text
stringlengths 201
1.04M
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
Search form
Brooks: Huskies’ Last-Second Jumper Sinks Buffs 52-50
BOULDER – In a future Colorado men’s basketball season, coach Tad Boyle believes he will reflect on this winter as one of growth for his players and lessons learned the hard way. They probably won’t get much harder, more gut-wrenching, than Thursday night at the Coors Events Center.
Washington’s Andrew Andrews hit a last-second jumper over the outstretched hand of Wesley Gordon to beat CU 52-50, dealing the Buffaloes their fourth consecutive Pac-12 Conference loss. It was the Huskies’ first win in Boulder in 44 years, or since Dec. 6, 1971, and only the Buffs' second home loss this season (8-2).
“It’ll be good for us in the long run but in the short run it’s no fun,” said Boyle. “That was a heart breaker to say the least . . . I’m disappointed in the loss, but I’m really pleased with our effort and our fight.”
In terms of effort, the Buffs (9-9, 2-4) unquestionably left nothing on the Sox Walseth Court -- especially Gordon. He was superb in rebounding – he hauled down a career-best 17 – and defending Huskies 7-footer Robert Upshaw. Gordon also scored 10 points for his third double-double of the season.
Upshaw’s last two games had produced 25 points and 27 rebounds. But CU, with Gordon the load bearer, held him to four points and six rebounds.
Also the nation’s leading shot blocker at 4.5 a game, Upshaw swatted only one Thursday night. Yet his presence around the rim was enough to contribute to the Buffs being “tentative,” said Boyle, in attacking the Huskies’ 2-3 zone.
CU shot only 31.7 percent from the field (19-of-60) while UW was barely better at 36 percent (18-of-50). Boyle played six guards/wings, and their combined shooting from the field was 11-for-43.
“We didn’t take care of the ball well enough and obviously we didn’t shoot it well enough,” Boyle said. Of CU’s 12 turnovers, which Boyle called outlandishly high against a zone, none was more costly than Jaron Hopkins losing the ball to Andrews with the scored tied at 50-50 in the final minute.
“We drew up a play but I just turned it over,” said Hopkins, who scored a team-high 11 points and collected five of CU’s 40 rebounds (UW had 35). “It was a costly turnover at a big moment in the game and that pretty much lost it for us . . . we work on situations like that every day in practice. I just can’t turn it over right there.”
But he did and Andrews and the Huskies (14-4, 3-3) capitalized. Andrews, scoring his team’s first point and final two, finished with 12. Teammate Nigel Williams-Goss led all scorers with 16 points.
Once again, the Buffs were without starting post Josh Scott (back) and wing Xavier Johnson (one-game suspension). Including Thursday night, they have missed the last three games. Johnson could return Saturday against Washington State (6 p.m., Pac-12 Network) provided he has recovered from an ankle sprain. However, Scott’s return is more uncertain; he has missed five of the past six games.
The Buffs had a mandate from Boyle to toughen up on defense, and the game’s first 6:46 showed they had paid attention. After taking a 1-0 lead on one of two free throws by Andrews, the Huskies didn’t score their first field goal until the 13:14 mark on a layup by Williams-Goss.
But with Upshaw camped at the rim in a 2-3 zone, CU was having its own problems scoring. Finally getting untracked, UW took its first lead (10-9) on a 3-pointer by Donaven Dorsey.
Baskets and a one-point lead were traded until the Buffs strung together a 10-0 run bookended by treys from Eli Stalzer and Askia Booker, who finished with five points (2-of-13) and did not get to the free throw line. CU bolted ahead 21-12 and remained in front 24-19 at the half.
Neither team had a player in double figures at intermission, with four CU players having four points each and Williams-Goss scoring eight for UW. He kept up the pace in the early moments of the second half, scoring six of the Huskies’ first eight points.
They closed to 33-31 on a stuff by 6-9 Shawn Kemp Jr. with just under 16 minutes to play, then tied it at 33-33 on another Kemp layup after he had batted away a Booker shot in the lane and hustled to the hoop in transition.
When Kemp converted an and-one with 10:13 remaining, UW had its first second-half lead, 41-40. It increased to 46-42 – the Huskies’ largest lead of the night – after Andrews canned a 3-pointer in front of the UW bench with 8:23 left.
The Buffs needed a stop and a basket – and it took a while to get either. When the muscular Kemp added a put-back, the Huskies went up 48-42, but Hopkins responded by snaking through the UW zone for a layup and Dustin Thomas scored on an off-balance tip in.
But the Big Tip awaited.
After Booker launched a long jumper and missed, Gordon soared in front of Upshaw for a tip dunk that tied the score at 48-48 and sent the CEC crowd (9,653) into a frenzy, although it wouldn’t last.
The 6-9 Gordon wasn’t through working the glass; with just over 3 minutes to play he put back a Hopkins miss to push the Buffs up 50-48. UW’s Mike Anderson hit both ends of a one-and-one to tie the score at 50-50 with 2:16 to play, and CU found itself in a familiar scenario – in desperate need of an efficient crunch-time offense and the same sort of stop.
After both the Buffs and Huskies misfired, Tre’Shaun Fletcher controlled UW’s miss and CU called timeout with 42 seconds remaining and the scored tied. But Hopkins turned it over in front of the Buffs bench, giving the visitors 33 seconds to win it.
After the Huskies took consecutive timeouts with 28 seconds showing, Andrews’ jumper won it.
“We’re a little snake-bit right now,” Boyle said. “That’s four one-possession games we’ve been in this year and we’ve come up on the short end of the stick every time.
“We’ve got to learn and we’ve got to improve, and that’s what we’ve got to focus on . . . we’re being tested – our toughness is being tested, our mental fortitude is being tested.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Seeing the World with Freshness
Seeing the World with Freshness
It is an old cliche that “the only thing that stays the same is change.” It may be old and well-used, but that’s because it’s true. Nothing is ever the same, ask any toddler. A toddler responds to the present moment, in a way, closer to the true. They are overjoyed by the sky, a tree, a rock, an ant and immersed in the wonder of life. As we age, we quickly put names to objects, a necessary and good task, but a task that comes with a cost. As we mentally put objects into their boxes, we stop seeing on some level. In part, this is also due to experience: we “know” what is likely to appear solid and “unchanging” day-to-day. The world then becomes predictable: no more monsters under the bed and no super-villains will take over our city at night. But this security also means there are no superheroes, no magic, no Santa, no surprises. We grow up, and that’s natural.
Ruts Destroy Creativity and Joy
However, we all know someone that seems to have avoided growing up totally, in a good way. They are fresh, creative, enthusiastic, and when you are with them that long dead part of you awakens and you feel that, maybe, just maybe, anything is possible! Seeing possibilities, variations, is the opposite of being in a rut. While being in a rut, which is the daily reality for many adults, the mind is limited and sees each object and person in it’s prescribed box. When a rutted adult sees a tree on the way to work, they see their concept of a tree, something they’ve seen ten thousand times before, something with no possibility of inspiration, nourishing beauty, latent ideas, or possibilities.
See others with freshness
In the same way, the rutted individual does not see his wife. He wakes up and see a stand-in, a cut-out. If he could look in her eyes and greet her with freshness, totally in the present, if he could really see her, he would be giving her a profound gift and she would bloom before him. She would be more likely to greet him with freshness, letting go of past ideas of who he is and what to expect from him. An otherwise healthy, but stale, relationship can be rekindled simply by embracing the truth: everyone is always changing, and has within an infinity of possibilities. To be truly seen, truly heard, is a deep human need. By being present and seeing everyone with fresh eyes, hearing with fresh ears, you can instantly engage with the present in a way that will bring yourself and others renewed inspiration, connection, and joy.
Imagine if your boss saw your this way! Would you wilt, or would you feel inspired, free, and confident?
See Beyond Appearances
While things and people appear to stay the same, much of this appearance is due to our own habit of seeing a reality that conforms to our bias (our preconceived notions of what is happing in the present moment). This can most obviously be seen with the example of the tree. No two trees are alike. And even the same tree changes day-to-day. But taking it step further, a single tree reflects the whole of existence. The sun is in the tree, because with out sun the tree would die. The rain is in the tree, literally, it hydrates it’s leaves and branches. The CO2 from our car is in the tree, as it’s leaves absorb and process our pollutants. The whole of creation is in the tree.
Practice Mindfulness
Take a deep breath and look around you. Sometimes we need to make major life changes. Other times, we simply need to stop and reignite a healthy humility and wonder at life, and embrace the present in a new and fresh way. We use language to communicate, but it also pigeonholes reality. Practice mindfulness to see past mental concepts to what is really before you, now, and the joy that is present in what you already have. The cosmos, almost totally uncharted, is above you and nothing is exactly as it seems.
SpiritQuest specializes in designing customized retreat experiences for you. Private Retreats and Day Packages can be filled with powerful activities and treatments we call "Sessions". You can view these Sessions here to get an idea of the amazing possibilities available to you when you book a SpiritQuest Retreat.
Blog Categories
What a powerful experience! The releasing ceremony was a great way to start. I could feel my mind opening to the whole process.
Trisha, Wisconsin
"Thank you so much! I think of you often - our lives are truly different since we have returned home - our retreat soaked the seed and now a tiny shoot curls toward the air and light."
Lilavati, Chicago, IL
Words can’t express all the wonderful things I have experienced during the last seven days. Each session seemed in perfect order. I loved the fact that none of the practitioners had any other agenda other than me, that they didn’t look at their clocks, that they had nothing to sell me other than sharing their knowledge. What a wonderful gift that was.
Ellen, Turnwater, WA
We both remember our retreat with delight and laughter. I’d like to return immediately. We found this experience to be powerful and moving. Thank you SpiritQuest!
Susan, Edmonton, Alberta
Thank you for a wonderful experience. All the instructors we had were incredible, you really pick top notch people. Katherine was so easy and wonderful to deal with. We never felt pressured at any time. The experience was life changing.
Manny and Jessica, Tampa, FL
SpiritQuest conducts activities on public land under permit with the Coconino National Forest. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
In the News
Celebration at the North Park Lake Trail
June 2, 2015
Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the re-opening of the North Park Lake Trail on May 30th. We appreciate the support of our event sponsors: La Roche College, GAI Consultants, North Park Ophthalmology, Northwood Realty and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and the in-kind contributions of the Over the Bar Bicycle Cafe, Futules Harmar House, Colteryahn Dairy and Pittsburgh Winery. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Category: Real Estate
The Search for Your Street: Tips for Researching a New Community Any move requires a ton of preparation – from packing and cleaning to setting up new utilities and arranging for your mail to be forwarded. But perhaps the most challenging type of move is a move to an entirely new city. In addition to
The Stage Before the Sale Five tips to help you stage your house for a faster sale By Katherine Adams Is it your New Year’s resolution to sell your house quickly and get your asking price? Real estate experts say it’s possible—provided your house is well priced, well marketed, and perhaps most importantly, well staged.
By Katherine Adams Real estate agents have seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. They’ve tried to sell houses with everything from fabulous swimming pools and patios to nasty, pet-stained carpets and oh-no-they-didn’t décor. Experienced Realtors know why some houses sit on the market for months and why even some pre-approved buyers
By Katherine Adams Shopping trends have definitely moved toward searching online first for the perfect item—whether it’s a new electronic gadget or a new house. For clients entering the real estate market to find a new home in their desired price range and location, build a new home, or sell their current home, the Internet
You’re looking for that perfect home and the old mantra “location, location, location” keeps running through your head. What’s that even mean? Maybe you know that you want a home with an eat-in kitchen, or a fireplace, or a shuffleboard court in the backyard. But knowing what you want in your home isn’t the same
Buying a new home is very exciting. And if you do it right, buying a home can be a great investment. First, however, you’ll need to make sure that the home is truly a good buy. To ensure your new home isn’t a giant money pit, here are four mistakes you’ll want to avoid: Optimistic
“House flipping” is a growing trend in Houston, TX., but for most of us, house flipping is a lot more challenging than expected. Usually, the people who do best have a history as a contractor or construction manager. However, if you’re up for an exciting challenge you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.
Are you moving to a new home? Are you considering making an offer on your dream house? Acquiring a new property is a major commitment, but you can ensure the right decision by asking a few questions. The following are six questions to help make you a better home buyer. 1) How long are you
Are you renting or moving to an apartment? Renters insurance can be an extremely valuable asset to have. For covered events, renters insurance can help protect you from losses and the cost of liabilities, which can make it a real lifesaver—for you and your wallet. Sound good? Find out more by reading the following five
The following is a guest post from Jarrod Frenzel of The North Star Group. Jarrod specializes in homes for sale in The Woodlands, TX. When most people think of updating a home, their first thoughts are cosmetic items. Big cosmetic updates like a kitchen facelift can really add value to the home, but I
FOOTER MENU
CHOOSING A LICENSED TEXAS MOVER
All household goods motor carriers (movers) operating within Texas are required to have an active certificate of motor carrier registration and abide by the motor carrier rules and regulations under Texas Admin Code. This includes major van lines, as well as local movers with trucks and trailers. If you're planning to hire a moving company in Texas, be aware of your rights and responsibilities when choosing a mover. More info www.TxDMV.gov. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
“Officials have scrapped a plan to give free MetroCards to patrons at the new Nets arena to discourage them from driving…officials dropped that idea from a transportation plan presented Tuesday – saying it wouldn’t make any difference in preventing a traffic mess.”
Not true. They have just decided they can get away with not paying the money. Let’s say someone who is not a regular transit rider, and cannot walk to a subway station, wants to go to the Barclays center. Say someone from New Jersey. They are going to drive. But if their ticket is also a two-trip Metrocard, they might park in some neighborhood far from the arena and hop a train, spreading out the traffic. That was the idea.
LIRR “Their arrests bring to 21 the number of people charged, including two physicians accused of giving false diagnoses of disabilities, in a plot that prosecutors have said could have led to more than $1 billion in excessive federal disability pension payouts.”
I hope this investigation is not just limited to the disability scam, and that those caught up in it are pushed to give evidence on broader issues. There is a whole culture of ripping off the serfs at the LIRR that goes back 100 years, and needs to be dealt with. The attitudes of those who engage in this sort of thing do not suddenly change when they retire. Those attitudes affect how they operate from their first day on the job to their last.
Anonymous
Please, streetsblog, get in touch with McKean. I’ve pointed out recently a few times that cars jumping curbs and injuring pedestrians is an ongoing problem, one that deserves scrutiny and research. (I know, I’m full of ideas of work other people should do) but seriously, maybe his celebrity can help draw attention to this issue, and even if he doesn’t care to get involved, the problem of cars jumping curbs in NYC + injuring peds + “no criminality suspected” being applied deserves research and scrutiny.
http://twitter.com/AYReport Norman Oder
Regarding the Barclays Center transpo plan, neither the NYT or NYDN pointed out that the plan is six months late. The NYT called Gridlock Sam an “expert,” rather than a paid consultant. The big issue for neighbors/activist groups was the failure to apply disincentives, like residential permit parking. Schwartz and Forest City haven’t even identified the parking lots available, much less the number of spaces. More coverage of the two meetings yesterday, including video, here:http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2012/05/meeting-on-tdm-plan-is-cordial.html
Ian Turner
The taxi medallion system is just insane. There is absolutely no reason why medallion owners should be allowed to keep their polygopoly in perpetuity. Rather, the city should auction off permits on an annual basis, putting the monopoly value in city coffers and not rent-seekers’.
Larry Littlefield
“The big issue for neighbors/activist groups was the failure to apply disincentives, like residential permit parking.”
Blame the Silvers, Skeloses and Fidlers of the world for that one.
Anonymous
Celebrities draw attention; will the fact that someone famous got hit by a car highlight the need for better traffic enforcement? I’m guessing no, but hopeful that I’m wrong.
@twitter-33717011:disqus “The NYT called Gridlock Sam an “expert,” rather than a paid consultant.”
Isn’t he both?
http://485i.com Brian Van Nieuwenhoven
Re: Marty Golden’s bill: Good for him and any politicians that support strong penalties for hit-and-run drivers. Sadly, though, this kind of incident is a big problem despite the fact that the penalties for this offense are already quite steep. People believe that it’s better to attempt to get away with it in a society where the police are busy, rather than abide by the law and face any potential consequences of their actions. (same with drunk driving)
We’re at the point where we maybe need to find public remedies that go beyond jail sentences. In other countries, and previously in this one as well, drivers who injure through careless behavior would be publicly stigmatized. In some cases an entire family would be stigmatized! I’m a big fan of bringing that back. We need an opposite reaction to the attitude of, “Hey, you were driving a car, you had an accident, that’s why they call it an accident, it happens to everyone, so you drove away because, whaddya gonna do? No big deal!”
Yes, even careful drivers get into innocent accidents sometimes. But we shouldn’t tolerate driving behavior that endangers lives, and we definitely shouldn’t let criminals turn around and use their murder weapon as the getaway vehicle.
It is wildly scandalous that the driver of the vehicle that nearly killed actor Mike McKeon yesterday evening is allowed to be driving on the streets of NYC this morning. Mayor Bloomberg, Commissioner Kelly, D.A. Vance: How do you allow and accept this? Shame on you.
It makes zero sense that the NYPD should write this case off as “no criminality suspected.” The NYPD could not possibly have taken the time necessary to check the vehicle’s blackbox to determine how fast the driver was driving at the moment of impact. The NYPD could not possibly have taken the time to subpoena the driver’s mobile phone records to try to determine whether he might have been texting, tweeting or talking on the phone at the time of the nearly fatal crash. The NYPD could not possibly have looked at footage from security and traffic cameras up and down Broadway to see how this guy was operating his vehicle in the minutes before the crash. Maybe this driver is completely innocent and this crash was entirely McKeon’s fault. I allow that that’s possible. But the driver of this vehicle should not be allowed to drive until a proper investigation has been done.
Take a look at the photos on the Daily News McKean story. How did the driver of this vehicle manage to nearly kill a man *and* take out a mailbox and trashcan on the sidewalk without any criminality suspected? I suppose it’s possible that the driver swerved onto the sidewalk to avoid McKean jay-walking in the street. But even then, why is someone operating a machine so large and fast on a crowded city street that this error results in nearly killing a guy and destroying a mailbox and trashcan on the sidewalk?
HamTech87
RE: Barclay’s Center Parking.
How can this article not mention the Yankee Stadium parking lots fiasco??? Intentional or poor journalism? Wouldn’t the picture of the empty Yankees parking lots on opening day have supported Schwartz’ argument?
I was pleased that the inclusion of bike parking was prefaced by “This being Brooklyn….” Who’d have thought that the paper of record would have said during the PPW fight?
J12
Sort of unrelated, but in case anybody has some info –
I have noticed on both the Williamsburg and Queensboro Bridges that there are indicators for how bikes and pedestrians should divide the space in the bike/ped way posted on one side, while on the other side and on the actual span they are either contradictory or non-existent. This may be true on other bridges as well, but I have observed those two first hand.
First, I was wondering if anyone knows which is definitive? For example, is the south walkway on the Williamsburg Bridge peds only, and the north bikes only? On Queensboro, is it stay to the right for all traffic, or stay within the ped lane/bike lane depending on mode?
Second, does DOT have any policy on this kind of thing? Do they just not care, because they figure volume is low enough and any collisions that do result from mis-marking are probably not going to involve enough speed or mass to seriously hurt anyone?
Thanks for any insight.
moocow
Also J12, I noticed when I was riding all the bridges more, that the lines, the schemes for separation were all different on every East River Bridge. That may not be so now, but there is no uniformity in crossing the bridges. And good point on the lack of signage once on the bridge. Once while walking across the Brooklyn, i noticed that there are very few signs AND that it is very noisy on the Ped/bike path. It’s not an environment that is friendly or easy for the distracted to navigate.
Contrast that with NYPD’s treatment of the killer of Hayley Ng and Diego Martinez. That guy failed to make sure his van was stopped, in the middle of Canal Street while jumping out to conduct business, and killed two preschoolers. That’s illegal here in NYC just like in NJ. But the guy got no ticket, no nothing.
Mediaite
What happened to Michael McKean shows how idiotic the DoT’s Heads Up campaign is. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Tag Archives: Sharon Raydor
TweetIn a new interview with Chicago Red Eye, Mary McDonnell talks about the different facets of Sharon Raydor viewers will see in season 2, as her tensions with the D.A,’s office grow more complicated, her guardianship of foster son Rusty (Graham Patrick Martin) comes into question, and her relationship with her long-estranged husband is explored.
‘How excited you are for the new season?
I’m very excited. We’re in the thick of it and I am extremely pleased with the revelations of character, of relationship, of dilemma. I feel like in this ensemble is moving into just a whole new level of work. And we do have a new show on our hands. And what’s beautiful about it is that there was never a moment where we had to fully abandon the old, which we haven’t. But the organic growing into a new form has been such a delight to witness. So we’re all feeling very excited. It feels very fresh and I love that.
How has the show evolved?
Well, it’s changed in many ways. One is that if we just look at the reason that Sharon Raydor by story was put in the position that she’s in now, which is running the Major Crimes Division, has to do with some of her gifts which has to do with her ability to comprehend the overall—the politics of the state, the politics of the justice system. And all of those things are influencing the way justice can be disseminated. And she has a gift for the overview.
As opposed to another detective who is like a bloodhound who might have a gift for getting caught on one idea and following that line all the way through. Sharon has a gift for keeping the overview. So they put her in that position because the state of California can’t afford justice as it has been acted out prior to now. We can’t afford the convictions anymore. We have to figure out a different way to solution because the cost of keeping a convicted death row criminal waiting for trial and the cost of having appeals is so overwhelming and the state simply doesn’t have the money.
So what’s fascinating is that all of these politics and this situation is part of why she’s there. And finding out in fact that she’s actually really good at reformation and she’s really good at figuring out how to change the way things run. And one of the things that I’m discovering that I really love about her is that she’s a great leader in that she absolutely wants to draw out the very best of those around her. And so that has shifted them a little bit away from some of the power struggles that were running Season 1. It doesn’t mean to say there won’t still be power struggles in personality, but I think we’re in a new world in terms of the way we’re going about things as a team. And I love how she’s influenced that.’ | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
That is an amazingly sexy picture. It makes me want that shirt so much more than I originally did before seeing it. It's not a bad price for it but it all depends on if I can scrape some money together to get it. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
$45 for 45 Years — the Department of Pan-African Studies was launched at UofL in 1973, making it one of the oldest units of its kind in the country. In honor of our 45th Anniversary, we are asking you to give $45 to help us continue our model undergraduate and graduate programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Tag: Mexican food
Have you ever craved some Latin-Mexican food and want to whip up something quick and easy? Well, if you do then I know exactly how you feel..trust me. We are always craving some type of Latin-Mexican food at our house which is usually every week […] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Here is a brief overview of each type of adult chat room available to choose from: Are you tired of watching sex videos with no interaction?
There are many girls and guys from different countries on this chat site.
Especially you will meet people from Denmark, Italy, France, Australia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, South America, United Kingdom and USA.
Top Chats, x Judge, and many other websites have had only great things to say about our live sex site.
In fact, Sexchatster was voted as a “Top Cam Site” by Top Cam Sites and as the fastest growing site in our industry.
High definition visuals and audio make the cam sex shows at Sexchatster the highest quality adult webcam show you'll ever get to watch.
While most sex cams online require you to spend money, we provide you with free webcams, all the time.It’s one of the best random chat sites on internet at the moment.Sexchatster is the best live sex site on the internet.Regardless of the chat room feature that you use, you'll get to talk to strangers on webcam and have cyber sex for free.Free chat means you can use this site all day long without having to deal with credit card bills or demanding cam girls.Some adult Sex Chat sites only have users online during the day, at Sexchatster, we have thousands of people on cam 24/7. Just enter a chat room at any time of the day or night, and you will always find tons of people looking for sex chats.
Free trial adult webcam chat
Not only that but we also purchase traffic as well, bringing even more customers to your live room! and you could be on your way to financial freedom earning. Over the years we have won numerous awards and made a lot of people happy by giving them great modeling opportunities to make money. See what some models have to say in the testimonials section or just signup now and find out for yourself!... | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Enrollment is now open for the 2017-2018 school-year.
Our subscription service allows families all over the world to access our weekly lessons, including curriculum, via online texts, links, and teacher-created files.
The course site, where you will access the curriculum and lessons, will be updated each week from September through May (not including holidays). The courses will grow throughout the year and we will not remove content. This adds flexibility, allowing you to work with your family's schedule and needs. It also allows families to register even after classes begin, keeping enrollment open all year!
Courses are designed for multi-grade teaching with families and co-ops in mind!
Course material, available on our Moodle site, will include readings and activities for students of various ages and abilities, allowing you to teach the same content across grade levels.
Additional texts and materials are listed at Sancta Familia Online with links to purchase from our affiliates.
Parents are primary teachers and are responsible for grades and for meeting the homeschooling requirements of their state.
Grading services and video conferencing may be added options in the future.
For young students you don't have to spend any additional money, unless you want to. Older students will need texts and materials for certain subjects that you will want to have to round out their course of study. We will provide you with a book list that will coordinate with our lesson plans. You are free to choose other books and use only the curriculum that fits your family.
Once we receive your enrollment and payment, we will email you your personal login for the course site. This login is for your personal use only. Please do not share your username or password with anyone outside your immediate family.Printed plans may be available in the future.
curriculum Consultation & personalized course of study plan
Email and phone consultations now available.
We will personally assist you in developing a course of study for your student or a specially designed Family Study Plan.
Courses are organized by time-period, geography, and science topics. When you enroll, you will choose one of four historical time periods so all of your children can study similar material, making your job easier and having the added benefit of family conversation and cooperation.
After the initial consult, you will be given a password to access your personalized plan online. Adjustments can be made through follow-up emails. Ordering information for books and materials will be provided, and the option of adding our online courses offers guidance throughout the school year. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
They’re All Either Married Gay or Crazy Day!
Today you’re going to meet four men and they’re all either married, gay, or crazy. The first man is Carl the 92-year old. Have you guessed what Carl is yet? That’s right, he’s both gay and crazy. He’s been slowly losing his mind for a decade now. Thinks he’s in the war. The next man is Louis, the osteopath. You guessed right. Louis is married. The next man is Kevin, the Wendy’s manager. You guessed wrong, Kevin is married, not crazy. The last man is Julian, the racecar driver. You guessed wrong, Julian is both gay and married, just like you.
You guessed two right, so you can keep two of your fingers on each hand. The thumb and the index finger are recommended. With those two, you can still be “OK.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Everyone has fears. What if all of your greatest fears became real? Can you imagine if your fears were used against you? Prepare to have your pants scared off by a movie that makes your fears your reality on Oct. 1, when Case 39, starring Renée Zellweger and Bradley Cooper, hits the big screen. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Forza Horizon 4 Features Preview
Related Articles
Forza Horizon 4 brings a host of new features including dynamic seasons, a shared world, new gameplay modes, player houses, new showcase events, and so much more! This highlight video recaps just a sliver of the over 4 hours of Forza Horizon 4 gameplay streaming hosted by Plaground Games. Head to Forzamotorsport.net for the full live stream VOD. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience and help us improve our websites. We and carefully selected third parties use cookies to show you more relevant ads online. For more information, please click here. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies.
If you're a die-hard Gunners fan, then you probably think about them all day long, but wouldn't it be great to show your support for our boys in red even whilst you sleep?
This authentic Arsenal pyjama set is none other than a night time recreation of the beloved home kit - the red pyjama top features a woven club crest, and the white shorts with draw string waist feature a printed crest. Best of all, they're made from 100% cotton, so you'll be super comfortable from the moment you close your eyes at night to the moment you open them again in the morning. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
Training in Costa RicaMy stay was for work reasons, my work office is in Forum2 so I could walk on time. Everything in the hotel was very comfortable and the breakfasts delicious | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Site Info
Molecular Rights Management
I'll have more to say about this soon, but I just want to toss the idea out to the noösphere and make it visible.
Molecular Rights Management refers to the panoply of technologies employed to prevent the unrestricted reproduction of the products of molecular scale (atomically-precise, nano-fabricated) manufacturing technologies. The source concept for the term is digital rights management, technologies employed to prevent the unrestricted reproduction of digital products. As of yet, no actual molecular rights management technologies exist.
MRM is likely to emerge for two primary reasons: the continued need for intellectual property controls, so as to prevent a wave "napster fabbing;" and the need for security to prevent the production of controlled goods ("assault rifles," figuratively or literally).
MRM could reside in the design media (the CAD files and the like), such as with single-execution licenses, digital watermarks, and so forth.
MRM could reside in the production hardware (the "nanofactory"), such as with systems that "store" all designs online (no local storage), blacklist systems that a nanofactory would check an input design against, smart systems that recognize disallowed designs as they are being made, even in disconnected parts, and so forth.
MRM could reside in the network, with agents that check the designs loaded in a nanofactory for proper licensing information.
Given that the final results of a nanomanufactured product can, in principle, be used without any need to connect back to the original fabber or design, the impact of MRM on end-users is likely to be less onerous than the impact of DRM has been on the users of digital media. Couple that to the safety/security aspects, and it seems to me that MRM is likely to be broadly tolerated, and potentially even accepted.
Comments
Great definition. Making suggestions for MRM in advance is important so that as many people as possible can have input before MM actually arrives.
As a side note, the need to go online could be somewhat problematic in areas without Wifi, like the African savannah. But by then (2010s-2020s), shouldn't it be possible to use a cell phone as a modem?
Color me skeptical. DRM has been a bust; it's unpopular with consumers, and more to the point, it just doesn't work. I don't see any reason why it would work any better with fabbers.
Maybe if fabbers ended up coming out of some corporate lab somewhere, under strict regulatory oversight, it would be possible to attach MRM to them. But I think it's far more likely that it will be more of a bottom-up process, driven by an army of hobbyists; the reprap project or something like it will evolve into machine-phase chemistry fabbers, and I seriously doubt the people who make them are going to bother breaking their toys on purpose (which is what MRM would really amount to.)
I don't doubt something like MRM will be tried. The big players in the economy are going to panic when the technology starts to mature, and no doubt they'll lobby governments around the world to mandate restrictions on what fabbers can build. All that will mean is that most of the wealth generated by fabbing technology ends up taking place outside the formal, legal economy. Who's going to want to pay GM $20,000 to build a car in their own garage, when they can do it for under $100 in raw materials?
As a thought experiment, consider two fabbers, one with MRM and one without. The one with it requires you to pay royalties every time you want to make something (possibly multiple times, if you're trying to put together an original product that draws on previous innovations.) More than likely, it will refuse to reproduce itself unless you pay the company that made it and/or purchase a license from the government. The other fabber, with no such restrictions, would easily outcompete the first in terms of both product made and new fabbers replicated. Now, considering that fabbers without MRM are likely to predate those with MRM by a few years at least, and the odds of MRM ever catching on start looking real slim, about as good as Sony's proprietary music file (whose name I can't recall) outcompeting the mp3.
The same arguments that apply against DRM apply against MRM. DRM only works if every single copy remains wrapped up inside the copy protection; as soon as the DRM on just one copy is broken, it's available to everyone, rendering the DRM worse than useless (it provides no meaningful copy protection, and it ends up being just one big hassle for consumers.) Similarly, MRM would be a millstone around the necks of the law-abiding and/or technologically incompetent, basically just one big drag on the economy, while providing a net gain to security of precisely nil (just like with guns now: anyone who wants one can get one, regardless of what the law says.)
Your post above, Security through Ubiquity, provides a much better model. If everyone has fabbers, then yes, people will be able to make nightmare weapons in their backyards. They'll also be able to build some very impressive defenses, in very short periods of time. That one madman that everyone worries about - the guy who synthesizes a megaplague in his basement so he can wipe out the species because he got shot down by the secretary at the office Hallowe'en party - he's up against an entire planet full of smart, motivated people who have access to exactly the same technology he has.
First off, I've always taken issue with "DRM" (digital rights management) somehow *only* meaning "to prevent the unrestricted reproduction of digital products". The word "manage" is not synonymous with "prevent", and there *are* business models that benefit from "unrestricted reproduction".
So from the outset I think you're coloring this issue in ways that might prevent an unbiased discussion. With all the confusion around existing terminology (e.g. "share"), I'd suggest you break from the current lexicon.
That said, I personally don't see how we'll solve this issue in the current environment. Hence, I tend to agree with Matt.
For me, a big part of my argument against both sides in the DRM debate has been in how little personal responsibility has factored into the discussion.
Everyone's somehow entitled.
Everything should somehow be free.
And most everyone's screaming about "their" rights without giving much thought to anyone else or anything more.
That's the culture we've spawned by allowing two, mostly polar-opposite positions to be formed... if not in fact, than at least in the perception of so many of those involved.
Consequently, a big issue for me in this has been respect. If we're going to find a solution to the much larger problem you're addressing here, it will have to start with mutual respect; with the understanding that there is far more at stake than the often unreasonable entitlement demands of individuals who too often show little regard for anything other than their personal wants.
I see don't see this as a tools issue. I see it as a social issue. Perhaps we should start there.
Just to clarify: this wasn't advocating MRM, just identifying it. As Matt suggests, regardless of how effective something like this would be, it will very likely be tried. Chances are, it won't be called "molecular rights management" by its proponents; my intent, by seeding the argument with this language, was to make sure that the connection with previous efforts at control would be clear.
Sven, you're absolutely right: it's a social issue. Unfortunately, we seem to be in the habit of applying tools first these days.
I'm working on a paper largely arguing against most of this - not only from a user freedom perspective, but from a design and security perspective. Look for a draft on the CTF discussion list in the next couple of weeks - I keep reorganizing and rewriting the darn thing.
Also, if you're into terms, I find "trusted manufacturing", or "trusted fabrication" in reference to "trusted computing" a compelling, if sinister, turn of phrase.
Another thing is that whenever I see the term "molecule", I think of drugs (surprise, surprise). As a result, I connect "MRM" with putting a new twist on and prettying up "the war on drugs".
On the other side, "rights", as used in DRM exclusively focuses on creator rights, instead of user rights (eg, fair use rights). MRM could easily be talking about cognitive liberty, as well, though it probably won't, unless a sufficient buzz is created.
Sorry, I misread the original post. I honestly did think you were advocating MRM, or trusted fabrication as Nato calls it (and yeah, that is a decidedly creepy phrase, even more chilling than 'trusted computing'.)
The link with the drug war is an accurate one. The war on filesharing really is an extension of the drug war (something else I'm dead-set against); a fruitless and counterproductive effort at control for the sake of control. The kind of person who advocates it is exactly the same. The coming cultural war over personal fabrication will bring these issues into much sharper focus, though. Up to now the battleground has been more or less about entertainment (drugs and media.) Fabrication will take it right into the economic foundation of the nation-state, which means that efforts to suppress it by all the usual suspects will be all the more frantic, and all the more dangerous.
Trusted fabrication: ooooh, I like that one (from a language-futures perspective).
Matt, I'm a definitely advocate of a more open-source approach. At the same time, I recognize that as the potential arising from molecular fabrication becomes more evident, there will be a significant effort to reduce the associated risks by reducing the overall capabilities of the nanofactories. Control systems are very likely to be part of that, especially because -- unlike DRM in videos and music -- such systems do not necessarily hamper the ability of end-users to enjoy the resulting products.
"Control systems are very likely to be part of that, especially because -- unlike DRM in videos and music -- such systems do not necessarily hamper the ability of end-users to enjoy the resulting products."
Unless of course we think of these devices as being more like printers than a means for fabricating media delivery mechanisms or other consumable output. Imagine if our paper-based printers censored our words. In Germany, my printer might refuse to print the word "Nazi". In other countries, "democracy" might not make it past the trusteeship(!).
Even if we don't assume these devices make it into individual homes, we can certainly assume there will be service bureaus; tomorrow's (3D) printing shops.
Does it matter where I'm censored? No.
And more to my point above, will it matter why I'm censored? For more and more people, I don't believe so.
"MRM is likely to emerge for two primary reasons: the continued need for intellectual property controls, so as to prevent a wave "napster fabbing;" and the need for security to prevent the production of controlled goods ("assault rifles," figuratively or literally)."
Unlike coping mp3s, however, the ability to unrestrictively copy certain dangerous items might be the best defense. Smallpox vaccines, very dangerous, but still needed. Body armor, very dangerous for your enemy to have unrestricted amounts, but very, very neccessary if your enemy has unrestrictived amounts of assault rifles. Conversely, the ability to pierce body armor with unrestricted amounts of better bullets. Dangerous, but effective.
I think the whole idea of trying to "babyproof" our nanotech really prevents us from dealing with the serious issues as adults.
If we can seriously make cars out of $100 of raw materials, maybe we need to re-allocate resources away from GM and hire these people to solve new problems (like where are we going to park all these cars? And can we do something about this traffic?) instead of artifically maintaining a car company.
Just imagine the problems we could tackle if manufacturing wasn't one of them.
I'm personally not really thinking along the lines of institutionalized offense or defense. I'm thinking more along the lines of some otherwise harmless member of society deciding one day to see if he can engineer something along the lines of brain-eating amoeba simply because it'd be *kewl*... and then, to everyone's horror, succeeding beyond his wildest dreams. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
19 August 2009
All the men, women, and children in 60 cities
I suppose I could call this God's 30th to 89th killings, since there must have been 60 separate killing events. If God did the killing himself, he could have done it all at once. But he was relying on people to do his killing for him, so it must have taken some time. First the Israelites had to go to city 1 and kill all the men, women, and children that lived there, then on to city 2, and so on up to the 60th city. But since the Bible lumps all 60 killings together, I will too.
The Bible doesn't spend a lot of time on these killings. Only 4 verses.
So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. … And we utterly destroyed them, we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. Deuteronomy 3.3-6
Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you … For what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? 3.21-24
And Moses has a point here. What other god has killed as many as the God of the Bible?
(Since the Israelites killed everyone in 60 cities, I put the death toll at 60,000.)
Sure, many these stories must be exaggerations or complete fabrications. But the way I see it, if people are going to insist the Bible is true, then for the sake of argument we should assume that all these killings actually did occur.
Believers should eithr try to deal with the fact that their God commands or allows such large bloodbaths, or let them realize that the tall tales show the Bible are probably not 100% true (which may lead them to question other things...) | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
In many cases warp damage from an overzealous operator will wreak havoc on sheet metal panels. Hopefully this will take away some of the mystery in repairs, if needed.
One of the members on another forum had the misfortune of trusting his 55 Chevy to a sandblasting expert ("been doing this stuff for thirty years!") and now is trying to regroup from the damage. His trunk lid was only sandblasted from the inside, and needless to say, too much pressure, too coarse media, one or both produced these results......
.......where the peening action caused the inside of the skin to stretch until it bulged inward. Discussion ensued as to the correct action to take to remedy the situation, with the primary differences of opinion being:
1) sandblast the outside to equalize the pressure caused by the peening (that caused a stretch on one side only) and then once equalized, shrink as needed to restore the panel to proper crown.
2) Shrink the panel as it sits, then take corrective action (stretch/shrink as needed) to restore the panel to proper crown.
After various inputs, he was rather reluctant to try anything until a concensus is reached. So in the interest of learning something, I decided to help the guy out by conducting a test of both theories, and see what plays out. A local test subject was obtained, and also picked up a bag of medium grit Black Beauty from United Rentals. This was absolutely too coarse for use on sheet metal, but should help us to duplicate the results seen above.
Here is the sample trunk lid after sanding all the bondo off the top. I took some measurements, made a template of the inner brace opening we will be using, and laid out the pattern on the outside so we can monitor the progress of the different methods. A datum was drawn about 2" in from the forward edge and the center edge of each hole. This was chosen as it is approximately the center of the radius on either end.
Next, the panel was checked along the datum lines in both directions to give us a baseline for panel straightness, and we'll check along these lines after sandblasting to see what damage occurs. Where there was a bit of waviness, it was a minimal amount that would have disappeared with some high build primer and block sanding. Given our 57 year old test subject, I guess we're lucky it's that close.
And here's our test subject, awaiting sandblasting.
Well here's phase two of the test. The trunk lid was fitted into the blast cabinet.
You always hear about how the heat from sandblasting is what causes the stretching and warping of the metal. I never gave that theory much thought before, but while we are testing, this would be a good opportunity to add that in the mix. In an attempt to minimize any outside influence while we measured temperature, the flood bulbs inside the cabinet were unscrewed enough to keep them turned off...
Here is the thermometer we'll be using today....
And here is the baseline temp.....
This is the media we'll be using today, Black Beauty medium grit. A bit coarse for sheet metal, but we're trying to duplicate the damage seen on Joe's trunk lid, so we'll give it a go.....
Then I changed out the media in the cabinet, and started blasting. As I had opened the garage door and it's rather warm out, and I was rather slow in getting the media changed out, I thought I should check the temp again.
After clearing off the one hole, we had noticeable panel distortion from the outside. In checking the temp again, it had not moved since the last check.
So in essence, the temp of the panel did not change from the time we started blasting the one hole until it was finished. If you want to scream conspiracy, well it has gone up a whopping 1.8 degrees since the trunk lid was placed in the cabinet. I doubt seriously this can be attributed to a heat issue. I do have a refrigerant dryer on my air system, so that helps to keep the compressed air from getting warm, and yet the panel stretched still, despite the absence of any significant heat increase. It should be safe to say the damage is caused due to the peening action of the media against the panel surface. Stretching has long since occurred by the time any heat has finally shown up.
Lastly, here is the noticeable damage to the panel, measured along the datum lines as before....
Just to show a comparison before and after........
Next phase of the test will be to sandblast one of the damaged areas from the outside to attempt to relieve the compression/stresses of that side of the panel and see how the panel reacts... I'll use our driver's side as that one showed a decrease in length, and well monitor what happens.....
To preface, both test holes were bulged toward the inside. When I tried to push either out, they would oilcan out, but the stresses in the metal would bring them right back in once released. This is an indicator of what I call a tight oil can, or one that has resulted from a stretch.
The driver's side test hole was sandblasted, and I stayed within the perimeter as marked so as not to stretch anything that was behind the inner panel and thus would be less accessible for any repairs. Once complete, you could tell the sandblasting had indeed relieved the stresses, as it would now oilcan in and out freely, and would stay where you put it.
Pushed in, it does appear that the panel is about where it was before......
Pushed out, it shows some stretch as the panel assumes a sinusoid wave of sorts......
On to the passenger side test hole, this one is going to be addressed using the official Donut Dolly (produced by Daniel Gunderson). These have a concave feature on one end and convex on the other.
The basic principle is that the body hammer is used on the high or convex side, and the dolly is placed against the low or concave side. The dolly, as opposed to typical off dolly work, provides support completely around the hammer strike, instead of just to one side, for a more effective off dolly process.
In order to keep track of things, I've found it best to lay out identical grids on either side of the panel. Align the dolly on two crossing lines on the bottom, align the hammer strike to the corresponding one above, and slowly move both across the panel as you use moderate hammer strikes, stopping every so often to verify alignment top and bottom......
After about 5 minutes of shrinking, using a uniform pattern within the test hole, the panel now appeared to be relieved of its stresses as the panel would easily oil can back and forth. It appeared well shrunk, as it was a loose oilcan. At this point, I used my fancy hitch pin dolly and switched between the flat faced body hammer and a slapper to stretch things back and restore the crown...
After about a half hour or so of bumping things around, the panel had been restored fairly well to the original crown. It would oil can inward if pressed, but once pressure was released it popped back up again.
A bit more work would have gotten things closer, but how close do you need for a test, right?
Here's the bottom side to show the hammer/dolly marks during stretching...
In using the donut dolly, given the nice loose oil can that resulted, it appears the process of forcing the expanded/sandblasted area into the hollow of the dolly compresses the panel back similar to where it was, relieving the stresses.
While using the hammer and dolly to planish the passenger side test hole, I did notice an ever so slight bulge around the outer perimeter of the test hole on the outside in much the same way as the force from a dent causes a bit of springback and resulting bulge around that dent, toward the opposite side. So part of the repair process was to use the hitch pin dolly on the underside, just inside the edge of the hole opening, and to use the slapper on the topside in an off-dolly to help bump this back down. As with many dent repairs, there will be shrinking done from both sides of the panel.
We'll have to see if we can use a different shrinking method for finishing the driver's side and see how that reacts.....
I had received various comments and feedback from the original post, so here's a review to see what if anything we may have missed, or anything that may need further clarification. I did find a few things to bring up for discussion...
Quote:
I think the stretching caused by sandblasting is unique, and not like that caused by using a hammer and dolly. The metal isn't affected all the way through the panel, only one side. So if you could shrink that one side somehow, I can see how shrinking would work. But IMO you need to get the entire area of the panel stress-free or uniformly stressed and ready to shrink.
I read that part and then, in reading the part highlighted in blue, I was wondering why the donut dolly seemed to work, both in shrinking the panel, and in relieving stresses, as seen by the loose panel oil can. I glanced back at my drawing I did of somewhat exaggerated damage resulting from the sandblasting, and thought of this:
As a result of the damage to one side only, the inside has stretched, and the outside, unchanged, would be in compression by comparison. Moving on to shrinking, as the donut is placed against the concave part of the arc, it supports along the perimeter of the dolly and helps to "trap" the metal where is sits. As the hammer strikes from above, you are forcing the sheet into that hollow. Where the inside of the skin is stretched, and the outside is not, by forcing more length of the inside of the skin into the same distance of the outside (i.e.: into the hollow of the donut) are we not in essence equalizing the differing forces that exist on opposite sides of the panel?
Quote:
How about sandblasting it on the outside to stretch the metal evenly on both sides? It will probably oilcan and need shrinking after that, but at least it wouldn't be stretched on only one side and you could use the shrinking disc to bring it back down. I still think a hammer and dolly would work too...that's what I would try anyhow.
The sandblasting of both sides has shown to relieve some of the stresses of the differing forces, as we did show the oilcan is now more equalized in force, it will stay where you push it to without popping back to the original position.
Quote:
Keep in mind that the shrinking disc works best when you lay the disc on the center of a high spot. I have not found it to be very useful when using the edge on a low spot.
Where the driver's side test area does still show a stretch in the sinusoid wave, I don't think the stretch in this type of surface feature can be effectively removed using the shrinking disc, as the highs (in reference to the side the disc is working) that the disc is looking for alternate from one side to the other, where the inner structure may get in the way of effective work from that side. Perhaps that side could be pushed and held somehow toward the outside of the trunk lid to promote better access for the disc. As I've had limited exposure to this tool, I'll defer those thoughts to someone else with more experience to answer....
Quote:
How about sandblasting it on the outside to stretch the metal evenly on both sides? It will probably oilcan and need shrinking after that, but at least it wouldn't be stretched on only one side and you could use the shrinking disc to bring it back down. I still think a hammer and dolly would work too...that's what I would try anyhow..............I believe the right thing to do is to stretch the outside of the sheet while pushing up on the dolly, which is held on the inside. I think that action will tend to compress the inside (or stretch it less) and stretch the outside, resulting in a more evenly stretched area. Then you can shrink the whole area back to where it belongs with a shrinking disc. That's my thinking anyhow.........
While we did not attempt the hammer and dolly to relieve stresses as part of our experiment, I think the repaired passenger side could serve to investigate this theory, to see how the panel reacts. Still have media left, so I'll proceed with this so we can see how the differing stresses will react, if the hammer and dolly will help to equalize them..
Quote:
Quote:
if I hold the panel and use the propane torch method how long should I apply heat? Also should I heat just the center or the complete warped area?
Not long at all, very short, you can see the metal move. Too little is better than too much.
I moved the torch around in a circular pattern over the area for just a few seconds.
I did enough just so the panel would stay in the out position on it's own. Then I used the shrinking disc from there. Used the slapper and dolly if I got too much shrinkage.
Having shrunk the one side to a loose panel oilcan, it did planish back out fairly easily to restore the crown. I think as long as your heated torch spots stayed well away from the edge of the hole opening, where you don't risk shrinking under the inner structure with no access for planishing, then you should be fine using a torch. As with all processes, consistency should be a focus..
Quote:
You can get lucky on a few small pieces but when a large panel is damaged that bad you can chase an oil can all day.
Very true, the progress needs to be closely monitored to better know when to stop or move elsewhere.. And don't let tunnel vision keep your focus on the damaged area, monitor all the surrounding panel for any changes/damage..
Quote:
Having absolutely no knowledge in body work probably tints my comments, but here goes.... Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy another trunk lid? Seems like a lot of man hours into R&D to save a trunk lid that can't cost more than $500 to replace.
If accurate replacement parts are available for said vehicle, then it is a viable consideration for the owner. If the parts are inaccurate, as is many times the case, many man hours will be expended to use those parts but make them and/or the adjoining panels suitable (think gap joints, etc). If someone is tackling sand blast damage repairs themselves, then it would be their time and effort. If parts are not available, then you either need to reproduce that part or fix what you have. I am conducting this test in hopes of finding the most effective method(s) of repair so that the owner of the car in FL can determine if this is a repair he can do on his own, whether it is one he should farm out, or as you suggest, buy a replacement.
We've got a shrinking disc on the way, to use on a test of one of the remaining stretched areas. Once I re-damage the passenger side for the hammer and dolly "equalization", that would even give me one sample to use with the disc, one with a torch.
Time for the next phase of the test. With the passenger side repaired with the use of the donut dolly, we sandblasted the inside once more to use for another test.
Sandblasted, the panel once again showed a bulge to the inside.... A test of the oil can effect showed it would pop toward the inside once released.
Now we'll use a hammer and hitch pin dolly to attempt to stretch the outside skin to equalize some of the stresses. The hitch pin was pressed against the inside to raise the panel as the hammer was used from the outside..
Once complete, the oil can effect seemed more equalized in that it would stay to which side you pushed it. The panel also shows the sinusoid wave... indicating a stretch within the opening on both sides...
to attempt the repair to this side (again), we'll use heat in the form of the heating tip on the dent puller.
I used the glove to push the panel outward while shrinking with the heat tip from the outside, and the panel just didn't seem to be responding. Then it hit me, the damage was caused by stretching from the inside, so let's shrink from that side.....
This appeared to do the trick, shrinking from the inside. Hindsight, the addition of the weight of the dent puller pushing the direction we want to go likely helped persuade the panel a bit more than had we continued from the outside. Actually, you could see the panel moving slightly around the perimeter of the heating tip as the panel was heated.
This process, with the majority of the heat now concentrated on the inside, was moving the panel outward as it was shrinking. Kept going until the panel seemed to stop responding to the heat shrinks, and then thought we'd planish to bring the crown up the little bit that was needed. Started again with the hammer and dolly, but it did not appear to work as well as it had after using the donut dolly. Keeping in line with the thoughts of the shrinking was more concentrated on the inside, what could we use to keep any stretch concentrated on the outside? Thought I'd give this small shot bag a try as the dolly....
The panel once again seemed to respond well to the tool selection, again bumping the panel the direction we needed.
Not perfect, but looks like we're doing the right thing. A bit more work and it would be to a high build primer fix state.
The care package also showed up, so next we will try the shrinking disc for its results on the drivers side test area...
Moving on to the next phase of the test, the shrinking disc. The disc is a 5" diameter, and kinda gets in the way of using the 4-1/2" guard. To promote the retention of digits, I did install the side handle...
A quick check of our panel to find the high spot...
The panel was heated to a light brown color and cooled with a damp rag.
....and quickly found that the stud/nut of the grinder hangs too far down to use the disc flat to the panel.
So because the grinder is held to an angle to the panel to clear the stud/nut, the panel has a tendency to assume the rounded shape of the leading edge of the disc...
So right off the bat, my results will likely not be optimal, than if the spindle area of the disc were better offset to accommodate the spindle nut and permit the use of the flat area. Here is the next high area...
...and our cooling device..
Looking at the results of the shrinking disc, the use of the disc at an angle appears to have gotten rid of the high spots, but created other issues....
It's as if, in much the same fashion as the shrinks from the dent puller's heating tip, we would be better served by working this issue from the back side to better shrink the side that was damaged initially. Flipping the trunk lid over, here is what we see from the back side...
Since our tool has to be used at an angle due to the spindle, we should have clearance around the inner trunk lid structure. I'm not sure that a larger shrinking disc would permit this ability, but using the tool in the flat configuration would likely not cause the concave issue either. After using the disc from the inside of the trunk, here are the results....
The initial check on the outside shows some minor concave issues where we used the disc from that side...
Following the success I had with the hammer and shot bag on the other test area, I thought I'd use it here as well
In checking the area towards the forward edge of the trunk lid, a number 11 sweep seemed to match it pretty well, so we'll use that to check across the entire area...
Where it's certainly not perfect, it wouldn't take much more to get it to that "high build fix" stage.
Having used the three different methods, I think the shrinking disc was the quickest at showing results, but due to the fact we couldn't use it flat, it did cause other issues to address. But, this also allowed us to use it from the back side, where a flat only disc (or one of the larger ones) may have been a challenge. One of the larger discs used flat, may have been more suitable if you could hold the oil can in the outward position. Overall, IMO the disc works too quickly to be able to closely monitor the operation and keep results consistent throughout.
Using the heating tip on the dent puller from the damaged side, IMO was very effective at returning the damage area to the original crown, with a small shot bag coming in handy for some of the "fine tuning". With as many shrinks as were needed, it is a slow, controlled process, and thus a bit easier than the shrinking disc in monitoring the progress. One would need a quality tool for as many shrinks as were used, or be sure to let it cool off once it gets good and warm. Where this process did show more promising results when used on the damaged side, you can also fix this type of damage with a torch. But if you have access enough to the backside with a sandblaster to damage something, then it should also leave plenty of room for the dent puller's heating tip for repair.
The donut dolly works well in that the nature of the operation is moving the panel back in the direction the panel belongs. This also is a slow, controlled process as compared to the disc, so it makes it easy to monitor the progress. This does require access to both sides of the panel, and is most effective with accurate alignment of the hammer strikes centered on the dolly. So if you see yourself having difficulty in this alignment, perhaps one of the other "one sided" repair applications would work best for you. The only thing I think may have helped more in using this tool would have been to use the small shot bag instead of the hard dolly when I was attempting to planish remaining low spots.
Heating with an acetylene torch and shrinking the hot spot would be another option, but I'm a firm believer in using slower, controlled methods where you can "sneak up" on your expected result, and not blow past it. For those who are adept in using the torch, I would suggest small circles heated up to a dime size or less, cooled, and then move to the next area. I would also suggest practicing any of these on a scrap piece that has purposely stretched in a similar fashion, to prevent causing further damage to something you are trying to save. Once you get comfortable with the methods you plan to use, then jump in on the damaged "good" panel..
__________________
1948 Chevy pickup
Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats!
Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15.
Thank you for taking the time and having such detailed pictures and explanations.
__________________
Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.
Excellent article. If you want NO warpage use a pressure washer (minimum pressure of 2800 and 2.5 gpm) and an attachment from water cannon.com and use the abrasive of choice. The abrasive is drawn into a special end on the wand like a paint gun draws paint up from the cup (venturi principle) and cleans rust like you wouldn't believe. It can't warp because the water keeps it cool. Would you rather blast with air at 100-150 psi and warp it, or blast with 2800 psi with water and NOT warp it???? Been there done that, never going back to 100-150 psi system again. Look up on youtube under wet sandblasting.
I should add that even OSHA considers water sandblasting safe, no respirator needed because there is no dust. A good pair of goggles that cover all the way around is all you need. I blasted in the driveway, next day sand is dry, swept it up, sifted it clean and re-used it. You will get wet/sandy but brushes off easy!
Excellent article. If you want NO warpage use a pressure washer (minimum pressure of 2800 and 2.5 gpm) and an attachment from water cannon.com and use the abrasive of choice. The abrasive is drawn into a special end on the wand like a paint gun draws paint up from the cup (venturi principle) and cleans rust like you wouldn't believe. It can't warp because the water keeps it cool. Would you rather blast with air at 100-150 psi and warp it, or blast with 2800 psi with water and NOT warp it???? Been there done that, never going back to 100-150 psi system again. Look up on youtube under wet sandblasting.
In the beginning of the post he shows that temperature isnt the cause of the warping. It is the stretching of the metal due to the abrasive media hitting the panel.
Don't buy in to the water Kool-Aid. Too much pressure and too coarse of media results in a peening action that stretches the metal. You can media blast under water if you think it will keep things cool enough for you, but in the end, given enough pressure and coarse enough of media, stretching will indeed occur despite external temps. I'm not saying the pressure washer system doesn't work, but they are playing on hype without understanding (or revealing) the true cause.
I water sandblasted a 1968 oem tailgate last fall and did every square inch of it and took a straight edge to it and didn't see or feel any warpage. I used sand that the lumber store stocks. I have put my hand on the backside of a panel i did years ago dry sandblasting and i got burned instantly. Through the years i have done black paint jobs so my hands are my eyes when block sanding flat panels (black shows everything). I wet sandblasted my snowblower auger housing and there was paper thin areas at the edge and i used blackjack (very aggressive ) and no warpage, so in my world i'm convinced. Good luck.
Not disputing your results or the method. But comparatively, a water jet uses a concentrated stream of water mixed with an abrasive, and it cuts right through a panel. Did the water not cool it enough?
What I'm saying is that excessive applied pressure and excessive size of media combined are what cause the peening action, resulting in the stretch. Yes, given enough of this it will eventually cause the temperature of the panel to increase. But the temperature does not cause the stretch, it is a side effect of the peening action. Stretch has long occurred before the temperature rises. So any claim that it can't stretch because water keeps it cools is a bit misleading as to the actual cause of the stretch in typical media blasting....call it crafty wording or advertising hype, but sheet metal panels are media blasted every day without damage by observing air pressure and media size, without the use of water. Perhaps the water helps to "soften the blow" so to speak, by having the media in the mix. But as shown in the water jet example, which obviously uses a different delivery method than what you are using, water is not the secret Elixir of Unicorn blood.. Any process used incorrectly may cause damage. Accurately identifying the cause is the secret to corrective action in that method.
I am about to have a guy glass/water blast my under cab and bed sides... so what Im reading here... just because he using water to keep things cool does not mean I wont get damage? From what I understand its a fine glass he uses. I was originally going to have him dry ice blast it but he said it wont take the undercoating off Im trying to get off....
__________________
"Hey... its only time and money right? Just do it."
I was initially lured in from a guy purchased a pallet of sand. I asked him what he used that much sand for? He said some of his buddies are contractors and pull enclosed trailers and the road salt destroys the paint job in no time. I remarked that if he sand blasts and hits the aluminum body near the frame it would be an ocean of waves from distortion!! His remark was "not at all". I asked what he was using? He said an attachment for a pressure washer! I went to youtube and searched it out, saw videos on it, google searched a vendor and matched my 3800 psi 3.5 gpm pressure washer. The special adaptor end has an included 0 degree nozzle sized for the output of the presssure washer. In use it spreads out quite a bit once it leaves the screw in cone end. The city water i hook up to is very cold coming from lake superior, say 45 degrees. I understand the peening effect is conducive to distortion, but after using it on three projects now using sand and blackjack and no distortion all i know is it works great and i have no complaints. To be honest i never saw the trailers that the guy waterblasted. 2 individuals with the same results, i can't say for sure. I clean my stainless steel expanded metal barbeque grill platform and takes the baked on food of in seconds and looks new, set the platform down into it's recess and it lays flat. A friend had his rearend out of his olds on jackstands and in 15 minutes and 4 bags of blackjack i had the whole thing down to bare, backing plates and all and removed rust scale 1/4" thick in spots. In use i stay back about a foot from the surface.
I was initially lured in from a guy purchased a pallet of sand. I asked him what he used that much sand for? He said some of his buddies are contractors and pull enclosed trailers and the road salt destroys the paint job in no time. I remarked that if he sand blasts and hits the aluminum body near the frame it would be an ocean of waves from distortion!! His remark was "not at all". I asked what he was using? He said an attachment for a pressure washer! I went to youtube and searched it out, saw videos on it, google searched a vendor and matched my 3800 psi 3.5 gpm pressure washer. The special adaptor end has an included 0 degree nozzle sized for the output of the presssure washer. In use it spreads out quite a bit once it leaves the screw in cone end. The city water i hook up to is very cold coming from lake superior, say 45 degrees. I understand the peening effect is conducive to distortion, but after using it on three projects now using sand and blackjack and no distortion all i know is it works great and i have no complaints. To be honest i never saw the trailers that the guy waterblasted. 2 individuals with the same results, i can't say for sure. I clean my stainless steel expanded metal barbeque grill platform and takes the baked on food of in seconds and looks new, set the platform down into it's recess and it lays flat. A friend had his rearend out of his olds on jackstands and in 15 minutes and 4 bags of blackjack i had the whole thing down to bare, backing plates and all and removed rust scale 1/4" thick in spots. In use i stay back about a foot from the surface.
Your Material is Totally Different and I'm sure Your NOT Measuring as the Tester Did !
I have used Sand and Glass Bead - on lower - Air Settings - Damage may happen from "Over Working" an Area .. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Tag: silicon
When experts talk about discarding today’s silicon-based computer chips and building next-generation electronics out of new materials, they’re usually talking about graphene, and for good reason–the one-atom-thick layers of carbon can behave like semiconductors and have already been used in experimental transistors. But researchers from a Swiss lab think they have a material that can trump both silicon and graphene. World, meet molybdenite.
The researchers from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) note that the mineral looks similar to mica, and has a layered molecular structure that allows it to sheer off easily into thin sheets.
Molybdenite, the researchers said, is abundant in nature and is currently used in steel alloys and in lubricants, but it has not previously been studied for use in electronics. “It’s a two-dimensional material, very thin and easy to use in nanotechnology. It has real potential in the fabrication of very small transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells,” said EPFL Professor Andras Kis, adding that molybdenite (MoS2) is far more compact than silicon, while still allowing electrons to circulate freely. [PC Pro]
In life, most people try to avoid entanglement, be it with unsavory characters or alarmingly large balls of twine. In the quantum world, entanglement is a necessary step for the super-fast quantum computers of the future.
According to a study published by Nature today, physicists have successfully entangled 10 billion quantum bits, otherwise known qubits. But the most significant part of the research is where the entanglement happened–in silicon–because, given that most of modern-day computing is forged in the smithy of silicon technology, this means that researchers may have an easier time incorporating quantum computers into our current gadgets.
Quantum entanglement occurs when the quantum state of one particle is linked to the quantum state of another particle, so that you can’t measure one particle without also influencing the other. With this particular study, led by John Morton at the University of Oxford, UK, the researchers aligned the spins of electrons and phosphorus nuclei–that is, the particles were entangled.
It’s such a fertile time in the green technology sector, solar power plants may soon begin reproducing.
Using two resources that the Sahara has plenty of, sun and sand, the Sahara Solar Breeder Project hopes to build factories that will refine the sand’s silica into silicon. That silicon will be used to build solar panels, which will power more silica-refining and solar panel factories, which will be able to build more solar panels, and on and on and on.
The potential for exponential growth allows for some extreme optimism: The project’s leaders say they could build enough power stations to meet half of the world’s energy needs by 2050. Project leader Hideomi Koinuma believes the project is key to solving the world’s energy crisis, saying:
“If we can use desert sand to make a substance that provides energy, this will be the key to solving the energy problem. This is probably doable. Moreover, the energy we continually receive from the Sun is 10,000 times the energy currently used by mankind. So if we can utilize 0.01% of it skillfully, we won’t have a shortage of energy, but a surplus.” [DigInfo TV] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Where did you buy the blown motor ?
Where do you live and how much are you willing to pay ?
Whats wrong with the blown motor if you were close to me im sure I could get you on track.
How about pics of the damage
I have a complete 1998 1200 engine I'd consider selling for the right price (I'm planning to put it in my blaster if it doesn't sell). Make me an offer if you're interested. It's still in my ski that I'm parting out. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
2005 Toyota Celica GTS
Toyota Celica GTS is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DOHC all-aluminum engine that generates 180 horsepower at 7600 rpm and 130 lb-ft. of torque at 6800 rpm.The GTS powerplant utilizes variable valve timing and lift, with intelligence control (VVTL-i) to inject an extra dose of performance from 6000 rpm to the redline at 7800 rpm. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
How about somewhere to go and recharge your batteries? Take a break in Albany, where a variety of fantastic experiences await you.
Accommodation in Albany
Travelocity's Albany hotels page lists 28 accommodation options, available to book right now.
You can start off by investigating the style and charm of the Courtyard by Marriott Albany and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Albany. Or, the Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel or the Hilton Garden Inn Albany might be more what you're after if you're traveling on a tight budget.
Albany Vacation Packages
This destination is home to around 77,000 residents.
Atlanta, the state capital, is roughly 150 miles (241 kilometers) to the north of this destination, while Leesburg is 11 miles (18 kilometers) to the north.
Give your kids a morning filled with underwater encounters. Flint RiverQuarium has a great variety of aquatic exhibits that will surely entertain your entire family.
If you like seeing new plant varieties and you'd love to get some fresh air, Radium Springs Gardens is the perfect place.
If you like visiting urban parkland areas, you'll have plenty to choose from here. Why not arrange a picnic at Ray Charles Plaza or go for an invigorating jog at Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park? Alternatively, simply sit back and watch the clouds roll by at Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area or Chehaw Park.
An excellent starting point if you're in Albany is Albany Welcome Center. This center will provide you with a lot of information to help plan your itinerary.
You can find plenty of informative attractions around town. The Albany Museum of Art and Westville Village are two popular spots. You could also try Global Village & Discovery Center and Georgia Rural Telephone Museum.
If you're fascinated in natural history then you must not miss out on the Albany Civil Rights Institute. You'll have a great time, and learn something new while you are in Albany.
See how the people of this region honor their ancestors at a few of the standing memorial sites here. Statue of Charles Lindbergh and Ole Engine 100 are well worth a visit.
The Albany State University is not just an institution for ambitious pupils, but also a fascinating local landmark worth discovering via a visitor's tour.
You'll be able to find a nice range of live performance venues in Albany. The Albany Municipal Auditorium, theater Albany and Rylander Theatre are the three spots to stop at.
Packages in Albany
How much of a price cut on a Albany hotel and flight package deal would convince you to purchase it at Travelocity now?
It is possible to get savings of up to $588 when you book your package deal soon. “*Savings based on all vacation package bookings with Flight + Hotel on Travelocity.com from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, as compared to price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.”
With up to 400 airlines and 250,000 hotels, scheduling a vacation is a breeze.
Don't worry! Our Customer 1st Guarantee offers 24/7 personal assistance on all services, from package deals to rental cars and activities. Seen a better deal? Just provide us with an image of the cheaper price and we'll refund the difference plus give you $50 towards your next vacation.
All hotel reservations can be easily altered with no fees from us. And so long as it's at least 3 days prior to your stay most accommodations won't charge you a fee either. Terms and Conditions apply.
Download Our Mobile App
Having trouble finding your ideal trip? Whether it's a weekend getaway or a family vacation, Travelocity can help you save money. Download our mobile app and Wander Wisely.
Top Albany Hotels Deals
Days Inn Albany GA
Situated in Albany, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Theater Albany, Albany Civil Rights Institute, and Albany Municipal Auditorium. James H. Gray Sr. ...
A decent economical place to spend the night.The Days Inn is conveniently located in downtown Albany. It's nothing fancy, but it met my needs for an economical place to spend the night before running in a marathon in Albany in the morning. Had no complaints about the cleanliness or service. Paid an exra $10 for extended check-out to have time ...
Great Choice/Comfort for the $$!!Very pleasant and comfortable stay. Hotel was very clean. Breakfast was more than expected and very good. Dining area was very clean and well plenished. Staff very friendly and professional. Exterior of premises had lots of shades due to the number of trees; however, many of the trees need to be ...
Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel
Situated in Americus, this hotel is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Global Village & Discovery Center and within 12 mi (20 km) of Statue of Charles Lindbergh and Georgia ...
Excellent hotel and serviceI had heard great things about Windsor Best Western Americus. They were all true. I was helped by the attentive and polite staff and the room was perfect. A major banquet event was scheduled for the second night of my stay and the staff alerted me to the revised schedule in advance via phone especially ... | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Sidney Samson ft. Will.I.Am – Better Than Yesterday (Club Mix)
Sidney Samson makes his pop crossover with a superstar who isn’t new to the electronic music world, Will.I.Am. Following “Dutchland,” Sidney comes back with an original mix for the clubs, an absolute party starter and energy booster, “Better Than Yesterday.” With Black Eyed Peas frontman on the vocal, this track can go either way — straight to the radio or deep into the night life scene. The beat comes with deeper progression and less bleeps than we are used to from Samson, but is packaged for infectious dance action. Head to Beatport for the release of “Better Than Yesterday” before it lands on Will.I.Am’s forthcoming album. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Dani Alves Set To Quit Barcelona After Failing To Agree New Contract - Report
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has been told he can leave the club after failing to agree terms on a new contract, reports from Spain suggest.
AS comments that the Blaugrana will hope to cash in on the Brazilian in January after his wage demands were deemed to be too exorbitant, with Sandro Rosell refusing to budge on the terms already offered to the former Sevilla defender.
Alves feels he is worth more than is currently on the table, and his agent will put Manchester City on high alert to his availability in the winter market by claiming that his client is ready for a new challenge. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
First, we are acutely aware of the UX pain this is causing and we are sorry for this. We are trying to undo a decade and a half of systems divergence. There are literally hundreds of different engineering teams across Microsoft involved in this effort. So this is taking time.
Second, we can’t easily “merge” two accounts, or allow IT to “take over” personal Microsoft accounts. There are two main hurdles: (1) The terms of service are fundamentally different for the two account types and (2) they are based on different technologies with different stacks (different identifiers, SDKs, token formats, etc.). We’re working to converge the two stacks but again this takes time. There are details of this in the blog post linked above.
Third, in the past year we’ve worked with 70+ teams across Microsoft that operate business services but only supported MSA for historical reason. Our goal is for all of these apps to support Azure AD (work accounts) as well. As of Nov 2017, we’re about half way there. Dev Center and MSDN subscriptions (now called Visual Studio subscriptions) are example of apps that now support Azure AD. Microsoft Payment Central and Invoicing are a few weeks away. Volume Licensing and many others are in progress and a couple months away.
The best recommendations we can provide right now are:
1) Use your work account (in Azure AD) to access any work application that supports it.
2) If you had created a personal Microsoft account to access Microsoft business apps, and no longer need it, close the account. Or rename it (which means chancing the user id) to avoid confusion.
First, we are acutely aware of the UX pain this is causing and we are sorry for this. We are trying to undo a decade and a half of systems divergence. There are literally hundreds of different engineering teams across Microsoft involved in this effort. So this is taking time.
Second, we can’t easily “merge” two accounts, or allow IT to “take over” personal Microsoft accounts. There are two main hurdles: (1) The terms of service are fundamentally different for the two account types and (2) they are based on different technologies with different stacks (different identifiers, SDKs, token formats, etc.). We’re working to converge the two stacks but again this…
Thanks for the feedback. We’re working on this. We started with the top bar, then added favorites, and continued by shrinking the list of resources after opening the resource blade. Much more is in the works — all based on your feedback. Keep it coming and, in the meantime, we’ll keep working on this to streamline the experience for you.
Native Azure Storage support for using SSL to access blobs at custom domains is still on our backlog. We would love to hear about your scenarios where using the Azure CDN is not an acceptable solution, either by posting on this thread or sending us an email at [email protected]. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Voir aussi
User Contributed Notes 3 notes
As per http://bugs.php.net/bug.php?id=30688 the $rpath argument is ignored, and since the (as of now) 4 year old bug is tagged WONTFIX in the bug tracker, this function is effectively deprecated in favour of mail().
Extending the above note.
When the socket connection is stablished, it works exactly as if you had openned a telnet connection to the news server. If you don't know what kind of headers you have to send to the news server, then I'll suggest that you better give it a try and play with a telnet connection like this: | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
GENURI DE FILME ONLINE
The Heirs
» The Heirs online, film The Heirs online subtitrat, film The Heirs subtitrat in romana, filmul The Heirs online, descarca The Heirs, vizioneaza The Heirs, subtitrare The Heirs, The Heirs calitate hd, filme online, seriale online, vezi The Heirs, The Heirs HD, download The Heirs, The Heirs torrent, descarca The Heirs, vezi online The Heirs, The Heirs subtitrat, The Heirs youtube, The Heirs gratis, The Heirs film, The Heirs full, The Heirs film online, The Heirs 2013, The Heirs 2012, The Heirs online subtitrat, Traducere The Heirs, The Heirs mp3, The Heirs peteava, ver The Heirs online, The Heirs peliculas online, The Heirs subtituladas, descargar The Heirs, descargar peliculas, The Heirs blu ray, pelicula The Heirs, series online, series The Heirs, The Heirs HD, dvdrip | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Up to 68% off Givenchy Sunglasses.
Tractor Supply Company + MyCoupons
Even though we started out serving the needs of farmers and ranchers near Minot, North Dakota, we now make our home in rural communities all across America. In each Tractor Supply store, you'll find a staff of experts, better known as your friends and neighbors. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Few Sample Shipment Records of Zircon imports in vietnam are given above. For more details of vietnam customs data of Zircon or any other product kindly contact [email protected] or Call +91-11-47048012 | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
You are here
Super Sunday Success
Glasgow Warriors Super Sunday has been hailed as a triumph by the seven clubs visited by the Warriors players last weekend.
Graeme Morrison, Nick Campbell and John Barclay (pictured above) were on hand at Greenock RFC while a host of other Warriors helped out with coaching and skills sessions across the Glasgow Warriors area, from Bannockburn to Bishopton.
Looks like quick ball.....
Niko Matawalu shares some of his skills with the group!
Super Sunday is the latest Warrior initiative to forge strong bonds with local clubs and the community and follows the success of Warriors Wednesday back in October." Rory Lamont, Josh Strauss, Byron McGuigan, Chris Fusaro, Fraser Thomson, Bruce Dick, Finn Russell, Murray McConnell, Ed Kalman, Angus MacDonald, Mike Cusack and George Hunter were all on hand to give advice to the youngsters taking part and give them an insight into life as a pro rugby player.
_
Nick Campbell presenting to the Warriors of the future!
_
The clubs who took part in Super Sunday were Bannockburn, Bishopton, Birkmyre, West of Scotland, Cumbernauld, McLaren and Greenock.
Many thanks to the clubs for having the Warriors along and we look forward top welcoming you to Scotstoun. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
All,
I took an AI in last Friday's call to propose some edits to the
SOAP Part 2 spec to incorporate a content negotiation feature so
that the SOAP HTTP binding could pottentially be used for support of
alternate serializations of the SOAP message.
Comments welcomed, encouraged in fact:).
I believe that this is intended to be discussed
in tomorrow's TBTF con-call. If I receive comments before EOB east-coast
time, I'll endeavor to incorporate them into a revision later
this evening.
Cheers,
Chris | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
ClubMonaco.com Is Live Today — See and Shop Our Favorite Shopping Picks
ClubMonaco.com Is Live Today — See and Shop Our Favorite Shopping Picks
The time has finally come for you to be able to shop Club Monaco's casual cool collection online! The site doesn't officially launch until tomorrow, but if you become a fan of Club Monaco's Facebook page, you'll get special early access to shop the site right now. In fact, we already scoped out the site for you and already came up with a top 10 shopping list of our favorite products including a perfect sunny yellow dress fit for all occasions (think weddings, office, parties), a chic Summer clutch, and the cutest silk sweatshirt you've ever seen. Check it all out in the slideshow now, then start shopping. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
...if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal." JFK
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Here is one hell of an awesome picture...scary too. Iran giving the World a demonstration of their military might. Now let me say they wouldn't have a chance against the US Military. Iran has no navy to speak off and can't come close to the military technology that the US could use against them. But by now we should understand that military power alone does not win wars. Remember also, during the Iran Iraq War of the 80's, Iran had no qualms about using boy soldiers to clear mine fields by ordering them to run into the field. Who won the Iran Iraq War anyway?
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Mike Oot is now running unopposed for the Democratic nomination to represent the 23rd Congressional District of New York. If you are a Democrat Mike is your man. If you are an Independent, do yourself a favor and visit Mike's website. I'm sure you will agree with many of his positions. If you are a Republican, and you are sick of the Iraq War, think something has to be done about health care and want to hear real straight talk about our energy problems, it might be best if you join the rest of us in retiring Rep. John McHugh. After all, Mr. McHugh did promise us he would only serve six terms in the House of Representatives.
Dan Francis was running for John McHugh's Congressional seat (NY-23). Unfortunately, Mr. Francis was unable to collect enough signatures on a nominating petition. Here is Dan Francis entire post to the citizens of NY-23:
Message to the Citizens of NY 23rd Congressional District
This is a history-making election year. We still face two wars with no end in sight and success fleeting.
* Our economy is on the verge of collapse. * Congress spends wildly and has sustained a deficit of $700 billion, along with record foreign borrowing, and a national debt if $9.4 trillion. * We face a recession that government can't seem to handle, and most now serving in office are plainly are out of touch with reality. Yet most of them will be reelected from campaigns built on huge expensive coffers, slick Ad and gimmicks, as well as a lot of fear and hype. * The status quo has clearly failed the public they swore to serve. * This Congress has a job approval rating of less than twenty percent. That number speaks volumes for the condition of our ship of state: leaderless, rudderless, and adrift on a sea of red ink that is gridlocked and awash in rabid partisanship that benefits no one except those serving in office.
As I looked around me over the past year or so, what I saw was not the America I grew up in, or the one I wanted for today, or even the one that I had served my whole adult life as a Marine and then as a DOD civilian employee all over the world. It is not the country that I fought and bled for years ago in Vietnam. What I saw was government out of control, abusive and an electorate hungry for leadership that in this district that in my view did not serve each and every person in this district.
I reached the conclusion that it was time to run for the seat and send Mr. McHugh into retirement. I figured I had the best background in positions that prepared me to make tough decisions that he never made regarding war and peace, torture, rational economic policies that impact not only this district, but also the country as a whole, and bold leadership.
I wanted to be a new voice because I believed that a lot of voices in this district were not been heard. I believed that I represented the values and views of a lot of people – but reaching a lot of them in this vast district is an awesome task, and I simply did not have the resources and support that my opponent has. I could have tried to raise a lot of outside money, like Mr. Oot did, or as Mr. McHugh always does, but that would offer surrender on my staunchest principle – to represent the people and not big outside money.
I wanted those things, but I was wrong.
The fact of the matter is that I badly misjudged the power and influence of the Democratic Party county chairs in this vast, 11-county district in my assessment of what they wanted vs. what I offered. I came up short in the required number of signatures on petitions required to gain ballot access for a September 9 primary against Mr. Oot. I am disappointed, but not angry, or cynical. This is still my country and my district and I will continue to speak out on serious issues.
My campaign for public office ends with this effort. I had the chance to meet new friends and see old ones. I enjoyed every single moment of this campaign. I had asked only two things from the people: to give me a fair look and an honest evaluation, and if they thought I was worthy, to give me their help and support. I fell short in that regard.
I sincerely thank everyone who supported me and signed a petition nominating me. That means a great deal to me and I will always be grateful for that effort. I will call or email each one of them and personally thank them. I wish Mr. Oot the best of luck in this campaign. May the best candidate win and then stand tall to represent us better than we have seen in the past. We certainly deserve change.
I've accepted that I'm a "surrender monkey" and a member of the "tear down America" group but has anyone else noticed that things in Afghanistan aren't going so well. The above chart from Nukes and Spooks proves that a picture says more than a thousand words.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Well, Bush did have at least one success according to the above graph from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. So what if GDP, consumption, investment, net worth, wages and salaries and employment were all down during the period of 2001-2007. Look at corporate taxes. At least someone was making some dough.
Why do liberals have an "agenda" and conservatives have beliefs, principles and convictions? What exactly is so wrong with the liberal "agenda"? Maybe I'm not fully aware of exactly what is in the liberal agenda.
Is the liberal agenda based on the idea that all people, at least most people, have some good in them versus the conservative idea that all people are out to screw you? Maybe the problem with the liberal agenda is that it allows the "unworthy" to be treated the same as the "worthy". I'm sure one problem with the liberal agenda is that it costs too much. Forget the fact that most of the National Debt has been acrued by conservative Presidents and we are currently fighting wars that cost billions per week.
So what are some Liberal principles? First the rule of law and the Constitution always come first. Explain to me how you can have a democracy with a President that claims the law does not apply to him. That sounds more like a monarchy to me. You cannot give up even one of your freedoms based on the argument that it will keep you free. Liberals believe in Liberty - that's where the word liberal comes from. The liberal agenda is based upon human rights, equality, individual freedom, free and fair elections and the rule of law.
"You're either with us or against us" isn't included as a Liberal principle. First of all it's a false dilemma. There should be more choices than "with us or against us". What is wrong with "with you, but let's try to do it this way". There is always a spectrum of possibilities and we should not be forced into ignoring other possibilities. Is it unpatriotic to want your country to live up to its extraordinary ideals? Liberals believe individuals have a right to participate in free and open debate. Being opposed to torture shouldn't be viewed as "tearing the country down".
Tolerance, respect, dignity, justice, liberty, and freedom aren't just words to liberals. We believe the United States should strive for perfection concerning these values. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
5 Things Slowing Down Your Sex Drive
There’s nothing wrong with not being in the mood every now and then. Everyone’s libido fluctuates for a range of reasons. Hormonal changes, age, your menstrual cycles and even a heavy meal can make you feel more passion for Netflix than your partner. But if you find that it’s a persistent problem, or if it starts to affect your relationship, it’s important to take the downturn seriously.
The culprit for your lack of longing could also be something you’d never expect!
There are a lot of possible medical causes for low libido including hyperthyroidism, hormonal imbalance and mental health issues—so be sure to express your concerns to your doctor. But if medical causes have been ruled out and the low libido still persists, a few basic lifestyle changes could launch you back into the healthy sex life you should be enjoying.
So what’s causing the demise of your once lively libido? To find out the top 5 Things Slowing Down Your Sex Drive, check out my article on Verywell.com… | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Posted By Viva Sarah Press On June 26, 2012 @ 6:33 am In | No Comments
Israel’s OrSense, a developer of monitors for non-invasive measurements of various blood parameters, announced successful clinical trial results for anemia screening and hemorrhage detection via non-invasive methods. Dr. Eran Hadar, of the Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Rabin Medical Center, said OrSenes’s NBM200 device was as accurate as invasive point of care devices in measuring hemoglobin levels in pregnant women.
“The clinical trial shows that OrSense’s system is accurate and user friendly for determining Hb levels non-invasively,” said Professor Moshe Hod, director of the Maternal Fetal Division of the Women’s Hospital at Rabin Medical Center. “Pregnant women are a particularly vulnerable anemia risk group that will greatly benefit from the ability offered by OrSenes’s solution to immediately and routinely screen for anemia, as part of a regular physician checkup.”
Over one billion people suffer from iron deficiency anemia worldwide. During pregnancy the need for iron increases and exposes the mother to a higher risk of anemia. It is estimated that 40 percent of maternal deaths are caused directly or indirectly by anemia.
The company recently completed an $18 million financing round.
“We believe that this additional investment will help us establish OrSense as the world leader in non-invasive monitoring of various blood parameters, promising a significant improvement to the quality of life of millions of people worldwide,” said OrSense CEO Lior Ma’ayan.
OrSense’s CE approved non-invasive hemoglobin monitor is available in 40 countries worldwide, and has been successfully installed in multiple environments including hospitals, physician offices, blood donation facilities, as well as used for various applications including public screening, women health and homecare. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says the government cannot simply allow the naira to float, but admits that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confidence in floating the local currency.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, Osinbajo said the government is in talks with the CBN to fully implement the “free-float” foreign exchange policy, but it cannot put a time on the “logical conclusion” of the talks.
“It is difficult to give a timing about currency movements as you can imagine, but what it is really is that what is the policy that is going to lead to that?” Osinbajo asked.
“We already have a foreign exchange policy. Now, that policy, that is the point I have been making all along, that stabilising that policy, ensuring that it works fully, is really what we are trying to get to, in our interactions with the central bank, which of course is independent.
“We are trying to get them to see that you need to implement this policy fully. Central bank of course has its own constraints; we have to be careful.
“We simply can’t allow the currency to float; we have to look at all of the market conditions and all of that. But really, the point we are making is that we must create the environment which will help the Central Bank as well.
“That will come from an increasing supply of dollars from oil exportation. Once we have more dollars, Central Bank obviously has more confidence in floating the currency.”
Osinbajo also said the government would be launching its economic turnaround plan in February 2017, which would span another four years.
“We’ve already written it out, many parts of it…we are discussing, but it would be formally launched as a document in the middle of February.
“But our 2017 budget is actually based on the economic recovery approved plan. We had strategic implementation plan, which we started with in 2016. The economic recovery approved plan is actually a development of the strategic implementation plan.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
This is the 1st Edtion of a Bi-Monthly Magazine. the next edition is due on the 1st February 2011. So read and enjoy, also this is your magazine so get in touch if you want to "Ask the Organiser" or advertise in this exciting new magazine.
Who is Wendy Davie
I have diverse and eclectic business background as a business owner, Director, Trustee and Senior Manager. Particular interest and experience in new and start up organisations as well as working with organisations wanting to remain relevant and sustainable in changing environments. Particular focus on NFP sector, health & community sector, productivity, time management, Social Media, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Thrives in a position where I am given challenges and /or sticky situations. Discovering, problem solving and implementing innovative and practical solutions for businesses, workplaces, and individuals is what I enjoy and do best. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Granting access to Maximo Spatial Asset Management options
Technote (FAQ)
Question
How do I grant access to the options in Maximo Spatial Asset Management?
Answer
Prerequisite: Maximo for Oil and Gas and Maximo Spatial Asset Management must be installed. Additionally, the <extendpresentation>elements and the comment tags (<!-- and -->)) from each element must be uncommented in the product XML for Maximo for Oil and Gas (oilandgas.xml) file.
2. In the Find field, type the MAXADMIN user group. The Group tab displays along with the group information.
3. Click the Applications tab.
4. Filter on the Assets (Oil) application and grant access for the following options:
Master Work Order And One Work Order for Each Record
Service Request With All Records
Spatial Edit Tool
Spatial Link Tool
Work Order for Each Record
Work Order for All Records
5. Save the record.
6. Filter on the
Locations (Oil) application and grant access for the following options:
Master Work Order And One Work Order for Each Record
Service Request With All Records
Spatial Edit Tool
Spatial Link Tool
Work Order for Each Record
Work Order for All Records
7. Save the record.
8. Filter on the
Service Requests (Oil) application and grant access for the following options:
Auto-Create SR (Spatial)
Spatial Edit Tool
Spatial Link Tool
9. Save the record.
10. Filter on the
Work Order Tracking (Oil) application and grant access for the following options:
Auto-Create WO (Spatial)
Spatial Edit Tool
Spatial Link Tool
11. Save the record.
12. Sign out and log back in to Maximo Asset Management. The Maximo Spatial Asset Management options should display for the Assets (Oil), Locations (Oil) , Service Requests (Oil) , and Work Order Tracking (Oil) applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
It’s not a glamor position, so not a lot of opportunities to rock your bikini or Speedo on air.
Instead you’ll be setting up meetings, booking conference rooms, taking calls, filing and handling miscellaneous administrative tasks. There are lots of other similar responsibilities, but it all boils down to desk-and-computer work.
A college degree in communications is preferred, though related experience could replace it. And also “experience using the Internet, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, etc.” which would really be anyone under the age of 50 at this point, right?
But “excitement for videogame and tech and gadgets and comic books” would certainly count for a lot. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Toward the end of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the body of Spock, encased in a coffin made from photon-torpedo casing, is launched in a formal Starfleet burial “at sea” into orbit around a newly forming planet.
Admiral Kirk’s voice breaks as he eulogizes his recently departed Vulcan friend: “Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most . . . human.” At this point, Saavik, another Vulcan officer serving aboard the Enterprise and played by Kirstie Alley, winces at what one might describe as Kirk’s “homo-sapien-normativity.”
But Kirk here is really speaking to the audience more than to his fellow officers aboard the starship. He is echoing the words of Star Trek creator and ardent humanist Gene Roddenberry that Spock was “the conscience of Star Trek.” Through Kirk’s funeral speech, the writers are reminding us that the beloved hyper-rationalist, ultra-logical half-human, half Vulcan character is the heart of the series and the thematic essence of what Roddenberry had wanted to say about humanity through his work.
Spock was no Vulcan at all. The story of Spock, the highly logical Vulcan society, and the universalist, optimistic rationalism that is explored through the broader series and its successors, is in fact the striving, future-oriented story of humanity and our unbounded capacity to improve our condition once we leave behind an infancy of unreason.
Star Trek creators expressly intended the story of Spock and Vulcan society, a civilization that emerges from nuclear holocaust to pacifist philosophical maturity, as a parallel to the progression of human society toward enlightenment.
But Spock’s tale is no Pollyanna-ish narrative merely celebrating the retreat from obscurantist habits of mind that blindly accept facts about the world as deriving from authority and toward an inevitable understanding of the world based on logic and evidence alone.
Rather, Spock represents how difficult it has been for us to loosen the shackles of irrationalism. The internal conflict experienced by Spock between his Vulcan logician heritage and his human emotions, as well as the external conflict between Spock and the intuitive Kirk and the emotional McCoy parallels humanity’s troubled exit — still uncompleted — from its nonage to what Marx calls in the Grundrisse “the true realm of freedom.”
Science officer Spock was of course as much a creation of actor Leonard Nimoy, who died on Thursday at age eighty-three, as of Roddenberry and the other writers who built and continue to build the Star Trek mythos. In a production memo from 1968, Roddenberry wrote: “In the beginning of the Star Trek episodes, Mr Spock was a fellow who occasionally said ‘illogical’ and that was about it. We all worked hard to build him into a fully dimensional character, and a lot of people, including Leonard Nimoy, deserve credit.”
Nimoy grappled with people’s identification of him with his alter ego, but over the years came to embrace the phenomenon: “To this day, I sense Vulcan speech patterns, Vulcan social attitudes, and even Vulcan patterns of logic and emotional suppression in my behavior.”
Spock was especially warmly embraced by scientists and engineers, and inspired a generation of young people to go into such fields. His presence as a guest of honor at a 1967 National Space Club dinner in the presence of astronaut John Glenn and other NASA figures, Nimoy was touched by how Spock was viewed as the “dramatization of the future of their space program.”
Spock and his Star Trek colleagues personified that postwar, Space Age, and “public sector” mood of adventure, curiosity, and ambition — a human drive, a spirit of Enterprise, you might say, but for its own sake rather than for profit, that seems to have been lost somewhere in the 1980s.
“Star Trek speaks to some basic human needs: that there is a tomorrow — it’s not all going to be over with a big flash and a bomb; that the human race is improving; that we have things to be proud of as humans,” Rodenberry said in a 1988 interview. “No, ancient astronauts did not build the pyramids — human beings built them, because they’re clever and they work hard. And Star Trek is about those things.”
In the series, Vulcans endeavor to live by reason and logic alone, and to suppress — or, more correctly, to master — emotion. But their society was not always this way. Once a war-mongering and emotional civilization, Vulcans underwent a “Time of Awakening” — the writers intended it as a loose parallel to our own Age of Enlightenment — in which the ethic of philosopher Surak, a sort of Spinoza or Maimonides figure, steadily spread across the planet.
Notably in the series, Baruch Spinoza appears with some frequency. Kirk, for example, is an enthusiast of the Dutch philosopher, while Roddenberry’s wife, Majel Barrett, once said that Medieval Iberian-Jewish philosopher and astronomer Maimonides, who emphasized complete logical perfection, inspired aspects of the Vulcan philosophy.
Surak held that violent, irrational, intuition- and instinct-driven emotions were the source of Vulcan’s brutal cycle of wars. In order to avoid extinction, he argued that emotion had to be bridled by reason. The core of their logical civilization was the search for truth through logical, empirical methods, and an abjuring of credulity and emotion as illogical and a stumbling block to arriving at truth.
Spinoza in our own world drew on the ancient Stoics and Jewish rationalists of the Middle Ages to argue for a philosophy grounded on the “mastery of the passions” — the same phrasing used in Diane Duane’s novel, Spock’s World, as the translation of the Vulcan word for their process of restraining emotion, Arie’mnu.
Spinoza was the anchor of what historian Jonathan Israel calls the revolutionary or “Radical” Enlightenment — distinct from the “Moderate” Enlightenment of such figures as Voltaire, Hume, and Newton who were keen to restrict the scope of reason and to limit its employment to gentlemen such as themselves while traditional authority remained the primary guide for everyone else.
Where the figures of the Moderate Enlightenment made their peace with monarchy, slavery, or the church — Spinoza pushed on through toward democracy, equality, and liberty.
Israel describes Spinoza’s principle contribution in the history of ideas as a “Revolution of the Mind,” concentrating precursors of atheist and materialist thought from ancient and oriental realms together with the emerging rationalism and empiricism of his Enlightenment contemporaries into a system of thought that laid the basis for the democratic revolutions of the eighteenth century.
Spinoza’s materialist argument that “the order and connection of ideas is the same as the order and connection of things” may have anticipated the physicalism (the argument that there exists nothing beyond the physical) of contemporary scientists and the historical materialism of Marx, but it stretches back to the reaching for the material, the rational, the empirical of abundant figures in the golden age of Islamic science and mathematics while European learning stagnated under a dark age slumber, or to the engineering wonders of Tang dynasty China, or to the early materialism of Democritus and Epicurus or atomism of Jain and Buddhist thinkers.
Given how widespread this urge appears to be, it is perhaps better to speak of enlightenment rather than “the Enlightenment,” without a definite article or capitalization. Nonetheless, the seventeenth-century revolution of the mind did mark something of a break: a decisive condensation of such thinking, and, like the inhabitants of Vulcan after Surak, we have been fundamentally different ever since, though the Enlightenment project remains uncompleted.
As with radical ideas of the fictional Surak, Radical Enlightenment thought, writes Israel, “matured and seeped its way through large sections of society over a long period before the onset of the revolution in actuality.” As with our own often violent battles between the forces of progress and reaction, Surak’s efforts resulted in bitter conflict. Those who rejected his logic-emphasizing ethic of O’thia and “sought a return to savage ways” fought a devastating nuclear war before abandoning the planet. These anti-rationalist separatists would later become known as the Romulans, one of the arch-villain species of the series.
Later on, a now peaceful and rational Vulcan becomes the first alien species to make contact with humans in the year 2063. They offer massive, Marshall Plan-like assistance to Earth after the devastation of World War III and assist us in making our transition to an interstellar species free of inequality and disease.
Discussions abound online as to whether the Federation in the various series is intended as a socialist utopia (What about the Ferengi? Does Chateau Picard mean their is still private ownership of land?), and while the series makes no explicit references to democratic planning or the market, the consensus is that, well, it does appear to be a post-scarcity socialist economy of some description, albeit with a highly hierarchical, even militarist tinge.
These debates aside, with the passing of Nimoy, it is worthwhile — as it was at the time of the death of Neil Armstrong two and a half years ago — to take note of the slow and mysterious demise of the Space Age alongside the contemporary turn against rationality, science, and the Enlightenment.
The cover story of this month’s National Geographic speaks to how widespread this anti-modernist phenomenon is, focusing as it does on the growing popular opposition to science in both its right and left varieties, from climate change deniers, creationists, and anti-fluoridation warriors to vaccine refuseniks, alternative-medicine charlatans, and those who oppose all GMO technology in the abstract, rather than just the corporate malfeasance of agribusiness.
Meanwhile, the localist tendencies of some of the green-minded tend to locate our problems with industrial civilization rather than with capitalism — with the forces of production instead of the relations of production. And the postmodernism of the academy, which casts science and logic as Eurocentric, hubristic, and unable to recognize “other ways of knowing,” has long since left the building. The Romulans are in the ascendant.
In his 1964 pitch for the show, Roddenberry had initially intended Spock to be half-Martian, but later changed his home world out of fear that part way through the series, if it were successful and had a long run, it was not out of the question that humanity could land on Mars and ruin the believability of the storyline.
Such optimism seems fantastical today. The woefully underfunded and under-engineered private sector Mars One reality show abomination is no rejoinder to this lamentation. MIT researchers predict the contestants — were they actually to survive the six-month journey in a tin can to the red planet, and once the yet-to-be-invented technology to derive drinking water from Martian soil is invented — will die of asphyxiation, starvation, or incineration within sixty-eight days, and, as science journalist Dan Vergano recently noted, George H. W. Bush’s price tag for a manned landing on Mars topped $500 billion in 1989 dollars.
This is a realistic figure: for comparison, the Apollo Program employed 400,000 people at its peak and cost $25.4 billion, or $170 billion in today’s money. That all means this is going to have to be one damn profitable Martian Idol.
On my wall at home, I have a poster I printed of the “Integrated Space Plan” schematic that NASA supplier Rockwell International produced in February 1989 of “a very long range systematic perspective of America’s and the Western World’s space program.” Though not intended as a firm outline of what had been planned by the US space agency, it was nonetheless a very serious, one-hundred-plus year vision stitched together from a series of NASA studies.
One expects a NASA contractor to be in the business of selling space, but they also couldn’t be so delusionally blue-skies that they might lose those precious contracts. And Rockwell expected that by 2007, we were to have established a lunar outpost; by 2015, astronauts would be manning a working Moonport; by 2020, “space drives [the] global economy” as “humanity commands unlimited material resources from the moon and asteroids” as well as “unlimited safe solar energy for Earth”; and by 2025 a Mars spaceport would be built.
As awe-inspiring as Mars Curiosity Rover and Philae and Rosetta’s stunning chasing-a-speeding-bullet rendezvous with 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko have been, the architects of these triumphs will be the first to say that there is something sad about the gap between the vaulting scale of our ambition as a species as recently as the 1980s and where we are in 2015.
“Early on, when I came back from the moon, I stood on my soapbox and I said, “We’re not only going back to the moon, we’re going to Mars by the turn of the century.” That gave me twenty-seven or twenty-eight years to be proven wrong,” Gene Cernan, the last person on the moon, told the Houston Chronicle in 2011. “Now here we are today and I’ve accepted the fact that it’s going to be a while longer now than I anticipated. So much so that I think those youngsters in grade school now are the ones who will do it. I’m probably not going to be around when that happens, which is a little disappointing.”
But rather than merely sighing wistfully at unrealized visions of Cernan, Roddenberry, Nimoy, and others, at how the Kennedy Space Center has become more a museum dedicated to a glorious but fading past than a working space operations headquarters, we should also be worried. Our destiny lies beyond Earth not for romantic reasons — which Mr Spock would say would be illogical — or even because a robot is not as versatile a problem-solver as a human, but because the galaxy can be an unfriendly place.
Right now, as far as we know, we are the only intelligent life in the universe. Put another way, without evidence to the contrary, we must assume that we represent the sole instance of the universe becoming aware of itself. The maintenance and further development of our consciousness, of the universe’s consciousness, is an awesome responsibility.
Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has stated that he does not believe humanity can survive another thousand years if we do not escape this planet. Once again this month, he said: “I believe that the long-term future of the human race must be space, and that it represents an important life insurance for our future survival, as it could prevent the disappearance of humanity by colonizing other planets.”
And there can be a confident, socialist response to the current malaise, explaining how we can step back from this new dark age, from the dominion of the Romulans.
We might for example note how the turn away from space is coincident with neoliberalism. It is no wonder that like the first person on the moon, Neil Armstrong, repeatedly stressed that the future of space exploration rested with the public sector and against commercialization. Whether manned or otherwise, space exploration is simply too expensive with too little promise of profitable return for the private sector to care about anything beyond the servicing of low-Earth-orbit satellites.
And the turn away from modernity and enlightenment has also been coincident with the neoliberal variant of capitalism. Could it be that an unrecognized casualty of neoliberalism has been the forward-looking optimism of both the Left and Right? That neoliberalism and the global defeat of workers’ movements have resulted in a decadent bourgeoisie more interested in looting short-term profits than investing in new technology, research, and exploration?
And if this is true, then retracing our steps back to the fork in the road where we went astray will require a fresh embrace of the logical, the rational, the empiricist, the positivist, the materialist. We might try to remember that once upon a time, it was as incumbent upon leftists to battle superstition and unreason as it was to battle the bosses and bankers. We must be careful to avoid naïve championing of scientism, of course, or worse still, a blimpish, New Atheist–style Enlightenment-mongering that barely hides its apology for empire.
But why must Dawkins-esque bullying and Romulan anti-rationalism be the only choices? We might instead take inspiration from Spock, Surak, and Spinoza, and of course Rodenberry, Nimoy, and the rest of the egalitarian, ambitious, humanist, reason-loving dreamers that gave us Star Trek, and rejoin their battle so that instead of the current innovation-phobic, Earth-bound stasis, humankind might again advance outward to our final frontier.
As the NASA motto and the slogan on the pre-Federation Starfleet seal commands, Ad Astra Per Aspera — “To the stars, through struggle.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Film review – Lore (2012)
Lore (Saskia Rosendahl)
In 2009 Michael Haneke made The White Ribbon, a striking study of the children who would become the generation responsible for Nazism as adults. The Australian/German co-production Lore could be regarded as an unofficial companion piece about the generation that followed; the children of Nazi sympathisers. Shot in crisp black and white with deeply focused depth-of-field, The White Ribbon visually presents an attitude of stark oppositions and order to represent an emerging fascist and authoritarian mentality. In a striking contrast Lore is misty, filled with dark colours and mostly shot with a handheld camera to suggest a lack of stability in post-World War II Germany where the war is lost and the country’s dictatorship has ended. This almost dreamlike view of the world belongs to the film’s protagonist Lore (Saskia Rosendahl), a teenage girl from a pro-Nazi family, who must travel across country with her younger siblings. Not only is her physical journey an arduous and difficult one, but her entire belief system is being turned upside-down as she begins to learn what the Nazis really stood for and the atrocities they committed.
Along with an excellent crew that includes cinematographer Adam Arkapaw and sound designer Sam Petty, writer/director Cate Shortland has created an evocative series of landscapes and soundscapes for Lore to move through on her quest towards safety, moral clarity and emerging sexuality. Her feelings for a mysterious and possibly dangerous young man Thomas (Kai Malina) further confuses her as she experiences desire as well as the racial disgust her parents instilled in her. Shortland uses devices such as low lighting and shooting through glass and water to create an uncertain and strange view of the world. Nothing is as it seems anymore.
Similar to the protagonist in Shortland’s previous feature film Somersault (2004) Lore is a tactile person who seems to need to touch things around her to make sense of what is going on. The sense of texture in the film is most effective when Lore touches the freshly glued photos of Holocaust atrocities. Her fingers come away with glue still stuck to them, which then remains as if the realisation of what the Nazis did has travelled physically through her and she is now stuck with the horrific knowledge.
Lore frequently wears blue and is often associated with water. The colour blue and water motifs are often used to indicate life, but water can also symbolise transformation and blue can also symbolise melancholy. In Lore both are also used to represent Lore’s strange innocence, despite her racist upbringing, and the potential for the tides of time to wash away people in its path. Water is used by characters attempting to cleanse themselves yet paradoxically it is often associated with violence.
There are so many more touches that make Lore the accomplished film that it is – Max Richter’s rhythmic score used to build intensity and Lore’s chapped lips making it look like she is wearing lipstick, linking her physical hardship to her sexuality. One remarkable early scene has the ash of incinerated Nazi documents raining down on Lore and her sister Liesel (Nele Trebs), evoking the stories told by people living in towns near concentration camps about the human ash from the ovens falling from the sky.
Lore’s sexual, intellectual and ethical coming-of-age journey is expressed by Shortland’s highly subjective rendering of the landscapes that Lore and her siblings physically move through, where they are confronted with the horrors of the Holocaust and war, and have to make awful decisions in order to survive. This is a film rich in symbolism and ideas, which would have been overwhelming or too obvious if handled by a less talented filmmaker. However, Shortland has done an extraordinary job making such a bleak story into a deeply fulfilling and beautiful film. Lore is an impressionist survival film and an existential war film, and also something truly singular and remarkable.
Thomas Caldwell, 2012
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 20th, 2012 at 2:59 pm and is filed under Film review. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
This was at TIFF. If I knew that this was going to be The White Ribbon Part II I would have seen it. I have problems with Haneke’s world view in his movie (does childhood trauma excuse bad behaviour?), I’m hoping this new movie has an improved philosophy.
Film Analysis Handbook
Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Cinema Autopsy with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Williamson Co. sheriff warns of 'phone scam'
Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick is warning residents of another phone scam that has been reported in our area.
Residents report receiving a call from a man who claims to be from Publisher's Clearing House. The man called the intended victim by name and knew the name of the intended victim's spouse as well. The man said they had won a prize from Publisher's Clearing House and asked when they would be home for the prize to be delivered.
Sheriff Vick said the caller ID showed the phone call was coming from Jamaica.
Publisher's Clearing House does not call ahead to schedule prize delivery.
Statements from the scammer about the "scheduling delivery" are an attempt to seem legitimate.
In other parts of the country, Sheriff Vick said scammers have tried to get the intended victim's address. They will then use a computer mapping program like Google Maps to use details about the victim's neighborhood to seem legitimate. Sometimes they use details from the neighborhood to try to intimidate an intended victim.
The goal of the scam is to convince the victim that they have won a prize, but must pay "processing fees" or "taxes" before the prize can be claimed. The scammers instruct the victims to use a Green Dot card or some type of prepaid card to send money to the scammer.
Sheriff Vick would like to remind everyone to never give out personal information, including your date of birth, social security number, bank account or credit card numbers, and your address over the phone to people you don't know.
He also suggests that anyone who wants any type of payment using a prepaid, anonymous card is not a legitimate business. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
I have been a fan of Joan Nathan’s since my mother gave me one of her cookbooks, Jewish Holiday Kitchen, almost 25 years ago. The first two recipes I made from that cookbook were for Passover: Seven-Fruit Haroset From Surinam and Larry Bain’s Bubie’s Haroset. They were a big hit at my family Passover dinner. Years later, when I moved to Israel and Mr. BT and I were hosting our first seder, I told him about a Venetian haroset recipe containing chestnuts that I had found in Joan Nathan’s cookbook and which I wanted to make. He said, let’s make it, and this was the basis for the now famous Nordell family haroset.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Nathan talked about when she visited Strasbourg, France to do research for her latest cookbook, Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France: the people she interviewed there, she recounted, begged her to find some lost Alsatian Jewish recipes. She said that she is afraid that some of the traditional Ashkenazi recipes are being lost because people are shying away from making the more fattening recipes, like those containing chicken fat, duck fat and goose fat.
Israel Aharoni told an interesting story about Jewish fusion cooking he witnessed in someone’s home in Jerusalem. During the taping of his famous television program, Derech Ha’ochel(The Way of Food), with his friend and co-host, comedian Gavri Banai, they were invited to have Shabbat dinner with a family in the Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim. The woman of the house started preparing gefilte fish, which she served with hilbeh, a traditional Yemenite condiment made with fenugreek, zhug, and coriander, and tehina (sesame paste). Aharoni, whose parents were from Uzbekistan, was quite shocked that a traditional Ashkenazi family would put Yemenite and Middle Eastern condiments on their table. But then he realized that this was a common occurrence for families who lived in the melting pot of Israel where you find Yemenites and Moroccans who eat gefilte fish and Ashkenazis who eat North African shakshouka and tagine.
The discussion moved on to topic of olive oil. Most people would assume that a country where you can find ancient olive oil presses would have a long and uninterrupted history of cooking with olive oil. But as Aharoni said, “Until 20 or 25 years ago, you couldn’t even get olive oil in Israel. You had to have a friend, who had a friend, who knew someone who lived in an Arab village.” However, he said when Italian food became popular here, the local supermarkets started stocking lower quality Italian and Spanish olive oil. Things have progressed, and you can now buy high quality local olive oil.
Ezra Kedem, who is half Kurdish and half German, said that when he was a child in Jerusalem and came home hungry from school, he would be given dark bread with olive oil and za’atar. His eyes lit up when he talked about this childhood treat. He said that his parents bought their olive oil once a year from Arabs in Beit Jala, a town south of Jerusalem. The olive oil was put in two or three jerrycans that they would bring to the Arab family to fill up with the liquid gold, as Kedem described it.
After the discussion was over, I asked Ms. Nathan if she was going to be doing a book signing, to which she replied, “they didn’t arrange one, but come with me and I will be happy to sign a book for you.” She is very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. I really felt like I could have talked to her for hours, but she had a appointment to be interviewed by fellow Israeli blogger and Haaretz editor, Liz Steinberg, who wrote a lovely article about her in that newspaper.
What I love most about her cookbooks is the stories and history that she gathers for each recipe. She takes you on a wonderful trip to a country, a town, a home or a restaurant without leaving your home. She makes sure that you feel the love that goes into each family dish. I so wanted to talk to her about some of my own family treasures: the matza balls, the noodle and matza schalets, and the butter cookies. Alas, it will have to wait for another trip.
The first recipe that caught my eye in her new cookbook was a recipe called Soupe au Blé Verte, which is a spicy vegetarian version of the classic Tunisian soup called Shurbat Farik bi’l-Mukh, made with chickpeas and freekeh, and it is a perfect soup for a cold winter’s night. I made a few slight additions to the recipe: I added garlic, since as most of you know, having a half-Hungarian in the house means that you can’t make something without garlic unless you can prove that it is an absolutely forbidden ingredient in that particular dish.
And, I also added our homegrown Cavalo Nero (Tuscan Kale) at the very end of the cooking process. It gave a nice crunchy texture to the soup.
Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous is a real treasure and I will be cooking more dishes from it in the coming weeks.
Place the chickpeas in a bowl, cover with water, and soak them overnight.
The next day, put the olive oil in a soup pot and saute the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until the onion is transparent. Add the drained chickpeas to the pan with 1/4 cup of parsley, the bay leaf, harissa, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and a cup of water, and cook for about 5 minutes.
Add 6 cups of water and bring to the boil. Stir in the freekeh and lower the heat. Cover the soup, and simmer for 1-1/2 hours. You may have to add an additional cup of water. Add the cavalo nero and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and serve with a sprinkling of parsley and a wedge of lemon.
Chreime is a North African dish made from a firm white fish, such as grouper, amberjack, sea bass, grey mullet, carp or even the dreaded rat of the lake, Nile perch. Here in Israel it is typically served for one of the major Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashana or Passover, but it can really be served any time.
This is another dish that I have been wanting to make for a long time, but always thought I had to buy expensive fish to make it with. I had some Nile perch in my freezer that I had been dreading to make something with, and I say dreading because it is really not my favourite fish, but my husband seems to like it.
Nile perch is considered to be the rat of the lake because it will eat all of the other fish around it. It is one of the largest freshwater fish and reaches a maximum length of nearly two meters (more than six feet), weighing up to 200 kg (440 lb). It has a rather strong flavour, so this recipe was perfect to cover the fishiness of this fish. The other great thing about Nile perch is that it is inexpensive and easy to find at every Israeli supermarket, so it is perfect for the strange and stressful times were are all living in.
The recipe I used called for 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper. Now, I love spicy food, but I was too chicken to make it with that much cayenne, so I used 2 teaspoons. Next time, I will use 3 teaspoons. And if you are not crazy about caraway, well too bad, it is the secret weapon in this recipe, so don’t omit it.
Mr. BT and I really enjoyed this dish and I will definitely make it again. I would like to try it with grouper or sea bass sometime, but Nile perch definitely worked.
Heat the oil in a large shallow pan. Add the garlic and spices and fry over high heat while stirring until the oil becomes aromatic. Add the tomato paste and stir until blended. Add the water and cook with a covered pot for about 5 minutes.
Add the fish to the sauce, bring to a boil, cover and lower the heat. If the sauce does not completely cover the fish, turn them halfway through the cooking.
Cook for about 10 minutes or until the fish is flaky. Serve with couscous.
Okay, I know the title is a bit lame, but the photo of the food is even lamer. I forgot to check the batteries on my camera and when I tried to take the photo, the batteries were dead. I had to take a picture with my phone camera instead. Oh well.
Beef and veal have been very expensive here the last several months and we decided that it just wasn’t worth spending our hard earned money on expensive meat. However, the supermarket up the road from our house had veal shanks on sale and I couldn’t resist. They were 50NIS (14USD or 9.80Euro) per kilo. So, I bought two meaty ones.
I found an interesting North African style recipe for osso bucco. This recipe would normally be made with lamb. It was very easy to make and absolutely delicious. It was fall-off-the-bone tender and it has a very distinct spicy kick from the chili paste, which we both like. Next time I will add a little more of the spices because they got a bit lost. I only detected a slight taste of cinnamon and nutmeg. I served it with lemon orzo and green peas.
Preheat the oven to 170F (325F). In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Season the shanks with salt and pepper. Add them to the casserole, 2 at a time, and cook over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe out the casserole.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in the casserole. Add the onion, carrots and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg and cook, stirring until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and harissa and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and boil until reduced to a thick syrup, about 4 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and the chicken stock to the casserole. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Put the veal shanks in the liquid. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for about 3 hours, basting occasionally, until the meat is almost falling off the bone.
Several weeks ago Raizy, the daughter of a good friend of mine taught me and her mother how to make couscous. Raizy married into a Tunisian/Moroccan family and learned how to make couscous from her mother-in-law. I have wanted to learn how to make couscous ever since I bought Paula Wolfert’s Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco. I love North African food and have always used instant couscous and always felt like I was cheating. I thought it would be too complicated to make, but after my lesson, it really isn’t that hard. It is a bit time consuming, but you can make it in advance and keep it in the freezer. My husband made a vegetable tagine and we used one of our two packages of couscous. It was delicious. I am saving the other one for when we move to our new home next month. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the vegetable couscous, but I promise I will feature the couscous in February.
Fill 1/4 of the bottom of a couscousier with water and place on medium heat.
Place 1kg of semolina in a very large bowl.
Mix the salt into the oil and drizzle over the semolina.
Mix with a hand-held mixer until you get a cornmeal consistency.
Slowly drizzle 1-1/4 cups of water to the semolina mixture and mix with a mixer until you get a thicker cornmeal mixer. Let the mixture rest for five minutes.
Sift the semolina in a second very large bowl and set aside any lumps that you cannot breakdown.
Place the mixture in the top of the couscousier and steam for 30 minutes over medium heat.
Pour into a very large bowl and let cool. Then add 4 cups of water, stir in with a wooden spoon and let the mixture rest until all of the water has been absorbed. Sift again, removing any lumps and steam for an additional 30 minutes on medium heat. Pour into a large bowl and let cool.
Sift the mixture and place in plastic containers or use right away. You can keep the couscous in the freezer for a couple of months or in the refrigerator for three or four days. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Federal Reserve Monetary Policy
Mortgage interest rates are well known for varying in amount and duration over the course of a year and although most financial institutes will aspire to keep them as comfortable as possible for their customers; there’s no guarantee that they will remain low for the entirety of a repayment plan. One of the most prominent factors that can affect the percentage of an interest rate is the FRMP, or the Federal Reserve Monetary Policy, as it is best known.
What is the FRMP?
This unique establishment is governed by the Federal Reserve Bank and it is responsible for ensuring that all borrowing that takes place and investments that are received, are properly distributed. This responsibility caters to both authorities (including government agencies) and members of the public in need of loans.
If a substantial amount is withdrawn, then a higher volume of assets are required by those that pay into the system (such as banks and financial institutions). Although this might not affect borrowers directly, the chain reaction does play a role on home loan rates further down the line. As banks are required to place more cash into the FRMP to cater to any deductions, they may need to call upon the finances of their customers, namely those that are repaying mortgages.
This can result in rates increasing in a bid to obtain a greater volume of income. This may seem like a severe disadvantage, but the reality is that there are also great benefits on the other side of the coin. Australia’s economy is one of the most stable in the world and as global investors turn their sights to the local markets, the FRMP is often in receipt of a great amount of investment.
When this happens, there is more cash to be stored or lent out – resulting in lesser requirements from banks and a much lower rates for those lending. As the current market is still on an incline there has never been a better time to climb onto the property ladder; even if rates increase temporarily, the growth patterns dictate that rates will remain comfortable (if not cheaper) for many years to come. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
BANGALORE, March 16 (Reuters) - United Therapeutics Corp (UTHR.O) said the approval for its inhaled drug to treat pulmonary hypertension could be delayed as it would have to conduct an additional study after the U.S. health regulators raised certain questions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration had questions regarding human factors testing and the instructions for use of the portable nebulizer that delivers the drug.
Analysts, however, do not see the additional study as a major roadblock and expect the approval of the drug, Tyvaso, to be pushed back by about six months.
“Instructions-for-use studies are among the most minor in terms of severity for device amendments,” Leerink Swann analyst Joseph Schwartz said. He now expects the drug to be launched between mid-2009 and the first quarter of 2010.
United Therapeutics said it agreed to conduct human factors testing to validate that the revised instructions for use, which it had provided the FDA, results in the proper use of the device by a naive user.
In a conference call with analysts, the company said it expects to complete the study in about a month’s time. The FDA currently has an action date of April 30 on the drug.
“We hope that any delay related to this issue will be limited to just a few months,” Chief Executive Martine Rothblatt added.
However, Collins Stewart analyst Salveen Kochnover said she expects the finalization of the study protocol, patient recruitment, study completion and data evaluation to take more than six weeks.
“It does not seem like an overwhelming issue. It is really about making sure that patients can use the device safely and efficaciously,” she added.
Kochnover, who sees an approval for Tyvaso coming in the fourth quarter, expects sales of $2.5 million in that quarter and $51.4 million in 2010.
Shares of the Silver Spring, Maryland-based company were trading down more than 9 percent at $60 Monday afternoon on Nasdaq. They had earlier hit a low of $59.35.
BUYING OPPURTUNITY?
The sell-off in United Therapeutics shares could, however, prove to be a good entry point as the company is all set to benefit from its U.S. marketing rights to Eli Lilly and Co’s (LLY.N) tadalafil — which is expected to get approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in May.
Tadalafil, which is already approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction under the brand name Cialis, “carries much less risk for delay than Tyvaso, given the lack of device-related risk and an active ingredient already widely used in erectile dysfunction,” Leerink’s Schwartz said in a note. (Editing by Himani Sarkar) | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Susan DeFreitas
The Big Idea
The Killing Heat (pt.2)
NASA Earth Observatory image by Joshua Stevens, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
In the upper Midwest, where I grew up, May and June are welcome months. No matter how capricious the spring has been, warmer weather has come. By Memorial Day, even the most cautious have exchanged their boots for sandals; by the summer solstice, there will be lazy weekends at the lake and barbecues. It is a time to celebrate the long days, the warm nights, before the muggy heat has become overfamiliar.
But in Prescott, Arizona, May and June constitute the season of peril: hot season. Often, there has been minimal precipitation since February, and temperatures are flirting with triple digits. The National Forest is as dry as a tinderbox, the pine needles crisp underfoot. Most days around noon, some clouds roll in, marking the monsoon rains to come.
But before those clouds bring rain, they will bring lightning and high winds.
It was just a such a combination that whipped the Yarnell Hill Fire into the conflagration responsible for the greatest loss of life on the part of US first responders since 9/11. Just such a combination that was responsible for the Fort McMurray Fire in Alberta, Canada, last year.
After sweeping through this community of 60, ooo, that fire destroyed around 2,400 homes and buildings. Another 2,000 residents in three communities were displaced, and the blaze continued to spread across northern Alberta and into Saskatchewan, eating up forests and ultimately impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. It was the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
This fire was so extreme that it produced its own pyrocumulus clouds–which is to say, it was large enough to create its own weather. Largely, wind and lightning.
The Fort McMurray fire took 1,500,000 acres before it was declared under control on July 5, 2016–but the fire they call “The Beast” burned so hard (at its hottest point, around 1,000 Celsius) that it sent heat deep into the ground, as well as into the peat, the moss, and the duff, where it has burned right through the northern boreal winter.
In all likelihood, it is burning there still.
There were many contributing causes behind this wildfire. There were record-setting temperatures in Fort McMurray, around 91 degrees Fahrenheit at the beginning of May (which, obviously, is not normal for northern Canada). The natural weather cycle known as El Nino was a factor, but so was the lack of humidity, the record-low levels of snowpack, and the flattening winds. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Elasticsearch for Apache Hadoop 1.3 M2 released
I am happy to announce that the second milestone of Elasticsearch for Apache Hadoop 1.3 (also known as es-hadoop) has been released. M2 brings several new major features to the table, including:
Support for Elasticsearch 1.0 (RC1+)
es-hadoop supports Elasticsearch 1.0 RC1 or higher while preserving compatibility with the Elasticsearch 0.90.x line. The code base automatically detects the target Elasticsearch version and uses the appropriate features.
id awareness
es-hadoop 1.3 M1 enabled new indexes to be created in Elasticsearch directly from Hadoop jobs. M2 takes this feature several steps forward, enabling both index creation and updating. Furthermore, one can specify all the meta-data options if needed: document parent, time-to-live, routing and timestamp.
Field aliasing
Higher level abstractions on Map/Reduce, like Cascading, Apache Hive and Apache Pig provide mapping and data types on top of raw data for easier manipulation. With es-hadoop, one can also define field aliasing, decoupling the Hadoop libraries structural declaration from the underlying document fields for cleaner syntax and improved readability.
Field extraction
Performance is a top priority for es-hadoop. As such, M2 only loads the data that it must from Elasticsearch; rather than loading the entire source document, es-hadoop retrieves just the required fields, also known as projection. This implementation of projection results in less network, CPU and memory usage.
JSON support
Besides supporting the Map/Reduce, Cascading, Hive and Pig data types, M2 also allows JSON data to be indexed. Don’t forget that es-hadoop can now extract the document metadata (such as id) if instructed to do so.
Parallel writes and ingest mitigation
Users with high ingestion volumes will be happy to hear that M2 provides significant updates on the write front. Now, all writes to Elasticsearch are parallelized on the target shards; this implementation prevents network bottlenecks as the load is spread across multiple nodes. In case of excessive loads on Elasticsearch, regardless of the reason, 1.3 M2 automatically retrieves only the rejected payload before ingesting further data. This temporary throttling prevents data spillage.
Improved I/O
In a similar vein, es-hadoop 1.3 M2 provides automatic cluster discovery and, in case of network errors, automatic fall back to the rest of the available nodes.
Snapshot/Restore for HDFS
Last but not least, 1.3 M2 introduces snapshot and restore support for HDFS through a separate, umbrella project (elasticsearch-repository-hdfs). Once installed in the Elasticsearch cluster, this standalone plugin enables any DFS storage (from the omnipresent HDFS to pluggable implementations such as Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage) to be used for backing up and restoring data within running Elasticsearch clusters.
Of course, this release also includes the usual bug fixes, compatibility improvements and refinements. As always, we welcome feedback so take 1.3 M2 for a spin and let us know what you think. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Hey guys,
I work with files that have lots of vectors, usually my AD files go from 50 - 200 MB. Recently AD has been crashing when I switch between openned files, like between 2 AD files and even one big AD file and a high resolution PNG file. It gives a "not responding" message, then the only way is for me to close it. Sometimes when it gets back it has a recovery file, but sometimes not. I really don't know what to do. I'm losing time and work! Please tell me if you think is a hardware problem, or a configuration one, and how can I improve my AD experience.
Here are the specs:
DELL Inspiron 5448
Windows 10 x64
RAM 8GB , HD 1TB
Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-5500U CPU 2.40GHZ
I've been using Intel(R) HD Graphics 5500, but I also have AMD Radeon R7 M260. And this problem has happened with both.
Thanks a lot! <3 | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
WNYT.com
Judge reduces what ’Girls Gone Wild’ creator owes
(AP) LOS ANGELES - A judge has cut by more than half the $40 million jury verdict that casino mogul Steve Wynn was recently awarded against "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Joanne O’Donnell issued the ruling Friday, reducing the award by $21 million. Her ruling eliminates $20 million in punitive damages the jury granted Wynn and $1 million they said he deserved because of comments Francis made on "Good Morning America."
The ruling only affects damages awarded in the case and preserves the jury’s determination that Francis defamed Wynn on three separate occasions, including on ABC’s national morning show.
Francis vowed to appeal the remainder of the verdict.
"Judge O’Donnell committed a judicial error by allowing this case to even proceed to a trial, and she knows it," Francis said. "This is only the first step of her back peddling and unwinding her illegal actions in order to try to keep her job as a judge."
Francis’ lawyers also have argued the statements on "Good Morning America" were not part of the initial case and shouldn’t be included in the judgment.
The trial, which ended in September, centered on Francis’ repeated claims that he was told Wynn had threatened to hit him in the head with a shovel and have him buried in the desert. Wynn denied making such threats and claimed they damaged his reputation and put his casino license at risk.
Francis testified he heard about the claims from Grammy-winner Quincy Jones, who told the jury that no such statements were made.
Wynn’s attorney Mitchell Langberg said the casino executive was not disappointed by the ruling. "Steve Wynn is very happy with a $19 million compensatory damages award," he said.
Langberg said the ruling upheld the jury’s determination that Francis made untrue statements about Wynn, confirming "what the case was about."
O’Donnell’s ruling states that the jury had no evidence to support awarding punitive damages in the case. "The jury’s punitive damage award was speculative and clearly the result of the jury’s dislike of the defendant and/or his businesses," the judge wrote.
Wynn is the CEO of Wynn Resorts Ltd. and designed Las Vegas casinos such as The Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn and Encore. After the trial, Wynn called Francis a "digital assassin" and said he hoped the large verdict would discourage others from taking what he described as cheap shots. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Our Wintec 16GB SD Card works great, records pictures and high-definition video with no problems, and transfers files to computers at an extremely fast rate.
Mushkin also makes high quality memory products.Update:
They lowered the price of the Mushkin 32GB Card to $27 ($0.84/GB), a great deal.
If you ordered earlier today at $30, contact Newegg's customer service and request a refund of the price difference. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
BRIAN
Birchington, Kent
Love Soprano, amateur musician.
Good Points+
Before you buy Where The Bee Dances watch Jess Gillam on You Tube playing it! She gives it so much vigour and as you start playing it you can feel the pulse in the music. It starts around middling notes but eventually climbs to the highest notes the soprano sax can play. After several listens it really gets into your brain. Wonderful.
Bad Points−
At first i thought it weird that it had pages 7a and 13a which were loose. Soon you see it is to facilitate playing it without awkward page changes. I shall probably stick page 7a to page 7 etc but it would have been nice if it was printed on a triple A4 sheet . Also the notes are copied from the original score which were written on the stave with a pen, presumably Mr Nyman, however they are very clear, so no problem in clarity.
Confirmed purchase:
25 July 2016
Published on:
12 August 2016
10out of 10 | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The traditional invocation for blessings from Lord Ganesh was followed by tarana in raga Mishra Ghara highlighting the Indian bamboo flute, bansuri. With Apurva Shrivastava on the melodious flute, the precision of the pakhawaj and the tabla was rendered by Phil Hollenbeck and Naren Budhkar. The students were up to the challenge and performed with equal ease and precision.
“Mohe Panghat Pe” was sung soulfully by Vibhuti Kavishwar and the students performed this with complete grace. Next, students familiarized the audience with different taals, and then highlighted Kathak patterns. They concluded the item with 76 chakars (spins), a feat for professionals only! Ghungroo, or ankle bells, were masterfully played by Jayur.
A long technical delay ensued, but once resolved, the program continued with its dazzling performances. Then the harmonium, dholak, duff, madal, duggi, and dhol were highlighted in the Sufi style renditions of “Chap Tilak” and “Damadam Mast Kalandar.” Director Kumud Savla’s grace and footwork were a beauty to behold. Ganesh Jagtap played these instruments and guided the pace of the item. Raas lilted around the beautiful Gopis. Vocal and swarmandal were highlighted with “Sargam.” Mayuri, a peacock dance, introduced the sitar, masterfully rendered by Amitava Chattterjee.
“Dil Cheez Kya hai” highlighted the sarangi: the ladies rendered this gracefully while Rohan Sharma was a delight on the instrument. Finally, fusion of Indian classical dance and flamenco was a masterpiece, choreographed by Samta Savla. With the pink and white dresses, it was beauty in motion. The melodies were composed by Sandeep Savla and supported by his students in a chorus and on keyboards.
Next Samta Savla took us on a journey of the earth and the moon expressed through dance with the prerecorded segment, called “Journey through RhythmScapes.” The rivers were showcased with a dance that included “Sheila Ki Jawani” (with an unexpected twist of Maharashtrian fusion) and “Pareshaan,” with Chinese fans. The fields and the mountainous regions were brought to life through “Morni Baga Ma” and the Kashmiri dance. The exquisitely dressed dancers brought the Indian topography to life. The desert had “Dholna” (with the youngest students) and “Mashallah” (with swords) while the cityscapes had “Disco Deewane” (from the boys) and “Parda,” choreographed as an Indian jazz style. The jungles had the tribal dance, a treat to watch as the children performed with gusto. The beauty of the moon was captured in “Apsara Aalee,” performed in a Lavni style.
The organizers included Parvez, Shahid Ali, and Anwar. The parent volunteers helped to keep the items flowing uninterrupted. A vote of thanks to the sponsors for their support in keeping the culture thriving.
Enjoyed reading Khabar magazine? Subscribe to Khabar and get a full digital copy of this Indian-American community magazine. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Pigeons embrace democracy
Ever since some Greek bloke came up with the notion of a voting system for electing leaders, democracy has been responsible for some epoch defining moments in our history; the signing of the Magna Carta, the women’s suffrage movement and, the pinnacle of our nations’ achievement thus far, Joe McEldery’s victory over Lloyd Daniels in the 2009 X Factor final.
This novel ‘everyone is equal’ idea has indeed proved so successful that it is even being taken up in the animal kingdom, with scientists discovering that pigeons employ a democratic hierarchy when grouped together.
Monitoring a flock of pigeons using GPS tracking, scientist were able to conclude that the much maligned flying rat has developed a sense of that most civilized of political concepts in order make navigational decisions, according to a report published in Nature recently.
“We are all aware of the amazing acrobatics performed by flocks of birds,” said Dr Dora Biro of Oxford University. “But how such flocks decide where to go and whether decisions are made by a dominant leader or by the group as a whole has always been a mystery.”
In order to analyse how the birds behave in group flight a number of pigeons were fitted with little backpacks carrying GPS emitters which allowed the scientists to track movements to a fraction of a second. It was discovered that over the course of a number of flights leaders of the packs differed regularly in order to allow the most adept at navigating to take charge.
“The flock is not dominated by a single bird and not completely egalitarian either. It is a hierarchical system where some birds that rank higher than others will make the most influential decisions but those lower down the pecking order can also make decisions, which influence those below them.”
“Crucially these hierarchies are flexible in the sense that the leading role of any given bird can vary over time, while nonetheless remaining predictable in the long run.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
On this week's special two-part edition of NO HOLDS BARRED, host Eddie Goldman reviews the International Fight League (IFL) World Team Championship Final held December 29, 2006, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
In part one, we begin by recapping the fights on that show.
On the card's main event superfight, Renzo Gracie won a controversial split decision victory over Carlos Newton. We speak with both Renzo Gracie and Carlos Newton right after their fight.
The IFL World Team Championship title was won by the Quad Cities Silverbacks, coached by Pat Miletich, who won four of five fights over the Portland Wolfpack, coached by Matt Lindland. We speak with both Pat Miletich and Matt Lindland about their teams as well as their own plans for the future.
In part two, we speak with Big Ben Rothwell, the heavyweight for the Silverbacks who is undefeated in IFL competition. He scored a first-round TKO over Devin Cole of the Wolfpack. We speak with two fighters from Renzo Gracie's New York Pitbulls, Andre Gusmao and Erik Owings, who each won their superfights on this card. And we speak with boxing and entertainment publicist Keisha Morrisey, who gives us her evaluation of this event.
On this week's edition ofSecondsOut Radio, host Eddie Goldman previews the first major fight of 2007, the January 6 rematch between top heavyweight contenders Samuel Peter and James Toney.
When Peter (27-1, 22 KOs), originally from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and Toney (69-5-3, 43 KOs), originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., first fought Sept. 2 in Los Angeles in a WBC eliminator, the 12-round bout ended in a split decision victory for Peter. Many observers, however, including most of the boxing media, felt that Toney had done more than enough to win. Because of the split decision and widespread controversy, the WBC agreed to an immediate rematch.
Thus, the rematch, again a WBC heavyweight eliminator, will take place Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and will be shown in the U.S. on Showtime. The winner is next supposed to get a title fight with WBC heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev.
We spoke with both Samuel Peter and James Toney as they prepared for this fight. We spoke with Toney's promoter Dan Goossen. We also spoke with fitness trainer Billy Blanks, best known for his Tae Bo workout programs, but who is also a former karate champion and Golden Gloves boxer who is helping Toney with his conditioning and fitness training. Plus, we spoke with WBA 154-pound champion Jose Antonio Rivera (38-4-1, 24 KOs) who will make the first defense of his belt against the unbeaten Travis Simms (24-0, 18 KOs) on this card.
It is free to listen to SecondsOut Radio, but you must register to gain access to it. Just click here, and listen, learn, and enjoy. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
At first, when I read the summary I was like "WTF? Isn't Chizuru a lesbian?", but I like your take on a more fluid sexuality, instead of a gay person suddenly turning straight etc. Plus the dialogues were pretty funny XD.
Lil Rei Chan chapter 1 . 6/28/2006
*mouth falls to the floor*
The first thing I can think of is WHAT THE FUCK. But then it's kinda funny, cause you know, it's *Chizuru* and *Yumichika*. And I enjoyed it, kind of. I think it's more of a T rated thing though | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Last Monday I was alerted by a concerned London University academic to a harrowing drama unfolding 1,500 miles away at the other end of Europe. For two weeks an English couple, Keith and Christine Balls, had been marooned behind a padlocked fence outside the Bulgarian border town of Svilengrad, with a herd of 65 young pedigree goats which they were taking to a customer in Cyprus. On their arrival at the Greek border they had been stopped by white-coated Bulgarian veterinary officials and told that, under EU foot-and-mouth rules following the escape of the virus from the Government laboratory site at Pirbright, they could go no further.
When I spoke to Mr and Mrs Balls their situation seemed desperate. They were fast running out of special food for the goats and gas for the cooker and fridge in their motorhome. Daily temperatures in the compound where they had been confined by the Bulgarian authorities were over 100 degrees. No one could tell them when, if ever, they might be allowed to proceed. Although trying to stay cheerful, they felt completely trapped.
The reason why they had been landed in this horrific plight was that Christine Balls is the export officer for the British Goat Society (her husband is an expert builder of canal boats). A Cypriot cheesemaker Pavlos Kyriakides needed the British goats, Anglo-Nubians and British Alpines, because their milk is rich in butterfat, much better for making haloumi cheese than that from local animals. Mr and Mrs Balls had collected the 65 kids from 14 farms in June, held them in isolation for a month, and left Dover on August 1.
Their original plan had been to travel by the shortest route through Italy, but this had been vetoed because of the lack of rest areas' approved under EU animal welfare rules. They had then planned to travel via Croatia and Serbia, but this was vetoed because these countries are not in the EU. The only permissible option was to travel through Romania and Bulgaria, to catch a ferry for Cyprus at Piraeus, near Athens.
They heard about the Pirbright foot-and-mouth outbreak while crossing the Hungary-Romania border, but did not think it could affect them since they had left the UK before the virus escaped. Only when they reached Svilengrad, planning to catch the ferry next day, were they told that Brussels had imposed an EU-wide ban on moving any animals from Britain. On instructions from Cyprus, the kids would have to be impounded. Tests for FMD carried out by Sofia University naturally proved negative, but the law was the law. It seemed the goats must remain locked away indefinitely.
Apart from their vital supplies running out, as the weeks went by other worries were mounting for Mr and Mrs Balls. Keith's customers were clamouring for work on their boats to be completed. Their young son Lewis, staying in Scotland, was due back home in Staffordshire for the start of his new school term. In Cyprus, Mr Kyriakides was trying to apply every kind of pressure to the local officials, but it seemed their hands were as much tied as everyone else's.
After hearing this disturbing tale, I contacted both Defra and the European Commission. Defra's response was that, because the goats were now the responsibility of another member-state, it was powerless to intervene, The initial response of the Commission offered little hope that anything could be done because the law had to be obeyed, but Brussels would look into the matter.
I noted that the European Commissioner in charge of animal health, Markos Kyprianou, is himself a Cypriot, who proclaims on his website that he wants the EU to lead the world in the humane treatment of animals'. On Thursday, just as we were having to contemplate the possibility that the perfectly healthy goats might have to be put down, I heard from Mrs Balls the scarcely believable news that the Cypriot authorities had the previous day relented. The kids were free to move. Later on Thursday morning Brussels followed suit by lifting its animal movement ban.
There had to be a final twist to the tale. If only the Cypriot authorities had been quicker paying a bill to their Bulgarian counterparts for such items as those FMD tests, Mr and Mrs Balls would have had time on Wednesday to race 600 miles down the motorway to catch Thursday's ferry, with the next boat not due until Monday, tomorrow. But, with luck, they will today at last be on the road. On Tuesday Mr Kyriakides may have his prized herd of British goats. the kids will again be frisking about on grass and Keith and Christine Balls will be free to return home to pick up the pieces of their life, after a nightmare to which four days ago they could see no end. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Reds’ Scooter Gennett ties MLB record with 4 homers
By Joe Kay, AP Sports Writer
Published 11:48 am, Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Photo: AP Photo — John Minchillo
Image 1of/1
Caption
Close
Image 1 of 1
Cincinnati Reds’ Scooter Gennett hits a two-run home run and his fourth overall in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 6, 2017 in Cincinnati. The Reds won 13-1.
Cincinnati Reds’ Scooter Gennett hits a two-run home run and his fourth overall in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 6, 2017 in Cincinnati. The Reds won 13-1.
Photo: AP Photo — John Minchillo
Reds’ Scooter Gennett ties MLB record with 4 homers
1 / 1
Back to Gallery
CINCINNATI >> Kluszewski. Robinson. Bench. Perez. Junior. All of them can just scooter on down the list of great Cincinnati slugfests.
A diminutive infielder has done all of them one better.
Scooter Gennett put on the greatest home run show in franchise history and ended the night grinning at the sheer improbability of it. The Cincinnati native hit four homers — only the 17th to do it in major league history — and matched the Reds record by driving in 10 runs during a 13-1 victory over the shell-shocked St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night.
“I was kind of laughing, to be honest with you,” Gennett said. “For a guy like me to do that is crazy — a little short of a miracle.”
With homers in his last four at-bats , Scooter became a slugger. Baseball’s Hall of Fame called, wanting his uniform from the historic night. He stripped from his cap to his cleats, which were still wet from a celebratory on-field soaking by teammates.
“It’s surreal, man, it really is,” Gennett said, wearing backup clothes after the others were whisked away. “I’m truly blessed. I’m from here, born here. Watching all those guys play when I was little. And to do something that’s never been done — I can’t put words on it.”
Try one: Unmatched.
No major leaguer had ever gotten five hits, four homers and 10 RBIs in a game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Gennett’s 17 total bases also were a club record.
“He had a career night, a great night,” said Adam Wainwright (6-4), who gave up Gennett’s second career grand slam. “Guys do that now and then. He almost beat us by himself tonight.”
He was the most unlikely player on the roster to power his way into history.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound infielder was claimed off waivers from Milwaukee during spring training for a utility role. Some seasons, he barely hit four homers at all — he reached double-digits only once and had 38 career heading into the game.
And then, there was Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Gennett joined the Cardinals’ Mark Whiten as the only players with a grand slam among four homers in a game, according to Elias. Whiten did it in 1993 at the Reds’ old riverfront ballpark, driving in 12 runs that stand as the major league record.
Josh Hamilton was the last player to hit four home runs in one game, for Texas against Baltimore in May 2012. The last National League player to hit four home runs in one game was Shawn Green for the Los Angeles Dodgers against Milwaukee in May 2002.
“It’s amazing, especially since he’s not an everyday player for us,” manager Bryan Price said. “He’s got power, but four homers in one game? I don’t know what to tell you.
“It’s very emotional. It was an honor to witness that.”
Adding to the surprise: Gennett had just ended an 0-for-19 slump with a double on Monday night. By going 5 for 5 on Tuesday, he raised his batting average 32 points to .302.
Gennett got his big night started with an RBI single off Wainwright , who brought a long scoreless streak into the game but couldn’t handle a team that has hit him like no other. He lasted only 3 2/3 innings and gave up nine runs for just the third time in his career.
The last time? Also against Cincinnati in 2013.
Gennett’s grand slam in his next at-bat was the first Wainwright had allowed since 2012. Gennett then connected for a solo shot and a two-run homer off John Gant.
With the crowd of 18,620 on its feet in the eighth inning, Gennett hit a two-run shot off John Brebbia for a place in history and his second curtain call.
“My teammates were awesome the whole time,” Gennett said. “They made me know exactly what I needed to do and exactly how many homers I had at each point.”
Tim Adleman (4-2) gave up one run — on Stephen Piscotty’s homer — in seven innings, sending the Cardinals to their season-high fifth loss in a row. They’ve dropped eight of their last 10 overall. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
“I have lived a long life and flourished in secular India. And in the fullness of time, I would also like to die in secular India. If God wills.”
These words formed a part of Fali S. Nariman’s remarks at the Dinner Reception hosted last week by the Canadian High Commissioner H.E. Nadir Patel to mark the launch of Advocate Satvik Varma’s recently published book, Yes I’m Opinionated, Musings of a Lawyer on Governance, Law and Policy.
Satvik Varma talked about how he developed a habit of writing and how there is an underlying theme of the Rule of Law in all of his writings. Varma quoted Lord Denning to say that more than being concerned with law, it is important to be concerned with Justice.
He acknowledged that, Justice is based on values and values are themselves very difficult to define. But once again quoted Lord Denning to say that “If we never do anything which has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere. The law will stand still while the rest of the world goes on, and that will be bad for both.”
This very exclusive Dinner reception was attended by sitting judges of the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, Ambassadors and leading Diplomats, Industrialists, Managing Partners of law firms and Senior Advocates.
Here is the Transcript of Fali Nariman’s Speech on “Current State of Rule of Law in India” delivered at Canada House, Dr.APJ Kalam Road, New Delhi
My wife Bapsi and I are delighted to be here to share with our hosts – the Patels – their unbounding admiration of a friend – Satvik Varma.
We have known Satvik and his dear parents for a very long time, and we are delighted that Jennifer and Nadir have been gracious to host a dinner on the occasion of the release of his book recently published.
Book Releases are in the air.
When Mr. L. K. Advani was India’s Deputy Prime Minister he was asked to release a book in Delhi and he said something unusual.
“The word ‘release’ sounds sweet to me because when we were in jail in 1975 (during the Internal Emergency) and we used to hear that someone was released, we used to get very happy. Ever since that time, I readily agree to release books since the word ‘release’ gives me a sense of relief.”
It was not with a sense of relief, but with a sense of joyous appreciation that we just heard the Canadian High Commissioner release Satvik’s book – the book with that extravagantly impertinent title.
Speeches at the time of release of a book are customary, and they have been made.
But a talk along with the release is a bit out of the ordinary: especially on a subject on which billions of words have been written – the contrasting regimes governed by the Rule of law with regimes ruled by Law.
Let me tell you at the very start why the month of December is not particularly propitious for speaking about the Rule of Law in India.
Because it was on December 6th 1992, that a large group of people – armed with implements for pulling down a structure – Not acting alone but in conspiracy with half-a-dozen more important figures associated with a prominent political party – set out to demolish, and succeeded in demolishing within hours a disused mosque at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh: Known for centuries as the Babri Masjid.
We Indians have an ancient habit – not only of celebrating the Good Things that occur in India – but the not-so-good things as well!
And so it was that just a week ago on December 6th there was an editorial in one of our major newspapers.
It recalled that this was the day when the Rule of Law suffered the gravest blow, and as the editor put it:
‘the wounds have yet to heal’.
Writing in the same national newspaper, Pratap Bhanu Mehta – a frequent and eloquent writer, who must always be read – contributed his piece under the heading: “That Fateful Day”.
He deplored the fact that despite the laborious and long-delayed findings of a Commission of Inquiry headed by a High Court Judge, the leading conspirators who had been accused of vigilantism and vandalism had not yet been called to account.
And this is how he put it:
“The psychological message it sends is that you can get away with anything in India so long you invoke faith. This damages all our institutions.”
Just as a teaser, let me begin by saying What the Rule of Law is not.
It is a quote ascribed to Frederick the Great of Prussia at a time when almost all Monarchs of Europe were absolute rulers – many of them tyrants.
And this is the quote attributed to Frederick the Great:
“My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both.
They are to say what they please.
And I am to do what I please.”
This ladies and gentlemen is the briefest description of what the Rule of Law is not.
As to what it is, has been somewhat picturesquely described in an apocryphal story of the Lord Brahma – the Creator of all Things.
When the Lord Brahma created the world, so the story goes, there were cries of protests from different parts of the then known universe.
And the protests were that the “Creator” had given to the vast continent of Hindustan:
The Longest of Rivers
The Highest of Mountains
The Deepest of Oceans along with the Longest of Coastlines and
the densest of Forests –
And so, had discriminated against all the other places in the then known world.
Acknowledging the protests the Lord Brahma (it is said) merely smiled and said:
“Ah, Yes, you are right. But to balance everything see the people that I have put there”!
So when you lend me your ears at this brief talk, never forget that the Indian nation was born, Great, and will always remain Great,
Even though some of the people that inhabit it from time to time are NOT.
Only then will you be better informed about the Rule of Law in India.
Ayodhya was a problem in pre-independent India – but kept under the covers during British rule.
Nearing independence, it was attempted to be resolved but the attempt failed.
Then later came the act of violence in 1992: an event that shook and shocked the world.
Two years later in the year 1994, an opportunity to broker a peaceful settlement was missed when India’s Supreme Court declined to answer a Reference: made to it by India’s President – The Reference was as to whether a Hindu temple ever existed on the site of the Babri Masjid.
The Supreme Court politely but firmly declined to answer the question saying that this was a matter to be decided in suits already then pending in the trial Courts in Rae Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.
And now, twenty five years after the wanton destruction of the structure, we in India are left with a divided society, more fractious than ever before.
For centuries Hinduism has been the most tolerant of all religions.
But from the last decade of the century gone by, the Hindu tradition of tolerance began showing signs of strain – the strain of acute religious tension, between the two principal religious communities in India.
India has been often described as that “great orchestra of different languages praying to different Gods”.
Well it is now seen and heard – praying (often loudly) –also out of tune!
Is Hinduism changing its face? I fear it is.
And it is as well to express this fear openly.
Secular India versus Militant Hinduism is reminiscent of U.S. Ambassador George Keenan’s metaphor – he once contrasted democracy with the dinosaur.
“You practically have to whack off his tail” (Keenan had said of the pre-historic mammal) “to make him aware that his interests are being disturbed; but once the Dinosaur grasps this, he lays about him with such blind determination that he may destroy his habitat with his adversary”.
And I am one who believes that we must not let the dinosaur destroy our habitat.
Look back a little and reflect on what a great patriot of India had to say – a man whose birth centenary we celebrate almost ritualistically in November each year.
He never regarded the varied peoples of India as the dinosaur looked upon the Earth’s smaller inhabitants.
Writing in the quiet seclusion of a British prison in 1944 (his ninth term of imprisonment for revolting against the British) Jawaharlal Nehru contemplated “the diversity and unity of India:
“It is tremendous (he wrote); it is obvious; it lies on the surface and anybody can see it….. It is fascinating to find how the Bengalis, the Canarese, the Malayalis, the Sindhis, the Punjabis, the Pathans, the Kashmiris, the Rajputs, and the great central block comprising of Hindustani – speaking people, have retained their particular characteristics for hundreds of years, have still more or less the same virtues and failings of which old traditions of record tell us, and yet have been throughout these ages distinctively Indian, with the same national heritage and the same set of moral and mental qualities.”
There was something living and dynamic about this heritage (Nehru had written) which showed itself in ways of living and a philosophical attitude to life and its problems.
Ancient India, like ancient China, was a world in itself, a culture and civilization which gave shape to all things.
Foreign influences poured in and often influenced that culture, but they were absorbed.
Disruptive tendencies gave rise immediately to an attempt to find a synthesis.
And then (Nehru adds) almost lyrically in his great book, the ‘Discovery of India’ the following sentiment: (and I quote)
“some kind of a thread of unity has occupied the mind of India since the dawn of civilization. That unity was not conceived as something imposed from outside, a standardization of externals or even of beliefs. It was something deeper and, within its fold, the widest tolerance of beliefs and customs was practiced and every variant acknowledged and even encouraged.”
Many Hindus, many Sikhs, many Christians, many Muslims, many Buddhists – in fact, most Indians endorsed and shared this dream; Nehru’s vision of the diversity and unity of India. Till recently.
When there appeared on the political scene a phenomenal increase in the population of “dinosaurs” – and at a somewhat fearsome pace.
Dinosaurs in one religious camp gave an impetus to the breeding of them in the other!
We are told that it was a great meteorite that finally destroyed all the dinosaurs on this Earth. If so, I like to believe that this meteor was the symbolic wrath of God!
I for one belong to a wholly insignificant religious minority, a minority that spurned the offer made (at the time of the drafting of India’s Constitution) – to Anglo-Indians and to Parsis alike – to have, for at least a decade, one special representative in Parliament. We rejected the offer.
In the Constituent Assembly, which had been entrusted with the task of drafting India’s Constitution, Sir Homi Mody said that the Parsis would rather join the mainstream of a free India. And we did.
And we have had no regrets.
I have never felt that I lived in this country at the sufferance of the majority.
I have been brought up to think and feel that the minorities together, with the majority community, are integral parts of India.
I have lived a long life and flourished in secular India.
And in the fullness of time, I would also like to die in secular India. If God wills.
And let me tell you what gives me hope. It is the Supreme Court of India. And let me tell you why.
In April of this year, India’s highest Court handed down a decision in an Appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation against certain named respondents – it was, and it is a momentous decision, but reading the moderately worded judgment of the Court you would not say so.
It was an appeal in a case connected with two complaints under our criminal law – we call it First Information Reports (FIRs) – lodged on the day of that fateful incident – 6th December 1992.
The first, report Crime No. 1997 of 1992 was against several hundred thousand Kar Sevaks (or artisans): unnamed. The report alleged against them offences of dacoity, robbery, causing hurt, injuring/defiling a place of public worship, promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion – all offences under the Indian Penal Code.
The second, but the more important and the more significant was FIR No. 198 of 1992.
It was lodged against eight named persons – very important political persons – all conspirators in the offences previously described.
A special Court was set up to try these cases.
But by some quirk of circumstance the first set of cases – against the thousands of unnamed Kar Sevaks was, in accordance with law, duly committed to a Court of Session in Lucknow, but significantly (and somewhat in – explicably) not the second FIR lodged against the 8 important conspirators: they appear to have been overlooked by the Executive!
In 1993, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh where Ayodhya is located, amended its Notification to enable these eight important persons to be also tried by a Special Court in Lucknow. But, whether innocently or by design, there was then discovered a defect in the notification – a vital procedural defect – viz. that there had been no consultation with the High Court, a mandatory requirement of the law.
The consequence was that the Notification in FIR 198 (against the 8 important conspirators) was, in course of time, struck down.
Then again after some years a Special Judge at Lucknow passed an order stating: (I quote)
“There were two classes of accused – persons – the 8 leaders who were sitting or standing on a platform – exhorting the workmen to destroy the structure and the thousands of Kar Sewaks or the artisans doing the job entrusted to them.”
The Special Judge said that there was a prima facie case against all accused persons in both classes, and framed charges of criminal conspiracy under various sections of the Penal Code. The Court held that all offences were committed in the course of the same transaction which warranted a joint trial and that the case was exclusively triable by the Court of the Special Judge at Lucknow.
But again on a revision being filed in the High Court, the High Court (after considerable delay) discovered – another procedural lapse – viz. that the Special Court at Lucknow being a specially constituted Court had no jurisdiction to enquire into and to commit to the Court of Sessions, the eight accused in FIR 198 of 1992, and that the framing of charges against these 8 important persons (all conspirators) was without jurisdiction, and must be set aside.
Well – It was after almost a decade that the prosecuting agency woke up from its slumber, and filed an appeal before the Supreme Court.
And the Supreme Court, in April this year condoned the delay in the filing of the appeal, set aside the judgment of the High Court, overruled all procedural objections invoking a unique provision in India’s Constitution – Article 142 – a provision that empowers the Supreme Court – and the Supreme Court alone – out of all the Courts in the country – to make any order in a proceeding brought before it that it thought necessary “for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it”.
Invoking this provision the Supreme Court said that this is a provision that gives preference to equity over law, and that permits a justice-oriented approach to the otherwise strict rigours of the law.
This Article 142 had no counter-part in the Government of India Act, India’s first Constitution Act passed by the British Parliament in the year 1935 – on which our written Constitution of 1950 was fashioned
In fact, Article 142 does not have any counter-part in any other Constitution the world over.
The Judges said: “The latin maxim fiat justitia ruat caelum is what first comes to mind on a reading of Article 142”: and then helpfully, translated the ancient Latin maxim into plain work-a-day English:
“Let Justice be done though the heavens fall”.
Quoting from the popular legal maxim, the Judges emphasised that it was not popular in the sense that people run after it – but it partakes (the Judges said) of that popularity which sooner or later “never fails to do justice to the pursuit of noble ends by noble means.”
And so the charges framed against the 8 conspirators were revived and directed to be tried along with the charges already framed against the Kar Sevaks – the persons who did the actual job of breaking down the structure. The Supreme Court then handed down a list of peremptory directions, but not before noting a disturbing feature of the case, which was that the Special Judge designated by the State Government Notification to carry on the trial kept getting transferred which had considerably delayed the trial.
So peremptory directions were given to the following effect:
(1) the appeal of the CBI would be allowed;
(2) the judgment of the High Court which enabled FIR No. 198 to be quashed and buried would be set aside;
(3) both the FIRs were to stand transferred to the Session Judge of Lucknow with power to frame additional charges.
Then followed an even more peremptory set of instructions:
(a) the Court of Sessions after the transfer of proceedings to Lucknow and framing of additional charges would take up all matters within 4 weeks on a day-to-day basis until the conclusion of the trial;
(b) there would be no transfer of the Judge conducting the trial until the entire trial stood concluded;
(c) the case was not to be adjourned on any ground except where the Session Court found it impossible to carry on the trial on some particular date;
(d) CBI the investigating agency must ensure that on every date fixed for evidence, some prosecution witnesses would remain present and be examined;
(e) that the Session Court would complete the trial and deliver its judgment within a period of 2 years from the date of receipt of judgment of the Supreme Court;
Liberty was then given to the any of the parties to approach the Supreme Court in the event of the directions not being carried out “both in letter and in spirit”.
I am happy to tell you that the directions have been faithfully carried out, and the trial is actually proceeding on a day to day basis with several witnesses being examined and cross-examined every working day – giving us all hope that within the stipulated period the trial will be over and accountability will be ultimately ensured.
Having regard to this otherwise momentous, (but yet not a high-sounding) judgment delivered on 4th April, 2017, by the Supreme Court, I am also happy to tell you that faith in the rule of law has been restored.
Or shall I say (more accurately) – any expression of despair at the breakdown of the Rule of Law must be further suspended for a two year period with the foreseeable hope that Justice will be done – though the heavens may fall.
That ladies and gentlemen – in brief – is the present state of the Rule of law in India today.
What will ultimately happen, no one can predict.
The bright silver lining however is that it was only at the intercession of the highest court in the land that Justice may yet be achieved. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
XXX
Archive for 06/01/2008 - 07/01/2008
The Red, White & Green Party ooks like a dope event, featuring both Keith Murray and Peter Rosenberg among those performing, with proceeds being donated to Obama for America. Get with the program, people!
That #23 is a powerful number. It means quality, excellence and a long-standing legacy. Am I perfect and excellent in every way? No, but I am striving towards it. Hell, I didn't ever see myself doing my little corny podcasts, or that people would respond. It's been a deep trek, and I'm proud to continue to embark on it.
This mix was made Friday night, after I got the dirty/no DJ version of Nas' "Fried Chicken". Some cuts from The Lighthouse Project, more new Nas, and a host of joints that I am feeling currently. Check me out:
Vordul Mega "Megagraphitti" (prod. by Zach One): New shit from 1/2 of one of my favorite duos of all time, produced by the homey Zach One, from Mega's forthcoming Megagraphitti album (Shake posted the tracklist to this monster). You think this is gonna even touch Cold Vein?
Damn, I need that "Let's Go" joint. Where did it end up? Regardless, based on everything that's leaked so far, and The Nigger Tape, I am definitely hype on this. I will go so far as to say that I will videotape myself buying this CD if it comes out in with this kind of venom on it. Dead serious.
Brokn.Englsh "Different World" (prod. by Illmind): This sat on my harddrive for a week or 2 without me realizing that I needed to unearth this to the masses. The NJ trio does it again, with Illmind on the boards? Gotta love how Ill throws those different elements in the beat, seemingly at will. Don't even think about sleepin'.
Wild. That's been the word for this week. Wild. And I just realized that next week's playlist falls on the 4th, which is the same day that Niggers Are Scared Of Revolution is going to drop. And I have to finish my next ep of rock the dub radio. Yes.
Here's some fresh DnB Bootleg goodness from Atlantic Connection, who had some DnB bootlegs hogging up space on his HD and decided to unearth them for the masses! I was actually wondering if that Kanye West one was going to see the light of day, ever since hearing Infiltrata spin it...
“That record is real, it’s coming,” Snoop Dogg said, having recently recorded tracks for Dre’s album. “I was starting to doubt it myself and then I went up in there and he played so much music for me it knocked my head off.” Snoop also adds the album is finished, and now it’s up to Dre to go through all the songs he’s culled and decide which make the final cut. “I see what he got them waiting for, it’s on and poppin’,” the Doggfather said. Snoop also revealed that Dre will produce his next record, the follow-up to Ego Trippin’.
I hope Dr. Dre can deliver a better album for Snoop than Ego Trippin'. And still no timeline on Detox coming out = hella skeptical.
Black Blondie "For The Taste": Something a bit different for a change... this actually hits my mood right about now. Dynamic vocalist, true MUSIC from a band skraight out of the MPLS. Talk about your moody music, but this has that ill vibe to it - it's sort of Trip-Hoppish, but homegirl's got better pipes that most singers out there. Also has a vintage quality to it. Definitely peep this, especially for those who are fans of Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse and that ilk.
They have a load of shows lined up... take a trip to see them if you're in the area:
Although most of the details are sketchy, the one thing that’s certain is that the once highly influential underground hip-hop DJ/Producer and Perceptionist member, Fakts One, one day, simply disappeared. Some blame problems with his record label that folded right before the scheduled release of his debut solo album. Others say the stresses of the unstable music industry led Fakts to turn his back on hip-hop as a profession. Whatever the reason, he decided to make a clean break from the music and many of his closest friends in the industry haven’t heard from him since.
Wild. I remember hearing a few of these leak years ago - like 4, 5 years ago to be exact! Well, it looks like Nature Sounds is finally dropping his Long Range album on July 22nd. Check out the tracklist:
I remember "Grown Folks" dropping a bit ago, as well as "The Showstarter" (I might have to unearth that on a forthcoming rock the dub radio). Dude is serious on the beats, so I'd definitely pick this up when it drops. Meta-props to Matt for the info.
Black ELement "The Itis" (prod. by 6th Sense): Here's a bangin' cut that Black EL & Notherground's 6th Sense did together that is not coming out on A Major Minority. Some fire coming out of the New England area!
Word is A Major Minority is being mixed now for a July release (for free.99), so keep it locked to amajorminority.com and rock the dub for future info on this project!
Tanya Morgan "Hip-Hop Is Dead 2": Here's another cut from TM's The Bridge EP, which is shaping up to be a pretty ill release (cop it over at Amazon). This is one of those tracks where, if someone is like "ayo, Hip-Hop is dead, son", you just put this one on and nod ya head.
WSHH does say they have Rihanna's "Take A Bow" performance, but the link attached to it goes to the Nelly set, so who knows.
What'd you all think of the show? I didn't see it, but I heard Lauren London was looking good. I guess I'll have to catch the re-play. YBF already has twoposts dedicated to some fashion choices from the Red Carpet, BET's updated their site dedicated to the show, and DL Hughleywas marking on Obama?
Theo "Sweetest Language [snippet]" (prod. by Profit): Fresh new Theo leaks, you already know. You recognize that piano, right? Theo going in on how he got from where he came to where he's at now. Dude has that hunger in his voice... The Birth is coming!
I hit you guys with Disc 1 two weeks ago, and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from heads who are in tune to the sound. I look at this compilation as kind of two sides of the same coin. Where Disc 1 was a bit more harder, mixtape-feel to it, Disc 2 has a lot of the same themes underlying: social issues, love, and a host of introspective moods, wrapped around slick production and capped off with some dope instrumentals. Ah, just read on...
01. Freddie Joachim ft. Lauren Santiago & Jacewon "Hear It From You": Yes, I know, this isn't technically Hip-Hop, but ease off. This is my Hip-Hop Soul joint for the summer. Joachim has beats, Lauren has a sultry voice and Jacewon ties the whole story of yearning with a sick verse... and an extra endpiece. Reminds me of that Pete Rock shit, with a hint of that Neo Soul in it. This is on Joachim's In With Time, which is available... in Japan. 02. Big Quarters ft. Alicia Steele "August": This is from Big Quarters' Lake City Browns album. I dropped the video from this a few months back, and it still has that perfect chilled Sunday afternoon vibe. It's also the perfect compliment to "Hear It From You". Minneapolis, what?!?!?03. Black ELement "Human": Black EL is on a roll right now, and if you've been hip to the internets, you should have seen this one around. I heard this a bit ago, and had to have it for this project. I love the switch-up in the beat when the chorus comes in, and he throws some witty lines and sows some deeper seeds (check that 2nd verse). A Major Minority is coming...04. Amanda Diva "Supa-Woman": I was so mad - I couldn't lock down any other tracks from strong female MC's. I got my hands on this one early, and loved that bassline. Amanda has always been an artist I have loved, ever since I saw her spoken word, through her MTV2 stint. She is a chick that many heads would love to wife up - just the total package. One would hope you guys are keepin' into her DivaSpeakTV webisodes, as well as her blog over at Okayplayer. Props to Saptosa for the hook-up.05. Fanu "So Sleeps The City": One thing I did get, however, were some dope instrumental jams. This is the first of the trifecta. Fanu is one of the artists on this comp who is not necessarily known for his Hip-Hop production - he is more of a Drum & Bass/Jungle/Downtempo soundboy. I sent out a load of e-mails on a whim, and was granted permission to use this track. Has that nice feel of a city like New York, like 1:30AM on a Friday, where the rest of the world is dead but this town is alive and kicking, and you're driving in a taxi, taking it all in. Heavy track.06. Elucid "Step Careful": I leaked this cut earlier this month (again, I had this track pegged for a minute), and to be honest, I wish I had more from dude. Elucid is an emcee that went from a cat I'd converse with briefly to someone who I've been trying to get shit done with for a minute now. We'll see how that goes... regardless, this Waxwerks11701-produced, harpsichord-driven revival music anthem is from E's forthcoming Save Yourself album. Be on the lookout for that.07. Muja Messiah "True Lies": Muja has been making crazy noise on this site for the better part of 2008, and for good reason - so much so, that this is the 2nd track of his on this comp! This is one of those wild, conspiracy theory heavy tracks that plays a great bookend to the previous track, spit over a mid-tempo banger. His album (Thee Adventures of A B-Boy D-Boy) is dropping on Black Corners on July 29th as well!08. Wu-Tang Clan "C.R.E.A.M. (Zyon Base Mix)": Zyon Base is a producer who I only knew about from his Drum & Bass productions, so imagine my surprise when he hits me one Saturday with this ill remix of a classic Wu-Tang favorite. It's actually got a sound of something that could have been a B-side to the "C.R.E.A.M." single, which is always dope. I guess I have that old-Soul sound in me. Props to Hobzee for letting me know ZB did Hip-Hop.09. Wordsmith "The Soulless Saint": Wordsmith is another artist who has gotten 'nuff play on this blog. The one thing I didn't know about dude was that he could weave stories like this, but "The Soulless Saint" is one to grow on. As a leader and a guy striving to make moves, you have to respect dude's hustle. Check out The Mid-Year Review mixtape Words did with Denox & HipHopDX recently.10. Cave Precise "GOD": This was an early addition to this project, as well. Cave is a talented producer of both straight-up Hip-Hop and some more twisted, genre-bending flavors. This has that pimped-out flex to it, but the organs and the overall feel had me open from jump. The beat CD this came on has some fire on it - MCs looking for beats, take note.11. Praverb "Urban Legends": Teddy Roxpin went in on this beat. If I was an emcee, I'd want an album of tracks like this. Praverb is such a dope MC, though, it's good to hear him rip this one up. His first verse has been a quottable for me, just for the things he touches on (MF Doom, Cloverfield, etc.), but then tries to get you cats to think about things (like what "Crank Dat" is promoting). Talk about edutainment! I also recently reviewed his Center Of Attention album, which you heads need to check out.12. Radius "South Shore (Baahumgbug!)": Fire production from Chicago. Instrumental Hip-Hop albums were my lifeblood back in '95, '96, so it's good to hear cats in the '08 still keeping fresh ideas up. If you need a good album to road trip to, or some different flavors for your iPods in general, Neighborhood Suicide is the way to go. I might have a special version of this coming...13. Burt Fox & El Juba "The Jungle": This might be one of my favorite cuts on this entire compilation. That nasty Electro drive is slowed down, with Juba going buck on some revolutionary but gangsta steeze. Really big track, something you put on in the whip late at night and coast to, doing whatever you do, middle finger to the law. Props to Burt and the entire RiotControl fam. Hopefully he finishes more of his tracks!14. Joulz Il "Imagine That": Joulz is an MC out of Dallas that I've been trying to put you guys onto for the longest. He is looking for a deal, and deserves one. Not too many cats from out that way are known for being lyrical, and dude actually sounds like a dude from out East, but regardless, he is a gifted MC (with a gifted producer, Entity Starr) who is making captivating music. Real uplifting, symphonic-feel to this joint, and his lyrics are so dense, and actually go from point A to B by song's end. This should be the anthem to all artists who are looking to get the big nickel...15. Monsta X "Mind Of A Monsta": How about this is produced by MF Grimm? Some more Monster Island Czars shit, with X just going for broke over this eerie, bass-heavy beat. Just some straight, "what's going on in my mind" shit, with some boomin' beats that you might not regularly rock to. Jun hit me with this - good looks fam!16. Wafeek ft. Azeem "I'mma Learn You": Wafeek's an MC that Trackstar put me onto, and for good reason. I wanted to put out a gang of freestyles over these beat tapes I compiled, and Wafeek hit me with this, over the Dome Cracker Remix of Das EFX's "Microphone Master", and another over a Gravediggaz jam. He flows so effortlessly on this one, and touches on a bunch of topics. Definitely expect to be hearing more from this talented cat.17. Dyane P & Lex "Confused": I went to high school with Lex, and recently touched base with him via internets, and was surprised by the wealth of cuts he sent me. He actually said going over these has him picking up the pen again, which I feel like is my doing, so hopefully he has more work to put out. I remember him putting me onto the Freestyle Fellowship cats, and bugging over The Slim Shady LP, and hearing his packed lines always kills me. That real Cali open mic flow, which I can always appreciate. And that Ill Oytreb beat ain't nothing to sneeze at, either!18. Big Jus "Resilient": Another Wally Clark-produced joint - actually, the first Wally Clark track I heard, and it still has me open. That ill super-hero vibe in the string sample, with some understated boom-bap on it. Big Jus goes hard on the beat, doing it justice. I'd like to hear some other cats get a crack at this beat.19. AlteredSt8s "Last Call": This is some real-life talk for you guys who work during the week and need to hit the bar for a cold on. Really encapsulates what some cats go through, just some real life shit. Shouts to Lyfestile for this one, he's a monster on this. And this was also the joint that I always wanted to end on, not just for the title but the whole vibe, from the melancholy piano to that Common scratch in the hook. Fitting end to this disc, and the project as a whole.
Again, I have everything uploaded to Mediafire, as well as in a nice, easy .rar file. I appreciate everyone who submitted a track, conversed with me about this project (aka listen to me gripe), anyone who shot a suggestion, Tech Supreme for the dope covers, my close friends and family for the encouragement, all of the artists out there making it happen - anyone on these two discs is a problem! Your work/encouragement/inspiration/words mean so much to me, and are what keeps blogs like this going.
This is for Hip-Hop.
This is not the final piece to this puzzle... nor is this the last Lighthouse Project. Stay tuned!
Let me first start this by saying that, not only is Carlin one of my favorite White comedians of all time, he is in my top 5 (being beat out by Pryor, Chris Rock, and a few others). He combines a few of my favorite qualities about comedians: he's smart, and he doesn't pull punches. And even though he definitely called into question a host of things about our society, he did it from an intellectual angle that is very appreciated... to the point where HBO gave him 14 fucking specials, the last one releases earlier this year (where, admittedly, he did look a lil' worse for wear). I remember him speaking on death and mortality in one of the interviews leading up to that special, so I am not surprised he has recently passed (given his health and bouts with substance abuse), but fuck all of that.
The man was a genius, and had been counter-culture before many of you scared rabble-rousers even picked up a pen. Check out a few of these clips:
You will be missed. I think I'm gonna do a lil' tribute to him. Soon come...
Watch as Jelani and father Dapper Dan have a dialogue. Dapper Dan is a legendary stylist to hip-hop legends. The two talk about the early years, sharing anecdotes and recollections of a time when style was key, and art was pure. Dap talks about the pitfalls, and Jelani shares how he got to this point, with his debut album, "Wait, You Can Rap?!?!" about to be released.
Master 3 "What Is Your Name" (prod. by Ed-Nezz): Straight out of Illinois, Master 3 and Ed-Nezz drop a heavy track, lyrically and sonically. A lil' deeper on this one, you slow niggas might need to turn this one up and keep it on repeat. First official single off of Master 3's Women & Music.
Do yourselves a favor: grab this mixtape from Centric & Cy Yung, Back 2 Lyfe, which is the official mixtape preview to Cy Yung's Back 2 Lyfe project that drops on iTunes on July 18th. BPA is doing it something FIERCE | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
1b.Approach (from AD-416)
Previous results indicate postharvest experiments designed to produce necessary contrasts can be used to develop viable biomarkers for physiological disorder prediction, diagnosis, and differentiation. Until recently, metabolic and gene expression evaluation approaches have focused on one or a few pathways with known associations to a particular disorder. While focused approaches were insightful, these approaches have not allowed development of new tools for superficial scald control or the discovery of physiological bases of other apparently unrelated physiological disorders. Our proposed research relies instead on comprehensive analytical approaches that avoid preconception of disorder-related metabolic/genetic processes. This allows discovery of prospective biomarkers not previously associated with superficial scald and other disorders.
3.Progress Report
This was granted as a matching non-federal cash contribution for 5350-43000-006-14R. This project relates to objective 1 of the associated in-house project which seeks to identify factors that influence postharvest fruit quality and development of market limiting physiological disorders. Postharvest physiological disorders of apple fruit cause significant annual postharvest losses to susceptible cultivars. Understanding of the genetic and metabolic causes of these disorders and similarities remains sparse. Current treatment practices are not available for organic production, are not acceptable in many markets, or do not provide quality assurance along the supply chain. Biomarker-based storage management tools are expected to provide the US apple industry with additional tools to prevent and predict losses throughout the supply chain. In 2010-2011, experiments were completed to begin selecting gene expression and metabolic biomarkers for superficial scald, external CO2 injury, and firm flesh browning. Metabolic profiling (in-house) and gene expression profiling (by collaborators) for superficial scald and external CO2 injury samples were completed. Two presentations introducing project activities and expected outcomes to stakeholders were given at industry events. Progress was reported at a project meeting held to discuss results to date and future activities.
See progress for 5350-43000-006-14R, entitled, "A Diagnostic Toolbox for Integrated Management of Apple Postharvest Necrotic Disorders" for a related study. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Recently I asked a group of my teenage Christian friends about their upcoming summer plans. Rather than receiving the standard responses, such as summer camps or vacations, I heard some unusual answers among my friends.
“I am traveling to Tanzania with my youth group to improve an irrigation system there. We’ve been raising money all year,” said a girl my own age.
“I’m flying alone to Russia with a church planting ministry; we hope to build a pool for a large orphanage there,” said another high-school student.
“I am fundraising for my two-week trip to Haiti so I can teach English to the homeless youth there,” answered a third friend of mine.
I was jealous.
I am 17, and unlike other teenagers, I’ve always been what some people might call a spiritual seeker. As a high-school student living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I spend my free time seeking various forms of spirituality. I know it’s a little unusual for someone my age, but since I was young, I’ve enjoyed visiting churches and other houses of worship, part of a spiritual journey—encouraged by my parents—that enabled me to meet other teens who, though from different faiths, share the same sense of spiritual questioning. Many of those people, I noticed over time, come from firmly grounded Christian households, where they are constantly guided and nurtured throughout their spiritual journeys. Through their churches, my friends participate in “mission trips,” Evangelical Christian service-trips that enable them to repair the world, one community at a time. During the most galvanizing events in the world—from natural disasters in Japan, to medical epidemics in Africa, and the increase of women’s rights issues in the Middle East—American churches routinely dedicate hundreds of volunteers overseas, fully equipped with building supplies, food, and Bibles. Because these Evangelical Christians fearlessly spread their faith outside their comfort zones, families that once barely survived in their ramshackle communities are now truly living—both physically and spiritually.
After watching friend after friend go on these missions, I can’t help but ask: Why aren’t we, as Jews, focusing our values toward communities outside of our own?
In Judaism, we promote the ethical concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. While we implement those values through annual “Mitzvah Days” and monthly canned food drives, Evangelical Christians are sharing their faith worldwide, exposing themselves to poverty firsthand. Although we strive to be or l’goyim, or a light to the nations, as a community our social action projects seem limited to our own. Since the ethics of our religion denounce proselytizing or “soul saving,” how can we embody the standards of or l’goyim? How can we emit the light in our faith if we limit ourselves to our local communities?
There are a few Jewish organizations that send hundreds of volunteers overseas to improve communities in need. These organizations, such as the American Jewish World Service and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, incorporate Jewish values into their relief projects while reaching out to Jews and non-Jews alike, no matter where their ZIP codes may be. But these groups are so distinctive and acclaimed, not only because of the commitment they have to social justice, but also because they are so rare. Our Jewish community at large has yet to consider service groups as anything more than growing organizations, or even worse, “Jewish missionary programs.” The concept of utilizing the values of our faith to rebuild and sustain communities worldwide is still foreign to many Jews in this country, especially to those who may not be visibly in need themselves.
And so, unfortunately, many Jews bristle at the idea of learning from Christian missionaries; fearing proselytism, my co-religionists overlook genuine acts of social justice. Many Jews believe that one of the biggest threats to our faith is the influence of evangelism in college campuses and beyond, but by spiting Christian mission trips, we are only discouraging Jewish forms of outreach altogether.
After watching my Christian friends leave their communities in order to spread their faith worldwide, I realized that the only way to affect another life is to fully commit myself to doing so. Since then, I have volunteered regularly in local soup kitchens, allowing my hands to get dirty while preparing food for others. Having grown up with a family that eats together every single night, I learned the significance of preparing a dinner table for someone else. Also, I hope to participate in international programs that take me to villages and communities in need with the American Jewish World Service. My Christian friends inspired me to become a more accurate representation of my faith’s ethics; their mission trips enabled me to find my own mission in this world: serving others. We do not need open Bibles to nourish the hungry, clothe the naked, or provide shelter for the homeless; we just need open hands and hearts. While I have no intentions of proselytism during my volunteering experiences, I have taken one step toward connecting to my Jewish values; through volunteering, my faith shines through the strongest.
Despite the different religious practices between Evangelical Christians and Jews, we all approach faith with a general conclusion: We want to make this world a better place. We must expand our faith to new boundaries and make social justice our global mission. In order to elucidate the degrading stereotypes that exist today, Jews should not only be encouraged, but obligated to leave their local communities and take their faith to new levels. We do not need to save souls in order to affect the world; we must utilize our faith to truly make a difference.
***
Like this article? Sign up for our Daily Digest to get Tablet Magazine’s new content in your inbox each morning.
Emily Goldberg is a junior at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in Manhattan.
WAIT, WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TO COMMENT?
Tablet is committed to bringing you the best, smartest, most enlightening and entertaining reporting and writing on Jewish life, all free of charge. We take pride in our community of readers, and are thrilled that you choose to engage with us in a way that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking. But the Internet, for all of its wonders, poses challenges to civilized and constructive discussion, allowing vocal—and, often, anonymous—minorities to drag it down with invective (and worse). Starting today, then, we are asking people who'd like to post comments on the site to pay a nominal fee—less a paywall than a gesture of your own commitment to the cause of great conversation. All proceeds go to helping us bring you the ambitious journalism that brought you here in the first place.
I NEED TO BE HEARD! BUT I DONT WANT TO PAY.
Readers can still interact with us free of charge via Facebook, Twitter, and our other social media channels, or write to us at [email protected]. Each week, we’ll select the best letters and publish them in a new letters to the editor feature on the Scroll.
We hope this new largely symbolic measure will help us create a more pleasant and cultivated environment for all of our readers, and, as always, we thank you deeply for your support.
“During the most galvanizing events in the world—from natural disasters in Japan, to medical epidemics in Africa, and the increase of women’s rights issues in the Middle East—American churches routinely dedicate hundreds of volunteers overseas, fully equipped with building supplies, food, and Bibles. Because these Evangelical Christians fearlessly spread their faith outside their comfort zones, families that once barely survived in their ramshackle communities are now truly living—both physically and spiritually.”
You have quite a bit to learn about the colonizing, imperialist role of Christian “mission trips” and their related projects and why Jewish communities shy away from them, it seems. Many of these communities aren’t too keen on overprivileged Western White kids swooping down and patronizingly “helping” them while simultaneously denying their agency, autonomy, and cultures. Much of the “work” that these Christian mission trips do is very problematic, and I would suggest looking into the ways in which mission trips and Western volunteerism in the Global South often harms rather than helps people.
In the summer of 1966 (Eleanor Rigby and Yellow Submarine), I traveled to Wisconsin with a youth group from the American Jewish Society for Service to help build a library building for a summer camp that included inner-city children from Chicago. AJSS has been operating for 60 years, sending small groups of young people all over the United States on work projects. Our goal then was not to proselytize on behalf of Judaism, but to put into action exactly what you ask about: “…as Jews, focusing our values toward communities outside of our own.” Check out the AJSS here: http://ajss.org/
I agree with you that it is important to do good work in this country. Jews are unwelcome in many countries of the world (see the recent article about Sweden) and it makes no sense to me to put the lives of young Jewish people on the line.
It is a shame that most of the world is not welcoming to Jews (and getting worse all the time), but that is not anything we can help by sending our youngsters into harms way.
As a parent, I appreciate hearing a young person’s POV here, but honestly am disappointed both to hear that a bright young person in a well-respected Jewish Day school is unaware of the numerous initiatives available to young Jewish people to do broad Tikkun work, or that you feel Jewish Tikkun efforts lag those of the Christians. I admire much of the Christian out-facing work; the sheer might of the Mormon missionary effort (where in a very un-Birthright way, kids pay much of their own way to proselytize), the optimism of the various evangelical efforts in places like Africa and the wonderful work of the Catholic nuns worldwide. But surely you’ve run into a young Jewish kid or two on the UWS that has worked with AJWS in Haiti, or worked with any number of orgs working for a more just Israel, or that have done Seeds of Peace or raised money for food justice, women’s rights or any number of other worthy causes.
You are right suggest we look at what the Christians do well, and I think any of us involved in Jewish non-profit work would agree the Universal/Particular struggle of Jewish Tikkun Olam is evolving as our young people demand (rightfully) an approach to Tikkun Olam that reflects the pluralistic, integrated, complex world in which they live. But “Be kind to the stranger in your midst” is a pretty core part of Jewish tradition, and has driven much of Jewish charity of even the clumsy, easy-to-criticize work of Federations. Kudos for a well written piece and thinking outside the box, but I’d look a little deeper for Jewish programs that do much of what you’ve suggested.
While the focus of the article is wonderful, I fear that the criticism may not be as well founded as the author believes.
My daughter’s Jewish High School in Palo Alto, CA. sends students who are juniors and seniors to parts of the country and the world in need of service. My daughter just got back from a significant service trip to Costa Rica. Students have worked inside the United States in post Katrina New Orleans and in hard hit Mississippi. Maybe the Abraham Joshua Heschel school in Manhattan needs a similar program and focus.
Our Congregation in a suburb of Boston sends our teens on in inter-faith youth mission with the other faith organizations around town. In addition, NFTY’s Mitzvah Corp is another wonderful way for Jewish Teens to participate in service missions. There are certainly ways for Jewish teens to “Repair the World”!
Shalom Emily. It is true that being the Light to the World is a Mitzvot from HASHEM and we in the Philippines look forward in seeing more of you to show the True Light in Torah. We are a group who Loves the Torah and the ELOHIM of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we love to work with you in such noble cause. Shalom Alechiem.
Honestly, I don’t see the value in holding up an imperialist, hegemonic religion, devoted to changing people’s innermost beliefs (Christianity) as an example for Jews, even if along the way to achieving their evil and morally reprehensible end, they also accomplish some good. Things that make sense as a member of a majority culture just don’t apply when you are a member of a minority culture. To be a Jew is to accept other people’s paths to God, or to justice, as fundamentally equal and legitimate if they adhere to certain minimum standards. Where does the need to ape evangelism come from?
In my own local community there is an expectation that kids will do a “mitzva project” for some cause around their bar / bat mitzvah. I think it’s ridiculous how much emphasis is placed on it, and would much prefer that my daughter improve her Hebrew skills, learn how to daven, read Torah, and learn how to learn Jewishly. I’m doing what I can to draw her away from the tikun olam focus and on to basic learning. Later in life she can engage with the world as she chooses, knowing who she is and how to be who she is.
I think it is wrong to hold up a part of evangelist culture, on the grounds that it is admirable in itself, when the spark that animates that engagement is so deeply and aggressively disdainful of others, so totally dedicated to the illegitimacy of other faiths and religions, as is Christianity. Christianity taints everything it touches with its aggressive dismissal of other paths to God. There is no community of agreement about “works” and “good deeds” – we have to understand the “kavanot” that the deeds are intended to express, and when looked at in this perspective missionary work is tainted from its inception and nothing to admire. Sure, go forth and fix the world, but do it for Jewish reasons, and understand that the efforts of Christians are not the model for us to follow.
What’s annoying about this article is the way in which the author seems focused on keeping up with the others, rather than acting from a sense of who she is as a Jew. We live in diverse culture and all sorts of people will do all sorts of things for their own reasons. Don’t assume that you know those reasons, or understand their real motivations. Based on the article, I’d guess that the author does not.
Dear Emily, I very much enjoyed your well reflected and thoughtful article. I don’t think, that you should be so harshly wisenheimered as in some of the comments, your urge to do good and righteous deeds is very good and in many ways “a light to many of us”. While it is certainly true, that every religion has it’s own traditions of doing good deeds, and several aspects of Christian missionary work in the last 400 years were a far cry from doing charity or even enabling the people being “helped” to help themselves, the urge to help and to reflect how to best do that does not know a creed and should be blind to denomination. Very fitting that you should be enrolled at Abraham Joshua Heschel school. Few understood the urge to apply radical ethics without reservations and coming forth from a great tradition as well as he did. To you and your project of being helpful to the needy only the best wishes, may you proceed undistracted and guided by your good heart and keen intelligence!
If you had actually read the essay I diligently wrote, you will see that I actually did include AJWS, among the other organizations I emphasized and described. Thank you for introducing me to Jewish Heart for Africa, though. It looks like an incredible organization.
I’m sure there are people who would appreciate that Google comment. I, however, see passion as my friend rather than the insight a search engine offers. I write with motivation and hope to create positive change in the world. I clearly could benefit from sitting for hours on Google or Yahoo, but instead, I implement those hours into voicing my thoughts to promote social justice among all religions.
I know I am young; it’s not every day a high school student writes essays to pursue peace, but this is my passion, one that will unremittingly continue to grow almost as fast as the number of references on a search engine.
I encourage you to share your passions too. Use your voice and help move the world forward.
Thank you again for reading and sharing your thoughts; they are always appreciated!
Name (required)Email (required, will not be published)Website (optional)
Message
2000
Your comment may be no longer than 2,000 characters, approximately 400 words. HTML tags are not permitted, nor are more than two URLs per comment. We reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
India and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on exchange of experience by legal professionals and government functionaries for resolution of disputes before various courts and tribunals.
The agreement was signed by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and UK’s Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke in London during the former’s visit this week.
The MoU sought to enhance bilateral cooperation in legal affairs which would provide a framework for promoting greater cooperation between the judicial and legal professionals in both countries through exchange of expertise and training.
The two countries would also exchange information regarding current issues of international significance. The MoU was cleared by the Union Cabinet last week. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
New Plant, Equipment for Suttle-Straus
WAUNAKEE, WI—Suttle-Straus has completed the expansion of its facility here and has added production previously done at its downtown Madison location.
The company christened its new capacity—which gives the plant 116,000 square feet of space—by installing a pair of Mitsubishi presses with a price tag of $6 million. One is a six-unit Diamond 8 web press, the other a six-color, 40˝ sheetfed model equipped with in-line coating.
Production was slated to end at the Madison plant on April 15, with all administrative and production employees housed at the newly expanded facility. The company employs in excess of 150 people working on three shifts.
Suttle-Straus was created following the July 2001 merger of Suttle Press and Straus Printing. It specializes in corporate communications, direct mail, advertising materials, publications and multicolor printing. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
NinjaTrader Programming Services
NinjaTrader 7/8
If you have ever thought of the perfect trading platform that should satisfy every possible need and be able to offer your service the widest range of functions, you should consider NinjaTrader, one of the best options around. This trading platform that utilises NinjaTrader Programming Language (NinjaScript) may indeed boast of being one of the most widespread platforms around the world, as well as being perfectly designed in its functional processing.
Real time quotes
Be aware of what is going on now on any chosen trading asset and receive current information from the preferred data sources.
Module of market analysis
Allow the system to collect and provide you the up-to-date information concerning the market, so that you can immediately make your decision.
Module of strategy analyzer
This analytical tool can lend a great hand in building and optimizing your strategy on the market. Surprisingly, it does not take much effort to do that, due to its functional design.
Charting options
Enjoy the set of more than one hundred pre-installed indicators, as well as an extra hundreds of third-party indicators. Besides, it broadens the market possibilities and creates the best environment for multi-time and multi-instrumental analytics.
User-friendly interface
The well-designed interface makes it easy to use the platform from the very first day. There is no need to spend time adjusting to it, but rather use the extra hours to polish your strategy and increase the income.
SuperDOM
SuperDom is meant to make trade visualization as easy as possible. It takes only one click to do order entry, modify or cancel it. If you need more, you can always combine it with the Module of Advanced Trade Management (ATM).
ATM
The Advanced Trade Management Module requires a special attention. It actually brings NinjaTrader Programming Language and its experts to the leadership positions in trade management. ATM easily allows the users to pre-define their personal strategies of trade management, on not only the basic level, but also adding in multiple profit targets, OCOs, trailing stops, stop loss orders and many more.
Education and Support
Another plus is the great variety of educational material. It includes free daily webinars, video library, and an active helpful community. Our team has a deep knowledge of the NinjaTrader Programming Language as well as of the NinjaTrader platform itself and is always ready to help. All you need is to contact them by email or through the support forum.
Everyone can enjoy a free demo account, so with NinjaTrader Programming Language, an expert can test ideas and strategies. Moreover, the platform has already in stock thousands of ready-made custom modules, and NinjaTrader add-ons with the help of which one may personalize the trading workspace to his specific needs.
Unfortunately, NinjaTrader 7 and NinjaTrader 8 are not compatible with each other, so keep it in mind, when making your choice. It is up to the possibilities of the broker or your personal taste which platform to use. Although, with some technical assistance, it is possible to do the conversion of the software between these two platforms.
Contact Info
Mon – Fri : 08:00 – 18:00 EEST
[email protected]
Risk disclosure
Trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing ones financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Hypothetical or Simulated performance results have certain limitations, unlike an actual performance record, simulated results do not represent actual trading. Also, since the trades have not been executed, the results may have under-or-over compensated for the impact, if any, of certain market factors, such as lack of liquidity. Simulated trading programs in general are also subject to the fact that they are designed with the benefit of hindsight. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profit or losses similar to those shown.
Please note, that testimonials appearing on this website may not be representative of other clients or customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
3. Mix together the vegan eggs and coconut milk and then whisk this into the dry ingredients. The batter should be combined and still have some lumps in it. It is quite a thick batter and will not pour but instead needs to be spooned into a pan.
4. Finally pour in the melted coconut oil and mix through.
5. Too cook heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick frying pan and then our out any excess. Using 3in/7.5cm egg rings, spoon 2 tbs of mix into each ring and allow to cook. The pancakes should start to bubble on the top, at this point carefully remove the egg rings and then flip. Make 8-10 pancakes.
For Pineapple Syrup
1. Heat the coconut oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
2. Add the pineapple and maple syrup to the coconut oil and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the syrup slightly thickens.
3. Stir in the lime juice and zest and warm through.
For Coconut Cream
1. Whisk together the coconut cream and agave sugar to make a smooth, sweet cream.
2. Serve pancakes (2-3) per person with a spoonful of pineapple syrup and coconut cream on the side. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The Cleveland Show: "A Cleveland Brown Christmas"Review
Share.
Cleveland tries to set things right with Rallo.
By Ahsan Haque
Cleveland's asked to dress up as Santa Claus at his company Christmas party. After getting a little drunk, he ends up inadvertently telling Rallo that his real father isn't actually an FBI agent, shattering the child's paternal admiration. To make things right, Cleveland tracks down Rallo's father and tries to get the father and son to share a Christmas moment. Meanwhile, Roberta decides to become an animal rights activist and frees a reindeer, which causes mayhem all around Stoolbend.
Taking a classic family sitcom storyline and then turning it on its head seems to be the formula that's worked best for The Cleveland Show so far. This week's predicament of Cleveland trying to make things right with Rallo is a serviceable story concept, and serves as a decent backdrop for the myriad of zany events that unfold during the course of the episode. Cleveland getting drunk and ruining Rallo's heroic image of his father was simple enough. You knew that he felt bad afterwards, and would try to make things right. Of course Rallo's real father would decide to spend Christmas Eve at a strip club, and would need Cleveland to convince him that he should be there for his son. Rallo's been a bit inconsistent though. For a kid who's supposedly extremely intelligent, he tends to fall for whatever crazy story Roberta comes up with. It seems that the writers will turn up or turn down his street smarts as they see fit to help tell their stories.
The highlight of this episode had to be the whole background storyline with the reindeer. Immediately after Roberta decides that she's going to get inspired by Tyra Banks and get Cleveland Jr. to free the animal, the reindeer rewards Cleveland's rotund son with a few hoof kicks. The reindeer then randomly appears throughout the rest of the episode with a couple of really bizarre highlights. These include a bit where the reindeer is just salivating while staring into Tim and Arianna's bedroom window while the two bears were intimate. Arianna's tongue reaction was completely unexpected and absolutely hilarious. The other amusing reindeer moment was at the very end of the episode with the tackle and hump of Santa Claus. Again, completely unexpected and Santa's reaction was pretty funny as well.
There were a couple of funny Family Guy tie-ins this episode including a brief still image of Meg getting bombarded by snowballs being thrown by the Browns during the alternate festive opening credits. Also, we had that extended musical moment with Herbert singing "Silent Night" at a "homosexuals" Christmas Party that Cleveland once attended.
To the writers' credit, there weren't too many random manatee jokes, and the ones that were chosen were pretty funny. The Entourage bit with Cleveland meeting Adrian Grenier and telling him what he thinks about his body structure was pretty funny, and also memorable was the segment of the mock newscast featuring the toys from the Stoolbend model train holiday exhibit.
While it's not exactly the most memorable animated Christmas special, there were a few funny moments here, especially watching the reindeer cause mayhem around town. Things that don't work at all on this show are the musical numbers. They're just not as creative or as catchy as anything we'd see on Family Guy, and there seems to be far too many of them in this episode. Overall, it's a fairly average episode. Not embarrassingly bad, but nothing amusing enough to make you go back and want to watch the episode again. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Yateley Sandhurst Social – Session Report
Just a quick blog post as a follow up from a Carp-Forums.com social I attended on the yateley lake back in March. Sorry it has been a bit of a while since the last post but I have been busy however now there should be a raft of posts on the way.
I had never fished Yateley Sandhurst so had no idea what to expect however confidence was high as I had been told that it responded well in the early part of the season. Maggot was the modus Operandi and so Ads kindly arranged the maggots for all of us, all many gallons of them.
As was normal on a social, swim selection was performed via draw,
And some people were happier with their swim than others,
I elected to fish away from the “Party Bank”and decided that “the Pipes” swim looked my best bet so when my name came out of the hat I was glad to be able to grab it straight away. The Bivvy was set up, the swim prepared and several pints of maggots were dropped on a likely looking 7ft depression about 50 yards to my right just past the roots of an old weed bed ( according to my map)
It was at this point that my bait boat ( only just back from the repairers) decided that going in circles with the lights flashing was its preferred mode of operation.. oh hum. That is why you see the spomb and marker rod out above.
To cut a long story short, there were not a lot of fish out with mine ( see later) the 4th biggest 🙂 There were 3 carp out and 1 pike – guess who caught the pike ? Congratulations to Ads who arranged the whole social who managed to catch not just 1 but 2 fish. The story of the 1st fish needs to be related so here goes: Ads, who being the organiser, had the party in his swim. He decided to pop out with another miscreant for some pizza as the pizza house was just round the corner. As there were 8-9 experienced anglers in his swim he asked one of the others to manage his rods and yes you guessed it his 1st carp came whilst he was picking up pizza for everyone else. Anyone else would have been a little annoyed by this but not Ads, the next night Ads had his second fish and this time he was there to land it 🙂
My biggest – well only – fish was a pike of 12lb odd which was hanging around the front of my swim and I decided had to be caught. As I has a lure in my bag I plopped it onto his nose and within the 1st few seconds he was mine.
As far as I am concerned it is a fish that was angled for and caught and so definitely counts, the fact that it was a carp session is besides the point.
I would like to continue regaling you with tales of other massive carp however it was not to be, Phil ( Landyman) had the largest at 35 but apart form the 2 that Ads caught it that was about it for the weekend. Sometimes carp fishing is like that sadly, however a superb time was had by all and it was really good to put some names to the faces | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Questions and Answers
with Ngak’chang Rinpoche
Bodhicitta
Questioner: I have a question about the bodhisattva vow in the
Dzogchen view.
I guess in Mahayoga view you are really thinking of all sentient beings; but
what is it in Dzogchen view?
Rinpoche: Mahayoga is a particular approach – that it is
possible for a
person to renounce the enlightened state and enter it after all other beings.
This is based on the idea of ‘I want enlightenment for myself’. If
one looks at that ‘I want enlightenment for myself’, as
Pratyékabuddhayana, then obviously the bodhisattva vow turns that on its
head and says, ‘Everyone else first; me last’. That is what that is
based on. But obviously, the best person to save all sentient beings is not
someone who is not realised. That does not make any sense at one level; but it
is how it affects me when I am obsessed with ‘I want it for me’.
That is its principle – to turn that idea on its head: ‘So this is
not for me, this is for other beings.’ In principle the worst thing would
be if you were an English bodhisattva, and if the last sentient being was also
English. Then you could say, ‘After you!’ ‘No, after
you!’ You could continue that forever.
From a Dzogchen perspective, this becomes meaningless. That does not mean that
bodhicitta ceases to exist; but it expands limitlessly. As we were saying in
terms of Tantra, what bodhicitta means is also appreciation. It is the energy
that exists between everything; like looking at the little pool of light on your
nose from here, or at the other little pools of light – that is
interesting. Maybe I look interesting to you from this distance. Or there is
the colour of your shirt – that that is essentially enjoyable. That
everything is enjoyable as it is – colours are enjoyable. Red is
beautiful because it is red; it speaks of its redness – that is a
communication. So from that point of view, the whole quality of bodhicitta
becomes vast in terms of Tantra. In terms of Dzogchen, it becomes the nature of
Mind itself – it is the energy that arises spontaneously from the nature
of Mind; everything being self-liberated in its own condition. This is why it
is also called bodhicitta, or chang-chub-sem. So it depends on how
chang-chub-sem or bodhicitta is seen.
In terms of our everyday practice, Khandro Déchen and I talk about
kindness. We do not tend to use the word compassion so much, because sometimes
people tend to get confused about compassion: ‘I have compassion for all
beings apart from those people with whom I don’t get on, that I’m
irritated with.’ Then I go back to my practice and I think of ‘all
sentient beings’ – who are anonymous and not there. So when we deal
with an issue of pragmatics, we are not even talking about bodhicitta. We are
talking about kindness, as your grandma might talk about it – just be kind
to people. That is another principle, and it is basically: whatever the base
is, wherever I am, if I am getting too self-obsessed, then I need to think about
other people. Maybe I will not grab the last piece of pizza; maybe I will let
somebody else have that. Or even being tolerant… however one needs to
work, one works at that level.
This ties in with how the teacher has to enjoy his or her students’
neuroses. This is also bodhicitta. The teacher has no bodhicitta if he or she
cannot enjoy their students’ neuroses, because then there is no
communication. There is no link; there is no energy there. That dance which
performs itself within Tantra is then not possible, because the teacher needs to
play with the students’ neuroses. He or she needs to be able to conjure
with them in terms of the four Buddha Karmas—enriching, pacifying,
controlling, destroying—whichever it happens to be. This is why teachers
can act in extraordinary ways. One will see their student having their neurosis
encouraged; and one will wonder why is this teacher encouraging the
student’s neurosis here? ‘Yes, buy more! Get the more expensive
one – get two!’ This might happen. One could say, ‘This is
really encouraging this person’s lust or whatever’; but then you
notice there is some playful quality about it, especially in conjunction with
the teacher. You start realising, ‘Right, there is also something being
teased here’. One is being encouraged, but the whole thing is not taken
seriously – so it is empty lust, or empty craving that is going on. It is
part of the relationship with the teacher, where the teacher might be cutting
through that and saying, Don’t have anything. There are whole
different ways of working here that are called bodhicitta, which are all about
this play with how a person is, what their energy is like, how it is
manifesting. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
You need some temperature control in your grilling system: Even though most propane and charcoal grills include a temperature gauge, they’re not precise. Because the pellet Traeger grill works more like an oven, cooking at a precise temperature setting is a lot easier to do. It’s not quite as precise as the oven in your kitchen, but the Traeger system’s temperature control is surprisingly accurate most of the time. Some manufacturers of low cost pellet grills only offer low, medium, or high temperature settings.
Seeking to produce the pellet cooker that is both a great smoker and a powerful grill. The truth is that burning pellets in a controlled way is not the best method for producing high grilling temperatures. Most pellet grills top out at 500 degrees F while the hottest units can hit 600 degrees F. This pellet cooker is in reality, a combination grill with a large smoking space, and a small but powerful direct grilling area. Reasonably priced with quality construction, this is definitely a pellet grill to look at.
One comment I see a lot in various forums like Pellet Heads Forum is that you want as much efficiency as you can get. As with lump charcoal, this means burning as clean of a cook as you can with as little ash as possible. Different pellet mixes will produce differences in what you get in this area, and the cooker you’re using will dictate this to some degree as well. The Davy Crockett Pellet Grill offers open flame technology which uses infrared radiation to cook your food. The peaked lid not only allows for you to cook tall slabs of meat, but it also helps the convection process within the grill, making sure that your meat is thoroughly and evenly cooked. This top notch technology ensures that you get that consistent and authentic tasting BBQ every time you fire up the grill!
There is no party like a backyard grill and BBQ party on a hot summer weekend with some good music on the back, and of course the centerpiece: the food. You see, food is a universal language. It is a way to say how much you appreciate and care for one another; a way to people’s hearts. And there is nothing more comfortable, warm and heart than some good old open grill and BBQ cooking on your pellet grill. And this is the reason you need an expert pellet grill review.
I have yet to have any problems with my smoker, other that what I caused for myself. Please follow the instructions on covering the heat diffuser plate with aluminium foil. When fat from the meats that you are cooking (mine was chicken) it will cook right there, and is difficult to get off. When you follow instructions, this cooker is a dream come true.
Traeger pellet grills pack big hardwood flavor, from sweet cherry, to savory mesquite, into everything you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, & BBQ. Traeger's wood pellets are made with 100% pure, natural hardwood giving you authentic flavor and nothing else. Grilling has never been easier—just set it and forget it and let the Traeger work its wood-fired magic.
PG24 by Camp Chef Pellet Grill also brings along a digital controller which you could use to set your desired temperature and at one point the heat in the chamber will be automatically adjusted. It allows meat to be smoked for hours at a temperature of 150 degrees F. You could increase temperature to 500 degrees F for searing and grilling. With convection, the cold and hot areas of the grill can be replaced with even heat.
To sear a steak you need direct radiant heat. I don't care if you can heat the air to 1000°F, it is still indirect heat and that does not deliver as much energy as direct radiant heat. It's physics, but not hard to understand. In short, heat is not the same as temperature. It feels hotter at 80°F if the sun is shining on you than if it is 80°F in the shade. I discuss the concept in more detail in my article on thermodynamics of cooking.
Manufacturers advertise this piece of equipment as both a smoker and a grill, but it's best to think of it as a superb indirect-heat convection smoker, not a grill. Most models just don't do as good a job of searing a steak as a charcoal grill or even a gas grill with a sear burner can. You'll sear steaks better on a $20 hibachi than on most pellet smokers.
I only just learned about “wood pellets” recently when my husband and I were researching ways to heat the small mountain cabin we just moved into a few months ago, and I had no idea there were so many options for pellet grills. Wow! I hadn’t even know these existed to consider them, and now your reviews have me wanting to try one out. You’ve offered amazingly detailed and positive information on each model listed to help buyers make an informed decision. Your writing style is so fun and upbeat, I can only imagine that your backyard and backyard gatherings rock! Thanks for giving me food for thought on our next grill, Nate. (And for making me hungry, too! lol)
Besides being able to smoke, roast, sear and bake your food, the Pit Boss 71700FB allows you to do one more thing – directly grill your meat. The unit comes with a flame broiler, a simple slide-plate, which gives you complete control of grilling on direct flame. This is one of the few models that will let you both smoke and grill, and it comes at a great low price. Many other features, like its automatic control and built-in meat probe have made us select this smoker as the top one in our pellet smoker review. And the most amazing fact is the price. In the price range (see the price here), we never thought that we could get all these features and benefits. We took all the top smokers into considerations like the Rec Tec smokers, but this PG24 by Camp Chef can beat all through its performance and affordability.
Pellets work so well with the ease of use of a pellet grill because they’re 100% all-natural. They don’t have binders, chemicals, fillers, or petroleum products within them. They serve as a source of compact energy (8,500 BTU per pound) and smoke flavor. Most importantly, there’s little to no ash from them. Compared to coals, there are no flare-ups involved.
Versus other hardwood pellet grills, Traeger represents a good value whether for a gift or for general use, although if you’re looking for a fully Made in America grill, you’ll want to consider other options. If you decide to go with Traeger, be certain you’ve thought about how much grilling area for food you’ll need and pick an adequate model, as the various Traeger grill price points depend heavily on available grilling area.
The Memphis Pro Wood Fire Pellet Grill is one of the best pellet grills on the market. It combines high-quality construction and engineering with versatile cooking capabilities that will let you "grill" almost anything. Able to reach temperatures out to 650 degrees F. this pellet grill can sear a steak while also being able to hold temperatures down to 180 degrees F. so it can smoke, low and slow, any kind of BBQ. Add to this the convection fans and temperature control precision this wood pellet grill can rival the best indoor ovens. This truly is a grill that can do it all and give you an authentic wood flavor.
Thank you for stopping by to read this article pertaining to Pellet Grill Reviews. If you’re here, it’s likely you’ve already read a few reviews about pellet smokers. As such, you’re in the process of figuring out whether Pellet Smokers are a good choice either for personal backyard BBQ cooking or as a means of getting started on the BBQ competition circuit.
A few other mentionable features are that it has a highly durable temperature proof textures powder coat finish, it features auto start. The REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill accommodates temperatures from 180 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with 5 degrees increment. This amazing temperature control features let you be in control of how much heat you want to cook your food in, without having to worry about it getting dry or burnt. This low increment allows you to cook delicate meats like fishes and seafood as well! It smart grill tech makes sure that the temperature you set is always consistent and constant. It also has an “Extreme” smoke feature from the 180 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit setting that intensifies the smoke in the grill.
Kevin, Im about ready to pull the trigger – im pausing for a moment to consider your thoughts as you mentioned Grilla Silverback or Camp Chef. How do these compare to the Rec Tec on quality and price? (as they are less than Rec Tec) And reverse sear…how well does this work on pellet grill, ie how long does it take to go from 200 cooking temp to 500 searing temp (with grill grates)? Thank you for your time
When you have owned your smoker grill for 5-6 years you start wondering if owning a new one would be the best idea. This might happen because you are facing problems with your machine and not getting the desired result. The first and primary advice in this situation remains to clean up your grill thoroughly. Open up each and every part then proceed to doing a thorough cleaning. Most of the problems like temperature inconsistency or jamming will get solved this way.
Whether you're grilling steak and asparagus or fresh salmon; you want the most delicious flavor possible. The Stainless Steel Barb...ecue Grill Box will outperform other grills because of its patented heat-diffuser plate and cast iron grill grates. The heat diffuser converts flame to infrared heat, evenly heating the cast iron grill grate so your meat is seared to perfection. Grease is vaporized, infusing your food with a rich barbecue flavor that cannot be achieved any other way. A temperature gauge is built into the stylish stainless steel lid for convenience. The products are covered by the following warranty. Warranty covers all components of the stoves, fire pits, ovens and smokers to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for one year from the day of purchase (excluding finish). All accessories are covered for a full 90 days to be free of defect in materials and workmanship. Camp Chef: The Way to Cook Outdoors. read more
Another thing about pellet smokers which might impress you is that you can also use this type of smoker to grill your food. So, don’t be confused if you come across the term “pellet grill” in this article because it refers to a pellet smoker. When used as a grill, pellet smoker will start up quickly and cook your food with minimal supervision. Depending on your smoker, you can either use the small area above the fuel pot to grill your food or you can put a griddle on the pellet smoker when it is running on high heat. You visited your friend’s house and saw his amazing pellet smoker. Now you want one. But you don’t want just any pellet smoker. You want the best pellet smoker that you can afford. Now, you could spend a lot of time reading hundreds of pellet smoker reviews, or you could spend a few minutes going over this comprehensive guide that we have prepared.
Capacity Just like with other grills, cooking capacity is an important consideration. Will you only be using the grill for family dinners, or will you be hosting backyard parties where you’ll need to feed a crowd? While pellet grills cook food quickly, you don’t want to make your guests wait in line while you’re putting the second wave of burgers on the grill.
The Memphis Elite is the largest cooker in Memphis Wood Fire Grills' impressive line of luxury pellet smokers. They're extremely well designed and well built. The top-grade 304 stainless steel is thick and extraordinarily well machined. Fit and finish are impeccable. Meathead proclaims Memphis smokers to be "some of the best cookers [he's] ever had the pleasure to use." At $4,999, the Elite is clearly not in everyone's budget, but this beast is impressive enough for us to include in our 2016 Top 10 Luxury Grills and Smokers list, where prices go up to $50,000.
A: Now, this next key question is one of the most asked questions and we can see why. For the new individual that wants to know how long pellets will last. There really is no overall actual answer because it all depends on the size of the grill and the heat that the grill is on. With that said, a nine-pound bag of pellets can last as long as 2.5 hours at a heat of about 225. However, the higher the heat the quicker it will cook.
Apart from the aforementioned problems, you might face some minor issues like the smoker staying hot for hours in the end even after your cooking is over and it’s turned off? It’s better to check out the backdraft preventing cooling fan for your grill. Although this wouldn’t cause any major issues with your grilling experience, it’s a safety feature that is always worth checking out and fixing. Be that as it may, if your concern mainly lies on something that can be carried on a truck to an open-air grilling party or to a friend’s place, it’s positively a decent proposal. Aside from portability, it also gives you a cooking adaptability as you can grill, prepare, smoke, grill and braises with no bothers. The grill highlights full-size functionalities in a convenient bundle, henceforth a decent decision for anybody searching for versatile decision.
The Memphis Elite is the largest cooker in Memphis Wood Fire Grills' impressive line of luxury pellet smokers. They're extremely well designed and well built. The top-grade 304 stainless steel is thick and extraordinarily well machined. Fit and finish are impeccable. Meathead proclaims Memphis smokers to be "some of the best cookers [he's] ever had the pleasure to use." At $4,999, the Elite is clearly not in everyone's budget, but this beast is impressive enough for us to include in our 2016 Top 10 Luxury Grills and Smokers list, where prices go up to $50,000.
The built-in cords on outdoor cooking devices are often not long enough, and although regular household extension cords will work for rotisserie kits, they will not carry enough juice to keep you pellet smoker or electric smoker going. They could become a fire hazard as they heat up trying to deliver power to the unit. To extend the cord you need a large capacity cable as measured in amps. Here's how to figure out what you need:
Hey Shannon – they all have their merits. Budget dictates a lot. If you’re in the $1000 or under range, Green Mountain and Rec Tec are great choices. Both have developed near cult followings, with GMG a little ahead of the curve on that front having been around a bit longer. I love the Yoders as far as moving up on the price range is concerned. Will last you forever and they offer a solid product with great support. MAK grills are just beautifully made. There’s no other way to put it. The “General” models are superbly crafted. Love that MAK offers built in cold smoking as a capability. Am I helping here or just making things worse? Hahaha.
Brought it home and set it on my prep table with the controller in a cubby hole with all intentions of building a cart for it later. So I have made a killer rib eye on it and tried to burn it down with a couple rib eyes cooking at 600 F. Gotta figure out a little better method of catching drippings as they will catch on fire and you have a runaway! But you can make a great rib eye. Ribs, every set has turned out awesome, everything from low and slow to a high temp cook process on them. Probably made 8 racks of great ribs. Wasn’t impressed with the hamburgers on it but will try again later. Made a pretty good brisket but used Rudy’s rub as I like their store sandwiches and I don’t have the method down. Next one will be back to salt and a touch of pepper. Chicken thighs (thighs are the perfect chicken part for Q, their rather uniform thickness makes getting them all consistent and cooked even a slam dunk) with a light coat of mustard and Tony Chachere’s lightly sprinkled is to die for. Simply squeeze them when they should be close and if the juice is clear, no pink or red they are perfect. If you cook the juice out, well they make decent tasting blotter paper 🙁 Pretty much killed a spatchcocked turkey for Thanksgiving, good thing the wife made an over baked one too. It did make great gumbo though as does the blotter paper chicken if you ruin any thighs or the whatever chicken. Also have a pile of hot links I put on at 180 for 2 to 3 hours. They are great for reheat with sauerkraut and roasted pabs or in the gumbo. Hot links should be a staple, ha ha! Gotta try my great pulled pork on it and we do Prudhomme pizza sauce on a Brown Eyed Baker crust and this Pro should rock it!
Super excited to receive my brand new Traeger Timberline 1300 pellet smoker. When unboxing and putting together I noticed I was unable to attach legs due to damage to the unit. Instead of a nice round hole where legs would go, there was no holes, just where the hole should be smashed together. I instant contact Traeger and sent pictures of the damage requesting a new grill. They would not provide any case number and said they needed to review pictures which would take a few hours. 3 days goes but and no response. I open a PayPal dispute (NOT claim) and they contacted Traeger again. Now they refuse to do Anything unless I close the dispute but if I close dispute, I lose all my consumer protection. They could of handled this situation so much better. I will never purchase a smoker from them again. Horrible customer care.
You want to easily switch to different smoky flavors: Changing flavors in your Traeger grill is as easy as changing the pellets that you place in the hopper. Through its website, Traeger offers several different smoky flavors of hardwood pellet offerings, including hickory, mesquite, apple, maple, cherry, and oak. And Traeger’s website provides information on which types of hardwoods provide the best smoky flavor for certain types of foods, which can help you successfully use this grill immediately out of the box.
Hey Shannon – they all have their merits. Budget dictates a lot. If you’re in the $1000 or under range, Green Mountain and Rec Tec are great choices. Both have developed near cult followings, with GMG a little ahead of the curve on that front having been around a bit longer. I love the Yoders as far as moving up on the price range is concerned. Will last you forever and they offer a solid product with great support. MAK grills are just beautifully made. There’s no other way to put it. The “General” models are superbly crafted. Love that MAK offers built in cold smoking as a capability. Am I helping here or just making things worse? Hahaha.
In 2010, I sprung for a discounted Rainer with $80 in tip money and a pro deal through the whitewater rafting company I worked for. It was an expensive purchase for me at a time when my monthly food budget was around $60. But hey, along with a Roll-a-Table, two chairs I “borrowed” from the rafting company, and my cooler, I had almost a full kitchen that I could deploy from the back of my truck. And the Rainier quickly proved a wise investment. Enjoy the benefits of cooking with cast iron with the Camp Chef 11" Cast Iron Square Skillet. This skillet is great for typical sk...illet cooking and fits nicely over a one-burner stove to maximize heat efficiency. This Camp Chef skillet fits four sandwiches, allowing you to cook all at once. It is great for French toast, too. It comes seasoned, so it is ready for use right out of the box. This skillet is designed for your convenience from start to finish, and as such is very easy to clean. A steadying handle at the end of the pan and pour-off spouts on both sides make it easier to cook things just the way you like it. Enjoy convenience and delicious food with this handy skillet. read more
What makes it stand out from the crowd is that it’s the only pellet grill on the market (so far) that has an ash cleanout system… no more hauling out your vacuum to the patio to suck out the ashes when it’s time to clean out your grill! You just need a small cup… and with a simple turn of a small lever, the ashes drop out! You’ll LOVE this feature!
Brad Barrett at Grill Grates makes a fantastic product. Reverse searing 2″ steaks and chops (or thicker) works great on pellet smokers as you can get the internal temp up to 10-15 degrees below your desired finish temp, remove them and loosely wrap / cover in foil, crank up the smoker with the grates on to say, 400 degrees, and then sear off your protein getting great grill marks with little to no sticking at all. Huge fan of Grill Grates.
One other thing to know about the wonder of pellet grills is that they come with pellet hoppers, varying in capacity from brand to brand, that accommodates and use the pellets you put it accordingly and automatically as per the heat setting, eliminating the need to refill the hopper manually so frequently. So throw on some lamb ribs on to those hot grills, and go enjoy some cold beer while the pellet grill does the rest for you!
This pellet smoker and its humongous 20 inches by 15 inches or 300 square inches of grilling space are capable of holding 3 rib racks, 18 hotdogs, 4 chickens, or 12 burgers at the same time. This is also one of the most Affordable pellet smokers around. Its thermostat control is LED digital so that you can set it as easily as your microwave. Just press buttons and get the setting you want every time.
The initial design by Mr. Traeger consisted of a “classic” drum barrel shaped grill design with a chimney on top. Instead of the firebox, the grill contained a pellet hopper. It used a fan to distribute the heat evenly over the pellets. Unlike the modern pellet grills, the original design didn’t include any auto-ignition features and the pellets had to be lit manually. Versus other hardwood pellet grills, Traeger represents a good value whether for a gift or for general use, although if you’re looking for a fully Made in America grill, you’ll want to consider other options. If you decide to go with Traeger, be certain you’ve thought about how much grilling area for food you’ll need and pick an adequate model, as the various Traeger grill price points depend heavily on available grilling area.
The digital controller controls temperatures from 150F to 500F in 5-degree increments; that’s the most precise we’ve found on a pellet grill, and gives you a good, precise burn. There’s also Sense-Mate, a thermal sensor that monitors the smoker’s internal temperature, so you can keep an eye on it remotely on your phone via Wifi, letting you adjust the temperature from the app.
You want to easily switch to different smoky flavors: Changing flavors in your Traeger grill is as easy as changing the pellets that you place in the hopper. Through its website, Traeger offers several different smoky flavors of hardwood pellet offerings, including hickory, mesquite, apple, maple, cherry, and oak. And Traeger’s website provides information on which types of hardwoods provide the best smoky flavor for certain types of foods, which can help you successfully use this grill immediately out of the box.
I’m not sure of the dates on the above replies, its now Oct.2017, and I’ve had enough of the Bradley dig. smoker. I live on Long Island NY and the Bradley has trouble getting up to and holding temp. I’ve added a PID to it but have decided to take it up a level. I’ve done a bunch of research and I’m leaning toward the Yoder 640 with Comp. cart. unless you take me out of it. What would you be spending your money on today? I did buy a book though your site, I hope that helps.
Camp Chef have been a notable and solid producer of grills for some time now, and have earned their position in the market, with straightforward, yet proficient outlines, which offer purchasers great outcomes. They had stated, prior to release, that the PG24 Pellet Grill and Smoker, would give clients brilliant elements and a high level of usefulness, with exact temperature readings, and I needed to see whether this genuine. This Camp Chef PG24 Review expects to give purchasers all the data they have to settle on an educated purchasing choice.
Yoder smokers are named after the size of the cooking surface. The YS640 pellet smoker has 640 square inches of grilling surface. In addition, you can get yourself a removable second shelf that adds 65% to the cooking surface area – bringing the total space to 1,070 square inches. The entire smoker is built out of quality materials and come with a lifetime guarantee against burnout.
You want longevity in a pellet grill: As the Traeger brand name has been around for a few decades, you can have some peace of mind that you’re purchasing a grill that should have replacement parts available for the foreseeable future. And Traeger grills tend to have good longevity ratings, working in top condition for several years, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
If you’re looking for very portable smoker on a budget, we recommend the Davy Crockett by Green Mountain Grills. However, if you’re looking for a small backyard smoker that you can use at the occasional picnic, tailgate, or cul-de-sac party, we recommend the Traeger Tailgater. We think the slight increase in cost is justified by the bigger grill space, which comes in handy if you’re using your smoker frequently or to cook for more than two people. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post4450663585753463774..comments2016-12-09T08:20:57.860-05:00Comments on Jenny Steffens Hobick: My Birthday | Day Trip to East HamptonJenny Steffens Hobickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-45819285172333547422012-03-18T19:43:14.461-04:002012-03-18T19:43:14.461-04:00Love this! I'm hoping to visit the Hamptons th...Love this! I'm hoping to visit the Hamptons this summer! The beach looks beautiful and your baby is adorable!Chic Coastal Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-23876262769565847722012-03-17T07:28:31.010-04:002012-03-17T07:28:31.010-04:00I use a Canon Rebel T2i with a 50mm 1.8f lens. On...I use a Canon Rebel T2i with a 50mm 1.8f lens. One of my new blog topics is going to be sharing my photography tips- as I learn and teach myself! Look for some of those posts next week- we'll be traveling back home to KC and I hope to take lots of pics!<br /><br />My stroller is amazing. It is so lightweight and sturdy. Best part? It was $99 from target! It is the Baby Trend [email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-73797562728069808302012-03-16T11:58:48.765-04:002012-03-16T11:58:48.765-04:00I love your car seat/ stroller system, what is the...I love your car seat/ stroller system, what is the brand and model? Thank [email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-6232786544931714262012-03-14T17:08:48.408-04:002012-03-14T17:08:48.408-04:00Jenny:
Your photography on the beach looks just li...Jenny:<br />Your photography on the beach looks just like a Anne Packard painting. (My favorite artist!!)<br /><br />Hope all is well. Emma is darling.<br />Paula Derks<br />Lee's [email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-75104345341430284832012-03-11T22:34:22.162-04:002012-03-11T22:34:22.162-04:00happy belated birthday, jenny! looks like a perfe...happy belated birthday, jenny! looks like a perfect celebration! <br />tessaTessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-80724399631292773722012-03-11T12:52:44.289-04:002012-03-11T12:52:44.289-04:00Beautiful pictures! Gorgeous family!
And happy bir...Beautiful pictures! Gorgeous family!<br />And happy birthday!<br />Have the best Sunday!<br /><br />Big hugs!<br />Inés<br /><br />SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.comInéshttp://[email protected]:blogger.com,1999:blog-1441692632380073171.post-9331980313271969192012-03-10T21:12:47.137-05:002012-03-10T21:12:47.137-05:00Looks like a fun birthday! Could you please share ...Looks like a fun birthday! Could you please share what camera you use, types of settings, and what program you use to edit them? They look great!Aileenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/[email protected] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Tag: Origins Cigar Lounge
This past week I was visiting Miami and kept a promise to visit Mr. Karel Martinez, owner of Enki Cigars and Origins Cigars. Karel and Stogie Press go way back, as he was one of the first brand owners to send us samples to review when we first launched our site back in 2013. We Read more about Lounge Review: Origins and Enki Cigar Shop[…] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Cheats For 8 Ball Quick Fire Pool Multiplayer Games
Guide the Golf sphere to the ball Flag Pole due to the help of the arrow keys. Try to keep the ball within the air as long as you can by pressing the matching key!. Secret Sphere is a classic game pool related with memory for and additionally talent.
Tonight is a special night cheats because the prince is giving quick a ball during the palace. Hit the balls using the fire white color ball which will make the balls extend to the fencing. The aim related with the player will be move the sphere across the tracks. Make groupings of three or even more of the same sphere to break them apart. Hit home runs and also dispatch the ball to the very end of the pitch.
The most beautiful penthouse pool cheats for 8 ball quick fire pool multiplayer games that all of the players are fan meet with you on this website.
You will pass enjoyable moments while playing cheats for 8 ball quick fire pool multiplayer games.
Penthouse PoolA fun online pool game in which you can play three different versions: 9-ball, straight pool and carambole!
Play Free Online Cheats For 8 Ball Quick Fire Pool Multiplayer Games
We have a great collection of 315 Cheats For 8 Ball Quick Fire Pool Multiplayer Games games for you to play for free as well as other cool games including free online games,
pool, billiards, mouse skill, fun, sports, girl, obstacle, dress up, matching, kids games, arcade games, racing games, shooting games, and flash games! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Frank Hugh Foster in a 1918 lecture announced that modern culture had arrived at a "post-theistic stage" in which humanity has taken possession of the powers of agency and creativity that had formerly been projected upon God.[1]
Denys Turner argues that
Karl Marx did not choose atheism over theism, but rejected the binary "
Feuerbachian" choice altogether, a position which by being post-theistic is at the same time necessarily post-atheistic.[2] For example, at one point Marx argued "there should be less trifling with the label 'atheism,'” as he insisted "religion in itself is without content, it owes its being not to heaven but to the earth, and with the abolition of distorted reality, of which it is the theory, it will collapse of itself."[3] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Latest Public Sector News
DCLG to intervene in Kensington following Grenfell Tower disaster
The DCLG will be intervening in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) following the authority’s handling of the Grenfell Tower incident a few weeks ago.
In a statement to MPs in the Commons today, communities secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that an independent taskforce would be sent in to advise the council on dealing with the problem and also the longer term recovery work involved with the disaster.
The taskforce will report directly to Javid, and will be made up of experienced and senior people with a track record in delivery – including figures from local government.
Details about the chair and membership of the taskforce will be announced shortly, and when established, the team will be put in place for as long as required by the affected area.
All aspects of the recovery operation will be taken on board by the taskforce, but a special focus on housing, regeneration and community engagement will be taken by the team.
The governance of RBKC will also be investigated by the taskforce to ensure that it is still providing effective leadership even through such difficult circumstances.
“The scale of the recovery effort needed on the Lancaster West estate in the months to come cannot be underestimated,” Javid told MPs. “Support to survivors, the families and friends of those who lost their lives and residents in the wider community must and will be ongoing.
“The challenge of providing that support is and will continue to be significant. I want to help the council meet that challenge.”
public sector executive tv
last word
Following the recent Grenfell Tower tragedy, Lord Porter, chairman of the LGA, argues that if the public are going to have faith in the safety testing process then everything must be out in the openmore >more last word articles >
editor's comment
Devolution, restructuring and widespread service reform: from a journalist’s perspective, it’s never been a more exciting time to report on the public sector. That’s why I could not be more thrilled to be taking over the reins at PSE at this key juncture.
There could not be a feature that more perfectly encapsulates this feeling of imminent change than the article James Palmer, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has penned for us on p28. In it, he highlights...read more > | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
PM Mitchell: The picture is a hoax
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has dismissed as fraudulent a picture posted on the website of a Miami-based blogger which shows him in the company of someone named PK Sandhu who is the alleged holder of a Grenada diplomatic passport.
PM Mitchell was seen in this photo with the controversial PK Sandhu which was described as a hoax and the work of a con-artist using photoshop
Well-placed sources told THE NEW TODAY that the Prime Minister addressed the issue at last week’s Cabinet meeting held at the Ministerial Complex in the Botanical Gardens.
A usually reliable source said that Dr. Mitchell told Cabinet colleagues that he does not know where the picture came from since he does not know Sandhu and had never ever met him in person.
He said that PM Mitchell accused someone of using modern technology like the Adobe Photoshop graphic programme to superimpose the picture showing him with Sandhu.
A female political activist of the ruling New National Party (NNP) had called a local radio station on the same day of the Cabinet meeting to charge that someone had used “photoshop” to fraudulently create the Mitchell/Sandhu photograph.
A government insider told this newspaper that he doubted Sandhu is indeed a Grenada diplomat.
He said if the individual was granted diplomatic status with a passport that the procedure calls for him to at least visit the island and to meet with government officials including the Cabinet of Ministers.
“It will be highly unusual for any government to appoint someone as a diplomat to do work on behalf of the country and no one in the government knows him”, he said.
“Remember this: The Prime Minister is telling his Cabinet ministers that he does not know the man (Sandhu), and he of all persons will be the most suitable person to know all who have been appointed to work in a diplomatic capacity”, he added.
Health Minister, Nickolas Steele has branded the posting of the picture by the blogger known as Kenneth Rijock as part of an election tactic to prevent the ruling New National Party (NNP) government from winning the upcoming general election.
Steele did not name the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) as part of the “campaign” to discredit the Mitchell-led regime.
Congress is known to be the main challenger to NNP in the upcoming general election which some pundits are predicting will be held befor
Rijock claimed in a blog posted on August 31 that a UK company alleged that Sandhu who is getting diplomatic protection in Grenada forced it into liquidation due to his so-called “criminal conduct”.
The blogger alleged that Sandhu has relocated to Grenada and is currently out of the reach of UK law enforcement agencies.
THE NEW TODAY has not been able to ascertain that Sandhu is living on the island. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Welcome to Cannaworx, Inc
Cannaworx Consulting specializes in providing planning, staffing and management for any cannabis business, whether it be a cannabis cultivation center, a cannabis processing company, or cannabis dispensary operations. We also create brands and cannabinoid-specific formulas for clinical trials, private firms and doctors.
The Cannaworx team includes industry professionals with over 100 years of diversified business experience, The team has a vast national network of cannabis scientists, medical specialists, new product developers industry experts to assist with any needs.
New Cannabis Study Uncovers Location of CB3 Receptors; US Government Takes Notice
Dec 10, 2015 – 11:00 am Cannaworx Acquires Advanced Extraction System to Develop Cannabis Formulas PENSACOLA, FL–(Marketwired – Dec 10, 2015) – Cannaworx, Inc., a portfolio client of GEAR International, Inc. (OTC PINK: GEAR), a California-based company that is focused on the development and advancement of cannabinoid sciences, is pleased to announce that it has acquired an advanced CLCO2 system from Innovative Extractions that facilitates the temperature driven extraction and concentration processes of cannabis products.
Genome Bank, Hybridization and Tissue Culture
Cannaworx has the scientists needed to develop a genome, seed, and tissue culture bank. CannaWorx will leverage on this capability and build a genome library to support its agriculture and grow functions. This will ensure access to strain specific source materials.
Extracts and Concentrates
Cannaworx is committed to making high quality medical cannabis products available to those in need, both for patients and clinical trials. CannaWorx has a vast team of medical professionals who work with us to continually advance our research and the resulting products.
Cannaworx has acquired an advanced CLCO2 system from Innovative Extractions and is adding distillation, alcohol, and temperature driven extraction and concentration processes.
The Cannaworx products are created in a clean and natural environment that supports high quality medicinal products that are tested and wholesome. We welcome inquiries from scientists, doctors and patients worldwide. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
We removed the glass moldings from the car. Note the guys who painted it didnt remove the molding, you can still see the Astro Blue paint where the molding ones. So this explains why the paint at the moldings were all peeled up. No Rust!!! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Related
Comments
Comment by TheOnyx
Comment by Firan
The quests require killing undead in the plaguelands, money, and a trip to Un'goro.
This lock can be picked by rogues with lockpicking skill 280 or higher.
Comment by segroove
You have to pay a nice amount of money to get this key (15, 20G?). However, if you're level 60 you'll get money instead of experience for each part of this quest line, so the actual price for this key is below 5G.
Comment by kurnmogh
As long as someone at the entrance has the key to let you in, you can skip the quest, but if you're levelling, I'd recommend doing the quest for some mad XP.
Comment by kronnyq
Three ways to get into scholo without key:
1) Rogue that can pick.2) Warlock can get naked, hellfire himself to death right next to door, run as ghost thru door and res3) My most favorite method with a duel. Get naked, duel a party member outside scholo door. Initiate duel, both of you run in scholo take the right go up the stairs and up more stairs eventually you will get to a dead end where you can go left and onto the roof right above the door to scholo. Have the other person defeat u in the duel, then jump off the roof and kill yourself right in front of scholo door. Run back as ghost, run thru door, res, bada bing bada boom you are now inside.
Comment by pjax9
why does a warlock have to get naked
Comment by rdrew4
Is there a way to obtain the key if you have done the quest and distroyed the key?
Comment by Raskull
*Easily* soloed at 70. Araj the Summoner is real easy, just clear the mobs around him first, and it's cake. I did it because I was bored..
4. Head on back and accept Mold Rhymes With... where you'll be sent all the way to Gadgetzan to fork over 15 gold. Before you make the trip all the way to Tanaris, stop by an Auction House and grab two Thorium Bars for later. Once you've got your bars head over to Krinkle Goodsteel to hand him your 15g.
7. Head back to the Bulwark, talk to Dithers a few more times and receive your very own Skeleton Key. Grats!
Comment by shadow622
The way I got into Scholo without the key was by running all the way up the stairs and jumping off the ledge, didnt take too long to kill myself and run in...this was the only way I could solo this instance since nobody was online to help. Hope this helps :D
Comment by vikey
I stumbled upon this and realized no1 even mentioned its reference! It is a reference to the movie "The Skeleton Key".
Comment by Ronanan
this running upstairs and jumping off works great. go as high up as you can and jump off to the right. your ghost appears at a nearby graveyard and you can simply pass right thru the locked door. make sure to rez before trying to enter the instance downstairs as you will go directly back to the graveyard of you don't.
Comment by Xenial2themax
Remember, when you are commting suicide to get in, TAKE OFF YOUR GEAR. I am not so proud to say that i hadn't repaired in a while before using this method, so when i died, half of my stuff was red.
Other than that, Happy Hunting
Comment by EmperorScorpion
You can also use Arcanite Skeleton Keys to open Scholomance. Comes in handy if you don't have the instance key nor cannot find a Rogue to pick the lock.
Comment by Teiresias
It's been quite a few months, but I believe that I started the Skeleton Key quest chain, acquired the Skeletal Fragments, and stopped prior to Gadgetzan--couldn't afford the gold at the time.
Any suggestions on how to reacquire either the quest or the quest items?
Comment by Ellishkar
Why is it that when i got this key I didn't get The Keymaster achievement? I already have all the other keys...
Comment by Keekyo
I just completed the quest chain to get the Skeleton Key for "The Keymaster" achievement, and it did not credit me for it. Though it is on my key-chain. Anyone else have this issue?
Comment by CommanderApaul
To save yourself a lot of headache and time, make sure that you complete this quest before you go for your Bloodsail Admiral title.
Comment by mbok
just an FYI you cannot get this key if you are hated with goblins ha.pirate title has cost me two pets and now this key for my final key for achievement.
Bèar NE DruidFrostmane
Comment by Forform
Is the key still needed for Random Dungeons? Can you queue and will it look for someone with a key or does everyone need to have it... Or nobody, you will just get ported in...I'll probably end up doing the entire questline because I kinda like to collect keys, but some people might not wanna do this if it saves them time ;)
Comment by kaentheinsane
There are several ways to get back rep with the steamwheedle cartel:
If you're going for the insane title: - Kill the other faction of pirates found on the coast of Tanaris behind the caverns of time or the ones on the coast of the Barrens just north of Northwatch Hold. If you just want rachet rep stick to the ones in the Barrens because they give you 5 rep per kill with Ratchet for the Skeleton Key quest. -Run Dire Maul North... A lot... Until your eyes bleed and you Free Knot and do the Gordorok Ogre suit quest. It will also help with your Shen. rep when you turn in librams. Here is a link to the Achievement: Insane in the Membrane
If you don't want to bother with the insane title: - Kill the other faction of pirates found on the coast of Tanaris behind the caverns of time or the ones on the coast of the Barrens just north of Northwatch Hold. If you just want rachet rep stick to the ones in the Barrens because they give you 5 rep per kill with Ratchet for the Skeleton Key quest.
Comment by Zazkia
This key is gone in Cataclysm, as are all other keys from classic dungeons.
Comment by Necropenguin
Indeed, the Skeleton Key has been removed from characters as of 4.0.3a, and with the changes to the Western Plaguelands the quests to get it also no longer exist.
However, the key is still in the game. Anyone who had it previosuly can go to a Locksmith and get it restored temporarily, but when you log out the key will again be removed from your character's possession.
Comment by Jickles
As of the current patch there is no key required to enter Scholomance.
Comment by raidmaster
To get the Skeleton Key go to UC speake to Harbringer Balthazad, him give the first pre quest to the key.name on the quest: A Call to Arms: The Plaguelands! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Not One Step Back, Comrades!
It has been seven years since the release of Company of Heroes in 2006 and Relic Entertainment decided it was finally time for players to revisit the battlefield. Company of Heroes 2 offers a new outlook on strategic warfare within the Eastern Front, this time dealing not only with German forces, but also with the frigid environments within the Soviet world.
The single-player campaign follows the Soviet forces from Stalingrad to the advance on Berlin. Missions depict a true sense of urgency when illustrating the defense of civilians, the destruction of resources so as to not replenish the German forces, and holding off waves of attacks. Soviet forces were poorly supplied during the battle of Stalingrad, and so it would have been nice to see some squads weaponless until discovering some upon the ruined terrain. Gameplay also features numerous tense moments where being overrun is a distinct possibility and yet you press on. The sight of reinforcements offers only momentary relief with the hope of victory.
The 14 missions provide both an offensive and defensive approach to combat within the Eastern Front. You will find your standard ‘destroy all enemies’ missions, but there are also some that warrant mention such as tracking a Tiger tank through the snow with limited units and resources and executing German officers behind enemy lines with only a select few snipers.
The acquisition of resources is based on control points throughout each map. You will always be in need of additional ammunition and fuel, and so defending control points will be a priority. Their loss and the loss of a majority of your army will be catastrophic as re-taking them will be extremely difficult with conscript infantry. The variety of units available contains an extensive amount of deadly combinations. Your playstyle will determine which units you rely on while online play will have you becoming familiar with all that is at your disposal in order to be a threat to all players. Certain weapons may feel overpowered, but it is simply poor preparation with regards to your army. The mobilization of units to counter specific enemy soldiers will keep you in the fight. Weapons such as the flamethrower will devastate your ground forces before you can even react to taking cover and anti-tank guns can wreak havoc upon any vehicle from the side or behind. Strategic planning and positioning will be determining factors to many victories.
Watching units vault over obstacles to set up a perimeter with heavy machine guns and mortars is a sight that you will not tire of.
Both fighting and retreating within the Soviet army presented the possibility of death. Such actions are also taken into account with the inclusion of Order 227. Conscript reinforcements who retreat are executed by the Commissar at the headquarters. The addition of historical facts is a nice touch, but the story focuses more on soldier bravery and loyalty to their country than the countless casualties that were suffered throughout the Eastern Front.
Cinematics feel outdated, but in-game graphics will definitely impress. Unit interaction, detailed environments, and destruction on a chaotic scale will continually have your gaze focused on the action. Watching units vault over obstacles to set up a perimeter with heavy machine guns and mortars is a sight that you will not tire of. The sound of constant artillery barrages on enemy positions also adds to the overall immersive experience. Each unit is brought to life by their realistic interactions on the battlefield due to some newly added features.
The implementation of new innovative features is quickly made apparent through the initial combat sequences. TrueSight adds a more realistic approach to unit visibility in RTS warfare as they are only able to see what is in their line of sight. Units are able to keep out of sight behind taller objects and buildings, ambushing enemies as they pass by. You will also have to manually position machine gun units in order for them to cover the desired location. Environmental factors will also be considered, and so visibility will greatly deteriorate at night and during blizzards. The new Essence 3.0 engine has also brought about ColdTech, which is responsible for bringing the extreme cold to life in the Eastern Front. Units will slowly begin to freeze and will need warmth from fires or seek shelter within buildings. You will repeatedly encounter scenarios where you must decide to capture a strategic point with the risk of losing men, or seek shelter and wait for a blizzard to pass. You are also able to manipulate ice to your advantage by placing explosives or firing upon the ice to break it and swallow any enemy forces caught off guard.
As is common with several RTS games, the single-player campaign is viewed as a tutorial to prepare you for what lies ahead online. You attain a sense of familiarity among the different units available and their strengths and weaknesses, so that you are prepared to charge the fields with the units that will grant you victory.
Online competitive gameplay is the primary mode that attracts attention from RTS fans and the same is said here. The longevity and popularity of Company of Heroes 2 will be decided within the online realm and so far there is a lot of content to keep you engaged. The complexity of unit versatility will be highlighted more as you will try to exploit enemy unit weaknesses. Reconnaissance will also be essential in countering any opposition.
Online combatants will greatly benefit from the perks that can be located within the Army Customizer. You can customize your commander loadouts, vehicle skins, and unlock bulletins that will grant you slight superiority in combat. Completing challenges will grant you unlocks that vary from increasing damage, reload speed, and vehicle armour. Increases may seem insignificant at first, but every advantage is welcome when dealing with competitive matches. The Theatre of War modes offer additional single-player and cooperative challenges that will put your combative skills to the test. Achieving victory single-handedly will only feel like additional campaign missions, but playing with a friend to hold back advancing German reinforcements adds an entirely new perspective.
Company of Heroes 2 focuses more on online gameplay than a single-player driven experience. War on the Eastern Front is just as chaotic as it was in the West, but the addition of environmental factors adds a new level of depth that players will also have to tackle. Realistic combat coupled with a multiplayer mode that delivers will keep you charging the fields for an extended period of time.
Last night as the clock ticked down to the midnight release of the highly anticipated 4v1 monster hunting extravaganza known as Evolve, Xbox and EB Games threw a launch party in Toronto to celebrate the game's imminent release. Attendees stepped off the sixth floor elevator and were instantly greeted with some thick foliage and monster footprints. It appeared that the downtown loft space had been magically transformed to the planet Shear, complete with staff decked out in garb ready for some big game hunting. Ammon belts, camo and other accessories straight from Ted Nugent's closet were the threads and animal skulls, furs and weaponry adorned the walls. Lire la suite...
When Nintendo first revealed Amiibo back at E3 2014, many fans of the company were quick to chomp at the idea of the connected figurine line. Skylanders was a hit. Disney Infinity was a hit. Nintendo wanted a piece of the interactive action and they dove in head first.
Read more
With the start of a new year, the gaming slate is as pure as the driven snow and full of promise and expectation. Here at GameFocus we thought we would share some of the games we are stoked to get our hands on in 2015. Will this bumper crop of intriguing titles entice, disappoint or be delayed (as was common with our 2014 picks)? Only time will tell. Happy gaming this year.
Read more
Music can make or break a movie. The same could be said for videogames. For the last 30 some odd years, as videogames have slowly crept their way into the main stream, we have been beholden to some truly memorable musical contributions that enhance the immersive experience that make video games stand out among entertainment mediums.
Read more
Here we are. The next generation of consoles is among us and it is finally time to start thinking about finally unplugging our beloved current-gen systems. Could there be a better swan song for one of these systems than taking a trip back to Rapture?
Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall is an impressive little bit of DLC. I should emphasize “little” though, as it is a relatively short experience. Just when the story seems to get going it ends - or, rather, it “kind of” ends.
Maybe it wouldn't have been as bad if the sales person hadn't said, "this is our most popular seller; I can barely keep it on the shelves." My mother and I were in the only video game store in the city. It was in the basement of a professional building and smelled like stale cigarette smoke and BO. For passing grade five I was rewarded with a video game. This wasn't a decision to be made lightly; this would be one of the two games I'd get all year. I can no longer remember the game I originally wanted but I do remember the store didn't have it. Instead, the sales person was recommending something I'd never heard of, a little game called "Mystery Quest."
With the exception of the Virtual Boy I've owned every gaming system released by Nintendo. I considered myself well-versed in what the company had to offer until I started hearing about amiibos. The official website didn't help clear up my confusion. "Discover the Power Inside" greets vistors upon arrival. Inside of what? Do the amiibos do something? Can they move around like animatronic robots or are they Nintendo's real life version of chibi-robo?
This time around the guys take the Batmobile for a spin waxing poetically about the upcoming Arkham Knight and past Arkham titles. We shed a tear for our gaming regrets and speculate on which actor was delivered a Mortal Kombat fatality. Plus: How interested would you be in a "Who's The Boss" video game? What sort of hat wear could you get with 50 Microsoft points? And..Why do 2-D fighting games reign supreme over 3-D?
This time around the guys take the Batmobile for a spin waxing poetically about the upcoming Arkham Knight and past Arkham titles. We shed a tear for our gaming regrets and speculate on which actor was delivered a Mortal Kombat fatality. Plus: How interested would you be in a "Who's The Boss" video game? What sort of hat wear could you get with 50 Microsoft points? And..Why do 2-D fighting games reign supreme over 3-D? | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Dec 21, 2010
26th Dec 2010; Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo
Fitzcarraldo
A film by Werner HerzogYear :1982Country: PeruRun time:158 minsGerman with English subtitles26th Dec 2010; 5.45pmPerks Mini TheaterPerks School
Werner Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo" is one of the great visions of the cinema, and one of the great follies. One would not have been possible without the other. This is a movie about an opera-loving madman who is determined to drag a boat overland from one river system to another. In making the film, Herzog was determined to actually do that, which is more than can be said for Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald, the Irishman whose story inspired him.
"Fitzcarraldo" (1982) is one of those brave and epic films. Herzog could have used special effects for his scenes of the 360-ton boat being hauled up a muddy 40-degree slope in the jungle, but he believed we could tell the difference: "This is not a plastic boat."Watching the film, watching Fitzcarraldo (Klaus Kinski) raving in the jungle in his white suit and floppy panama hat, watching Indians operating a block-and-tackle system to drag the boat out of the muck, we're struck by the fact that this is actually happening, that this huge boat is inching its way onto land -- as Fitzcarraldo (who got his name because the locals could not pronounce "Fitzgerald") serenades the jungle with his scratchy old Caruso recordings.
Herzog turned to Klaus Kinski, the legendary wild man who had starred in his "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (1972) and "Nosferatu" (1979). Kinski was a better choice for the role than Robards, for the same reason a real boat was better than a model: Robards would have been playing a madman, but to see Kinski is to be convinced of his ruling angers and demons.
"Fitzcarraldo" opens on the note of madness, which it will sustain. Out of the dark void of the Amazon comes a boat, its motor dead, the shock-haired Kinski furiously rowing at the prow, while his mistress (Claudia Cardinale) watches anxiously behind him. They are late for the opera.
Herzog has always been more fascinated by image than story, and here he sears his images into the film. He worked with indigenous Amazonian Indians, whose faces become one of the important elements of the work.Among directors of the last four decades, has anyone created a more impassioned and adventurous career than Werner Herzog? Most people have only seen a few of his films, or none; he cannot be fully appreciated without a familiarity with his many documentaries and more obscure features (such as "Heart of Glass" and "Stroszek"). corrupted by the thin gruel of mass media.Again and again, in films shot in Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia and South America, he has been drawn to the farthest reaches of the earth and to the people who live there with their images uncorrupted by the thin gruel of mass media.( Source: Roger Ebert - http://rogerebert.suntimes.com)
Werner Herzog
One of the most influential filmmakers in New German Cinema and one of the most extreme personalities in film per se, larger-than-life Werner Herzog quickly gained recognition not only for creating some of the most fantastic narratives in the history of the medium, but for pushing himself and his crew to absurd and unprecedented lengths, again and again, in order to achieve the effects he demanded.
Werner Herzog (Werner Stipetic) was born Sept. 5, 1942 in Munich. He grew up on a farm in the Bavarian mountains. After his parents' divorce, Herzog and his mother moved to Munich where he attended High School (graduated in 1961). He travelled through Jugoslavia and Greece, worked in Manchester and - fact or fiction? - as a rodeo rider. At the age of 16 he converted to catholicism.
In 1974, he walked from Munich to Paris to see the sick Lotte Eisner. He wrote a dairy about his pilgrimage entitled Vom Gehen im Eis (Walking on Ice) for which he received a literary award (Rausirer Literaturpreis) in 1979. He said that when he was 14 years old, he knew that he would be making films. His first short was completed in 1962 (Herakles) and one year later he founded his own production company.
Herzog studied history, literature and drama in Munich and Pittsburgh (Fulbright) but not for very long. He never attended a film school and had no formal film education. 1964 he won the Carl Mayer Prize for the screenplay that was to become his first feature film, Signs of Life (Lebenszeichen), which was financed by the Kuratorium Junger Deutscher Film (300.000DM) and won the Bundesfilmpreis for best first feature.
Among Herzog's most popular films, though not an immediate success, was Aguirre: The Wrath of God (1972) with Klaus Kinski, who also starred in Nosferatu (1979),Woyzeck (1979), Fitzcarraldo (1982), and Cobra Verde (1987). One of his biggest successes was Every Man for Himself and God Against All / The Mystery (Enigma) of Kaspar Hauser (1974), which won the Special Award in Cannes (1975) and several Federal Film Prizes (1975).
Herzog is famous for dealing with marginalized figures and for his choice of 'exotic' sets (Peru, Brazil, Australia). Herzog, the "visionary" of the NGC, insists that "film is not the art of scholars, but of illiterates."
In recent years, Herzog released a number of documentaries and directed various operas. His latest feature film is Invincible. He lives in Munich and Los Angeles.
Pictures speak
louder than
words
Konangal Film Society
KONANGAL FILM SOCIETY was formed by cinema lovers in Coimbatore in 2003.
'Konangal' means 'angles' in Tamil.
kONANGAL is a non profit society with the aim to promote good cinema . Admission is free.Konangal Film Society is affiliated to Federation of Film Societies of India and registered as Film Society under The Tamilnadu Societies Act. Registration No.94/2006.
I don't like the idea of 'understanding' a film. I don't believe that rational understanding is an essential element in the reception of any work of art. Either a film has something to say to you or it hasn't. If you are moved by it, you don't need to have it explained to you. If not, no explanation can make you moved by it.
ENJOY THE RING SIDE VIEW OF THE BEST IN WORLD CINEMA
KONANGAL FILM SOCIETYbrings you the best from world cinema with regular weekly screenings , retrospectives of masters and outreach programs.
This is a non profit forum run by volunteers with an agenda of promoting good cinema . Admission is free.
Join and support KONANGAL by becoming a member. Rs.300 for individuals, Rs 500 for couples and Rs.150 for students for yearly membership. Phone :97904 57568 Email : [email protected]
For me the camera is exactly like a pen. It can be used by the common person, or it can be used by Baudelaire to create a great poem. We have an Iranian saying that if you want to become a good writer, you just keep writing and writing and writing. So in response to the question of how to develop a good aesthetic vision, I can say that you have to keep seeing and seeing and seeing.
Abbas Kiarostami
COIMBATORE ASTRONOMY CLUBWars are fought over boundaries that have been created in the name of politics,religion, race or beliefs. But the view from space reveals the true nature of our cosmic home— a borderless planet divided only into land and sea.Boundaries vanish when we look skyward We all share the same skyONE PEOPLE, ONE SKYAstronomers Without Borders
A film activist passes away
ART EXHIBITION
Contemplate Art Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition organized by New Delhi's prestigious Gallery Nature Morte showcasing the works of six emerging artists, evidence of the exciting diversity that is available to Indian artists today.
a tribute to ritwik ghatak
John Abraham 1937 - 1987
Student Of Ritwik Ghatak , The torch-bearer of Malayalam New Wave in cinema and the founder of ODESSA film movement in Kerala.
Ritwik Daa,
I know that you are no more.
But I am, alive for you
Believe me. When the seventh seal is opened
I will use my camera as my gun
and I am sure the echo of the sound
will reverberate in your bones,
and feed back to me for my inspiration.
. . . . .
Thank you for smoking !
Where is her cigarette ? This stamp honoring Bette Davis was issued by the U. S. Postal Service on Sept. 18 th. The portrait by Michael Deas was inspired by a still photo from "All About Eve." Notice anything missing? Before you even read this far, you were thinking" Where's her cigarette? Yes reader, the cigarette in the original photo has been eliminated. We are all familiar, I am sure, with the countless children and teenagers who have been lured into the clutches of tobacco by stamp collecting, which seems so innocent, yet can have such tragic outcomes. But isn't this is carrying the anti-smoking campaign one step over the line? - ------------- From Roger Ebert's journal ------ http://rogerebert.suntimes.com ------------------ Anbumani Ramados will be happy to hear this . . .
Indian Parallel Cinema & Indian New Wave
Through his first film Pather Panchali (1955) Satyajit Ray became the pioneer of a genre of films latter known as the 'Indian Parallel Cinema'. Even though Ritwik Ghatak made his first film Nagarik in 1952, he became well known by his film Ajantrik (1958) and became a strong presence in parallel cinema. Mrinal Sen made his first film Raatbhor in 1955.The first film society was founded in Bombay in 1943 and Satyajit Ray founded a film society in Calcutta in 1947. By the beginning of 1970s there existed above 150 film societies all over India. Through these societies people could see the best of Indian cinema and also they got access to the best of foreign cinema. The first International Film Festival of India was held in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta by the Films Division in 1952. Western classics like De Sica's Bicycle Thieves shown in the film festival created waves among young filmmakers who were frustrated with the mindless song-dance dramas made in India. The Film Training Institute of India (FTII - presently Film and Television Institute of India) was set up in Pune in 1961 and the National Film Archives of India (NFAI) was established in 1964. The Film Finance Corporation (FFC) was set up by the Government in 1960, with the objective of giving loans to directors who wanted to make feature films outside the commercial circuit. All these factors lead Indian Cinema to a revolutionary change, a new genre of Indian films arrived, which are often termed as the 'New Wave Indian Cinema' or the 'New Indian Cinema'.
AKIRA KUROSAWA (1910 - 1998)Akira Kurosawa died on September 6, 1998. He was eighty-eight years old and had directed thirty feature films. With Kurosawa now gone, we will return again and again to his films, their living, coherent statement, the superb attempt of a single man to be honest with himself.
Lots of good reading here . . . .
Bangalore Film Society
3rd International Film Festival on Water
We are very happy to let you know that the 3rdInternational Film Festival on Water titled Voices from the Waters is getting tremendous responses from across the globe. We are also happy to invite you to this festival at the Jnana Jyothi auditorium, Central college campus, Palace Road from the 13thto 18thSeptember 2008. This is world's biggest water film festival dedicated to the rivers and streams of the universe .
"When I watch a movie and think, “These images are intrinsically beautiful – this director really knows how to compose,” and then try to analyze the visual style, I often conclude that the compositions are balanced between two functions: showing the figure in the foreground, and showing the world. The balance is always managed in such a way that the shot can still function in the mind of the viewer as a depiction of the foreground figure; and yet the room or landscape is presented with some spatial integrity.
(Thanks to Girish for the links)
The screen’s white eyelid would only need to be able to reflect the light that is its own, and it would blow up the Universe.
“There is a visual fluidity in his films, a way of moving lyrically through space that connects the audience with the characters…” says a film critic about Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski. His characters say little, but express more and are extraordinary in intensity.Read complete report -CLICK HERE.
Lights On, campus Film Festival at PSG- CAS
Pon.Chandran , D.Anandan and Mugil - all from Konangal at Lights On, a film festival organised by Forum for Active Campus Endeavours (FACE), as part of diamond jubilee celebrations of PSG College of Arts and Science. Courtesy : Hindu Metro Plus
Poetry on celluloid
Satyajit Ray’s genius cast its spell at a recent retrospective of some of his best films. K. Jeshi reports
When visuals speak poetry, there is silence. And, introspection. Such films are timeless. There is no conventional narration, no melodrama; just a subtle blend of emotions immortalised by master storyteller Satyajit Ray.
It is thumbs up for Konangal Film Society which screened three classics — Pather Panchali (Song of the little road), Charulata (The lonely wife) and Shatranj Ke Khilari (The chess players). Pather Panchali introduces you to life in Bengal in the early 20th century. Harihar, a priest, his wife Sarbajaya, daughter Durga, son Apu and a cousin, Indir Thakur, struggle to make ends meet. But, Durga and Apu share innocent pleasures, such as following a candy seller (though they can’t afford to buy candies), enjoying theatre, racing a train and participating in a cousin’s wedding.
Documenting change
Durga falls ill after a joyous dance in the rains, and dies. The family leaves their ancestral village in search of a new life in Benares, an indication of change in the then stagnant Bengal society.
The film got debut cinematographer Subrata Mitra an award at Cannes. The train is used as a motif, symbolising power and industrialisation. Referring to the visuals, film buff D Anandan observed: “Durga is ecstatic when dancing in the rain, and the visuals convey the emotion. So do the shots that capture the arrival of the monsoons”. Pandit Ravishankar’s music highlights the changes taking place at various points.
Charulata, an adaptation of Rabindrantah Tagore’s ‘The ruined nest’, is the director’s favourite. He had once said: “Well, the one film that I would make the same way, if I had to do it again, is Charulata.” Every frame in the movie tells a story.
The location is Calcutta in the 1880s. Bhupathi is the editor and publisher of a political magazine The Sentinel. His wife Charulata lives in her own world of books, and loves poetry and literature, especially that of ‘Bankim babu’. She yearns for intellectual company. Bhupathi asks his cousin Amol who comes to live with them, to encourage Charu’s love for art and literature. He does, and their shared artistic interests and love for writing draws them close.
Meanwhile, a family member betrays Bhupati’s trust when he embezzles funds from the newspaper. This is juxtaposed with another apparent breach of trust by Charulata and Amol and their feelings for each other. Charulata’s angst, captured in close-up shots through the movie, lingers long after the movie is over.
A breathtaking play of light and shadow, beautiful upper middle class Bengali homes, songs (composed by Ray) and power-packed performances make this a classic. Charu conveys her deep love and emotional attachment, without saying ‘I love you’. But the intense looks and the liberties she takes with Amol (liking making paan for him) speak volumes. Yet, Ray was criticised for making the relationship too explicit. But he defended himself saying, “… When you transfer poetic language to cinematic language, changes are inevitable...”
Ray believed women were more honest, more direct, and by and large, the stronger of the sexes. And, it was this type of woman which fascinated him. And, Charulata is the archetypal Ray woman.
In the final shot, he freezes the frames of Bhupathi and Charulata as they reach out to clasp each other’s hands. A light shines on them. “That is the silver lining and their relationship will survive,” observed a film buff.
Shatranj Ke Khilari… opens with two friends playing chess. Amitabh Bachchan’s magnificent voice narrates the story. The film, based on a short story by Munshi Premchand, draws a parallel between chess games of feudal lords Mirza Sajjad Ali (Sanjeev Kumar) and Mir Roshan Ali (Saeed Jaffrey), and the crafty moves of the British to capture Awadh. General Outram is on a mission to revoke an existing treaty, and demand the abdication of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (Amjad Ali Khan). The detailed visuals, elaborate costumes and sets, the script and the performances brought the Lucknow of 1856 alive.
Konangal’s determination to take film appreciation to the next level has worked. Many turned up for the screening at the Cosmopolitan Club and stayed on to discuss Satyajit Ray and his art.
The four-day Film festival is not only a treat of brilliant films but an interface with filmmakers, activists, people’s movement leaders, academicians, youth and common people from as divergent streams of life and activities. It includes talks, discussions, cultural programmes and informal exchanges.
Global Concerns: Fourteen Short and documentary films based on `Human Rights', `Health & HIV/AIDS', `Migration' and other significant themes produced in contemporary times will be screened.
Retrospectives: As part of honoring the filmmakers who have made great contributions to the short and documentary filmmaking, fifteen films by three great filmmakers will be screened in this section.Animation, Music Videos and Spots: Both national and international entries will be selected, keeping in mind the general theme of ViBGYOR. Open Forum: On all three days Open Forum will be held on topics related to film making and social issues in which special guests from film, academic and activist circles will be invited as panelists. Media Exhibition: Documentary filmmakers will have an opportunity to interact with various film distributing ventures in the country. Also NGOs in South India can acquire films for their programs at this festival market.
For accommodation at Tirussur for the Film festival and other details call : 94430 39630
Tilt & Pan
THE PLEASURE OF SEEING:THE SUBLIME CINEMA OFMAX OPHÜLS“His camera could pass through walls.” - Stanley KubrickThe word “sublime” might have been invented to describe the films of Max Ophüls (1902-1957). Ophüls, initially a theatre critic, called one of his magazine essays “The Pleasure of Seeing,” a title that summons the sensory pleasure his cinema was designed to supply.
Hindu write up by K.Jeshi on screening of Visions Of Light
Light and lifeLegendary cinematographers talk about their art
Lyrical expressionFrom Visions of Light
Sheer poetry — when cinematographer Sven Nykvist illuminated Ingmar Bergman’s greatest films with his lyrical use of light. He pioneered the use of naturalistic light in filmmaking and won two Academy awards. Best cinematography for Bergm an’s Cries and Whispers and Fanny and Alexander.
For Vittorio Storaro, a living legend in cinematography, Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist was an exercise in shadow and light. To convey the sense of claustrophobia, he used light to show consciousness and darkness to portray unconsciousness. His photography attained lyrical heights and won him the Oscars for Apocalypse Now, Reds and The Last Emperor. Closer home, Subrata Mitra worked magic in Satyajit Ray’s films starting with Pather Panchali.
Cinematographers are considered the director’s second pair of eyes. It is they who interpret and capture his vision. And, to illustrate the importance of lighting in cinema, Konangal screened ‘Light and shadow’, a film on the making of The Conformist, and ‘Visions of Light’, a film about cinematography, that had great shots and sequences and comments by those who photographed them.
Masters speak
Great cinematographers speak of their relationships with directors. They talk of shots, and the light; from photography in the black and white era to the colour and, dramatic and expressionistic lighting techniques.
“It’s like a book for us,” say the cinematographers referring to the influence of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, photographed by Gregg Toland. “They broke all the rules and tried different things, in texture and contrasts,” they say about the magnitude of photographic innovations in the film.
Ace cinematographer Gordon Willis talks about the Godfather films, which earned him the nickname ‘Prince of Darkness.’ Willis says he was criticised for the use of deep shadows when lighting Marlon Brando, but many contemporaries also felt he had mastered the art of underexposure.
Gone with the Wind set the trend for colour films. Clippings from movies such as Annie Hall, Jaws, Blue Velvet, and Goodfellas detailed various techniques use In Cold Blood, photographed by Conrad Hall, a sad scene finds actor Robert Blake’s character talking to a priest about his father. Hall discovered that the light through the window caught the shadows of raindrops as they trickled down the glass. He projected them against Blake’s face, creating the illusion of ghostly tears. “The visuals were crying for him….it was truly a visual accident…” the cinematographer says.
William Fraker, cinematographer of Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby, says that in the scene in which the character played by Ruth Gordon is on the telephone, Polanski wanted him not to show the face of the actress. He didn’t, but when that shot played, everyone in the theatre unconsciously shifted to one side, trying to see around that door. As Fraker simply says, ‘That’s Roman Polanski!’
K.JESHI
Blood, gore and moreHave filmmakers developed a taste for glorifying violence, asks K. JeshiPortrayal of violence A cause for concern
It is no longer only about the pain, but how it is inflicted, and how gory it can get. Be it a human head rolling on the floor, a carpet of corpses or blood dripping from a sickle, violence is made to look spectacular for the audience. Swift camera m ovements, eye-popping graphics, lighting and sound effects make violence look ‘beautiful’ on screen. Thootukudi, Pudupettai, Naalai, Thalainagaram, Arindhum Ariyamalum….the list of movies based on violence is long. And, it sells. Battles and bloodshed
Says director Mysskin of Chithiram Pesuthadi fame: “Violence is not a new trend; it has always been part of our lives. Even the Ramayana and the Mahabharata had their share of battles and bloodshed. You need bullets and blood to show how serious the repercussions of violence are.”
Film buffs say that as long as it is realistic, violence is acceptable. “Out of every 100 movies, 20 are based on gangster themes. In movies such as Thotti Jaya and Pudupettai, personal vendetta is the reason for violence. But in Vettaiyadu Vilayadu, violence is glorified for no reason. There is no justification for the characters in the film taking pleasure in chopping fingers off and murdering people,” says S. Kamala Kannan, president, Cinema Club of Coimbatore. He has worked as an assistant director for filmmaker Seenu Ramasamy, who made Koodal Nagar.
The time factor
According to Mysskin, while in real time, stabbing or roughing up someone lasts only a few minutes, in movies, the time is stretched and it gets exaggerated.
Violence in mass appeal movies, such as Sami or Pokkiri, tends to have a limited impact on the audience.
“Because, there is no element of realism in such movies. Everyone knows it is impossible for a man to beat up 50 people,” he adds.
Not just the portrayal of violence, justifying it is also a cause for concern. If movies such as Thulluvatho Ilamai portray sexual violence and target teenagers, Kaakha Kaakha and Vettaiyadu… justify encounter-based violence. Exaggerated physical violence also promotes the trend of verbal violence.
Highlight emotions
There are fine human emotions and societal values, why aren’t these highlighted, asks filmmaker R.R.Srinivasan, who is involved in the film appreciation movement in South India.
“Be it Veyil, Pithamagan or Paruththi Veeran, the films use violence as a tool to lure the youth. When physical violence is exaggerated on screen, it increases violence in society. Some movies promote caste-based violence too,” he adds. So, the onus is on the filmmakers to choose the right theme. “They choose violence because it sells,” says Srinivasan.
Resolving conflicts
Films promote violence as a tool to resolve conflicts, says Rakesh S. Katarey of the Amrita Institute of Communication, who is also a documentary filmmaker. “In Ram Gopal Varma’s films, a pistol is not just an inanimate object of violence, it is called a ghoda or horse, a creature of supreme grace,” he points out.
“In Govind Nihalani’s Ardh Satya, the filmmaker delves deep into the psyche of the protagonist (the violent policeman played by Om Puri), and analyses the unorganised police system that breeds such policemen. His film Aaghat handled violence in labour union politics. Shyam Benegal’s Ankur is another example. Such films deal with structural and systematic differences in society that give birth to violence,” says Katarey. Death and violence arise out of a systematic denial of land, food, health and education on the basis of caste, class, gender and governance or the lack of it, and this remains largely unexplored, he says.
Promote peace
But, there is hope. “Lage Raho Munnabhai is a shining example. Unless commercial films popularise peace as a tool to resolve conflict, people will continue to believe only in violence,” he adds. “As long as the creator gives a sincere presentation, it is acceptable,” says T.S. Prabhu, programme producer, Sun TV, who made Kathiyinri Rathaminri Oru Thirai Kalam, a short film on the growing violence in Tamil films.
In Mysskin’s words, everything depends on the creator’s ability. “Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai portrays violence in a subtle way and Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List leaves a direct stamp of violence. I refrained from showing blood in my film. I projected vanmurai as menmurai.”
Hindu write up on 'The Chorus' Screening by Pankaja Srinivasan
“It was inadvertent”, says Pon Chandran of Konangal, when asked if Christophe Barratier’s Les Choristes was chosen as a Children’s Day special.
Nevertheless, it made one think — about the large chunk of humanity called kids, and the institutions we send them to, called schools.
The story Les Choristes is set in a boarding school for ‘delinquents’. The school authorities believe in swift retribution to the slightest contrariness.
New teacher Clement Mathieu is told he can look forward to a class of thieves, inveterate liars and souls beyond reach. Mathieu is clueless has taken the job only because he doesn’t know what else to do.
The kids are everything the authorities said they would be. And, Mathieu faces his share of obscene graffiti and practical jokes. Still, his decent soul revolts at treatment meted out to the children.
One day, Mathieu overhears the children singing a rude song about him, and he has an idea. A musician, albeit an unsuccessful one, he decides to teach his ‘savages’ music. He divides his class into baritones, altos, sopranos, and forms a choir. The children respond beautifully, and turn out to be angelic singers. While the film is hardly original, (there have been many with the ‘teacher-meets-impossible-students’, ‘teacher-reforms-impossible-students’ theme; To Sir with Love, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Dangerous Minds, The Freedom Writers’ Diary, etc.), there are bits that are telling.
Their dreams
When Mathieu asks the children what they want to become, not one wants to be a teacher. For them, a cowboy, a pilot or a hot air balloonist is a hero. Teachers are despicable.
Is that how children view teachers?
Is that why no one is beating down the doors to apply for a teacher’s job?
Are the authorities taking note?
The metaphor in The Chorus is obvious. The school system is constantly straight-jacketing kids in the name of discipline.
Everyone is tarred with the same brush. There is no place for individuality or creativity.
“Les Choristes” sends a message that having different voices doesn’t amount to indiscipline.
With care, even discordant notes can be unified into a beautiful symphony; a good teacher can make a profound difference in a child’s life (one of the delinquents goes on to become a world famous music conductor).
Hindu write up by Subha J Rao
PURPLE ROSE OF CAIROReality checkThe real and the imaginary merge in The Purple Rose of Cairo
A choice two many For Cecilia
Her country is in depression, and she is saddled with a jobless husband and a job as a waitress where the cutlery finds a way to slip off her hands. And so, Cecilia (a fragile Mia Farrow) of Woody Allen’s The Purple Rose of Cairo, loses herself in the world of movies.
Magic in the air
Suddenly, there’s magic in the air. Tom Baxter (Jeff Bridges), the swashbuckling adventurer from the film ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ steps out of the screen, bored with repeat performances and impressed that Cecilia has watched the film five times.
Cecilia is torn between the imaginary character who loves her (“even kisses perfectly”), and her husband Monk (Danny Aiello), who gambles and cheats on her, and even beats her (“but, only after warning”).Meanwhile, Tom tries to escape from other theatres as well, and the producers are in panic. So are the actors on screen, who wait impatiently for the show to continue.
Completing the triangle is actor Gil Shepherd who plays Tom’s character. He is afraid for his career, and tries to get Tom to return. He meets Cecilia, and promises her a wonderful life together.
Convinced, Cecilia (“A week ago I was unloved, now two people love me. Only, they are the same two people”) convinces a heartbroken Tom to return to the screen, and goes home to pack her bags.
On reaching the theatre, their meeting spot, she realises the Hollywood team has left, and that Gil had used her. But, another movie is playing, and she surrenders to that magic again.
Konangal Film Society recently screened the film, placed in TIME magazines list of 100 best films, where Woody Allen’s humour is a constant presence.
When Tom is invited to a brothel, he charms all the inmates with his gentlemanly behaviour, and convinces them that ‘being in love’ and ‘making love’ are not different.
And, the waitress in Cecilia comes alive when she is taken into the screen, and to a club by Tom – “I don’t know how much you are paying, but the champagne bottle is filled with ginger-ale.”
Gautaman, who makes short films, said the film conveyed a simple idea beautifully, and showed that we can all get away from reality, but only for a while.
SUBHA J RAO
Why are Hollywood movies so bad?
( What is written here goes without saying for our own Kollywood & Bollywood film industries. )
Why are Hollywood movies so bad?
Ray Carney
A Speech to High School Students
Why are Hollywood movies so bad? The best way to answer the question is simply to take you behind the scenes on a quick cook's tour of how movies are really made. I warn you. It's not a pretty picture.
The first thing you never want to forget about the movies in that–first , last and always–they are business deals put together to make a quick buck. To say the obvious, the goal is to take $7.50 out of as many pockets as possible. Everything is directed to that interest.
There was an interview in the last Saturday's Globe with Sydney Lumet that more or less sums up the current state of the art.
Lumet's comments are all the more telling in that they don't come from some wild-eyed radical, but from the ultimate Hollywood insider. Lumet has been making successful, money-making Hollywood movies for more than 40 years.
On the other hand, of course a Stalin movie would never really be made precisely because it would be controversial and would alienate blocks of viewers, and jeopardize profits.
What Hollywood is in favor of is not controversy, but pseudo-controversy. On the one hand, you want people to think that your movie is really new and different and controversial; but on the other, you don't want to actually create a disturbance. You don't want to force viewers really to have to think or to learn something. If you are dealing with politics in particular, the formula involves taking a topical issue–Watergate, Vietnam, the Holocaust–but making sure that it is situated at a certain distance from the average viewer's experience or knowledge.
Hollywood movies take our common-sense understandings and sell them back to us, with a slight change of clothes. It's a little like one of those MacDonald's Happy Meal promotions. You add a new spice or condiment or action figure to deep people's interest, but basically you give them the same fast food over and over again.
In terms of the production of these films, timidity is built into the system at every level. Movies originate as "deals"–business arrangements hashed out between producers, directors, writers, and a group of stars, in which the movie itself becomes an almost incidental after-thought: The real goal of each of the parties is to protect his or her financial interest, and to maximize the final product's "bankability."
In the service of doing that, the overriding goal is to secure a name star at any cost. When I talk to beginning directors, it's usually the first story they tell me: How they took their first script to a studio–sometimes a marvelous script–and were told the project could only get a green light if a particular "name" actor plays the lead–if Johnny Depp or Tom Hanks or Tom Cruise can be persuaded to do it–no matter how ludicrously inappropriate that particular choice might be for the role.
Then once a real "star" signs on to a production, the dynamics of the deal allow the star to demand as many rewrites as he or she wants until they are happy with the script.
I interviewed a director a few years ago who told an all too typical story that summarizes the situation. He had written a serious treatment of Black-White race relations in the fifties in the Deep South, and approached a studio to get it financed. To protect their interest, they said they would only take it on if Whoopi Goldberg played the lead. He thought that was the end of it, and that the film would never be made: Not only was she wildly inappropriate for the part, but he figured she would never agree to it. Well, for whatever reason, she did sign onto it. He thought he had died and gone to heaven. The only problem was that a few weeks before the shooting began she insisted that all of her scenes be rewritten. Seems she thought her character was too hard. It would ruin her image. She wanted her role made sweeter. Since she was a condition of the financing, of course he had to agree. I don't need to tell you the end of the story. One more sentimental Hollywood movie.
Even after a studio film has been scripted, cast, and shot, it's not immune from further mutilation. Virtually every Hollywood movie is audience-tested before it is released. If the preview audiences don't respond loudly and obviously enough, the film is reshot and re-edited until they do. As an example, Fatal Attraction actually had a fairly nuanced ending when it was first shot, but after audience testing, the ending was rewritten and re-filmed so that the Glen Close character was murdered in a horror movie gore fest.
In short, the goal is to make sure that the audience never has to work very hard, or be seriously challenged in any way. A movie you have to think about for a few day; or one you have to go back a see again to understand flunks the preview test by definition. That's why most Hollywood movies end up having morality-play plots, characters who can be divided into good or bad guys, and slam-bang happy endings where justice triumphs and all the problems are solved in the final five minutes.
These movies are the best roller-coaster rides ever made. You strap yourself into them. You undergo a few thrills and chills, a fake scare or two. And then it's all over and everything is OK again. You leave the theater no different from the way you went in.
* * *
GENERAL BODY MEETING
YOU ARE INVITED
To attend the general body meeting of Konangal , on 21stOct 2007 at 3 PM at AshwinHospital Auditorium
Hindu write up on screening of KES
The bird he lost
The English movie Kes captures a slice of happiness and sorrow
A tiny bird enters his life, changes it dramatically, only to leave. Kes is the story of a ‘hopeless boy’, beautifully told. Thanks to Konangal Film Society, Coimbatoreans got to watch this English film.
Ignored by his mother, and bullied by both his brother Jud and peers at school, Billy Casper is not the happiest of children. Very distracted, Casper finds life utterly grim. Of course, he has his share of mischief too: he steals milk and books, fights with other boys, and smokes. And, then he discovers a kestrel.
Casper finds a new purpose in life now as he trains Kes (the bird).
This is a far cry from the moments at school, reeling under the taunts of his sports teacher. He even shares his experience with his classmates. Life goes on well for Casper, till one day when he is asked to place a bet on a horse for Jud. Casper decides the horse is not likely to win, and keeps the money. Unfortunately for him, the horse wins, and an enraged Jud gets his revenge and kills Kes.
Director Ken Loach could not have chosen a better person to play Casper.
Poker-faced and with none of the theatrics or cutesy ways, David Bradley as Casper has played his part to perfection. When he tells his master “I think she (Kes) has done me a favour, letting me watch her” or when he gives Kes a silent burial, you want to put a comforting arm around him.
The film portrays life in the mining areas of Yorkshire, and ah, the delightful Yorkshire dialect!
Every time you hear some one say shoot up for shut up and glooves for gloves, you can’t but help think of Geoffrey Boycott saying ‘my moother cin bat better’!
Ken Loach wins applause for his natural scene presentation with no exaggerated tones. A few of the lines laced with humour stand out. For instance, when Casper says “I haven’t been in trouble since the last time” or when the headmaster chides a student: “A regular little cigarette factory, aren’t you?”
Says a homoeopathic doctor Sivakumar: “The film is an example of how real education should be, how a teacher should learn, and how a student should be allowed to teach.”
* * *
Trivia
On being applauded at Beverly Hills, David Bradley said: “I walked into a charity reception at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and a thousand people were all standing up applauding. I thought, oh-oh, someone’s coming. I thought Burt Lancaster or Tony Curtis had walked in behind me so I made way for this big star I thought had followed me into the room. I felt incredibly embarrassed.”
W. SREELALITHA
A story nobody knew
The Russian film, Ballad of a Soldier, is a poignant tale
Photo: S. Siva Saravanan Celebrating love In times of war
The film begins and ends on a long dusty road. It seems fitting, for it is about a young soldier’s action-packed journey to meet his mother. And, the narrator tells us the soldier’s story, which ‘not even his mother knows’.
Nineteen-year-old Alyosha Skvortsov (played by the oh-so-cute Vladimir Ivashov) gets a six-day break from the front after he destroys two Nazi tanks, ‘out of fright’. He sets off to see his mother, loaded with canned beef, and two cakes of soap from another soldier, a luxurious gift to his ‘beloved’ wife!
Myriad experiences
By the time he meets his mother, Alyosha has missed many a train, seen the unconditional bond between a handicapped man and his wife, infidelity (he snatches back the soap from the soldier’s ‘beloved’ wife!), the brutality of the war on civilians, and above all, he has fallen hopelessly in love with a refugee, Shura. The encounter with his mother is ridiculously brief. He leaves, never to return.
Ballad of a Soldier, screened by Konangal Film Society, sums up the lives of soldiers in war-ravaged Russia during the Second World War. However, much to director Grigori Chukhrai’s credit, there hardly are any scenes on the front.
In addition to a poignant tale, Chukhrai packs in plenty of beautiful moments. Such as when Shura (a lovely Zhanna Prokhorenko) wants to know for whom Alyosha had bought a handkerchief or the scene where one child plays with soap bubbles and another with an alarm salvaged from rubble.
Chukhrai fills the scenes lavishly with messages, almost always shrewdly. For instance, when Alyosha travels with another soldier Vasya, the compartment is bursting with soldiers, war veterans, smoke, laughter, amicable jibes and bawdy man-talk. But, behind every face is a saga of sorrow, yearning and hope, waiting to be told.
A good music director is one that knows best when to stop the music. The only thing that is loud when Alyosha meets his mother is the silence, marred not even by the two rivulets of tears streaming down her joyous eyes.
Film buff D. Anandan says the film is a subtle propaganda against war. “With the magical use of black and white, the director has juxtaposed poetry with the intensity of war”. The film tells you that when there is destruction all around, the only thing that remains is love, says Pon Chandran, president of Konangal.
TRIVIA
After changing his mind on using professional actors, director Chukhrai picked two very young, unknown acting students (Vladimir Ivashov and Zhanna Prokhorenko) for the lead roles
W. SREELALITHA
Courtesy - The Hindu : Metroplus
A story of hope
Three girls embark on an adventure along the Rabbit Proof Fence to find their mothers
It is the longest fence in the world — the Rabbit-Proof Fence in Western Australia. It bisects the continent and runs approximately 2000 miles. And, it is the lifeline for three Aboriginal girls to find their mothers in Jigalong and return to t heir community.
Molly, her sister Daisy and cousin Gracie (Evelyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury and Laura Monaghan) are forcibly removed from their families in Western Australia to a camp at Moore River in north of Perth, 1500 miles away, to be trained as domestic servants. Molly leads the girls on a daring escape following on foot — the rabbit proof fence that cuts across the Gibson Desert and towards Jigalong. In the 1930s, as part of Government policy (active till 1970), special detention centres were set up across the continent to prevent mixed race children from ‘contaminating’ the rest of Australian society. After the training, they were integrated as domestic workers into white society.
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) by Australian film-maker Philip Noyce records the history of racial prejudices based on true events. Adapted from the book, ‘Follow The Rabbit Proof Fence’ by Doris Pilkington Garimara, it traces the nine-week journey of the author’s mother (Molly), and the other two girls, who ran away from the settlement in 1931 to return to their families.
The chief protector of Aborigines, A.O. Neville (Kenneth Branagh), who has the right to remove any half-caste from their families, does his best to recapture them, with help from black tracker David Moodoo (David Gulpilil). But the endurance and the undying spirit of the children wins.
“The film deals with power dynamics of the whites and the absolute lack of sensitivity in them,” says D. Anandan, film buff. The scene in which Neville checks the children’s skin colour by lifting their shirts is an example. The fairer the skin, the better the prospects of a good education. “The girls love freedom and their resilience brings in a psychological transformation in the minds of the audience,” he adds.
Noyce, known for his swift narrative style, resorts to poetry here. Sample this: When the girls touch the steel fence with the hope of re-uniting with their mother, the mother on the other side is able to feel the vibration. The spirit bird is used as a motif in the movie. A film lover cited the example of an aboriginal athlete, who lit the Sydney Olympic torch in 2000, as an indication of the changing times. “But, racism still continues. It is vehement in Australia, especially against Asians and Aborigines,” observed Pon. Chandran.
K. JESHI
Snapshots from reality
It is their story. And, the camera follows the characters to record the truth. Coimbatore Sandhippu, a documentary on street children directed by the children of Don Bosco Anbu Illam is a slice of their life, their struggles, their dreams and aspirations.
Ray of hopeWhen G. Krishnamoorthi from Krishnagiri says he was ill-treated by his parents, it leaves you unsettled.
“My father used to spend his daily wage on liquor, and harass me to seek alms. I ended up on the streets,” he says.
But, there is a glimmer of hope when he says: “Now, I am studying in Class V, and I want to make it big in life.”
The documentary was screened at NirmalaCollege to a packed audience of children from such homes.
“‘Our life is a story’ is what the students had to say when we asked them to make a film as part of their development activities project,” says Fr. C. Jayaraj, director of Don Bosco Anbu Illam Social Service Society, a centre for street and working children.
Understanding cinema
“Though, in most cases, it is poverty and harassment that drives the children to run away, some of them also end up on the streets because of their aspiration to become film stars. The film gave them an opportunity to understand cinema, and also get their minutes of fame as actors,” he adds.
The film was edited at Alaihal Media, Tiruchi.
Be it R. Gopal from Madhya Pradesh, who took up menial jobs in trains for months together or Sonu from Mumbai who used to live on trains, their stories end on a positive note. But, raise a few questions on the need for societal change.
Abandoned by parents
S. Essakki Muthu from Tirunelveli, S. Shyam from Assam and S. John Peter from Salem ended up on the streets because of lack of parental care. “Though I was harassed at work from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. in Bangalore, they wanted me to stay there for the money. I took a train to Kerala, and reached Coimbatore,” says Esakki.
“Why do elders ill-treat us?” asks John Peter and adds: “I will become a filmmaker, educate the public, and bring about a change in society through my films.”
The filmmaking experience has boosted their confidence levels immensely.
“We thought cinema was all about superstar Rajnikant and Vijay. But, we learnt that it can be used as a powerful tool to convey strong social messages,” says S. Siva from Tirunelveli.
Potential filmmakers
A total of 25 students (between 10 and 17 years) have put their heads and hearts together for the project.
The documentary has been shot at the Don Bosco Illam in Ukkadam and the Coimbatore Railway Station.
As in any film education, he took them through film theory, and followed it with the screening of world classics, animation films and documentaries. To get acquainted with the camera, they went on an outdoor shoot to Vellakinaru.
Coimbatore junction is where the documentary, dedicated to street children, begins.
Facing the world
The real stories are captured in black and white, and their filming experience in colour. A moving train follows the story, a reminder that it is these trains that the abandoned children take shelter in to escape their situation.
“They have gone through so much pain in their lives, but are confident to face the world with a smile,” he adds.
As D. Rajasekar, who is now in Class VIII puts it. “When I was a daily labourer, my future was bleak. Now, it is a new beginning. Our success stories will give a ray of hope to lots of children out there on the streets.”
Courtesy : Hindu Metroplus.
The magic of Mahendran
Udhiri Pookkal’s timeless beauty lies in its touch of reality and subtlety
Photo: M. Periasamy
JUST RIGHT For the role
Director Mani Ratnam once famously remarked: “If I get anywhere near what Mahendran did in Udhiri Pookkal, I’ll be a happy man.” Watch the film, and you’ll know what he meant.
Thanks to Konangal Film Society, many who had missed out on the timeless film got an opportunity to watch it, and those who had viewed it a dozen times over were only too glad for a once-more!
Village despot
It is the story of a despotic village school head Sundara Vadivelu (Vijayan), who is forced to end his life.
From Vijayan and Ashwini as his wife, to the village hairdresser and the conniving sakuni of a music teacher, each actor has played his role to perfection.
There’s perpetual fear and despondency on Ashwini’s beautiful face, so much so that the smiles that play up occasionally seem reluctant.
Mahendran sprinkles subtlety throughout the film, in characterisation, dialogues and visuals. Vijayan never raises his voice: a soft smile is his bludgeon; you don’t see him hitting Sarath Babu, only a bleeding lower lip.
When Vijayan refuses to let go of his second wife, the calm woman says, “I could poison your food, don’t make me a murderess.” And, the river flows quietly, not telling us it will take the protagonist’s life.
The director throws in a few powerful lines too. When Vijayan wants to marry his wife’s sister too, his father-in-law Charu Hassan says: “I’ll be a father, not a pimp,” or when Ashwini mutely wonders if any woman has the courage to ask for another husband.
Still relevant
Someone from the audience claimed that the film, released in 1979, ran for 25 weeks in a Coimbatore theatre. Nearly three decades later, if the film still strikes a chord with the audience, it is because of its proximity to reality — the innocence of the villagers and the condition of rural women.
For the current generation overfed on a diet of outrageously hyperbolic movies, this should be a breath of fresh air. The lower middle class family does not live in a stately mansion with designer furniture, there are no song sequences tearing between Australia and the Alps, and no inch-thick coats of shocking pink lipstick or purple eye shadow!
Ilayaraja’s music speaks for itself. Film buff D. Anand summed up the brilliance of Azhagiya kanne in three words: Monalisa of music.
Eye for detail
Mahendran’s eye for detail adds to the charm of the score: a cute (baby) Anju (of Keladi Kanmani fame) smiling for no reason; Ashwini pulling out a chewing gum from a stubborn Anju’s mouth or a thorn from her son’s foot, or Anju drying out her paavaadai only to drench it again.
12th August 2007 ; Outreach Prgramme Screening
`Children of Heaven'' is very nearly a perfect movie for all ages. The film is about a boy, Ali , who loses his sister's shoes. Of course, his sister, named Zahra, wants to know how she is supposed to go to school without shoes. The answer is simple: Zahra will wear Ali's sneakers to school every morning, and then run home so that Ali can put them on for his school in the afternoon. And then there is a footrace for the poor children of the quarter. Ali wants to place third, because the prize is a new pair of sneakers, which he can give to his sister.
. "Children of Heaven" was shot in Tehran. It was attempted to keep the filming secret in order to capture a more realistic image of the city. The film has its roots planted firmly in the neorealist tradition. "Children of Heaven" brilliantly demonstrates that works of art often arise from the observation of the most seemingly mundane concerns of daily life and reminds us that this provides far more drama than all the exploding spaceships, car chases and hyperkinetic melodrama that flood the screen in the guise of entertainment.
Majid Majidi
Majid Majidi was born in Teheran in 1959 from a Iranian middle class family. He grew up in Teheran and at the age of 14 he started acting in amateur theater groups. He then studied at the Institute of Dramatic Art in Teheran. After the Islamic revolution in 1978, his interest in cinema brought him to act in various films,. Hisdebu as a director and screenwriter is marked by Baduk (1992), his first feature film that was presented at the Quinzaine of Cannes and won several awards nationwide. Since then, he has written and directed several films that won worldwide recognitions.
Italian visionary Michelangelo Antonioni dies at 94
First Ingmar Bergman, now Michelangelo Antonioni . . . .
Michelangelo Antonioni, one of the most innovative and distinctive film-makers of the 20th century, has died at the age of 94. The Italian director died at his home in Rome on Monday evening, less than 24 hours after the death of Ingmar Bergman - that other great giant of European art-house cinema.Alongside his near contemporary Federico Fellini, Antonioni signalled a break with the "neorealist" style that flourished in Italy at the end of the second world war. In contrast to the working class parables of Vittorio De Sica and Roberto Rossellini, his films were cool and stylised, traditionally focusing on the experiences of an alienated bourgeoisie.
In a generation of rule-breakers, Mr. Antonioni was one of the most subversive and venerated. He challenged moviegoers with an intense focus on intentionally vague characters and a disdain for such mainstream conventions as plot, pacing and clarity. Mr. Antonioni broke other conventions, too. Many of his editing cuts, angles and camera movements were intentionally odd, and he frequently posed his characters in a highly formalized way. He employed point-of-view shots only rarely, a practice that helped erect an emotional shield between the audience and his puzzling characters.
Mr. Antonioni remained not only enigmatic, but also unreachable to the end.
One interviewer asked him to look back over his life. “In a world without film, what would you have made?” he was asked.
Mr. Antonioni replied: “Film.”
"With Antonioni dies not only one of the greatest directors but also a master of modernity," said Rome mayor Walter Veltroni this morning. A quiet funeral is planned in Ferrara, his birthplace in northern Italy, this Thursday.
Salaam Bombay ! Produced And Directed By Mira Nair. Written By Sooni Taraporevala. Story By Nair And Taraporevala. Edited By Barry Alexander Brown. Photography By Sandi Sissel. Music By L. Subramaniam.
For the love of films
The setting is magical. A love-struck Shah Rukh Khan (Raj) waits amidst yellow flowers, his arms held out, and a troubled Kajol (Simran) in a pretty white salwar rushes across the field to declare her love …. Dilwale Dulhania Le J ayenge ( DDLJ) brings a smile to one’s face every time one watches it. So what if it’s the tenth time? Welcome to the world of film buffs, who go back to their favourite movies again and again, just for the experience. “For me, a film is the simplest form of art. All you need to do is simply sit back and enjoy it,” says S. Anand, retired bank officer and avid film lover. He started watching the films of Sivaji Ganesan and MGR and moved on to Laurel & Hardy, Ten Commandments and Cleopatra. “The films of Akira Kurosawa, Ingma r Bergman and Satyajit Ray exposed me to serious cinema,” he says. His collection of world movies stands at 1,500 and the latest is Satantango, a seven-and-a-half hour movie by Hungarian filmmaker Bela Tarr. It is a form of escapism, says D. Anandan, who has been associated with film studies for 25 years. “The human mind requires an outlet to evade pain and this becomes possible through films. People identify themselves with the hero. It helps in mending their core, and has a cathartic effect. And, they fulfil the desires they cannot otherwise do by watching such films repeatedly,” he adds. For him, a good film is invariably a cult film that is a classic too. Such as Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca and Orson Welle’s Citizen Kane. His favourite is Mahendran’s Udhiri Pookal. Film buff Jeena’s favourites are Goddard’s Weekend and Pedro Almodovar’s Tie me up tie me down. “I have watched these movies a number of times just to understand the theme and learn the camera angles. The sense of freedom and the thought of living it up in Motorcycle Diaries also makes you watch it again and again.” Cinema enthusiast Pon. Chandran describes his film-viewing as a transformation from sensuous to serious and socially committed cinema. The first world cinema that created an impact on him was Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times. “Every time I watch it, I get a new message. Chemmeen (Malayalam) also leaves me with a sense of fulfilment, no matter if it’s the 10th or 11th time,” he explains. Sobha Rajagopal, director of gender studies at Massachusetts in the U.S., picks Gurinder Chaddha’s Bhaji on the Beach as her favourite. “I have watched it seven times. It is fascinating, empowering and a feminist film in the best sense of the word,” adds Sobha, who is currently working on a book on the Diasporic identity of South Asians as represented in Hollywood and Bollywood, versus reality. Movies with happy endings have a repeat audience, says N. K. Jarshad, a financial journalist. “It is the songs, the script, comedy scenes and well choreographed action scenes that bring people back to the theatres. Nobody wants to leave the theatre sad,” he says. Irrespective of the script, stars also bring in a repeat audience. “One way of getting familiar with one’s favourite stars is by watching their movies again and again,” he adds. - K.Jeshi.-Hindu Metroplus.
A journey called life
The Man on the Train is about two people who wish they could exchange lives. Poetry or a thriller? The last 10 minutes of the French film Man on the Train is a heady mix of both. All you need to do is ponder a while, and the real picture emerges. Filmmaker Patrice Leconte (his film Ridicule opened the 1996 Cannes festival, and went on to win four César Awards) prefers to give the audience that extra space to interpret, and may be that's one of the reasons this film is so poetic. Screened by Konangal Film Society, the film's storyline is simple, and runs for 90 minutes Two strangers — retired English literature teacher Manesquier in his 70s (played by Jean Rochefort) and bank robber Milan (played by Johnny Halliday, the legendary rock-n-roller, sometimes called 'French Elvis') meet. By chance, Milan gets to stay at the teacher's house. He is in town for a robbery, and the old man is to undergo a triple bypass surgery. They become good friends, discuss paintings, poetry and music, and each begins to wish he could have lived the other's life. The old man envies Milan's life on the move while Milan craves stability. The scene in which Mansequier asks Milan to show him how to fire a gun, and Milan, in turn, asks him to teach him a poem, is delightful. Believable characters, minimal dialogues, and the autumnal beauty of the French provincial town are the other highlights "What poetry!" exclaims film buff D. Anandan. "Suspense and poetry run parallel in the last 10 minutes." The professor is taken inside the operation theatre, and Milan gets ready to rob. The director merges the scenes (the medical instrument and the guns; the white mask and the black mask), and runs them as parallel shots until the robber is shot by the police, and the old man's heart stops. But, the movie doesn't end there.There is absolute silence in the sequence that follows. The old man imagines himself coming out of prison as Milan, and taking the train to explore the Wild West. Milan appears as the professor, and plays the piano at his house. The background score perfectly complements the scenes. "It is something like 'mental projection'. So they don't speak," Anandan explains. Sreenivasan, a lecturer in English, says one should just let the feeling sink in. "The charm goes when you dissect it."The film is seen by some as a reflection of the evolution of France, its culture and technology. "When life becomes predictable, boredom creeps in. It also gives the message that the wisdom of age helps one live those unfulfilled dreams. The beauty of friendship is also highlighted." The characters are easy to identify with, says Pon Chandran "For instance, at one point when Manesquier sneaks into Milan's room, and tries on his leather jacket, our alter ego comes into play. And, it also asks the question — why do we always suppress our feelings?" - K.Jeshi ( Hindu Metroplus 21 07 07 )
K.Hariharan on our Ghatak Retrospective
Text of the Email received by Pon.Chandran from K.Hariharan, noted film director who gave us memorable films like GHASHIRAMKOTWAL (1976), EZHAVATHU MANITHAN (1982) , CURRENT (1992) and erstwhile president of Chennai Film Society. K.Hariharan was student at FTII, Pune while Ritwik Ghatak was teaching there as Vice Principal :
It warms my heart to note that you will be conducting a Ritwick Ghatak Film Festival.
At the outset, I will unabashedly admit that 'Meghe Daka Tara' is the greatest Indian Film ever made.
For all his anarchism Ritwick had his roots deep in an Asian culture enriched by a variety of myths, legends and folktales. And all his films resonated his understanding of our complex culture in many ways. Above all he was a melodramatist of the highest order. He gave the concept of melodrama its due honor and formalized its performative strategies in extremely indigenous ways. Unfortunately it was this melodrama which blockaded his recognition overseas and instead allowed his contemporary Satyajit Ray full reign over the western audience. Adding salt to his injured soul was the attitude of the Indian cinema intellectuals of that period who dismissed his works with equal force as the westerners. None of his films ever won national awards nor were they sent to any festival abroad! The condemnation of his works at that time is in fact a deep revelation of the bogus roots of our Indian New Wave origins which reflected nothing else but a sick post-colonial 'brown saheb' culture!
Recognition to this master truly came only after his tragic demise after years of alcoholic abuse. If he was really recognized as a master I would not have had the misfortune of seeing him drunk like a vagabond in the FTII campus in 1974, when I was student.
So I am happy that you are ultimately giving this great master his due. All the best
Indian New Wave : Mrinal Sen's Bhuvan Shome (1969) and Mani Kaul's Uski Roti (1969), both sponsored by State owned Film Finance Corporation (FFC), inspired by the French nouvelle vague, set new film sensibility and cinematic language in India. This movement was labelled as the 'New Indian Cinema' or the 'New Wave Indian Cinema'. FTII graduates Kumar Shahani, Mani Kaul, Saeed Mirza, Shyam Benegal and Ketan Mehta were the important names of New Wave Indian Cinema in Hindi. Mani Kaul's Ashad Ka Ek Din (1971) and Duvidha (1973), Kumar Shahni's Maya Darpan (1972) and Shyam Benegal's Ankur (1973) played important role in this new movement in Hindi during the 1970s. M S Sathyu's Garam Hawa (1973) Govind Nihilani who entered film industry as Shyam Benegal's cameraman made his directorial debut through Aakrosh (1980) he continued making socio-political films like Party (1984), Tamas (1987) and Drishti (1990). Saeed Mizra made notable political films like Arvind Desai ki Ajeeb Dastan (1978), Albert Pinto ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai (1980), Mohan Joshi Haazir Ho! (1984) and Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989).Adoor Gopalakrishnan through his first film Swayamvaram (1972) extended the New Wave Cinema to Malayalam cinema. Aravindan through his first film Uttarayanam (1974) strengthened the movement. John Abraham, K R Mohanan and P A Backer were strong presence of the new Malayalam cinema.Kannada was the other film industry in South India, which took over the cinema movement in South India. B V Karanth, Girish Karnad and Girish Kasaravalli spearheaded the Kannada parallel cinema. Girish Kasaravalli, graduated from the Pune Film Institute, directed his first film, Ghata Shradha in 1977, which won the National award for best film.In Assamise, Janu Barua made his first film Aparoopa (1982). His Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Kali (1987), which achieved international recognition, dealt with social problems of rural Assam. Bhubendra Nath Sikia made his first film Sandhyarag (1977) followed by Agnisnaan (1985), Kolahal (1988), Sarothi (1991) and Abarthan (1993).
Articles from : Cinema malayalam http://www.cinemaofmalayalam.net/index.html
From Thrissur
Pon.Chandran attended the International Film Festival on Documentaries and Short Films in Thrissur in May, organised by VIBGYOR. This festival was mentioned in Hindu article - The magic of moving images ( posted in our blog also) .Here is a response from Rev. Father Benedict varghese Chiramel of VIBGYOR :
Dear Chandran,
Thanks for sending me the whole article...u know sometimes this type of reports, however small, comes back to us and tell us `what you are trying to do is something beautiful and meaningful'...sometimes in the tense moments of organizing an event we forget to relate to people, who are the most important than any event....at this VIBGYOR, your group, u THREE, were my special inspiration, though we didn't talk much.
It shows that we will connect again...if not sooner, surely later!
Regards,
Benny
Appreciating films
Hindu - Young World article .
K. JESHI
Good films can teach us a few things. Check these out.
The smiles and sorrows of Ali and Zohra in “Children of Heaven” speak volumes about the beauty of their brother-sister bonding. The selflessness and kindness of the blind boy Mohammed in “Color of Paradise” teaches you what unconditional love is all about. And, the nightmarish realities faced by a handful of orphaned children in “Turtles Can Fly”, set in a Kurdish refugee camp, immerse you in a flood of emotions.
Children are the centre of action in these Iranian films and they connect with their counterparts in Coimbatore through their electrifying performances. The moving images work magic and film appreciation is the key to introduce young minds to the world of meaningful cinema.
Though film societies in Coimbatore are showing the way by screening these films regularly, you can make a beginning with Iranian films, known for their sensitive portrayal of the emotions of children.
From Iraq
Kurdish director Bahman Ghobadi’s “Turtles Can Fly” is the first film to be made in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Set in a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraqi-Turkish border just before the U.S. invasion period, it traces the lives of orphaned children, the entrepreneurial Satellite (Soran Ebrahim), the armless clairvoyant Henkov (Hirsh Feyssal), and his traumatised sister Agrin (Avaz Latif) and their efforts to survive the appalling conditions. There’s no running water or electricity, the fear of gas attacks is palpable, and kids use their bare-hands to defuse land mines in the surrounding fields, which they then trade for machine guns at a market.
The film has won the Glass Bear and Peace Film Award at Berlin International Film Festival and Golden Shell at San Sebastian International Film Festival.
Iranian film maker Majid Majidi’s “Children of Heaven is a simple story. While at market shopping, Ali loses his sister Zohre’s school shoes. After desperately trying in vain to find them, he decides that he and his sister will share his sneakers.
Later in the film, the loving brother enters a race in order to win a pair of brand new sneakers for his sister. Every frame in the movie sends across a message to the children. For instance, extra-curricular activities. It is not just about playing chess or cricket, but also helping out parents.
In “Color of Paradise”, Majidi again deals with children, this time focusing on Mohammed (Mohsen Ramezani), a young blind boy. The lad is a loving student of nature and longs for village life with his family.
The magic of moving images
It is celebration time for film buffs in the city, with film societies bringing meaningful cinema to them, writes K. Jeshi
"The magic of movements is fascinating," master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman says in a recorded interview. A packed audience in Coimbatore listens spellbound, as he introduces them to his magical world of filmmaking. The screen ing of his The Hour of the Wolf, Cries and Whispers and The Seventh Seal follows.
Next is the turn of Born into Brothels, the 77th Academy award-winning documentary feature written and directed by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski on the children in Sonagachi. If this was not enough, promising directors such as Simbhu Devan (Imsai Arasan 23 aam Pulikesi), Seeman (Thambi), Sivakumar (Ayesha), Radha Mohan (Mozhi) and Vasantha Balan (Veyil), and ace editor B. Lenin and film critic Yamuna Rajendran enlighten them regularly on what meaningful cinema is all about.
Bonanza for film lovers
Film buffs in Coimbatore couldn't ask for more. A handful of societies, many of which have become more active in the last couple of years, have been working overtime to draw the attention of the public to parallel cinema. The results are beginning to show. The increasing membership base is proof enough of the growing excitement in this movement.
"Thanks to technology, serious cinema is now easily accessible," says Pon. Chandran of Konangal, which screens world cinema twice a month. He says running a film society has become easier now because of the availability of DVDs and VCDs. "Technology has made film-making easier. This, and the growing popularity of visual communication courses are the other major contributors," he adds. Earlier, filmmakers and social activists functioned as different entities. Now, a new breed of film activists, who make films and fight for social change, is emerging. Chandran quotes the recently concluded International Film Festival on Documentaries and Short Films in Thrissur as an example. "The theme this year is 'Earth' and more than 150 films which raised their voices against burning issues such as Plachimada, Nandigram and the Chhattisgarh environmental movement, were screened," he adds. Film societies, he says, have come to play a vital role in weaning away people 'lost' in commercial films and introducing them to good cinema. The impact will be significant if it begins at the school level. "The experience and exposure will kindle the required imagination and sensibilities, which will ultimately shape children's values and vision. Taking such films to smaller towns with Tamil subtitles will work magic," he adds.
"Ours is an elementary school," says writer Pamaran of Naaivaal. "We want to give people in the grassroots the basics; they can explore higher levels using this knowledge." Preparing the mind to appreciate films that portray issues that concern people is what Naaivaal is trying to achieve. "There is no admission for intellectuals here. For any social change to happen, people should be aware of issues. In the process, if they get inspired to become filmmakers, we are happy," he adds.
Naaivaal has screened Tamil short films such as Ayesha, Oormaatram (itwon the Kalam award for the best environment film) and Acchupizhai, on the lives of transgenders. Priya Babu of the Sudar Foundation for Transgenders, Villupuram, was also invited for a discussion. He says film societies, with their distinct approach, have managed to draw the attention of the common man "polluted by the commercial mass media." For the Cinema Club of Coimbatore, the objective is to create awareness on films and to help budding filmmakers understand technology and aesthetics.
Their children's festival brought together an eclectic mix of movies on children such as Children of Heaven (Iranian), Way Home (Korean), Shwaas (Marathi) and Kutty (Tamil). "Now, people are able to differentiate good movies from bad," says S. Savitha, an active member.
Kalam Film Society, where membership comes at Re. 1, wants to focus on budding filmmakers. "They are the future. We want to guide them to come out with meaningful creations," says Anand of Kalam.
Despite all these, is there still a long way to go? "Once we start reaching out to people other than those who know, we can expect significant societal change. Of course, to sustain, we also require a projector, regular members and a permanent hall for screening," sums up Chandran.
Courtesy : The Hindu dated 19 05 2007.
Ingmar Bergman
'Wild Strawberries' was made by Ingmar Bergman in the year 1957.
Ingmar Bergman was born in 1918 in Uppsala, Sweden. His father was a pastor, and thus ingrained in him concepts that would later surface in his films: sin, confession, punishment, forgiveness and grace. Bergman became a student of art history and literature at the University of Stockholm. The Swedish master has directed nearly 62 films and TV serials. He retired from film making in 1984 and drama and Tv seriels in 2003 at the age of 83 .
As a director, Bergman favored intuition over intellect, and chose to be unaggressive in dealing with actors. He states that a director must be both honest and supportive to allow others their best work.
His films usually deal with existential questions of mortality, loneliness, and faith; they also tend to be direct and not overtly stylized. Bergman usually wrote his own scripts, thinking about them for months or years before starting the actual process of writing, which he views as somewhat tedious. Bergman began working with Sven Nykvist, his cinematographer, in 1953 who became a legend.
Konangal presented a retrospective of Ingmar Bergman in February 2007.
Who wins them all?
(Hindu Metroplus write up on screening of 'CHARACTER' )
Dutch film Character is a moving tale
Without as much as a twitching vein, can a six-year-old show such ruthlessness on his mother being called a whore? Well, it's not without reason that Dutch film Character won an Oscar in 1998.
Konangal Film Society recently screened the film, which traces the tacit mind games between a young man and his father.
The movie begins with the death of Dreverhaven. The police suspect his son Jacob, as he is seen leaving Dreverhaven's office last. They finally learn that he was not murdered, after all.
Set in a series of flashbacks, the movie unfolds the life of Jacob, his struggles and success.
Stony-faced and indifferent, bailiff Dreverhaven's attempts to marry pregnant housekeeper Joba Katadreuffe fail. A reticent Joba brings up Jacob alone. However, self-taught Jacob's path is to cross his father's. Almost always close to losing, Jacob just about gets the better of his father in their incessant one-upmanship.
At one point, Jacob says: "He (Dreverhaven) just wanted to show me who is boss." Dreverhaven (Jan Decleir) comes across as a man with `motiveless malignity'. Nevertheless, when he signs the will as Vader (father), we see the human behind that cold face. Joba (Betty Schuurman) has a perpetual indignant silence to her; so you pay more attention every time she speaks. And it is worth it. The best line is her last: "You've been a big ass," she tells Jacob who fails to express his interest in a woman. De Gankelaar, as Jacob's boss, is a perfect entertainer with his deadpan humour.
Sample this: He tells Jacob: "You have managed to fascinate me but not to convince me". On the film's treatment, Rajkumar, cinematographer for the second half of Tamil flick Periyar, said "it only has shades of grey, middle grey and black, which bring out the conflict between the father and the son".
Director's cut
After he received the Oscar for Character, the director walked with it on the streets of Los Angeles, and said cheekily in an interview: "I guess you're not to supposed to carry the Oscar around with you, but, hey, I'm Dutch, I don't know the rules."
Screening on 6th May 2007.
CHARACTER ( 1997 )
CHARACTER 1997
Directed by Mike van Diem. Winner of Oscar award ,another 10 wins and 4 nominations. A ruthless court bailiff is found dead, and a young lawyer is the prime suspect. Told in a series of flashbacks, Jacob Katadreuffe tells the tale leading to the events of his final confrontation with bailiff Dreverhaven. What unfolds is the man's life story ... of his strained relationship with his mother, of his strong desire to make a better life for himself , of his obsession and the bizarre battle of wills with his father, Dreverhaven.
Time : 122 min. Dutch with English sub titles. Mike van Diem (born 1959, in Sittard, Limburg) is a Dutch film director. In 1990 his short film Alaska won a Golden Calf for best short film and the Student Academy Award for best foreign student film in the drama category. In 1998 he received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for the film Character based on the 1938 novel Karakter by Ferdinand Bordewijk.
Screening at ASHWIN HOSPITAL AUDITORIUM 4thFloor (Lift Provided) , off Sathy Road, Ganapathy,Coimbatore -12.Call: 94430 39630
Dinamalar write up . . .
We give below the link for the write up by Dinamalar on the recent Hitchcock Film Festival conducted by Konangal.Click here to read
Of war, and conflict . . . The Hindu reports on screening of "Turtles Can Fly"
Children are the centre of action in Kurdish director Bahman Ghobadi's Turtles Can Fly, and they bring an electrifying authenticity to their roles. Set in a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraqi-Turkish border just before the U.S. invasion in 2003, the movie captures the lives of a handful of orphaned children.
Dangerous liaisons
The enterprising Satellite (played by Soran Ebrahim) installs dishes and antennae for local villages looking for news of Saddam Hussain. He organises the dangerous but necessary task of sweeping and clearing the minefields, and arranges to trade unexploded mines for machine guns. He falls for an orphan Agrin (Avaz Latif), a sad-faced girl travelling with her disabled brother Henkov (Hirsh Feyssal), who has the gift of clairvoyance. The siblings take care of a three-year-old (Later revealed as Agrin's child, born out of a gang rape by soldiers). The predictions of Henkov are used as magical realism in the movie.
"Multiple readings are possible in the movie — the implications of attack using chemical weapons, the sufferings of the Kurds, the `psychic wreckage' in children shown through Agrin who has suicidal tendencies, the transformation of the community from a nomadic to a post-modern one, and the concept of profit over people. But there is a ray of hope as a leader is born in Satellite," says D. Anandan, member of Konangal, which screened the film.
Ray of hope
In the last frame, when the U.S. forces enter, Satellite walks in the opposite direction, an indication of hope for peace. This is the moment of relief in a film that shows the futility of war. "Because it is a resources war, the problems will never end for the Kurdish people," adds Anandan. "In countries like the U.S., war is a sport now," says Rakesh. S. Katarey, a film buff.
Devastating
Be it an Iran-Iraq conflict or the war in another 275 days as predicted by Henkov in the movie, it damages a society physically and mentally, says Pon. Chandran of Konangal. The movie has won 13 International awards and is the first film to be made in Iraq since Saddam Hussain's fall.
K. jeshi
Interpreting time
The screening of Lifeline, a short film by Spanish filmmaker Victor Erice, was a pleasant surprise. Fifteen directors were asked to create 10-minute films on the interpretation of time. Lifeline, shot in luminous black and white, is one of them. People, time and history come together on a quiet afternoon in a Spanish countryside.
A young boy draws a watch on his arm, an elderly woman kneads, children play in the park, men scythe grass and a mother sleeps beside her newborn. Suddenly, a bloodstain appears on the baby's blanket (which later is shown as oozing from the umbilical cord) and the mother cries for help. Everyone rushes to save the child.
In between these visuals, the director brings in nostalgic family photographs from Cuba and a menacing newspaper article about the Nazis in Spain.
Tilt & Pan shot 4
PARZANIA
PARZANIA
Parzania is the breathtaking untold story of one family and a community's loss during an act of communal violence in Gujarat that stunned the nation. We are late in giving you this link, but as the saying goes , it's always better to be late than never ! Click Here for Baradwaj Rangan's review on PARZANIA.
Screening on 1st April, 2007.________ Turtles CAN FLY (2004 ) and a short film by Victor Erice
" Dedicated to all the innocent children in the world - the casualties of the policies of dictators and fascists. " - Bahman Gobadi , director of TURTLES CAN FLY.
Lifeline -- short film by master of modern Spanish cinema , Victor Erice (2002)
Victor Erice, the poetic Spanish filmmaker whose only features to date are The Spirit of the Beehive (1973), El Sur (1983), and Dream of Light (The Quince Tree Sun, 1992). He has made just 3 feature films and 2 documentaries in 30 years. This short film, shot in luminous black-and-white, offers only the barest narrative situation through evocative dissolves connecting people and objects on a quiet afternoon in the Spanish countryside.Lifeline unfolds in sublimely poetic fashion, soft dissolves connect its beautifully-lit interiors and strong exterior compositions. Its visual and aural textures are lovingly merged and it's clearly the work of someone who has lived this life and remembers it vividly. Runtime : 12 minutes.
TURTLES CAN FLY ________ Winner of 13 International awards.
"It's a soaring achievement, without ever leaving the ground. " - Washington Post. TURTLES CAN FLY is the first film to be made in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the devastating Turtles Can Fly is set in a Kurdish refugee camp on the Iraqi-Turkish border just before the US invasion in spring 2003. Director Bahman Ghobadi concentrates on a handful of orphaned children and their efforts to survive the appalling conditions: there's the entrepreneurial Satellite (Soran Ebrahim), the armless clairvoyant Henkov (Hirsh Feyssal), and his traumatised sister Agrin (Avaz Latif), who herself is responsible for a blind toddler.Turtles Can Fly vividly immerses the viewer in the nightmarish realities of daily existence in this makeshift community that's located within a forbidding natural landscape. There's no running water or electricity, the fear of gas attacks is palpable, and kids use their bare-hands to defuse land mines in the surrounding fields, which they then trade for machine guns at a market.There is a gravitas to Ghobadi's juvenile characters that, as with all classic tragedy heroes, moves us to experience both pity and fear for them. In the end, our catharsis comes like a thud, not in response to the fall of the mighty from on high but of the weak from their already low vantage point.Turtles, of course, cannot fly (although one does seem to, very briefly, under Ghobadi's poetic camerawork). His film, on the other hand, takes to the air like a doomed but beautiful bird, tracing a flight, not of fancy, but of aching, poignant artlessness.Run time : 98 Mins. Language : Kurdish with English subtitles. Venue : Ashwin Hospital Auditorium ( 4th floor - lift provided), Across Sathy Road, Ganapathy, Coimbatore 12 . Call 94430 39630
Bahman Ghobadi
Bahman Ghobadi, the director of TURTLES CAN FLY , was born in Baneh, in northwestern Kurdistan Province of Iran. His family moved to Sanandaj in 1981. He received a Bachelor of Arts in film directing from the Iranian Broadcasting College. After a brief career in industrial photography, Ghobadi began making short 8 mm films. His documentary Life In Fog won numerous awards. Bahman Ghobadi was assistant director on Abbas Kiarostami's The Wind Will Carry Us. He was also one of the two main actors in Samira Makhmalbaf's The Blackboard (1999).Bahman Ghobadi founded Mij Film in 2000, a company with the aim of production of films in Iran about its different ethnic groups. His first feature film was A Time for Drunken Horses (2000), the first Kurdish film produced in Iran. The film won Caméra d'Or at Cannes Film Festival. His second feature was Marooned in Iraq (2002), which brought him the Gold Plaque from Chicago International Film Festival. His third feature, Turtles Can Fly, followed in 2004, winning the Glass Bear and Peace Film Award at Berlin International Film Festival and Golden Shell at San Sebastian International Film Festival.In 2006, Index on Censorship gave Ghobadi an Index Film Award for making a significant contribution to freedom of expression through his film "Turtles Can Fly."
Hindu on Konangal"s screening of Battle of Algiers
Konangal Film Society sure knows the art of screening films. From the comic Jacques Tati's Mr. Hulot's Holiday one week, they take you to the distressing La battaglia di Algeri (Battle of Algiers), a couple later. The movie traces the Algerian struggle for freedom from the French between 1954 and 1960. Set in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, the movie has no protagonist. Detailing the fight of the National Liberation Front, it captures the single-minded devotion of the group towards a free Algeria. Unbiased in approach, Director Gillo Pontecorvo portrays flaws from both sides — be it French civilians being terrorised or Algerians tortured. It is not for nothing that Pontecorvo is celebrated. His compulsive need to portray reality is evident in every frame. His eye for detail is exemplary — if the little child feasting on ice cream blissfully ignorant of the imminent blast tugs at your heart; the expression on the face of the woman who plants the bomb, an evident mix of fear and discomfort, unsettles you. The casting, too, commands special mention. Poker-faced Ali La Pointe played by farmer Brahim Haggiag is representative of the angry young youth, and the charismatic Col. Mathieu played by Jean Martin, that of a sharp officer. Though poignant, a few dialogues border on sparkling wit — courtesy, director and scriptwriter Franco Solinas.A critic once said of Pontecorvo: "He is the most dangerous director. He kidnaps the audience". Those who watched the movie could not have agreed more. - W. SREELALITHA . Courtesy :The Hindu, Metro Plus dated 26 03 2007.
It is a comedy. But not the kind where you will burst your sides with laughter. Yet, it is funny. Director Jacques Tati made only six films in his career spanning 20 years. But, his genius is undisputed. And, film buffs in Coimbatore enjoyed that as Konangal screened his film Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot (Monsieur Hulot's Holiday) for them at Ashwin Hospital.
The tall, ungainly, Hulot (played by Jacques Tati himself) arrives a vacation at a seaside resort in an incongruous, noisy and battered rattletrap of a car that perches atop bicycle wheels!
There isn't a story line or a plot in the traditional sense. Actions of the holidaymakers, whether they are just eating, playing cards, swimming, strolling or working, become a reason for laughter, thanks to the bumbling, stumbling Mr Hulot. Unwittingly, he triggers off episodes that you can't help smiling at.
The holiday makers are the kinds you would meet in any vacation — the young attractive girl whom every young man in the vicinity is eyeing; the energetic campers, the `foreigner', the couple who don't move from their place by the window, the businessman with his family on holiday who keeps disappearing to attend to important telephone calls, the poker buddies, and so on. The hotel is typical too, with the annoying, creaking kitchen door, the bored waiter, the mischievous kids and stuck drawers. In the hustle and the bustle that fills every scene, the fact that there is barely any dialogue escapes notice. In the middle of all this, and yet apart, is Hulot, awkward, timid, unassertive and indecisive. His best intentions always go awry.
The movie also has its funny-sad moments. At the end of the vacation as everyone exchanges cards and goodbyes, only Hulot is ignored by all. He doesn't come up to scratch.
It is only an old man, the `foreigner' and some kids who come up to him to say goodbye.
One is used to comedies being exaggerated, in-your-face, anything-but-subtle affairs.
But, like a film critic said about this film, "It is not a comedy of hilarity but a comedy of memory, nostalgia, fondness and good cheer. There are some real laughs in it, but Mr. Hulot's Holiday gives us something rarer, an amused affection for human nature — so odd, so valuable, so particular... "
Screening on 4th March 2007 at Ashwin Hospital Auditorium.
Mr. Hulot"s Holiday (1953 )
A classic French comedy from Jacques Tati . Monsieur. Hulot , Tati's onscreen alter ego, appeared for the first time in what has been called both a classic screen comedy and an important work of modernist cinema. His films have little audible dialogue, but instead are built around elaborate, tightly-choreographed visual gags and carefully integrated sound effects. Monsieur Hulot , with his trademark raincoat, umbrella and pipe, is among the most memorable comic characters in cinema. Tati's creative use of sound effects and minimal dialogue inspired French critic Andre Bazin to call it "an event in the history of sound film."Click here for details at Internet Movie Data Base.PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN VENUE: ASHWIN HOSPITAL AUDITORIUMFOURTH FLOOR, ASHWIN HOSPITAL (Lift provided).1, Alamelu Nagar Road, Coimbatore-12. Across Sathy Road, Near G P Theatre(Bus Stop GP Theatre) at 5.45 pm .
We are grateful...
Thanks to the initiative taken by Dr.Rajendran , as promised by him, and for the patronage extended by Dr.Thangavelu for providing us with a spacious new venue for screening our films in their Ashwin Hospital Auditorium. At this hour it is our duty to go on record to express our gratitude and indebtedness to our beloved Gopal Iyya for having accommodated us all along, particularly when we were struggling to have a space for our screenings and meetings. Well, Ramu Dairy will continue to be our home for the meetings and the proposed library of Konangal.
NEW YEAR GREETINGS!
We are pleased to announce the launching of Konangal's Blog as a New Year memento to all our members.
We would like to place on record the wonderful work done by Mr. Anand, one of our committed and active members, in getting this done.
We request all the film enthusiasts to make good use of the site in dissiminating the vision and mission of Konangal.
We also look forward to your comments and suggestions which will enrich the site further.
Best Regards to all -
PON.CHANDRAN,
President,
Konangal.
Of adrenaline and emotion - The Hindu reports .....
Life changes every second in Run Lola Run Eighty-one minutes of action conveyed the message loud and clear — man exists; woman lives. The incredibly pacy German film Run Lola Run screened by Konangal makes you ponder about the purpose of life, especially that of a woman. The story : A beautiful Lola (Franka Potente), all burgundy hair and athletic body, gets a phone call from her boyfriend Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu). He needs 100,000 German marks in 20 minutes to save his life. Lola screams, throws the receiver in the air, and is out by the time it lands safely in its cradle. "As film critics put it, it is a thinking person's action movie," explains Pon. Chandran. "The director uses three different endings to show how, depending on the decision Lola takes each time, as she runs past the same individuals (a series of rapid-fire snapshots show that person's fate), life changes for her and the others." The pulsating soundtrack by the director speeds up the narration.The movie plays with the notion of time and fate. In the `time-out' between the three episodes, Lola asks Manni, "How do you know you love me?" And, Manni wants to know, "What would you do if I died?" To which, Lola simply says: "I wouldn't let you". A scene in which the heartbeat of a dying man becomes normal when Lola takes his hand affirms her strength. The movie also talks about the power of positive thinking in changing a situation (for example, the scene in which Lola wins at the Casino). "In any movie, editing is used to shrink time, but when you use it to show the impact of a situation on two or four people, time extends like it does in Lola," explains a member. Time expansion Some film buffs describe the movie as a post-modern film, a genre in which distortion of time is the rule of the game. Closer home, movies like Virumaandi and 12 B handled time expansion. "But, the risk in such movies is that they make you believe in wishful thinking. So, maintaining a `critical distance' while watching them is important," concluded D. Anandan, a member. -
K. JESHICourtesy the Hindu. Metroplus - 08 02 07http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/02/08/stories/2007020800850400.htm
TILT & PAN Shot 2
Here are some interesting streaming video links for you :Ingmar Bergman - making of SARABANDLink1Link 2Link3Also from these pages you can search and find links for streaming videos related to other masters like Kurosawa. Tarkovsky etc. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Lenovo, the world's biggest personal computer maker, said Thursday it expects to offer jobs to 7,500 IBM employees as part of its acquisition of the x86 server business.
The acquisition will accelerate Lenovo's moves to expand beyond its traditional PC business, said Peter Hortensius, a senior vice president.
"We see a transformation coming for our company from just being a PC company to being a mobile device, PC and enterprise server company," said Hortensius in a phone interview. "This provides another strong leg for that strategy."
Lenovo has its own server business but Hortensius said it is less than one-fifth the size of the IBM Corp. unit. He said the acquisition will move Lenovo ahead five years in its plan to expand in servers, raising its global ranking among suppliers from No. 6 to No. 3 and increasing its share of global server sales from 2 percent to 14 percent.
Lenovo passed rival Hewlett Packard Co. as the No. 1 PC maker in the third quarter of last year, a triumph that was tempered by eroding demand. The company has said it expects mobile devices to become the bulk of its business in coming years.
Lenovo, based in Beijing and in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, has collaborated with IBM for a number of years. The Chinese company acquired IBM's PC unit in 2005 and has since expanded into wireless products including smartphones and tablets.
IBM, based in Armonk, New York, will continue to develop Windows and Linux software for the x86 platform and will provide service to customers for an extended period after the acquisition, Lenovo said.
The server businesses should be relatively easy to integrate because they have little overlap outside China, said Hortensius. He said potential customers range from offices to server farms for mobile devices.
"This becomes a deal we can quickly gain advantage from, rather than dealing with integration issues," he said. "There is a lot of scale, capability and know-how that we can bring to bear to work with the team from IBM. All of them are experts in their field."
The two companies also plan to enter into a strategic relationship. It will include a reseller agreement for IBM's Storwize disk storage systems, tape storage systems and certain cloud, file system, platform computing and system software products. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Dugi otok›
History and archeology
Dugi otok writes its own history for thousands of years, and the fact that it was inhabited from the earliest times is testified by the remains of buildings scattered around the island.
Dugi otok was first mentioned in mid-10th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus, who in his “De administrando imperio” mentions it under the name Pizuh. In the beginning of the 11th century the island was called Insula Tilagus in written documents, and this name is preserved in the name of Telašćica bay. The island’s present name was given in the 15th century.
The island was inhabited very early as evidenced by archaeological finds from the field Krševanje polje, Veli Rat and cave Vlakno which originate from the Old and Middle Stone Age (Paleolithic and Mesolithic). The island holds the remains of Illyrian settlements (Omišenjak, Koženjak, Veli Brčastac) with or without fortified characteristics (Vrtlaci), then numerous piles (Gominjak,Čuh polje) and a cemetery (Dugo polje). During the excavations in the cave Vlakno in 2011, the remains of a human skeleton were found, whose age was estimated at 11 000 years ago (early Mesolithic). The press named him “the oldest Dalmatian Šime” (a very common Dalmatian name) and the archaeologists estimated that he was 40 years old at the time of death, between 168 and 172 centimetres tall and died of a nonviolent death. The scientific value is enormous because there are almost no human findings in Dalmatia from this period. The finding has been transferred to the Department of Archaeology, of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences, and further research will reveal new details.
Testimony of the ancient time are the numerous scattered fragments of pottery, small monuments (sarcophagi, votive monuments) and remains of commercial buildings including the remains of which considerable attention should be paid to the economic complex at Mala Proversa and a votive monument of the imperial slave Euhemerus in honour of the goddess Diana, which indicates the existence of the imperial estates in the area of the Žman lake.
Early Christian and pre-Romanesque period is accompanied by a number of churches (St. John and St. Victor in Telašćica) many of which are well preserved churches like the church of St. Pelegrin in Savar.
Of the profane residential architecture a few examples from the period of the 16th to the 18th century have been preserved (Guerrini houses and the house Petricioli in Sali). These buildings represent a valuable contribution to the profane architecture of mannerist and baroque periods of the islands and Zadar.
Archeology
Brbišćica
100 mil.yrs. b.c.
The wider area of the island Dugi otok around the Brbišćica bay is built of carbonate rocks formed hundred million years ago. The rocks along the bay are the finding site of many tiny fossils invisible to the naked eye and also lots of fossils of large organisms. Beside the usual fossilized shells of that time, an extremely valuable fossil marine reptile was found. Today the limestone in this area is more karstified and we find interesting karst forms: sea flooded caves, passages and pits. Because of the geomorfological diversity, divers are very interested in the bay Brbiscica. That is the reason why several diving schools in Dugi otok provide diving lessons on this location.
Cave vlakno
11 000 yrs. b.c.
An almost complete skeleton of one of the inhabitants of the cave, approximately 11 000 years old, was found lying in straight position placed near the fire site. Flint and bone artefacts and remnants of their production point to the lifestyle of inhabitants of the cave.
Cave Strašna peć
5 000 – 3 500 yrs. b.c.
Archaeological researches within the Cave Strašna Peć were never carrie d out. However, considering the immediate vicinity of the cave Vlakno, which represents an exceptional location as well as the caves Goat and Badanj, we can suggest that this cave, thanks to its geographical position, at the very least served as a temporary habitat for early human populations on the island. A flint artefact, a small knife from the Stone Age, was accidentally found and due to the shape of the rope and the handle it is possible to date it to the Neolithic representing a rare finding at this moment.
Grave mounds
2500 - 400 yrs. b.c.
The largest concentration is in the area of Čuh in Telašćice Nature Park. They were used for rituals or as lookout positions.
Illyrian grave
800 - 400 yrs. b.c.
Based on the items found in the grave, it was established that it originated from the Liburnian Iron Age culture or from 8th - 5th century B.C. A tumulus of 15 m in diameter was surrounding the tomb.
Villa Rusticae
I st. a.d.
Telašćica has been inhabited since ancient times, as can bee seen from the remains of a Roman complex Villa Risticae in Mala Proversa passage. In 1951st research of the remains were carried out.
Small church on the hill koženjak
II-XI st. a.d.
There are more hypothesis about the type of structure represented by the existing archaeological remains. One says that the ruins are from the Pre-Romanesque period, while the other says that the ruins may represent the remains of the Late Antique or Byzantine fortress.
Church of st Anthony
IV. ili V. st. a.d.
It is believed that it originates from the earliest Christian times. Today it is dedicated to St Anthony of Padua. Every year in the church a solemn mass is held.
Remains of the church of St Victor
VI. st. a.d.
The church of St Victor is located on a high ground called Citorij, at 92 m above sea level. It was established that the church originated from the Early Christian period.
Crkvina
IV. – VII. st. a.d.
On the SE part of the Island of Dugi otok, there are ruins that are dated back to the Early-Christian period, 4-7th century. Today here are only traces of the walls.
St Pelegrin, Savar
9. st. a.d.
Sacred object of cultural heritage (7th -9th century). The church consists of the nave, the altar and the sacristy. The core is a square altar space vaulted with a dome. The altar area is actually a small pre-Romanesque church to which the nave and the sacristy were added later.
The oldest mention of fishery in croatia
10. st. a.d.
It is believed that fishing in this area was one of important activities for the survival of man since ancient times. Croatian fishery is for the first time mentioned in the 10th century in one document.
Remains of the church of St John
10.- 11. st. a.d.
On the field margins, the small sacral object was built. Documents mention it also as Sancti Iohannis. It is assumed that it has been used as parish church.
St. Nicholas, sučevno luka
14. st. a.d.
According to archival sources the construction of the church begun in 1378. A tank was subsequently excavated within the church. The church walls are preserved in full height as well as the buildings’ shallow vaulted apse which is completely preserved.
Fortification Grpašćak
1911.
The fort was built during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in the first half of the 20th century (1911) and served exclusively as the military lookout point of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.
Activities
Dear Visitor,
To simplify the planning your vacation and your stay on our island we have prepared this travel planner. This planner can be used in a way that each section in which you see the sign +PLANER you can add it to the planer as an activity. Once you have selected all the activities for which you are interested, you can arrange them according to your convenience during the days of your stay. Four activities can be added for a single day. Once you have planned out all the days of your stay, you can send your planner to someone by mail or simply print it. The data in the planner will remain stored in your browser until the next visit, so you can change it later. In case you want to begin your planning again, delete all the items by clicking on the link "Clear planner". | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
WKRG-TV did some legwork and found the man responsible for one of the more successful secession petitions — the one asking for a peaceful grant of withdrawal on behalf of Alabama.
Started by the aptly named Derrick Belcher, a 45-year-old trucking company manager from Chunchula, the petition has already crossed the 25,000-signature threshold required to receive a response from the government.
So, who is Belcher? And why is he so mad he'd sooner sever all ties with the United States than live another day in the shadow of Old Glory? From AL.com:
"I'm working poor. And I work -– I've never taken a dime from the government. I'll starve before I take a handout. That's what being a true American is all about."
Belcher blamed the government for shutting down his former business. Belcher said his Euro Details car wash, which featured topless women, was successful for a decade on Halls Mill Road in Mobile. But he said he was arrested and charged with obscenity by city officials in 2001.
"The government ripped my business away, and now they're choking America to death with rules and regulations," he said. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
(Baton Rouge, LA – April 9, 2014) Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico will be facing an even shorter recreational season for red snapper as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, a group of state and federal fishery managers that oversee offshore fisheries, works to comply with several standards set by the Magnuson-Stevens Act after a federal court ruled their years of management of the recreational fishery illegal.
On Tuesday the Council’s Reef Fish Committee, which makes recommendations to the full Council, voted in favor of an 11-day recreational season with a two-fish per day, per angler limit.
“Nobody wants 11 days and shortened seasons will not solve the problem the fishery is facing,” said Billy Archer, Share the Gulf member and a charter captain from Panama City, Florida. “The good news is that better solutions for recreational fishermen exist and we urge the full Council to adopt comprehensive management measures instead of the same old failed approaches.”
The full council will consider the recommendation of the reef fish committee on Thursday and will likely vote to request that the Secretary of Commerce take this emergency action to reduce the likelihood of quota overages during the 2014 season.
Some Council members are attempting to attach new must-pass accountability measures for the recreational fishery to Amendment 28, a proposal to take a portion of the commercial fishery’s quota and give it to recreational fishermen, so that the Council will be forced to pass the amendment and reallocate the red snapper fishery.
“These types of maneuvers are wrong and confuse a fish grab with real changes that can improve fishing for anglers across the Gulf of Mexico,” said Bubba Cochrane, Texas Co-Chair for Share the Gulf and commercial fisherman. “Reallocation is a false promise to recreational fishermen and a distraction from improving the management of the recreational fishery. It will take fish out of Gulf seafood industry and do nothing to help anglers in the long-term. Combining new accountability measures with Amendment 28 will only cause more chaos and more division in the Gulf.”
The Gulf Council has been presented with several alternative management programs that could improve fishing opportunities for recreational fishermen while improving accountability, but have yet to move any of them forward for serious consideration. “The Council cannot continue to ignore the demands for new management options,” said Archer.
The Council must implement an adequate management plan for the 2014 season by May 15, 2014 in order to comply with the federal court’s ruling, and has until next year to implement permanent changes to the management program for the recreational red snapper fishery.
“The Council should permanently end the reallocation distraction so that it can avoid further legal action and fulfill its obligations under the law to improve recreational management and ensure long-term sustainability of the fishery,” said Cochrane.
###
Share the Gulf is a coalition of chefs, restaurateurs, restaurant associations, seafood businesses, fishermen, conservationists, local food advocates and regular consumers that want to keep the local Gulf seafood industry fair and strong. Our simple goal is to make sure Gulf seafood continues to be shared fairly and sustainably so that all of us can enjoy it for generations to come. Join the coalition at www.sharethegulf.org. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Hello hi how are you doing today my name is Clayton an I am a white male med build med body hair very face hair very clean cut short hair nice round bottom I don't drink or smoke or do any kind of drugs and I am HIV negative an no stds I am in pretty good shape and condition for ...
I am a open, honest, trustworthy, loving, caring,and layed back type of guy. I like to go for walks, camping, gardening,and cooking. I have 4 kids and grandbabies that don't live with me, but i do hold them dear to my heart.
Iam 5 foot 11 medium build blue eyes brown hair 280lbs own my own place iam a total bottom guy I love to give head an love - on me iam looking for someone that is white clean shaved down below that is d,d,free that is looking for something on a regular basis long-term NO ONE N... | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
An anonymous benefactor will give $100 to the Salvation Army for each unit of blood donated. Tickets to the Orlando Magic game against the New Orleans Hornets Oct. 15 will be awarded, and the first 150 donors will get free T-shirts.
A donor must be 17 or older, in good health and have a photo ID. The blood will go to the Manatee County Blod Center, which is providing the bloodmobiles. Details are available at 746-7195.
Have your say:
No comments for this page. Feel free to be the first
Username:
Contact:
(email or url)
Subject:
Your View:
I wish to receive your weekly emails.
Please submit my "say" to the printed paper (full name, address, phone number are required for publication, although only name and city of residence are published in the print edition.
Full Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
Please enter the security code below:
Get breaking news
Sign up to receive breaking news alerts
via e-mail. We'll send you a notice when the news and classifieds
appear online every week, before the print edition hits the streets. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Terrorism claimed over 12,000 lives in Iraq in 2016: UN
Iraqis inspect the aftermath of a car bomb in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2016. (Photo by AP)
The United Nations says more than 12,000 people have lost their lives in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in Iraq so far this year as government forces and allied fighters battle to drive the Daesh Takfiri militants out of the country.
According to a survey conducted by Turkey’s official Anadolu news agency on the basis of monthly reports issued by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), a total of 12,038 Iraqis have been killed and 14,411 others injured since the beginning of the current year.
The UN mission added that there were 6,492 civilians among those killed. The attacks claimed the lives of 5,546 members of Iraqi security forces as well.
The figures were collected from health and security officials in the capital Baghdad, the northern provinces of Salahuddin, Nineveh and Kirkuk in addition to the western and eastern provinces of Anbar and Diyala.
The fatalities came as a result of shootings, improvised explosive devices, car bombs, and bombers wearing explosive belts, as well as clashes with the Daesh Takfiri militants in different parts of the country.
The death toll shows a surge in violence in Iraq during the final months of the year, when 5,683 people were killed. The number accounts for about half the number of deaths recorded during the first eight months of 2016.
The number marks a nine-percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year, when at least 11,118 Iraqis, mostly civilians, were killed in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict. A total of 18,419 people sustained injuries during the period.
Habib al-Torfi, a member of the human rights committee in the Iraqi parliament, said the high figure of fatalities in 2016 stipulates the need for deeper commitment on the part of the United Nations and the international community regarding Iraq.
Iraqi troops, supported by fighters from Hashd al-Sha’abi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, are in a joint operation, which was launched on October 17, to retake the northern city of Mosul from Daesh terrorists.
The International Organization for Migration said on December 18 that 103,872 people had been displaced since the operations began.
Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses: | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Drake has become the latest rapper to find himself at the centre of a plagiarism lawsuit - the administrators of a dead jazz musician's estate have accused him of sampling a monologue from a 1982 song without permission.
Jimmy Smith's relatives claim Drake stole the lyrics from Jimmy Smith Rap for his Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2 track - and then suggested the sample had been properly licensed on the liner notes. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Episode Six: The Last Trustworthy Comedian
Last week’s episode of "Last Comic Standing" ended with scenes from this week’s episode in which we saw the comics plotting to get rid of Dat Phan. All week long, NBC continued to run promotional ads for the show in which the comics continued to scheme against the loveable little guy. To casual viewers of reality TV, it would appear that in fact, Dat and his charts and graphs would be hitting the road this week. But not you. No, you’re here at the FORT, which means that you’re a veteran of reality TV. You’re immune to the parlor tricks those crafty devils at the networks try to pull to manipulate the viewers. Let’s face it - if you really thought that Dat would be leaving this week, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that Ralphie May will be appearing on "Paradise Hotel" this Wednesday.
This week’s episode opens with (gasp) the comics scheming against Dat. We’re shown Dat honing his craft by the pool. Practicing his comedy for Dat combines staring intently down at his journal while exhibiting some form of marshal art. Dat tells us that he’s “sharpening his weapon.” Dat, I’ve heard it called a lot of things before; choking the chicken, spanking the monkey, even wrestling the bald-headed champ. But “sharpening your weapon” is a new one to me.
Jay makes an early appearance and tells the comics about this week’s challenge. I realize there were no sirens or clues on 3x5 cards this week prior to Jay’s entrance and I wonder if perhaps Claudette the Fortune Teller is on the fritz. If so, I pray that Rich Vos didn’t get loaded and make a pass at her. This week’s contest will be to video tape a two minute pitch for a brand new sitcom. The videos will be shown to a focus group. The comic whose idea is picked by the focus group will win immunity from challenge this week and a walk-on appearance on the NBC sitcom “Good Morning Miami.”
The comics sat around working on their ideas. To my surprise, Cory Kahaney actually offers some suggestions to Dat about how to improve his idea, including the name of the show. She says that Dat will be the hero of the show because everyone loves him. Dave Mordal then suggests calling the show “Everybody Loves Dat.”
Coming up with all those creative ideas is hard work, so the comics take a break with a game of Hide & Seek. Ralphie will be the seeker. The catch? Dat doesn’t realize that he’s the only one playing. He’s off like a shot and finds a terrific hiding place under the curtains behind the stage in the mansion’s theater. We aren’t comics. We’ve all taken different paths in life. None of us have pulled the old “Fake Hide and Seek” trick since sixth grade because well, that’s just silly, isn’t it? I’ll wager that it was some time shortly after we stopped finding that funny that the door to a career in comedy was closed to us forever. And seeing just how much fun the comics had with it when, after fifty-three minutes of pretending he was hiding from an ax murderer (I’m not making that up), Dat returned to the living room to find Ralphie exactly where he’d left him, I found it funny all over again. Dat was a good sport about it in front of the comics, but told us “Success is the sweetest revenge.” Yes Dat, and somewhere in one of your journals I’m sure that you’ve also written that old Klingon bromide “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
The next day we see Jay explaining things to the focus group, a panel of three men and three women of various ages and racial backgrounds. The comics get to watch their reactions to the tapes, as they are witnessing the entire scene through one-way glass.
Tess pitches the idea of her being married to a redneck country singer in Nashville.
Ralphie’s idea is of a struggling comic trying to make it in TV; he seems completely unenthused about his own idea.
Rob Cantrell pitches his idea with typical Rob enthusiasm – his will be the show that keeps NBC Number One! It’ll be Naked Lunch meets "Cheers." It’ll be "Fawlty Towers" meets "Columbo." I can’t stop laughing because it looks like there isn’t a single member of the panel that has heard of Naked Lunch or "Fawlty Towers", but they seem to perk up hearing the words “Cheers” and “Columbo.”
Cory suggests herself as a divorced single mom that plans weddings.
"Geoff Brown’s Damn Show" will be about a guy that decides to host a Ricki Lake style talk show because his girlfriend found him cheating on her. What infidelity has to do with a compelling desire to be a talk show host I have no idea. Perhaps Geoff thought it might be a cheap way of getting to do a bedroom scene with Vivica A. Fox as a guest star in the pilot. Or maybe that’s just me.
Rich’s idea is this; he’s divorced with two daughters, and he’s down on his luck. He lives in his ex-wife’s basement, and she is now married to a wealthy, boring stock broker. His clip ends by telling them they are the best looking focus group he’s ever seen.
Some of the ideas to this point actually sound plausible, and it’s clear that some of the comics gave their pitches at least a little thought, and with the exception of Rob, were being serious. Not Dave Mordal. His idea is for a sitcom about a bunch of wacky terrorists. The guy that calls in the bomb threats stutters and since he can’t talk fast enough, the bombs always end up going off. The bomb-maker is down to one finger on his right hand. The comics find it funny, the focus group thought Dave was “questionable.”
Finally Dat pitches the idea that Cory helped him polish. In “Pick a Color” Dat’s family runs a nail salon, and he’s the guy that everyone confides in. His excitement and passion for the idea is clear on the tape, and behind the glass he’s begging them to take notes. Not only does Dat want to succeed, but apparently he watched NBC’s promos for the show all week and he realizes his head is on the chopping block if he doesn’t gain immunity.
The pitches made, Jay interviews the panel. They agree that Rich Vos was a complete waste of time. Tess was funny. Cory was funny but she should try another idea because “weddings are so tired.” Of course, then they praise Dat’s idea, saying it has a My Big Fat Greek Wedding quality about it. They liked Rob, and they thought Geoff could be a black "Fraser." In the end, they chose Dat’s pitch as the best one. The first words out of Rich’s mouth were “Thank Cory for helping you.”
Back at the house, Tess berats Cory, telling her of Dat “You knew he was marked!” and complaining that Cory helped him win. We learn that “The Coalition” is made of Ralphie, Dave, Cory, and “Don” Vos.
Dat tells us that, despite the fact that she helped him win, he doesn’t trust Cory. “I saw this look on her face like ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe the little bastard won!”
It’s Ralphie’s birthday, and the comics have planned a surprise. While the big man is napping, the kitchen is invaded by a horde of Sushi Chefs. When he awakens, Ralphie is genuinely surprised and appreciative of their gift. And we are surprised when Ralphie’s girlfriend arrives to surprise him as well; the woman is beautiful! I think Rich’s comment summed it up best when he said “Ralphie’s girlfriend was hot. This guy is with a 10. I do fifteen-hundred crunches a day and I can’t get a 4 to call me back.”
Remember the first time you saw a Cirque du Soleil performance? Admit it, you saw those incredible contortionists and got a little excited about what it must be like when two of them got intimate. Please tell me that wasn’t just me. Ahem. Anyway, when you saw Ralphie and his girlfriend hug, didn’t your mind wander just a little. Just me again? Damn. This is getting embarrassing. Hey, I didn’t get excited, I was just pondering the mechanics, okay?
With their plan to eliminate Dat foiled, the comics go about plotting and scheming. Well, except Rob. “I don’t know who I’m going to vote for. I really don’t know what I’m going to do in the next five minutes to tell you the truth.” As a debate about trust rages on, Dave comments “The name of the show isn’t “The Last Trustworthy Comedian.” Good thing, too, that sounds about as bad as “Love Comic” or “For Love or Comedy.”
At last it’s time to vote. Dat selects “Comic House Strategy #3” and votes for Ralphie. I’m betting that Dat has at least two pages in his journal dedicated to CHS #3. Cory votes for Dave. Rob tells us that he did “Eeenie-meenie-miney-mo – twice!” and votes for Tess. Rich, Ralphie, Tess, and Dave all vote for Rob. Geoff votes for Cory, and the comics all make if very clear that he was supposed to vote for Rob and backed out, apparently Geoff isn’t too confident about his ability to beat Rob in a challenge match. It’s clear that Geoff lost a lot of respect from the group by going against them. Apparently they had already forgotten Dave’s comment about the name of the show. In a very gutsy move, Rob decides to challenge Ralphie. Jay didn’t expect it. Heck, nobody expected it, but everyone was impressed with him for it. There are hugs and the words “balls” and “respect” are used profusely.
Rich tells us “Ralphie is a powerhouse. On a 1 to 10 scale – he’s a 10.” But not in the way his girlfriend, or a plumed Cirque du Soleil acrobat babe in a skin tight leotard that climbs up a pole with her legs at impossible angles is a 10. But I digress.
At the comedy warehouse, for the first time, the challenged comic performed before the comic who had received the most votes. Ralphie killed the audience. He said that “Bobby Brown and Whitney Houson don’t do cocaine – and I’m just bloated.” He mocked political correctness. He brought the house down, and exited with a Chris Rock drop of the mike to the stage. The man is funny, and very, very confident.
Rob’s set was also very funny. He rambled all over, telling the audience that a comic needs a memorable, edgy name, and he was going to go with Bobert. Then he decided that he’d never get laid with that name, and he would be the Artist Formerly Known As Bobert, and his symbol would be a semi-colon “Because nobody knows what it does – kinda like my act.” He said that strip bars are like feeding a hungry man plastic fruit “Let me rub this plastic pear on your face. Now gimme a dollar.” His material was fresh, his delivery off the wall, his style rambling; you never knew where he was going next. His joy in performing was clear to see. You can’t help but like this guy.
Which is why when the audience voted for Ralphie over Rob by a count of 85% to 15%, the comics, like me, were all sad to see him go. Ralphie looked ready to cry when Rob walked off stage. “I didn’t want to be the one that took Rob out; that kid has more heart.” There were hugs all around, and with that Rob was gone. We’ll miss you Rob. All six semi-colons in this recap are there in your honor, my man.
And what do you mean, you think it’s weird that I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil live on six separate occasions?
i'm really mad at how everyone hates Dat. They seem really vendictful and unlikeable. I love the premise of this show and they are all good comedians but none of them seem like really good people. I gotta cheer for Dat to take em all out (especially Tess).
People seem unable to understand what Dat's gone through and what he's about really.... he has worked hard for his place and nobody, at least in the house, is giving him the respect he deserves. It's kinda shamful and sad.
I so agree with you all about Dat. I don't know how this all will finally play out but I assure you that IF Dat makes it to the final 5 or final 2 or whatever they boil it down to and the home audience gets to vote Dat might just pull it off because those nasty people (and I think what they did to him was NOT funny at all sorry). Anyhow I feel that group are making Dat the real underdog and a lot of people root for the underdog so they better be careful because if the home audience gets to vote Dat might just surprise them. Whatever I will be rooting for him. I really feel sorry for the guy because I don't see why they all feel the need to pick on him. And Tess ... why the heck is Dat getting on her nerves? I hope she goes next. She is the one getting on MY nerves LOL
To get off my soapbox I am just going to say this ... I have never voted on the outcome of a television show before but I am so upset about the way this group is treating Dat that I would spend the money to call in as many votes as I could afford to help Dat win!!! And next week when Dave tells Dat he has not said anything funny since he got there ... If I were Dat I would have come back with ... "I don't have to be funny in the house. It's on the stage that counts!!!" And I do think Dat is very funny on stage. Last nites nasty mess made me want Dat to win even more!!!
The face-off was good tho. I love Rob and I do like Ralphie (on stage) so I guess except for the group being mean to Dat the rest of the show was good Made me sad tho ... about DAT .. I hope he wins !!!
The only part of this show that I saw (my first ever) was the sitcom pitch scene.
I thought they were all completely awful, with the slight exception of Dat's. And the presentation of them wasn't well-done OR funny, something I would have expected from comedians. If you can't dazzle them with a good concept, at least get them laughing.
As always Wayner, you have me cracking up, right out loud, at my desk.
I will say that although I was disappointed to see Ralphie win, I think his set was pretty funny. I'll stick to my thoughts that he's definitely not original, but he is funny. Rob has his own quirky humor and I thought it hilarious.
ll Anyhow I feel that group are making Dat the real underdog and a lot of people root for the underdog so they better be careful because if the home audience gets to vote Dat might just surprise them. Whatever I will be rooting for him. I really feel sorry for the guy because I don't see why they all feel the need to pick on him. And Tess ... why the heck is Dat getting on her nerves? I hope she goes next. She is the one getting on MY nerves LOL
I completely agree that if it gets to a home audience, Dat will have a real good shot. Everyone else in the group doesn't make you want them to win. They are all so mean spirited and nasty. Not to mention completely egotistical. Ralphie was really getting on my nerves talking about how brave Rob was to go against him. I mean, geez, what an ego. It does not make me want to feed it any more. Tess really gets on my nerves. Especially with her religious pitch on the first show, talking about how religious she is and she is the most backstabbing and nasty of all of them. If Dat gets knocked next week I will probably root for Geoff. He is at least more upfront than the rest of them and a lot less egotistical. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
If you're on the East Coast and can still read this, consider yourself lucky. But if you somehow manage to survive, there's a good chance your electricity—and Internet—will be dead. Use SMS instead.
BuzzFeed's intrepid Internet-monger and storm veteran John Herrman rounded up a helpful variety of ways to get the web's most important stuff—Google, email, Facebook, Twitter—using quick text bursts instead of a browser.
For example: text anything you want to search for to 466453 (GOOGLE) and it'll hit you back with text results. You might not be able to do much with them, but at least you can check NFL scores. Facebook also offers notification forwarding over SMS, so you can get the latest on which of your friends have been blown out into the Atlantic Ocean even after your router goes down.
Can you believe this is how a lot of people in poor countries use the Internet every day? After the storm is done, maybe you'll be more grateful. Hit FWD for the rest of these essential survival tips. [BuzzFeed] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Chronicling the Chic, Classic and Casual Style Duchess of Sussex (the former Meghan Markle)
August 29, 2019
How to Thrift Your Way to a MirrorMeg
It’s not a secret that women everywhere are in love with the Duchess of Sussex’s style. Between this existence a site completely dedicated to Meghan’s style (hello!) and the inimitable “Meghan Effect”, a glimpse of the style of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex is something we all want to see reflected in the mirror when we get dressed in the morning.
@MeghanMarkle
While we can lust over Meghan’s closet and the gorgeous clothes in it, there is no denying that many (if not all of us) can not afford to keep up with the Duchess – nor should we. Finding budget-friendly ways to incorporate Meghan’s style and seeking inspiration from it is the name of the MirrorMeg game – and we couldn’t help but notice when we started to see some amazing looks on the instagram account of @ThriftingLikeARoyal on Instagram.
@ThriftingLikeARoyal
Mackenzie is known for finding amazing ways to MirrorMeg looks by thrifting, which has led her to amazing deals like a tuxedo dress inspired by Meghan’s for only $14 or a twirly floral dress like MM’s for only $7.99. Her motto is to stay “royally trendy on a budget” and she absolutely does – like this black suiting look.
@ThriftingLikeARoyal
If you’ve ever wondered about how Mackenzie scores some of her best thrifting deals… You weren’t alone. We reached out to the stylish New Englander and asked her for her essential thrift tips to dress like a Duchess – and she was kind enough to share them with us.
Don’t be afraid to shop the men’s section.
The men’s section is my go-to place to get the Duchess of Sussex’s button-up. You’ll find great striped looks or light linen pieces. If it feels like you would swim in a men’s shirt, look for the “slim cut.” Those naturally tailor better to a woman’s body.
Seek out a good quality blazer
Both the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex love a blazer. Whether it’s paired with a basic jean or a dress, it instantly polishes a look. There are plenty of good options at the thrift store but the key is to check the inside of the blazer. If the inside has quality stitching and textile, you know you’ve found a keeper!
Get the staples
There a few staples that our royal ladies love. Striped shirts, midi dresses, black jeans, and nude pumps. All of these items can be found at the thrift in abundance. Having an abundance might seem overwhelming but that just means that you’ll have a better chance of finding something that works for you.
Go in with inspiration
I love to go into the thrift store with a goal picture in mind. It helps me focus what I’m looking for; otherwise, I would stay for hours searching through racks. Knowing what you want helps you avoid buying anything and everything just because it’s cheap.
Consider your personal style and body shape
I have a very different body type than both duchesses which means the clothes they wear will likely not be flattering on me. I use their look as inspiration – the patterns, lengths, pieces, fabrics, etc. – and then I find a silhouette that best suits my own style and body.
Comments
I too am now a follower of her Instagram. Its amazing how she has been able to come with “the goods”, the similarities in some of the pieces is nothing short of amazing. She definitely has a real talent for this. Thank you so much for sharing | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Been watching the news lately? It’s time to blog the news and current events for August in our Blog Exercises. For some communities, August is the start of the harvest season, a busy month. For other communities, it is the quietest month. Some societies practically close down their towns to vacate for cooler locations, getting […] | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage
The Ranking
Description
In Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto's Rampage and Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy, Dr. Neo Cortex--Crash's nemesis--and Ripto--Spyro's nemesis--have accidentally met up through underground portals and are set on taking over the entire universe. Crash and Spyro must team up with each other to discover the identity of the new menace and save the universe from this evil plot. In these side-scrolling adventures, you can link up with three friends for a variety of multiplayer modes, including Party Games, Wager Games, and Card Trading. Connecting both Crash Bandicoot Purple and Spyro Orange gives you the option of unlocking special content and allows you to trade and wager the cards with friends. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Saturday, December 4, 2010
I would like to take this opportunity for full disclosure. I am a Life member of the NRA, concealed carry license holder, and a certified firearms instructor. What I have witnessed during this last election cycle was pure genius by the left (Progressive) political machine. The NRA and many other state and local firearms rights organizations have always been single issue organizations. When questioned as to why they endorse a candidate willing to associate and support anti-gun people in their cabinets or in their own party, I always receive the same answer. "We are a single issue group." The DemocRats are well versed in the single issue trait of these organizations. In Washington D.C., NRA endorsed politicians approved supreme court justice nominees that are blatantly anti-Constitution and especially anti-2nd Amendment. The end game for the DemocRats and Progressive Communists of either party is not gun bans. Gun control was rejected by the American people after the Brady and assault weapons bans of the 90's. The Left shifted strategy, they would no longer try to ban guns but would try to make ownership inconvenient and too expensive, that way only the wealthy elite will be able to afford and manipulate the regulations. If 4 senators claim to never have voted against the 2nd Amendment, yet approve a supreme court Justice that will rule against gun rights, they have not only created political cover for themselves, but have used gun owner money to do it. It is time for the NRA to look at the whole picture and stop hiding behind the "single issue" argument. Is that what the progressives that have infiltrated the gun rights organizations want? I question whether my hard earned money spent with the NRA is taken for granted. I ended support of a local gun rights organization, when I discovered they were using union press releases, that were blatant lies, to back a candidate. When the lies were brought to the attention of the organization, the response was "So what!". In closing remember one thing, a gun is worthless without ammo. How much do you have? | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
2 definitions
by
J.Mo
Creatine is naturally occurring in, for example, humans. Around 2 grams of creatine are consumed daily. Supplementation typically adds an extra 5 grams daily. Creatine, as with other supplements, must be taken with a great deal of water to prevent damage due to strain on the kidneys and liver. Creatine is not a steroid hormone, however, and can not give you b00bs. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Version Numbering
Since the dawn of time I have been using one of the more traditional types of version numbering systems for all my software developments. Recently however I have ‘enhanced’ my methodology and now use something slightly different.
To the outside world not a lot will appear to have changed, the N.N.N methodology will still be used, albeit with a slightly different interpretation. Internally however I will be using the full version numbering system shown below:
Aside from building the release date and time into the version number and swapping out Revision Number for Restricted Release Number, the main benefits to me are building an ascending Feature Number and Fix Number into the version number.
These numbers will only ever increase, regardless of the program status changing from (for example) Version 1 to Version 2. This means that at a glance I can see how features and fixes have been applied to this particular program since day one, without having to go to Version Control for this information.
Looking for an App creating for your Windows or Mac Computer? What about an App for your iOS or Android Tablet or Phone, or A Web App? Bespoke, Custom, High Quality Applications.Contact Us | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
One Anonymous Bidder Picks Up Jackie’s Cartier and Other Results from Christie’s Auction 2017
The results are in. Christie’s Rare Watches and American Icons event in New York City pulled in a sales total of $10,028,500. And a big chunk of that money came in from none other than Kim Kardashian, who purchased Jacqueline Kennedy’s Cartier. Let’s take a closer look at that sale, in addition to other results of the auction.
Subscribe for the latest Rolex news.
Jacqueline Kennedy’s Cartier
Kim Kardashian spent well beyond the pre-sale estimate of $60,000 – $120,000 and paid $379,500 for the former First Lady’s Cartier wristwatch—the fourth most expensive watch of the day.
An elegant timepiece in 18k yellow gold with a black leather strap, the caseback of the beautiful Cartier Tank is engraved with “STAS TO JACKIE, 23 FEB. 63. 2:05AM TO 9:35PM”. This message comes from Jackie’s brother-in-law and references the date and time of the 50 Mile Hike in Palm Beach, Florida.
While the sale itself was initially anonymous, TMZ broke the story early Friday morning that it was, in fact, Kim who was the buyer. Whether the watch turns up on Kimmie’s Instagram feed anytime soon remains to be seen.
It was estimated to sell at $60,000 – $120,000, but one celeb takes it to another level and pays $379,500 (Credit: NYDailyNews.com)
Richard Mille Sapphire Split-Seconds Chronograph
The most expensive lot of the day was the Richard Mille Sapphire Split-Seconds Chronograph RM056 prototype (estimate $1,000,000 – $1,500,000). The buyer paid $1,207,500 to own the full sapphire case Richard Mille watch that gives a clear view of the full skeletonized movement within.
The caseback of this RM056 is signed with Prototype, No. 2. While we know that there were only five of these Richard Mille Sapphire Split-Seconds Chronograph RM056 produced for the public, what we don’t know is how many prototypes were made.
Rolex Daytona ref. 6264 Lemoncello Paul Newman
The most expensive Rolex sold at the Christie’s auction was a Daytona ref. 6264 (estimate: $400,000 – $600,000) for a final price of $871,500. Given its Lemoncello Paul Newman dial, that price is not too surprising.
The 18k yellow gold case of this Daytona ref. 6264 houses a very rare yellow dial, nicknamed the “Lemoncello”. That detail, coupled with the Paul Newman style dial, white printing on the subdials rather than typical champagne font, and the French importation mark on the caseback, all adds up to one grail vintage Rolex watch!
A “lemoncello” or “lemon dial” on a Paul Newman (Credit: Christie’s)
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 2499 (estimate: $350,000 – 550,000) is one of the manufacture’s most sought after references. And that’s saying a lot given the fact that Patek produces some of the finest timepieces in the world! Only 349 pieces of the ref. 2499 were ever made over 35 years.
This particular example of the 18k yellow gold Patek ref. 2499—a fourth series model—sold for $427,500.
A piece like this can easily turn heads to and make collectors drool. (Credit: Christie’s)
LBJ, Joe DiMaggio, and Bob Hope’s watches
In addition to Jackie’s Cartier Tank, we had also previously outlined the watches of three other American icons that were going up for sale at the Christie’s auction. The auction results of President Lyndon B. Johnson, Joe DiMaggio, and Bob Hope watches are as follows:
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Hamilton Watch
Estimate: $15,000 – $30,000
Sale price: $18,750
Lyndon B. Johnson’s Hamilton was sold at $18,750. (Credit: Christie’s)
Joe DiMaggio’s Audemars Piguet Watch
Estimate: $25,000 – $30,000
Sale price: $31,250
Joe DiMaggio’s Audemars Piguet was sold at $31,250. (credit: Christie’s)
Bob Hope’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch
Estimate: $25,000 – $30,000
Sale price: $32,500
Bob Hope’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Watch $32,500. (Credit: Christie’s)
While watch auction results have always been big news within watch enthusiasts circles, it’ll be interesting to see if Kim Kardashian’s high-profile purchase will now bring even more interest from a whole new demographic. Watch this space!
WATCHES YOU MIGHT LIKE
About Paul Altieri
Paul is the company's Founder and CEO. He is responsible for all the day to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing and sales. Paul is a graduate of Boston College 1979 and resides in California with his family.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update. This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There's an issue with the Instagram Access Token that you are using. Please obtain a new Access Token on the plugin's Settings page.If you continue to have an issue with your Access Token then please see this FAQ for more information.
Copyright Bob's Watches. All rights reserved. Bob's Watches is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any of its subsidiaries.
Bob's Watches is an independent watch dealer and is not sponsored by, associated with and/or affiliated with Rolex, S.A. Bob's Watches only sells pre-owned Rolex watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it sells. Rolex, www.rolex.com, is under no obligation to warranty-service watches sold by Bob's Watches. Rolex Datejust, Rolex Day Date President, Submariner, Presidential, Explorer, Sea Dweller, Super President, GMT Master, GMT, YachtMaster, Prince, Milgauss, MasterPiece, Air King, Cosmograph Daytona, and PearlMaster are all registered trademarks of the Rolex Corporation ( Rolex USA, Rolex S.A.) To buy a new Rolex watch, please visit rolex.com for a list of authorized Rolex dealers near you.* Sales tax on Internet transactions is only collected on orders shipped to addresses in California or as otherwise required by law. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Holcim Celebrates 50th with conservation project
27 May 2008
Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd has announced that it will create a wetland and bird sanctuary on eight hectares of land at Cape Foulwind to help recognise 50 years of operations at its Westport Cement Works.
Managing Director Jeremy Smith announced the wetland project at a 50th celebration function held on Saturday evening
The wetland will be created on Holcim land at the end of Lighthouse Road, Omau, adjacent to the northern carpark of the Cape Foulwind walkway, on a site used for quarrying up until the 1960s.
Published under Cement News | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
1099OrganizationTips
Another 1099 season has come and gone, can you believe it? Although this season is finished, I wanted to chat about some ideas to help make 1099s easier in the future. I thought it especially fitting as many of us have set resolutions to be more organized in the work place for this coming year, and it is never too late to set up the necessary systems to be successful in our resolutions.
In just a few simple steps, you can be ready for the smoothest 1099 season yet!
·Step 1: Get W-9s from any potential 1099 vendor before you cut their first check for the calendar year. Your filing of 1099s in the future will be so much easier if you already have the necessary tax information from all your vendors!
·Step 2: Keep your payment records organized throughout the year. Find a system that works for you, and stick to it! If you have an accountant, they are the perfect person to help you out with this.
·Step 3: As the calendar year ends, figure out who will need a 1099 form from you. The most common qualifiers for someone who will need to receive a 1099 form are as follows:
oWere paid a $600 or more throughout the year, and not paid via credit card. If you paid them via Venmo or ACH they will need a 1099.
oProvide services for your business such as bookkeepers, virtual assistants, copywriters, lawyers, etc.
oThe vendor must not be classified as exempt on their W-9, as a C Corp, an S Corp, or an LLC that files taxes as a C or S Corp
oAre not a W-2 employee
·Step 4: Plan when you want to be done filing your 1099 forms and then file them by January 31st! Remember, you will need the information from their W-9 form and how much they were paid by you. Again, if you have an accountant they will typically be able to do this for you. You don’t even have to worry about it! We at Devine Consulting happily offer the service of filing 1099s so our clients do not have to stress over this.
If you don’t have an accountant or are looking to outsource your accounting, be sure to check out the rest of our website! We love offering cloud-based accounting for our clients and feel it allows us to offer them high quality service without wasting time or resources. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.