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|Home | About Us | Contact Us
Tom Cruise
Looking for Auditions and Casting Calls? Want to Become an Extra or Find Supporting Actor and Actress Roles with Tom Cruise ?
Become an Actor, Actress or Extra by joining the world's leading acting community. Find acting tips, casting calls, audition notices, career networking tools and links to SAG and AFTRA talent agents.
Post your profile, photos, resume and video clips in our talent database and you could be discovered by top casting directors and talent scouts around the world. You might even get a chance to work with Tom Cruise .
Biography"You take my breath away" this is what probably millions of girls all over the world wrote to Tom Cruise after the movie 'Top Gun'. Even today, the boyish smile, the enthusiasm, cool personality and the charisma make him one of the most sought after men in Hollywood as well as in general. Regarded as one of the icons of Hollywood, Tom Cruise was born as Thomas Cruise Mapother IV on the 3rd of July, 1962 in Syracuse, New York. His parents had divorced when he was just 12 and as a result, he had to go through a tough upbringing where there was always a shortage of money.
Success never comes easy and for Cruise it was a long waiting. He attended drama classes and auditioned for a few television commercials but all that went in vain till he got a small role in 'Endless Love' (1980).
It was 1983, when Cruise landed the opportunity to work with Francis Ford Coppola in 'The Outsiders' and this movie laid the foundation for such a glorifying career. The same year Cruise did two more movies, a comedy called 'Losin' it' and 'Risky Business'. The latter propelled him towards stardom especially with the scene where he lip-sync's Bob Seger's Old Time Rock and Roll in his underwear.
In May, 1986 Tom Cruise went on to become one of the biggest stars with his highest grossing film of the year, 'Top Gun.' 'Top Gun' rattled the box office with US $353,816,701 and Cruise flew with the Blue Angels before signing this film. It was so popular that even the US Marines used a clip for their recruitment advertisement. The same year 'Color of Money' was released and was followed by 'Cocktail' in 1988. 1989 saw Tom Cruise in 'Rainman' where he was cast with Dustin Hoffman. Directed by Barry Levinson, 'Rainman' was nonimated for eight Academy Awards and won four. As Tom cruised along on the popularity charts, his million dollar smile was flashed on the cover of TIME magazine on December 25, 1989.
Cruise started 1990 with an epic role based on the character of Ron Kovic, an anti-Vietnam war hero in the movie 'Born on the 4th of July'. Some of the movies to hit the theaters later included 'Days of Thunder', the critically acclaimed 'A Few Good Men' with Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore, 'The firm,' 'Interview with the Vampire' and in 1996, he took a walk in the park with Brian de Palma's 'Mission: Impossible'. The movie grossed $456,494,803 worldwide and was followed by 'Jerry Maguire,' 'Eyes Wide Shut,' 'Magnolia,' 'Vanilla Sky,' 'Minority Report,' 'The Last Samurai,' and 'Collateral'.
Tom Cruise produced 'Mission: Impossible' with Paula Wagner.
He had relationships with Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman (married for 10 years), Pen�lope Cruz and Katie Cruise n�e Holmes.
Tom Cruise has won 3 Golden Globes and was nominated for 3 Oscars and 1 BAFTA Award.
Cruise was rated among the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 1990, 1991 and 1997.
Actor - Filmography
Sponsored by Moviex.com - the web's most popular extras casting solution.
Tom Cruise Message Board
Welcome to the Tom Cruise Message Board. Get in touch with Tom Cruise to voice your support, appreciation, or opinion.
Can you imagine how much snail mail and email a celebrity must get? Most simply don't have time to go through all of it and even less time to respond. So, for this reason, we've created this shout-out message board. It's a far simpler way to communicate with your favorite stars and celebrities.
Try to keep your messages short and sweet. No one wants to read your entire life story. We don't know if you'll get a response, but if enough people post a message, these celebrities won't be able to ignore them all.
Dear Tom,
I studied mechanical engineer in germany, but it was always my dream to be an actor.
I am searching for opportunities to get a role in a movie. Most of my friends told me, that I have the talent to be an actor. I need only the chance.
Posted by Saly Sargious (2010-05-19) 2412
who the hell do you think you are. . . ..most of the usa that's sports minded are rooting for lance, schleck and roberto. ....not to mention all the sprinters. ...been a great Tour until you showed up. . . . . .what gives you the priviledges except money to ride in official cars. . . . .I would have given my eye teeth to have seen this tour first hand. Screw you, screw you movies and what a distraction in the broadcast of the tour to have to show you and Cameron. We really would hav enjoyed interviews from the riders. Screw your arrogance.
Posted by margaret (2010-07-23) 2530
Hi. I'm a young actor and I love the profession. I just don't know if stardom will actually happen to me. What should i do?
Posted by Hailey (2010-11-12) 2644
Hello my name is Hannah and I am 14 years old. I want to start up acting, and living in a small town i was wondering if you could give me any advice since you are such an amazing actor. Thanks for reading :).
Posted by Hannah Shelley (2011-05-31) 3067
I've heard that Tom Cruise recently purchased a large amount of shares in the KahBang Festival in Bangor, Maine because he thinks "It's going to become the next Bonnaroo." Is this true? Has anyone heard anything about this?
Posted by Robbie From Maine (2011-07-19) 3213
Post Your Comments
No HTML, links, emails, phone numbers, addresses, or profanities please. (Message Rules)


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Fan Guide vs. Montreal
Wednesday, 10.19.2011 / 5:00 PM ET / Features
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set for a showdown with the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, October 20 at CONSOL Energy Center. Here are some tips for fans who plan to attend the game:
- Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for the 7:00 pm start
- The Penguins will wear their traditional black home jerseys
- All fans in attendance will receive a Penguins Stars & Stripes Zamboni Bank Cut-Out presented by ATI
- Visit PensGear powered by Reebok to purchase Saturday's "Item of the Game"
- Purchase a Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Charity ASSIST Raffle ticket for your chance to win a $4,000 prize. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Stop by "The Carvery" located by Section 107 to purchase one of Thursday's special chef-prepared creations:
o "The Carvery" also features a special "South of the Border" menu including pulled pork, BBQ chicken and black bean quesadillas
- Stop by "The Landing" located by Section 102 to purchase one of Saturday's special kabob creations
o "The Landing" also features chocolate mousse, yogurt parfaits and chocolate chip cookies
- Listen for instructions on how to participate in the Penguins Drive Away Survey for a chance to win a 3-year lease on a Subaru Outback 2.5i courtesy of the Penguins and the Power of Bowser

subset: commoncrawl


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Pachira Lodge Costa Rica
Monday, January 24, 2011
Pachira Lodge
Friday, September 10, 2010
Balsa hecha con bidones flota en aguas de Tortuguero
Una balsa fabricada con 80 bidones (envases) de agua flota desde ayer en los canales que circundan la comunidad de Tortuguero, Pococí, en el Caribe norte. La estructura mide 5,5 metros de ancho por seis metros de largo, y es un proyecto que integra la creación artística, la conservación ambiental y el trabajo comunitario.La obra fue diseñada por el artista Francesco Bracci como parte de las actividades del festival cultural Tortufest III, que se celebra esa localidad caribeña hasta el domingo."Mi propuesta de intervención artística en Tortuguero toma a los canales como el eje central. Ellos son el elemento alrededor del cual gira la vida en esa comunidad: funcionan como medio de transporte, fuente de empleo y núcleo de atracción turística", explicó Bracci.La rica biodiversidad acuática y terrestre que caracteriza el Parque Nacional Tortuguero motivó al artista a plantear un mensaje conservacionista con su obra."Es una gran balsa, casi un muelle flotante construido con 80 bidones de desecho que fueron donados por la empresa Florida Bebidas.
Monday, September 6, 2010
TortuFest 2010 lleno de cultura y deporte
El Festival de cultura y deporte Tortu Fest 2010 inicia el 8 de setiembre y ofrece cultura a raudales.
Con la presencia de cantautores ticos como Luis Ángel Castro, Manuel Monestel, o grupos como Ensamble Folclórico La Malacrianza, entre muchos más, este festival busca atraer público de la Región Huetar Atlántica e incluso de la Gran Área Metropolitana.
El festival además presentará danza, circo, telas y exposiciones culturales, así como cuentacuentos, teatro y cine.
El Festival se realizará en la plaza de deportes de Tortuguero del 8 al 12 de setiembre, pero antes tendrá una singular muestra de cine.
Cine entre dos miradas
La muestra de cine "Dos miradas", compuesta por cine español y costarricense, viajará hasta Tortuguero, para ser parte del Festival Cultural y Musical TortuFest 2010, del 5 al 7 de septiembre.
De acuerdo con el Centro Costarricense de Producción Cinematográfica, la muestra que se ha presentado en más de 20 comunidades a lo largo de tres años, busca dar al público la oportunidad de disfrutar obras cinematográficas costarricenses y españolas de reciente realización.
"Dos Miradas, conjuga el esfuerzo de dos instituciones, la Consejería Cultural de la Embajada de España y el Centro de Cine", informó el último. De forma gratuita, el espectador tendrá la oportunidad de observar el nivel artístico y profesional del cine español; y ver una selección de producciones nacionales premiadas en la 17 Muestra de Cine y Video Costarricense.
Cartelera en el Salón Multiuso de Barra de Tortuguero
-El 5:
5 p.m.: Función Infantil, corto realizado por niños de Tortuguero, coordina Gustavo Fallas
7 p.m. Las Ganas, Hernán Jiménez. (CR), El mar, Maricarmen Merino (CR), La piel cansada, Jurguen Ureña(CR),
"Manolito Gafotas", Miguel Albaladejo, (Todo público)
El 6:
5 p.m.: Función Infantil, corto realizado por niños de Tortuguero, Muestra de Video y Cine del Caribe I
7 p.m.: Cuento de Hadas, Ana María Acevedo (CR); Una tarde cualquiera, Hernán Jiménez (CR); La piel cansada, Jurguen Ureña (CR y ; La lengua de las mariposas, José Luis Cuerda (todo público)
El 7:
5 p.m.: Corto realizado por niños de Tortuguero, Muestra de Video y Cine del Caribe II
6:15 p.m.: "Manolito Gafotas", Miguel Albaladejo. (Todo público)
7:45 p.m.: "Caribe", Esteban Ramírez, 2004, (Mayores de 16 años)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Congratulations! Fodor Choice 2010
We are thrilled to inform you that your business has been named a Fodor Choice 2010 establishment by the leading publisher of guidebooks for American travelers!
For over 70 years, Fodor's has been publishing a range of premium travel guides for travelers to domestic and international destinations. Each year our expert team of writers around the world selects an exclusive list of restaurants, hotels, and attractions in their area to represent the best places to visit when traveling to the region.
Your business has been chosen as one of these top establishments and is being noted with the Fodor's Choice distinction in our guidebooks. lt is also recognized with special placement on Fodors.com, where 1.5 million unique users access travel information each month.
For 2010, we are introducing an updated look for Fodor's Choice. Enclosed please find a Fodor's Choice decal (featuring the revised logo) that can be displayed on the window of your place of business to tout the award of distinction you have received.
lf you would like to promote your Fodor's Choice award on your website, please visit www.fodors.com/fodors-choice/. You'll find an on-line version of Fodor's Choice decal to post on your site as well as a downloadable press release template. You can also request additional decals and learn more about Fodor's Choice.
Congratulations again!
Tim Jarrell
Publisher, Fodor's Travel
PS. Can't find your award»winning establishment on Fodors.com? Not every Fodor's Choice establishment is currently listed on-line. We continue to load additional content each day. We thank you for your patience as we update our website.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tours offer glimpse of sea turtle nesting
We're on the 21-mile stretch of beach in the tiny northern Caribbean village of Tortuguero, Costa Rica where more sea turtles nest -- most returning to the beach where they were born -- than anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. More than 80,000 green sea turtles lumber up onto the dark beach, their tracks resembling those left by tractor tires, to leave some 800,000 eggs each year, says Dan Evans, a spokesman for the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, the leading research organization for these ancient creatures, which runs research projects here.
Tortuguero -- the name means "place of the turtles" -- is home to three species that nest regularly; greens, leatherbacks (the largest sea turtle species, up to 1,000 pounds) and hawksbills. During nesting season, which is different for each species, but can run anywhere from March to October, turtles will come ashore several times to lay their eggs and then they'll skip a year.
Evans believes this skipped year is most likely related to food availability. During the nesting season, he says, "the female does not eat, so during her off year (or two for some species) she must find enough food to replace all the nutrients she used producing eggs, plus build up enough to do it all again." Many of the nesting turtles have been tagged for research purposes.
We are only permitted on the beach in organized tour groups and the rangers permit us in groups of 10 to come fairly close, as long as we are quiet. "I've been doing this for 11 years and every day it's different," says our guide Heidi Saborio. Many of the lodges in this remote region arrange beach tours as part of a package. We stayed at the newest lodge here, Pachira Lodge, where we went to sleep to the cacophony of howler monkeys outside our cabins.
You can also get information on arranging these night tours at the Tortuguero Information Center in the tiny village. The entire beach and most of the surrounding lagoons are part of the Tortuguero National Park, which is best seen by boat tour -- again typically arranged where you are staying.
As we stand in the dark, humid night, wiping sweat from our eyes, even the most blase teen in our Thomson Family Adventures group is wide-eyed as we watch a turtle drop round white eggs one on top of the other. The eggs are leathery rather than brittle, our guide explains, so they don't break. It's sobering to learn that only one in 10,000 eggs will survive to adulthood. When the turtle is done, she flicks her fins and begins to cover her three-foot-deep nest with sand and returns to the water.
The kids giggle when we get sprayed with the flying sand. "It was scary at first because it was so dark, but it was really cool," said 8-year-old Sarah Kate Garrett from Savannah, Georgia. "A lot of people don't get to see that."
In fact, we were pretty lucky to see a turtle nesting at all. We were told that more than half of those who head out on these evening turtle walks see nothing.
I stand on the beach feeling privileged, remembering another isolated beach on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula where we happened upon just-hatched baby turtles, as they struggled to make their way the few yards from nest to ocean. Most don't survive or even make it to the water and, years later, my kids still wonder if any of "our" turtles made it. (Check the Caribbean Conservation Corporation's Website to see who's ahead in the first-ever Tour de Turtles marathon, which tracks nine turtles as they migrate hundreds and even thousands of miles from their nests to their feeding grounds.)
Dan Evans of the CCC notes that while it is rare to see sea turtles nest or hatch, you may have a chance to observe them in their natural habitat whenever you visit somewhere tropical -- Hawaii, Florida or Bermuda, for example. If you're visiting somewhere else, check to see what turtle programs are offered in that area.
But why should we care about these weird-looking creatures that have been around for millions of years? The Caribbean Conservation Organization maintains that they play a big role in coastal ecosystems, eating sea grass and algae, depositing their eggs on shore where they transport nutrients from the ocean to coastal and inshore habitats. Sea turtles were once so abundant that they traveled in fleets. Today, experts estimate that the population is endangered because so many were hunted.
The Caribbean Conservation Organization's efforts over the last 30 years have helped nesting increase more than 400 percent here. (If your child is at least 14 and loves marine biology, your gang can sign on to help do turtle research during nesting season. (Costs start at $1,399 for nine days.)
During our night on the beach, we struggle against the impulse to reach out and touch the turtle's shell, or an egg. It's against the law. The rangers don't even permit us to stay as the mama turtle finishes covering her nest. She will leave her nest and return to the ocean. No parenting required here!
It's been a couple of months since that night and those eggs have hatched. Let's hope at least some of them made it to the water. We're rooting for them.
What you can do to protect sea turtles• Reduce the amount of plastic garbage you produce. It may end up in the ocean.
• Don't release helium balloons. Like trash, they may end up in the ocean and sea turtles mistakenly eat them and die.
• Reduce chemicals and fertilizers. They may get washed into coastal lagoons.
• Turn off beachfront lights during nesting season.
• Send an email to your local editor and congressman about the importance of sea turtle conservation. See the educator's corner with programs for kids at http://www.cccturtle.org/.
• Adopt-A-Turtle (I did.) You'll hear if your tagged turtle is spotted and your $25 donation will support research and conservation efforts.


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Watch Jilly scurry and play around her room with her little hamster baby. There's no better way to move her baby around than with the new baby stroller! Set comes with a bottle so Jilly can feed the baby when she gets hungry.
Welcome to the Zhu-niverse!
Find out everything about the upcoming feature-length movie "Quest for Zhu" here! Zhuniverse.com is the official home for ZhuZhu Pets, Kung Zhu, ZhuZhu Puppies, ZhuZhu Babies, and ZhuZhu Princess. Children can explore freely and safely in the different worlds of the Zhu-niverse and meet all the ZhuZhu friends including the newest additions, ZhuZhu Puppies and ZhuZhu Babies! Kids can play games, learn new fun ways to play with their Zhu pets, keep a collection list of their Zhu toys, and create Zhu wish lists. Engaging, imaginative and creative, the Zhu-niverse is the ultimate place for kids that love Zhus! ZhuZhu Hamsters, Puppies, Babies, Princesses, Ninjas, and Special Forces all call the Zhu-niverse home.
© 2011 Cepia LLC. ZhuZhu Pets® logos, names, artwork, characters, and related indicia are trademarks of and copyrighted by Cepia LLC. All Rights Reserved.


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Selected Resources & News From The Field
Online Newsletters & Publications
The Connect for Kids Weekly is an electronic newsletter of Connect for Kids, a resource for adults who want to build better communities for kids and families. The publisher works to realize the social benefits made possible by the public interest use of communications. Sign up free at http://www.connectforkids.org/.
e*literacy is the monthly electronic newsletter from the National Institute for Literacy (LINCS). It is available online at: http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/eliteracy/01_12_01.html. It contains the latest news from LINCS, including the current month's calendar, legislative updates, Literacy in the News, plus more. Don't miss an issue. It's free.
Literacy Update covers issues in adult education and literacy. It is published eight times a year. You may download the current issue at the Literacy Assistance Center's Web site at http://www.lacnyc.org/resources/publications/update/.
Focus on Basics is published by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL). It is available online at http://www.ncsall.net/index.php?id=31. Or if you prefer you may obtain a free copy from the Texas Adult Literacy Clearinghouse by calling 800-441-7323.
News From the Field
Credential Project Field Test Underway
The Adult Education Credential Project has been funded since 1998 to develop a standardized credentialing process for the state of Texas. The proposed credential model requires accrual of 125 professional development points across six core content areas: Principles of Adult Learning; Teaching and Learning; Diverse Learning Styles; Abilities and Cultures; Integrating Technology; and Accountability. Other aspects of the model include specialization opportunities, field participation, an instructional observation, and written reflection reports. A successful pilot of the model was conducted during FY 2000-2001 with 10 practitioners and/or administrators from various regions of the state. A copy of the proposed credential model is available for download from the Credential Project Web site http://www.tei.education.txstate.edu/credential.html.
A larger field test is being conducted with approximately 175 adult education instructors. The field test participants are using the credential to plan their professional development and provide feedback regarding their experience. Practitioners are engaging in professional development activities such as online courses, study groups and peer mentoring. If you would like more information or would like to participate in the Credential field test, contact Tamara Thornton Clunis with the Credential Project, Southwest Texas State University 877-798-2733.


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US Airways (LCC) has filed an 8K with the SEC to begin the process of a takeover of American Airlines, which is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
According to the SEC, "Form 8-K is the: 'current report' companies must file with the SEC to announce major events that shareholders should know about.
American Airlines has said it wishes to emerge from bankruptcy as a standalone carrier. American Airlines parent AMR, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Nov. 29, 2011, is trying to slash its annual labor costs by $1.25 billion and emerge from court supervision. Next week, the struggling airline will try to convince a bankruptcy judge to let it void existing union contracts and impose new ones to secure those spending cuts.
A letter to employees by US Airways CEO Doug Parker reads in part:
Today, we filed a statement (a form called an 8-K) with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing that we have signed agreements with the three unions that represent nearly 55,000 American Airlines employees. These unions are the Allied Pilots Association (APA), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents all of American Airlines' mechanics and fleet service employees. Shortly after our disclosure, these three unions issued a public statement announcing their support of a US Airways-American Airlines merger and that they have agreed to terms that would govern collective bargaining agreements for their members at the merged airline. I want to explain to you why we have done this and what it means.
First of all, today's news does not mean we have agreed to merge with American Airlines. It only means we have reached agreements with these three unions on what their collective bargaining agreements would look like after a merger, and that they would like to work with us to make a merger a reality. To get to an actual merger, many more things must happen including gaining the support of AMR's creditors, its management team and its Board of Directors. But this is obviously an important first step along that path and we are hopeful we can all work together to make this happen.
A joint statement issued Friday by The Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) and the Allied Pilots Association (APA) read in part:
"A merger between American Airlines and US Airways is the best strategy and fastest option to complete the restructuring of American Airlines, enabling it to exit the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process..."
According to the labor group statement, the merger "provides the best path for all constituencies, including employees of both American Airlines and US Airways."


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This Independence Day at 5 pm, Where's Waldo Compliment Assassin, a human version the classic children's book, will commence in Logan Square.
Though it's more like a game of tag than the actual Where's Waldo books, the event will presumably be more engaging than its origin, which, while captivating for young children, would hardly hold an adult's attention for more than five minutes (it's honestly really easy in hindsight) .
The rules are simple- participants don red and white-striped shirts and hats of Waldo (and maybe bottle-top glasses) and make their way through the enormous crowds that will fill Philadelphia's streets for the 2012 Fourth of July, thus imitating Waldo inconspicuously making his way through crowds on the pages of Martin Hanford's memorable books. When one Waldo clone finds another- and the key difference from the books is that Waldo (not some kid sitting on the floor) is looking for other Waldo- the two play "Compliment Assassin," exchanging up to three of the game's prescribed compliments until one "kills" the other by guessing the other's "compliment phrase." The loser (and anyone who previously lost to that person) must join the winner and continue looking for more doppelgängers.
The presumed result is that, by the end, one Waldo army is pushing through civilians, hunting the other group (or perhaps a rogue Waldo that has managed not to be caught by any of the others.) Afterward, the group will make its way to the nearby concert on Benjamin Franklin Parkway to resume normal human behavior.
The organizers of the game are hoping that some of the Waldos will become friends, but it could be more interesting if, thanks to their training with hiding-in-plain-sight, a Waldo spots two others rocking out together to the Roots.
Get more info on this event over on the Facebook.


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Xyle scope
debugging, fine-tuning, and understanding css based web design
Xyle scope is an elegant analysis tool for everyone interested in web standards. It's like surfing the web with an X-ray view. Using Xyle scope you will deepen your understanding of XHTML and CSS, find out how your peers did it, and see your own work with fresh eyes.
The synchronized views of Xyle scope let you easily focus on specific parts of the HTML or CSS sources, view the CSS Cascade and formatting box of HTML elements, and change CSS values in third party sites.
- Immediate display of the HTML and CSS sources of the page being visited.
- Automatic formatting of source files using an unlimited number of customizable CSS style sheets
- Hierarchical navigation in HTML documents
- WYSIWYG selection of HTML elements via clicking in the web page being displayed
- Computation of the CSS cascade for each selected HTML element
- Lists all HTML elements matching a given selector (e.g. by clicking on a selector in a CSS source file or the computed cascade)
- Highlights the formatting box of each selected HTML element
- Live changing of CSS values of any visited site
- Smart groups and search function to filter large CSS files
- DTD viewer to get details on the XHTML standard
Required OS: not specified
Tags: dom , html , webstandards , debug , css , firebug
9 Opinions
How did it take me so long to discover this incredible app? Xyle Scope is invaluable for anyone who works with CSS and is one of these few, special gems that really deserve to be given the much-abused "must have" label.
When my page looks broken, I pray it's also broken on WebKit :) Then it's just a matter of a few clicks and voila -- unexpected paddings, collapsed margins, whacky rules cascade -- it's all there.
Completely brilliant application. Can't live without it - worth the cash!
This application saved my day some many times, one of my best secret tools.
Some times friends call me to ask me if I can help them understand a web site CSS structure, and Xyle does it for me.
Good work.
We all wait for new versions and features for editing...
This works better than the CSS plugins for FireFox. I've looked on the PC (Wiindows) side, they don't have anything like it.
It works a bit choppy at times, but for anyone that has ever had to skin / redesign someone elses code this app is pure solid gold.
This application is extremely useful. I just registered it because I've been using it repeatedly, day after day, when helping a friend redesign her site. This let me zero in on and identify the problems she was having in a matter of seconds, when otherwise I would have had to spend minutes, if not hours, poring over CSS to try and figure it out in my head.
Mac UI Power. I'd be surprised if this didn't at least get nominated for an Apple Design Award.
no app similar to this exist. Its totallly unique


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larrybart's 1982 Yamaha XS 650
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1982XS650SJ HertiageSpecial, Added full LED lighting for all but Headlamp, Added full flow oil filter and oil cooler. Curently working on forward controls for rear brake and shifter. Moded tail lamping to accept turn signal lamps as well as run and stop leds. Repaired oil screen with stainless steel screeing. Moded lower engine plate to act as outlet and inlet for oil flow. Moderator on XS650 web. http://www.xs650temp.proboards.com.
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The Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy will provide ongoing, certified training and information on national and state best practices, as well as exemplary resources for school safety, security, intervention/prevention, and emergency preparedness planning. School safety specialists will be trained to lead the development and implementation of school safety practices which will provide safe educational environments for all students in Indiana.
School Safety has Made it Happen!
- Advanced Level Training
- Basic Level Training
- Regional Training
- Online Resources for School Safety Specialists
- Drill Substitution Option
Building Design
- Seven Important Design Features to Enhance School Safety and Security
- Working with Design Professionals
The Indiana Statewide Fire Drill
- Fire Safety Checklist for Home
- Register to participate
- Fire Prevention Week
- School Fire Drills - Things to Consider
The Great Indiana ShakeOut
Sexual Predator Prevention
Site Resources
- Belief Statements
- Bomb Threat
- Bullying Information
- Climate Surveys
- County School Safety Commissions
- Criminal Organization Information
- DOE School Safety Review
- Emergency Management Virtual Toolkit
- Governor's School Safety Site
- HANDS in Autism
- Hazing
- Health information and resources
- Indiana State Police; Unarmed Response To Active Shooter Training For Educators
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ICS) for Schools
- School Emergency Preparedness
- School Safety Laws
- Student Safety Reporting
- Teen Dating Violence
- Threat Assessment
- Tornado Preparedness
- U.S. Department of Education's Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools


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A new collaboration with Steven Severin is in progress, stay stuned for CANDICE (art video) coming soon.
The first collaboration between Mademoiselle L. and Steven Severin.
(/malora/ - name of a wind)
6'06" third corps-métrage of a triptych (I Diatomée, II Claire Obscure) by Mademoiselle L
Director, editor: ML
Original soundtrack: Steven Severin
Camera: ML
Camera assistant: AD
Sound design: ML & Steven Severin
"Elle la regarde de loin.
Malojá passe de haut en bas, de bas en haut, de droite à gauche.
Elle s'agrippe à Elle, la tire vers elle, l'effiloche sans un regard.
Le corps oscille, cède et s'étire finalement.
Elle descend vers Elle, la rature de haut en bas, de bas en haut, de droite à gauche.
Son noircissement en de longs filaments bruyants.
"She watches her from afar.
Malojá goes up to down from down to up from right to left.
She clasps her, draws her to herself, she frays her without giving an eye.
The body oscillates, gives in and stretches finely.
She descends towards her, scribbles her up and down from down to up, from right to left.
Her blackening in long noisy filaments.
MALOJÁ is invited at 39th edition of Le Festival du Nouveau Cinema in Montreal > nouveaucinema.ca/
Whilst premiering 'Malojá', the Cerisier gallery will be presenting a retrospective of this artist's audiovisual works. Vernissage due november 5th 2010 from 6:30pm onwards and in Nov. 6th. galerielecerisier.com/
Screened on Dec. 3rd 2010 at LATE AT TATE in London as an opening to STEVEN SEVERIN's performance.
MALOJÁ has been selected for screening at the seventh European Short Film Festival at MIT, which will take place on April 1-3, 2011. esff.mit.edu/
MALOJÁ will be screened at "In The Box" at the QL2 Theatre in Canberra (Australia) on May 8, 2011 and, as the team said, "perhaps somewhere in Melbourne too"!
A special MALOJÁ 2011/12/05 is on La Huche lahuche.fr/
MALOJÁ has been selected for the 2012 London Independent Film Festival in April! Screening at the Roxy near London Bridge, from 6:30pm - 9pm on Wednesday April 18.
Check it out: londonindependent.org/tickets2012.htm
Opening of Steven Severin's next performance / Screening coming soon! March 28 - April 6. Dallas, Austin, Houston, New Orleans, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Asheville, Raleigh. More infos soon.
Steven Severin has been touring the EU with his brilliant score for Jean Cocteau's 1930 debut film Blood of a Poet and now, he's currently touring with Carl Theodor Dreyer's VAMPYR. Check stevenseverin.com and stevenseverin.bandcamp.com and also facebook.com/severin.steven
© 2010 limonadeart, Paris
Triptych/ DVD of Claire Obscure (vimeo.com/14424690) and Diatomee (vimeo.com/10015486) now on sale at ML SHOP:
MALOJÁ on sale now!


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Author Affiliations: Department of Medicine, School of Medicine (Drs Xue and Walston), Center on Aging and Health (Drs Xue and Walston), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York (Dr Fried); and Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Dr Beamer).
Aging people progressively lose skeletal muscle mass and strength.1 Epidemiologically, a single measurement of grip strength has repeatedly proven to correlate with subsequent adverse health outcomes2 even when measured in midlife to predict physical disability decades later.3 This has led some to propose that grip strength be used clinically as an indicator of risk for decline in health, or even as a new "vital sign."2,4 However, it remains unclear whether the risk of developing adverse outcomes is greater or less for a person who is relatively weak compared with other age-matched individuals than it is for a relatively strong person whose strength is declining rapidly. We hypothesized that those with a faster rate of decline would be at higher risk compared with those who had a weaker single grip measurement. We tested this hypothesis using longitudinal data from older women studied for the evolution of disability and functional decline with aging.
The Women's Health and Aging Study (WHAS) II is an institutional review board–approved, prospective cohort study of 436 women aged 70 to 79 years with high functional ability at baseline, as previously described.5 Data were collected at baseline and 6 follow-up examinations approximately 18 months apart, except for the interval between the third and fourth examination, which was on average 3 years, resulting in a median follow-up time of 9 years (ranging from 1.5 to 13.3 years) between 1994 and 2008. The analytic sample for this report consisted of 352 women who had baseline data available on all covariates and had at least 2 measurements on grip strength during the follow-up period.
Grip strength was measured using a JAMAR hand dynamometer (Model #BK-7498; Fred Sammons Inc, Burr Ridge, Illinois).5 The maximum measurement of 3 trials in the nondominant hand was used in the analyses.6 Outcomes of the study included incident health events: falls, walking speed slower than 0.4 m/s, the WHAS frailty phenotype,7 and difficulty in 1 or more task ("disability") of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales.8
We used a linear random effects model (REM) to assess population average rate of change in grip strength over time (ie, fixed effects) by including age in the model as a time-dependent covariate. To account for the observed nonlinear time trend in change of grip strength, a 2-piece linear spline was used in the REM with 1 knot fixed at age 75 years.9 To account for between-person heterogeneity in terms of individual deviation from the population mean trajectory, intercept (ie, grip strength at age 70 years, termed baseline strength henceforth) and age slope before age 75 years were modeled as random effects with an unstructured variance-covariance matrix.
Next, we performed joint analysis of the repeated measurements of grip strength and the time-to-event data using a method that has been previously published.9 The model assessed the effects of the rate of change in grip strength on the outcomes independent of baseline strength. For each outcome, analysis was restricted to women who were event-free at baseline and included only strength measurements up to the time of event onset or censoring. All analyses were adjusted for age, race, education, body mass index (BMI), number of chronic diseases, smoking status, physical activity, depressive symptomatology, and serum interleukin 6 and albumin, as in prior research.9 Statistical analyses were conducted in SAS (version 9.2; SAS Institute Inc, Cary, North Carolina).
Of these 352 women included, 17% were African American and 70% were either overweight or obese. Their mean age was 74 years at baseline, with a mean 12.7 years of education. At baseline, 20% reported a history of falls in the past 12 months; 3% of women were frail; 11% and 5.4% reported any ADL and IADL disability, respectively; and none had a walking speed slower than 0.4 m/s.
The REM model estimated that the mean grip strength was 26.5 kg at age 70 years and declined an average of 1.08 kg/y between age 70 and 75 years (P < .001) and 0.52 kg/y thereafter (P < .001). Independent of baseline grip strength, a greater rate of decline in grip strength over time, was significantly associated with higher risk for all outcomes except ADL disability. For example, the risk of developing an IADL disability was 1.32 times higher for every 0.5-SD unit (SD = 0.07 kg/y) increase in the rate of decline in grip strength (P < .001) after adjusting for age, race, education, BMI, and baseline strength. All results remained essentially unchanged after further adjustment for other covariates (Table).
Considering baseline grip strength, our analysis showed that higher baseline strength was significantly associated with a lower risk of IADL disability and frailty, but not the other outcomes, after adjusting for change in grip, age, race, education, BMI at baseline. Specifically, the risk of developing an IADL disability and becoming frail were 1.35 (P < .001) and 1.47 (P < .001) times higher, respectively, for every 0.5-SD unit (SD = 1.9 kg) decrease in baseline strength (Table).
We observed that a decline in grip strength over time is a stronger predictor of a greater variety of subsequent adverse outcomes compared with a single observation of grip strength, suggesting that "becoming weaker" is important in addition to "being weak." These associations were independent of age, disease burden, life style, nutritional status, inflammation, and mental well-being. These results are congruent with the findings of prior cross-sectional studies. However, they offer further understanding of why weak grip is predictive of poor outcome, implying that at least some of the "risk attributable to weakness" seen in prior studies can be restated as "risk attributable to rate of losing strength" or perhaps "risk attributable to being in a strength-losing state."
This study suggests that measuring grip strength over repeated clinic visits may provide useful risk assessment information to patients, families, and clinicians. What most needs to be demonstrated to make grip strength more useful clinically, however, is whether it should trigger any specific interventions or diagnostic efforts. Until we know much more about the clinical relevance and underlying causes of change, it may be premature to promote grip strength—even its trajectory—as a "vital sign."
Correspondence: Dr Beamer, Baltimore VA Medical Center, 10 N Greene St, GRECC (BT/18/GR), Baltimore, MD 21201 (email@example.com).
Author Contributions:Study concept and design: Xue, Fried, and Beamer. Analysis and interpretation of data: Xue, Walston, and Beamer. Drafting of the manuscript: Xue, Walston, and Beamer. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Xue, Fried, and Beamer. Statistical analysis: Xue. Obtained funding: Walston, Fried, and Beamer. Administrative, technical, and material support: Fried and Beamer. Study supervision: Walston and Beamer.
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Funding/Support: The project described was supported by Awards R01AG023701, P30AG02133, and R01AG11703 from the National Institute on Aging.
Role of the Sponsor: The funding agency played no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; and preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.
Disclaimer: The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute on Aging or the National Institutes of Health.
Previous Presentation: Preliminary results of this study were presented at the Gerontological Society of America 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting; November 19, 2009; Atlanta, Georgia.
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Yvonne C. Oldfield Hammett, Marietta, memorial service, 2 p.m., April 5, at Open Door Baptist Church.
Ronald Charles Hazelton, Leesburg, Fla., service, 10 a.m., April 14, in Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.
Garnet Leeson Howdyshell, Marietta, memorial service, 11 a.m., April 4, at Christ United Methodist Church, 301 Wooster St., Marietta; private family burial service.
Rhoda M. Johnson, Glouster, services, 1 p.m., today, at Stone-Matheney Funeral Home in Chesterhill; burial will follow in Wrightstown Ridge Cemetery; friends may call on the family today from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Vincent Clarence Lang, 91, of Churchtown, funeral liturgy with Mass, 10 a.m., today, at St. John's Catholic Church; burial in St. John's Cemetery, Churchtown; Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home handled the arrangements.


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Linvilla Orchards
A 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education
Dates: September 12- November 8, 2015
Every autumn, thousands of families from around the region visit Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards for a display of more than 100 tons of pumpkins, live music, hayrides, scarecrows, a corn maze and much more.
The Experience
Visit Linvilla to pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables or stop by the farm's market. Throughout the growing season, kids can visit with the farm animals, catch a big fish in Orchard Lake or play in the "Playland" Playground.
Celebrate the strawberry, blueberry, tomato, peach, sweet corn and apple crops with annual festivals, which feature games, contests, music and costumed characters. If you're interested in a walk, you can pick up the townships's Indian Trail system from the farm trails that bisect the property.
More than 300 acres of land make up Linvilla Orchards, one of the last working farms in Delaware County. This unique position has influenced the Linvills to try to impart a very experiential farm on their visitors.
A great family attraction, Linvilla Orchards especially wants to educate and entertain their young visitors. They want children to experience what it's like to pick your own fruit and vegetables; to realize that apples and peaches grow on trees and that strawberries and blueberries grow on the ground; to see how big horses actually are, and to hear firsthand the noises that chickens, pigs and other farm animals make!
Linvilla hosts a variety of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year that are usually themed according to the produce of the season. Hayrides, tours, fruit and vegetable picking and swimming are offered daily in season.
Linvilla's farm market, open daily, has earned a well-deserved reputation for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as for delicious home baked treats — it's become a destination for local gourmets in and of itself.
Come Prepared
Dogs are not allowed, and remember to dress comfortably. Fishing rods are available for rental.
Don't Miss
Linvilla hosts a variety of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year that are usually themed according to the produce of the season.
For more information, click the button below.
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 876-7116
In the neighborhood
Museums & Attractions
The Media Theatre
104 East State Street Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-0100
- Ridley Creek State Park
- Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
- Tyler Arboretum
- Hedgerow Theatre
- View more attractions
Restaurants & Dining
Dining Under the Stars
State Street (Between Jackson and Orange Streets) Media, PA 19063
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
- View more Restuarants & Dining


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Palmer Pulse Snowboard
We've upgraded the award-winning Pulse with the quickness and butter of the new Smart FLF Rocker in a prepreg construction. Forgiving and playful, yet incredibly agile and exact, this catch-free hybrid design is the new standard for freestyle fun. "Rocker washouts" are history! Intermediate to advanced rider looking for a fast and sick freestyle board that can ollie off anything into a quick precise turn. Excellent pop for kickers and playful for park jibbing too.Read More


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Since Winter is not going away any time soon, neither is the temptation of an eggnog habit. But, instead of reaching for fat-filled boozy eggnog, hot buttered rum, or spiked hot chocolate, make yourself a hot toddy instead. This classic cold-weather warmer has all the same seasonal spices of eggnog and pumpkin pie, but with way fewer calories. And it's even been known to knock out a cold or two; perhaps it's the citrus, honey, and good-for-you cinnamon at work? Whatever it is, the hot toddy is one of team FitSugar's favorite ways to imbibe over the holidays minus the guilt.
1 1/2 ounces of brandy, scotch, or bourbon
7 ounces hot water
3/4 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 star anise, cinnamon stick, or 3-5 cloves
1-2 thin slices of lemon for garnish
- In a heatproof glass, stir together bourbon, hot water, honey, lemon juice, and spices.
- Garnish with lemon slices.
Makes 1 drink.
More from FitSugar:
- See how the celebrities lost weight and got in shape in 2010.
- Don't make these holiday dieting mistakes!
Source: Flickr user: Beckathwia
KEYWORDS: FitSugar


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If you think that the universe is just one big thought, whose thought do you think it is? In Kansas, USA, the evolution vs intelligent design debate is on the front burner once again, with anti-Darwinists arguing against scientific deduction.
And scientists who consider the evidence of the chemical and biological origins of life to be beyond dispute refuse to be part of what they say is essentially nothing more than a diatribe against atheism.


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Live Blog: North Korea Leader Kim Jong Il Has Died
Kim Jong Il, the dictator who used fear and isolation to maintain power in North Korea and the threat of nuclear weapons to menace his neighbors and the U.S., has died, North Korean state television reported early Monday.
His death opens a new and potentially dangerous period of transition and instability for North Korea and northeast Asia. Mr. Kim in September 2010 tapped his youngest son to succeed him, though it isn't known whether the son will take control right away.
Mr. Kim, who was 69 or 70 years old, according to varying accounts, died from fatigue during a train ride on Saturday, a weeping television announcer said.
Follow updates on Mr. Kim's death in the Journal's live blog.
Interactive Graphic: Kim Dynasty
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has died. His son Kim Jong Eun was named as successor, according to North Korean television, and will continue the family dynasty that has ruled the communist state since it was founded. Take a look at selected family members in this interactive graphic.
South Korea's Financial Watchdog to Meet
SEOUL-South Korea's financial regulator and watchdog will meet at 0500 GMT to discuss the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and measures to calm jitters over renewed geopolitical risk in local financial markets.
The Financial Services Commission Monday said its senior officials will meet with those of the Financial Supervisory Service to discuss key issues, including whether to implement one of its contingency plans.
Japanese Finance Minister Watching for Any Negative Impact
TOKYO-Japan's finance minister on Monday said he would watch for any negative impact on the Japanese economy from the reported death of North Korean Kim Jong Il.
"As for the impact on the economy (of the reported death of Kim Jong Il), we have to carefully examine that from now on, so I will give instructions to relevant ministries," regarding this issue, Jun Azumi told reporters.
"From the perspective of national security, it is important for us to firmly prepare ourselves for unpredictable events," Mr. Azumi added.
This item was updated to fix the title of the finance minister in the headline. It incorrectly called him the foreign minister.
Chinese Media Reactions
China's state media is so far playing the death of Kim Jong-Il straight.
Roughly 20 minutes before its daily noon newscast, state broadcaster China Central Television broke in with a special report on Mr. Kim's death. It was a three-minute bare-bones account that echoed the facts from North Korea's official media, plus a chronology of the major events of his life, intercut with stock footage. Several minutes later, it aired the program again.
The state-run Xinhua news agency offered a similar just-the-facts report.
Neither gave a sense of how China's leadership will react.
The Global Times newspaper – the nationalist-leaning state-run tabloid – posted on its website a special page, black to signal mourning, on the death.
Asian Markets Slide
Markets hate uncertainty and the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il certainly falls under that category.
On Monday morning, South Korean stocks lost more than 4% of their value and the South Korean won dropped more than 1% against the dollar. The Japanese yen fell slightly against the dollar, as did the euro and the Australian dollar.
One might have expected an even bigger market reaction. But much of the peril North Korea presents to the South's economic engine is priced in to how investors rate companies in South Korea, the idea being that an unexpected conflagration or destabilization makes South Korea riskier than stocks in other countries. South Korean stocks, for instance, trade at among the lowest price-to-book ratios in all of Asia. The explanation is often the North Korean factor.
South Korean markets are used to uncertainty emanating from their northern neighbors, as military skirmishes, missile launches and nuclear bomb tests occur with uncomfortable regularity. Investors often treat the market swoons that follow as buying opportunities.
The death of the dictator however, presents a new level of unknowns politically, economically and militarily for the region and the world. Bordering China and Russia and short missile ride to Japan, nuclear-armed North Korea sits at the nexus of global interests. Unrest or disintegration of the regime would have large impacts on its neighbors, especially South Korea.
Consider that military analysts figure 300,000 troops would be needed to keep North Korea calm should the regime fall apart.
South Korean government financial officials were on high alert, making statements within minutes of the death announcement that that they were monitoring foreign-exchange transactions and financial markets, a signal they will intervene if necessary to prevent too much volatility.
Kim Jong Il's death, and the apparent appointment of his 20-something son Kim Jong Un as his successor, opens a new chapter and what it means for South Korea's economy is unknown. South Korea has prepared for years for the collapse, knowing it will likely cost the South hundreds of billions of dollars to reconstruct the North, should unification ever come into play.
CCTV Reports from Pyongyang
During its noon news program, a reporter for China's state broadcaster, China Central Television, said some Pyongyang residents interviewed on the street hadn't yet heard the news of Kim Jong Il's death "because the incident happened relatively suddenly," and they were "shocked" to hear of it.
Other residents who had heard the news "were extremely sorrowful and could not help shedding tears," the reporter said.
CCTV had technical difficulties—a rare occurrence in its broadcasts—on its first attempt to bring up a voice link to the reporter in Pyongyang. The attempt produced high-pitched microphone feedback and silence, but the station's second attempt soon afterward was successful.
Video: North Korean Leader Dead
North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong Il has died, according to North Korean TV reports. The WSJ's Deborah Kan and reporter Alex Frangos talk about what this means for the secretive nation in this video.
Japan Defense Minister: To Do Everything to Monitor Situation
TOKYO-Japan's defense minister said Monday that Japan would do everything it could to closely watch developments in North Korea following the death of Kim Jong Il.
"I've issued instructions (to the defense ministry) to do everything to establish an alert, monitoring stance," said Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa, speaking to reporters.
Japan's government has called an emergency national security meeting.
South's President Lee Holds Security Meeting
SEOUL-South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is holding an emergency National Security Council, the presidential office said Monday.
The president is meeting with security-related ministers, including Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik, Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan and Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin, to discuss the death of the North Korean leader, said a media relations official at the Blue House.
"It's not certain whether the presidential office will issue a statement after the meeting," he said.
President Lee has also ordered all government officials to remain on emergency alert, the official added.
Dollar Gains on Reports of Kim's Death
The dollar was up against the euro and the yen in Asia on Monday, as a report of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's death prompted traders to buy a safe-haven dollars and sell riskier currencies and stocks.
The White House press secretary released this statement:
"We are closely monitoring reports that Kim Jong Il is dead. The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies."
Japanese Government on the Alert
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has instructed his cabinet to be ready for any unexpected developments following the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the government's chief government spokesman said.
Briefing reporters after an emergency meeting of Mr. Noda's national security council, chief government spokesman Osamu Fujimura said that "the prime minister has instructed us to be prepared for unexpected developments."
Mr. Fujimura also said that Japan was closely watching whether the succession in power will be made peacefully.
Earlier, Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa said that he has instructed his ministry to do everything to establish an alert, monitoring stance.
Mr. Fujimura quoted Mr. Noda as saying that Japan will be in close contact with China and South Korea on any developments.
Moody's: No Immediate Impact on South Korea's Ratings
SINGAPORE-Kim Jong Il's death has no immediate impact on South Korea's sovereign debt rating, an analyst at Moody's Investors Service said Monday.
The U.S.-South Korean military alliance will continue to be a stabilizing force on the Korean peninsula as North Korea transitions to new leadership, Moody's analyst Thomas Byrne told Dow Jones Newswires.
The handover to youngest son Kim Jong Eun will be more difficult than the transition to Jong Il from his father Kim Il Sung, because Jong Il had been prepared for many years for the role.
"There could be some internal strife over the leadership post," Mr. Byrne said. "A radical change in overall strategy is an unlikely scenario."
He said the U.S. and China would be expected to try to use their influence to try to maintain stability.
Moody's rates South Korea's credit at A1 with a stable outlook.
Australia's Rudd Calls For Caution
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd called on world leaders to exercise caution and restraint in the handling of North Korea following the death of its leader, Kim Jong Il.
Mr. Rudd, Australia's former prime minister, said Mr. Kim's death presents an opportunity for a new regime to engage more with the international community on "the critical questions of how to feed their people, how to open their economy, and more broadly how to deal with the long-standing problem of North Korea's nuclear-weapons program."
Even so, he said, in the early days the key would be to proceed slowly.
"The absolute importance is maintain calm and restraint at this time of critical leadership transition," said Mr. Rudd, adding: "This is the single most-armed (military) zone anywhere in the world."
Kim's Death Awakens Hope for Japanese Abductions
After the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the long-running issue of what happened to Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea more than three decades ago is resurfacing, with families of the victims saying they hope heir-apparent Kim Jong Eun, the leader's mysterious twenty-something third son, will be more amenable to resolving matters than his father.
Chinese Scholar: Kim's Death Could Be Chance to Promote Reform
China is unlikely to alter its longstanding policy of supporting North Korea following the death of Kim Jong Il, but sees it as an opportunity to promote market-oriented economic reform there, according to Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Peking University.
"Now that a new leader has come, we'd like to push for a redirection of the country," he said. "I think his passing away will turn out to be a great opportunity for North Korea to choose a new direction."
He added that Mr. Kim's son and successor, Kim Jong Eun, was unlikely to provoke a military confrontation with South Korea in part because China had been withholding some military and civilian assistance as a result of North Korea's military clashes with the South last year.
Kospi Drops on Kim's Death
South Korea's Kospi has fallen sharply and is down 4.2% at 1763.49, the lowest level since mid-October, on renewed concerns about Korea's longstanding geopolitical risk after news that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has died.
Analysts say the impact of the unexpected news is hard to imagine and it remains unclear how long the stock market will be weighed by the news.
China Offers Condolences to North Korea
China offered its "deep condolences" on the death of North Korean Kim Jong Il, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Monday, citing foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.
What Kim Jong Il's Death Means for India
India will be hoping Kim Jong Il's death ushers in a new era in bilateral relations with a country with which it has had testy relationship because of Pyongyang's export of missile technology to Pakistan.
India's Ministry of External Affairs says it will issue a statement later Monday on the death of the North Korean leader. That statement is likely to be polite. New Delhi, unlike the U.S., has maintained diplomatic relations with Pyongyang since 1973.
Announcement Reflects Tight Grip on Media in North Korea
There are lot of differences in the current leadership transition in North Korea and the last one, which happened in 1994 when Kim Il Sung died and his son Kim Jong Il took over. But there is one interesting similarity—how long it took North Korea to tell the world of the leader's death.
Kim Jong Il died on Saturday and his death was announced Monday afternoon. When his father died in 1994, it took North Korea's state media about the same time, 36 to 48 hours, to announce it.
Kim Jong Il died apparently while traveling away from the capital city of Pyongyang. His father died in a mountain home, also away from Pyongyang. Some accounts of Kim Il Sung's death say that a medical helicopter crashed on its way to provide aid to him.
Information is highly controlled in North Korea, with all journalism produced by state-run news organizations. Even so, defectors and North Koreans who do business with China increasingly are able to get news out of the country. Websites devoted to North Korean news on Monday afternoon Asia time were starting to fill with dispatches from inside the country that indicated North Korea's military was sealing the border with China and shutting down markets in cities and towns around the country.
But the fact that the news of Mr. Kim's death, really the biggest news from the country in years, didn't make it out through such unofficial channels is another indication of the government's grip on information.
North Korea Group HQ in Tokyo Flies Flag at Half-Staff
The North Korean flag is flying at half-staff at the Tokyo headquarters of General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, a group representing pro-North ethnic Koreans living in Japan, and which acts as a de facto embassy for North Korea in the absence of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
China: Kim Was 'Close Friend of Chinese People'
China and North Korea will work together to bolster bilateral relations and secure peace in the region, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said Monday.
Kim Jong Il was North Korea's "great leader" and a "close friend of Chinese people," Liu Weimin said, reading a brief statement at a press conference.
He declined to take follow-up questions.
South Korea Markets Fall but Find Support
South Korean stocks and the won dropped sharply Monday as news of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's death stoked fears of instability in the Korean Peninsula, but late buying from large funds suggested the geopolitical risks may fade.
Markets in Seoul initially sold off heavily as investors worried the death of Mr. Kim will usher in a new phase of instability in North Korea and northeast Asia, potentially triggering a sustained outflow of foreign funds.
Reassurances from the South Korean authorities that they stood ready to act if needed to stabilize the markets tempered the initial nervousness among traders. Still, uncertainty about what to expect from the new leadership in one of the most reclusive regimes in the world cast a shadow in local markets, and weighed on sentiment across a few other Asian stock and currency markets.
"The Korean Peninsula is often perceived as a volatile area with much political and military tension, causing uncertainty even when global sentiment was much better than where it currently stands," said Jason Hughes, strategist at IG Markets in Singapore. "Uncertainty over the initial moves of the potential new leader and international responses will mean investors in the coming days will be closely watching for developments in this region as they have been for euro-zone updates."
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, closed down 3.4% at 1,776.93, the lowest level since Nov. 25. The index had fallen as much as 4.9% earlier. The U.S. dollar pared its initial gains against the Korean won, while Korean government bond futures trimmed earlier losses.
Video: North Korean Leader Dies
North Korea's transition of power will be closely watched by the world as the country prepares for leadership under Kim Jong Eun. The WSJ's Deborah Kan and Seoul reporter Evan Ramstad discuss what this could mean for stability in the secretive nation in this video.
Japan Defense Ministry Closely Monitoring Situation
Japan's top government spokesman said that Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa has ordered his ministry to beef up information gathering in response to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
"The defense minister has ordered ministry officials and the Self-Defense Forces to strengthen their monitoring and information gathering," Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a regular press conference.
Mr. Fujimura neither confirmed nor denied a local media report that North Korea had fired a short-range missile toward the Sea of Japan on Friday.
Japan has reacted with concern, but taken no extra security measures following Kim's death, as the transition of power in Pyongyang threatens to bring fresh instability to the region.
Chinese React to Kim Jong-il's Death
China and North Korea may officially be as close as "lips and teeth," as Mao Zedong famously said, but that hasn't kept Internet users in China from greeting news of the death of Kim Jong Il with mixed emotions.
Kim's death was the top trending topic on Sina Weibo, China's most active Twitter-like microblogging platform. It attracted more than a million posts by midday Monday according to statistics posted on a special topic page.
One indicator of how Chinese Internet users are taking Kim's death: the use of emoticons. While a number of the service's users have decorated their posts with candles and broken hearts to indicate mourning, at least as many have opted instead to festoon their feeds with thumbs up, victory symbols and animated faces in various states of laughter.
Moody's Analyst: No Immediate Impact on S. Korea Ratings
Kim Jong Il's death has no immediate impact on South Korea's sovereign debt rating, an analyst at Moody's Investors Service said.
The U.S.-South Korean military alliance will continue to be a stabilizing force on the Korean peninsula as North Korea transitions to new leadership, Moody's analyst Thomas Byrne said.
The handover to youngest son Kim Jong Un will be more difficult than the transition to Kim Jong Il from his father, Kim Il Sung, because Kim Jong Il had been prepared for many years for the role.
"There could be some internal strife over the leadership post," Mr. Byrne said. "A radical change in overall strategy is an unlikely scenario."
He said the U.S. and China would be expected to try to use their influence to try to maintain stability.
Moody's rates South Korea's credit at A1 with a stable outlook.
Lunchtime Shock at China's North Korean Restaurants
North Korean restaurants in China offer a rare and somewhat surreal opportunity for outsiders to interact with citizens of the hermit kingdom.
Flag pins usually give away the fact that a Korean restaurant serves cuisine of the north, instead of the south. The authentic northerners wear the blue-and-red pins on their chests, keep their opinions focused on the food and offer minimal personality during the requisite dinner-time performance that accompanies a barbeque meal.
News Monday of the death of Kim Jong Il appeared to leave some of China's North Korean restaurateurs in shock, though it was exhibited in different ways.
Kim's Death May Revive Nuclear Questions for Myanmar
The death of Kim Jong Il is causing some unease in Southeast Asia about how the transition now under way in North Korea might affect its military ties to Myanmar—another nation long viewed with suspicion by the West but which is now introducing a series of political and economic reforms.
There has been a marked warming in relations between Myanmar and the U.S. after the military handed over power to a nominally civilian government in March. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pressed the country's new rulers in a ground-breaking visit earlier this month to make a decisive break with Pyongyang and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology in order to push the blossoming relationship further forward.
Indonesia, Philippines Offer Condolences
Two of Southeast Asia's strongest democracies, the Philippines and Indonesia, sent condolences to North Korea on Monday following the death of Kim Jong Il, expressing their hope that Pyongyang will be able to maintain stability on the Korean peninsula and in the broader Asia-Pacific region.
The Philippines' foreign ministry said in a statement that it hoped that the North Korean government "will facilitate a smooth transition to a new leadership." It said it would continue to cooperate with the country "to intensify the promotion and maintenance of peace and stability" and "ensure the region's continued prosperity."
The Philippines sent troops to the Korean peninsula under the flag of the United Nations in the 1950s to defend South Korea.
Indonesia's ministry of foreign affairs said the people and government of Indonesia offer their prayers to Mr. Kim's family and the people of North Korea "so that they have the strength and forbearance in overcoming this moment of loss."
"The government of Indonesia has every confidence that North Korea will continue its commitment to contribute to the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region in general," the Indonesian statement read.
New N. Korean Leader Could Hamper Nuclear Talks
New North Korean leader Kim Jong Eun's uncertain position after the death of his father could hobble nuclear talks, according to a former Clinton administration official.
"Kim Jong Eun is likely to be a weak leader in the short term, which will make it difficult to make progress on nuclear talks," said Susan Shirk, director of the University of California's Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation and a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state covering China for a part of the Clinton administration. She also leads a forum on security issues among officials and academics from the Koreas and elsewhere.
"A major celebration planned for April to mark the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth might be a key moment in the transition and a coming-out party for Jong Eun," she said. "It will be difficult for North Korea to take any initiatives before April."
Ms. Shirk, who was in North Korea in September, said she saw no signs of a shift to market-based policies.
"There's an affluent class that have some consumer goods, and that is evidence of bottom-up market activity," she said. "But policy has not shifted to support market reforms"
China's interest lies in stability on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea's powerful neighbor wants peace and may offer more aid, Ms. Shirk said. But they may be mistrustful of the transition process.
"China does not like the transfer of power from father to son," she said. "They didn't like it when Kim Jong Il took over from his father, and now there is another transfer from father to son."
She added: "They will be saying to Pyongyang: 'Don't do anything provocative.'"
History Beats Kim for South Korean Students in Shanghai
The friendship between North Korea and China is widely known. Perhaps less well-remembered is China's role in helping nurture the government that would rule the Republic of Korea, as South Korea is known today.
It's a dichotomy that in Shanghai occasionally has North and South Koreans bumping into each other. On Monday, a group of South Korean high school students was contemplating north Asia's turbulent history shortly after learning of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's death.
One of the top draws for Korean tourists in Shanghai is an old house labeled in English as the Original Site of the Temporary Govt of Korea. Starting in 1919, it was the location of the provisional Korean government while the peninsula was a Japanese colony and before it was formally established as the Republic of Korea after World War II.
This was the stop for a group of South Korean students on Monday shortly after they learned Kim had died.
The Life of a Dictator
The son of Kim Il Sung, North Korea's founder, Kim Jong Il ruled the reclusive country for nearly two decades. See highlights from his life and career in this timeline.
Singapore Nonprofit Expects Stable Transition in Pyongyang
Though hesitant to make definitive guesses on the future of North Korea's relationship with other Asian nations, at least one group of experts says it doesn't expect to see a "dramatic change" in North Korea's relationship with the outside world.
"Unlike what many are saying, I think there will be no instability as such," said Andray Abrahamian, director of external and media relations at Choson Exchange, a Singapore-based nonprofit organization that seeks to facilitate educational and business exchanges with North Korea. "Political infighting will be completely opaque to the rest of the world."
Opinion: Christmas in North Korea
Opinion Journal: The despot Kim Jong Il is dead. WSJ Asia editorial-page editor Hugo Restall tells Abheek Bhattacharya what to expect next from the hermit kingdom in this video.
Attention Shifts to Pyongyang's Young Leader
After the sudden death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il, attention swings to his third son, Kim Jong Eun, who has been named as the new leader of the isolated country.
A smooth transition of power is far from certain.
Kim Jong Eun, born either in 1983 or 1984 according to the South Korean government, was effectively appointed to succeed to his father in September last year, when the ruling Worker's Party of Korea handed him the post of four-star general in the Korean People's Army and a position on the military commission of the party. Before the announcement, he had never been mentioned by North Korea's state media.
China's CCTV Reads Condolences
China's state broadcaster, China Central Television, or CCTV, started its flagship 7 p.m. news broadcast Monday with a news anchor reading the text of a telegram of condolences it said China's leaders sent to North Korea on Monday.
"China's [Communist] Party, government and people feel deeply sorrowful for Comrade Kim Jong Il's passing. The Chinese people will forever cherish his memory," CCTV quoted part of the telegram from China's State Council and other leadership bodies as saying. "We believe the North Korean people will…unite around the Workers Party of Korea, and under the leadership of comrade Kim Jong Eun will turn their sorrow into strength."
"The Chinese people will always stand with the North Korean people. May comrade Kim Jong Il be forever remembered by posterity," it concluded. The news broadcast proceeded to show footage of residents in North Korea weeping.
Japan Handles Kim's Death in 38 Words
Foreign-policy experts will likely be writing reams of analysis in future days, on what the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il means to the world. Japan's initial take on how to deal with the Dear Leader's passing is summed up in 38 words.
On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda issued a succinct three-point plan for Japan's response that amounts to 38 words in English — just nine words longer than the plan's title: "Instructions from the Prime Minister with regard to press reports about the Death of Chairman Kim Jong-Il of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
North Korea Reportedly Fires Short-Range Missiles
North Korea test-fired short-range missiles into the East Sea, located between the Korean peninsula and Japan, Monday morning, but it appears that the firing wasn't related to its leader's recent death, Yonhap News Agency reported Monday, citing a South Korean government official.
"The North test-fired short-range missiles this morning. This is an issue that the [South's] military authorities have been chasing after and it appears to have nothing to do with Kim Jong Il's death," the official was quoted as saying in the report. The official declined to elaborate how many missiles were fired.
The official said the range of the missiles looks to be within 120 kilometers and that Seoul suspects the test was aimed at improving the missiles' function and range, according to Yonhap.
Economists React
How will markets react to Kim Jong Il's death? Economists and analysts chime in with their thoughts. A sampling:
The chances of a regime collapse have increased with the death of Kin Jong Il. This could be brought about either by a coup or by a failed attempt to reform the political and/or economic system (the Gorbachev legacy). There is a slight chance that regime collapse would lead to anarchy and civil war. However, North Korea's centralized organization and concentration of power should prevent this worst of all outcomes…A big bang unification comparable to the German model is not an option for Korea. German reunification is estimated to have cost between USD600 billion and USD1 trillion over 10 years, equivalent to 30%-50% of West German GDP. However, the price tag would be significantly larger in the case of Korea, in effect ruling out this option altogether. –Erik Lueth, Royal Bank of Scotland
Harper to N. Korea: 'Close This Sad Chapter'
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he hopes the death of Kim Jong Il will usher in "positive change" for the people of North Korea.
"The regime's reckless decisions have resulted in North Korea being an impoverished nation and a country isolated from the international community because of its dangerous nuclear proliferation and ballistic missile programs," Harper said in a statement Monday morning. "At this critical juncture, we urge North Korea to close this sad chapter in its history and to work once more towards promoting both the well-being of its people and stability on the Korean peninsula."
Economic Health of Pyongyang a Concern
Kim Jong Il leaves his country with an entrenched and repressive economic system whose collapse would bring a steep price to its neighbors.
Reflecting the uncertainty created by Mr. Kim's death, stock and currency markets in South Korea fell on the news, though on a comparative basis the movements were mild compared with market reaction to Europe's recent economic problems. Investors for years have priced in risks associated with North Korea by keeping South Korean company stocks and its currency less valued than they otherwise would be. Selected South Korea's military-contractor stocks soared.
Analysts say Mr. Kim's designated successor, his son Kim Jong Eun, is likely to focus on consolidating power rather than embarking on sudden policy changes that would aid North Korea's beleaguered economy and its downtrodden citizens
What Happens to 'Looking at Things' Blog?
If you enter the name of late North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il into a Google search field, you'll likely get three suggestions: "dead," "died" and "looking at things" — such is the influence of the eponymously named blog dedicated to posting official state photos of "the Dear Leader" doing just that.
The blog had 300,000 hits by early Monday, on that day alone.
The creator of the website, which has taken on pop culture status second only to the caricature of Mr. Kim as a lonely, lunatic puppet in Hollywood film "Team America," said he was inspired to launch "Kim Jong-Il Looking At Things" after seeing the Boston Globe's photos of Mr. Kim in the paper's The Big Picture segment, which features themed collections of photos.
"It was basically a short version of the blog. Kim Jong-Il. Same hat, same glasses, same coat. Looking at things. I couldn't believe this was what passed for propaganda in North Korea, he seemed a bit senile in most of them. And so it was born," said João Rocha, an art director at advertising firm Y&R in Lisbon who said he had never previously had any particular interest in the reclusive regime.
Kim's Passing Poses Challenges for China
The death of North Korea's dictator raises the promise that China could seize an opportunity to help steer it away from its history of isolation and belligerence.
The late Kim Jong Il has sent shock waves through the region in recent years with nuclear tests and then with aggressive attacks against the South. As a result, South Korea and Japan have drawn closer to the U.S., complicating China's efforts to draw closer ties and have greater sway in the region.
Further instability could pose new threats to Japan, which reacted with concern on Monday, though it didn't order up additional security measures. It could also pose a serious challenge for China at a sensitive time, as it deals with a slowing economy, unrest at home and a sensitive once-a-decade political change next year.


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By AAFES PAOFebruary 4, 2011
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - About 45 percent of adult Americans make one or more resolutions each year, with a healthier lifestyle dominating the top of the list. From Subways to shoppettes, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is making it easier to live up to goals specific to health and fitness.
Dining at Fort Bragg, for example, doesn't have to be a diet-buster as virtually every establishment now offers healthy dining options. Subway's Fresh Fit menu provides eight sandwiches with less than six grams of fat, baked chips and a diet beverage.
Burger King offers an online "Build-a-Meal" menu that reveals nutrition facts for various meal combinations. Burger King also allows diners to select a side salad instead of fries for the same price. In addition to Subway and Burger King, other options, including Taco Bell, offer a wide variety of resolution-worthy initiatives. Exchange restaurant nutrition information is available online at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/docs/nutrition.pdf.
The days of vending machines being a last ditch option for those monitoring what they eat are long gone thanks to the "Fit Pick" program. Created by the National Automatic Merchandising Association, "Fit Pick" educates Americans about the role of healthy snacks and the importance of a balanced diet and physical activity. "Fit Pick" guidelines call for vending machine snacks that are less than 35 percent calories from fat, 10 percent calories from saturated fat and 35 percent total weight from sugar. Fort Bragg Exchange vending machines include a minimum of a 15 percent product mix of "Fit Pick" items in all units.
While gassing up the car at any of the Fort Bragg shoppettes, drivers can also fuel up on fresh salads with less than 300 calories, chilled fruit cups and fresh fruit. The shoppettes also offer a wide array of meal replacement options such as PowerBars, Clif, Zone Perfect and Detour Bars, all available in assorted flavors.


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Definition of York, Archbishop of in English:
York, Archbishop of
The archbishop of the northern province of the Church of England. The office carries the title of Primate of England.
Example sentences
- The tribunal is being held at St Chad's Church, York, and is being heard by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope.
- David Hope, the retiring Archbishop of York, on his despair at infighting in the church
- However, they quickly fell out again when Becket asked the pope to excommunicate the Archbishop of York who had taken sides with the king.
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: Arch|bishop of York
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
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= trending


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Here's a cheerful little thought from Obama's top economic advisor, Lawrence Summers, in which he justifies dumping toxic waste in poor countries:
[T]he economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest-wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that. The measurement of the cost of health-impairing pollution depends on the foregone earnings from increased morbidity and mortality. From this point of view a given amount of health-impairing pollution should be done in the country with the lowest cost, which will be the country with the lowest wage[1]
There you have it: because the cost per unit of the poor is less than the cost-per-unit of the rich, it follows, ergo/post-hoc/post-haste, that it makes more economic sense to snuff a peasant than a lord. When you kill the poor, you kill idlers, sustenance farmers and slum dwellers; when you kill the prosperous, you kill people just like us, and that simply won't do!
This is what happens when rational thought is divorced from ethics and morality. The result is the value-free thinking so valued by the social sciences (in its self, a contradiction in terms). The ultimate expression of this type of "thinking" was the holocaust, which was bureaucratic slaughter writ large. It was all policy, goals and objectives. It succeeded because of the management skills that were brought to bear on the question of how to kill all the Jews.
Chris Hedges calls this moral nihilism and cites Fyodor Dostoevsky's Notes from the Underground as an example of it when he points out that,
The main character in Notes from the Underground carries the bankrupt ideas of liberalism to its logical extreme. He becomes the enlightenment ideal. He eschews passion and moral purpose. He is rational. He prizes realism over sanity, even in the face of self-destruction.
There are four moral absolutes which any society must live by if it is to be considered moral: Don't kill, don't steal, don't lie and don't exploit. You will notice that a prohibition against gay marriage is not included. However, a corporate society loves to get its knickers in a knot over gay marriage because it diverts the public's attention from the fact that corporatism is quite willing to trash all four of the moral absolutes if it will add a point or two to its profit margin.
All ideologies are exercises in moral nihilism. They all proceed along the steel tracks of their linear thinking and care not who or what is destroyed in the process. Every ideology constructs a castle in the sky, complete with turrets, pediments, gargoyles and towers. Within the walls of this castle, shut off the reality and the world, the ideologue can make his pronouncements with the absolute certainty of one who knows only his master's voice, be it Marx, Freidman or Rush.
Yes, Summer's logic is as impeccable as it is amoral; it is an amorality that is well suited to the corporate state as it fights for its survival in this, the swan song of the Age of Capitalism.
--Case Wagenvoord
[1] Richard York, Brett Clark and John Bellamy Foster. "Capitalism in Wonderland." Monthly Review 61, No. 1 (2009): 6
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A Cheerful Little Thought
Posted by Case Wagenvoord at 7:32 AM
2 comments:
- thepoetryman said...
When you kill the poor, you kill idlers, sustenance farmers and slum dwellers; when you kill the prosperous, you kill people just like us, and that simply won't do!
Reads like something out of the bible.
Oh! There I've gone again it and done...
- May 20, 2009 at 1:24 PM
- Case Wagenvoord said...
The old guy's getting reallly pissed off at you.
- May 21, 2009 at 3:20 AM
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Simply delicious
Sunday afternoon and after two flat tires on my way to West London, I decided that fate wanted me to stay central. I was hungry and the dilemma was obvious; go safe or go Apposite? With endless possibilities on my mind, I headed to a destination that has been on the Apposite radar for a long time, Ducksoup.
This tiny restaurant is located in Soho, most probably the most challenging food scene in the country. With neighbours like Burger and Lobster, the Groucho Club and Quo Vadis, how do you tackle trendsetters, classy acts and British culinary ambassadors? By being yourself.
Ducksoup is original, inventive and tasty. Their menus are written in pen, on a white A4 paper, the place is so small that the man behind the bar pops out to take your order – and the food is simply genius.
Soho is one of those places whose beauty can only be lived and never recreated. No picture or painting can make it justice, you have to be there and listen, breathe and taste it. So I sat outside and listened, breathed and waited to taste. The barman handed me the menu and I started reading through it.
I ordered the bread, samphire with lemon and oil, grilled chicken wings with curry leaves and tahini yogurt and the grilled turmeric poussin with garlic yogurt. Why so much chicken you might think? The answer is quite simple. When you really want to test a restaurant, a chef and menu, just order the chicken. This humble source of protein unmasks the true character of a place. It can be easily overcooked and it takes real flair to make meat that blunt, taste good.
With neighbours like Burger and Lobster, the Groucho Club and Quo Vadis, how do you tackle trendsetters, classy acts and British culinary ambassadors? By being yourself.
And boy did it taste good. The wings were oriental and zingy and mouthwatering whilst the baby chicken had tons of flavour infused throughout and an imposing aroma. What struck me in all of the dishes was simplicity. Few ingredients handled with care and precision giving out layers and layers of bold flavour. I would have never imagined that samphire with a little bit of oil and lemon could be that tasty.
I promised my self that in a city with so many gastronomic choices I would always visit a new place. Ducksoup made me second-guess my self. It's one of those places that will always be on my A-list choices for food that makes you close your eyes when you taste it.
As I walked towards the rest room to wash my hands I could see the chef preparing a plate through the open kitchen door. He smiled at me kindly as if he knew why I ordered the chicken; as if he knew who I was and what I was doing there. I smiled back and he went on with his craft.
As I washed my hands I could already visualise the first sentence of my Ducksoup entry. 'Sunday afternoon and after two flat tires on my way to West London…'
41 Dean Street
W1D 4PY – London
phone: 020 7287 4599
2 Comments
Not a bad article, made it happen take you a good amount of your time and effort to contemplate it?


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A bloodied anti-abortion rights protester is surrounded by Texas state troopers outside the Senate Chamber after the Texas Senate passes an abortion bill, Saturday, July 13, 2013, in Austin, Texas. The bill will require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, only allow abortions in surgical centers, dictate when abortion pills are taken and ban abortions after 20 weeks. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)