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When it comes to cleaning up automotive emissions, Tesla gets all the love. The upstart automaker garners the headlines and praise for making electric driving not just feasible, but sexy. That’s important, but all the attention on innovations for personal cars misses one critical fact: The cars most people drive each day are already among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road. Meanwhile, the real emissions offenders—buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks, long-haul trucks—have managed to avoid much improvement over the years.
“The thing about modern cars is, they’re so incredibly clean already, that it’s hard to make them any better,” says automotive engineer and entrepreneur Ian Wright, who co-founded Tesla but left in 2005 to focus more on the dirtiest vehicles.
Meanwhile, medium- and heavy-duty trucks produce 23 percent of all transportation emissions in the U.S. even though they only make up 5 percent of all vehicles on the road. Buses fall into a miscellaneous category that amounts to 4 percent of transportation emissions. There are far fewer of these carbon-heavy vehicles, but their efficiency is ridiculously low—around 7 mpg on average, lower for certain kinds of truck. That means even small improvements in the most-polluting vehicles can have a big effect on overall emissions.
Cutting those emissions from transport is necessary for any vision of a society that doesn’t pump dangerous amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Now, a growing community of engineers and entrepreneurs is tackling the challenge of fuel efficiency among the dirtiest vehicles, and they’re getting results. To complete the transition to a low-carbon society, policymakerswill need to encourage and implement innovations to address these major causes of pollution.
Buses
Diesel buses anchor the team for most transit systems, but they’re not the cleanest things to have around. They’re loud, smelly, and pump carcinogenic particles into the air. Because they sell to large institutional buyers, the industry has been buffered from consumer trends, but that’s starting to change.
Cleaning up the bus sector starts with a change in manufacturing processes. These vehicles are “a hand-me-down from the truck industry,” says Ryan Popple, CEO of electric bus company Proterra. Conventional bus makers use heavy metal chassis with lots of rivets and steel, and rely on diesel engines produced for the trucking industry.
(Proterra)
“A bus in a lot of ways is a truck that’s been optimized to carry human beings,” Popple says. “The problem with that is trucks are more efficient when they’re on the open road at a constant RPM, whereas in the duty cycle of an urban bus it starts and stops 500 times in a single day.”
The engineers at Proterra rebuilt the bus from scratch using a lightweight composite chassis powered by lithium ion batteries. This lightness helps the buses achieve fuel efficiency equivalent to more than 20 miles per gallon. They also come with active safety features and wireless internet built in. And since there are so few moving pieces, minimal excess heat, and little material at risk of rusting, the maintenance costs come way down compared to diesel.
The price has been falling, too. Five years ago an electric bus cost $1 million and diesel was $450,000. Now Proterra’s basic model sells for $749,000, comparable to a hybrid-diesel bus. And, Popple notes, a growing number of jurisdictions don’t allow pure diesel buses anymore due to air quality concerns. When you calculate lifetime costs (vehicle plus fuel and maintenance), diesel comes to $1.4 million and an EV bus is $1 million, he says.
Of course, the cost benefit analysis doesn’t work unless the transit agency has an easy way to recharge the buses’ batteries.
The new Extended Range model can go 194 miles on a single charge, which covers a lot of daily bus routes. There’s also a backup plan: bus routes typically have a layover point where the driver pauses at the end of each cycle; this allows some buffer in the schedule for variations in drive time. Proterra designed an overhead charging station that goes in at that layover point and can fill up the Fast Charge Model’s 100 kilowatt-hour battery in just 12 minutes.
“In the long run, it’s possible that electric vehicles are more useful in transit than diesel vehicles, because theoretically you’d never take the vehicle back to a fueling barn,” Popple says, adding that, for olfactory reasons, it would be best to at least stop for cleaning every 24 hours or so.
This company serves as proof of concept that electric buses can work—16 different transit agencies have purchased a total of 155 vehicles from Proterra, and the company is working through an 18-month backlog of orders.
Urban trucking
While buses carry people through the city, a diverse fleet of trucks delivers and picks up just about everything else: garbage, packages, beer. These heavy vehicles don’t have the same kind of routepredictability that allows Proterra to recharge batteries at key points. Until battery technology improves, then, they’ll need to look elsewhere to boost efficiency.
Wright, the engineer, thinks he’s found one. His company, Wrightspeed, produces electric drivetrain range extenders for trucks. Once installed, the truck runs on electricity, which is much more efficient than internal combustion, and captures energy each time the vehicle brakes. When the battery runs out, a highly efficient gas turbine kicks in to recharge it. The turbines burn fuel much more efficiently than a traditional piston engine, resulting in fewer nasty emissions. Compared to the national average of 2 to 3 mpg for a diesel garbage truck, this system runs around 6 mpg.
The company is still ramping up production. After a two-truck trial run, FedEx ordered 25 delivery trucks with the electric drivetrain in 2014. Wrightspeed also signed a deal with NZ Bus, the biggest city bus operator in New Zealand. It’s too early to know if it will catch on, but one factor in favor of this technology is its self-containment: the drivetrain doesn’t require any capital-intensive infrastructure to keep the vehicles running. Companies or municipalities just need to pay for a one-time conversion or buy new trucks with the drivetrain, and that’s it.
Long-distance trucking
Long-haul trucks carry the weight of modern commerce on their backs. They handle 70 percent of freight in the U.S. by weight, twice as much each year as all other transportation modes combined. The problem, as far as the climate is concerned, is that they’re not very efficient and they’re terrible candidates for electrification.
Shipping companies need trucks to cover hundreds of miles with minimal stops, and that’s something hydrocarbon fuel does really well. A full diesel tank can carry a truck 1,500 miles or more; a fully charged Tesla Model S can run about 270 miles, and that’s a super-light passenger car. Right now, electric really isn’t on the table for long-distance trucking, says John Woodrooffe, a large vehicle efficiency expert at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
“You’d probably have to fill the whole doggone truck up with batteries, quite literally, without being able to move any cargo,” he says. “What we’ve found is that the energy density in diesel fuel is very hard to replicate in any substitute fuel.”
Even if major innovations in battery technology came along, the industry would have to be persuaded to swap out several million trucks and build a continent-wide charging infrastructure. And then the power grid would have to be ready to handle it all. That electricity would need to come from clean sources in order for the electrified transport to actually eliminate emissions.
For now,progress on heavy trucks will mean eking every last bit of efficiency out of internal combustion vehicles, by optimizing everything from driving behavior to aerodynamics. The EPA is working on new efficiency standards to do just that. Adding up all the different technologies available now, incremental improvements could lead to fuel savings of around 40 percent, says Rachel Muncrief, heavy duty vehicle program lead at the International Council on Clean Transportation.
Drivers can take a more targeted approach to fuel economy with new tools like Headwind Hunter, an app that advises drivers based on real-time wind conditions in their area. Creator Matthew Merzig, president of Aerodynamic Applications, says if drivers use his program to ride a tailwind and ease off the gas when winds are against them, they can save 1 to 3 percent on fuel economy annually. For independent truckers who spend on average $50,000 to $60,000 in fuel costs each year, that adds up.
The advent of automated driving holds an alluring possibility: platooning. Automated driving could be so precise that trucks form a tight line, bumper to bumper, at high speeds, which significantly decreases drag. It’s the freight equivalent of cyclists drafting in a race, or geese flying in a V. The underlying technology for vehicle to vehicle communication is largely proven, says Zach Barasz, who invests in transportation technology companies at Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers’ Green Growth Fund.
“There’s nothing magical about the technology side—it’s a matter of building out a system that’s durable to every single corner case,” he says. “You can’t be 99.9 percent right. You need a couple more nines.”
It’ll be a while, then, before this is safe enough for prime time.
Change the truck
Uniform design changes across the trucking industry are problematic, Muncrief says, because every truck is customized for its particular job. New designs have to be sensitive to the array of commercial uses that trucks perform, or they could drive a lot of people out of business.
Certain efficiency gains are also happening in tire design to reduce rolling resistance and truck design to reduce drag. A study by Woodrooffe notes that radical redesign of trucks and trailers could theoretically cut 42 percent of aerodynamic drag, but that kind of overhaul is unlikely in the near-to-middle-future. Simpler additions, like adding skirting along the sides and back of trucks to reduce wind resistance, could improve fuel efficiency by 10 percent.
“We have international markets and free trade at the moment because transportation costs permit that.”
The government could achieve much greater efficiency, Woodrooffe says, by modernizing the regulations that govern truck size and weight. Canada, for instance, allows shipping trucks up to 137,500 pounds, compared to the U.S. upper limit of 80,000. Big Canadian trucks deliver twice as much cargo with 68 percent less fuel use and emissions than the largest trucks allowed in the U.S. Canada has also shown that, with the right policies, bigger trucks don’t have to be more dangerous.
“We have a [size and weight] policy that dates back to around 1980, that’s the last time we really revised it,” Woodrooffe says. “Every other country has had reform within size and weight over the past 30 years, usually on a fairly regular basis. We’re in the dark ages, really.”
Adopting evidence-based regulations for bigger truck capacity, he says, means the U.S. could get its shipping done with fewer vehicles, and that’s better for the environment and for safety. Improving individual fuel economy will help, but the big picture strategy needs to focus on emissions per cargo ton-mile; that is, how much carbona truck burns to carry a certain amount of freight a certain distance.
This evolution won’t happen in a vacuum. As Woodrooffe points out, how humans move freight around gets at some really fundamental principles of how societies are organized. “We have international markets and free trade at the moment because transportation costs permit that,”he says. “If transportation costs were high, or transportation was unavailable, then that option wouldn’t exist.” These shipping practices helped create climate change; now, to maintain a climate that allows trade to flourish, humanity will need to find a new way to move things around. | {
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Friday, August 5, 2005
ALISON STEWART, HOST: Hijinks in the Jackson jury, supposedly smuggled tapes and medical textbooks, alleged communications with the family. Is this justice served, celebrity style? And will tell-all books by former jurors tell us more than we want to know?
Which of these stories will you be talking about tomorrow?
Quote, "Oh, no, not my Michael." That sentiment from three of Michael Jackson's jurors, who pledged to stay impartial. Can justice ever be blind when it comes to celebrities on trial?
Deep trouble. A rescue mission to the bottom of the sea as a Russian sub is stranded. It is a race to save the trapped crew before the O2 runs out.
Connecting the dots and the fingerprints. Joseph Duncan was first charged with kidnapping, molestation, and murder in Idaho. Now his fingerprint shows up connected to a California murder, and there are questions in three other states.
And every question you ever wanted to ask your doctor but were afraid to. Nothing's off limits to the authors of "Why Do Men Have Nipples?"
All that and more, now on Countdown.
And good evening to you. I'm Alison Stewart, rounding out the week for the vacationing Keith Olbermann. We counted the days here, all of them, Keith.
From the moment the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department stormed the gates of Neverland, to the final day that saw Michael Jackson exit the Santa Maria courtroom, 574 days, and the whole time, conventional wisdom suggested he was the wacky one.
Our number five story on the Countdown, someone should have told us about the other 12.
More bizarre revelations tonight about what went on during jury deliberations at the Jackson trial, one juror allegedly smuggling in a video of Court TV broadcasts, another supposedly bringing in a medical textbook to illustrate how Jackson fit the profile of a pedophile. Both acts forbidden by the court, by the way.
Three of the jurors, according to some accounts, were such huge fans of the pop star that they would chime in unison, quote, "Not my Michael," whenever the molestation charges were discussed.
All this being claimed in the forthcoming tell-all books of two of the jurors, 79-year-old Eleanor Cook, and 62-year-old Ray Hultman. Both now say they believe Jackson was guilty, but were ultimately pressured into changing their votes.
One of the people approached to co-author these books is former Jackson family friend and MSNBC analyst Stacy Brown. He is also the author of "Michael Jackson, the Man Behind the Mask."
Stacy, thanks for helping us out this evening.
STACY BROWN, FORMER JACKSON FAMILY FRIEND: Sure, Alison.
STEWART: When you were contacted about these books, who did the contacting?
BROWN: A guy by the name of Larry Garrison at Silver Creek Entertainment contacted me. He had already made contact with both Ellie and Ray.
STEWART: And what did he say to you?
BROWN: Well, he asked me, would I be interested in helping him do some books with these two jurors, who felt that Michael was guilty? And my initial reaction was, Whoa, why?
STEWART: Well, what kind of stories did they tell you about went on inside the jury room that would make you want to be part of this book?
BROWN: Well, let me just say, Alison, I'm not a part of this book.
STEWART: I, we understand that, yes.
BROWN: I'm not agreeing to do that. But, you know, they apparently have some very interesting stories that they want to get out about how they really felt. And I think that they will be talking about that very soon.
STEWART: But did you buy any of this at all? Or do you think this is all about selling books?
BROWN: Well, Alison, I think that they probably looked in retrospect and said to themselves that, Maybe we made a mistake in letting Michael go. Perhaps we should have, you know, done something differently.
STEWART: Did you get a sense from talking to these folks that they really believe Michael is guilty?
BROWN: Oh, yes. Now, I certainly do get a sense from talking to them that they believe that Michael is guilty, especially hearing the stuff that was submitted from Ray Hultman. I think that he felt - and he said it after the verdict in the press conference, he did say that he thought Michael was probably a child molester, but they just didn't prove this particular case.
STEWART: And let me get your take on this, because you obviously have inside knowledge of how the family feels about this, and you watched the trial from the beginning. Do you think this feeds into the idea that celebrities get different kind of trials, the fact that these two people say there are people on the jury who were such big fans that they just didn't want to see him be found guilty?
BROWN: Oh, absolutely, Alison. We know that celebrity get a different shake than what you or I would get. In this case, yes, you had some fans on the jury. And, you know, they even attribute some of that to meeting these jurors, attributed some of that to Judge Melville's rushing to put together a jury. I know that he's been blamed for that.
And they didn't get a chance, the - neither side, really, in fairness, got a chance to really do the voir dire, the process that normally goes for it. You know, they usually take more time than that. And the jury consultants are usually given more information than what I think these consultants got.
STEWART: And finally, do you know if the Jackson family is aware of these tell-all books, and what they think about them?
BROWN: Well, I'm not sure if they're aware of them yet. I know that someone close to them spoke to me last night and said that, you know, it's probably just someone who's looking to make a buck. But, you know, they don't know the motive behind it and, you know, would only say that the Jacksons will probably pay no attention to it.
STEWART: Stacy Brown, MSNBC analyst and author, thank you so much for sticking around and helping us out tonight.
BROWN: Sure, Alison.
STEWART: Starstruck jurors with contraband. Are we talking about a do-over? For some reason, the legal perspective, we turn to "Inside Edition"'s chief correspondent and legal analyst, Jim Moret.
STEWART: There was no response from District Attorney Sneddon's office when we called this afternoon. Is there anything he can do about this new information?
MORET: No. I mean, there was a verdict by a jury of Michael Jackson's peers. That verdict was entered. It was not guilty. Michael Jackson cannot be tried again for this crime. He was found not guilty.
And that's fine. And if these jurors felt otherwise at the time, Stacy's right, they could have done something then. And frankly, I really respect Stacy coming on the air saying he's not part of this book. I read Stacy's book that he wrote, and he got some heat for writing it and releasing it during the trial. And Stacy stands by what he wrote, and I respect the fact that he's not going forward with this book.
You know, I trust Stacy's opinion, and I think his opinion is right on this one. These people may be out just to make a buck.
STEWART: Let's talk a little bit about the judge in this case. These two jurors allege the judge knew that these Court TV tapes were smuggled into the jury room. Why wouldn't he have done something about that? We should say that the tapes were never viewed.
MORET: Well, and that's very important. The fact is, the judge may have done something about it. The judge was very close with this jury, and he did not want a mistrial. And there's no reason to believe that if the judge was made aware of these tapes, that he wouldn't have called in the jurors as a group or one at a time saying, one, Was a tape brought in? Two, who did so? And three, was it viewed?
And it may be that nobody saw this tape, if, in fact, the tape was brought in. This is simply an allegation, not necessarily a revelation. And I think that the judge would simply admonish the jurors again, Look, this is a high-profile case. You're not sequestered. Don't watch the news. Don't talk to your friends. Don't talk to your relatives. Just go by the evidence of this case.
And you have to remember that even after the verdict came out, and we did hear from at least one of the jurors who said, in his heart, he believes that Michael Jackson may have touched inappropriately some kids, but there wasn't enough evidence in this case. Well, that's what the burden of proof is. Was there enough evidence in this case?
And it really angers me to think that these jurors could now be saying a different tune just to make money. It really gets me frustrated.
STEWART: Well, let get back to those jurors. If these allegations are proven to be true, are any of these jurors who participated in some of this alleged misconduct, could they face any kind of charges or reprimand?
MORET: Well, if I were in the district attorney's office, that's what I'd be looking for, because, frankly, there's no allegation here that Michael Jackson or his defense team did anything untoward or inappropriate. But these allegations do amount to what could be juror misconduct. And if these people are now trying to profit on that misconduct, as the district attorney, I would sure want to look at them and see if there's any charges that I could bring against them.
If, in fact, one of these jurors, as is being alleged, brought in some material, some research material, and said, basically, Michael Jackson fits the definition of a pedophile to a T, you know what? That's inappropriate. That doesn't belong. And if there was any pressure on any of these jurors to vote a certain way, that's wrong, too.
But have we heard that from the other jurors? No. Who are we hearing it from? We're hearing it from, allegedly, the two people who are going to come out and make money on a book.
STEWART: Can this information be useful in any way to the accuser or his family in any pending civil litigation?
MORET: I don't think so. I think that what we basically have for the civil trial, you have a different standard, a different burden of proof. It's not proof beyond a reasonable doubt, it's a preponderance of the evidence, much lower threshold. So there's an advantage for the civil trial anyway.
And there's no reason to think that if they don't want to bring this case, that they couldn't go forward. They could still bring the civil case. I don't think there's anything with respect to what these jurors may or may not have done that's going to be helpful to them in any way.
STEWART: And this is a purely an opinion question on a Friday night. I asked Stacy the same question. Does this further the argument that celebrities get a different brand of justice than the rest of us?
MORET: Well, look, let's look at the defense team. This was a great defense lawyer in Tom Mesereau. He is as good as it gets, the real deal. I sat in there every single day, and many times, I was simply amazed at his abilities. You or I might not be able to afford him.
But let's look at this on the other side. Would these two jurors be able to write a book if Michael Jackson wasn't a huge celebrity? No. So are celebrities treated differently? Yes. Can it hurt them? Sure it can. Can it help them? Sure. But it's also apparently now helping these jurors.
STEWART: It's all about the balance of things, it sounds like.
Jim Moret of TV's "Inside Edition," thanks so much.
MORET: Thanks, Alison.
STEWART: Now, if you need more juicy Jackson juror 411, and, really, who doesn't, tune in Monday night for the premier of "RITA COSBY LIVE AND DIRECT." She'll have an exclusive interview with Eleanor Cook and Ray Hultman. The return of Keith, followed by the premier of Rita. Sounds like appointment TV to me.
A Russian sub is trapped at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, and British and U.S. rescue vessels try to make an effort before it is too late.
And is your iPod making you deaf?
Oh, look at that.
And so much more. Common nagging health questions you may have wondered for years. We have some answers.
You're watching Countdown on MSNBC.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
STEWART: If you are any of the following, claustrophobic, hydrophobic, bathophobic, or D, all of the above, what's happening to seven Russian sailors tonight is probably your worst nightmare.
They are trapped in a small submarine on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, with an air supply that is dwindling fast.
They are the fourth story on the Countdown tonight.
And as Pentagon correspondent Jim Miklaszewski reports, it is a race against time.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM MIKLASZEWSKI, MSNBC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The seven Russian sailors are trapped in a minisub like this one, running out of air and time.
SHERRY SONTAG, SUBMARINE EXPERT: This is going to be a real cliffhanger, and the clock is ticking with every breath these men take.
MIKLASZEWSKI: The Russians say the minisub would submerge when it first got tangled in a fishing net yesterday. The situation grew worse when the sub's propeller then snagged a heavy cable, which anchored a communications antenna to the ocean floor. Without thrust from its propeller, the minisub sank to the bottom, 625 feet beneath the surface.
(on camera): And today, after several unsuccessful attempts to rescue the trapped sailors by themselves, the Russians asked the United States and others for help.
(voice-over): So the Navy is rushing three unmanned minisubs to the rescue. With robot cameras and remote control arms, they could cut through the heavy cable and free the Russian sub.
CMDR. KEVIN VAN HORN, U.S. NAVY: These are fellow submariners who are stuck on the bottom. And that's the approach that we all take.
MIKLASZEWSKI: But is there enough time? It could take more than 20 hours for the U.S. rescue teams to reach the stranded sub. The Russians say the trapped sailors may only have 24 hours of oxygen left. That's a cushion of only four hours.
SONTAG: But if somebody doesn't get something to happen very right within a perfect time frame, these men are going to be lost.
MIKLASZEWSKI: Five years ago, the Russian nuclear submarine "Kursk" sank in the Bering Sea, killing all 118 on board. But some sailors trapped in air pockets had survived for some time. By the time the Russians asked for outside help, however, it was too late.
IGOR DVGALO, RUSSIAN NAVY SPOKESMAN (through translator): The course was a tragic page in our history, no doubt. But now at this moment, we have to save these people.
MIKLASZEWSKI: But even with U.S. help, the rescue of these seven Russian sailors will still be an extremely close call.
Jim Miklaszewski, NBC News, the Pentagon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: From rescue at sea to town out of control. Sometimes age-old cowboy traditions best left in the history books. Yippee kayay, it's Oddball time.
And the annoyance of the ages. Why can't cell phones just ring? We'll introduce to you someone whose life work is to create the most annoying ringtone.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
STEWART: Back now, and we pause the Countdown tonight for a field trip to the Countdown Zoo. And you needn't be Ron Burgundy or a smelly pirate hooker to realize this first story is the biggest news event of the summer.
Let's play Oddball.
There is a newborn panda at the San Diego Zoo. Bai Yun, the zoo's 13-year-old giant panda, gave birth this week to a bouncing baby panda. They don't know the sex of the baby, and they don't have a name yet either. The cub is just four ounces. It is the size of a stick of butter, or margarine, and you can barely see it, because it is nestled safely under Mama's chin.
The baby's father is the giant panda named Gao-Gao. And if you're wondering how they knew he's the father, it's because they spotted him handing out cigars over at the monkey cage.
You stay classy, baby panda.
To High Point State Park in New Jersey. We have secretly replaced this camp counselor's normal wakeup call with a deadly 150-pound black bear. Let's see if he notices.
Yes, I think he noticed it. This video, shot by a hiker passing by, shows an unnamed male camp counselor in the woods with a group from Pennsylvania getting a rude awakening from a female black bear looking for breakfast, maybe just a little bit of spooning.
The bear put a few holes in the camper's sleeping bag, gave him a few scratches, and then ran off when the camper's alert bunkmate blew on whistles designed to startle the bear. The kid was fine, the bear not so much.
In keeping with our nobody-gets-hurt policy in Oddball, let's just say the bear is now in deep hibernation.
And finally tonight, to the oldest professional rodeo in Idaho. They say only two things come out of Idaho, steers and bad idears. We're not sure that's true, but we are sure this story has both. This year, they decided the best way to get 100 head of cattle from the stockyard to the rodeo fairgrounds would be to take them through downtown Idaho Falls. Idaho Falls is a city, and some folks figured this would be a neat publicity stunt to drum up attention for the rodeo.
Locals? Not so optimistic.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is going to be pretty much havoc today, I'm sure.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They are cattle, and they are wild, and they're not trained to do this.
(END VIDEO CLIPS)
STEWART: The cattle were released, and it was a case of bovine wilding. Chaos erupted on the streets of Idaho Falls, and the cows jogged all over the place, through yards, gas stations, busy intersections. Minimal damage was reported, and eventually most of the cows were steered to the fairgrounds, although five cattle may be missing.
Rodeo planners said they intend to avoid the same cowflop next year by providing the cows printed directions from Google Maps before getting started.
And, oh, boy, you folks are lucky tonight. It's Friday Oddball bonus coverage. Leaving the zoo, let's head to Palm Beach County, Florida, where 92-year-old Lucille Borgen (ph) has just won the 85-and-up division of the Good Waterskiing Championships. Sure, she's the only one in the division, and they created it for her. But water skiing at 92, she deserves a prize. Heck, they should erect a statue to her.
Lucille is a cancer survivor who beat polio as a child. She is blind in one eye. She only took up water skiing in her 40s. But she can still ride those toasty waves. It's because of this we can say, Lucille Borgen is officially in a three-way tie for greatest grandparent ever with sky-diving granny, no teeth. You can look at her go. And with advance apologies to our colleague Preston Mendenhall, the sassy D-Day veteran...
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Harry, can you tell us how old you are today?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm 82 years old.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Eighty-two years young might be a better way to put it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Up your (expletive deleted).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART: All righty, then.
Mystery in the Mediterranean. They left as newlyweds, but the bride came home by herself. George Smith, missing one month. The latest in the investigation.
And you might be heading out to a local watering hole at some point this weekend. We'll answer all those nagging myths and sayings about drinking with the men behind the new book, "Why Do Men Have Nipples?"
Those stories ahead.
But first, Countdown's top three newsmakers of this day.
Number three, Jessica Lynne Durham. She got five years in jail for taking a picture of her 18-month-old daughter, a picture of her 18-month-old daughter with her mouth on a bong filled with marijuana. Note to Jessica, Bong does not equal Binky.
Number two, an unnamed man in New Hampshire. He got drunk, passed out, and his friend put a padlock on him on a sensitive area, the kind of groinage area. Anyway, two weeks later, he still couldn't get it off, and he went to the cops. They got a locksmith, and then he was free. But how did they remove the padlock, you ask? Very carefully.
And number one, Snoop Dog and Lee Iacocca have finally ended their feud. Well, OK, there was no feud, but they're still teaming up to do a round of commercials for General Motors. The former head of GM and the rapper from the LBC reportedly got along well during their shoots, although Iacocca admitted, quote, "I don't know what the hell Snoop is saying, but he called me nephew. So I guess that means I'm in."
Fo' shizzle, Mr. Iacocca, fo' shizzle.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
STEWART: It is bad enough that he is accused of kidnapping two Idaho children, molesting both of them, killing one of them and murdering their brother, mother and her boyfriend. Bad enough that it wasn't the first time he'd abused children. Bad enough that he was only out of jail because a judge didn't know about that previous conviction.
In our third story on the Countdown: It now appears that Joseph Duncan is also a prime suspect in at least three other child molestations and murders.
Michael Okwu has our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MICHAEL OKWU, NBC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After eight years and 15,000 empty leads, authorities now say accused murderer and convicted sex offender Joseph Duncan is the prime suspect in the abduction and murder of a 10-year-old boy.
BOY DOYLE, RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF: A fingerprint at the crime scene where the body of Anthony Martinez was found matched one of Joseph Duncan's fingers.
OKWU: The tragic mystery began in April 1997 in Beaumont, California, when Anthony Michael Martinez was snatched at knifepoint, his lifeless body found in the desert more than two weeks later.
(on camera): Joseph Duncan, whose rap sheet dates back to 1980, is fast becoming a name many in and out of law enforcement know.
(voice-over): Last month, Idaho authorities charged him with kidnapping and molesting 8-year-old Shasta Groene and her 9-year-old brother, Dylan, who prosecutors say he also killed days after bludgeoning the children's mother, brother and family friend. Family members outraged over the latest news.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I can't believe that he was actually let out after the first time he committed such a horrible crime.
OKWU: Now authorities in King County, Washington, also investigating any possible link between Duncan, 9-year-old Carmen Kubias (ph) and 11-year-old Sammy Joe White (ph). Both vanished from a Seattle motel in 1996 sometime during Duncan's residence in nearby Buckbell (ph), Washington.
SUE RAHR, KING COUNTY SHERIFF: King County is doing what most West Coast police agencies are doing.
OKWU: At least five states now investigating Duncan's possible connections to other crimes. Meantime, in a California desert community where the family of Anthony Martinez still mourns, residents asking the question, How could this happen? Michael Okwu, NBC News, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: And we are joined now by Marc Klaas, founder of the KlaasKids Foundation, devoted to preventing crimes against children. Thanks so much for joining us tonight.
MARC KLAAS, KLAASKIDS FOUNDATION: Sure thing, Alison.
STEWART: Marc, of course, most people know you from your hard work to protect children, and it's obviously quite personal to you because your daughter, Polly, was kidnapped and murdered by a repeat violent offender back in '93. Twelve years later, we are here discussing another serial molester who slipped through the cracks. How is it that serial molesters are falling through those cracks?
KLAAS: Well, we created Megan's law, or Megan's law was created about a decade ago to deal with guys like this. But they're clever individuals and they find loopholes in law. There's an attempt right now in Congress with some very powerful legislation to plug up some of the loopholes. But I think it's illustrative that there are states all over the West Coast that are looking at this guy, Duncan, for having committed crimes, for having murdered little children. And as long as these guys don't comply with the laws that are being set up, and as long as they're allowed to be on the street, these kinds of crimes will continue to happen.
STEWART: Let me read you something the Washington Board of Prison Terms and Paroles wrote about Duncan 23 years ago, that he is a, quote, "sexual psychopath not safe to be at large and not amenable to treatment."
Now, with a diagnosis like that, how would they ever let him out?
KLAAS: Well, you know, they had a diagnosis similar to that for Richard Allen Davis, who murdered my Polly. In 1978, he was diagnosed as a sexually sadistic psychopath. And quite frankly, Alison, it's beyond me how any of these individuals that have been diagnosed as pedophiles, as psychopaths or as sadists are ever allowed back onto the street because it's inevitable that what they will do is harm little children. There is no treatment that is effective for these individuals.
Alison, I think it's illustrative - the Catholic scandal is illustrative of what I'm talking about. For years, the bishops knew what these guys were doing, and they would send them to treatment facilities and then anonymously put them back into different parishes. And inevitably, they would revert to their criminal behavior. And quite frankly, now it's almost ruined the Catholic church in this country, and certainly, they've lost their moral authority.
But you just take that kind of a - you just take that kind of a situation and put it into the public at large, and that's what we're dealing with.
STEWART: So you don't believe in rehabilitation in any way for sexual offenders?
KLAAS: Never in the history of the world has a psychopath or a pedophile been cured. We put them back onto the streets, and they're going to revert to criminal behavior. It's inevitable.
STEWART: To your knowledge, has there ever been a legislative push for life imprisonment for serial molesters?
KLAAS: Well, actually, I was just talking to Mark Lunsford a few minutes ago because what they've done in Florida is they've created the Jessica Lunsford Act that mandates 25 years to life - it's an indeterminate sentence - for the first lewd and lasciviousness conviction against a sex offender in that state. Now there's a push in the federal government to follow suit, to increase penalties extremely for these kinds of crimes. And they have financial incentives in these laws to force the states to comply.
So hopefully, after long last - and these arguments go back decades and decades and decades, certainly into the middle of the last century - at last, we're finally putting our foot down and doing something that, hopefully, will be effective.
STEWART: Now, you've been talking about states and states and what Florida is doing. Do you think a national database of these serial molesters is an answer?
KLAAS: Well, it's an answer of sorts. I mean, the problem is, is that, you know, you have this national database, you even make it available to the public, but unless it's got an updated picture, it's not going to do you much good because that's basically how we're able to identify who these guys are. These guys are as anonymous as they can possibly be. They don't use their real names. They change their appearance frequently. They stay by themselves and they just go after the most vulnerable of citizens. We put them on the street, and this is what's going to happen. It's inevitable.
STEWART: You've given us quite a lot to think about tonight. Marc Klaas, founder of KlaasKids Foundation, thanks so much for joining us.
KLAAS: Thank you.
STEWART: From missing children to missing adults. It's been exactly one month since a honeymooner mysteriously disappeared on a Mediterranean cruise. Now, as Matt Lauer reports, there may finally be a break in this case.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATT LAUER, CO-HOST, "TODAY" SHOW (voice-over): On July 4, newlyweds George Smith and Jennifer Hagel from Greenwich, Connecticut, were in the middle of a 12-day Mediterranean cruise about Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas. Reports are the honeymooners spent the evening in the ship's casino. Both had been drinking.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We were awakened about 4:00 in the morning by loud yelling coming from the cabin. It sounded like people cheering, like a drinking contest type thing.
LAUER: Cleve Hyman (ph) was in the room next door to the couple.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At times, it sounded like furniture was being actually picked up and dropped, and then that horrific thud.
LAUER: On July 5, blood was found on the side of the ship as it docked in Turkey, and George Smith was missing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have reason to believe that there could have been foul play here.
LAUER: In an interview last week, Connecticut's U.S. attorney, Kevin O'Connor, said the FBI has been working with the international authorities to see if a crime was committed.
KEVIN O'CONNOR, U.S. ATTORNEY: Obviously, there may be people who were on that ship, there may be others, who have evidence or knowledge of what happened that night.
LAUER: Smith's wife, Jennifer Hagel, was questioned by authorities. She told them that Smith was not in the room when she awoke the next morning.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: That was Matt Lauer reporting.
Also tonight: new technology, new health risks. Is the iPod nation in danger of going deaf? And old friends together again, a big day for fans of the original "Sportscenter." The return of Keith and Dan ahead on Countdown.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
STEWART: OK, you know you've done it, cranked up the tunes on that MP3 player of yours to 11, all that to indulge the fantasy of being a rock star. Or maybe you just wanted to drown out the sounds of the world around you. Well, whatever the reason, we're here to tell you tonight you might want to turn it down.
Our second story on the Countdown: Can you hear me now? If you can't, you may be in the early stages of iPod-induced hearing loss. As Mike Taibbi discovers, if it's too loud, you may be more than just too old.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MIKE TAIBBI, NBC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Stacey Tillott (ph) of Sherman Oaks, California, picked out a new iPod today, not worried now that it may be damaging to her hearing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I like to listen to music loud, especially - I work out with my iPod. I use it when I commute. I use it when I just don't want to be bothered by people on the street.
TAIBBI: But like all modern MP3 players, the device Tillott chose is an advance on the old technology that will allow her to listen longer and at higher volume than ever before without changing a tape or CD. Dr. Brian Fleiger (ph) of Boston's Children Hospital has been studying whether there's a connection between the new technology, including long-life batteries and earbuds instead of over-the-ear headphones, and hearing loss.
DR. BRIAN FLEIGER, BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: It's a combination of how loud it is and for how long you listen. The two work together to determine your overall daily noise dose.
TAIBBI: Fleiger says it just takes common sense to see the problem in a nutshell or on a simple graph. Normal conversation registers about 60 decibels, a barking dog up to 70, the subway around 85, still in the safe zone. But the rock band at 120, and your personal stereo systems at up to 130 decibels could cause hearing loss if you listen too long.
(on camera): Like most music lovers, for me, there are some songs, like Stevie Wonder "Living for the City," that only sound right at top volume.
(voice-over): In your car, especially in your ear, Dr. Fleiger says, to be safe, you have to impose limits because the technology doesn't. If you imagine the volume scale of 1 to 10...
FLEIGER: Level six for one hour or less per day.
TAIBBI: Hard to do, say some users, like Stacey Tillott.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: When I turn up all the volume, it feels like it's kind of moving through your blood with you.
TAIBBI: Mike Taibbi, NBC News, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: That's funkmaster Mike Taibbi to you.
Here's something a little quieter to add to your playlist. You can now podcast selected segments of Countdown by going to our Web site at countdown.msnbc.com. Then just click on the link at the bottom of the page to sign up.
Now, customized cell phone rings may not make you deaf, but they sure make some folks wish they were. Let's face it, there are two types of people in this world, those who embrace wacky ringtones as a sign of personal expression and those who do not. Count our friend, Brian Balthazar, as one of the former. Last we saw, he was hitting the streets of the big city, looking for a new way to express himself.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRIAN BALTHAZAR, NBC CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Having a cell phone has become like having a theme song, whether you can sing your ring...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And that's what I am. I'm a fun-loving kind of person.
BALTHAZAR: More than 181 million Americans own cell phones. And even though all of them come with ringtones built right in to the phone, many people are more than willing to spend a few bucks to find the ringtone that's perfect for them.
(voice-over): Already, ringtones are a $600 million industry in the U.S. "Billboard" magazine even has a chart for the top 10 tones. The king of the industry? A little guy called Crazy Frog. What began as a popular and slightly annoying ringtone in the U.K. was combined with the "Beverly Hills Cop" theme. The song hit number one in 10 countries.
Country singer Gretchen Wilson is one of the many musical artists getting in the game. Her new single is available as a Cingular wireless ringtone before hitting the radio.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's really annoying.
BALTHAZAR: Even out of this small room, Michael Aarons (ph) could be the next one to hit the jackpot. As a ringtone composer, his mission is to create the tune that takes off.
(on camera): Your goal will be to create a song that will infect my brain until it drives me crazy, essentially.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what I would like to do, yes.
BALTHAZAR (voice-over): Whether you like yours upbeat or old school, your cell phone is the hottest way to say something about yourself.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ring, ring! See? It's not fun at all.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: The auditory stylings of our fearless leader here at Countdown making a natural segue into our nightly round-up of celebrity and entertainment news, "Keeping Tabs." Reunited and it feels so good. "Sportscenter" fans have been waiting years for this one. This afternoon, instead of writing "Keeping Tabs," our commander-in-chief was out there becoming one. Keith Olbermann joined "The Dan Patrick Show" on ESPN radio for the first in what will be a weekly weigh-in on all things sports.
The pair picked up right where they left off. You know that old saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder? Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DAN PATRICK, "THE DAN PATRICK SHOW": Keith Olbermann, who has rejoined us after, in his words, an eight-year vacation from the network, and I think both have recovered nicely from that. But great to have you with us every Friday 2:00 until 3:00, KO and his take on the world of sports.
KEITH OLBERMANN, Countdown HOST: I quit.
(LAUGHTER)
OLBERMANN: Thanks for having me. It's been nice, and I'm glad we were able to reach this peaceful accord, but I got a bus to catch.
It's like being thawed out after you've been cryogenically frozen for eight years. So I'm like Ted Williams's head right now, just coming - you know, it's where have I been for the last eight years? It's very strange and very familiar at the same time because the reason I'm doing this is, you know, it's just a pleasure to work with him, always was. And you know, it gives me something to do on those - on that one hour a week I have free where I don't have to be at MSNBC.
(END AUDIO CLIP)
STEWART: All may finally be right with the sports broadcasting universe.
But the sports mascoting universe has been thrown for a loop, and it's a confusing loop, too. The NCAA has banned the use of American Indian mascots during the post-season. But during the regular season, not so much. So if you want to keep rooting for the Merrimac College Warriors, it's a good news, bad news kind of situation tonight. Here's why. The governing body of college sports decided it did not have the authority to ban the mascots outright. So until the playoffs, you can keep getting down with your politically incorrect self. Some 30 teams have Indian nicknames for mascots.
No idea how someone might be offended by this Southeast Oklahoma State Savages or the Carthage College Redmen, how they possibly made that list.
Robert Novak finally explaining himself tonight. No, not for his role in the CIA leak investigation. He's mum on that. So we're just going to have to make do with this. What do you have to say for yourself from a potty-mouth pundit? The conservative columnist made an early exit yesterday from his second gig as a cable news commentator.
First the exit itself. He and James Carville, the ragin' Cajun who specializes in goat getting, were debating the Senate candidacy of Congresswoman Katherine Harris. Novak's a fan, but he was not a fan of Carville's response.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROBERT NOVAK, CNN: She might get elected...
(CROSSTALK)
NOVAK: No, wait. Let me - let me...
JAMES CARVILLE, CNN: I'll tell you this, Bob...
NOVAK: Just let me finish what I was going to say, James, please. I know you hate to hear me, but you have to...
CARVILLE: He's got to show these right-wingers that he's got backbone.
(CROSSTALK)
CARVILLE: ..."Wall Street Journal" editorial page is watching you.
Show them you're tough.
NOVAK: Well, I think that's bull (DELETED). And I hate that. Just let it go.
ED HENRY, CNN: OK, James, what do you think, though, seriously, about this Senate race, James, that the - that, basically, the...
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEWART: He was so out of there. Today came the remorse, Mr. Novak telling "The New York Daily News" he overreacted. Quote, "I thought that was unacceptable questioning of my integrity. I overreacted. I've gotten into a lot of shouting matches with James when I'm unable to out-shout him. I just got a little frustrated." Novak won't have to worry about it happening again for a while. CNN has asked him to take an involuntary vacation, suspending him for language and behavior that the network calls, quote, "inexcusable and unacceptable."
It's been one of the most important questions in the history of mankind, right up there with, Why is Paris Hilton famous? Why do men have nipples? The answer to that and other great human mysteries next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
STEWART: OK, picture this. You're on a beach. The weather's fine. You're relaxed, not a care in the world. As you sip your margarita, all stress leaves your body. And then suddenly, questions enter your mind. You can't ignore them. Why? Why do fools fall in love? Where's Dick Cheney's undisclosed location? And why - why do men have - OK, guys, I'd rather say this with a little bit of help, if you don't mind. Graphic, please. Why do men have nipples?
Our number one story on the Countdown tonight: Well, why do they? We've got the answer from two men who found the time and the desire to answer such burning queries. Well, we might have them stumped on that Dick Cheney thing, but male nipples, no problems.
Joining me now, the authors of "Why Do Men Have Nipples?: Hundreds of Questions You Only Ask Your Doctor After Your Third Martini," Dr. Billy Goldberg and humorist Mark Leyner.
Thanks so much for being with us.
MARK LEYNER, CO-AUTHOR, "WHY DO MEN HAVE NIPPLES?": Oh, thanks for having us.
DR. BILLY GOLDBERG, CO-AUTHOR, "WHY DO MEN HAVE NIPPLES?": thanks for having us.
STEWART: All right, Dr. Goldberg, how'd you come up with this idea?
GOLDBERG: Well, I had the idea for a very long time. I work in the emergency room. I'm a doctor. That's why I guess I'm Dr. Billy Goldberg.
(LAUGHTER)
GOLDBERG: That was - that was a good one. We're off to a flying start. So I work in the emergency room, and people ask me these questions.
I get phone calls from family and friends, and especially at parties. Mark
and I have been known to go to an occasional party, and at parties, people
· that's when they get a little drunk and they get a little nuts and they ask the crazy questions.
STEWART: Once you throw cocktails into something, all bets are off.
GOLDBERG: Yes, I know.
STEWART: Mark, how'd you get dragged into of this?
LEYNER: Well, I sometimes go to these parties and get a little drunk and answer these questions as a doctor...
GOLDBERG: A little drunk.
LEYNER:... as a doctor, even though I'm not one. I've always been fascinated with anatomy and biology and medicine. And when - and Billy and I met working on a TV show, actually, and we just decided the time was right to do a book that would answer all the questions people were embarrassed to ask about their own bodies and...
STEWART: Well, let's get to it - our bodies, ourselves.
LEYNER: All right. Let's do it.
STEWART: This portion of the program. OK, Doctor, why do men have nipples?
GOLDBERG: Ah, nipples again. It's all nipples these day. Basically, in utero, we develop - both men and develop the same. And then at about six weeks, the men take the non-nipple route, and we're left behind with this, you know, vestige of our days as women, our nipples.
LEYNER: Right. I think - I've come up with a kind of sweet Hallmark card characterization of it: A man's nipples are his mammary memory.
GOLDBERG: Oh, that's so sweet. I'm touched.
STEWART: And it's alliteration, as well.
GOLDBERG: It is.
STEWART: All right, Mark, does the kind of underpants men wear affect their fertility?
LEYNER: Absolutely not.
STEWART: Tighty whities don't matter?
LEYNER: No. No. Actually - and Billy can explain this. The temperature is much more important than whether they're tightly bound, or whether you're tightly bound or sort of loose and free.
GOLDBERG: Yes, and...
LEYNER: Right?
GOLDBERG:... technically, tight underwear could make you a little warmer downstairs, but it doesn't have any effect. There was a great "Seinfeld" thing, where Kramer - he needed - liked his tighty whities, and they told him he couldn't. But that is not true.
LEYNER: Not true at all.
STEWART: All right, let's branch out so we can get the women in the audience involved in this, as well. We batched this as "Safety first," our theme. Is lip balm addictive, Doctor?
GOLDBERG: Although, a lot of people think that, lip balm is not addictive. People have attacked a lot of lip balm companies over the Internet. Everything - there's all these conspiracy theories. But there's no proof that it's addictive at all. I mean, my wife puts it on all the time. But it's habituating, but not addictive.
LEYNER: Right. Snorting it is possibly addictive.
(LAUGHTER)
STEWART: That's not a good thing.
LEYNER: No.
STEWART: And messy, too. Mark, let me ask you about another. Had a lot of people decide that they need to crack their knuckles. Is it bad for me to do that?
LEYNER: No, it's absolutely not bad for to you crack your knuckles.
There are parts of the body that are dangerous to crack, but...
GOLDBERG: Crack is (INAUDIBLE)
LEYNER:... knuckles aren't. Billy can describe exactly how - what causes that sound, though, in a cracking...
(CROSSTALK)
GOLDBERG: Set me up to be the medical dork. Basically, there's just some air in the joint fluid, and that pops. And it doesn't cause arthritis. It can stretch the ligaments a little and decrease your grip strength, so if you need to grip something...
LEYNER: Right.
STEWART: Well, Dr. Goldberg, I'll let you not be a medical dork, and we'll move onto the extracurricular story that everybody wants to know the question. Beer before liquor, never sicker. Liquor before beer, never fear. It is a Friday night, after all.
GOLDBERG: Yes, it is a Friday night. Well, you know, the truth is, there's no truth to that. The truth is there's no truth.
STEWART: Mark, this is one I got to know about. You wake up in the morning, you see your loved one next to you. You want to go in for the morning smooch, but you're thinking, Oh my God, I have dragon breath.
LEYNER: Right, morning breath.
STEWART: What causes morning breath?
LEYNER: There are actually - I think it's - it has to do with your mouth. I think, typically, unless you're an actively sort of playful person the whole night long, your mouth is usually closed for most of the night, and that enables certain bacteria to just lay there without, right, being stirred up and mixed with the...
GOLDBERG: Yes, you get dry and...
LEYNER: Right.
GOLDBERG:... and alcohol and cigarettes don't help. And it all comes together. I like the dragon breath (INAUDIBLE) That's a good one.
(CROSSTALK)
GOLDBERG: We had one in the book from Australia, the Poo (ph) Fairy.
The Poo Fairy comes to your mouth.
(LAUGHTER)
STEWART: You know what? That's an excellent note to end this interview on!
(LAUGHTER)
STEWART: Humorist Mark Leyner and Dr. Billy Goldberg. "Why Do Men Have Nipples?" is the name of the book. Thanks so much for joining us.
GOLDBERG: Oh, thank you so much.
LEYNER: Thanks for having us.
STEWART: I'm Alison Stewart, in for Keith Olbermann. He's back Monday. Time to summon the Jeannie power to bring on "THE SITUATION."
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Blog Page
by Hannah Wilson
In the first of a series of blogs by speakers at the upcoming Education Show at the NEC on the 16 - 18th March, Hannah Wilson tackles the issue of lack of diversity in Senior Leadership Teams.
Two thirds of the teaching profession are women and yet only one third reach a level of leadership. This is an incredible and tragic fact, isn’t it?!
For most, this might be surprising, yet in the 21st Century we have all continued to allow it to happen. Diversity across leadership teams is a highly important issue that until recently has not been valued in many schools.
Two years ago, I connected with six secondary school leaders via social media. They were all women and were equally exasperated by the lack of females in school leadership roles.
At the start, we simply thought we’d try to start a conversation, share the challenges and support one another in finding solutions, to find ways to
The Independent Schools Portal will be in the School Leaders Lounge on the 17th March between 10-11:30am. Join us for coffee and biscuits!
make a change; we had absolutely no idea what we could do or how we’d do it, we simply didn’t want to sit back and allow the situation to continue; we wanted to challenge the system.
So, we put a few posts on StaffRm and tweeted them out on Twitter, focused on the idea of trying to organise an event where we could all meet up to start sharing ideas and experiences. Incredibly, this first event attracted 200 women and two men for a grass roots conference; the energy, connectivity and excitement were palpable. Many shared their experiences of how they’d been in the same situation and how they’d broken through the barriers. Issues discussed included the current crisis of teacher recruitment. When you actually look deeper and analyse the issue, it’s not about recruitment, the problem is retention. Teachers, especially women, are leaving the profession as they are not being offered the potential to move into leadership roles or be on a senior leadership team (SLT) as a part-time member of staff. All other industries and professions offer mothers returning to work, hours that suit them; teaching has to be the only one where this is not considered.
Click to visit the #WomenEd website
Today we have 12 regional teams around the country with 40 volunteer regional leaders. They work hard to bring others together to articulate such issues and amplify our voice; we are increasingly able to use our team strength to bring about change.
WomenEd has also joined force with BAMEed, a like-minded
initiative started by our London-based regional leader, Allana Gay, who wanted to expand the focus of WomenEd to consider all diversities.
WomenEd and BAMEed run events scheduled regularly around the country. We call on all teachers whatever your sex, race or beliefs, whether you are gay or straight, abled or disabled; we want you to join us to try to make the teaching profession just that: a profession of diversity and equality for everyone.Thankfully it has not just been about a group of disgruntled women coming together for tea and biscuits! A year after our conception in April 2016, the DfE referenced our work in a white paper; it recognised and acknowledged us and invited to speak at various events. Our events have grown from the initial seven of us to attracting more than 10,000 women. Hannah Wilson, Headteacher of Aureus School, part of GLF Schools and co-founder of WomenEd, will partner with Allana Gay, a regional leader of WomenEd and Co-Founder of BAMEed, at Bett Academies (2:15pm on Thursday 16 March) to update Senior Leaders on the systemic change they are leading on ensuring that schools reflect the communities they serve. To register free of charge to attend the show, this presentation and other CPD sessions, please visit www.bettacademies.com. | {
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The Belgian global, who scored 16 goals in 36 appearances in the Blues'Premier League title-winning campaign last term, made his first appearance of the new season as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.
A good start will definitely be the message from Antonio Conte, knowing that an early goal or two may indeed kill off the team from Azerbaijan.
I had the chance to play with my national team and did a good job there (over the worldwide break) and for the last month I've just been working hard to be fit,"he added". There are less games in the Champions League but when you reach the latter stages the competition is very strong'.
When asked if he will be taking a big risk by leaving out key players like Morata and Hazard, Conte added: "I think when you make the decision there is always a risk". The deadline day arrivals of Davide Zappacosta and Danny Drinkwater were very welcome and Antonio Conte certainly has more options at his disposal now than at the start of the season.
Gurban Gurbanov, like his counterpart, has a clean bill of health going into the game. When he scores, we win the game so I think he is good.
Morata, meanwhile, has told Chelsea supporters to "respect everyone" after the club condemned a song about the Spaniard that includes an anti-Semitic slur. Who knows, but we're more than capable of competing at this level. He could make his first start in the group opener against Qarabag on Tuesday.
Gurbanov knows well enough that their side are huge underdogs going into the game and is likely to set up his side accordingly. And of course, they eradicated any lingering resentment by somehow defeating Bayern Munich on their own patch in 2012 to create history and give those who were clad in blue at the Allianz Arena the greatest night of their lives.
Andreas Christensen was another positive as he looked assured and composed throughout, despite only being 21-years-old.
"We have to stay positive as a group because we knew that the first six games were going to be hard as we play last year's top four and champions", said Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare. He will need to produce the performance of a lifetime to keep out the attacking threats from Qarabag's group opponents. The Blues are heavy favourites for the game on sports betting websites like Sun Bets, where you can place bets on multiple markets and in different sports.
Conte has had two Champions League campaigns as a manager with Juventus.
The home side were the better team after pulling a goal back but could not fashion an equalising goal. | {
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Rwanda has a conjoined twin, joined at the hip but twins that facing opposite ways. Their ways are inverted, but their actions affect each other in myriad ways. One of the biggest factors in the Genocide in Rwanda was the parallel volatile events in Burundi in 93, the death of Ndadaye, the subsequent chaos. If one were to make a generalised differentiation between Rwanda and Burundi, Rwanda was seen as more centralised with an all-powerful King, Burundi was more decentralised with Chiefs having power. So in Burundi you see the more free, relaxed attitude of frontier country as opposed to the stiff regulated life that has always characterised Rwanda. Burundians are free-thinkers, cynical of powerful people, laissez faire – live and let live, and above all humorous. Every Burundian is a comedian, I went to a function and a guy made me cry with laughter, I thought he was a comedian but they assured me “He’s just a regular guy, usual banter.” So it is ironic that Burundi is the most satirised country in the region, a joke beyond a joke, but no one can satirise Burundi better than the Burundian, it is a national art form. This humour saved them a genocide on the scale of Rwanda, the underlying factors are there; a tragic past, a poor uneducated population, cynical politicians willing to exploit, and above all population pressure.
Rwanda has humour but we use it differently, it is sardonic, visceral, full of more pain than humour, it is meant to elicit a bittersweet feeling and a slight sigh not a roar. At the heart of any Rwandan joke is cruelty of some sort: God tells a Rwandan that he can have anything but on the condition that his neighbour gets double, so two cars means four for his neighbour, so the Rwandan asked God to pull out one of his eyes, so his neighbour can have both eyes out. That is a Rwandan joke, sick, cruel, twisted and ironically triggers laughs in people who spend most of their days pulling out eyes of people metaphorically. The main jokes of Rwanda in the old days were riddles, wordplay, puns and oratory to shut up your adversary, what was left when our culture died was this bitter twisted sardony. Humour in Rwanda was used to divide, to spread hate, many of the presenters on Hate Radios were comedians. Jokes were all about differences, mistrust, causing strife, the punchline was “never trust.” So Burundi was a precarious situation that went from tragedy to farce, and just kept getting funnier and more absurd. Burundians get the joke, they live the joke, so to poke fun at them is pointless.
A billboard was removed just before I arrived, it had caused a stir in Bujumbura, it showed the President Pierre Nkurunziza on a cycling bike and dressed in Tour de France cycling shorts, with his genitals outlined by the tight shorts, you could see his dick basically, with his big smile. The IMF chief arrived in Burundi to talk about the rising economic crisis and corruption, the president slept through the meeting having been playing football and eaten too much. When the IMF man left he was given a poster of the Pres in his tight cycling shorts and huge grin, they were insulted when he threw the poster away. He is a man of the people, he reflects them in all their glory, his stories of lack of etiquette warm the hearts of his voters. To hear of your president arriving for a serious East African Conference in gumboots and taking them off because they are itching and stinking out the place, he reflects their past but not their aspirations, so he cannot take them to the promised land. Whether true or not, his voters don’t mind him sticking two fingers up to protocol. Most of the jokes are just true life situations; some officials were flying with Rwandair and walked into the VIP lounge bar and drank for several hours, when they were passed the bill they said “Rwandair will pay, they are the ones taking us, they have “received us.” In Kinyarwanda-Kirundi “Kwakira” to receive guests or to serve alcohol, they were shocked when Rwandair refused to pay.
Drinking as a national duty
Burundians take drinking very serious, I mean very seriously, it is your national duty as a Burundian to support Brarudi, the local brewery. In the 60’s Micombero, the then president said “these white men have done us the decent thing and opened us a brewery, the least we can do is drink it.” Burundi has 3 million less people, an economy 40% of Rwanda, but Brarudi outsells Bralirwa by far, Heineken group could sell their Rwanda operation but never Burundi. They are forever caught between remorse and regression, in the mornings you see them running the beer out of their blood, sweating out Amstel’s by the bucket. They drink steadily from 2pm as the Lakeside humidity kicks in, you get the same symposia, as the Greeks called drinking clubs. It is something corrupted in our culture, back in the day, boys would form milk-drinking groups, as they grow, the drinks get stronger. They seem to classify people in Burundi according to your alcohol intake
• The Pious – Bakizwa never drink, they are more pious than Catholics who uphold their sacraments but drink generously.
• Abidagadura – those who just drink socially but not excessively
• Abashingantaha – those men who have one for the road after work, though this can mean just a man, it means one for the road
• Abasamanje – You are now into dangerous territory, I asked repeatedly what it meant, they said AbaSM, SM – Sans Mange, without eating. They say “real men don’t eat food and drink, pick one, food reduces the room for alcohol in the stomach.” Then you hear a guy has done a 3-day SM, as close to zombie as you can get, they enter a parallel universe of alcoholic Zen wisdom, Socratic genius mixed with paranoid madness “shhhhhh can you hear that? God is telling me to go home to my wife before she thinks I’ve left her.”
• Abasafu – This is the lower level on the scale, these should be avoided at all costs. They get their name from a corruption of SAF in French – Sans Alcohol Fixte, those without a preferred type of booze, they drink anything. Some specialise in harassing people in a bar until you buy them a drink, they will hound you until you give in with a variety of tactics. One heard me speaking English and was repeating everything I said for 10 minutes until I bought him a beer to shut up. Not all Abasafu are low-class, you find a man working in a bank with; red wine, white wine, Bock, Amstell, Primus and Rugwagwa banana wine. You think he is part of a large group but he is alone, he drinks so much that one drink can’t do anything, he has to mix.
• Abatayekodi – translated he lost the PIN code to his own head, once you lose the code then you are useless you cannot access your own memory, so he’s just there. They are SM/SAF the lowest level, when one walks into a bar people run and hide, a person who doesn’t eat for days and consumes any form of alcohol for days, they are powered by ethanol not food.
A dream that died
All over Burundi and Buja there are monuments done in a very kitsch way, cast cement sculptures of various contradictory heroes, to each his own; Ndadaye for some Hutu, Rwagasore for the some Tutsis. They are both monuments that wonder what would have happened if they had lived, so people heap dreams and illusions on these lost leaders. Prince Rwagasore was the designated heir who had a modern approach in the 50’s, he was the driving force for independence and nationhood. He married a Hutu woman he loved to signify national unity, and to show his fellow Tutsis “if I can marry one, then why not you?” He started the sporting craze that Burundians have to this day, he had athletics clubs for jogging, and football was also his thing. Today Burundi has 3 players in the premiership, Rwanda none. Rwagasore was killed by a Greek mercenary sent by the Belgians, Burundi’s history changed as forces and counter-forces fought for power. It is still the best hunting ground for the former colonisers, they could never let go. I saw a rich Belgian in a hotel bar holding on to hooker’s ass like it was his personal property, this was an apt metaphor for the HOLD you still see. Into this Vacuum came 3 men from within 5km of each other in Rutovu, in Bururi, in the Mugamba Mountains.
The Bagamba from Mugamba
In Burundi they differentiate between Tutsis, the Baganwa – Royal were considered a different race, as were the Bahima from Mugamba who were excluded politically but formed the core of the army. Few people have anything nice to say about this triumvirate “insweranyana” – they have sex with their calves, they would marry their favourite cow, said one. One thing they say is “they knew how to govern a nation!!” They were men of limited education, rash brutality and closed-minded. There was never the poverty there is today, people ate least ate 3 times a day. They were not angels, many of the short-cuts they took are still having consequences today. The CNDD top brass is the children of the 1972 crisis, the children of the 1993 crisis are still in IDP camps. The legacy of those early UPRONA days was a sense of nationhood, even though the pie was not equally divided, they all accepted each other as Burundians. The first of these was Micombero, a young officer who led a counter-coup in 1965, he massacred some 150,000 Hutus putting down a rebellion and tried to create a pseudo-communist state with the help of China. He was swept away in a coup in 1976 and died a young man at 46 in 1983. Micombero pushed too far, Bagaza tried to hold on, and Buyoya tried to let go of power in a way that preserved as much privilege as possible.
Today Burundi is the butt of the joke, bottom of any index unless it is done alphabetically, it only ranks high in negative indexes. Yet there was a time when Burundi was considered an efficient modern state. They were ranking well in reducing child mortality, in maternal care, in education, in investment and they were held up as an example to Africa in the 80’s. You even see it today that despite falling standards the people are educated and have a good idea of a standard of living. As much as they tried to develop, the ghosts of the past were there, haunted by 150,000 dead, refugees massed in Tanzania, and social exclusion that caused inequality. No matter how clean the streets were, or how orderly it looked, there was a bubbling tension, and as much as the government tried to remove tribes from the conscious, it just couldn’t. The Ghosts of 73’ came back to haunt them in 93’ so today you have the refugees from 73’ ruling while the refugees from 93’ wait their turn. The problem of inequality is deep in Africa, especially this Great Lakes region, where population pressure wipes out any gains you make. You see the huddled masses in Kayanza, Ngozi, Gitega, pressed up against the road with nowhere to go, too packed, behind they are pushing and in front the cars are missing by inches. You see the bulging slums of Kamenge and Cibitoke, the promises they made them and the failure to deliver on them.
Out of chaos comes order
I sat in Toxxxic, the most happening club in Buja and saw a scramble outside, being a curious idiot – I went to check and was shocked. A bunch of youngsters beating up a cop, they accused him of stealing a phone while pretending to arrest one of the group, he was begging for his life while being slapped against the wall. I must add at this moment that he was armed, armed with an AK slung over his shoulder, he never thought to use it, he dropped it to the ground and pleaded for his life. After a few more slaps they let him run off but he forgot his gun. “Wait!! You forgot your gun!!!” and they just left it there as they went to drink some more, 2 minutes later the gun was gone, someone picked it and ran. I imagine what would happen to you if you did that to a police officer in Rwanda, not even God could save you. This is what happens when you simply arm someone without mentally empowering then, they are just a coward with a gun. I was sitting in Karondo with the Samanges when they all got a text from the Govt asking them to hand in their weapons. They all laughed at the thought “they just handed out 10,000 guns the other day to their militia in the Kamenge slum, just in case.” So there is a delicate balance, the army is still regarded as mostly mixed but Tutsi, but the Police is Hutu. The Hutu government was suspicious of letting in Hutus who don’t support them, so they focussed on police and militia. The main problem is between various groups who claim to speak for all the Hutu, FNL, Frodebu, and the ruling CNDD, while the Tutsis avoid politics as part of a Grand Bargain.
The problem is the Grand Bargain is coming to an end, the deal that gave Hutu-Tutsi a 60-40 split has hit the skids. The law of diminishing returns, they steal too much, so the donors reduce their funds, so they have to steal a bigger proportion, the donors cut even more, so they steal even more. Then they can blame the fact that Tutsi have 40% of appointments and that they need to reduce that. It made sense to keep 40% to keep the civil service going during the transition, now they risk losing a lot of experience in the name of quotas. The scary thing about Burundi is that you wonder if it is Rwanda in another part of cycle, they were the Rwanda of the 80’s, a model African state, but now nothing new has been built, the chickens have come home to roast, and there are more chickens on the way. The irony is that the Tutsi Elite within an elite never let the Hutu run even a village council then gave them the country to rule, like giving a passenger the pilot-seat of a Jumbo-jet of a nation. One voter lamented “we have never ruled in history and we are making mistakes, but we will learn slowly.” If only events are so kind as to give time. People have dawned on the truth, that this is not about Hutu and Tutsi, this is about a powerful elite of both sides preserving their privilege at all costs, to the exclusion of all. “Once you take power, you become another tribe, the powerful – the rest are a threat.” Said a drunk sage. That is how the Baganwa became a separate race, the power ran in their veins.
They remain secretive
Outside one of the few new buildings in Buja are the words “They remain secretive” the literal translation of the motto of the ruling party CNDD, but it means “they stay loyal” and they need a lot of loyalty in this tumult. There are crucial events that will affect the Great Lakes region, the issue of extending the term limits to allow Nkurunziza to run again, the revision of the quotas allowed for both sides, the clamp down on other Hutu parties like FNL and Frodebu, and the continuing downwards slide of the economy. Burundi has become a Tanzanian colony, the CNDD leadership will need the support of TZ to survive, this will bring it into conflict with Rwanda, and further isolate it in the East African Community. The party is arming militia, to attack its opponents, there have been over 200 political assassinations of opposition candidates in the last year, reports come out and no one bothers. Burundi is peaceful they say, don’t rock the boat. People find it hard to reconcile this picture with the image of a party led by a Bible-thumping soccer player. Still in the chaos there is order, the chaos theory – that many unstable opposing forces balance into an equilibrium of peace. If so then Burundi is very stable, they prefer their problems out in the open, not hidden away – so it was said that the Evil Warlord and wanted war-criminal Agathon Rwasa was my neighbour when I stayed in Kiriri, a posh suburb. All through the madness, they sing, they laugh, they drink, they make merry and sneer at those who judge. I saw more happiness and relaxation in Bujumbura than I did on the safe streets on Kigali, even with the menace of crime, there was more freedom by far. The fear element of Rwanda was not there, no one looking over my shoulder. In Rwanda you learn to live with Fear, it becomes your friend and when that Fear leaves you miss it, the Fear is what holds us together.
Without a vision the people perish
One thing that is missing big time in Burundi is a vision; nobody knows where the country is heading, like a rudderless ship heading for the rocks. Rwanda has Vision2020, they reached for the stars but even if we fail we will hit the moon. Burundi is just tragic, no vision whatsoever. The short and long term plan seems to be to hold on to power for the sake of it, the same problem that befell the Hutu governments of Rwanda, they just celebrated power. Can the government produce a program for the whole nation to subscribe to, for donors to invest in, for the region to help? When you cross the border it is instant, even the Congo border-post in Gatumba is better than Burundi’s border-post which was being used by traders as a shop, a store and a kitchen. The immediate pressures make it hard for the CNDD to figure a long-term plan, so many ideas are Copy and Paste from Rwanda, rewind back our policies of 8 years ago and you see what is happening in Burundi. They are trying the ‘Doing Business” reforms like RDB, Coffee cup of excellence, many more but they are not doing it with any level of zeal that Rwanda has. Till then they will just party away, as the Titanic heads to the iceberg they pour another Amstel.
Burundi has way more potential than Rwanda, Gold reserves, cobalt, nickel, coltan, wolfram. Add to that the best coffee in the world, exclusively enjoyed by only the most discerning coffee-lover. They have a lake with trillions of liters of water, yet Bujumbura is often without water. The lake has some of the best fish in the world, I just had an idea to get an ice machine and import fish to Rwanda and the region. Palm oil is abundant, beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, it has everything you could want. And great people, truly loving and funny, no malice in their words, I banged my head on the entrance to a man’s house. “Imana yaremye ibizi, yaremye umututsi muremure azi ngo azagya yigonga umutwe, nanjye umutwa ndarwara ijosi.” God created but he knew each will have his own problem, the Tutsi will always bang his head, the Twa pygmy will have neck problems as he strains to see higher.”
58 Responses to Burundi: A Nation Beyond Parody
Some coments make sense others not.Our humor so called is a form of survival.Few even among the best dressed live comfortably. Individuals have more debts than earnings. Among the hutus few get a part of the cake.Chaos indeed. Out of it nothing good at all.In the middle of all towns especially Bujumbura thousands sleep in the street s.If we laugh and drink whenever we can its because we are afraid of TOMOROW
Wow Rama, did a Burundian take your wife or something?
You sure have a lot of animosity towards Burundi and its people.
But the conjoined twins’ picture as an intro to your article pretty much sums it up…tabloid trash level writing made just so you can get hundreds of comments from trolls and idiots alike.
Rest assured, I am not in the latter category but as a proud Burundian who lived in Rwanda for many years I felt the urge to say something for my people and yours as well. I can assure you the vast majority of Rwandese people do not share your borderline racist views as they view us as brothers who unfortunately shared the same sad history of hate and violence.
Anyway, I will not waste my time here trying to debate with you as your tunneled vision most likely doesn’t allow you to see below your own bigotry.
However, I will leave you with something to meditate on: in your ridiculous attempt at stirring conflicts between these two brothers, you have left out one major aspect which in my eyes deserves attention.
Burundi has achieved what Rwanda has never managed to achieve after many failed attempts: we in Burundi are at peace with our own Burundian brothers from all ethnic groups and we are not at war anymore with each other. Even the most vilified rebel leader, Agathon Rwasa, is in Bujumbura and will most likely register his candidacy so that electors choose their leader in a fair and democratic way. We are not perfect and still have to get read of corruption, etc… but my friend Rome was not built in one day. Rwanda on the other hand has around 1 million people outside its borders vowing to get revenge and finish the job they have started in 1994. One day or another they will have to return to claim their share of that so cherished 2020 vision. Remember it only took the actual leaders 50 years or so to return and take over, all that while based in the unfriendly and rugged Uganda. How long do you really think it will take those self funded and joyful extremists located in mineral rich Congo to return to Rwanda? We will see how that goes and I wish that you will be around so you can provide us with your delightfully bigoted comments. But I will bet that you will most likely flee to Burundi and we will welcome you as usual since us Burundians do not hold animosity against our brothers. Karibu iwacu Mutama, Ntanakimwe
I just don’t buy this democracy lie you believe in. How is Burundi Democratic? It is not any more democratic than Rwanda, but less so. Peter ran unopposed in the last election, this time CNDD are making it hard to vote, the national ID program is their vehicle to rig. ID’s will cost $15 beyond the means of many, but CNDD voters get them free. When the UN rep offered to pay for the whole scheme, he was expelled from the country. Burundi is not peaceful, over 200 political killings according to HRW last year, there is likely to be a coup if the party tries to force a 3rd term for a very poorly-performing president whose priority is playing football. Just accept you have problems and try to solve them, I am very honest about Rwanda’s problems, you should be honest too
Hahhahah looool You know what? I agree with you! Burundi is Not COMPLETELY democratic just like all the countries are but dude Rwanda is surely very far behind Burundi on the path that leads to Democracy…in fact I think it stopped somewhere…(You talked about being honest with Rwanda) but lol Rwanda has vision right???hahahhah I really enjoyed your article(*._.*)* bursting in laugh… By the way I do like Rwanda
Well said Isibo. In a frank way, without malice or condescension… We endure…. Sagamba Burundi…And I am not saying to celebrate the complacency or apathy that may seem to appear. I am saying it because after all these years, and everything the country has been through, there is healing, in a deep real way. Being hutu or tutsi is no longer the insult or praise it once was. It’s a fact. Being a party member on the other hand carries weight. Leadership is the problem and maybe it’s not. The woes of the country are no longer blamed on the ethnic other, rather, it’s the ruling other, the venal, greedy, vindictive other who currently holds the reins of power. I feel there are more calls for accountability because of that, more tolerance as well (let them eat a bit, their turn so to speak). The Hutu-Tutsi narrative has been demystified, gone and goneth. Things will change, they always have! We have our last four president’s in senate, not in jail, or 6 ft under or in exile, but in town. This ruling party will go, and will be replaced by another which hopefully will be better, bazogerageza, they will try…. It’s the way. In the meantime, Burundians will carry on, like my parents sending me to school after a night of gunshot and havoc (REALLY????), yes because WE MUST carry on, do our bit and be the Burundi we want to see. All I know is everytime I go home, there are more things to smile about than cry.
I don’t think the ruling party will go, they are using their incumbency to solidify their power with militias. I always hear “this too shall pass” but will you be in a better position when it has passed? It is like a man who jumped off a 100-storey building and after 5 floors he says “So far so good!”
History is my only teacher, boss, and the trend in this country is everyone gets their time to play, then they go….. Four presidents….. Ex…… That should say something…….
They’ll go just the way the others went……. Because it is a country that actually believes that nothing is eternal…… Who would have thought uprona would go, or frodebu? Everything will come to pass…especially if barundi are fed up with it….
I like the way you say it …you don’t “think” -meaning that is an hypothesis-…well you might be right or wrong and like Dany K said history is the only teacher…. But there’s something you should learn about the comparison you have just made…there’s a saying in Kirundi “Bukebuke bushikana umusiba Ku mugezi”
I also still remember the rebel attack in 2002 or 2003 in Mutanga Nord where We saw bombs dropping on Mutanga hills as we were at school(Lycée du Saint Esprit). As I got a lift from a friend whose dad came to pick him up, I was surprised that my dad did not ask me how I got home or how was it. Later, you know Burundians don’t fear at all. The next day, we went to school again as if nothing had happened. Jesus!!!
Dear Mr Perez Hilton ,
“One of the biggest factors in the Genocide in Rwanda was the parallel volatile events in Burundi in 93, the death of Ndadaye, the subsequent chaos” : I mean really??? Now you are blaming the genocide on Burundi? Were the machetes that the interahame had provided by Burundians? Pathetic.. “You Rwandans” always need someone to blame when something is going wrong.. sad
“This humour saved them a genocide on the scale of Rwanda”: Well well , arent we lucky that some of our brothers, cousins, friends told a joke or 2 to the aba assaillants to avoid being choped their head off… By the way , does it mean that if you were less stiff, humourless, arrogant and fun you might have avoided the genocide???I guess we have an answer to our 1st question above then…
I find it harsh and insulting for you to say that Burundians have no vision, what do you know about Burundi? The one or two weeks you spent in “Kiriri” and sipping Aamstel at Toxic makes you an expert on the way we think or the way we have or do not have vision?Yes, the country is going through tough times but what country hasnt? Correct me if i am wrong but didnt it take you rwandans 37 years for you to return from exile (with the help actually of your neighbours Burundi and Uganda )? We have Our issues and we are and will deal with them at our own pace (might be less than 37 years 🙂 ) . If i were you, i would worry more about Rwanda: Ntugakure icatsi mujisho ryuwo murikumwe utabanje kuraba amasa yawe…Bavuga ayabandi ayabo bakayicarako…
I will finish with a line from our Burundi Anthem : Uburundi bwarapfunwe ariko ntibwapfuye… This shall pass too
Bravo, you have the right to your opinion as do I, it was not a New York Times report, or an IMF report with serious implications, it was just my humorous take on my visit. I assert that your humour helps cut the tension and helps you endure bad times. As for vision, can you show me anything to show otherwise? I didn’t see it, no sign whatsoever. This too shall pass, but after it passes will you be in a better position. Barundi are like a man who jumps off a 100 floor building, after falling 5 floors he says “So far so good”
ppfffff it s crazy how you guys always take your time to compare ur country to ours! well, this is envy! rwandese are pathetic with they so called genocide injury! i have never seen mean people like rwandez this shows how much u don t like your life and dont i understand why you take your energy to prove you are better than us and to criticiz us, u guys are so interested in us but we just don t care about u! and u need to know that you are not our model! When we are dreaming of a better devlopment we don t think about u! we think of other countries who are worthy of being taken as models! You over-etseem yourselves! We don t even talk about you and we will never! And i hate this articl its offenciv how can you dare talking about a president’s dick!?!? And i think you are not in burundian’s heart and mind! so, stop pretending you know what we need and our problems! You are the very wrong person to adviz burundians! Go to hell arogant rwandez! You are just animals which enjoyed killing each others and which are still hating each others even now! You are the example of bitterness, and lack of freedom…i can’t dream to live in your ugly country, or to be you! We can fix our problems without your fucking critism! You are not what we need! You represent nothing more then a sad country with sad people who think their sadness is seriousness! I LOVE BURUNDIANS AND BURUNDI! And i am happy and thank God that i am not a rwandez.
Indeed we all have the right to our opinions.. but my advice to you would be to air in public well reasoned opinon as people read what they find online and innacurate and imcomplete information does deform the youth and collective memory.I am not a journalist ( maybe you are not too), but from what i’ve been told a journalist always tells all sides of a story and stick to facts and not opinions. Calling a whole nation drunkards and narrow view is insulting.
“People have dawned on the truth, that this is not about Hutu and Tutsi, this is about a powerful elite of both sides preserving their privilege at all costs, to the exclusion of all ” is the most realistic line of all the well written article. Until the populace understand this fully, both in Burundi and Rwand in fact, will we always face the same “tragedies”.
Hey maybe we are not as democratic as you are but at least we don’t send death squads across the globe to eliminate political opponents. And once again you failed to address the main issues facing Rwanda : the millions of self funded extremists in rich Congo, the lack of political alternative to Kagame since he alieanted anyone who could ever represent a real alternative ? Finally, that mess you guys created in Congo (Africa’s sleeping giant) trust me it will eventually come back and believe me you will again flee to Burundi as usual when their 75 milions population gets fed up with your hegemonic ambitions. But Ntanakimwe mutama, we will welcome you our brother as usual.
just that u don’t know my writings but I have been very critical of events in Rw as well, good friends know I’m sincere. In Rwanda we use Burundi as a worst case scenario if you let democracy get out of control. Time will tell, I think Rwanda will calm down now into a peaceful state as DRC gets peaceful. Western govts used Rw in DRC then turned around and called them invaders when we have messages telling us to invade, no more adventurism, stick to Peacekeeping like in Darfur, CAR, S. Sudan, as part of UN. Let us just develop
Really? I think you are not rwandese, just a blindborn who think he knows things, you dont even know who you are. You are lost, lost more than a baby in a forest. Find the path to the truth because you are just pitiful man who needs moral lessons.
It is funny that you mention that because I read your blogs and articles many times and we also do share a lot of common friends in Rwanda as I lived there a significant amount of my life both pre and post 1994. I can tell you that Rwanda has been building a castle on sand since 1994 as the real issues that led to the Genocide were never really addressed since then. Even worse, you guys had an entire government and its army crosses into a lawless territory full of natural resources which in turn gave those unlimited resources to refinance themselves. On that you add the fact that your army was utilized by the west into a conflict which claimed closed to 8 million of your neighbors. I wish Rwanda all the best and really hope that obvious bubble full of trouble you are sitting on will never have to burst as I personally seen the results back in 1994. Unfortunately, you cannot simply ignore millions of your fellow country men abroad, especially when the only dream they cherish is to return and claims what they have called theirs from 35 years. Rwanda pre-1994 looks very similar to Rwanda post-1994, believe me as I was there; it is like you guys just flip a coin and whoever was on top is now at the bottom and vice-versa. Kagame being elected at 90% with no real opposition or so is just what Habyarimana used to do back in the 80’s. Successful Tutsi businessman building business complexes and beautiful houses in the city to develop it is what Kabuga, Mironko, Majambere etc… used to do back in the 80’s. All those houses in Kiyovu which are now occupied by the current Inteligencia used to be occupied by the Hutu inteligencia back in the 80’s. So to cut this short, the difference with Burundi though is that we realized what your leaders are blatantly ignoring for their own self interest: the other guys are about 80% of the population and one cannot simply ignore them; you have to find a inclusive solution so that all are allowed in the “game” if you want to call it that way. It will take time to build I acknowledge but at least we have managed to include everybody, something Rwanda is not near of accomplishing. For example to see that the Burundian opposition is considering presenting a united front and present Agathon Rwasa as their leader for the next election is in my view what is democracy: players from all political fields, ethnic backgrounds getting together for the common good of all Barundis. It reminds me of the time the extreme left, center left and center right political parties in France got together so they can counter the extreme right Front National as it was seen as a serious contender for the presidential seat; that is what is called real democracy. My friend the day when you will see them Kayumba, Ingabire, Twagiramungu, etc…. get together and present a FDLR candidate to run against Kagame is not in any foreseeable future in Rwanda. I do realize that FDLR is quite the extreme example but believe me, back in the 1990’s FNL/Palipehutu was pretty much considered by our Tutsi leaders the same way you guys consider the actual FDLR. However, look at them now sitting at the same table like the Barundi brothers that they are. To cut this short, Burundi has accomplished what Rwanda is unfortunately trying so hard to delay: looking at ourselves in the mirror, realizing that we are all brothers , forgiving each others for the wrong done to each others since the independence and understanding that Burundi is our land and we will need to work together to move ahead. Ariko Ntanakimwe mutama, I really hope you don’t learn the hard way as the genocide should have been able to teach you guys that, but if that happens karibu iwacu we are always ready to land a hand to a neighbor.
I travelled some years back to Buju with an aim on investing in the country but i was totally disappointed wen i reach there so called investment ministry, first the welcome was of the poorest class, i found i beautiful young lady playing music on her computer at around 10am, she looked at me as if i was from another planet. The next killer dis’pmet came up wen the person i was supposed to meet told me to wait as he was still in the meeting which later i learnt he was still at his home till 1pm when a friend called me that he saw the guy coming from his home. That was enough for me to caught my flight back home
Rwanda review or Rama I don’t know… Everything have been said in comments I believe. I just want to tell you I’ve read maaaany articles in my life and this was the stupidest so far which was actually interesting to know someone could be so dumb and still think he’s clever in this world I’m not trying to hurt your feeling but for God’s sake stop writing you’re gonna hurt your brain…Imana ikuzigame iguhe ico ushoboye gukora kidatesha umwanya abanyagihugu mugenzi!komera
I am really confused about this article . Are you sure that you are an African ? Because the ignorance contained in this article is beyond what I ever heard or read coming from an African fellow … Or may be you were under substance influence when you wrote it… otherwise if you went to school , you waisted your money and your time … I don’t even know where to start to argue with you. Or maybe you can’t say nothing about Rwanda and you try to express yourself by talking about Burundi .But again ask around you and your fellow Rwandese before talking about nonsense … I don’t understand how what a leader likes can represent 8 millions people …. Read your history , talk to your elders and may be you will learn how to respect yourself … I am sorry to say this but even an inhabitant of the North Pole who never left his house knows better than you brother .
PS: And to my fellow burundians , don’t fall in the same trap as him by talking about :”you Rwandese “. He doesn’t represent nobody , but himself….
God bless you brother … and might God give you some wisdom …
I am really surprised when I read this rama’s article… let me ask u one thing. Have u been out of rwanda to see how rwandees really live, I don’t know about you but I have. I spent 4 years with many rwandeez and burundians. Let me tell u that I never seen a rwandeez walkin down the street mostly without his burundian friend. Why?? Because we love helping each other. That’s who we are. You wrote that “heineken ” can never outsell in rwanda more than in burundi. I won’t call it drinking. But I went to kigali in 2008 in bar a rwandeez can come drink his beer and then he leaves… even if he comes with somebody I dont think he can share with his friend but in burundi ?? OMG we share drinks as we share other things… listen I have a lot of respect for rwanda… u went throught a lot. But u need to keep in ur that Burundi’great country to live in. We have freedom, but u rwandeez u really don’t. Just I want to let u know that we burundians dealin with problems but what country in this world does not?? And please do not use cuss words when u talk about pierre nkurunziza. Even if I don’t like him very much, unless he gave me peace, and freedom… I can say what I want It won’t affect my life or my way of thinking, which I doubt, If i do it when I am in rwanda. Burundians and rwandeez are brothers and sisters, twagiye gusaba umugeni mu tqanda baramuduha. 3 years after baza kudusaba baraduha. Stop bullshittin on this…
I just like this piece. Am not murundi but have witnessed the same story. Well, Burundi has a lot to do in as far as development is concerned and my friends, if your leadership does not change, Burundi will collapse on bandwagonism. Truth be told, your leadership has no vision, Nkurunziza is just a cartoon, a follower of Kikwete just.
Dude you should take Political Science classes, You just said that Burundi was saved because people are merry over there, that’s complete nonsense, if you actually look at history, you would know that ethnic divisions in Burundi was never as deep as in Rwanda, our I.Ds didn’t have the Tusti/Hutu component. You are just spreading shallow rubbish which are not being backed by fact. And one more thing, if today some Burundians are like that is because of the war that has changed our culture.We’re not all drunkards. I think instead of talking about Burundi’s problems, you talk about your country’s problem. And one more thing, people like you are not welcome in Burundi, if you despise Burundi so much, never come back again…… we don’t need people like you
listen to yourself, this is my blog, do you know what a blog is? It’s like if I scribbling my thoughts in a diary and let people read it. Are you blaming me for thinking? Honestly you are acting so stupidly and embarrassing your nation. Now about humour, we have had analysis from every angle, read Jared Diamond and his chapter on Rw in “Collapse” we have had forensic analysis on the causes and causes of causes, Diamond even linked Rainfall in massacres in Rwanda with a 4 month lag of correlation. Even soil depletion was a major factor, overpopulation in Kanama a place with no Hutus, 10% of the population were killed on personal grudges and the only Tutsi woman was spared. So why not look at the psychological make-up of Rwandans vs Burundi, humour is a mere reflection of this, if you want to study a culture the jokes give you deep insight into the mindset of the person, the norms, the taboos, the fears, the hopes. Humour is a very serious topic my friend, I illustrated the different jokes, Rwandan – twisted, sardonic, malicious even, Burundian – self-deprecating, ironic, able to see the good in anything, and accepting of all.I said the difference in us is decentralised vs Centralised In Rwanda the King chose the chiefs, in Burundi the Bataga chose chose the King. Different mentalities, different outlook, different humour. Now our jokes are about suicide bombers co that is what we fear. So allow me my blog, it’s only a blog dude. A BLOG!!! Do you want me to stop writing or stop thinking?
Honestly, the animosity in the discussion above makes me sad. I can’t tell you how many times I encounter these never ending discussions about who is better off/what country is well off…etc, So many pointless arguments. Growing up in Bujumbura, I rarely heard Burundians say nice things about Rwandans – My Opinion and experience. I know enough on Burundi to agree with Isibo on some of his opinions, especially about our leaders. To be specific, I agree with the fact (yes a fact) that current Burundian leaders have no vision whatsoever. I never understand why Burundians always deal with this in a confrontational fashion. Can you not see that the leadership lacks a vision? Do you really have to be this aggressive when an outsider points out the thruth? Also, why do we have to insult each other? Only one person came up with a border line critical analysis, although between the lines I caught a glimpse of bias. People let’s not be aggressive towards bloggers or authors who express their thoughts on Burundi. We should try and stay objective on the matter. For instance, those attacks on Isibo’s intelligence, come on those were uncalled for. I can say with absolute certainty that nobody here is ignorant or stupid just by looking at the content of your comments. Let’s try our best to stay objective.
I was in Bujumbura last summer and believe me NOBODY is happy with our current leaders. And I don’t mean just politicians from the opposition or some of our notorious NGOs leaders, I am talking about everybody Businessmen/women, technicians, engineers, Doctors, nurses, etc…If you have been to Burundi recently, you know what I am talking about.
The other thing I find interesting is the fact that Burundians never acknowledge Rwanda’s economic achievements. There is always that “BUT” that shows up. I admit that Rwanda is not perfect but at least give them the credit they deserve for getting where they are now.
Since we can only speculate about what the future holds for us, let’s not focus on what is going to happen and today’s facts. The truth is that probably +/- 90% of the population both in Rwanda and Burundi does not care about all that nonsense you educated people always argue about: political space, democracy, free speech, opposition. People only care about their well fare, things such as family, security, food security, jobs…etc. Those are the things that matter to their everyday life. So in my humble opinion, the Rwandan govt has been able to provide those necessities to its people. That’s a fact. On the other hand, their Burundian counterparts don’t seem to even care about the people they are responsible of caring for. There is not only a lack of vision among our leaders but also our leadership is not driven enough to plan for it. Now that we have established our situation or defined our problem, let’s make peace with it and find an appropriate solution. Otherwise, being defensive and attacking the messenger is not going to help anybody.
That’s pretty harsh. You do make a few legitimate points (although none are original), but your generalizations are huge, and some of your comments (lke what you say about the coffee sector) were accurate three or four years ago but not now. . Also, Toxic is not the place to go to get a handle on what is going on in Burundian society, 90% of Bujumbura’s population would never dream of going to Toxic or Havana. You speak Kinyarwanda I’m assuming. Go make some friends, hang out at a corner bar in Nyakabiga or somewhere. You’ll have a better image of the country and its people, I don’t doubt it for a minute. How long were you in Buja, and when?
I told you I was around town, even in slums, around Kirondo, even various slums, our car was fixed in Cibitoke for cheap and well. I even stop people and talk to them, these are the stories I heard and saw, I chilled with every level of Burundian you could have. Please don’t take this as serious as others are taking it, the title says it all. Maybe nationalism is making you take this as a validation thing, you should just laugh it off like I thought you would, I am gonna put the words IT’S JUST A BLOG!!! On the header so people take a chill pill. Opinions is Opinions
@Rama..my guy you are confused, first you go on an extended diatribe about the laissez-faire attitude prevalent in Burundi then an even longer rant about how Kigali is a prison… I think beyond all the stupidity written in this piece you beg to ask the question are Barundi better off than Banyarwanda given their government in its present form and vice versa….much of a man’s fate is determined by many factors beyond his control, in this case the factor in question is the jurisdiction of his surroundings imposed by the gvt of the day for it determines what he can & cannot do, ideas he can & cannot express etc… having said that I think there should be a clear delineation between a nation’s citizens and their gvt … thus the border post, the inept policeman or investment official and all the other nonsense mentioned in this post are by no means a reflection of Burundi’s people … whether either country’s gvt is justified in how they rule the land is a subjective question that can only be answered on an individual basis i.e. given my ethnicity hutu, tutsi or twa, are opportunities to pursue knowledge, wealth and happiness as equal to me, am I an equal active participant in the collective well being and future of my country and if things were the other way would I be better off… my guy if you’ve taken the Myers-Briggs personality test I wld love to know what your personality type is … my inclination is that you have a “We should personality”.. that guy always saying we should cure cancer, we should alleviate poverty , we should cure Aids, we should send a cow to the moon .. all ideas no action once confronted with the complexities of the real world … kudos to your internet activism though
–“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge”
There is a 1. common problem in our two countries and another 2. specific to Burundi.
1. The word Tusti evokes beauty , excellence or superiority unlike Hutu in people minds. As these ulterior complex. The Hutu specifically the Burundian one mostly deny these ulterior complex and gives sometimes rise to abnormal behavior. Tusti delight to enjoy it, because they are placed wrongly in a flattering position for No real apparent reason. Without this situation to change in people mind we will continue facing unanticipated conflicts at any moment.
2. For 25 years, not since the advent of the CNDD for sure with Buyoya. It became a culture and respect for mediocrity. Political diplomacy health education. The country is lost.
there is no scientific basis for these so-called tribes, it was a social class structure. One story I laughed at was when the President tried to institute Umuganda communal labour in Burundi, a villager scoffed “Numuhutu nkangye, yantegeka nkande?” He’s just a hutu like me, who is he to order me around? This complex of inferiority and superiority is deeply ingrained in both sides. The question is service delivery, a Govt is not just supposed to represent the ethnic background of a nation but deliver services to its citizens. This move towards services is crucial a govt has to run schools, clinics, police, roads, etc. One thing I love about Kagame he said that no-one will look down on Rwanda, we stared just by cleaning the streets, setting basic standards for ourselves as people regardless of background. No one looks down on us, they hate us, even despise us, but even our enemies respect us. Ntabwo tugayuka Never
Hahahhahh that’s hilarious. Gosh I think this is the most hilarious joke of the year….and the way you write as if you were serious…. You should double check to see if you don’t have any ancestor from Burundi because you do have that amazing Burundian sense of humor you mentioned….. Lol but you truly are a comedian.. BRAVO
Vous etes vraiment des blogeurs pour ne pas dire des blageurs. What pleases me is that you are all patriotic and I wish your patriotism would help you not only to be proud of who you are, but also learn to respect your neighbour. It is only when someone is afraid of you that he becomes offensive against you; otherwise, a snake would not bite a person. Rama is someone who might have learnt about Burundi and came to conduct his research to validate his hypothesis. Unfortunately, he got mistaken in the choice of the sample. I think we should forgive him because he conducted his research in drinking clubs, maybe he thought or he thinks that the prototype of the people are found in such places. One thing I would not tolerate is that he generalises the information he got from the drunkers. He should come and redo it again, having chosen a good sample and prepared a good questionnaire that can come out with the findings that can be trusted by the readers.May God Bless Burundians and Rwandeses. Thank you
hahahahahahahahah!!!! that pretty stupid bro! you just don’t come up becoz u have a blog to write some nonsense about a great people who help Rwandez some years ago and call them now a country of drunkards! am sorry but try to be a bit professional give some facts, do not just write abt anything passing through your damn mind… you do not need to compare 250 and 257 YOU HAVE SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT BUT WE HAVE PEACE AND THIS WHAT MATTERS FOR ANY COUNTRY. it is so painful to see and think what Rw will be when all the exiled people will come back!!! the same way Tutsis came even them they can return and as someone says don’t worry we will welkm as always coz we are burundians and we love our neighbors
Basamanje*, your article is quite funny, especially that it shows line after line how wrong and poor you’ve got your lecture on Burundi, and be so dumb to think you’re clever enough to write a thousand nonsense words on Burundi. Worst be worst, you dare put a President’s dick as a joke in your article and claim you do criticize your home country Rwanda !!
Question Pour Un Champion : What happens when you criticize Kagame?”
Hint: South Africa.
However though, Basamanje*, you’re highlighting one important thing: Burundi has no 2020 Vision, or no Vision at all. But Basamanje*, you go on to describes how Burundi is rich, beautiful, has more pontetial ways to emulate Rwanda as well.
We now know Rwanda envies Burundi, somehow!
To all my Burundian fellows, lets all get back to work, overtake DD power and move on !
*: Basamanje refers to Rama Isibo due to the fact that you went on to describe a country you dont know about. In other words, “Ba-sans-connaitre-l’histoire”
When you cannot judge your own country, you can only attack your neighbour… Burundi has issues yes but so does Rwanda…. Your city can be clean, with buildings and so on but deep down you know that you are building on sand…. History will tell…
First of all, et entre nous, were there any facts in that article that were untrue? Have we not become a joke? Are we not the perfect symbol of an absurd African country? And if there is any doubt on how ridiculous we are, let me remind you that our Minister of Finance proclaimed that in 2013, poverty had globally decreased in Burundi. Yes, in this past 2013 that saw the central market burned to a crisp devastating the economy, in the same year that inflation was in the double digits, and in the very year that our dear Burundi was ranked among the hungriest nations in the world (depending on the indicator, we are the hungriest).
And by the way, Governing does not require experience nor is it summed up as service delivery, governance is patriotism. None of our former leaders had much experience on how to run a country, yet they did, admittedly mistakes were committed, but nothing ever came close to the shear idiotic recklessness that we see today. Running a country can therefore be equated to raising a child, if you love the child, plan to give it a good future, and set boundaries, the child will grow to be a well enough adult despite of any challenges or difficulties. Incidentally, there is no hidden meaning or implied suggestion in the child metaphor, it was used to make a point.
On to the serious, it is always astonishing how we Burundians react to these types of foreign articles criticizing us, given the fact that we are not willing to lift the veil and confront reality. Take for instance the responses to article that kept repeating that the country will get better, seriously, can any sane person realistically look at where we are and see hope. The economy is in terrible shape and it will get worst, the political situation is spiraling out of control, the health sector, the population, and the list goes on. In the same light, do we actually realize the choice that we will have to make in 2015, we have two options. The first option is to refuse another CNDD mandate which will mean lots of dead Burundians and the second option is another five years of destructive governance. Which is your choice? Finally and most chilling, there is a point to the picture of the conjoined twins and the comparison of Burundi to the 1980s Rwanda in Rama’s article. A particularly terrifying point that we have chosen to ignore. We have yet to come to grips with the fact that given the history of our two nations, what is happening in Rwanda affects Burundi. Thus, we must ask ourselves, in the ethnic context of our region, how the falling government of Burundi will explain away their failures in the face of the success of Rwanda.
So fellow Burundians, the intention here is not to decry you the stances that you have taken in responding the Rama Isibo’s article but to implore you for some real introspection in what is an unbearable situation and what will surely be a difficult future.
As an European outsider, married to a Burundian who lived in Kigali, and a few longer or shorter visits in both Bujumbura and Kigali, I’ll give my bird-perspective opinion on this matter.
If I should start up a business in one of those two great cities, I’d chose Kigali. Things are faster though still very slow compare to European standards, electricity, water and internet power cuts happens a lot in Kigali also in a level where you just need to practice a patience natives are born with but mzungus like me never learned, but Bujumbura would be too unreliable in a success hunt.
Kigali want to copy western infrastructure and do great in many ways, but not everything from outside Africa is great. I’d wish that Rwanda gave a critical look on new implements. and only choose the good part instead as I see it, importing all and everything in a desperate speed the population is not ready for. Teach them to stop by the red light before you place traffic-light all over, because when I see a green light, I think I can go, and then it becomes dangerous.
If I should raise my kids in one of those two, I’d choose Bujumbura. The spirit are more warm, friendly and happy. I admire the strong band between family and friend. Your call your cousins, cousins, cousin for your sister.
I guess Burundians and Rwandans are not so different as it could seems when you look at the two countries. The bad part is that Burundi were unlucky to get an unserious leader you can compare to an European king some hundred years ago. The corruption and lack of simple improvements or even repairs of a great city basic needs makes you think the inhabits are in paralyzed state like the Russians during the communism; “Nothing is worth to spend energy on anyway”. Maybe It’s the nice polite friendly lets-not-fight spirit that makes it possible for the corrupt to still be in charge.
Rwanda were unlucky to get a soft dictator who control the country in a much more wishful way than dictators in countries not so far away. Still, if Rwanda want all the bad from Europe they should at least take our damn democracy also and not make us read that opponents are found outside a bar with heads separated from the bodies.
I would love to live in a middle way of those two countries, if you could collect the best of the two. A place where people will defeat corruption, make basic electricity and water function, and where people could say their meaning loudly without fear. Bring the beer and the parties also. If there is anything else you guys absolutely want to improve, don’t copy Europe, but get inspired and take the good things. If you ask me there is nothing you need, and there is always a price. You pay with your soul for an imaginary freedom.
My believe is that a countries population gets the leaders their average awareness deserve.
Please, it is his/her blog for god sake!!! Him not necessary Rwandase but independent human thinker (wrong or bad one).
He/she has the right to write whatever he want. I am Burundian and i think that he/she has the write to express his/her thought.
For my fellow Burundian who wrote “you Rwandese …” stop doing that, because if you disappoint the fact that he/she talk about Burundians in the wrong way, you are doing a “copy-paste”.
Let’s Burundians and Rwandese develop our own countries, and use our time to do useful things (not insulting each others) as creating projects and do our best to realize them.
Just a note to my friends, Isibo in particular: A friend was in Kigali and Bujumbura in December. In Bujumbura, all the talks were about the assassination of Patrick K. In Kigali, not a word about that tragic event! sometimes you wonder, and wish for … wait, there is no musweranyana bold enough to blog about it. | {
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]]>Ever since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed the fun of going to an SU game. The fact we have this particular major university is a great thing. It’s difficult to imagine what Syracuse would be like without the school bringing in people from out of town – the result is pretty obvious. We can’t take the Pyramid approach and cross our fingers while we sip from a tumbler in a compound, hoping that the Canadians continually arrive to give Congel business. Nothing like those international benefits. This is a continual tug-o-war.
But the one thing that Congel can’t control (for now) is Syracuse University basketball.
We Malones were standing by the staircase, waiting to get to our seats. This moment took place during that strange rule when the ushers make you wait while the game is in play. It’s similar to the traffic cop who pauses your last-in-line vehicle after letting everyone in front of you go.
A college basketball game has a certain appeal to it. While growing up, my favoritism shifted toward professional basketball. After CNY native Pat Riley left the Knicks for the Heat, a lot of air was let out of that balloon.
Money — that’s the appeal. It’s the lack of money that makes college basketball better than pro.
I still watch pro basketball, I’m still a Knicks fan, but the excitement isn’t all there. Sure, the athletes are playing, but to me they’re not playing their hearts out. The games feel slow-paced compared to college games. Perhaps it is due (entirely or in part) to receiving a paycheck. However, this means the college kids are giving it their all for that possible payout. We can always ask Michael Carter Williams or Tyler … Tyler … Ah! Ennis.
(Neither were available for comment.)
As a child, sitting in the stands was exciting. I watched Moten and Wallace and Hopkins. Sure, there were plenty of distinctive names. Those were the names I rooted for and called out: sometimes yelled, sometimes following a sigh. Nevertheless there was always anticipation for the next game that got the blood boiling with hope. There was always a Pavlovian response to competitiveness even though I wasn’t playing.
And it’s comforting to recognize that vicarious competition-driven anxiety is still there.
Whether it was with family or with friends, for a CYO basketball team outing or a party, enjoying an SU game is best enjoyed with a group of people. A basketball game will allow you to run into current friends and will reacquaint you with people you haven’t seen in a while. The Dome is often crowded enough, too, in case you want to make yourself disappear, blending in with the rest of the crowd when you see someone you don’t really care for.
Seating does not matter either. Well, seating does play a little bit of a role. However, even if the game is viewed in the far 300s, there are others around you. There is no need to throw a moody when in the presence of good company: strangers who want the same bold capital “W” against the visiting team.
It’s nice to be surrounded by orange-dressed friends, because strangers do become your best friends. Sometimes friendliness can get a little too close and even cross the line. But, hey, it’s better than Tinder.
The Louisville game was everything we came to expect and more. It proved that we should still wholeheartedly support “New York’s college team” in this time of despair. The first half was close, but it ended with Louisville ahead. However, the Orange pulled their definitive second-half comeback.
We should not feel bad for Jim Boeheim’s previous sins when he cursed at a reporter; regardless if he is stressed or not, it’s a rookie mistake. But the school screwing these athletes over (past errors from former students whose infractions that were swept under the rug) still bothers me. Sure bowing out of post-season now was “perfect timing” during a sub-par season. I feel awful for starting senior Rakeem Christmas, who plays his heart out. But I do second-guess crowd-beloved players like Trevor Cooney, who has been notorious for off-balanced shots and frequent misses. In current reports: Cooney’s approval rating is steadily dropping, paralleling and in competition with President Obama.
Aspects of the Carrier Dome bring back old memories and continue to create new memories. The air may be recycled (it takes more time to notice when compared to a car or an airplane) – it’s the fans’ passions being breathed in and out. Even the Louisville fans making the “L” with their hands was actually adorable. They ended up on the kiss cam, which was nice. Too bad they followed the guy who licked the forehead of the girl next to him. I hope to one day make the kiss cam, but not as an accidental photo-bomber, showing up in the background and behind smooching Cardinal fans.
But in regard to the guy who licked the girl’s forehead — hysterical.
And an engagement on Saturday played out successfully. Huzzuh! (Too bad the same couldn’t be said for the dedication and jersey misspelling.)
From marriage to kids: The little guy in front of the four of us was pumped. He chowed down the Dome Dog. He guzzled his pink lemonade. He donned the foam finger and was waving his arm all about. Yeah, the index finger hit me once, maybe twice, but those things don’t bother me. He was interacting with who seemed to be the “cool aunt” more often than his grandparents or mother.
We left excited and hoarse. It was time well spent. Even with a loss: time well spent. We missed the opportunity to leave via uber gust, but there is always next time. The snow was falling decadently: The flakes patiently took their time hitting the ground, our coats, our noses, our tongues — lake effect snow always tastes better.
Getting out of the parking garage: talk about time not well spent. When all else fails: grab a bite, a beverage, and wait it out. Varsity Pizza wasn’t too busy post-game. We warmed up and enjoyed a couple slices.
]]>Let’s face it: There was a good chance this year’s Syracuse University men’s basketball team wasn’t going to make the NCAA Tournament anyway.
But that’s not the point. The saddest part about SU’s self-imposed postseason ban is that this year’s team, which plays every possession like it’s an NCAA Tournament game and had nothing to do with the violations that led to the ban, deserves the opportunity to either play its way in, or play its way out.
The players lost that chance Feb. 4, when Syracuse officials announced a self-imposed ban that will keep the Orange out of the NCAA, NIT and ACC tournaments. The ban is part of SU’s case pending before the NCAA Committee on Infractions. Syracuse is still waiting for the committee to release the official report of its findings after an investigation that started when SU self-reported violations to the NCAA in 2007. It’s possible the Orange will be hit with additional penalties, such as the loss of scholarships.
After the self-imposed ban was announced, Orange captains Rakeem Christmas, Trevor Cooney and Mike Gbinije released a joint statement expressing their disappointment, but also saying the ban “won’t change how hard we will continue to work in practice and games.”
Before the next game on Wednesday, Feb. 18, against Louisville at the Carrier Dome, the Orange had played three games since the ban and continues to play with heart and hustle. The undermanned Orange lost at Pittsburgh 83-77, won at Boston College 70-56 and lost to No. 4 Duke 80-72 this past Saturday, Feb. 14, before a sellout Dome crowd of 35,446–matching college basketball’s all-time on-campus attendance record set at last year’s Duke-SU game at the Dome.
“I think every game we play, we play as hard as we can, and try to do what we can,” SU coach Jim Boeheim said. “That’s what we’ve been doing all year, and that’s what we’ll keep doing.”
The Orange (16-9, 7-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference before Wednesday) is staying competitive despite an ultra-thin bench created by the loss of injured forwards Chris McCullough and Dajuan Coleman, the inconsistent play of its backcourt (freshman point guard Kaleb Joseph and junior shooting guard Trevor Cooney), and the punch to the gut from the postseason ban.
Against Duke, Gbinije went crazy in the first half with five 3-pointers as the Orange built a 34-23 lead. Duke went on a 26-7 run at the end of the first half and start of the second half and led by as many as 11, but the Orange kept fighting and pulled within four with about four minutes left.
“It’s just frustrating to lose,” Cooney said. “It’s just the way we are losing because we are right there. We just need one or two more (defensive) stops and need to find a way to win close games.”
The loss was particularly frustrating because the Duke game was, for all intents and purposes, SU’s NCAA Tournament. It was also important to SU fans, since Duke has replaced Georgetown as the team Syracuse loves to hate. Last year’s memorable games–SU’s overtime win at the Dome and Boeheim’s first-ever ejection in a loss at Duke–helped make this year’s game once again the hottest ticket in town. And it doesn’t hurt the rivalry that Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski (1,005 wins) and Boeheim (964) are the winningest coaches in Division I basketball history.
“I think it’s a great rivalry because we both have built some unique programs, and it gets center stage,” said Krzyzewski, who counts Boeheim among his closest friends. “That’s good for the league, you know.”
What isn’t good for the league is to have one of its marquee programs ineligible for the ACC Tournament. The Orange can still make an impact on the league, however, as its games will count in the standings and therefore in the ACC Tournament seeding.
From a player’s perspective, that doesn’t sound like much to play for. But the Orange players have demonstrated that they’ll keep playing hard and at least continue to make this shortened season an entertaining one.
“We played great at Pittsburgh. We played really good tonight,” Boeheim said after the Duke game. “We’re playing as good as we can play. We played good at Boston College. I don’t think we can play any better, honestly. Especially offensively, this is about as good as we can play.”
What are you doing next September? If you’re a Syracuse University football fan, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the Carrier Dome as the Orange plays its first four games at home in September. For the schedule and ticket information, visit www.Cuse.com.
]]>It was only fitting that the Syracuse Chiefs had legendary pitcher Tommy John as the special guest at their annual Hot Stove Baseball Dinner, because the Chiefs, like John’s left arm, have come back from the dead.
In 1974, John underwent a radical surgical procedure during which a tendon from his right arm was transplanted into his left elbow to replace a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Even the doctor who performed the surgery, Dr. Frank Jobe, put John’s chances of ever pitching again in the majors at 1 in 100.
John, who was 31 at the time, won 164 major-league games after the surgery — still the most ever for a pitcher after he has undergone what is now routinely known as “Tommy John surgery.”
As for the Chiefs, they were on life support after the 2013 season, when the team was saddled with nearly $1 million in losses by the previous management team. But the Chiefs’ board of directors replaced general manager John Simone with Jason Smorol, and the Chiefs reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998 and cut their losses by about 75 percent.
The good vibes from the 2014 season continued Jan. 23, when the Chiefs sold out the 55th Hot Stove Baseball Dinner, as the crowd of 600 set a record for the event.
“Tommy John made a comeback, and the Chiefs are going to make a comeback,” Smorol said. “And he was better after his surgery, and I’m hoping we are better after our comeback.”
The Chiefs still have some work to do, as their actual fannies-in-the-seats attendance of 247,046 in 2014 was a franchise-record low. But before 2014, management reported tickets sold or given away, not actual attendance, and Smorol’s policy of eliminating free tickets meant there were more fans who paid for their seats.
Smorol said he hopes the sellout crowd at the Hot Stove is a sign that more people will come out to NBT Bank Stadium in 2015.
“I hope it says that people are getting on board, I hope it says that we’re doing the right things, and I hope it says that we are doing what we said we’re going to do when we said that we want to build relationships and engage the fans,” Smorol said. “And that people are buying in to the Syracuse Chiefs and that we’re fun and we’re about the community.”
“This is a great outing,” said longtime Chiefs fan Marty Nave, of Syracuse. “All those negative remarks that Syracuse doesn’t support baseball, the stadium should be someplace else, the fans only support a winner. This (event) shows that baseball is alive and well in Syracuse.”
Jim Durkin, of Schroeppel, has been a vendor at Chiefs games for 56 years and has attended just about every Hot Stove event. He said he can’t remember the fans having as much fun as they did as this year’s event.
“It’s such a pleasure to be at this venue and see the fans with their kids having such a wonderful time,” Durkin said. “Jason (Smorol) has been working hard to get the fans back, and I’m proud to be associated with him.
“I can’t wait,” Durkin added, “for opening day.”
Fast Fact
The Chiefs, the defending International League North Division champions, will open their season April 9 at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and play their first home game April 16, also against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. For tickets or more info, visit www.syracusechiefs.com.
Matt Michael is a freelance writer based in Syracuse. Email him at [email protected].
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]]>http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/syracuse-chiefs-hot-stove-event-sells/feed/0It’s about to get a lot harder for the Orangehttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/its-about-to-get-a-lot-harder-for-the-orange/
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/its-about-to-get-a-lot-harder-for-the-orange/#commentsWed, 21 Jan 2015 08:10:49 +0000Matt Michaelhttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/?p=22808The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team has a number of tough games ahead after holding its own thus far.
]]>Let’s go back to the start of the Syracuse University men’s basketball season in mid-November. What if we had told you back then that …
▪ The Orange would lose four non-conference games for just the second time in coach Jim Boeheim’s 39-year career.
▪ Junior center Dajuan Coleman would never fully recover from knee surgery and have to sit out the entire season.
▪ Starting power forward Chris McCullough would be lost for the season after tearing his ACL against Florida State Jan. 11.
▪ And, two months into the season, Boeheim would still not trust freshman point guard Kaleb Joseph at the end of close games, and he would get little or no production from reserves B.J. Johnson and Chinonso Obokoh.
You would have said the Orange is in big trouble. And you would be half right.
Heading into Tuesday night’s Atlantic Coast Conference game against Boston College at the Carrier Dome, the Orange had so far overcome those obstacles to post a 13-5 overall record and 4-1 mark in the ACC. While a 66-63 victory over Iowa on Nov. 21 in the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden remains SU’s best win, the Orange did find a way to win close games against Louisiana Tech, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest.
Tyler Roberson goes up for a dunk against Wake Forest.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
But there remains a sky-is-falling feeling that this season could crumble at any time. After the Orange recorded what Boeheim called a “tremendous win” in overtime against Wake Forest Jan. 13, the team turned around and laid an egg in a 66-53 loss at Clemson this past Saturday that snapped SU’s seven-game winning streak.
“It’s hard to get wins in this league,” Boeheim said after the Wake Forest game. “We’ve had two or three that could have easily gone the other way and we got them. We have to keep plugging away and getting a little better. We’ll see what happens.”
What we know is definitely going to happen is that the Orange schedule is going to get significantly more difficult very soon. Following home games against Boston College (8-8, 0-4) and Miami (12-5, 2-2) this week, the Orange will close its ACC season with a stretch of 11 games that includes two against No. 4 Duke and one each against No. 2 Virginia, No. 6 Louisville, No. 12 Notre Dame and No. 15 North Carolina, plus Pittsburgh twice and North Carolina State, which recently upset Duke.
Then there’s that NCAA hammer that’s hanging over SU’s head. Back in late October, the university released a statement announcing the conclusion of an NCAA investigation into probable violations by the athletic department. The NCAA’s Committee on Infractions was expected to announce its findings in a public report in 30 to 60 days, which means it’s about three weeks overdue.
The investigation centered on men’s basketball violations that were self-reported by the university. Self-reporting usually counts for something, but the time span covered by the investigation (reportedly since the early 2000s) indicates that the basketball program could face “lack of institutional control” penalties. Then again, it’s the NCAA, and you never know what you’re going to get with an organization that makes up its rules as it goes along.
Rakeem Christmas.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
In the meantime, the recommendation for SU fans that have been spoiled by the team’s recent success is to savor every victory this season, no matter how it’s accomplished, and keep your fingers crossed about the NCAA investigation. The Orange is about to become the underdog in many of its remaining games, so this season has become all about finding a way to survive.
“Everyone is going to play and just work harder,” said SU center Rakeem Christmas, the team’s most valuable player. “We will all go out and play our game and we will be fine. Everyone is going to step up, and just go out and do what we do. We will do well.”
Fact Fact: Coach Jim Boeheim called center Rakeem Christmas (18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds per game) “probably the best center in the country” and was upset when the mid-season Wooden Award nominees were announced and Christmas wasn’t on the list. The award goes to college basketball’s best player.
]]>After the Syracuse University men’s basketball team’s win over Cornell Dec. 31, coach Jim Boeheim was asked if it was important for the Orange to get off to a good start in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
“As opposed to getting off to a bad start? Yeah, it’s important,” Boeheim said, grinning. “It’s like you have money or you don’t have money; it’s better to have some.”
As the Orange enters its second year in the ACC, this much has become clear: SU has some money, but it’s living paycheck to paycheck.
Michael Gbinije shoots over a Cornell player.Rocco Carbone photo | Syracuse New Times
After routing Cornell to finish its non-conference schedule at 9-4, the Orange opened ACC play this past Saturday at Virginia Tech. The Hokies were picked to finish last in the 15-team ACC in the pre-season media poll, and they played Saturday without their leading rebounder and one of their top scorers, suspended forward Joey van Zegeren.
The Orange frittered away a 19-point halftime lead but still led by 11 with two minutes, 22 seconds left in the game. SU’s poor perimeter defense and even worse foul shooting enabled the Hokies to rally again before the Orange escaped with a 68-66 win.
“I think we’ve improved in some areas, but we’ve still got a long ways to go,” Boeheim said following the game.
The good news, of course, is that the Orange won a close game on the road. Earlier this season, SU lost at Michigan and at Villanova in overtime because they made too many mistakes at the end of the games.
“A win is a win,” said junior guard Trevor Cooney, who scored a team-high 18 points against the Hokies. “The last time we were in a close game (on the road), we lost. So it feels good to be in a close game and win.”
The bad news is it was close enough for SU to lose. We’re repeatedly told how difficult it is to win on the road in the ACC, and that’s true. But this was Virginia Tech, perhaps the worst team in the league, playing without van Zegeren for the entire game and three players who fouled out near the end of the game.
“Really, as much as I’m upset with our defense, if our offense had been any good at all they would have gotten back into the game, but it would have been a 10-point game and that’s pretty good on the road,” Boeheim said.
“I think we’ve improved in some areas, but we’ve still got a long ways to go.” – Coach BoeheimRocco Carbone photo | Syracuse New Times
After another road game Wednesday night at Georgia Tech (9-4, 0-1 in the ACC), the Orange will play its first ACC home game at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Carrier Dome against Florida State (8-6, 0-1 before Tuesday’s game against Virginia Tech).
The Orange is fortunate that the first seven games of its ACC schedule includes most of the league’s worst teams. Not that pre-season polls are always the most accurate, but for what it’s worth six of SU’s first seven ACC games are against the teams picked to finish 10th through 15th (Miami, Clemson, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Boston College and Virginia Tech). Florida State was picked to finish 8th.
Of its final 11 ACC games, SU has six against current top-25 teams (two against Duke, and one each against North Carolina, Louisville, Notre Dame and Virginia), plus difficult road games at Pitt and North Carolina State.
“It’s going to be a really tough schedule,” said SU freshman forward Chris McCullough. “You always want to play in big games like that. Now, here it comes. We’ve got to come out ready to play.”
If the goal is to make the NCAA Tournament and it’s going to take at least 20 wins to get there, the Orange need to defeat the weaker ACC teams in the first half, and improve enough to get a few wins in the second half that will get the tournament selection committee’s attention. Right now, SU’s biggest win is against Iowa and that’s not going to cut it.
Fast Fact: The Orange ended the year with four non-conference losses for just the second time in coach Jim Boeheim’s 39-year career. The other time was in 1996-97, when SU finished 19-13 and played in the NIT Tournament one year after reaching the NCAA championship game.
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]]>http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/daunting-conference-schedule-ahead-for-su-basketball-team/feed/0SU Basketball Off to a Rough Starthttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/su-basketball-off-to-a-rough-start/
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/su-basketball-off-to-a-rough-start/#commentsWed, 17 Dec 2014 08:07:52 +0000Matt Michaelhttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/?p=21365The Syracuse men's basketball team (6-3) are not playing up to the standards they've set over the past six seasons.
]]>As the Syracuse University men’s basketball team was about to start the 2014-15 season, this reporter said Orange fans who were worried about the team’s lack of experience should take a cue from Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who famously told Packers fans earlier this season to just R-E-L-A-X.
Now, one month and nine games into the season, this reporter has another five-letter word for SU fans: P-A-N-I-C.
The Orange has had a remarkable run, with 26, 30, 27, 34, 30 and 28 wins and one NCAA Final Four appearance in the past six years. Syracuse has lost a lot of great players during that time and always had skilled replacements, whether it was a veteran who had waited his turn (Kris Joseph) or a freshman who played out of this world (Tyler Ennis).
True freshman guard Kaleb Joseph has had to take over the role of starting point guard after last year’s freshman sensation Tyler Ennis elected to go to the NBA.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
But that streak appears to be over, as this year’s squad is enduring growing pains that head coach Jim Boeheim said may be unprecedented in his 39-year tenure.
“Whatever I thought (at the start of the season), they’re not,” Boeheim said after the Orange escaped with a 71-69 win over Louisiana Tech this past Sunday at the Carrier Dome. “I can tell you that right now. This team is not anywhere near a good basketball team. Anywhere.
“I’ve never said that since I’ve been here,” Boeheim added. “Not that they couldn’t be, but they’re not.”
Boeheim didn’t mince words after the Orange nearly blew a 10-point lead against LA Tech with three minutes, 46 seconds remaining. LA Tech is a decent team that may very well qualify for this year’s NCAA Tournament out of Conference USA, but it had just surrendered 96 points in its previous game against Louisiana-Lafayette and it was playing at the Dome, where the Orange had won 55 consecutive non-conference games before losing to St. John’s Dec. 6.
“This isn’t like the last six years,” Boeheim said. “We’re going to struggle to win a game. This team is not going to beat anybody that’s any good unless they play better. And that means all 18 games in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference).”
So what’s the problem? For starters, all five starters are being asked to do things they’ve never done at the collegiate level, Boeheim said. As a result, the Orange players are making too many mental and physical mistakes.
“Maybe we’re young, all right, maybe,” Boeheim said. “At some point in time you have to learn certain things and we’re not. We’re not learning.”
Boeheim was particularly peeved at turnovers by forwards Tyler Roberson and B.J. Johnson on two separate fast breaks as they tried to catch passes with one hand and fumbled the ball away. Roberson’s turnover with 4:12 left would have boosted SU’s lead to 12 but instead proved to be the turning point that led to LA Tech’s comeback.
Sophomore forward Tyler Roberson goes up for a layup against LA Tech.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
“You learn in about ninth grade that you catch the ball with two hands,” Boeheim said. “And if you can’t catch the ball, we can’t play, we can’t win.”
Junior guard Trevor Cooney knows where his coaching is coming from. The Orange (6-3) plays at No. 7 Villanova Saturday, and faces a daunting ACC schedule that includes six current top 25 teams (Duke, Louisville, Virginia, Miami, North Carolina and Notre Dame).
“He’s looking at the bigger picture,” Cooney said. “He wants to improve and the game (against LA Tech) shouldn’t have been that close. They’re a pretty good team, but we made the same mistakes and we can’t make those mistakes any more.”
And the bottom line, Boeheim said, is that this team can’t even think about being a good team until it stops making those silly mistakes.
“We have a lot of issues to work through and work out and we’ve got to do the fundamental things right to be in the game, not to win, to be in the game and then we’ve got to get better to win those games,” he said. “And right now we’re nowhere near. Not even close. Is that clear?
Crystal.
Fast Fact: If the SU men’s basketball team loses at No. 7 Villanova Saturday, it will have four non-conference losses for just the second time in coach Jim Boeheim’s 39-year tenure.
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]]>http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/su-basketball-off-to-a-rough-start/feed/0Orange Tries to Build A New Offensehttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/orange-tries-to-build-a-new-offense/
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/orange-tries-to-build-a-new-offense/#commentsWed, 03 Dec 2014 08:05:15 +0000Matt Michaelhttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/?p=20391“We have a lot of inexperience at a lot of positions.”
]]>In his usual colorful way, Syracuse University assistant men’s basketball coach Mike Hopkins says what the Orange offense is going through right now is like “speed dating.”
In other words, the Orange players are desperately trying to find out everything about each other in a relatively short period of time.
“That’s what happens with young players,” Hopkins said. “We have a lot of inexperience at a lot of positions.”
Through the first three weeks and six games of the season, the Orange offense remained “a long ways away,” according to head coach Jim Boeheim. Only senior center Rakeem Christmas (17.5 points per game before Tuesday’s game at Michigan) and freshman forward Chris McCullough (15.3) have played consistently well on offense.
Take away Christmas and McCullough, and the rest of the team is shooting 37 percent overall and 19 percent (18-for-88) from 3-point range. SU has scored more than 70 points just once, against lowly Kennesaw State, and that’s not going to cut it in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“You can’t win,” Boeheim said, “with two guys.”
In recent years, the Orange (5-1 before Tuesday) has won a bunch of games because of a balanced offense that had at least four players in double figures and a few others just below that mark. Boeheim expected growing pains entering this season, but he was counting on more from his veteran players: Christmas, redshirt junior Cooney and junior Gbinije, who sat out a year at Syracuse after transferring from Duke.
Despite his early-season shooting woes, Cooney remains the team’s best 3-point shooting option because Johnson (5-for-20), Gbinjie (2-for-16) and Ron Patterson (1-for-10) have been even worse.
“We have to take better shots and take advantage when we get good looks,” Cooney said. “We just have to continue to find the open spots and take advantage of it.”
Gbinije missed the Orange’s first game because of an undisclosed disciplinary reason and hasn’t been able to get on track.
“Somehow, we’ve got to get Mike to play better,” Boeheim said. “That’s paramount in my mind, thinking about this team right now. He’s just not effective, at all. That’s not something we envisioned going into this year.”
Here’s another sobering thought when it comes to the offense: Even with C.J. Fair, Tyler Ennis and Jerami Grant last season, the Orange ranked 10th in the ACC in scoring, at 68.2 points per game. Boeheim said the Orange offense “needs time” just to get to last year’s level, if it ever does.
“We had a number of really, really smart players who understood the game and knew how to play the game for a long time,” Boeheim said. “We’re young. We have guys who are trying to figure out how to play the game.”
And so the “speed dating” continues. And while it may not be love at first sight, Joseph sees the potential for a long-term relationship.
“It’s still early in the season and no team in the country is as good offensively. Coach is just a little more blunt about it,” Joseph said. “We have to keep coming to practice every trying to get better. That’s all we can do.”
Fast Fact: After losing to California Nov. 20 in the 2K Classic (its first November loss in seven years), the Syracuse University men’s basketball team dropped out of the top 25 rankings for the first time since Nov. 16, 2009.
]]>Here’s the first thing that came to Syracuse Crunch season-ticket holder Chuck McCarty’s mind when he heard that Crunch owner Howard Dolgon had arranged for his team to host the “Frozen Dome Classic” – the first hockey game at the Carrier Dome.
“Wow, he’s going to do it again,” McCarty said.
McCarty, who has owned season tickets since the Crunch started in 1994, was referring to Dolgon’s previous can’t-be-done idea, an outdoor game at the New York State Fairgrounds. That game, on Feb. 20, 2010, attracted a then-American Hockey League record 21,508 fans.
So what was McCarty thinking this past Saturday, when a crowd of 30,715 filled the Dome to watch the Crunch defeat the Utica Comets 2-1 and set an attendance record for an indoor professional game in North America?
Crunch player Mike Angelidis had a different word to describe it: “Mesmerizing.” As the Crunch’s starting center, Angelidis was involved in the game’s opening face-off. But before that, Angelidis looked up and skated in a small circle to get a panoramic view of the bodies that soared to rafters.
Frozen Dome Classic.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
“It was just something special to see so many people turn out to watch a hockey game,” Angelidis said. “I think it was bigger than the game; I think it was something for the area, not just Syracuse, but Utica, as well. It’s something everyone can be proud of to see so many people come out for their city and their sports teams and cheer them on and create something special out of it.” “I just wanted to take it all in before the game and then let it go and play hockey,” he added.
Utica’s Alex Friesen scored the historic first goal on the Comets’ first shot just three minutes, 12 seconds into the game. The Comets’ Twitter feed, @UticaComets, quickly tweeted about Friesen, “Pound for Pound, he’s one of the best.”
That was a not-so-veiled jab at Dolgon’s boast that Syracuse would break the indoor record because Syracuse is “the best pound-for-pound sports city in America.”
The record of 28,183 had been set on April 23, 1996, when the Crunch’s NHL affiliate, the Tampa Bay Lightning, hosted the Philadelphia Flyers in a Stanley Cup playoff game at Tampa’s Thunderdome.
The Crunch got the last laugh, of course, setting the attendance record and rallying to win on goals by Joel Vermin in the first period and Yanni Gourde in the second. Crunch goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made those goals stand up by stopping 26 shots after Friesen’s early goal.
And Dolgon? After working for more than three years with Syracuse University to pull it off, he proved once again that with equal parts imagination and elbow grease, the impossible is possible.
“We were supposed to be a town where hockey teams went to die, but we were pretty alive tonight, I thought,” Dolgon said, referring to several former professional teams in Syracuse that went belly up. “This was the place to be, and it’s a tribute to the people of Syracuse, and the people of Utica. Central New York became big time tonight in a sport that nobody believed in. We know we’re a basketball town, we know we have a great football history, but everybody doubted hockey. No more. No doubts.”
Frozen Dome Classic.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
There’s no doubt that what Dolgon, Crunch Senior Vice President of Business Operations Vance Lederman and Chief Operating Officer Jim Sarosy do best is turn a game into an event. Given the Dome as their playground and with the rink set up in the basketball configuration, they were able to use the behind-the-curtain area in a way where, as one fan noted, “You don’t know where to turn.”
There were all kinds of free games and activities for kids; an on-loan hockey Hall of Fame exhibit with cool stuff such as a puck used in the 1901 Stanley Cup final; a display with NHL trophies such as the Lady Byng Memorial trophy for “Most Gentlemanly Player” (who knew?); autograph guests such as NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson and former Crunch “Nasty Boy” Jon Mirasty; and all sorts of Frozen Dome Classic gear, including “Pound For Pound” T-shirts and “Hockey History 28,183+” T-shirts.
Tim and Kristin Walker, of Clay, brought their children –Cameron, 7; Leah, 4; and Aaron, 18 months – to the pre-game party. They are truly a hockey family: Kristin’s parents, Tim and Rosemary Kinsella, of Liverpool, are lifetime Crunch season-ticket holders; Kristin started going to Crunch games when she was 14 and now takes her kids; and Tim and Kristin are both coaches in the Midstate Youth Hockey program (Tim coaches Cameron, and Kristin coaches Leah).
So there was no question they’d be among the record crowd.
“This is awesome,” Kristin said. “It’s so much fun for us and the kids. You can’t go wrong with balloon animals and face painting.”
Jack Schalk, 6, attends Crunch games with his parents at the War Memorial Arena. His grandfather, John Schalk, of Manlius, decided on Saturday to bring Jack to the game, and if they didn’t end up buying tickets 30,714 and 30,715, they were pretty close. Jack and John sat about as far away as anyone in Section 335, Row S.
“We just walked up and bought the seats,” John said. “Actually, you can see it all OK. Much better than I thought.”
Frozen Dome Classic.Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
Dome fans are used to long-distance viewing, and the fans throughout the Dome Saturday seemed to enjoy the spectacle, from the pre-game introductions of former SU greats Joe Morris and Derrick Coleman to the human “wave” late in the game. About the only dud of the night was a lame stunt by Steve-O of MTV’s “Jackass” fame, but that’s a footnote on a night when hockey hit the big time in Syracuse.
“I don’t think we really felt it until we walked out for the game and saw what was going on outside and the energy and the crowd and how big it was,” Crunch coach Rob Zettler said. “It was a special game tonight, really special.”
Matt Michael is a freelance writer based in Syracuse. Email him at [email protected].
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]]>http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/crunchs-record-setting-game-mezmermizing/feed/0Rink is Under Construction in the Domehttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/rink-construction-dome/
http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/rink-construction-dome/#commentsWed, 19 Nov 2014 21:00:20 +0000Casey Fabrishttp://www.syracusenewtimes.com/?p=20271Basketball season might be heating up, but it’s about to get a lot colder in the Carrier Dome.
]]>On Saturday, Nov. 22, the Dome — home to Syracuse University’s football, basketball and lacrosse teams — will be transformed into an indoor ice hockey arena. The Syracuse Crunch will play the Utica Comets in the Frozen Dome Classic, the first professional hockey game in the Dome.
The transformation began early Monday morning. What would typically take about two weeks will be done in three to four days, said Jim Sarosy, chief operating officer for the Crunch.
“We’ll be going 24/7. There will be no breaks until that ice is up and running,” Sarosy said.
He called it an “all hands on deck” situation, with laborers, mechanics, ice experts and Dome personnel contributing to the construction.
The idea of playing a Crunch game inside the Carrier Dome had been tossed around for about three and a half years, Sarosy said.
In February 2010, the Crunch hosted an outdoor game — the first in American Hockey League history — that was “wildly successful.” After that event, the team started looking for the next big thing, which is where the Carrier Dome came in.
“This was, I guess you could say, the logical follow up,” Sarosy said.
But working around the schedules of the teams that play inside the Dome always made it difficult to find a time to build and remove an ice rink. This year, they were able to make it work.
On Sunday, there was a home Syracuse University basketball game. Monday morning, construction of the rink began. On Saturday, the Crunch will play in the Dome, and later that night the ice that was so carefully laid will be cracked and shattered by sledgehammers so the SU basketball team can take on Loyola on Tuesday evening.
It’s a tight schedule, but the Crunch’s resident ice expert, Jim Hartnett, said the plan was to get the core elements of the rink — such as the base and the boards — up by Monday afternoon and have ice by Monday night. From Tuesday on, the focus would be getting the rink “skateable.” He said he hoped to have the ice skate-ready by 3 p.m. Thursday.
Hartnett estimated there would be 30 people involved in getting the rink built and about 50 people breaking it down and returning the Dome to normal after the game. Hartnett is leading the project and working in collaboration with Ice Rink Events.
Though it’s the first time he’s built an indoor temporary rink, Harnett has been building ice rinks for 35 years. But this project is special.
“Being from Syracuse, it’s kind of neat to be working on something this high profile in your own city,” he said.
He’s worked on rinks all over the country, but he’s never gotten attention like this before. Hartnett’s grandsons are reading about the game in the media, and his family, friends and neighbors are constantly asking him how the project is going and what it’s like to be working in the Dome.
As the first professional hockey game to take place in the Carrier Dome, it will be a memorable night, Sarosy said.
“It’s one of those events five years, 10 years, 20 years from now, they can say, ‘Hey I was at the Toyota Frozen Dome Classic,’ the first and probably the only — you know, you never want to say ‘never’ — but probably the only game ever to take place inside of here,” he said.
Michael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
The game has the potential to break the Crunch’s record attendance of 20,183. Sarosy said they’re on track to break the record, and he’s hoping for 30,000 or more people in attendance.
It will be a chaotic and stressful week for the crew, but Sarosy and Hartnett both said they’re looking forward to making history with this game.
“The moment we’re all looking for right now is five minutes into play when you’re standing rink-side and you’re looking up and there’s 30,000-plus people cheering on for your product, knowing that the record’s in hand, the ice is successfully built, that’s the rewarding part for the hundreds of people that have helped make this happen,” Sarosy said.
When people walk into the Dome on Saturday, Harnett said, he thinks they’ll be shocked to see the home of Jim Boeheim and SU basketball and football turned into an ice hockey rink.
“And maybe a little cooler, too,” he said jokingly.
Crunch Aim for the Record
by Matt Michael
What do you get when you take the first professional hockey game at the Carrier Dome, add a record crowd, and throw in the likes of Steve-0 from MTV’s Jackass? The biggest Dome party this side of Duke-Syracuse basketball.
The Syracuse Crunch will host the first professional hockey game at the Dome when it faces the rival Utica Comets in the Frozen Dome Classic at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22. The Crunch will easily break the American Hockey League indoor attendance record of 20,672, but it’s also gunning for the professional indoor record of 28,183 set at Tampa’s Thunderdome in 1996 for a Stanley Cup playoff game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The ice rink will be set up the same way as the basketball court at the Dome, so the seating capacity is more than 30,000. On Feb. 1, an NCAA on-campus record of 35,446 fans attended the Syracuse-Duke basketball game at the Dome.
The Frozen Dome Classic will be a day-long event, with a college game between Division III powerhouses Utica and Oswego at 3 p.m., a Syracuse vs. Utica law enforcement charity game before the Crunch game, a Crowne Plaza Syracuse pre-game party from 3 to 6 p.m., and free autographs from former Syracuse University and New York Giants running back Joe Morris and NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson. And, to top it all off, comedic stuntman Steve-O will take part in what promises to be an outlandish on-ice stunt during intermission of the Crunch-Comets game.
Tickets from $20 to $50 remain available, with discount prices for groups of 15 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the Crunch office at the War Memorial Arena, the Carrier Dome Box office, by calling the Crunch at 473-4444, or at any Ticketmaster outlet.
Matt Michael is a freelance writer based in Syracuse.Email him at [email protected].
]]>The thing about always having great players is that you’re always going to lose great players.
In recent years, Syracuse University basketball fans have lost sleep wondering how the Orange would replace the likes of Wes Johnson, Rick Jackson, Kris Joseph, Brandon Triche, Dion Waiters and now C.J. Fair.
But history should tell us, as Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers famously told Packers fans earlier this season, to just R-E-L-A-X.
Take the point guard position, for example. As quarterback of the offense, the point guard is arguably the most important player on the court. From 2008-09 through last season, the Orange smoothly transitioned at the point from Johnny Flynn to Scoop Jardine to Michael Carter-Williams to Tyler Ennis, winning 26, 30, 27, 34, 30 and 28 games in those six years.
Now it’s freshman Kaleb Joseph’s turn to take over the point and lead a team that lost its three leading scorers (Fair, Ennis, Jerami Grant), two leading rebounders (Grant and Fair), one of the best point guards in the country in Ennis and its best defensive player off the bench in Baye Moussa Keita.
“Some young guys played well for us last year and obviously had a tremendous effect on what we were able to do,” said SU coach Jim Boeheim, who’s starting his 39th year at SU with 948 career victories. “Certainly we feel we have young, talented guys, and we think they are very capable of doing what we need to have them do.”
thinkstock.com
It’ll all start with the 6-foot-3 Joseph, a four-star recruit from Nashua, N.H. Before SU’s first exhibition game against Carleton University Nov. 1, Boeheim said Joseph was just as talented and worked just as hard as any of his recent point guards, but the real test would be how he handled game conditions.
Joseph aced that first test against Carleton, which has won eight of the past 11 national championships in Canada and was 10-1 in exhibition games against U.S. college teams. Joseph kept the Orange in the game with 11 points in the first half and finished with a team-high 19 points with four assists and one turnover as SU rallied from a 15-point deficit to win 76-68.
SU’s most highly-touted freshman, 6-10, 220-pound forward Chris McCullough, also played well against Carleton. A five-star recruit from the Bronx, McCullough scored 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting with six rebounds in 34 minutes.
McCullough will be joined on the frontline by 6-8 sophomore small forward Tyler Roberson (2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in limited time last season) and 6-9 senior center Rakeem Christmas. In the first half against Carleton, Christmas picked up three fouls and didn’t score. In the second half, he asserted himself and sparked the comeback with 13 points.
With 6-9 junior forward DaJuan Coleman still recovering from a knee injury and 6-7 sophomore forward B.J. Johnson and 6-9 sophomore center Chinoso Obokoh still learning the ropes, the Orange will need Christmas to stay out of foul trouble and attack the basket the way he did in the second half against Carleton.
SU’s offense, which ranked 10th in the ACC with 68.3 points per game last season even with Fair, Grant and Ennis, remains a concern. It would help open the floor if junior shooting guard Trevor Cooney started hitting more consistently. Cooney made just 26 percent of his threes in the last 12 games last season and was 0-for-4 from 3-point range against Carleton.
Ron Paterson, a 6-2 sophomore shooting guard, could push for more playing time after sinking 4-of-5 3-pointers and scoring 15 points against Carleton.
Junior guard/forward Michael Gbinije might be SU’s most valuable player. He’ll likely be among the team’s leaders in minutes played as a back-up at three positions (point guard, shooting guard and small forward), and SU is at its best defensively when he’s on the floor.
The Orange, ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press poll and No. 24 in the USA Today/Coaches poll, opens its regular season Friday, Nov. 14, against Kennesaw State at the Carrier Dome in the first game of the 2K Classic. Whether SU climbs in the polls will depend on how well Joseph, McCullough, Paterson and others follow in the footsteps of their predecessors as worthy replacements for the departed stars.
“We have a few question marks coming into this season, but I do think we are better than that,” Gbinije said. “I think we are going to have a great season this year and overcome some (low) expectations.”
SU vs. DukeMichael Davis Photo | Syracuse New Times
No Bowling for SU Football
By losing to No. 22 Duke University 27-10 this past Saturday on Senior Day at the Carrier Dome, the Orange football team fell to 3-7 and will not be eligible for a third consecutive bowl appearance even if it wins its final two games of the year at Pittsburgh Nov. 22 and at Boston College Nov. 29.
Against Duke and throughout the season, the Orange hung in there but just couldn’t overcome myriad injuries, particularly at the quarterback position with starter Terrel Hunt and backups AJ Long and Austin Wilson all missing time.
“You always want to win a game you play, but it was still a fun season and I wouldn’t take anything back,” said senior nose tackle Eric Crume. “It was unfortunate that we had a lot of injuries, and we didn’t come through on some of the execution things this season. I still had a blast, playing with a lot of great guys and playing for the coaches that I really love.”
The 23rd-ranked Syracuse University men’s basketball team will open its 2014-15 regular season this weekend with 2K Classic Tournament games against Kennesaw State (7 p.m. Friday) and Hampton (4 p.m. Sunday) at the Carrier Dome. | {
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Upcoming Events
Planners Forum and Quarterly General Membership Meeting:
April 17 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) in lovely Stevenson, WA. This forum will be an interactive discussion with leaders in transportation planning to explore the interconnectivity of land use and transportation for those communities that are subject to GMA or not subject to GMA.Location: Hegewald Center - 710 SW Rock Creek Dr., Stevenson, WA 98648
Urban activism (It’s Back!): April 27 (8:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
Location: SE 77th Ct. and Middle Way, VancouverJoin us as we build homes with Habitat for Humanity at their site near SR-14.RSVP to [email protected] or phone Sarah at (360) 817-7269
Cycle the Couv Tour! Date: May 30th (5:30 – 8:00 p.m.)
Location: Loowit Brewing (507 Columbia Street, Vancouver)Join us on a group bicycle as we cruise to three local breweries. It is equipped with a sound system, lighting, a cooler and it holds up to 14 passengers! Oh…did I mention that we play games along the way? Don’t worry. If we are lagging, there is an electronic assist to boost us along.
Section Bylaws
Strategic Plan
The Southwest Section exists to support our members, to advance the planning profession and to make communities great. The Strategic Plan includes prioritized goals, strategies and actions items to be accomplished over a two-year period.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors meets for a conference call on the third Wednesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. except for January, April, July, and October when the Board meets at 12 noon at the SW Planners Forum (location varies). | {
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A Negative By Default
As a man, you are a negative by default. My mom is baby sitting some kids on her house and I still live at home. She does not bother to tell them I will be there because that is a negative because men are assumed to be pedophiles unless they can furnish enough evidence to prove otherwise.
Being a negative by default permeates every aspect of a man’s life. When he contacts a woman she assumes (often correctly) that he’s trying to get into her pants and thus generally gives him a negative response unless he is someone way up high.
Of course modern psychology is trying to get people to believe they have innate worth. If you are a man (particularly a man closer to the bottom) then you are a negative by default so your low self esteem is warranted. Of course that doesn’t keep modern psychology from guilting you over this. | {
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Photography Tips
Our first photography tip is about information sources and among the very best sources are second hand books. Yes I Know second hand books do not, for the most part ,Cover Digital Photography. But about 90% of what they do cover does apply to Digital Photography. The basics of Exposure, Light, Aperture, Shutter Speed and Film speed or ISO have not changed and are the same values found in Digital photography today. Whether you use a Digital SLR a Digital Point & Shoot or an old Box Brownie, Framing and Composition are of paramount importance. The darkroom techniques used by the masters of old are still used today in the digital darkroom ; in fact some tools in Photoshop use the very same terminology [ Dodging, Burning, Masking for instance ] they may be out of date but the information in them is still relevant and you can’t beat the price!
One of the most Critical aspects of Photography is Exposure . Fortunately the Digital Cameras in use today offer some excellent tools allowing us to verify Exposure. Primarily the Histogram and Highlights screens in Playback mode . The Highlights screen will cause any Overexposed Pixels in your frame to flash on and off letting you know immediately that you should shoot again using less exposure [ Narrower Aperture or Faster Shutter Speed]. The Histogram is a Bar Graph with black at the left limit and white at the right limit any time you see the histogram slammed up against either limit you are losing either Highlight Detail or Shadow Detail. While there is no Perfect Histogram many digital Professionals advise exposing as far to the right as possible while avoiding blown highlights [ overexposed Pixels].There are 2 reasons for this; first fully half of the Tonal Range available to your frame is in the 1 stop near Maximum [2048 of the 4096 possible tonal levels in a 12 bit Raw file]. Second when you expose to the right you achieve greater signal to noise ratio and less perceived noise.
Exposed to the right the picture may not look the way you want it but it is easy to adjust by reducing Exposure Compensation in RAW tools or reducing Brightness in a jpeg this will also reduce noise making it less visible than a frame exposed for the scene the way you want to see it.
Controlling Exposure is only going to happen when you take your camera off Auto or Scene modes and use Program Mode, Aperture or Shutter priority, or Manual Exposure Mode.
Using Exposure Compensation functions in camera is a fast and Handy way to change exposure when using P,S, or A Exposure Modes. Great Shooting …….Mike.
Metering
Metering is how we or our cameras determine “Proper Exposure” it may involve an External hand held Light Meter, a Light Meter built into our Cameras [ often TTL or Through the Lens Meters these days], or the old standby of Sunny 16 where we assess the light and judge the appropriate Exposure settings for our shot; for the most part we use the Metering systems in our cameras so let’s concentrate on those.
TTL metering is available in Most modern Cameras and is a very Handy tool in that it only Meters the light that your sensor or film will see which is an advantage over a hand held meter. TTL metering is a reflected reading because it measures the light reflected from your subject.
It most often involves one of three Metering Modes, Spot Metering, Centre Weighted Metering , or Matrix Metering [ also called Pattern Metering or Multi Segment Metering] . Why three Metering Modes? Because no one mode works best in all situations and any of the 3 will yield best results in some situations .
Matrix Metering is often the default Metering Mode ; for example it is used for all Nikon Scene Modes like Portrait, Landscape, Sports etc. In Many situations it will yield very good results though I tend to avoid it for 2 reasons. First it does not meter the Entire frame and as a Photographer who is mostly into Landscapes that is important to me. As a result i find it takes 2 to 2 1/2 stops more Exposure Compensation to record the shot as i want it compared to Centre Weighted Average. Second Matrix Metering does not generate an Exposure solution directly from the light measured but compares the readings for all metered segments to a database worked up by the manufacturer, then selects the Recorded Exposure Settings for the situation that is the closest match to those readings. we have no real idea how close the compared results are or how close their scene was to ours so it sounds just too hit and miss to generate a lot of confidence though it does seem to work well.
The Number of Segments may be as few as 6 or over a thousand and the greater the number the better the results seem to be. Check your camera Manual.
Centre Weighted Metering Does measure light in the entire frame, important to some not to others. It involves a system where the centre area is weighted or given more importance in determining the final exposure . It was often a favoured Metering system for portraits. Some Advanced Cameras May allow you to select the size of the Centre Weighted Area or turn it off and go with an Average reading [ the mode i prefer for landscapes]. It seems to be a good choice in any situation where your subject fills the entire frame. The metered results directly determine your exposure settings rather than through comparison to a Database.
Spot Metering In Many shooting situations our preferred subject will not come close to filling the frame but we still want to base exposure on that subject not the whole Frame and this is where Spot metering works well. Good examples would be shooting Sports or Wildlife , particularly Birds. It can also be very helpful where you want to make an exposure based on a small area of a landscape like a bright cloud or a rock or some trees. It used to be Spot Metering only involved a spot at the centre of the frame. In modern cameras it is often tied to the active Focus area of your frame so it can be in a range of positions near the centre . Check Your Manuals to confirm details.
Both Centre Weighted and Spot Metering are colour blind in the sense that they work on Brightness or Luminosity regardless of colour. They will render an exposure placing the metered subject as a Medium Tone dead centre in your histogram. If you want it there great; if you want it somewhere else use Exposure Compensation[with Program Mode, Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority Exposure modes] to place it accordingly. For the bright Cloud add a couple of stops more exposure , for a rock which should be closer to the shadow region use less exposure .
Finally learn what Metering systems your Camera has as well as any options and learn to use them to improve your capabilities. Understanding your tools is the key to becoming a better “Technical Photographer” . Being Comfortable with the Technicalities frees you to concentrate on the Artistic side Form and Composition.
Avoid Upgrading to the Latest and Greatest
Don’t buy into the New Gear because of Media Hype or because you develop a Want for it but if you can Articulate reasons why a New or additional piece of equipment will cure problems you have encountered that different techniques will not fix then perhaps that purchase or upgrade is justified.
Digital Photography is a Gear Oriented Hobby and as a Technical Individual i can be pretty bad for Acquiring New Gadgets. I do try to avoid this by getting the most I can from what we already have. There are situations though where Technique is not going to cut it.
If your F4 Kit lens yields too much DOF in a head and shoulders portrait a Faster lens say an F 1.8 50 or 85 mm might be a worthwhile investment; if you like to shoot a lot of portraits. If you have only shot a half dozen portraits in the 3 years you have had the camera it probably won’t get enough use to justify the expense.
If you can’t fill the frame with your subjects at the minimun focus distance your lenses are capable of, a Macro lens or a set of extension tubes might be in order.
If you are not happy with the Harsh Flat Lighting your on Camera Flash yields and you use Flash a good deal; a shoe mounted flash capable of Tilt and Swivel might be a good idea for your next purchase.
If you want to capture longer exposures than you are capable of now in bright light and waiting for dark is not an option you care to explore perhaps a Neutral Density Filter or 2 would be a good solution.
But none of the above are going to make you a Great Photographer. Knowing your equipment well enough to use it to all it’s capabilities might.
As in most aspects of Life, What you have got does not count as much as How Well you Use it.
Resources
one of the better Resouces for budding photographers is joining a Photography Club
you get to spend time with other like minded individuals and share experiences and techniques that will improve your photography.
There are many clubs in the Maritimes; here are some Links to clubs we are aware of. We are members of the Kings County Photography Club
information etc etc. a lot of it is information you will never use but much of it can be a vital
part to understanding why a given shot worked out well and another is a complete failure .
Studying the Exif on your good shots as well as your bad will reenforce the things you
have already learned.
If Shot A has insufficient Depth of Field and the Exif indicates F 5.6 was used you
know F 8 or 11 may have been more appropriate
If Shot B is blurred and Exif says you used 200mm focal length and 1/20 sec you
know your shutter speed was too slow
If shots C, D, and E are all overexposed in spite of a stop of -EC applied between
each shot and the next and Exif indicates Manual release mode was used you
know Exposure Compensation does not work with Manual Mode
On Line Photo Galleries Like Flickr do offer the ability to post EXIF along with photos
and so about half the time or better the secrets to getting good shots like those
you really Like on Flickr may be included .
Studying Exif is a great way to learn more about Digital Photography Faster and
Best of all it is Absolutely Free.
White Balance
White Balance is a tool Digital Cameras use to get Colours correct in recorded Images
Like Many functions it is best to get White Balance correct in Camera before the
Shutter is released, If a shot shows an abnormal colour cast chances are your
White Balance was set incorrectly. Most of the Time Auto White Balance does a
Great Job, but on occassion it fails miserably, generally in Mixed Lighting.
Getting it right in Camera is critical if you shoot JPEGs or TIFFs as it
cannot be adjusted easily in those files. One reason to shoot RAW files
is the ability to adjust White Balance on your Computer with a couple of
Mouse Clicks, quickly and easily.
your Camera probably includes half a dozen or more WB Presets and the
Ability to adjust those or shoot a Custom White Balance.
White Balance can also be used creatively to yield a whole different set of
recorded colours in our Digital photographs. As with most functions
the more you explore the more you learn and the better a photographer
you will be.
Use a Tripod
Why go to the trouble of lugging around and setting up this three legged pain ?
First, Shooting from a Tripod is Stable in Comparison to shooting handheld which is not stable.Our Bipedal stance in Life brought us many Advantages that helped with our overall Survival,However like all changes in Life it involves Compromise;and the Compromise in this case is Less Stability, which translates to Motion Blurr.Shooting from a Tripod will always result in Sharper Images.Modern VR Glass in many cases is almost as good, but when the light gets low, or you want very slow shutter speeds, a Tripod is a lot better and yields Noticeably Sharper Images.
Second, Setting up and shooting from a Tripod takes more Time, and of course slows down the process.Slowing Down we Observe more ,we compose better, we can present our Subject at it’s best.We see the things that should not have been included because they Detract from our subject.
When using a Tripod Don’t set it up mount your Camera and shoot from there.Open the legs and stand the tripod on the ground.Now take your Camera and explore your subject with it to Find the best Composition.When you find the spot you want to shoot from, set up your tripod to Place the Camera there.You will be shooting from a stable Platform,with the best Perspective to Present your Subject,from a position that uses Ambient light, height and direction, to the best Advantage to display your subject. And if a slight breeze causes your subject to move a bit,you can wait maintaining that stable position until the motion stops and it is time to record the perfect shot.Do you always need a big Heavy solid tripod?it is up to youWorth Noting, Our Tobeatic Shots were recorded using a Gorrillapod as we could not justify transporting our bigger general use tripod. | {
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IT'S GOOD NEWS
Pointless Digging
Black Friday is pretty much a retail PR frenzy, with each and every brand looking to get in on the act.
One of the most ground-breaking in recent years was the Amazon drone announcement. At the time, I dismissed it as a brilliant PR stunt – it got blanket coverage, dominating the news agenda on probably the busiest shopping day of the year when every brand is fighting tooth and nail to be seen or heard. ‘Drones delivering presents? Don’t be bloody silly’ was my initial assessment. However, in the period since, Amazon seems to have persevered with it, either prolonging the PR factor and milking it for all it’s worth, or genuinely looking at using drones to fly deliveries. It remains to be seen which one will actually be the case.
This year though, one stunt in particular caught my eye. Cards Against Humanity, which bills itself as a party game for horrible people (and is genuinely funny – if you’re a horrible person), has been crowd funding a pointless hole.
A ‘live’ stream of its ‘Holiday Hole’ has a digger doing what diggers do best. People, despite supposedly being aware that there is literally no point to the hole (as pointed out in Cards Against Humanity’s FAQs) have allegedly donated over $100,000 dollars to cover its costs. Quite how some blokes (or ladies) in a digger (even if it’s a big digger) can cost that much over the space of a couple of days is quite beyond me.
Looking at the donation feed, it seems people are dropping $1,000 dollars at a time. However, having checked over the course of 2 days, the live stream of the hole being dug looks suspiciously like the same feed I watched yesterday, and the donation amount hasn’t increased, with the same donations listed as being ‘1 hour ago’, the same as the day before.
Now this seeming page freeze may have been because the digging has stopped, despite claims on the website that ‘as long as money keeps coming in, we’ll keep digging.’ However, I can’t help but suspect that Cards Against Humanity has received nowhere near the amount of money that it claims to have, or potentially any at all – as I can’t see a link to a donation page.
So, while this is a giant hole-sized PR stunt, which has been reported on by the BBC, the Guardian, the Telegraph and various international press, it’s also probably not as big as it seems. Is it literally just a website that suggests a hole is being dug? In which case, it’s a much cheaper stunt than it seems and one that’s achieved fantastic PR coverage. It also flies in the face of the disapproval of people saying the money should have been donated to charity.
Tip of the cap to you, Cards Against Humanity.
If it turns out they have actually dug the hole though…maybe they shouldn’t go that far next time. A website is much more inexpensive alternative.
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Tap at The Pub a few weeks back. Big boozy raisin filled nose, hints of roast and grains. Big flavor palate with lots of sweet grains up front. Singes of booze and hops blended together in the mid-palate with dark fruits and raisins coming in on the finish. Could be a touch more full, but pretty dank.
Sample at the Pike Street location. The beer is a dark brown color with a medium thin creamy beige head that diminishes slowly. Patchy lacing on the glass. The aroma is roast malt, wheat and fruit. Full-bodied and a little syrupy with flavors of charred malt, dark wheat and ripe fruit. The finish is malty with a slight alcohol burn left behind. Decent overall.
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Your basic membership is free and allows you to read all beer ratings.
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GSC Fractale Nessa
One of the most beautiful animation in 2010/2011, Fractale is packed with amazing landscapes, skies, rooms packed with details, and a lot of weird people. Nessa, the main character of this anime is here to bring you memories of this masterpiece. | {
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You guys still believe the myths?
Here BMW gave us some oil with the new car to fill it when needed, and we have to come back after 24000 KM OR 2 years for oil change/maintenance.
You guys are ripping yourself off by changing oil that often.
I have seen a number of engines opened, some often driven well past the service period and they have had no problems inside.
I have not had the opportunity to play with the innards of a BMW engine, but have been inside a good number of Corvette engines (Mobile 1 factory fill) driven by truly aggressive drivers. At 30-40K miles, with perhaps two oil changes, they look completely new - clean, no wear to speak of.
But I wouldn't hesitate to change oil earlier/more often and do so.
If you think there may be harm to the oil filler plug, etc. through an oil change you need to find another dealer - or <gasp> do this simple, quick task yourself.
It is odd this trivial issue engenders such discussion, strong opinions and controversy.
I have not had the opportunity to play with the innards of a BMW engine, but have been inside a good number of Corvette engines (Mobile 1 factory fill) driven by truly aggressive drivers. At 30-40K miles, with perhaps two oil changes, they look completely new - clean, no wear to speak of.
But I wouldn't hesitate to change oil earlier/more often and do so.
If you think there may be harm to the oil filler plug, etc. through an oil change you need to find another dealer - or <gasp> do this simple, quick task yourself.
It is odd this trivial issue engenders such discussion, strong opinions and controversy.
yes it's weird that people get fired up over this and the octane discussion.
It is the same on motorcycle forums as well; types of oil and when to change it is an endless source of argument.
It may be because, with modern oils, it really does not matter what you do within reason. Thus, everyone is right.
WRONG.
The myth that will not die. Changing oil frequently can't hurt.
Actually a number of studies show that oil in service ("aged oil" as one SAE paper calls it) does a BETTER job of lubricating than fresh, green oil.http://papers.sae.org/2007-01-4133/. A similar study reported in SAE (don't have a bookmark) came to same conclusion - - showed that fresh oil dissolved tribological layer of antiwear adds (zddp) laid down by nasty old aged oil before building up its own antiwear layer. As if that's not enough, a lubricants engineer with decades of experience with Castrol and Mobil not long ago says he's seen data indicating changing oil too frequently on direct injection turbo motors (are you paying attention N54/N55 owners) builds deposits faster!
And BMW has a nifty Bosch-made oil condition sensor in the sump that measures the electrical conductivity of the oil - - the conductivity changes as the oil builds wear metals, oxidizes, loses or gains viscosity, builds fuel dilution, builds acids, etc. It's not going to let you run your run your oil to extinction.
All for nought. We know better.
The article mentioned above, showing a sludged engine, is from La Jolla Independent, an indie shop not a BMW dealer. They specialize in restoring older BMW's. They have no training I know of in tribology or lubricants engineering.
As you will note - perhaps - my sentence included the modifying phrase "within reason." I readily acknowledge that an extreme position on either end is unwise.
Now, relying upon the lead article you cited, we find in the synopsis:
"The composition of tribochemical films formed on the surface with the 3000 mile drain interval is similar to that formed with the 12000 mile drain interval as seen before."
There are many other similar nuggets to be had leading inexorably to the conclusion - it really does not matter what you do, within reason.
The bottom line remains that this is a silly topic to worry, argue and fuss about; your car's engine is going to be perfectly happy with 3,000 mile oil changes; 7,500 mile oil changes; 12,000 mile oil changes, etc.
Amusingly, rare is even the anecdotal story revealing the horrors of too frequent oil changes or too few, coupled with causally related engine failure.
And no, BMW is not going to take your warranty away if you change your oil "too frequently."
Well, I didn't mean to indicate that too frequent oil changes would lead to engine failure or voiding the warranty. Hey, I wasn't breathing that hard. And (except as noted below), I've never seen any data that shows that. But if the oil is doing as good a job of lubricating at 12k as at 3k, what is the point of changing it? Peace of mind?
Just don't switch to non-synthetic because it's cheaper and THEN try the 12,000 - 15,000 mile oil changes. Those are the pictures you see online of the sludged BMW engines. Clueless people getting the absolute cheapest oil change possible and then doing the 15,000 oil change that BMW suggest. And in reality they are probably doing 20,000+ mile OCIs.
What do you pay for approved LL04 oil per litre in the US? UK prices range from £10 - 15 per litre, according to source. If we are on a level playing field, that would be $16 - 24 per litre.
LL-04 oils in the USA are pretty scarce but LL-01 oils run between $6.50 - $8.00 per quart (basically the same as a liter). LL-04 oil will probably be the same. Pretty much all name brand oils labelled as "synthetic" are at the same price point, regardless if they are group 3 or 4. There are ALWAYS oil sales/rebates though, so you can easily get LL-01 for the $4 - $6 range per quart. Quality non-synthetics are about $4/quart - sales at $2 - $3 per quart.
Mann/Mahle/Hengst filters are usually in the $5 - $10 range (before shipping, if not free) depending on the application.
Well, I didn't mean to indicate that too frequent oil changes would lead to engine failure or voiding the warranty. . . . But if the oil is doing as good a job of lubricating at 12k as at 3k, what is the point of changing it? Peace of mind?
No argument here. However, there is no potential downside to more frequent changes as far as the operation of the engine.
Thus, it is a silly thing to argue about. Change the oil when you feel like it. There really is no "wrong" approach, again, within reason.
No argument here. However, there is no potential downside to more frequent changes as far as the operation of the engine.
Thus, it is a silly thing to argue about. Change the oil when you feel like it. There really is no "wrong" approach, again, within reason.
Edit: Thanks for the thread reference. Very interesting reading.
Well I guess I'm overly infatuated with someone who has real world experience in the subject. A lubricants engineer who began his career with the Mercedes Formula 1 team, who developed the formulation for Castrol's RS 10w60, an ester-based racing lubricant that morphed into Castrol TWS 10w60 used in BMW M cars, who is familiar with BMW's field testing program for lubricants and personally knows some of the engineers that work in that program, and who has published professional texts on lubrication. His advice, for anyone interested, is to follow the oem's lubrication recommendations and oil change intervals TO THE LETTER, and that includes, in some circumstances, advice against shortening the oem's oci. I don't think it's silly - - I think it's very good advice from someone who may actually know what the hell he's talking about.
It is however silly to argue about it as no one who engages in reasonable period oil changes experiences oil related failures given modern engines and oils.
Additionally, there are texts taking all sorts of positions favoring various oil change intervals or, as in the paper you cited, conclude there is no difference between 3k and 12k OCIs. That is, pick your interval - or even pick random intervals - it makes no real world difference.
Perhaps the experts provide us with the real reason the typical car manufacturer doubles the recommended length between oil changes when they begin offering free maintenance.
They are ok loosing money for your oil change and your math is wrong those prices are retail but not for the wholesale filter should be around $3-5 and oil shouldn't be more than $4 i would say,
4x$7=$28
filter@ $4
tax@ $2.5
labor@ $5 ( as far as i remember dealer pay quarter of an hour for an oil change to their tech)
total: $40 this trough cost to them may be even less so they can afford giving away $10.00 out of their pocket because if they get you they will make at least 30 times more. Never been at BMW dealer as a customer but i would say their average ticket should be around $600-$700 ball park. | {
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Vermont Gas offers winter storm safety information
Vermont Gas offers winter storm safety information
Vermont Business Magazine Mother Nature is sending some snow our way and Vermont Gas wants to make sure customers play it safe. Forecasters are calling for as much as nine inches expected Wednesday, with heaviest accumulation between noon and 7 pm. Vermont Gas encourages the public to be careful when traveling and to take the proper safety precautions around the home. Vermont Gas has also cancelled its informational open house in Bristol. More information will be provided when a new date has been set.
Report suspected gas leak – above all, if you think you smell natural gas or propane, report it right away. Natural gas and propane have an odor similar to that of rotten eggs. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area, call 911 and contact Vermont Gas at 1-800-639-8081 or your propane fuel supplier.
Keep gas meters free from snow and ice – with so much snow predicted, it’s very important to keep your meter clear of snow and ice. Use a broom, not a shovel, which could cause damage, to clear snow from your meter assembly and vents.
Keep exterior sidewall vents clear – if a vent becomes buried in snow or blocked, equipment may shut down or draw potentially dangerous exhaust fumes into a home. Use a broom as described above to keep vents clear.
Test smoke alarms – it is important to have working smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside each sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Test alarms to be sure they are functioning properly and have battery power if necessary. | {
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DFS Lab BlogOur latest thoughts on all things fintech
Ben LyonBen Lyon is the entrepreneur-in-residence at DFS Lab. He is responsible for sourcing and supporting innovative financial technology startups throughout South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in some cases building them from scratch.
Photo courtesy of Women’s World Banking
Welcome to DFS Lab’s first podcast! In Episode 1, our own Ben Lyon sat down with Meghan Flaherty of Women’s World Banking to discuss principles for designing digital financial services for women. Some key takeaways from the interview:
1.1 billion women around the world currently lack access to formal financial services
80% of global purchasing decisions are made by women.
In practice, taking a ‘gender-neutral’ approach to product design is male-centric and reinforces the status quo.
When designing digital financial services for women, keep the following four design principles in mind: 1) get to know your customers, 2) segment user data and research by gender, 3) meet women where they are, and 4) continuously build and enhance trust throughout the user journey.
A paraphrased version of the interview is below.You can listen to the episode here.
Ben: Hello and welcome to the inaugural DFS Lab podcast. My name is Ben Lyon, one of the Entrepreneurs in Residence at the Lab, and I’m glad to be joined today by Meghan Flaherty, a Project Manager at Women’s World Banking. Meghan, thank you for joining us today.
Meghan: It’s great to be here.
Ben: So some context here, and why we wanted to start the podcast, was to get some important conversations happening in the fintech community, especially related to our work supporting startups in emerging markets where we predominantly early-stage startups in Africa and Asia. One of the things we try to do in our accelerator is try and prepare startups to get their products to market quickly and really identify a path to scale that enhances financial inclusion. What we’ve recognized, and why we wanted to start this podcast and specifically have this episode, is that we are not doing it exactly correct, and so when we think about financial inclusion and wear our technology hats, we often just dive straight into the product — we carry the assumptions that we brought with us — and one of those assumptions that I know you, Meghan, have an opinion on and are going to share here momentarily is that we can just take a gender neutral lens when we’re developing products for women, and that if we just assume that we don’t put in one pronoun or another everything’s going to be fine and we can extend financial services to men and women equally. That’s wrong, and it’s a stance that I’m really excited to hear more about. So, our goal today is to introduce you and to have a quick conversation about what we can do as practitioners — and what can startups do, and product managers in startups do — to make sure that they’re developing the right products, not just for men, but also — and specifically — for women because it’s a great business opportunity, it’s half the world, and it’s the right thing to do. With that, Meghan, let me turn over to you, and if you can introduce yourself we’ll get into some of the questions.
Meghan: Great, thanks Ben. Thanks for the opportunity to join DFS Lab’s inaugural podcast. I’m very honored. So, as you mentioned, I’m a Project Manager with Women’s World Banking. Women’s World Banking, for those who may not know us, is the global leader in women’s financial inclusion. We root our work in a deep understanding of the women’s market, and we tackle financial inclusion in three interconnected ways. First, by working with partner financial service providers to develop market-driven and scalable solutions that better position those institutions to serve women. Second, through our private equity Gender Lens Investment Fund. And, finally, because we know that diverse institutions are proven to be stronger, we build institutional capacity through leadership and diversity programs targeting women leaders and the mentors and executives that can support them. Through this holistic approach and our global network of over thirty partners, we accelerate economic opportunity for low-income women and growth for financial service providers.
Ben: Can you share a little bit about your own background?
Meghan: Yes, I have a background in international development with a focus on economic empowerment of women. I’ve been with Women’s World Banking for a little over two years now, and prior to that spent some time in the Peace Corps and some other non-profits in this space and am now thrilled to be continuing that work with a focus on women’s financial inclusion because I see so much strong potential to really improve the lives of women globally through this work.Ben: Wonderful. One of the questions we have is, where are you seeing progress? So, in your previous experience and your current role, where are you seeing progress in expanding financial inclusion for women, and how can like-minded individuals, whether they’re in startups or non-profits, any part of the enabling ecosystem, what can we do to better accelerate that progress?
Photo courtesy of Women’s World Banking.
Meghan: Sure, so we’ve seen substantial progress in financial inclusion, including women’s financial inclusion in the past decade. The World Bank’s Global Findex Database shows us that over 700 million people became financially included, for example got their first bank account, from 2011 to 2014, so that’s a lot of people coming into the formal financial system in a fairly short time span. However, throughout those same three years, a 9% gender gap in access to financial services persisted, unchanged, in emerging markets. This leaves over 1 billion women who still today do not have access to formal financial services. So, this tells us that, while there’s been tremendous progress, there is an even more tremendous amount of work to be done and reaching the 1 billion women who remain excluded will require a concerted effort, and a collaborative effort, from a variety of diverse stakeholders. We see roles for everyone from regulators who need to create the enabling environment for financial inclusion, role for governments who can advance women’s financial inclusion in multiple ways, for instance the development of a national financial inclusion strategy that calls out gender-specific targets, or by digitizing government-to-person (G2P) payments that often have women as their primary beneficiaries. The G2P programs in Mexico and in Pakistan are both excellent examples of that. And governments can also work to provide and support financial education for women and men. Another key stakeholder is, of course, financial service providers themselves. This includes traditional players like banks and microfinance institutions, but also new entrants such as mobile network operators who are offering mobile wallets and mobile financial services as well as fintechs offering a whole variety of financial services like the companies in DFS Lab’s partnership portfolio. So, these financial service providers need to be developing financial solutions that work for women and that meet their unique needs. And then we also see a role for, beyond just the financial services sector, for private companies in other areas such as manufacturing or fast-moving consumer goods who have millions of women in their supply chain across the globe, and they can play a great role in collaborating with financial service providers, for instance, to bring financial products and services to those women. So those are the kinds of cross-sector partnerships that we see as holding a lot of potential to really advance women’s financial inclusion in the coming years, and we also are looking to digital solutions to increase women’s opportunity to access the formal financial sector due to the lower delivery costs and greater scalability. Digital solutions also typically offer greater convenience and affordability, which are concerns that are very important to women customers, so they have the potential to address those key barriers as well.
Ben: Yeah, and I’d like to kind of dive in to convenience and affordability in a little bit, but that number — more than 1 billion women still have no access to financial services — it’s a shocking number. It’s huge. Where are these women? Is this predominantly Asia? Is it Africa? Is it mixed, or are you seeing particular concentrations where it’s acute?
Meghan: That’s a really good question. We have done that analysis using the great data provided by The World Bank as well as Intermedia and other surveying organizations and we’ve identified a number of priority markets looking, not only at where are the most unbanked women in terms of mass numbers, so those might be larger countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Mexico, Egypt, India, Bangladesh. Some of those really large countries do have high numbers of women. Some of them do have very large gender gaps, and Pakistan is one example of that. So, we look, not only at where are there the most excluded women, but where are the biggest gender gaps, where are there also larger numbers of low-income women who are unbanked, since that’s part of our mission as well. Really, they are in regions across the world. There is no one area of concentration, which is why we continue to work globally.
Ben: Women’s World Banking, right? This is a global problem.
Meghan: Exactly.
Ben: Very interesting. And this kind of segues to my opening statement about some mistakes we’ve made, and these are kind of mistakes of omission or ignorance, I think, but what mistakes would you say we’re making as an industry? So, as the DFS, or digital financial service, industry, even kind of looking at the developed world with more traditional fintech companies, what mistakes are we making that are exacerbating this, or just not helping?
Meghan: So, I think one of the most common mistakes we see is what you mentioned in your intro about assuming that taking a gender-neutral approach will result in equal access for men and women. Empirically, that’s not the case for a few reasons. The status quo is that men are more financially included than women. They have greater and digital literacy rates. They have greater access to digital technology in terms of, particularly, mobile phone ownership — there’s still a significant gender gap there in many markets. Digital literacy rates are correspondingly also higher among men. This leaves us with that 9% gender gap I mentioned earlier, so the status quo is unequal access. That means that we as an industry of financial service providers and other stakeholders who care about this issue need to be taking proactive action to overcome that gender gap. And this matters, not only from the social perspective of wanting to achieve greater financial inclusion for women and men, but also from a business perspective and from a macro-economic perspective. From the business perspective, if a financial service provider is not actively serving women, that’s 50% — more than 50%, really — of the untapped market given the gender gap. That means women are the majority of unbanked customers who need innovative that fintech companies can develop. And, from a macro-economic perspective, when women have unequal access, communities, families, and even countries cannot achieve their full economic potential. So this assumption of gender neutral as being equal for men and women really doesn’t pan out. It’s also important to recognize that men and women make financial decisions differently and they also use mobile phones differently, and there’s research done by many other organizations on those counts. The thing to keep in mind as well, the interesting number, is research shows that women account for up to 80% of purchasing decisions globally, so by not intentionally addressing the unique needs of women, fintech companies and companies in any other sector are missing out on a potentially large share of the market and additional growth opportunities. And the last point to mention under this gender-neutral-is-equal-access assumption is that the tech industry, including the fintech industry, remains majority male. We all carry implicit biases with us that inform the way we see the world, so if I’m a woman that’s part of the identity that shapes my world view and if I’m a man that’s part of that identity among a whole host of other personal characteristics. Those biases related to gender can unknowingly be reflected in the solutions that we design unless we take proactive steps to test those assumptions, validate them, and bring in diverse perspectives. So, that key mistake of the gender-neutral approach is a core one that we see. One other mistake that I’ll mention is a failure to capture and analyze gender-based data on your customers, on your users. So, capturing in the sense that many, many fintech companies still are not asking their customers, or confirming, are you a man or are you a woman? If you’re not capturing that information, you can’t analyze that, which means you can’t do even the most basic segmentation analysis to say ‘How might the behavior of my users or the needs of my users differ by gender?’ So, failing to capture and analyze that data is really just a missed opportunity to know and serve your customers better.
Ben: I just want to repeat back one of the things you said: The status quo results in unequal access. That definitely merits repeating. Starting to focus down into the product-level, what are the types of things that we might do to correct this? I mean, you’re talking about 80% of purchasing power globally being made by women, and that’s a shockingly-large amount. That’s a lot of GDP. And so, if companies aren’t paying attention to this, it’s bad business, fundamentally, among other issues that it raises. So, if you were an executive or a product manager at a DFS company, what would you do, or what might you do, to better recognize these biases, to better recognize some of the mistakes and assumptions we’ve made so that you could correct them?
Meghan: The paradigm shift that I would love to see take place in the DFS industry, and the financial services industry more broadly, is for every single company to recognize the women’s market, including the low-income women’s market, for the incredible business growth opportunity that it is. Because if companies recognize that, they would act accordingly, meaning they would be doing everything in their power to learn more about this customer segment and the sub-segments within it, and design solutions that meet those customers’ needs, etc. So, going back to this shockingly-huge number as I think you phrased it of over 1 billion women globally, that is a market opportunity for any fintech company, and we believe that market-driven solutions have tremendous potential to scale and to bring women into the formal financial system. Treating women as a distinct customer segment is the first step towards that objective, towards that end. And this start with capturing and analyzing that consumer data that I was talking about. It also starts with conducting consumer research to get to know the needs of the specific segment of women that you want to target, so that’s the specific needs of women in a given market and then within that where are the opportunities for you in your company-specific offering and value proposition. Which needs can your company serve? I’ll give an example of an opportunity that we came across in this way. So, we were working with a partner bank of ours, Diamond Bank in Nigeria, and the bank was looking to increase its outreach to the low-income women’s market. So, we were looking for opportunities to do that. And one of the potential segments of women that we identified were a group of market traders. These were women who, in many cases, literally sat no more than 20 yards from a bank branch and yet the vast majority of them had never entered the bank branch and, of course, had never opened an account. And so, we set out to find out why. Proximity, at face value, wasn’t the issue. When we started doing research and asking these women how they currently manage their financial lives and their needs, what pain points they have, how a bank or other financial service provider might address those needs, what we found out is that these women are time-poor. They are the sole owners and managers of their market stalls, and they are busy. They are there from sunup to sundown every day. They’ve got customers coming and they don’t want to miss a sales opportunity, so they don’t have time to go walk to the bank branch, stand in a line, and meanwhile leave cash on the table at their stall. So, we worked with Diamond Bank to design an agency banking, doorstep collection service and corresponding savings product, a basic mobile account that can be accessed via a mobile phone and deposits can be made in very small amounts at the women’s location in the market by a roving sales force. So that’s an example of how identifying women as a segment, going out and understanding their needs vs. the needs of men, and then designing a solution that specifically addresses those needs is a growth opportunity for the bank. They have over 500,000 accounts now — Beta Accounts, they’re called.
Ben: And that’s just in Nigeria?
Meghan: Yes.
Ben: And so you have agents going around the market with a smartphone or POS device and they’re capturing deposits from the women in cash, where they work.Meghan: Yes, exactly.
Meghan: Yes, I’m familiar with the work that CGAP and Karandaaz did and found those principles very useful, and really some of them are very similar to some of the ones that I’ll identify here for women-specific design, or women-focused design. In my mind, four key design principles come to mind for designing fintech products for women. The first is get to know your customers. This applies to women and men, but it’s particularly relevant for women given that they remain more financially excluded, so we still know less about them until we ask. So, this means going out, doing research, talking to women in your market, understanding their financial lives and financial needs, understanding how they currently meet them, and identifying the pain points. What are the most pressing gaps she has in achieving financial health for her business, for her family, for herself. With that, you can design effective solutions for those high priority challenges, and those pain points often vary by gender. The second principle that is critical is to segment your consumer research as well as your UX testing by gender. We know that women are less likely to speak up in mixed gender groups, which risks their perspective not being captured. There are often also gender differences in financial behaviors and priorities as well as the perceptions of a user interface, so it’s important to develop a research and testing plan that enables you to capture those nuances and design accordingly. The third principle is meet women where they are and engage them in the way that makes the most sense for them. Women have many responsibilities across both business and family. She may not have time to participate in a UX testing session that is scheduled during the same hour when she makes lunch for her family. She may not be able to leave her shop unattended for twenty minutes to walk to an agent location, and that’s the example with the Diamond Bank Beta Accounts where doorstep collection was a key feature. Effective financial solutions must be designed with women’s unique needs in mind and based on an understanding of what those needs are. In most cases, we found that products designed with women’s needs in mind end up being objectively better products. Women have high standards, and so the products that work for women typically do also gain traction among men. But the reverse is not the case. The final design principle is build in opportunities in your product design to gain her trust. Women are less likely than men to trust a new digital provider with their money, and this is particularly true for low-income women who are statistically less likely to have had any previous experience with either the formal financial system or with mobile phone usage beyond red button green button usage. So, thoughtful design can help women overcome these questions and these uncertainties that might be limiting their access. For instance, you can design the customer journey in a way that allows new users to explore the interface before having to commit to put money on the table and sign up. She can explore, ask around, ask questions if there is an interface for that, that can help build initial trust. Building in transparency, including clear and upfront explanation of any fees to be charged, and continuing to build trust throughout your interaction with the user through transaction confirmations and through offering a clear and effective customer recourse channel in the event that errors do happen and questions do come up. She needs to know that she can resolve those.
Ben: Many things have jumped out in our conversation. To reiterate some of those, one was the size of the market. So, 1.1 billion women are financially excluded, which is three times the population of the United States. 80% of global purchasing power, according to World Bank estimates, is decided by women, and that’s a huge amount of money. And then there are these four design principles, which I think are really interesting. Repeating them back, 1) get to know your customers, 2) segment and capture gender-specific data and conduct gender-specific user testing, 3) meet customers where they are, and 4) build and reinforce trust throughout the user journey. Also, if you design your app for women, it will almost certainly work well for men, but not the other way around. In the last minute or two here, do you have any last thoughts for the industry?
Meghan: What I would leave the industry with, and DFS Lab is a great example of an organization that’s advancing this conversation, is to make women not an afterthought, but really a core customer segment and recognize that opportunity. Because it is a huge opportunity, both from a business perspective and a social perspective. Women’s financial inclusion is good business, and also good for the women themselves.
Ben: Meghan, we really appreciate your time. This is Ben Lyon with DFS Lab. I’ve been speaking with Meghan Flaherty, a project manager at Women’s World Banking, and if you’d like to join the conversation, please connect with us on Twitter at @TheDFSLab. Let us know what you think. Feel free to comment on the blog and let’s get this conversation started. Meghan, thank you for your time!Meghan: Thank you. | {
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THE CITIZEN INDEX
Monday, December 15, 2014
MONDAY MUSES: Vivienne Westwood says "Buy Less"
If there ever was a patron saint for shopping #SECONDHANDFIRST this firecracker of a beauty is it. Not one to rest on her already extensive laurels, Dame Viv explains her ethos in this recent interview, proving that beauty, brain and brilliance isn't any less diminished for women still kicking it in their seventies. Her advice is brazen, and sound. Her beauty and talents are as fierce and relevant as ever.
WHAT MAKES A WOMAN BEAUTIFUL?
True
beauty flourishes inside a confident and dynamic woman. A lifelong
beauty has flung her attentions well beyond the mercurial mirror frame,
navigating her focus with her keen interest in the world around her.
She's a champion of others, never flinching to put herself into the fray
if the cause is just. She loves what she loves, and knows the value of
good values. Beauty grown inward, is the fruition of a lifetime, a
gentle but steely deliberate cultivation, and no happy accident of
nature. Grateful for whatever good fortune she has mined, a true beauty
owns her circumstance. Inward beauty's gaze grows outward, and leaves no
small mark on the world at large.
How
you define beauty alters the way beauty affects your world. Where you
place your attention on what is beautiful, changes the way beauty is
treated in your world.
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12 February 2010
The following ideas can be accomplished only, I will say it again only if you follow the following steps carefully and start early (at young age). It may sound ridiculous but it is achievable. Too many people think that making a million is way beyond their wildest dream but it is still possible, theoretically, to acquire or amaze that amount of money. Anyway you have nothing to lose if you follow the guide below but gain. However don’t blame anyone especially me if you fail to get what you want.
Making one million dollar is just a pipe dream to many people but is it possible to make that kind of money in one lifetime? I for sure am still trying to figure out the path to guide me and possibly one day I get to that spot. Yes it is possible or may be possible to acquire that much money by following these ideas and who know it may help to put the seven digits in your bank account.
1. You can start by asking $10 from 100,000 people you know. Yes, it sound ridiculous but it works if you know that many people in your lifetime.
2. Think franchise. What about selling something, say, fried “mee” or the local favorite “nasi lemak”. If you sell 1000 packets of “nasi lemak” daily in one location may not be so practical but what if you sell 100 packets in 10 locations (100 x 10 = 1000 packet a day). If you net profit per pack is $1, it may takes you only three years to make that seven digit. Now, I’m asking you it is possible isn’t it? I remember I read sometime ago in a newspaper, a vegetable seller turns millionaire just by selling vegetable for few years in his small mobile store.
3. Pay yourself first. Put aside 10% of your monthly salary in your “seven digit account”. Make it a standing instruction so you won’t forget it. Be patience and watch the compound growing.
4. The $5 scheme. This is a simple plan. You save $5 everyday. That’s not a lot or is it a lot to you? Then, deposit the money in an account that pays an interest of 10% p.a. In 42 years, you will have $1,000,000.00, barring any fluctuations in the interest rate.
5. Invest in education for yourself. Learn a skill. Get an MBA for example. Boost up your qualifications. The more you’re a worth; the more you will be paid. But you have to pay the price by scarifying you time for your family. You tend to spend less time with your family and more to your job. Why? Because you’re the head of the company and you get pay more.
6. Join a reality show. You can be a participant on reality show, for example, the reality show” who want to be a millionaire”. If you are lucky, you might win the grand prize of $1,000,000.00. Another way is, the most common way is to buy a lottery (big sweep lottery currently giving away $13,000,000.00 for the 1st prize).
7. Be an entrepreneur. Start a business or any business that you think can make you money, lot of money. Someone once said: “if you love your job, you’ll never have to work a day”. I don’t quite understood this remarks but my comment is: if you like your job, say doing business and make money, very soon you become good at it, too good that people want you to do more and more, you tend to work harder and at the end you get tired. You’re suppose to make your life easy not end up getting tired and more tired. Anyway that is my opinion but it sound like a great way to get rich.
8. Go online. May be you have a great idea, like the student in England, making millions by selling pixel in his site (http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/) or maybe you could be the next famous online infopreneur, the great John Chow (http://www.johnchow.com/) earning an average monthly income of $ 12,000.00 via his website.
There are many ways to make money out there but to decide which one suit you best is solely depend on you. What interest you the most and most importantly, are you ready to take the challenge to start your own business or do something to make you more money? But do not make money illegally cause it not good for your soul.
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Taboo Passion With Irresistibly Smoking-Hot Alexis Faux!URL: http://galleries.pimproll.com/bms/pics/79/index.html?p=ft&r=pimp10515&c=4&j=13&mr=y ...
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Sigh - it certainly does feel like things are headed down the one-way street we talked about on Wednesday, doesn't it? CapsChick's two cents on the matter (which are valued at much more than that) are worth checking out here. | {
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} |
Genghis Kahn Lyrics
He was just a gentile man
It was his love to grind
He didn't know the fear
He never had to hide
He loved the glance of metal
And the smell of blood
The flame of badness burned inside him
That was the only thing he had got
Genghis Khan
Can't you see it's all a lie
The time had it made
He was a man like you and me
His era was his fate
He freed his conquered land
From the ban of death
Freedom to the mongolenation
By fanning their wrath | {
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} |
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Message Board
Author Lowell's Book
Reviews
A Woman Without Lies
Angel is an artist on Vancouver Island who, with her close friend Derry, is trying to sell their fancy house. An accident leaving Derry with a broken leg, she must ttake Hawk to all the interesting places she can to get him to buy.
There is attraction, but Hawk is a misogynist after a bad experience left him jaded, and believes the worst of Angel...who lost her fiance and family the night before her wedding.
Its a very emotional read, but poignant ...Beautiful Dreamer
Hope Gardener loves her ranch more than anything, and she can barely keep it running. Her wells are running dry and her cattle are starving. The only way she can get water is from the pumps on the neighboring ranch, owned by a man who has tried to rape Hope in the past.
Rio is a man who really has no home. He is a wanderer with a gift for finding water. When he hears Hope needs help, he finds her and is instantly captivated by her. He agrees to h...Die In Plain Sight
Morrow, Jul 2003, 24.95, 400 pp.
ISBN: 0060504129
In California, renowned artist Susa Donavon will paint a canvas in front of an audience. Her work will be auctioned as part of raising money for the Friends of Moreno County. Additionally Susa will appraise any works brought in by patrons of the arts with the money raised also donated to the Friends of Moreno County.
Art buyer and artist Lacey Quinn brings in paintings done by her late grandf...Eden Burning
Volcanic Scientist Chase Wilcox decides to move to Hawaii in order to study the volcanos, live with his daughter, and prevent his brother's marriage from being destroyed by a gold-digger. Chase is very cynical about women due to his ex-wife, who married him for his money and then abandoned him and their daughter. He believes that all women are liars and sluts, with the exception of his brother's wife. When his brother begins to talk constantly about a b...
Lowell booklist
Enchanted
This is the story of Ariane the Betrayed and Simon the Loyal in the reign of King Henry the first. Ariane, a Norman heiress, must wed Simon. She makes her revulsion of the marriage bed known. All know she was betrayed but none knnow how or why...but the reader knows she was drugged and raped by a friend and not believed by her own father, hence the betrayel. This is her moving, wonderful story of overcoming fear and mending broken hearts....Midnight in Ruby Bayou (Romance)
Faith Donovan is a jewelry designer unwittingly caught up in international espionage involving a missing ruby called the Heart of Midnight. Owen Walker is the man assigned by her family to be her protector. Faith and Walker were both burned by love before and try to resist the inevitable attraction they feel as they fight to stay alive long enough to test the boundaries....Midnight in Ruby Bayou (Thriller/Action)
A large, valuable ruby known as the Heart of Midnight is stolen from a Russian museum & goes missing. The Russian mafia thinks an American jewelery designer has the gem & are intent on recovering it...at any cost. The story centers on the female designer & her male bodyguard, hired by her brother. They end up in Ruby Bayou in South Carolina, which is his boyhood home. She has been commissioned to design a necklace for her friends wedding. They begin putt...Moving Target (Thriller/Action)
At first, her grandmother's death in her isolated desert home didn't seem strange. But, once Sarena receives the letter the woman who raised her had left with her lawyer, Sarena knows differently. And the illustrated pages that accompany it are small clues to what Sarena comes to find out is a massive--and historical--mystery. She takes her pages to Erik North, an expert and collector of the beautifully crafted manuscript pages, and instantly senses t...Moving Target (Romance)
A year ago someone murdered Serena Charters' grandmother Lisbeth by burning the elderly woman's cabin with her inside it. Though no one has been caught, California finally releases the estate to Serena as the only known member of Lisbeth's family. Serena inherits some small property, a Swiss bank account, a safety deposit box, and four pages from a centuries-old text that should have contained six hundred vellum sheets.
Serena turns to medieval ...Only His
A young woman from the Virginia's hires a man as guide to help her find her "husband" (really her brother) in the Colorado Rockies. The Civil War has decimated her home and she has decided to try to build a new life out west with her brother. She doesn't realize that the man she has hired has his own agenda, believing her "husband" is the man who left his sister pregnant. His sister died, along with her baby. Most of the book takes place as they travel a...
Elizabeth Lowell list of books
Only Love
Shannon Conner Smith is a young widow living alone on harsh Colorado land. Her husband, who was really her great-uncle, had died 3 years earlier and Shannon has been fending for herself as best she can. She's poor, terrible at hunting, and has the unwanted attention of many men focused on her. When she is being taunted by four men in town Whip Moran steps in and defends her. Whip is a wanderer who has spent the majority of his life traveling around the w...Only Mine
Lady Jessica (Jessi) Charteris is in a terrible bind. In a few weeks she will be married off to an elderly, lecherous lord. As a young girl, she has seen what torture a loveless marriage brings. Desperate for an escape, she begs her childhood friend Wolfe Lonetree to marry her instead. She promises respect, devotion, and companionship to Wolfe, but not the mutual passion and desire a husband and wife share.
Wolfe, a half-breed child of an English...Only You
Out of money and out of luck, lonely orphan Eve Starr deals with deft, steady hands and coolly stares at her opponents at the poker table: the Culpepper brothers who cruelly killed her guardians and stole their jewelry, an ancient map and diary. Gold hunter Matt “Reno” Moran decided to join the game, so taken was he by the girl with eyes and hair of the purest gold and a mouth that trembled.
Initially, Eve and the Culpeppers betted on money and the je...Remember Summer
Raine Smith is about to compete in the Olympics as a part of the American Equestrian team. Her father is an anti-terrorist investagator in the government, and he missed out on most of Raine's childhood because of his job. As a resault Raine is cynical and resentful of all special government agents. She knows what the job does to the lives of the people around the agent, and is cynical about having any kind of relationship with anyone associated with that...Running Scared
Since he hired her, casino owner, computer hacker, and gold collector Shane Tannahill has wanted his curator, Risa Sheridan. Only Shane doesn't date employees and Risa likes her job. When Risa's childhood friend--and suspicious character Cherelle shows up, Shane watches her. When Cherelle's arrival corresponds directly with an attack on Risa, the murder of three men, and new rumors of an ancient Druid hoard of gold, Shane knows Cherelle is connected. ...The Color of Death
Morrow, Jun 2004, 24.95, 400 pp.
ISBN: 0060504137
In Glendale, Arizona, gem cutter Kate Chandler is ecstatic because collector Arthur McCloud hired her to cut the Seven Sins sapphires. Her brother Lee Mandel delivers the gems to its owner, but in Florida he vanishes. Kate is frantic, but the police believe that Lee absconded with the goods and a girlfriend to the Caribbean. Kate disagrees if for no other reason than her brother was in love wit...
Elizabeth Lowell novels
The Wrong Hostage
Judge Grace Silva got a cryptic call from her son's private boarding school telling her to come to the school right away. Grace rushed immediately to the school fearing her son, Lane, was in trouble. Upon arriving there, she met Mexico's most corrupt and wanted druglord, Hector Rivas, telling her that she needed to present to them her ex-husband, Ted Franklin in exchange for her son. He told her that Ted stole money from him and if she couldn't get the m...This Time Love
Elizabeth Lowell
Morrow, Jan 2003, 19.95, 352 pp.
ISBN: 00600087358
Though in his early twenties, reporter Gabriel Venture knows what he wants and that is to become an international journalist visiting the globe. Currently, Gabriel is involved in a report on the Lost River Cave in New Mexico. His guide is a local teen Joy Anderson. The pair fall in love before Gabe moves on to explore and report on the Orinoco River mysteries.
Six years, ele...To the Ends of the Earth
Travis Danvers is a very wealthy ship designer who reluctantly agrees with his best friend, Rodney Harrington, to write a book about his life and his ships. Rodney Harrington is Catherine Cochran's agent. She is a professional photographer and Rodney gets her the photography job for The Danvers Touch which will be the name of the biography.
Travis was burned badly by a woman in the past and thinks that there isn't a woman alive on earth who isn't out...Too Hot to Handle
Tory Wells, a young diver recovering from a recent knee surgery, has come to Sundance Ranch to get a job while her leg heels. Having been promised a job at the ranch and needing the money to survive, she's upset when the handsome owner of the ranch refuses to hire her. Without enough money to afford a bus ticket home, Tory begins her walk back to town to look for a job. When she enounters a car full of rude and vulgar teenagers on the road back, she i...Warrior
A man made cold by war swore never to love, and is tested by a woman whose eyes show all the colors of time. Wildlife biologist Eden Summers is hired to track cougars in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, and is helped by local rancher Nevada Blackthorn, a man hardened by years of commando training in Afghanistan. He feels an instant attraction the moment he sees her, but fights it like a wolf trapped in a snare. He believes that love is a fairy-tale...Whirlpool
Cruz Rowan is a private investigator with a dark past. He is hired to track down a stolen Fabrege egg, and the trail leads him to Laurel Cameron Swann, whom the missing peice was shipped to. Cruz is imeediately fascinated by Laurel. She's smart, sexy, and doesn't hold his shady past against him. The only problem is that Cruz doesn't know if Laurel is an innocent caught up in his theft case, or if she's actually behind the theft.
Laurel trusts Cruz, but ...
Elizabeth Lowell information
Winter Fire
Orphaned at 13, a bride at 14, widowed at 16, Sarah Kennedy has learned to depend on no one but herself - reserving all her love for her younger brother Conner. A hardened Civil War veteran, personal tragedy has taught Case Maxwell three things: to be patient, a deadly fighter, to love nothing that can die, and that justice is blind. But when confrontation with his sworn enemies, the Culpeper clan leaves him near death, Case finds himself under the ten... | {
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Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Road Trip
A few weeks ago, my wife and I took an overland tour of the
south-eastern United States. During the 1,700 mile road-trip I observed three
oddities I feel it necessary to detail here.
The first occurred along Interstate 10 in Alabama. Low on
gas, I pulled off at an exit and began filling the tank as my lovely bride
attempted to utilize the service station restroom without making contact with
any non-porous surfaces. While retrieving my receipt from the pump, I noticed
an adult bookstore directly across the street. This, in and of itself, was not
unusual. What was unusual was that this particular adult emporium also sold
fresh fruit.
It appeared that the location was having a sidewalk sale of
some type and alongside bins of what I can only assume were volumes of cerebral
erotic poetry sat a veritable farmer’s market. Even more astounding, the entire
enterprise was played straight. Not a single one of the signs employed double
entendre or innuendos of any kind. I would have expected a
suggestively-illustrated cucumber or, at the very least, a reference to their
“big melons.”
There were even a handful of customers purchasing fruit from
the stand. I do not know whether the bookstore and fruit-stand shared a
proprietor or two local entrepreneurs had simply stumbled upon a mutual
beneficial business model. At first I could not understand why anyone in lower
Alabama would voluntarily acquire their produce from roadside pornography
vendor, but upon further reflection I am willing to admit that this may be the
most brilliant marketing in adult content.
Imagine you are live in the area and wish to pick up the
dirty version of Muppets in Space.
You can’t tell your wife that you need to run by Dirty Dan’s Mags & Stags
so you simply explain that you have a hankering for some cantaloupe and plan
stop at a fruit stand you noticed the other day. This draws no suspicion from
the wife and technically you aren’t lying. Plus, if your choir director spots
your car in front of the video store you can just tell him it was homemade smoothie
day.
The second strange thing I noticed was the ubiquity of
coin-operated scales in truck-stop men’s rooms. While the color-schemes varied,
the basic premise remained identical: drop in a few quarters and you will be
provided with your weight, lucky numbers, and horoscope. Several even sported
signs encouraging potential customers to “do it for their health.”
Now if there is one thing long-haul truckers are known for it
is their commitment to weight management. I hate to generalize, but why market
to a demographic whose entire paycheck is based on remaining seated? How are
these machines making money? If I was so obsessed with my appearance that I
weighed myself every time I dropped a deuce I think I would just keep a scale
in the cab.
Even if the technology to ascertain personalized destiny-altering
numerical codes existed why would anyone believe that its deployment would be
limited to Pilot stations in Mississippi? Now if it dispensed imitation cologne
and questionable prophylactics you might have a deal.
The last curiosity we experienced was Billy, the waiter.
Billy worked on staff at a coastal bar & grill and upon initially
approaching our table he immediately inquired if we would “like a shot of
Jager.” This would be only one of many times Billy would repeat this question
over the course of our dining experience despite being repeatedly assured we
were not pledging to a fraternity. Other than the occasional brand-specific
liquor suggestions, Billy spent most of his time with a four top of females
nursing unusually large margaritas. He appeared to be valiantly lobbying to
become one of their future regrets, but alas the comely maidens were in no
condition to appreciate his charms and left unimpressed.
Somewhat dejected, he slinked over to our table and didn’t
even have the heart suggest Jager. It was at this moment my wife and I heard
the sound of a balloon popping. As it turns, the restaurant employed a female
clown known as “Chuckles” who was busy fashioning balloon animals for children.
Chuckles looked as though she had lived a hard life and perhaps even served
some Federal time, but she was doing an admirable job of delighting the kids
despite the occasional popped balloon animal. So Billy’s reaction to the second
balloon pop in as many minutes caught us by surprise.
At the sound of the burst balloon, Billy’s eyes narrowed and
with a surprising degree of menace informed us that he “hated that f*****g
clown.” Somewhat taken aback by his candor, we sat and listened as he vented about
having to clean up the remnants of broken balloon animals while good ole’
Chuckles stood out by the boat dock sucking down Marlboro Reds. By the time we
received our check, I had become convinced that Chuckles was one loud noise
away from a violent demise.
Since our trip I have not become aware of any clown homicides
so I assume Billy has kept his anger in check. On the other hand, I am willing
to bet that if she gets ahold of a sturdy pool cue, Chuckles ain’t going down
easy. | {
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Our signature matte black eco-friendly tube is wrapped in a black and white design of the Amaryllis Flower. The Amaryllis Flower represents a strong, self-confident and beautiful woman. Inspired by our Founder's hometown of Chicago, the Amaryllis symbolizes every big city girl ready to conquer the world. | {
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Zabel and the Cat at Milan San Remo.
The masterful German rider won Milan San Remo five times minus a few centimeters, taking him back to four wins and leaving Oscar Freire a happy man. Sangria, not German beer.
Two years ago Zabel was the secret weapon for the young punk sprinter Mark Cavendish at Milan San Remo. Everybody knew the Manxman was the fastest sprinter in the race but at least half the experts claimed he’s never get over the Poggio in the front group. They still remembered the pudgy kid from his earlier days.
However, it was Zabel who put together the HTC-Columbia race plan for La Primavera. Being German, his preparation was meticulous and he schooled Cavendish on each and every part of the course. He scripted the race for the Brit, giving him the benefit of all his experience in the one day Monument.
We all know what happened next and Cavendish is back this year with high ambitions, a rainbow jersey and his new Sky team. Nobody questions his ability to get over the Poggio now.
However, the man from Sky will be missing Zabel this time around. Zabel has sold his wisdom to the highest bidder and that would be Katusha and –ironically enough — Oscar Freire, the man who beat him out of that fifth win.
You have to wonder at this point how much value Zabel brings to Freire, a veteran rider who has ridden Milan San Remo many times and is known to be tactically sharp. What secrets can Zabel really pass on to the Spaniard?
Still, he’ll be a calming force and an awesome second opinion on tactics from his place in the Katusha team car. Oscar is on form and given his age — 36 — he’s an amazing athlete. He jumped from longtime squad Rabobank for one last hurrah at Katusha and he hasn’t skipped a beat. Plus he isn’t sick or injured like half of super-team BMC — at least they have the budget for large doses of antibiotics.
Canyon bikes has just put out a cool little vid where Zabel rides the Milan San Remo route and gives us his observations — and there are also a few quotes from Freire. The German reminds us that when the riders hit the Poggio they already have 288 kilometers in their legs. In other words, damn tired.
In that sate of exhaustion, Zabel says they’ll tackle 200 meters of elevation gain at around 500 watts. He says that and a smile creases his face — he still remembers the pain and is happy he won’t be on a race bike this weekend.
Zabel gets in only one joke but it’s a good one. He looks at the camera and reminds Oscar not to “celebrate too early.”
Somebody will be celebrating in San Remo on Saturday. Will it be Cavendish or Goss again, a resurgent Fabian Cancellara or Tom Boonen, a clever Philippe Gilbert, the powerful Nibali or Sagan or the aging but dangerous Freire?
Twisted Spoke says it’s up for grabs and we’re going with Sagan, profiting from a brutal attack on the Poggio by teammate Vincenzo Nibali. No cat this time. | {
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Brazilian forest code: the battle continues
At the end of 2011, before government officials closed up shop for the holidays, President Dilma demanded final approval on the new Forest Code in Brazil. This new proposal condemns the Brazilian forests and is a deal between government and agribusiness that was made in back rooms and secret meetings. But strong public pressure against the dangerous new code and a lack of consensus inside the Congress prevailed and the final vote was left to 2012.
The Brazilian Congress returned to work yesterday, and the stage is set for the battle for the Amazon to resume.
The new Code is on the agenda of the Chamber of Deputies to be voted on March 6th, but it could be delayed again, because some deputies are not happy with the text approved by the Senate, as it reduces the benefits earned by ruralists, including the powerful agribusiness sector. The deputies have the last say in the voting before the new law goes to President Dilma's signature and will probably propose a new version of the Forest Code that better fits their needs.
Unfortunately, this outcome would mean that the new Forest Code proposal finally approved by the Senate could get even worse.
But that isn’t everything; the Brazilian Congress is under serious pressure to vote on the new Code as soon as possible to avoid the world’s gaze as the debate moves closer to the upcoming UN conference on Sustainable Development in Rio this June. If the vote is delayed again, it could mean that President Dilma will be caught passing a law dismantling forest protection just as she is inviting world leaders to Brazil under the guise of saving the planet. At this point, only President Dilma can put a stop to the proposed law - the new Forest Code - that could destroy the Amazon.
we all better act and recycle now... be fore we all GET recycle and burned like the Forest of the World.. Our lungs wiill burn in search o CLEAN AIR. Just looks at all the Dessert in the world . Do we need another one ??? next to us ..Amazon is the LUNGS of our PLANET scriming for our HELP !!
Dont wait for Dilma we the PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFIEDED... WE CAN DO THIS.. SI SE PUEDE.. SIM TODOS JUNTOS PODEMOS.. ...
Dont wait for Dilma we the PEOPLE UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFIEDED... WE CAN DO THIS.. SI SE PUEDE.. SIM TODOS JUNTOS PODEMOS.. THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST IS OUR PALNETS LUNGS. EL PULMON DEL PLANETA. O PULMAO DO PLANETA TERRA.. AS THE FOREST BURNS .. SO WILL OUR LUNGS ... SEARCHING FOR CLEAN AIR... IT BELONGS TO HUMANITY AS ALL. ACT NOW.
Whose door do I knock on when I have no where to live with good air quality. President Dilmas home...?. Oh! that's right her country and area will...
Whose door do I knock on when I have no where to live with good air quality. President Dilmas home...?. Oh! that's right her country and area will be first one to go. Look after your backyard, the world implores you to. Make a grand decision that really does make a difference for yourself and the rest of the world. Please, please, please. The next generation has the right to live healthy, with good air quality as well. Don't let the dollar dictate good common sense. | {
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Episode 79 of RAPS TALK - Raptors Podcast (04.25.15) - It's just been a frustrating first round performance from the Toronto Raptors as they dropped their third straight loss to the Washington Wizards 106-99. Paul Pierce was the Raptor killer again, hitting clutch shots in crunch time taking the Wizards to a 3-0 series lead. On this playoffs recap podcast, we talk about Kyle Lowry's disappearance in the playoffs, the X-Factors for the Washington Wizards, the missing pieces on the Raptors and Coach Casey's future with the team. Game 4 on Sunday.
If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.
Episode 78 of RAPS TALK - Raptors Podcast (04.22.15) - That was just brutal. Toronto fell to the Wizards 117-106 in Game 2 of their first round playoff series. John Wall and Bradley Beal were unstoppable and Lowry was a non-factor on Tuesday. On our recap podcast, we talk about the Raptors struggles, Kyle Lowry, Drake's daps with Paul Pierce and what we can expect for Game 3.
If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes.
Episode 77 of RAPS TALK - Raptors Podcast (04.19.15) - The Toronto Raptors are back in the NBA Playoffs for the second season in a row, and the Raps dropped a 93-86 overtime loss to the Washington Wizards in the opening game of the series. On this playoffs Game 1 recap podcast, we talk about Paul Pierce, Masai Ujiri's pregame antics, the struggles of Kyle Lowry and what we expect for Game 2 in Toronto.
If you're new to the podcast, make sure you subscribe to the RAPS TALK podcast on iTunes. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Here is the whole list of the best ways to kickstart your new business from blogging to competitions and freelance to work experience. Get your note pad out and start scribbling.
1.Start blogging it’s free , quick and can widen your target audience dramatically. You can get your creative juices flowing and plug your business with maximum results. Blogging is a popular PR tool because the practise is less corporate than a website. Blogs have a softer tone and more personal feel which viewers are attracted to.
Blogging can be time-consuming and requires dedication, but if you stick to your goals you will see the benefits. Have a look at the blogs listed below, some are professional and some not, but you can still learn valuable techniques from both.
This award-winning blog is beautifully presented with magnificent pictures and poetic writing.
2.Attend every event possible, whether your and exhibitor or visitor. Events like Birmingham Home Show, Decorex, and Ideal Home Show are crammed with industry insiders. It’s networking heaven and the perfect opportunity to sell your business. When meeting and greeting, start with “Hello my name is ….” then pull out your business card. The idea is by the time you’ve told them what your business is about, your card is already in their hands. But don’t steal their customers, word will get out and taint your business reputation.
3.You don’t only have to aim for the biggest shows, look out for local charity events, exhibitions or school fairs. You could give away a free mini makeover in the village raffle – be generous and smart to reap the rewards.
4.Prepare yourself for the unexpected! You never know who you might meet on the 4 o’clock train to Kings Cross, so keep spare leaflets and business cards at the ready. You never know, you may have a Kate Moss moment and get scouted!
5.Get yourself actively involved in relevant organisations such as your local Rotary Club, Art and Design museums, government bodies, or institutions like the British Institute of Interior Design. Making sure your finger is in every pie and that you’re in the thick of what’s happening. This will improve your chances of keeping your business up to date and in the loop.
6.” It’s who you know not what you know” is a very true statement. Do you have any friends or acquaintances who work in the press, local radio or television that can give you a cheeky plug in their article or show? This will give you bigger media coverage and cost you zilch.
7.Competitions are another way to give your business a good kick-start. You could celebrate the opening or your business with a prize giveaway like store vouchers, a free design consultation, room makeover or design master-class. This will definitely get the public interested because everyone loves a freebie.
8. Become a freelancer as well as a business person. Write articles about subjects within your expertise and demonstrate your professional stature. This will build your professional reputation and people will link this with your business. You can contact local magazines, papers or niche publications like Wallpaper and MyDeco.com. Also, many educational bodies like The National Design Academy in Nottingham, (specialists in Interior Design Distance learning courses) commission writers to help develop course material for their students. This is a great opportunity to educate others and offer your industry expertise.
9.Offer your services as volunteer speaker at various events. You will be highly regarded by your peers and portray yourself as a respected professional with a respected business.
10.Learn from the best. Get yourself in with business which has already become successful and shadow them for a week. It’s amazing how much you can learn on the job and you may build strong links and continue to work with them in the future. | {
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} |
ARE YOU AN
INSIDER
5 Wellness Trends That Are Big in Germany (Yes, Really)
Germany is a bustling wellness hub. I know, you probably don't believe me. But while Sydney and Los Angeles—the more obvious wellness meccas—are known for their perma-tanned and super-toned residents, the people of Germany have long been fans of natural beauty. Recently, they have been searching out ways to boost their wellness at home (because their weather can be as changeable as ours).
In fact, the search on Pinterest for "home spa ideas" has tripled in Germany in the last year. It's really not so unlikely when you know that the European country is the birthplace of naturopathic treatments, and natural brands Dr. Hauschka and Weleda were founded there. We called on Berlin-based Ju Schneeberger, a Pinterest tastemaker and blogger—her website juyogi.com is a hub of yoga, mindfulness, beauty and nutrition content—to find out what's trending in wellness there.
Keep scrolling for the inside scoop.
The Home Spa Trend
While here in the UK we've been all over the concept of hygge, in Germany it hasn't made the news in quite the same way. "In Germany, we have our own hygge, which is called gemütlichkeit, so this is maybe why hygge has not been the biggest trend over here," explains Schneeberger.
Whatever you call it, Germans are after some ways to embrace a more relaxed vibe at home. On Pinterest in Germany, searches for "home spa ideas" are on the up, and Schneeberger puts this down to a couple of key factors. "First, you don't always have a spa around the corner to go to. Second, it's mostly quite expensive, especially when you go regularly," she tells Byrdie UK.
"Personally, I feel that there are so many great products and possibilities to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. With a cup of tea, a great book, some candles or just a beauty night in with your best friend and your favourite Netflix show. The most important thing is that you feel relaxed and are able to clear your head from your everyday routine."
The absolute key elements that make up a good home spa day? "Switching off your cell phone, lighting candles and relaxing," she notes.
At-Home Spa Ideas
We put it to Schneeberger to share the at-home spa ideas that she loves to do on the regular.
YinYoga:
YinYoga is my everyday ritual and helps me maintain my inner balance. I can get away from everything and bring my body and soul at ease.
Hot Ayurveda Water:
Personally, I only drink hot water instead of cold because I found out that it's extremely good for my body. Hot Ayurveda water (made with lemon and spices) is great for my skin and digestion and just makes me feel calmer and I can start fresh. And it helps me concentrate during the day.
Blue Chia Bowls:
Instead of the typical açaí bowl, the blue smoothie chia bowl is my favourite. It's not only super tasty, it also energises me for the whole day.
Alkaline Baths:
I love to take hot baths with etherous oils like eucalyptus, lavender or orange, depending on my mood. Especially after yoga, I love to take an alkaline bath, light candles and put on some soft music.
[Ed. note: You can make your bath water alkalising by adding Epsom salts; this is thought to aid relaxation and detox the skin.]
"In the morning, I simply rinse my face with water, no products. In the morning and evening, I use Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ (£30). In the shower and after the shower, I love products from Lush, especially the fragrance Karma Kream. Also, coconut oil is a fixed part of my beauty routine. I use it on my hair and lips."
Shop Ju Schneeberger's Favourite Brands
As with the wellness, on the whole, the approach to hair and makeup is just as natural over in Germany. "We love natural looks! When it comes to colour, there's a lot that can go wrong. Every woman who once tried to dye her hair herself at home, knows this. So for colouring, it's definitely smart to go to a professional hairdresser.
"Blonde is obviously the favourite hair colour in spring and summer. That's not surprising, but I feel that all kinds of different blonde shades are trending now like ash blonde or balayage. So there's a lot more room for new shades and experiments. Blonde in combination with a natural, classic haircut is my favourite look for the upcoming season. I see a lot of long, natural haircuts, but also mid-length seems to keep on trending this year.
"Makeup here seems to be heading back to the more natural, classic look. Personally I don't put on a lot of makeup during the day—I like to use pale shades and bronze powder. This looks especially great when you already have a little bit of a tan. A clean and even skin tone, some mascara and a little bit of blush make for a young, fresh and healthy complexion. Even after yoga, this look still lasts. Sometimes I will pimp it up with some glossy red lipstick,” says Schneeberger.
So it's safe to say when it comes to makeup, German women tend to steer clear of the typical Instagram looks that are still pretty popular here in the UK and in the U.S. So where do they look to for inspiration? "Of course there is a strong influence from America, but I also look to Australia or countries in the Pacific regions because they have a summery freshness all year around," she tells us. | {
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Helping you use Conversations on the Web to boost your company's image, exposure,and revenue.
My Products & Services
April 08, 2016
By now I'm sure you've heard of the Panama Papers: a leaked set of 11.5 million confidential documents that provide detailed information about more than 214,000 offshore companies listed by the Panamanian corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca, including the identities of shareholders and directors of the companies.
The documents show how wealthy individuals, including public officials, hide their money from public scrutiny. At the time of publication, the papers identified five then-heads of state or government leaders from Argentina, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates; as well as government officials, close relatives, and close associates of various heads of government of more than forty other countries, including Brazil, China, France, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Syria, and the United Kingdom.
Iceland's Prime Minister has resigned. Britain's Prime Minister is having to explain how his family is connected to it. The names of hundreds of Americans have surfaced in the Panama Papers.
All because someone did not keep their WordPress website up to date.
Post-mortem analysis found that the hackers got in via a well-known vulnerability in an out-of-date version of a popular WordPress plugin named "Slider Revolution". The plugin's authors updated the plugin two years ago and eliminated the vulnerability, but the newer version was never installed on the 'target' website.
We offer a service whereby we keep your WordPress and plugins up-to-date, along with several other activities designed to keep you safe. Yes, it's expensive, but much less expensive than seeing your client's name and data plastered all over the front page of every major newspaper in the world.
January 05, 2011
We want you empowered and in control. Every website and blog we deliver includes one-on-one personal training so that you are in charge and in control of your online presence. Not only that, we provide you with an owner's manual containing illustrated step-by-step instructions for updating and maintaining your site.
You're not stuck trying to remember what we taught you a year ago. You're not stuck trying to decipher your months-old notes. You're not dependent upon someone else to make the updates for you. You are in control.
Customized to Your Website or Blog
Almost every website and blog we build is custom. Your owner's manual is custom too. We start with our standard content that is common to every site and then write specific instructions for the functions and features specific to your own website or blog.
Prefer Video?
We've got you covered. We include our own custom WordPress plugin to the Admin Panel containing all the same step-by-step instructions in video form.
August 25, 2010
"I have a Facebook account and I'm on Twitter but I just don't seem to be getting anywhere."
One of the things that has always differentiated us from other social media experts is our emphasis on the fundamentals of marketing. The landscape is crowded with people who will set up a website or blog for you pretty inexpensively (it is my opinion however that the blogs and websites we build give you a much more polished and professional appearance). And there are lots of people claiming to be social media experts.
None of them do what we do:
We teach you to think like a social media-savvy marketer.
We create confident and empowered social media-savvy business owners.
Our clients tell us that while we excel at delivering polished blogs, fan pages, twitter profile pages, and social media-enabled websites, our strength lies in our ability to teach you to be effective with social media.
As a result, we've once again boosted the educational/training aspect of our flagship offering. We're spending even more time with you now. By the time we complete a 4-6 week engagement with you, together we will have created a social media strategy and roadmap for you. And spent enough one-on-one time with you so that you feel confident and empowered to be in-charge and in control of your own social media destiny.
Of course, all this one-on-one personal attention means that we're a little more expensive than we used to be (but still a lot cheaper than you would think). If you are looking for a social media firm that makes you feel more like you are in Nordstroms or Nieman-Marcus than Target or Wal-Mart, I invite you to give me a call.
June 06, 2010
We're providing an exciting new service to clients for whom we set up a Wordpress-based blog or website. I've written a Wordpress plugin that adds "WP Help Videos" to the Admin Panel. Clicking on it displays a list of video tutorials designed to help you through the most common tasks.
While there is a lot of commonality in every Wordpress-based site, we go the extra mile by providing several tutorials that are specific to that client and blog or website.
For example, the site we creating for a recent client had a photo rotation on the front page. I created a video tutorial for her that explained exactly how to administer this function.
Our mantra at Business Blogging Pros is to provide a very personalized 'lead-you-by-the-hand' service that also leaves you fully empowered and in control at the completion of our engagement. This new Wordpress plugin is just one more way we achieve that.
Note: this plugin is not available separately. It's available only as a part of our gold-level (and above) Blog/Website Setup clients.
September 30, 2009
The new TypePad interface is a great improvement, but when I saw it for the first time I knew I had to write Guide to the New TypePad.
If you are a business owner who has been using TypePad for a while, the new interface will come as a shock. I can just hear you saying, "I have to learn it all over again".
If you are new to TypePad - particularly of you have just come from another blogging platform - you are probably playing 'scavenger hunt' while you find everything.
Step-by-step instructions for just about everything you want to do are in Guide to the New TypePad. I know because I've spent the last four years helping business owners get started blogging on TypePad and answering their "How do I..." questions.
Topics Covered:
Logging In
Creating a new post
Formatting text
Composing in MS-Word
How to include a photo or hyperlink in your post
How to embed a YouTube video in a post
Posting Status - Publish Now or Later
Featuring a post
Technorati Tags
Trackbacks
Controlling Comment and Trackback Functions
Editing Previously Created Posts
Stats
Uncovering search terms used to get to your blog
Comments
Creating and Editing Pages
Navigation Bar
Managing Sidebar Content
Adding a Badge or Other Custom Sidebar Content
Typelists
Connecting your blog to Twitter
Connecting your blog to Facebook
How to create Landing Pages using your TypePad blog
How to map a domain name to your landing page
This is not a PDF! This is a 48-page plasticoil bound book.
Guide to the New TypePad
$39
Including Shipping
Save Hours of your Precious Time
You know how frustrating it is to know exactly what you want to do but can't figure out how to make the software do it. Guide to the New Typepad will save you many times its price in terms of your valuable time.
Blogging is Supposed to be Fun and Easy!
GUide to the New Typepad will save you hours of learning and tons of frustration. Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions will have you navigating TypePad like a seasoned master in just a few minutes.
December 08, 2008
Now more than ever, you need to create an authentic relationship with your present and future customers that is based upon a solid understanding of the realities they face and how they want to do business with you.
Nothing is Better For that than a Blog
Have you heard of blogs and wonder what they are all about?
Are you wondering if a blog could help your business?
Do you want to be known as an authority in your field?
Do you want to leverage the most cost-effective means for boosting your business’ image, exposure, brand, reputation, and revenue?
Come to this seminar and find out
Blogging has evolved into a cutting-edge marketing tool that is immediate, personal, and engaging. Blogging can boost your image, exposure, reputation, and revenue. Best of all blogging is within the financial reach of everyone.
Done well, a small company can achieve results that large firms with millions of dollars to spend on marketing would be hard-pressed to achieve.
BusinessBlogging Pros
Become a Fan
Dave Barnhart
A recognized thought leader and social media marketing consultant in Phoenix, AZ with clients all over the USA. Dave is not a Johnny-come-lately to social media: he is the founder of Business Blogging Pros, one of the oldest social media marketing firms in Arizona. Dave has helped countless business owners effectively leverage social media to grow their businesses. | {
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Instructor
Lecture Description
This video lecture, part of the series Virtual Reality with Steven LaValle by Prof. Steven M. LaValle, does not currently have a detailed description and video lecture title. If you have watched this lecture and know what it is about, particularly what Virtual Reality topics are discussed, please help us by commenting on this video with your suggested description and title. Many thanks from,
The instructor is Prof. Steven LaValle, who is a world-class expert on VR technologies, currently serving as the Chief Scientist in the VR department at Huawei Technologies. He wrote a textbook on the subject called "Virtual Reality." | {
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Starring:
Micky YooChun
Park Min-Young
Song Joong-ki
Yoo Ah In
Synopsis:
Due to her family's dire financial situation, Kim Yoon Hee (Park Min Young) disguises herself as a man who works at a bookstore, transcribing books for noblemen. She decides to start taking tests for noblemen who are trying to become government officials, which leads her to meeting Lee Sun Joon (Micky Park Yoochun), son of Left State Minister who is the leader of the Noron faction. Sun Joon tricks her into taking the test and both enter the prestigious school Sungkyunkwan. As women are forbidden to enter the school, Yoon Hee has to take extra precautions, especially since she will have to deal with a malevolent student body president, Ha In Soo, keep up with the pranks of upperclassmate Gu Yong Ha, and keep from getting in the way of her grumpy second roommate Moon Jae Shin -- all this while trying to control the growing love she has for Lee Sun Joon, who is also her roommate. Together, they grow and learn in the hopes of building a better Joseon. | {
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Glenn Close blasts misconceptions about mental illness
Glenn Close thinks there are too many destructive misconceptions surrounding mental illness.
The 68-year-old actress, who co-founded the non-profit Bring Change 2 Mind after her sister Jessie and nephew were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has blasted the stigma that many people who are mentally ill are also dangerous.
Speaking at the WebMD Health Hero Awards, the 'Fatal Attraction' star said one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the issue "is that people with mental illness are dangerous."
She added: "There are so many headlines and so many tragedies that have happened because there is no system in our country that will help those people from falling through the net, from becoming isolated. But [the number of mentally ill people who commit crimes] is a very, very small percentage, but unfortunately it leads to other people getting hurt and it makes our job a little bit more difficult because it can build up the stigma."
But Glenn hopes attitudes are beginning to change.
She told PEOPLE.com: "The fact is you are not your illness. You can get help, there is medication, there is a huge revolution in genetic research that will help actually pinpoint genes that are causing these illnesses.
"Just like cancer, diabetes, or Alzheimer's we have to embrace the fact that [mental illness] is part of the human condition and not condemn people." | {
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Technology Tips
Archive for the tag “Privacy”
It was widely reported yesterday that a Zuckerberg family photo shared only to friends on Facebook during the holidays went viral on Twitter. This originally angered Randi Zuckerberg, Mark Zuckerberg’s sister, who originally posted the photo to share with her Facebook friends. All is well after Zuckerberg photo flap but many bloggers and reporters are commenting on how ironic it is that even Facebook creators aren’t able to use the privacy settings correctly. But based on what I’ve read so far it sounds to me that she had the correct privacy settings: Friends only. The problem occurred when a friend of the family saw the family photo on a Facebook feed decided to share it on Twitter.
Rather than dwell on the irony, what I want to focus on in this post is how a private Facebook photo can end up on Twitter in the first place and what the proper etiquette is when sharing photos. We don’t want to discourage sharing photos. After all, that’s what social media is all about…sharing! But here are some tips to consider when posting or sharing private photos, videos or other content on Facebook.
I’ve enlisted the help of my friend and colleague, Bonnie Low-Kramen, 25-year assistant to Olympia Dukakis, author of “Be the Ultimate Assistant”, and co-founder of New York Celebrity Assistants.
We are friends on Facebook and I want to use a couple of her photos to use as examples on what to do and what not to do when posting photos. And while she has plenty of celebrity photos on her profile, out of respect for her and her celebrity friends, I’m going to focus on non-celebrity images that we’ve approved in advance to demonstrate how easy it is to share even the most basic photos with the world.
Let’s start by understanding how in the world does a photo on Facebook end up on Twitter, then learn how to determine a friend’s photo privacy setting and how to set our photo privacy. Then I’ll leave you with 4 tips for photo sharing on Facebook.
How a Facebook photo ends up on Twitter in the first place
Whether you are a celebrity or not, if you post photos on Facebook for your friends to see, it can still end up on Twitter, regardless of your privacy settings. Keep this in mind — you can download any image you see on Facebook. Let me repeat that. You can download any image on Facebook! That’s right. When viewing a friend’s photo, simply right-click the image and choose Save the image as… , give it a name and store it in your favorite Awesome pictures of friends folder. Then, just like any photo you would tweet, go to your Twitter account. Compose a Tweet and upload the image.
While I never recommend posting someone’s family photo on Twitter, I merely want to inform and educate well-intended friends.
See this in action!
In the video tutorial above, I demonstrate how I am able to go to Bonnie’s Facebook profile page and take one of her family photos and post it on Twitter. Again, while I never recommend posting someone’s family photo on Twitter, I merely want to inform and educate well-intended friends.
Here is the Twitter post seen in the video tutorial. Don’t they look adorable in front of Rockefeller Center?
How to respect your friends’ photo privacy
If you’re unsure whether a photo is shareable, first examine a photo’s privacy setting. Each photo on Facebook has a privacy icon that indicates how the photo is being shared, as seen in Bonnie’s family photo below.
The privacy icon that looks like a globe means that she has it set to public so that anyone can see the image. She doesn’t mind it being shared. However, because it is a family photo, out of respect, I would want to ask Bonnie for permission to share this image with my networks.
Next is a picture of Bonnie and me during one of our workshops. I found this image in my news feed. Notice the privacy icon. The “people profiles” icon indicates that it is not a public photo.
When you hover over the privacy icon, as seen below, a message appears with the actual privacy setting. In our example, Bonnie shared this with her friends and then once she tagged me, it opens up the visibility to my friends.
The privacy icon shows you how your friend intended to share the photo. It is up to you to decide if and how to share it. If there is any doubt – ASK! Ask your friend for permission to share the photo. Take it from Randi Zuckerberg — it’s the right thing to do.
How to set the privacy for your photos
When you upload a photo, you have the ability to set the privacy for the image. As seen in the screenshot below, click the privacy button to the left of the Post button and then select who should be able to view this photo. This now becomes your default privacy setting. Now every time you upload a photo, this privacy setting will be saved for any new photos from that point forward. When you need to change the privacy for a particular photo, use the privacy button to make the change. Note: this new setting now becomes the default for new photos from that point forward.
That’s how photo privacy works on Facebook. Hopefully, you’ll continue sharing great images, while at the same time maintaining a level of digital etiquette.
A word from author and former celebrity assistant Bonnie Low-Kramen
Before we go, I asked Bonnie — who certainly understands the importance of maintaining a level of privacy for yourself and those in the public eye — to share a few words with us.
Social media privacy is very tricky stuff for celebrity assistants who try their best to protect their employers. Everyone with a smartphone has the ability to be a member of the paparazzi and to instantly share unauthorized images on Twitter and Facebook. Be very careful though. The Internet is forever.
My advice for my students is, before you press the “Post” button, give careful thought to whether it will cause a problem. How would you feel if that photo ended up on the front page of the NY Times? If you are ok with that, post away!
Great advice! Thank you, Bonnie.
A Special Thanks
Special thanks to Bonnie Low-Kramen for generously allowing me to use her profile for this valuable teaching moment. If you would like more information about Social Media privacy and other topics for professional assistants and their high-profile employers, join Bonnie and me for one of our two-day intensives in a city near you. Visit www.bonnielowkramen.com/workshops or my website at www.redcapeco.com/classes.aspx.
With that, we leave you with 4 photo privacy tips that can be used when posting and sharing anything on your social networks.
4 Facebook Photo Privacy Tips
When posting photos, set the privacy setting for that post. The last privacy setting you used will be the default going forward.
Before sharing a photo, review the privacy settings set by the person who originally posted the photo
When in doubt, ask for permission to share a photo
The number 1 tip for Facebook privacy – Don’t post anything on the Internet that you wouldn’t want posted on the front page of the New York Times | {
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You are here
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination based on gender. Schools have an obligation to protect students, teachers, staff and other people within the school community. Schools also have an obligation to ensure that its programs and curriculum are free of bias and prejudice.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. It is one of several federal and state antidiscrimination laws that define and ensure equality in education. The regulations implementing Title IX prohibit discrimination, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on gender. Title IX states:
" No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Title IX requires that each school district have at least one person designated as the Title IX Coordinator.
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is under the U.S. Department of Education. | {
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Now in the market of smart phones, iPhone, also with other Apple devices are too hot, and most of the people think there is no other product could challenge the position of Apple iPhone. But actually it is not the case. Now that the Nokia N8 has shipped, The Nokia N8 is the first Symbian^3 smartphone released globally and big emphasis is placed on its imaging capabilities.Could it challenge iPhone 4 ? Below we would have a simple review and comparison to find out more features of the two hot devices.
Nokia N8: Hardware Impresses, but Software UnderwhelmsThe new Nokia N8 is the Finnish company’s first successful touchscreen phone. It’s neat, good-looking and has a battery that will take you safely from one day to the next. You’ll probably still want to recharge it overnight just to be sure, but our tests saw it last happily into a second and even a third day between charges. Plus, it’s a Nokia, and has a hugely familiar operating system that’s intuitive and simple, so there’s only the gentlest new-interface learning curve.In fact, the system has been greatly improved from earlier touchscreen versions so it’s less erratic and more accessible. The phone’s anodised aluminium casing is solid and businesslike, especially in the dark grey and silver colour options (lime green not so much). It’s no slouch in the features department: a class-leading 12-megapixel camera with Xenon flash means you can rely on it if your job entails taking site-visit photographs or high-quality video. Even better, thanks to a mini-HDMI socket and supplied cable you can painlessly play back the video or photographs on a full-size flatscreen TV, say – handy for presentations. And when you’re on the road, the excellent BBC iPlayer application will mean you can play back last night’s EastEnders on the hotel room TV.
Nokia has top class push-email features – though BlackBerry is still the gold standard here and many users will still prefer the convenience of a real keyboard instead of a touchscreen version. Overall, though, this is a powerful smartphone which will serve business users well.
iPhone 4G -The iPhone 4.0 is too hot today. Many refer to it as the Apple iPhone 4G, but that term is actually incorrect. Regardless, you are probably wondering if the smartphone is worth its value. First, lets consider the iPhone 4 cost. To upgrade from your current AT&T plan, the price is $199.99 for a 16 GB unit and $299.99 for a 32 GB unit. However, if you don’t currently have an AT&T contract, the price of an unlocked iPhone 4 without a contract is $599.99 and $699.99 for a 16 GB and 32 GB respectively. Ultimately, if you are upgrading, the price generally isn’t a huge concern. Now let’s take a look at some of the iPhone 4 features. Probably the most notable is the video calling, which allows you to video conference with a contact who also has the model. While this feature is definitely an example of superior technological innovation, not every smartphone consumer has an iPhone 4. The 960 x 640 resolution makes the interface of the model eye-catching. Videos can be recorded in HD, and the display of the model is probably better than that of your own personal computer. At the same time, don’t fail to realize that the iPhone 4 battery life is going to take a hit with the display of these distinguished graphics.
It is really wonderful that we can enjoy our movies and music with smart portable players anytime and anywhere. But you may also get confused with the problem: how to get movies and music into your favorite portable players?
Now I will introduce you an all in one solution. Only one program will help you solve all your questions, that is Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite. This program consists of two wonderful software: Nidesoft DVD Ripper and Nidesoft Video Converter. Nidesoft DVD Ripper is an excellent software with powerful functions that can convert DVD files to almost all popular video and audio formats including MP4, MP3, AVI,WMV, 3GP, AVC, AAC,etc. Nidesoft Video Converter can convert between almost all popular video and audio formats so that you can get movies and music from any format files. The quality is high and the speed is super fast. Also it is easy to use, only a few clicks were needed.
Then I will introduce you how to get movies and music from DVD and other video files with this powerful program.How to get movies and music from DVD?Step 1:you may open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper and load DVD movies first.a.Open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite you have just downloaded, click “DVD Ripper”, then you may get the software Nidesoft DVD Ripper.b.Insert the DVD disc into the DVD Drivec.Click the Open DVD button, browse your computer, find the DVD folder of the movie and open it.After add your movie, you can click any title or chapter to preview it in the preview window on the right. Then you can choose any titles or chapters you want to convert by click the check boxes before them. In this way, you can choose to convert DVD with the entire movie or just convert one or several chapters.Step 2:Merge:A regular DVD movie has several chapters, you can convert several chapters into one by click the blank box before merge into one file. Click the check box before any chapter you want and merge them into one file.Crop: you can cut off the black edges of the DVD movie to watch in full screen by click the crop button. A window will be opened and you can customize the size of screen by your will.Effect:Click the Effect button you can set special effect including gray effect and negative effect.You can also set the brightness, contrast, saturation and volume.Trim: as you have selected the clips to convert, you can trim any segment of the clips by clicking the trim button. You can move the slide below the screen or set the start time and end time to trim any segment.Step 3: you may customize the output video with its full functions.Audio Track: Select an audio track from the available audio tracks of your DVD movie.Subtitle: Common DVD movies have several subtitles such as English, Chinese, French, etc. You can choose one language you prefer or select “None” to delete subtitle.Profile: Click the button and show the list of profiles, you can select the profiles you want. For example, if you want to convert your DVD movies to your iPod video player, click the “iPod video MPEG-4 (*.mp4)”.Note: If you don’t know which format to convert, you may choose the profile according to your portable player. For example, if your portable player is PSP, choose the profile “PSP Video MPEG-4 (*mp4)”Step 4:now you can start your conversion.After the settings finished, you can just click the convert button to start the conversion. You can view the conversion speed at the bottom. The conversion will be completed in few minutes.
How to convert video or audio files to some formats which your player supports?You can free download the Nidesoft Video Converter from this link:http://www.nidesoft.com/video-converter.htmlFor example, you have downloaded a file from YouTube is in “flv” format and you may follow the way below to convert the flv files or other video files in your computer into your portable player.Step 1:open the Nidesoft Video Converter and load files.a.Open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite you have just downloaded, click “Video Converter”, you may get the software Nidesoft Video Converter.b.click "add Files" button and import the videos from your computer. Nidesoft video converter supports batch conversion so you can import multiple files at one time.c.EDIT the video with the function button:Crop, Effect, Trim, Options(1)Crop: Remove the undesired area or just convert part of the video area from your video file by dragging the frame around the video or setting the crop values: Top, Button, Left and Right.(2)Effect: You can select gray effect or Negative effect from Special Effect or tune the Brightness, Contrast, Saturation and Volume to get special effect movie.(3)Trim: To get your favorite segment by setting the “Start Time” and “End Time” or dragging the Start Time slider to set the start time and dragging the End Time slider to set the finish time.(4)Options:Set video Resolution, video Bitrate, Audio Channels, and Audio Bitrate to customize the output video's quality.Note: You could click the white box besides "Merge into one file" to merge your selected titles into one video before starting the conversion.d.Select the out file formatClick the “format” drop-down list to select the output format. If you don’t know what formats your device supports, you can just select the format according to the device name.e.Click the "Convert" button and start the conversion. Please wait a few minutes before the conversion succeeds!Ok, now you have got music from videos and next what you need to do is enjoying it. If you have any questions, please visit Nidesoft Studio websiteor send email to:[email protected]’s my pleasure to help you solve your problem.
Now in the market of smart phones, iPhone, also with other Apple devices are too hot, and most of the people think there is no other product could challenge the position of Apple iPhone. But actually it is not the case. Now Palm coms again, after cooperate with HP, we should believe that Palm actullly could provide more advanced smart devices for us. Today, I would introduce the new Palm Pre 2 and compare it with iPhone 4G to have a simple review, and I will recommend a power converter tools which could help you to enjoy DVD and Video with your smart phones.Palm Pre 2: HP just announced the update to webOS operating system -- webOS 2.0 -- along with a new phone, the HP Palm Pre 2 smartphone. The HP Palm Pre 2 is powered by 1 GHz processor, 16 GB of storage, 3.1 inch HVGA multitouch display with a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and Geo tagging, accelerometer, a proximity and ambientlight sensors, and up to 5.5 hours talk time and 350 hours battery life. HP Palm Pre 2 features a sleeker design that still gives you the perfect combination of a vivid touchscreen and slide-out keyboard. And now with a completely smooth glass display, Pre 2 is as durable as it is graceful. The HP Palm Pre 2 also features true multitasking so you can switch between applications and stack tasks. You can pause a game, tap an email notification, check your calendar, send email, then switch back to the game without closing anything. Now in webOS 2.0, your open applications are logically grouped together in card stacks, so managing multiple tasks is ridiculously easy.iPhone 4G - The iPhone 4.0 is too hot today. Many refer to it as the Apple iPhone 4G, but that term is actually incorrect. Regardless, you are probably wondering if the smartphone is worth its value. First, lets consider the iPhone 4 cost. To upgrade from your current AT&T plan, the price is $199.99 for a 16 GB unit and $299.99 for a 32 GB unit. However, if you don’t currently have an AT&T contract, the price of an unlocked iPhone 4 without a contract is $599.99 and $699.99 for a 16 GB and 32 GB respectively. Ultimately, if you are upgrading,the price generally isn’t a huge concern. Now let’s take a look at some of the iPhone 4 features. Probably the most notable is the video calling, which allows you to video conference with a contact who also has the model. While this feature is definitely an example of superior technological innovation, not every smartphone consumer has an iPhone 4. The 960 x 640 resolution makes the interface of the model eye-catching. Videos can be recorded in HD, and the display of the model is probably better than that of your own personal computer. At the same time, don’t fail to realizethat the iPhone 4 battery life is going to take a hit with the display of these distinguished graphics.It is really wonderful that we can enjoy our movies and music with smart portable players anytime and anywhere. But you may also get confused with the problem: how to get movies and music into your favorite portable players? Now I will introduce you an all in one solution. Only one program will help you solve all your questions, that is Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite. This program consistsof two wonderful software: Nidesoft DVD Ripper and Nidesoft Video Converter. Nidesoft DVD Ripper is an excellent software with powerful functions that can convert DVD files to almost all popular video and audio formats including MP4, MP3, AVI,WMV, 3GP, AVC, AAC,etc. Nidesoft Video Converter can convert between almost all popular video and audio formats so that you can get movies and music from any format files. The quality is high and the speed is super fast. Also it is easy to use, only a few clicks were needed.You can free download the Nidesoft DVD Ripper and Video Converter from this link:http://www.nidesoft.com/dvd-ripper.htmlThen I will introduce you how to get movies and music from DVD and other video files with this powerful program.How to get movies and music from DVD?Step 1:you may open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper and load DVD movies first.a.Open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite you have just downloaded, click “DVD Ripper”, then you may get the software Nidesoft DVD Ripper.b.Insert the DVD disc into the DVD Drivec.Click the Open DVD button, browse your computer, find the DVD folder of the movie and open it.After add your movie, you can click any title or chapter to preview it in the preview window on the right. Then you can choose any titles or chapters you want to convert by click the check boxesbefore them. In this way, you can choose to convert DVD with the entire movie or just convert one or several chapters.Step 2:Nidesoft DVD Ripper has powerful functions that enable you edit your video during conversion. You may use the functions below to make your perfect video.Merge: A regular DVD movie has several chapters, you can convert several chapters into one by click the blank box before merge into one file. Click the check boxbefore any chapter you want and merge them into one file.Crop: you can cut off the black edges of the DVD movie to watch in full screen by click the crop button. A window will be opened and you can customize the size of screen by yourwill.Effect: Click the Effect button you can set special effect including gray effect and negative effect.You can also set the brightness, contrast, saturation and volume.Trim: as you have selected the clips to convert, you can trim any segment of the clips by clicking the trim button. You can move the slide below the screen or set the start timeand end time to trim any segment.Step 3: you may customize the output video with its full functions.Audio Track: Select an audio track from the available audio tracks of your DVD movie.Subtitle:Common DVD movies have several subtitles such as English, Chinese, French, etc. You can choose one language you prefer or select “None” to delete subtitle.Profile: Click the button and show the list of profiles, you can select the profiles you want. For example, if you want to convert your DVD movies to your iPod video player,click the “iPod video MPEG-4 (*.mp4)”.Note: If you don’t know which format to convert, you may choose the profile according to your portable player. For example, if your portable player is PSP, choose the profile “PSP Video MPEG-4(*mp4)”Step 4: now you can start your conversion.After the settings finished, you can just click the convert button to start the conversion. You can view the conversion speed at the bottom. The conversion will be completed in few minutes.How to convert video or audio files to some formats which your player supports?You can free download the Nidesoft Video Converter from this link:http://www.nidesoft.com/video-converter.htmlFor example, you have downloaded a file from YouTube is in “flv” format and you may follow the way below to convert the flv files or other video files in your computer into your portable player.Step 1: open the Nidesoft Video Converter and load files.a.Open the Nidesoft DVD Ripper Suite you have just downloaded, click “Video Converter”, you may get the software Nidesoft Video Converter.b.click "add Files" button and import the videos from your computer. Nidesoft video converter supports batch conversion so you can import multiple files at one time.c. EDIT the video with the function button:Crop, Effect, Trim, Options(1) Crop: Remove the undesired area or just convert part of the video area from your video file by dragging the frame around the video or setting the crop values: Top, Button, Left and Right.(2) Effect: You can select gray effect or Negative effect from Special Effect or tune the Brightness, Contrast, Saturation and Volume to get special effect movie.(3) Trim: To get your favorite segment by setting the “Start Time” and “End Time” or dragging the Start Time slider to set the start time and dragging the End Time slider to set the finish time.(4)Options:Set video Resolution, video Bitrate, Audio Channels, and Audio Bitrate to customize the output video's quality.Note: You could click the white box besides "Merge into one file" to merge your selected titles into one video before starting the conversion.d. Select the out file formatClick the “format” drop-down list to select the output format. If you don’t know what formats your device supports, you can just select the format according to the device name.e. Click the "Convert" button and start the conversion. Please wait a few minutes before the conversion succeeds!Ok, now you have got music from videos and next what you need to do is enjoying it. If you have any questions, please visit Nidesoft Studio website or send email to: [email protected]. It’s my pleasure to help you solve your problem. | {
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Day 254 – Leap year day!
It's a frog...
This is one relaxed frog : )
Trying to figure something out for our extra day this year was more challenging than we first thought. Not only are there no really good traditions to celebrate, the most oft-talked about tradition is from the British Isles where women are “allowed” to ask men to marry them.
1908 postcard
I’d like to think we’ve come a long way in 104 years…
In the spirit of the relaxed frog we’re doing a small dinner in the leap frogs honor this leap year : )
It's not easy being green
Angie came to help out on this one! The frog green tablecloth is hers as is the very fine frog prince.
Grandma's frog
The frog was her grandma’s, it has outfits. Bow ties and vests for most holiday’s…seriously…
We added the crown : )
Lily pads!
To stand out in the field of green we started with white Fiesta, added one of the plates I found at Goodwill with the swirly and green edges and topped it with a shamrock Fiesta salad plate. The lily pads are images I printed and cut out, just placed on the plate. The frogs are garden figurines.
French ivory silverware and the napkins from the green rainbow day almost finish everything off. Angie brought her favorite mugs, special for today –
There's a frog in your cup...
There’s a frog in the bottom of the cup : )
Do something for yourself today, just because we have a bonus day shouldn’t mean we spend it running around, trying to get more stuff done. Do something that takes you to the frog’s state at the top of this post. | {
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Down the street is StubRicks who has the best steaks in Fullerton. Stage sells canned drinks and candy bars at the entrance. But if you want to dine and theater, several good restaurants down the street at commonwealth and harbor. | {
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05/07/2014
I love a bit of mud play, there is SO much scope for learning and enjoyment. Last year I did a post about creating your own mud kitchen - you can find it here. I am pleased to report that it is still going strong a year on!
This week I have great pleasure in offering up the opportunity to win a completely bespoke mud table for your setting.
The table has been designed by Oliver from Cool Canvas just for ABC Does so the lucky winner will be the only one to have one like it!
This is Olivers initial sketch
It will look something like this when it is finished. Who wouldn't want one of these?
If you are the lucky winner, then Oliver will make the table and deliver it to your setting.
If you want to see more of Oliver's brilliant outdoor provision then have a look at his Cool Canvas website here.
To stand a chance of winning the Mud Table then all you have to do is...
28/06/2014
I love the term ‘provocations for learning’, as I think that it encapsulates what our Continuous Provision and indeed our wider environment both indoors and out should be about.
How are we actually prompting children to want to learn? Have we created a space that is interesting? Do we have resources that are intriguing and worth taking a detour from your route to the outside area to have a look at, to investigate?
Although we want our children to feel happy and secure within the provision that we create for them we don’t want it to become so familiar that they stop noticing it.
We want them to be independent and able to access resources for their learning and play, but we want those resources to be interesting enough for them to want to pick up and use time and time again.
My fear is that in some settings that the resourcing for Continuous Provision has become too uniform, too bland and almost a clinical. When I first started teaching a Reception classroom had tables, chairs and draws in it – Oh, and the occasional book case on the carpet. That was it. Then with the introduction of the Foundation Stage came the concept of open shelving, at child height, where children could self select from the bounteous resources that had hitherto been locked in the stock cupboard!
With this welcome revolution came the wide bottomed moulded plastic pot in three sizes and three colours with a matching spade, bucket and sand wheel. All of which you could display upon your lovely new blond wood shelves. These were giddy times indeed! The problem is, although the organisation and uniformity is appealing - everything begins to look the same.
Settings gained an awful lot in using furniture that promoted all of the elements of independence and self selection, often resulting in children independently self selecting everything on the shelves and making a nice pile with it in the middle of the carpet!
What I think we have lost is some of the thrill and interest that children get from looking, touching, feeling interesting and often unfamiliar objects.
We need resources that make children think. To give them a unique twist on a familiar experience.
Take this water area for example...
This has been created as a permanent feature. In these photographs it has been leveled around ‘pouring’ based on the skills of the children who are going to be using it.
All of these items are second hand, mostly car boot or online purchases. All will drip, drop and pour to some degree – so nothing new there, but what they do is to challenge children’s thinking and provoke their learning.
The metal reflects the light and gives a different feel to plastic when filled with warm or cold water. The kettles vary in size, weight and capacity to challenge children’s knowledge and problem solving skills.
Some of the spouts are fat and wide, some are long and thin. There are two glass teapots that enable the children to see the movement of the water and also anticipate the moment when it will finally flow out of the spout.
There are metal scoops with long handles that make gathering water more challenging as well as kettles with side handles that use a whole different set of muscles to enable pouring.
There are taps that need to be manipulated and an urn and a samovar that need to be filled.
The skill that is being taught has been considered. The different levels of attainment have been accommodated, but the icing on the cake is the level of provocation – just through the resourcing.
In this sand area some of the very familiar plastic resources have been replaced with interesting alternatives that offer a whole new dimension to the experience.
In this Creative space I have used lots of interesting resources that children will want to look at and touch.
Everything from peacock feathers, sabre toothed tigers skulls to a small wooden man peeping through a stone.
I have put my little man under a plastic cloche from the garden centre. I tend to find that if you put anything under a cloche it makes it immediately ultimately more interesting. If you think that little fingers might not be able to resist having a quick poke about under the cloche, then you can always double sided tape it to your surface – or run mild electric current through it – whichever!
(The little man and the book behind him are all by author and artist Tracy Gallup. She has a series of really lovely little picture books all based on her sculptures posed around natural objects. They are well worth a look.)
A provocation can be something as simple as this little weather house barometer, tucked away on a shelf. Wherever I have used it the children have been fascinated by who is coming out of the house today and why.
Away from your shelving, you can also create individual provocations based around children’s interests or themes that you want to introduce.
I created these in wooden crates for texture, linking this one to the story of the Gruffalo, enhancing it with story stones and various open ended small world items.
This one is full of all things bear and brown. The camera encourages the children to look at all of the items in their box in a different way.
There is no end to the sort of thing that you can create. Just ask yourself the question ‘Does my environment provoke interest and therefore learning?’ If the answer is 'no', then get yourself to a jumble sale or car boot…fast! Organisation and order are brilliant for helping Early Years children to develop a sense of independence - and also to keep your environment running smoothly. But, as organised as your shelves are, if you aren't interested on what is on them then your children definitely won't be.
Obviously, everything you provide for children’s use should be safe and risk assessed before they use it!
Provocations for learning don’t have to be just restricted to areas of learning, you can also create smaller ‘Provocation Stations’ throughout your setting, both indoors and out. If you have fun with it, so will they!
Now for the winners of this weeks Giveaway.
The four LUCKY winners of a free place at an ABC Does Conference are...
Sarah Franklin
Amy Armstrong
Lesley Smith
Karen Botham
Well done to you 'lucky' four! Could you please email the lovely Fee at [email protected] and let her know which conference you would like to attend and she will sort you out.
Hope to see some of the rest of you at an ABC Does conference in the near future!
Alistair enjoyed a successful 10 year career as the Head Teacher of three-form entry Infant School and Early Years Unit in Cheshire. Alongside his headship he established a successful consultancy career specialising in the education of children in the Early Years. Find out more information about Alistair's consultancy portfolio at abcdoes.com | {
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Spotify to SoundCloud: Streaming Music Services Made Simple
Guest Writer27 June 2017
By Alyssa Haddad
Not long ago, the best way to bring your favorite tunes on the go was to commit to one CD, pop it into a player, and if you were lucky, hope the disc wouldn't skip. Even just a couple years ago, you had to actively put the songs you wanted to hear on your device in advance. Music streaming services changed all of that, letting you pick a tune at will, at any time, anywhere. But with so many options available, which one gives listeners the most bang for their buck for their individual needs and taste? Let's find out.
Spotify
There's no question that when it comes to music streaming services, Spotify is the most well known. And for good reason, for $9.99 a month—or $4.99 with a student discount—users have access to over 30 million songs, curated playlists based on your music taste, and featured playlists of popular artists and genres. It's ad-free and unlimited, so even the most indecisive listeners can find a song—or podcast—that speaks to them. Spotify is an especially great option for families. For $14.99, users can add up to six people to their account. Spotify makes it easy to discover new songs, your favorite old jams, and playlists for holidays and special occasions, making it an incredibly user-friendly service.
Spotify Vs. Tidal Vs. Apple Music: Which one is right for you?
Apple Music
Apple Music is compatible with Androids, but is probably your best bet for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. While it offers the same pricing options and song capacity, Apple Music is a great option for people with Apple products and an iCloud, as any music uploaded to your Cloud lives on in your Apple Music library. The service is compatible with Apple Watches—good for those who spend a lot of time at the gym or traveling. Apple Music is also sometimes the first service where artists will release their new music, along with Beats1, a 24/7 music radio station available exclusively on the service. Apple currently has an offer where the first three months are free, after that individual users pay $9.99 a month, families of six can opt in for $14.99 a month, and students can sign up for just $4.99 a month.
Google Play Music
While Google Play is similar to it's competitors in song selection, service and pricing, it sets itself apart from other streaming services because it is compatible with YouTube Red, which makes it easy to add even more music, but also videos. Google Play Music boasts an incredible amount of playlists, but is a little less organized than Spotify and Apple. However, Google Play offers curated playlists structured by a feeling, making it easy to boost your mood or quiet down before bed. You can listen to radio stations for free on Google Play, but accounts are priced similarly to Apple Music: $9.99 a month for single users, $14.99 a month for families of six. There is no student pricing.
If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you almost have to consider Amazon Music.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music is the best option for die-hard Amazon fans. With a Prime membership, users already have two million songs free at their fingertips, but if you want access to their collection of tens of millions songs, users can shell out an extra $7.99 a month – $9.99 if you don't have Prime. Like Spotify, Apple, and Google, users can listen to their favorite songs and new releases, along with a family plan. But, Amazon Music pairs with the Amazon Echo, making it perfect for listening around the house.
Tidal
Owned by Jay Z, Tidal pays their artists the highest royalties over any other streaming service. Similarly to the other options, Tidal offers ad-free, unlimited listening and millions of songs for $9.99 a month. However, Tidal is the streaming service with the most exclusive songs and music videos, including Beyoncé's Lemonade, which can't be found on any other service. There are multiple pricing plans on Tidal. There is a 30-day free trial, and a six month offer currently online for new Sprint customers granting them six months free. After that individuals pay $9.99 a month, or $8.49 a month for six months pre-paid for a regular account, or $19.99 a month for a high-fidelity sound quality version, or $16.99 a month for six months pre-paid. Family plans start at $14.99 a month for up to five members, students can pay as low at $4.99 a month, and there's also a military subscription which starts at $5.99 a month.
Those looking for music not charting on a Top 10 might like SoundCloud.
SoundCloud
For listeners who like being the first to know about new artists and song trends, SoundCloud is a good option. It's the go-to service for independent artists, unofficial tracks and remixes from popular musicians, and over 125 million songs. Users can get it for free, but for offline and ad-free listening, there's a $9.99 option (and a 30-day free trial), as well as a half-priced option that includes previews and less songs.
Essentially, all of these music streaming services boast similar features, songs and variety, but it's important to think about what your individual tastes and preferences are when choosing a service. By figuring out what you'll actually use, you could end up with a happier music library. | {
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The word "albedo" refers to the amount of light that a surface reflects. When it reflects different colors by differing amounts, we get various colors.
Fresh snow has an albedo of about 0.7, indicating that it reflects about 70% of the light it receives. Carbon black reflects only about 3% light, and that is close to a lower limit for flat surfaces. Special "black body" measurements are made by looking at the opening of dark cavities, like the mouth of a cave is darker than any surface.
Of the planets, Venus is the clear winner in the albedo sweepstakes, with a 76% reflectivity. Despite what it might seem on a night with a full moon, Luna is quite dark, with an average albedo of only 0.07, close to that of Mercury, which is easily the darkest planet. There are a number of objects even darker still, mostly carbonaceous chondrite asteroids, or planetary moons which may be captured asteroids, like Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars. It's not easy to measure the reflectivity of very dark objects, but the carbonaceous bodies have albedos as low as 0.04.
ALBEDO OF VARIOUS BODIES
MERCURY: 0.06
VENUS: 0.76
EARTH: 0.29
LUNA: 0.07
MARS: 0.16
PHOBOS: 0.05
DEIMOS: 0.05
ASTEROIDS: (0.04-0.5)
JUPITER: 0.34
IO: 0.6
EUROPA: 0.65
GANYMEDE: 0.45
CALLISTO: 0.18
SATURN: 0.33
MIMAS : 0.7
ENCLADUS: >1
TETHYS: 0.8
DIONE: 0.5
RHEA: 0.6
TITAN: 0.2
IAPETUS (leading side): 0.05
(trailing side): 0.5
URANUS: 0.34-0.5
MIRANDA: 0.34
ARIEL: 0.4
UMBRIEL: 0.19
TITANIA: 0.28
OBERON: 0.24
NEPTUNE: 0.34-0.5
TRITON: 0.7-0.9
PLUTO/CHARON: 0.5
Although the 0.76 albedo of Venus is very bright, it's still not the most reflective body in the solar system. That honor belongs to Enceladus, the second large moon of Saturn, which has an "visible geometric albedo of greater than 1 (some observations make it as high as 1.4).
Like another moon of Saturn, Mimas, Enceladus is mostly water, with perhaps as much as 40 percent of the mass being silicate, including a small rocky core. The interior temperature is quite warm for an icy moon, perhaps due to tidal forcing from Dione, which is much denser, and has a resonant orbital period twice that of Enceladus.
It's pretty obvious that the high albedo of Enceladus is due to anisotropic backscattering, light being reflected back towards it origin preferentially. Since the light comes from the Sun, and since, from Enceladus' point of view, the Earth is always near the Sun, the Earth always gets more light reflected from Enceladus. Even so, the ice on Enceladus' surface must be very clean, although there have been some suggestions (based on spectroscopy) that there is some ammonia mixed in with it. But there is active vulcanism seen on Enceladus, which suggests that the surface is undergoing constant refreshing.
The surface of Enceladus shows evidence of an active geological history. There are six types of terrain ranging from heavily cratered plains to craterless grooved terrain that is similar to the sulci of Ganymede. The sulci terrain features are on the trailing hemisphere of Enceladus, leading to the suggestion that they have been protected from bombardment by the bulk of the moon as it encountered debris in its synchronous orbit.
Saturn's E ring shows a brightness peak along the orbit of Enceladus, and may consist mainly of ice crystals which would escape from the weak gravity of Enceladus when meteors impact the surface or when some other factor causes water to outgas from the interior. If this is true, then the E ring is similar in origin to the "plasma torus" of Io, another moon that is warmed by tidal forcing.
Enceladus is the second classical moon of Saturn, named by Sir John Hershel after a giant in Greek mythology who figured in a revolt against the gods. Son of Tartarus and Gaea, Enceladus had a hundred arms and was so strong that Athene was forced to bury him beneath Mt. Aetna, and his occasional movements were held to be the source of the volcanic earth tremors that move Sicily. The surface features of Enceladus are by convention named after characters in Sir Richard Burton's "The Thousand Nights and a Night." | {
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The Manitoba government has selected a mix of organizations to handle retail sales of recreational pot when it is legalized across Canada later this year, including licensed producers, a medical clinic operator and First Nations communities.
The province said Friday it conditionally accepted a proposal from a joint venture between licensed producers Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp.
It also accepted a proposal from Hiku Brands subsidiary Tokyo Smoke, which already has non-dispensary retail stores in Ontario and Alberta.
Manitoba also selected National Access Cannabis, which is expected to adapt its medical clinic model to cater to the province’s retail cannabis market. Licensed medical marijuana producer Tilray said Friday it had signed a letter of intent with National Access Cannabis to supply the Manitoba market.
The province also chose a proposal from a new corporation comprised of the Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in Ontario, Barrie-based MediPharm Labs, Toronto-based Avana Canada Inc. and Colorado-based Native Roots Dispensary.
The approvals are conditional on completing definitive agreements and other documentation.
“In the coming weeks, the Manitoba government will continue to work with these organizations on the next stages of due diligence including the number and location of retail stores each proponent will be permitted to operate under provincial licensing arrangements,” the province said in a statement.
More companies are likely to be named at a later date, said Russell Stanley, special situations analyst with Echelon Wealth Partners.
“The Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade noted that Manitoba wants a highly competitive retail environment, which we interpret to mean that additional retail licenses will be issued at some point,” he said in a note to clients.
Manitoba is one of several provinces that are allowing for private retailers to handle sales of recreational cannabis, while provinces such as Ontario have tasked government-run liquor boards to handle distribution of the drug.
The Manitoba government said it is confident that cannabis retail locations will be operating as early as July 2.
However, federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said Thursday that legalization by July is unlikely, as senators have struck a deal to hold a final vote on the legislation on June 7.
Provincial and territorial governments are expected to need eight to 12 weeks following royal assent to prepare for retail sales, she noted, meaning legal pot won’t be available until at least early August. | {
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New Email for Students
SharkMail
Office 365 TransitionFrequently Asked Questions
This summer, NSU student and alumni email will be transitioned from Microsoft Live@edu to the Microsoft Office 365 platform, providing each account with additional email space, enhanced real time collaboration tools, and the ability to share and edit documents from any desktop PC, Mac or mobile device. Please see below for answers to the most common questions regarding this migration.
What is Office 365?
Office 365 is a bundled suite of products services from Microsoft that includes many online tools and software programs for users as well as streamlined administration tools for behind-the-scenes Univeristy account management. This platform enables additional account storage space and increased vendor support from Microsoft.
Who will be affected?
All NSU student and alumni accounts will be transitioned to the Office 365 platform from Live@edu.
When is the transition happening?
Student and alumni accounts will be migrating to Office 365 beginning June 28, 2013. The transition is expected to last 72 hours and there will be access to Live@edu email with minimal disruption during the transition period.
Will I still have email access during the transition?
Yes. Students should have full access to email during the 72 hour transition with minimal interruptions.
Why is NSU transitioning to Office 365?
This past January, Microsoft released Office 365 and mandated that all Live@edu student accounts would be transitioned to the new platform by June 30, 2013.
What are the benefits of migrating to Office 365?
After the migration to Office 365, NSU users will enjoy:
* Larger Mailboxes: Mailbox capacity will be increased to 25GB;
* Continuing access: to the latest versions of Office Web Apps and other Microsoft software;
* Password Synchronization:
Office 365 passwords will be synchronized with SharkLink and other NSU
services. When a password is changed in Office 365, it will update to
Sharklink, Blackboard and all other NSU services.
Will I still access my email the same way?
Following the transition, students will sign in directly to the Microsoft Outlook Web App via NSU SharkMail (sharkmail.nova.edu) to view and send email. The SharkLink email icon on the University website will also link directly to the appropriate new login.
Will my existing password still work with the new system?
When migration occurs, you will still use your Live@edu password to log into the new Office 365 platform. If you’ve forgotten your Live@edu password, the NSU Help Desk will be available to assist in the transition.
Do I need to do anything to be ready for Office 365?
No. In most cases, personal devices that were compatible with Live@edu will continue to be able to run all Office 365 apps. Those wishing to verify that their personal devices meet Microsoft’s minimum requirements can follow the checklist provided on Microsoft's site regarding upgrading to Office 365 platform.
What will happen to my existing Live@edu SkyDrive files?
Live@edu SkyDrive services will remain available at http://skydrive.live.com and will be accessible with the same credentials, however, SkyDrive files will not be moved to the new Office 365 accounts. Students will need to make their own arrangements to download, email or otherwise backup their existing SkyDrive documents.
How long will my Live@edu SkyDrive files be accessible?
Following the transition, Microsoft will be the sole administer for all Live@edu and SkyDrive accounts. As a result, NSU will not be able to guarantee the longevity of storage or help with utilities such as password management.
What if I need help with my Live@edu SkyDrive after the migration?
Following the transition, Microsoft will be the sole administer for all Live@edu and SkyDrive accounts and all administration and service needs will have to go through Microsoft. Live@edu SkyDrive password reset and administration is offered by Microsoft on their self-service portal at http://www.outlook.com
Who do I contact with other questions about the migration from Live@edu to Office 365?
Contact Help Desk:
SharkLink
SharkLink is NSU's online portal. With a single username and password, students, employees, and alumni can easily access many online university applications including NSU email, Web calendars, online groups, WebSTAR, and WebCT. | {
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Thursday, January 25, 2018
Saint Anatole I of Optina (+ 1894)
St. Anatole I of Optina (Feast Day - January 25)
Saint Anatole (Zertsalov) was born in the village of Bobolya on March 24, 1824. His father, Moses Kopev, was a deacon, and his mother’s name was Anna. The parents were exceptionally devout Christians who hoped that their children would enter the monastic life.
Their only son Alexis was taught to read from the age of five. He was studied at the Saint Boris Theological Seminary, then later he entered the seminary at Kaluga. When he was fourteen, Alexis was stricken with a fever which kept him out of school for a year.
From a very early age, Alexis wanted to become a monk. He even thought about going to the Roslavl forests to live with the hermits at that place. His plans were not fulfilled, however, because a thunderstorm prevented him from continuing on his way. He decided to turn back, regarding the storm as a sign that God did not wish him to proceed on his journey.
The young man returned to seminary, where he was renamed Alexis M. Zertsalov. Sometimes students at Russian seminaries were given new names, as was the case with Saint Innocent Veniaminov (March 31).
After being healed of tuberculosis, he arrived at Optina Monastery with his mother. Saint Macarius (September 7) praised her for setting her son on such a good path. The Elder took Alexis under his wing, instructing him in the Jesus Prayer, and in the principles of the spiritual life. When Father Macarius was too busy, he blessed Alexis to seek advice from Father Ambrose or Father Anthony.
Alexis fulfilled various obediences in the monastery, beginning in the kitchen. He did not get much sleep, and then only on the wood pile. He was frequently transferred from cell to cell, and he experienced many sorrows and trials. These difficulties taught him the virtues of humility and patience.
Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov (April 30) once visited Optina hoping to meet and converse with monks experienced in the spiritual life, and was referred to Father Anatole, who was then a deacon. The bishop was impressed with Father Anatole, and related the details of their conversation to Father Macarius. The Elder began to beat him with his staff, and ordered him out of the room. When someone asked why he had been so harsh, Father Macarius said, “Why shouldn’t I scold him? It’s easy to become proud.”
After Father Macarius reposed in 1860, Father Anatole became very close to Father Ambrose. When Father Ambrose noticed that Father Anatole was mature enough to guide others, he began to train him for this service, just as Father Macarius had trained him.
Father Anatole was ordained to the priesthood in 1870. On August 3, 1871 he was assigned as Superior of the Spassky-Orlov Monastery, and raised to the rank of archimandrite. Father Anatole did not wish to leave Optina, and Father Ambrose made a formal request to have him assigned as his assistant, and so the appointment was made. Father Anatole was made Superior of the Skete in 1874, at the urging of Father Ambrose. Father Anatole accepted these duties out of obedience to his Elder, and fulfilled them to the best of his ability. Even in his new position, Father Anatole continued to respect and obey Father Ambrose.
Father Ambrose’s cell was to the right of the doors to the Skete, while that of Father Anatole was to the left. Visitors to one often went to see the other, as well. In addition to receiving visitors, Father Anatole maintained a correspondence with many people who relied on his advice.
Father Ambrose, because of his illness, relied greatly on Father Anatole in ordering life at the Shamordino Convent. He told the nuns that he rarely visited them because of his confidence in Father Anatole. Father Ambrose called him a great practitioner of the Jesus Prayer, who had received grace and the gift of unceasing prayer. Only one in a thousand received such grace, he informed the nuns.
Near the end of his life, Father Anatole had attained the same spiritual wisdom, discernment, and clairvoyance possessed by Father Macarius and Father Ambrose. He saw the secrets of the human soul, and was able to foretell future events.
After Father Ambrose’s repose in 1891, the bishop (who did not approve of Father Ambrose) forbade Father Anatole to visit Shamordino. This caused him deep sorrow, which affected his health. He traveled to Saint Petersburg in 1892 and met with Saint John of Kronstadt (December 20). On October 10, the anniversary of Father Ambrose’s death, they served together. Doctors in the capital examined him and found that his heart and lungs were not good.
Father Anatole’s health grew worse during 1893, and on October 10, he was secretly tonsured into the Great Schema.
Saint Anatole fell asleep in the Lord on January 25, 1894, and was buried near his beloved instructors Saint Ambrose and Saint Macarius.
The Moscow Patriarchate authorized local veneration of the Optina Elders on June 13,1996. The work of uncovering the relics of Saints Leonid, Macarius, Hilarion, Ambrose, Anatole I, Barsanuphius and Anatole II began on June 24/July 7, 1998 and was concluded the next day. However, because of the church Feasts (Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, etc.) associated with the actual dates of the uncovering of the relics, Patriarch Alexey II designated June 27/July 10 as the date for commemorating this event. The relics of the holy Elders now rest in the new church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
The Optina Elders were glorified by the Moscow Patriarchate for universal veneration on August 7, 2000. | {
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Re-entering civilization in Lyon
After leaving the relaxed, inexpensive, and boring food, environment of Morocco, we arrived in Lyon, France. Immediately we had two shocks.
To begin with, it was COLD. Thinking that with Lyon being a fairly good-sized airport we wouldn’t have to brave outdoor temperatures to deplane, my coat was still in my suitcase, which was in the plane’s belly. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and I had the wonderful experience of running across the tarmac and down the ramp before I froze.
Getting from the airport to our apartment would normally have been a bit less economically painful, but we were arriving quite late at night, so a taxi was our only decent option. Unfortunately, Lyon taxi rates are extortionary, and we ended up having to pay a whopping $86 for the 20-km ride. There was plenty of silent swearing going on in my head.
Our AirBNB hosts, however, were outstanding, and that helped quite a bit. It was about 11 PM by the time we arrived at their apartment. They helped us get settled in and then offered to make us food. While they cooked, we talked about Morocco. “So, after three months there, my big three needs are cheese, bacon, and booze,” I explained.
They reached inside their fridge and pulled out some cheese as well as some saucisson (kind of like salami). They offered me a beer as well, but I had already prepared for the booze portion of my needs by purchasing a hefty-sized bottle of Absolut apple & ginger vodka in the duty-free shop in Agadir.
Things were looking better already.
The next day we were ready to explore. I had promised Tigger we would go to McDonald’s when we got to France, so that was our first stop. After lunch we continued to check out the town, and Tigger had fun giving locals a near heart attack as we crossed one of the bridges. He thought it would be fun to hop up and walk along the edge of the stone and cement structure.
A couple of people gasped, especially when he began skipping and running along the edge since, well, Tigger doesn’t “walk” unless he’s exhausted.
Once again I forced down my initial paternal/maternal instinct to order him back onto the sidewalk where life is safe and more predictable. I was sure someone was going to call the police, though.
We enjoyed checking out the basilica on top of the hill looking over the city and headed home. The cold was getting to us a bit by then, and we had some important things that needed to be done—stopping at the supermarket and stocking up on bacon and cheese. And bread. That’s important, too.
I felt like a kid in a candy shop as we walked around the grocery store. So many choices! The bread selection alone, and we’re not talking the bagged stuff, was huge. There were at least 4 aisles with cheese and 3 with cured meats. Oh how I have always loved France!
Tigger rolled his eyes as I expressed my excitement at discovering they had a bread cutting machine. Some of the locals looked at me with slight concern on their faces as I giddily watched the machine slice our brand new loaf of wonderful, crusty bread into thick slices that would soon be adorned by several varieties of cheese.
I wisely restrained myself from clapping at this technological wonder.
I did later lose all semblance of self-respect (and scare some people in the process). When I spotted the beautiful cans of Guinness Draught, also known as Nectar of the Gods, I gasped audibly and froze in the middle of the aisle. People turned their heads in shock and quickly vacated my immediate area as I explained my excitement to my son.
Surprisingly, he didn’t feel the need to pretend he didn’t know me.
With groceries in hand, we returned to the apartment to prepare and consume our feast while enjoying another wonderful gift of being in France—high-speed WiFi.
Funny you mention McDonalds and France. . . the only time on our RTW that we went to one was in Paris. They were featuring something called a “McBaguette” and Michael just had to try it. Damn if it wasn’t pretty good
I had a very similar experience after leaving Morocco and arriving in Spain. The cheese! The pork! The wine! I cried and am nearly crying again now remembering my overwhelming salty, porky, boozy emotions.
The contrast between Morocco and France would have sent me to the hospital from excessive joy or simply food-caused cardiovascular issues.Lauren, Ephemerratic recently posted..Haberdashery: Better than head-smashery
I can’t believe you ate at McDonalds, in France of all places! LOL Still, I remember what you said about Moroccan food, so I can imagine Tigger looking for some familiar burger for a change.Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..The Most Romantic Places in Europe | {
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Songs About California (feat Cary Ann Hearst)
You called yesterday in the middle of the night
It was a piss-poor reception for what I put on the line
Give me anything, whatever you can spare
Pre-Chorus:
I’ll grant your reprieve
I know you let me down easy but it sure as hell felt hard to me
And bring on the grief
And if I can’t ‘right’ the ‘wrong’ maybe if I write you a song you’ll believe
Chorus:
But there’s too many songs about California
And everyone dies drunk in Spain
I’m gonna save up some money and buy a radio in London
‘Cause the ones here all sound the same
When every song might as well be your name
Verse #2:
Do you think this is easy? Do you think I didn’t try? I wish you could feel how it kills me that I can’t let you die I’d give anything for the last song you sing to be in my ear
Your last words felt like daggers ‘cause I know that you mean them You called me ‘short-sighted,’ and a ‘creature of convenience’ You called me everything, then you never called again
Pre-Chorus #2:
Would you grant me reprieve? You said I “let you down easy” but it sure as hell felt hard to me And bring on the grief I can’t ‘right’ the ‘wrong’ so don’t go writing sad songs about me
Verse #3:
And if the heartache slips in, I call for three shots of whiskey
One for the brothers I love and a girl who don’t miss me
And for the wedding ring that I’ll never see you wear
Between A Rock & A Heartache
Who’s taking the fall if I’m pushing the blame?
I strangled all of my hope with a six-string faith
Who’s calling the shots if the gods are away?
I want their gilded frowns to finally smile on me
Sometimes it feels good wanting something so bad
Fate came calling but she never called back
I believe in things sometimes that don’t believe in me
CHORUS:
There’s a thin line between the whispers and the wars we wage
And the lesser of two evils can haunt you just the same
There’s a thin line that we cross sometimes
When we’re stuck between a rock and heartache
VERSE 2:
Who’s the voice of reason if I’m biting my tongue?
I’m like a widow’s words the day the letter comes
“The bitter victim is the irony” said the false prophet to the corner store thief
He said “I believe in you sometimes, you should believe in me.” | {
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Tag: Gossips
Stay away from “STILL PEOPLE” who do not contribute to your growth and development as a person. It is better to have ONE good friend that helps your life improve than to be surrounded by a group of friends who have no idea who you really are or what you actually want out of life. – Read More …
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The 10-hour marathon speech by Rand Paul, the freshman Kentucky Republican senator, may not technically be considered a filibuster, but it served an important purpose, nonetheless, as the upper chamber seeks to close out its business before going into a week-long Memorial Day recess.
The Senate was in the midst of a debate over the proposed Trade Promotion Authority on Wednesday when, at 1:18 PM, Paul rose from his desk and began speaking against the Patriot Act, executive overreach, and the National Security Agency.
This was Paul’s second filibuster, loosely speaking, since he took office. In February 2013, the Kentucky Republican, for nearly 13 hours, filibustered the nomination of John Brennan to serve as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency over the Obama administration’s use of drones to target American citizens.
“There comes to a time in the history of nations when fear and complacency allow power to accumulate and liberty and privacy to suffer. That time is now,” Paul declared on Wednesday. “And I will not let the Patriot Act, the most un-patriotic of acts, go unchallenged.”
Paul was joined by 10 of his colleagues, including Republican Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Senator Ron Wyden and Joe Manchin, both of whom are Democrats.
Whether Paul’s latest marathon can be considered a filibuster is irrelevant. There was a method to his madness. Some, such as Reason’s Scott Shackford, have speculated that Paul and Wyden, both vigorous opponents of the Patriot Act, hope to include amendments to make the USA Freedom Act, which has already passed the House of Representatives, a stronger bill.
Paul did state that he plans to propose amendments to the bill, which is backed by Cruz and Lee, to ensure that the privacy of Americans is protected. But Wednesday’s speech may have served another purpose.
Section 215 of the Patriot Act is set to expire at the end of May, the Senate may not have enough time on the clock to pass what is expected to be a very close vote for reauthorization. Rather than the nearly six year extension of the Patriot Act that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the senior senator from Kentucky, may be forced to settle for a short-term reauthorization to avoid sunset of the controversial provision. Paul, who opposes the USA Freedom Act without stronger provisions, would prefer to run out the clock on the provision, letting it expire.
The situation is fluid because McConnell has floated keeping the Senate in session through the Memorial Day weekend to strong-arm reauthorization, but most observers have speculated that there are not the votes to bypass a filibuster, with many members of both parties expressing a desire for reform.
Whether Section 215 survives is fluid at the moment, but Paul’s speech has already had a huge impact. The Department of Justice issued a statement on the status of the NSA’s illegal surveillance program.
“After May 22, 2015,” the release said as reported by the Associated Press, “the National Security Agency will need to begin taking steps to wind down the bulk telephone metadata program in anticipation of a possible sunset in order to ensure that it does not engage in any unauthorized collection or use of the metadata.”
It may be too early to declare victory, but it’s certainly within reach.
Supporters of the NSA’s domestic spying programs say that a vast data collection effort is needed more than ever to prevent terrorist attacks in the United States, but they are unable to point to any specific example of foiled terrorist plots through these unconstitutional, privacy-violating programs.
In June 2013, Gen. Keith Alexander, then the Director of the NSA, claimed that the spying programs prevented “potential terrorist events over 50 times since 9/11.” Testifying before a Senate committee in October of the same year, Alexander backtracked after Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) grilled him for misleading the American public.
“There is no evidence that [bulk] phone records collection helped to thwart dozens or even several terrorist plots,” said Leahy. “These weren’t all plots and they weren’t all foiled. Would you agree with that, yes or no?” he asked the NSA chief.
Alexander, realizing he had been put on the spot for peddling misinformation, simply replied, “Yes.”
Of course Alexander was more honest than his colleague, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who lied about the NSA domestic surveillance program in a March 2013 Senate hearing. He was accused of perjury, although the allegation went nowhere in a Congress filled with pro-surveillance members.
The attack on Sunday evening in Garland, Texas at the “Draw Muhammad” event hosted by an anti-Islam organization will undoubtedly be used as a reason to reauthorize a soon-to-expire provision, Section 215, of the USA PATRIOT Act by which the federal government claims the vast authority to spy on Americans.
But such claims should be met with a large dose of skepticism. One of the suspects involved in the attack had already come across the FBI’s radar. The United States’ top law enforcement agency began investigating him in 2006 on the suspicion that he wanted to join a terrorist group in Somalia.
The alleged attackers in Garland are precisely are the needle for which the federal government claims that it needs the haystack, and intelligence and law enforcement officials failed to prevent what could have been a mass murder.
The NSA’s resources are spread too thin. Collecting the phone calls of virtually every American – the proverbial “haystack” – even if the people on the call are not suspected of any terrorist involvement, not only betrays the constitutionally protected rights defined by the Fourth Amendment, but also makes Americans less safe because intelligence agencies may not be able to connect the dots efficiently and effectively.
Rather than using the Garland attack as tool to further reauthorization of Section 215, which expires on June 1, lawmakers should seriously reexamine the approach to intelligence, requiring agencies like the NSA to focus on actual terrorism suspects as opposed to innocent Americans calling their families and friends.
QUESTION: How do libertarians feel about this Ayn Rand statement: “[The Native Americans] didn’t have any rights to the land and there was no reason for anyone to grant them rights which they had not conceived and were not using… [W]hat was it that they were fighting for, if they opposed white men on this continent? For their wish to continue a primitive existence. Their right to keep part of the earth untouched, unused, and not even as property, but just keep everybody out, so that you can live practically like an animal, or maybe a few caves above it…. Any white person who could bring the element of civilization had the right to take over this country.”
MY SHORT ANSWER: I’ve never seen this comment before; thanks for sharing! Most libertarians — myself included — would disagree with it.
Native Americans did conceive of, and recognize, property rights for scarce resources, such as fishing rights in rivers, which were generally held and passed down in families. Land property wasn’t usually scarce; property rights usually aren’t well-defined when a resource is abundant, since there is no competition for it. Consequently, Native Americans often did not establish land boundaries, homestead particular parcels, or recognize land claims. Some exceptions included an individual or family’s farmed fields and tribal hunting grounds.
Although by European standards, the Native American existence might be considered primitive, the land wasn’t untouched or unused. Native Americans used the land primarily to hunt, to fish, and to farm, but used sustainable practices to insure future sources of food. Natives living in our rainforests today are in a similar position as Native Americans were; libertarians often donate to a legal fund so that they can litigate for recognition of their homesteading claims.
LEARN MORE: Suggestions for further reading on this topic, from Liberator Online editor James W. Harris:
EXCERPT: “I consider myself an Objectivist; I think Ayn Rand’s philosophical and political arguments are basically correct, and I enjoy her literature tremendously. But I think it’s important for Objectivists to acknowledge when Rand was wrong about something, and there can be no doubt she was wrong [in this quote]… The Cherokee had property rights, as well as a written constitution, newspapers, a formal government, schools, and a capital city. Other tribes had similar institutions… I think it’s safe to say that Ayn Rand knew virtually nothing about the history of American Indians. In part this is no fault of hers, since historiography and cultural anthropology at that time was pretty shabby, and because that was a period when the silly leftist romanticization of Indians was first reaching a height which is only now diminishing.”
* “Dances With Myths“ by Terry L. Anderson, Reason Magazine, February 1997. Anderson is executive director of the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) and a leading free market environmentalist. In this article he gives numerous examples of how, at times, American Indians established and defended property rights.
EXCERPT: “American Indian tribes produced and sustained abundant wealth because they had clear property rights to land, fishing and hunting territories, and personal property. Pre-Columbian Indian history is replete with examples of property rights conditioning humans’ relations with the natural environment.”
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How to record Samsung Galaxy S10 Screen?
Looking for the easiest way to record screen on a Samsung Galaxy S10 to run along your tutorials or your app development? Neither Android or Samsung has any direct inbuilt functionality to record screen from Samsung Galaxy S10. But there are a lot of easy ways to achieve that.
Samsung though adds many important features to the existing Android has not got a straightaway screen record option for their smartphones yet. Samsung Galaxy S10 is their 10th -anniversary flagship which must come out with great fuss in Q1 2019. We hope they introduce native screen recording feature with it at least. Here is what we know from the existing options.
Ways to record screen on Samsung Galaxy S10
There are loads of ways to record screen without needing root access or unlocking bootloader. We shall see some of the easiest methods.
Game mode on Samsung
There is a native record feature offered by Samsung’s custom skin but restricted only to games and some applications. This was designed to record gameplay and hence a few other third-party apps get the feature. The major downside is you can’t record the home screen, settings or even switch apps with the recording on. But anyways, here is how you can do it
Pull down the quick settings menu from the top end of the screen.
Long Press on the Performance mode and you will get a pop-up to choose from the bunch of pre-set performance modes. Select Game mode and press apply. You will be set to the Game mode in seconds.
Now head on to the app or game you wish to record. This does not work mostly with Samsung’s native application and Google applications.
When in the application click on the additional button that appears on the left end of the navigation bar apart from the three usual navigation keys.
In the overlay, menu chooses the record and the recording starts. The screen is recorded with the app sounds and the sound from the microphone.
To stop your recording session, press the record icon that appears on the right end of the navigation bar.
The video will be saved to the internal memory with the application name as the folder name. You can access it from the gallery and can be shared from there.
Google Play Games
With Android to there is a similar option. Download and open the Google Play Games app. With that, you get to record the game when launching it. But you can minimize the game and the screen recording does not stop so you will be able to navigate to home screen and settings and do whatever on your screen that you want to be recorded. The additional clips of getting in and out of the game can be edited and cut later if required.
Other ways worth noting
If this was too much a hassle for you alternates like AZ screen recorder can be easy but the resolution is restricted to 720P. You can also enable USB debugging and use apps like VYSOR to cast your screen to a computer and record the screen on your computer. | {
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They’re hardly the most glamorous part of your bike, but headsets perform the important job of keeping your front end – and your steering – turning smoothly. Threadless headsets, where the stem bolts directly on to the steerer tube of the forks, are increasingly the norm, though traditional versions – with a ‘quill’ stem – are still in use. We have models for all types of bikes and riding, from Chris King, Hope, Cane Creek and other top brands, along with spares including headset caps and star nuts. | {
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Just. Too. Sweeeeeeeet
Where Did Brandon’s Belts Go?
Last year, home runs surged league-wide – up 14%, to be exact. The MLB totals rivaled the very peak of the Steroid Era. Players like Brad Miller, Jedd Gyorko and Jake Lamb had huge power seasons that were unforeseen by even the most optimistic prognosticator. Believe me, I am Brad Miller’s #1 fan.
However, despite baseballs leaving the yard at a ridiculous clip, Brandon Belt’s power remained dormant as he once again failed to breakthrough the 20 homer plateau, hitting just 17 bombs on the year.
This is not meant to undersell what Belt accomplished last year by looking at an area where he failed to deliver. Belt continued his progression as a hitter. For the third consecutive season, Belt’s walk rate grew from 7.7% in 2014 to 10.1% in 2015 to 15.9% last year. He also shrunk his strikeout rate down to 22.6% from 26.4% in 2015. Belt was able to do these things by showing greater patience and discipline at the plate.
Belt was also able to keep most of his quality contact gains from 2015, as his hard contact percentage came in at a strong 36.4% and his line drive percentage 27.8% supported his plus .346 BABIP. So despite a strikeout rate north of 20%, Belt is probably somewhere between a .270 to .290 hitter, which in this day and age is above average.
So you are asking – “If he’s hitting the ball hard and swinging at better pitches, why is he not hitting more home runs?”
Despite a rebound in his flyball rate (46% last year, 37.9% in 2015), Belt saw his homer-to-fly ball rate sink down to 9.3% from 13.6 in 2015 and 18.2% in 2014. Belt’s average distance on balls in play was 244 feet and he is statistically sandwiched by fellow corner infield sluggers Freddie Freeman (245) and Evan Longoria (242).
Freeman leaps out as a particularly interesting comparison point. Freeman is a fellow left-handed first baseman, who was long considered a mediocre power, high average source for fantasy players. Of course, last year, Freeman destroyed expectations for his power by hitting 34 bombs. So why did Freeman’s power surge and Belt’s did not? And more importantly, will Belt’s power surge in the future – specifically, next year?
When comparing the two, you can immediately see that Belt trails Freeman in a number of categories measuring batted ball velocity. Freeman defeats Belt in the following categories: Max Exit Velocity (114.6 to 106.1); Average Exit Velocity (91.7 to 87.4); Average Flyball/Line Drive Exit Velocity (95.6 to 91.7). There is part of the answer to question one – Belt made good, power-inducing contact, but Freeman was better. Now, it was not necessarily 17 home runs better.
Another contributing factor is the Park Factors that each player deals with from their home parks. For those unfamiliar with Park Factors, an average score is 100 with 101 being above average and 99 being below average. According to FanGraphs Park Factors for 2015, Belt’s home park has an 81 Park Factor for Left-Handed Home Runs, the lowest in the league. It reduces home runs from lefties by about 20%. Freeman’s home park is slightly below average with a park factor of 97. Okay, but did the home parks actually make a difference?
In 2016, Belt hit just 6 of his 17 homers at home and had just a 6.6% HR/FB rate. Freeman hit almost triple that amount with 15 of his 34 homers coming in Atlanta and sported a 16.7% HR/FB rate at home. Now, of course, Freeman also obviously beat Belt in homers on the road so the whole story is not told by Park Factors, but that is why we looked at the StatCast Exit Velocity data.
Another issue that may have stifled Belt’s power is where he is hitting the ball in (or out) of the field of play. In 2014, when Belt sported a robust 18.2% HR/FB rate, he was pulling the ball at 48.3% clip. Last year, his pull rate was 36.2%. In fact, Belt sprayed the ball to center and the opposite field at an above 30% clip. His all-fields approach could be part of the reason why he’s failing to breakthrough power-wise even though the league as a whole saw a surge.
So as is the case with most things in baseball, there are multiple reasons why Belt did not go home run crazy in 2016 – the home park, non-elite exit velocity data, an all-fields approach. But could the power breakout come next year?
Belt is a player that is capable of a 25-30 home run season, but the fantasy community needs to stop paying for it before it happens. At the time of this writing, we do not have ADP data so Belt could come at a reasonable rate this year, where you pay for what he has done – not what you think he could do. Even with that sort of upside, I am a major believer Park Factors and so I would reduce that 25-30 upside to 20-25.
The comparison to Freeman is apt and in many ways, Belt is a middle class man’s Freeman. Belt is too close to Freeman to be called a poor man’s version. Class analogies aside, Belt is capable enough to have a really good year, the sort of year that Freeman had albeit slightly reduced because of the home park. Baseball has a certain level of inherent randomness. Belt could see the ball a little better during the season, avoid a nagging injury, run into the right pitchers at the right time and take his batted ball numbers from good to great.
I will not bet on that though. My bet is that Belt becomes a little more aggressive at the plate and starts pulling the ball a little bit more. He gets a little bit better luck on balls leaving yard. Basically, Belt is last year’s version, but just a little bit more. | {
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The Poetry And Prose of Indian Sport
Hockey,
more than any other game, is etched in the Indian psyche. It is
hockey that brings out the magic and mystery, the poetry and
prose in Indian sport.
By Rajdeep Sardesai
Sports is
very much a sentimental business. Like every time World Cup football
is held, we expect Brazil to win, so is the case with Indian hockey.
here have been
many occasions when sporting achievement or failure has moved me. India's World
Cup cricket win in 1983, Brazil's loss to Argentina in the 1990 World Cup
football, Kenyan athletes domination in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Pat Cash's
dream triumph at Wimbledon in 1987, have all stirred me in their own special
way.
The 1984 Olympics
There is just one occasion where I have been simply shattered by the
emotional roller-coaster ride that sports can take one on. This was the day when
India bowed out of the 1984 Olympic Games hockey competition, after drawing with
West Germany in their last league match.
The memories of that match are still fresh in my mind. I recall staying up
all night to watch the game, which was telecast at around 3 am in India. It was
a match that India had to win to make it to the semi-finals.
We had an excellent team, with stalwarts like Mervyn Fernandes, Zafar Iqbal
and M. Sommayya in our ranks. Yet, despite having chances galore, we were
somehow unable to score.
My eyes welled up with tears when the final whistle was blown. Struggling to sleep,
the memory of our captain Zafar Iqbal shooting wide with a near-empty goal before him,
continued to haunt me. It took me days to recover.
No loss on the cricket field has moved me in a similar manner. The reason for
this, I believe, lies in the fact that hockey, more than any other game, is deeply
etched in the Indian psyche.
Romance of Indian hockey
Cricket may attract the larger fan following, performance on the football
field may determine the price of fish in Bengal, kushti may bring the
entire village's life to a halt, yet it is hockey that brings out the magic and
mystery, the poetry and prose in Indian sport.
'Ball Jugglers', 'Magicians of the East', 'Stick Wizards', the adjective flow
freely. For unlike other sports, Indian hockey has a glorious history, and much
of the romance of the sport is connected with its historical origins. Eight
Olympic gold medals is a record not to be scoffed at.
Not surprisingly, India is still seen as the dwelling place of class hockey.
We may suffer the ignominy of having to qualify for the Olympic hockey
competition, our national hockey tournament may still be conducted on grounds
where even cows would hesitate to graze, we may not have won a major title for
over a decade now, the rules of the new power game may work against us, and our
hockey players may still aspire for only clerical jobs in the Railways. Yet,
through it all, we are still regarded as the kings of the game.
Just look at the reaction in the foreign and local press to the performances
of our team on their recent European tour. While Pargat Singh and his men have
shown good form - their victories over the Great Britain team being particularly
notable - the quality of the competition has not always been formidable.
Yet, there has been a readiness to raise our team on a pedestal and suggest
that the glory days of Indian hockey have returned. 'Watch out for India in the
Olympics!', 'Indian Magicians back at the Top', 'An Indian Summer of Hockey',
have been some of the headlines in the British newspapers.
There could be an exaggerated note to some of these writings. We are still
nowhere near the very top. Our fitness levels come nowhere near that of the
Europeans and the Australians. We can still beat any team on our day, but winning
the Olympic hockey gold requires six good days at least.
No, my friends, Indian hockey has still a long way to go before returning to
the pinnacle. But then, as I said at the outset, sports is not as much a serious
business as it is a sentimental business. Like every time World Cup football is
held, we expect Brazil to win, so is the case with Indian hockey.
After all, form is only transient, the romance and history of the sport is
eternal. | {
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Patriot’s
Fascism
End the FED
Death of the Golden State
Tag Archives: Socialism
Is America Coming Apart?
Flying home from London, where the subject of formal debate on the 70th anniversary of World War II had been whether Winston Churchill was a liability or asset to the Free World, one arrives in the middle of a far more acrimonious national debate right here in the United States.
Conservative talk-show hosts saw a White House scheme to turn public schools into indoctrination centers where the socialist ideology of Obama would be spoon-fed to captive audiences of children forced to listen to Big Brother—and then do assignments on his sermon.
Obama’s actual speech proved about as controversial as a Nancy Reagan appeal to eighth-graders to “Just say no!” to drugs.
Yet, the episode reveals the poisoned character of our politics.
We saw it earlier on display in August, when the crowds that came out for town hall meetings to oppose Obama’s health care plans were called “thugs,”“fascists,”“racists” and“evil-mongers” by national Democrats.
We see it as Rep. Joe Wilson shouts, “You lie!” at the president during his address to a joint session of Congress.
We seem not only to disagree with each other more than ever, but to have come almost to detest one another. Politically, culturally, racially, we seem ever ready to go for each others’ throats.
One half of America sees abortion as the annual slaughter of a million unborn. The other half regards the right-to-life movement as tyrannical and sexist.
Proponents of gay marriage see its adversaries as homophobic bigots. Opponents see its champions as seeking to elevate unnatural and immoral relationships to the sacred state of traditional marriage.
The question invites itself. In what sense are we one nation and one people anymore? For what is a nation if not a people of a common ancestry, faith, culture and language, who worship the same God, revere the same heroes, cherish the same history, celebrate the same holidays, and share the same music, poetry, art and literature?
Christmas and Easter, the great holidays of Christendom, once united Americans in joy. Now we fight over whether they should even be mentioned, let alone celebrated, in our public schools.
Where we used to have classical, pop, country & Western and jazz music, now we have varieties tailored to specific generations, races and ethnic groups. Even our music seems designed to subdivide us.
One part of America loves her history, another reviles it as racist, imperialist and genocidal. Old heroes like Columbus, Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee are replaced by Dr. King and Cesar Chavez.
But the old holidays, heroes and icons endure, as the new have yet to put down roots in a recalcitrant Middle America.
We are not only more divided than ever on politics, faith and morality, but along the lines of class and ethnicity. Those who opposed Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court and stood by Sgt. Crowley in the face-off with Harvard’s Henry Louis Gates were called racists. But this time they did not back down. They threw the same vile word right back in the face of their accusers, and Barack Obama.
Consider but a few issues on which Americans have lately been bitterly divided: school prayer, the Ten Commandments, evolution, the death penalty, abortion, homosexuality, assisted suicide, affirmative action, busing, the Confederate battle flag, the Duke rape case, Terri Schiavo, Iraq, amnesty, torture.
Now it is death panels, global warming, “birthers” and socialism. If a married couple disagreed as broadly and deeply as Americans do on such basic issues, they would have divorced and gone their separate ways long ago. What is it that still holds us together?
The European-Christian core of the country that once defined us is shrinking, as Christianity fades, the birth rate falls and Third World immigration surges. Globalism dissolves the economic bonds, while the cacophony of multiculturalism displaces the old American culture.
“E pluribus unum”—out of many, one—was the national motto the men of ’76 settled upon. One sees the pluribus. But where is the unum? One sees the diversity. But where is the unity?
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We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of ecological, political and humanitarian significance.
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In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
Update:
In an effort to keep our readers aware of the world around them, due to the continued removal of free speech post and censorship, we will be in the process of looking for a new home for this site.
6/20/2011
We have located a new home for this site, please stand by for further instructions.
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Race Realism
‘Man is a mammal and subject to the same biological laws as other animals. All animals, including Man, have inheritable behavioural traits. The concept of complete environmental plasticity of human intelligence is a nonsensical wishful-thinking illusion.’
From titans to Lemmings
“The time for talk has ended, only course of action open to us is WAR!”
"The time for talk has ended, only course of action open to us is WAR!"
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. — D.H. Lawrence
Ayers’ Plan to Kill 25 Million Americans
Larry Grathwol, Weathermen, William Ayers, Communism, History
line
“The most effective informer the F.B.I. ever placed among the Weathermen” (NY Times) Larry Grathwol describes how William Ayers and other Weather Underground leaders cheerfully planned to deliver the United States to foreign occupation, and proposed to murder 25 million Americans.
Grathwohl: I brought up the subject of what’s going to happen after we take over the government. You know, we become responsible for administrating, you know, 250 million people. And there was no answer. No one had given any thought to economics. How are you going to clothe and feed these people?
The only thing that I could get was that they expected that the Cubans, the North Vietnamese, the Chinese and the Russians would all want to occupy different portions of the United States. They also believed that their immediate responsibility would be to protect against what they called the counter-revolution. And they felt that this counter-revolution could best be guarded against by creating and establishing re-education in the Southwest where we would take all of the people who needed to be re‑educated into the new way of thinking and teach them how things were going to be. I asked, “Well, what is going to happen to those people that we can’t re‑educate, that are die-hard capitalists?” And the reply was that they’d have to be eliminated and when I pursued this further, they estimated that they’d have to eliminate 25 million people in these re‑education centers. And when I say eliminate, I mean kill 25 million people. I want you to imagine sitting in a room with 25 people, most of whom have graduate degrees from Columbia and other well-known educational centers and hear them figuring out the logistics for the elimination of 25 million people and they were dead serious.
Bring it on! WE WILL FIGHT YOU, WE HAVE BEEN MAKING BOMBS AND BUYING LEGAL AND ILLEGAL WEAPONS FOR YEARS, AND WHEN THE TIME COMES MY FELLOW PATRIOTS AND MYSELF, WE WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS, YOU WILL HAVE TO KILL US TO TAKE THIS NATION, BRING IT!! | {
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UNILORIN Students Is Trying To Make Computers Speak African Languages
Annually, the World Mother Tongue Day is on the 21st of February. This year, the United Nations revealed that;
“Out of 7,000 languages spoken in the world, 96% are spoken by 4% of the world’s population.
Only a few hundred languages have been given a place in education systems and less than 100 are used in the digital world”
In 2012, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) warned that African languages may be on the brink of extinction as speakers are reducing.
This potential extinction of our mother tongues(s) has motivated a group of young people to take positive action
The team from the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria has built Linguo a web-based speech system that can read and speak Nigerian and African languages.
The 4-man team is made up of a unique mix of software engineers, data scientists, marketers and analysts; Kolawole Felix Oyerinde, Olanrewaju Doyin, Adebayo Abolaji, and Olowonirejuaro Oreoluwa.
Except for Oreoluwa who is still a final year student, the rest are all 2016 alumni of Unilorin. Linguo is supposed to be able to read and speak 15 African languages including Yoruba and Igbo dialects.
Though it promises the conversion of text to speech for over 15 languages, a Yoruba number system from 1 to 40,000, Linguo still doesn’t function optimally; it is still largely in beta phase.
The system works by asking for an input and pronouncing it in the chosen language. Service portion of Linguo’s homepage.
But on the Linguo system, the voices are all the same regardless of gender preference, and accents are not representative of the languages selected.
On this, I had a chat with Felix Kolawole Oyerinde who doubles as founder and back-end developer. The product will be fully ready and out of beta phase after a launch sometime in May. By then, everything will be in place.
But how will Linguo work? Will all the voices be recorded? Felix says this won’t be completely necessary.
Especially not for the Yoruba and Igbo languages as they both use a concatenative synthesis method. Linguo has a language syllabicator that will split input into correct syllables. For example, Chukwuma will become Chu Kwu Ma. The only things that may need recording are valid syllables like ‘ba‘ and ‘zu‘.
“Syllables from Niger-Congo languages may need to be recorded too,“ Felix continues. For appropriate accents and intonations, Linguo plans to collaborate with the language departments in Nigerian and African universities.
This collaboration will potentially help identify suitable male and female voices. When fully functional, Linguo will have three products. An API for developers, plugin for websites and web and mobile application for users.
Linguo is not still fully functional but the team gets plenty stars for attempting to change computing as we know it in Africa.
The Linguo team is not afraid of failure, they believe it is not an option. “Text To Speech for the English Language was recorded word for word. There’s no reason we can’t do that for African languages.”
Related
CONNECT WITH NAIJAGOODIES FOR MUSIC PROMOTION
Call +2349034012153 or Chat with us on whatsapp For Music Promo Only | {
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International Sherry Week 2014
International Sherry Week (ISW 2014) is a whole week of events celebrating and promoting Spain’s unique sherry wines. It starts today (2nd of June) and ends this Sunday 8th of June.
With over 1500 registered events in more than 20 countries, the response has been huge. It really puts sherry on the wine map and it proves this Spanish region has been gaining popularity in recent years.
The iSherryWeek campaign is managed by Chelsea Anton in collaboration with the Consejo Regulador and the Town Hall of Jerez. Expect guided tours, menus in restaurants that pair food with sherry, sherry tastings in bars, tapas evenings, flamenco… not only in the Jerez triangle but worldwide. ISW 2014 coincides with Jerez winning the title of European Wine City 2014, even more reason to celebrate this unique and historical wine region.
Remember we’re hosting the Sherry Twitter Tasting #SherryTT as part of the International Sherry Week, but make sure you also have a look at other events in your country. Join the worldwide sherry revolution and become a #sherrylover!
About the Author
Ruben is a Certified Sherry Educator who fell in love with sherry some twenty years ago, but switched to a higher gear in 2013 and started writing about it. Lived in Madrid for a couple of years, now back in Belgium. I also run a whisky blog over at www.whiskynotes.be
Categories
SherryNotes is the most authorative sherry wine resource online. It includes sherry reviews, bodega profiles and background articles. Discover the versatile wines from the Jerez region in Andalusia - Spain: Manzanilla, Fino, Palo Cortado, Amontillado, Oloroso, Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez.
I am a Certified Sherry Educator and also run a whisky blog over at www.whiskynotes.be | {
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Availability
Product Details
The Super Pogo stick accommodates extreme jumping for riders weighing from 120 to 210 lbs. It's made to last with a heavy-duty metal construction, reinforced injection-molded clamps and steps, and a virtually indestructible nitrile rubber tip. From the makers of the Flybar® extreme pogo stick.
My son really likes this heavy large professional looking pogo. [...] But after about 4 days, one "bounce" somehow bent the internal connection between the spring and the rod-cylynder thing... so it appeared to come out of the pogo shaft at an angle. I could not try to fix it because the problem was inside the enclosed shaft, [...] I DID reach the manufacturer and they were very friendly and sent a replacement no charge [...] so that impresses me a lot. Hopefully ours was a fluke, because it's a fun toy. He loves the bounce although if you have bad knees or are over 20... forget it.
this was a Christmas gift to a 38 year old dad. He was very surprised and loved it. We had to stop opening gifts so he could try it out then and there. A "toy" like this brings out the pure glee and inner child in grown-ups. In addition to being just plain fun it gives quite the workout, although it might be rough on the knee joints. The pogo stick is pretty big. It feels too tall for me (I'm 5'2") to balance properly. The price is very reasonable for the sturdiness in construction and the enjoyment it has given. | {
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Stand Up with the Dolphins
Stand Up with the Dolphins! Enjoy two of Sorrentos best adventure activities all in the one day this spring and summer with Polperro Dolphin Swims and Peninsula Stand Up Paddle.*
Stand Up with the Dolphins
Choose from a Morning Dolphin Swim and Afternoon Stand Up Paddle Mini Lesson and board hire or a Morning Stand up Paddle Mini Lesson and hire and then an Afternoon Dolphin Swim.
Polperro Dolphin Swims depart 8.00am and 12.00pm daily from the Sorrento Pier and Peninsula Stand Up Paddle operate stand up paddle lessons on the Sorrento Foreshore, on the east side of the Pier on weekends and weekdays by arrangement during spring and then every day during summer. | {
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Thursday, September 27, 2012
I must stop......buying fabric.
I have a horrible habit of swanning around through online fabric stores and oh....before I know it there has been something bought.
BUT IT HAS TO STOP!
These are my latest collection that arrived at the doorstep this week.
Yes you might recognise the bottom blue fabric as my Charm fabric that was bought for the Japanese charm swap that Susan is hosting....When I cut the yard up for the charm swap I was thinking that I would have loved a little bit more in my stash......
OK, well it was on sale and look at the other colours that it comes in ...the grey is really nice isn't it...how could I resist!
But this is it and if you see me at all putting up any more fabric, please yell at me..I am not aloud to buy any more until next year....yes NEXT YEAR.
Pity as I wanted a Liberty bundle of fabric.....see how it never stops!
About Me
"Not with the good sissors!" and
"Don't you touch that tension!" would be my first memories of my sewing days with my mother. I have always enjoyed sewing since she took the time to teach us all to sew on her green Singer sewing machine. She was always sewing or mending something, and I loved to rummage through her chest of fabric.
Modern quilting is what catches my eye the most but I do like making sweet little things for special people in my life. | {
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Press Communiqué of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions
GENEVA, Switzerland, 20 June 2018 - The 44th round of the Geneva International Discussions has just concluded.
In Working Group I, the participants reviewed the security situation on the ground, which they assessed as relatively calm and stable. The need to conduct a proper investigation into the tragic death of Archil Tatunashvili in February 2018 was reiterated, with the Co-Chairs emphasizing the need to avoid any perception of impunity. The participants were encouraged to continue exchanging information on this and other cases, such as the killing of Giga Otkhozoria in May 2016, in the framework of the relevant Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms.
Given the divergent positions expressed by the participants on a draft joint statement on non-use of force, the Co-Chairs proposed to continue working further on that matter.
In Working Group II, the participants discussed issues relating to missing persons, freedom of movement, healthcare, documentation, education, livelihoods and environmental concerns. It was again not possible to complete discussion of all agenda items given long-standing divergent approaches to the issue of IDPs/refugees.
In light of the exchanges among the participants during the session, the Co-Chairs and co-moderators reiterated their call for a constructive and result-oriented approach by all participants on all agenda items. The Co-Chairs informed the participants about their ongoing efforts aimed at making the Geneva format more effective and productive. They appreciated the views expressed by the participants in this regard.
The participants reiterated their commitment to this format as a unique dialogue platform and agreed to hold the next round on 9-10 October 2018. | {
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USA | The Town That Accidentally Legalized Cannabis
The owner of the Sumpter Nugget marijuana dispensary restocks inventory on July 2, 2017 in Sumpter, Oregon.
An analysis of votes in Turner, Oregon, suggests that the town legalized marijuana businesses because of two confusingly worded questions on the ballot.
TURNER IS A QUAINT, conservative town on the outskirts of Salem, Oregon. It’s a village that, by a margin of two to one, supported Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016. In 2014, when a referendum on legalizing marijuana throughout Oregon came before the people of the town, they rejected it handily, with 57 percent voting “no.”
It passed statewide anyway, and in 2016 the people of Turner were again asked to vote on weed. This time the question was whether to allow recreational marijuana businesses in their community. To nobody’s surprise, they voted overwhelmingly — 63 percent — to prohibit the businesses in the unincorporated parts of their county. But to everybody’s surprise, this time, the town voted 51 percent in favor of allowing pot businesses within the city limits. “We were actually shocked,” Mayor Gary Tiffin told me.
The town’s collective spit-take was well-founded. They had screwed up. An in-depth analysis of all “local option” marijuana votes in Oregon persuasively suggests that Turner legalized marijuana businesses by mistake, as the result of two confusingly worded questions appearing at the bottom of a ballot.
The saga of marijuana in Turner, Oregon, is a prime example of both the benefits and limits of direct democracy.
The process started in 2014. At the time, despite strong public support for marijuana legalization, local politicians in Oregon — like in the rest of the country — were reluctant to embrace the reform. So, organizations used ballot initiatives to bypass state legislators and put the issue directly to the public. On the macro level, the system worked as intended: The voters got what they wanted, even when their representatives refused to represent them.
After the public approved Measure 91 in Oregon, legalizing marijuana across the state, the legislature enacted a new rule for local regulation, a compromise of sorts. In most places, if a city or county wanted to locally prohibit recreational marijuana businesses, they needed to put the ban on the next general election ballot. The problem in Turner was that people don’t always pay close attention to questions on local issues that appear near the bottom of their ballots.
As a result of the legislature’s modification, six counties and 54 cities in Oregon voted on local marijuana bans, creating a large data set to study. The results from all these local elections show that recreational marijuana doesn’t seem to suffer from a “NIMBY,” or “not in my backyard,” problem, nor does it benefit from a “YIMBY,” or “yes in my backyard,” mentality. Besides a few localities, which had unusual results due to unique circumstances, for the most part, how communities voted on statewide marijuana legalization, in 2014, matched very closely with how they voted in 2016, on local marijuana business bans. Voters in Oregon basically feel the same way about legalization in theory as they do in practice within their own communities. This is important to know moving forward, since politicians will sometimes oppose ideas that poll well in general, because they believe their voters won’t really support those same ideas being implemented near them. (Wind farms, compost centers, and other popular, environmentally beneficial projects are often opposed in practice by people who support them in general.)
BY LOOKING AT ALL the precincts in counties with a local marijuana ban on the ballot, it becomes clear that how the question was worded was very important. When the ballot required a “yes” vote to prohibitmarijuana businesses, the pro-marijuana vote was, on average, 6 percentage points higher than when the question was phrased so as to require a “yes” vote to allow marijuana businesses.
Graphic: Jon Walker
Where the local ballot question really made a big difference, though, was in a small number of cities in which people had to first vote on whether or not to ban marijuana businesses in the unincorporated parts of their county. Then, farther down the ballot, they had to answer a question about whether to ban them in their city.
When county ban and city ban questions were phrased the same way, how precincts voted on the two questions was nearly identical. But in a few cities, like Turner, residents needed to vote “no” if they wanted to prohibit marijuana businesses in their county but also vote “yes” if they wanted to maintain their city ban.
If you’re confused at this point, you are far from alone. Now, imagine being in a voting booth, late for work, nearing the end of your ballot. Indeed, only in these precincts did the vote on these two questions diverge significantly, which strongly indicates the variance was driven by voter confusion.
Graphic: Jon Walker
My analysis indicates that the most likely reason Turner ended up legalizing marijuana businesses was that just enough voters didn’t read the city ban question carefully enough after answering the county question. They just voted “no” both times by mistake. Every indicator would suggest that the voters of Turner did not want marijuana businesses to be approved in their town and that, if the ballot question had been phrased differently, they would have maintained the ban that already existed.
This is a downside of direct democracy, especially on the local level. The amount of time that voters put into seriously considering each question is likely very limited. (And the amount of time that town officials put into thinking about how to phrase questions in an understandable way also appears to be rather limited, in some places.)
This mistake has created real issues for Turner. Since the town was left without a ban, according to Mayor Tiffin, the city government was forced to engage in a “laborious and tough lawsuit from a person in town who wants to put a grow operation in a residential area.” The first marijuana store within the city’s limits is projected to open in the coming weeks.
There is a possibility that the voters of Turner might get a chance to undo their mistake. Tiffin said they are considering putting the issue on the 2018 ballot. But first, voters will get a chance to sample the coming shop’s wares and might have a change of heart. This time, they might legalize on purpose. | {
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About This Job
Location
Dia&Co is the leading personalized styling service for women who wear sizes 14+. Our business meets a profound need, and we are on a mission to democratize fashion — not only by providing easy access to quality clothing, but also by building an inclusive community of women who use fashion to celebrate their bodies. We’re expanding our talented team and are looking for passionate, smart and multi-talented go-getters to join us.
Shift Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM / M-Fri w/ occasional OT as needed.
What We’re Looking For:
The purpose of this position is to help ensure that all inventory levels are monitored and kept accurate at all times, in addition to shipping accuracy of out-going orders to our customers. Duties include, but are not limited to cycle counts, monitoring receiving activities, etc. Two years of Inventory Control/Quality Control experience required.
Responsibilities
Assist with the day-to-day functions within the department with the clear focus on the team and company’s goal(s)
Collaborate and coordinate with all departments, including inbound, inventory control, customer support, and all other necessary departments
Complete other projects and/or responsibilities as assigned by the Inventory Control Manager
Always be flexible, adapting to change
We:
strive daily to transform the fashion industry, from working with existing top brands to creating our own private label collections from the ground up
are a Sequoia Capital-backed, growth-stage startup co-founded by two women
have styled countless amazing women across the country in the past three years—they are at the core of everything that we do
foster a culture of autonomy and accountability—your contributions make a big difference
have an office that is buzzing with excitement—we are genuinely happy to be at work each day
celebrate each other’s individuality and unique skill sets
create good karma by aiming to surprise and delight at every touchpoint | {
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In another step toward muddying the waters of what does and does not define a suspension, the NHL Department of Player Safety chose yesterday not to enforce any supplementary discipline to the Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty.
Midway through the second period of the Rangers’ 3-0 loss Saturday night at the Bell Center, the Montreal forward crushed Blueshirts defenseman Ryan McDonagh face-first into the endboards, getting a two-minute boarding minor. McDonagh left the game with a bloodied face and did not return.
The team had no update on McDonagh’s status last night, but he was assuredly tested for a concussion.
Five minutes before the hit, McDonagh had sandwiched Pacioretty into the boards on a play that was not called for a penalty, and earlier in the game McDonagh had cut the face of former Ranger Brandon Prust with an uncalled high stick.
That provides reason to believe Pacioretty’s chasing down of McDonagh — who ranks third on the team in ice time — and leaving his feet to propel himself, elbow-first, into McDonagh’s back and head could have been retaliatory in nature.
“How high did Pacioretty jump on his hit?” coach John Tortorella said after the loss, which dropped his team to 8-7-2. “Can anybody give me an answer?”
When he pressed reporters for an over/under number, one person suggested 6 inches.
“Figures,” Tortorella said. “You’re wrong.”
Yet the public seed Tortorella planted did not grow into a fine or suspension. Pacioretty had a phone hearing yesterday afternoon, and now he laces up for the team’s next game, tonight at Ottawa.
Yet for the Rangers game tomorrow against the Jets at the Garden, it’s unknown if McDonagh will be available.
There was some partial good news, though, when the other defensive stalwart, Dan Girardi, had the X-rays on his right leg come back negative. That means there is no break of the bone, but it certainly doesn’t mean he is OK.
Girardi was defending a 5-on-3 man-advantage for the Canadiens in the waning minutes of a 3-0 game when he got in front of and blocked a rocket slap shot from P.K. Subban. Girardi immediately went to the ice and could not get up or skate off under his own power.
“It happens throughout the year [and] a lot of teams go through it,” said captain Ryan Callahan. “Obviously they’re key guys for us, but the guys we have playing are capable.”
When the team practices today at their facility in Westchester, there should be some updates on an injury list that goes deeper than just McDonagh and Girardi. Star forward Rick Nash has missed the past three games with an undisclosed injury, penalty-kill forward Darroll Powe is out indefinitely with a concussion, Arron Asham has missed two in a row with back spasms, and defenseman Michael Del Zotto has missed one with a lower-body injury.
“It’s part of the game, though, you have injuries,” Tortorella said. “You’ve got to keep on playing. What can you do?” | {
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Assassin's Creed 4 art book, video and exclusive PS4 content
Assassin's Creed 4 provides the full immersion in the world of pirates. And to achieve this feeling, the developers use not only the game itself, but also different additional media content. On the 29th of October one such thing - Assassin's Creed 4 art book - will hit the stores.
The Art of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag consists of 192 pages of the astonishing pictures that describe the various game's locations, characters and the fulfilled life of Caribbean pirates. This book was written by Paul Davies, who has already created several art albums for Watch Dogs and Halo 4. With Assassin's Creed 4 art book you will able to plunge into the beautiful world of artful pirates and explore the unique Caribbean islands, but it costs about $35. To decide, whether to buy this book or not, we would advise you to look at several game's arts from it:
If Assassin's Creed 4 arts haven't let you plunge into the pirate world yet, we would like to present you the video about their weapons that appeared on the PlayStation channel about an hour ago. In this Assassin's Creed 4 trailer Mike Loades - the historian - tells about guns and cutlasses, which the pirates were using during their battles. By the way, a week ago Mike appeared in another Assassin's Creed 4 video, which can be found in our previous article.
And the day before yesterday another interesting video about the next-gen console from Sony appeared on the PlayStation channel. In this trailer we are able to get a glimpse of different PS4 games, among which there is Assassin's Creed 4. According to the video this game together with another Ubisoft's project - Watch Dogs - will get the 60-minutes long mission that will be exclusive for the next generation of PlayStation. However, both exclusive campaigns will be available on other platforms too, but only in 6 months. | {
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Description
All Tombstone Factory yard products are made from 25lb extruded polystyrene foam, are hand-painted and come with pre-drilled 3/8″ holes for easy mounting on wood dowels or rebar in your yard.
Weight: 2 lbs
Dimensions: 24 x 2 x 18 in
Finishes:
Graveyard
Ultra-realism is our goal. Our Graveyard Finish is designed to look like a tombstone that has being aging in the sun, wind and weather for centuries. We have spent countless hours perfecting our painting technique to meet the high demands of our Haunters. If your Haunt demands authentic looking tombstones and yard props, the Graveyard Finish is for you.
Haunter
Our Haunter Finish is designed to give the best show and be easily read in Haunt lighting. Our varied color palate works best in theatrical lighting and offers high contrast detail which allows your visitors to easily read the tombstone epitaphs. Tombstone Factory’s goal is to allow the inscriptions, epitaphs, engravings and cracking to be clear in low light settings. We want your tombstones to look old and retain the Haunt feel while permitting guests to experience all the elements of your tombstones.
This product is built when ordered and can sometimes take several days or weeks to ship. Please contact us if you require an exact ship date. | {
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The Trump administration says that it's stepping in to help tribes deal with the rising tide of opioid abuse and overdoses in Indian Country, including Alaska.
In a press release Wednesday, the Justice Department announced that it had a meeting with tribal justice officials in Alaska on Wednesday to discuss the measures, which involve some training, improved access to federal crime databases, and measures to give counseling to Alaska Native victims of sex trafficking and to children of domestic abuse. | {
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Naxal problem not an armed conflict: India
India has strongly protested the inclusion of Naxal issue saying the violence being perpetrated by these groups does not make it a zone of armed conflict.
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PTI
United Nations
June 18, 2010
UPDATED: June 18, 2010 18:04 IST
India has strongly protested the inclusion of Naxal issue under the realm of an "armed conflict" in a UN report, saying the violence being perpetrated by these groups does not make it a zone of armed conflict as defined by international law.
Referring to the recent UN report that deals with 'Children and armed conflicts', India's envoy to UN Hardeep Singh Puri told Security Council that operations of the Maoist groups did not fall into the realm of an "armed conflict".
"At the outset I should make clear that the violence being perpetrated by these groups though completely abhorrent and condemnable, certainly does not make this a zone of armed conflict as defined by international law," he said.
"We, therefore, cannot accept reporting on these incidents as falling within the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict," he said, referring to top UN official Radhika Coomaraswamy.
The report, which is produced by the office of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and submitted to the Security Council, highlighted the recruitment and use of children by the Maoist armed group in some districts of the Chhattisgarh.
"The Naxals have admitted that children were used only as messengers and informers but have admitted that children were provided with training to use non-lethal and lethal weapons including landmines," the report said.
Coomaraswamy did not respond to PTI on India's specific objection but the UN diplomat spoke generally to reporters about the difficultly of defining an armed conflict.
"What is an armed conflict is contested," she said, adding that many countries who have been in this report claim that they are not in situations of armed conflict.
"What we determine is that there has to be a political dimension to it for an armed conflict," she said, adding the report made a disclaimer that this was not a "legal determination" of the situation being an armed conflict but countries were selected on the basis that it is a "political conflict with humanitarian consequences for children."
The report also pointed out that the Naxal's had carried out systematic attacks on schools in order to intentionally destroy government structures and to instill fear among the local community. Some schools remained closed or abandoned due to lack of security.
It also described the incident, in which Naxalites forced villagers to provide five boys and girls for their armed group in October 2009, and stated that the Jharkhand police had vacated 28 of 43 schools in Naxal-affected areas of the state and were in the process of vacating 13 more.
Speaking at an open-debate on children in armed conflict, Puri told the Security Council that New Delhi was taking measures to address the situation.
"We strongly condemn these despicable acts of Naxal violence and are fully committed to controlling such diabolical activities," he said.
Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from | {
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Local Family, local values.
Millie Epperson, President
Millie began working with Tony to grow Epperson Painting in 1994. She started as the Office Manager and then took on responsibilities as the Business Manager and Safety Officer.
With Tony's retirement, she is now President of Eppersona Painting.
Tony Epperson, retired
Tony Epperson moved to Indiana from Kentucky in 1967, and apprenticed with Painters Local 47 Indianapolis and founded Epperson & Lester in 1976. Tony started Epperson Painting, Inc., with his wife Millie in 1994. Tony has now retired from the business and is having fun with his passion of dirt track racing.
Lisa Smith, Comptroller
Daughter, Lisa started working at Epperson & Lester while in junior high, yearning to work with Dad in anything she could do. She learned estimating at the age of 14. Lisa became very competent at estimating even before graduating from high school. Lisa worked part„time while attending The University of Indianapolis, receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1995. When Tony and Millie formed Epperson Painting, Inc. in 1994, she assumed the Comptroller position
Lisa in front of the White House with daughter Maddie
Bobby Smith, Project Manager
Bobby Smith began as a painter in 1995 and has grown with the company. He now negotiates contracts, submits bid proposals and organizes all projects for Epperson painting. | {
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Was looking into some LED lights for my garage maybe and wondered if anyone has any experiance with them. I found this video kinda interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeROsV_yePs , but the vendor on there is about doulbe the cost as I found elsewhere.
I know as much as I can learn and try to keep an open mind to anything!
I installed some LED's in the kitchen and any future replacements I'll be looking to do the same. Much more light. I picked them up at Home Depot, they are just about a foot round globe type lights, cost approx. $60 vs. $20 or less for something similar. If I was going to stay here, I'd prob install the same in the shop.
The mill I work at has been replacing mercury vapor lighting with LED lighting over the last few years. The lights are definitely brighter and the manufacturer claims they will last longer and are more efficient. I have been told that they are studying those claims to justify the expense. So far they are more efficient according to the data the electricians showed me.
I installed a pair of LED bulbs in my master bath because I was tired of baking and sweating under the incandescent bulbs while shaving. The LEDs are brighter and much, much cooler.
I'll be buying more.
Also keep in mind that regardless of how many lights you install on the celing you will still be using a drop light of some sort for most of what you do in or under a car, I learned this in my buddy's shop, he spent lots of money on multiple kinds of lights and still was at the mercy of a drop light.
When I built my shop I focused minimal over head lighting on benches and machines as needed and use what ever portable light is needed for other work.
Please Note!
THE ABOVE POST IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF SPEED TALK OR IT'S MEMBER AND SHOULD BE VIEWED AS ENTERTAINMENT ONLY...Thanks, The Management!
I replace a bunch of bulbs I know I forget to turn off with LED, over six months want to say it lowered my power bill $20 a month..... I noticed the difference , but I say $20 ..but having a baby and boiling bottles seems to eat up power now..among other things...
As I'm approaching 40,I still think I'm 20. What the hell is wrong with me?
I was at Lowe's yesterday and they have a 4' shop light that's all LED for $62. That's less than what I paid for the one I have now by almost half, and it's brighter....I'm going to get 4-6 of them for my trailer, they only pull about 40 watts total each....
A person may be able to get a rebate from your local utility co. also . I know here in Seattle they are doing that , I just did a complete LED retrofit on an Ronald McDonald House and Seattle City Light Covered a big chunk of the cost. | {
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VRRP, MSTP and multinetted server
Hi all.
I have two 3500yl. VRRP and MSTP will be activated on both of them. A trunk will be created between them and all the VLANs will be tag on that trunk.
On multinetted servers (two nics), if I plug one nic to a switch and the another nic to the second switch, will I still have the same performance of my network teaming on the server? Does this configuration enables a redundant access to this server?
Re: VRRP, MSTP and multinetted server
terminology:multinet is commonly used on divices using multiple subnets on the same (v)lan, not for multiple network adapters.
back to the question:most likely won't have the same performance!
when the NIC's are connected to the same switch you can configure this link as load balanncing etherchannel so both ports can be used simultanuously.if your you NIC's are teamed, and connected to different switches, the team is fault-tolerant only (failover)!only one NIC is active at a time for all traffic, no load balancing.
Re: VRRP, MSTP and multinetted server
Load balancing etherchannel must be done at both sides of the link.
from management and config guide page 12-27:>>>The two trunk group options (LACP and Trunk) use source-destination address pairs (SA/DA) for distributing outbound traffic over trunked links.SA/DA (source address/destination address) causes the switch to distributeoutbound traffic to the links within the trunk group on the basis of source/destination address pairs.<<<
If your server is Proliant, you can set the team config to "auto" (maybe other brands offer such option too).as the switch supports IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) and both nics are connected to the same switch, the team will form automatically.
I associate multihomed with multiple NIC's each in it's own subnet.A network team acts as a single NIC with a single subnet (unless you make it vlan-aware). | {
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OKAY SINCE EVERYONE ELSE IS ADMIRING HIM. IM SURE IM THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS BUT WHEN BRUNO HAS HIS WHOMP, HE LOOKS LIKE SUCH A CLASSY GENTLEMAN AND HES SUCH A SWEETHEART AND SAYS THINGS LIKE TO YOUR PARENTS "can I take your daughter out?" BUT WHEN HE HAS HIS AFRO, HE LOOKS LIKE A DOMINANT OR SOEMTHING IDK AND LIKE FUCKS YOU SENSELESS AND SAYS THINGS LIKE "your daughter calls me daddy" OR SOMETHING IDK. IM SORRY
OKAY SINCE EVERYONE ELSE IS ADMIRING HIM. IM SURE IM THE ONLY ONE WHO THINKS THIS BUT WHEN BRUNO HAS HIS WHOMP, HE LOOKS LIKE SUCH A CLASSY GENTLEMAN AND HES SUCH A SWEETHEART AND SAYS THINGS LIKE TO YOUR PARENTS "can I take your daughter out?" BUT WHEN HE HAS HIS AFRO, HE LOOKS LIKE A DOMINANT OR SOEMTHING IDK AND LIKE FUCKS YOU SENSELESS AND SAYS THINGS LIKE "your daughter calls me daddy" OR SOMETHING IDK. IM SORRY | {
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FastTrack Chennai
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On 25 November, Startupbootcamp FinTech welcomes you to Chennai for Startupbootcamp FinTech FastTrack. Selected teams will be invited to pitch, get feedback and learn more about the Startupbootcamp FinTech Mumbai program.
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Be connected to Startupbootcamp FinTech’s global community and learn more about worldwide opportunities
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The event is open for everyone to apply – just answer these questions about your startup. Any startup thinking of joining the Startupbootcamp program is encouraged to apply to pitch. We are looking especially for startups in:
Blockchain/ Low cost payments
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All things FinTech and InsurTech!
Valuable Experience
We’ve spent 5 years perfecting our system for accelerating startups, and FastTrack events are a bite-sized glimpse into the value a Startupbootcamp program entails. You’ll have a chance to connect with top mentors, get feedback from other startups, and meet the Startupbootcamp FinTech team. | {
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four things you'd eat on the last day of your life-mmm...lobster, or clam chowder-a really good Thai dish that includes shrimp, cashews, and rice noodles-a yummy Italian dish that includes fresh mozzarella and veggies-rice pudding
four CDs from your collection that you will never get tired of-Tori Amos - Under the Pink (if I must choose one of hers, that is at least what is in my stereo at the moment)-Poe - Haunted (a recent obsession)-Pearl Jam - Ten-REM - Automatic for the People
four celebrities you would have sex with-dunno, i never really thought about it...-sorry-none-listed...
four songs you get stuck in your head frequently-System of a Down - Chop Suey-Poe - Not a Virgin (or Spanish Doll)-Tori Amos - Mr.Zebra-StainD - Fade
four things you'd like to learn-how to play guitar-how to manage time & money more effectively-how to be more assertive-how to accept that not being perfect is okay | {
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Author
Topic: The Worst Miscalculation Of World War II (Read 27407 times)
Yes, when it comes to war strategy alone, attacking Russia is probably #1. I just felt like putting the Holocaust first, because I personally think it's the dumbest thing ever.
Don't get me wrong, not just because I learned at school etc. that this was horrible and as a German I'm supposed to think that way. I'm actually pretty good at ignoring what society tries to indoctrinate me with, otherwise I wouldn't even be talking to American conservatives at all, haha.
Also I have to disappoint you if you're Jewish. Because as much as I respect how Jewish people value education, I also know how people in Israel tend to be dicks about anything from who's first in line at the supermarket to who's right about driving where on the roads. (You'll know what I mean if you've been there.)
But from any reasonable point of view, the Holocaust was idiotic and insane. I'm pretty sure that even if you applied modern day genetics, it still would prove to be complete nonsense to kill all those people. Well, I guess according to modern day genetics the whole "Arian" thing is pretty silly.
To be honest, the true "master race" would be a mix of lots of different races' attributes, not some inbred people (I'm exaggerating here). We'll have to worry about this kind of thing in the future again, I'm afraid.
When the war was winding down, the Nazis were using their few working trains to take people to death camps as opposed to supplies to the Eastern Front. But the Holocaust was stupid only in so far as they wasted resources on industrial murder. By the way that"s "Aryan". And indeed most pure breeds tend to end up with diseases or conditions singular to that breed. The best thing is hybrid vigor (i.e., mutts).
Logged
"LIBERALS: their willful ignorance is rivaled only by their catastrophic stupidity"!
tbone0106
Yes, when it comes to war strategy alone, attacking Russia is probably #1. I just felt like putting the Holocaust first, because I personally think it's the dumbest thing ever.
Don't get me wrong, not just because I learned at school etc. that this was horrible and as a German I'm supposed to think that way. I'm actually pretty good at ignoring what society tries to indoctrinate me with, otherwise I wouldn't even be talking to American conservatives at all, haha.
Also I have to disappoint you if you're Jewish. Because as much as I respect how Jewish people value education, I also know how people in Israel tend to be dicks about anything from who's first in line at the supermarket to who's right about driving where on the roads. (You'll know what I mean if you've been there.)
But from any reasonable point of view, the Holocaust was idiotic and insane. I'm pretty sure that even if you applied modern day genetics, it still would prove to be complete nonsense to kill all those people. Well, I guess according to modern day genetics the whole "Arian" thing is pretty silly.
To be honest, the true "master race" would be a mix of lots of different races' attributes, not some inbred people (I'm exaggerating here). We'll have to worry about this kind of thing in the future again, I'm afraid.
There's more than an ocean between us, Foreigner.
Killing millions of Jews simply because they were Jewish was sorta stupid, yeah. But it was also EVIL. It was BAD, which is the diametric opposite of GOOD. It was premeditated MURDER on an industrial scale. The term BUTCHERY, though often applied to the Holocaust, is not proper because butchers slaughter dumb animals for the purpose of feeding people. The friendly folks who ran the extermination camps killed people by the thousands simply to make them dead. They believed that, because you were Jewish or homosexual or mentally retarded or a Gypsy or Polish, etc., etc., you did not deserve life. That is premeditated MURDER.
If you think that "as a German," you're "supposed to think that way" (that the Holocaust was horrible), you have light years to travel on your journey to humanity. If you think there is even a concept called the "master race," you'll find no home here.
I did not read all of this thread but has anyone yet mentioned the stupidity of Hitler declaring war on the USA after Pearl Harbor? Now that was with out a doubt the stupidest thing Hitler did to bring him down.
Japan was not, repeat, not, an inconsequential ally of Germany. I have a cousin still aboard the USS Arizona and an uncle KIA on Bougainville. Both Marines that might not agree with your assessment of the quality of the Japs.
p.s., You stated, "...but you lack the critical thinking skills...". I must agree with you. I am, if nothing else, dumb, stupid, ignorant and basically a burden on this country. So do keep this in mind when next, or if, you reply to me or comment on a post of mine.
p.s., You stated, "...but you lack the critical thinking skills...". I must agree with you. I am, if nothing else, dumb, stupid, ignorant and basically a burden on this country. So do keep this in mind when next, or if, you reply to me or comment on a post of mine.
Thank you.
Be nice, he's head water boy for the DNC, that's quite a position of power, ya know.
Japan was not, repeat, not, an inconsequential ally of Germany. I have a cousin still aboard the USS Arizona and an uncle KIA on Bougainville. Both Marines that might not agree with your assessment of the quality of the Japs.
Clearly, you think that being able to give the Americans a lot of trouble makes them useful. That only makes them useful tactically. From a Grand Strategy standpoint, Japan brought America into the war against the Axis powers. That is a net loss for Germany.
But Hitler obviously declared war on the USA as a direct act of support for Japan, unless if you think that the closeness in dates is a sheer coincidence. Ergo, Japan dragged Germany into a war with the United States, regardless of whether it was by treaty or simply Hitler's idiocy.
But Hitler obviously declared war on the USA as a direct act of support for Japan, unless if you think that the closeness in dates is a sheer coincidence. Ergo, Japan dragged Germany into a war with the United States, regardless of whether it was by treaty or simply Hitler's idiocy.
I'm sure Hitler declared war on the USA after the Jap attack on America because Japan declared war on Russia after Germany invaded Russia.
ROFLMAO!
On the great side of Hitler's stupidity, this act sealed his fate. That was a good thing. | {
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Bluepoint Games have produced what are arguably the most successful remasters: The God of War Collection, The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, and The Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. Andy O'Neil, president of Bluepoint, says it best, "There are always shortcuts you can take. The trick is to not take them. Don't cheat."
Easier said than done. The biggest problem that all of these studios have faced is that no standard set of rules exists for re-mastering a game. Each one is profoundly different. "Every single game is a unique snowflake. There are certain things that are always going to come up, but you don't know," says O'Neil, "We run every game through a performance analyzer, which is a special type of PS2. We look at all the data that's going through the systems. We say, 'This is what's going through that chip, this is what's going through the vector unit (VU) assembler.' We can use that analysis and figure out what bit of the process is going to be hard, what bit's going to be a problem, and get a big picture view of hardware fundamentals."
What kind of problems can come up? All kinds. "The biggest challenge is refactoring a codebase designed to run on one console to allow it to run on another," says Sanzaru's Egan. "With a really old game, say from the PS1, you could probably just run everything through an emulator, but with the PS2 you have to step backwards and figure out a way to get things to run natively. Until you have a very thorough understanding of the code you may not understand how easy or hard it is to convert, and it can take some time to understand 10-year-old code written by a completely different set of people."
Having access to those original creators and creations can certainly help though. "Sucker Punch did an awesome job archiving their work so we were able to compile and review the original code [for Sly Cooper] quickly. From there we would just send emails and IM's when we had specific questions. The tricky part for them was probably finding all the archived source art. It's kind of like asking somebody to dig up an essay they wrote in high school ten years ago."
The suggestion is that the closer the collaboration with the original studio, the better the result in the HD re-master. Andy O'Neil illustrates that having a close relationship with Sony Santa Monica actually resulted in God of War Collection being superior in some ways to the original incarnations. "When it comes to collaborating, it all depends on who's going to be the best at getting what stuff done. Anything that changes the game -- say there's a legacy bug that needs to be changed -- we ask them. For example, the movies in God of War were captured off dev kits and then had post-effects applied to them. There was a lot of talk from people saying that they don't look that good, and there are some really good reasons for that. That recapture is very difficult, so what we did instead is we improved the bit rate, ran it through some spectromorphological filtering. Santa Monica had all the original frames so they said, yeah we can do all that and put it in the game."
The addition of that source material was a boon for God of War and Bluepoint but it caused huge problems for Huelett and his team at Konami in making Silent Hill. "We got all the source code that Konami had on file -- which it turns out wasn't the final release version of the games! D'oh!" says Huelett, "So during debug we didn't just have to deal with the expected 'porting' bugs, but also had to squash some bugs that the original team obviously removed prior to release, but we'd never seen before. A lot of assets such as textures and sound had to be taken out of the compiled game, and that brings with it a host of unique issues, especially taken on top of the tricky coding workarounds at play in the original games. We certainly had our hands full. I think at one point [Silent Hill 3 protagonist] Heather was blue."
The lesson then would seem to be that if better archiving were done in the past, we would have better re-masters today. "Ten years ago, a lot of game companies assumed the games were 'done' once development finished, and that they wouldn't need to use that data ever again. Now it's clear that having all that data in an easy-to-manage format is important. Many consumers don't realize you can't just buy a copy of SH2 and then open up its code in a usable state."
Comments (44)
Remake
There is no need to make HD remakes. If you want the original game, put the original game there. Something like Wii vutual console would be very helpful to HD sustems. Of do a full remake in the style of The Legend of Zelda Orcania of time 3D. That way you can fix flaws that porting and editing can't.
I'm sad
Because I used to have an OG 60gb PS3 that played all my PS2 games (without emulation!). Oh, and it upscaled them really nicely, too. Sadly, the 5 year old PS3 decided to stop working this past March (right in the middle of me watching the end cutscence of Mass Effect 2, no less) and I didn't want to pay Sony $200 (plus shipping!) to fix it.
I agree
A (probably unpopular) opinion from a PC gamer...
I'm not trying to start a pissing contest with the console folks, each to their own, but as a PC gamer I can scarcely believe that people are willing to buy the same game twice and still get an inferior product to the original PC version (if there is one - I know you've got your exclusives). I'm sitting here behind two 8 year old monitors (seriously, you can probably pick these up for about £40 these days) both running a crystal clear 75Hz at 2048x1536 - total pixel count of 3,145,728 per monitor. But you poor buggers are buying the same games for the second time and still only getting 1920x1080, or 2,073,600 pixels total. That's about 65% the clarity that PC folks got when we bought the game the first time round! Whenever I hear a game studio touting their amazing 1080p HD remakes, all I can think is "wow, that's a really high resolution - for the late 90s".
Another PC gamer
It's sooo expensive! HUH? I have no TV so I would pay for that. $300 to $2000. I have Hulu, Netflix and others I view on a $100 20 inch monitor. Console cost $500 for a PS3! For $500 you can get a decent PC. That's only ONE console. Games $60 or rent. Steam, GoG Gamesgate and tons of free stuff you can download for the PC. I got ten years of CnC for $20, at Best Buy.
GOTY Oblivion $20, Balders Gate, Icewind Dale both complete with all expansions plus Plansecape Torrent and The Temple of Elemental Evil $20. None of these need state of the art PC's. Console players pay for the priveledge of being up to date with their pals. PC's also have programs you CAN'T run on consoles. It's NOT more expensive. It just needs a bit more brain power!
Silent Hill HD
Not sure If I played the updated patched version or what but I didn't have any glaring issues with my playthrough of Silent Hill 2? (360 version)
Admittedly, the water did look pretty bad but I never played the original PS2 version so I can't comment on the comparison. Regardless, I didn't notice anything blatantly game-breaking or that obnoxious graphics-wise while playing SH2. Played a bit and felt the same about SH3.
Perhaps it is an instance of fans overreacting? Though I seem to be in the minority that had a decent time with Downpour so I digress.
Gotta Disagree With The Final Conclusions
The original release is ALWAYS the real version of any game. Even if a later version is better, it is still just an improved remake on the original game. No matter how different the game looks, the new version is never the real version. Isn't even up for debate.
Not so
It's always going to be up to debate for the simple fact that not everyone is exposed to a material pre or post release, hence why re-releases and the like happen. You cannot merely write off a different version as invalid or unsubstantial unless the quality really is that subpar, quality or content wise. Roadside Picnic got a re-release with it's original format restore and a new pre-word from the arthor and new translation, it may not be the original per se but it is what the original should have been at release.
Remastering is all Hype
I appreciate the hard work that goes into remastering these great games, but I just don't see it translated into the game. I was pumped to play Ico and Shadow on my PS3. I thought the graphics would be amazing and the game play smoother than ever. The graphics looked the same, even on my 1080p tv. Also, the gameplay was identical as the PS2 version. The characters only pivot 8 postions, or so.
LOL
I loved this ""There are always shortcuts you can take. The trick is to not take them. Don't cheat." Because obviously trying and failing to get a constant 60FPS resulting in an inconsistent experience is totally not cheating. Or maybe it isn't. Maybe to them, locking the framerate to what it was originally designed to run at and getting a consistent experience with 0 microstuttering is cheating.(MGS 2cutscenes&All of MGS3, PW ran at 20FPS originally with not many in game cutscenes. So not an issue. Plus it wasn't ported by Bluepoint) Apples to oranges.
It's about a clear cut improvement to the original game to modern standards. (Whether it's graphically or gameplay wise;like with MGS3DS which has actual graphical improvements AND gameplay improvements;) And most of the time it just ends up looking lazy. Like a cheap cash-in on the fact that they took away Backwards Compatibility from us.(And now it looks like they've built fully functional software emulation with "PS2 classics")Especially when they completely break the feeling of the game with something like MGSHDC by trying to run at 60FPS and horribly failing causing tons of microstuttering. Which then also breaks mouth flaps, and the cinematic feeling. Capping at 30FPS for MGS3 would've resulted in a completely smooth experience with almost 0 issues. Capping at 60FPS gameplay and 30FPS cutscenes would've resulted the same for MGS2. (Which is how it was designed. Both respectively) (Don't even get started on how they removed content so they could release on both the PS3 and 360. Which is a low blow if you ask me. Even if it's just Snake Vs Monkey and Secret Theater and other stuff!)
I think the real issue, is "Improving while retaining feeling" And feeling can be a number of things.Framerate, art design,texture design,model design etc.
And IMHO they really need to put actual effort into improving these games graphically(ESPECIALLY YOU CAPCOM). When they don't they still look as dated as they actually are.
LOL
I loved this ""There are always shortcuts you can take. The trick is to not take them. Don't cheat." Because obviously trying and failing to get a constant 60FPS resulting in an inconsistent experience is totally not cheating. Or maybe it isn't. Maybe to them, locking the framerate to what it was originally designed to run at and getting a consistent experience with 0 microstuttering is cheating. Apples to oranges.
It's about a clear cut improvement to the original game to modern standards. (Whether it's graphically or gameplay wise;like with MGS3DS which has actual graphical improvements AND gameplay improvements;) And most of the time it just ends up looking lazy.Especially when they completely break the feeling of the game with something like MGSHDC by trying to run at 60FPS and horribly failing causing tons of microstuttering. Which then also breaks mouth flaps, and the cinematic feeling. Capping at 30FPS for MGS3 would've resulted in a completely smooth experience with almost 0 issues. Capping at 60FPS gameplay and 30FPS cutscenes would've resulted the same for MGS2. (Which is how it was designed) (Don't even get started on how they removed content so they could release on both the PS3 and 360. Which is a low blow if you ask me)
I think the real issue, is "Improving while retaining feeling" And feeling can be a number of things.Framerate, art design,texture design,model design etc.
Comparisons show the exact opposite
The pictures you posted are not really suitable here. The wrong aspect ration stretches the textures, so that the emulated and HD versions are not comparable anymore. But still you can actually see the improvements in all four pictures:
(sings) IIIIIII like technology...
God of War 1 & 2, the Sly Cooper Trilogy were all programmed in 720p. We just diddn't get to see the original masters until they were ported to PS3 since the PS2 could only do 420p. A game like Final Fantasy XII would probably benefit from this kind of port since it came late in the PS2's life cycle. But a game like the original Devil May Cry is more of a challenge, it was made on older technology.
If I could
Well
I think developers 10yrs ago had the right idea. Using the high school paper analogy again, I would never expect to take a paper I wrote in high school, change a few sentences and hand it in for my senior thesis in college. Once its done, its kind of irrelevant, its an odd thought to think that you would preserve that for anything more than a personal trophy. But now that the upscales have become big business, I'm sure many are keeping data finally preserved.
This isn't a school paper...
We're talking about entertainmnet here, and people are always going to want to go back and re-live those experiences. It's the same concept as re-mastering a classic film; it maintains what made the original work so great while making it more viewer-friendly to the modern audience. Frankly, it would make far less sense to simply let these games fade into obscurity over the years. After all, if I can have Metropolis on blu-ray, there's no reason why I can't also have Metal Gear Solid 3 in HD.
fantastic article
really enjoyed this. more power to preservation, and to those that preserve.
on a side note... it's really sad how little companies valued the work of their own artists and employees, in retrospect. it's been a recurring theme since server hosted games were being wiped out at colleges in the dawn of the 80's.
i hope the MGS HD collection on Vita does well, in sales and in quality, and that it ensures more for my end of the gaming world. would be nice to get a fully patched Silent Hill pack in a year or so (that requires almost no future DL's), the way MK Vita and SF x Tekken are handling themselves.
The original is the "real" version
That's my general philosophy when it comes to anything like this. That said, I have played and enjoyed many "remasters" over the years; it's a perfectly acceptable substitute for the average consumer who may have missed the boat the first time around. But for future video game historians, only the original should really count, so preserving the actual hardware and cartridges, etc, is just as important as preserving the source code. At the very least controller designs need to be preserved even if the main hardware is just being emulated.
Want to agree...
I want to agree, but even for one game, there are different regions. Players of FINAL FANTASY VI in Japan did not have the same experience as Final Fantasy III players in the States, even beyond the translation. The comparisons with the preceeding titles, the environment of the industry, and even just the hardware itself (SFC had a more colorful controller) could affect the experiences of that generation. Same for re-releases. Heck, just thinking about silently different versions of the same game: The four or so patches of Metroid Prime (where sequence breaking and various lore was altered), or SSB Melee (which lost a strange occurence with the Daisy trophy), or FFIV ADVANCE between NA and EU (so much was fixed; Japan had both, but there was no distinguishment I know of).
It all contributes to the legacy of a title. The original must be preserved, yes, but so must every later version, as each has affected players through the years.
Wait,
yep
And what
And what exactly is the problem of preserving something that several people out there love and are fans of? How is 2 years of coding and researching the game and everything a quick buck? If that buck is quick, you better get on that gig then...seems like you think anyone can do it.
Emulation....
Just isn't the same dude, nothing like holding that cartridge in your hand or seeing it tucked in and nestled next to all the other catridges in your collection. I wish you luck in swapping that battery Luminaire
probably
What I got from the article is that if you're updating PS2 games, you can't just do a simple emulation of the game. With older games (PSX, and probably NES / SNES / N64) you may be able to get a faithful copy from an emulation.
Concerning future 360/PS3 game remasters...
You raise an interesting, but rather irrelevant point SamuraiTerry. Will we see remasters of current gen games, perhaps. Will it be possible to emulate them on future systems? Well, I think that question has already been answered by the severe lack of such support on both the PS3 and the 360 at this point. Both M$ and Sony have ackowledged emulation as a broken system that has to be solved on a game-by-game basis. Creating one piece of software that emulates the large majority of previous titles is impossible. Re-tooling the code to enable it to run on future systems, however, is still possible (but expensive). | {
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Apple blasted for alleged pollution by suppliers
September 1, 2011
By ELAINE KURTENBACH , AP Business Writer
(AP) -- Apple is defending itself against a fresh barrage of criticism from Chinese environmental activists over alleged pollution by the manufacturers who make its iconic iPhones, iPads and other products.
In a report issued Wednesday, a group of nongovernmental organizations accused the technology giant of violating its own corporate responsibility standards by using suppliers it said its investigations found are violating the law and endangering public health by discharging heavy metals and other toxins.
Responding to the report, Apple said Thursday that it was committed to "driving the highest standards of social responsibility" in its supply chain.
In a letter to the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, the Beijing-based NGO that spearheaded the report, Apple said it took such concerns seriously but had found discrepancies in the document.
It also proposed a "private conference call" with the institute, which responded by asking that other sponsors of the report be included in any dialogue.
Policing supply chains is a headache for big brand name companies, given the countless scandals over labor, environmental, safety and quality problems brought on by outsourcing to myriad factories in China and elsewhere in the developing world.
The latest report explores in more detail findings of an earlier one that took Cupertino, California-based Apple and other big electronics makers to task for alleged violations of labor and environmental standards.
It says Apple is spreading pollution through its supply chain and names seven facilities owned by five separate suppliers for specific problems, mainly with disposal of hazardous materials such as copper, nickel and cyanide.
Staff at two of those factories near Shanghai, Kaedar Electronics and Unimicron (Kunshan), said their managers were not available to comment Thursday.
Toxic waste and noxious smells from factories are a fact of life for many living in the heavily populated Shanghai region, and often standards demanded by residents are much higher than those allowed for industries.
An official with the local government in Kunshan said that the situation had improved from several years ago with the installation of a wastewater treatment plant, and that the Kaedar factory was expected to move to another area by 2013.
"It's true that it smells here, but the level of pollution is actually better than national standards," said the official, who asked to be identified only by his surname, Wang. "But when the wind blows, the smell is just unavoidable," he said.
The report also named Taiwan-owned Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which assembles Apple's iPhones and iPads in enormous factories in several mainland locations.
It said Foxconn's factory in the northern Chinese city of Taiyuan was emitting irritating gases resulting from metals surface processing, and authorities responsible for treating hazardous waste from its massive facility in the southern boomtown of Shenzhen had discharged pollutants exceeding legal limits.
Another suspected Apple supplier, Ibiden Electronics (Beijing), a Japanese maker of printed wiring boards, was discharging several dozen tons a day of sludge containing hazardous chemicals, the report said.
In its own social responsibility report, Ibiden says it exercises "rigorous control" over chemicals and is seeking to reduce use of those that are toxic.
Apple's latest supplier responsibility report acknowledges weaknesses, especially in suppliers' handling of hazardous substances, air emissions and environmental permits and reporting. The company says it is addressing those issues in its audit process, and has made progress.
The company had audited 288 facilities as of December 2010. Because Apple does not publicize its suppliers, public information about specific manufacturers serving them is hard to come by.
(AP) -- Protesters picketed Foxconn's annual general meeting in Hong Kong on Tuesday, accusing both the Apple Inc. supplier and computer giant of poor corporate ethics after a spate of suicides at Foxconn factories in mainland ...
(AP) -- Apple Inc. says its audits found labor, safety and other abuses by its suppliers in 2010, though it praised Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn for saving lives through its handling of a spate of suicides at its factories ...
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Thursday, 12 February 2015
A couple of our customers have ordered a bunch of leased lines from BT, but unfortunately the original orders weren't quite specific enough and the IPv4 addresses haven't been allocated quite right (we just need a bit of a routing change, some new small subnets allocating, and one of the circuits needs a bigger subnet). Its a few weeks until these lines go in so I thought I'd preempt any problems and correct the order well in advance.
Apparently I was wrong - BT say we can't change the order without delaying the whole installation. They advise that we should wait until the circuits are installed and then order the IP address changes and they will be done <em>on the same day</em>.
Sounds completely bonkers to me - why on earth can they do same-day changes on a live circuit (which actually requires reconfiguring it), but making changes to an order (which is just a paperwork exercise) that won't be fulfilled for weeks isn't possible without delaying it?
Oh well, no big deal, I'm just a bit stunned that configuring everything wrong and then correcting it is preferred over getting it right in the first place. | {
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The number of Twitter users has climbed to a lofty 75 million, but the growth rate of new users is slowing and a lot of current Twitterers are inactive, according to a study released today.
While the rate of new user growth peaked last July at about 7.8 million a month, that number has dropped to about 6.2 million new users a month now, according to a study from RJMetrics Inc., which develops online metric analysis software. The past six months, the study also noted, have shown a steady falloff in the number of new accounts.
"When you look at new account registrations, no one can deny that Twitter is still growing like a rocket ship. That's good," wrote Robert J. Moore, CEO and founder of RJMetrics. "However, upon closer inspection, the rate of new user signups has dropped meaningfully from its peak and many new users never do anything with their accounts. That's bad. Furthermore, the percentage of accounts sending out tweets has steadily declined over the past six months. That's worse."
Actually, the study shows that a lot of Twitter accounts aren't active, and the number of accounts that sent even one tweet in all of last December hit an all-time low.
According to the findings, only 17 per cent of all Twitter accounts Twittered last month. That's down from more than 70 per cent in early 2007 when Twitter was a fledgling company with far, far fewer users.
However, Moore pointed out that because of Twitter's "rapid user growth", even with only 17 per cent tweeting last month, that still adds up to more Twitterers than ever before.
Twitter, according to the report, has between 10 million and 15 million active Twitterers.
Today's study echoes a report released last week. HubSpot, a Web analytics company, noted in its own report that the number of users joining Twitter started to drop off dramatically last fall. While Twitter grew rapidly over the past couple of years, HubSpot said in its latest "State of the Twittersphere" report that the company's growth rate dropped to 3.5 per cent in October, compared to 13 per cent just seven months earlier.
This slowing growth rate stands in stark contrast to the micro-blogging site's staggering growth numbers just a year ago.
ComScore, Inc., a Web analytics company, reported that the number of people using Twitter in February 2009 had jumped a dramatic 700 per cent compared to the same month in 2008.
Twitter also saw a 131 per cent increase in U.S. visitors between February and March of last year, according to another report from comScore. Twitter had 9.3 million visitors in March of 2009 - a whopping five million more than it had the month before.
According to today's RJMetrics report, people who have joined Twitter aren't creating much of a presence there. The average Twitter user has 27 followers, which is down from 42 followers in August, according to the new study. About 25 per cent of users - up from 20 per cent last August - have no followers at all. Upwards of 40 per cent of users only have between one and five followers.
"A third of Twitter's user base has joined up in the past four months, and we know that users acquire more followers the longer they are on the system," wrote Moore in the report. However, he added that it's "impossible" to tell at this point if so many users have few followers because they're new to the site or if they're simply not engaged.
And a lack of engagement is showing up.
The study noted that about 80 per cent of all Twitter users have tweeted fewer than 10 times, up five percentage points from just five months ago.
Moore pointed out in the report that if new Twitter users stick with the micro-blogging service through just the first week they have a much higher rate of engagement with the site over time.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.
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With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews. | {
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Dubay
Dubay
Arabic percussion.From Egypt to Pakistan millions of songs and musics was born on this rithm. You can also use some peases of this percussion.If You want to show all the fire of east just choice this percussion with real instruments.
Use in one end product, free or commercial. Most web uses. 10,000 copy limit for a downloaded or physical end product. Plus up to 1 million broadcast audience. The total price includes the item price and a buyer fee.
Use in one end product, free or commercial. Most web uses. Up to 1 million broadcast audience. Plus unlimited copies of a downloaded or physical end product. The total price includes the item price and a buyer fee.
Use in one end product, free or commercial. Most web uses. Unlimited copies of a downloaded or physical end product. Plus a broadcast audience of up to 10 million. The total price includes the item price and a buyer fee.
Use in one end product, free or commercial. Most web uses. Unlimited copies of a downloaded or physical end product. Plus an unlimited broadcast audience, or a theatrically released film. The total price includes the item price and a buyer fee. | {
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Tag: Relapse
They say addiction is a disease, but they don’t act that way. If people believed addiction was a disease things would be different in our Country. Yes, the doctors and the government officials all call addiction a disease but they don’t treat it like it is a disease. If they did when someone overdosed they wouldn’t be let back onto the streets in four hours. The hospital would know that they need to keep the patient until a long-term bed could be found. Acknowledging that someone with the disease of addiction who just overdosed is much more likely to die than any other patient they will see besides the trauma patients. They don’t do any of these things though. Because they don’t treat addiction as a disease.
If law enforcement viewed addiction as a disease then surely people wouldn’t get arrested for addiction related issues. People wouldn’t be spending their lives in jail over drugs. The police would get people into treatment instead of placing them in prison. Every police officer would carry Narcan. The officers time would be spent providing hope and support instead of handcuffs that do nothing besides adding more stigma and guilt.
Everyone says Addiction is not a disease, its a choice. You have heard this argument, and even if you have never said it out loud, you have thought it. At least I have, and I am an addict
.
Did you know that people with diabetes can relapse? They sure can. They stop following doctors orders by not checking their sugar and not eating properly. People with diabetes relapse all the time but doctors don’t shame them. They go out of their way to get that patient back on track. Why? Managing disease is hard. That includes heart disease. How many of you fail to take your blood pressure meds correctly? Are you following the diet that your doctor set out for you?
Let me guess you don’t think that heart disease and diabetes is anything like an addiction because addiction is a choice, right? Well isn’t most diabetes brought on by diet and lack of physical activity? Type 2 diabetes is caused by the choices that the patient made and continues to make. What about heart disease? Isn’t that often brought on by the same things?
Addiction is caused by using that first drug. Most of us made that same choice at one time or another. How many people can honestly say they have never had a drink, smoked a joint or taken a pain pill? If you didn’t get addicted then awesome for you. You are lucky. That means you don’t have the disease of addiction. See I know many addicts that can eat as many donuts as they want and their sugar won’t spike at all. That is awesome for them…that means they don’t have diabetes.
Cookies and fast food are causing Diabetes all over the world. The last time I checked cookies don’t force you to eat them, so the person with diabetes is making a choice, that led to their disease. I don’t know about you but not once when I was buying ice cream, and white bread did I worry that a police officer was going to pull me over and catch it on me. Why is that? If the argument is that addiction is a choice, then let’s declassify diabetes and heart “disease.”
So why do they call addiction a disease when they don’t believe that it is? Is it a new concept? No, it’s been classified as a disease since the 80’s. Maybe that is still too new; I don’t know. Maybe they are trying to train us into believing that it is a disease. I know what some of you are thinking. You think that calling addiction a disease is something that addicts want and you refuse to buy into that bull, right? I get it. I used opiates for twenty years, and I would laugh when people would tell me addiction was a disease until I listened to Dr. Ruth Potee giving her talk called Addiction is a Brain Disease. Dr. Potee breaks it down, and I found not only understanding of myself but peace knowing that I wasn’t just a bad person.
Please take the time to watch Dr. Ruth Potee explain exactly why addiction is a disease and ask why we aren’t treating it accordingly.
I never wanted to be an addict. When I had my first drink or drug, I planned on having fun like everyone else and not looking back. Something happen though, I felt for the first time happy and what I imagined normal was. Even though I wasn’t addicted that first time, I knew by the end of it that I wanted to feel it again. So I did, over and over until I had not only a mental addiction but a physical one.
So like Richard Jones said in the rant that inspired this post…Stop calling it a disease if you aren’t going to treat it like one. It’s almost as insulting as when you use words like junkie.It’s time to demand that addiction is treated as a disease. Just calling it a disease isn’t enough anymore.
Please follow Richard Jones. He runs the recovery and activist group called, Recovery Cartel on Facebook.
It’s hard for anyone to admit that they relapsed. Recently we have had a few relapses in our recovery community online. Advocates are no different than anyone else, this shit is hard. One of the arguments that I have heard of “going live” is that eventually one of us are going to relapse, one of us might die. They say that most of us aren’t qualified to step out in front of a camera and tell people how to cook a steak much less how to recover. Yes, it is true, some will relapse and it’s possible that someone could die but that doesn’t mean we should stop. Those things could happen regardless.
After the past month, I have to admit that I have done exactly what everyone worries about. I didn’t take any drugs, but I still relapsed all the same. The type of relapse I am speaking of is an emotional relapse. That might not be the right word but all I know is that before I knew what happen I looked up and realized I have been crying for a month. All I was doing was self-loathing and punishing myself for things I didn’t do, couldn’t control and wasn’t really involved in. Thankfully, I decided to speak up about what was going on and showed my vulnerability, even if it came out in anger.
The reason I share this is simple. It doesn’t matter what your role is in recovery, how long you’re clean or how immune you think you are shit happens. There are different kinds of relapses. Of course, you can relapse by using, but you can also relapse by:
self-loathing
acting out in relationships
self serving
lying
cheating
Some of these other relapses can be just as dangerous as picking up your drug of choice. Mental health is key to our recovery. If you see someone in recovery struggling with a mental or character relapse, take it seriously. There are many other ways that addicts die every day besides overdose. There are countless suicides daily that no one attributes to addiction. There are many addicts that survive these nondrug-related relapses but destroy loved ones and friends with their insecurities.
The biggest message is this. These so-called “leaders” in recovery are just addicts like you. They feel all the same feelings that you do. They have bad days and good days, but just like us sometimes they have bad months. If you notice yourself going down the path of one of these types of relapse speak out. The biggest lessons that advocates have to teach is that they are human. Humans make mistakes and as long as you are honest about them, you will teach far more with your mistakes than you ever will with your success.
Be good to each other and stand up when something is wrong. Sometimes we have to be “negative” to do what is right. Turning the other cheek is great for a while. After you get punched twice, its time to fight. | {
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Hello ladies..sorry this is gonna be a depressing one! I feel so frigging depressed this month mind you i have every christmas TTC! OH didn't even want to put up the christmas deckies up and neither did i...It must be bad if OH didn't want to put them up he normally loves christmas hes like a big kid, all we've done for 5 days is say how much more we'd decorate the house and bake loads of cakes and make jellies and all kinds if we had kids! it always seems to be ' IF WE ' and never ' we have ' looking at all our friend are even worse getting all there presents ready and taking about father christmas coming for there kids me and OH have said we just gonna get drunk over the 3 days and we both don't drink so wont cost us much to get drunk ha ha don't even know what to drink ha ha anybody got some nice suggestions? ...just so we can blurr it all out and not be in reality...ha ha knowing the way this world is i'd probably get pregnant if we both turned into alcoholics! Crackers, sending you all some positive baby dust from this depressing post! Love Jo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx_________________
nutty1
AskBaby Legend
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 17590
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 12:23 pmPost subject:
Awww Jo ((hugs)) have to say Im the opposite Im really looking forward to it and so is o/h. To me its something to focus on and take my mind off ttc. I absolutely love christmas dinners and all the food and drink that we over indulge in. I love seeing people open their presents too. Obviously I wish with all my heart that I could have been pregnant or have a little one but Ive kind of got used to it now after 5 yrs. I just focus on thinking we will get there eventually.
As for booze my o/h isnt really a drinker , its rare he drinks and when he does it isnt much. He tends to drink lager, he likes fosters and stella or sometimes he just joins me on the vodka as it goes with so many different mixers x_________________Ttc since December 2007!
Pen81
Guru Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2010
Posts: 777
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:47 pmPost subject:
Ah Jo...sorry to hear you feel down! Like Nutty I'm looking forward to christmas. As it's always so pretty everywhere and about everyone is in a good mood. A good way to get your mind from it all and just enjoy the times.
Like you I've decided to have a drink this christmas. People that know me will fall off their chairs, even though I have never claimed I don't drink in full, I just hardly drink as I don't like the taste of most things. I bought a bottle of mulled wine, which you can heat up. It's lovely! Esspecially if you first go for a walk in the cold (we have a dog so have to haha) and then have a glass of that...mmm...warms you right up.
I do feel down every now and again about it being another holiday, but hey ho, positive vibes all the way. They do say miracles happen at christmas time!
MrsZargon
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Posts: 475
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:58 pmPost subject:
Sorry to hear you are feeling down, thought I'd give you a few ideas for things I love doing just me and OH over Christmas so maybe you could do some of those to help enjoy the time together......
Ice-skating in the evening on an outdoor rink
Mulled wine at a Christmas market
Long walk if it is cold and crunchy outside followed by hearty pub meal
Theatre - lots of places have Christmas comedy type plays which are great fun for grown-ups
Skiing (obviously if time and money allows)
Stay in bed/take the duvet downstairs and cuddle up with a good Christmas film and lots of chocolate!
Personally I hate NY always have! I avoid it like the plague and aim to be in bed by 10
dlovebabiest
Active Member
Joined: 06 Nov 2012
Posts: 55
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:52 pmPost subject:
I was not really in the mood either but my OH feels like we should take full advantage of this Christmas to help lighten the mood. Good luck everyone. I like Moscato, its smooth and I love the taste. It usually helps me relax without passing out haha.
steph181
AskBaby Legend
Joined: 27 Jan 2009
Posts: 6046
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:43 pmPost subject:
I like my booze
for a special occasion I usually go with jacobs creek sparkling Rose, but I have had a sparkling rose from Aldi and it was only £3.69 and very nice, in fact iv finished the bottle off
something i tend to drink at christmas is port and brandy. I also like vodka, with coke or orange juice, amaretto and coke, archers and lemoade, sweet martini and coke, or martini rosso and lemonade.
Probably loads more but I sound like and alcoholic!_________________
MrsZargon
Senior Member
Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Posts: 475
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:47 amPost subject:
Oh if u have a sweet tooth Baileys is a fab Xmas drink
DL05
AskBaby Legend
Joined: 30 Jun 2010
Posts: 13374
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 7:39 amPost subject:
I love a nice cava , good for special occassions too, morrisons have freixenet at half price (£5 a bottle ) in white and rose at the moment,( I like the rose and the brut best but the brut is a bit sharp for some people) its really nice, nicer than champagne (imho )and we always have it on Christmas day, but the bubbles can make it go straight to your head if you're not a big drinker
This time of year I love alcoholic ginger beer, with lots of ice and a squeeze of lime (nice and warming )
Home made snowballs, very cheesy and 70's but I love them , it's my guilty pleasure
Baileys of course, Aldi's own version of that for £6 is very nice too (I actually prefer it to proper baileys now )
Stowells white zinfandel is nice (seems to be some snobbery about drinking zinfandel but I think its lovely if you find a nice one )
Mulled wine and mulled cider are nice too, I normally make my own though using nice wine or more expensive cider because often the ready made stuff has the cheapest ones in, you can even buy sachets to put in it
Just realised I sound like an alkie
I'd also say try and make the most of the time together just the two of you, doing couple things, because once you do have a family (which FX is very soon ) then you won't get that chance again, Mrs Zargons ideas are good, in fact anything that stops you thinking about TTC is good and you never know it just might do the trick
Maybe even avoid all people with children for the main days of Christmas too, and stay well away from facebook which is always plastered with photos etc. xx
nutty1
AskBaby Legend
Joined: 03 Jul 2008
Posts: 17590
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:29 amPost subject:
Lol @ all of us and our drinks. I dont really drink anything other than vodka, ill have white wine occasionally but Im not overly keen on it. Me and o/h were talking about southern comfort last night, I cant quite remember how it tastes so might get a bottle of that. Ive just started buying bits and pieces of party food to now , I always cook up loads of party food new years eve and we have our own little party (no other guests) _________________Ttc since December 2007!
Pen81
Guru Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2010
Posts: 777
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 10:48 amPost subject:
MrsZargon wrote:
Oh if u have a sweet tooth Baileys is a fab Xmas drink
I forgot about Baileys! Thx Mrs Zargon, that's going on the shopping list for christmas!
Edit: I got those sachets Nat. I've never made mulled wine before, so thought the preprepared bottle would be good haha! What is a good red to use for the mulled wine sachets? That's another reason why I got the bottle! I know nothing about wines haha!
Jo3x
AskBaby Star
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
Posts: 2267
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2012 9:51 pmPost subject:
Thanks you ladies for all your positive words and ideas is great that most of you are looking forward to it, i think the reason why we dread it as me and OH don't have much family so really its just me him and the dog Thanks for your drinking ideas am not a drinker and neither is OH so where confused on what to buy! i've tried arches before which i don't mind every time i've tried wine i've never liked it, it always burns my throat so if anyone can recommend a nice light fruity rose wine Let me know, Knowing my luck though me and oh will get very drunk all over christmas an get pregnant always the way! Am hoping anyway!!! Sending you all lots of baby dust! Love Jo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx_________________ | {
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Customary International Law
International law is a collection of developing rules which governs the relationship between nations. The range of subjects directly concerned with international law has widened considerably, moving beyond the issues of war, peace, and diplomacy to include human rights, trade issues, space law, and international organizations.
Article 38 (1) of the International Court of Justice identifies three sources of international law: treaties, customary international law, and general principles of international law (jus cogens)
Customary international law is a primary source of international law and is derived from customs. For example, the law of war was long a matter of customary law before it was codified in the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, Geneva Conventions, and other treaties. The vast majority of the world’s governments accept in principle the existence of customary international law, although there are many differing opinions as to what rules are contained in it.
The Statute of the International Court of Justice acknowledges the existence of customary international law in Article 38(1)(b), incorporated into the United Nations Charter by Article 92. The article states that the Court shall apply international custom while deciding disputes.
Customary international law consists of rules of law derived from the consistent conduct of States. The elements of customary law are as follows:
Customary international law can be discerned by a widespread repetition of similar international acts over time by States (states practice);
Acts must occur out of sense of obligation (opinio juris);
Acts must be taken by a significant number of States and not be rejected by a significant number of States.
A marker of customary international law is consensus among states exhibited both by widespread conduct and a discernible sense of obligation. | {
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Appellant's Statement of the Issues:
1. Does a General Release signed by a former employee after his discharge bar his claim for wrongful discharge, as a matter of law?
2. Under N.D.R.Evid. 408 on Compromises, was it reversible error for the trial court to admit a compromise settlement into evidence in a jury trial of the employee's disputed claim for wrongful discharge?
Appellee's Statement of the Issues:
1. Contract recission was not raised prior to appeal and is therefore barred for argument on appeal.
2. There were sufficient questions of fact regarding the validity of the general release to support the District Court's Order denying the Motion for Summary Judgment.
3. The Separation Agreement and General Release, Exhibit 13, was admitted into evidence for a valid purpose under Rule 408 of the North Dakota Rules of Evidence. | {
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Description
The Uniform Server is a lightweight server solution for running a web server under the WindowsOS. Less than 24MB! Modular design, includes the latest versions of Apache2, Perl5, PHP (switch between PHP53, PHP54, PHP55 or PHP56), MySQL5 or MariaDB5, phpMyAdmin or Adminer4. Run from either hard drive or USB memory stick... NO INSTALLATION REQUIRED! NO REGISTRY DUST! Just UNPACK and FIRE UP!
User Reviews
I downloade the ZeroX1 server and there is nothing lite about it. It is over 100Mb when unzipped. It does not look at all like the images shown on this site. It looks like somebody is just calling a different apache release 'Uniform Server' - waste of bandwidth downloading
Posted 03/21/2014
faguz
1 of 52 of 53 of 54 of 55 of 5
I wish authors of this good product to correct some errors and therefore make it yet better:
1. The interface font is too small for people with not perfect sight.
2. Though my Desktop uses enlarged font setting, here it seems doesn't help.
3. There's no options to enlarge font in this program.
4. The window of entering password for MySQL server - at the very beginning of usage of this program - cuts off the lower string - where the password must be entered. So it's unusable. Maybe because the window heading bar has height more than standard due to enlarged system font.
5. Both my e-mails are not accepted by http://uniformserver.com forum board, so I can't register and give a feedback there. I would attach a screenshot.
Still, a good idea, and I hope could use this program soon! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Legend of Kay Anniversary headed to the Switch
The game that never dies is making its way to Switch. That’s right, it’s Legend of Kay.
THQ Nordic announced last night that Legend of Kay Anniversary is coming to the Nintendo Switch. First released in 2005 on the PS2, Legend of Kay has been ported to more platforms than you can poke a stick at, including the Nintendo DS, PC, Mac, Playstation 4 and even the Wii U. The Anniversary edition features a tonne of improvements over the original game, including HD textures, fully reworked sound, and just more detail and polish overall.
THQ Nordic have been strong supporters of the Switch thus far, with titles like This is the Police and Sine Mora EX already on the console; a small collection of games such as Battle Chasers: Nightwar, This is the Police 2, Pillars of Eternity II, and now Legend of Kay Anniversary all announced to be coming soon. It’s always nice to see such robust support from a developer, and we look forward to what THQ Nordic has to bring to the Switch in the future.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated when we have more info, but in the meantime, you can view the description and trailer for Legend of Kay Anniversary below.
Legend of Kay – Anniversary is a thoroughly remastered version of the original game: high-resolution textures; new, more detailed character models; modern rendering techniques and crystal-clear surround sound give this great classic a new shine.
Digital game collector, impulse spender, and news editor.
I write reviews and report on cool Nintendo stuff. Also the number one Minecraft guy on the team. Mine Cart Madness is the worst thing to happen to video games. | {
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Recent reviews:
January 10, 2015 -
Just received today, shipped very quickly. I am impressed by the quality, very well made. I love the colors, I know people will be asking where I purchased it. I ordered a M/L and it does fit a bit large but still fits without looking sloppy. I definately plan on making some more puchases, so glad I found this website.
April 7, 2014 -
My top's design was a little different than the one pictured. The color scheme was the same .. just the design on the hip was not a cut out. I didn't mind much because I liked everything else. Excellent fit. Good weight to the material. I'm pleased with the unique style.
April 3, 2014 -
Really a cute shirt!! Nice material--not thin and sleazy--pretty handwork on it. An unusual piece. Very comfortable. So glad I ordered it!!
March 27, 2014 -
I love this top. The colors are brilliant and workmanship is excellent. Just beware that the sizes run large.
March 10, 2014 -
I love this shirt and the material is of good quality, not the flimsy, almost see through stuff you find in most stores these days. The colors are true, the shirt was not meant to be red on the outside because of the stone washed appearance, that's why it looks like that per the other review. It's pretty and soft and again, I love the QUALITY of the material. Cozy shirt. | {
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James Brown - Sex Machine (The Very Best Of James Brown) (2006)
1Please Please Please2:462Think2:433Night Train3:324Out of Sight2:245Papa's Got a Brand New Bag2:076I Got You (I Feel Good)2:267It's Man's Man's Man's World2:488Cold Sweat2:529Say It Loud (I'm Black and I'm Proud)2:4910(Get Up I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine5:1711Hey America3:3812Make It Funky, Part 13:1413I'm a Greedy Man, Part 13:3714Get on the Good Foot3:3615Get Up Offa That Thing4:1116It's Too Funky in Here3:5917Living in America4:4318I'm Real5:0019Hot Pants3:0720Soul Power (live)4:20
(All below links are interchangable. No password)Buy Premium To Support Me & Get Resumable Support & Max Speed | {
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Synthetic Fillers – Lip Fillers
Facial Fillers To Reduce Lip, Face & Wrinkle Lines
Our synthetic fillers are used to treat a number of cosmetic issues including the lips, face and wrinkle lines. These facial fillers offer a long-lasting effect and can make your skin look younger than ever before. Whether you require lip fillers or want to get rid of wrinkles, book your facial fillers with our team today and get your appointment arranged whether you are located in Preston, Bolton, Burnley, Bury or Lancaster – our lip fillers treatments are available to all in the UK.
Aftercare Instructions Following Treatment with Dermal Fillers
Possible redness, swelling, tenderness and itching
Apply ice pack to reduce swelling and improves comfort
Application of Aloe vera gel
Avoidance of touching the treated area for 6 hours
Avoid washing with soap and water for 6 hours
Avoid make up for 6 hours
Avoid hot baths, showers until swelling has gone down
Avoid sunbathing and use of sunbeds for 48 hours after treatment
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Recurrence of cold sores needs immediate treatment
Bruising may be due to Aspirin and Anticoagulants
Avoidance of Complications Acute Dermal Fillers
Pain, swelling, erythema, tenderness, Ischaemia, under or over correction – can be avoided by better injection technique | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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It’s another Bill and Andy solo episode. While Josh scares little children and gets paid for it for once, your other two hosts review the third episode of Gurren Lagann. Want to know something really scary? Bill has good things to say about it. Spooky, right? Check out our newest review of Episode 3, “Who Do You Think You Are, Having Two Faces!?” | {
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Speaker: Sudden cardiac arrest, that isn't a heart attack, what's the difference? Andrew D. Blaufox: Well I think when people typically think about a heart attack, they are usually thinking in their minds someone has had a myocardial infarction where the blood supply to the heart itself is somehow compromised and that is a disease, more of older age where people build up plaques and blockages of their coronary arteries. In young people coronary artery diseases are much less uncommon. In fact it's fairly rare but children and young adults do die suddenly from cardiac arrest, and the vast majority of these cases and electrical in nature and because by a variety of problems such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the Long QT syndrome, Brugada Syndrome or patients may have different types of Cardiomyopathy, a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or a Dialytic Cardiomyopathy and all these patients are susceptible to dangerous or malignant Arrhythmias. Speaker: Many times we don't even have any indication in occurring with symptoms before. So maybe a good idea for kids going to school and playing game like a football game or gym athletics, function they have some automatic defibrillators around, it wouldn't be a bad idea. Andrew D. Blaufox: Yeah I think that's probably a good idea to have these around, the New York state has programs for AEDs or Automatic External Defibrillators in school and there is funding available for that across the state. Speaker: Are these very expensive? Andrew D. Blaufox: Home Defibrillators you can get for about a $1000 upwards to $3000. So for school system it seems to be very reasonable. I think that for each community they have to look at a couple of different things, one is the cost of the equipment and training people and the availability of this equipment in the sports facilities compared to whether or not they want to just apply first responder with the equipment. So if you are going to have police and fireman have these equipment in their car and they have good response time then you may not need it at every field or every event as long as you have people who know how to use it and can get it there within a few minutes. Speaker: We always looking that a school system should have an emergency plan including things like that are possible or in our case you mentioned they have a quick responding team maybe in the school there was a first aid station found, so that will be a pretty good subject. But the idea is if you prepare for the problem, eventually you probably would never get the problem. Andrew D. Blaufox: Absolutely and it's imperative that you not only draw up a plan but to have figure out the testing of the plan and make sure if it is the school that teachers and the health personnel are all aware of where the equipment is located and who to call and what steps to take in order to get the responders there in an immediate crisis. The other thing is also the health department should also track patients who maybe at higher risk, patients who have previous heart disease and know where they are and what activities they are engaging and perhaps make the trainers or the coaches aware that there maybe an issue and that they need to be highly suspicious if these patients are complaining of symptoms.
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"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The sad thing is that ultimately Dem voters are victimizing themselves. At this point our fatal fiscal death spiral is still recoverable, to some extent. We can, even at $17 TRILLION in public debt, still salvage a reasonable social safety net. But only if we get spending under control now.
When the debt and deficit finally do augur into the ground, there will be no warning, and no recourse. Fiscal Armageddon will take us unaware, with little or no warning, and consume us overnight, as financial disasters *always* do. From that point on every financial resource will be consumed simply to service our debt. There will be *NOTHING* left over to fund a social safety net of any sort.
The Dems are literally eating their own young. Problem is, they're eating mine, too. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services.
The oil industry's next big innovation has largely been overshadowed by the collapse of oil prices. But this new technology promises to have a bigger long-term impact on the energy industry than any short-term production decisions made by OPEC. And this new technology might just change the face of employment for thousands of workers around the world too.
For a long time, offshore oil platforms have provided a good living for experienced workers in a variety of roles in the oil field. After taking into account rotation schedules, there are roughly 100-200 employees on an oil rig depending on a variety of factors. The average wage for these employees is approximately $50,000 per year. Putting these figures together, the average personnel cost for an offshore rig is $5 million to $10 million per year. For a well that produces about 2,500 barrels of oil a day, this personnel cost works out to the equivalent of $5-$10 per barrel of oil. Unsurprisingly, producers are eager to lower these costs in any way they can. And an emerging technology offers a sea change to the current status quo.
The new technology in question is the unmanned offshore oil platform. Building on decades of advances in robotics, offshore oil platforms look set to become one of the next industrial applications to replace workers with machinery. Driverless cars may be getting a lot more press, but in recent months there have been several announcements about major oil firms adopting unmanned offshore platforms. This technology is already proven and has been available for years, but it appears the current turmoil in energy markets may be driving the majors to adopt unmanned platforms as a cost-cutting measure. When times were good and oil prices were high, companies didn't feel much incentive to take actions that could prove unpopular with employees. But now companies are putting all options on the table.
There are several firms that have looked to develop technology that can reduce headcounts and costs in oil extraction. As the technology becomes more widely used, it is likely to become cheaper and this, in turn, will lead to still further adoption, creating a virtuous cycle in the industry. Over the long run, one by-product of this technology may be considerably lower employment levels in the oil extraction business. Just as robots appear to be gearing up to change the face of manufacturing in the U.S. and other industrialized nations, the energy industry will not be immune.
What does this mean for the country as a whole? Employee costs are substantial for oil extraction, so any successful efforts to reduce headcount will also reduce production costs and enable more production at lower price levels. Five dollars to $10 a barrel in costs makes a big difference to the bottom line. This cost reduction is beneficial for all consumers. Similarly, any cost benefits that do not get passed on to consumers will buoy producer profits and help boost stock prices. Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost.
Workers who once could earn a good living in the energy business may have to find other occupations. While society as a whole is better off when resources are produced more efficiently, that improvement is not free. The current trend toward unmanned offshore oil platforms does nothing to undermine that fundamental truth, and the industry will have to decide how to handle this truth. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Flights Skopje - Dusseldorf
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Get useful information about Skopje and Dusseldorf to organize your journey.
Currency and cost comparison
Train
Local, one-way ticket
410%
Trains are 410% more expensive in Dusseldorf than in Skopje.
Skopje
0.57€
Dusseldorf
2.9€
Meal
Mid-priced restaurant
110%
The average meal is 110% more expensive in Dusseldorf than in Skopje.
Skopje
4.87€
Dusseldorf
10€
Taxi
Standard daytime start rate
646%
Taxis are 646% more expensive in Dusseldorf than in Skopje.
Skopje
0.65€
Dusseldorf
4.85€
Coffee
Regular cappuccino
91%
Coffee is 91% more expensive in Dusseldorf than in Skopje.
Skopje
1.46€
Dusseldorf
2.79€
Skopje airports
(Skopje(SKP)
How far from city centre:2 kms
Dusseldorf airports
(Düsseldorf International(DUS)
How far from city centre:7 kms
(Welschap(EIN)
How far from city centre:100 kms
(Koeln - Bonn(CGN)
How far from city centre:47 kms
(Wickede(DTM)
How far from city centre:58 kms
(Niederrhein (Weeze)(NRN)
How far from city centre:61 kms
(Monchengladbach(MGL)
How far from city centre:24 kms
KDistance:1515 kms
Find flights from Skopje - Dusseldorf
Are you excited for an amazing trip from Skopje to Dusseldorf? You are in the right place! If you need a little getaway to see a loved one or a comfortable flight for your business trip, the best deal prices and airline carriers are a click away from you. You either are looking for a cheap flight or are in a hurry to find a last-minute ticket, no worries! eDreams will take care of everything you need for a perfect vacation in Dusseldorf. You will get a large selection of airfares from standard and low cost airlines worldwide and easily book your tickets for this route. Don´t forget to book a hotel and choose a car for your perfect trip as a package. Choose the best-suited flight and fasten your seatbelt, we are flying! | {
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Homemaker CentreWodonga VIC
A new 12,600 square meter bulky goods development in Wodonga comprising 12 tenancies and a fast food outlet.
An economical structure was designed incorporating passive energy efficient facade elements for control of natural light along the front, enhancing their appeal. The development included store fit outs for major national brands utilising large areas of shopfront glazing that provide opportunities for effective product display.
bokor architecture+interiors managed the $14M project which was completed ahead of the 8 month construction deadline. | {
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and bulid though I suspect this govt is all bluff and bluster and will not dig "dirt" but succumb to pressure. Anyone noticed the the genocide continues in Syria without more than a few useless words of condemnation from the international community not to mention the patheitc EU.
The woman has never had a single good thing about Its Israel its either condemnation, support for terrorists or if we make a goodwill gesture of some kind she says we need to give more.
For the arabs she is always full of praise.
If there is a terror attack and Israelis are killed its a terrible shame about the victims but reason is the occupation.
Disgusting woman, just shows how the House of Lords has gone downhill if this is the kind of trash it produces these days.
Where was the EU when Rome destroyed our Temple and exiled the Jews from our own land? The EU was then under Roman occupation, including Britain.
Where were the EU when arab hordes occupied Israel and built illegal mosques and settlements?
For Ashton and her ilk in the EU, UN and White House to complain (so frequently and bitterly!) about housing for JEWS is a public display of bigotry. TENS OF THOUSANDS of houses have been built for Arabs in the very same Disputed Territories and have drawn no condemnation from anyone. Why is it OK for Arabs to build somewhere but it's not OK for Jews? Why does wild and grandiose construction of Arab housing in Disputed Territory not threaten the outcome of any final agreement but extremely limited construction by Jews cause such grief? Is Europe preparing to limit Jews to living within the Pale of Settlement again? Bigots! Plain and simple!
The time is long overdue for Israel to tell the E.U. to butt out. It has no business interfering in Israel's affairs. We are not ghetto Jews. We don't take orders from the E.U.
The E.U. had better tend to it's own fast disintegrating society. All of Israel belongs to Jews and we will build EVERYWHERE in our land.
Ashton appears to act like a Tibetan monk turning the prayer mill, time upon time again issuing her mantra of condemning Israel building houses on it's land, in it's capital for 3000 years, yet never approaching issues of real importance , like calls for killing Jews by Hamas or condemning Syrian's from both sides committing war crimes.
About Israel building in it's GOD given homeland.This woman has a very negative obsession with Israel,she ignores all the worlds other problems and concentrates on Israel instead.Ignore her and keep building and building non stop.
Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel why one should travel from Jerusalem to Betlehem direct If any one want to visit the Palestian New so called Nation why not go via there Capital Ramallah I give my both thumbs up Build Israel Build in our Greatest City Jerusalem Capital of Israel
Doesn't the woman feel she's blowing hot air and making a complete spectacle of herself?
The more she 'slams, Israel 'builds and rightly so!
Israel doesn't need the 'approval of unelected people like Mrs. Ashton & those who elected her in the most undemocratic way, to tell the elected PM of Israel if/where/what to build!
And its consistent given how they do the same with the Arabs. We - Jews and Arabs - are all (in their own minds) like children and need their guidance and at times discipline. It seems we are being treated like the older child who should know better while the Arabs have convinced them that they are as helpless as toddlers and often being "picked on" by the older child. An effort should be made to always remind the Europeans we are not their children
She just has to speak the speak she beleives her listeners want to hear. Her declarations re: Israels building it's own nation show she has no historical kowledge. I am still waiting to hear from Arab, Christian, Zoroastrian or Jew-where was the Palestinian nation? where was the language, culture religion,food that makes this group qualify any more than me saying all right handed females named Jan need their own nation- because three of us used to live here.....
It is Ok for Arabs to build, because they are the victims, and they have the world's sympathy.
It is NOT OK for jews to build, because we do not like you, or want you. It has been like this for the last 4,000 years.
Understand now?? | {
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Foxconn is the world’s largest (and Apple’s favorite) contract manufacturer. Despite criticism that it runs sweatshops, the truth is that Foxconn leads the charge in improving working conditions at its high-tech factories, at least compared to other large-scale production operations in China.
According to a Friday report by Taipei Times, CEO terry Gou said in a television interview that the wage increases will go into effect in July after the current review is completed.
Hon Hai chairman Terry Gou said in a TV interview on Wednesday that his company is reviewing pay scales for its employees in Taiwan as the public is faced with a rising cost of living since the government removed a mechanism to partially freeze domestic fuel prices. The government is also likely to raise electricity prices after the latest increase in fuel prices, which became effective on Monday.
I think Foxconn is doing the right thing here, even if it’s the result of a tremendous public backlash and the prominence of Apple, their prime client.
Tucheng, New Taipei, Taiwan-headquartered Foxconn employs an estimated million people, it is the world’s largest maker of electronic components, the largest exporter in Greater China and the key partner of California-based Apple.
When a company this large decides to do something about working conditions, other Taiwanese parts makers and manufacturing companies in China have no choice but to follow suit or risk losing employees who will increasingly want to jump ship to work for Foxconn.
Indeed, the report goes on to state that notebook maker Compal Electronics and flat panel makers AU Optronics and Chimei Innolux (both Apple’s suppliers) “might also give their employees a pay raise later this year”.
Consequentially, working conditions should improve over time across the Asian supply and manufacturing chain.
That’s all that matters and what we’ve all hoped for in the first place. | {
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} |
CLINTON, S.C. – The Presbyterian College football team used a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to pull away from Saint Francis (Pa.) en route to a 26-14 on Saturday afternoon at Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, S.C. The Blue Hose conclude non-conference play with a 3-3 record, while the Red Flash drop to 3-2 on the season.
“I’m humbled by the win today because that’s a good football team and I’m grateful to our kids for playing the way that they did. Three things stick out to me. First, the consistency on defense. I’m very proud of how the defense played. Obviously, proud of the special teams play. We have gotten better each week and continue to work and that made a big difference. How about the offense though? Driving for two scores in the fourth quarter to put the game away. It really was a team victory all the way around today against a well-respected opponent in Saint Francis.”
How It Happened
PC started the scoring with a field goal late in the first quarter to take the early lead. Brett Norton capped off a nine-play drive with a 38-yard field goal, the second-longest of his career, to give PC a 3-0 lead with just a few seconds remaining in the first quarter. On the ensuing Saint Francis drive, a bad snap went over the head of the punter, forcing him to toss the ball out of the end zone for a safety to give PC a 5-0 lead.
The Blue Hose special teams came up big later in the second quarter. Rod Haygood was able to block a SFU punt and Malachi Brown recovered it and returned it 17 yards for the touchdown, pushing the PC advantage to the halftime lead of 12-0. It was the first PC blocked punt return for a touchdown since 2011 when Justin Bethel recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for the score.
Saint Francis got the board with a defensive touchdown midway through the third quarter. SFU linebacker Da’Jon Lee forced a PC fumble and Louie Gartner recovered it and went 49 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 12-7.
PC extended its lead early in the fourth quarter with a 10-play, 94-yard touchdown drive, capped off a by a 50-yard touchdown reception by Darquez Watson on a pass from Ben Cheek that made it 19-7. SFU answered on its ensuing drive, going 75 yards in just five plays with quarterback Bear Fenimore finding Jymere Jordan-Toney for 15 yards for the touchdown to cut it to 19-14. The Blue Hose were able to put the game away with an eight-play, 79-yard drive that saw Torrance Marable goes 12 yards for the score to make it 26-14 with just over four minutes to play.
The win gives PC its third on the season, its most since going 6-5 in 2014. The 3-3 start is also the best since doing the same in 2014.
Offensive Leader
Ben Cheek stepped up late in the game to lead the PC offense to the victory. He finished the game with a career-high 153 passing yards and a touchdown on 10-of-18 passing, while rushing for a season-high 93 yards on 15 carries. He established a new career-high with 246 yards of total offense in the contest. It was his fourth straight game throwing for at least 130 yards.
Defensive Standout
Rock Ya-Sin recorded his second interception of the season in the third quarter to halt an already nine-play SFU drive. He added seven tackles and a pair of pass breakups in the victory.
Offensive Notes
- Torrance Marable, the Big South’s leading rusher, proved consistent once again, rushing 21 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. The score was his fifth of the season to give him the team lead.
- Darquez Watson scored his first touchdown of the season with a 50-yard reception on a pass from Ben Cheek in the fourth quarter. Watson finished the game with three receptions for a career-high 65 receiving yards to aid PC in the win.
- Dashawn Davis led the Blue Hose again with four receptions for 60 yards, including a 42-yarder in the fourth quarter to set up PC’s final touchdown of the game.
- The Blue Hose finished the contest with 204 rushing yards, its third game this season with at least 200 on the ground. PC has found the end zone on the ground at least once in every contest so far.
- PC was able to score 26 points against an SFU team that entered the game having allowed just 30 points all season. The Red Flash entered the game ranked second in the FCS in scoring defense, allowing just eight points per game. They also ranked third in the nation in turnovers forced with 14 entering the game and managed just one takeaway on the day.
Defensive Notes
- The blocked punt return for a touchdown was the first by PC since 2011 when Justin Bethel recovered a block punt in the end zone at Furman on September 24.
- PC also recorded a safety for the first time since 2011 when Donelle Williams tackled a Coastal Carolina rusher in the endzone for the two points.
- The Blue Hose recorded 2.0 sacks in the game, after having managed just 3.0 sacks all season entering today’s game. Gyasi Yeldell recorded his first sack of the year, while Nick Moss and Antonio Leroy teamed up for 0.5 sack each, their first of the year respectively.
- PC held Saint Francis scoreless in the first half. It was the first time since 2014 that PC held its opponent scoreless in the opening half, when it allowed zero points in the first half against Gardner-Webb in the season finale.
- Ryan Burgess led the Blue Hose in tackles on the afternoon, reaching a season-high 10 tackles. Elijah Turner added eight tackles from the secondary, his fifth straight game with at least five tackles.
- The defense held the Red Flash to 243 yards of total offense, its lowest total of the season and the least amount of yards allowed by PC this season. SFU entered the game averaging 31.8 points per game but came away with just 14 points.
Up Next
The seven-game homestand for PC rolls on next week, as conference play begins against Charleston Southern. Kickoff is set for noon and can be seen on the Stadium Network. | {
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Monday, June 11, 2007
no title.
Too tired to post anything interesting. I was up before 5 am today - yikes! And I rode to work. Yay me.
Since I've got nothing, go and check out Andrea's blog: http://www.greentea.tk/I don't know what Kendo is, but it involves swords and Japanese warriors and that sounds cool. (I'm also too tired to read, apparently.) | {
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Monte Kiffin, 72, spent 25 years as an NFL assistant and won a Super Bowl as the Tampa Bay Bucs' defensive coordinator in 2003. He left the Bucs in 2008 to join his son, who at the time was the Tennessee Volunteers' head coach, and headed to USC with him in 2010, as well.
"I really enjoyed my time at USC and the opportunity I had to work with our players and coaches. The chance to work for my son, Lane, was unique and memorable, but we always treated each other professionally on a coach-to-coach basis," Kiffin said in a released statement.
The Trojans are indeed headed to a bowl game, but the season has been a disappointment, something Kiffin alluded to in his statement—they started out atop the AP Top 25 poll but went 7-5, struggling particularly on defense; USC gave up 62 points and 720 total yards to Oregon in a loss earlier this month, a week after Arizona scored 39 points on 588 yards.
Opponents are averaging 24.6 points against the Trojans. USC ranked 63rd in the country in total defense, allowing 396.1 yards per game. | {
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Richard Branson's piece of heaven
Mark FurlerMark Furler is APN Australian Regional Media’s group digital editor. He’s an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for more than 25 years. He’s passionate about fighting for a better go for locals. His awards include APN Editor of the Year, and involvement in three PANPA Newspaper of the Year wins for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
The star centrepiece of the island is a 500,000 litre lagoon pool with lap lane, dive spots and 15-person spa.
You can quickly imagine yourself reading a book as you kick back in one of the chairs that dangle over the bright blue water.
A two-storey wantilan overlooks the pool and river and features Balinese style lounges complete with silk furnishings.
The island does not have a liquor licence so it's a BYO affair although staff can order in whatever you need before you arrive.
Nick landed his dream job after managing a resort in the British Virgin Islands where Richard Branson owned a neighbouring resort.
"His mecca would get booked out so often that the poor guy could not stay on his own island,'' Mr Jones told the Daily.
Sir Richard and Virgin Blue co-founder Brett Godfrey developed their private Noosa getaway over several years.
The buildings were designed and constructed in Bali and shipped here to be reassembled.
All the furnishings, sculptures, antiques and lighting are one-off pieces acquired in Bali, Java and elsewhere in Indonesia.
"They were looking to create a special place in a very special part of the world and they have certainly achieved that,'' Nick said.
While Sir Richard's busy schedule means he's only an occasional visitor, Mr Godfrey, who is based in Melbourne, often brings his family and friends up.
"You can step away from the rat race, look across the Noosa River, wake up in the morning and have a little fish,'' Nick says of the simple charms.
Sir Richard loves the view across the river.
Nick says the resort is hoping delicate negotiations may see it win council support to host small weddings but is mindful of not upsetting a couple of neighbours across the river. After all, they like the quiet life too. | {
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