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Turnbull Pledges $1 billion for Green Moral Vanityby John Slater on 1 December, 2015
Malcolm Turnbull has just pledged $1 billion at the Paris Climate Conference for helping vulnerable, presumably poor nations cope with the effects of climate change. This forms part of a broader promise by 'rich nations' to provide $100 billion a year in 'climate aid.'
A worthy cause, no?
What Turnbull was less keen to emphasise was that $800 million of the funds would be redirected from the existing foreign aid budget.
That means $800 million less for disaster relief, treatment for preventable but fatal diseases, access to clean drinking water and malnutrition. The list could go on much longer.
How many people died of global warming last year?
Directly, none.
But what about indirectly?
It's hard to say. Isolating the impact of carbon emissions on natural disasters, bushfires and draughts is notoriously imprecise. The vicissitudes of the earth's weather have befuddled humans long before multi-lateral climate love-ins became an annual feature of any self-respecting world leader's travel diary.
It's a question also made more complex still by the fact that the dominant cause of warming – fossil fuel emissions – directly saves an unknown but without doubt substantial number of people each year simply by providing cheap energy. This saves lives in the immediate sense of powering heating and basic medical treatment but also indirectly insofar as electricity is a basic precondition for economic growth and in turn, rising living standards.
By contrast, Malaria killed a million people last year. It is the single biggest killer of children worldwide and 40% of the world's population is at risk. What makes this worse is that Malaria remains curable when diagnosed and treated promptly.
We are yet to see what exactly Australia's $1 billion climate donation will be spent on. But the very notion of giving to climate aid to countries preoccupied with providing electricity, alleviating poverty and fighting airborne diseases smacks of moral exhibitionism.
The actual problems that beset the world's poor are more urgent than El Ninos and incremental sea level rises. Pretending that we are doing something noble by redirecting foreign aid to so-called 'climate aid' shows just how high of a price politicians are willing to pay to satisfy their own moral vanity.
Malcolm Turnbull has said he thinks the promise is a 'very important statement.' To the extent that it shows his willingness to play loose with the facts to save face with transnational climate commissars, he is most certainly right.
Climate doomsayers predict that the earth's warming will increase the spread of diseases like malaria, ebola and turbulosis, especially in the vulnerable region of sub-saharan Africa. Sounds serious. So what should we do?
If we want to help by reducing emissions, the modelling of the EU's 20/20 climate policy provides some guidance. Modelling suggests the policy costs $250 billion each year and will reduce the earth's temperature by 0.05C come 2100. According to one peer-reviewed study from the Global Policy forum, the cuts on the table in Paris will reduce warming by 0.306 degrees Fahrenheit for the princely sum of $1 trillion a year.
In comparison, the United Nations Roll Back Malaria Partnership estimates the cost of treating and preventing the vast majority of the world's Malaria deaths would cost about $4.2 billion a year.
Many will be quick to label this a false comparison on the grounds that the costs of climate change far exceed an uptake in airborne disease. That overlooks the uncompromising reality even if every major country threw itself head first into far-reaching climate action today, the effect on the earth's temperature come the latter half of the century would still be negligible.
A global agreement to funnel trillions upon trillions into windmills and solar panels over the next few decades would of course be gratifying for politicians keen to add 'saving the planet' to their list of career accomplishments. Yet in terms of aiding the world's benighted, arresting global temperature rises by one degree or even less would amount to precious little. Indeed, it will be cold comfort for the untold millions in Asia and Africa who over the coming years will die premature deaths from preventable disease while living in conditions of destitution and abject misery.
To be clear, this doesn't mean throwing our hands up and resigning ourselves to the impending doom of an all-but-certain climate apocalypse.
As Bjorn Lomgborg has shown, if we care more about facts than expensive gestures, the best value climate mitigation lies in researching better green energy technology. And as renewables become more cost effective, we'll start to see them replace traditional sources without having to foist the unnamed billions in costs onto longsuffering taxpayers.
Some will argue that when the stakes are this high, holding out for better renewable technology is a risk not worth taking.
That's still a more intellectually honest position than claiming untold billions worth of wind farms and ever larger donations to global greenhouse slush funds is needed to save countries where clean drinking water is still a work in progress.
It's possible that the $1 billion of mostly redirected foreign aid Turnbull has pledged will be spent on the general welfare of countries expected to bear the brunt of climate change induced weather events.
Even still, suggesting that we should spend billions on climate action both at home and abroad for the good of 'developing countries' is little more than moral blackmail.
By the same token, playing Lady Bountiful with the taxpayer dime at this weeks conference in Paris deserves to be called out for what it is: a feckless exercise in green-eyed moral vanity.
Hillary Clinton's Identity Politics and the Implosion of the Leftby John Slater on 27 November, 2015
At the most recent Democratic Debate when asked whether she was a Washington insider Hillary Clinton said 'I can't think of anything more of an outsider than a female President.'
That got treated to a round of applause despite being obviously untrue.
What about a Muslim President of the United States? What about a President who is a first generation immigrant? Or what about a Presidential contender who is a non-politician such as the GOP's Ben Carson and Donald Trump? Or what about the thousands of Americans who are homeless and the prospect of a run for President would never even cross their mind?
If a Republican of Hillary Clinton's public profile and net worth made that statement they would be lambasted for their insensitivity. Yet when Hillary Clinton says it she is celebrated as part of the fairy-tale that she is any more of a minority than her Republican opponents.
In America women make up 50.4% of the population and are represented by 55% of university enrolments and according to the United States Census Bureau.
However f you break down the conferral of degrees along racial lines according to the U.S. Department of Education, you find that racial minorities are distinctly disadvantaged.
In 2009-10, 72.9% of Bachelor's degrees were given to white people, compared to 10.3% to African-Americans, 8.8% for Hispanics, 7.3% to Asian/Pacific Islanders and 0.8% to Native American/Native Alaskans.
If, in each of those ethnic groups, you then separate the awarding of degrees between women and men you find that the percentage of female graduates is 56% for Caucasians, 65.9% for African-Americans, 60.7% for Hispanics, 54.5% for Asian/Pacific Islanders and 60.7% for Native American/Native Alaskans.
Of course the often quoted statistic is that women earn an average of 22% less than men over the course of a life-time which is at first glance alarming given the higher rates of education across the board.
Yet a look at a 2013 report by the U.S. National Committee on Pay Equity showed that African-American men earned 25% less than Caucasian men and for Hispanic men the disparity was 33%.
For African-American and Hispanic women, the pay gap between them and white men was 36% and 46% respectively.
Even if she was not blessed with superb intelligence and an Ivy league education, Hillary Clinton would still not be an outsider compared to her GOP opponents- Ben Carson, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio who are all from more statistically marginalised groups.
Electing Hillary Clinton as President is not ground-breaking or revolutionary, there is nothing about her career that shows any overcoming of adversity.
In fact a study of Hillary Clinton's career shows that of a calculated political operative, a devout follower of Saul Alinski's 'Rules for Radicals', she chose against pursuing an academic career under him in order to enter the bar.
Reports of her time on her husband's campaigns show a person more concerned about his political success than the fidelity of their marriage, with reports of extra-marital affairs both before, during and after his time in the White House.
And her move to the Senate in 2000 coincided nicely with Bill Clinton's exit from politics, deliberately entering in the state of New York to contrast with her husband's Arkansas identity.
From Hillary Clinton's decision not to seek the nomination in 2004 to her distancing herself of her prior stance on Iraq in the 2008 Primary, Clinton's career has been pre-meditated at every turn.
In 2008 he played down her gender, now it is the focus of her campaign and her policies on equal pay for equal work.
Hillary Clinton didn't invent the system, nor does she have any interest in changing it, but she has undoubtedly mastered it.
Since losing to Barack Obama in 2008, she has embraced the identity politics that she so conscientiously avoided and as a result paid the price.
When asked which is the real Hillary Clinton, between her in 2008 and her in the current Primary, the answer is both and neither.
Clinton is a political professional and will pivot whichever way her advisers see benefits.
Nor is there anything gutsy about her candidature in the Presidency race.
Where Bill Clinton contested what many deemed to be an unwinnable election and came through as the winner, in the face of adversity from an incumbent President and his own party, Hillary Clinton has sought to be the highest profile candidate and stitch up the contest internally.
Any suggestion that her ascendancy is a generation-defining moment is misguided.
Hillary Clinton's candidacy is part of the same vapid identity politics that won Obama the Presidency in 2008.
Nearly eight years on and with no solution to the rising debt and the instability in the Middle East, the Democrats are trying to once again pull off the same cheap trick.
The question is whether the people will fall for it twice.
'Tim O'Hare is a free-lance commentator and blogger on http://politicslaidbarewithtimohare.tumblr.com/. He has been published in Online Opinion, Quadrant and Menzies House. The issues he talks about, among other things, relate to internal party politics, 'economic policy, political theory, culture wars and media criticism. When not airing himself in writing he performs stand up comedy and has co-written and co-produced two shows, 'Pending Approval', in 2014, and 'Problematic', in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in History) and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland
The Gulf Countries: A Solution to Europe's Refugee Crisisby Christopher Dowson on 27 November, 2015
To begin with, this is not an original 'light-bulb' moment here, it's fairly well-known and BBC, CNN and others have reported on this many times, yet Western governments' responses have been predictably silent.
The solution to the mass migration of displaced people from Syria lies in the following three words: The Gulf Countries.
At the present moment, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon are the main countries which have taken refugees from Syria who are fleeing persecution and violence (regular bombing from above, and Islamist maniacs from below). Turkey and Lebanon have large tent cities for refugees. Turkey has around 815,000 Syrian refugees on its soil at the moment, Jordan has 600,000 and Lebanon has 1.1 million. The rest have migrated from these countries and chosen to move north into Europe, looking for better lives, better jobs and better welfare opportunities.
If they had travelled just a little bit south to Saudi Arabia, they could enjoy the benefits of a country that has a GDP of $746 billion USD. It is well-known that most of Saudi Arabia's workforce is cheaply imported labour from neighbouring nations, but this should not be a factor militating against their government providing aid to persecuted refugees in their own backyard. However, Saudi Arabia has said 'No' to all refugees of any kind and in fact classify Syrian migrants as 'non-refugees' so they are currently taking none. At present, according to the World Bank's data modelling, around 500 people in Saudi Arabia are refugees who have been granted asylum since 2013. That's interesting because a country like Australia, thousands of miles away with completely different language, culture and social values, has over 35,000 refugees granted asylum last year alone.
But hang on, what about foreign aid to Syria? Well, luckily Saudi Arabia has been 'generous'(?) and given $200 million to help the country and its refugees. Let's put that figure in perspective: the Saudis make nearly $290 billion in annual revenues, – the term 'drop in the ocean' doesn't seem to cover this fact adequately. How much has the EU given to Syria in foreign aid? Well, around $2.43 billion. Think about that discrepancy and ask: why do Europeans need to fund billions to Syria and accepts hundreds of thousands of refugees whilst the Saudis throw only a couple of hundred million and take zero refugees?
Ok, so Saudi Arabia is a big bully who doesn't want to help fellow Syrians flee the barbaric ISIS hordes, so who else could take them? Qatar perhaps? They have a GDP of $212 billion USD so surely they could afford to take a few thousand and resettle them? Nope again. Qatar has said 'Stay out' to all Syrian refugees. There are around 133 genuine refugees who have been resettled in Qatar since 2013, up from 80 in previous years. I guess that's progress?
Righto, so the Saudis and Qataris aren't very helpful so let's ask the UAE, a large, oil-rich nation on the Gulf with a GDP of around $401 billion USD. Damn, they've said 'No way!' as well. Wow! we're really in trouble here. What about Kuwait? Oops, they're currently instituting a policy which would reduce the amount of migrants in their country, and boot out a large proportion of foreign workers. We're straight outta luck here!
A recent analysis demonstrated that if they so decided, Saudi Arabia and its Gulf neighbours 'could easily take up to three million Syrian refugees within one year'.
So how do we solve this refugee crisis? Well, putting pressure on the Gulf Countries would probably be a good start, but this won't ever happen, because despite their associations with the funding of Sunni extremism and Wahabbists in the Mid-East, Saudi Arabia is the prime economic ally of the US in the Middle East. So no matter how much we shout and point at the Gulf Countries not pulling their weight, it really won't change much. In the meantime, the West will need to take – and fund – hundreds of thousands of people of completely different cultural and social values and religious beliefs and somehow integrate them into a non-traditional, liberal, and individualistic modern society. Let the games begin!
The Greatest Generation Deliversby Tim Andrews on 27 November, 2015
The current Young Liberals and Liberal Students fight against the SSAF and parallel import restrictions on books deserves considerable praise, writes Josh Manuatu:
This week, the ACT Young Liberals hosted a drinks event with Mathias Cormann, Zed Seselja, Nick Cater and Miranda Devine – the first three speakers spoke about the importance of standing up for the things we believe in and not being afraid of doing so, before Miranda Devine poignantly said that our generation is the greatest generation.
Since that night, the world for Young Liberals and Liberal Students has changed exponentially with two major breakthroughs on key matters of principle – things that have been fought for and championed by Young Liberals and Liberal Students. Little did I realise that so quickly after the event, a couple of people in the room would go on to prove Miranda Devine correct.
For years, successive ALSF Presidents (in particular Christian Street and Evan Mulholland) had advocated the abolition of Parallel Import Restrictions – a copyright restriction that stops the importation of cheaper books printed overseas. For young people, the restrictions have directly hit the hip pocket with university textbooks costing as much as 35% more according to the Productivity Commission. Despite recommendations from the PC in 2009 that the restrictions be abolished, successive governments have failed to act. Until now.
In response to the Harper Review, the Government this week announced that it would remove the restrictions when a further Productivity Commission inquiry into intellectual property is complete. Despite the campaign that has already begun from some protectionist authors, the Government has remained resolute in its position. As a result of campaigns spearheaded by Christian and Evan, every single student in Australia will benefit as early as next year.
I thought this was the biggest achievement that was going to happen for a while and something that we could all walk away from, proud to achieve. Until I ran into Jack McGuire and Will Taylor who had spent months lobbying the crossbench off their own back on the Student Services and Amenities Fee. And better yet, for no other reason than it was something that they are passionate about.
The ACT Young Liberals, like every State YL Division, along with the Federal Young Liberals have established policy to abolish the SSAF for the reasons we all know. It's unfair, undemocratic and unjust, and more still it's often used for junkets, rorts and ripoffs. It flies in the face of everything we believe in. Forced union membership, results and graduation held hostage and, in many cases, zero accountability.
In Australia, the Debtor's Prison Lives Onby Zeev Vinokurov on 25 November, 2015
You may not be aware of this, but Australian law allows police to imprison you for failing to pay a fine. That's what happened to 22-year old Julieka Dhu, who died in custody of septicaemia and pneumonia after being arrested failing to pay a traffic fine. In other words, these laws expose ordinary people to an unwieldy law enforcement system designed to deal with serious criminals. It's no wonder they get hurt along the way. And it's no wonder they fail to pay: the fines can sometimes be extraordinarily high, and public officials have previously admitted that they are used as a means of raising revenue for the government. So it is not surprising that some Australians fail to pay them in time or at all and enter into a spiral of debt. Poorer Australians, and especially indigenous Australians, are susceptible to repeated arrests for failure to pay these fines and risk mistreatment or abuse in jail as a result.
Miss Dhu's case was particularly egregious. She suffered from septicaemia and pneumonia and was delivered to hospital in the back of a police car without a stretcher. That day while in prison Mss Dhu had complained of pain and numbness in her legs and vomited. She had also fallen and hit her head on concrete flooring three times. There can be little doubt that a person in that position would seek immediate medical help on their own if they were at liberty. Being in custody impeded her ability to seek medical help.
Complaints of police brutality or negligence in this case may or may be justified, but they miss this simple point: Ms Dhu would not be in custody if police could not arrest her in the first place. Only the government can imprison you for failing to pay a fine. Private creditors can't do that if you fail to pay your debts. Their only option is to bankrupt you and divide up your assets between themselves. This is a humane, cost-effective way of dealing with debtors. Arresting a person for failing to pay their debts is costly because it means we need to pay for their imprisonment. It also exposes them to harm, particularly to vulnerable members of our society. It exposes them to dangerous criminals in prison who could harm them or pose a negative influence that leads to them a life of crime. It also renders them unable to work during their imprisonment, disrupts their employment and makes them less likely to be able to pay off their debts. It creates situations in which innocent people suffer. Our toleration of debtor's prisons for unpaid fines must come to an end.
The ATO's Oppression Of My Identityby Tim Andrews on 25 November, 2015
The Australian Taxation Office continues to discriminate against Lena Lawrence in denying her identity:
All my life, I have faced hate and discrimination because I identify as a seventy-seven year old. Yes. I've existed on this earth for approximately twenty-five years. But since I could remember, I always made better connections with my elders, with my grandparents. But like other minorities, I face persecution.
Last year, I was told my super contributions were to be taxed. If you're 60 or over, your income payments are tax-free and don't need to be declared as assessable income when you lodge a tax return. Why am excluded just because I look twenty-five? Everyday we face discrimination and hate like this. We should no longer have to put up with this.
Since I was a child, I remember drawing myself with grey hair. I remember loving the musky, nostalgic scent of Chanel No. 5. I remember, the vivid projections of retirement.
I have always identified as a seventy-seven year old. It is real. It is a part of who I am.
What Government would actively seek to strip you of your identity, to deny you rights that you are entitled to, simply because of the way you look. My identity is mine – and no one else's.
What shallow society have we become to not recognise that everyone deserves a safe space from the suppression of minority discrimination and offense.
Repeatedly I am denied the age pension from the Department of Human Services. The nerve of a government organisation to deny human rights to pursue the dreams relevant to my age. It is true, I was not genetically blessed to have wrinkles and arthritis like other elderly, but I know who I am and I cannot let anyone else dictate or manipulate that.
I know this struggle. This struggle I face with so many others – refugees from Syria, racial minorities, the fat-shamed, and my otherkin friends. We all share the same dream. The dream, to be treated the way we really are, on the inside – to be treated with equality.
Mankind exists to pursue a sense of being – of identity. My identity is real. It is pure. It is just. And we must fight to preserve each and every last sliver of individuality left before we are consumed by the evil that is capitalism.
Like my hero said: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Obama speaks to my heart. He is the true champion of equality. And I know, that he will seek to defend my honour and my pride in stepping out into the open about the joy in finding my identity – who I really am.
So join me, friends, in this campaign for freedom. The freedom to be who you are. The freedom from capitalism. The freedom from straight people. The freedom from western oppression of minority rights.
This age discrimination needs to stop. I am and always will be, seventy-seven. And it is my fundamental human right that you – and the ATO – treat me as such.
Lena Lawrence is a 25 year old mature age student completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Sydney and writes about her journey through age discrimination on her blog – "The Vintage Feminist." Lawrence has since been sponsored as a motivational speaker by the Kardashian family in collaboration with Caitlyn Jenner. She has also been invited to make an appearance on the View with guest speaker Hillary Clinton and powerhouse Beyoncé Knowles.
Axe the SSAF Once and For Allby John Slater on 25 November, 2015
Tomorrow, Independent Senator John Madigan plans to move a motion cleansing Australian Universities of the scourge that is compulsory student unionism by abolishing the Students Services and Amenities Fee – otherwise known as the 'SSAF.'
The move has already been met with uproar from the student unions and leftists who are evidently horrified at the prospect of their largesse no longer being subsidized by the debts of ordinary students.
Outrage from student politicians grief-stricken at the thought of their personal fiefdoms being defunded should give no pause for Senator Madigan's motion. In fact, it underscores the urgent need for the SSAF's immediate abolition.
Most students aren't even aware that the SSAF exists. It's simply added to their HECS to the tune of $290 a year. But what they should know is that not a cent of it goes towards their education.
For the most part, the SSAF is used to underwrite the profligacy and petty indulgences of student unions. At first glance these outfits seem noble enough, professing to enhance the welfare and campus experience of students. The reality is somewhat less gallant.
At best they do a poor job of duplicating services usually already offered by the University administration and distribute funding to clubs through an unwieldy bureaucracy stacked out by third-rate hacks.
At worst they operate as semi-corrupt shopfronts for jumped up activists-in-training. At some universities, they simply end up being openly abused as sinecures for Trotskyites suffering from an incurable case of delayed onset teenage angst.
When pressed, student unions are usually able to list a number of superficial ways that students benefit from paying the fee. But whether this is worth the cost of a MacBook Pro or flights to Europe over the course of a four-year degree depends entirely on what kind of student you are.
If you study a degree in navel-gazing and elect to spend your days cordoned off in a 'safe space' bemoaning the high tragedy that is life in 21st century Australia, it may be the best money you've ever spent.
Your answer may be a little different if you spend more time in the library than walking down public streets screaming obscenities down a megaphone. And if you think a couple of free coffees, a show bag of O-week trinkets and a few poorly run parties aren't worth the cost of a semester's haul of textbooks, you're certainly being ripped off.
Compulsory unionism is rightly regarded as an affront to freedom of association in Australian workplaces. It should be no different for students.
Turnbull has it right on Harper Reviewby Sherry Sufi on 25 November, 2015
Jessica Van Zwam provides an optimistic assessment of the Turnbull Government's acceptance of most recommendations of the Harper Review.
Today we saw the drastic difference between Australia's two main parties – highlighting just how much this country needs ideas that support innovation, not tax grabs.
A "defining moment in Australia's economic journey" is how Business Council Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott refers to the Federal Government's support of the Harper Review on competition, if implemented appropriately.
It is refreshing to see that the Turnbull Government, along with Treasurer Scott Morrison, plans to take on board the majority of recommendations put forward by the review. The government has today announced that it will be backing 44 of the 56 recommendations put forward. The Treasurer has also claimed that the government has not yet rejected any recommendations and that the remaining ones are still up for discussion in the future. This comprehensive review of Australia's competition law is the first in 22 years and makes suggestions of changes to our taxi services, transport regulations and retail trading hours, amongst others.
This broad acceptance of the review's recommendations show that Turnbull is following through on his commitment to lead "a thoroughly liberal government", at least in the economic sense.
In announcing the government's response, Morrison has stated that the government wants to "unleash a spirit of competition", helping the country adapt to changes in the global economy. He continues to note that "competition is one of the surest ways to lift long-term productivity growth and generate economic benefits that can be shared by everyone". Rod Sims, the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has already welcomed the government's response, stating that "these reforms are the most significant of their kind in over 20 years and once implemented should boost economic growth significantly".
As a full-time university student with at least another full year of tertiary study left, I welcome the government's commitment to removing parallel import tariffs on textbooks. I stand with many others around Australia, who are excited to see significant price reductions on textbooks, leading to a lower cost of living for students. This recommendation essentially means that individuals or retailers can import certain products without it going through an authorised distributor or IP owner. However, it should be noted that this support will rely on the outcomes of an inquiry by the Productivity Commission into Australia's intellectual property arrangements. They have also rejected the suggestion to also remove restrictions on second-hand cars. Regardless, it is always important to celebrate the government's support of the removal of import restrictions and make a point that we truly are the party of freedom and deregulation.
The review again highlighted the importance of deregulation in placing taxis and ride-sharing as an area for regulatory review. This focuses on deregulating taxi licences and ensuring both minimum standards and competition among ride sharing services such as Uber. Whilst it is known that the regulation of taxis and ride sharing is an area of state responsibility, the government has come out in support of this recommendation; with a strong consideration of payments to states and territories for similar regulatory reviews where they result in reforms which ultimately improve productivity.
In a move which will modernise Australia and improve productivity, the government has also backed the review's recommendation to remove the remaining restrictions on retail trading hours. This does hold the exclusion of Christmas Day, Good Friday, and ANZAC day, just a few days which remain incredibly important to Australian way of life and offers a good balance. Again, the government has stated that it will encourage the states to introduce this recommendation, hopefully leading to a win for shoppers around Australia.
These are just a few very promising outcomes which will be delivered by the Turnbull Government, or by the States where relevant, in response to the review. I, like many others, look forward to seeing these restrictions on competition and economic growth be lifted in the near future.
However, this celebration of competition by the Liberals comes as a stark contrast to Bill "Mr 15%" Shorten's most recent tax grab. The policy idea was put forward by the Labor leader today and plans to increase the tobacco excise by 12.5% a year for four years until 2020. This comes as the Cancer Council announces a drop in teenage smoking rates, emphasising just how out of touch the Labor party is. They can't even manage to get the support of the entire party caucus, as Senator Joe Bullock questions his party's motives. Why Bill Shorten decided to end his failed 'year of ideas' with a nanny state-style tax hike which hits poorer Australians is beyond me.
The contrast in the kind of policy announced by the two major parties today is resounding. One looks to punish their own supporters, the other supports the notions of competition and deregulation. It becomes quite clear which party supports Australia and our citizens, and which truly doesn't.
Jessica Van Zwam is a third year Bachelor of Arts student at the University of Western Australia majoring in Political Science, International Relations and Marketing. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Swan Young Liberals.
Why Australia should not sign up to the Paris Climate Summitby Celeste Arenas on 23 November, 2015
Ahead of the terror attack that took place in Paris, climate change is not an immediate concern. Celeste Arenas gives the scientific and economic reasons not to sign up to the UN Paris Summit in December.
Following the unprecedented terrorist attack in Paris, the French government and other world leaders are set to continue the upcoming Climate Summit as planned. There are innumerable reasons, both environmental and economic to cancel the conference, but raising morale and refusing to submit to terrorism is the best reason to draw all the world's leaders together in the same city that the horrific murder took place. Their presence is better served however, by aiming to resolve some of our biggest world problems; from the horrendous human rights violations that ISIS has committed, to the starving population of North Korea to the dictatorial suppression of people in Venezuela. Instead, they will gather to take action against climate change, whose unjustified concern has been exposed by the recent tragedies that have taken place. If leaders like Obama were right in saying that "climate change is the greatest challenge of our time," legislation to curb carbon emissions would make sense. However, the science surrounding climate change is unclear at best and blatantly misleading at worst. A treaty based on dubious scientific claims will lead to an unnecessary economic decline hurting all the nations that sign up. It will particularly devastate developing nations without doing any good for the Australian economy. The very last thing the world needs at this stage is economic decline; the inevitable outcome of binding environmental legislation.
Before Australia commits to reduce emissions by 26% by 2030, one must first ask: why? Scientific inquiry requires natural scepticism, yet the debate over climate change is shut down, often by force. France's top meteorologist and television personality Phillipe Verdier was recently fired for questioning the validity of climate change. The decision ironically proves the main thesis of his book that "any contrary views … not hostage to [the] planetary scandal … are eliminated." He says the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change "blatantly erased" data contrary to their conclusions and there is "little accuracy" in the IPCC's climate models. This is the political setting under which negotiations over the climate are about to take place. There is a need to reverse the current trend that makes doubting the merit of climate change tantamount to religious heresy. Before catapulting Turnbull into this political arena, scientific scrutiny has to be applied to ensure the theory is as valid as its proponents claim.
Paris will be constructive, it is argued, because leaders have a united goal to mitigate climate change to "limit the increase the of Earth's global surface temperature to only 2 degrees above the preindustrial level." This is drawn from the fear that "current warming has proceeded at an unprecedented rate for the last 1,300 years." These NASA graphs show a positive correlation between carbon emissions and temperature that escalate vertically from 1950 onwards. However, a graph like this is as accurate as Piketty's graph on income inequality. Using highly selective data, the graph persuasively misleads the reader into thinking correlation equals causation. A graph on income inequality says the growing distance between the highest and lowest income earners makes capitalism bad for the poor. This graph on climate change says that increasing temperature in the past 200 years makes capitalism bad for the environment. Much like Piketty's graph, current climate projections do not encompass full historical trends nor do they cover the degrees of difference between regions.
NASA's estimates go back 650,000 years. This is old, but not as old as the planet itself. Temperature swings date back as far as 65 million years, according to Alaskan geologist David Lappi. His study points out the variety of different stages in the earth's climate. From various ice ages to temperatures "drastically warmer than now," the modern day is "cooler than usual." This graph demonstrates that despite the high degree of variability, temperatures are consistently sliding downwards. Lappi's study uses "oxygen isotope thermometry of deep ocean sediment cores," which not only covers more areas of the earth's surface but a wider time frame compared to NASA. Additionally, NASA's projections are based on "atmospheric samples of ice cores" which researcher David Middleton has shown seriously underestimates the variability of interglacial carbon dioxide levels.
Lappi argues that the extent of volatility within Earth's historical climate makes it possible to "pick virtually any trend you want depending on the dot you start from." NASA chose a recent trend using a less precise measurement in order to claim that global warming is not only unprecedented but must be attributed to carbon emissions.
Cracks in this theory are evident in the false predictions made by environmentalists. By failing to address the variability in the earth's historical and geographic climate, they have deterministically argued that global warming will increase temperatures worldwide. Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth predicted that the North Pole could be "completely liquidated by 2014" due to the "impending threat of global warming." In fact, the total opposite has occurred as there has been "a dramatic increase in the amount of ice covering the pole." In the past two years alone, polar ice caps have "grown by 63%." Predictions along the same false alarmism of Gore continue however as Professor Peter Wadham argues "the ice area will be less than 1 million square kilometres by September 2015." It is now November 2015 and even NASA has shown that "an increase in Antarctic snow accumulation … is currently adding enough ice to outweigh the loss of its thinning glaciers." Any theory with such clear empirical evidence against it should be re- classified as such, instead of rising to the pedestal of undisputable scientific fact.
The second flaw in NASA's projections is that global warming is a direct result of carbon emissions. Whilst the barrage of climate change literature suggest climate change is man-made, empirical data shows otherwise. Anthony Lupo, professor and former reviewer of the IPCC, explains that "climatological changes since the 1850s" are not unique as "there have been periods where there is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than today."
Natural global warming is also determined by the sun as a 2014 Nature Geoscience study established an "unexpected link between solar activity and climate change." According to geological scientist Dr Raimund Muscheler, inputs of solar energy "indirectly change atmospheric circulation" that result in "increases and decreases of temperature in certain regions." Whilst the impacts of the sun on climate change are evidently significant, current models used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change does not take solar activity into account. A climate model that does not include every major factor in its predictions cannot be considered the benchmark of global environmental legislation.
Here we have a have a conference that will attempt to eliminate the "vague threats of climate change," when we know with absolute certainty that "poverty kills people." Whilst the developed world's carbon emissions have barely changed since the turn of the century, carbon emissions are rising mainly because of the unprecedented levels of economic growth in India, China and Brazil. These countries are now classified the "world's largest polluters" as if rescuing entire populations out of poverty is a crime that must be punished.
While the Kyoto Protocol said developing nations were not required to curb their emissions until reaching an acceptable stage of economic growth, Paris will be different. All 192 nations attending; both developed and undeveloped will be obligated to reduce their carbon emissions. The crippling economic impacts this will have on developing countries led to Obama's proposal of a Green Climate Fund. The only way developing countries can access these finances will be by "adjusting to renewable energies." If Obama's goal is to halt poverty reduction in the developing world, this is probably the best way to do it. The American policy goal to adjust to renewable energy in 1995 has been an ongoing failure that cost over $1,700,000,000,000 with "no clear carbon reductions." This useless spending has only been offset by a heavy dependence and increasing production of oil as a primary energy source. If developing countries apply the same policy failure, this will devastate their ability to grow as they will not be allowed to use carbon emitting energy to sustain their industrial production.
The left are not wrong to talk about the economic disparity between the North and South. They are wrong however, to blame capitalist expansion for this divide. The emergence of global capitalism is the one mitigating factor eliminating the economic distinction of developed and developing nations. Climate legislation directed at developing nations is exactly what will keep these nations in poverty. A treaty obligating both developed and developing nations to reduce emissions at an equal rate will have similar consequences to the binding legislation of the European Union. Like Greece and Italy, nations that are better off independent will be led to economic catastrophe that is the result of political dependency. Individual bureaucrats will extract the benefits of increased funding but this will come at the expense of the economic growth for the everyday people.
As a developed nation, Australia will not face the same ravaging economic decline as Brazil, India or the Philippines. However, its dependence on coal makes it particularly susceptible to emissions cuts following the Paris Summit. Australia's economic prosperity is largely the result of an ability to emit as many carbon emissions required in order to sustain production. In past climate conferences, Australia has been subject to the harsh labels as "one of the world's worst polluters per capita" given the extent of its emissions and its low population. However, what is ignored in these remarks is Australia's claim to one of the highest living standards in the world, a low rate of poverty and ongoing economic growth. Tony Abbott fully understood this when he passed legislation to the development of Queensland's new $16 billion coalmine. He knew that "powering up the lives of 100 million people in India" is a higher priority than submitting to the unjustified political environmentalism of various lobby groups.
If Turnbull signs environmental legislation in Paris, he will acquiesce that carbon as the root of all evil, regardless of its economic benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth as coal is an integral part of achieving modern energy demand for 38% of the world's population that still cannot access electricity.
Global leaders will be rightly welcomed in one of the darkest periods of Parisian history, but the redundancy of their goals has been exposed by the immediate concerns of global terrorism. Instead of gathering to rectify the situation, they will be working towards eliminating a non – existent threat by punishing the world's most vulnerable people. The irony of this legislative indictment is the moral righteousness that will not only accompany the process but the recent context that has emerged. World leaders emboldened to stop global warming after the Paris attacks will only compound the number of victims to suffer needlessly.
Celeste Arenas is a 3rd year Arts student at the University of Sydney. She is the Community Relations Manager for the Australian Taxpayers' Alliance and on the Executive Board of Australia & NZ Students for Liberty, as well as on the Executive of the University of Sydney Libertarian Society.
Misplaced Prideby Rebecca Lawrence on 20 November, 2015
Earlier today, the University of Western Australia replaced the WA State Flag with a 'pride flag' until further notice. UWA students Liam Staltari and Rebecca Lawrence respond.
In the latest manifestation of extreme political correctness, the University of Western Australia has today lowered the State Flag of Western Australia from its flagpole and instead raised the 'Pride' Flag – a rainbow flag considered a symbol of gay pride and the movement for same-sex marriage. The three flagpoles usually display the Australian National Flag, the WA State Flag and the Aboriginal Flag, rightfully enjoying pride of place in front of the University's iconic Winthrop Hall.
Opposition to the University's knee-jerk reaction to a vocal minority of student activists does not imply opposition to their inalienable right to champion the causes that are closest to them. However, we suggest that the continued social engineering being pursued by higher education institutions, including UWA, is inappropriate and must come to an end. This is just the latest example.
Following the Aboriginal Flag's replacement with the 'Pride' flag on Thursday the 19th, it did not take long for the perpetually-outraged UWA Student Guild to lead a backlash alongside the Western Australian Student Aboriginal Corporation (WASAC). In a sadly predictable response, Vice-Chancellor Paul Johnson subsequently ordered that the WA State Flag be removed and replaced with the Aboriginal Flag, with both the Pride and the National Flags to continue to fly.
In removing the state flag in favour of another, the University opens itself up to significant potential reputational damage. While it may not seem important to some, raising the flags of our nation and our state each day is a significant symbol of respect to the community that all of us call home. Irrespective of one's race or sexual orientation, in the state and national flags we find a reminder that there is more that unites our diverse community than divides us, and while many on the Left may fail to admit it, it is this concept that truly embodies the beauty of our pluralistic society. Indeed, the Western Australian Flag speaks to the coming together of all people, not simply those who belong to a particular minority.
Moreover, the removal of the WA State Flag to accommodate a display of political correctness as part of a single-issue campaign like that concerning same-sex marriage is unwarranted and disrespectful. The Western Australian Flag is a symbol of the proud and rich history of our State, pre-dating even the Australian National Flag itself. Its lasting relevance was recently re-affirmed when the WA State Parliament passed the State Flag Act 2006. At this time, Hon Colin Barnett MLA (now Premier of Western Australia), posited that
"The flag is a symbol of our shared history, culture and identity, which has been forged through triumph and adversity.
Our flag represents the pride we have in the achievements of all Western Australians".
In this we can see that 'pride' is multi-faceted, and it is certainly not zero-sum.
Yet it is the simplest point that may well be the most poignant. Before all else, these flags are flown on the grounds of the University of Western Australia. For the oldest and most distinguished place of learning in this state, which bears its name for good reason, to fail to fly the flag of that same state, is unacceptable. This is an organisation that was established under, and remains governed by, an Act of WA State Parliament.
More than that, this is an institution which invites bright minds from across the state to share in its academic life, and to embody the very best ideals of our state. To be sure, tolerance and diversity are among them, but so too is a lasting respect for our shared history and identity.
Universities have always been a haven for free expression, a hub for exploring challenging ideas, and a breeding ground for new and exciting innovation. This is not a bad thing – indeed, it is the opposite. However, we mustn't forget that the University of Western Australia is also a public institution, with a history that now spans over a century and an academic tradition that transcends any individual campaign or partisan cleavage.
And as such, sometimes it is necessary for the University Executive to stand their ground in denying the demands of a vocal minority of students. While both the UWA Student Guild and WASAC have a legitimate role to play in advocating for the rights of different groups on campus, it is vital that this be done through the right avenues and that the Guild in particular seeks to represent all students, not just particular cohorts. Suggesting that the WA State Flag (or, as pictured below, the Australian National Flag itself) be lowered to make way for an unofficial flag to be flown on a public university campus is certainly not one of those avenues.
It would not have been disrespectful for the Vice-Chancellor to have tempered this demand with another alternative. Yet once again, the same tired pattern of bowing to the wishes of the mobilised Left – be it contrary to free expression or to the heritage of the WA community – rises to the fore.
In closing, it should be noted that this controversy has prompted a review of the processes surrounding flag-flying at UWA. As was said at the outset, this is not a matter of petty political point-scoring, nor is it a means to attack any one group – if you feel strongly about the need to respect this key symbol of our state then we strongly encourage you to make a submission to this review.
If this is a lesson that still must be learned by some, then there is no more fitting an institution to teach it than the University of Western Australia.
Liam Staltari is a sitting UWA Student Guild Councillor, a 2016 UWA Delegate to the National Union of Students and the President of the WA Union of Liberal Students. Rebecca Lawrence is a past UWA Student Guild Councillor, a two-time UWA Delegate to the National Union of Students and the Treasurer of the WA Union of Liberal Students. They are both currently in their third year of UWA's Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons.) Undergraduate Degree.


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This Newsletter may be late or it may be the second one you have received in the last 24 hours. Sorry but our servers are playing up - the numbers logging into Sail-World.com have rocketed this year and we are working to increase server capacity to cope.But, one news item that does catch this edition is Monday's announcement that the British America's Cup Challenge has been accepted.Read the latest website news for just what is happening with the 33rd America's Cup - will it happen, where, when?good sailingGerald NewUK EditorTeamOrigin challenge accepted for 33rd America's Cup By Media PR, Today, Monday 23 July 2007, the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), represented by Alinghi, received a challenge from the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC), represented by TeamOrigin, for the 33rd America's Cup. AC Management (ACM) has now informed the RTYC and TeamOrigin that its challenge has been accepted... [more]Announcement imminent on 33rd America's Cup venue By ValenciaSailing.com, If one is to believe the various reports that appear this morning on Valencia's newspapers and the local state television channel, the announcement of the final agreement between the city and the organization of the 33rd America's Cup is imminent and could take place as early as next Wednesday.... [more]Australia's Hamilton wins 2007 Contender Worlds By Rob Kothe, Marcus Hamilton was confirmed as the 2007 Contender World Championship in Holland yesterday. Racing was cancelled on the last day of the championship when 35 knot north easterlies blasted the Medemblik course.... [more]Ian Andrews takes RS Elite National Championship By Gerald New, The final race of the RS Elite National Championships at Hayling Island SC Sunday and Ian Andrews, Kevin Richardson and Bill Masterman (HISC) maintained their overnight lead to take the National Title... [more]Fireball and Merlin Rocket Opens at HISC By Gerald New, A busy weekend at Hayling Island SC, with the RS Elite Nationals in full swing and two Open Meetings taking place. The Fireball Open was a two day affair, while the Merlin Rockets opted for a one day event... [more]British success at Youth Worlds in Canada By RYA, British sailing's young guard have made their mark on the world stage, clinching three medals at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championships which drew to a close in Kingston, Canada, on Saturday... [more]Billionaires battle over Cup's future By Bob Fisher, The Observer, UK, Billionaires are battling over the future of the America's Cup, and while there is nothing unique in this, it is a bitter struggle that could see the event delayed to await courtroom decisions. One billionaire's club holds the trophy and another's doesn't like the way in which the event is threatened to be run.... [more]Coutts takes Double Points in TP52 Coastal Race By Event media, Torbjorn Torqvist's Artemis crew, lead by a virtuoso performance from skipper Russell Coutts, scored maximum points from today's 33.7 miles coastal race in the Breitling TP52 MedCup Regatta Illes Balearia, which spanned the Bay of Palma and provided a comprehensive test on all points of sail... [more]Boison-Moller Flying Dutchman World Champions By Gerald New, Jorgen and Jaicob Boison-Moller of Denmark won the Flying Dutchman World Championship, held at Mar Menor in Spain. The Pair lead from day one and wrapped up the series with a day to spare... [more]Solo Norwegian hits submerged object, Rescued By PR Newswire/Sail-World Cruising, A lone Norwegian sailor has been rescued from a life raft today after his yacht hit a submerged object and sank 48 miles North West of the Isles of Scilly.... [more]Nick Craig takes OK Dinghy pre-worlds Leba Cup By Robert Deaves, OKDIA, With the OK Dinghy World Championship starting on Monday in Leba, Poland, 60 competitors sailed for the Mayor's Cup from 18-20 July in a range of testing conditions. Defending world champion Nick Craig (GBR) was the winner, although he was seriously challenged by several members of the New Zealand team, which had six boats in the top 10... [more]New World 24 hour distance record By Event media, Franck Cammas and crew, on board the 32 meter trimaran Groupama 3, have broken the record for the distance sailed in 24 hours, held by Bruno Peyron, with a new distance of 794 miles... [more]Team GBR - Right choices, Wrong reasons? By Gerald New, The GBR team for the Olympic regatta at Qingdao, China was announced early this week following on from the ISAF Worlds in Portugal. Not a lot in the way of surprises but a couple of choices caused some ripples on the smooth RYA operation... [more]Team GBR win three medals at ISAF Youth Worlds By Event Media, Team GBR finished the Volvo ISAF Youth Worlds with three medals. Richard and Andrew Glover won Gold in the Multihull Open class, leading from start to finish. Winning Silver were Sophie Weguelin and Sophie Ainsworth in the 29er class and in the Boys 29er, James Ellis and Robert Partridge won the Bronze... [more]Vicente Tirado's Caixa Galicia leads Breitling TP52 By Event media, A first and a fourth today on the Bay of Palma was enough for Vicente Tirado's Caixa Galicia to move 14 points clear in the Regata Breitling-Illes Balears, proving that they are closest to being the most complete TP52 package at the moment. But, as Eamon Conneely's Patches proved today, margins can be lost quickly and summarily in this white-hot 24 boat fleet... [more]Carveth Dominates Laser SB3 Grand Prix Series By Clare Molloy, The Volkswagen Touareg Laser SB3 Grand Prix series has been won by Geoff Carveth and his crew on Palava. The series, which is a combination of four individual Grand Prix events, this year included visits to Sunderland YC, The Royal Southern (Hamble) YC, Seaview YC and The Royal Lymington YC... [more]RS800 Fat Face Racing Circuit at Weston SC By RS, Thirty-five RS800's made the trip to Weston for the 8th round of the Fat Face Circuit, and experienced everything a British summer has to offer – 5 knots, 25 knots, sun, rain and everything in between! Overall Justin Deal and Rosie Geyman were victorious, ahead of Spod Olive and Guy Fillmore and Charlie Roome and Steve Hall... [more]RS200 Fat Face Racing Circuit and Cakes By Pete Vincent, After a hugely successful GUL RS200 Nationals at Exe SC last year 51 RS200s travelled west for the sixth round of the Fat Face Racing Circuit with high expectations. Exe SC of course did us proud with a very friendly welcome, great organisation, top race management, sunshine (!!), wind, waves and tables full of cakes... [more]Team GBR at the Volvo ISAF Youth Worlds By onEdition, Images of Team GBR at the Volvo ISAF Youth Worlds in Canada... [more]South Africa challenges for 33rd America's Cup By Team PR and Sail-World, Team Shosholoza founder and managing director Captain Salvatore Sarno confirmed that he had personally lodged a notice of entry and submitted the required performance bond and necessary certification with the Swiss Société Nautique Genève (SNG), the defending yacht club of the 2007 America's Cup winners, Team Alinghi... [more]RS600s Fat Face Racing Circuit - Weston SC By RS, After the recent strong winds on the south coast it was a pleasant surprise to see 18 RS600s turn up for the Fat Face circuit event at Weston Sailing Club on 14/15 July... [more]Spanish AC Challenger of Record holds Regatta By Gerald New, In an apparent effort to answer the criticism that the new club of the America's Cup Challenger of Record, the Club Náutico Español de Vela (CNEV), had not held a regatta on the sea, as required by the AC Deed of Gift, last weekend the CNEV held an Open Meeting in Santander . . . . for the junior Optimist class... [more]Valencia to get Formula 1 + America's Cup (maybe) By Gerald New, With the traditional August shut-down in Spain approaching fast, the Valencian local government has been pulling out all the stops to get the future of the two events that will turn the city into a major force on the world sporting scene - Formula 1 and the America's Cup - settled... [more]Optimist European Championships summary By Event Media, Regatta Day by Day summaries from the Optimist European Championships in Varkiza, Athens, Greece, sailed from the 10th to 18th July 2007... [more]La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro - 52 skippers By Event media, La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro: 52 skippers on the start line 52 competitors, 14 of whom are rookies, will set off on the 31st July 2007 on the Summer's highlight event, the 38th edition of La Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro, which over time has gained a reputation for being THE undisputable race of the Figaro Bénéteau circuit. From 31st July to 24th August, the skippers will battle it out between Caen - Crosshaven (Ireland) – Brest – La Coruña (Spain) and Les Sables d'Olonne to be crowned winners of La Solitaire 2007.... [more]Golden Gate YC shares vision for America's Cup By Golden Gate YC Media, Golden Gate Yacht Club said today that the San Francisco club's challenge will continue building on the sportsmanship and close competition of the latest America's Cup... [more]Fight for Swan American Regatta champion title By Sarah Jackson, Andrew Fisher's Bandit and the syndicate owned Tsunami have dominated the six races with a string of podium finishes, to lead the field with 6 and 9 points respectively... [more]Second day success for Scottish yacht Lafayette By Event media, The second day of racing in the International 8 Metre Class World Championship at Rhu in Scotland saw a welcome change in the weather, with sunshine all day, and a south westerly breeze of around eleven or twelve knots providing two good races for the twenty one yachts from eleven countries... [more]Volvo bring Sunset + Vine on board By Lizzie Ward, Leading independent sports producer Sunset + Vine has been appointed as the production partner for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. Sunset + Vine will produce 39 half-hour programmes and nine one-hour monthly programmes as part of the race's broadcast output during the nine months of the event... [more]Countdown to Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes By Julie Turner, With less than three weeks to the inaugural Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes at Skandia Cowes Week regatta, predicting the top runners and riders to take the title and drive off in a brand new Volkswagen Touareg is a hard one to call... [more]Thomson's new HUGO BOSS Open 60 hits the water By Annabel Merrison, Solo sailor Alex Thomson has had his first sail this week on his brand new state-of-the-art Open 60. Faster and more powerful than her predecessor, the innovative new HUGO BOSS looks like no other on the Open 60 circuit... [more]3000 Open TT at Wilsonian Sailing Club By Tony Hunt, The 3000 Class held its third TT event of the year as part of the Medway Dinghy Regatta, organised by Wilsonian Sailing Club over the weekend of 14/15 July.... [more]National 12 Open at Spinnaker By N12, Eleven National Twelves took to the water at Spinnaker on 14 July with a perfect force 3 and beaming sunshine. Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne won the first three races to take the trophy, while Jon Ibbotson and Clare Hunter had a string of seconds and took the final race to claim second place overall... [more]TeamOrigin's GBR 75 meets America By Carlo Borlenghi, TeamOrigin took their new training boat 'GBR 75' on a test sail in Valencian waters and meet up with the replica of America . . . Carlo Borlenghi was there with his camera... [more]Team Aqua win combined Malcesine Cup event By Bernard Schopfer, Chris Bake and his team on Team Aqua won both the fleet racing title and the Malcesine Cup, after a tie with Team Omega - but the fleet race ranking is the final judge in that case... [more]RORC Cowes-Dinard-St Malo By Kirsty Apthorp, Nearly half of the entries in the RORC Cowes-Dinard-St Malo 2-handed class last weekend were J/105s. The French J/105 Night & Day (Pascal & Alexis Loison) the 2005 Fastnet 2-handed class winners, led home the 2-handed fleet and are the winners of The Slingshot Trophy, which was also won by the J/105 of the same name in its first year of presentation, 2006... [more]Medway Dinghy Regatta 2007 By Roy Winnett, The Medway Dinghy Regatta, hosted and organised by Wilsonian Sailing Club on behalf of the Medway Yachting Association was held over the weekend 14 and 15 July. There was an excellent entry of 88 boats, with 39 visitors representing 15 sailing clubs including a contingent of 10 from Broxbourne SC and a fleet of Laser Stratos from Ahoy Sailing Centre... [more]B14 Worlds - event wrap By B14 media, With a force 5-6 and a forecast for more the PRO chose to keep the fleet in Carrrick Roads for the final showdown for the 2007 title.... [more]British sailors bound for Olympic Test Event By RYA/Lindsey Bell, Following the conclusion of the ISAF World Sailing Championships in Cascais, Portugal, the Royal Yachting Association's Olympic Selection Committee has today named the sailors who will compete for Skandia Team GBR at the 2007 Olympic Test Event in Qingdao, China, next month... [more]
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Rimmel Rich Moisture - Adorable
1 review
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This is a dupe for MAC's Fanfare lipstick. I put Fanfare on my upper lip and Adorable on the other and I really couldn't tell the difference. Best of all I found this lipstick at my local market for a measly �1.50. True to its name, I found it to be very smooth and moisturising. The medium-pink shade works well with my fair/cool colouring, and I can see it pairing well with many other skin-tones too. It's not too bold, on me it's a step up from MLBB. One of my faves in my collection for sure.
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- Filed Under
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Middle Tennessee for Sunday night and Monday morning.
According to the NWS website, there is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms for areas near and west of a line from Clarksville to Centerville to Waynesboro.
The main severe weather threat is damaging winds, but a tornado cannot be ruled out, according to the website. ...


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Gettysburg College senior linebacker Larry DelViscio has earned a spot on the D3football.com All-South Region team.
DelViscio, who earned third-team honors, is the fifth Bullet, but the first defensive player, to be named to the D3football.com All-Region teams.
It is the second major award in less than a month for DelViscio, who also garnered All-Centennial Conference first-team recognition on Nov. 13.
He finished the season with a career-high 123 tackles, the most by a Bullet since 2003, to lead the Centennial Conference.


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Resistance is Futile: The T.H.U.G. Collective is TRIP-tastic!!
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May 20 2011, 06:53 PM
Lieutenant Commander
Re: Resistance is Futile: The T.H.U.G. Collective is TRIP-tastic!!
HopefulRomantic wrote:
Nice to see the Trip love is alive and well, but it's a shame that
the last Trip/T'Pol appreciation thread
basically died from neglect.
Has TnT love gone the way of the dinosaur?
I love the idea of Trip and T'Pol together, but I haven't seen enough of their on screen togetherness (I'm catching episodes on SyFy when I can, so my background in the show is quite disjointed) to feel I can contribute properly. I know they end up having some sort of relationship but I don't know details and I don't want to sound stupid, lol.
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text: Friday, April 18PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF – The Pali Blues have won four straight games, beating UCLA 1-0 on Wednesday, April 16 in front of about 750 onlookers. It was the first home game of their five game preseason series. The Blues decided to play this match in order to raise money for the Painted Turtle, presenting the organization with a $10,000 check during halftime. "As always, the bright spot were our backs," said Pali Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo. "They were fantastic. With that said, to UCLA's credit, we were very average this game and learned some potential weaknesses." "This is what the preseason is all about, but as a staff there is some disappointment," added Naimo. "UCLA played high pressure, and we did a poor job of breaking it and slowing things down. Conversely, we felt we could have also discouraged pressure by playing big early on occasion. We did neither. We lived in the middle all night."The Blues had a few chances during the first half, including a free kick from Danesha Adams that the UCLA keeper, Ashley Thompson, struggled to save. The team did not break through until the 49th minute of play as Rosie Tantillo finally beat the UCLA keeper. Tantillo has scored five goals during this preseason campaign. There were some close calls near the end of the second half. Midfielder Leah Tapscott had a great shot that just hit the crossbar in the 79th minute. The following minute, Tantillo tested the keeper again, who scrambled to save the ball right on the goal line. The Blues play their final preseason game this Saturday, April 19, at Loyola Marymount University at 11 AM.Pali Blues Add National Team Defender Amy LePeilbet The Pali Blues Soccer Club increased their U.S. Women's National Team experience today when they made official the addition of defender Amy LePeilbet. The former Arizona State Sun Devil joins the Blues amid preparation for their inaugural season in the USL W-League. "It has been an absolute pleasure having Amy with our group, and her signing is one of our biggest," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. "She is flat out one of the best defenders I have ever seen, and her consistency is unmatched." LePeilbet made her first appearance with the full national team in 2004 at the Four Nations Tournament in China. She earned his first start on February 3, 2004 in a 2-0 victory over Canada. She also played a critical role in the defensive backfield for the U.S. U-21 National Team that won the Nordic Cup in 2002 and 2003. "Amy is a great compliment to the strong core of defenders we already have on the team," he said. "The staff is very confident in our defensive possibilities." While attending Arizona State University, the three-time All-Pac-10 selection did not miss a single start in four years, playing in 74 career games. She led the Sun Devils into the second round of the NCAA tournament as a senior and was named a NSCAA Second Team All-American. After acquiring her degree in Sociology, she began her W-League career with the Arizona Heatwave in 2005. The Blues will play the first game of their inaugural USL W-League regular season on the road against the Ventura County Fusion on Saturday, May 10. The following weekend, the Blues will play their inaugural home contest at the "Stadium by the Sea" when they host the Los Angeles Legends on Saturday, May 17. Tickets for home match ups are only $10 for adults ($8 with student ID) and $5 for kids under the age of 12.Stay tuned to the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com for all updates regarding the Blues.


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Activity from 2010 December (page 6)
Camera, Action, LIGHTS!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Fri, December 24th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
It's time to admire some more festive lights! This light show blew my mind, using 64 channels that are controlled by Light O' Rama. And to top it off, they synchronized it to one of my favorite songs, Music Box Dancer, but with the twist made by DJ Schwede.
Such a beautiful display! So Swaggernauts, does your house compare this awesome light show?
Now, as you are preparing your milk and cookies to leave for Santa, don't forget to vote for your favorite recipes in the Swagbucks Holiday Recipe Contest! We are going to reveal the top 5 of each category on MONDAY, so get voting!
Merry Christmas!
Froobi Deals of The Day 12/24
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Fri, December 24th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Now you can travel the world crossing multiple time zones and always know what time and day it is with this incredible 6 in 1 Journey's Edge Traveling World Time Clock & Flashlight! If you buy this nifty little device you'll always: 1) Dress appropriately for the weather because you'll know the temperature2) Wake up […]
May the Force be With You… Always.
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Hal from Team Swagbucks here – I'm the resident Star Wars freak at Swag Central, and for me no Christmas is complete without watching the holiday special so bad that George Lucas wants to destroy every copy with a hammer (although it did introduce the world to Boba Fett). Here is the first 10 minutes […]
Introducing the SBTV Meter!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
One question TSG sees over and over again on our Facebook Wall is "how do you win on Swagbucks TV?" The answer is "randomly", but now we have a tool to help you keep track of how close you are to your next win. Here's how it works: 1. Go to SBTV.2. Watch videos. as […]
Game On!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 4:00 pm
It's time to bring sexy back with this Retro Duo! Right now in the Swag Store for only 7,850 SB you can journey back to your childhood with this 2-in-1 NES/SNES System. Some things never get old! I remember playing Mario and watching him evolve from his first journey in Super Mario Bros. to his […]
Stuck! Stuuuuuuuuuck!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Is any modern Christmas complete without watching "A Christmas Story"? I think not! This scene is a cautionary tale about cold steel poles and making poor choices. Then again, who can resist the Triple-Dog Dare? TSG
Twitter Trivia Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Stop Jack Frost from nipping at your nose and get ready for Twitter Trivia, the game where I give you the questions, you give me the answers and I give you the Swag Bucks! If you're new to Twitter or Twitter Trivia, here's how we reward per question: Question 1: First 4 correct responders win […]
Keep your holiday spirit!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Christmas is arriving in two days! But in three days, Christmas will be over. However, you can easily keep the holiday spirit going with some classic holiday tunes and movies. Right now in the Swag Store, you can rock out to your favorite holiday songs for only 199 Swag Bucks per MP3. Sing along with […]
Swagbucks to the Rescue!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 11:00 am
Hey Swaggernauts! In an earlier post I had written, I discussed how Swagbucks had been helping users with their holiday shopping, and I had asked for fellow Swaggernauts to send in their stories of how Swagbucks has helped them. Today, I am going to highlight Swaggernaut, shutterfly3031, and her "Swagbucks to the Rescue" story: I […]
Holy Chocolate!
Posted by Team Swagbucks on Thu, December 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 am
Our friends over at GourmetGiftBaskets.com are hooking us up again with another delectably sweet arrangement! The Chocolate Gift Basket Deluxe – Sweet Decadence is perfect for any chocolate lover! You can win this mouth-watering basket for only 8 SB per entry! This basket comes with a bunch of irresistible treats, including Chocolate Almond Pecan-dy Crunch […]
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text:
November 26, 2015
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) - Dshon Jackson recovered two fumbles
and returned an interception for a touchdown to help Paducah
Tilghman to the Kentucky 3A State title in a 21-0 victory over
The Blue Tornado (9-6) won the game primarily on the defensive
end early on, forcing six Briar Jumper (14-1) turnovers in the
first half and holding a 7-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Paducah Tilghman used a 48-yard touchdown
pass from Kristen Jackson to Jadar Harmon with 15 seconds left in
the third quarter and a 31-yard touchdown run by Jackson with 6:33
left in the fourth quarter to pad their lead and clinch their first
state championship since 1985.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Tim Nunes from PSU.com writes, "It's no longer important why Capcom decided to change its fourth installment to the Resident Evil franchise, but it's difficult to determine where those changes will ultimately take the series. The fifth title then enhanced those gameplay changes in an attempt to "modernize" it further. However, the survival-horror aspects had all but disappeared from their original intent. Capcom may now be onto something with Resident Evil 6 by delivering an experience that re-kindles some of those old feelings from the past titles: tension."


text:
John F. Morrissey
Pre-Health and Pre-Vet Advisor
(434) 381-6190
[email protected]
Ph.D. 1991 University of Miami
M.A. 1985 Hofstra University
B.A. 1982 Hofstra University
Previous faculty position (1991-2007)
Hofstra University, Biology Department
Courses I teach
Introduction to Organisms, Introduction to Cells, Introductory Laboratory Techniques, Marine Biology, Comparative Vertebrate Morphology, Comparative Animal Physiology
My students and I study the natural history of chain catsharks, a foot-long, egg-laying, deep-sea shark that lives on the continental shelf and slope from Nova Scotia to Nicaragua. I am on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Elasmobranch Society, the world's largest scientific society of professional ichthyologists who specialize in the biology of sharks, skates, and rays.
Recent Publications
J. F. Morrissey and Sumich, J. L. 2012. Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life, 10th edition. Jones and Bartlett, Massachusetts.
Morson, J. and J. F. Morrissey. 2007. Variation in the morphology of the electric organ in the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, and its possible role in courtship. Environmental Biology of Fishes 80 (2-3): 267-275. PDF reprint
McLaughlin, D. M. and J. F. Morrissey. 2005. Reproductive biology of Centrophorus cf. uyato from the CaymanTrench, Jamaica. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 85: 1185-1192. PDF reprint
McLaughlin, D. M. and J. F. Morrissey. 2004. New records of elasmobranchs from the Cayman Trench, Jamaica. Bulletin of Marine Science 73(3): 481-485. PDF reprint
Sundström, L. F., S. H. Gruber, S. M. Clermont, J. P. S. Correia, J. R. C. de Marignac, J. F. Morrissey, C. R. Lowrance, L. Thomassen, and M. T. Oliveira. 2001. Review of elasmobranch behavioral studies using ultrasonic telemetry with special reference to the lemon shark, Negaprion brevirostris, around Bimini Islands, Bahamas. Environmental Biology of Fishes 60: 225-250. PDF reprint
Morrissey, J. F. and E. T. Elizaga. 1999. Capture of megamouth 11 in the Philippines. The Philippine Scientist 36: 143-147. PDF reprint


text:
- Filed Under
Until Indiana became interested in him, Max Hoetzel planned to take an extra year of prep school.
Originally a member of the 2014 senior class, Hoetzel arrived at Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Massachusetts from his California home ahead of this academic year. He crossed the country to improve his game, and perhaps his offer list, and to ready himself fully for college.
When he got to Wilbraham & Monson, the 6-7 forward became intrigued with the idea of graduating this season, then taking a second prep year, which would reclassify him to 2015. That was the plan until Indiana, while recruiting ...


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Petar Vukicevik is facing an investigation for allegedly sending emails about doping to Merlene Ottey's former coach
Petar Vukicevic, father and coach to European indoor 60m hurdles bronze medallist Christina Vukicevic, has been suspended by Norway's athletics federation after it was revealed that he had sent doping-related emails to Slovenian coach Srdjan Djordjevic.
Serbian-born Vukicevic has admitted to sending the emails, which were recently uncovered by Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. The emails allegedly offer advice to Djordjevic – the former coach to legendary sprinter Merlene Ottey – on the general effects of taking human growth hormone and testosterone.
But despite the admission, Vukicevic – who represented Yugoslavia in the 110m hurdles at the 1980 Olympics – claims his ex-wife, Turid Syftestad, has framed him by tampering with the emails.
The emails are said to reveal that Vukicevic admits to some of his athletes using performance-enhancing drugs. Aside from Christina, Vukicevic is also the father to Vladimir Vukicevic, the 2010 world junior 110m hurdles silver medallist and Norwegian record-holder.
According to the Norwegian federation, Vukicevic has agreed to the suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.
Djordjevic began coaching Ottey after she moved to Slovenia in 1998. One of the most decorated sprinters in athletics history, the former Jamaican then tested positive for Nandrolone in 1999 and was handed a two-year ban by the IAAF. But it was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport after it was revealed that the retesting of her sample was not completed within the permitted time.
Now 52, Ottey is still competing internationally and represented Slovenia in the 4x100m relay at this year's European Championships.


text:
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Polaroid Expands Photo Accessory Lineup
Photo Plus Expo 2012
New Polaroid items at the show are:
112 Bulb LED Light Bar
The 112 Bulb LED Light Bar is compact and features 112 cool running LEDs for even, natural lighting. The light's flicker-free, consistent illumination is said to be suitable for shooting portraits and macro work. The light bar features a built-in adjustable dimmer, and removable barn doors for control over the light. Expected Adorama price: $79.95
Dual Flash & LED & Auto Zoom
This Dual Flash features full TTL dedication and a continuous LED light so it can be used for both still and video shooting. It also offers five levels of power ratio, 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16, an automatic shutter speed setting, auto and manual zoom from 24-28-35-50-70-85mm, a flash readiness indicator and red-eye reduction and LCD display. Expected Adorama price: $129.99
Variable Neutral Density Filter
This filter is 6 filters in 1, offering a variable range of ND3, ND6, ND9, ND16, ND32, ND400.
The filter uses larger aperture settings in bright light, permitting a shallow depth of field and more background blur without affecting the color or detail of a scene. It also helps photographers eliminate overexposed & washed out images. Look for it to cost $49.99 at Adorama.
65" & 75" Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head
This tripod's 100% carbon fiber tube design is 50% lighter than metal, yet Polaroid says it is every bit as rigid and durable. It includes a fully articulating ball head with removable plate. The tripod's multi-section stay set flip lock legs are engineered for easy and precise setting, and the internal gasket design prevents dirt and grit from getting into the legs. This tripod is ideal for shooting on uneven terrain with ease thanks to the solid rubber tipped legs with retractable spikes. The tripod also comes with a padded case. Expected Adorama price: $149.99
All of the new Polaroid accessories will be available soon at the Polaroid Department at Adorama.
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text:
Transposition of Great Vessels Video
Vincent A. Parnell,Jr.,MD, Chief,Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery at Schneider Children's Hospital | Childrens Hospital of Michigan, discusses transposition of great vessels.
Read the full transcript
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It's time to look at some oddities in the past several weeks.
Topping the list is Zach Kopplin, the Baton Rouge High School student - now freshman at Rice University - who fought to repeal the Louisiana Science Education Act that's viewed by some as a way to introduce creationism into public schools, has been selected as one of four recipients of the Hugh Hefner First Amendment Award.
That's right, Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame.
A news release says, "Established by Christie Hefner in 1979, in conjunction with Playboy magazine's 25th anniversary, the award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in the vital effort to protect and enhance First Amendment rights for all Americans. The award winners, many of whom are unsung heroes, come from various walks of life. This year's winners include a high school student, an advocate for Global Internet policy; a director of National Day Laborers and a National Security Agency Analyst" who blew the whistle on his employer's wasteful spending.
Despite having the support of 78 Nobel laureates from across the world, classroom teachers and college professors, Kopplin never had a chance of repealing the law, especially with some of the lead authors of the original bill on the committee that killed it.
He's invited to a reception at the Playboy Mansion.
After a ceremony in the House chamber recognizing Louisiana's 200th birthday as a state, Senate President John Alario set the record straight.
"I was not in the Legislature 200 years ago," proclaimed Alario, who served many terms in the House before moving the Senate.
"However, I was a page" - a young person who delivers documents and runs errands for legislators in the House and Senate.
"What about the rednecks in the state?" questioned Rep. Steve Pylant of Franklin Parish, after Reps. Nancy Landry, R-Lafayette, and Stephen Ortego, D-Carencro, added French-speaking organizations to a study committee to decide if an international language immersion school should be established on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus.
Where's Bobby?
That's been the game legislators have been playing at the Capitol all session as the governor has been jetting across the country delivering speeches and attending fundraisers for other states' Republican parties and governors.
The recent spree started April 25 with the announcement "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Washington, D.C., today where he will address the U.S.-Azerbaijan Convention."
The next day, the message was: "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah today where he will attend a fundraiser in support of Utah Governor Gary Herbert. The governor will then travel to Denver, Colo. where he will attend a fundraiser in support of the Colorado Republican Party.
"Tomorrow (Friday, April 27), the governor will be in Albuquerque, N.M., where he will attend a fundraiser in support of Gov. Susana Martinez and later he will attend a fundraiser in support of the Republican Party of New Mexico. The governor returns to Baton Rouge on Friday."
The day after he returned from state-hopping in the West came this message: "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Washington, D.C., today to attend the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner."
On May 3, "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Jersey City, N.J., today where he will address the American Federation for Children's Policy Summit."
One week later, "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Mobile, Ala., today to attend a fundraiser in support of the Alabama Republican Party."
On May 21, "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Bismarck, N.D., today where he will attend a fundraiser in support of Gov. Jack Dalrymple"
And the latest message, on May 24, "Gov. Bobby Jindal will travel to Wisconsin today where he will attend a fundraiser in support of the Republican Governors' Association, a campaign rally with Governor Scott Walker, and a fundraiser in support of Gov. Walker's campaign."
Walker's campaign is not for re-election. He is facing a recall election after a petition got enough signatures to force an election in an effort to remove him from office.
After taking office in 2011, he gained national attention over his new budget, which significantly changed the collective bargaining process for most public employees in Wisconsin.
Mike Hasten covers Louisiana for Gannett. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The Top 10 LA and NYC Spots for Vegan Food
Here are 20 more dining stars from the Ultimate Vegan City Showdown contenders.
In the November+December issue of VegNews, New York City and Los Angeles faced off in the Ultimate Vegan City Showdown. Even though the vegan behemoths battled it out in seven categories, we know both have a lot more to offer—way more than the pages of one magazine can hold. To alleviate the issue, we asked our local experts, Jasmin Singer and Andrea Wachner, to share their top 10 stops for vegan nosh in NYC and LA, respectively. Get ready to book some flights.
LA: 10 Places to be Vegan and Full, in No Particular Order
The Bazaar. This place is so good, you save it for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or … Saturday. A truly unique dining experience both in terms of the physical space and the world-renowned molecular gastronomy style of cooking, Chef José Andrés gifts us with an entire vegan menu (if you ask for it) that will blow your mind and your taste buds. The jicama-wrapped guacamole is so delicious you should probably order two of them. You won't want to share.
Craig's. This Italian joint makes you realize someday, some day not too far from this one today, every restaurant will have vegan options. At that point, I will sell off all my kitchen gadgetry in order to have cash to be able to eat out for every single meal and possibly gain 100 pounds, but boy will it be worth it. I tried five of the nine things on Craig's new vegan menu section and they were all delicious, upscale Italian, and, hopefully, trendsetting!
Flore. You're going to want to live directly above or adjacent to Flore, so that you can eat there like it's your own personal kitchen. The vibe inside is a little too hippie for my liking, so the best plan is to sit at one of the tables outside while you eat half a piece of cake, a breakfast burrito, and then the rest of the cake.
Green Peas. Mixed party? Green Peas offers nosh you and your friend/lover/relative who isn't vegan will both love. The fine people of Green Peas are PhDs of Daiya and Gardein, and they doctor up some higher-level sandwiches including the Curry Chicken, the Chicken Picatta, and the Steak, not to mention the pea soup, which I don't even like normally. Green Peas also has vegan cake and free Wifi, so it's a great place to stuff face whilst laptopping.
M Café De Chaya. M Café has a diverse menu ranging from salads to sushi (Carolina-Style BBQ Seitan Sandwich! Kale with Spicy Peanut Dressing! Vegan Benedict!) and great desserts (strawberry shortcake! chocolate cake! lemon tart!). Beware the dishes with fish, but order one (or two) of everything else.
Mama's Hot Tamales. Mama's serves the kind of Mexican food that LA is known for, only it can veganize everything just for you. Not only is Mama's food incredibly delicious, but her mission is too; Mama's is an apprentice-operated business and job training restaurant to help low and moderate income residents in central LA. I'd like to help by buying a gallon jug of her avocado salad dressing and drowning everything I eat in it.
Mandoline Grill. This Vietnamese food truck serves up the most delicious tofu I have ever eaten, but at different spots around the LAiverse. The bánh mì, the tacos, the bún … they are all good enough that it doesn't matter if you have to eat them standing up, squatting on the sidewalk, or in your car.
Sage Organic Vegan Bistro. Ask about Sage's job openings when you sit down, because you'll want to get a job there just to eat its offerings, all day, every day. From the mac 'n' cheese balls to the croissandwiches to the tacos to the brunch, Sage will serve you one of the best meals you will ever eat. I am sad to say I have not had everything on the menu yet, but so far the Pesto Croissant Club Sandwich is my favorite.
Shojin. Sure it's in a mall, but great things come in large packages, too. Serving macrobiotic Asian fare inside the Little Tokyo Shopping Center in Downtown Los Angeles, everyone is waylaid by the sushi menu. While it's amazing that they do things like torch a roll to make it taste fishier, trust me, the Seitan Steak with garlic herb butter and the Molten Lava Cake are must-must-must-orders.
Vinh Loi Tofu. Believe it or not, but Vinh Loi is worth driving all the way to Reseda from … anywhere. Ignore the tofu part of the name (though it does make its own) and prepare yourself for some fine faux meats prepared a hundred different ways (approximate), with pictorial representations on the veganamese (vegan vietnamese) Wall of Food. Go with a group and eat family style so you can try 10 different things, especially the Curry Chicken Noodle.
NYC: Hold Onto Your Seitan Piccata
Angelica Kitchen. The oldest vegetarian restaurant in the city, this East Village mainstay is for more than just hippies, though the overall vibe can nonetheless be described as charmingly crunchy. Make sure you witness, first-hand, the magic created by blending walnuts and lentils and turning them into a surprisingly rich pâté.
Blossom. There are now a handful of locations throughout Manhattan, all fabulous, but my favorite of the Blossom chain remains the original Chelsea location. Wear your fancy sweater, because this place is classy, and order the Phyllo Roulade (partly because, let's face it, you can't make that yourself). Date night!
Buddha Bodai. There is a vegan version of literally every single animal product out there, including—yep—faux shark fin soup. In the heart of Chinatown, Buddha Bodai is a favorite among locals (including this one), thanks to its robust menu of traditional Chinese cuisine, including everything from General Tso's Vegan Chicken to unusual items like Tapioca Dumplings.
Candle Cafe West. Visiting this beautiful, newest member of the Candle empire is like stepping into a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Order Chef Angel Ramos' favorite, the moody and spicy Tempeh Mole. This exquisite restaurant is the most delicious new culinary addition to Manhattan.
Dun-Well Doughnuts. Whether you're a dunker (go for the Cinnamon Sugar), or you like your doughnut straight up (don't miss the Peanut Butter and Jelly), take the L train to East Williamsburg for the treat of your life. I once witnessed a small child down an entire doughnut sundae (the vegan ice cream was courtesy of Lula's Sweet Apothecary). If she can do it …
Lula's Sweet Apothecary. I've always wanted to bring my grandma here so she can step back into her 1940s heyday. This old-time ice cream parlor, with an inspiring menu featuring malteds and egg-creams (minus the egg and the cream) is perhaps best known by locals for the cake batter soft serve. Put that in a gluten-free cake cone, top it with peanut butter fudge, and you will likely find yourself verklempt.
Pine Box Rock Shop. I feel like I dreamt this, but no, it's very real. This all-vegan bar in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood is perhaps the only place in town where you can indulge in a Bloody Mary that has vegan Worcestershire sauce. If you're a lightweight like I am, get your grounding with three varieties of empanadas from nearby vegan café, V-Spot.
Soy and Sake. Vegan sushi reminiscent of your fish-eating days? Check. Lively, boisterous West Village location? Check. I eat here weekly, so heed my advice: Order the fresh summer rolls. (You're welcome.)
Sun in Bloom. Nestled in the cozy neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn, Sun in Bloom is perfect for those with a keen appreciation of wholesome, healthy grub. Here, you can get your raw on (the Bloom Burger is worth trying just for the sunflower-dill dressing), your gluten-free (the Hearty Macro Bowl is substantive and "clean"), and you can even engage your kid inside (almond butter and jelly sandwiches with bananas on sprouted wheat toast, anyone?).
Uptown Juice Bar. Hop on the 6 train to 125th Street, and right there in East Harlem you'll find the mother of all vegan must-haves. Don't let the name deceive: Uptown Juice Bar (which recently moved to new, expanded quarters) has delightful juices (try "The Fatigue," aimed to enliven sleepy city dwellers using carrots, grapefruit, spinach, lemon, and orange), but it's the vegan soul food- and Caribbean-inspired grub that will make you giddy you made the trek.
Jasmin Singer is the co-founder of Our Hen House, a multimedia hub of opportunities to change the world for animals, and co-host of the popular Our Hen House podcast. Follow Our Hen House on Twitter: @ourhenhouse. Andrea Wachner shares food reluctantly and opinions freely as the managing editor of supervegan.com.
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