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parts of Europe, and has got ashamed of the idleness and ignorance of his people, and ever since, he has been trying to make Turkey more like Christian countries. Just now he has suddenly ordered every child in his kingdom to learn to read, write, and do sums. He is generally obeyed; but whether he is clever enough to force all the idle, stupid, tiresome boys in Turkey to read, write, and cypher, I doubt. I know our Queen could not do it here. If he can, perhaps Jack will see a wonderful improvement when he makes his next voyage. He begins to think that he is better off than if it had been a turkey to eat that the captain offered him.
They brought back lots of raisins and currants for Christmas plum-puddings; and in case people eat too much of them, plenty of rhubarb not the stalks that make tarts, but the red powder that your mother gives you for a sick headache.
Turkey is a country that does not count for much. Indeed, some years, ago, Russia proposed to divide it amongst two or three other kingdoms; but English people don't like to see the weak bullied, and told Russia to keep her distance; and when she would not, the French and we made her—for Turkey could not help herself.
But now that the Sultan has found out that keeping his people in ignorance does not answer, perhaps they will bestir themselves. One hopes they will not go on being Mahometans when they know more about Christian countries, and that alone would set free the poor women. None of you boys, or girls either, know how much you owe to mothers and . sisters, or what roughs you would probably become, if you looked upon them as dolls, to be shut up and never seen nor heard, instead of being as they now are, the comfort of your lives whenever you are sick or in trouble.
ASIA. The large continent of Asia contains half the inhabitants of the globe. The most northern part is Siberia, a dreadfully, cold icy country, to which, as I told you, the Czar of Russia sends his convicts, instead of keeping them in prison. And in Siberia the poor creatures generally die. Towards the middle of Asia you will find China, the place from which all the best china teacups used to come. The Chinese are a queer set of people, and speak a most curious language, very difficult to learn. I read some verses making fun of it, of which I will repeat two lines :
"Go home and tell your mother
I don't believe you Chinamen
Can understand each other." The Chinese hate strangers coming into their country; so we cannot teach them our ways. We get almost all our tea from thence, as well as a great deal of silk. China is called the "Flowery Land," and our China roses and dahlias came first from thence, besides Chinese primroses and camellias.
The Chinese have a big wall, which they built to keep strangers out; it is 1,500 miles long.
You girls should be thankful that you were not born in China ; for there, little girls' feet are bound
up to prevent their growing; in fact, they are cripples. A Chinese lady's shoe is about big enough for an English child of three years old.
Japan consists of some islands to the east of China. The Japanese used to kill every stranger who set foot on their land; but they have behaved better of late, and are willing to trade with us, and let us have Japanese silks, and fans, and what is called Japan-work—those odd gold figures on a black ground that you see on tea-trays.
In the south of Asia is the great big country of India, which belongs to the English. But you can read plenty about it in the Sixth Standard.
The most interesting country in Asia is Palestine, or the Holy Land. There is the city of Jerusalem, but not the one of which you read in the Bible. The present one was built upon its ruins.
There are the mountains of Lebanon, and Mount Carmel, and Mount Hermon, and the Mount of Olives, to the east of Jerusalem. The river Jordan runs through the Sea of Galilee, on to the Dead Sea.
The waters of the Dead Sea have a most horrible taste.
It seems strange that this country, where Christianity was first taught, should not belong to Christians; but the people, like the Turks, believe in the false teaching of a man named Mahomet, who died many years ago.
The Jews expect to return there and possess the place at some future time; now they like to go there to die. To the east of the Red Sea is a country called Arabia. It is, in many parts, a sandy desert, that can only be crossed on camels. The mountains of Sinai and Horeb, of which we read in the Bible, are there. From Arabia we get the best coffee in the world; gum, frankincense, myrrh, and fruits of various kinds. Arabian horses are considered first-rate. The country is inhabited chiefly by wandering tribes of Arabs. About it, as well as about India, you can read in the Sixth Standard.
AFRICA is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the east by the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Africa, owing to the new canal, is now an island. It is the most barbarous and the least known of the continents. The climate is so very unhealthy, that many travellers have died when they were trying to find out something of the middle, or interior as it is called, of the continent. Lately, however, some discoveries have been made of snowy mountains and immense lakes, and you can hardly read more amusing books than the accounts given by some travellers of their adventures. Some people have gone to Africa to hunt, and have brought back wonderful accounts of the strange beasts they have seen. There are very large monkeys, called gorillas, which are dreadfully like human beings. Some people go to Africa to shoot lions; but, in fact, there are plenty of wild beasts there of all sorts. The beasts have hitherto had it pretty much all their own way; and the people are not very much better than the beasts.
The negroes in Africa hunt each other for the purpose of selling those caught as slaves. But there have been other and better travellers than those who went to shoot and to hunt—missionaries, who have left their comfortable homes, and risked their lives to try to civilise the poor savages, and to make Christians of them. Numbers of good men have died in the attempt, but in some parts of Africa they have succeeded. In the Sixth Standard you will read more about their labours.
There are few roads or rivers in Africa by which to travel. People go in caravans—not exactly like those that are to be seen at our wild-beast shows, but of that sort. The Niger is the chief river. Once we sent a steam-boat on its waters, hoping we might find some place on the banks where English farming might be tried. But nearly every man on board died of fever.
In the north of Africa is Algeria, a country belonging to France.
The country through which the River Nile flows, called Egypt, is the most interesting part of Africa, and many English people go to see it. It is the country described in the Bible as the land of the Pharaohs. There you would see the great Pyramids -enormous piles, built, it is supposed, by the kings of Egypt for their tombs. In Egypt are many other magnificent ruins of ancient cities.
In the south of Africa is the Cape of Good Hope, where the climate agrees well with English people.


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Don't miss out on a chance to win a dental hamper packed with goodies.
We are raising funds for Smile Train .. click their website for more details and in return for a small donation your name will be entered into the prize draw !
Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with offers and events.
Posted by Pure Dental Solutions on 28th March 2014, under Uncategorized
We know that choosing the right dentist is a very important decision, and we know that everyone is individual and needs personal treatment. If you would like to ask us any questions about our service we would love to hear from you.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jungle Adventure
Tags: Platform Games / Food Games / Adventure Games / Physics Games
Publisher: Gamer.com.tw
Video Walkthrough
Jungle Adventure is an adventure game. You control Waffle Boy across the jungle terrain, you can climb and swing on ropes, drive vehicles and throw stuff at the baddies.Jump on the big insects to disable them for a while, avoid touching them though as they will hurt you. Use the 'D' key to throw an object or get out of a vehicle. Be careful not to fall from a great height as it will hurt. Also do not fall into the water or you will drown.
· Movements = Arrow Keys · Jump = Space Bar · Pick or Throw an Object = D Key · Exit Vehicle = D Key
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Northwestern's Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center
We aim to understand and enhance the teaching, learning, and practice of topics that require reasoning about spatial information. Through basic and applied research, we seek to enhance the learning of Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) by understanding and improving people's ability to reason about spatial relations.
SILC was originally founded as an NSF funded Science of Learning Center in a collaboration between Temple University, University of Chicago, and Northwestern.


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The Hyundai BlueOn
Hyundai has announced their first all electric car, the BlueOn. The compact EV has a 140km range (87 miles), is powered by a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery system and is capable of 130km/h (80 mph) – making it highway capable. Interestingly the BlueOn is capable of being 80% recharged in just 25 minutes if you have access to a 380 volt charger, the usual 220 volt chargers will take 6 hours to reach 100% putting it inline with the Nissan Leaf.
The BlueOn will be limited to South Korea until 2013 where it will undergo testing in government fleets, Hyundai is widely expected to sell the 2.0 version of the car internationally once it has ironed out any potential bugs. The car features a "Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)" which allows you to choose a "car tone" to simulate engine noise, the hope being that if the car makes more noise you won't inadvertently wipeout pedestrians who aren't paying attention, personally I would prefer to let Darwin's Law speak for itself.
Hyundai announced that they invested 35 million USD to develop the BlueOn, this seems remarkably cheap considering companies like Tesla and Fisker took on government grants of 465 million and 528 million respectively to develop their 4-door luxury electric and hybrid models.
Hyundai followed up the BlueOn announcement with a more vague promise to begin selling a Kia (a Hyundai owned company) badged electric car by December 2011, Hyundai's Hong John-hee, director of Hyundai Motor's Electric Vehicle Development Group had this to say about the upcoming model;
"We will debut a new electric car model in December next year. It will be a box-type car with a high ceiling to maximize interior space, if it is converted into a two-seater to carry cargo in the back it could see high demand from post offices or delivery companies for business use."
Referring to the car as "box like" won't win them any eloquence awards but the potential for the electric car to have an industrial use could win them quite a number of sales as companies continue their push to become more eco-friendly, if for no other reason that the good PR associated with it.
-To stay in the loop join our Facebook page grab the RSS feed or join us on Twitter @ElectroVelocity -


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Hi Toomas how are you? Hi there. I'm great. Thank you for this opportunity to chat! Tell us a bit about yourself and why you decided to start Such Music I grew up in Toronto and fell in love with drum and bass at the ripe old age of 14 — back in 1994. Within…
Continue Reading
Posted by Adam on August 7, 2017
Such Music presents Choices / Report Notes from a producer that I have long been a fan of; DuoScience. More jazz infused goodness that you will never get tired of.
Posted by Adam on May 7, 2014
Coming in from the Toronto DnB scene, the duo DJ Swade and Seize make up S4MCRO. With "Archetype," their first Such Music release, they bring a deep, heavy sub together with crisp drums to create a stellar dance floor roller. The track is simple, yet effective, adding some hardcore to Such Music's deep-spirited sound. Also…
Posted by Adam on December 3, 2013
Really impressive tracks from 4Everest. Great sampling on both tracks but that piano riff on My Nature is especially sick.
Posted by Adam on September 26, 2013


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N. levis pilbarensis
In my list of Australian geckoes N.l. pilbarensis is the first representative of the Nephrus-species whose exemplars are also called " knob-tailed geckos". This family has big eyes, which are a clear indicator for nocturnal activity, as well as a short tail ending with a little knob. Like all the other geckoes I keep this species is endemic for Australia. Nephrurus levis pilbarensis and all other exemplars of the Nephrus-family (except for N. amyae, asper und sheai) always need a damp corner to where they can absent themselves.


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Electrician Montclair NJ
As a leading choice for a certified residential and commercial electrical company in Montclair NJ or surrounding towns, consultants supply our customers with guidance when it comes to choosing the best kind of fixtures in terms of function, aesthetics, and price points from landscape lighting to energy efficient LED lighting fixture installations. A free estimate is something you're capable of expecting from our specialists whether you're searching for work performed on your home or business property. Ranging from hospitals and banks to professional offices and industrial complexes, our commercial electricians have the training and skills to do specialty lighting fixture installations for a wide variety of kinds of facilities. Since 1963, homeowners and business owners have relied on our lighting fixture installation company for safe quality work, impeccable service, and affordable prices.
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Are you a homeowner looking for an experienced residential electrician in Montclair NJ or surrounding towns to restore or rehabilitate a home constructed in the early 20th century? Make O'Hara your top choice. When it comes to replacing obsolete and dangerous knob and tube wiring in addition to 200 amp service upgrading our technicians possess a considerable amount of skill. If you have a historic home, you want to make certain it stays cool in the summer. This is where the attic fan installation we're capable of performing comes in. As a local family owned electrical service, your family's safety is our top priority. With this in mind we offer premium quality carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation. For a consultation and free estimate by a residential electrician in Bloomfield NJ who is an expert when it comes to replacing knob and tube wiring as well as 200 amp service upgrading, contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer service professionals at O'Hara Electric right away!
Electricians Bloomfield NJ
O'Hara Electric has got you covered if a residential or commercial electrician in Montclair NJ or surrounding towns that's a seasoned expert when it comes to landscape lighting is what you're searching for. Safety, functional and aesthetic requirements are all factors that our certified landscape lighting consultants are going to take into consideration to be certain you are provided with a final landscape lighting product which you're going to be extremely happy with. One of our skilled electricians is going to take care of all the lighting fixture installations once you and our consultant have decided on a plan that works best for your needs and preferences. You're assured our work will meet all local code standards as O'Hara Electric is a top choice for a long established locally owned residential electrician in Bloomfield NJ for landscape lighting.
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Archive for March, 2008
Polar bear fears groundless
The U. S. government commissioned studies to support the listing of polar bears as a threatened or endangered species. Polar bear numbers are currently high and the population has been increasing rapidly in recent decades. Everyone likes polar bears, so this is good news. A decision to list would require forecasts that the current upward population trend will reverse. The government studies concluded that polar bear populations would decrease substantially.
Decision makers and the public should expect people who make forecasts to be familiar with the scientific principles of forecasting just as a patient expects his physician to be familiar with the procedures dictated by medical science. Three scientists, J. Scott Armstrong of the University of Pennsylvania, Kesten Green of the University of South Australia, and Willie Soon of The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, audited the government studies to assess whether they were consistent with forecasting principles. Their paper, "Polar Bear Population Forecasts: A Public-Policy Forecasting Audit," has been accepted for publication in the management science journal Interfaces. It is the only peer-reviewed paper on polar bear population forecasting that has been accepted for publication in an academic journal.
They concluded that the government forecasts were based on false assumptions and their polar bear population forecasts contravened many principles for scientific forecasting. Indeed, the reports followed fewer than one-sixth of the relevant principles. Given the importance of the forecasts, all principles should be properly applied. In short, the government reports do not provide relevant information for this decision.
Research shows that for issues such as the population of polar bears—situations that are complex and where there is much uncertainty—the best forecast is that things will follow a "random walk;" in effect, this model states that the most recent value is the best forecast for all periods in the future. Because the polar bear population has been increasing over recent decades, however, a continuation of that trend over the short term is possible.
Copies of Armstrong, Green and Soon's forthcoming paper are available at http://publicpolicyforecasting.com.
Al Gore misses the March 26 deadline for the Global Warming Challenge
The extended due date for the Global Warming Challenge passed with no word from Mr. Gore. Although he and Professor Armstrong have had a number of communications, Mr. Gore offered no response to the key question:
"When and under what conditions would you be willing to engage in a scientific test of your forecasts?"
Validation of forecasting methods is a key issue in climate change because, although we know that climate varies, we have been unable to locate a single scientific forecast that supports global warming. If Mr. Gore or anyone else is aware of such a forecast, they should reveal the source to the scientific community. Claims that science supports global warming forecasts have, to date, failed to provide sources.
A history of the Global Warning Challenge is provided at http://theclimatebet.com. It includes all correspondence between Scott Armstrong and Al Gore. The site will post all papers that purport to provide scientific forecasts of global warming. The papers must provide full disclosure on how the forecasts were made, as full disclosure is one of the basic principles of science.
Scott Armstrong's letter to Al Gore follows:
March 28, 2008
Honorable Albert Gore
2100 West End Avenue, Suite 620 Nashville, TN 37203
Fax: 615-327-2227
Dear Mr. Gore,
The extended deadline for the Global Warming Challenge has passed and, despite the fact that I have responded to all of your concerns to date regarding the challenge, you have not been willing to engage in a scientific test of your forecasts of dangerous global warming.
Despite our literature searches and our appeals both on the Internet and in our published paper on climate change, my colleague and I have been unable to find a single scientific forecast to support global warming. If you are aware of such a study, I appeal to you directly to reveal it to the scientific community so that it can be subject to peer review and so the public can see the scientific basis for your claims.
In addition we need to continue scientific studies. Thus, I pose this question:
"When and under what conditions would you be willing to engage in a scientific test of your global warming forecasts?"
I look forward to your responses. By your own words, the global warming issue remains an important one for the future of the world. Given the enormous expenditures on this issue, I hope that as a concerned and influential citizen, you will take an active role in encouraging the application of science to this issue.
J. Scott Armstrong
Video: Armstrong's AEI Talk
Armstrong's AEI talk titled Strengths and Weaknesses of Climate Models on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 is available at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research website in both audio and video format.
Other attendees included: Daniel Botkin, a research professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara; Orrin Pilkey, the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Geology at Duke University; Jim Manzi, CEO of Applied Predictive Technologies; Stephen F. Hayward, AEI's F. K. Weyerhaeuser Fellow; and Kenneth P. Green, a resident scholar at AEI.
2008 International Conference on Climate Change: Green, Watts
Track 2: Climatology (4:00-5:30pm)
Kesten C. Green, Ph.D.
International Graduate School of Business
University of South Australia
Scientific Forecasting and Climate Change
In connection with J. Scott Armstrong's earlier talk on polar bear population forecasting, Kesten Green focused broadly on the scientific forecasting of climate change, and the forecasting principles that should be applied to better forecasts. As shown in the audit of Chapter 8 of the 2007 IPCC report, the work repeatedly "contravenes" key forecasting principles that have been established over 70 years of forecasting work shown to improve forecasting. Perhaps the overarching principle as applied to climate change is that one should be conservative when uncertainty is high, or choose to the naïve no-change model as Armstrong has done in his Global Warming Challenge. Public policy should be based on scientific forecasting, and Green referred to Monckton's words "we should have the courage to do nothing."
Anthony Watts
Chief Meteorologist, KPAY-AM Radio
Founder, SurfaceStations.org
A Hands-On Study of Station Siting and Data Quality Issues for the United States Historical Climatology Network
Anthony Watts introduced to the audience his work on documenting the inconsistencies of surface stations across the United States and the world – the same surface stations that measure local temperature. A wide variety of issues plague these surface stations, from the changing of paint used to coat the outside, to surface stations being placed on roofs, near sewage treatment plants, next to cars and air conditioners. Only 12% of these surface stations recorded so far have been placed in areas that meet all the guidelines. With nearly half of all the surface stations already documented and listed on the site surfacestations.org, the data from Watts' work certainly puts the very measurement method under question.
2008 International Conference on Climate Change: Tanton, Innis, McElhinney
Track 4: Climate Change Economics (2:15-3:45pm)
Thomas Tanton
Fellow in Environmental Studies
Pacific Research Institute
Lessons Learned from the California Experience
Tanton began this track with an overview of the history and warning of the future of California, and the implication its policies have on the rest of the United States. The state has implemented a wide variety of policies, from the Pavley Bill setting emissions standards and MPG requirements, to low carbon fuel standards, all of which force a burden on consumers and the economy. The push for less carbon in fuel means at least 5 million gallons of "something else" – undoubtedly the inefficient production of biofuel. Estimates of California's climate policy reveals that Assembly Bill 32 will be a $512 billion hit to the economy. All of this despite California having the 8th lowest per capita gasoline consumption across the fifty states.
Roy Innis
National Chairman and CEO
Congress of Racial Equality
Defending Civil Rights: Proposed Climate Change Prevention Laws Would Roll Back Civil Rights Progress
Ann McElhinney
Director and Producer
Not Evil, Just Wrong
The Real Politics Behind Global Warming: The Redistribution of Wealth
Roy Innis, civil rights leader, and Anne McElhinney gave passionate pleas for the economic civil rights that global warming policies too often ignore. The media monopoly combined with the "American people who want to do the right thing" have cloaked the debate over global warming as a moral one. Innis pointed to our three presidential candidate nominees and said "Barack wants change, but not this kind of change." He recognized that the implementation of global warming policies weighs down disproportionately on the poor of America, shown by the doubling of corn prices due to biofuel in recent years, as well as the poor of the world. Both Innis and Anne pointed to the "green lunacy" of the 1970s that caused the DDT ban, and this particular effect on sub-Saharan Africa: 60 million preventable malaria deaths since the ban in 1972. Since then, in 2006 the World Health Organization completely reversed its prior view of the pesticide, saying it is okay to use the pesticide even for indoor spraying. It has also been shown that bald eagle populations were seriously affected by hunting and human encroachment of territory, rather than DDT.
Innis described going to film a documentary in Uganda, where the government is not allowed to use DDT because Europeans refuse to provide support to the country otherwise. He spoke to a woman whose child was in a coma due to malaria and explained to her the DDT story, and she replied "but DDT is bad for the environment."
2008 International Conference on Climate Change: Soon, Hayden, Loehle
Track 1: Paleoclimatology (10:30-12:00pm)
Willie Soon, Ph.D
Chief Science Advisor
Science and Public Policy Institute
An Overview of Global Warming Science
Soon sought to cut through the complex science by titling his presentation "Global Warming 101." He began speaking of the popular carbon dioxide claims by the IPCC, the same carbon dioxide (hockey-stick) theory by Al Gore that can be shown to be false. He, like many others during the conference, emphasized that carbon dioxide is instead a lag variable in the transitional period from a period of cooler temperatures to warmer temperatures. In place of carbon dioxide, Soon's research shows that the sun is most likely the dominant driver of recorded Arctic air temperature changes – with an effect factor of at least 10 times that of carbon dioxide. In closing, Soon explained in a humorous metaphor: himself as CO2, William "Refrigerator" Perry as the sun, and Tom Brady as the climate, that CO2 (Dr. Soon) would have little effect on the climate.
Following the conference, Willie Soon was featured along with Bob Carter on the Glenn Beck show. It is available to watch below from YouTube.
Howard Hayden
Professor of Physics Emeritus
University of Connecticut, U.S.
The Overstated Role of Carbon Dioxide on Climate Change
Howard Hayden's talk began with an analysis of global warming models, saying that the simulations are based on curve-fitting and not on basic physics, or "garbage-in, gospel-out." Take a closer look at the famous CO2 slide presented by Al Gore and listen to his words, "you can see how well they fit together," and "there is one relationship that is more powerful than all the others, and it is this: when there is more carbon dioxide, the temperature gets warmer." Hayden points to the old adage and fundamental scientific principle: "correlation is not causation." Further, humans are only responsible for 3.5% of CO2 emissions, and the biggest source is actually warm water. Astronomical effects can then be examined for warming or cooling the oceans and its relationship with CO2 emissions.
Craig Loehle, Ph.D.
National Council for Air and Stream Improvement
Detection of a 1,500-year Periodicity in a Multiproxy Climate Reconstruction
Loehle began his talk by critiquing the method of temperature reconstruction through tree rings. Given the wide variety of issues not limited to: individual trees not responding to temperature, precipitation and species growth limits, Loehle set out on his global proxy study. Using 18 data sets each 2000 years long (sea sediments, cave stalagmites, pollen, ice, etc.), a corrected global temperature was constructed. This reconstruction under 95% confidence intervals fits with a 1500 year cycle proposed by Singer & Avery that implies the recent warming is merely part of a natural trend.
2008 International Conference on Climate Change: Avery, Singer, Armstrong
Track 3: Climate Change Impacts (8:45-10:15am)
Avery and Singer's book titled Unstoppable Global Warming
Dennis T. Avery
Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute
The Unintended Consequences of Biofuels as a Global Warming 'Solution'
Avery started off the morning with a talk of the ecologically dangerous side of biofuels. The price of energy independence in recent years has caused the price of corn, wheat, and related goods to drastically increase at the cost of good land. In Avery's words, biofuel "takes too much land and gives too little fuel," and should lead us to wonder if the land saved by Norman Borlaug was really meant to be used for biofuel.
The talk concluded with dispelling some common misconceptions: no species have been lost to global warming yet, and the temperature correlation is with sun spots, not carbon dioxide.
S. Fred Singer, Ph.D
Science and Environmental Policy Project
The Catastrophic Impact of Global Warming Fears on Energy Policy
Singer began the talk with several questions. If global warming is natural, then why do models predict major global warming? How effective is mitigation? Some opponents say there's "something wrong with the data" when greenhouse models estimate the man-made effect as much smaller. He then turned the focus to several energy sources and policies that are simply not efficient: wind/solar/ocean energy sources that very expensive, cap & trade, carbon capture. If the United States was truly on a road to energy independence, why not focus on obtaining energy available right on our own soil and off our shores?
J. Scott Armstrong, Ph.D
Professor, Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania, U.S.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Climate Models
Armstrong's talk covered his recent public policy forecasting audit of polar bear populations. The US government's decision to list polar bears as endangered species comes down to forecasts of polar bear populations, yet none of the authors of the Amstrup and Hunter papers called upon the well-established principles of the forecasting field. The forecast of a 2/3 decline in the polar bear population from Amstrup et al. was instead based on the "unaided expert judgments by a single expert" – the lead author.
These forecasts were made despite the fact polar bear populations have been growing rapidly in recent years, and the forecast of increasing ice-free days was projected from only the last several years. The reports involved a complex set of assumptions that make it very difficult to forecast effectively let alone accurately into the future.
2008 International Conference on Climate Change
Hundreds of respected scientists from fields as diverse as economics to the physical sciences attended the 2008 International Conference on Climate Change, sponsored by The Heartland Institute. Held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square March 2nd though March 4th, 2008, climate change skeptics presented their research through different tracks available to talk attendees, including: paleoclimatology, climatology, climate change impacts, climate change economics, and climate change politics. These global warming skeptics offered up their scientific responses to the climate change evidence and predictions from the likes of Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth. Notable speakers included Lord Christopher Monckton, former adviser to PM Margaret Thatcher, and ABC's 20/20 correspondent John Stossel.
As a website created to promote dialogue and thought about both the science behind global warming and the implication of policies, theclimatebet.com reports on several of the talks and panels for our readers.
Armstrong featured on the Dennis Prager Show
Listen Now
Editor's Note: Make your own comparisons
Recently one of our visitors, Will, wrote the following comment:
"Is there somewhere on here that points out step by step the premises and conclusions of the Inconvenient truth and states why the incorrect ones are wrong? I just see one side claiming one thing and the other side claiming the other while no real comparison can be made on the subject by laypeople. What I would like to see is the above step by step disproving of the "I.T." using scientific explanation as to why the claim is false. i.e. the statement that such and such amount of ice has melted off the poalr ice caps is simply wrong we measured it and there is such and such amount of ice still there which disproves there claim. Because when two sides of an argument state factually that a claim is one way or another than one of them is either lying or wrong. Please help me out here."
We invite Will and all of our readers to explore Christopher Monckton's DVD lecture, as well as several of his pieces where he does just that:
- The sun is warmer now than for the past 11,400 years (Sunday Telegraph, 05/11/2006)
- 35 Inconvenient Truths (Science and Public Policy Institute, 10/06/2007)
- A Science-based response to Al Gore's Global Warming Commentary in London's Sunday Telegraph (11/19/2006)
- IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (02/2007)


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Iraq: Siemens Lands $95M Deal
LONDON - German industrial company Siemens AG has won a $95
million deal to develop a power station in Iraq, an industry source
said Friday, days after Washington vowed to share post-war
reconstruction work.
The source was confirming a remark made earlier in the day by
Britain's trade, investment and foreign affairs minister, Mike
O'Brien, who told reporters at a London conference that Siemens had
just been awarded a "substantial contract for a power station."
"Siemens won a contract to build a gas turbine...," the industry
source said, adding the work was being sub-contracted by U.S.
engineering and construction company Bechtel. The turbine has a
generation capacity of 266 megawatts of power, the source said.
San Francisco-based Bechtel is lead contractor for the U.S. Agency
for International Development and has so far racked up more than $1
billion in work to rebuild the country's schools, bridges, and power
and water infrastructure.
The industry source also said Siemens had already won subcontracts
worth about $50 million in Iraq.
A spokeswoman for Siemens UK told Reuters in London that the company
was in talks with Bechtel but added: "As yet there is no formal
contract in place." She gave no more details.
Washington pledged Wednesday open and fair competition for at least
25 new Iraq contracts worth up to $18.7 billion. It said bidding
would be open to firms from the United States, Iraq and from
countries that participated in the war effort.
Germany was one of the most vociferous opponents in Europe of the war
in Iraq. It teamed up with France and Russia in opposing the U.S.-led
attack on Iraq in March.
The Siemens news may
show companies that the U.S. pledge to share out the work to rebuild
post-war Iraq is genuine.
Some companies attending the conference in London on the rebuilding
of Iraq also said they were cautiously optimistic after comments by
retired Rear Admiral David Nash, who heads the new Baghdad-based
office that will coordinate the contracts.
Nash said the prime work would probably go to companies from Iraq and
"coalition partners" who helped overthrow Saddam Hussein.
"It is his wish to get as many of the coalition partner companies
involved, that is just a fact," said Ian Thomas, from British firm
AMEC, in a joint venture with the United States' Fluor Corp., is bidding for around $5
billion in work in Iraq, he said.
"[But] I think the procurement rules in the States might hamper him,"
Thomas added.
Non-American companies have complained that they cannot qualify for
many primary rebuilding contracts in Iraq because the U.S.
procurement rules make it difficult for them.
After much behind-the-scenes lobbying from British government
officials, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) bent
its own rules and said foreign companies would get as much as half of
the reconstruction work in subcontracts.


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Index Islamicus
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Comparing the language of manuscript versions of two tales. Promise and limitations
- Author: Lentin, Jérôme
- Source: Arabic manuscripts of the Thousand and one nights: presentation and critical editions of four noteworthy texts, observations on some Osmanli translations. Dir. Aboubakr Chraïbi; with the contributions of Ibrahim Akel ... [et al.], 353-366
- Published: Espaces & Signes, Paris, 2016
- Classification:
- Subject Keywords:
"A tour of the other world". A contribution to the textual and literary criticism of the "Six Books Apocalypse of the Virgin"
- Author: Grypeou, Emmanouela
- Author: Monferrer Sala, Juan Pedro
- Source: Collectanea Christiana Orientalia 6 (2009): 115-166.
- Published: 2009
- Classification:
- Subject Keywords:
The acceptance of the non-Jacobite to the Coptic denomination
- Author: Youssef, Youhanna Nessim
- Source: Collectanea Christiana Orientalia 3 (2006): 317-334 + 8 plates.
- Published: 2006
- Classification:
- Subject Keywords:


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Lakers forward Lamar Odom finds his game
Just about everybody was calling out Lamar Odom.
Phil Jackson wondered a few games ago when the Lakers' forward would stop being "M.I.A." Ron Harper said somebody needed to put an ad on a milk carton and ask, "Where's Lamar Odom?"
Then the media weighed in on Odom's regular-season effort with barely a shrug: Odom finished sixth in the voting for sixth man of the year after his numbers were slightly down in many categories.
But a few hours after the announcement, Odom came up with his sharpest half of the Lakers' first-round playoff series in the Lakers' 111-87 Game 5 victory over Oklahoma City.
He was averaging 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds before Game 5 but helped keep the Lakers well ahead of the Thunder with an aggressive first half in which he had seven points, five rebounds and two blocked shots. He finished with seven points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Coming into Tuesday's game, as Odom and Ron Artest bore the brunt of the Lakers' problems this series, Jackson laid out what Odom needed to do.
"He's got to rebound the ball and do the things he does for us, and that's initiate our offense," Jackson said. "[Serge] Ibaka is a talented athlete. He's done a really good job on Lamar. Lamar hasn't found open lanes to drive. He's got four or five offensive fouls trying to overdo it."
Atlanta guard Jamal Crawford easily won the sixth man award, determined by 122 writers and broadcasters in the U.S. and Canada.
Crawford had 580 voting points, followed by Dallas guard Jason Terry (220 voting points) and Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao (126). Odom received one first-place vote, six second-place votes and two third-place votes for a total of 25 points.
He averaged 10.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the regular season and shot only 46.3%, his lowest accuracy since 43% with Miami in 2003-04.
Still No. 1
Kobe Bryant hasn't been entirely healthy this season, but his jersey sales have been robust.
The Lakers guard led all NBA players in jersey popularity for a second consecutive season, outselling Cleveland forward LeBron James, Boston forward Kevin Garnett, Chicago guard Derrick Rose and Orlando center Dwight Howard.
Lakers forward Pau Gasol finished 14th based on sales at NBAstore.com and at the NBA store in New York. Specific figures were not available, but merchandise sales were up a combined 20% at the two retail outlets compared to last season, according to the NBA.
The Lakers led the league in overall merchandise sales for the seventh time in the last eight seasons. Boston had the second-most merchandise sales, followed by Cleveland, Chicago and New York.
Buy Lakers playoff tickets here
Clicking on Green Links will take you to a third-party e-commerce site. These sites are not operated by the Los Angeles Times. The Times Editorial staff is not involved in any way with Green Links or with these third-party sites.


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As you know 2018's theme for our shows was Vikings, and for the last show of the year we think we have chosen an epic figure!
We're open to ideas for the name of this fantastic female beserker, so please feel free to drop us an email or a Facebook message.
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For our Derby show we thought we'd try something completley different!
As you know we offer goody bags for people that attend CHILLCON, and we will continue to do so, however these will be a lower quantity. However you can still reserve your goody bag by buying your ticket in advance and save £1.00 on the ticket price too, no brainer!
But we can do better then that! we have 3 more bags for you to upgrade too, and they are seriously good value for money! So lets take a look at the bags shall we?


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Daniel in the King's Den
|The story of Daniel in the Bible is certainly one of those fascinating examples of how God protects someone from death. In fact, this Jewish prophet is most popularly known as "Daniel in the Lion's Den." There is one important virtue of Daniel that is often overlooked: his faith before a pagan king. Daniel was taken into captivity by the Babylonians at a very young age. However, he did not lose heart or give up on life. Instead, even as a youth, he rubbed shoulders with the big wigs of Babylonia as a consultant of the king. In fact, Daniel and his friends were considered ten times better than the astrologers of the day (Daniel 1:19-20).
The tranquility as a royal consultant was shattered when the king of Babylon had a dream that troubled him (2:1). The king first questioned the astrologers and soothsayers to give him an answer for his dream. In "polite" kingly fashion he mandates, "The command from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you will be torn limb from limb and your houses will be made a rubbish heap" (5). Sound reasonable?
Realizing the difficulty of interpreting the king's dream, the soothsayers give a sixth century spiritual Babylonian response, "Moreover, the thing which the king demands is difficult, and there is no one else who could declare it to the king except gods, whose dwelling place is not with mortal flesh" (11). This "spiritual" response of these soothsayers did not satisfy the king who demanded that all of these "dream interpreters" be executed.
The pressure was on Daniel. Word came to him that the king of Babylon had ordered the death of all of the wise men in his kingdom. However, Daniel did not lose heart. Instead, he wisely asked the king for time to interpret the dream (16). The king knew Daniel as someone having "wisdom and understanding" but there is no clear evidence that he (nor Daniel) knew that God would give Daniel revelation regarding the dream (1:20).
Nevertheless, Daniel trusted God. He and his three comrades prayed that God would give them the interpretation of the dream. Eventually God replies and gives Daniel the needed revelation. Daniel quickly is escorted before the king and he boldly declares before this glorified pagan, "As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor diviners are able to declare it to the king." He then states, "However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days...(2:27-28)."
I suppose the rest of the story is history (or His story as some say). Daniel tells the king the dream and he and his buddies get promoted in the Babylonian kingdom. However, this Scriptural examples was written for our edification (cf. Romans 15:4). Do you have enough faith in God that you would trust Him to deliver you from death? Would you trust Him even before the most popular people of your day? Do you have faith that "there is a God in heaven?"
If you don't have an answer, then pray and ask God to work one in you. It may take time, but God is faithful to complete in you the good work which He has begun (Phil. 1:6).
Love and Hate Mail
Matt Slick
CARM President


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Facebook Submissions
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Global Optical Coating Market: Overview
An optical coating can be defined as one or more thin layers of substance deposited on the optical components such as mirror or lens. Due to this the way in which the optic transmits or reflects light alters. Various type of metal coatings used in the optical coatings is aluminum, silver, gold, and others. The optical coating can be applied to different substrates such as metal, plastic, glass, polymers in order to reduce reflection and enhance light transmissivity. Antireflection coating that is used in the photographic and spectacle lenses helps in reducing the unwanted reflections from lens surfaces.
Global Optical Coating Market: Growth Factors
The growth in consumer electronics and high-resolution display market is driving the growth of the global optical coating market. Increasing use of optical coating in the automobile industry has opened up new growth opportunities in the global market. Automobile manufacturers are engaged in providing innovative infotainment system and advanced automobile displays which anticipate the market growth in the future. Increasing use of optical coatings in fiber optics and laser applications in order to get efficient light transmission propels the demand of optical coating. Rising use of optically coated glass in the construction and infrastructure development is anticipated to fuel the market growth. However, fluctuating raw material price may hinder the market growth.
Global Optical Coating Market: Segmentation
The global optical coating market is classified based on the end-use industry as transportation, electronics & semiconductor, solar, telecommunication/optical communication, infrastructure, military & defense, medical, and others. Based on the types, the global market is segregated as transparent conductive coatings, anti-reflective coatings, electrochromic coatings, beamsplitter coatings, high reflective coatings, filter coatings, and others. On the basis of technology, the global optical coating market is segmented as vacuum deposition, on-assist deposition sputtering process, and e-beam evaporation.
Global Optical Coating Market: Regional Analysis
North America is expected to be a major revenue generator of the global optical coating market. Increasing demand for improved technologies and higher investment by the defense industries for innovative equipment and technologies boost the growth of the global optical coating market. Industrial developments coupled with significant growth in the increasing foreign investments in Asia Pacific region contributes to the largest market share. Exponential growth in the population and rising spending capability of consumers in developing countries such as Taiwan, China, and India is expected to drive the optical coating market. Higher spending on the R&D activities and new innovative technologies in the defense, automotive, and aerospace sectors in the European region has positively influenced the global market. The rise in the number of migrants in Western Europe and the North America has increased the need for residential infrastructure, thus increasing the demand for the optical coatings. Stringent regulations are imposed by the government to build energy efficient buildings in the Middle East and Africa which anticipate propelling the market demand in the next few years.
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Prominent players in the global optical coating market are Inrad Optics, Abrisa Technologies, Cascade Optical Corporation, Newport Corporation, Schott AG, and PPG Industries.
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
Passing On The Narcoleptic Girlfriend
For some reason, I've always secretly thought it'd be cool to know someone with narcolepsy. That sounds mean, I know, but you can't really be held responsible for random things that enter your head. Can you? Anyway, it's not like I'd wish narcolepsy on somebody. She'd already be narcoleptic when I met her.
NOT a girlfriend. I wouldn't want a narcoleptic girlfriend. Now I'm wishing I hadn't even started this whole subject, because the deeper we get into it, the more I sound like a jerk. Maybe I've hit upon a real pocket of intolerance in myself here. I mean, I can imagine there are lots of people riding around with narcolepsy support ribbons on their cars who'd find me downright politically incorrect and prejudiced for being willing to hang out with a narcoleptic, yet not wanting to actually take a chance on having sex with one.
Dang. Now I'm mentally designing the narcolepsy support ribbon. It should have a deep, velvet black background with diamondy stars all over it and a half-moon with its eyes closed. And of course it would say I Support Narcolepsy.
Anyway, is it so wrong to be honest about this? I mean, I wonder how many narcolepsy supporters would have to admit they really wouldn't care to have a girlfriend with Tourette's syndrome, for example? Probably many.
And all those people would be considered intolerant by the Tourettes supporters, conspicuously recognizable by their signature bright yellow and red ribbons that blare Fuck, Yes, I Support Tourette's.
At this point, I'm not even sure why I started this conversation. Maybe I have short-term memory loss. Maybe I should design a support ribbon for short-term memory loss. It'd be orange, I think. And it would read I Support...
Anyway, for some reason, I still think it'd be cool to know somebody who has narcolepsy.
Posted by Margo Moon at 11:15 AM
Labels: narcolepsy, support ribbons, Tourette's syndrome


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PREVIOUSLY: "Consider it a 'consultant-retention bonus.' You and the others Lacy brought into our little family will accept my offer to serve here—when not engaged in other duties—keeping our dealers loyal."
"And if we find a disloyal dealer?"
"I couldn't help but notice each of you are wearing some impressive hardware in your holsters…"
"That's a little harsh," Sarah replied, "Isn't it?"
"Ah—just as sweet as you look, m'dear," Christine replied, "This is a harsh business. But I will trust your judgement."
Season 12—Adventure 7—Saskatchewan Part Deux! Episode 5… "Sarah's pretty damn good with that Henry .44-40 Rifle, Christine," Boomer laughed, "She's just reluctant to resort to that option—she can have my back covered anytime."
"I suspected as much. Let's get down to business."
"What kind of business do you have in mind?"
"First—we need to clean house," she replied, "Find and eliminate untrustworthy members of my 'staff,' mostly my field people—some of whom have decided to attempt to undercut my operations here."
"How so?" Chris asked.
"By operating as highwaymen—robbing and even killing potential customers of this pub."
"Any area in particular?"
"Mostly south of town, but there is one group to the north. Rumor has it some are dressed as Mounties, and are planning to hit anyone on the road and take their money—or anything else of value," she continued, "If this keeps-up, we'll go broke."
"So we head south?"
"Yes," Christine replied, "The bunch to the north is simply too powerful—we'll have to wait for the Mounties to respond—they've been contacted, and an Inspector MacIntyre has an RCMP troop on the way."
MEANWHILE—Flutters rushed to tell his friends what he found… Happily—he found something better along the way—the Adventure Train! It was clear—even to Flutters—that telling his friends what was coming down the road was not enough—they were overmatched and far outgunned.
Flutters landed on the Parlor Car and reported immediately to James Silverthorn, "We have fake Mounties on the road a few miles away—and Big Mac and company heading towards them—they have a wagon full of armed highwaymen with them—far too strong a force for them to defeat. What can you do to help?"
"There is much we can do, my friend," Silverthorn replied, "Let's meet with Inspector MacIntyre."
"Will it be on time?"
"I believe so."
To be CONTINUED…


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By Dr Daniel Appiah and Dr Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai
18 April 2017
It is widely accepted that the creation of impartial organisations is an important condition for spurring economic growth and development on a sustained basis. Democracy requires impartial enforcement of rules that promote liberty, equality, property rights and open competition for public office. Both procedural and substantive definitions of democracy therefore include a system of rule of law enabled by impartial bureaucratic organisations.
Public sector reforms to remove patron-client organisations from Africa's expanded public bureaucracies have been strongly supported by international development agencies. However, there is some emerging consensus that it takes a long time to establish impartial bureaucratic organisations. A longstanding question of scholarly interest is whether competitive democracies in developing countries can sustain public sector reforms aimed at establishing the impartial organisations required for stimulating economic growth and development.
Since Ghana returned to multi-party democratic politics in 1992, political power has been alternating between two political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Electoral competition between these parties has become increasingly intense. Each party has lost power after eight years of rule, and power has alternated between them, following elections in 2000, 2008 and 2016. Thus, Ghana is among the few countries in Africa that have surpassed Samuel Huntington's 'two-turnover' test of democratic consolidation.
However, the Ghanaian experience shows that not all good things necessarily go together: while competitive elections for executive recruitment have deepened to the level found in advanced democracies like the USA and UK, the effectiveness of the country's public institutions has declined, in spite of numerous reforms sponsored by the Bretton Woods institutions and other international development agencies (see Figure 1 below).
In our latest Working Paper, we examine why the impact of public sector reforms in Ghana has been generally disappointing in core areas of state functionality, including civil service management, public sector coordination, public financial management, auditing and anti-corruption. Our analysis suggests that the increasing level of competitive elections in Ghana has resulted in reform discontinuities in the areas of civil service management and public sector coordination. Faced with a credible threat of losing power to excluded factions in competitive elections, reform initiatives tend to be driven largely by the logic of competition for power and clientelism. This results in reform discontinuities, undermining the impact of reform initiatives that require a longer time horizon to bear fruit. This problem has led some international development agencies to withdraw their financial support from civil service management reforms.
But what is more puzzling in our research analysis is the finding that, although public sector reforms in the area of public financial management (particularly in auditing and procurement) have largely enjoyed continuity since the late 1990s, every government used the reforms to reproduce patron-client organisations that have continued to undermine impartial distribution of public resources, transparency and accountability. There has been little commitment across governments to create impartial organisations for auditing, procurement and anti-corruption. This is in spite of the fact that international development agencies demonstrated continuing interest in public financial management reforms by providing financial and technical support.
Our findings support the conclusion that, while frequent change of democratically elected governments in Ghana undermines reform continuity and success, continuity of reforms does not guarantee reform success in the establishment of Weberian social norms and impartial organisations. We argue that debates about how to build impartial state organisations should go beyond the current focus on the nature of reform sequencing. Reform projects in developing countries characterised by intense electoral competition should seriously consider, first, how to create a coalition for reform across existing competitive political groups and, second, how to mobilise political elites and the voting citizens to support the establishment of the impartial organisations required for sustainable socio-economic development and democracy.
This post is based on Working Paper 82, 'Competitive clientelism and the politics of core public sector reform in Ghana'.


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The improvements in the lives of the majority of Bolivians, including the redistribution across the county of a significant proportion of the wealth derived from the country's resource-rich soils, are clear. What is less clear is whether the Bolivian state is, or is capable of, being used to chart a transition away from capitalism. To explore that question, we must elaborate upon the acknowledged contradiction that underlies Mike Geddes proposition that the state can be the site where capital is both managed and contested. Can activists really be both 'in and against' the state? Or does the revolutionary tendency lie elsewhere?
To fully understand the implications of the Bolivian experience, it is crucial that we interpret the MAS as a product of the uprisings that began in 2000. The election of the MAS was not an end in itself, nor the aim of the numerous mobilisations, but a product of the struggles between people and capital – between people and the privatisation of hydrocarbons, the use of fertile land to underwrite investment instead of providing campesino farmland, the attempt to treat water as a source of profit instead of life. The election of the MAS had nothing to do with choosing between politicians and everything to do with movements looking to institutionalise their gains.
The role of the MAS in Bolivian politics can be compared with the New Deal brokered in the turmoil of the Great Depression in the mid-1930s. In the case of the latter, the economic crisis meant capitalism was failing to guarantee access to basic necessities for large parts of the population. This crisis led to F D Roosevelt literally brokering a 'deal' between the interests of capital and a strong and rebellious working class, guaranteeing concessions such as social security in exchange for tying wages to productivity.
Less cynical
Whereas the introduction of the welfare state was arguably a conscious move on behalf of the US government to pacify an agitated working class, the election of the MAS was far less cynical. In the case of Bolivia, large proportions of the population were being denied access to the basic necessities of life not because of a failure of capital, but because 20 years of unchecked privatisation had torn millions of people from their land and livelihoods. Furthermore, the coca eradication programmes, part of the US 'war on drugs', led to an estimated 50-70,000 job losses annually during 1997-2002.
These included many people who had become cocaleros (coca growers) after being forced out of the tin mines following their privatisation in the 1980s. When the World Bank demanded the privatisation of the water services in 2000, appropriating the infrastructure and more than doubling water bills, the people fought back.
In contrast to the US Great Depression, when the government was able to broker a liberal deal that would both pacify the working class and lead capital out of its crisis, there was no capital-friendly solution to the unbearable conditions that had been created in Bolivia. The neoliberal ideologues that had ruled for 20 years were wholly incapable of providing such a deal – at least not one that the people would stand for – and successive presidents were forced to resign. The election of the MAS came as the solution to this impasse, but rather than arriving with the aim of pacifying the workforce in the interests of further capitalist accumulation, the MAS was an avowedly anti-capitalist response.
While Morales and the MAS offered a clear break with the neoliberal regimes that came before, the similarity of the Bolivian project with the New Deal lies in the fact that both rely fundamentally on the health of capitalism to function. In this sense, Roosevelt and Morales both ultimately occupy the role of guarantors of further capital accumulation. But where the former was concerned with doing just enough to ensure a compliant workforce, the latter aims concretely to improve people's lives in the process of a 'move towards socialism'.
This contradiction between needing to maintain the health of capitalism while at the same time desiring revolution is not lost on the Bolivian vice president, Álvaro García Linera, who recognises that: 'As much as you are the state, you need resources and growing surpluses in order to meet the basic needs of all Bolivians . . . and there, obviously, tension arises.'
What we seek to learn from the Bolivian experience, then, is whether we can improve our immediate living conditions by gaining concessions from capital mediated by the state, while at the same time freeing ourselves from our bonds to the capitalist system. Has the MAS succeeded in overcoming this tension, developing its anti-capitalism within capitalism, or despite the best of intentions, is it merely the New Deal dressed up in radical rhetoric?
New extractivism
The MAS project is based on harnessing a proportion of surplus value and using it to support and expand 'processes of campesino, communitarian and small-scale modernisation'. In other words, it is hoping to use 'more capitalism' to create more 'non-capitalism'. What this means in practice is a reliance on mineral extraction – especially hydrocarbons – in what Eduardo Gudynas, a senior researcher at the Latin American Centre for Social Ecology, has termed a 'new extractivism'. The state takes direct control of resources or imposes large royalties on foreign corporations so as to generate the 'surplus' necessary to fund government redistribution projects. As in the case of the lithium industry (Bolivia is home to almost half the world's known lithium reserves), the plan is to further divert a proportion of this surplus towards the industrialisation of Bolivia.
This project leads to two interrelated dangers, raising significant questions about the capacity for the state to be used in challenging the dominance of capital. First, extractivism demands the physical enclosure of lands and livelihoods that otherwise exist predominantly outside of the capitalist sphere. For example, as one campesino explained to me at the third Feria Internacional Del Agua, an event held in April to mark the tenth anniversary of the 'water wars', many campesinos are being displaced from their rural subsistence economies because of the pollution of rivers they rely on for potable water. Indeed, while she was telling me her story, miners were occupying the offices of the Japanese-owned San Cristobal mine and overturning freight trains in protest at the contamination of their communities' water resources with waste water from the mine.
As a result of this displacement, often to already overcrowded city slums, many are forced out of their 'plural economies' and into an urban, capitalist economy. Other examples of enclosures include the case of indigenous groups in the Gran Chaco region, who have declared themselves in a 'state of emergency' and demonstrated against the government's authorisation of oil extraction in their territories, a violation of their constitutional rights. Elsewhere, the building of the Inambari hydroelectric dam in the Peruvian Amazon, under the auspices of the regional development agency UNASUR, of which Bolivia is an enthusiastic member, will flood 45,000-plus hectares of forest and displace numerous indigenous communities. Far from protecting and bolstering non-capitalist economies, this development model is inadvertently leading to a process of proletarianisation, as people are being forced off their lands and into selling their labour.
Second, there is a real danger that this reliance on surplus value (and the subsequent distributive projects) is creating an economic subjectivity, whereby discussions become less concerned with whether land and labour should be appropriated and more about who should do the appropriating and what the percentage should be for various parties.
Widespread criticism
While this development model has support from many of the Bolivians who benefit from this exploitation, the government faces widespread criticism. The final declaration of the Mesa 18, a working group excluded by the government from being an official participant at the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth, concluded that while the Bolivian government entertains 'a critique of capitalism . . . the development plans of these [ALBA] governments, including the Bolivian government, only reproduces the development model of the past'.
We can only draw tentative and partial analyses of what is occurring. In this respect, Bolivia has shown us that neoliberal regimes really can be overthrown, and there really is an alternative to the neoliberal management of capital. However, it remains an open question as to whether the state can go beyond the role of managing the excesses of capitalism, whether it really can be used as a 'political instrument for the sovereignty of the peoples' or whether it is structurally bound to serve in the interests of capitalism.
Bertie Russell is co-author of Space for Movement: Reflections from Bolivia on climate justice, social movements and the state, available online at http://spaceformovement.wordpress.com/
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To fully grasp the rise of the new authoritarians, we must engage with psychoanalysis as well as economics, writes Richard Seymour
Business leaders are using social media and political influence to spread coronavirus disinformation – and endangering thousands of lives. Raphael Tsavkko Garcia reports
The British-Australian company is complicit in the harms its joint owned Cerrejón mine has wrought on people and the environment in Colombia, writes Claire Hamlett
Edgardo Lander talks to Red Pepper about the mounting tensions in Venezuela
Left-wing resistance was crushed before long before Bolsonaro's infamous election, writes Raphael Tsavkko Garcia
With the rise of Bolsonaro and big corporations cannibalising the countryside, Brazil is living proof of Thomas Piketty's assertion that capitalist accumulation in the 21st century is not compatible with democracy. By Sue Branford


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At a Glance
An unequalled space combining the best of modern contemporary design
Elegantly refined handcrafted estate grown wines
Critically acclaimed menu boasting the best of seasonal produce
Our venue is ideal for intimate weddings of up to 22 guests and opulent celebrations of up to 180 guests
Ezard at Levantine Hill Wedding Venue
Unforgettable events are created through great ideas and exceptional partnerships. That's what we offer at Levantine Hill. We bring together the unique skills of hatted chef Teage Ezard and renowned winemaker Paul Bridgeman to begin your journey for a perfect life together.
Ezard at Levantine Hill is one of the most visually remarkable and exquisite destinations you will ever find. Set amid the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley and surrounded by picturesque vineyards, it offers the perfect wedding and reception venue.
Meticulously crafted menus that balance sumptuous flavours to complement our Levantine Hill wines, ensure you and your guests are guaranteed an unforgettable experience you will never forget.
Just like true love, your wedding plans need nurturing, creativity and passion. With the guidance and help of our dedicated events team, we will help you create a wedding that will live in the hearts of both you and your guests forever.
Give us a call now and let's discuss your wedding plans or get your obligation free quote today and we'll get in touch with you within 24 hrs!
Ezard at Levantine Hill is a partnership between hatted chef Teage Ezard and winemaker Paul Bridgeman. The vineyard estate in Coldstream, Victoria, is located in Australia's Yarra Valley. Distinctive architecture, notably the 100-metre sweep of the elliptical roof, defines the restaurant. The venue hosts wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Weddings at Ezard at Levantine Hill
The entire venue is available for weddings. Maximum number of guests for a sit down dinner reception is 150. The All Day Dining area is a relaxed and vibrant area while the Storrier Room is a plush private dining room with a wine wall. Signature Restaurant is adorned with luxurious décor and crisp white linen.
Chef Ezard crafts a bespoke menu of balanced flavours to complement Levantine Hill wines.
His dishes are inspired by the classic food styles of Europe and enhanced with new flavours and combinations. Wedding packages are tailored to each wedding.
Accommodation and Tourist Attractions
The Levantine Hill Homestead is perched on the top of a hill. The residence has four guest suites that feature dark timber finishes, tall vaulted ceilings, and original artwork. Amenities include a personal butler, an estate Mercedes for personal use, air transport from the Melbourne central business district, and access to the venue's private cellar.
Yarra Valley is a haven for wine aficionados. Wineries in the region include Yering Station, Punt Road Wines, Yileena Park, and Maddens Rise. Numerous tourist attractions, like William Ricketts Sanctuary and Alowyn Gardens, also dot the area.
Download Wedding Pack & Pricing
882 Maroondah Highway Coldstream VIC


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Blue Jasmine NYC Premiere Celebrity Red Carpet Pictures
Amy Poehler, Alec Baldwin and More Stars Meet Up For Woody's Blue Jasmine
Amy Poehler, Alec Baldwin and More Stars Meet Up For Woody's Blue Jasmine
Celebrities headed to NYC's Museum of Modern Art yesterday to attend the premiere of Woody Allen's latest film, Blue Jasmine. Alec Baldwin, who stars in the movie, brought his pregnant wife Hilaria Thomas to the event, and his co-star Cate Blanchett made an elegant appearance on the red carpet. Last week's Emmy nominations brought good news for many of the evening's red carpet stars. Alec is nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his final season on 30 Rock and he's up against Louis CK, who was also at the Blue Jasmine premiere. Another nominee, Amy Poehler, attended the event, along with stars like Adrien Grenier, Zosia Mamet, Solange Knowles and model Jessica Hart.
Woody also got some support from celebrity friends over the weekend when Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield attended his concert in France. Take a look at all the celebrities who stepped out for the film's premiere!


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"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give" Sir Winston Churchill
Karen Salmansohn, Lori Lite and I have joined forces to do a giveaway. Each of us are giving something away.
Karen is giving away her best selling book "How to Be Happy Dammit" Life Lesson #22: It doesn't matter how fast you get there if you're heading in the wrong direction." Check out Karen's reviews, plus you can see my favorite poster of Karen's on this page too 🙂 www.notsalmon.com
Lori is giving away her best selling book "Affirmation Weaver" Watch your child's self-esteem grow as the sea creatures weave a web of positive statements. This feel good technique can be used to bolster self-image, manage stress and anxiety, and accomplish goals. Learn more about Stress Free Kids and Lori Lite here www.stressfreekids.com
Then there is me 🙂 Stacey, I am giving away our highly talked about award winning music CD, "Captain Positive: Be Happy". A mom of 2 boys recently said "Finally something to empower my children! I love the idea behind these songs! Who hasn't heard their kids listen to and sing the same song over and over again? As a mom I love that my kids are at least singing- reciting positive & self empowering messages when they are singing these songs. As a therapist I know that this is helping to shape their self image and their view of the world. Here's to the next generation of positive people doing more because they believe more." You can see more reviews of the CD here Click to see reviews
The giveaway is going until next week. The last day to enter is January 27. We will be selecting the winner at random, and they will win all 3 prizes.


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Look here for ideas to jazz up your satay sauce, from the traditional peanut sauce to modern variations.
This is a basic Malaysian/Thai satay sauce you can use with any meat, tofu or vegetable dish. Very easy to make.
Peanut butter is combined with garlic, coriander and freshly grated ginger. Spiced with chilli flakes it's processed until smooth. Serve chilled with chicken satay or fresh veggies.
This is the easiest satay you will ever make, and the taste is sensational. This will serve approximately 6 people.
Firm chunks of tofu velveted in cornflour to seal in the juices then fried in oil with your favourite vegetables then tossed with a prepared peanut sauce.
These are fresh, not fried spring rolls. They are perfect with the hoisin-peanut sauce and delicious for a party.


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Good News Clubs are evangelistic, Bible-based clubs held in neighboring public schools on Wednesdays right after dismissal.
Children hear a Bible story, learn a Bible verse, sing Christian songs, have a snack, and play games.
Contact us at 886-7770, ext. 23 to join our ministry team!
We also have special events and summer events that happen throughout the year.


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Final Cadence
Word has reached us that John W. Koessler III '93, of Derby, NY, died May 13, 2016. He was 65. He had worked as the plant manager for Greater Buffalo Press for 18 years, and upon retiring, he enrolled at Berklee. Until recently he was a professional pianist. He leaves his wife, Ellen Carney; two daughters, and a son.
Guitarist John Abercrombie '67 died of heart failure on August 22 in Cortlandt Manor, NY. He was 72. Abercrombie got his start in the 1970s playing with Johnny (Hammond) Smith, Chico Hamilton, Gato Barbieri, Ralph Towner, and Billy Cobham. He released a number of influential albums as a leader for the ECM label, including Timeless, his first in 1975 with Jan Hammer and Jack DeJohnette. His latest ECM album, Up and Coming, was released earlier this year. He leaves his wife of 31 years, Lisa Abrams.
Drummer John Blackwell '95 of Tampa, FL, died on July 4 after battling a brain tumor. He was 43. Blackwell is best known for his 15-year tenure recording and touring with Prince. He had also played with Justin Timberlake, Maceo Parker, Lauryn Hill, and Patti LaBelle among many others. He leaves his wife Yaritza Cambero Blackwell, two daughters, and a son. His first-born daughter, Jia Blackwell, preceded him in death after a drowning accident in 2004.
Dr. Warrick L. Carter died on July 14 at his home in Sanford, FL, after a struggle with cancer. He was 75. Carter came to Berklee in 1984 as the dean of faculty, and later served as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He left Berklee in 1996 to the become director of entertainment arts for Walt Disney Entertainment in Orland, FL. In 2000, he was named as the president of Columbia College in Chicago and served there until his retirement in 2013. He was a two-time recipient of the National Black Music Caucus Achievement Award and entered the International Association for Jazz Educators Hall of Fame in 1996. He leaves his wife, Laurel; daughter Keisha; and grandchildren.
John Cieslak '58 of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away on May 19. He was 81. A lifelong musician, Cieslak played several instruments and had worked with Guy Mitchell, Harry James, and Wayne Newton. As a bandleader, he had been a mainstay at venues in Scottsdale. He leaves his wife, Cecile Cieslak.
Gordon Homann of Framingham, MA, died unexpectedly on July 14. He was 53. Homann had worked as the director of international student services for both Berklee and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Homann was a strong advocate for international students and helped to create the Music and English Intensive Program to help international students get the appropriate English language training. He leaves his wife Michiko and daughter Mia.
Lavine Hudson '83 of London, England, died in April after a long battle with lupus. She was 55. Hudson was a renowned gospel singer and songwriter in England and had recorded two albums for Virgin Records.
Matthew Marvuglio '74 passed away after a long illness on August 4. Marvuglio joined the Berklee faculty in 1974 and became chair of the woodwind department in 1988. In 1996 he was promoted to dean of the Professional Performance Division and is the longest-serving dean in the history of the college. During his 21-year tenure as a dean, he oversaw many significant academic programs and curriculum changes, including implementing a master's degree program in performance at the Boston and Valencia campuses. A virtuosic flute player, he performed and presented clinics throughout the world and wrote numerous articles on jazz flute performance. He also penned a book of flute études and the workbook for Berklee's traditional harmony courses. He leaves his wife, Mia, and sons Michael and David.


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Julia Hartley-Brewer has defended Labour MP Emily Thornberry as well as Waitrose, which she says should never be criticised on her show.
The shadow foreign secretary has said that poor children tend to be overweight and it's vital they learn about healthy eating.
Former Labour advisor and associate editor of Labour Uncut Kevin Meagher hit out at Thornberry on Julia's show, telling our host that while many poor areas are punctuated by "cheap frozen food places," Thornberry probably comes from somewhere where "there's a nice little Waitrose at the end of every street."
But this outraged Julia, who said "you can slag off anything on this show but not Waitrose, that's my red line Kevin Meagher."
However she agreed that, in most primary schools, there's only a couple of children per class who are the correct weight, with the rest being overweight.
Meagher argued that Thornberry's comments were "crass and insensitive and rather patronising." He believes that, in fact, there are lots of poor children who aren't "eating enough" and "are not overweight."
Listen to the full interview above