarter, which ended June 30. That's up from $700 million, or $5.56 a share, a year ago. Revenue rose 15 percent to $2.1 billion from $1.8 billion. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected earnings of $6.31 a share on revenue of $2 billion. MasterCard also gave an update of its share buyback program for the current quarter. Through July 25 the company repurchased 296,000 of its own shares, at a cost of $174 million, leaving $1.1 billion under the current program. In the second quarter, the company bought 1.1 million of its own stock at a cost of $581 million. MasterCard shares rose $20.58, or 3.4 percent, to $622 in morning trading after rising as high as $626.23 earlier in the session. That was its all-time high, according to FactSet.

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Brown’s plans to tackle anti-social behaviour November 2, 2009 in Adults, Asylum and refugees, Child safeguarding, Mental Health, Older people, Youth justice How Gordon Brown plans to tackle Britain’s anti-social behaviour problem A few weeks before he became prime minister, Gordon Brown made a low-key visit to a block of flats in a deprived suburb of Dundee. Unencumbered by minders and press photographers, he spent the morning hearing from a young mother with drug problems about a residential programme that saved her family from collapse. Rather than whipping children away into the hands of the social services, the Dundee Families project sweeps the whole family into its care. Drug-addicted mothers are monitored as they receive treatment, parents with wildly out of control children are taught how to handle them, families who have been repeatedly evicted because of their antisocial behaviour learn how to control their lifestyles. Read more on this story in the Guardian Child numbers at immigration centres revealed More than 1,300 children were detained at three immigration removal centres in the UK during a 15-month period, figures revealed today. A total of 884 children were held at Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire between July 2008 and July 2009, 328 children at the Tinsley House centre near Gatwick Airport between September 1 2008 and August 31 2009, and 103 children at the Dungavel centre in Scotland between October 2008 and September 18 2009. Read more on this story in the Independent Daughter of Alzheimer’s patient defies NHS gagging order to speak out Pauline Hardinges was given the payout after she fought a year-long battle with Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust for them to pay for her mother’s 24-hour care. But when she went to collect the money she was asked to sign a confidentiality agreement, which she was told was routine in such cases. Read more on this story in the Telegraph Sister: Vile truth about ‘no risk’ Baby P monster Sadistic Jason Owen, 37, may walk free in just 21 months after the Appeal Court ruled he poses little risk to the public. But a statement by his sister Susan Barker contradicts the judges who said last week that Owen had “no history of violence”. Read more on this story in the Sun Social workers lack skills to identify trafficked children Review: A brief introduction to social work

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Community Common on Facebook Community Common on Twitter Posted on December 24, 2016 by Community Common Portsmouth Lions Club, Law enforcement, first responders, help children in distress By Frank Lewis flewis@civitasmedia.com Members of the Portsmouth Lions Club join members of the Portsmouth Police Department, the Portsmouth Fire Department and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office in filling bags with gifts and supplies for children when they are traumatized Children can be traumatized in a moment’s notice by something completely out of their control. For example, they can be made suddenly homeless by a house fire, or they can be with their family one minute, and taken by a police agency to safety a minute later as part of a drug raid. It is with these children in mind that the Portsmouth Lions Club has put together a program to provide supplies, toys and toiletry items to be given to those children by the Portsmouth Police Department, the Portsmouth Fire Department and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. Members of those agencies joined with Lions Club members Monday evening at Giovanni’s on 11th Street in Portsmouth to fill bags. “We wanted to do something for the community. Not for somebody else,” Alma Teufel, president of the Portsmouth Lions Club, said. “So for the fire department, the police department and the sheriff’s department, we’re fixing care packages for children under six, who, like if the house is burning down, they’re in crisis and they don’t quite understand what is happening to them.” Teufel said each care package contains a blanket, a stuffed toy, toothbrush and toothpaste. “The law enforcement and the fire department and everybody has been in here and helped us tremendously,” Teufel said. “They’re willing to be part of it, and this is not done for anybody except the children.” “Officers encounter a variety of situations in which young children are present. We hope that all encounters are pleasant, but the reality is that police encounters with small children often involve stressful or traumatic experiences for the children involved,” Portsmouth Police Chief Robert Ware said. “Calming children can be a huge help when conducting policing activities. The backpacks offered by the Lions Club will go a long way in helping officers connect with small children in times of need. We are grateful for the efforts and support of the Lions Club in partnering with the Portsmouth Police Department to brighten the lives of children in our community and build positive relationships with responding officers.” Teufel said the Lions Club performs a service to the community. “This is something that has been here so many years, and yet we’re so few,” Teufel said. “We need to grow and make a statement. We’re not here just for Lions. We deal in eye transplants, eye Enucleation. It’s sent from the local hospital straight to Columbus, and that’s free of charge for the community.” Teufel said the Lions Club is in desperate need of new members to carry on the community service work. “We’ve been in existence since 1923 as a club,” Teufel said. “We don’t have a lot of members. We’re always looking for new ones.” She said anyone interested in joining the Lions Club can talk with a Lions Club member or contact Lou Teufel at 740-259-5205. Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis. 637 Sixth Street, Portsmouth OH, 45662 Follow @PortsCommon Hi! A visitor to our site felt the following article might be of interest to you: Portsmouth Lions Club, Law enforcement, first responders, help children in distress. Here is a link to that story: https://www.communitycommon.com/news/2750/portsmouth-lions-club-law-enforcement-first-responders-help-children-in-distress

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China slams Clinton's call for Internet freedom Clinton to challenge Internet censorship in policy address Google attack part of widespread spying effort China rejects accusations on Google hack, Internet freedom Clinton: U.S. gov't will push harder against Web censorship By Grant Gross Senior Editor, IDG News Service | The U.S. Department of State will launch several new initiatives focused on fighting Internet censorship, including working with businesses and other groups to develop mobile applications that help residents of countries with repressive governments report problems, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday. The State Department will also sponsor an innovation competition looking for new ways to connect residents of other nations to Internet services, and it will support new circumvention technologies for dissidents whose connections to the open Internet are blocked, Clinton said during a speech at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. "Both the American people and nations that censor the Internet should understand that our government is committed to helping promote Internet freedom," Clinton said. "We want to put these tools in the hands of people who will use them to advance democracy and human rights, to fight climate change and epidemics." Clinton's speech came nine days after Google announced that it may exit China because of cyberattacks originating from the country that appeared to be an attempt to silence or spy on human-rights activists there. State Department officials have said Clinton's speech was not a reaction to Google's announcement, but Clinton referenced Chinese censorship several times in her speech. The State Department wants the Chinese government to conduct a comprehensive and "transparent" investigation of the Google complaints, Clinton said. China and other countries that censor the Internet run the risk of being left behind in the world's economy, Clinton said. Businesses operating within repressive governments are at a disadvantage because they don't have the same access to information as competitors from other countries, she said. "Countries that restrict free access to information or violate the basic rights of Internet users risk walling themselves off from the progress of the next century," Clinton added. [ Related: How to protect Windows 10 PCs from ransomware ] Nations that censor the Internet also foster instability, and violent dissent in many nations is driven by anger that residents can't express their frustrations, she said. "Historically, asymmetrical access to information is one of the leading causes of interstate conflict," she said. Clinton also called on U.S. businesses, particularly media providers, to fight censorship in the countries where they operate. Customers need to trust that media and search companies are providing the best information available, not censored results, Clinton said. "Censorship should not be in any way accepted by any company anywhere," she said. "American companies need to make a principled stand. This needs to be part of our national brand." The new State Department Internet freedom push, part of the agency's 21st Century Statecraft initiative, will ask businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit groups and others to develop new Internet and mobile applications to aid freedom of expression, Clinton said. Although she didn't provide a lot of details about the initiative, Clinton gave examples of applications that would help users rate government agencies for response and efficiency or report corruption. Such tools could help the State Department target aid to governments, Clinton said. The new initiative will help fund mobile applications, and the agency will launch an innovation competition that encourages technology that breaks down language barriers, helps citizens get access to services and combats illiteracy, she said. Freedom of expression online will be a top priority of the State Department going forward, Clinton said. "Ultimately, this issue isn't just about information freedom -- it is about what kind of world we want and what kind of world we will inhabit," she said. "It's about whether we live on a planet with one Internet, one global community and a common body of knowledge that benefits and unites us all, or a fragmented planet in which access to information and opportunity is dependent on where you live and the whims of censors." Grant Gross edits and assigns stories and writes about technology and telecom policy in the U.S. government for the IDG News Service. He is based outside of Washington, D.C.

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Leaders in Industrial Participation & Socio-Economic Advancement Programs Aerospace & Defence Sector Civil Sector Bid and Offer Training and Advisory Actionable Intelligence Rationale and Scope Socio-Economic Advancement Cost and Fees Responsibility and Reputation: How ethical partnerships with big businesses and governments can pave roads and create jobs By Tim Runge, Partner It is interesting that the notion of a corporation having an interest in Socio-Economic Development issues is seen as new, and by some observers, evil. At Babcock & Wilcox in 1987 my first assignment upon joining the company was to structure a large barter with Romania on behalf of a consortium of CANDU suppliers. At first glance this appeared to be a way to just create the foreign exchange needed to pay the suppliers; in reality it had more to do with economic development. The Romanians – still under central rule - could manufacture goods, but weren’t very good at selling on the global market. Babcock & Wilcox and the Consortium of CANDU Suppliers, as well as selling nuclear power systems, was also in the Economic Development business; we could not do one, without the other. Strapped for cash already before the financial crisis, many governments and businesses felt compelled to issue deep budgetary cuts across the board in a search for extra revenue. Now four years later, faced with disappointingly slow job growth, high numbers of unemployment, and enormous budget deficits, both governments and businesses are in a position to work together for mutual benefit, a process seen clearly in the decision to re-align the Canadian International Development Agency. In an era where corporations are viewed as soulless it would surprise most people to know that it is not only in the best interests of the public when big businesses invest in local communities but also for the business itself. Corporations can create a positive reputation for themselves though focussed socio-economic development by engaging the communities they work with, often with projects that local governments and organisations are unable to accomplish whether due to lack of capital or infrastructure Businesses can create a socio-economic advantage for their brand by associating themselves with positive development that gives the company an edge against rivals who have neglected to invest in socio-economic programs. Socio-Economic Advancement is a powerful business development tool, and what’s wrong with aligning corporate interests with the broader needs of society? A 2010 Reputation Institute report puts it: “Additional outcomes identified in other research include stronger sales, growth and market share performance... Almost every important segment of business performance can be influenced by a good reputation.” Under this framework a business that enters a community is not simply there in a smash-and-grab capacity, but as an actual member with co-aligned interests. For example, if a corporation wants access to minerals in a northern Canadian community, they would take into account how the lifestyles of those living nearby would be affected, and respond to concerns of community members accordingly by not only addressing current concerns, but pre-empting future problems through targeted investments. Partnerships between public and private sectors are the answer to many of the questions faced by cities and towns across the globe hit hardest by job losses and government cutbacks. By encouraging businesses to engage in socio-economic development, communities and governments can tap into a vast-reserve of capital and knowledge for the benefit of the public. Corporations can gain access to resources needed while not only assisting the communities they’re working in, but also enhancing their own reputations both domestically and abroad, a prospect that can lead to winning lucrative contracts in emerging economies where the difference between success and failure rests on a single question: How will this help our community? Founder of the Banyan Tree resort chain, Ho Kwon Ping, puts it well: “There need not be a dichotomy between being a good capitalist businessman and a person who wants to improve the world.” Facebook share Tweet Google Plus share Linkedin share Email © 2020 Constructive Edge

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Picture Box » Topic: Amusing Wikipedia Stuff [split topic] Author Topic: Amusing Wikipedia Stuff [split topic] (Read 134791 times) Shameless Custard PAUSE FOR THE JET Re: Amusing Wikipedia Stuff [split topic] Quote from: Utter Shit on October 06, 2010, 03:49:40 PM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Dyer's_Deadliest_Men Concise. Fuck me, i just erupted, laffing at that From the Wikipedia page for Ken Loach's My Name is Joe He exits his van and asks the woman if she lost her guide dog. Owing to the accent, many American and Canadian audiences think that Joe is speaking about a 'gay dog.' From the Wikipedia page for Misotheism In Numbers 31:17-18 Moses demands that all men, women, and children captives are to be killed "but all the women children, who have never known a man by lying with him,keep alive for yourself". Yahweh doesn't speak out against the massive child rape. Blue Jam BIG BREXITY MEFF Reading about the Oasis split just now I stumbled upon this on the page for Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs: Arthurs left school in 1981 and worked as a plasterer. He started his first band in 1984 - called Pleasure and Pain. Around this time he began a relationship with Kate, whom he would later marry. In the late 1980s, while working as a building contractor, he started a band with his friends, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (bass), Tony McCaroll (drums) and Chris Hutton (vocals). They called themselves 'The Rain', after The Beatles' B-side, "Rain". He has an extremely young daughter called Lucy, who enjoys bingo and snakes and ladders. It's the "extremely" which tickled me. I also like the way the picture on Guigsy's page looks like it's from an appeal for someone wanted for murder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shoe_People Scientists that cloned dolly the sheep used to watch the shoe people on their lunch break. Andrew Wiles was working on proving Fermat's Last Theorem. He got really stuck and spent weeks and weeks on a part of it and he got no where. He considered giving up but whilst watching the Shoe People the solution suddenly came to him. The Galileo probe that orbited Jupiter studying the planet was powered by three televisions playing the shoe people. The first email ever sent was about the shoe people. It read "It's Trampy's birthday." The Soviet Union fell because they wanted to watch the shoe people and the west wouldn't let them. The worst thing is I didn't bat an eye until I got to the third one down, or why I'd be looking at the wiki page for The Shoe People, a show which I have no real fondness for (except for the super theme tune) via a series of laterally followed hyperlinks at two in the morning. Phil_A http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_%28band%29 It was at this time that Cocker gained significant media exposure due to an notorious prank at the 1996 BRIT Awards, where he invaded the stage in protest during pop singer Michael Jackson's performance of "Earth Song" and "wiggled his backside" at the audience. After complaints by Jackson and his entourage, Cocker spent the night in police cells accused of assaulting the child performers. However, with British comedian and former solicitor Bob Mortimer acting as legal representation, he was released without charge Jemble Fred ... And I ain't ashamed. Surely that's common knowledge? It was widely reported at the time, often crops up in interviews etc. I'm not sure it's 100% true though, I seem to recall Bob offering hs services, but it never actually came to that. I've honestly I've never heard that before, not at the time or since. I just love the idea of Bob being Jarvis's lawyer, it sounds like the greatest comedy sketch never written. momatt PAPERCLIPS! Don't really prove anything, but just a good time to say that my mate's a barrister in Birmingham, who regularly works with Bob's brother. The brother is also a lawyer and is really funny and a good bloke apparently. I seem to remember Bob M at the time saying he spoke to police, or maybe security, in order to diffuse the situation. Presumably he pointed out that legally there was nothing to answer for. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Steer Bill Steer (born William Geoffrey Steer) (born 3 December 1969 in Reynoldston Avenue, Stockton-on-Tees, England) is an English guitar player, and a founder of British Metal band Carcass. He often frequented the Sheraton to play snooker, forming his first band there, and bought bread regularly from the Co-op on Redhill Road. During summers, he was usually found on the assault course at Ki-ora hall. dr_christian_troy Sapientia Sapienti Dona Data For a brief moment, both Prince William's and Kate Middleton's wiki page had something about them both being Christians who support rights for fathers, placed immediately after their names at the top of the page. They went so quickly I didn't have time to copy it. Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Prince_William_of_Wales&oldid=397093005 Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, is a Christian who supports British fathers and their right to see their own children after a seperation, calling it evil for any country to not allow its own men a basic freedom to see their own chidlren unless they pay legal fees after a divorce / seperation. Kate wants all English children of seperated parents to be reunited with their fathers as an act of basic humanity Quote from: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kate_Middleton&oldid=397092858 Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton is a Christian who supports British fathers and their right to see their own children after a seperation, calling it evil for any country to not allow its own men a basic freedom to see their own chidlren unless they pay legal fees after a divorce / seperation. Kate wants all English children of seperated parents to be reunited with their fathers as an act of basic humanity. That's the one. Not Wikipedia, nor funny, but Empire's review of Adrift made me do a double take... Vincent Cassel proves his lnguistic versatility in this Portuguese-language drama with a bit of French thrown in. While away with his Brazilian wife and kids, Mathias (Cassel) has an affair, causing his 14 year-old, Filipa (Laura Neiva), to doubt his loyalty. Torn between disgust and fascination, Filipa spies on him and toys with the affections of a boy her own age. It’s a stylish coming-of-age drama exploring the complexities of marriage, fidelity and sexuality through the eyes of a girl only just discovering the power of her exceptional beauty. Using her POV has its disadvantages — until the end, we can only guess the adults’ motivations. But Neiva is a real find, if disconcertingly sexual: it’s a relief to hear the Brazilian age of consent is 14. I'm almost tempted to write a fake outraged email to Empire... Ambient Sheep pretend there are no sheep in the field "Is it wrong to fancy this 14-year-old girl now she's...er...in Brazil?" edwoodwoodstock http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dustin_Diamond Former saved by the bell Screech, Dustin Diamonds' entry is a goldmine of the ridiculously sublime. In 2001, Diamond released the video Dustin Diamond Teaches Chess, in which he shows various techniques for becoming a better chess player. It is punctuated by appearances by Diamond, in various costumes, such as dressing as Screech, Liberace and Al Jolson-style black face. In 2003, Diamond attempted to take control of the domain dustindiamond.com, which was owned by Max Goldberg, the creator of YTMND. Diamond was upset because the site is laid out to look extremely amateurish and incompetently prepared, for example with many spelling mistakes, contains gay fantasies relating to Diamond and links to porn websites. In 2004, the case was submitted to the National Arbitration Forum acting on behalf of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Goldberg, then 21, represented himself through the suit, which Diamond ultimately lost. The decision read, in part: "The Panel accepts Respondent’s argument that the "outrageous ugly and low-tech graphics and numerous errors and misspellings" as well as the sheer absurdity of the site’s claim that Dustin Diamond is a "Famous Superstar and Sex Symbol", clearly signal that the site is not meant to be taken seriously Famous Mortimer War - it's fantastic! I was going to go back to dustindiamond.com for a chuckle, but it's been taken down! Motherfuckers! Sounds like an absurd judgement though: regardless of the fact that it may (or may not) obviously be a parody site, surely a well-known-ish actor like Dustin Diamond should be able to own www.dustindiamond.com?!? I thought that kind of cybersquatting had become inadmissable years ago... Quote from: Ambient Sheep on November 28, 2010, 06:06:36 PM If you lose a .com it is a nightmare getting it back. Involves ICANN ansd hundreds of thousands. If you have a .com dont forget to renew it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Haslinger i steal a whole bunch of crap from other bands, then add my own computer-generated music. im a total fake, and everybody should know Paul Haslinger (born 11 December 1962) is an Austrian-born composer and musician currently based in Los Angeles, California. The Duck Man From the article for Sam Vokes, the Wolves player: On 5 August 2010 Vokes signed on loan for English Championship side Bristol City [...] Bristol City Manager Steve Coppell said "Sam's been a player that has always been a thorn in the side of my old team Reading over the years"[11] which was an odd thing to say as he has only played against Reading twice in his entire career, appearing as a substitute both times and only featured for 6 minutes in one of them. Reading won both games without conceding a goal. The band King Missile has a song called 'Cheesecake Truck'. The song lasts for just over one minute, but the word 'cheesecake' is mentioned fourteen times. The song's protagonist claims to eat large numbers of cheesecakes during the first day of his job driving a cheesecake truck. Tamzin Outhwaite's article has its own trivia section, which reads: Outhwaite is one of the very few English names that use all five vowels. buttgammon How thick is wall? I love the shit pictures of food on there. The ones with strange and/or crap garnishes are the best. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Bacon_and_egg_sandwich_-_open_face.JPG Oh, and from 'Builder's Tea': It is not unusual for builder to put over 100 spoons of sugar in each cup of tea. gmoney Hug a jug of wine OK, that caught me off guard. A genuine belly laugh. samadriel WHA' HAPPEN? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideburns In 1936 President Roosevelt's brief experiment with sideburns, grown on a yachting cruise, provoked only laughter. I've got this mental image of Roosevelt bursting triumphantly into the Tehran Conference sporting a bristling pair of cheek-warmers: "Whaddaya think, guys?!" Churchill and Stalin greet him with scornful laughter, and he trundles shamefaced into the gents' with an electric razor. (Yes, I know that was the '40s...) jutl Gropecunt, the earliest known use of which is in about 1230, appears to have been derived as a compound of the words grope and cunt. from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gropecunt_Lane Retinend gettit done gettit on gettit done when you do it Leggy Zutons saxophonist Abi Harding Originally a four-piece, Sean's girlfriend Abi Harding began joining The Zutons on stage for a couple of songs mid-set, playing simple saxophone lines. She was very popular with the crowd. The other band members liked the way her saxophone enhanced their sound. Abi became a full member, contributing vocals and sex. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Zutons Related searches: abi harding bikini abi harding legs abi harding wallpaper abi harding hot abi harding feet http://www.google.co.uk/images?q=Abi+Harding&um=1&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=685 mjki5gs2 Bah Weep Graaagnah Wheep Ni Ni Bong This tickled me recently: Ambrose was a man of few words, refusing countless interview requests with the motto "Curtly talk to no man." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtly_Ambrose Steve Lampkins Gonna have to use a Stylish script to get rid of that smug wanker Jimmy Wales peering at me all the time. Especially as his photo is right over the names of people, it makes everyone look like a smug wanker. Tags: [excitation heeded] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Onlyfools_del_fall.png JUST QUOTES! - It'll be CHANGED by the time we click! He's wearing sunglasses! And Odie's up to his old tricks Your_Mum entry updated every 3 seconds wikiwikiwildwildwest So Solid Crew Hands up who likes me! Arthur "Two Dogs" Jackson

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home > press reports > evening standard > evening standard - 11 september 1888 Pub Talk: RIP Neil Peart - by barnflatwyngarde 8 minutes ago. Evening Standard (London) THE WHITECHAPEL MURDER. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. The scene of the murder on Saturday morning in Hanbury street, Spitalfields, was visited again yesterday by crowds of sightseers, and there was a good deal of excitement throughout the district, due chiefly to the arrests and the many rumours of arrest. About nine o'clock yesterday morning a detective constable arrested a man he supposed to be "Leather Apron." The name of the man arrested is John Piser, but his friends deny that he has ever been known under the nickname of "Leather Apron." When the detective called at the house, the door was opened by Piser, "Just the man I want," said the detective, who charged him on suspicion of being connected with the murder of the woman Chapman. The detective searched the house and took away some finishing tools which Piser is in the habit of using in his work. He is a boot finisher, and for some time has been living in Mulberry street with his stepmother, and a married brother, who works as a cabinet maker. When he was arrested by the detective his brother was at work, and the only inmates of the house were the prisoner's stepmother, his sister in law, and a Mr. Nathan, for whom he has worked. His mother and his sister in law declared positively that Piser came home at half past ten o'clock on Thursday night, and had not left the house since. They further stated that the prisoner was unable to do much work on account of ill health, and that he was by no means strong, as some time ago he was seriously injured. About six weeks ago he left a convalescent home, in which he had been an inmate on account of a carbuncle in his neck. He is a Jew, about 35 years of age, and since he was three years old has been brought up by Mrs. Piser. He lost his father about sixteen years ago. Several residents in Mulberry street, which is a narrow thoroughfare off Commercial street East, give the man who has been arrested a good character, and speak of him as being a harmless sort of person. A young women residing next door said she had known Piser as a neighbour for many years, and had never heard of his bearing the name of "Leather Apron." He had always seemed a quiet man, and unlikely to do any such crime as that of which the police suspect him. She says she heard him about the yard a day or two back, but had not seen him in the street for the last few days. At the Leman street Police station, to which place Piser was taken, a large force of police were kept in readiness with drawn staves. Only a few people amongst the crowd outside seemed aware that an arrest had been made, and so quietly did the police act in Mulberry street that few even in the neighbourhood connected the arrest with the murder. Between eight and nine o'clock on Sunday night Superintendent Berry, Gravesend, had a communication made to him that there was a suspicious looking individual at the Pope's Head public house, West street. He despatched a sergeant to the house, and the man was arrested and taken to the police station. It was noticed that one of his hands was bad, and on examining it the superintendent said it had evidently been bitten. When asked how he accounted for his hand being in that condition, the man said that he was going down Brick lane, Whitechapel, about half past four o'clock on Saturday morning, and a woman fell down in a fit. He stopped to pick her up, when she bit him. He then hit her, and as two policeman came he ran away. Dr. Whitcombe, the police surgeon, was sent for, and he discovered blood spots on two shirts which the man was carrying in a bundle. The doctor also expressed an opinion that blood had been wiped from his boots. After being cautioned, the man that the woman who bit him was at the back of a lodging house at the time. He also said that on Thursday night he slept at a lodging house in Osborne street, Whitechapel, but that on Friday night he was walking about Whitechapel all night, and that he came from London to Gravesend by road on Sunday. Yesterday morning he stated that his name was William Henry Pigott, and that he was 52 years of age. Some years ago he lived at Gravesend, his father having at one time held a position there connected with a Friendly Society. The man appeared to be in a very nervous state. He was brought yesterday morning to London Bridge by the 10.18 train, in charge of Detective Abberline, who was met at the station by Detective Stacey, from Scotland yard. The prisoner was not handcuffed, and was smoking a clay pipe and a carrying a white cloth bundle. He passed quickly out of the station, no one apparently noticing him, and was driven in a cab to the Police station in Commercial street. He arrived there at 12.48. On being examined by the police at Commercial street Station, Pigott was found to be bespattered with blood from head to foot, even his boots bearing marks of a sanguinary struggle. In his pockets were found a few pence and a piece of a lead pencil. He sits in the cell in a state of deep lethargy, taking apparently no notice of anything. His whole demeanour betokens a recent bout of excessive drinking. Pigott is a man about five feet four inches in height, and is respectably dressed in grey trousers, black morning coat, and a black bowler hat. His clothes, however, show signs of having been exposed to the weather, and have evidently not been brushed recently. The prisoner has a florid complexion, and wears an iron grey beard, cut in the style generally worn by Americans. Mrs. Fiddymont and other witnesses likely to be able to identify "Leather Apron" were sent for, but after a very brief scrutiny, it was the unanimous opinion that Pigott was not "Leather Apron." Nevertheless, looking to his condition of mind and body, it was decided to detain him until he could give a somewhat more satisfactory account of himself and his movements. After an interval of a couple of hours, the man's manner becoming stranger and his speech more incoherent, the Divisional Surgeon was called in, and he said he considered the prisoner's mind was unhinged. A medical certificate to this effect was made out, and Pigott was removed during the evening to the Whitechapel Infirmary. At several of the police stations in the East end of London men suspected of being concerned in the tragedy in custody during the day; but on investigation, only a brief detention was found necessary, except in the two cases above noted. Altogether, seven people have been detained since Saturday night. So far, however, no trace seems to have been found of the actual culprit. Sir Charles Warren resumed his duties at Scotland yard yesterday, and during the day conferred with some of the chief officials respecting the murders. Great indignation prevails in the East end because no reward has been offered for the discovery of the murderer. So strong did this feeling become, that a meeting of the chief local tradesmen was held yesterday, at which an influential Committee was appointed. consisting of sixteen well known gentlemen, with Mr. J. Aarons as the Secretary. The Committee issued, last evening, a notice, stating that they will give a substantial reward for the capture of the murderer, or for information leading thereto. The movement has been warmly taken up by the inhabitants, and a large sum will probably be subscribed within the next few days. A proposal to form District Vigilance Committees also meets with popular favour, and is assuming practical form. Meetings were held at the various working men's clubs and other organisations, political and social, in the district, at most of which the proposed scheme was heartily approved, and volunteers were enrolled. Dr. Forbes Winslow has communicated to the police his opinion that the murders are the work of one person, who is either a discharged lunatic from some asylum, or one who has escaped from such an institution. He has suggested that all the asylums should be communicated with, and particulars requested respecting the recent discharge of homicidal lunatics, or of persons who may have effected their escape from such institutions. The present whereabouts of such lunatics should, in Dr. Winslow's opinion, be at once ascertained. Inquiries made at Windsor lead to the belief that the murdered woman was the widow of a coachman living near the Royal borough, and not of a veterinary surgeon. Her husband held an excellent position; she became very dissipated while with him, and he was at last reluctantly obliged to separate from her. She lived for a time at Windsor, and eventually left there for London. One of her children, a girl, was educated at a highly respectable ladies' school in Windsor, the cost of its tuition being defrayed by an aunt. Chapman was taken ill two years ago, when the remittances sent to his wife seem to have ceased. During his sickness a wretched looking woman, having the appearance of a tramp, called at the Merry Wives of Windsor, in the Spital road, and inquired where he was living. She said she was his wife, and that she had walked down from London, and had slept at a lodging house in Colnbrook on her way. She also stated that having been told that her husband, who had discontinued sending her ten shillings a week, was ill, she had come to Windsor to ascertain if the report was true. She left the house shortly afterwards, and the landlord did not see her again. Chapman died more than eighteen months ago. The inquest on the body of Annie Chapman, alias Sivvey, was opened at ten o'clock yesterday morning by the District Coroner, Mr. Wynne Baxter, in the Alexandra Room, at the Working Lads' Institute. There was a large attendance of the general public in Court and in the precincts of the Institute, and the approaches thereto were guarded by a large number of constables. The latest newspaper accounts of the murder were eagerly scanned by those in waiting, who thus passed the interval of time between the opening of the Court and the Coroner's arrival. There are everywhere visible signs of the profound impression made by the crime. Mr. Collier, the Deputy Coroner, accompanied Mr. Wynne Baxter. The Jury, having been sworn, went to view the body at the mortuary. On their return, the following evidence was taken:- John Davis said - I live at 29 Hanbury street, Spitalfields. I am a carman. I occupy one front room, which is shared by my wife and three sons. I went to bed on Friday night at eight o'clock, and my sons came in at different times - the last one at a quarter to eleven. I was awake from three o'clock until five, but fell off to sleep for about half an hour. I got up at a quarter to six on Saturday morning, and went across the yard. The house faces Hanbury street. On the ground floor there is a front door leading into a passage, which runs right through to the back yard. There is a back door to the passage. Sometimes both doors are open during the night, and I have never known either of them to be locked. Anyone who knows where the latch of the front door is can open it and pass along into the yard. I cannot say whether the back door was latched on Saturday morning when I got down, but the front street door was wide open and thrown back against the wall. I was not surprised at that. Witness was asked to describe the general appearance of the yard, but was not very clear in his statements. Some time having been occupied in attempting to elicit answers. The Coroner said in country inquests the police were always ready to assist him by preparing a plan of the locality which was the subject of investigation. Certainly this was a case of sufficient importance for such a plan, and he hoped that on the next occasion a plan would be laid before him. Inspector Chandler said a plan should be prepared. Davis, resuming, said - When I opened the back door of the yard I found a woman lying on her back. I called two men who are in the employ of Mr. Bayley, packing case maker, Hanbury street. They were standing outside their place of work, which is three doors from 29 Hanbury street, on the same side of the road. They came and looked at the body. I do not know them personally. The Coroner asked if these men were known to the police. Inspector Chandler said they were not. The Coroner expressed his surprise at this. Witness - I had to go to my work. The Coroner (emphatically) - Your work is of no importance compared with this inquiry. To Inspector Chandler: We must find these men out, either with the assistance of the police, or with the assistance of my officer. Witness - The men did not wish to be seen in the matter. The Coroner - If they have not been seen and identified yet, they must be. Davis (continuing) - I informed the inspector at Commercial street what I had seen in the yard. I have never seen any women in the passage. I heard no noises on Saturday morning. Amelia Palmer said - I live at 30 Dorset street, which is a common lodging house. I am the wife of a labourer, who is a pensioner from the army. I have known the deceased well for the past five years. I have seen a body at the mortuary and am quite sure it is that of Annie Chapman. She was a widow. Her husband was formerly a veterinary surgeon at Windsor, and was well known there. He died about 18 months ago. Deceased had lived apart from him for about four years. Since the separation deceased had lived principally, though not altogether, in common lodging houses in the neighbourhood of Spitalfields. She lived two years ago at 30 Dorset street, with a man called "Sievey." At that time she was receiving 10s. a week from her husband. The money was always sent by P.O.O., (post office order) payable at Commercial road. The remittances stopped 18 months ago, and the deceased found that her husband was dead. The fact was ascertained from a brother or sister of her husband living in Oxford street, Whitechapel. Mrs. Chapman was called Mrs. Sievey, because the man she lived with was a sieve maker. He left her some time ago. I saw the deceased two or three times during last week. I saw her on Monday, Sept. 3, standing in the road opposite a lodging house, 35 Dorset street. She had been staying there, and complained of feeling unwell. Deceased had a bruise on one of her temples; I think the right temple. I asked how she got it. Deceased asked me to look at her chest, which was also bruised, and said, "You know the woman, " mentioning some name, which I do not remember; but it was a woman who carried out books for sale. That woman and deceased were acquainted with a man called "Harry the Hawker." Deceased told me that on Saturday, September 1, she was with a man called Ted Stanley - a very respectable man. She was in a beer shop with him - 87 Commercial street, which is at the corner of Dorset street. "Harry the Hawker" was also there, and was under the influence of drink. "Harry the Hawker" put down 2s. for beer; the book selling woman picked it up, and put down a penny. There was an ill feeling in consequence, and the same evening the book selling women met the deceased and struck her in the face and chest. I saw the deceased again on Tuesday, September 4. I met her as she was walking near Spitalfields Church. The deceased said she felt no better, and should go into the casual ward for a day or two. The deceased told me she had not had even a cup of tea that day. I said, "Here it two pence. Get a cup of tea; but don't have any rum." The deceased was partial to rum, and I have seen her many times the worse for drink. She used to do crochet work, make antimacassars, and sell flowers. I am afraid she was not particular how she earned her living, and I know she was out late at times. She has told me so. On Fridays the deceased used to go to Stratford East, to sell anything she had. I did not see her from Tuesday afternoon until Friday afternoon. On that day I met her in Dorset street, about five o'clock. She then appeared to be perfectly sober. I said, "Aren't you going to Stratford today?" She said, "I feel too ill to do anything." I saw her again about ten minutes afterwards on the same spot. She said, "It's no use my giving way. I must pull myself together and go and get some money, or I shall have no lodgings." That is the last I saw of her. Deceased told me she had been in the casual ward. Deceased was very industrious when sober, and was a very clever little woman. I have seen her the worse for drink, but I don't think she could take much without becoming drunk. She had been living a very irregular life for five years, more especially since her husband's death. She had a sister and brother in London, but I don't think they were on friendly terms. The deceased had two children at Windsor, and after her husband's death they were placed in a school. Timothy Donovan, 35 Dorset street, Spitalfields, deputy of the common lodging house, said - I identify the body at the mortuary as that of a woman who has lodged at my place. She had lived there for four months, but was not at No. 35 last week, until the Friday. Afterwards, about two or three o'clock, she asked me to allow her to go into the kitchen. I consented, and did not see her until about 1.45 on the Saturday morning. At that time I was sitting in the office, and I saw deceased go into the kitchen. Deceased afterwards came upstairs, saying she had not sufficient money for a bed, and adding, "Don't let it; I shan't be long before I am in." The bed she spoke of was the one she usually occupied. The deceased left the house, and I did not see which way she turned, but I believe the watchman did. She had had enough to drink when I last saw her, but she could walk straight. She was generally the worse for drink on Saturdays, but not on other days. When she left the lodging house on Saturday morning, I said to her, "You can find money for beer, but not for your bed." She replied that she had only been to the top of the street, to the Ringers public house. I saw deceased with no man that night. I could not say whether deceased walked the streets. She used to come and stay at the lodging house on Saturdays with a man of soldierly appearance, who is said to be a pensioner. She has come at other times with other men, and I have refused to allow her to have a bed. The Coroner - A woman has only one husband at your place? Witness - The pensioner told me not to let her have a bed with any other man. She did not come to my place with any man on Friday night. As a rule she occupied No. 29 bed by herself. The pensioner and deceased were together at the lodging house on Sunday, September 2. The Coroner - Is anything known of this pensioner? Inspector Chandler - No, sir. Witness (resuming) - On the 25th of August the woman told me she was going out to see if the pensioner had drawn his pension. She usually saw him in the street. She was on good terms with all the lodgers, and I never had any trouble with her. About Tuesday, August 28, deceased and another woman had a row in the kitchen before I was up. I afterwards saw them both outside the house, but I did not notice any injury on deceased. Subsequently deceased called my attention to her eye, which was bruised, but she did not tell me how the injury was done. John Evans said - I am night watchman at 35 Dorset street. Deceased used to live there. On Saturday morning I saw her go out of the lodging house. She went in the directions of Spitalfields Church. That was after she had asked us to keep the bed until she got some lodging money. She never returned. Deceased was the worse for drink, but not badly so. She came into the kitchen soon after twelve o'clock. I heard her say she had been to her sister's, at Vauxhall. I have known that the deceased was out at nights, but I have known only one man with whom she was associated. He used to come with her on Saturdays. That particular man called on Saturday, the 8th instant, about half past two o'clock in the afternoon, to make inquiries about the woman. He had heard of her death. I do not know either his name or address. After I had told him what had occurred, he went out without saying a word. I have never heard any man threaten the deceased at any time. I have never heard her express fear of any one. The Coroner - Have you heard any woman at your house say that she had been asked for money by any man? Witness - No. This concluded the witness's evidence, and the Coroner adjourned the inquiry to tomorrow at two o'clock. The inquest on the body of the woman Chapman, found murdered in Whitechapel on Saturday morning, was opened yesterday, and adjourned, after the evidence of the finding of the body and its identification had been taken. Several arrests were made yesterday; only two men were detained - one named Pigott, who was apprehended at Gravesend, and found to be splashed all over with blood; and a Jew named Piser. Pigott is believed to be insane. Forbes Winslow Press Reports: Atlanta Constitution - 17 June 1894 Press Reports: Atlanta Constitution - 25 December 1896 Press Reports: El Nacional - 24 October 1889 Press Reports: Fort Wayne Gazette - 4 October 1895 Press Reports: Fort Wayne News - 2 September 1895 Press Reports: Indianapolis Star - 6 July 1913 Press Reports: Lancet - 22 September 1888 Press Reports: Mansfield News - 29 September 1910 Press Reports: Marion Daily Star - 16 September 1895 Press Reports: Montreal Gazette - 4 October 1888 Press Reports: New Oxford Item - 6 September 1895 Press Reports: North Eastern Daily Gazette - 3 October 1888 Press Reports: Olean Democrat - 13 September 1895 Press Reports: Penny Illustrated Paper - 3 August 1889 Press Reports: People - 4 November 1888 Press Reports: Times [London] - 9 June 1913 Press Reports: Washington Post - 15 May 1910 Press Reports: Washington Post - 26 June 1911 Press Reports: Washington Post - 9 June 1913 Press Reports: Wichita Daily Times - 18 August 1910 Ripper Media: A Handbook for Attendants on the Insane: the autobiograph... Ripper Media: Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide - Dr. Lyttleton Forbes W... Ripper Media: Recollections of Forty Years John Pizer Press Reports: Galveston Daily News - 26 September 1888 Press Reports: Morning Advertiser - 12 October 1888 Press Reports: Times - 8 July 1887 Ripper Media: Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide - John Pizer William Pigott Message Boards: William Pigott Ripper Media: Jack the Ripper: A Suspect Guide - William Pigott

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Home » Press Releases » Cyber Threat Alliance Welcomes New Member Companies and Elects 2019 Board of Directors Cyber Threat Alliance Welcomes New Member Companies and Elects 2019 Board of Directors CTA News CTA expands member base to 23 companies adding NETSCOUT Arbor, Panda Security, and SecureBrain and welcomes industry veterans NTT Security Americas CEO John Petrie, Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas and Sophos CTO Joe Levy to the 2019 Board of Directors to advance information sharing throughout the private sector WASHINGTON, February 19, 2019 — Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), a nonprofit organization working to improve the cybersecurity of the global digital ecosystem, today announced the joining of three new member companies, in addition to the election of three directors to the 2019 CTA Board of Directors. NETSCOUT Arbor, the security division of NETSCOUT; Panda Security; and SecureBrain Corporation, a Hitachi Systems company, have all joined CTA, bringing CTA’s membership to 23 companies from across the cybersecurity industry. These companies have joined together to share timely, actionable, and contextualized threat information and enable improved defenses against advanced cyber adversaries. “We are very excited to welcome three new contributing members to CTA, and for the opportunities this presents for all our members to continue to grow our data sharing capabilities,” said Michael Daniel, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CTA. “On average, our members are sharing two to three million indicators of compromise each month, with most submissions including useful contextual information, such as malware name or actor techniques. This level of sharing is a tremendous achievement for CTA, as in two years, we’ve nearly quadrupled our membership and have steadily increased our sharing to include more and more context and intelligence.” Michael McNerney, Product Manager in Cyber Threat Intelligence at NETSCOUT Arbor, stated, “Our mission to protect the infrastructure and ecosystem of the internet parallels CTA’s mission to improve the cybersecurity of the global digital ecosystem, and we look forward to engaging with the other CTA members in furtherance of our goals. Our expertise with network traffic and DDoS protections, combined with our visibility into global network traffic, will bring a valuable perspective to CTA and we expect our contributions to help diversify the information sharing at CTA, leading to better protections for all.” “At Panda Security, our mission is to protect our customers against malware and non-malware attacks, and we believe that participating in this alliance and sharing data with all of these members will help us continue in our efforts to develop and leverage insights and actionable intelligence to protect our customers,” said Juan Santamaría Uriarte, CEO, Panda Security. “With this Alliance, we are sure to establish productive relationships that will allow us to improve our products and services. The United States is a hugely important country in our expansion strategy, and we are building on the presence we already enjoy through our offices there.” Motoaki Yamamura, Chief Operating Officer of SecureBrain Corporation, commented, “Our efforts are focused on protecting our customers against cybercrime, including Japanese-specific online fraud and malware attacks. We look forward to being able to share intelligence and context with our peers, both in Japan and globally, to continue in our efforts to develop solutions against the latest cyber threats.” In addition to welcoming its newest members, CTA also welcomes two new affiliate member directors, John Petrie, CEO of NTT Security Americas, and Joe Levy, Chief Technology Officer of Sophos, and one returning affiliate member director, Corey Thomas, President and CEO of Rapid7, to the 2019 CTA Board of Directors. Petrie, Levy, and Thomas join the board following the second annual election for seats on the Board of Directors that are reserved for affiliate member representatives. These positions are elected by CTA member peers and join the charter members’ directors on the board. The directors will join Gil Shwed, CEO, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, Matt Watchinski, Vice President TALOS, Cisco Systems, Inc., Ken Xie, Founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO, Fortinet, Inc., Grant Bourzikas, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), McAfee, LLC., Amit Singh, President, Palo Alto Networks, and Gregory Clark, CEO and Director, Symantec Corporation for the 2019 term. Thomas of Rapid7 will serve his second year on the board, having served for the 2018 term. “Our Board of Directors has been instrumental in growing CTA from the six founding members at incorporation to now 23 members, and counting. The board has been vital in helping us expand our geographic footprint and the breadth and diversity of the data sharing and collaboration among our members,” said Michael Daniel, President and CEO of the CTA. “The addition of John Petrie and Joe Levy to the Board, along with the return of Corey Thomas for a second term, will add to the depth and experience of the board. We look forward to their contributions over the next year.” Commenting on the new CTA appointment, John Petrie said, “It’s an honor to be selected for CTA’s Board of Directors. The mission to improve the digital ecosystem through constantly improving threat awareness is critical for future economic and social development, and consistent with how we support our clients every day.” A well-respected and trusted senior technology executive in the cybersecurity industry, John has been with NTT Security since 2016 and, prior to his current role as CEO Americas, was Global CISO where he was responsible for the overall global information strategy and the management of the information security management system. “In today’s complex cybersecurity landscape, the work of the CTA is more critical than ever before,” says Corey Thomas, President and CEO of Rapid7. “I am delighted to serve on the board for a second year and look forward to collaborating and sharing threat-related information with other industry leaders in an effort to better protect organizations from cybersecurity risks.” In addition to being President and CEO of Rapid7, Thomas is also a member of the Rapid7 board of directors and the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, serving on its audit and health care quality and affordability committees. Thomas has more than 15 years of experience in leading companies to the next stage of growth and innovation. Rapid7 has been a member of CTA since 2017. “Collaboration amongst cybersecurity researchers and vendors has the potential to greatly enhance the way our industry operates and innovates, ultimately providing better security for all. When vendors can evolve from independent operation, to the efficient sharing of threat data, to the sharing of ideas and strategies within a trusted forum, we can more effectively manage some of the bigger challenges facing us,” said Levy. “I, along with Sophos, welcome the opportunity to continue to drive collaboration within cybersecurity, and I look forward to actively participating in the coming chapters of our alliance’s maturation.” Levy brings more than 25 years of IT security industry leadership to CTA. As CTO at Sophos, Levy leads the company’s technology strategy worldwide, driving product vision and innovation to both advance and simplify cybersecurity. He has participated in various industry certification and design consortiums and has devoted his career to designing and shipping products and services to make information systems more secure. Sophos joined CTA in 2017. For more information about CTA, please visit: https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org/. About the Cyber Threat Alliance The Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), founded by Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., Cisco, Fortinet, McAfee, Palo Alto Networks, and Symantec, is an independent, not-for-profit organization that also includes AlienVault, NETSCOUT Arbor, Dragos, IntSights, Juniper Networks, Lastline, NEC Corporation, NTT Security, Panda Security, Radware, Rapid7, ReversingLabs, Saint Security, SecureBrain, SK Infosec, Sophos, and Telefónica’s ElevenPaths. CTA is the industry’s first formally organized group of cybersecurity practitioners that work together in good faith to share threat information and improve global defenses against advanced cyber adversaries. CTA’s mission is to facilitate the sharing of actionable intelligence and situational awareness about sophisticated cyber threats to improve its members’ cyber defenses, more effectively disrupt malicious cyber actors around the world and raise the level of cybersecurity throughout the Internet and cyberspace. The alliance is continuing to grow on a global basis, enriching both the quantity and quality of the information that is being shared across the platform. CTA is actively recruiting additional regional players to enhance information sharing to enable a more secure future for all. pr@cyberthreatalliance.org Author: Michael Daniel As President and CEO of CTA, Michael Daniel leads the team and oversees the organization’s operations. Prior to joining the CTA, Michael served from June 2012 to January 2017 as Special Assistant to President Obama and Cybersecurity Coordinator on the National Security Council Staff. In this role, he led the development of national cybersecurity strategy and policy, and ensured that the U.S. government effectively partnered with the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other nations.

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Diocese: Late priest accused of child sex abuse Allegations of child sex abuse have been made against the late Rev. Kenneth Morvant, who served in the Diocese of Lafayette for 42 years. Diocese: Late priest accused of child sex abuse Allegations of child sex abuse have been made against the late Rev. Kenneth Morvant, who served in the Diocese of Lafayette for 42 years. Check out this story on dailyworld.com: https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/2018/08/28/diocese-late-priest-accused-child-sex-abuse/1125892002/ Claire Taylor, Lafayette Daily Advertiser Published 4:46 p.m. CT Aug. 28, 2018 | Updated 4:49 p.m. CT Aug. 28, 2018 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana.(Photo: Claire Taylor/Daily Advertiser) Allegations of child sex abuse have been raised against a deceased priest from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette. Diocesan spokeswoman Blue Rolfes, in a written statement released Tuesday, said the diocese was made aware of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by the late Rev. Kenneth Morvant. READ MORE:Will Bishop Deshotel release names of past abusive priests? "There is no evidence of Father Morvant being implicated in the abuse of minors," Rolfes wrote. "These allegations, however, are being given appropriate consideration. Father Kenneth Morvant, though deceased, maintains the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise." The alleged incidents, she wrote, occurred 35 to 40 years ago, which would have been between 1978 and 1983. RELATED: St. Landry Parish priest's victim sues diocese Morvant served as a priest in the Diocese of Lafayette 42 years, from 1961 until 2003. He died Dec. 13, 2003, at the age of 72 at his Carencro residence. A native of Abbeville, Morvant was ordained June 3, 1961, at the Cathedral of St. John in Lafayette, where he served as an associate pastor until 1966, The Daily Advertiser reported upon his death. He was pastor at several church parishes in the diocese, including Eunice, Rayne, Coteau Homes and at St. Martin de Tours church in St. Martinville. OTHER NEWS: Priest named in Pennsylvania grand jury report was transferred to Lafayette diocese Read or Share this story: https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/2018/08/28/diocese-late-priest-accused-child-sex-abuse/1125892002/

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From the NAI Archive – June 2, 2015 – A Tale of Two Trios – Dissecting the Success of the Shield and the Failure of the (Wyatt) Family It is a well-known fact that DC Matthews, and really the NAIborhood in general, loves the concept of a stable. Travel back through the Twitter and article histories and you’ll see countless discussions about who should team with who, what the angle should be, etc. Over the last few years, the concept of a “stable” has shifted. Gone are the days of the Horsemen and the nWo. In today’s WWE, you’ve got two types of stables. The Authority: A group of individuals focused solely on the protection of their star, with some occasional dips into promoting their own “best for business” agenda. A trio: 3 guys uniting for a single cause. Not 4. 5 is right out. It has to be 3. While there have been many famous triads in wrestling history (New Day is, hopefully, turning some curious fans onto the success of the Fabulous Freebirds), this recent trend can be traced back to two major groups – The Shield and The Wyatt Family. These two trios had countless battles, mainly against each other, and seemed to dominate pro wrestling for a brief period. Yet, looking back on it, this is a tale of two trios. While The Shield is lauded, praised and seems destined for Hall of Fame greatness, the Wyatts are mainly an example of “what might have been.” Why is that? Why did one trio succeed while the other faltered, when both seemed poised to take over the world? As with any good question, there’s multiple answers here, so let’s take a look back and see what happened. Both these groups had almost an identical amount of time as a stable, though some might make the argument (and I hope they’re right) that the Wyatts’ aren’t done wreaking familial havoc. The Shield made their debut in November of 2012 and famously (and, oddly enough, on the exact day of this writing) broke up on June 2nd of 2014. That’s a little over 18 months. The Wyatt’s didn’t debut on WWE programming until July of 2013, though they lasted longer as a unit, going until their odd dissolution in December of 2014. Again, just about a year and a half. Despite the similarities, in objective hindsight, it appears that the Shield broke up at the exact right moment. Nobody seemed to question their direction leading up to the split, and while people were excited for what it meant for the futures of Rollins, Ambrose and Reigns, it was still a very emotional split. Not so for the Wyatts. All 3 talents seemed to be languishing near the end of their run, and when they did “break up”, if we can even call it that, it seemed appropriate. We were expecting Bray to become a mega-star, Harper to take over the mid-card and . . . Well, we weren’t sure what to do with Rowan, even if he did become a Rubik’s cube solving genius. Obviously, time can’t be a deciding factor in this. Let’s move on. There was a while there, right before I got back into the wrestling world, where The Shield had a vice grip on the championship scene that harkens back to the days of the Horsemen, or to use a more recent reference, the Two Man Power Trip. Ambrose wore the US title for just about an entire year – In fact, he’s the longest reigning United States title holder since the belt became a WWE product. (The longest reigning US champion was Lex Luger, and as someone who watched a lot of that title reign during my WCW PPV quest, let me tell you – it seemed a whole lot longer than 523 days.) Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns only held the tag titles for 148 days, winning them on the same day Ambrose won the US title (quite the coronation for The Shield, no?). So for just about 6 months, these guys ran the roost in WWE. The Wyatts? Again, not so much. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper held the NXT Tag Team titles, which is lovely, I suppose, but neither them nor Bray Wyatt held any other titles during their Family run. Well, I suppose Harper won the IC title right in the very last weeks of the Family, but that’s dodgy at best. Hmm, we’re getting warmer here. Let’s just cut to the chase, shall we? It was obvious, wasn’t it? The Shield was one of the best stables in history because they were booked like one of the best stables in history. From the very beginning, the brothers had a pseudo-alliance with one CM Punk, one of the top guys in the company. They took on some of WWE’s best talents and won, took on Evolution and won, then dominated the title scene. Even their break-up was booked as one of the most dramatic moments in WWE history. These guys were meant to be main eventers, which explains, crazily enough, why they all are. The Wyatt’s never had those moments. Sure, Bray had his main event feuds, but as we all seem to repeatedly lament, he never had the success we would hope he had. Evidently, he is not someone WWE feels comfortable building around, and while I may vehemently disagree with them on that opinion, I have to grudgingly go along with their decision. They have plenty of main event guys, so it makes some sense. But what about Harper and Rowan? I’m not sharing government secrets here, folks. The tag team division has SUCKED over the last year +. Sure, New Day and KiddAro are amazing, and we seem to be seeing a resurgence of the Prime Time Players, but how in the blue hell did Luke and Erick not win the tag team titles on MULTIPLE occasions over the last 18 months? What was the point of feuding with the Usos for PPVs on end and LOSING each time? These guys could have been, in some ways, the Road Warriors of the division, in all the ways The Ascension can’t. They’re bigger, stronger and arguably more talented (especially “Hawk” Harper) than anybody else. Nobody should have been able to touch these two. Thankfully, because the break up wasn’t so prevalent, Rowan and Harper have been able to sidle back together without much of a fuss. I’m all for the tag division continuing to grow, but these two need to be a major piece of the tandem puzzle. If they don’t win the tag titles on this go-round, then I don’t know what to do any more. They’ll push my #PromotingPositivity to the breaking point if these guys don’t start running roughshod, and pronto. What do YOU think? Why did The Shield succeed while the Wyatts did not? Be Heard. Tagged on: Bray Wyatt The Shield The Wyatt Family WWE DC Matthews March 20, 2016 March 20, 2016 WWE No Comments ← From the NAI Archive – June 1, 2015 – Tracking Winners and Losers from Elimination Chamber From the NAI Archive – June 4, 2015 – DC Diaries – My first foray in a decade to the world of Ring of Honor →

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A BIG SHORT SPOTLIGHT: Looking Back at Cinema in January 2016 MAKING A BIG BANG: 13 Hours - Secret Soldiers of Benghazi ​What happened in the world of film this month? From celebrity deaths and box office highs to Oscar controversies and box office woes, Deep Focus Film Studies brings you all the major events. ​The year began on a sad note with the loss of singer and sometimes film actor David Bowie. The star of such cult favourites as The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (1983) lost his battle with cancer, an illness the public never even knew he had. Adding a further air of ambivalence to his death was the announcement by TriStar that a new Labyrinth (1986) project had been given the green light. A much loved film which starred Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, it is unknown yet whether the new movie will be a sequel or a remake. CULT CLASSIC: The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) NOT SO FESTIVE: Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (1983) DANCE MAGIC: Labyrinth (1986) ​The mood only grew worse a few days later when actor Alan Rickman died. Fans of the Harry Potter series mourned the loss of Rickman, who portrayed Severus Snape in the franchise, however older movie-goers may have better remembered him as chief villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988). His death was particularly tragic since the actor had only recently returned to directing, a passion he had put on hold for over a decade in order to meet the demands of his Harry Potter role. As a director his contributions to cinema will now forever remain 1997’s The Winter Guest and 2015’s A Little Chaos. It isn’t the last we’ll see of him however, as his final performance will be viewed by millions this summer as the Blue Caterpillar in Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016). COLD TIMES: Alan Rickman's directorial début The Winter Guest (1997) BOWING OUT: Rickman's second, and final, film A Little Chaos (2015) UBER GRUBER: Rickman in Die Hard (1988) NO HA HA ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST: New found still from Lewis' The Day The Clown Cried (1972) Almost as uncomfortable as a celebrity death was the BBC discovering new images from Jerry Lewis’ unreleased 1972 Holocaust film The Day the Clown Cried. Apparently Lewis didn’t want to release the film on grounds of taste, and the new pictures seem to support the famous Jewish comedian’s decision. ​ Happier times were to be found at the box office for Disney, as Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) continued to dominate the market, and grossed almost $2 billion. Its overwhelming presence was a nuisance to some however, with director Quentin Tarantino complaining that it left less screens to show his latest offering The Hateful Eight (2015) in its intended format. The dispute got heated, and led to 3 major UK film distributors refusing to show the film at all. In addition to this Tarantino made some comments that irked the Police Union in America who then boycotted the movie. As a result The Hateful Eight may be his lowest grossing film since Death Proof (2007). Space Balls II: The Search For More Cash EIGHTH WONDER OF THE CINEMA:Tarantino made several enemies during the distribution stage of his latest film The Hateful Eight ​Of course January is traditionally a month of films vying for Oscar gold, and 2016 was no exception. First to stake a claim was David O. Russell’s Joy (2015), which after much ‘Oscar chatter’ failed to emulate his previous Jennifer Lawrence collaboration, American Hustle (2013), and managed only one nomination (Best Actress) as opposed to their other film’s ten. At the moment Leonardo DiCaprio’s January release The Revenant (2016) looks set to clean up at the ceremony with no less than 12 nominations (including Best Picture and Leading Actor), with its closest competitor for most awards being last year’s Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), which has 10. In fact 4 of the 8 Best picture nominees were released in January (in the UK). Adam McKay’s The Big Short (2016) made a slight, if unusual, comical impact as it attempted to explain the financial crash of 2008, Irish-Canadian production Room (2015), despite being considerably less lucrative than any of its contenders seems to have been a favourite with audiences, and Spotlight (2015) captured the paedophile-hunting mood of current times by going hard on the church. SHINING BRIGHTLY: The Spotlight Cast BEARING GOOD NEWS: The Revenant is up for 12 Oscars BEST ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence in Joy THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Big Short PLENTY OF ROOM for Room at the Oscars ​The Academy Awards found themselves in the news even more than usual with the announcement of their nominations this year, as the Twitter hashtag #OscarsSoWhite gained popularity with celebrities, media and just about anyone who had an opinion. The complaint stems from the fact that for the third time in a decade there are no black artists nominated for any of the major awards. Having realised the problem from last year, the Academy made popular black comedian Chris Rock this year’s host, however if anything it only served to emphasise the problem rather than side-line it. FILM OF THE MONTH: 13 HOURS Nowhere on the list of Oscar nominees will you find 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016), the latest action flick from bomb-dropping explosion fetishist Michael Bay. Normally any sane human being would be okay with that, however I feel the film has been overlooked by critics due to its emergence in a month when Hollywood’s finest don their gold-grabbing gloves. By no means is it a superior film to any other released this month, (and not necessarily because it has been a particularly strong month in film), however it brought with it numerous surprises such as an unexpected performance from ‘nice guy’ John Krasinski, great supporting roles from Toby Stephens and Max Martini (doing his usual special forces stuff), a compelling free-style feel to an engaging story, but also just the simple fact that Bay seems to have improved as a film-maker and made a picture that seems less cocaine-fuelled than usual. There is nothing erotic about a group of hot, sweaty bearded guys with guns getting naked FILM OF THE MONTH - 13 Hours: Secret Soldiers of Benghazi It may not be as nuanced or self-reflective as it could have been in the hands of someone more, erm, grown up, but one can’t help but think that if the film had been released under a fake director name then it would have been more openly accepted by critics. This is why we decided to make it the DFFS Film Of The Month. film school: neorealism in deep: human traffic

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architecture in italy (246 articles) architecture in italy surveys the contemporary condition of the country's built environment, showcasing a range of innovative projects and the diverse materials and unconventional forms employed in their construction. white volumes define REISARCHITETTURA's idyllic getaway in southern italy ARW associates connects claw-shaped house with its mountainous landscape in italy iosa ghini associati builds a youth center as part of post-earthquake restoration in italy francesco lipari proposes to top locri church in southern italy with undulating roof SANAA, the japanese architecture firm led by pritzker laureates kazuyo sejima and ryue nishizawa, has completed a new campus for bocconi, a private university in milan, italy. the new campus — previously featured on designboom here — includes: a 300-bed residence hall; the new headquarters of the bocconi school of management, comprising three fluidly shaped buildings; and, finally, a park and multi-purpose center featuring an olympic swimming pool. only half of the 35,000 square meter site is occupied by new buildings, with the remainder dedicated to outdoor areas and green space. all images courtesy of bocconi the new bocconi campus is part of a broader development that considers environmental sustainability, energy saving, and optimal landscaping in the context of milan’s zone 5. the design, which was originally expected to cost €130 million, revisits the porticos and the cloisters of historical milanese palaces. however, in a modern twist SANAA has created a series of communicating courtyards and gardens. the site’s various structures have been positioned to allow a smooth flow of people across the site. a sense of transparency and openness is fostered throughout, with exterior walls clad in an undulating translucent screen. open to the public, the three-storey sports center will include the city’s first olympic-sized swimming pool at ground level, while the second floor will contain areas for basketball and volleyball, a fitness center, and an indoor running track. the campus’ inaugeration coincided with the start of 2019/2020 academic year. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here. image by paolo tonato name: new bocconi campus location: via sarfatti 25, milan, italy architect: SANAA status: complete and open 2019 previous coverage: december 2012, february 2019 bjarke ingels group to complete milan's citylife district with 'the portico' stefano boeri's solar-powered train station doubles as public piazza in matera, italy joe bruschy proposes a semicircular school around a vast playground in haiti

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Credit card giant to cut 100 jobs as growth slows CREDIT card giant MBNA, a major Cheshire employer, has announced plans to cut 100 jobs. Bosses at MBNA Europe Bank, based at Chester's Business Park, announced a voluntary severance scheme, but insisted the move is not a sign of difficult times. In the last two years, the company has recruited 2,000 people bringing its workforce up to more than 5,000. Spokesman John Greaves said: "We announced to all our people that we are starting a voluntary severance and early retirement programme. "MBNA has grown at a phenomenal rate, but it is not likely that we will continue to grow at the same pace that we were. "All the time during that growth, we had to have a level of managers to deal with business. We are at the point now where we can have fewer managers." When asked if compulsory redundancies would be put in place if fewer than 100 people take up the offer, Mr Greaves said: "I don't like to talk in what-ifs. "We are offering a generous package and we think we will achieve the target of 100. It is a US package that we are bringing into the UK. "This scheme will be ideal for people looking to take early retirement or for people who just want the opportunity to take a different direction in their working life." All applications for the scheme have to be made before the second week in February. Mr Greaves said he could not give details of the incentives for commercial confidentiality reasons. MBNA Europe Bank is a subsidiary of MBNA in the United States and is the world's second largest credit card issuer. It has won around 14% of the UK credit card market in a little more than a decade of operations. Its UK workforce doubled within the last five years. Last week, The Funding Corporation, also based at Chester's Business Park, announced the creation of 250 jobs. TFC has been a huge success story since it was established in 2001. The new jobs are in the call centre, customer services, collections and administration departments.

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Feeling like a million bucks: Unadkat By Cricingif Staff He isn't well known on the international stage, but fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat has been thrust into the cricketing limelight after being handed a bumper payday by the Indian Premier League. Heads turned when the Rajasthan Royals paid $1.8 million dollars for the left-arm seamer, making him the most expensive Indian player at this year's IPL auction. Even Unadkat said he was surprised at the price tag, which will earn him more than $100,000 per game when the competition starts next month. The 26-year-old was second only to England all-rounder Ben Stokes at the auction, despite a stop-start international career so far. Since his international debut in 2010, Unadkat has played one Test, seven ODIs and 10 Twenty20s for India, and had a mixed outing at last week's tri-series in Sri Lanka. However, hopes are high that the "Prince of Porbandar" -- nicknamed after his home city in Gujarat -- could be about to become a fixture in India's T20 team. "He is a very promising bowler and will only get better with the more matches he plays. I like him," former India captain Sunil Gavaskar told AFP in Sri Lanka. Unadkat was just 19 when he made his one and, so far, only Test appearance against South Africa at Centurion in 2010. It was a debut to forget, however. He failed to take a wicket in 26 overs, gave away 101 runs, and was promptly dropped. Unadkat then spent three years in the international wilderness before playing all seven of his one-day international appearances so far in 2013. He missed much of the following two years through injury, and it wasn't until June 2016 that he made his T20 debut for India. But his limited-overs international career received a shot in the arm late last year when he shone in a series against Sri Lanka. Unadkat finished with four wickets in three matches at an economy rate of 4.88, the lowest on either side. "He takes his cricket to the next level when he has to. He has got a few gears and I like now the change up in his action as well," former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee told AFP in Colombo. "And that's what you need to find in T20 cricket, it's not all about running in and bowling flat out in T20. "You still need that skill set -- yorkers, slow bouncers and that type of things," added the cricketer-turned-commentator who was part of the same Kolkata Knight Riders squad as Unadkat in 2011. Unadkat picked up seven wickets in four games as India lifted the tri-series trophy in Sri Lanka after edging out Bangladesh in a thrilling final on Sunday. They came at a cost though, with Unadkat giving away close to 10 runs an over. But India's stand-in captain Rohit Sharma insisted the bowler would be a key part of future Indian T20 teams. "He's someone we can rely on going forward. He understands his bowling really well," said the batsman. Breaking into India's formidable Test side will be more difficult though, according to veteran sports journalist Ayaz Memon. "The fact that he is a left-arm bowler adds that variety to the Indian attack, because all the bowlers are right-arm. Also he is not a rookie and has experience," Memon told AFP. "However, there is a clamour for places. He will have to get past (Mohammed) Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and (Jasprit) Bumrah who were so impressive in South Africa (recently)." Unadkat wasn't the only unheralded Indian player to command a high price at the IPL auction: the Royals spent almost $1 million on uncapped off-spinner Krishnappa Gowtham, and Krunal Pandya went to Mumbai Indians for $1.38 million. "If we look at the history of IPL, teams which had a strong core group of Indian players have done well consistently," former India opener Wasim Jaffer wrote in The Times of India. #Indian Premier League 2018#Rajasthan Royals

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Pentagon's top watchdog paints gloomy picture of fight against ISIS Published Thursday, November 21, 2019 1:45PM EST People look at a destroyed houses near the village of Barisha, in Idlib province, Syria, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, after an operation by the U.S. military which targeted Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the shadowy leader of the Islamic State group. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Ghaith Alsayed) OTTAWA - A new report to the U.S. Congress by the Pentagon's top watchdog is painting a gloomy picture about the five-year-old fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Among the findings by the U.S. Defense Department's inspector general was that there has been little progress over the past nine months in weaning Iraqi security forces off their heavy reliance on foreign assistance in fighting ISIS. That is despite concerted training efforts by the international community, including Canada, which is leading a NATO training mission in Iraq that includes 250 Canadian military members. The report also warns ISIS was able to use the U.S. military's recent drawdown in Syria and Turkey's subsequent invasion to regroup and strengthen its ability to plan attacks against the West. And it says the co-ordination of international efforts to stabilize and rebuild the devastated country has also been hindered by the U.S. government's decision to withdraw many of its diplomats and the majority of its development staff in recent months. Canada has been working with its allies to destroy ISIS since October 2014. Islamic State group claims responsibility for Mali attack Trump says U.S. on the hunt for new ISIS leader Turkey starts returning Islamic State fighters, deports U.S. national

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Was Dennis Ritchie more important than Steve Jobs? By Geoff Duncan October 13, 2011 2:32PM PST Computing pioneer Dennis Ritchie died this past weekend at age 70, becoming the second technology giant to pass within a week — the other, of course, being Apple’s Steve Jobs. Although Jobs was unquestionably the better-known figure, Ritchie was the creator of the C programming language and one of the primary developers of the Unix operating system, both of which have had profound impacts on modern technology. Unix and C lie at the heart of everything from Internet servers to mobile phones, set-top boxes and software. They have exerted tremendous influence on almost all current languages and operating systems. And, these days, computers are everywhere. The coinciding events lead to an obvious question: Who was more important to modern technology, Ritchie or Jobs? It’s a classic apples-to-oranges question… but the search for an answer sheds a bit of light on what lead to the high-tech revolution and all the cool toys we have today. Dennis Ritchie, Unix, and C Dennis Ritchie was a computer scientist in the truest definition: He earned a degree in physics and applied mathematics from Harvard in the the 1960s and followed his father to work at Bell Labs, which was one of the hotbeds of tech development in the United States. By 1968 Ritchie had completed his Ph.D., and from 1969 to 1973 he developed the C programming language for use with the then-fledgling Unix operating system. The language was named C because it developed out of another language called B, created by Ken Thompson (with some input from Ritchie) for use with Multics, a Unix precursor. So, yes, even the name is geeky. Both Multics and Unix were developed for early minicomputers. Of course, they were “mini” in name only: Back in the early 1970s, a “minicomputer” was a series of cabinets that dominated a room, made more noise than an asthmatic air conditioner, and had five- and six-figure price tags. The processing and storage capacities of those systems are utterly dwarfed by commonplace devices today: An average calculator or mobile phone has thousands-to-millions of times the storage and processing capability of those minicomputers. Minicomputers’ memory and storage constraints meant that, if you wanted to develop a multitasking operating system that could run several programs at once, you needed a very, very efficient implementation language. Initially, that language was assembly: low-level, processor-specific languages that have a nearly one-to-one mapping with machine language, the actual instructions executed by computer processors. (Basically, when people think of utterly incomprehensible screens of computer code, they’re thinking of assembler and machine code.) Ritchie’s C enabled programmers to write structured, procedural programs using a high-level language without sacrificing much of the efficiency of assembler. C offers low-level memory access, requires almost no run-time support from an operating system, and compiles in ways that map very well to machine instructions. If that were all C did, it probably would have been little more than a fond footnote in the history of minicomputers, alongside things like CPL, PL/I, and ALGOL. However, the Unix operating system was being designed to be ported to different hardware platforms, and so C was also developed with hardware portability in mind. The first versions of Unix were primarily coded in assembler, but by 1973 Unix had been almost completely rewritten in C. The portability turned out to be C’s superpower: Eventually, a well-written program in standard C could be compiled across an enormous range of computer hardware platforms with virtually no changes — in fact, that’s still true today. As a result, C compilers are available for virtually every computer hardware platform today and for the last three decades, and learning C is still a great way to get into programming for a huge number of platforms. C remains one of the most widely-used programming languages on the planet. The popularity of C was tied tightly to the popularity of Unix, along with its many offshoots and descendants. Today, you see Unix not only in the many distributions of Linux (liked Red Hat and Ubuntu) but also at the core of Android as well as Apple’s iOS and Mac OS X. However, Ritchie made another tremendous contribution to C’s popularity as the co-author with Brian Kernighan of The C Programming Language , widely known as the “K&R.” For at least two generations of computer programmers, the K&R was the definitive introduction to not just C, but to compilers and general structured programming. The K&R was first published in 1978, and despite being a slim volume, set the standard for excellence in both content and quality. And if you’ve ever wondered why almost every programming reference or tutorial starts out with a short program that displays “Hello world”… just know it all started with K&R. To be sure, neither Unix nor C are beyond criticism: Ritchie himself noted “C is quirky, flawed, and an enormous success.” Both C and Unix were developed for use by programmers and engineers with brevity and efficiency in mind. There’s almost nothing user-friendly or accessible about either Unix or C. If you want to stun non-technical computer users into cowed silence, a Unix command prompt or a page of C code are guaranteed to do the job. C’s low-level power can also be its Achilles Heel: for instance, C (and derivatives like C++) offer no bounds-checking or other protection against buffer overflows — which means many of the potential security exploits common these days can often be traced back to C… or, at least, to programmers using C and its descendants. Good workmen don’t blame their tools, right? But the simple fact is that Unix and C spawned an incredibly broad and diverse ecosystem of technology. Microcontrollers, security systems, GPS, satellites, vehicle systems, traffic lights, Internet routers, synthesizers, digital cameras, televisions, set-top boxes, Web servers, the world’s fastest supercomputers — and literally millions of other things… the majority descend from work done by Dennis Ritchie. And that includes a ton of computers, smartphones, and tablets — and the components within them. Steve Jobs and the rest of us Steve Jobs’ legacy is (and will continue to be) well-documented elsewhere: As co-founder and long-time leader of Apple, as well as a technology and business celebrity enveloped in a cult of personality, Jobs’ impact on the modern technology world is indisputable. However, Jobs’ contributions are an interesting contrast to Ritchie’s. Ritchie was about a decade-and-a-half older than Jobs, and got started in technology at a correspondingly earlier date: When Ritchie started, there was no such thing as a personal computer. Although a perfectionist with a keen eye for design and usability — and, of course, a charismatic showman — Jobs was neither a computer scientist nor an engineer, and didn’t engage in much technical work himself. There’s a well-known anecdote from Jobs’ pre-Apple days, when he was working at Atari to save up money for a trip to India. Atari gave Jobs the task of designing a simpler circuit board for its Breakout game, offering him a bonus of $100 for every chip he could eliminate from the design. Jobs’ response — not being an engineer — was to take the work to long-time friend and electronics hacker Steve Wozniak, offering to split the $100-per-chip bounty with him. The incident is illustrative of Jobs’ style. In creating products, Jobs didn’t do the work himself: He recognized opportunities, then got the best people he could find to work on them. Woz reportedly cut more than four dozen chips from the board. Wozniak and Jobs founded Apple in 1976 (with Ronald Wayne), just as Unix was graduating from research project status at AT&T to an actual product, and before K&R was initially published. But even then, Jobs wasn’t looking at the world of mainstream computing — at least, as it existed in 1976. Apple Computer (as it was known then) was about personal computers, which were essentially unknown at the time. Jobs realized there was a tremendous opportunity to take the technology that was then the realm of engineers of computer scientists like Ritchie — and, to be fair, Wozniak — and make it part of people’s everyday lives. Computers didn’t have to be just about numbers and payrolls, balance sheets and calculations. They could be entertaining, communication tools, even artful. Jobs just didn’t see computers as empowering to large corporations and industry. They could be empowering to small businesses, education, and everyday people. And, indeed, Apple Computer did jumpstart personal computers, with the Apple II essentially defining the industry — even if it was later eclipsed by IBM and IBM-compatible systems. With the Apple Lisa and (much more successfully) the Apple Macintosh, Jobs continued to extend that idea. Unix and its brethren were inscrutable and intimidating; with the Macintosh, Jobs set out to make a “computer for the rest of us.” As we all know, the Macintosh redefined the personal computer as a friendly, intuitive device that was immediately fun and useful, and to which many users formed a personal connection. Macs didn’t just work, they inspired. Jobs was forced out of Apple shortly after the Mac’s introduction — and, indeed, Apple spent many years literally building biege boxes, while Microsoft worked on its own GUI — but his return to the company brought back the same values. With the original iMac, Macintosh design regained its flair. With the iPod, Apple was able to meld technology and elegant design to many consumers’ obsession—popular music—and when Apple finally turned its attention to the world of mobile phones, the results were an undeniable success. It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that the bulk of the PC industry has been following Apple’s lead for at least the last dozen years (even longer, when it comes to notebooks), and Apple was never matched in the portable media player market. Similarly, Android might be the world’s leading smartphone platform, but there’s no denying the Apple iPhone is the world’s leading smartphone—and the iPad defined (and still utterly dominates) the tablet market. As with the original Mac, the Apple II, and even that old Atari circuit board, Jobs didn’t do these things himself. He turned to the best people he could find and worked to refine and focus their efforts. In his later years, that involved remaking Apple Computer into Apple, Inc., and applying his razor-sharp sense for functionality, purpose, and design to a carefully selected range of products. Dennis Ritchie eventually became the head of Lucent Technologies’ Software System Research Department before retiring in 2007; he never led a multi billion-dollar corporation, sought the public eye, or had his every utterance scrutinized and re-scrutinized. Ritchie was by all accounts a quiet, modest man with a strong work ethic and dry sense of humor. But the legacy of his work played a key role in spawning the technological revolution of the last forty years — including technology on which Apple went on to build its fortune. Conversely, Steve Jobs was never an engineer. Instead, his legacy lies in democratizing technology, bringing it out of the realm of engineers and programmers and into people’s classrooms, living rooms, pockets, and lives. Jobs literally created technology for the rest of us. Who wins? We all do. And now, it’s too late to personally thank either of them. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the beliefs of Digital Trends. Brain-reading headphones are here to give you telekinetic control Neuro-symbolic A.I. is the future of artificial intelligence. Here’s how it works Revisiting the rise of A.I.: How far has artificial intelligence come since 2010? The 15 best tech jobs boast top salaries, high satisfaction, lots of openings Meet the 9 Wikipedia bots that make the world’s largest encyclopedia possible Here’s why a 5nm iPhone A14 chip would be such a big deal How to reset your Apple ID password The best iPad keyboard cases

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Louay Safi Former official with the International Institute of Islamic Thought, the Association of Muslim Social Scientists, the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, and the Islamic Society of North America Supported former Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader Sami Al-Arian Was a trainer at Fort Hood (Texas) in November 2009, when U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan killed 13 Americans in a jihadist shooting spree Spoke out in defense of Siraj Wahhaj, an un-indicted co-conspirator in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center Serves as a fellow at the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding Louay M. Safi was born in 1956 in Damascus, Syria. He immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and went on to earn a B.S. degree in civil engineering, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science—all at Wayne State University in Detroit. Safi subsequently worked as a political science instructor at Wayne State from 1988-92, an associate professor at the International Islamic University of Malaysia from 1994-99, and a visiting professor at George Washington University in 2001-02. Safi also served as executive director (1995-97) and director of research (1999-2003) at the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT); editor of the Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (1999-2003); president of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists (1999-2003); and board member of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (1999-2007). Beginning in the mid-1990s, Safi, who had ties to the terrorism-financing Safa Group, came under the scrutiny of U.S. government investigators. He was caught, on a 1995 FBI wiretap of Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader Sami Al-Arian, voicing concern that Al-Arian might be negatively impacted by President Bill Clinton‘s recently-issued executive order prohibiting financial transactions with terrorist organizations. In 2002, federal agents raided Safi’s IIIT offices as part of a widespread government probe into the SAAR Network, a Saudi-funded, Muslim Brotherhood-dominated financial empire that bankrolled a host of Islamic terror activities. Shortly after the government raids, Safi publicly complained that “those who have been targeted are very moderate voices.” Moreover, he wrote a number of editorials asserting that the “extreme right” was waging “a campaign against Islam”—a phrase that Philip Zelikow, director of the 9/11 Commission, characterized as part and parcel of “the jihadi narrative.”In his 2003 book, Peace and the Limits of War, Safi explained that Islamic jihad, or “the war against the apostates,” seeks “not to force [non-believers] to accept Islam, but to enforce the Islamic law and maintain order.” “It is up to the Muslim leadership,” he added, “to assess the situation and weigh the circumstances as well as the capacity of the Muslim community before deciding the appropriate type of jihad.” In some instances, said Safi, such leaders might determine that jihad waged “through persuasion or peaceful resistance” represents “the best and most effective method to achieve just peace.” In 2005 Safi was identified as “un-indicted co-conspirator Number 4” in the terrorism trial of Sami Al-Arian. That same year, Safi condemned “the double-standard approach adopted by many Western governments and institutions toward Muslims.” Public outrage “should not be reserved [solely] for atrocities committed by the terrorists against Western civilians,” he said, “but must also address Muslim pain and suffering visited on them by the action of Western democracies.” Such “legitimate grievances,” he added, constituted “the roots of anger and frustration that breed militancy and give rise to terrorism.” In particular, Safi exhorted American leaders not to ignore “the Israeli, the Indian, or the Thai aggression against Muslim populations that live under their control.” In a December 2005 article titled “Will the Extreme Right Succeed? Turning the War on Terror into a War on Islam,” Safi impugned critics of Islam for “reading Islamic texts out of context” and giving what he claimed was the false impression that Muslim terrorists drew inspiration for their violent activities from the Koran. From 2004-08, Safi served as executive director of the Islamic Society of North America‘s (ISNA) Leadership Development Center (LDC). In 2009, he was the LDC’s communications and leadership development director. In both of those roles, Safi was tasked with teaching the tenets and customs of Islam to American troops who were deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He was one of just seven lecturers in the U.S. Army’s Islamic education program, and one of only two endorsing agents for the Pentagon’s Muslim military-chaplain program. He taught, among other things, that the use of a “preemptive strike” against Islam’s enemies is sometimes justified when waging jihad. Safi’s relationship with the Pentagon came under scrutiny in November 2009, when U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan, putting the “preemptive strike” doctrine into action, killed 13 Americans and wounded 31 others in a shooting spree at Fort Hood (Texas). At the time of Hasan’s attack, Safi was teaching a course entitled “Theology of Islam” at Fort Hood, and was a trainer on Islam for soldiers at Fort Bliss (located in Texas and New Mexico). Following the massacre, Safi and a group of U.S. Muslim Brotherhood leaders held a press conference to announce the formation of a “Fort Hood Family Fund” under the auspices of ISNA. In December 2009, Safi presented a check (on ISNA’s behalf) to the families of the victims, and he continued to instruct Fort Hood soldiers about Islam. Reflecting upon Hasan’s murderous actions, Safi explained that “the extremist ideology responsible for violent outbursts is often rooted in the systematic demonization of marginalized groups.” By February 2010, Safi had been suspended from working on U.S. military bases, pending a criminal inquiry. He kept a relatively low profile until August 2011, when he resurfaced as political-office director of the newly formed Syrian National Council (SNC), an organization thoroughly dominated by the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, historically one of the world’s most violent Brotherhood offshoots. In October 2009, Safi spoke out in defense of Siraj Wahhaj, a pro-Sharia, Brooklyn-based Imam who was an un-indicted co-conspirator in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Said Safi: “He’s a very popular motivational speaker. The sad thing is that the public is only allowed to see him through the veil of an unindicted co-conspirator. He has been charged in the press…. Remember, he is a motivational speaker. If you take statements by anyone, from the president to congressmen to anyone else, you can take one sentence out of context…. He’s done a lot of good work in his community, clearing the area of drug addicts and trying to foster a great sense of community. He’s done a lot of good work in the New York area.” In addition to his role with SNC, Safi today serves as a fellow at the Georgetown University-based Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding; an associate professor at Indiana University/Purdue University; and a non-resident fellow with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. He speaks frequently on such issues as human rights, the Middle East, and Islamic-Western relations, and has published eleven books. For additional information on Louay Safi, click here. Siraj Wahhaj Rashad Hussain Nidal Malik Hasan Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS) Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) SAAR Foundation (SAFA Trust Group) (SAAR) Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (PACMCU)

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Diverticulitis Home Diverticulitis Graphics Treating Diverticulitis by Bhavna Singh, MS, Biotechnology Last updated on October 3, 2019, Diverticulitis can be treated with antibiotics and the liquid diet. However, if the condition is chronic, the disease may recur. In both the cases, treatment of diverticulitis is more or less same. Treatment options are of three types depending on the stage and severity of diverticulitis. These are: Hospital treatment Treatment in Home When the symptoms are mild, the patient can be treated at home. Treatment at home involves complete bed rest for few days or more and antibiotics to treat the infection. Your doctor may likely recommend: Antibiotics like metronidazole (Flagyl) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) to treat infected diverticula Liquid diet for few days to give rest to the bowel Over-the-counter painkillers for abdominal pain This above-mentioned treatment is successful in 70-80% cases of mild diverticulitis. Read about symptoms of diverticulitis. Treatment in Hospital Mild symptoms can be treated at home with rest and the liquid diet. However, if the patient has developed any complications, the doctor may ask him/her to get admitted to the hospital. There might be a blockage in bowel or there may be pus-filled diverticula that need attention. For treatment of diverticulitis, the doctor may recommend: Intravenous antibiotics Insertion of a tube to drain an abscess (pus-filled sac) Although this takes one or two days, the doctor may ask the patient to stay longer in order to monitor the treatment. Complete recovery depends on the lifestyle and food habits of the person but usually takes a week or more. Often diverticulitis recurs or the infection may not respond to the antibiotic treatment. Apart from resistance to antibiotics, there are other complications like: perforations in the intestine pus-filled diverticula data-matched-content-ui-type='image_card_sidebyside' In such cases, doctors suggest surgery to remove the part of the colon where diverticula are infected. Full recovery in such cases takes a month on the basis of lifestyle changes adopted by the patient. Two types of surgery options are available. These are: Primary bowel resection surgery Bowel resection with colostomy Primary Bowel Resection A surgeon removes the portion of the intestine where diverticula are infected and then reconnects the healthy portion. This allows the patient to have the normal bowel movement. Depending on the amount of infection and inflammation, the surgeon may opt for minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic) or open surgery. A colostomy is done in the cases of severe infection and inflammation. Surgeon opts for colostomy when it is not possible to rejoin colon and rectum because of infection. In this case, an opening in patient's abdominal wall is connected to the healthy part of the colon. Waste passes through this opening into a bag. As the inflammation has eased, the colostomy is reversed and bowel is reconnected. Follow ups and taking care As there are chances of recurrence of diverticulitis, the patient is advised to regularly visit the doctor and take follow-ups. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet with fruits, vegetables or fiber supplements reduces the chances of recurrence. The person is advised to take plenty of water and fluids on a daily basis. Immediate consultation is required is he/she notices any of the symptoms again. Diverticulitis Pain: Causes and. . . . Causes of Diverticulitis An Overview of Diverticulitis Understanding Symptoms of. . . . Diagnosing Diverticulitis Understanding and Managing Your IBS Pain What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is also known as mucous colitis, spastic colon, irritable colon, and spastic colitis. The cause of irritable. . . . Celiac Disease Treatment Can celiac disease be completely treated or cured? Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder. It cannot be completely cured. It can only be prevented and controlled. The treatment. . . . Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids (Piles Treatment at Home) How to treat hemorrhoids at home? There are many options available for treating hemorrhoids at home. Piles home remedies (haemorrhoids home remedies) are known for. . . . Bleeding Hemorrhoids (Piles): Why Do Hemorrhoids Bleed For Many Weeks? Bleeding Hemorrhoids (Bleeding Piles) Hemorrhoids (also called piles) are pathologically changed blood vessels located around the anus in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids do not cause. . . . Appendicitis in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Appendicitis in children: How common is appendicitis in kids? Appendicitis in kids is a very rare condition to occur specially in infants. If it occurs, it is mostly in the age. . . . Constipation Basics: Learn What Should You Know About Constipation Introduction: What is Constipation? Constipation refers to a condition of the digestive system in which an individual has hard feces that are difficult to pass. Mostly, this. . . . An Overview of Diverticulitis What are Diverticula and Diverticulitis? Diverticula are small sacs or blisters that bulge out from the lining of the colon (or large intestine). When these sacs, present. . . . What is Hemorrhoidectomy for Hemorrhoids (Piles)? Hemorrhoidectomy for Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoidectomy is a surgery to remove severe internal or external hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidectomy is the most effective treatment for hemorrhoids,. . . . Causes of Diverticulitis Diverticulitis is a digestive tract condition in which bulging sacs from the lining of colon get acutely infected and inflamed. The most common symptom of this disease. . . . Hemorrhoids: What Do They Look Like? Hemorrhoids (Piles) Hemorrhoids, also called piles, are inflamed veins in your anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids can develop due to a number of causes. The cause though is often. . . . Disease IndexAbout us Our team Privacy policy Disclaimer Contact us --> © 2019 Diseasefix. All rights reserved. Get our health newsletter Fitness, nutrition, and health tips for a disease-free life. We are committed to protecting your personal information. Privacy policy.

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Music is back on the play list in a big way at Dunmow school Zoe Franklin (flute); Georgina Jones (voice); Jade Ely (guitar); Abbie Harris (voice); Lucy Cook (flute) and Amy Clark MUSIC is back on the play list in a big way at The Helena Romanes School. George Wilkins THE arrival of new teacher has signalled the start of big changes in the music provision at a Dunmow school. Pani Charalambous has already launched new clubs at The Helena Romanes School, which give students the opportunity to take part and enjoy music every day of the school week. Opportunities include choir, orchestra, wind band, string, guitar and keyboard clubs taking place at lunchtimes each day. They recently performed to the crowds at the Farleigh Hospice Race for Life in Chelmsford and have gigs planned at the Ford End School summer fete and at the Royal Albert Hall where they will perform with two other schools. Mr Charalambous, who also has ambitious plans to hold regular concerts, said: “A school of this size should be offering students a wide variety of musical experiences. That is very important to me and I am working hard to make it happen here at HRS. Secondary school is where we should grow and develop as an individual. “The children are getting excited about the opportunities, because I am excited about them, too. When they are encouraged and motivated and their expectations raised, they achieve so much.” The aim is to hold music concerts at the end of each term, as well as regular lunchtime concerts and cultural evenings. Mr Charalambous said: “We want to have a vibrant music department which is an exciting place where learning is taking place and where students are having positive music experiences.”

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Screaming Females’ seven years as a band, four full-length albums and 700 globe-spanning live shows has made them difficult to miss. Through it all, the New Brunswick, New Jersey trio have continued to exude a frenetic energy which is built upon the zeitgeist of America’s punk and indie underground yet has always remained forward-looking. Fittingly, for Screaming Females’ 5th album Ugly, the band enlisted legendary recording engineer Steve Albini, famed for his unique ability to capture the ferociousness of a live performance while delivering gorgeous sonic clarity. The album’s 14 tracks reaffirm the touchstones of the band; they can still shred and front-woman Marissa Paternoster can still unleash a powerful howl. But it doesn’t end there. The album ushers in new explorations for the band, a truly remarkable feat considering their already prolific output. Ugly has the perfect combination of raw energy and honed musicianship that produces the type of rock & roll which is still a force to be reckoned with. What If Someone Is Watching Their T.V.? Live At The Hideout

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“In 1953 I made one of my favorite musicals, Calamity Jane... I loved portraying Calamity Jane, who was a rambunctious, pistol-packing prairie girl (I lowered my voice and stuck out my chin a little). I can’t say that the physical high jinks of jumping on horses, bars, wagons, and belligerent men or doing pratfalls in muddy streams seemed to be particularly exhausting…I had a great working relationship with my costar, Howard Keel, and absolutely first-rate songs to sing (by Sammy Fain and Paul Webster), one of which, ‘Secret Love,’ became my third million-plus recording and won that year’s Academy Award.” - Doris Day, Her Own Story "When I first heard 'Secret Love' I almost fainted, it was so beautiful. When we finally got around to doing the pre-recording, Ray Heindorf, the musical director at Warner's, said he'd get the musicians in about 12:30 so they could rehearse. That morning I did my vocal warm-up, then jumped on my bike and rode over to Warner's - we lived in Toluca Lake at the time, which was just minutes from the studio. When I got there I sang the song with the orchestra for the first time. When I'd finished, Ray called me into the sound booth, grinning from ear to ear, and said, 'That's it. You're never going to do it better.' That was the first and only take we did." - Doris Day, Her Own Story "It is no accident that “Secret Love” hit number one on the pop record charts, garnered Day a gold record single, won the 1954 Academy Award for Best Song, and in 1999 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Like any great piece of popular art, its appeal has lasted through the years, and five decades later, when people speak of Calamity Jane, this is the sequence imprinted upon their memories." - Santopietro, Tom (2008-08-05). Considering Doris Day (Kindle Locations 1379-1381). St. Martin's Press. Kindle Edition. "There's a kind of crisp androgynous something that is nice--she has backbone and spunk that I think give her a kind of stiffness in the mind." - John Updike William Jacobs James O'Hanlon Howard Keel Allyn Ann McLerie Philip Carey Dick Wesson Chubby Johnson Gale Robbins Ray Heindorf Paul Francis Webster Sammy Fain Frank Comstock Norman Luboff David Buttolph Howard Jackson Wilfred M. Cline Irene Morra UK Polls list this as their all time favorite musical film; it was popular in the US as well, costarring Howard Keel. This film gave Doris her first Oscar for Best Song with “Secret Love”. The soundtrack was one of the biggest sellers of the year. It is Doris’s favorite of all her films, along with “Pillow Talk”. It is loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and explores an alleged romance between Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in the American Old West. The film was devised by Warner Brothers in response to the success of Annie Get Your Gun. Deadwood, Dakota Territory, is largely the abode of men, where Indian scout Calamity Jane is as hard-riding, boastful, and handy with a gun as any; quite an overpowering personality. But the army lieutenant she favors doesn't really appreciate her finer qualities. One of Jane's boasts brings her to Chicago to recruit an actress for the Golden Garter stage. Arrived, the lady in question appears (at first) to be a more feminine rival for the favors of Jane's male friends...including her friendly enemy Wild Bill Hickok. Calam's attempt to bring in Adelaide starts a series of events which make Calam examine her feminine side, and what it may take to get Danny to propose. But in doing so, Calam ultimately realizes that what she really wants in life has been there all along. Songs like "Deadwood Stage" and "Just Blew In From The Windy City" keep this lively comedy right in the groove and quickly explains why it has become one of Doris's most shown films on television. Calamity Jane: Make mine sarsparilly! Wild Bill Hickok: [finds a gun hidden in Calamity's wedding dress] What's this fer? Calamity Jane: Awww... just in case any more actresses come in from Chicagy! [the singer is a man in drag] Wild Bill Hickok: She ain't very good lookin' Calamity Jane: That ain't all she ain't. Calamity Jane: That's better. Next time I tell a story, keep your hands in your pockets you toothless old buffalo! Lieutenant Gilmartin: Why do we both have to ride the same horse? We could have grabbed one of those Indian ponies. Calamity Jane: It's cozier this way! "The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!)" - Performed by Doris Day "I Can Do Without You" - Performed by Doris Day and Howard Keel "It's Harry I'm Planning to Marry" - Performed by Gale Robbins, then by Allyn Ann McLerie "Just Blew in from the Windy City" - Sung and danced by Doris Day "Hive Full of Honey" - Performed in drag by Dick Wesson "My Heart Is Higher Than a Hawk (Deeper Than a Well)" - Performed by Howard Keel "A Woman's Touch" - Performed by Doris Day and Allyn Ann McLerie "The Black Hills of Dakota" - Sung by Howard Keel, Doris Day, with Allyn Ann McLerie, Philip Carey and chorus; also danced at ball "Secret Love" - Performed by Doris Day, which topped the Billboard and Cash Box musical charts at number one. "Keep It Under Your Hat" - Performed (twice) by Allyn Ann McLerie "Secret Love" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. "Though the film portrays Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok as lovers, historians have found no proof that they were more than acquaintances. Jane claimed after Hickok's death that she had not only been his lover but also his wife and the mother of his child, but she offered no substantiation of her claims. Many of her contemporaries considered her a teller of tall tales who exaggerated her links to more famous frontier figures, and some insisted Hickok did not even particularly like her. But when she died decades after Hickok, friends buried her beside him at her request." From moviemistakes.com: "In the scene after the dance, when Calamity and Wild Bill Hickok return to her place, she is wearing a fancy, floor-length off-the-shoulder dress - no straps. Calamity asks Bill to turn around so she can change. After Bill turns, the cut back to Calamity reveals her wearing an undergarment with wide straps over the shoulders and a pair of bloomers." "When Calamity and Katie arrive in town after leaving Chicago an extra bag appears on the roof beside the large suitcase. This bag was not there during the shoot out with the Indians." From IMDB: "A Columbia Records album of selections from the Sammy Fain-Paul Francis Webster film score was comprised of four songs directly from the soundtrack (supervised by Ray Heindorf), and four tunes commercially rerecorded by Doris Day alone (arranged and conducted by Paul Weston). The original 10-inch LP has been transferred to CD in Britain by Prism Platinum. In 1995, another English label, Jay Records, re-created the complete film score, adding five numbers from the 1979 British stage production. " "During early 1954, music from this film reigned supreme in Billboard. Number one among the singles was a Doris Day trademark, the Oscar-winning, tender ballad, 'Secret Love' (music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster). Also, the Day-Howard Keel 10-inch LP of songs from the score, issued by Columbia Records, zoomed to second place amongst the popular albums." "Doris Day recorded the song 'My Secret Love' in only one take." "When Calamity rides into the Indian camp to rescue Dan, she fires seven shots from her six-shooter in such rapid succession she would have had no time to reload."

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Jason and Patricia DeVane pose for a photo inside of Hots Deli on Wednesday. Verizon Wireless Advantage owner Steve Maddox poses for a photo on Thursday. JAY HARE / DOTHAN EAGLE Tom Cozart poses for a photo outside of his business Signs Etcetera. Three owners up for Small Business Person of the Year Kendall Clinton kclinton@dothaneagle.com When an announcement is made that a company is locating in Dothan and bringing hundreds of jobs, it gets people’s attention. While those jobs are important, small businesses make up the bulk of the employers in the Wiregrass. There is typically much less fanfare when a new small business opens. Those small businesses have a huge impact, however, and that is why the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce has been naming a Small Business Person of the Year since 1987. “We do it every year to recognize our small business members,” said Melia McKean, director of communications for the chamber. Around 80 percent of chamber members are involved in small business, with 44 percent of them having four or fewer employees. The following stories are profiles of the three finalists for the chamber’s 2017 Small Business Person of the Year. The chamber took nominations from business peers and a small business committee narrowed the list down to the three finalists. The winner will be announced Tuesday, May 16. Business: Signs Etcetera President and Owner: Tom Cozart Address: 1807 Miskell Drive Website: signsdothan.com Here’s your sign You may not be familiar with Signs Etcetera, but you’ve probably seen their work. Company president and owner Tom Cozart started his business 20 years ago with two employees who produced sign and advertising material for customers in the Wiregrass. His company has seen sales increase each year for 18 of the past 20 years, producing about $1 million in sales annually. They can do things ranging from monogramming a cup to complete wraps on tractor trailers. If you are fans of the University of Alabama or Troy University football teams, you’ve probably seen their work. Signs Etcetera has produced the colorful wraps that adorn the football equipment tractor trailers for both teams, likely some of their most high-profile work. They also create graphics and logos that are seen on some local trucking companies’ fleets, signs for real estate companies, various banners, and the signage inside both Flowers Hospital and Southeast Alabama Medical Center. “We do just about any kind of sign,” Cozart said. “Our customers are almost all business.” Cozart now has 11 employees and does the majority of his business within a 60 mile radius. When the University of Alabama needs a new wrap on the football equipment truck, however, it is driven to Dothan. The university must be pleased with the end result because they’ve had Signs Etcetera complete four different wraps. Making his customers like the University of Alabama happy is an important part of Cozart’s business philosophy. “We’ve got to keep our customers, which means we’ve got to make them happy,” Cozart said. “We’ve managed over the years to develop relationships with customers who are repeat customers. We do appreciate every customer.” Along with paying customers, Cozart also does charitable work too, making signage for lots of charity golf tournaments. Many people may remember him making the stickers for the Houston County Sheriff’s Office that read “Blessed are the Peacemakers” and then later stickers that read “One Nation Under God Indivis i ble.” Those stickers were so popular among the public that Cozart had 10,000 of them produced and gave them away, free of charge. Cozart’s daughter, Megan Harrell, office manager at Sign s Etcetera, nominated her father for the Small Business Person of the Year honor and had a very simple reason why. “Because he’s awesome,” she explained. Harrell pointed out that her father even takes the time to personally sign every invoice that goes out with two words: “Thanks, Tom.” Business: Hots Deli Owners: Jason and Patricia DeVane Address: 180 Westgate Parkway Website: www.hotsdeli.com Before 2010, Jason and Patricia DeVane had zero experience operating a restaurant. “The only thing I’d ever done in a restraurnt prior to this was eating,” Jason said with a laugh. After retiring following 13 years with the Dothan Police Department, Jason began working for Movie Gallery’s investigations division. When Movie Gallery shut down, he needed something else to do. Around the time his Movie Gallery job ended, he was approached by the owner of Hots Deli with a proposal for him to buy the store. So, despite no background in the food industry, Jason and Patricia, who worked as a Spanish teacher for 26 years, bought Hots Deli and decided to change it into their vision for a healthier place to eat. By listening to customers, they said they’ve rebranded and grown their business. “It has been a wonderful experience,” Jason said. “The people have always made the job. That is the most enjoyable part.” Hots Deli doesn’t fry any of the food that is served, which includes a large gluten free menu and only fresh food. “We don’t have any fryers,” Jason said.“Everything we do in the restaurant is baked.” Running the restaurant has taken more time than the DeVanes had expected, but they said they’ve learned a lot from other local restaurant owners and the local vendors who supply them. Patricia said they try to deal with local businesses as much as possible. They get T-shirts and printed material produced locally, though they could have it done cheaper online. “We know by spending locally we are helping the community and it stays here,” she said. “That is one thing we really enjoy. We’ve really been blessed and try to share the blessings.” Along with the daily walk-in traffic, the couple also does catering for doctors and business offices and was also selected to cater Gulf Coast Jam’s VIP section for Buffalo Rock. The DeVane’s said they have future plans to expand their business. Business:Verizon Wireless Advantage Owner: Steve Maddox Website: www.wirelessadvantage.com Cell phones and sushi Steve Maddox can be difficult to get on the phone. The irony is that he owns a company that operates 50 cell phone stores in three states. That and a restaurant do make him a very busy man, though he said he has cut back from the 70 to 80 hour work weeks that weren’t unusual as he was growing Verizon Wireless Advantage into the company it is today. Maddox’s journey didn’t begin with a well-mapped-out plan. He started working for Alltel right out of college. He was single, living in Birmingham, and selling phones at the mall in Gadsden when he ran into a friend in the cell phone industry who suggested he come to Dothan and become his own agent. “I was 24, 25 years old when this happened,” he said. “As this business grew and evolved over the years, I kind of matured with it.” A big part of that happened in 2003 when he met his wife, Candice. Maddox said he was still trying to figure out how to run a business and knew when he got married he’d have to get serious and focus on making it a long-term business. Without taking on debt, Maddox figured out how to expand his company using cash. When Verizon bought Alltell in 2008, Maddox had a bit of a scare as Verizon immediately closed his three top money making stores. However, moving from a regional to a national company allowed him to replace those revenue streams quickly. “They let me grow as fast as I wanted to,” he said. “It really turned into a blessing in disguise.” Maddox ended up picking up several Alltell stores run by other people, which is where growth came from between 2008 and 2012. “We just bought every mom and pop until nobody was left,” he said. He bought his last store in 2013 and now owns 50 stores from Huntsville down to Baldwin County, all across the Florida Panhandle to Jacksonville, and down to an area north of Tampa. He also has one store in Mississippi. “It’s never easy… everyone would do it if it was easy,” Maddox said. Though he is focusing more free time on his family, he also took on an added responsibility in 2016 when he, his wife, and another family partnered to open Rock n Roll Sushi in west Dothan. Another Rock n Roll Sushi location is also a possibility. “We’ve been so blessed here,” he said. Zack's owner Zack Whaley named Small Business Person of the Year Zack Whaley, known by many as the owner of Zack’s Family Restaurant, was named Tuesday as the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce’s small business… Dothan chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year takes little credit for success Chamber announces finalists for Small Business Person of the Year Steve Maddox Tom Cozart Patricia Devane Megan Harrell

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Rules to implement Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act to be finalised by January 3 The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act was passed to restore forest cover which was lost due to diversion of forest land NEXT NEWS ❯ By Ishan Kukreti Last Updated: Wednesday 20 September 2017 The fund will be used for compensatory afforestation and other such activities (Credit: Vikas Choudhary/CSE) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sought an extension till January 3 from the Rajya Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation to come out with rules to implement the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act 2016. The Act was passed to restore forest cover in the country, which was lost due to diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes like mining and industrial use. Talking to Down to Earth, the Inspector General of Forest, D K Sinha said that the draft rules will be put in the public domain for comments “very soon”.“We are framing them, there are many issues and we are working on them. We have asked for an extension till January 3, but we will be done before that,” he said. Sinha also denied having knowledge about the draft rules which surfaced recently alleging that the authority of gram sabhas over forests has been diluted from the decision making process under the draft rules. The CAF Act, 2016 has the provision for creating a national fund with contributions from user agencies—any person, organisation, company or department of the Central Government or state government making a request for diversion or de-notification of forest land for non-forest purpose. According to the Act, the fund will be used for “compensatory afforestation, additional compensatory afforestation, penal compensatory afforestation, net present value, catchment area treatment plan or any money for compliance of conditions stipulated by the Central Government while according approval under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.” Forest Policy National … Ministry of … Governance India Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter : We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together. Very little is understood about Fifth and Sixth schedules of Indian constitution New draft coastal regulation allows tourism in sensitive zone, poses threat to fishers SC issues notice to Centre for changing NGT appointment rules India Environment Portal Resources : Draft Compensatory Afforestation Fund Rules, 2017 Guidelines for conducting Cost Benefit Analysis for projects involving diversion of forest land under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Letter to the Principal Secretary (Forests) from Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change regarding guidelines for diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, 15/01/2015 Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding diversion of forest land for the widening of National Highway No. 7, 27/07/2015 Please Sign In to post a comment. Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.

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Home > Manager Profiles > Why Brighton’s sacking of Chris Hughton sets a precedent for the rest of the Premier League Why Brighton’s sacking of Chris Hughton sets a precedent for the rest of the Premier League by Ervin Ang - June 7, 2019 October 2, 2019 “A man without ambition is like a beautiful worm; it can creep, but it cannot fly”. Tony Bloom, owner of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, is a professional gambler who owns Starlizard, a full-time gambling syndicate making its money from dishing out betting advice based on complicated statistical models. To successfully overcome the odds, men cannot do away with aspiration. Aligning himself with the words of a wise man in the 19th century, American social reformer Henry Ward Beecher who helped abolish slavery, Tony Bloom refutes the idea of merely inching on towards survival in the Premier League each season. Bloom craves sustainability at Brighton, which precedes the ability to hurtle forward in the aim of greater objectives. Brighton crept over the line, securing their status in the Premier League for a third consecutive season in spite of a final day 4-1 defeat to champions-elect Manchester City. Football has never been a sentimental sport, especially when it comes to the future of a Premier League club. A dismal run in the calendar year of 2019 saw Chris Hughton’s side pick up just two league wins out of 18, picking up a meagre 11 points out of a possible 54. No denying, it was relegation worthy form, a string of results any top level club with some semblance of ambition would identify as a red flag. Sure enough, barely 24 hours after a fairly decent season came to its conclusion, Brighton wasted no time in releasing an official statement; Chris Hughton had been sacked, along with assistant Paul Trollope and first-team coach Paul Nevin. The keyboard warriors instantly came out in full fledge, clamouring about the short-sightedness of modern-day football clubs, delusions of grandeur, disrespecting a manager that had delivered considerable success to a team that was bottom (92nd place) of the Football League pyramid just 21 years ago. Upon closer inspection, these same critics were the ones who supported other Premier League sides, who scarcely watched Brighton all season apart from the two games the Seagulls played their beloved teams home and away. On paper achievements-wise, it does seem like an absurd decision given Brighton survived the drop in the league, and went on an FA Cup run which was only halted in the semi-finals. Hughton’s reign at The Amex started during the 2014/15 Championship season, with Brighton sat in 21st place, narrowly above the relegation zone. Since then, he led the club to a promotion play-off place in 2015/16, before eventually getting promoted in the 2016/17 season, finishing second with 93 points. A 15th place finish in a maiden Premier League campaign followed in 2017/18, whilst this season concluded in 17th position. It is no wonder the Brighton fans absolutely adore Chris Hughton, perceiving the former Norwich City manager as the saviour of their dearest football club. It was a ruthless decision that had to be made. Hughton offers stability and security, as his track record with his former employers (Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Norwich City) suggests. He secured promotion comfortably in his first season in charge of The Magpies, before leading Birmingham to the play-offs in the Championship. His spell at Norwich saw him achieve a respectable 11th placed finish with the newly promoted Canaries. Yet, there was nothing more he could have offered to take The Seagulls another step forward. Brighton could have chosen to revel in his previous accolades, take the nostalgic route by pleasing fans in the short run, but Tony Bloom had other ideas. He is a visionary, a businessman with lofty ambitions to raise the club’s stature and to fall nothing short of the best they can be. In Bloom’s eyes, the squad deserved a manager with modern, innovative tactical schemes, in order to complement the board’s transfer plan and vision progressing forward. Behind the veil cast by Hughton’s supporters laid an ugly truth. The former Republic of Ireland international showed signs his managerial approach was outdated, devoid of fresh ideas to win games. His old-school style of management did not seem to align with what the board desired; a divide that could not be reconciled. Bloom realised the most sustainable way to survive in the Premier League was to hire a flexible manager able to adapt and employ innovative solutions to various match situations, rather than only being adept at setting up in a deep block. It was the perfect time for the changing of guard. Chris Hughton’s legacy remains, as does his reputation for future jobs. His departure simply signified the severance of a successful partnership formed by chance; the end of an important part of the club’s rich history. While Bloom would refer to statistical models to dish out betting advice as a gambler, the 49-year-old would similarly love to reference Gracenote Sports’ Expected Goals (xG) table to review his club’s performance over a full season as an owner. “Expected goals” is a metric which assesses every chance, essentially answering the question of whether a player should have scored from a certain opportunity. Totalled over the course of a full match, the model decides which team deserved to win the game based on the quantity and quality of chances created. Figure 1: Expected Goals 2018/19 Premier League Table (Source: Gracenote Sports) Despite finishing on 36 points, 20 clear of Huddersfield Town a team renowned for being bereft of attacking ideas Brighton totalled a measly 22 points on Gracenote Sports’ xG table, on par with Jan Siewert’s Terriers. This exemplifies how poor Brighton have actually been the past season, lacklustre at best in their attempts to create more quality chances than their opponents. They struggled to take control of games against mid-table opposition discernibly even on paper, which are more often than not relegation deciders. While the jury might still be out on the credibility of Expected Goals metrics in accurately representing the 90 minutes on the pitch, an over performance of 14 points (a feat only matched by Unai Emery’s Arsenal) should not be taken as an anomaly. Figure 2: Big Chance Created 2018/19 Premier League Table (Source: Gracenote Sport) Delving deeper into statistics on big chance creation, Brighton stands out as the worst performing team in the league. A paltry 38 big chances created is a testament to the reactive, one-dimensional football implemented by Hughton. In comparison, Manchester City created exactly three times that number (114), and even Huddersfield managed to create one more big chance (39) than the Seagulls. A conversion rate of 53 per cent merely papers over the cracks. Had they been slightly less clinical, a trip to Ewood Park or The Hawthorns in the Championship next season would not have been unthinkable. Going by these statistics, Brighton can count themselves lucky to still be among the 20 teams in the Premier League. All of a sudden, Chris Hughton’s achievement of ‘surviving the drop’ seems a little less rosy. None of Hughton’s big money signings lived up to their expectations. After promotion in 2017, Brighton splashed out £40 million on three marquee signings. Jurgen Locadia and Davy Propper cost £27 million from PSV Eindhoven, while Jose Izquierdo was signed for £13 million from Club Brugge. Though Locadia only came in during the January window of 2018, a club record signing at that point of time, he was afforded few opportunities. The Dutchman eventually amassed a meagre six appearances (mostly off the bench) and one league goal to his name that season. The following 2018/19 season would see Locadia chalk up 26 appearances, netting just two league goals as he mainly played second fiddle to 35-year-old forward Glenn Murray. Jose Izquierdo was dubbed for big things when he signed in the summer of 2017. Though he got off to a flying start scoring a couple of spectacular goals he struggled to nail down a starting place due to his inconsistent form. The Colombian fell out of favour with the manager the following season, appearing in just eight league games without finding the back of the net. Bloom dug deep into his funds to back Hughton once again for the 2018/19 season, bankrolling the £17 million signing of Iranian Alireza Jahanbakhsh from AZ Alkmaar. The Eredivisie golden boot winner with 21 league goals remains Brighton’s record acquisition till date. Invariably, Hughton failed to bring out the best from Asia’s crown prince. Making just 19 league appearances this season, Jahanbakhsh failed to net a single league goal, a colossal contrast to his scoring exploits in the Dutch league just the season before. Used on the left of Hughton’s rigid 4-4-1-1 system, the 25-year-old winger often found himself in unfamiliarly deep positions as Brighton were used to enduring long spells without the ball. It did not help that Alireza’s found most of his joy at AZ Alkmaar on the right flank, where he was allowed greater freedom in advanced areas to take risks and drive at defenders. It is clear Hughton had misused the talented Asian winger, held back by his defensive responsibilities in a tactically limited system. In an attempt to arrest Brighton’s slide in form towards the end of the season, Hughton switched from his tried and tested 4-4-1-1 set up to a 4-3-3. In theory, this would give additional attacking output, by allowing the wingers to receive the ball in higher positions in possession. Yet, Hughton’s new system was poorly constructed, lacking organised patterns of play to progress the ball forward. Too much reliance was placed on overlapping fullbacks without proper connections to find them, resulting in more long balls played from defence and greater dispossessions further up the pitch. Brighton lost their defensive cohesiveness provided by the previous system, as his players struggled to adjust to their new requirements within such a short period of time. Hughton ran out of methods to improve Brighton’s attacking play. In comes Graham Potter, Chris Hughton’s successor, the avant-garde option Tony Bloom desires. A fairly familiar face in English football from his playing days, Potter worked his way through the lower leagues of Sweden, spending 8 years at Ostersund, where he took the lowly team from the fourth tier to the Europa League by winning the Swedish Cup in 2017. The 44-year-old guided Swansea City to a 10th placed finish in the Championship thereafter. Youthful yet experienced, Potter is the emblem of a modern-day manager. Brimming with innovative ideas and armed with fearless ambition, he is the perfect fit for Tony Bloom’s Brighton. Unafraid to break traditional coaching norms, Potter’s progressive way of thinking allows him to adapt to many situations. Having already left a lasting legacy at Ostersund despite his young age (44 is considerably adolescent for a coach), he is well respected by many colleagues and players alike. Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa commented after playing Potter’s Swansea at the start of the season, “He’s English, he’s a modern coach, he has new ideas, he brings new ideas. (Swansea is) a team that takes care of how they move the ball… in their style, the goalkeeper and defenders build from the back. And for me it’s the feature that you could underline from Swansea (under Potter)”. This possession-based approach brought by Graham Potter will certainly be a welcome change to the usual unimaginative football on display at The Amex. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Potter has tapped on training methods from various people he has learnt from on his travels, including Roberto Martinez, Pep Guardiola, and even controversial Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen’s philosophy on tactical periodisation. With the Premier League’s competitiveness at its peak in this new age of football, teams are doing their best to find as much competitive edge as they can, right to the smallest of details. Settling for mediocrity and the minimum will not be sufficient to survive in the world’s most popular league any longer, as recently relegated clubs have learnt the hard way. Tactical dinosaurs who fail to adapt to change are slowly being phased out of top-flight management. Gone are the days of Allardyce, Pulis, Warnock, McCarthy being the go-to options for relegation-threatened sides, as owners start planning for the future rather than looking for stop-gap solutions. Modern day managers need to be pro-active, come up with a myriad of solutions to stay one step ahead of the fierce competition. Chris Hughton has run his course, as Brighton and Hove Albion take a brave step forward into the unknown with Graham Potter at the helm. Perhaps, the Seagulls will finally be able to fully extend their wings and soar towards longevity in the Premier League and lasting success. Hughton image via Metro Newspaper UK Potter image via 101 Great Goals More Manager Profiles here Feature Image via Cartilage Free Captain Tagged Brighton and Hove Albion Chris Hughton Graham Potter Premier League Ervin Ang 20-year-old tactics junkie with a burning passion for football writing, fueled by analysing the less-noticed aspects of the beautiful game. Football is all about raw, genuine emotions and I try to replicate them using my words. Remembering Rafa Benitez’s Valencia side that took spain by storm Arsenal Season Report | 2018/2019

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Are tarmac delay rules backfiring? By Christopher Elliott | January 7, 2016 January 6, 2016 On a Valentine’s Day almost nine years ago, an ice storm changed the course of an entire industry. Hundreds of flights were unexpectedly grounded, leaving some planes stranded on the tarmac for as much as 11 hours. Toilets overflowed, food was scarce and tempers frayed. In the aftermath, under intense pressure from consumer advocates, the government adopted a regulation that punished airlines for keeping passengers on a plane for more than three hours. But they may have gone too far, new research suggests. The new regulations have “significantly increased” the number of passenger delays, according to a new study by Dartmouth College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. How much of a delay? Each minute of time saved waiting on the tarmac translates into roughly three minutes of total passenger delay, according to the research. “This is due primarily to increases in flight cancellations, resulting in passengers requiring rebooking, and often leading to extensive delays in reaching their final destinations,” says Vikrant Vaze, an assistant professor at Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering. Government data indicates about 1 in 5 flights is delayed. (A flight is considered delayed when it arrived 15 or more minutes than the schedule.) From October 2014 to 2015, the latest period for which statistics are available, 80 percent of flights operated on-time, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. A year before, flights were running 77 percent on-time. A year before that, the national on-time average was 79 percent. The research, based on a hypothetical model, suggests there should have been fewer delays. The study recommends the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) take the following steps to correct the over-regulation: Changing its existing tarmac delay rules to a more flexible version. It proposes increasing the tarmac time limit to 3.5 hours from the current 3 hours. Applying the tarmac delay rules only to flights with planned departure times before 5 p.m. The researchers also recommends the tarmac time limit be defined in terms of when the aircraft must begin returning to the gate, instead of when passengers are allowed to deplane. The study has drawn a strong reaction from critics and prompted the question: What’s next? Will the research pressure the government to loosen its tarmac delay rules? The airline industry hopes so. “The tarmac delay rule has actually caused more harm than good for the traveling public,” says Jean Medina, a spokeswoman for A4A, a trade group for some of the major domestic airlines. “The rigid structure of the rule in its current form has resulted in unnecessary delays in getting passengers to their intended destination, as carriers seek to avoid overly punitive fines from Department of Transportation.” Medina says reforms are needed, including adjusting the rule to provide pilots more flexibility to complete flights. The airline industry, she adds, “remains committed to working with the Department of Transportation to ensure the rule benefits both customers and airline employees alike.” A DOT representative said the agency hadn’t reviewed the new research yet. But the agency pointed out that a January 2014 study on the impact of the tarmac delay rule on flight cancellations concluded that the rule has virtually eliminated tarmac delays of more than three hours and that there was relatively little impact on flight cancellations. Advocates oppose changes The consumer advocates who pushed for the existing tarmac regulations insisted that the research is flawed and that no regulatory changes are necessary. Kendall Creighton, a spokeswoman for FlyersRights.org, says passengers support the existing three-hour rule. “This action was the consequence of thousands of extended tarmac delays of nine hours or more, with horrifying conditions on-board commercial jets in the US,” she says. “Passengers witnessed children passing out due to heat exposure, overflowing toilets, cramped spaces, no food or water, screaming babies and no hope of ever getting off the plane as no laws were in place to protect them.” Creighton claims the new study is timed to try to persuade both Congress and the DOT to either extend the tarmac delay rule or reduce the fines imposed for tarmac delays, but that it does nothing to help airline passengers. “Instead, it would allow the airlines more flexibility to overschedule, and prevent passenger migration in the event of a long ground delay,” she says. Vaze, the Dartmouth researcher, says the paper is a scientific study that simply tried to accurately estimate the positive and negative effects of the tarmac delay rule on the passengers. And he’s just getting started. Next, his team plans to examine the rule’s impact on commercial airlines across different years, as well as on commercial airline schedule decision-making. Are tarmac delay rules good for passengers? Posted in Commentary Tagged DELAY, RULES, STUDY, TARMAC

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Home » Actual Taxation Required For Dividend Withholding Tax Relief Under EU Parent Subsidiary Directive, Tax Treaty By Marco Rossi on May 20, 2018 Posted in ECJ Case Law, European Union Tax Law, International Taxation, Tax Treaties, Uncategorized The Italian Supreme Court with its ruling n. 25264 of October 25, 2017 (Cassazione n. 25264 of 10-25-2017) held that actual payment of the corporate income tax in the parent company’s home jurisdiction is required for the parent company to benefit from the dividend withholding tax relief under the EU Parent Subsidiary Directive (the “EU Directive”) or Italy-The Netherlands Double Tax Treaty (the “Treaty)”. Under the facts of the case, an Italian company controlled by a Dutch company (organized as a “naamloze vennootschap” or N.V., which is a type of entity falling within the scope of Dutch corporate income tax) paid a dividend to its parent and applied the 5 percent reduced dividend withholding tax rate under the Italy-The Netherlands Double Tax Treaty. The Dutch parent filed a request for refund of the 5 percent withholding tax, pursuant to the EU Parent Subsidiary Directive n. 2003/123/EC of December 22, 2003 amending Directive 90/435/EEC (EUR-Lex – 31990L0435 – EN). The Italian tax agency assessed the full 27 percent dividend withholding tax under article 27 of Presidential Decree n. 600 of 9/30/1973, on the theory that the Dutch parent company failed to satisfy the requirements for the withholding tax relief, under the EU Directive as well as the Treaty, because (1) it had not been subject to tax in the Netherlands on the dividend it received from its Italian subsidiary, and (2) it did not submit any valid evidence that it was the beneficial owner of the dividend. According to the Italian tax agency, “subject to tax” requires evidence of the actual accrual of the tax liability and payment for the corporate income tax, as opposed to just a potential tax liability associated with the legal form and general tax status of the entity in its home country. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the tax agency on the “subject to tax” issues, thereby denying the benefits of the Directive and the Treaty. Under the EU Directive, profits distributed by a company of a EU member state to a company of another EU member state which owns at least 10 percent of the capital of the company distributing the profits, are exempt from withholding tax in the distributing company’s member state. Pursuant to article 2 of the Directive, for the exemption to applies it is required that the recipient of the dividend is subject to corporate income tax in its home country (vennootschapsbelasting in the Netherlands). Under article 10 of the Treaty (nethe-en), a Dutch company is entitled to a 5 percent reduced withholding tax rate on inter company dividends received from its Italian subsidiary, provided that it a resident of the Netherlands, which, in turn, requires that it is liable to tax there. ISSUE AND RULING OF THE COURT The case revolved around the contraction and exact meaning of the terms subject to tax, used in the Directive, and liable to tax used in the Treaty. According to one interpretation, those terms require solely potential taxation, meaning that, based on its legal form and tax status, an entity is generally treated as a taxpaying entity falling within the scope of the corporate income tax, while the fact that it may not be actually subject or liable to a tax as a result of a participation exemption or similar tax regime applicable in its home country is not relevant. According to another interpretation, those terms requires the actual rising of a lability for the corporate income tax in connection with the receipt of the dividends, and the actual payment of that tax. The Supreme Court observed in its ruling that the Dutch company recipient of the dividends had furnished a tax residency certificate issued by the Dutch tax authorities, but failed to demonstrate that it actually met all the requirements for the withholding tax relief, such as the proof of the “actual payment of the corporate income tax, in connection with the distribution of the dividend”. The ruling is not entirely consistent with the tax administration’s guidance on the issue, which we refer to below. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDANCE Circular 26/E of May 21, 2009 provides clarifications on the “liable to tax” requirement that applies for the purposes of the reduced withholding tax on Italian dividends paid to EU companies. The first clarification reads as follow: “With reference to the second requirement” (the subject to tax requirement) “it must be pointed out that the condition of passive subject of the local corporate income tax must be interpreted as a general liability to tax, which occurs in all those situations in which a company is potentially liable to a corporate income tax, even though in certain circumstances it may benefit from beneficial tax regimes that are compatible with EU legislation”. As a result, all companies or entities to which is assigned general liability for the corporate income tax should qualify for the reduction, including those entities that do not owe the tax by virtue of special tax exemption regimes linked to the type of income they earn (e.g. passive income) or the place where they operate. On the other hand, companies and entities that do not fall within the area of application of the corporate income tax, do not qualify for the reduction.” Circular 26/E refers to Circular n. 47 of November 2, 2005, which provides clarifications on the liable to tax requirement that applies for the purposes of the exemption from withholding tax for interest and royalties paid to a EU affiliate under the EU interest and royalties directive. Circular 47/E (referred to in Circular 26/E), in the relevant part, reads as follows: “With respect to the last requirement [the liable to tax requirement], it must be interpreted as a general or potential liability to tax. Therefore, according to what is clarified above, the benefit [of the exemption from withholding tax on interest and royalties] must be considered applicable to all those companies that, despite being potentially subject to corporate income tax, in fact benefit from special tax regimes compatible with EU law”. The tax administration with its Circular 32/E of July 8, 2011 confirmed the above interpretation of the term liable to tax, when providing guidance on the refund of past withholding taxes charged on dividends to EU companies in excess of the new 1.375% rate instated pursuant to the decision of the European Court of Justice that declared the 27% outbound dividend tax in violation of the non discrimination principle of the EU Treaty. In Circular 32/E the administration clarified that EU companies eligible for the refund include all entities that “are passive subject of the local corporate income tax. Such condition must be interpreted as a general subjectivity to the tax, and it is satisfied for all companies potentially liable for the tax, regardless of the fact that they may benefit from special favorable tax regimes compatible with EU law. As a result, the reduced rate can apply to all companies or entities to which a general liability for the corporate income tax is assigned, including those that do not pay the tax due to exemptions linked to the type of income they earn (e.g. exemption of passive income) of the place in which their activity is carried out. On the other end, foreign companies and entities that do not fall per se within the scope of the tax do not qualify.” The Supreme Court’s ruling is not well explained or thoroughly elaborated. That may very well be a direct result of lack of clarify and comprehensive briefs or a defective discussion of the case on behalf of the taxpayer. As a result, it may be prudent to wait before reading too much into it going beyond the specific case and the way in which it was litigated and argued in court. Still, the rather harsh conclusion of the Court, holding that evidence of the actual payment of the corporate income tax in connection with the receipt of the dividends to benefit from the withholding tax relief under the EU Directive (or the Treaty), is troubling, and sufficient to raise the level of awareness on a very sensitive and not entirely settled issue of international tax law. Interview with MQR&A on Italian financial newspaper Italia Oggi

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Tawazun negotiating AED1.1 billion deal for procurement of 200 VRT helicopters for Abu Dhabi Published Thursday, November 21, 2019 The Tawazun Economic Council, Tawazun, today announced the start of negotiations for the procurement of 200 VRT multipurpose civilian helicopters at a cost of AED1.1 billion, which will be used across both government and private entities in Abu Dhabi. Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun, said, "We believe in the capabilities of VR-Technologies', VRT’s, product, including the multipurpose, single light engine helicopter featuring various design advantages in terms of safety, performance and cost-effectiveness, which drove the start of negotiations with UAE entities." He added, "Tawazun is expected to secure contracts for the first batch of 100 units by mid-2020, with an expected delivery date over the next five to seven years. Additionally, this strategic deal will result in the transfer of capabilities and operations to the UAE, as part of our commitment to enable the industry for future growth." Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, said, "The addition of the VRT Helicopters to the Abu Dhabi Police fleet will help us further elevate our competencies in the areas of search and rescue, ambulatory support, transportation and beyond. We look forward to advancing our capabilities even further with the addition of the unique set of solutions VRT has to offer, in line with global standards." Major Staff Pilot Stephen Toumajan, General Manager, National Risk & Rescue and Joint Aviation Commander, said, "VRT helicopters have a unique set of capabilities designed for use in urban environments and SAR, ISR, medical transport or VIP. We believe the advanced technologies of the single-engine coaxial rotor system are perfectly suited for Abu Dhabi and worldwide deployments." Nader Al Hammadi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, ADA, said, "VRT helicopters are ideal for the wide range of services offered by ADA, including passenger support, crop spraying, aerial construction, seismic support, fire-fighting and other oil and gas operational activities." During the Dubai Airshow 2019, Tawazun Strategic Development Fund, the investment arm of the Tawazun Economic Council, announced that it is making a joint investment with Russian helicopters worth US$400 million (AED1.47 billion) to be injected into VRT. The deal will result in Tawazun owning a 50 percent stake in the Russian helicopter subsidiary, VRT.

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Properties Maps US-NY Metro Center One Station Place `; }); },300) })( jQuery ); Home ► About Us ► Our Team ► Thomas P. Durels Thomas P. Durels Thomas P. Durels is our Executive Vice President, Real Estate. Mr. Durels is responsible for all of our real estate activities, including leasing, property redevelopment, management and construction. Mr. Durels joined our predecessor in 1990 where he served in similar capacities, and also supervised property acquisitions. Prior to joining our predecessor, from February 1984 to April 1990, he served as Assistant Vice President at Helmsley Spear, Inc., where Mr. Durels was responsible for construction and engineering for its portfolio of office, hotel, residential and retail properties. Mr. Durels is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York, the Urban Land Institute and the Young Men’s and Women’s Real Estate Association, for which he served as Treasurer in 2003, and is a licensed real estate broker in New York and Connecticut. Mr. Durels received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. © 2019 Empire State Realty Trust - ESRT. All Rights Reserved. ® EMPIRE STATE BUILDING name and images. Employment | Contact | Privacy | Terms

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How to buy capnography equipment (eBook) The Research Review with Kenny Navarro Prove it: Does a delay between AED shock and compressions reduce survival rates? Survival was highest when the pause was less than 20 seconds, and research supports the AHA recommendation to minimize interruptions in chest compressions Rescue 18 and Engine 12 respond to an office building where bystanders are reported to be doing CPR. Engine 12 arrives first, verifies no pulse and takes over CPR. An AED applied by the firefighters recommends a shock. After the shock, the firefighters resume CPR. Rescue 18 arrives and transfers the patient to a manual defibrillator, while medic Williams verifies the presence of ventricular fibrillation and begins charging the device. When he does, the firefighters stop CPR as one of them yells, "Clear!" Prove it: Can a vacuum device during CPR improve cardiac output? Williams asks the crew to resume chest compressions while the machine is charging; however, the firefighters seem reluctant to do so. After a short period of no compressions, Williams delivers the shock and the firefighters resume CPR. Over the next 15 minutes, they establish an IV and administer epinephrine, amiodarone, and two additional countershocks. Each time Williams charged the defibrillator, the firefighters clear the patient’s chest. At the 20-minute mark, the patient is asystolic. Since the arrest occurred in a public place, the local protocol does not allow the medics to terminate resuscitation efforts on scene. After the 10 minute ride to the hospital, the emergency department physician terminates the resuscitation effort. Study review In 2011, researchers from the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium found the odds of survival significantly decreased when out-of-hospital rescuers stopped CPR for more than 20 seconds before delivering a shock. [1] However, the authors of that study identified a number of limitations that affected the final interpretation of the data, not the least of which was the small sample size of patients (n = 815). In 2007, the ROC began enrolling patients for a randomized controlled trial called ROC PRIMED, which sought to examine what effects several different resuscitation strategies had on survival. [2] The authors of the current study used the more robust patient database from the ROC PRIMED study to examine the effects that peri-shock pauses in chest compressions has on outcome. [3] From that database, the current researchers selected all adult patients who suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and presented in a shockable rhythm to the first arriving EMS crews. All patients received at least one shock from either a manual or automated defibrillator. The research team excluded patients who either received their first shock from non-EMS personnel using a public access defibrillator or arrested in the presence of EMS crews. Including these patients in the analysis could make the intervention appear more effective than it really is since survival in both of these patient groups is generally higher than when EMS arrives to find patients in cardiac arrest or when EMS delivers the first shock. The researchers also excluded the patients if the CPR process data was incomplete. All of the participating EMS agencies used monitor/defibrillators equipped with impedance sensors. These devices recorded changes in electrical resistance across the chest that occurs when rescuers perform various interventions, such as chest compression or artificial ventilation. As resistance changed, reviewers could determine the exact moment when rescuers delivered each chest compression. This allowed exact measurements of the time when no one was performing compressions before and after a shock, or the hands-off period. The interval between the moment the rescue team stops compressions and delivers the shock is the pre-shock pause. The interval between delivery of the shock and the moment when the rescue team resumes chest compressions is the post-shock pause. Adding these intervals together gives the peri-shock pause. [4] The primary outcome measure for this study was survival to hospital discharge. A secondary outcome measure was the neurological status of the patient. Researchers considered survival to be neurologically intact if upon discharge from the hospital the patient scored less than or equal to three on a Modified Rankin Score. About 3,500 patients in the ROC PRIMED study presented to EMS in a shockable rhythm, or about 10 percent of all the patients in the ROC PRIMED study database. After excluding patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria or had missing data, the final patient population for this study was 2,006. A comparison between the group with complete CPR process records and the excluded group found no significant differences with respect to gender, witnessed vs. unwitnessed arrest status, the presence of bystander CPR, or the location of the arrest. This suggests that excluding those patients likely had little effect on the outcome. An unadjusted data analysis showed that the highest survival to hospital discharge rates occurred in patients with a pre-shock pause of 10.1 to 15.0 seconds. Survival was highest in patients with a post shock pause of 5 seconds or less. Overall, survival was highest when the peri-shock pause was less than 20 seconds. However, unadjusted data includes the simultaneous effects of many variables, some of which could blur the true effect of the pauses. Using a mathematical technique known as multivariate logistic regression analysis, the researchers isolated the effects that each of these variables had on the outcome. After adjusting for the Utstein predictors of survival, chest compression fraction, compression rate and ROC site, the researchers found both the odds of survival and being neurologically intact were about 50 percent higher if rescuers keep the pre-shock interval to less than 10 seconds when compared to a pre-shock pause of greater than 20 seconds. These adjusted results represent the true effects of the intervention. If rescuers kept the peri-shock interval under 20 seconds, both the odds of survival and the odds of being neurologically intact at survival almost doubled compared with peri-shock intervals over 40 seconds. The researchers could not find any survival benefits associated with the post shock pause. What this means for you Animal studies published over a decade ago demonstrate that prolonged or frequent interruptions in chest compression caused by AED analysis or rescue breathing resulted in worsened myocardial perfusion and neurological impairment. [5, 6, 7] Another study conducted in the out-of-hospital environment found an association between frequent interruptions in chest compression and a decreased probability of successful conversion from ventricular fibrillation to a perfusing rhythm. [8] Shortening the pre-shock pause by even a few seconds can improve the probability of a successful conversion following delivery of a shock. [9, 8] EMS providers can have a positive influence on survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by adopting any strategy that reduces the pre-shock and subsequent peri-shock pauses in chest compressions. This includes coordinating (with practice) the actions of the team so that the defibrillator operator can deliver the shock immediately after the chest compressor (and other team members) "clears" the patient’s chest. To accomplish this, the defibrillator must be ready to deliver the shock even before the chest compressor has finished pushing on the patient’s chest. Rescuers who perform compressions while the AED is charging can reduce the pre-shock pause to less than three seconds. [10] Rescuers who charge a manual defibrillator during chest compressions can achieve similar results. [11] Although the current findings support earlier work, EMS agencies must recognize what the research does not say. Although the data was collected as part of a randomized controlled trial for other interventions, this analysis was observational only. Thus, it is only possible to state there is an association between the variables. Associations do not imply causation; one cannot state the reductions in the pre- and peri-shock intervals caused the increase in survival. The researchers also report that many of the participating ROC sites did not collect data on chest compression depth. Thus, more than half of the compression depth data in the study group was missing. It is therefore not possible to know whether there was a difference in chest compression depth between patients who received the shortest or the longest hands-off intervals. Since chest compression depth is known to influence survival [12], it is possible the current results reflect the compression depth effects rather than the effects of the hands-off interval. Similarly, the researchers excluded 11 percent of the eligible patients because of missing shock pause data. The analysts could not find any significant differences between those with complete data and those with missing data suggesting the exclusion likely did not influence the outcome. However, without the data, one can never be sure. This is the largest study to examine the relationship between peri-shock pauses and survival following out of hospital cardiac arrest presenting in a shockable rhythm. The researchers replicated the findings from their previous work, and their results further support the American Heart Association recommendation to minimize interruptions in chest compressions, especially in the peri-shock interval. [13] 1. Cheskes, S., Schmicker, R. H., Christenson, J., Salcido, D. D., Rea, T., Powell, J., Edelson, D. P., Sell, R., May, S., Menegazzi, J. J., Van Ottingham, L., Olsufka, M., Pennington, S., Simonini, J., Berg, R. A., Stiell, I., Idris, A., Bigham, B., & Morrison, L. (2011). Peri-shock pause: An independent predictor of survival from out-of-hospital shockable cardiac arrest. Circulation, 124(1), 58-66. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.010736 2. Stiell, I. G., Nichol, G., Leroux, B. G., Rea, T. D., Ornato, J. P., Powell, J., Christenson, J., Callaway, C. W., Kudenchuk, P. J., Aufderheide, T. P., Idris, A. H., Daya, M. R., Wang, H. E., Morrison, L. J., Davis, D., Andrusiek, D., Stephens, S., Cheskes, S., Schmicker, R, H., Fowler, R., Vaillancourt, C., Hostler, D., Zive, D., Pirrallo, R. G., Vilke, G. M., Sopko, G., & Weisfeldt, M. (2011). Early versus later rhythm analysis in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(9), 787-797. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1010076 3. Cheskes, S., Schmicker, R. H., Verbeek, P. R., Salcido, D. D., Brown, S. P., Brooks, S., Menegazzi, J. J., Vaillancourt, C., Powell, J., May, S., Berg, R. A., Sell, R., Idris, A., Kampp, M., Schmidt, T., & Christenson, J. (2014). The impact of peri-shock pause on survival from out-of-hospital shockable cardiac arrest during the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium PRIMED trial. Resuscitation, 85(3), 336-342. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2013.10.014 4. Kramer-Johansen, J., Edelson, D. P., Losert, H., Kohler, K., & Abella, B. S. (2007). Uniformed reporting of measured quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Resuscitation, 74(3), 406–417. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2007.01.024 5. Berg, R. A., Sanders, A. B., Kern, K. B., Hilwig, R. W., Heidenreich, J. W., Porter, M. E., & Ewy, G. A. (2001). Adverse hemodynamic effects of interrupting chest compressions for rescue breathing during cardiopulmonary resuscitation for ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. Circulation, 104(20), 2465–2470. doi:10.1161/hc4501.098926 6. Kern, K. B., Hilwig, R. W., Berg, R. A., Sanders, A. B., & Ewy, G, A. (2002). Importance of continuous chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Improved outcome during a simulated single lay-rescuer scenario. Circulation, 105(5), 645– 649. doi:10.1161/​hc0502.102963 7. Yu, T., Weil, M. H., Tang, W., Sun, S., Klouche, K., Povoas, H., & Bisera, J. (2002). Adverse outcomes of interrupted precordial compression during automated defibrillation. Circulation, 106(3), 368–372. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000021429.22005.2E 8. Eftestol, T., Sunde, K., & Steen, P. A. (2002). Effects of interrupting precordial compressions on the calculated probability of defibrillation success during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Circulation, 105(19), 2270–2273. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000016362.42586.FE 9. Eftestol, T., Sunde, K., Aase, S. O., Husoy, J. H., & Steen, P. A. (2000). Predicting outcome of defibrillation by spectral characterization and nonparametric classification of ventricular fibrillation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Circulation, 102(13), 1523–1529. doi: 10.1161/​01.CIR.102.13.1523 10. Edelson, D. P., Robertson-Dick, B. J., Yuen, T. C., Eilevstjonn, J., Walsh, D., Baries, C. J., Vanden Hoek, T. L., & Abella, B. S. (2010). Safety and efficacy of defibrillator charging during ongoing chest compressions: A multi-center study. Resuscitation, 81(11), 1521–1526. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2010.07.014 11. Thim, T., Grove, E. L., & Lofgren, B. (2012). Charging the defibrillator before rhythm check reduces hands-off time during CPR: A randomised simulation study [Letter]. Resuscitation, 83(11), e210–e211. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.07.034 12. Vadeboncoeur, T., Stolz, U., Panchal, A., Silver, A., Venuti, M., Tobin, J., Smith, G., Nunez, M., Karamooz, M., Spaite, D., & Bobrow, B. (2014). Chest compression depth and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation, 85(2), 182-188. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2013.10.002 13. Berg, R. A., Hemphill, R., Abella, B. A., Aufderheide, T. P., Cave, D. M., Hazinski, M. F., Lerner, E. B., Rea, T. D., Sayre, M. R., & Swor, R. A. (2010). Part 5: Adult basic life support: 2010 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation, 122(suppl 3), S685-S705. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.970939 Kenny Navarro is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. He also serves as the AHA Training Center Coordinator for Tarrant County College. Mr. Navarro serves as an Emergency Cardiovascular Care Content Consultant for the American Heart Association, served on two education subcommittees for NIH-funded research projects, as the Coordinator for the National EMS Education Standards Project, and as an expert writer for the National EMS Education Standards Implementation Team. Send correspondence concerning any articles in this section to Kenneth W. Navarro, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd MC 8890, Dallas, Texas 75390-8890, or e-mail kenny.navarro@ems1.com. Fla. firefighter-paramedic recalls saving fellow first responder American Red Cross awards Ind. YMCA staff for lifesaving response EMS and the FY19 AFG: What you should know Drones arrive 7 minutes before EMS crews in policy-changing trial Buffalo Fire Department awarded FEMA grant for more training, equipment EMTs, ED staff shock Ohio man's heart 34 times More AED News AED Videos Remember 2 Things: Pit crew techniques – not pausing compressions Remember 2 Things: Pit crew techniques – defibrillator pads ResQPOD ITD Overview More AED Videos

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