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Mayor Tully announced that the items related to the proposed Walgreens facility at 63rd and Woodward have been withdrawn by the petitioner. It is no longer pending with the Village, and the items will be removed from the Agenda this evening.
Village Manager Dave Fieldman verified that all items related to the petition including annexation, rezoning, special use have been withdrawn by the petitioner and will not be considered by the Council.
Council Meeting May 15, 2012 M ayor Tully asked for a Motion to approve the minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Schnell moved to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Barnett seconded the motion.
Introduction Mayor Tully introduced Michael LeDonne, newest member of District 2 of the County Board. Mr. LeDonne said he was appointed at the end of February and is honored to have been selected to serve. He promised to make himself available as a resource of County government and offered his services to the Village. He said people could contact him at [email protected], or call him at his number listed on the County website.
Mayor Tully proclaimed the week of June 5-12, 2012 as National Garden Club Week in the Village of Downers Grove, and provided a brief history of the Village's Garden Club which has been in existence for 85 years.
Mayor Tully then called upon anyone wishing to speak about items not on the Agenda.
Tom LeCren, 545 Chicago, mentioned a few errors in the documents prepared for tonight's meeting which he felt should be corrected before they are filed.
Dee Gordon, 6237 Pershing, said she was pleased that Walgreens withdrew its application. She has attended meetings on this issue for six months and it opened her eyes to being engaged in civic affairs. She believes the process needs to be improved, and the Village should have a meeting to develop best practices around development issues. The meeting that was held last Thursday with the community was unsatisfactory. She would like to know whether the developer is coming back, and also would like to see a meeting scheduled regarding moving forward and improving the process.
Mr. Fieldman said that all the Village has received is a letter from Walgreens' attorney stating they were withdrawing their application.
Mayor Tully responded by complimenting the citizens on their engagement and involvement, and extended an invitation to them to come into the Village to improve their voice in the process as part of the Village.
Ms. Gordon commented that this project was not affecting only unincorporated areas. There needs to be a change in the process, and there needs to be meaningful discussion before an item goes to the Plan Commission. She asked for a meeting within the next couple of months. She wants the zoning notification increased from 250' to 1000', as well as other issues they want discussed.
Mayor Tully replied that there are always things that the Village can learn. He again encouraged the residents in the unincorporated area to become part of the Village.
Commissioner Neustadt commented that residents have been engaged, and they have engaged the Council. There have been many meetings over the course of this issue and the Council listened to what was being said. Conversations were taken to heart. He thinks that the comment about the Village process is important and was heard. The Council and the staff held extra meetings with the community including the unincorporated area. He wants everyone to understand that the Village was not neglectful in its follow-through on this issue.
Ms. Gordon said the concern was the timing of this matter, since there was a lot of dialogue between the Village, County and petitioner prior to notification to the residents.
David Olson, 5601 Dunham Road, thanked the Council for the time they spent on the Walgreens issue. He noted that the Council was extremely open to those who had an opinion, and there was a high level of engagement demonstrated. He thanked the Council and staff for all their hard work and said he appreciated the process, as compared to other areas such as Chicago.
Summary of Item: This pre-qualifies certain licensed and certified alternative retail electric suppliers and to authorize the Village Manager to enter into a 24-month term Master Power Supply Agreement with the lowest qualified proposer for electricity supply offset 100% by renewable energy certificates. C ommissioner Neustadt noted that the estimated savings is $354 annually. He said this item relates to a referendum passed in the March election. The Village is looking for the best fiscal opportunities for the residents, and he thanked staff for their work.
Commissioner Schnell complimented staff on their work on this issue as well.
Commissioner Barnett also complimented the staff. The Village government and the staff reached out to neighboring communities. He noted that this was brought up by a resident, Rich Spilky, and Dan Loftus provided assistance as well.
Commissioner Neustadt added that partnering with Westmont allows for economies of scale.
Mayor Tully commented that this is an opportunity to save money. Residents can opt out if they choose. He also explained that staff did a terrific job on this considering it was done under a tight deadline, and he commended them for their work.
Commissioner Schnell asked when the residents would start seeing savings.
Mr. Fieldman said that they have to enter into the contract with the lowest final pricing and then in June or July, there will be an opt out three-week period. Information will be placed on the website once the contract is executed.
Summary of Item: This establishes policies for temporary uses and public gatherings.
RESOLUTION 2012-38 C ommissioner Waldack said his comments relate to this item and the next one. He thanked staff for improving the policy. He prefers that government entities allow all groups to parade or assemble or allow free speech rather than to have a government that picks and chooses who can parade and what they can say. The policy has been clarified and expanded, but he still feels that the policy needs to be tweaked. His personal preference is to have the policy reviewed again by the Community Events Commission without the direction previously given the Commission to develop a charge back system. He supports the changes clarifying the First Amendment, however, feels that it falls short and he will not be supporting it.
Summary of Item: This amends provisions for temporary uses and public gatherings.
Summary of Item: This amends parking provisions in the Warren Avenue Lot.
Summary of Item: This amends parking provisions on Powell and Norfolk Streets.
Summary of Item: This amends holiday parking provisions.
Sponsors: Public Works T he Manager asked Nan Newlon, Director, Public Works, to discuss this and the next bid item.
Sponsors: Public Works M s. Newlon said this bid refers to the sidewalk rehabilitation program. The method of trip hazard removal exceeds ADA compliance requirements, is cost effective, clean and efficient. They expect to make repairs to 900 locations. She indicated that Safe Step did work for the Village last year and did a good job.
Commissioner Barnett asked if the rehabilitation is proprietary. Ms. Newlon replied that it is not, but this company has a special piece of equipment that is used for this and not many other companies have gone into this.
Four overhead cable projects that are currently underway in the Village are scheduled to be completed by the end of June. When these projects are finished, this will mark the completion of the equipment upgrades that were promised by ComEd representatives at the September 2011 Town Hall meeting to address reliability. In total, 11 circuits will have seen enhanced tree trimming that is intended to reduce the likelihood of tree and storm related outages and five circuits will have seen equipment upgrades.
The Mayor also discussed two new ComEd interactive services - a map regarding outages and a new text outage alert system. Information about both of these services is available on ComEd's website - www.comed.com.
Commissioner Barnett said he would like to have another Town Hall meeting scheduled with ComEd and the public.
Mayor Tully replied that he would like that to include commercial customers as well.
Commissioner Neustadt congratulated Dan Cermak on his 34 years of service with the Downers Grove Park District.
Commissioner Neustadt said he et with Boy Scout Zack Melon and his parents tonight and noted that they are attending the meeting. He also noted that tomorrow is the official last day of the school, and he reminded residents to be aware of children in the neighborhoods and to slow down when driving.
Commissioner Rheintgen announced that Bill McAdam is the new Director of Downers Grove Park District. She and Commissioner Neustadt attended a reception in his honor at the Park District.
The Commissioner noted that this year's July 4th parade route would be reversed, starting at Main and Grant and proceeding south. Following the parade, the Downers Grove Junior Women's Club will host a free concert at Fishel Park.
Commissioner Waldack thanked the Mayor for his work on ComEd. He referenced an e-mail from a business along 75th Street. His reply to the Mayor went to all of the Council in error. Commissioner Waldack read his response to the e-mail.
Commissioner Schnell said that she and Commissioner Neustadt attended a reception for Dan Cermak at which the Village proclamation was read.
Commissioner Durkin noted that he participated in the Springfield drive-down with the DuPage Mayors and Managers Commission on May 15 and 16, representing the Village. He referenced House Bill 3637. He and other participants met with Representative Radogno regarding combining services and saving money. He commended the DMMC for scheduling the meetings. Commissioner Durkin spoke of the lobbying efforts. On Wednesday, he represented the Village at a House Executive Committee meeting regarding opposition to amendments to HB 3637 He said all three of the amendments to the Bill shifted the tax burden onto local taxpayers without offering any means of replacing the lost revenue to municipalities. Amendments Two and Three specifically put the burden for teachers' pensions on municipal taxpayers and municipal budgets. This has an impact of about $2.5 million to the Village of Downers Grove. No pension reform was discussed as the Bill was not called. The Commissioner said he was prepared to speak in opposition to the Bill, together with many other municipal leaders, and he thanked those who helped him prepare for the hearing.
Commissioner Durkin then said he attended the 50th annual gala of the DMMC. Former Mayor Betty Cheever was recognized for her service, and they welcomed the Village back into DMMC membership. He appreciated the opportunity to represent the Village.
Mayor Tully mentioned that he is Director of the 2012-2013 Intergovernmental Planning Committee of the DMMC. Mr. Fieldman, and Commissioners Rheintgen and Neustadt will also be serving on that Committee.
Mayor Tully then spoke about the July 4 Parade. He congratulated the Downers Grove South Girls Soccer Team on their State competition accomplishment and suggested that they participate in the Parade. Their coach, Barry Jacobson, has been with the program 29 years and Assistant Coach Bob Topor has served 21 years. He congratulated them for their excellent records.
The Mayor then noted that there are 15 days until the Rotary Grove Fest.
Commissioner Schnell moved to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(2) of the Open Meetings Act to consider collective negotiating matters. Commissioner Durkin seconded.
Mayor Tully declared the motion carried and the Council convened into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. | 2019-04-23T04:31:47Z | http://www.downers.us/minutes/2012/2012/06/05/june-05-2012 |
Should I apply for the master’s program if my final goal is a Ph.D.?
What does Princeton Engineering look for in an application?
What GRE scores do I need to be accepted?
Should I contact Princeton professors with whom I am interested in working?
Do I need an undergraduate or master’s degree in an engineering field to apply?
Do I have to know my specific research area before I apply?
Should I mention specific professors with whom I would like to work in my application personal statement?
Can I take courses in departments outside of my own?
What is social life like for graduate students at Princeton?
What housing options are available for Princeton graduate students?
What is the town of Princeton like?
If I am a Canadian citizen, do I still need to get a visa?
Whom should I contact about visas?
No. The master’s programs are separate programs that terminate with the master’s degree.
There are two types of master’s programs: Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). The M.S.E. is available in all departments except Electrical Engineering and is typically funded (tuition and stipend). The M.Eng. is available in all departments except Computer Science and Operations Research and Financial Engineering.
If you are interested in obtaining a Ph.D., you should apply directly to the Ph.D. program in your field. Most departments offer a master’s degree "en route" to the Ph.D. (usually after your second year).
The school takes a "holistic reading process" approach to reviewing applications. All aspects of the application, including undergraduate coursework, test scores, research experience, and letters of recommendation, are considered.
Strengths in any of these areas may compensate for weaknesses in any other areas, and while it is not necessary to possess an impeccable record in all areas, strength in each is correlated with admission.
In short, there is no formula for gaining admission. Meeting even a small group of current students will help you realize the diverse backgrounds of our admitted students.
There are no strict cutoffs or quotas pertaining to GRE scores and admission. Averages are reported in some university publications and media such as U.S. News & World Report.
The majority of scores for recently admitted students were over 550 on the verbal portion and over 700 on the quantitative portion, with specific results varying across departments and programs.
Please do not let scores you perceive to be low discourage you from applying, as strengths in other areas can and regularly do compensate. In addition, the Computer Science department strongly recommends a subject GRE test – please see the department’s web site for more information.
Not necessarily. It is not required that you contact faculty members at Princeton, nor is it clear that doing so will help you gain admission. The answer varies from one faculty member to another.
If you have a specific question about a faculty member’s research, you are welcome to send him or her an email. However, please keep in mind that faculty members are very busy, so you should not feel discouraged from applying if you do not receive a response.
In fact, some faculty have a policy of not responding to emails from prospective students to avoid issues of advantage or fairness. Please be sure to visit the faculty member’s web page first to see if he or she encourages emails from prospective students.
If you are planning to visit the campus as a prospective student, please email the graduate program administrator for your department to arrange meetings with faculty members with whom you would like to meet. Please see the department web pages for contact information for your prospective graduate program administrator.
No. Many of our students majored in other disciplines as undergraduates.
Since the school emphasizes both engineering and applied science, a large number of these students majored in the sciences and are now pursuing more applied work. Other students come from non-science fields.
All departments do, however, have core competency requirements that usually must be fulfilled within the first two years in the program. These requirements vary in terms of the background knowledge expected of incoming students.
Please consult the departmental web sites and graduate program administrators for specific information.
The short answer is no, although you must apply to only one department.
Departments and research groups take varying approaches in this matter, though all departments have some flexibility so that students are not committed to one faculty member or research group from the day they arrive.
Many departments do, however, request that students indicate a division of interest on their applications, and they assign first-year advisors based on these interests. Please check with the department’s graduate program administrators for further information about this question.
Generally, yes. Your personal statement should detail why you would like to attend Princeton Engineering for graduate school and should indicate that you are aware of the research opportunities available in your program and have considered faculty members and research groups that are a good match for your background and interests.
Often this information is used by departments to ensure that appropriate faculty members have a chance to review relevant applications and to help in making decisions such as first year advisor assignments. However, it is also important to be selective and show thoughtfulness. Simply listing the names of every professor in your program or division will not impress anybody.
General examinations, or "generals," vary by department, but are essentially comprehensive examinations intended to assess expertise in a field. They may be written, oral, or a combination of both and may include both undergraduate and graduate material.
Depending on your department, they are usually taken in the first or second year of the Ph.D. program. Most graduate schools have similar examinations, though the titles may vary – they can also be referred to as "qualifiers," "A-levels," or "prelims."
Please consult the individual department web pages for specific details about general exams within each department.
Absolutely! That’s one of the perks of being a Princeton graduate student.
With a few rare exceptions, such as visual and performance arts, you are free to take courses in any department in the university and the tuition is still covered. In fact, you are encouraged to take courses in other departments that are related to your research.
Engineering graduate students often take courses for personal interest, whether for credit or not, in a variety of programs in the humanities, arts, and social and natural sciences.
Princeton is unusual in that the Graduate College, or "GC," serves as a focal point for graduate student residential and social life.
The social life of Princeton graduate students is a communal, supportive environment, with much camaraderie among students. They benefit from a small school atmosphere in which most graduate students know most others.
Most single first-year graduate students live in the GC, which is a dormitory-style complex, and enjoy plenty of opportunities to meet through living and dining with each other.
Some students elect to live in one of the on-campus apartments, yet still enjoy the wealth of social events that the GC provides. These include weekly social hours, movie nights, intramural sports, and activities ranging from canoeing in the Pocono Mountains to trips to the Jersey shore.
Most graduate students, especially incoming students, live in University housing, either in dorms at the Graduate College or in apartments in Lawrence or Lakeside Communities.
Housing for students with families is available in all of the apartment complexes. Assignment to university housing is based on a lottery system, with priority allocated based on year in the program.
For more information, please consult the university’s official graduate student housing site.
Princeton is a vibrant college town with a rich history that dates back to America’s colonial era.
The town offers many restaurants, shopping areas, and cultural activities. It is a safe area, with a very low crime index, within an hour of both New York City and Philadelphia by train or car.
The proximity to these cities provides many opportunities for entertainment and convenience – both Newark and Philadelphia international airports, for instance, are less than an hour away. We encourage you to visit Princeton for yourself to find out more.
Approximately 55% of Princeton Engineering graduate students are international.
Yes, you do, but you do not need to go to an American Embassy. Instead, just show your documents when you cross the border (whether it’s by plane or otherwise), and a visa will be issued to you on the spot.
The office of Visa Services may be able to help you. | 2019-04-19T02:22:48Z | https://engineering.princeton.edu/graduate-studies/prospective-students/faq |
As a Union Pacific train goes by on the recently repaired railway, Centracom employee Pat Coates on Friday repairs phone and fiber-optic cables that were damaged after a truck with explosives blew up a 30-by-70-foot hole in U.S. Highway 6 on Wednesday afternoon. A Utah Department of Transportation truck dumps a load of crushed rock on a section of U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon on Thursday, a day after a tractor-trailer carrying explosives overturned and exploded, tearing out a deep crater in the road.
The investigation into the tractor-trailer rollover that set off 35,500 pounds of high explosives on a stretch of U.S. 6, blasting a huge crater in the road and sending at least 20 to the hospital, is pointing directly at the truck driver, officials said Thursday.
Public safety officials are alleging Travis Stewart, 30, of Rexburg, Idaho, careened off the highway because he was going too fast. And they want his company, R&R Trucking Inc., to compensate the state of Utah for the hundreds of thousands of dollars it is costing to rebuild the destroyed road.
"This is a curve notorious for accidents. This trucker wasn't traveling at the posted speed limit," said Brent Wilhite, a spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation. "There needs to be some accountability here."
Lt. Ken Peay, the Utah Highway Patrol commander for Utah County, said the truck was traveling east up a hill about 60 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, when the driver swerved out of control and hit the shoulder concrete barrier, which ripped open the truck's fuel tank and spilled pallets of explosives.
"They just get going up the hill too fast," Peay said. "It's posted at 40 [miles per hour] and anything much over that, the radius of the curve just takes it over the side."
Stewart and his co-driver, Troy Lysfjord, 37, of Blackfoot, Idaho, who said they had been through the canyon several times and were familiar with its dangers, were hauling 17 pallets with 40 explosive devices per pallet. Each device was a cylinder 29 1/2 inches long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter, coated in orange plastic, Peay said.
The pair were on their way from Ensign-Bickford Co. in Spanish Fork to Oklahoma when the truck tipped on its right side and tore open just before 2 p.m. The two men told investigators they saw flames coming from the rear of the tractor and ran from the truck.
They said they shouted at other travelers and bystanders to get out of the area. Three minutes after the wreck, the explosives blew all at once. The force of the blast vaporized the truck, tore chunks out of the canyon wall, set more than a dozen fires and gouged a 30-foot-deep hole in the highway.
The explosion shoved aside the Union Pacific rail line 50 feet from the highway and blew the sunglasses off bewildered landscapers working on the roadside 10 miles away, officials said.
Area hospitals confirmed 20 people were either taken to hospitals or went on their own for treatment. Some victims had shrapnel wounds or injuries resulting from the blast's concussion. Other bystanders complained of problems with their hearing. The last victims were expected to be discharged Thursday night.
Art Regoli, a trucker from West Valley City, was both a witness and victim. Regoli, 42, who spent four years as an artilleryman for the U.S. Marine Corps, said nothing he witnessed during his service compared to what he saw Wednesday.
He was driving a tractor with an empty trailer to Salt Lake City from Parachute, Colo., when the blast blew in his truck windows, pushed in his doors and covered him in blood. Just seconds earlier he was parked behind a few cars and another truck as bystanders helped pull Stewart and Lysfjord from their truck. Regoli said he saw the cars in front of him turn around. He saw the two men approach him, then felt the concussion and the heat. He woke up on the floor of his truck.
He is unsure how long he was unconscious. The blast sent slivers of glass into his head, face and body. Wildfires on the canyon walls seemed to surround him with flames and smoke. Shrapnel littered the ground.
"There were chunks as big as my hand of sharp-edged metal and steel," Regoli said. "Can you imagine one of those coming through your windshield?"
Taken by helicopter to LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Regoli was discharged Wednesday night. The concussion bruised his chest and he was still having trouble breathing on Thursday, but he said he planned to return to work today.
Meanwhile, UDOT, the U.S. Forest Service and the railroads put everything back together again.
Twenty-five highway workers toiled around the clock, hauling 350 loads of road base material in snowplow trucks - minus their blades - to the site. It took 4,500 tons of material to fill and resurface the road, said UDOT spokesman Nile Easton.
The crews first had to pry several 5-foot-diameter boulders from the hillside after public safety officials gathered up unexploded ordnance that flew up the hill along with the truck. UDOT crews scoured the area for cracks and fissures. Forest Service firefighters fought stubborn brush blazes.
By 6 p.m. Thursday, road crews were pouring asphalt, Easton said. UDOT expects the road to be reopened today.
Brent Wilhite, another UDOT spokesman, said members of the Utah County Sheriff's bomb squad determined the explosives - seismic devices used in oil and gas drilling - weren't volatile.
A tanker fire in 2001 on Interstate 15 near 10600 South in Sandy melted the freeway, and earlier this year a tanker exploded near Kaysville on U.S. 89, but the only UDOT disaster that approached Wednesday's was when floods wiped out the town of Thistle and Highway 23 in the spring of 1983, Easton said.
The repair work could cost $400,000. UDOT will seek compensation from R&R Trucking's insurance company, he said. R&R officials did not return repeated telephone calls Thursday.
Union Pacific dispatched 150 people from Salt Lake City on Wednesday night and had one section of track open early Thursday morning and the second opened Thursday afternoon, said UP spokesman Mark Davis.
UP runs an average of 12 freight trains per day on the line through Spanish Fork Canyon; six trains were delayed during the repairs, he said.
The explosion shoved the tracks sideways and covered them with mud and asphalt debris, Davis said. A crane mounted on a track vehicle lifted the tracks back into place, then crews used a laser to realign them.
The company had no preliminary estimate of what the repairs cost, but wasted no time getting the trains running again, Davis said. "The rail industry practices this type of response, day in and day out. It's very important to a lot of our corridors to have minimal delay," he said. "It affects the national economy."
Marc Migliari, an Amtrak spokesman based in Chicago, said westbound passengers on the California Zephyr, which was delayed at least 19 hours, were offered the option of taking buses. The eastbound train was detoured through Wyoming. Passengers to Provo, Helper, Green River and Colorado cities between Green River and Denver were bused to their destinations.
Wilhite said UDOT has spent $100 million in the past five years to make U.S. 6 safer. "We've probably added 40 signs in that area, even adding flashing lights to the signs for night conditions," he said.
UDOT, which wants to overhaul the entire length of the highway connecting Price with Spanish Fork, has upgraded the section that passes through Spanish Fork Canyon, adding passing lanes, widening bridges and shoulders, installing center line and shoulder rumble strips and straightening curves.
"We've done everything we can short of getting in people's cars and driving them ourselves to make this section safer," Wilhite said. Still, he said, "any time there's a road that travels through mountains, there's going to be curves, that's just the nature of the roads."
Nevertheless, drivers continue to drive carelessly around mile marker 191, where Wednesday's crash occurred. Wilhite said that since 2002, at least 64 vehicles have wrecked within two miles of that curve.
Easton said he hiked 200 yards north of the wreck site and found 25-pound hunks of asphalt littering the hillside. It's amazing no one was killed, he said.
The last thing UDOT will do in the repair is replace the concrete jersey barrier on the roadside so rubberneckers trying to get a look at where the crater once was won't drive off the road.
"We're hoping people will pay attention to driving through here," Easton said. | 2019-04-22T10:09:30Z | https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=2935183&itype=NGPSID |
Below you can find the Change Logs for Wishmere, as shown as per the posts in the Wishmere Steam Forum.
NOTE: Bold items denote major changes.
Synopsis: Full Release has brought us the biggest changes to Wishmere to date. We’re proud to show off all the playable modes to players, especially the Story Mode. All characters have gotten new moves and the combo system has been extended to include Chain Moves in air, allowing for long ground-to-air combos. Overall, it was our goal to give players a lot of freedom of expression through playing the game (flexibility of how to play a character) and creativity (by allowing several modes of play). We wanted to make the players feel powerful and also rewarded for learning their character and have fun when they felt they ‘achieved’ something.
The changes are huge in number, so we’ve kept them condensed for you to digest them as easy as possible while trying to keep all the number of changes represented. Only the major changes and additions are mentioned in this list.
Keepsake Gallery: Added Keepsake Gallery, where players can view the lore and items that are unlocked through specific circumstances. A total of 7 Keepsakes per character.
Taunts: Added 7 Taunts per character. Taunts are unlocked alongside a Keepsake. Taunts can be equipped in the Character Select screen.
Palettes: Number of palettes have increased to 13 for each character.
General: Now released for Mac and Linux.
General: Added Steam Achievements, Steam Trading Cards, Steam Badges and Steam Emoticons.
Controls: Visual improvements have been made to the control select menu.
Controls: Added 15 total Custom Control sets for each player slot (up to 4). These 15 control sets are divided into 3, with 5 Custom sets for Controllers, 5 Custom sets for Left Keyboard and 5 Custom sets for Right Keyboard.
Controls: Controller support has been widened to support a generous range of controllers and fightsticks.
Controls: Pressing Light (assuming default configuration) while in Character Select will bring up a menu naming all the attached controllers/fightsticks. If there is a controller/fightstick that is not properly functioning with Wishmere, posting the controls listed to our controller discussion on our Steam Forum is the easiest way for us to quickly add support for it.
New Mechanic: Backdash, where players can dash backward while guarding.
New Mechanic: Jump Cancels, where players can jump again when a Cancellable jumping attack makes contact with an opponent, allowing for additional pressure or combos.
New Mechanic: Air Chain Moves; like ground Chain Moves, where players can chain normal attacks into a Chain Move for longer combos.
Changed Mechanic: Ground Quick Getup is now performed by holding down while getting up.
New Mechanic: Air Quick Getup, performed by holding any up direction while getting up. Players can now tech off a floor position straight into an air state, allowing for jumping attacks or maneuvers.
New Mechanic: Malign Penalty, where players in 1v1 battles are punished if they avoid contact for too long.
New Mechanic: Bread and Butter, pressing Light four times makes characters do a simple 4 hit combo ending in a knockdown. Not available in Versus Mode or Practice Mode.
New Mechanic: Hitstates have been expanded. Now there are: Wallsplats, Slidebacks and Slams states on certain moves.
Enemies: Cougee AI has been completely redone.
Enemies: Added blockstun to players when attacking a blocking Subboss.
Story Mode: Added Story Mode. Single player mode only.
Free Mode: Added Free Mode. Can be played up to 4 players in couch co-op.
Base of Darkness Mode: Added the remaining bases to Base of Darkness Mode. There are now 35 bases in total.
Base of Darkness Mode: 11 new boss enemies have been added.
Base of Darkness Mode: Added High Scores to completed bases, which appear when a base is successfully defeated.
Base of Darkness Mode: Added multiple win and lose quotes for each character when defeating or failing a base.
Practice Mode: Properly rearranged the practice settings tabs for ease of use for players.
Fixed a multitude of bugs in the options menu, namely but not limited to: Incorrect volumization of the Sound category, Audio resetting to default automatically, incorrect default settings for Video and an inability to enter control config from the options menu.
Fixed a multitude of bugs in controller select, namely but not limited to: controllers not properly appearing, controllers displaying the incorrect number, duplicate controls taking multiple player slots, controllers not being recognized.
Fixed a multitude of inconsistencies and bugs in combat, from incorrect fall states, complete loss of gravity, characters freezing, enemies walking in place, bosses moving offscreen, attacks whiffing on certain enemies and much more.
Fixed a multitude of combat related quality of life issues, namely but not limited to deterministic hitframes and frame data, consistent hit pause, corner velocities, hardening hit pauses, time stop effects for Supers / Ultimate Arts and much more.
Fixed a visual issue where the Skill Tree would not be removed from the screen when players exit the skills menu under certain circumstances.
Fixed an issue where players could not properly use Front Ability when comboing from their running Abilities.
Fixed an issue where players could not do certain Edge attacks during running animation.
Fixed an issue where Cougee would not react to all hit states (like floor bounce).
Fixed an issue where a draw game would incorrectly show the wrong winner if there were more than 2 players.
Fixed an issue where time over would incorrectly show the wrong winner under certain circumstances.
Fixed Fight Stats during Winner screen, especially during Time Over.
Fixed an issue where the incorrect winner would show in Versus Mode if there were more than 2 players under certain circumstances.
Fixed game crashing issues in regards to certain Ultimate Arts being performed one after another.
Fixed an issue where Sabson’s Secret’s of Grnym would lock other player actions and prevent them from moving.
Fixed an issue where a number of characters could Fate Advance out of their Ultimate Arts.
Graphical Resolutions and scaling modes reverted to Pixel Perfect compatible resolutions. Through prolonged testing we found that scaling modes on the current Unity (our development platform) version would cause some visual errors caused by the Unity system. To ensure stability we have rolled back this feature, but will be open to it returning once Unity has resolved the visual errors.
Additional hitstop has been added to all player attacks. This was to provide each hit with more impact and more visual clarity, so players have more time to combo into different attacks without having to rush inputs. This change only applies to player controlled characters.
Fate Advance duration mechanics have changed. Players that use Fate Advance while another player has Fate Advance active will no longer wait for one Fate Advance to complete before another Fate Advance begins. Instead, each player will get 3 seconds of Fate Advance from the time of activation regardless of any other Fate Advance currently in progress.
Fixed an issue where Guard Crushes could be cancelled out of by releasing the Guard button at the moment of Guard Crush.
Fixed an issue where pressing pause too quickly in succession would render the game unable to unpause.
Fixed a variety of issues where some attacks were unblockable under certain circumstances in Versus Mode.
Fixed inconsistencies of players being knocked down and forced into incorrect animation states.
Fixed an issue where players would not always have invincibilty while air teching.
Fixed an issue where players could consume their Super Meter without doing a Super when landing from a jump.
Fixed an issue where hitstop would not be applied to attacks that were chained together quickly.
Fixed an issue where velocities would be inconsistent when comboing into airborne attacks.
Fixed a variety of inconsistencies regarding Hero Roar’s floor sliding mechanic.
Fixed velocity storage inconsistencies when enemies are hit with a Critical Desire charged attack.
Fixed the positioning of Unrelenting Blast when done at various angles.
Fixed some inconsistencies with Escaping Strike’s velocity under certain circumstances.
Fair Sever now properly stops at the point of contact with an enemy instead of a few moments after making contact with an enemy.
Fixed an issue where enemies in Versus Mode would be unable to be Hexed under certain circumstances.
Increased consistency of Secrets of Grnym.
Fixed an issue where Knife Edge would sometimes not properly bounce the opponent if hitting an airborne opponent.
Tutorial Mode added: a mode where you can get all the mechanics of Wishmere down. Each tutorial section has a subsection and the length of the tutorials are shown.
3 new Palettes for each character.
Options Mode added. A good handful of options for players to play with to get the settings right for their machine.
Graphical Resolutions added in Options Mode. This will allow for players to select their desired resolutions. Do note that not all resolutions are pixel perfect.
Scaling Mode added in Options Mode. We recommend Pixel Perfect!
All enemy health bars have moved up in visual priority, allowing players to better single out lower health enemies.
New character added: Doubt. Doubt controls space and manipulates his opponent’s positions to get them exactly where he wants them. Doubt is full of tricks and power, trading in traditional mobility.
Is now properly able to be thrown.
The v-sync option on some monitors does not function properly. This will be fixed in an upcoming hotfix in a few days.
Synopsis: This update was all about rounding out every character’s attacks. We wanted all characters to have similar damage potential when all resources were available to them (Fate, Edge and Super Meter), so we added properties and new moves to level the playing field. This should help balance out all the characters. Also, we’ve added some graphical changes to UI (to include keyboard interfaces) and Command List that’ll help keep the game uniform and intuitive for players using keyboards, controllers or even a fightstick.
NOTE: 1 - 2 additional character palettes will be added in the upcoming update.
All characters’ jumping Lights and jumping Hard attacks now pop an opponent up higher and push less further away, leading to easier air juggles.
NEW MOVE: Hero Thunder Clap (run + Hard, hold Hard). Can be held to turn the attack unblockable.
Straight Kick (up + Light) now has a longer range hitbox and graphic.
The Last Battle (with Critical Desire active, up / down + Super) now snaps airborne opponents into standing position, guaranteeing full hits.
NEW MOVE: Rising Strength (during Pure Force, front + Ability). A leaping knee strike that relaunches airborne enemies. Leaves you dangerously vulnerable if used on standing enemies.
Target Lockdown Projectiles have been reanimated and reworked. Hitbox now has much further range. It also now is 4 hits and stuns for longer, allowing for better zoning and combos.
Straight Heel (up + Light) now has a longer vertical and horizontal range hitbox and graphic.
Aiming for the Penthouse (Super) cannot be looped continuously.
NEW MOVE: Shrieking Wind (during jump, down + Hard). An angled divekick that can be comboed into and out of.
NEW MOVE: Murderous Shadow (during jump, up + Ability). A sword thrust and vicious slash that launches opponents.
Hex (neutral + Ability) has a longer active hitbox, able to lock onto opponents, even after Pandy regains control.
Assistants of Mana cooldown increased slightly.
Eothun Bolt (during jump, neutral + Ability) does not splat an opponent anymore.
Namorr Wind (during jump, up / down + Ability) launches opponents higher to allow for more time for combos.
2 additional bases added for Easy difficulty.
4 additional bases added for Medium difficulty.
2 additional bases added for Hard difficulty.
Spritz now has his Base of Darkness Skill Trees.
Duu Shen now has his Base of Darkness Skill Trees.
Preparation now properly only consumes one stock of Target Lockdown instead of 2.
Deadeye now properly shoots 4 arrows when the skills is upgraded to it max level instead of 3. Spritz's Base of Darkness Skill Trees will be coming in the next update within a week. In the meantime, enjoy burning foes to a crisp with Duu Shen's Skills!
Synopsis: Two new characters added! As we get closer to a final product, we can see the character meta shaping up quite nicely. Our focus this update was to get more characters and stage done, and from there we will be adding more enemies and bases. We are getting closer to the final feel and polish of the game, as we’ve added some character profiles, new perspectives for the backgrounds. Also, we’ve added in some Holiday themed items and palettes for all characters! Please do have a safe and happy holidays, and don’t forget to have fun!
NOTE: Duu Shen and Spritz both do not have their Base of Darkness Skill Trees implemented. This will be added within a few days / weeks.
New character loading screens have been added. These loading screens provide bio information about each available character.
1 new stage added (The Nexus).
All stages have been redesigned to a more appropriate perspective.
The Space Hangar has been removed from the game.
The Space Station stage now has added scenic animations.
Playing a Versus match with two players now centers the Player UI for visual uniformity.
All characters have an additional limited time holiday themed palette.
Snow has been added to the Ice Wasteland stage to commemorate the holidays.
Some chests have been replaced with holiday presents to commemorate the festivities.
The Command List has been greatly improved to better describe move properties and usages. This comes with a toggleable Key to see what move properties are available in the game.
A block stun mechanic has been introduced. All attacks put the Codex Blocking player in a state of Block stun, where they cannot “unblock” for a period of time. The duration of block stun depends on the move performed.
All characters Fate Breaks are now faster.
New character added: Duu Shen. Duu Shen is an offensive juggernaut, specializing in never letting opponents breathe and converting mistakes into huge damage.
New character added: Spritz. Spritz is a tanky grappler with defensive shields and blocks, who utilizes unblockable throws to destroy opponents.
Time has been added to Versus Mode. Due to this, a draw game is now possible.
Players can no longer Quick Rise from a Floor Slam state.
Critical Desire stuns longer, allowing more opportunity for follow up attacks.
Hero Roar is now a Guard Eater.
Pandy is now invincible during the duration of Feast and Penalty.
Amethyst Storm is now a Guard Eater.
Mark of Peace’s detonation explosion now launches enemies.
Duu Shen can constantly relaunch opponents with his Super Art. This will be fixed in later builds.
Duu Shen and Spritz do not have their Base of Darkness Skill Trees implemented. This will be added within a few weeks.
With the Preparation skill purchased, placing a Target Lockdown bumper with 2 stocks of Target Lockdown will consume both stocks instead of 1.
The 3rd level of the Deadeye skill still shoots 3 arrows in succession, though it is supposed to shoot 4.
Please take note that though this list covers all the elements that are changed, the list is not extensive (as in not going into every detail of what exactly was changed). This was done in order to improve readability.
PS4 controllers can now use the Options or Share button to pause the game.
Improved functionality of rebinding controls.
Fixed an issue with rebinding controls with the PS4 controller.
Fixed an issue where the camera would continuously shake if the game was paused during a camera shake instance.
Fixed visual consistency of Earle's Critical Desire when hitting opponents in the air.
We're aware of some issues with the XboxOne controller, which we are working on fixing.
Synopsis: This is a huge update for Wishmere. We’ve been long at work, looking at what works and what doesn’t work for Wishmere, and we’ve come up with a whole new direction of gameplay, aesthetic and vision for the game. We wanted to make it faster, more fun to play and appeal to those who really love differentiation in characters and movesets. Personalization was a big thing here, as we wanted players to feel like they were in control of their characters and were free to play the game how they liked; and a big factor to that was a bigger focus on the Base of Darkness mode. Because the change list is extremely extensive, we’ve tried our best to condense it as tightly as possible. Enjoy!
Arcade Mode now expanded and now called ‘Base of Darkness’ mode.
Story Mode and Tutorial Mode deactivated for the time being.
Entire soundtrack entirely changed. The old soundtrack is no longer used.
Player naming added into all gameplay modes. This allows players to customize their own player names.
Character portraits added for all characters, visible in Character Select, Skill Upgrades, Winner Screen and in-game.
Winner Screen added into the game, including a unique winning quote, in-game stats.
New Loading Screen hints added.
1 new stage added (Hazelroad High School) and the Training stage has been recolored.
Dynamic lighting in Ice Wasteland, Sewers, Hangar and Space Bridge improved to taper and contour to characters like actual light.
All game assets graphically improved.
In-game common combat FX changed.
Entire gameplay has been sped up greatly.
Attack button now split into 2 attack strengths: Light and Heavy attacks.
Single plane mechanic now implemented instead of ‘Z-axis’ plane. This means all action takes place on one singular axis, instead of having to line up attacks.
Super Meter between players is no longer shared and now every player has their own Super Meter.
Supers (Super Arts) are now broken down into 2 types: Super Arts, which take 1 stock of Super Meter; and Ultra Arts, which take 3 stocks of Super Meter.
Fate Advance time-slowing tweaked and slowed further.
Fate Break now tweaked to be a defensive-only move.
Guard can no longer be cancelled into or out of.
Guard now has its own Guard Gauge. The amount of Guard Gauge varies character to character. Guard Crush is also now implemented, whereby guarding for too long will leave the player vulnerable.
Command Lists screens are entirely rehauled.
Training Mode Attack Data system and graphic rehauled.
Training Mode now has toggleable settings for Gauges. More other settings to be implemented soon.
Control Schemes now introduced to the game; 2 schemes: Default, a 6-button scheme for those with fighting game execution; Shortcut, a 8-button scheme that avoids multi-button combinations.
Difficulty now implemented, with 3 difficulties: Easy, Medium and Hard.
New character added: Sabson. Sabson is a defense specialist that focuses on countering and converting into offense.
Edge system now implemented. Edge is a resource-based action that is unique to a character that accentuates their playstyle.
Every character’s moveset has now been rehauled to (direction + button) commands, simplifying the movesets.
Throws are now implemented. Every character has a ground Throw and an air Throw. Throw Breaks are also added into the game, allowing for players to break out of Throws.
Movement speed and animation speed of all characters greatly increased.
New jump system implemented; with 3 types of jumps: Normal, High and Super jumps. Every character now has a Double Jump.
New airdash system: characters are now able to airdash, increasing movement options.
Character Class system is abolished.
Safford and Spritz deactivated for the time being; they will return!
Every character now has 4 different color palettes, with more to be added soon.
All characters now have Intro poses and Winning poses.
Skill system entirely rehauled. Each character now has 3 Skill Trees, each specializing in a particular playstyle.
Fiend Rush mechanic has been added: a random chance during a round to be attacked by a horde of manic charging enemies.
16 new enemy types added.
Enemy AI is more intelligent. Certain enemy types have unique aggression tendencies.
Spawning enemies are now capable of falling from the sky as well as walking on screen.
4 new Bases (2 in Easy difficulty, 2 in Hard difficulty) added.
General Synopsis: In this update, we've taken a huge step into adding more depth into the combat. The Fate System has changed the way fights move now, as they serve both as offensive and defensive tools. This new mechanic even allows players to team up with other teammates to create creative combos together. We added lots of different attacks for each character to round out metas. We've also tightened up mechanics to introduce another mode: Versus Mode.
A new Versus game mode has been added. Up to 4 players are able to battle it out in a free for all to determine who is the best. This feature was a natural progression of Wishmere's development due to the diverse characters and the multiplayer nature of the game. We'll be keeping an eye on this mode in terms of balance and the overall experience, and will be making changes accordingly.
Furthering the intention to bolster defensive capabilities, we have once again reworked the Codex Block mechanic. The Codex Block is now more agile to use, and remains active so long as the player holds down the Interact button. The startup frames are now instantaneous with no lag in the starting and ending frames of the Codex Block for all characters. And instead of draining the Super Meter to use it, each character now has a Codex Guard Meter, indicated by the color of the character's icon which is located next to the Super Art Meter. The logo slowly glows from regular color to completely red to indicate how long the player can remain in Codex Block, which when it is completely red, the Codex Block is no longer active and players are open to attacks.
Spritz's Super Art 1 has been reworked. He now conjures a shield at his location that damages all enemies that get near it.
Each character has been given two new attacks, the Radial Attack and the Specific Attack. Players are now able to utilize the Radial, Specific and Launch attack outside of the character's attack combo. These attacks will be further explained below.
We are aware of a bug related to the Fate Advance, where under certain circumstances when the Fate Advance ends, the game will crash. We are worked very hard to squash the bug and have not found it in our latests tests, but if the bug does happen to appear in the game, please leave a bug report on our Wishmere Forum. We'd appreciate it if you could be as specific as possible about the occurance, eg.) which character was playing, how many players, when did the crash occur, what was happening on screen, were any enemies being attacked/bounced off walls. All this information will be vital to us ascertaining the existence of the bug and squashing it for good.
Further tweaking of analog movement (particularly for Xbox One controllers): We are aware that analog movement for the Xbox One controller is not functioning as intended. We're going to look into this in the next few days.
Spritz's First Class upgrade to his TK Introducer currently grabs the incorrect number of enemies when upgraded. We are aware of this issue and will address it in the following days.
Wishmere's current version is now visible in the Main Menu.
- The number of Opening Spin (Jump + Ability) loops Earle is capable of completing has been reduced to 3 from 5.
+/- Earle's Super Art 2 now only hits once, changed from multiple times. The damage of the projectile remains unchanged.
Fixed a bug where enemies were unable to block Earle's Super Art 3.
Fixed a bug where Earle's Super Art 2 hitsparks were not accurately displaying the point of contact.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3 was incorrectly hurting blocking enemies.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Arrow attack hitsparks were not accurately displaying the point of contact.
Fixed a bug where enemies slowed by Dove's arrows were not being properly slowed.
Fixed a bug where Spritz's Codex Block FX was not appearing when intended.
Fixed a variety of sprite pivot issues related to Spritz's animations.
Fixed a bug where Spritz's Super Art 3 was losing the incorrect number of HP when damaged.
Added whiff sounds to Safford's slashes in his Super Art 2.
Fixed a bug where Safford's Codex Block FX was not appearing when intended.
Fixed a variety of sprite pivot issues related to Safford's animations.
Fixed a bug where enemies were unable to block Safford's Super Art 3.
Fixed a bug where Pandy's Codex Block FX was not appearing when intended.
Fixed a bug where Pandy's Front + Ability would make enemies killed by the attack fail to fall to the floor.
Fixed a bug where Pandy's Upgraded Forward + Ability was not animating or dissipating.
Fixed a visual bug where Narsus' sprite was being incorrectly displayed.
Moveset expanded below in 'Character' section.
Arcade Mode is a completely new game mode where players seek to complete “Bases”, arena-like battles that test both the endurance and skill of players as they take on waves of enemies. These bases range in difficulty and type, from Easy, Medium and Hard as well as Special Matches. Special Matches are single round battles where players face off against exceptionally difficult opponents, such as Dr. Chaka and 5 Space Century's for example. Players that want to take on the ultimate test can compete in the Endless Base, where players battle an infinite wave of enemies in order to achieve a high score.
The previously named Arcade Mode has now been renamed to Story Mode. This mode, while currently unchanged in this update, is now undergoing development to be retooled to better fit a more cohesive story experience. We're considering a lot of different approaches when creating Story Mode, and we will update you further once we've decided on the best method of conveying Wishmere's Story into a great game mode.
Tutorial Mode has been moved from an option in Story Mode to it's own game mode, called Tutorial mode. This is a quality of life change that would allow players easier access to the Tutorial.
Transitions into and out of stages have been updated. The transitions have moved from fade to black to dynamic “slices through black” and “closes to black”. This is another polish addition we have implemented in order to add some sharpness to Wishmere's presentation.
Character Synopsis: We've added a new character in the Wishmere universe: Pandy. She is a much more aggressive and quick character capable of dismantling enemies with her high DPS. As we progress, Pandy is a good indicator of the type of variance that is coming for the other characters in the game. We'll be looking at adding characters (and pausing in developing the Story Mode) as we develop, as we try to round out the gameplay in the game first.
- When Pandy's Abilities hit an opponent, she gains Blood. When at least 1 of her Goblets are filled, she can perform Bloodlust, which heals her for a portion of her HP.
- A quick teleport. Pressing and holding a direction will make Pandy travel during her teleport. Limited to one directional input per execution.
- Attacks and releases a weak short-lived projectile.
- A quick damaging attack. Can be followed up with Creed of Damnation.
- A slow and extremely damaging attack.
- An extremely weak attack. If used to kill an opponent, Pandy gains a temporary speed boost.
- Dives downards. If it hits an opponent, Pandy follows up with a damaging slash.
- Grants Pandy 1 filled Goblet.
- Creates 2 duplicates of herself for a period of time, that trails her actions. Her movements are dramatically increased, which allow for combos and maneuvers performable only in SA2.
- A dashing attack. If an opponent is close, Pandy follows up with a damaging sequence. Consumes all available goblets and Pandy deals additional damage for each goblet consumed.
- The attack now hits 3 times, increased from 1 time. The damage for the attack remains the same.
Fixed a bug where Safford's Super Art 2 would hit inconsistently if too many enemies were being attacked.
Fixed a bug where Safford's Super Art 3 would hit inconsistently if done too close to a wall.
Fixed a bug where Safford's Super Art 3 would incorrectly display the slash hitspark when facing a particular direction.
Fixed a bug where Safford's Super Art 3 would render Safford infinitely dashing when the Super Art 3 was performed in succession.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3 would fail to detonate when activated if the player had enough bar to perform the Super Art 3 once again.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3 would display the hitspark in the wrong position when shot from the left.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3's explosion shadow would be incorrectly displayed if the opponent was airborne when the mark was detonated.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3 would not correctly play the arrow destroyed animation under certain circumstances.
Fixed a bug where Dove's Super Art 3 detonation would not deal damage to airborne opponents under certain circumstances.
Fixed a bug where Narsus' punch sound FX was not being played.
Hotfixed a bug that would prevent players from proceeding in the Sewer Stage.
Sub-bosses are now able to block attacks. We've seen through tests that though sub-bosses are beefy and tough enemies, they have a tendency to be overwhelmed upon wake-up and are unable to properly mount an offense. This change allows Sub-bosses to have some defense in order to be a real threat.
- 1 Super Charged Hope Crystal: Gives all players 1 Super Charged Hope Crystal.
- 2 Super Charged Hope Crystals: Gives all players 2 Super Charged Hope Crystal.
All enemies now have their current health displayed above their heads. These health bars will better give a visualization on damage and allows players to create strategies to target weakened foes. We'll be keeping an eye on this change, to see if it clutters the screen too much or hinders player experience.
Dynamic lighting on each stage has been reworked to better thematically fit the stage. We'll likely continue to tune the lighting as we develop, to look for the best feel for the background.
Added randomized hints during game loading screens. These hints reveal tips, tricks and knowledge about Wishmere's mechanics and meta.
Reanimated all Super Art 3's to include a brief time stop during the move's start-up frames.
Sped up the barrel's destroy animation.
Codex Barrier – Codex Barriers Super Meter usage decreased by20%. Codex Barriers' recovery time for all players decreased by 60%.
Attacks using blades now have a new hitspark FX and a new hitspark SFX. This is to further add feedback to different player attacks and for visual clarity. An example of attacks that use this new hitspark FX is all of Safford's Abilities where he uses his sword.
Tuned the items' drop chance to include the new Super Meter and Super Charged Hope collectable items.
- 50% chance of dropping a health collectable.
- 45% chance of dropping a Super Meter collectable.
- 5% chance of dropping a Super Charged Hope collectable.
- 40% chance of dropping a health collectable.
- 52% chance of dropping a Super Meter collectable.
- 8% chance of dropping a Super Charged Hope collectable.
- 45% chance of dropping a health collectable.
- 40% chance of dropping a Super Meter collectable.
- 15% chance of dropping a Super Charged Hope collectable.
- 25% chance of dropping a health collectable.
- 25% chance of dropping a Super Meter collectable.
- 50% chance of dropping a Super Charged Hope collectable.
Stage Synopsis: Dynamic lighting in our stages sets the tone of the level very easily, so we reworked the dynamic lighting for each stage, each to convey it's own message. Stages now have randomized 'item holders', ranging from rare and common holders. Each holder has its own drop probability and their own percentage between pickups to further add to the randomization.
Character Synopsis: All characters attained their respective Super Art to fill out their entire moveset. As we develop, we'll be tweaking said moves and perhaps shift the Abilities / Super Arts around until we perfect the character's meta. So far, these Super Arts are what we feel is in line with their meta.
- A damaging flurry that only activates if the initial short ranged punch makes contact.
- Fires an arrow. If an enemy is hit, they will be marked. Performing Mark of Peace again will detonate the marked enemy, also damaging enemies nearby.
- Dashes forwards and backwards repeatedly, attacking all enemies in his path.
+ Safford's Super Art 2 now has a wider range, meaning the attack will successfully connect with enemies in a wider strikebox.
Fixed a layering issue where Dove's arrow UI was incorrectly overlapping each other.
Fixed a graphical error where Narsus' dynamic lighting was being incorrectly displayed.
General Synopsis: We've worked on adding defensive options and making the game less punishing in this build. By incorporating feedback from the community for both the speed and defense areas, we've managed to build the game around a faster pace, with a lot of tools and much more leniency to most features. Getting hit by enemies is not as punishing, as the health has been expanded into lifebars, but we've made enemies able to hit the players in combos and added sub-bosses, to add importance to the strategic element to the game, which we want to make a very important element in the game. We also added a new stage, the Ice Wasteland to the game, as we develop towards finishing the game.
The Ice Wasteland stage represents a more strategic-demanding stage. It features a more aggressive and experienced enemy army, complete with complementary strategies from other enemy units (in the form of ranged magical projectiles and defensive enemies). It also features movement sliding when players run.
Pressing (B),(B) quickly will make the player block all oncoming attacks for a brief period of time, allowing them to absorb all damage taken while the Codex Block is in effect. Codex Blocks can be done during any grounded Normal Attacks and Abilities, allowing for defense at any time.
Holding (B) while in Codex Block will make the player perform the Codex Barrier, which allows players to absorb all damage taken while the (B) button is held down. The Super Meter drains while Codex Barrier is in effect.
Sub-bosses have been implemented. Sub-bosses are tougher, smarter and more damaging enemies that players face near the end of the stage. They can be comboed like regular enemies, but their large health pool and aggressive AI make them a more challenging opponent.
At the end of each completed Stage, players are able to select the next stage they wish to complete. This mechanic is currently in the Beta phase, and will be reworked as the game develops.
Health has been reworked to a lifebar system where the bar will represent how much HP a character has and all damage will reduce the lifebar.
Enemies and Character Health values have been reworked to better fit the new Health mechanic. Further details can be found below.
Standing near health items now indicates on the Player's health bar how much health would be recovered from consuming the item.
Health Pack value has changed from 1 HP → 15 HP.
First Aid Kit value has from 3 HP → 30 HP.
Medical Bag value still restores full health.
Overall speed of the game has increased. This means: move speeds and attack speeds are faster, while recovery frames after attacks have been reduced. Further details can be found below for each character.
Removed functionality of analogs in control mapping. This is a temporary change, and will be re-enabled when analog function is fully implemented.
Removed functionality of F1-F12 in keyboard control mapping.
New Command List Icons for all Character Attacks and Abilities.
Changed “Tech” to “Difficulty” on the Character Select Screen for clarity.
Pressing the “Escape” key during gameplay pauses the game, giving first player control.
Damage values for both player and enemy attacks have been reworked to better fit the new Health mechanic. Further details can be found below for each character and enemy.
Enemy AI's seeking function has been improved, meaning enemies now more accurately locate player positions and attacking more intelligently.
Removed the Continues mechanic. Players are now free to retry infinitely.
Added a dialogue “Skip All” function, where Pressing (Y) twice will skip through all dialogue until a dialogue event occurs.
Reduced the number of enemies that appear when there are 3 or more active players. Instead, enemies have increased health and damage.
Input Leniency – Inputs are more lenient, meaning it is now easier to complete the attack combo and also easier to chain attacks into the attack launcher.
Hit Stuns – Different types of enemy attacks stun players for different durations depending on the attack, depending on strength / damage of attack.
Hit Invincibility – Players no longer have a small window of invincibility after being hit by a non-knockdown attack, opening up the possibility of being comboed by enemies.
Jump Invincibility – The start-up frames of jumping have invincibility.
Jump Control – After completing Jump + Ability, players regain control while mid-air (for Earle, Dove and Spritz).
Stage Synopsis: Due to the change in movement speed and recovery times for players, we wanted to up the pace by making enemies move faster and more competent. We also added a more robust Training mode, complete with options for training that reflect fighting games. There are more features to come for the Training mode, and this is because we intend for players to work on their combos, strategies and data, so to keep character meta important.
Added additional dialogue and Branzon behaviors to explain the Codex Block and Codex Barrier.
Edited dialogue to reflect the changes made to player health.
Fixed an error in dialogue where sentences were being improperly displayed under certain conditions.
Added new training overlay for Attack Data.
Additional features in the Training Menu that allow players to control the behavior of Super Meter, the option to hide Attack Data and the ability to reset dummy position. Additional features will be implemented as development continues.
Reduced intensity of lighting on stage.
Realigned positioning of Attack Data.
Added max combo damage and number of hits functionality to Attack Data.
Edited Branzon's lighting map to better dynamically light his sprite.
Reduced length of dialogue for certain conversations.
Reduced wait time before finishing dialogue with Dillon.
Decreased wait time before enemy spawn in final enemy encounter.
Move Speed increased by 10%.
Move Speed increased by 8%.
Move Speed increased by 13%.
Added Space Centrum sub-boss in Space Station 1-3.
Dr. Chaka's AI is now more aggressive.
Increased aggressiveness of Space Centaurs.
Fixed a bug where enemies jumping from the drop-ship could be attacked, launching them out of reach and unable to be killed.
Character Synopsis: All characters are sped up to accommodate the new speed of the game. To further balance the characters, we also kept the difference of HP between characters intact while changing to a lifebar HP system. While General changes were the focus of this update, we also rounded out the character Abilities in the two missing Abilities in Spritz's down + Ability and Safford's jump + Ability. Missing Super Arts will be added in the coming updates. We also worked on stabilizing the characters by fixing the bugs that occurred from time to time and will be toying with some changes to the characters here and there.
This page was last edited on 28 September 2017, at 09:21. | 2019-04-23T22:17:13Z | https://wishmere.gamepedia.com/Change_Logs |
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Our hero has just finished watching the most recent episode of the weekly Danger Dave television series. Momentarily out of character, Dave thinks about the show. His puzzled look is more pronounced than usual.
"Hey, Dan, what did you think of this week’s episode?" asked Dave. "Was it realistic enough?"
Dan smiled and said, "Indubitably, my dear ‘bot-son. The explosions were particularly wonderful. I could see myself in the window when I zoomed in."
"My point exactly," replied Dave. "I think it was real. I don’t think they used CGI at all. Those were real cameras filming the live battle."
"So? Big deal. What’s your point?"
"My point?" said Dave, raising his voice. "My point is that we didn’t know we were going to fight here, so how did the network weasels?"
Now it was Dan’s turn to look puzzled. "Are you suggesting..."
"...that they staged it?" finished Dave. "Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t. The question is, how did they know exactly where to be and where to aim the camera? It’s like they knew in advance exactly what would happen and when."
"So? Our ratings are up, and we’ve been extended for another season," said Dan. "Don’t rock the boat. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Besides, what would you do about it, anyway? What could you do? You may be the luckiest person in the galaxy, but don’t have a crystal ball."
"But maybe they do," replied Dave. "And maybe we can use it."
He got up and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" asked Dan.
"Production Studio Deck," answered Dave. "Wanna tag along and be my watchdog?"
"Ruff!" replied Dan with a mischievous grin, bounding for the door with the energy of a puppy.
"Okay, Spot. Heel, boy, heel!" Dave laughed and the door opened for them, displaying a picture of Snoopy fighting the Red Baron.
"Cute," remarked Dave. "Good door. Nice door. Stay."
Now, it was Dan's turn to laugh. "I’m starting to like these smart doors. Maria has been digging into the archives, I see."
They walked down to the Production Studio, trying not to look guilty and not succeeding. Before opening the door, Dan looked directly at the hall camera, winked and whispered "Shh!" before ducking in behind Dave.
Inside the room, Dave is looking as puzzled as before.
"Where is everyone?" he asked. "Normally, this room is full. I thought I would have to create a diversion."
"Don’t look a gift llama in the mouth. It may spit at you." said Dan with a grin. "Just look around."
"For what? You think they’re just going to leave a neon sign with an arrow pointing to the crystal ball saying, ‘Here it is’?" asked Dave.
Indeed, there was a neon sign saying exactly that, pointing to a book on the table.
"Lemee see that," said Dave, yanking the book from the table.
Turning so the camera could see the book, Dave held it steady and read the title, "The History of Danger Dave." The book binder listed the author’s name as "Doright."
Dave looked like he’d seen a ghost. Dan took the book, flipped to the back cover, then said, "Holy Time Paradox, Batman!" in his best Robin imitation. Then, picking up a Sherlock Holmes pipe, hat, and coat that just happened to be lying nearby, he said, "It looks like we have a genuine mystery on our hands. We must look for clues, since we generally have none as a rule."
"How about the bookmark?" asked Dave. "Maybe that’s a clue."
"Well, that’s not very clue-full" said Dave. "What about the book? Let me read."
"Here," said Dan, handing it back. "Don’t sprain your brain."
Dave noticed the underlined entry and began reading out loud.
"Beep!" announced Dave’s wristwatch, right on cue. Dave jumped, dropped the book on his toe, then started hopping around, knocking random items off of the desk before regaining his composure. He picked up the book again and continued.
Now that I have your attention and a smile, you can relax and have fun. This is a new experiment in interactive time travel. In order for this to work, I need you to speak up so the microphones can hear you, just as you are doing now. Don’t cheat and look ahead for answers before you ask questions, or the pages will be blank, and we’ll have to start all over. Now, ask your first question, then turn the page for the answer. Don’t rush. I won’t receive your question for a long time, so take your time. I have arranged for the rest of the crew to be ‘incommunicado’ for as long as you need. Everything is under control.
"Interactive time travel, huh?" Hey, Dan – we are in a time experiment. What should I ask?"
"Ask the Wizard for a brain," said Dan, joking. "You could ask who the author is, but you can look that up in the front of the book. Try something unexpected."
"Okay," said Dave. "How about a pizza? I’m hungry."
"You’re always hungry, but it’s a good idea. How about New York style Hawaiian?" said Dan, licking his lips.
"Look, wise guy, did someone order a New York Style Hawaiian pizza or not? I ain’t got all week," replied the Bronx accent from behind the door.
"Cool!" said Dave. He opened the door to find a Pleides Pizza Express delivery boy holding an extra-large pizza, glancing side-to-side nervously like an escaped convict cheating on his 3 wives.
"Set it down right there" pointed Dave to the desk where the book had been. "How much do we owe you?"
"Nuthin’ said the boy. Not even the tip. My instructions were to deliver the pizza on my way to my vacation cruise, pre-paid as my tip once the pizza arrived. Take it and sign here."
Dave signed the electronic receipt pad, and the amber light turned green.
"Now, sign here, please...and you too, Dan," said the boy, handing an autograph book to Dave, pretending not to be embarrassed. "It’s for my little sister."
"What’s her name?" asked Dan.
"Of course," said Dan, as if this sort of thing happened all the time, which it did.
After the autographs had been signed, the boy excused himself, backed up slowly, bumped into the door, turned and ran down the hall, leaping and whooping about before spraying graffiti on the door at the end of the hall. The door politely thanked him for the artistic expression of his youthful enthusiasm, and the boy was gone.
After taking a bite from the pizza, Dave said, "We forgot the drinks."
"Ask the book," said Dan. "Let’s try this interactive time travel thing again."
Dave picked the book up, found the correct page, and read the last line again. He looked at the camera and said, "Everything is under control, huh? Whose control? And what about the drinks? I’m turning the page."
I hope you are enjoying the pizza. I went a little overboard on the preparations, but I thought it was worth it to show off a little. I figured you two would appreciate that gesture, especially Dan. Hi, Dan! As for drinks, you’ll find your favorite fizzies in the fridge. As for ‘everything is under control’, well it is a group effort, and I mean that in the largest possible sense. You know very little details about your history, or at least the causes behind the effects. You don’t know your future – at least, not yet. You are aware of the common theories of time travel, because you both read a lot of science fiction growing up. I know, because I watched you, or I will watch you sometime in the future, from your past. It gets confusing. Let’s start over.
My name is Noria. I am the great-granddaughter of David Alan Doright, known in your time as "Danger Dave, Galactic Hero", but known around here as simply "Galactic DAD". I am also related to Daniel Allen Pierce (Hi, again Dan!), but I can’t tell you how or when or anything else because if I do, then I won’t exist. Trust me. I have explicit pictures of me not existing.
As for the time travel, it’s complicated. Not just technically, but paradoxically. All I can say is that I fix the past. Here’s an analogy. Time is like what you used to call a ‘VCR Tape’. It has a beginning and an end, but you can go back or forth to any point and either watch what is already recorded or re-record on top of it. Sometimes, with advanced preparation and very good timing, you can make the new recording fit in almost seemlessly with the old, but usually not. Also, you can never quite get the old and new recordings to synchronize completely. There’s always some fuzz when you jump over the break into the other recording.
The same thing happens to your ‘Space-Time Continuum’ – it is never perfectly continuous once you start mucking about with time travel. Sometimes, you happen to be at the right time and place to notice the time fuzz. You think you see something that isn’t there when you look closer, or you hear someone say something, but they swear they said something else, instead.
Also, if you happen to be in the part of the time tape that is re-recorded, and something is different, you may feel out of place. Also, the feeling of Deja Vu usually happens when you’ve been somewhere that you’ve never been before, only you have. It was in an older recording. You are actually re-living a part of your life differently.
That’s what happens to you guys.
You still have Free Will. You just can’t die. Well, technically, that’s not true. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve all been blown up, drowned, electrocuted, poisoned, shot, burn, hung, stabbed, or sucked into a black hole. I’ve simply lost count.
That’s part of the reason your nickname is ‘Danger’ Dave. Most of the danger you fix was caused by you, and I have to keep tweaking the past until you can get it right. Think of me as your guardian angel. I feel that way about both of you, more than you will ever know, maybe.
So, long story short – I control my past, but ultimately, you control your future, as many times in as many ways as you like, until it is agreeable to my present. I can’t tell you what a difference you’ve made, because you haven’t made it yet, from your point-of-view. Even I don’t know what the end result will be because someone from my future can go back and undo everything all over. That’s life.
The Universe is a funny place, huh? Just sit back and enjoy the ride. | 2019-04-21T02:28:52Z | http://danger-dave.com/Excerpts/DangerDaveStitchInTime.htm |
In this article, you’ll find some of the most useful and free Microsoft Excel project management and project tracking templates you’ll want to use for your next project.
Let’s have a look at the best Microsoft Excel project management templates.
Note: We cover both native and third-party templates here. To find the pre-installed Excel spreadsheet templates, open Excel and search for the respective keyword from the New document screen. If you’re already in Excel, go to File > New to bring up the template search. Check the Managing Microsoft Excel Templates section below for more details.
Excel comes with several timelines and Gantt chart templates provided by Microsoft, but it also integrates templates from Vertex42, one of the most popular third-party resources for spreadsheets.
The Work Plan Timeline template is suitable for a basic project with multiple phases. When you enter your data into the worksheet, the roadmap will update automatically.
This template comes pre-installed with Microsoft Excel 2016.
Gantt charts Need a Gantt Chart Template for Excel or PowerPoint? Here Are 10 Unique Options Need a Gantt Chart Template for Excel or PowerPoint? Here Are 10 Unique Options You don't need Microsoft Project to track progress. These Gantt chart templates for Excel and PowerPoint will help you manage your project just as well. Read More are a staple in every project manager’s toolset. They help you visualize the flow of your tasks and track progress.
With this template, you can create a comprehensive Gantt chart with minimal effort. Just enter each task, complete with a description, who it’s assigned to, a percentage to indicate progress, a start date, and allocated days until completion.
This template is a Microsoft Excel default.
If you want to integrate milestones into a basic timeline, this template provided by Vertex42 is ideal. It combines the best elements of a Gantt chart, i.e. the visualization of the task flow, with milestones hovering above the timeline. Just fill in the respective tables to populate the visual.
You can find this template by searching in Excel.
A project plan is a document How to Manage Your Project with Word Templates How to Manage Your Project with Word Templates In project management, preparation is half the battle. To organize and document your project, you may need many different reports, forms or plans. We have compiled a selection of Word templates to get you started. Read More that may require Excel charts but is otherwise composed in Microsoft Word. For basic projects, however, you may get away with only a Microsoft Excel document.
When you search Excel’s template repository for project plan templates, you’ll mainly find different Gantt chart variations, including this Simple Gantt Chart from Vertex42. What sets it apart from the Gantt chart above is the inclusion of project phases.
This template is included in Microsoft Excel.
A project plan really isn’t something you typically put together in Excel. But if your project is simple enough, like planning a party, a solid one-page template that lists essential tasks and lets you define a schedule and budget is all you need. This template from Office Templates Online is a great start.
A search for tracker will bring up a wild mix of personal and business-related Excel spreadsheet templates for tracking. You can narrow down your search by selecting the categories that relate to the project management task you’re dealing with.
This tracking template can help you get an overview of direct, indirect, and general and administrative product costs.
This Vertex42 template is essential if you are handling multiple different clients, projects, and/or deliverables. It combines project details, expenses, task statuses, and due dates.
Microsoft Office has its own category for business plans How to Write a Business Plan How to Write a Business Plan Are you about to start your own business? Start with a plan! Follow our business plan outline or use one of the templates we have compiled. Read More . Use the suggested business search and select the Business Plans category on the right.
For more business plan templates The Best Business Plan Templates The Best Business Plan Templates Every business needs a plan. These templates will make writing your business plan easy. A clever structure, guiding questions, and a smart design will give you a head-start into your new career. Read More , have a look at our dedicated article.
Couldn’t find the exact project management template you need inside Excel? Turn to a third-party online resource for a wider selection of Excel spreadsheet templates. We recommend the following sites.
This website has a few great project management templates for Microsoft Office 2003 and up. The site notes that its templates are mostly related to project scheduling. Anything more complicated might require Microsoft Project or other project management software.
Each page contains a quick rundown of what the template does, one or more templates, and further tips and tricks for the respective project management tool. It’s a great resource for budding project managers.
TidyForm has a respectable selection of Microsoft Excel project management templates. The most popular categories are listed on the homepage. If you can’t immediately spot what you need, switch to the Business section or try the search feature.
When you scroll to the bottom of a section, you’ll see a list of popular categories and related categories. This can be helpful when trying to find just the right template.
Still looking for the perfect template? You might have to create custom Excel templates How to Quickly Create a Custom Excel Template to Save Time How to Quickly Create a Custom Excel Template to Save Time Excel templates are universally useful — they can help you keep your finances in order, manage a project, and organize your life. We show you how to create your own custom template. Read More to get exactly what you want.
First, let’s see what templates you already have installed in Microsoft Excel. For the purpose of this demonstration, we’ve used Excel 2016, but the procedure is similar in Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 2019.
When you start up Microsoft Excel, the first window you see will contain a search field for online templates. When you’re starting from an existing workbook, go to File > New to arrive at the same view.
Microsoft Excel comes with a selection of pre-installed templates. They are listed underneath the search field. You can pin favorite ones by clicking the respective symbol in the bottom right of the listing.
The fastest way to finding the kind of template you need is searching for it. Once you start a search, for example for the term project, you will also see template categories listed next to the templates that match your search.
A neat feature is that you can narrow down your search by selecting multiple categories. This helps you exclude templates that may match your keyword, but not your desired category. On the downside, you may find that the perfect template is not available in Microsoft Excel.
When you click a template, you’ll see a preview with a brief description of what the template provides. You can also pin the template from its preview; the symbol sits in the top right.
To download and use a template, click the Create button, which will open a new Microsoft Excel workbook with the template pre-filled.
While you’re at it, review our list of useful office templates 10 Templates to Save Time at the Office 10 Templates to Save Time at the Office Are there documents that you write over and over again? Whether it's meeting agendas, invoices, or status reports, templates could make your work easier. We have compiled 10 template ideas to save you time. Read More and stock up on business letter templates 15 Business Letter Templates for Microsoft Word to Save You Time 15 Business Letter Templates for Microsoft Word to Save You Time Templates are time savers. Here we compiled 15 business letter templates, from letters of intent, via Thank You notes, to references. These templates will hep you communicate with confidence. Read More .
We have covered a lot of project management tips and tricks the past. Once you’re good with templates, you might want to consider additional tools and solutions. For example, did you know that Outlook is great for project management How to Use Outlook for Simple Task and Project Management How to Use Outlook for Simple Task and Project Management Outlook can work as a simple tool for managing projects and tasks. We show you how to set up Outlook Tasks to set reminders and due dates, assign to-dos, and track tie. Read More ? Likewise, you could use OneNote for project management How to Use Microsoft OneNote for Project Management How to Use Microsoft OneNote for Project Management OneNote is the ideal collaboration tool for managing simple projects in small teams. And it's completely free. See how OneNote can help your projects take off! Read More . And you could integrate OneNote with Outlook for project management Turn Outlook Into a Project Management Tool With OneNote Integration Turn Outlook Into a Project Management Tool With OneNote Integration OneNote can do more than you think. We'll show you how to turn your Outlook to do list into a powerful project management tool using the OneNote plugin for Outlook. Read More ? The possibilities are endless.
If you’re still looking for a strong project management tool A Beginner's Guide to Using Asana for Tracking Any Project A Beginner's Guide to Using Asana for Tracking Any Project Asana is one of the best productivity tools that you can use for free. Here's how you can keep track of a project using Asana. Read More , give Asana a try.
Explore more about: Business Technology, Microsoft Excel, Office Templates, Planning Tool, Project Management, Time Management.
Have a look at ProjectsLite.com, which offer all the basic features like automatic update of dependencies, holiday planning, multi-level task grouping, Critical path, resource over-allocation alert, progress reporting, import/export from MS Project etc.
We will soon be available to the public, and until then, you are welcome to try the demo-version for free.
its effective but need a video tutorial then all the message will be very effective .
I have been searching (unsuccessfully) for an iphone app development template. I am trying to get a handle on the tasks involved.
Creative blog post ! I was fascinated by the points . Does someone know if I would be able to find a sample TX VTR-264 form to fill out ?
I personally use this and I like that they have automated a lot of the usual functions.
It's been updated and now works.
Thanks Steve Great info = ), As you asked well I use http://www.timelyprojects.com .
I had some like situations couple weeks ago and once I determined like situation with the help of one tool, which relieved me within short time and probably it can help in this condition as well - recover Excel.
Your situation isn't critical, but very unpleasant. To your fortune I quite often was in similar conditions. I found decisions quite often. Moreover my last solution was - Excel repair. Perhaps it can help you better than my speech.
this is great, thanks. excellent job.
Very welcome. Keep up the good work! | 2019-04-21T22:58:52Z | https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/excel-project-management-tracking-templates/ |
An update to the Gas Utility Network project package. See release notes for more information.
This configuration is now using the Minimal Gallery configurable application template.
The latest release of the Gas Utility Network Configuration includes updates to the asset package, Gas Utility Network map, and Gas Network Editor map. See the release notes for more information.
The first release of the Gas Utility Network Configuration, which is a series of tools, maps, and apps to get started creating, configuring, and using a utility network for gas utilities.
An update to the As-Built Editing and Analysis map to include a tee editing template for non-controllable fittings.
As-Built Mapping documentation updated for automated deployment with the ArcGIS Solutions Deployment Tool.
Excavation Damage Collector documentation updated for automated deployment with the ArcGIS Solutions Deployment Tool.
Exposed Pipe Collector documentation updated for automated deployment with the ArcGIS Solutions Deployment Tool.
A resolution to an issue in the PreProcessingPipeDOT geoprocessing model where the wrong pipe was being assigned to the DOT area.
An update to two reports, Data Summarization of Onshore Transmission Pipe by DOT Class and Data Summarization of Offshore Transmission Pipe by DOT Class, to use the PipeDOTClass layer. The filter SQL of these reports has also been updated to summarize only active features with a system type of offshore transmission.
Gas Asset Locator has been moved to the Retired Lifecycle Phase.
Gas Relight documentation updated for automated deployment with the ArcGIS Solutions Deployment Tool.
Gas Service Lookup documentation updated for automated deployment with the ArcGIS Solutions Deployment Tool.
An update to the Leak Survey Reports map document to remove the database specific data frames and symbolize areas with no overdue surveys.
The first release of Tracking and Traceability.
Upsell Analysis has been moved to the Retired Lifecycle Status.
A new release of the Utility and Pipeline Data Model.
An update to the Attribute Assistant documentation to include improved grouping of Attribute Assistant methods and detailed examples for each method.
The latest release of the Gas Utility Network Editing Add-In.
An enhancement to the outage workflow to include a count of valves and customers in the isolation area.
Renaming of the solution from As-Built Editing to As-Built Editing and Analysis.
First release of the Gas Utility Editing and Gas Utility Trace tools.
New toolbox and schema to publish the in-memory trace results to a feature service.
Updated map document to support the editing of transmission and gathering systems.
Updated sample gas dataset that includes transmission and gathering systems.
The Gas Pressure map, which provides a view of pipes by operating pressure, and Gas Distribution Network map, which provides a view of all network assets, are now included in the Gas Facility Maps.
The most recent sample data is now included in the NapervilleGas.gdb.
An update to the map documents to include new symbology.
Upsell Analysis moved to the Mature Lifecycle Phase.
The most recent sample gas dataset in the Utility and Pipeline Data Model schema.
The inclusion of the Editing.gdb to include additional layers to support editing workflows.
A resolution to an issue with the Mains Report in which the Ductile Iron and Other Material fields were using the incorrect material type for reporting.
An update to the configuration file data query expressions to run the reports for a hard coded data versus data reported in the current year.
An update to the Leak Survey schema to remove the bare hole and dimension features in order to streamline the leak collection workflow and improve the user experience.
The first release of Facility Reports for Gas Gathering, a series of tools that can be used by pipeline operators to create reports summarizing their gathering system.
An update to the Mains Report and Services Report to summarize assets with reconditioned cast iron as a material type.
An update to the Excavation Damage Report to summarize excavation damages by root cause.
The Gas Asset Locator solution have been moved to mature support.
An update to the Cathodic Protection map document with updated symbology.
A resolution to an issue with the rectifier feature class in which related tables were missing from the map document resulting in an error message when publishing.
The first release of Leak Survey Collector, a configuration of ArcGIS to conduct leak surveys using the Collector for ArcGIS app.
A new release of Utility and Pipeline Data Model (UPDM) that includes support for the ArcGIS Location Referencing for Pipelines extension.
The most recent sample gas distribution and reference data.
The removal of the LocalGovernment.gdb. Sample reference data is now included in the UPDM.gdb.
An update to the dashboard configuration with updated widgets.
The removal of the download, as required maps and data are included with the Leak Survey Manager solution.
Support for the Leak Survey Collector and Leak Survey Mobile Map solutions.
An update to the Leak Survey schema to remove the work order feature class, include a single leak survey grids layer, historic leak survey grids layer, and updated GPS log feature class.
An update to the Leak Survey Reporting scripts to use the Automated Setup & Reporting tools.
An update to the manager application to use the Batch Attribute Editor widget to assign surveys.
An update to the map documents to support schema and configuration changes.
The inclusion of the Leak Survey toolbox that can be used to reset the leak survey assignments annually.
An update to the leak survey schema to remove the work order feature class, include a single leak survey grid layer, and remove the leak inspection feature class.
The latest release of the Solutions Windows Mobile Map to include a series of bug fixes and additional GPS configurations.
An update to the mobile map configuration file to support updates to the leak survey schema.
The LocalGovernment.gdb, MobileDay.mxd, and MobileNight.mxd has been replaced with the Mobile Day and Mobile Night map packages.
The first release of Facility Reports for Gas Transmission, a configuration of ArcGIS that can be used by gas utilities to create reports summarizing their transmissions assets.
The use of Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS to configure the application.
The solution has been renamed, formally known as Map Book Picker.
The solution has been renamed from Annual DOT Report to Facility Maps for Gas Distribution.
An update to the Leak Survey Python scripts to remove the township overview layer from the Leak Survey Grid Updates; code updates to clear the geoprocessing workspace when script is complete; and a series of bug fixes.
The first release of the Data Reviewer for Gas Utilities, a series of preconfigured ArcGIS 10.2 and 10.3 Data Reviewer for Desktop batch job (.rbj) files to improve the quality of gas network data.
The Single Field Asset Locator 10.3 toolbox is now included and provides additional options to the Create Asset Locator geoprocessing model to support ArcGIS 10.3.
The first release of As-Built Editing, an ArcGIS for Desktop editing map for use by mapping technicians to create and manage gas distribution network data.
The most recent sample gas dataset in the Utility and Pipeline Data Model.
The first release of the Utility and Pipeline Data Model, a geodatabase schema template for operators of pipe networks in the gas and hazardous liquids industries.
The Gas Data Model has been retired and replaced with the Utility and Pipeline Data Model.
The first release of Gas Mains Replacement, a configuration of ArcGIS and the Information Lookup configurable web application template that can be used by the public to view gas main replacement projects within their community.
The first release of Service Request, a configuration of ArcGIS and the GeoForm configurable web application template that can be used by the public to request information about gas service.
An update to the map document symbology.
An update to the Leak Survey Python scripts to handle multiple leak survey types with the same Map Grid ID.
An update to the Solutions Mobile Map to support token based security. | 2019-04-23T21:00:15Z | http://solutions.arcgis.com/gas/what-is-new/ |
I haven’t taken a regular class here before–just Rusty Wells’s special Bhakti Flow class so this is more of a Rusty Wells’s yoga class review than it is a Yoga Flow SF review. The studio is conveniently located off the K/T MUNI; located on the second floor, the space is large and has a unique “old San Franciscan building” feel to it. This studio is heated (I would estimate to ~88 degrees F,) but the heaters don’t feel like they are “cooking you” so it’s a comfortable temperature for getting your sweat on.
Everyone at this class was there specifically for Rusty Wells–they were all enamored by him. I had heard about Rusty from a yoga teacher friend who lives in Seattle and wanted to see what all the hype was about. Rusty didn’t do any demonstrations at this class (although I’ve heard that he makes the most advanced poses look gracefully easy,) but the sequence of poses were challenging and novel. This is definitely a class for advanced students (level 2+) because Rusty moves fast so your body needs to move instinctively and flow quickly. For those who like music, Rusty opens and closes his class with chanting and he plays a wide variety of music throughout class, including modern pop hits and chakra-like chants. Rusty also had 6 people assisting in the class so everyone got some hands on adjustments.
Overall, Rusty’s special classes are definitely worth it–for $20, you get to practice alongside a bunch of people who are really into yoga and you get to be led by an always-smiling teacher who challenges you but also makes you feel loved with his warm smile; the yogis and yoginis in attendance, along with Rusty, were all incredibly friendly and nice. I didn’t know a single person in the room but I felt welcomed. For those who have been to yoga festivals, this class had a yoga festival/Wanderlust feel to it.
I took a class with Lauren Pisano and it was the most challenging yoga class I have taken in San Francisco. Lauren really embraces transitions–every part of the flow is equally important and the yoga pose is the combination of all poses, not each individual pose. I found myself transitioning from one-legged fallen triangle with a foot and leg bind to side plank (on the other side) without dropping the lifted leg (this transition is really hard to do gracefully and requires a huge amount of core work.) I also went to Brad Brockbank’s class and he is also a student of Rusty Wells. Brad’s class is fast-paced (as the style of Bhakti Flow often is,) and if you don’t know the poses well, it can feel like you are getting lost, especially if you can’t hear him clearly since it is an enormous practice studio. I liked that Brad gave hands-on adjustments, even though it was a very large class. Because the studio is heated, each pose also feels slightly harder and you will do many Chaturangas.
If I lived closer to this studio, I think this is the one I would frequent most often. You really do feel like you got a tough workout and that’s what I seek in my daily yoga practice. Lauren and Brad both opened the class with some chanting but it wasn’t overdone and lasted only a couple minutes; during yoga class, both would throw in inspirational quotes about heartbreak and letting it all go, but she wouldn’t interrupt the flow to indoctrinate such “learnings,” which I liked.
2.) Free oranges at the studio!
Love Story Yoga is one of the newer, amenity-filled studios in San Francisco. It has a spacious front desk, showers, lockers, and the practice space is enormous. Students face a platform stage where the yoga teacher demonstrates some poses. The practice studio has a whispering quality–I don’t know if was the dim lighting and the traditional Indian music or the heat but when you walk in, but you feel like using hushed tones. The yoga teacher, Neil Wadhawan, called us “friends” throughout the practice and asked us to meet someone new before we left; people lingered around and chatted with each other and Neil–it felt like a studio that has knit a community. He also lists Rusty Wells as one of his teachers so if are a Rusty fan, you will enjoy Neil’s fast-paced Bhakti flow practice.
Sivananda is an authentic yoga studio, run entirely by volunteers. It’s a very traditional and spiritual yoga center where the teachers were orange, chanting opens every class, and they ask you to wear modest clothing. You won’t break a sweat in this class but they do focus on technical alignment, advanced breathing, and your mental awareness. My friend almost did a headstand in this class (her first time ever.) The crowd skews older than other studios in SF. The teachers have been teaching yoga before it became mainstream (the yoga teacher I visited had taught since 1997) and she gave lots of hands on adjustments, especially to those who were newer to yoga. The first class is free so it’s a great way to check out the studio with low commitment.
This studio is a brightly painted space; it’s impossible to miss because of its bright orange paint on the outside of the building. The studio itself has some retail, 4 changing stalls, 2 bathrooms (no showers,) and a nice tea and cookies area. I found that after class, the students didn’t depart immediately but really wanted to hang out to talk to each other and the teacher. Although I had only been there once, it felt like this studio does foster quite a bit of community. I took the Lotus Flow 2/3 class with Robin Wilner. She had some very unique and dance-like transitions which I enjoyed learning. Robin is a former Broadway performer so her Bhakti flow is inspired by dance-like movements and her singing voice is beautiful and strong. Her class was large but the space was also large so it didn’t feel packed. I think I could learn some interesting new transitions from Robin if it was a smaller class or a workshop. The flow was very fast so there isn’t much time devoted to alignment and the technique in some of the poses is more advanced but it’s not a hard class in terms of cardio or muscle work as the poses weren’t held for a long time and the class was not heated.
This Baptiste Yoga studio is a hidden gem in the city. It’s located in the basement of one of The Presidio’s quiet, historic, white buildings. The studio is fairly new and difficult to find on Yelp or via Google search since it has only received a small handful of reviews in November and December of 2015. Baptiste Yoga is a “get down to business” heated power yoga style with a strong focus on Vinyasa flow. Expect to do many Chaturanga Dandasanas and don’t expect much talk about the stars and the spirits. My preference for yoga leans towards an intense core and cardio workout, not an intense spiritual experience, so I am personally biased towards Baptiste Yoga. The fact that this studio is in the Presidio is both a pro and a con–I love that it is surrounded by beauty and it’s a peaceful place to walk around before or after class. However, it’s also far away from where most people live, making it unrealistic to go to this yoga studio on a regular basis if you live across the city. If you are able to make the trip to the Presidio, pack some snacks and a change of clothes (since you will get very sweaty); I strongly encourage you to check out this gorgeous new studio!
Overall, this is a wonderful studio that I highly recommend to yogis of all levels.
The one drawback of this studio is also its bathroom situation: There is one bathroom in the yoga studio and one outside the studio in the pilates reformer room. However, there are plenty of changing stalls so changing is not a problem.
I recommend this studio for yogis who want to practice alongside other beginner to intermediate students. For perspective on the yogis who go to this studio, the folks I practiced with were all affluent, white-collar workers.
This yoga studio is situated on the second floor, over a laundromat. Its staff is friendly and the teachers lead quite advanced classes. It has one heated yoga studio and offers both Vinyasa flow and sculpt classes (yoga with weights) which is a great way to intensify your practice. Back in Seattle, I always practiced hot yoga. A heated room makes every yoga pose at least 5X harder. However, in my opinion, the heat in this studio is far too high for a fluid Vinyasa yoga practice.
I would recommend this yoga studio for advanced yogis who want a heart-racing workout and an extreme sweat session. If you are new to yoga, I would recommend that you try one of the other unheated yoga studios in San Francisco.
Let me preface this review with a disclaimer: I only like spiritual talks about the stars and your inner goddess during yoga retreats like Wanderlust. During my regular daily practice, I want to get a good workout and I don’t want to be lectured about why we need to yoke our bodies and our minds.
Yoga Tree has many locations in San Francisco. I visited the Hayes Valley location and took a class with Cecily Guest. The studio is conveniently located on the charming Hayes Street, surrounded by delectable macaroon shops and trendy clothing boutiques. The studio practice space is fairly large and has brightly painted yoga-inspired walls. The room is heated just a bit for practice. This space doesn’t offer showers but does have two changing rooms in the front lobby area.
This is actually the most convenient studio for me to go to because it’s so close to where I live; yet I find myself venturing several more miles away to check out other yoga studios. There aren’t many Vinyasa classes offered each day at this studio. They do seem to offer more Hatha, Jivamukti, and Yin Yoga classes. As a young person who is blessed with quite flexible joints, I don’t find I get as much out of such classes. I am also not there to find myself spiritually–I feel better after a physically tiresome yoga practice than I do after a mentally challenging one, so I lean towards power yoga and Vinyasa yoga classes. However, I found that the all levels Vinyasa class with Cecily was too focused on the spiritual aspects of the practice. She would interrupt the flow to ask us questions and expect us to respond. It feel more like a classroom than a yoga studio. I may return to a different Vinyasa class to reevaluate but my sense is that this studio focuses on discovering yourself spiritually through yoga.
I have only been to one class at Yoga Mayu in the Mission and I chose to stop by Gizella’s class. She and her husband own Yoga Mayu. She led a fluid Vinyasa flow class. I thought it was a solid unheated yoga class with a focus on stretching. The studio is neatly organized and relatively clean but for me, there wasn’t an extra spark that made me feel like I was at home. Because of its location, it has fewer attendees per class, so the classes feel much less packed. | 2019-04-20T20:52:38Z | https://bendiyogi.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/san-francisco-yoga-studios-reviews/ |
Your vote is important to us. Please exercise your shareholder right to vote.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for our Annual Meeting to be held on May 2, 2019. Our Proxy Statement, 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders and other materials are available on our website at www.gs.com/proxymaterials. By March 22, 2019, we will have sent to certain of our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (Notice). The Notice includes instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders and vote online. Shareholders who do not receive the Notice will continue to receive either a paper or an electronic copy of our proxy materials, which will be sent on or about March 26, 2019. For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions.
This Proxy Statement includes forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the firms beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the firms control. Forward-looking statements include statements about potential revenue and growth opportunities. It is possible that the firms actual results, including the incremental revenues, if any, from such opportunities, and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results, financial condition and incremental revenues indicated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect the firms future results and financial condition, see Risk Factors in Goldman Sachs Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Statements about Goldman Sachs revenue and growth opportunities are subject to the risk that the firms businesses may be unable to generate additional incremental revenues or take advantage of growth opportunities.
I am pleased to invite you to attend the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. We will hold the meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 8:30 a.m., local time, at our offices in Jersey City, New Jersey. Enclosed you will find a notice setting forth the items we expect to address during the meeting, a letter from our Lead Director, our Proxy Statement, a form of proxy and a copy of our 2018 Annual Report to Shareholders.
In our 2018 letter to shareholders, which is included in the Annual Report, we continue our dialogue regarding our strategic priorities for the firm. In developing our forward strategy, our guiding principles include client centricity and the creation of long-term shareholder value. We believe that driving sustainable, long-term results will require innovation, scale, diversity and efficient capital and expense management, all of which must be supported by sound risk management. We hope you will find the letter to be informative.
I would like to personally thank you for your continued support of Goldman Sachs as we invest together in the future of this firm. We look forward to welcoming many of you to our Annual Meeting. Your vote is important to us: even if you do not plan to attend the meeting in person, we hope your votes will be represented.
2018 was an active year for the firm and for our Board, during which we added two independent directors and completed one of a Boards most fundamental roles the appointment of, and transition to, a new CEO.
For several years I have written to you about the importance of executive succession planning, discussing our commitment to developing leaders in every area of the firms businesses and the close work of our independent directors and Lloyd Blankfein, our former Chairman and CEO, on the firms long-term and emergency succession plans. This past year was certainly no exception to our focus on this critical responsibility, as the final steps of our multi-year executive succession planning effort materialized with the July 2018 announcement that David Solomon would assume the CEO role in October 2018 and the Chairman role in January 2019.
During 2018 we transitioned the firms leadership from Lloyd to David, and oversaw the appointment of John Waldron to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer and of Stephen Scherr to the role of Chief Financial Officer. David, John and Stephen are dedicated and talented individuals who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers at the firm and are representative of the best of the firms culture. These transitions are emblematic of the strength and quality of the firms leadership bench, and as a Board we continue to be confident in the ongoing breadth, depth and commitment of our management team.
On behalf of the entire Board I also want to express our deep gratitude to Lloyd. As Chairman and CEO, Lloyd led the firm through some of its best, but also some of its most challenging, times. Through it all, Lloyds dedication to the firm, its people and its shareholders was self-evident, and time and time again, Lloyd proved to be a prudent risk manager and an insightful colleague and leader over his 36 year career at Goldman Sachs.
As you will read about further in this Proxy Statement, in conjunction with our CEO succession planning, we actively considered our Board leadership structure, and determined that our Board and our firm would remain best served by having David serve in a combined Chairman and CEO role. However, as our shareholders know, our Board is committed to maintaining strong independent leadership, which we have established through a robust, independent Lead Director role that is ably supported by the independence and diversity of our Board as a whole. We will continue to re-evaluate our leadership structure at least annually to ensure that it continues to serve us well.
As a Board, overseeing the firms creation and delivery of long-term shareholder value is paramount to our duties. Our Board engages regularly with senior management on its development and execution of firmwide, regional and divisional strategies. We have seen firsthand Davids and the new management teams unwavering commitment to find new ways to more effectively deliver One Goldman Sachs to the firms clients by means of a strategy focused on innovation and growth and supported by sound risk management. As a Board we will hold senior management responsible for driving and sustaining long-term growth for our firm. Many of the firms initiatives have already begun bearing fruit, and it is clear that management is committed to enhancing transparency and accountability to shareholders. We continue to advise management as they further develop their strategic plans and establish related targets and metrics that we as a Board, and you as shareholders, can use to hold them to account.
To most effectively carry out our duties as a Board, our composition must reflect an appropriate diversity broadly defined of demographics, viewpoints, experiences and expertise. We have enhanced our Proxy Statement disclosure this year to more specifically highlight for shareholders the diversity of our directors. Furthermore, I am pleased to note that during 2018 we added two esteemed women to our Board Dr. Drew Faust and Vice Admiral Jan Tighe (Retired, U.S. Navy).
Both Drew and Jan bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and new and unique perspectives to our Board. As the former President of Harvard University, Drew led Harvard through a decade of growth and transformation, and is well positioned to provide insights on the firms strategies relating to diversity, recruiting and retention as well as reputational risk. Jan has over 20 years of senior executive experience in cybersecurity and information technology, including through her service as the former Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare and Director of Naval Intelligence.
As you will see in our Proxy Statement, two of my fellow directors Bill George and Jim Johnson will be retiring from our Board in advance of the Annual Meeting in accordance with the retirement age policy set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. On behalf of you, the firm and our Board, I would also like to thank Bill and Jim for their outstanding commitment to our Board and our firm. Bill was integrally involved in the firms Business Standards Committee review, and served as the founding chair of our Public Responsibilities Committee. As our former Compensation Committee Chair, Jim helped to evolve the firms compensation structure and program. Both of their contributions to our Board and our firm have been immeasurable over their tenure, during which time they provided us with valuable insight, judgment and institutional knowledge across a wide range of topics.
In connection with Bills retirement, we are pleased that Ellen Kullman has agreed to join and chair our Public Responsibilities Committee. In this new role Ellen will draw upon her broad range of public company and other experiences, including her focus on sustainability efforts as the former Chair and CEO of DuPont and her commitment to diversity as a co-chair of Paradigm for Parity. During her tenure on our Board Ellen has displayed unwavering commitment to the oversight of reputational risk, and we look forward to her continued contributions in this new role.
We regularly review our Board composition, and as we continue our active search for new directors, our focus is and will remain on ensuring that our Board has an appropriate mix and balance of skills and experiences to carry out its duties.
In closing, I know many of you may have questions or concerns relating to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) matters. As Lead Director, I want to assure you that the Board has been, and will continue to be, focused on these matters. We take seriously our oversight of the firms business standards and reputation, and believe that it is critical that the firm and its people continue to hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity.
As our 2019 Annual Meeting approaches, on behalf of our Board, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of both our Board and the firm. As your Lead Director I had another active year of engagement. In addition to our regular Board and committee meetings, in 2018 I had over 70 meetings, calls and engagements with the firm and its people, our shareholders, regulators and other constituents, including meetings with shareholders representing approximately 30% of our shareholder base. This engagement is invaluable to me and informs the work of our entire Board. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the year to come.
This summary highlights certain information from our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting. You should read the entire Proxy Statement carefully before voting. Please refer to our glossary in Frequently Asked Questions on page 90 for definitions of certain capitalized terms.
For additional information about our Annual Meeting, including how to access the audio webcast, see Frequently Asked Questions.
We encourage you to read the following Performance Highlights and Key Developments as background to this Proxy Statement.
Our net revenues were the highest since 2010, with each of our four business segments posting higher net revenues year-over-year.
We maintained expense discipline while investing for future growth, as operating expenses rose in line with revenues despite substantial investments in new business initiatives and innovative technology.
Pre-tax earnings grew 12% year-over-year to $12.5 billion, the highest since 2010.
Our 2018 ROE (Ex. U.S. Tax Legislation) of 12.7% improved 190 basis points year-over-year,1 and reflects 330 basis points of total improvement as compared to 2016.
We grew BVPS by 15% during 2018.
To improve comparability across periods, both 2017 and 2018 ROE and EPS are shown here excluding one-time impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. Tax Legislation). During 2017 the firm recorded a $4.4 billion one-time income tax expense, based on our best estimate of the expected size of a one-time deemed repatriation tax on foreign earnings and re-measurement of our deferred tax assets. This charge reduced 2017 ROE by 590 basis points and 2017 EPS by $10.75. During 2018, the firm finalized this estimate using updated information, including subsequent guidance issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, resulting in a $487 million income tax benefit, which increased 2018 ROE by 60 basis points and 2018 EPS by $1.25. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures with the corresponding GAAP measures, please see Annex A.
The firm continued to post strong relative performance against its global peer group.
Our Standardized CET1 ratio increased by 140 basis points during 2018, while we grew BVPS by 15%.
U.S. Peers refers to Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley. European Peers refers to Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and UBS.
For consistency, the 4Q17 standardized ratio has been presented on a fully-phased basis, a non-GAAP measure.
Throughout 2018, we maintained strong franchise positions across our businesses, invested in opportunities for growth and maintained a diversified mix of net revenues.
Wallet share and ranking through first nine months of 2018 as full-year data not yet available. Source: Coalition.
On October 1, 2018, Mr. Solomon succeeded Mr. Blankfein as our CEO, and became Chairman of our Board on January 1, 2019.
On October 1, 2018, John Waldron, who previously served as a Co-Head of the Investment Banking Division, succeeded Mr. Solomon as our President and COO.
On November 5, 2018, Stephen Scherr, who previously served as the CEO of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and head of the Consumer & Commercial Banking Division, succeeded R. Martin Chavez as our CFO.
One of the key priorities of our new Executive Leadership Team has been to develop and articulate their client-centric strategy for the firms future growth and to continue to increase our transparency and accountability to shareholders.
We provide highlights of our compensation program below. It is important that you review our CD&A and compensation-related tables in this Proxy Statement for a complete understanding of our compensation program.
The following table summarizes our Compensation Committees 2018 annual compensation decisions for our Executive Leadership Team, as well as for Mr. Blankfein, our retired CEO.
(R. Martin Chavez, Richard Gnodde and Timothy ONeill), please see our CD&A beginning on page 36.
∎ Our Compensation Committee believed it was appropriate to reward our Executive Leadership Team for the firms strong improvement in operating performance in 2018 and other key factors described below. Given the leadership transitions that occurred in 2018, the Committee also considered each individuals responsibilities and length of service in his prior and current roles. Thus, the Committee believed it was appropriate to set Executive Leadership Team compensation below the 2017 levels awarded to the individuals who had previously served in those roles, mainly because the Executive Leadership Team did not serve in their new roles for the entire year.
∎ For Mr. Blankfein, our Compensation Committee took into account firmwide and individual performance considerations, as well as his retirement as CEO effective September 30, 2018 and as Chairman effective December 31, 2018.
Our Executive Leadership Teams focus on developing their client-centric strategy for the firms future growth, including driving front-to-back reviews of the firms existing businesses and demonstrating accountability for the growth initiatives we publicly announced in September 2017.
2018 Say on Pay Results. Our 2018 Say on Pay vote received the support of approximately 88% of our shareholders, which the Compensation Committee viewed positively.
Extensive Shareholder Engagement. In light of our Boards desire to continue to prioritize shareholder engagement, we (including, in certain cases, our Lead Director and the Chair of our Compensation Committee) met with shareholders representing more than 40% of Common Stock outstanding to discuss compensation-related matters and other areas of focus.
As more fully described in our Form 10-K filed February 26, 2019, the firm is cooperating with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and with other governmental and regulatory investigations relating to certain bond transactions the firm arranged for 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in 2012 and 2013. The DOJ has made public documents that allege, among other things, that certain individuals, including two former non-executive employees and an unnamed non-executive employee co-conspirator who has been put on administrative leave, participated in a conspiracy to misappropriate proceeds of the 1MDB offerings for themselves and others and to pay bribes to various government officials to obtain and retain 1MDB business for the firm. The firm has also been named in certain related civil proceedings, including a shareholder derivative suit filed in February 2019 against the individuals who were members of our Board as of 2018 year-end alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duties, including in connection with alleged insider trading, and violations of securities laws, including relating to the firms stock repurchases and solicitation of proxies. In March 2019, the firm also received a demand from an alleged shareholder to investigate and bring claims against the current members of our Board, several current executive officers and a former executive officer and director based on their oversight and public disclosures regarding 1MDB and related internal controls. In addition, on December 17, 2018, the Attorney General of Malaysia issued a press statement that criminal charges in Malaysia had been filed against certain of the firms non-U.S. subsidiaries (as well as certain individuals, including a former non-executive employee of the firm).
Our Board and our Compensation Committee have been and continue to be focused on the ongoing governmental, regulatory and civil proceedings relating to 1MDB and take these matters very seriously.
Second, they deferred their decision under the LTIP awards originally granted in 2011 to Mr. Blankfein and two other retired executives who hold such awards until more information is available, given that the 1MDB investigation relates to events that occurred during the performance period of these awards. As a result, no amounts under these LTIP awards have yet been determined or paid. The Board will publicly disclose when a final determination is made.
We strive to maintain a well-rounded and diverse Board that balances financial industry expertise with independence, and the institutional knowledge of longer-tenured directors with the fresh perspectives brought by newer directors. As summarized below, our directors bring to our Board a variety of skills and experiences developed across a broad range of industries, both in established and growth markets, and in each of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Designates Committee Chairs. Effective May 2, 2019, Ellen Kullman will become a member and the Chair of our Public Responsibilities Committee, at which time she will no longer be a member of our Risk Committee.
What is being voted on: Election to our Board of 11 director nominees.
Board recommendation: After a review of the individual qualifications and experience of each of our director nominees and his or her contributions to our Board, our Board determined unanimously to recommend that shareholders vote FOR all of our director nominees.
We were pleased to welcome two new independent directors to our Board in 2018: Drew Faust in July 2018 and Jan Tighe in December 2018. Each of Dr. Faust and Vice Admiral Tighe was recommended to our Lead Director and to our Governance Committee by our independent director search firm. Both Dr. Faust and Vice Admiral Tighe bring to the Board and its Committees significant experience as described in their respective biographies below, and we look forward to their continued contributions.
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that a director will typically retire at the annual meeting following his or her 75th birthday. In accordance with this policy, William George and James Johnson will not be standing for re-election and will be retiring from our Board on the eve of our 2019 Annual Meeting. We are grateful to Mr. George and Mr. Johnson for providing our Board with their informed counsel and judgment for many years. Effective May 2, 2019, Ellen Kullman will succeed Mr. George as the Chair of our Public Responsibilities Committee, drawing upon her background as the former CEO of DuPont, her public company board service and her other professional experience as described in her biography below.
In connection with the firms recent executive leadership transition, Mr. Solomon joined our Board on October 1, 2018 and became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2019. Mr. Blankfein retired from our Board on December 31, 2018.
For more information on our process for Board refreshment, seeStructure of our Board and Governance PracticesYear-Round Review of Board Composition.
Our director nominees have a great diversity of experience and bring to our Board a wide variety of skills, qualifications and viewpoints that strengthen their ability to carry out their oversight role on behalf of shareholders.
Given the nature of our business, our Governance Committee continues to believe that directors with current and prior financial industry experience, among other skills, are critical to our Boards effectiveness. We take very seriously, however, any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise, and have taken various steps to address this.
For example, in addition to our policies on director independence and related person transactions, we maintain a policy with respect to outside director involvement with financial firms, such as private equity firms or hedge funds. Under this policy, in determining whether to approve any current or proposed affiliation of a non-employee director with a financial firm, our Board will consider, among other things, the legal, reputational, operational and business issues presented, and the nature, feasibility and scope of any restrictions, procedures or other steps that would be necessary or appropriate to ameliorate any perceived or potential future conflicts or other issues.
Our Governance Committee considers a number of demographics and other factors, including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, culture, nationality and work experiences (including military service), seeking to develop a board that, as a whole, reflects diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, skills, experiences and expertise.
Among the factors our Governance Committee considers in identifying and evaluating a potential director candidate is the extent to which the candidate would add to the diversity of our Board. The Committee considers the same factors in determining whether to re-nominate an incumbent director. In that connection, and using the self-identified characteristics of our directors, our nominees include four directors who are women, one director who is Black, one director who is of Indian descent, one director with career service in the military and three directors who are non-U.S. or dual citizens.
Diversity is also considered as part of the annual Board evaluation.
Our nominees have an average and median tenure of approximately 4 years. This experience balances the institutional knowledge of our longer-tenured directors with the fresh perspectives brought by our newer directors.
Our Governance Committee appreciates the importance of critically evaluating individual directors and their contributions to our Board in connection with re-nomination decisions.
∎ The extent to which the director continues to contribute to the diversity of our Board.
Each of our director nominees has been recommended for election by our Governance Committee and approved and re-nominated for election by our Board.
If elected by our shareholders, our director nominees, all of whom are currently members of our Board, will serve for a one-year term expiring at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Each director will hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified or until the directors earlier resignation or removal.
All of our directors must be elected by majority vote of our shareholders.
A director who fails to receive a majority of FOR votes will be required to tender his or her resignation to our Board.
Our Governance Committee will then assess whether there is a significant reason for the director to remain on our Board, and will make a recommendation to our Board regarding the resignation.
For detailed information on the vote required for the election of directors and the choices available for casting your vote, please see Frequently Asked Questions.
Biographical information about our director nominees follows. This information is current as of March 1, 2019 and has been confirmed by each of our director nominees for inclusion in our Proxy Statement. There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.
∎ Current: Callaway Golf Company; Kosmos Energy Ltd.
∎ Member, National Board of Directors, The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
∎ Former (Past 5 Years): Staples, Inc.
∎ Former Member, Board of Directors, The Broad Institute Inc.
∎ Former Member, Board of Directors, Harvard Management Company Inc.
Effective May 2, 2019, Ms. Kullman will become a member and the Chair of our Public Responsibilities Committee, at which time she will no longer be a member of our Risk Committee.
Our Board determined, upon the recommendation of our Governance Committee, that Ms. Burns, Dr. Faust, Mr. Flaherty, Ms. Kullman, Mr. Mittal, Mr. Ogunlesi, Mr. Oppenheimer, Vice Admiral Tighe and Mr. Winkelman are independent within the meaning of NYSE rules and our Director Independence Policy. Mr. George and Mr. Johnson, who are retiring from our Board on the eve of the 2019 Annual Meeting, were also determined to be independent. Furthermore, our Board has determined that all of our independent directors satisfy the heightened audit committee independence standards under SEC and NYSE rules, and that Compensation Committee members also satisfy the relevant heightened standards under NYSE rules.
A director is considered independent under NYSE rules if our Board determines that the director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with Goldman Sachs. Our Board has established a Policy Regarding Director Independence (Director Independence Policy) that provides standards to assist our Board in determining which relationships and transactions might constitute a material relationship that would cause a director not to be independent.
To assess independence, our Governance Committee and our Board review detailed information regarding our independent directors, including employment and public company and not-for-profit directorships, as well as information regarding immediate family members and affiliated entities.
Through the course of this review, our Governance Committee and our Board consider relationships between the independent directors (and their immediate family members and affiliated entities) on the one hand, and Goldman Sachs and its affiliates on the other, in accordance with our Director Independence Policy. This includes a review of revenues to the firm from, and payments or donations made by us to, relevant entities affiliated with our directors (or their immediate family members) as a result of ordinary course transactions or contributions to not-for-profit organizations.
For more information on the categories of transactions that our Governance Committee and our Board reviewed, considered and determined to be immaterial under our Director Independence Policy, see Annex BAdditional Details on Director Independence.
Our Board has five standing Committees: Audit, Compensation, Governance, Public Responsibilities and Risk. The specific membership of each Committee allows us to take advantage of our directors diverse skill sets, which enables deep focus on Committee matters.
The firms reputation is of critical importance. In fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, each of our standing Committees and our Board consider the potential effect of any matter on our reputation.
William George and James Johnson will not be standing for re-election and will be retiring from our Board on the eve of the 2019 Annual Meeting. Effective May 2, 2019, Ellen Kullman will become a member and the Chair of our Public Responsibilities Committee, at which time she will no longer be a member of our Risk Committee.
Board and Committee evaluations play a critical role in ensuring the effective functioning of our Board. It is important to take stock of Board, Committee and director performance and to solicit and act upon feedback received from each member of our Board. To this end, under the leadership of our Lead Director, our Governance Committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of our Board annually, and each of our Boards Committees also annually conducts a self-evaluation.
We review Board leadership structure annually. Conducting regular assessments allows our Board to discuss and debate whether the most efficient and appropriate leadership structure is in place to meet the needs of our Board and our firm, which may evolve over time. We are committed to independent leadership on our Board. If at any time the Chairman is not an independent director, our independent directors will appoint an independent Lead Director.
In 2018, in connection with Mr. Blankfeins retirement and Mr. Solomons assumption of the CEO role, our Governance Committee conducted a thorough review of our Boards leadership structure. The review considered a variety of factors, including our governance practices and shareholder feedback on our Board and its leadership structure, as described on the following page.
As a result of this review, our Governance Committee determined that after a transition period having Mr. Solomon serve as both Chairman and CEO working together with a strong independent Lead Director is the most effective leadership structure for our Board and our firm at this time.
Ultimately, we believe that our current leadership structure, together with strong governance practices, creates a productive relationship between our Board and management, including strong independent oversight that benefits our shareholders.
We will continue to conduct Board leadership assessments annually. If at any time our Governance Committee determines it would be appropriate to appoint an independent Chairman, it will not hesitate to do so.
in an atmosphere of candor and collaboration.
∎ The extent to which the interplay of the candidates expertise, skills, knowledge and experience with that of other members of our Board will build a strong and effective Board that is collegial and responsive to the needs of our firm.
Identifying and recommending individuals for nomination, election or re-election to our Board is a principal responsibility of our Governance Committee. The Committee carries out this function through an ongoing, year-round process, which includes the Committees annual evaluation of our Board and individual director evaluations. Each director and director candidate is evaluated by our Governance Committee based on his or her individual merits, taking into account our firms needs and the composition of our Board.
To assist in this evaluation, the Committee utilizes as a discussion tool a matrix of certain skills and experiences that would be beneficial to have represented on our Board and on our Committees at any particular point in time. For example, the Committee is focused on what skills are beneficial for service in key Board positions, such as Lead Director and Committee Chairs, and conducts a succession planning process for those positions.
Our Governance Committee welcomes candidates recommended by shareholders and will consider these candidates in the same manner as other candidates. Shareholders wishing to submit potential director candidates for consideration by our Governance Committee should follow the instructions in Frequently Asked Questions.
Director education about our firm and our industry is an ongoing process, which begins when a director joins our Board.
Upon joining our Board, new directors are provided with a comprehensive orientation about our firm, including our business, strategy and governance. For example, new directors typically meet with senior leaders covering each of our revenue-producing divisions and regions, as well as with senior leaders from key control-side functions.
New directors will also undergo in-depth training on the work of each of our Boards Committees, such as Audit and Risk Committee orientation sessions with our CFO, Controller, Treasurer and CRO, as well as a session with the Director of Internal Audit. Additional training is also provided when a director assumes a leadership role, such as becoming a Committee Chair.
Board and Committee presentations, roundtables, regular communications and firm and other industry events help to keep directors appropriately apprised of key developments in our businesses and in our industry, including material changes in regulation, so that they can carry out their oversight responsibilities.
Our Board and its Committees met frequently in 2018.
* Chaired by our Lead Director.
** Led by our independent Committee Chairs.
Each of our current directors attended over 75% (the threshold for disclosure under SEC rules) of the meetings of our Board and the Committees on which he or she served as a regular member during 2018. Overall attendance at Board and Committee meetings during 2018 was over 97% for our directors as a group.
We encourage our directors to attend our annual meetings. All of our directors who were members of the Board at the time attended the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Engagement beyond the boardroom provides our directors with additional insights into our businesses, risk management and industry, as well as valuable perspectives on the performance of our firm, our CEO and other members of senior management.
The commitment of our directors extends well beyond preparation for, and attendance at, regular and special meetings.
Our Lead Director and Committee Chairs provide additional independent leadership outside the boardroom.
∎ For example, each Chair sets the agenda for his or her respective Committee meetings, and reviews and provides feedback on the form and type of related materials, in each case taking into account whether their Committee is appropriately carrying out its core responsibilities and focusing on the key issues facing the firm, as may be applicable from time to time. To do so, each Chair engages with key members of management and subject matter experts in advance of each Committee meeting.
∎ In addition, our Lead Director also sets the Board agenda (working with our Chairman) and approves the form and type of related materials. Our Lead Director also approves the schedule of Board and Committee meetings, taking into account whether there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items at each Board and Committee meeting.
* Chair transition during 2018.
Our Board is responsible for, and committed to, the oversight of the business and affairs of our firm. In carrying out this responsibility, our Board advises our senior management to help drive success for our clients and long-term value creation for our shareholders, and oversees managements efforts to ensure that the firms cultural expectations are appropriately communicated and embraced throughout the firm. Our Board discusses and receives regular updates on a wide variety of matters affecting our firm.
∎ Our Board oversees and provides advice and guidance to senior management on the formulation and implementation of the firms strategic plans, including the development of growth strategies by our new senior management team.
» This occurs year-round through presentations and discussions covering firmwide, divisional and regional strategy, business planning and growth initiatives, both during and outside Board meetings.
∎ Our Boards focus on overseeing risk management enhances our directors ability to provide insight and feedback to senior management, and if necessary to challenge management, on its development and implementation of the firms strategic direction.
∎ Our Lead Director helps facilitate our Boards oversight of strategy by ensuring that directors receive adequate information about strategy and by discussing strategy with independent directors at executive sessions.
∎ In the normal course, our firm commits capital and otherwise incurs risk as an inherent part of serving our clients needs. Our intention is to manage risks or, where possible, to mitigate them. In doing so, we endeavor not to undertake risks that could materially impair our firm, including our capital and liquidity position, ability to generate revenues and reputation.
∎ Management is responsible for the day-to-day identification, assessment, monitoring and decision-making regarding the risks we face. Our Board is responsible for overseeing the management of the firms most significant risks on an enterprise-wide basis, which includes setting the types and levels of risk the firm is willing to take. This oversight is executed by our full Board as well as each of its Committees, in particular our Risk Committee, and is carried out in conjunction with the Boards oversight of firm strategy.
∎ Under the direction of our Lead Director, our Governance Committee annually evaluates CEO performance.
» The evaluation process includes an executive session of independent directors, a closed session with our CEO and additional discussions between our Lead Director and our CEO throughout the year.
∎ The Committee reviews the results of our CEOs evaluation under our 360 degree review process (360° Review Process, as described further on page 41) and also assesses our CEOs performance both as CEO and as Chairman of the Board against the key criteria and responsibilities for these roles that were developed by our Governance Committee.
∎ In light of our recent CEO transition, in December 2018 the Governance Committee evaluated each of Mr. Solomon and Mr. Blankfein in accordance with this process.
∎ Our Governance Committee has long utilized a framework relating to executive succession planning under which the Committee has defined specific criteria for, and responsibilities of, each of the CEO, COO and CFO roles. The Committee then focuses on the particular skill set needed to succeed in these roles at our firm both on a long-term and an emergency basis.
∎ Our Lead Director also meets on this topic separately with our CEO and facilitates additional discussions with our independent directors about executive succession planning throughout the year, including at executive sessions.
∎ Even after our recent executive transitions, succession planning remains a priority for our Governance Committee, which has worked with Mr. Solomon to ensure an appropriate emergency succession protocol and to develop our long-term succession plan.
∎ Our Board, including through its Committees, is continually kept apprised by management of the firms financial performance and key drivers thereof. For example, our Board generally receives an update on financial performance from our CFO at each meeting, which update provides critical information to the Board and its Committees that assists them in carrying out their responsibilities.
∎ Our Board, through its Audit Committee, is responsible for overseeing managements preparation and presentation of our annual and quarterly financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
» Each quarter, our Audit Committee meets with members of our management, the Director of Internal Audit and our independent registered public accounting firm to review and discuss our financial statements, as well as our quarterly earnings release.
∎ In addition, our Audit Committee is directly responsible for overseeing the independence, performance and compensation of our independent registered public accounting firm. In this regard, our Audit Committee and Audit Committee Chair are directly involved with the periodic selection of the lead engagement partner (see Audit MattersItem 3. Ratification of PwC as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2019).
Our Board places significant focus in its oversight duties on reputational risk and managements operation of the firm responsibly for the long-term.
∎ Oversight of the firms culture is an important element of our Boards oversight of the firms reputation, particularly because our people are our greatest asset. Our culture and the conduct we expect from our people is embedded in, and stems from, our Business Principles and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (which are available on our website at www.gs.com).
∎ Our Board sets the tone at the top, and holds senior management accountable for embodying, maintaining and communicating a culture that emphasizes the importance of compliance with both the letter and spirit of the laws, rules and regulations that govern us.
∎ This is carried out at our Board and across our Committees through a variety of means, including oversight of strategy, the receipt of metrics (such as with respect to conduct and business integrity matters, voluntary attrition and complaints, if any, in the retail consumer business), regular discussions with the firms Compliance, Legal, Risk and Internal Audit functions, oversight of CEO and senior management performance and compensation, and discussion of lessons learned from firm or industry events, as appropriate.
» These are topics on which our firm regularly engages with our shareholders, regulators and other constituents.
Chairmans Forum: 44 sessions in 8 cities globally between September 2017 and November 2018 focusing on conduct, culture and reputational risk management.
Spotlight on Diversity: Under Board oversight, our firm is committed to greater diversity in our hiring and promotion decisions to sustain and enhance our culture.
Constituents views regarding matters affecting our firm are important to our Board. We employ a year-round approach to engagement that includes proactive outreach as well as responsiveness to targeted areas of focus.
We engage on a year-round basis with a wide range of constituents, including shareholders, ESG rating firms, fixed income investors, proxy advisory firms, prospective shareholders and thought leaders, among others. We also conduct additional targeted outreach ahead of our annual meeting each year, and otherwise as needed.
Firm engagement is led by our Investor Relations team, including targeted outreach and open lines of communication for inbound inquiries. Board-level engagement is led by our Lead Director, who meets regularly with shareholders and other key constituents, and may include other directors as appropriate. Feedback is provided to all directors from these interactions to inform Board and Committee work.
Compensation quantum & structure within firm's pay for performance culture Continued focus on conduct, culture, business standards & reputational risk management Lead Director duties & director evaluations Transitions during 2018 & ongoing planning & evaluations Director skill sets, independence & diversity EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION REPUTATIONAL RISK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES APPROACH TO ESG EXECUTIVE SUCCESSION PLANNING BOARD COMPOSITION & EFFECTIVENESS DIVERSITY Example: Goal of 50% women in incoming analyst class by 2021 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT Example: Evaluation of environmental risks in financing transactions SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR OPERATIONS Example: Programs to increase resource conservation CLIMATE CHANGE Example: Progress toward our $ 150bn clean energy target Our Board's Public Responsibilities Committee has primary oversight of the firm's approach to ESG, which includes reviewing key ESG-related policies such as our Environmental Policy Framework and our annual ESG Report. Other ESG matters are also reviewed by the full Board or its other Committees as part of their respective mandates.
Sustainability is integrated across our firm. It encompasses how we drive commercial solutions, manage our operations, recruit and support our people and engage philanthropically within our communities.
Managing ourselves responsibly, and leveraging our business model to drive sustainability-related commercial solutions for clients, will underpin our ability to drive shareholder value creation over time.
More information can be found in our annual sustainability report, available at www.gs.com/esg-report. Our 2018 report will be available at the end of April 2019.
∎ Comprehensive policies that guide our approach to environmental and social risk management codified in our Environmental Policy Framework.
∎ Assessment of environmental and social risk is integrated into transactional due diligence process; as appropriate, we engage with companies to understand and mitigate potential risk factors.
∎ Nearly 1,300 transactions reviewed in 2018 by the Environmental Markets Group.
∎ $150 billion of capital deployment toward clean energy by 2025.
» $80 billion progress at 2018 year-end.
∎ Target $2 billion in green operational investments by 2020.
∎ Committed to invest $500 million in women-founded, women-led and women-owned businesses.
∎ Achieved carbon neutrality across our own operations from 2015 onwards. On track to meet our 100% renewables goal for our global electricity needs by 2020.
incoming analyst class by 2021 as part of commitment to have women represent 50% of our global talent over time.
The following table shows our Compensation Committees determinations regarding our NEOs 2018 annual compensation as well as 2017 information for those individuals who were NEOs in that year (dollar amounts shown in millions). This table is different from the SEC-required 2018 Summary Compensation Table on page 58. Our NEOs include our Executive Leadership Team (Messrs. Solomon, Waldron and Scherr) and Mr. Blankfein. Our other NEOs are R. Martin Chavez, Richard Gnodde and Timothy ONeill, who served as Vice Chairmen during all or part of 2018.
Effective January 1, 2019, Messrs. Chavez, Gnodde and ONeill no longer hold the title or the role of Vice Chairman, which title and role have been discontinued, and are no longer executive officers of the firm.
For each of 2018 and 2017, Mr. Gnodde, who is based in the U.K., received a cash salary of $1.85 million and a fixed allowance of $8.15 million, payable approximately 37% in equity-based awards, with the remainder in cash. Mr. Gnodde received a higher level of fixed compensation than our U.S.-based NEOs as a result of applicable U.K. regulations. See page 49 for more details. Generally, RSUs awarded to our employees include a right to receive dividend equivalent payments. However, under applicable U.K. regulations, RSUs granted to Mr. Gnodde and certain other U.K. employees in respect of their variable compensation for 2018 and 2017 cannot include this right and therefore do not have the same value as awards granted to our other employees. To make up for this relative loss in value, affected U.K. employees receive additional RSUs (Additional RSUs). In this regard, for 2018 Mr. Gnodde received 3,657 Additional RSUs (which are reflected in the amounts described in footnote (a)). See page 51 for more detail regarding the terms of these Additional RSUs.
∎ Our Compensation Committee made its annual compensation determinations for our NEOs in the context of our Compensation Principles, which encompass a pay for performance philosophy, and after consideration of a number of other factors, including stakeholder feedback (see pages 46-48 for more detail).
∎ The Committee believed it was appropriate to reward our Executive Leadership Team and other NEOs for the firms strong improvement in operating performance in 2018 as well as their outstanding individual performance.
» The Committee considered firmwide performance in a holistic manner without ascribing specific weight to any single financial metric, and considered a number of factors, including ROE, BVPS, EPS, net revenues and pre-tax earnings in making compensation determinations (including, where appropriate, adjusted to reflect the impact of U.S. Tax Legislation).
» In particular, the Committee focused on the firms ROE (on an absolute and relative basis), BVPS growth and EPS growth in assessing firmwide performance.
» In addition, the Committee considered the firms year-over-year growth in net revenues and pre-tax earnings as indicators of managements ability to grow the firms business in a cost-effective manner.
∎ Given that many of our NEOs served in more than one role during 2018, the Committee took into account a number of factors in determining their 2018 compensation, including their responsibilities, length of service in their prior and new roles, historical compensation, both for these individuals and with respect to these roles, and an analysis of prior year peer compensation.
» Thus, the 2018 compensation amounts awarded to the members of our Executive Leadership Team are below the 2017 levels for the individuals who had previously served in those roles, mainly because the Executive Leadership Team did not serve in their new roles for the entire year.
∎ Given that the NEOs role changes occurred during 2018, the Committee also determined it was appropriate to adjust the percentage of year-end variable compensation paid in the form of equity-based awards up or down from their 2017 levels, taking into account the amount of time each executive spent in his prior role vs. his new role (e.g., 73% for Mr. Solomon on a pro rata basis given he served as our CEO for one-quarter of 2018).
* Reflects change vs. 2017.
** For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures with the corresponding GAAP measures, please see Annex A.
∎ 2018 Say on Pay Results. Our 2018 Say on Pay vote received the support of approximately 88% of our shareholders, which the Compensation Committee viewed positively.
∎ Extensive Shareholder Engagement. In light of our Boards desire to continue to prioritize shareholder engagement, we (including, in certain cases, our Lead Director and the Chair of our Compensation Committee) met with shareholders representing more than 40% of Common Stock outstanding to discuss compensation-related matters and other areas of focus.
∎ PSUs represent 100% of the 2018 year-end equity-based compensation granted to our Executive Leadership Team (who have ultimate responsibility for firmwide performance and are uniquely positioned to drive our strategic plan).
∎ PSUs will be paid at 0-150% of the initial award based on our average ROE over 20192021, using the increased absolute and relative metrics described in the below table.
» Performance thresholds were made more aspirational for 2018 awards; see below for additional detail.
∎ For purposes of the relative ROE metric, our peer group consists of Bank of America, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and UBS (i.e., our U.S. Peers and European Peers).
» Our Compensation Committee continues to believe that this peer group is appropriate given that it comprehensively reflects those firms that have a significant presence across our collection of businesses (including market making, investment banking and investment management) and who have regulatory requirements similar to ours.
∎ After the end of the performance period, the PSUs will settle one-half in cash and one-half in Shares at Risk (i.e., stock received from PSUs (after applicable tax withholding) will be subject to transfer restrictions through January 2024, five years from the grant date).
∎ PSUs and, in certain cases, underlying Shares at Risk provide for forfeiture or recapture in a number of situations. For more detail on our forfeiture and recapture provisions, see pages 53-54.
» Absolute ROE threshold for maximum payout was increased to 16% (from 14%).
For illustrative purposes, the highest three-year average reported ROE achieved by us or any of our U.S. Peers or European Peers over any period since 2010 was 11.2%, nearly 500 basis points below the 16% required for maximum payout.
» Target for 100% payout under relative ROE goals now requires above median performance (increased from 50th percentile to 60th percentile).
» Minimum absolute ROE threshold for any payout was increased to 5% (from 4%).
Our Compensation Committee places substantial importance on firmwide performance when assessing NEO compensation amounts.
» Managements continued focus on expense discipline while investing for future growth, with operating expenses rising in line with revenues despite substantial investments in new business initiatives and innovative technology.
In assessing our firmwide performance, the Committee reviewed ROE, BVPS, EPS, net revenues and pre-tax earnings, as well as net earnings, stock price performance, compensation and benefits expense, non-compensation expense and Compensation Ratio. All metrics were considered on a year-over-year basis, as well as, where relevant, relative to our U.S. Peers and European Peers, and in the context of the broader environment in which the firm operates, on a reported and Ex. U.S. Tax Legislation basis, as applicable.
∎ We believe peer comparability is an important factor in assessing our pay for performance alignment.
∎ The chart at right provides additional information on our pay for performance alignment in the context of 2018 annual CEO pay determinations and annual ROE for each of our U.S. Peers.
2018 CEO Annual Compensation: U.S. Peer Comparison We believe peer comparability is an important factor in assessing our pay for performance alignment. The chart at right provides additional information on our pay for performance alignment in the context of 2018 annual CEO pay determinations and annual ROE for each of our U.S. Peers. $31M 13.5% JPM $23M 13.3% GS $29M 11.8% MS $26.5M 11.0% BAC $24M 9.4% C 2018 CEO Annual Compensation1 2018 ROE 1For GS, 2018 annual compensation is shown for Mr. Solomon, our current CEO. Annual compensation includes base salary, cash year-end variable compensation paid and deferred cash/equity-based awards granted, in each case for 2018 performance, as reported in SEC filings for each of our peers.
Wallet share and ranking through first nine months of 2018 as full-year data not available. Source: Coalition.
For GS, 2018 annual compensation is shown for Mr. Solomon, our current CEO. Annual compensation includes base salary, cash year-end variable compensation paid and deferred cash/equity-based awards granted, in each case for 2018 performance, as reported in SEC filings for each of our peers.
Under the direction of our Lead Director, our Governance Committee evaluated the performance of Messrs. Solomon and Blankfein, including a summary of their evaluations under the 360° Review Process (see page 32 for more detail). Our Compensation Committee considered these evaluations and also discussed Messrs. Solomons and Blankfeins performance as part of its executive session to determine their compensation.
Mr. Solomon discussed the performance of our other NEOs, including a summary of their evaluations under the 360° Review Process, with our Compensation Committee. In addition, Mr. Solomon submitted variable compensation recommendations to the Committee for these other NEOs, but did not make recommendations about his own compensation.
∎ As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Solomon is responsible for managing our business operations and overseeing our firm, leading development and implementation of corporate policy and strategy and serving as primary liaison between our Board and the management of the firm.
∎ Successfully transitioned to this new role and guided the firm through the transition of various executive roles, including our COO and CFO.
∎ Enhanced our One Firm approach to client engagement, creating a senior leadership group focused on more effectively bringing the firms full set of capabilities to clients.
∎ Demonstrated broad, active and productive engagement with clients in all regions and divisions.
∎ As part of the firms client-centric strategy for future growth, drove a front-to-back review of the firms existing businesses and demonstrated accountability for the growth initiatives we publicly announced in September 2017.
∎ Deeply committed to fostering key values of the firm, including diversity and people initiatives; critical role in the creation and oversight of the firms Global Diversity Committee.
∎ In addition to his role as the leader of our organization and people, also serves as the primary public face of our firm.
25% variable cash compensation 8% base salary 67% PSUs $23.0M Mr. Solomon's compensation was determined based on his new responsibilities and tenure as CEO, his performance as President and COO and firmwide and individual performance.
∎ As President and COO, manages our day-to-day business operations and executes on firmwide priorities; closely collaborates with our CFO on issues relating to risk management, firmwide operations and client focus, among others.
∎ Successfully transitioned to this new role, including by effectively partnering with our CEO and CFO to develop and execute the firms strategy.
∎ Spearheaded an initiative to deliver holistic service to global clients across all of our businesses and maintain appropriate attention to reputational risk, in particular through his chairmanship of the Firmwide Client and Business Standards Committee and Firmwide Reputational Risk Committee.
∎ As Co-Head of Investment Banking, played a critical role in sustaining and enhancing our global position in M&A and underwriting, including devoting significant time and attention to the development of our client franchise.
∎ Drove the review and improvement of various people initiatives, including the PMD selection process; our 2018 PMD class includes the highest percentage of women and black partners in the firms history.
∎ Serves as a key liaison to our clients and other constituents.
34% variable cash compensation 8% base salary $20.0M 58% PSUs Mr. Waldron's compensation was determined based on his new responsibilities and tenure as President and COO, the performance of the Investment Banking Division and firmwide and individual performance.
∎ As CFO, manages the firms overall financial condition, as well as financial analysis and reporting, and oversees our operations and technology functions; closely collaborates with our COO on issues relating to risk management, firmwide operations and client focus, among others.
∎ Successfully transitioned to this new role, including through his involvement in critical control functions relating to risk, capital, liquidity and reputational matters and effectively partnering with our CEO and COO to develop and execute the firms strategy.
∎ Played a key role in leading the firms stakeholder dialogue, in particular as a champion of providing greater transparency to investors.
∎ Devoted significant attention to oversight of the financial risks faced by the firm, including as Co-Chair of the Firmwide Risk Committee.
∎ As CEO of Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Head of CCBD, led our effort to build a significant digital consumer business that represents a meaningful growth opportunity for the firm, including the successful launch of Marcus in the U.K.
∎ Serves as a primary liaison to our investors.
34% variable cash compensation 9% base salary $18.0M 58% PSUs Mr. Scherr's compensation was determined based on his new responsibilities and tenure as Executive Vice President and CFO, the performance of CCBD and firmwide and individual performance.
∎ Effectively transitioned to his new role as Co-Head of the Securities Division, leveraging technical knowledge and understanding of the markets to drive greater client impact and operational efficiency.
∎ Served as a point of contact with a broad group of regulators on a range of issues impacting our firm, our clients and the industry.
∎ Continued to be a highly effective spokesperson for, and champion of, diversity both internally and externally.
27% variable cash compensation 11% base salary $17.0M 62% RSUs Mr. Chavez's compensation was determined based on his responsibilities and tenure as Executive Vice President and CFO and his transition out of such role, the performance of the Securities Division and firmwide and individual performance.
∎ Continued to be an outstanding leader in the firms businesses in the EMEA and APAC regions, effectively connecting with clients, government officials and regulators.
∎ Played a key role in articulating and executing on a clear growth strategy for the EMEA and APAC regions, with a focus on driving further revenue growth.
∎ Dedicated significant time and energy to addressing issues related to Brexit across a number of constituencies, including our people and our clients.
∎ Remained focused on issues relating to culture, conduct and reputational risk management and promoting a culture of compliance.
27% fixed allowance (cash component) 10% base salary $19.0M 63% RSUs (including fixed allowance) Mr. Gnodde's compensation was determined based on firmwide, regional and individual performance.
∎ As Co-Head of the Consumer and Investment Management Division, demonstrated strong leadership and oversight of the execution of the firms strategy.
∎ Drove a record level of Assets under Supervision and the further expansion of the investment platform both organically and through acquisitions.
∎ Deeply engaged with clients and valued for his perspective and understanding of the markets, the industry and wealth management strategies.
∎ Served as a strong culture carrier and advocate of the firms diversity efforts in the Americas, including through his role as Co-Chair of the Americas Diversity Committee.
34% variable cash compensation 8% base salary $19.0M 58% RSUs Mr. ONeills compensation was determined based on firmwide performance, the performance of the Consumer and Investment Management Division and individual performance.
∎ Played an integral role in developing and executing the firms plan for succession, facilitating a smooth transition to new leadership.
∎ Continued to demonstrate high levels of engagement with and commitment to clients across all divisions, including through hundreds of one-on-one meetings.
∎ Served as a crucial point of contact with government officials and the media on key matters impacting our firm, the industry and the global economy.
∎ Maintained an intense focus on culture, conduct and reputational risk management, including through the 2018 Chairmans Forum.
21% variable cash compensation 10% base salary $20.5M 69% RSUs Mr. Blankfein's compensation was determined based on firmwide and individual performance, as well as his retirement as CEO effective September 30, 2018 and as Chairman effective December 31, 2018.
Our Compensation Committee believes the design of our executive compensation program is integral in furthering our Compensation Principles, including paying for performance and effective risk management. The following chart summarizes certain of our key pay practices.
Our Compensation Committee continues to believe that, in order to achieve our overarching goal of enhancing shareholder value while promoting the safety and soundness of our firm, it is important to retain discretion to determine compensation forms and amounts for our senior executives, while tying compensation to ongoing performance metrics where appropriate. Our business is dynamic and requires us to respond rapidly to changes in our operating environment. A rigid, formulaic program based solely on metrics without the use of discretion could hinder our ability to do so. Equity-based awards comprise a significant portion of annual variable compensation for our NEOs and help to ensure long-term alignment without the disadvantages of purely formulaic compensation.
Our Compensation Committee has responded to stakeholder feedback by changing our executive compensation program over time, which has helped to ensure that our program continues to be appropriately aligned with our Compensation Principles and shareholder expectations.
Firmwide compensation should directly relate to firmwide performance over the cycle.
Employees should think and act like long-term shareholders, and compensation should reflect the performance of the firm as a whole.
Compensation should be carefully designed to be consistent with the safety and soundness of our firm. Risk profiles must be taken into account in annual performance reviews, and factors like liquidity risk and cost of capital should also be considered.
Compensation should reward an employees ability to identify and create value, but the recognition of individual performance should be considered in the context of the competitive market for talent.
The results of our Say on Pay votes.
Our 2018 Say on Pay vote received the support of approximately 88% of our shareholders. While our Compensation Committee viewed this outcome positively, it also believed it was critical that it continue to engage with our shareholders regarding our compensation program. This engagement ultimately resulted in several changes to the program for 2018 (see page 38).
Effective risk management underpins everything that we do, and our compensation programs are carefully designed to be consistent with the safety and soundness of our firm.
Our CRO presented his annual risk assessment jointly to our Compensation Committee and our Risk Committee in order to assist with the evaluation of our programs design.
This assessment is focused on whether our program is consistent with regulatory guidance providing that financial services firms should ensure that variable compensation does not encourage imprudent risk-taking.
Our CROs view was that the various components of our compensation programs and policies work together to balance risk and reward in a manner that does not encourage imprudent risk-taking.
Our Compensation Committee reviews the competitive market for talent as part of its review of our compensation programs effectiveness in attracting and retaining talent, and to help determine our NEOs compensation.
Our goal is always to be in a position to appoint people from within the firm to our most senior leadership positions and our executive compensation program is intended to incentivize our people to stay at Goldman Sachs and to aspire to these senior roles.
The Committee conducts an evaluation of our existing NEO compensation program, comparing it to those of our U.S. Peers and European Peers.
The Committee performs this evaluation with information and assistance from our Global Head of Human Capital Management (HCM). The evaluation is based on compensation information (including plan design and compensation levels for named executive officers at peer firms) and financial performance of our peers obtained from an analysis of public filings by our Finance and HCM Divisions, as well as surveys regarding incentive compensation practices conducted by Willis Towers Watson.
Our Compensation Committee also considers regulatory matters and the views of our regulators when determining NEO compensation. Throughout 2018, our senior management briefed the Committee on relevant regulatory developments.
Our Compensation Committee recognizes the importance of using an independent compensation consulting firm that is appropriately qualified and that provides services solely to the Committee and not to our firm. Accordingly, the Committee again retained Semler Brossy as its independent compensation consultant in 2018.
Expertise in the areas of executive compensation, management incentives and performance measurement.
In 2018, the Committee asked Semler Brossy to assess our compensation program for our PMDs, including our NEOs.
Semler Brossy did not recommend, and was not involved in determining, the amount of any NEOs compensation.
In addition to providing its assessment of our compensation program for PMDs, Semler Brossy also participated in the discussion of our CROs compensation-related risk assessment and reviewed the peer compensation and financial information provided to the Committee by our Finance and HCM Divisions and Willis Towers Watson (as described above).
Semler Brossy provides services only to the Committee (and not to our firm).
Semler Brossy has no significant business or personal relationship with any member of the Committee or any executive officer.
The fees our firm paid to Semler Brossy are not material to Semler Brossys total revenues.
None of Semler Brossys principals owns any shares of our Common Stock.
Fixed compensation provides our NEOs with a predictable level of income that is competitive with our peers.
We made no changes to NEO base salary levels ($2.0 million for our CEO and $1.85 million for our other NEOs, in each case on an annual basis), and our Compensation Committee believes that these salary levels are competitive in the market for talent. Salaries for Messrs. Solomon, Waldron, Scherr and ONeill were increased at the time of their changes in role/title.
The requirements of the European Unions Fourth Capital Requirements Directive limit the amount of variable compensation that is permitted to be granted to certain U.K. employees by reference to their fixed compensation. In this regard, Mr. Gnodde received a fixed allowance of $8.15 million for 2018, in addition to his base salary.
In order to generally align the equity component of Mr. Gnoddes overall 2018 compensation with that of the other NEOs, this fixed allowance was paid approximately 37% in RSUs, with the remainder paid in cash.
The fixed allowance RSUs will deliver as Shares at Risk in three approximately equal installments in each of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Substantially all of the Shares at Risk delivered to Mr. Gnodde (after applicable tax withholding) will be restricted from sale until January 2024. However, as required by regulatory guidance, these fixed allowance RSUs are not subject to the clawback and forfeiture provisions that apply to year-end RSUs (e.g., cause and/or non-compete/non-solicit provisions).
Variable compensation provides our NEOs with the opportunity to realize cash and equity-based incentives that are aligned with firmwide and individual performance.
Treatment upon a termination of employment or change in control is described more fully in Executive CompensationPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control on pages 65-68.
∎ Provide recipient with annual variable compensation that has a metrics-based outcome; the ultimate value paid to the NEO is tied to firm performance both through stock price and metrics-based structure (ROE is used given it is a risk-based metric that is an important indicator of the firms operating performance and is viewed by many shareholders as a key performance metric).
∎ PSUs will be paid at 0-150% of the initial award based on our average ROE over 20192021, using both absolute and relative metrics; see chart on page 39 for more detail on calculation methodology and enhancements made to metrics.
∎ Awards will be settled in 2022, with 50% settled in cash based on the average closing price of our Common Stock over a ten-trading-day period, and 50% settled in Shares at Risk (i.e., shares (after applicable tax withholding) that are subject to transfer restrictions through January 2024, five years after the PSU grant date).
» Transfer restrictions generally prohibit the sale, transfer, hedging or pledging of underlying Shares at Risk, even if the NEO leaves our firm (subject to limited exceptions; see pages 65-68 for more detail).
∎ Average ROE is the average of the annual ROE for each year during the performance period.
» Annual ROE for the firm is calculated as annualized net earnings applicable to common shareholders divided by average common shareholders equity, as publicly reported by Goldman Sachs in its annual report.
» For purposes of determining ROE of our peers with respect to the PSUs relative metrics, annual ROE is as reported in the peer companys publicly disclosed annual report, rounded to one decimal place.
» If a peer companys ROE is not reported in this form, its ROE will be its annualized net earnings applicable to common shareholders divided by average common shareholders equity and will be calculated using available publicly disclosed information.
∎ If the Committee determines it is necessary or appropriate to maintain the intended economics of PSUs, it may make adjustments, including to the firms or a peer companys ROE as it deems equitable in light of changed circumstances (e.g., unusual or non-recurring events), resulting from changes in accounting methods, practices or policies, changes in capital structure, a material change in the firms or a peer companys revenue mix or business activities or such other changed circumstances as the Committee may deem appropriate; any adjustments to the firms or a peer companys ROE for purposes of the relative ROE calculation will be based on publicly disclosed financial information.
∎ The Committee may adjust the applicable peer group in certain specified circumstances (e.g., a merger or a material change in a peer companys revenue mix or business activities).
∎ Each PSU includes a cumulative dividend equivalent right payable only if and when that PSU settles.
∎ PSUs have no additional service-based vesting requirement; however, they (and underlying Shares at Risk) provide for forfeiture or recapture in a number of situations. For more detail on our forfeiture and recapture provisions, see pages 53-54.
∎ Provide recipients with annual equity-based incentives; value tied to firm performance through stock price.
∎ Vested at grant; our general program provides that underlying shares are delivered in three approximately equal installments on first, second and third anniversaries of grant.
» For year-end RSUs granted to Mr. Gnodde, due to applicable U.K. regulatory requirements, underlying shares will be delivered in five approximately equal installments on the third through seventh anniversaries of grant.
∎ Shares delivered in respect of RSUs are Shares at Risk, meaning that, for our NEOs, transfer restrictions generally apply for five years after the equity award grant date to all or substantially all shares delivered in respect of RSUs under the award (after applicable tax withholding).
» Approximately 50% of shares delivered in respect of RSUs are transferable upon delivery to permit NEOs to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
» For Mr. Gnodde, Shares at Risk delivered on or after the fifth anniversary of grant will be subject to transfer restrictions for one year following delivery due to applicable U.K. regulatory requirements; additionally, Shares at Risk delivered in respect of Additional RSUs will only be subject to transfer restrictions for one year following delivery.
∎ Transfer restrictions generally prohibit the sale, transfer, hedging or pledging of Shares at Risk, even if the recipient leaves our firm (subject to limited exceptions; see pages 65-68 for more detail).
∎ Each RSU includes a dividend equivalent payment right (other than those granted to Mr. Gnodde as part of his annual variable compensation, which cannot include this right due to applicable U.K. regulatory requirements; see page 36 for more detail).
Our outstanding LTIP awards, first granted in 2011, have eight-year performance periods.
The Compensation Committee discontinued granting the awards in 2016.
As described in our Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Mr. Blankfein was granted an LTIP award in January 2011 (2011 LTIP Award). The 2011 LTIP Award had a performance period from January 2011 through December 2018. The ongoing governmental, regulatory and civil proceedings relating to 1MDB relate to events that occurred during this performance period, and the Compensation Committee concluded that it was appropriate to defer its decision under the awards until more information is available. As a result, no amounts under the 2011 LTIP Award have yet been determined or paid. The Board will publicly disclose when a final determination is made.
Although no amounts are earned by or paid to the recipient under the LTIP awards until the end of the applicable performance period (and, in the case of the 2011 LTIP Award, until individual performance is assessed for that period), the notional values of these awards are adjusted upward or downward for each year of the performance period by an amount equal to our annual ROE, subject (in the case of all LTIP awards other than the 2011 LTIP Award) to an annual 12% cap (for example, the average increase in value in 2018 for the outstanding LTIP awards granted to Mr. Blankfein was approximately 12.3%).
For this purpose, as well as under the PSUs granted for services in 2015 (2015 Year-End PSUs), ROE is calculated for each year by dividing net earnings applicable to common shareholders by average monthly common shareholders equity, adjusted for the after-tax effects of amounts that would be excluded from Pre-Tax Earnings under The Goldman Sachs Amended and Restated Restricted Partner Compensation Plan (RPCP).
The types of amounts that could be excluded from Pre-Tax Earnings include, but are not limited to, amounts related to: exit or disposal activities, impairment or disposal of long-lived assets or impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, net provisions for litigation and other regulatory proceedings and items that are unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence and that are separately disclosed, in each case if the aggregate net effect of such amounts on Pre-Tax Earnings exceeds a pre-established threshold (for relevant RPCP provisions, see page 3 of Exhibit 10.1 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended February 24, 2006, filed April 5, 2006).
The outstanding PSUs and LTIP awards contemplate that the Committee shall, in order to maintain the intended economics of the awards, make certain adjustments to the calculation of ROE and, in the case of the LTIP awards, changes in BVPS for events such as legal, regulatory and/or accounting changes, or other actions that impact capital.
As contemplated in our Proxy Statement for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the Committee considered the impact of U.S. Tax Legislation on the economics of the outstanding PSUs and LTIP awards for the remainder of these awards performance periods, consistent with their terms, and accordingly made the changes described below.
The Committee determined it was appropriate to adjust the calculation of 2018 ROE and 2018 BVPS in order to lower the performance calculations under the award due to a true-up in the firms original estimate for the impact of the changes that resulted from U.S. Tax Legislation. This change resulted in a decrease to ROE of approximately 65 basis points and a decrease to the change in BVPS of approximately 70 basis points (with the latter change applicable only to the LTIP awards).
The Committee determined it was appropriate to increase the absolute ROE threshold for maximum payout for the 2017 Year-End PSUs to 15% (from 14%) in light of the impact of U.S. Tax Legislation on the firm and the industry more broadly and other factors, in order to maintain the intended economics of the award.
Our CEO must retain beneficial ownership of a number of shares of Common Stock equal in value to 10x his base salary for so long as he remains our CEO.
Each of our COO and CFO must retain beneficial ownership of a number of shares of Common Stock equal in value to 6x his base salary for so long as he remains in such a position at the firm.
Transition rules apply in the event that an individual becomes newly appointed to a position subject to these guidelines.
Each member of our Executive Leadership Team met these Stock Ownership Guidelines in 2018.
Separate from the Stock Ownership Guidelines, our Shareholders Agreement imposes retention requirements on each member of our Executive Leadership Team with respect to shares of Common Stock received in respect of equity awards.
Our CEO is required, for so long as he holds that position, to retain (including, in certain cases, ownership through estate planning entities established by him) at least 75% of the shares of Common Stock received (net of payment of any option exercise price and withholding taxes) as compensation (After-Tax Shares) since becoming CEO.
Similarly, each of our COO and CFO is required (for so long as he remains in such a position at the firm) to retain at least 50% of After-Tax Shares received since being appointed to such a position.
Our Compensation Committee adopted a comprehensive, standalone clawback policy in January 2015 that applies to all of our NEOs and generally permits recovery of awards (including equity-based awards, underlying Shares at Risk and historical LTIP awards, as applicable).
If after delivery, payment or release of transfer restrictions, we determine that a forfeiture event had previously occurred we can require repayment to us of the award (including amounts withheld to pay withholding taxes) and any other amounts paid or delivered in respect thereof.
The clawback policy expands the Sarbanes-Oxley clawback provisions to apply to variable compensation (whether cash- or equity-based) paid to any of our NEOs (even though the Sarbanes-Oxley Act provision on which it is based requires the clawback to apply only to our CEO and CFO).
The NEO fails to perform obligations under any agreement with us.
A failure of supervision that is deemed to occur in the event of the serious misconduct of an employee during 2018, over whom Mr. Gnodde has supervisory responsibility, where that serious misconduct relates to compliance, control or risk.
In addition, Mr. Gnoddes year-end RSUs are subject to recapture if he associates with a material Covered Enterprise before January 1, 2024.
Our LTIP awards (which were granted between 2011 and 2016) are also subject to robust clawback and forfeiture provisions, generally consistent with those described for cause and failure to consider risk described above.
Our NEOs are prohibited from hedging any shares of our Common Stock, even shares they can freely sell, for so long as they remain executive officers. In addition, our NEOs and all other employees are prohibited from hedging their equity-based awards. Our employees, other than our executive officers, may hedge only shares of our Common Stock that they can otherwise sell. However, they may not enter into uncovered hedging transactions and may not short shares of our Common Stock. Employees also may not act on investment decisions with respect to our Common Stock, except during applicable window periods. None of our executive officers has any shares of Common Stock subject to a pledge.
During 2018, each of our NEOs (other than Mr. Gnodde) participated in The Goldman Sachs 401(k) Plan (401(k) Plan), which is our U.S. broad-based tax-qualified retirement plan. In 2018 these individuals were eligible to make pre-tax, and/or Roth after-tax contributions to our 401(k) Plan and receive a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution from us on the amount they contributed, up to a maximum of $11,000. For 2018, these individuals each received a matching contribution of $11,000.
During 2018, Mr. Gnodde participated in a U.K. defined contribution arrangement known as LifeSight (the U.K. Defined Contribution Arrangement). Under the terms of the U.K. Defined Contribution Arrangement, eligible employees receive a firm contribution up to a capped percentage of salary (which, for 2018, equaled £13,365) and are also able to make their own contributions to the plan. For 2018, Mr. Gnodde received a firm contribution of £13,365.
Our NEOs received in 2018 certain benefits that are considered perquisites for purposes of the SEC rules regarding compensation disclosure. While our Compensation Committee was provided with the estimated value of these items, it determined, as in prior years, not to give these amounts significant consideration in determining our NEOs 2018 variable compensation.
During 2018, we made available to our NEOs (other than Messrs. Gnodde and ONeill) a car and driver and, in some cases, other services for security and/or business purposes. Car and driver services were contracted through a third party for Messrs. Waldron and Scherr. We also offered our NEOs benefits and tax counseling services, generally provided or arranged by our subsidiary, The Ayco Company, L.P. (Ayco), to assist them with tax and regulatory compliance and to provide them with more time to focus on the needs of our business.
Our NEOs participate in our executive medical and dental program and receive executive life insurance while they remain PMDs. Our NEOs also receive long-term disability insurance coverage. Our NEOs (and their covered dependents) are also eligible for a retiree healthcare program and receive certain other perquisites, some of which have no incremental cost to us. See All Other Compensation and footnote (b) in Executive Compensation2018 Summary Compensation Table.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits our annual corporate tax deduction for compensation paid to each of our covered employees to $1 million. Under Section 162(m) as in effect prior to 2018, our covered employees for a year were our CEO and our next three most highly compensated executive officers (other than our CFO) on the last day of that year, and compensation that qualified as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) did not count against the $1 million deduction limit. Moreover, because covered employee status prior to 2018 was determined on a discrete annual basis, compensation paid to a person after the person ceased to be a covered employee (e.g., because the person left the firm or changed roles before the end of the year) was not subject to the $1 million deduction limit. Amounts awarded pursuant to our RPCP, our shareholder-approved plan under which we historically awarded variable compensation to Management Committee members (including our NEOs), were intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m).
U.S. Tax Legislation modified Section 162(m) to, among other things, eliminate the exclusion for qualified performance-based compensation and broaden the group of people who are considered covered employees. Beginning in 2018, covered employees include anyone who served as CEO or CFO during any part of a year and the next three most highly compensated NEOs for that year. In addition, once a person is considered a covered employee, that person remains a covered employee in all subsequent years (including after the person leaves the firm or changes roles). As a result of the changes to Section 162(m), beginning in 2018 generally we will not be entitled to a U.S. tax deduction for compensation paid in any year to our NEOs and our other covered employees in excess of $1 million. We may be able to deduct in 2018 or thereafter certain compensation paid to our covered employees to the extent it is eligible for transition relief under U.S. Tax Legislation and any rules promulgated thereunder. However, there is no guarantee that such compensation will be deductible, and the firm may determine that certain compensation cannot qualify for such transition relief or that it does not wish to take or refrain from taking steps necessary to qualify for such relief.
Because U.S. Tax Legislation eliminated the benefit of determining variable compensation under the RPCP, for 2018 Management Committee members (including our NEOs) did not participate in the RPCP, but instead participated in The Goldman Sachs Partner Compensation Plan (PCP), the plan under which we determine variable compensation for all of our other PMDs.
On December 19, 2018, our Board approved a letter agreement between the firm and Mr. Blankfein in connection with Mr. Blankfeins previously announced retirement and transition to Senior Chairman. This agreement provided that Mr. Blankfein would become Senior Chairman of the firm as of January 1, 2019. In this capacity, he serves as a resource for both our Board and management, which may include providing advice, client outreach, performing speaking engagements on behalf of the firm, office visits and other mutually agreed activities as appropriate.
Under the agreement, while Mr. Blankfein serves as Senior Chairman, he continues to receive benefits generally provided to PMDs. Mr. Blankfein is not an employee and does not receive any salary or incentive compensation. Additionally, our Board has determined that it is appropriate for security reasons for the firm to provide Mr. Blankfein with a car and security driver through December 31, 2019 for business use.
As a key element of the firms overall impact investing platform, we established our GS Gives program to coordinate, facilitate and encourage global philanthropy by our PMDs. The firm contributed approximately $130 million for the 2018 GS Gives program, with PMD compensation being reduced to fund this contribution.
GS Gives underscores our commitment to philanthropy through diversified and impactful giving, harnessing the collaborative spirit of the firms partnership, while also inspiring our firms next generation of philanthropists. We ask our PMDs to make recommendations of not-for-profit organizations to receive grants from the firms contributions to GS Gives.
Grant recommendations from our PMDs help to ensure that GS Gives invests in a diverse group of charities that improve the lives of people in communities where we work and live. We encourage our PMDs to make recommendations of grants to organizations consistent with GS Gives mission of fostering innovative ideas, solving economic and social issues, and enabling progress in underserved communities globally. GS Gives undertakes diligence procedures for donations and has no obligation to follow recommendations made to us by our PMDs.
In 2018, GS Gives accepted the recommendations of over 550 current and retired PMDs and granted over $154 million to over 2,300 not-for-profit organizations around the world. GS Gives made grants in support of a broad range of large-scale initiatives, including ongoing need-based financial aid at colleges and universities globally; the third-annual Analyst Impact Fund competition, a Partnership Committee-led initiative in which teams of analysts in all regions enter to win a GS Gives grant recommendation for charities of their choosing, with 2018s winning teams addressing global homelessness, human trafficking, disease eradication in rural communities and access to clean water; cutting-edge cancer care in London; and innovative educational efforts across Japan. The U.S. Dollar equivalent amounts donated in 2018 by GS Gives based on the following individuals recommendations were: Mr. Solomon$2.0 million; Mr. Waldron$1.7 million; Mr. Scherr$1.6 million; Mr. Chavez$1.8 million; Mr. Gnodde$2.0 million; Mr. ONeill$2.1 million; and Mr. Blankfein$3.7 million.
The 2018 Summary Compensation Table below sets forth compensation information relating to 2018, 2017 and 2016. In accordance with SEC rules, compensation information for each NEO is only reported beginning with the year that such executive became an NEO. For a discussion of 2018 NEO compensation, please read Compensation Discussion and Analysis above.
Pursuant to SEC rules, the 2018 Summary Compensation Table is required to include for a particular year only those equity-based awards granted during that year, rather than awards granted after year-end, even if awarded for services in that year. SEC rules require disclosure of cash compensation to be included in the year earned, even if payment is made after year-end. | 2019-04-22T00:10:18Z | https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/886982/000119312519082951/d635602ddef14a.htm |
by Gail L. Thompson Ph.D.
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Equity Talk. This quarterly online newsletter is a Professional Development resource that provides Education Leaders (district-level leaders, school-site level leaders, and teachers) with practical strategies to improve the schooling experiences of students, especially those who have historically been underserved in schools.
The current issue features an interview that I conducted with Pete Watson, who explained the secrets to his success as an outstanding school- and district-level leader. The article ends with professional development exercises that can be used by individuals and groups.
All students should have equal access to an outstanding education regardless of their race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, primary language, home life, gender, sexual orientation, who their parents/guardians are, or the community in which they live.
All students deserve to be treated fairly.
Every Education Leader has a moral and professional obligation to provide all students with equal access to an outstanding education.
The great news is that some experts, like Pete Watson, a Distinguished Education Leader, have found effective ways to address this challenge. In this article, in addition to learning about his background, you’ll learn the strategies that Pete used as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Chief Financial Officer, and outstanding school superintendent.
Along with his parents and two sisters, Pete grew up in a close-knit community in Ontario, California. According to Pete, his father, a plumber, and mother, a beautician instilled “great family values” in their children. They “did everything possible to make my life better by encouraging me to do well in school,” he said. It worked, for although he played sports and worked as a Box Boy and Grocery Checker throughout high school, Pete was a high-achieving student.
When he left the Marine Corps, Pete married his high school sweetheart and returned to college, where he planned to earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree. After his wife invited him to attend one of her Sociology classes, he changed his major, and he and his wife eventually became teachers.
At that time, I was very fortunate. There was a gal out of the UCLA Elementary School Program (UES), named Madeline Hunter, and she was considered a leader.
She used my classroom as the model for her “Seven Step Lesson Plan.” It was terrific. She would come and bring her students from UES to my classroom, and they would observe the lessons and the classroom management, motivation theory, reinforcement theory, different instructional techniques, concept attainment, direct instruction, all those different kinds of things. So, early on in my career, I got heavily reinforced about doing a good job. She gave me a great knowledge base.
I hated the job because it was mainly discipline. Discipline at junior high school isn’t a great place to be, because instead of really being able to be more positive, it reminded me of how it would be to be a police officer.
I needed some positive reinforcement from kids that I was getting in the classroom, but I wasn’t getting as an administrator. In reality, my needs were the same as every kid in the school. They needed that positive reinforcement from each other and from adults. So, what I tried to do was to make sure that we had a representative sample of the different groups: not different ethnicities, not different languages, not different economics necessarily, but clusters of kids that hung out with each other. So, I wanted to get somebody from each one of these groups of kids. They would be representative of the thinking of groups of kids, so that when we did have activities, parties, dances--all those things--they would be able to bring a perspective from that group.
That Leadership Class was one of those classes that everybody wanted to be in after a time. When I left, I wanted to make sure that it wasn’t going to be just a popularity contest. I felt that the core value of that group and that activity was that it really did represent a pretty good part of the student population, not just isolated parts. I had a great time with that. It helped me keep my sanity, and it helped a lot of kids. I loved that, and the job really became pretty cool. I can’t tell you how many of those kids and I are still friends.
I decided to have everyone take a Personality Profile Test, and all 35 teachers were the same. They were what was called a High S: stability, stable, secure, and I was a High I, High D. I was interactive, dynamic. I wanted things to change all the time; they didn’t want any change.
I still remember vividly that this guy stood up and said, “Here’s the results of this instrument.” And I said, “How come you guys don’t want to change anything? You’re wanting to do the same thing all the time every day, day after day. And you’re looking at me going, ‘You’re nuts! You want to change things every moment.’” And I thought I was going really slow; they thought I was going superfast. So, we had a tremendous discussion about that piece. I had a terrific time, and I learned so much as a new principal about respecting the people, but also about giving them good guidance, and not trying to change things through a big swing from here to there, because that’s what Education does so many times. Making small adjustments along the way worked for me.
My philosophy was “The media make it seem like middle school kids are little kids in adult bodies.” I said, “We’re not going to have proms, we’re not going to have limos, we’re not going to have a graduation. We’re going to have a promotion. If anybody wants to be a cheerleader, they have to have a C average, and good behavior, and I don’t care whether they can jump and cheer or anything.” So, we ended up having 100 cheerleaders.
If you don’t think that you want to be around those kids from the HUD housing project in your school, then, get out of here right now! You know how I feel about that, so let’s talk about what we are going to do.
Middle school is like a Sampler Platter when you go into a restaurant. You’ve got to test a lot of things. We’re going to have Interdisciplinary Core Teams: teachers working with 120 kids. They’re going to be able to determine the schedule; we’re going to have an Exploratory Wheel that is going to be ungraded, so that kids get to sample keyboarding skills. They’re going to be able to sample these things, so they know when they go onto high school, what inspires them, and what they’re interested in. If we put them in one thing and they don’t like it, they won’t know whether they like something else or not. They just know they don’t want that.
We’re going to model how we want to be treated and how we want our school to look. Every class period, you’re going to be, not at your desk, or not at the overhead, or the computer; you’re going to be at the front door. You’re going to be shaking every kid’s hand.
The reason we’re going to do this is that you know your kids better than I do, and I want to be very proactive. If a kid comes to school during first period, and you’re shaking their hand, and you tell me that they had a horrible morning, whether they had a fight with their parents or they didn’t have food or something, I want you to call me up right then. I’m going to come down, and we’re going to get that kid and make their day better. They may miss your class period, but the rest of the day is going to be better for them. Otherwise, they’re going to screw up in your class. You’re going to be mad; they’re going to be mad.
You’re the one that can be that counselor and we’re the ones that can support you in that. What would you rather spend your time doing? Calling me up and saying, “Hey come help this kid,” or would you rather be sending a kid down to the office because of some discipline problem in your classrooms?
In addition to implementing a highly successful “country line dancing” program at lunch time that drew students out of their shells and cliques, another of his great successes at that time, was creating “Parent Nights.” These events were designed to provide parents and guardians with expert advice about adolescent development and effective parenting strategies. Pete’s leadership style, philosophy, and strategies paid off. Within three years, his school became a “National Blue Ribbon School,” and students were transferring to it from other cities.
It was the worst job ever. I recognized that it had nothing to do with kids; it was all about compliance, checking boxes, filling out reports, developing big plans, but over time I got better at it.
We did a lot of textbook and curriculum adoptions, professional development training for teachers on instructional pedagogy and classroom management, how to analyze data, all the stuff that I learned in my early years. I really brought some systems to the district on how you look at data and analyze data. I did all of the formative assessment pieces. I really kind of liked it at the end but in the beginning I didn’t like it at all because there really wasn’t enough interaction with kids and staff. I had spent a lot of time in the schools. I really wanted to do that.
I’m kind of a Systems guy; I took a look at what was working, what wasn’t, who needed support, and how could we best manage the money. I really liked that job. Then, I could also know where the money was going to the schools, how it was getting to schools, and that it was supporting the schools’ plans.
When the Superintendent of Upland Unified School District decided to retire, the superintendent, school board, and many others told Pete that they wanted him as the new superintendent. For the next six years as superintendent, Pete used his exemplary leadership skills to improve the district, in which there were five Title 1 elementary schools, five non-Title 1 elementary schools, one Title 1 junior high school, and one non-Title 1 junior high school. These junior high schools fed into Upland High School.
I was convinced that my staff believed that the changing demographics students couldn’t learn. So, I had to find a way to be able to use data to show them. But I also know that you can’t start at the high school level to make change. You really have to start at the beginning level, and move up. One of the things I decided was to show at the beginning level that students could learn. I told staff that they had to change their behaviors as humans and their beliefs as adults. They had to change before the kids could change.
So, that momentum starting building and over the next four years, we closed achievement gaps. At some of the schools, the scores were crazy. That’s where our success came from: When the adults started believing, then, the kids started believing.
Pete also used data to figure out how to increase student participation in the after-school intervention programs. Consequently, he found innovative ways to address this problem, especially by resolving transportation issues. For example, moving the programs to apartment buildings in which students lived, made sense. These are some of the reasons why Pete was such a successful superintendent during the seven years that he served in that role.
All kids deserve to receive an outstanding education.
1. What are the main “Takeaways” that you learned from this article?
2. What are similarities and differences between your leadership philosophy and Pete’s?
3. What are similarities and differences between your leadership style and Pete’s?
4. How will you use the information that you learned from this article to help African American, Latino, low-income, and other students, and also parents, teachers, and school leaders?
Facilitating “Real Talk Forums” to address racial problems, cultural insensitivity, unconscious biases, microaggressions\, etc.
Dr. Gail L. Thompson, Founder & CEO of Inspirations by Gail LLC, is a critically acclaimed author of many articles and books; former secondary school teacher; and former Executive Director for a business corporation. During her years as the Wells Fargo Endowed Professor of Education at Fayetteville State University, she created and served as Director of the Black Men Teaching (BMT) Program, and supervised doctoral students. Dr. Thompson also created “The Literacy Club,” an after-school reading incentive program for struggling readers, and implemented it at several schools.
Dr. Thompson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including PBS Television’s “Tony Brown Journal.” Her books include the critically acclaimed The Power of One: How You Can Help or Harm African American Students; Yes, You Can! Advice for Teachers Who Want a Great Start and a Great Finish With Their Students of Color (co-authored with Rufus Thompson); Through Ebony Eyes: What Teachers Need to Know but are Afraid to Ask About African American Students; What African American Parents Want Educators to Know; African American Teens Discuss Their Schooling Experiences; and Up Where We Belong: Helping African American and Latino Students Rise in School and in Life. Her latest book, Dear Beautiful! A Self-Empowerment Book for Black Women, was published in January 2018, and her weekly podcast can be heard via her YouTube Channel: Inspirations by Gail. | 2019-04-26T08:00:44Z | http://www.drgailthompson.com/newsletters/ |
Today, the world’s largest pig producer, Smithfield Foods, announced more progress in its movement away from confining mother pigs in tiny gestation crates, further acknowledging that animals built to move ought to be allowed to move.
As a matter of historical import, our quest to rid the industry of these inhumane contraptions got an enormous lift in 2007 when Smithfield Foods originally made its anti-gestation-crate pledge. The crates or cages are barely larger than the sows’ bodies and prevent them even from turning around. With the company having invested significant capital in these confinement systems, it would be no small feat to fulfill the promise. Since the 1960s, all the other big producers in the pork industry have relied on the same production techniques, and Smithfield was the first big player to make a commitment to stop the use of these crates.
The commitment came just months after The HSUS prevailed in a hotly contested ballot measure in Arizona to ban gestation crates and helped set the stage for legislative and corporate policy advances in subsequent years. Five years after the Smithfield commitment, we worked with many of the biggest names in American food retail to pledge to eliminate their procurement of pork from factory farms that use gestation crates in their supply chain. McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Safeway, and Kroger—all companies that pay real heed to price points – made those commitments. Dozens of other companies followed in their wake, with many of them committing to the 100 percent gestation-crate-free mark by 2022.
Smithfield’s competitors in the production sphere — including two of the biggest names, Tyson Foods and Seaboard — have not announced any concrete plans to even reduce their use of gestation crates, whereas Smithfield’s substantial reduction is measurable.
Today’s announcement notes that all of Smithfield’s company-owned farms now house pregnant sows in groups, rather than letting them linger for essentially their entire lives in gestation crates. There is still a long way to go for its contractors, but there’s been some movement there, too.
While we laud the company’s progress, we also don’t want to overstate it. As an image pulled from a December 2016 Smithfield Foods corporate presentation illustrates, the company still uses gestation crates at its facilities. Here’s how it works: Smithfield inseminates each breeding pig and confines her in a gestation crate for the first five to six weeks of her gestation period. During that time, she’s unable to turn around or engage in other important behaviors. Then, she’s moved into a more open “group housing” system, where she lives for about 10 weeks. After another month in a different crate (called a “farrowing” crate), she’s re-impregnated and the process starts again for her. So if a breeding pig goes through seven of these cycles of gestation, birth, and farrowing over the course of her lifetime, it would mean that all told, even under Smithfield’s new system, each sow will experience a total of 42 weeks confined in gestation crates (meaning that she would be out of the crates for roughly 70 weeks).
This is far from perfect, but it represents a dramatic reduction in Smithfield’s use of gestation crates. Again, it’s progress we applaud. It’s our intention to hold its officials to the original company pledge. That’s especially important considering that major companies like McDonald’s have made it clear their own commitments are to “end” or “eliminate” gestation crates (not reduce their usage) from their supply chains.
It’s time for Smithfield’s competitors to stop lagging, too, especially as so many major customers in food retail have pledged no-gestation-crate policies. What’s more, California voters are considering an HSUS-backed ballot measure this year to ban the sale of pork in all of California if it comes from factory farms using gestation crates – locking off a market of 38 million consumers to companies that keep relying on crates.
We look forward to working with Smithfield in the months and years to come as it goes down a path the company rightfully calls “continuous improvement.” Smithfield has made major strides –strides that we’ve publicly supported all along its journey. As we enter a new year, I’m pleased to report this progress, and look forward to more. It’s time now for the entire nation – all producers, all food retailers, and all consumers – to get fully on board too.
Use is no excuse for abuse. Animals need to live their natural lives NATURALLY.
Period the end. Greed , callous hearts, lack of understanding and knowledge. Rule, sadly.
Best way to stop. Stop buying product AND let them know.
Enlighten our President. He has no idea. Never to late to learn.
This is definitely progress! However, it remains to be seen how Smithfield will actually implement and oversee these changes. This is NOT a company known for humane considerations. They consider living animals to be “products” and act accordingly.
What about 2018????? What is so special about 2022??? Even the group pens are ridiculously small. Pigs are mobile animals. Give them their space!!!
i dont eat pork of any kind since i know about this subject of how the pig is kept in crates. i knew it was bad but not this terrible and is with most of farm animals. the facts are horrific !!!!!
This is horrifying! If this is progress I would hate to see what it looked like before!!
Please No crates at all!
I do not eat pork at all.
Can t understand why these adorable animals are still being abused.
The truth is: a person doesn’t really need to eat meat. There are protein powders which contain all the essential amino acids.
My grocery bill is way down and I feel healthier for the change in my diet.
This is still grossly unexceptable. Smithfield is selfish and only cares about money with no integrity or compassionate humanity.
These pigs lives are raped of every thing good in life, including hope. Imagine living on cold, hard conctrete or wood in space you can barely move in with nothing to do 24/7 & nobody to spend time with not even the babies that were taken away from you – how morbidly cruel and inhumane! And they don’t get to ever exprience nature, grass, hay or the simple pleasures of fresh air, sunshine, etc.
These Smithfield people should all place themselves in all these different crates & see how they feel. However, it still wouldn’t be the same, knowing they’re just trying it out and can leave anytime.
Instead, ne humane by making permanent group housing for all pigs, where they have the freedom to be outdoors during the day & in group housing with hay & bigger acceptable space at night.
I am vegan & don’t eat, wear, or use any animal products for one of these many reasons. This is not s sacrifice for me at all. I do this by choice in support of all animals and have educated myself in every aspect of the matte – there is good vegan food, all kinds of products, & clothing.
As long as animals are treated without respect, dignity, and compassion, we will continue to also have inhumane problems in the world between people as well – You reap what you sow.
I think the trucks that transport the pigs need to get on board. I don’t live too far from Smithfield. Each time I go there, I get physically ill seeing these poor pigs all jammed up in the truck with their little noses pressed against the truck. Makes me sick.
Why are the pigs kept in crates when pregnant?
This is insane! If this was a dog farm torturing animals this way it would be shut down! No! No! NO 2022! NOW Dame it! #boycottsmithfieldmeats!
You have to have some mental disorder to be able to treat an animal like this. And what the hell are all those marks on the pigs backs. Pig farmers you have nothing to be proud of . This is a disgrace not an accomplishment in life. Shame on you. Treat those as you would want to be treated!!! Not like total crap!
when we ignore our obligation of regarding the lives of those that nourish us with the respect commanded of us. | 2019-04-21T07:08:50Z | https://blog.humanesociety.org/2018/01/smithfield-makes-progress-gestation-crate-free-pledge.html |
This 13th April 1919 marks the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Thousands of peaceful protestors were gunned down following orders by Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, many unaware martial law had been imposed and came to Amritsar to celebrate Vaisakhi. The officially declared death toll was 379 civilians which included men, women and children and over a thousand were injured.
Evidence given by the NSO to the Home Affairs Committee on the APPG on British Muslims proposed definition of ‘Islamophobia’ has been cited in an article in the Economist last month.
The article discusses aspects of our submission (along with that of the National Secular Society (NSS)) which we expect to follow up with oral evidence later this year.
We have previously expressed our concern about the vague term ‘Islamophobia’ and the risks it poses to free and open discussion in a submission to the APPG on British Muslims.
Last week Lord Singh the 86-year old peer who has positioned himself successfully in the wider public and the government as the only voice of the Sikh community for almost the last 40 years..
Why the ageist reference? According to Sikh teachings, it is not age, but ability and commitment that count.
Referring to ‘the 86-year-old peer’ is better than a previous SFUK description ‘a dinosaur’. What is it about the SFUK and references to age?
The SFUK in its different forms has been around for nearly 40 years. Why is it that this one individual has done more to promote an understanding of Sikh teachings in the government and wider public than the whole of SFUK put together?
Lord Singh has also been overshadowed in Parliament for the last 18 months by the energetic Preet Kaur Gill, the first Sikh woman MP who became a shadow Minister within months of being elected and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turban wearing Sikh MP. Lord Singh is no longer the only Sikh politician that government, fellow Parliamentarians and the media turn to.
This childish ‘you’re not the only one,’ is simply school playground jealousy. The more Sikh MPs, the better.
However, what Lord Singh failed to disclose in the debate is he is the one and only life-time Director of the NSO. It now emerges he may not have declared this for the last seven years in the Register of Lords’ Interests, since he became a Lord in October 2011.
I am not a lifetime director. All power lies with the elected Executive. They can sack me any time. It is an honorary post for which I do not receive a penny. In last month’s AGM, I specifically requested a diminution in my responsibilities.
Our website will confirm that membership of the NSO requires a commitment to live and propagate Sikh teachings. I believe, that as the first turban wearing Sikh in Parliament, this commitment is seen whenever I stand up to speak. It is appreciation of this commitment to uplifting Sikh teachings that enabled me to get cross-part support for the Amendment.
Why I stated in the debate that the government should consult with myself and the NSO in discussing any reservations about the amendment.
It was I who raised the issue at Second Reading. It was I who subsequently requested a meeting with the Minister, Baroness Williams and her advisers. It was I who had discussions with Lord Kennedy and Lord Paddick.
At the conclusion of my meeting with Baroness Williams it was agreed that they would come back to me. Instead of doing this as courtesy requires, they, ‘in the innocent belief that they are all the same’, then spoke to the SFUK who were naturally unable to respond to the points raised. But for them speaking to the wrong people, the Amendment would have received unanimous approval at Grand Committee. The Government have already apologised for this.
I mentioned this because it is true. If it were not true, SFUK would not have lost power in gurdwaras in Leicester, Southampton and their former stronghold in Wolverhampton.
I said the APPG for Sikhs and SFUK were one and the same, because this is true. The Chair is a SFUK sympathiser who appointed them to be its secretariat. There is only one other Sikh member. Four Sikhs in the House of Lords were excluded from its inaugural meeting.
Legitimate criticism of the behaviour of a minority of Muslims i.e. sexual grooming gang cases like in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford and Telford.
Legitimate criticism of aspects of Islamic doctrine, like the sanctioning of death for apostates (ex-Muslims) for leaving Islam, reference to non-Muslims as kaffirs (a derogatory term), and persecution of homosexuals and minority Muslim sects like the Ahmadiyya.
Legitimate criticism of the treatment of minority faiths in Muslim majority countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the latter non-Muslims (like Hindus and Sikhs) are known to pay the jizya (tax of humiliation), and Christians often face blasphemy charges in Pakistan like the cause célèbre Asia Bibi. There are also reports of forced marriage and conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan and persecution of Ahmadiyya.
Free discussion about historical facts, like the beheading of the 9th Guru of Sikhism – Tegh Bahadur who was executed by Mughal authorities when he stood up for the freedom of religion of Hindu priests, who were being forcefully converted to Islam.
*the above isn’t an exhaustive list, but just a few areas as means of illustration.
We note the National Secular Society (NSS) have stated, ‘accusations of ‘Islamophobia’ are often used to silence debate about (and within) Islam,’[v] and ‘the word ‘Islamophobia’ has entered common usage, but it conflates legitimate criticism of Islam, or Islamic practices, with anti-Muslim prejudice, bigotry and hatred’.[vi] This view is entirely consistent with our position.
Conflating race and religion is extremely problematic. There are of course occasions where race motivates hate crime against Muslims, or the ‘Muslim looking other’. An example of this would be the throwing of a pig’s head in the drive of former government minister Parmjit Singh Dhanda’s in 2010. Although a Sikh, he does not wear a turban nor have a beard. His detractors must have assumed he was Muslim due to his ethnicity. However, in other cases, it is more the conflation of religious symbols, like the Sikh turban (dastaar) and beard with the appearance of extremists like Bin Laden, the Taliban (or ISIS), which makes Sikhs and other non-Muslims susceptible to ‘Islamophobia’.[viii] This vulnerability – due to a visibility in the public space, is no different to that of Muslim women in hijabs, and orthodox Jews in skullcaps. Dr Jhutti-Johal an academic from the University of Birmingham has provided further examples of hate crime against Sikhs in a submission to an inquiry by The Youth Select Committee in 2016.[ix] Notably, white hipsters with beards have been confused with ISIS, and this is more to do with their hirsute countenance, rather than a prejudice born from, or ‘rooted in racism’. Furthermore, by framing ‘Islamophobia’ as ‘racism’, the definition miserably fails to encompass prejudice suffered by white converts, or European Muslims, like Bosniaks, Kosovars and Albanians.
Whilst our evidence, like that of Southall Black Sisters (SBS) and the NSS was accepted by the inquiry conducted by the APPG on British Muslims, not all was agreed in the definition. It was selectively used by the authors of Islamophobia Defined.[x] On aspects of SBS’s evidence, the report’s authors dismissively say it, ‘appears highly misguided’.[xi] We take the view this doesn’t reflect a standard of impartiality.
As Baroness Falkner rightly states, ‘Islamophobia’ also includes prejudice within Muslim communities against one another for being ‘insufficiently Muslim’. There is no mention of this aspect in the APPG report Islamophobia Defined, despite the definition referring to ‘expressions of Muslimness’. It is not clear if persecuted groups like Ahmadiyyas gave evidence to the APPG, or if their view has been given any consideration at all. The sectarian murders of Asad Shah, an Ahmadiyya Muslim shopkeeper in Glasgow, and Jalal Uddin, a 71-year-old imam in Rochdale demonstrate policy makers cannot simply ignore this issue.
Framing a similar argument to Baroness Falkner is Britain’s counter-extremism czar, Sara Khan. In an opinion editorial she describes, ‘increasing anti-Muslim hatred’ that she receives ‘from fellow Muslims’. ‘It is contradictory and unjust to recognise non-Muslim perpetrators yet ignore Muslims who engage in active hostility, abuse, hatred and discrimination against other Muslims’, argues Ms Khan. We believe this is an area which requires much more focus and we must acknowledge all bigotry, from wherever it comes, in equal terms.
One of the victims of a Rotherham grooming gang argues that ‘non-Muslim hate’ or hate against ‘those with a perceived lack of Muslimness’ should be taken just as seriously as discrimination against Muslims. ‘As grooming victims, my friends and I were called vile racist names such as “white trash” and “kaffir girl” as we were raped. Our Sikh and Hindu friends who were also targeted by Muslim Pakistani gangs were disparagingly called “kaffir slags” too.’ The APPG’s Islamophobia Defined report makes four references to grooming gangs. But it makes no effort to examine the motivations of the perpetrators. Instead, it suggests that discussion of grooming gangs could be ‘Islamophobic’. The government has a duty to take all forms of hatred as seriously as one another and we welcome the committee’s thoughts on this point.
We request the committee gives our concerns due consideration. We believe the proposed definition is flawed and will have serious implications on free and open discussion about matters of significant public interest. It has the potential to act as a shield for extremists who want to shut down criticism of Islam or the behaviour of a minority of Muslims.
[viii] Sikhs have suffered the negative reverberations of Islamism since 9/11. The first person to be killed in retribution was a Sikh gas station owner in Mesa, Phoenix. In Britain, there was an attempted beheading of a Sikh dentist in Wales in 2015 – a ‘revenge’ attack for Lee Rigby. Reference to Sikhs as ‘Bin Laden’, ‘Taliban’ and ‘ISIS’ are a normal occurrence – both Sikh men and women have suffered. Despite being one of the most ‘visible’ minority groups in Britain, eighteen years on from 9/11 we are still not viewed as a priority group by the government.
Our Director Lord Singh intervened in a debate on the second reading of the Offensive Weapons Bill earlier this week to ensure the Sikh practice of honouring people with full-length kirpans is fully protected under law. As it stands, the draft Bill retains the existing legal protection for the religious use of a kirpan, however ‘honourary’ kirpans – given to dignitaries (not just Sikhs) as an appreciation of service, would fall outside the proposed legislation and be criminalised. This concern was not addressed in either the Commons debate or in the minor wording change in the ‘photo op’ meeting of the Sikh Federation UK (SFUK) with government officials.
He added: ‘The recipients of this honour do not have to be Sikhs. I have made presentations on behalf of the Sikh community to His Royal Highness Prince Charles, when he joined us as the main guest at a major function at the Royal Albert Hall, and to the late Lord Weatherill, the former Speaker of the House of Commons, for his work with the Sikh community in India and Britain. Years earlier, the Sikh community in Leicester honoured Sir John Templeton, founder of the Templeton Prize, after he awarded me the UK equivalent, for furthering religious understanding.
The Offensive Weapons Bill (sponsored by the home secretary Sajid Javid) was published on 20th June 2018 and is now scheduled to go to committee stage in the House of Lords.[i] The Bill covers three types of weapon – acid, knives and offensive weapons, and firearms. Although SFUK issued a statement on 21st November 2018 describing an amendment to the Bill (coordinated by Preet Gill MP) for ‘larger’ kirpans titled, ‘Kirpan victory: Ministers listen and back Sikh community’, it transpires this so called ‘victory’ was a premature celebration as it didn’t do what was needed, that is, cover ‘honourary’ kirpans. The NSO with support of concerned members of the Sikh Council UK aims to ensure the kirpan is given full protection under law and cross-party peers agree it is necessary.
Since 2015 the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) has been lobbying to get parity for all faiths when it comes to the government’s existing ‘Abrahamic-centric’ hate crime policy. | 2019-04-23T22:34:18Z | http://nsouk.org/author/hardeep/ |
Mike Kromrey, far left, says people need to know about their sources of water, as Errin Kemper and Byron Pierce, right, listen.
Bob Pavlowsky says public awareness of water as a community or as a region always peaks during the extremes. Tiffany Frey, left, looks on.
Springfield Business Journal Features Editor Christine Temple sits down with Tiffany Frey, The James River Basin Partnership’s executive director; Errin Kemper, the city of Springfield’s Environmental Services director; Mike Kromrey, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks Inc.’s executive director; and Bob Pavlowsky, Missouri State University Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute’s director to discuss water quality in the Ozarks.
Christine Temple: In one word, how would you characterize the water quality industry?
Errin Kemper: You just stole mine – stewardship.
Temple: What are the benefits to keeping our water clean?
Kromrey: Keeping it clean and available for society is a goal. If you look around the world at the places where water quality is the poorest, so are the countries.
Frey: Nothing survives without water. Water is critical to everything, including economic backbone.
Kromrey: Dirty water is really expensive. It’s expensive to treat and deliver as drinking water. It’s expensive to clean up spills. On the flip side, clean water, especially clean sources of drinking water, are an incredible investment for communities, for economies.
Kemper: There is the water quality as it impacts individual quality of life: drinking water supplies, your ability to swim in a creek, your ability to fish in a creek. But then there are all the larger, bigger picture aspects of community water quality. It goes beyond just human health and quality of life. It goes into jobs and salaries, all the way down to what public funds are available to address public needs.
Temple: In many of your organizations, education about how to maintain water quality is key. What should people know about our water systems and about the importance of water quality?
Kromrey: People need to know about their sources of water. The basics. How karst systems work; that we have groundwater that is easily polluted; and that surface water is the main source of water for Springfield. Some basics about our water supply and our rivers and lakes and streams. And then people need to know also that they have a direct impact on the quality of that water. And that it takes everyone’s actions to keep it clean for the future.
Frey: They need to understand their own connection to water in order to be open to information.
Temple: How does water quality impact economic development in the Ozarks?
Kromrey: Think about some of the flagship industries of our area. Do you think Bass Pro Shops is connected to clean water? Wonders of Wildlife Museum? Absolutely. Ozarks Coca-Cola? You know, absolutely. Our lakes down in Branson? You don’t have to look very far or very deep to see the connections to water resources in our economy.
Kemper: It’s one of the first questions we asked as we went down the road of integrated planning. The city of Springfield has been working with Greene County and City Utilities on an integrated plan for the environment, and one component of that plan is to look at any of the solutions towards water quality to make sure we are getting a good return on investment. One way to tell is to find out what kind of monetary value there is in water quality improvement. We were one of five communities in the country that were awarded a grant from the (Environmental Protection Agency) to do integrated planning. As part of that grant, they combined all of the research on the value of water quality. A lot of what we do in the water quality world provides benefits financially in a lot of different arenas.
Temple: Can we quantify the amount of water that we have in the Ozarks?
Frey: And it changes. You know, is it locked in the ground? Are we in a drought period? It’s different depending upon the time of year.
Pavlowsky: Our awareness of water as a community or as a region always peaks during the extremes. Oh, we’re having a drought, everyone starts thinking about water. Oh, big floods, too much water. But then everyone gets back into their lives and then we move on.
Kromrey: City Utilities is the one with their eyes keenly focused on that as far as supplying water to their customers. Municipalities are probably the same. It’s an important question because you wouldn’t leave your driveway without knowing how much gas is in your tank. There is that question with ground water. It is really hard to see, so it’s kind of hard to measure. That is something I think we actually need to improve upon.
Frey: If your water resources deplete, then your economy can’t grow.
Pavlowsky: A lot of times when we are in the lake or somewhere else, it seems like we could never run out of water, but remember, southwest Missouri as it is appeals to a lot of people, and so over time things are shifting. You have more of your people moving in and we need more water. Luckily, at least from what I’ve heard, we are doing a better job of conserving water as we go.
Kemper: The perceived value of water is proportional to its scarcity.
Temple: What are your opinions on daylighting Jordan Creek, and what would be the benefits for the community?
Pavlowsky: You start to allow your water system to behave more like a natural system and reduce flood problems and allow animals and fish and microbes to run. It becomes a real hub of the community.
Kromrey: Our community was born on Jordan Creek. John Polk Campbell was the one credited with starting our community. He was brought here by Indians from the Delaware Town Camp and he carved his initials on those trees around a natural well around a spring on the bank of Jordan Creek. It is so core to our community’s history and identity. I have always found it sort of ironic the way that it is entombed in concrete. Just from an emotional perspective and a historical perspective, I think it is imperative that we unleash at least some of it.
Kemper: The Jordan Creek Corps of Engineers’ feasibility study was my pet project for a decade working for the city of Springfield. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers out of Little Rock came in here and did a 10-year feasibility study, and we studied every aspect of the Jordan Valley from a purely technical engineering type approach. This is 15 years of maybe the most comprehensive study that has ever been done in the city of Springfield. All it really needs is that last ingredient, and that’s the stakeholders involved to make it happen financially.
Temple: What are the current projects and priorities for your organizations?
Frey: Nutrients is the biggest priority. One priority in our conversation is to keep more of the water on our properties. Anytime we send water racing across our parking lots and streets, it’s picking up various pollutants in its path, whether it’s fertilizers, pesticides, waste, whatever it is, and it’s taking it to the lowest portion of the land, which is going to be our waterways.
Kemper: We have a responsibility to our community to protect them against pollution. But we also have an obligation to our individual ratepayers and our citizens as a whole to make sure that we’re providing them with wastewater service at an affordable price. If you’re a big industry and looking at places to relocate, and Springfield has sewer rates that are 25 percent of St. Louis or Kansas City, it makes that really attractive from an economic development standpoint.
Kemper: A little over $4.5 billion consent judgment.
Kemper: Less than that, but more than us.
Kromrey: But Springfield only had to pay?
Kemper: Two hundred million over 10 years through a phased approach to our overflow control plan. Years from now, when Springfield citizens are paying 30-something a month for a residential sewer bill, citizens in Kansas City and St. Louis will be paying north of $100 a month for wastewater.
Temple: How have nutrient pollution and algae blooms on waterways impacted our community and tourism, and what are you doing to prevent these problems?
Frey: The story of James River Basin Partnership kind of goes back to a very well-known algae bloom that happened in Table Rock Lake. This was one of those moments that really got people’s economic attention because all the marinas down Table Rock on the James River arm realized that without clean water, they don’t have a job.
Kromrey: If there’s a beach closure due to E. coli at Lake of the Ozarks, that’s like millions of bucks out of their economy in the tourism season. In Republic, Missouri, there’s some TCE, a contaminant in the groundwater. It was a few drums of that chemical that were kicked over because somebody didn’t want to pay to get rid of them, and they have been in a multimillion-dollar, multiyear project to reduce the levels of (trichloroethylene) in their groundwaters. Ben Franklin said an ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure.
Temple: What are the threats facing water quality today and looking to the future?
Frey: I see plastics emerging as one of the big issues. “Microplastics” are found in beer, they’re found in bottled water, they’re found all over our environment, they’re found in animals. I don’t know if they can literally find them in our bodies, but probably. When you drive down, let’s say, Kansas Expressway after a flood, all you see is plastic bags strung along the side of the road. Just like it’s growing flowers – plastic flowers. It’s very disturbing to me. The best thing we can do is to understand that every action we have directly impacts our water resources.
Kromrey: Apathy. How do you protect water without a crisis? It is super easy to forget about, and yet it takes constant community effort and partnership and individual action to keep us headed in the right direction.
Kemper: Two hundred years ago, wherever you were in the world, your No. 1 priority was your water. It was where you built your house. It was where you settled. It was what you thought about when you got up in the morning because you probably had to walk somewhere to go get it. We’ve developed as a society to this point where water may be the last thing we think about.
Frey: We have so many things pulling us in so many different directions. We don’t tend to slow down. The more distracted we get, the more apathetic we get because we don’t see the big picture.
Kemper: For a quarter of the price of what I pay for broadband internet connection, I get clean potable water delivered to my house 24/7. And it is also taken from my house and cleaned before it gets put in the stream.
Temple: What’s your favorite way to enjoy water?
Kromrey: Fishing. The James River.
Kemper: Swimming. I like to find a nice tall rock over a big ol’ deep hole and jump. I’m kind of partial to the North Fork.
Frey: I love to sail. I sail at Stockton because it’s close, but I’ll sail anywhere.
Pavlowsky: Swimming and fishing, but also exploring a lot. | 2019-04-20T10:26:05Z | http://sbj.staging.communityq.com/stories/ceo-roundtable-water-quality,59352 |
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• For the convenience of the user and to simplify the experience, we've elected to display the twenty nearest so you can easily choose from those most convenient to your current location or your search results location.
How often do you update gas prices in the app?
• We try and update the app as quickly as possible, but due to communication and technical issues prices reflected may not be correct. Prices at the pump shall control in all cases.
What are the QT Kitchens hours?
• Most QT Kitchens® are open from 6 a.m. to 10p.m. Kitchen hours may vary by location.
Why aren't gas prices published on the store details and store location pages?
• Gas prices can be viewed by creating a profile and logging into the app.
How many stores can I have as a favorite?
• You can have a maximum of three favorite locations.
How do I add/delete favorite locations?
• To add favorite locations: tap the heart icon anywhere it appears next to a store location. Selecting the heart will add it as a favorite. Deselecting the heart will remove it as a favorite.
• To manage all favorite locations from one spot: From the main screen, in the bottom navigation menu select 'Account,' then select 'Locations.' From there, you can drag and drop existing favorite locations to change the sort order. To remove a location, tap the red circular icon on the left, then select the 'Delete' button that appears to the right.
I want to set my preferred fuel type to something other than 'Unleaded'. How can I do that?
• The app defaults to unleaded. To modify: From the main screen, select 'Account,' then select 'Fuel Types.' Once you have selected the new preferred fuel type, tap the 'Save' button at the bottom of the screen.
How do I turn off the push notifications?
• iPhone: Go to the device 'Manage Settings' and turn off 'Push Notifications' for QuikTrip app. • Android: Go to 'Settings' and move the 'Push Notifications' toggle to the left.
Why does someone else have more coupons than I do?
• For a more relevant, personalized experience, offers are curated based on criteria such as customer location, market, preferences or app activity. Additionally, in order to utilize all available coupons, a user must have created an account within the app and be signed in. This will allow users to view and redeem available coupons.
• Create and verify an account in order to access additional features, such as pay in store, favorite orders and locations, exclusive offers, fuel pricing and more.
• Upon launching your app, tap the 'Log In' button at the top of the screen. Alternatively, from the main screen you can select 'Account' in the bottom navigation menu. From there, tap the 'Need to Create an Account?' link that appears near the bottom of the screen, then input the required information. After you create an account, you will receive a verification email from QT Promotions at the email address you provided. From there you will verify your email. At that point you are ready to start using the app!
Do I have to create an account in order to place a mobile order?
• No, you are welcome to order as a guest. You will go through the same steps to place an order, but you will be required to pay in the app for your order.
How do I know if an item is available to order?
• If an item is out of inventory, the order button will say 'unavailable' and will turn gray.
How will I know if toppings or extra items are unavailable?
• If any topping or extra items are unavailable, the option to add the item will be grayed out and you will not be able to select it.
• There are three options. 1. Input a card upon checkout. 2. Pay in store (you must have a verified email address in order to utilize this feature). 3. Add a saved payment method by selecting 'Account' in the bottom navigation menu then selecting 'Manage' under Payment Methods.
• To pay for your order, we have given you two ways to enter your card information. Upon checkout, select 'Add New Payment Type.' Alternatively, you may select 'Account' in the bottom navigation menu, then select 'Manage' under Payment Methods.
Why can't I pay in store?
• In order to utilize the pay in store functionality, you must have verified your email address used to register the app. If your email is not verified, the pay in store option will not be available.
• After you've created an account, a verification link will be sent to your email. Click the link in the email to verify the email you used to create an account.
Can I place an order for the next day?
• No. Orders can only be scheduled for same-day pick-up. Most QT Kitchens hours are 6am-10pm. Kitchen hours may vary by location.
• A QuikOrder is order that you want to save as your favorite. This will allow you to 'order now', creating a quicker order and checkout process.
How do I set a QuikOrder?
• You must be logged in, verified and have an order history to access QuikOrder functionality. Once you are on the 'Order' tab select 'Place a Previous Order.' Under 'Recent Orders,' tap the heart icon next to any order you would like to save as your QuikOrder. Please note: currently you may not change the store or pickup time for your QuikOrder.
• If you paid for your order in the app, walk to the QT Kitchens counter and the clerk will hand your order to you. • If you chose the pay in store, go to the check stand first to pay for your order. Once you have for your order, walk to the QT Kitchens counter to pick up your order.
What should I do if my order was made incorrectly?
• Explain to the store clerk how your order was incorrect, and they will assist you. If there is still an issue, please call the help desk at 800-848-1966.
• An order cannot be changed or modified once it has been placed. However, you can cancel your order and place a new order. To cancel your order please call the QT Call Center at 844-478-8646.
I forgot to add something to my cart before I placed my order. Can I add items to my order once it has been placed?
• Once an order has been placed, you cannot add additional items to that order. If you want to order additional items, you can place another order.
• Yes, as long as you cancel your order before your scheduled pick-up time. You can call the QT Call Center at 844-478-8646 and they will assist you.
If I cancel my order, will I get a refund?
• You will be refunded for a cancelled order as long as the order is cancelled before the scheduled pick-up time. Orders cancelled after the scheduled pick up time will not receive a refund.
After I submitted my order, I realized I ordered from the wrong store. How can I change that?
• If you need to make changes to your order, you can call the QT Call Center at 844-478-8646 and they will assist you.
• A user can order no more than 10 X-Large pizzas or have no more than 20 items per cart.
Is there a limit on the price of my cart?
• Users are required to pay in app on orders greater than $50.
• If you do not pick up your order, the order will be marked as abandoned.
Why can't I select 'order' at some stores?
• While we are working quickly for mobile ordering to be available at all stores, not all of our stores have the mobile ordering feature at this time. As new updates arrive, we'll let you know!
Why won't some of my coupons redeem in my mobile order cart?
• Currently, the only items that can be ordered through the app are QT Kitchens items. Only coupons associated with items ordered in the app can be redeemed through the app. All other coupons may be used at the time of in-store purchases.
I cancelled an order where I used a coupon. Do I get that back?
• Yes, if you cancelled your order before your scheduled pick-up time, your coupon will be available in your app as long as the offer has not expired.
I have additional questions. How can I reach customer service?
I have additional questions about the mobile app, how can I get them answered?
• You can reach us at 800-247-3452 option 6. | 2019-04-25T20:29:59Z | https://www.quiktrip.com/Mobile/FAQ |
Bright Line Rules: A Way to Reduce Politicized Enforcement?
Yesterday Matthew discussed the wisdom of the Thai anticorruption agency’s recommendation that Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra be charged with failing to prevent corruption. The case would be brought under Article 157 of the Thai Criminal Code, a broadly worded law providing that a public official commits a crime if someone is injured as a result of the official’s failure to exercise his or her duties.
Statutes with such a broad sweep are a standard response to corruption in many countries, enacted out of a fear that a clever criminal can find a way around tightly drawn provisions of law. Indeed, countries as diverse as Tanzania, South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam have all enacted broadly drawn laws that criminalize the “abuse of public office for private gain.” However, such laws vest enormous discretion in the hands of law enforcement. A critical–and often overlooked issue–is whether law enforcers should enjoy such discretion.
On the positive side, laws setting forth general standards ensure that criminal activity does not escape punishment. Take the all too common example of a public official showered with gifts, not as a specific quid pro quo, but to curry favor. As the American Supreme Court has held, U.S. officials who make decisions that favor parties who have given the officials a a stream of gifts are not guilty of bribery unless the prosecution can link a particular favor to a specific gift. A law making abuse of office for private gain a crime obviates the need to prove the quid of a gift was returned by the quo of a favor.
On the other hand, a broadly worded standard leaves much room for abusive enforcement, especially when law enforcement staff is poorly trained or not technically competent. An even greater danger than incompetent enforcement is politicization. When police, prosecutors, courts, and other enforcement agencies are not insulated from short-term political considerations, the pressure to conjure up a “creative” interpretation of the law to nail a political opponent can be overwhelming–as Anna’s post last week about Russia nicely illustrated.
Fortunately, the choice is not between letting some percentage of wrongdoers slip through the net or risking abusive enforcement. The solution is to replace broad, general standards with detailed, “bright-line” rules that state precisely what conduct is illegal. Consider again the individual or firm seeking to curry favor with an official by showering him or her with gifts. A law banning receipts of gifts from a single source of more than, say, $500 per year along with one requiring disclosure of all gifts will fill the gap created by the need to prove quid pro quo bribery. If a would-be corrupter gives an official more than $500 in gifts, and the official fails to report them, the predicate is laid for a straightforward, easy-to-understand prosecution for the violation of the limit and the failure to disclose.
The advantages of bright-line rules over open-ended standards are several. By taking discretion away from enforcement agencies, they reduce the risk that enforcement decisions will be politicized (or perceived as politicized). Because they are easy to understand – e.g. you must report all gifts received – they are a more effective deterrent than an injunction not to abuse one’s office. Finally, they can facilitate citizen oversight in countries with weak enforcement agencies or those susceptible to political pressures. Citizens may not be able to determine if an official has abused her office; they can much more easily determine if an official is being showered with gifts, particularly if the country has robust and independent investigative journalists.
A vigorous, thoughtful debate on rule versus standards — like that in Thailand — is long overdue — among those who advise lawmakers on anticorruption policy and those called on to enforce the result of lawmakers’ deliberations.
This entry was posted in Commentary and tagged enforcement, law drafting, personal financial disclosure, political bias, Thailand by Rick Messick. Bookmark the permalink.
Your reference to investigative journalism raises another interesting (and related, I think) question: is criminal law the ideal way to combat corruption? Or, even if it’s the best way, should it be the exclusive way? I’m thinking of a state creating a private right of action, as long as it was based on violating a rule (say your $500 limit), it might enjoy increased perceived legitimacy because it would be apolitical, in the sense that plaintiffs would either be watchdog-type groups or monetarily-motivated (e.g. if there was a damages multiplier).
Thank you for the thoughtful and interesting post, Rick. I agree that there are several advantages to clearly defined rules. In addition to those you mentioned, I can imagine that investors and corporations would appreciate more transparent rules.
I wonder, though, whether a state could have a diverse body of laws governing corruption, some of which were rules and some of which were standards. Corporate and individual practices evolve, and standards are more adaptable than rules. Coupling standards with rigorous evidentiary standards would allow prosecutors to catch conduct that rules might let slip through while affording protection to the people accused.
Just to build on David’s comment, one problem with bright-line rules is that they tend to be over- or under-inclusive.
If the bright-line prohibitions were drawn narrowly, then it might be possible for corrupt officials to exploit gaps or loopholes while avoiding prosecution.
(2) We may rely on prosecutorial discretion to mitigate that first problem, but if we do, then we’re right back to the problem of potentially biased or politicized enforcement that you were hoping bright-line rules would help solve.
Bright lines are not costless. My argument is that where enforcement agencies are technically weak or especially politicized, the costs of bright line rules are less than the costs that result when weak or politicized agencies have wide discretion to enforce the law. A clever criminal may find a way to steal money without running afoul of the bright line rules prohibiting theft, embezzlement, and the like, but in many instances that will be far less costly than allowing an agency subject to political pressure to charge individuals under some vague “abuse of position” statute.
As both Matthew and David suggest, even the best drafter probably can’t write an anticorruption law that doesn’t have at least some standards, what H.L.A. Hart termed “open textured” provisions. That is why I recommend that enforcement agencies establish an advance ruling procedure. If an individual is uncertain whether a course of conduct would amount to “abuse of position,” say, he or she can ask for an opinion. If the agency opines that the conduct is lawful, the requestor cannot later be prosecuted.
The tax laws of many countries contain advance ruling provisions, and in the U.S. the Office of Government Ethics and the Federal Election Commission each have procedures for obtaining advisory opinions. With both the OGE and the FEC, the requestor must fully disclose the proposed action for the opinion to bind the agency, and the Department of Justice reserves the right, even in the face of an approving opinion, to bring a criminal action though as a practical matter that would seem of little consequence.
An advance ruling system has its own drawbacks, I know, (Givati, “Resolving Uncertainty: the Unfulfilled Promise of Advanced Tax Rulings,” 29 Va. Tax Rev., 137 (2009)). But particularly when enforcement agencies are in the early stages of creating a new, or more effective, legal regime, as many recently established anticorruption authorities are, I think it an appealing way to deal with the open textured or standards issue.
standards may be removed from office by the Senate.
I’m a bit out of my depth here, because I’m no expert in Thai law, but I think the constitutional provision you quote (the impeachment provision) doesn’t come into play unless the official is convicted of one of the listed offenses. The news reports definitely indicate that the NACC’s charges against PM Yingluck allege violations of Section 157 of the Thai Criminal Code. I think that the way this works is that if the PM is convicted of violating Section 157 of the Thai Criminal Code, she could/would then be impeached pursuant to Section 270 of the Thai Constitution.
Do we have any experts in Thai law out there who can clarify?
The case against Yingluck is about removing her from office. There will be no prior “conviction” in a criminal court. It only needs the opinion of the NACC that the case has prima facie value. The case will then be sent to the Senate for starting impeachment procedures. From the time the NACC sends the report to the Senate, Yingluck will have to cease working. The NACC also has to send its report to the Prosecutor General for preparing prosecution at the Supreme Court’s Section for Holders of Political Positions.
with paragraph one for consideration in advance.
Great, thanks for the clarification!
Your helpful clarification makes me wonder whether some of the concerns I expressed in my last post might not be even more salient than I thought they were. If I understand correctly, in order to initiate impeachment proceedings against the PM (or other senior official), the NACC need only conclude that there’s a prima facie case that the official failed to take action to prevent corruption (within the meaning of Section 157 of the criminal code). If 157 is interpreted expansively, then that seems like it might be a low bar to meet.
On the other hand, the fact that in an impeachment proceeding the check is political (the Senate), rather than judicial, might perhaps mitigate some of that concern? Not sure – need to think more about this.
I have a quick question: are bright line rules useful when the amount of money lost due to corruption depends on how one carries out the accounting process. For example, if a government undersells telecom licenses at an auction (as a result of corruption), one auditor might conclude that the exchequer lost, say, $100 million, while the other states that the exchequer lost $137 million. If the bright-line sits at $120 million, what should we do?
I doubt any competent drafter would make underselling by a specified amount a crime; it would invite underselling by one cent less. More likely would be a law making underselling by more than a de minimis amount a violation. The art of law drafting is to foresee such problems and write around them.
You are right about the “low bar” problem. Indeed, the problem is even serious and more complicated than some of the initial posts suggest. To put this in context, I think some background on the nature on the body making impeachment decisions (such as the NACC ability to find a prima facie case) is needed.
In an effort to minimize the discussion of politics and personalities (although some discussion is needed), I think it is best to start by describing how the body that appoints the NACC (the Thai Senate) is formed. Understanding this, helps understand why claims of bias are taken quite seriously. A bit of history about some of the players in this structure also helps.
The Thai Senate has exclusive power to appoint members of the NACC. This may not seem so extraordinary until you understand how members of the Thai Senate are selected. The Thai Senate consists of 150 senators. Of the 150 senators, 74 senators are appointed and 76 are elected (one for each province and one for Bangkok, which is not technically a province). This means that the appointed senators only need two elected senators to obtain a majority. And since the political strife in Thailand is largely along geographical lines, this essentially guarantees that if the appointed Senators tend to vote along the same lines in favor of a particular party or group, they can easily get two of the 76 elected Senators to join them. There are provinces that pretty much consistently vote for Thaksin aligned parties and provinces that pretty much consistently vote for the Democrats (who boycotted elections). The Asia Foundation has an excellent report and map demonstrating this here: http://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_19_October_2012/8.pdf. This is relevant to how the Senate exercises its power since even though the opposition Democrats have not been able win a majority of the electorate for the lower house for quite some time, they are pretty much assured of controlling the Senate if the appointed Senators tend to favor the Democrats (a claim often made), since the Democrats need to elect only two of the 76 elected senators to have a majority.
Now who appoints the appointed Senators and why is that relevant to impeachment proceedings based on corruption charges. This is where it gets very interesting.
A five member Senate Appointing Committee selects the appointed Senators. This committee consists of the (1) President of the Constitutional Court; (2) the Chairmen of the Election Commission; (3) the Chairmen of the State Audit Commission; (4) a Judge in the Supreme Court of Justice; and (5) a Judge of the Supreme Administrative Court. Interestingly, the first three positions are selected by the Senate. And it is often claimed that the appointed Senators and the second two positions have aligned politics and interests. Irrespective, with the Senate selecting the first three positions of the Senate Appointing Committee, it all begins to look a bit circular.
It could appear as though one group could effectively control the Thai Senate in perpetuity and that claim has been made. The structure certainly allows that. So who originally appointed the appointed authorities? In 2006 Thailand had a coup which ousted Thaksin from power and a new constitution was drafted that provided for, among other things, a semi-appointed constitution and enhanced the power of various “independant” agencies.
And this structure has been vigiriously defended. When the lower (fully elected) house voted for a fully elected Senate,the Constitutional Court quickly struck that ruling down as being incompatible with democracy. Yes, a fully elected Senate is not democratic. And bear in mind that the President of the Constitutional Court sits on the committee that appoints the appointed Senators.
The Senate also appoints the members of the NACC. And the impeachment proceedings are conducted by the Senate. This, perhaps, might help explain why there is a perception of bias.
Now when this structure for adjudicating impeachment claims is coupled with the ability to impeach on the basis of claims that might not ordinarly be considered corruption (negiligent administration?) and short conclusory decisions that don’t set out the rationale for a prima facie finding of corruption (or anything else), you can understand why the government expresses concern about the neutrality and fairness of the process.
Again, I am not taking sides in this battle, but I do think readers of this blog need to understand who is involved in the impeachment process and how the appointed bodies that decide questions of impeachment and corruption come to be appointed. It is in this context that claims are made that the government is being impeached for political decisions (what government doesn’t subsidize farmers?) rather than what we would recognize to beach impeachable matters.
Thanks for the very nice analysis of how the Thai Constitution operates. Reminiscent of the efforts of the drafters of the U.S. Constitution to mix a highly democratic lower house with an upper house appointed by state legislatures. No? | 2019-04-21T14:13:00Z | https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2014/03/12/bright-line-rules-a-way-to-reduce-the-risks-of-politicized-enforcement/?shared=email&msg=fail |
A tibial augment for use with a knee joint prosthesis, composed of annular members of different stock sizes, each size being configured to fit within a cavity formed in a human tibia. The augment may include a stepped distal surface. A provisional (temporary) tibial augment used to ensure a proper fit for the permanent augment is also provided. The provisional may include grooves configured to cooperate with a set of ribs on a tong-like holder used for removing the provisional from the cavity. A pusher for use implanting the tibial augment is also provided. In addition, a system for creating a cavity in a human tibia is also described. The system preferably includes a guide with a slot therein and a set of osteotomes that are inserted within different portions of the slot. Methods for using the tools and/or implanting the prosthetic devices discussed above are also described.
This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/225,774, filed Aug. 22, 2002, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/315,148, filed Aug. 27, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention also relates to the methods of using the tools and/or implanting the prosthetic devices discussed above.
FIG. 28 is a rear view of the osteotome of FIG. 26.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a first embodiment of the tibial augment of the present invention is shown. The tibial augment is preferably an annular member 10, and it is preferably made from a tantalum based porous material, such as Trabecular Metal™. Trabecular Metal™ is desirable because it resembles bone and approximates the physical and mechanical properties of bone better than other materials. Use of such a metal enables increased bonding with the adjacent bone by allowing the bone to grow into its highly porous surface. The tibial augment may also be made of other materials, and it is preferably made of a material that facilitates bony ingrowth.
The tibial augment 10 is anatomically sized and shaped to fill an existing cavitary defect within the proximal human tibia or a cavity prepared in the proximal portion of a human tibia. In the preferred embodiment, a system of different stock sizes of augments would be available, as discussed more fully below, with different sizes being used for different sized tibias. Further, if desired two augments of different sizes may be stacked upon each other if such stacking is necessary to fill the cavity.
As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the tibial augment 10 includes a proximal surface 12, a distal surface 14, an outer anterior surface 16, an inner anterior surface 18, an outer posterior surface 20, an inner posterior surface 22, an inner lateral surface 24, an outer lateral surface 26, an inner medial surface 28 and an outer medial surface 30. Of course, depending on which tibia (right or left) the augment is being implanted into, the surfaces designated as the medial and lateral surfaces will be reversed. However, since the augment is symmetric with respect to its lateral and medial sides, such distinctions are irrelevant, and the terms lateral and medial are being used for convenience of description only.
To mimic the portion of the tibia bone that the tibial augment is being implanted into, the outer lateral surface 26 is curved to define a continuous surface that connects the outer posterior surface 20 and the outer anterior surface 16. Likewise, the outer medial surface 30 is curved to define a continuous surface that connects the outer posterior surface 20 and the outer anterior surface 16. The outer anterior surface 16 is slightly curved and the outer posterior surface 20 is a generally planar surface.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, a majority of the annular member 10 is of a substantially uniform thickness, as most readily depicted by the hidden lines of FIGS. 3 and 4. The major exception to the uniform thickness is a channel 32, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which defines a reduced thickness portion. In the preferred embodiment, the thickness of the majority of the augment is preferably approximately 5 mm thick, and the thickness of the reduced thickness portion is preferably approximately 3 mm at its narrowest point. However, other dimensions are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. Although the preferred embodiment includes walls of a substantially uniform thickness, with a reduced thickness portion near channel 32, it is also contemplated that the walls could be tapered, in either direction, between the proximal and distal surfaces.
The reduced thickness portion is preferably included to provide a space for the stem of a stemmed tibial base plate of a knee joint prosthesis. One example of such a stemmed tibial base plate is shown in FIG. 8, which shows a knee joint prosthesis 100 that includes stemmed tibial base plate 102 with a stem 104 extending through the tibial augment 10. FIG. 8 also shows a tibial articulating surface 106 and a femoral component 108, which are also parts of the knee joint prosthesis 100. Although the present augment 10 is shown and described for use with a stemmed tibial base plate and includes a channel for accommodating the base plate's stem, it is contemplated that the present invention could also be used with other forms of base plates without stems, and therefore the channel could be omitted. Further, it is also contemplated that the inner surfaces of the tibial augment of the present invention could be modified to accommodate other designs of tibial base plates, such as pegged base plate designs.
As shown in FIG. 3, both the outer medial surface 30 and the outer lateral surface 26 have a distal taper (i.e. downward slope) of between approximately 8 degrees and approximately 30 degrees, with a taper of approximately 19 degrees being preferred. Such tapers replicate the tapers commonly found in corresponding areas of the proximal portions of human tibias. Since the thickness of the annular member 10 is generally uniform from its proximal side to its distal side, the inner medial surface 28 and the inner lateral surface 24 will also have the same taper as the outer lateral and medial surfaces.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the outer posterior surface 20 has a distal taper of less than approximately 17 degrees, with a taper of approximately 12 degrees being preferred. The outer anterior surface 16 is an essentially normal surface relative to the proximal surface 12. Like the tapers of the lateral and medial surfaces, those of the anterior and posterior surfaces were also chosen to mimic the tapers of the appropriate portions of a human tibia. Once again, due to the relatively uniform thickness, the tapers of the inner posterior and anterior surfaces (22 and 18, respectively) will be the same as those of the corresponding outer posterior and anterior surfaces (20 and 16, respectively).
Further two different heights of augments should be available, where the height is measured from the proximal surface 12 to the distal surface 14. In cases where the decay has only extended a small distance into the tibia, a shorter augment can be used than that needed where the decay has extended to a greater depth of the bone. As a general rule, as much healthy bone should be preserved as possible. However, if the decay is relatively deep, two augments of different sizes may be stacked upon each other. For example, a small augment may be stacked upon an extra small augment; a medium augment may be stacked upon a small augment; or a large augment may be stacked upon a medium augment. Due to the shapes of the outer peripheries of the augments, stacking essentially creates extensions of the outer lateral, medial, posterior and anterior surfaces.
It is believed that two different heights should be sufficient to remedy most tibial bone decay situations that are suitable for correction by implantation of a tibial augment. For example, augments could be available in 15 mm and 30 mm heights. However, more than two heights may also be produced, if desired. The tibial augment 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 is one example of an augment of the 30 mm height, and the tibial augment 40 shown in FIG. 5 is one example of an augment of the 15 mm height. The augment 40 of FIG. 5 is essentially the same as the augment 10 of FIGS. 1 through 4, except for the height thereof. Accordingly, the same index numbers have been used in FIG. 5 as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4.
Turning now to FIGS. 6A through 6C, three different stepped versions of a tibial augment are shown. More specifically, FIG. 6A shows stepped augment 50, FIG. 6B shows stepped augment 60 and FIG. 6C shows stepped augment 70. Since only the distal surface of the stepped augments is different from the augment of FIGS. 1 through 4, only that portion needs to be discussed. In addition, the same index numbers as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4 will be used for similar features found in FIGS. 6A through 6C.
FIG. 6A shows tibial augment 50, which includes a stepped distal surface 14 a/14 b with a transition surface 52 therebetween. As shown in the figure, distal surface 14 a is located at a greater distance from the proximal surface 12 than distal surface 14 b. In this embodiment, the transition surface 52 is located approximately midway between the outer medial surface 30 and the outer lateral surface 26.
A second embodiment of a stepped tibial augment is shown in FIG. 6B, as represented by tibial augment 60. In this embodiment, as in the FIG. 6A embodiment, distal surface 14 a is located at a greater distance from the proximal surface 12 than distal surface 14 b. The main difference between this embodiment and the FIG. 6A embodiment is the location of the transition surface 52. In this embodiment, the transition surface 52 is located closer to the outer lateral surface 26 than to the outer medial surface 30.
FIG. 6C shows a third embodiment of a stepped tibial augment 70. In this embodiment, as in the embodiments of FIG. 6A and 6B, distal surface 14 a is located at a greater distance from the proximal surface 12 than distal surface 14 b. The main difference between this embodiment and the other two embodiments is the location of the transition surface 52. In this embodiment, the transition surface 52 is located closer to the outer medial surface 30 than to the outer lateral surface 26.
Suggested heights for the stepped tibial augments of FIGS. 6A through 6C are 15 mm and 30 mm (as measured from the proximal surface 12 to the distal surfaces 14 b and 14 a, respectively). Of course, other heights are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.
FIG. 7 shows an example of a human tibia 80 into which a cavity 82 has been prepared or formed in a proximal portion thereof. The cavity 82 of this example has a flat base 84, so it is suitable for tibial augments with flat distal surfaces, such as those depicted in FIGS. 1 through 5. However, those of ordinary skill in the art should be able to adapt the flat base 84 into a stepped base using the cavity forming techniques described hereinbelow.
The tibia 80 of FIG. 7 is shown in a state prior to implantation of a tibial augment and a knee joint prosthesis. More specifically, the extreme proximal portion of the tibia 80 has been removed. Normally, most, if not all, of the removed proximal portion will be damaged tibial bone. However, a small amount of healthy bone may also need to be removed at the same time in order to provide a relatively flat surface upon which the flat-bottomed tibial base plate 102 (FIG. 8) can be seated.
Either prior to removing the extreme proximal portion 86, or immediately after removing it (depending upon which surgical techniques are used), an intramedullary rod 88 may be inserted and used to define the relationship between the knee prosthesis stem and the tibial augment.
An example of a tibial augment 10 that has been implanted into a human tibia is shown in FIG. 8. This figure shows how the tibial augment 10 that is seated within a cavity, such as cavity 82 of FIG. 7, is positioned directly distal of the stemmed tibial base plate 102. Preferably, the tibial base plate 102 is cemented to the tibial augment 10. The remainder of the components of the knee joint prosthesis 100 (the articulating surface 106, the femoral component 108, etc.) are all implanted in the customary manner. It should be noted that although only one form of knee joint prosthesis has been shown and described, the tibial augments of the present invention can be used with other types of knee joint prostheses.
FIG. 9 shows an example of a provisional tibial augment 90, which is a temporary augment used as a test to ensure that the permanent augment will fit properly within the cavity. Although only one size provisional is shown and described, provisional augments should be made to correspond to every size of tibial augment, including the stepped augments. There are two main differences between the provisional augment 90 and the permanent augments of FIGS. 1 through 6C.
First, the provisional augment 90 may be made of a material which indicates the bony areas of the provisional so that the surgeon can visualize how the augment fits within the cavity. For example, the provisional may be made of a transparent or photo-elastic material. One example of a suggested material for the provisional is polyphenylsulfone, although other materials are also contemplated.
Second, provisional augments preferably include a set of grooves 92/94 on the inner medial surface 28 and the inner lateral surface 24. These grooves 92 and 94 extend in the generally lateral/medial direction, and are configured to cooperate with ribs 96 on holder 110 shown in FIG. 10. The holder 110 is designed to facilitate insertion and removal of the provisional augment 90 to/from the cavity 82 (FIG. 7) in order to determine that there is a proper fit between the cavity and the provisional augment (and therefore there is necessarily a proper fit with the permanent augment also, since both the provisional and the permanent augment are the same size and shape).
The holder 110 includes two flexible legs 112 that extend in one direction (to the left, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) to a body portion 114 that is topped with a crown portion 116. As shown towards the right-hand sides of FIGS. 10 and 11, each leg 112 connects with a shoulder portion 118. Each shoulder portion 118 in turn extends into a finger portion 120, upon which the ribs 96 are situated. The lowermost surfaces of the shoulders 118 each include a stop surface 122, which is used to align the holder 110 with the proximal surface 12 of the provisional 90 (FIG. 9) to facilitate the mating of the ribs 96 of the holder 110 with the grooves 92 and 94 of the provisional 90.
The holder 110 is preferably made of stainless steel, but it is contemplated that it may also be fabricated from plastic. A key consideration when selecting material is that the legs 112 must be flexible enough to be able to be biased inwardly towards each other with light force applied from the surgeon's thumb and forefinger, but they must also be resilient enough to return to their original positions when the force is removed.
In use, the legs 112 of the holder 110 are flexed inwardly by the surgeon, and the fingers 120 are inserted into the interior of the provisional 90 (which is an annular member). Once the stops 122 contact the proximal surface 12 of the provisional, the ribs 96 of the holder should be face to face with the grooves 92 and 94 of the provisional 90. Pressure on the legs 112 can now be released, and the legs 112 will flex outwardly until the ribs 96 mate with the grooves 92 and 94. At this point, the holder 110 can be moved (such as by holding the crown portion 116 and/or by the body portion 114), and the provisional 90 will remain attached to the holder 110, for inserting/removing the provisional 90 to/from the cavity 82 (FIG. 7).
One important feature of the holder 110 is that it can be disengaged from the provisional without affecting the position of the provisional. Thus, once the provisional is seated in the desired position, the legs 112 can be squeezed together, and the holder 110 can be removed without disrupting the position of the provisional.
Only one size holder 110 has been shown, but it should be understood that since the ribs of the holder are specifically configured to make contact with the grooves on the inner surfaces of a provisional tibial augment, a different sized holder is necessary for each different sized provisional. However, since the grooves are near the proximal surface of the each provisional, no additional holder needs to be fabricated for a provisional that has the same sized proximal surface as another provisional. In the preferred set of augments and provisionals, there are six basic sizes—(1) extra small with 15 mm height; (2) small with 15 mm height; (3) medium with 15 mm height; (4) medium with 30 mm height; and (5) large with 15 mm height and (6) large with 30 mm height. However, in the preferred embodiment, the 30 mm height medium-sized provisional (or augment) is essentially a 15 mm height medium-sized provisional (augment) stacked upon a 15 mm height small-sized provisional (augment). Similarly, in the preferred embodiment, the 30 mm height large-sized provisional (or augment) is essentially a 15 mm large-sized provisional (augment) stacked upon a 15 mm medium-sized provisional (augment). Thus, the 30 mm height medium-sized provisional can employ the same holder as the 15 mm medium-sized provisional (since they have the same proximal dimensions), and the 30 mm large-sized provisional can employ the same holder as the 15 mm large-sized provisional. Accordingly, in the preferred set of six differently sized provisionals, only four holders are utilized because one holder does double duty for both the 30 mm medium provisional and the 15 mm medium provisional, and another holder does double duty for both the 30 mm large provisional and the 15 mm large provisional.
Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, a second embodiment of the holder will be shown and described. The second embodiment of the holder, which will be designated as holder 111, is adjustable so that it can be used with provisionals of a variety of different sizes, as well as with provisionals other than tibial augment provisionals, such as femoral provisionals. Holder 111 includes a body portion 113 that serves as a handle and may optionally include a ribbed surface 115 that allows for a more secure grip. The body portion 113, which defines a longitudinal axis (a vertical axis as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13), is connected to a pair of legs 117. These legs 117 are each preferably L-shaped, and are preferably attached to the lower portion of the body portion 113 by welding (although other attaching means, such as screws, may be used instead). On the other hand, if desired, the legs 117 and the body portion 113 may be formed as a single unit, such as by casting, which will eliminate the need for any attaching means for connecting the legs with the body portion. When viewed together, the body portion 113 and the legs 117 define a generally fork-shaped component, as shown in FIG. 13.
Each of the legs 117 includes a finger 119 connected thereto. The fingers 119 are preferably connected to the legs 117 via an externally threaded shaft 121. The threaded shaft 121 is divided in half such that one half is threaded in one direction and the other half is threaded in the opposite direction. Each of the fingers includes an internally threaded aperture 123 that is configured to mate with the associated portion of the threaded shaft 121. Thus, when knob 125 is turned in one direction, the threaded shaft 121 will rotate within threaded apertures 123, which will cause the fingers 119 to separate from each other, and when the knob is turned in the other direction, the fingers 119 will move towards each other. For example, the threaded shaft 121 could be configured such that clockwise rotation of the knob 125 will cause the fingers 119 to move closer together and counterclockwise rotation will cause the fingers to move farther apart (or, if desired, it could be configured in the opposite manner, where clockwise rotation causes greater separation and counterclockwise rotation reduces the separation distance). As shown in FIG. 13, each of the fingers 119 preferably includes a thickened portion 129, which serves to increase the contact area between the threaded aperture 123 and the threaded shaft 121. Thickened portions 129 also provide stops that prevent the fingers 119 from coming too close together.
For the purpose of connecting the threaded shaft 121 to the legs 117, each of the legs preferably includes an open-ended slot 127 for receiving the ends of the shaft, which are preferably not threaded. After one end of the threaded shaft 121 has been inserted into each slot 127, a small metal block is welded to each slot to close its open-end, which serves to maintain the threaded shaft in position, while still allowing rotation of the threaded shaft with respect to the legs. Of course, other methods of attaching the threaded shaft 121 to the legs 117 are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.
A secondary shaft 131 is also provided in parallel with the threaded shaft 121. The secondary shaft 131 is preferably not threaded, and is provided in order to prevent the fingers 119 from rotating with respect to the legs 117 when the threaded shaft 121 is rotated. The fingers 119 are connected to the secondary shaft 131 via a pair of apertures 133 (where one aperture extends through each finger), which allows the fingers to slide along, as well as rotate with respect to, the secondary shaft 131. Optionally, in order to alleviate possible binding as the fingers 119 travel along the secondary shaft 131, the secondary shaft may be slightly tapered from the center thereof. For example, the center portion 135 may be made of full diameter, and extending outwardly therefrom towards the legs 117, the secondary shaft 131 may include a one degree taper (although tapers of different degrees may also be provided), with the ends seated within apertures 133 preferably being of the same diameter as the center portion 135. Preferably, the secondary shaft 131 is welded in place at the apertures 133, although other ways of attaching the secondary shaft to the legs may also be used. Additionally, other means of preventing the fingers 119 from rotating with respect to the threaded shaft are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. For example, the legs and/or the body portion may include some form of protrusion extending therefrom for preventing rotation of the fingers 119 with respect to the legs 117, but which still permits the fingers to move sideways (i.e., towards and away from each other) with respect to the legs. As another example, the upper portions of the fingers 119 may be configured to include forks that extend upwardly to straddle the legs 117 and/or the lower portion of the body portion 113.
Each of the fingers 119 also includes a rib 137, and they also each preferably include a stop surface 139. As with holder 110 of FIGS. 10 and 11, the ribs 137 of holder 111 are configured to mate with the grooves 92 and 94 of the provisional 90 (FIG. 9) for inserting and removing the provisional to/from the cavity, and the stop surfaces 139 are used to align the holder 111 with the proximal surface 12 of the provisional 90 to facilitate mating the ribs of the holder with the grooves of the provisional.
The holder 111 is preferably made of stainless steel or of another metal, but other materials may be used for all or for only some of the components. For example, plastic may be used for certain parts such as the body portion 113, the knob 125 and the secondary shaft 131, while a metal or other different material may be used for the remaining components.
In order to accommodate many different sizes of tibial augment provisionals, as well other types of provisionals (such as femoral provisionals), the spacing of the fingers 119 should be able to be adjusted so that the fingers are far enough apart to enable the ribs 137 to engage with the grooves of the largest provisional, as well as to be adjusted to be close enough together for use with the smallest provisional. For example, a distance of approximately two inches between the outer surfaces of the fingers 119 when separated at the maximum distance and a distance of approximately three quarters of an inch when separated at the minimum distance should be sufficient for most uses. Of course, these dimensions are only provided as a suggestion, and other dimensions may also be used.
In use, the knob 125 is rotated to separate the fingers 119 by a distance that is less than the distance that separates the grooves of the provisional being acted upon (such as grooves 92 and 94 of provisional 90 in FIG. 9). The stop surface 139 is positioned upon the proximal surface of the provisional, and the ribs 137 of the holder are aligned with the grooves 92 and 94 of the provisional 90 (FIG. 9). The knob 125 is again rotated to make the ribs 137 engage the grooves 92 and 92, and the provisional 90 is inserted into the cavity 82 (FIG. 7). The holder 111 can be disengaged from the provisional 90 by rotating the knob 125 to bring the fingers 119 closer together, separating the ribs 137 from the grooves 92 and 94. One important feature of the holder 111 is that is allows the ribs to be disengaged from the grooves without significantly altering the location of the provisional within the cavity. When the provisional 90 is to be removed from the cavity 82, the holder 111 is again used in the manner described above.
Turning now to FIGS. 14 through 17, these figures show an example of a tibial augment pusher 130, which is used to seat a tibial augment within the cavity of the proximal portion of the tibia. The pusher 130 (or one of the holders) may also be used in conjunction with the provisional tibial augment as a tamp. In situations where a bone graft is necessary to fill a void within the tibia in preparation for receiving the provisional tibial augment within the cavity, the void could be filled with morselized bone and the provisional tibial augment (in combination with a holder or pusher) could be used to tamp the morselized bone into place.
As also shown in the magnified portion of FIG. 17, the proximal surface 12 of the augment 10 contacts the planar surface 140 of the platform portion 138, which provides a surface from which the surgeon can apply light pressure to the augment 10 to align, locate, and to seat it within the cavity 82 (FIG. 7). As can be seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the planar surface 140 is provided upon the platform portion 138 at the interface between the platform portion 138 and the head portion 136.
Since the shape of the head portion 136 mimics the shape of the interior surfaces of the augment 10, it follows that the head portion 136 should have a taper of approximately 19 degrees (+/−3 degrees) at the surface that corresponds to the inner medial and lateral surfaces (as shown in FIG. 17), and that it should have a taper of approximately 12 degrees (+/−3 degrees) at the surface that corresponds to the inner posterior surface (as shown in FIG. 16). Further, as also shown in FIG. 16, the surface of the head portion 136 that corresponds to the inner anterior surface is not tapered, but is instead substantially perpendicular to the platform portion 138.
In order to properly orient a tibial augment 10 within a cavity, the pusher 130 must have a head portion 136 that is appropriately shaped, as discussed above, and the head portion must also be appropriately sized. Thus, as with the provisional holders 110 discussed earlier, a number of pushers may be provided for the set of augments. For example, if there are four sizes of augments (extra small, small, medium and large), with two heights available (15 mm and 30 mm) for the medium and the large sizes only, then there is a total of six differently sized augments. Accordingly, as with the provisional holders 110, there should also be four differently sized pushers—one pusher for the 15 mm extra small augment; one for the 15 mm small augment; one for the 15 mm medium augment, the 30 mm medium augment, and the medium stepped augments; and one for the 15 large augment, the 30 mm large augment, and the large stepped augments.
In its preferred form, each pusher 130 is preferably made with an aluminum handle portion 132 and an acetyl seating portion 134. However, other materials can also be used. For example, the seating portion could be made from various polymers or metals and the handle portion could be made of a different metal or from plastic.
Turning now to FIGS. 18 through 28, a guide and several associated osteotomes that are all used to create a cavity in the tibia are shown and will be described next. One important aspect of the present invention is that the cavity formed in the tibia (such as cavity 82 of FIG. 7) must be carefully created so that the tibial augment fits as precisely as possible. Among the advantages of a precise fit is that the more precise the fit, the greater the stability of the implant. Accordingly, the present invention includes tools and a method of creating a cavity of the proper size and shape. Although only one method of creating the cavity will be shown and described, other methods may also be used as a supplement to or in place of the method described. For example, a rasp technique may be used to either create the cavity or to make fine adjustments to a cavity created by another method. With such a technique, a rasp shaped like a tibial augment (with a rasp-like outer surface and a handle) is used to remove the bone and form the cavity (or to make fine adjustments to the shape of the cavity).
FIG. 18 shows a preferred embodiment of a guide 142 with a first curved osteotome 144 inserted into a portion of a slot 146 formed within the guide 142. FIG. 25 shows a second curved osteotome 148 (inserted into the guide 142), and FIG. 26 shows a straight osteotome 150 (also inserted into the guide 142). As the following description will show, all three different osteotomes (144, 148 and 150) are required to form the cavity 82 (FIG. 7) because of the configuration of the slot 146, which is specifically configured to properly orient the osteotomes to create a cavity that corresponds to the tibial augment being implanted therein. The osteotomes 144, 148 and 150 are preferably made of stainless steel, although other materials are also contemplated.
Turning first to FIGS. 18, 21 and 22, the first curved osteotome 144 includes a handle 152 with a crown 154 at the top end thereof. The curved osteotome 144 also includes a cutting portion 156 attached to the handle 152, and the cutting portion includes a tapered edge 158 at its far end and a plurality of first (or distal) stops 160 for hindering the cutting portion from extending into the slot 146 of the guide 142 past a predetermined distance. The cutting portion 156 of the osteotome 144 also includes at least one second (or proximal) stop 162. As described more fully below, the slot 146 in the guide 142 preferably includes a plurality of cutouts 147 (FIG. 19), which allow the distal stops 160 to pass through in order to use the proximal stop 162.
The proximal stop 162 is placed at a greater distance from the tapered edge 158 than the distal stops 160, as can be seen in FIGS. 21 and 22. The use of such staggered stops allows a single osteotome to be used to make two different cavities of two different depths, depending upon which stop is used and also depending upon which size guide is used. Thus, for example, assuming that tibial augments are provided in two different heights (such as 15 mm and 30 mm), accommodations must be made to provide cavities of two different depths (15 mm and 30 mm) so that the depth of the cavity coincides with the height of the tibial augment being placed therein. When a shallow cavity is needed, the set of osteotomes is inserted into the same sized guide (e.g., the set of small osteotomes is used with the small guide, etc.) whereby the exterior stops 160 contact a planar top surface 143 of the guide, hindering the cutting portion 156 from extending further into the guide, and accordingly hindering further extension into the bone. By inserting the set of osteotomes into the same sized guide, distal stops 160 do not mate with cutouts 147, and therefore stops 160 do not pass through cutouts 147. On the other hand, if a deep cavity is needed, the same set of osteotomes are inserted into the incrementally larger guide (e.g. the small osteotomes are used with the medium guide), whereby the distal stops 160 pass through cutouts 147 and the proximal stop 162 contacts the planar top surface 143 of the guide, hindering the cutting portion 156 from extending further into the guide, and accordingly hindering further extension into the bone. The distal and proximal stops of the other osteotomes function in a similar manner. Although in the examples provided the distal and proximal stops have been shown and described as being on the radially exterior sides of the osteotomes, some or all of the stops may be provided on the radially interior sides of the osteotomes. Of course, if all stops are provided on the radially interior sides of the osteotomes, then the cutouts 147 on the guide 142 would have to be changed to be on the radially interior side of the slot 146. Additionally, if the distal stops are provided on the radially exterior side of the osteotome and the proximal stops are provided on the radially interior side (or vice versa), then the cutouts 17 could be omitted, if desired, as long as the slot was made wide enough to accept the cutting portion 156 including the stops.
As mentioned above, FIG. 25 shows an example of a second curved osteotome 148. The second curved osteotome 148 is very similar to the first curved osteotome 144 in that it also includes a handle 164, a crown 166, and a cutting portion 168 with a tapered edge 170 and a plurality of distal stops 172, as well as at least one proximal stop 174.
Although it appears as though the first curved osteotome 144 and the second curved osteotome 148 are identical to each other, but are just shown in different orientations, in actuality, they are mirror images of each other. More specifically, the front cutting area 176 of the first curved osteotome 144 and the front cutting area 178 of the second curved osteotome 148 each have no inclination, which corresponds to the outer anterior surface 16 of the tibial augment 10 (FIG. 4) that also has no incline. Similarly, since the outer posterior surface 20 preferably has an incline of approximately 12 degrees (although inclines within the range of between about 0 to about 17 degrees may also be used), as shown in FIG. 4, the posterior cutting area 184 of the first curved osteotome 144 and the posterior cutting area 186 of the second curved osteotome 148 is also provided with an incline of 12 degrees (or a corresponding incline within the range of about 0 to about 17 degrees, depending upon the exact degree of incline provided to the anterior surface of the tibial augment). Likewise, the outer medial surface 30 and the outer lateral surface 26 of the tibial augment 10 are preferably inclined at 19 degrees (or within the range of between about 8 to about 30 degrees), as shown in FIG. 3, the side cutting area 180 of first curved osteotome 144 and the side cutting area 182 of second curved osteotome 148 are also inclined at 19 degrees (or at whatever selected angle between 8 and 30 degrees that the outer lateral and outer medial surfaces of the augment are provided at). FIGS. 23 and 24 also show how cutting portion 156 is a mirror image of cutting portion 168. Accordingly, the second curved osteotome 148 is not interchangeable with the first curved osteotome 144.
FIGS. 26 through 28 show straight osteotome 150. Like the other osteotomes, the straight osteotome includes a handle 188, a crown 190, and a cutting portion 192 with a tapered edge 194, distal stops 196, and at least one proximal stop 198. As shown in FIG. 27, the cutting portion 192 is preferably inclined with respect to the handle. This degree of incline corresponds to the degree of incline of the outer posterior surface 20 of the tibial augment 10 (FIG. 4). Thus, in the preferred embodiment, there is an incline of approximately 12 degrees. However, inclines of between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 17 degrees are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention, as well as other degrees of incline. The orientation of the cutting portion 192 with respect to the handle 188 of this osteotome, as well as the other osteotomes, is intended to allow for the proper cutting angle when the handle is held perpendicular to the tibial surface within which the cavity 82 (FIG. 7) has been formed.
Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 18 through 20, 25 and 26, the guide 142 is also provided so that the proper cutting orientation of the osteotomes is maintained, which thereby aids in making a cavity with sidewalls of inclines that correspond to the inclines on the outer surfaces of the tibial augment. As mentioned earlier, the guide 142 includes a slot 146 for guiding the cutting portions (156, 168, 192) of the osteotomes (144, 148, 150). Each portion of the slot 146 is made with a particular incline that matches the incline of the corresponding outer surface of the tibial augment associated therewith. Thus, for example, as shown in hidden lines in FIG. 18, the slot's lateral portion 200 and the slot's medial portion 202 are inclined, respectively, to match the slopes of the outer lateral surface 26 and the outer medial surface 30 of the tibial augment 10, which in the preferred embodiment is a 19 degree incline. Likewise, the slot's posterior portion 204 and its anterior portion 206 are also configured to correspond of the incline of, respectively, the outer posterior surface 20 and the outer anterior surface 16 of the tibial augment 10. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the slot's posterior portion 204 will be inclined at approximately 12 degrees and the slot's anterior portion 206 will have no incline.
The guide 142 also includes a securing arrangement that is used to secure the guide to the bone within which the cavity is being formed. The securing arrangement includes an aperture 208 that is configured to receive the intramedullary rod 88 (FIG. 7), which serves as both a reference point for the guide and as the stable member that the guide is secured upon. The securing arrangement also includes a threaded hole 210 (FIG. 18) that is configured to receive a setscrew 212 (FIG. 19), which is comprised of a head 214 and a threaded shaft 216. Alternately, the setscrew could also be replaced with a thumbscrew or the head could be replaced with a lever or small handle to facilitate tightening without the need for a screwdriver. The threaded hole 210 is preferably made within a collar 218, which allows for additional length of the setscrew 212, and also allows for also easier access to the head of the setscrew, which may be necessary, especially if a thumbscrew of other similar component is used in place of the setscrew.
The slot 146 of the guide 142 is not annular, but instead includes a gap near its anterior portion 206, as best shown in FIG. 19. This gap is where the threaded shaft 216 of the setscrew extends through the guide. If this gap in the slot 146 were not present, there is a chance that the threaded shaft 216 of the setscrew could accidentally be damaged if an osteotome were inserted into the slot at this area. Damaging the setscrew could result in misalignment of the guide with respect to the bone, or it could make it difficult to remove the guide from the intramedullary rod 88.
To further clarify this point, the following specific examples are provided. Assume that one intends to prepare a cavity suitable for the medium sized augment (of either 15 mm height or 30 mm height). First, for either case (15 mm or 30 mm), the medium sized guide 142 is affixed to the intramedullary rod 88. For creating a 15 mm depth cavity for the medium augment, medium osteotome 144 is inserted into the correspondingly sized medium guide, whereby the distal stop 160 contacts the planar top surface 143 of the guide, hindering the cutting portion 156 from extending further into the guide, past the desired 15 mm depth. The other medium osteotomes are also used in the same manner, with the stops operating in a similar manner to create a 15 mm depth cavity for the 15 mm medium augment.
To create a 30 mm depth cavity for the 30 mm medium augment, the set of small osteotomes (i.e., the osteotomes of one incremental size smaller than the augment) would be inserted into the appropriate position of the slot 146, instead of using the medium osteotomes discussed above. When small osteotome 144 is appropriately inserted into the incrementally larger medium guide, the distal stop 160 passes through the medium guide cutout 147, allowing the cutting portion 156 of the osteotome to extend further into the bone until the proximal stop 162 contacts the planar top surface 143 of the guide. The contact of the proximal stop 162 with the top planar surface hinders the cutting portion from extending further into the guide than the desired 30 mm, and accordingly hinders further extension into the bone. (On the other hand, if small osteotome 144 is inserted into the correspondingly sized small guide, the distal stop 160 contacts the planar top surface 143 of the guide, hindering the cutting portion of the 156 from extending further into the guide so that a 15 mm deep cavity can be created). The distal and proximal stops of the other small osteotomes function in a similar manner, and a 30 mm depth cavity for the medium augment is created by using all three small osteotomes with the medium guide.
To form a cavity in the proximal portion of the tibia, an appropriately sized guide 142 and an appropriately sized set of osteotomes are selected. After the intramedullary rod 88 (FIG. 7) has been implanted within the tibia 80, the aperture 208 of the guide 142 is slid over the intramedullary rod 88, and the guide 142 is secured in place by tightening the setscrew 212. It should be noted that the aperture 208 is preferably triangular, as best shown in FIG. 19, which allows for the intramedullary rod 88 to have an increasingly secure fit as the setscrew is tightened because of the way the rod is seated at the apex of the triangle.
Once the guide 142 is securely attached to intramedullary rod 88, one of the appropriately sized osteotomes, such as the first curved osteotome 144, is inserted into the appropriate position of the slot 146. More specifically, the first curved osteotome 144 is inserted into portion 200 of the slot 146. It should be noted that the osteotomes may be used in any desired order.
As discussed above, the desired depth of cavity is formed by using the appropriate combination of a particularly sized set of osteotomes with an appropriately sized guide, whereby either proximal stops 198 or distal stops 196 are utilized to result in a cut of an appropriate depth. Also, if one of the stepped tibial augments shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C is intended to be implanted, cuts of one depth may be made at one area of the cavity and cuts of another depth may be made at another area in order to form an appropriate cavity with a stepped bottom to accommodate the stepped distal surface 14 a/14 b of FIGS. 6A through 6C.
Next, one of the other osteotomes, such as the straight osteotome 150 (FIGS. 26-28), is inserted into the appropriate portion of the slot. As shown in FIG. 26, the straight osteotome 150 is inserted into the slot's posterior portion 204 (best seen in FIG. 19). As described above, the appropriate stop, or stops, (either proximal stop 198 or distal stops 196) is/are utilized to result in a cut of the appropriate depth.
Finally, the remaining osteotome, which in this case is the second curved osteotome 148 (FIG. 25), is inserted into the appropriate portion of the slot 146, which in this case is the medial portion 202 (FIG. 19). As with the other osteotomes, the appropriate stop, or stops, (either proximal stop 174 or distal stops 172) is/are utilized to result in a cut of the appropriate depth. After all three osteotomes have been used, the guide 142 may be removed from the intramedullary rod 80 by loosening the setscrew 218 and sliding the guide upwardly and off of the intramedullary rod. At this point, the bone to be removed should be cut to the desired depth, and it merely needs to be taken from the site to form the cavity 82 (FIG. 7). If necessary, an additional cut may need to be made with the straight osteotome 150, or one of the other osteotomes, at the area below the gap in the slot 146, between the two edges of the anterior portion 206 (FIG. 19). However, the decayed bone at that area may is simply fall from the peripheral bone without requiring an additional cut. Once the bone is completely removed from within the cut area formed by the osteotomes, a cavity that corresponds to the tibial augment being inserted therein should result.
After forming the cavity, which alternatively could be formed using the rasp technique mentioned earlier, as well as by other known techniques, the provisional augment 90 (FIG. 9) may be temporarily implanted to determine whether the cavity is properly sized, or if additional bone needs to be removed. The provisional may be inserted either with the aid of one of the holders 110 or 111 (FIGS. 10 and 12) or by using one of the pushers 130 (FIG. 14), or with a combination of both a holder and a pusher. At this point, the provisional 90 may also be used to trial the locations of the tibial base plate provisionals (or the provisionals of the tibial tray and stem). After the fit is adequately tested with the provisional 90, it can be removed by using the provisional holder 110 or 111 in the manner previously described. Then, the permanent tibial augment, such as augment 10 of FIG. 1, is inserted using the pusher 130 (FIG. 12). After properly seating the augment within the cavity, cement is applied to the proximal surface 12 of the augment, and the stemmed tibial base plate 102 (FIG. 8) is attached to the augment and to the peripheral bone remaining around the cavity. Then, the remainder of the knee joint prosthesis 100 is attached using any desired method, and the surgical procedure continues in the customary manner.
said outer posterior surface being a generally planer surface.
2. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said annular member is sized to fit, at least partially, within a cavity formed in a proximal portion of a human tibia.
3. The tibial augment defined uniform thickness, whereby each outer surface of said substantially uniform in claim 1, wherein at least a majority portion of said annular member is of a substantially thickness majority portion is spaced a substantially constant distance from each associated inner surface.
4. The tibial augment defined in claim 3, wherein said inner anterior surface includes a distal/proximal extending channel therein, thereby defining a reduced thickness portion.
5. The tibial augment defined in claim 4, wherein said majority portion of a substantially uniform thickness is approximately 5 mm thick and said reduced thickness portion is approximately 3 mm thick at the narrowest point thereof.
6. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said inner anterior surface includes a distal/proximal extending channel therein, thereby defining a reduced thickness portion.
7. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said annular member is composed of a tantalum based porous metal.
8. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said outer posterior surface has a distal taper of less than approximately 17°.
9. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said outer medial surface and said outer lateral surface each have a distal taper of between approximately 8° and approximately 30°.
10. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said outer anterior surface has essentially no distal taper.
11. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, further comprising a stepped distal surface, thereby defining a first distal surface and a second distal surface with a transition surface therebetween, wherein said first distal surface is located at a greater distance from said proximal surface than said second distal surface.
12. The tibial augment defined in claim 11, wherein said transition surface is located midway between said outer lateral surface and said outer medial surface.
13. The tibial augment defined in claim 11, wherein said transition surface is located closer to said outer lateral surface than to said outer medial surface.
14. The tibial augment defined in claim 11, wherein said transition surface is located closer to said outer medial surface than to said outer lateral surface.
15. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said annular member is composed of a material that is substantially transparent to provide an indication of bony contact when said annular member is used as a provisional.
16. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, wherein said annular member is made of a photo-elastic material that provides an indication of bony contact when said annular member is used as a provisional.
17. The tibial augment defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one set of generally lateral/medial extending grooves formed on at least two opposing inner surfaces of said annular member to facilitate insertion and removal of the tibial augment when used as a provisional.
18. The tibial augment defined in claim 17, wherein said at least one set of generally lateral/medial extending grooves are formed on said inner lateral surface and said inner medial surface; and further wherein said annular member is composed of a material that is substantially transparent.
a plurality of differently-sized tibial augments, wherein each said tibial augment is an annular member that is substantially shaped as a truncated cone with a generally oblongated oval cross-section that is symmetric about its minor axis, each of said annular members being sized to fit within a cavity of a corresponding size formed in a proximal portion of a human tibia of an appropriate size.
21. The implant system as defined in claim 20, wherein at least one pusher of said plurality of pushers is configured for use with more than one size of said differently sized tibial augments.
an augment seating portion, connected to one end of said handle portion, wherein said augment seating portion is configured and arranged to seat a tibial augment of at least one particular size.
a plurality of osteotomes configured and arranged to cooperate with each of said guides, said osteotomes and said guides being configured and arranged to create an appropriately sized cavity within a proximal portion of a human tibia for implanting an appropriately sized tibial augment therein.
a plurality of differently-sized provisional tibial augments, with one of said provisional tibial augments corresponding in size and shape to each of said tibial augments, and each of said provisional tibial augments being composed of a material that is substantially transparent.
a plurality of differently-sized holders, configured for use with said provisional tibial augments, each of said holders including a plurality of ribs, with each of said ribs being configured and arranged to correspond to one of said grooves on said provisional tibial augment, such that an appropriately sized one of said holders is capable of holding one of said provisional tibial augments during removal of said provisional tibial augment from a cavity formed within a proximal portion of a human tibia.
attaching a tibial portion of a knee joint prosthesis to said tibial augment.
selecting an appropriately sized tibial augment from a group of differently sized tibial augments.
during said step of preparing or creating said cavity, a guide and a set of osteotomes are utilized to form said cavity, said guide including a slot with different portions thereof configured for accepting different osteotomes of said set of osteotomes.
29. The method of correcting for tibial defects, as defined in claim 26, further comprising the step of inserting a second tibial augment within said cavity, wherein said second tibial augment is stacked upon said tibial augment originally inserted within said cavity.
30. The method for correcting for tibial defects, as defined in claim 26, wherein prior to said step of inserting a tibial augment within said cavity, a provisional tibial augment is temporarily inserted into said cavity.
31. The method for correcting for tibial defects, as defined in claim 30, further comprising the step of using said provisional tibial augment as a tamp to tamp a bone graft into position.
an augment seating portion, connected to one end of said handle portion, wherein said augment seating portion is configured and arranged to seat at least one particularly sized tibial augment.
said head portion including a plurality of tapered surfaces, such that a cross-section of said head portion decreases with increasing distance from said generally planar surface of said head portion.
at least one stop for hindering penetration of said cutting portion into said bone past a predetermined distance.
35. The osteotome as defined in claim 34, wherein said at least one stop includes two stops, with one of said stops being configured for hindering penetration of said cutting portion into said bone past a first predetermined distance and with the other one of said stops being configured for hindering penetration of said cutting portion into said bone past a second predetermined distance.
one of said stops is configured to cooperate with a guide of a first size and the other of said stops is configured to cooperate with a guide of a second size, where said second size is different from said first size.
37. The osteotome as defined in claim 34, wherein said cutting portion is curved into an arc shape.
said cutting portion is generally planar, with said plane defined by said generally planar cutting portion being situated at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said handle portion.
39. The osteotome as defined in claim 35, wherein said osteotome is configured and sized to create a cavity in a proximal portion of a human tibia.
a securing arrangement to secure said guide to the bone within which the cavity is being created, said securing arrangement securing said guide such that said generally planar lower surface faces the bone within which a cavity is being created.
an aperture with a central axis extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said generally planar lower surface, wherein said aperture is configured to accept an intramedullary rod.
a setscrew configured to extend through said threaded hole and to contact the intramedullary rod such that said guide is retained in position with respect to the intramedullary rod within said aperture.
43. The guide as defined in claim 41, wherein said aperture is generally triangular-shaped, and said aperture extends completely through said guide from said generally planar lower surface to said upper surface.
44. The guide as defined in claim 40, wherein portions of said generally C-shaped slot are tapered inwardly toward said generally planar lower surface.
a set of osteotomes configured and arranged to be inserted within said generally C-shaped slot of said guide.
46. The system according to claim 45, wherein each of said osteotomes within said set includes at least one stop for hindering penetration of a cutting portion of said osteotome into said bone past a predetermined distance by contacting a surface of said upper surface of said guide adjacent to said C-chapped slot.
47. The system as defined in claim 46 wherein said at least one stop on each of said osteotomes within said set includes two stops, with one of said stops being configured for hindering penetration of said cutting portion into said bone past a first predetermined distance and with the other one of said stops being configured for hindering penetration of said cutting portion into said bone past a second predetermined distance.
a rib extending outwardly from each of said fingers, each of said ribs extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said body portion, wherein said ribs are configured and arranged to correspond to grooves on an inner surface of a provisional augment.
49. The holder as defined in claim 48, further comprising a pair of stops configured and arranged to be seated upon a proximal surface of the provisional augment, whereby said stops serve as locators for properly locating said ribs of said holder with respect to the grooves of the provisional augment.
50. The holder as defined in claim 48, wherein said pair of legs comprises a pair of flexible legs, such that application of a force upon outer surfaces of said legs allows for said ribs to be disengaged from the grooves on the inner surface of the provisional augment without significantly altering the location of the provision augment.
each of said fingers is attached to one of said legs such that said fingers are movable with respect to said legs, whereby movement of said fingers with respect to said legs allows for said ribs to be disengaged from the grooves on the inner surface of the provisional augment without significantly altering the location of the provision augment.
52. The holder as defined in claim 51, wherein a distance between said fingers is adjustable to permit said holder to be used with provisional augments of different sizes.
53. The holder as defined in claim 51, wherein said fingers are attached to said legs via a threaded shaft that is threaded in one direction where one of said fingers is connected thereto and in an opposite direction where the other of said fingers is connected thereto, whereby when said threaded shaft is rotated in a first direction with respect to said legs, said fingers are moved towards each other and when said threaded shaft is rotated in an opposite direction with respect to said legs, said fingers are moved away from each other.
a secondary shaft that extends from one of said legs to the other of said legs, with said fingers being movably attached thereto.
55. The holder as defined in claim 54, wherein said secondary shaft includes a slight taper from a center thereof outwardly towards each of said legs.
FR2702651B1 (en) 1993-03-16 1995-04-28 Erato Knee prosthesis. | 2019-04-20T08:47:43Z | https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040162619A1/en |
It's heart wrenching to watch: even before the first clap of thunder, our Belgian Shepherd starts pacing, panting and even pawing us. At his worst, he will start whining and even shaking as this irrational panic seems to take hold.
Thunderstorm phobia is real and one of the most commons fears that affect dogs. The anxiety often gets worse throughout the season as storms become more frequent.
Veterinarians don't understand all the triggers but suspect some dogs are set off by some combination of the strong wind, thunder, flashes of lightning, barometric pressure changes, even the faraway rumbles preceding a storm that humans can't hear. If the deafening crack of a storm right overhead is uncomfortably loud for us, imagine how intense it must be for your dog with his super-sensitive hearing.
Finally, the build-up of static electricity can be uncomfortable or even painful. If a dog receives even a mild shock from such static, it will only serve to reinforce that storms are very bad things indeed the next time one rolls in.
Herding breeds, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs may be predisposed to the problem, according to an Internet survey by Tufts University researchers.
Dogs with other fearful behaviours, such as separation anxiety, also seem more prone to panic. Some dogs with storm phobia are also frightened of other loud noises, such as fireworks or firecrackers whilst others are only afraid of storms.
Obviously, each dog is different in terms of the symptoms he or she may exhibit.
So now that you know the signs, what can you do to help your beloved pooch?
When you compare your dog’s fear of thunder with other noises that may worry him, thunder is different and is reasonably predictable if you listen to weather forecasts or take a look outside!
And your dog will smell the approach of the storm which is why you dog is so able to predict the storm before you can.
Whenever possible, this means you need to predict the storm and take action BEFORE it hits. Above all remove your dog from your garden and place him or her in a safe sound-proof location.
The worst problem is when your dog experiences a thunder fear when you are away from him or her. Your dog will be much more fearful if left alone during a thunderstorm.
Of course no one is home 24 hours a day but to the best extent possible, try to have at least one person present (family member or friend) to care for your dog whenever he must weather a storm.
Dogs left outside during a thunderstorm are much more seriously affected than dogs who are allowed inside.
Dogs left outside will attempt to escape from your yard or ‘inscape’ into your home. While the damage to your fences and your home can be extreme and costly, it is the damage your dog could do to himself that is dangerous – or deadly. The safest place for your dog during a storm is the most sound-proof area of your home.
You know that thunder is noisy, looks scary, smells a lot and your dog will feel it more if outside. Many dogs seek out a small, out-of-the-way place on their own, and make a beeline for it as soon as a storm approaches. Often this is a bathroom, garage, walk-in wardrobe, underneath a table, or behind a sofa.
Interestingly, some dogs seem to derive comfort from lying on or near porcelain surfaces, perhaps because they instinctively know it provides some protection from static electricity. Thus, inside a bathtub or curled around a toilet are common spots thunder phobic dogs will retreat to.
Rather than discourage this behaviour, do all you can to take advantage of it. Build on your dog’s natural instinct to find refuge by creating or enhancing this special safe haven. Think of it as a “storm bunker” or your dog’s very own “hidey hole.” Ideally, this area should be one without windows or with covered windows.
A basement area is often ideal, since there are few if any windows and it stays cooler in the summer. Remove anything in the “safe spot” that could be hazardous if knocked over by a frightened pooch and make sure the area is not so small or confined that the dog could get trapped – thus ending up more scared, rather than less.
Give the dog access to his “safe spot” at all times since a storm may easily come up while you are away. Stock the area with some soft blankets and a favourite toy or two…anything that will provide comfort and positive associations. Encourage your dog to use it whenever a storm is brewing and see if it makes any difference.
If your dog likes the security of a crate, consider putting one in the “safe spot” or another part of the house, but leave the door open so your dog can go in and out. In general, being confined in a crate with the door closed leads to heightened anxiety in a thunder phobic dog and an attempt to break out.
As with any of these options, what works for one dog may not work for another, so you will need to determine your individual dog’s reaction to being crated.
The products simulate the "appeasing" chemicals secreted by nursing mother dogs and induce a sense of comfort in dogs who breathe in.
Dog pheromones can be very effective for calming noise-fearful dogs.
The Adaptil plug-in diffuser (lasts approximately 30 days), collar and spray can all be effective but there are different strategies for each.
When your dog is panicking, he or she needs to develop a calm demeanour. Thus, your job is to do whatever you need to do to create calmness.
Sometimes that DOES mean giving the dog comfort and attention when he is panicking. Many advise that ‘praising the fear’ by giving a panicking dog attention rewards the panic. This is nonsense. A panicking dog is not able to learn. He or she is far too ‘emotional’ to consider you may be rewarding his fear.
Using calming massage concentrating on the major muscle groups such as the cheek, forehead, neck and shoulder muscles.
Wrapping your dog’s body tightly with a towel or in a specially designed garment.
There are a number of brands to choose from and some of these wraps have anti-static linings; all are designed to be snug-fitting to give dogs a feeling of being swaddled that is comforting to them.
Behaviour modification is always worth a try, although its success is likely to depend on how severe your dog’s issues are with storms and how long he or she has been suffering with those issues. The two techniques generally employed are called counter conditioning and desensitisation – they are closely related and often used hand-in-hand. You may be familiar with them from other training situations as they have wide application for a number of canine behaviour challenges.
Counter conditioning involves changing your dog’s emotional reaction to a scary or unpleasant experience. Somewhere along the line, a thunder phobic dog has learnt to associate the sounds, sights, and sensations of a thunderstorm with something bad; they have become conditioned to think that storm = bad stuff.
Thus, as a storm begins to brew, the dog’s anxiety automatically kicks in – it’s not something over which they have control. Our job is to reverse that association, i.e., to counter condition the dog to think that storm = good stuff. To do that, you pair the scary experience (the storm) with something the dog really likes or enjoys.
You can feed him super tasty treats, play a favourite game in the house, go for a car ride (if safe), or anything else that your dog typically enjoys. Partly you are distracting him from the storm, but more importantly you are teaching him that a storm predicts something fun or happy going on, not something scary.
For thunderstorm phobia in dogs, you can try using one of several commercially available CDs that simulate the sounds of a storm. You start out playing them at very low levels and increase the level slowly, often pairing the sound of the CD with something pleasant for your dog (i.e., using counter conditioning jointly).
Unfortunately, using desensitisation with thunderstorms is generally not as effective as it is with other kinds of fears, since the sound aspect of a storm is only one of the typical fear triggers.
Both counter conditioning and desensitisation often require a lot of patience and commitment on the part of the owner as they don’t work overnight. Still, they can be fairly effective for dogs with mild to moderate thunderstorm anxiety. For dogs with severe anxiety, they are far less likely to make any significant impact. Give them a try, but keep your expectations realistic.
We’ve listed this at the end as most dog owners seem to consider prescription medication the “last resort” and want to try other suggested treatment or management options first. “I don’t want to drug my dog,” is a common concern voiced.
There is certainly merit to this position since any medication can have side effects and should be used judiciously. And yet, many dogs can attain very significant relief with prescription medication, greatly increasing not only their quality of life, but that of their human family members as well.
In deciding whether to try a prescription medication with your dog, weigh the advantages and the disadvantages (always in consultation with a veterinarian) and look at the potential impact on that all-important quality of life measure we all want for our dogs.
As with all of the techniques listed in this article, medication can be used completely on its own or (more commonly) in conjunction with other techniques as part of an overall management plan for helping your dog handle thunderstorms more effectively.
There are several medications currently used for thunderstorm phobia in dogs. Which is most appropriate for your dog will depend on his or her overall health, symptoms displayed, and severity of the problem. You will also want to take into consideration whether the medication needs to be given immediately preceding a storm (challenging if you are at work full-time) or can be given daily on a preventive basis.
While a veterinarian must prescribe medication for your dog, keep in mind that your vet may or may not have a lot of experience dealing with canine behaviour problems. Should you need the help of a professional, please also consider working with a qualified trainer or behaviour counsellor, who can guide you along the journey of helping reduce your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety.
In many cases, a combination of the above techniques may be necessary to achieve any significant change in behaviour. As with so many aspects of canine care, patience, time and creativity are the key elements in helping your dog get past this frustrating problem. | 2019-04-18T22:27:27Z | https://www.australiandoglover.com/2016/10/handling-your-dogs-thunderstorm-phobia.html |
As the routine of the school year settles in with drop off and pick up in front and in back of the school, the PTA wants to remind everyone of some practices that will help ensure our students’ safety when coming to and leaving Palo Verde.
When approaching the Louis Road drop off zone at the front of the school, keep the cross walk clear so students can safely cross the street. Cars are lining up along Louis Road in front of the school at drop off and pick up and are blocking the cross walk. A blocked cross walk makes visibility difficult for both those crossing the street and for cars driving down Louis Road.
Do not pull into the Teacher Parking Lot on Louis Road and use it as a drop off or pick-up zone for your student. There are many kids walking, biking and scootering onto school grounds in this parking lot area. Cars entering and exiting to drop off or pick up their student creates an unsafe environment.
There have been reports of theft of unlocked bikes from one of the elementary schools in our district. Palo Verde’s traffic safety team is urging parents to remind kids who bike to school to securely lock their bikes/scooters.
For safer streets, healthier bodies, and a greener planet. onWednesday October 3, Palo Verde Elementary will join millions of students around the world who are choosing alternatives to solo driving by walking, biking, riding the bus, and carpooling to celebrate International Walk to School Day. All Palo Verde students who green commute(walk, bike or carpool) to school that day will have the chance to enter our raffle and win prizes. We will announce prizes at that day’s assembly. There will also be PTA coffee outside Principal Brown’s office and parents are urged to bring their own coffee mugs. Find more information on Palo Alto PTA Safe Routes to School programs at www.saferoutes.paloaltopta.org .
The PTA thanks the City of Palo Alto for their support of this event.
9/28 Deadline Is Approaching To Donate A Palo Verde Fall/Winter Party!
We’re hearing lots of exciting ideas floating around for the Palo Verde Fall Party Book – we love the enthusiasm for fun events, activities, and gatherings to build our community and raise money for the PTA.
Now, it’s time to put those ideas into action. Please submit information on the event, activity, gathering or party you’d like to host to the Fall Party Book Team by Friday, September 28th. Simply [email protected] or contact Rebecca Thompson, Callie Turk, Junghee Hsieh, or Maxine Warren with the details of the even, including: Description, Preferred Date & Time, Hosts, # of Guests, Host(s) Phone & Email.
We hope to see lots of great parties that reflect Palo Verde’s unique culture and spirit!
Who’s Got the Early Start in the eScrip Challenge?
Since the start of the school year, 20 new families have registered for eScrip – thank you so much to all the new and continuing families! Check out the numbers below to see how each class is doing in the eScrip Challenge. Remember, every class that achieves at least 75% participation by January 18th will be a winner! Each child in that class will receive a “brag bag” prize – a reusable tote bag personalized for the Challenge with special goodies inside. Room 5 is in the early lead!
If you haven’t registered yet, please register today!
1. Gather your most-used credit/debit cards and/or Safeway Club Card number. If you don’t remember your Safeway Club Card Number, call Safeway Customer Service at 1-877-723-3929 – they will happily help you identify your number.
2. Go to www.escrip.com and click on “Sign Up”.
enter our Group Number: 137331259 or Search for Palo Verde PTA.
4. Follow the remaining registration steps – you’re done!
Don’t hesitate to contact the Palo Verde eScrip Coordinator, Callie Turk, at [email protected].
On Wednesday, September 26, One on One Basketball is running a special basketball camp for PAUSD students. The camp will take place from 9am-3pm at the Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto. Please call 650-366-1661 or register online t www.1on1basketball.com. Half day option (9am-12pm) is also available. Come out and play!
The Palo Alto firefighters would like to invite you to the first Community Movie Night for residents of Palo Alto. Community Movie Night is an opportunity for the members of the Palo Alto neighborhoods to get together with their firefighters in the local firehouse and enjoy a movie with their family. This fun family event is free. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets as the movie will be viewed in the apparatus bay. For questions please contact Mark vonAppen at 1(408)888-7763 or [email protected].
Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley Looking for Spring 2013 Coaches at Palo Verde!
Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley is currently looking for volunteer coaches for a program at Palo Verde. The Girls on the Run spring session begins the week of March 4 and runs through mid May. Groups are open to girls in (3rd-5th grade) and meet twice a week after school for an hour and a half – days and times vary by site. The program culminates with the girls all running the GOTR 5k in Vasona Park, Los Gatos on Saturday, May18th. GOTR provides training for coaches and a great curriculum to work from.
aspect of this program is geared toward helping girls feel good about who they are – physically, emotionally and socially.
If you are interested in getting involved as a coach, please contact Karen Rajczi, Program Director, at [email protected]. For more information you can also visit our website at www.gotrsv.org – click on “get involved” to find the link for our online coach application. The deadline for new program site applications is next week so don’t hesitate.
A one-day training sessions for new coaches will take place in the first two weeks of November. Program registration will begin in December.
Parents whose schedules don’t allow volunteering can still support their children’s academic success through parenting, communication, and learning at home. However you can do it, do it. Remember it only takes a second.
Palo Verde and PTA NewsGirls on the Run of Silicon Valley looking for Spring 2013 Coaches at Palo Verde!
If you are interested in getting involved as a coach, please contact Karen Rajczi, Program Director, at [email protected]. For more information you can also visit our website atwww.gotrsv.org – click on “get involved” to find the link for our online coach application. The deadline for new program site applications is next week so don’t hesitate.
Want To Be Part of the Girl Scouts?
Come learn about Girl Scout Troops at Palo Verde School!
There have been reports of thefts of unlocked bikes from one of the elementary schools in our district. Palo Verde’s traffic safety team is urging parents to remind kids who bike to school to securely lock their bikes.
or request a copy by emailing [email protected]. Return your form and your check to the Palo Verde office.
eScrip Challenge – When Will Your Class Win?
Did you know eScrip is an easy way for every Palo Verde family to help raise money for Palo Verde? To encourage everyone in the Palo Verde community to participate this year, we’re launching the eScrip Challenge!
Every class that has 75% of its families registered with eScrip by January 18th will win the challenge! We’ll provide regular updates on how each class is doing. Classes that achieve the goal will be announced at a schoolwide assembly and receive their prizes soon thereafter.
Each child in each class that achieves 75% participation will receive a “brag bag” prize – a reusable tote bag personalized for the Challenge with special goodies inside.
1) Gather your most-used credit/debit cards and/or Safeway Club Card number. If you don’t remember your Safeway Club Card Number, call Safeway Customer Service at 1-877-723-3929 – they will happily help you identify your number.
2) Go to www.escrip.com and click on “Sign Up”.
3) When asked to search for our group, click on “Group ID” and enter our Group Number: 137331259 or search for Palo Verde PTA.
4) Follow the remaining registration steps – you’re done!
Palo Verde’s 8th Annual Walk-a-thon is today Friday, September 14! You should have received a hot pink flyer in last week’s Friday folder with all the details about this fun event. Money raised from the Walk-a-thon will be used to help fund students’ lunchtime activities including Noon Art, Noon Games, and Walking Club. Students will walk around the field at Palo Verde as follows: 9:10-9:40am 4th and 5th graders; 9:45-10:10am 2nd and 3rd graders; and 10:35 to 10:55am Kinders and 1st graders. The Walk-a-thon asks for donations based on participation; there are no per-lap pledges. Please have your student ask only people he/she knows. All donations can be turned into the office or your child’s teacher any time. Everyone who participates in the Walk-a-thon will receive a nifty chain and two swell tokens. Please feel free to come walk with your child or email Lauren Aspegren at [email protected] for more information.
from 5-9PM. If you mention Palo Verde 20% of your purchases will be donated back to our school!
In your child’s Friday folders last week was a form that will help them record and calculate the number of miles they walked/biked/carpooled to school in a month. For mileage information please turn the mileage tracker page over and use Palo Verde’s new walk and roll map. Even if your child is walking from across the street, have him/her enter 1/4 mile for each way. Carpooling kids will enter 1/4 mile for each way they carpool to school. This is a great way for kids to know how many miles they green commute to school. Our school goal is to record a total of 20,000 green commute miles for this academic year. At the end of each month some one from the traffic safety team will collect the forms from the kids. Please do not hand them over to the teachers.
If your family wants to join a biking or walking group or carpool to Palo Verde from your neighborhood please download this formand return it to the office by Sept 21.
success through parenting, communication, and learning at home. However you can do it, do it. Remember it only takes a second.
Please return your Palo Verde PTA One Check Form by September 14.
On Tuesday evening, September 11, 6-7:30pm, come join fellow Palo Verde families for a fun, casual get together. Bring a picnic dinner for your family, and the PTA will provide drinks and dessert for everyone. See you there!
Questions? contact Heather Schultz, 424-8380,[email protected].
Palo Verde’s 8th Annual Walk-a-thon is next Friday, September 14! You should have received a hot pink flyer in last week’s Friday folder with all the details about this fun event. Money raised from the Walk-a-thon will be used to help fund students’ lunchtime activities including Noon Art, Noon Games, and Walking Club. Students will walk around the field at Palo Verde as follows: 9:10-9:40am 4th and 5th graders; 9:45-10:10am 2nd and 3rd graders; and 10:35 to 10:55am Kinders and 1st graders. The Walk-a-thon asks for donations based on participation; there are no per-lap pledges. Please have your student ask only people he/she knows. All donations can be turned into the office or your child’s teacher any time. Everyone who participates in the Walk-a-thon will receive a nifty chain and two swell tokens. Please feel free to come walk with your child or email Lauren Aspegren at [email protected] for more information.
This is perfect for the whole family! No experience necessary. Let’s have as many families as possible come out to Save the Bay by helping to remove invasive species, clearing room for native wetland plants to grow at the Faber Tract in East Palo Alto. It is the goal of Save the Bay to re-establish 100,000 acres of Bay wetland to support a sustainable ecosystem for generations to come but they need help to restore the wetlands to their historic beauty. Volunteers will remove non-native plants and help with shoreline cleanup and by doing so will help to preserve our environment for wildlife habitat as well as human enjoyment.
Gloves, tools and instruction provided. Each event is led by Save The Bay staff certified in CPR and Wilderness First Aid and all site projects have been planned to ensure safety. Just bring your water, snacks and a picnic lunch if you desire and dress appropriately for the weather.
We can raise even more through September 11th , when manufacturers of over 5,000 products sold in Safeway stores will contribute an additional 10% of sales to schools such as ours as part of Safeway’s Back to Schools program.
If your Safeway Club Card is already registered with eScrip, great! Your contributions will automatically be sent to Palo Verde every time you enter your Safeway Club Card or associated phone number when you shop at Safeway.
If you are not registered with eScrip or don’t have your Safeway Club Card registered, please do so soon! It’s easy and only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Go to www.escrip.com and follow the instructions. Be sure to have your Safeway Club Card number and credit cards on hand when you register. Our group number is 137331259 and we are listed as Palo Verde PTA.
If you don’t remember your Safeway Club Card Number, call Safeway Customer Service at 1-877-723-3929 – they will happily help you identify your number.
Logistics: Sept 20th–Dec 13th | Thursdays 2:55pm–3:55pm.
leadership skills and become a successful and effective communicator!
qualities in your life | Expand conversation skills and MORE!
Thanks to all the families who’ve returned their Palo Verde PTA one check form already. If you have not, please do so by Sept 7th. If you’ve misplaced the form in the tidal wave of back to school information, you can find the PDF online at: http://tinyurl.com/dyozqda or request a copy by [email protected]. Return your form and your check to the Palo Verde office. | 2019-04-25T10:15:05Z | http://paloverde.paloaltopta.org/2012/09/ |
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If the Chesterfield is the elegant man amongst sofas, the Cabriole is the grandes dame. Noted for its exposed wooden and stylish thighs, similar to the Louis XV period, the cabriole also has a distinctive outline. It was additionally a popular form in the work of furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. Usually, the back is all one continuous item without cushions and has an elegant bending collection. This particular cabriole edition includes gems within the tufts for additional allure. It's a couch design that may be as simple or opulent as you desire. Upholstered having a luxury materials like purple velvet produces a much various design sensation than if it were padded in a more muted, textural neutral. The main aura of elegance derives from its overall form and lithe legs meaning it will always give a processed air to a room.
If the Chesterfield is the graceful man among sofas, the Cabriole may be the grandes dame. Known for its uncovered wooden and stylish legs, similar to the Louis XV period, the cabriole also offers a distinctive outline. It had been additionally a popular form within the work of Tenafly 3 Piece Bistro Set maker Thomas Chippendale. Usually, the back is all 1 continuous piece without cushions and it has an elegant bending collection. This specific cabriole edition includes jewels within the tufts for additional allure. It is a sofa style that may be as basic or opulent as you desire. Upholstered having a luxurious material like purple velvet produces a significantly different style sensation than whether it had been padded inside a much more muted, textural natural. The main feeling of style stems from its overall form and lithe thighs meaning it'll always lend a processed atmosphere to a room.
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John Bartlett (18201905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919. James Russell Lowell.(18191891). 1. Earths noblest thing,a woman perfected. Irené. 2.
Extractions: Select Search All Bartleby.com All Reference Columbia Encyclopedia World History Encyclopedia World Factbook Columbia Gazetteer American Heritage Coll. Dictionary Roget's Thesauri Roget's II: Thesaurus Roget's Int'l Thesaurus Quotations Bartlett's Quotations Columbia Quotations Simpson's Quotations English Usage Modern Usage American English Fowler's King's English Strunk's Style Mencken's Language Cambridge History The King James Bible Oxford Shakespeare Gray's Anatomy Farmer's Cookbook Post's Etiquette Bulfinch's Mythology Frazer's Golden Bough All Verse Anthologies Dickinson, E. Eliot, T.S. Frost, R. Hopkins, G.M. Keats, J. Lawrence, D.H. Masters, E.L. Sandburg, C. Sassoon, S. Whitman, W. Wordsworth, W. Yeats, W.B. All Nonfiction Harvard Classics American Essays Einstein's Relativity Grant, U.S. Roosevelt, T. Wells's History Presidential Inaugurals All Fiction Shelf of Fiction Ghost Stories Short Stories Shaw, G.B. Stein, G. Stevenson, R.L. Wells, H.G. Reference Quotations John Bartlett Familiar Quotations ... CONCORDANCE INDEX John Bartlett Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. James Russell Lowell.
Extractions: James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) is one of the group of authors sometimes called the Fireside Poets or the Schoolroom Poets, a group which also included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Because of their conservative approach to verse and the often blatant morality in their poetry, the very qualities that made them popular in their day, they have been out of favor throughout much of the twentieth century. Nevertheless members of the group like Lowell and Whittier, both ardent abolitionists, may not have seemed so conservative in the nineteenth century. Lowell's contribution to Arthurian literature is his poem "The Vision of Sir Launfal." First published in 1848, "The Vision of Sir Launfal" tells the story of Launfal, who is initially a haughty nobleman. The night before he is to begin a quest for the Holy Grail he has a dream vision in which he sets out on the quest. His first act is to toss a gold piece scornfully to a beggar. When he returns in the winter he has been chastened by his own suffering on the quest and shares his crust of bread with the beggar in a true spirit of charity and brings him a drink from a stream in a wooden cup. The beggar is transformed into Christ and the bread and wine into his body and blood. The wooden cup is the Grail that Launfal has sought. Having learned his lesson, he opens his hall and shares his bounty with anyone who wishes it. Lowell's poem is particularly interesting as a democratization of the Grail story. Important in this regard is the "Author's Note" prefatory to the poem. In this note, Lowell says that he opens the Grail quest to others besides Arthur's knights and places it in a time other than that of Arthur's reign. This seems strange since Launfal is one of Arthur's knights in several medieval sources and since there is nothing in the poem that dates it to a time other than Arthur's reign. Thus Lowell deliberately creates a non-Arthurian Arthurian poem in order to suggest that his vision of the Grail as true charity is something that any person in any time can achieve.
Lowell, James Russell, 1819-1891. Letters To Thomas Bailey Aldrich: Guide.
MS Am 1236.1 Lowell, James Russell, 18191891. Letters to Thomas BaileyAldrich Guide. Container List. (1) Lowell, James Russell, 1819-1891.
Extractions: Gift of Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial Trustees; received: 1943. Lowell was an author, poet, editor, teacher, and diplomat. He edited The Atlantic Monthly , and with Charles Eliot Norton, The North American Review ; was professor of French and Spanish Languages and Literatures at Harvard; and U.S. minister to Spain and to England. Aldrich was an American writer and editor. Arranged chronologically. (1) Lowell, James Russell, 1819-1891. A.N.s. (J. R. Lowell) to [Thomas Bailey] Aldrich; Cambridge, 18 Apr 1860. p.
Lowell, James Russell, 1819-1891. Lowell-Gay Papers: Guide.
bMS Am 1246 Lowell, James Russell, 18191891. Lowell-Gay papers Guide. ContainerList. Series I. Letters (1) Lowell, James Russell, 1819-1891.
NUMBER 7295. AUTHOR James Russell Lowell (18191891). QUOTATION Enduranceis the crowning quality, And patience all the passion of great hearts.
Back to Modern History SourceBook. Modern History Sourcebook JamesRussell Lowell (18191891) On Democracy, 1868. Introductory Note.
Extractions: On Democracy, 1868 Introductory Note James Russell Lowell, poet, essayist, diplomatist, and scholar, was born at Cambridge, Massachusetts, on February 22, 1819, the son of a Unitarian minister. Educated at Harvard College, he tried the law, but soon gave it up for literature. His poem on "The Present Crisis," written in 1844, was his first really notable production, and one that made a deep impression on the public mind. In the twenty years of troubled politics that followed, one finds it constantly quoted. The year 1848 saw four volumes from Lowell's pen - a book of "Poems," the "Fable for Critics," "The Biglow Papers," and the "Vision of Sir Launfal." The second of these exhibited the author as wit and critic, the third as political reformer, the fourth as poet and mystic; and these various sides of his personality continue to appear with varying prominence throughout his career. On the retirement of Longfellow from the chair of belles-lettres at Harvard in 1854, Lowell was elected to succeed him, and by way of preparation spent the next two years in Europe studying modern languages and literatures. In 1857 he became the first editor of the Atlantic Monthly, and after 1864 he collaborated with Charles Eliot Norton in the editorship of the North American Review. Throughout the period of the war Lowell wrote much both in prose and verse on behalf of the Union; his work on the North American was largely literary criticism.
Extractions: Solitude is as needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character. In creating, the only hard thing's to begin; A grass blade's no easier to make than an oak. Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found. Though old the thought and oft expressed./ 'Tis his at last who says it best.
Extractions: A.L913 JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL PAPERS, 1838-1902 1 box. James Russell Lowell (1819-1891), author, educator and diplomat. The Collection consists of letters written by Lowell and a bound volume entitled The Day of Small Things . The volume contains two of Lowell's poems written in his hand: The Day of Small Things (later published under the title "To William Lloyd Garrison"), and possibly the first and only draft of "Letter from Boston" which describes the Boston Anti-Slavery Bazaar held in December of 1846. Bound with the poems are portraits and manuscript letters of the abolitionists Lowell wrote about in "Letter from Boston": William Lloyd Garrison,, Marie Weston Chapman, Eliza Lee Follen, Edmund Quincy, Wendell Phillips, Parker Pillsbury, Stephen S. Foster, and Abigail Kelley Foster. Also bound in the volume are one letter from Lowell to William Lloyd Garrison and two letters to Frances Jackson Garrison. Other Lowell letters in the Collection are written to Henry Mills Alden, James Ripley Osgood, Mrs. Phoebe (Garnaut) Smalley, Theodore Tilton, and Henry Warren Torrey. There is also one letter written by Charles Lowell, James Russell Lowell's father, and the commencement program from Harvard University for 1838, which lists Lowell's name amongst the graduates.
7287. James Russell Lowell. 18191891. John Bartlett, comp. 1919. Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. NUMBER 7287. AUTHOR James Russell Lowell (18191891). QUOTATION To win the secret of a weeds plain heart.
Extractions: Select Search All Bartleby.com All Reference Columbia Encyclopedia World History Encyclopedia World Factbook Columbia Gazetteer American Heritage Coll. Dictionary Roget's Thesauri Roget's II: Thesaurus Roget's Int'l Thesaurus Quotations Bartlett's Quotations Columbia Quotations Simpson's Quotations English Usage Modern Usage American English Fowler's King's English Strunk's Style Mencken's Language Cambridge History The King James Bible Oxford Shakespeare Gray's Anatomy Farmer's Cookbook Post's Etiquette Bulfinch's Mythology Frazer's Golden Bough All Verse Anthologies Dickinson, E. Eliot, T.S. Frost, R. Hopkins, G.M. Keats, J. Lawrence, D.H. Masters, E.L. Sandburg, C. Sassoon, S. Whitman, W. Wordsworth, W. Yeats, W.B. All Nonfiction Harvard Classics American Essays Einstein's Relativity Grant, U.S. Roosevelt, T. Wells's History Presidential Inaugurals All Fiction Shelf of Fiction Ghost Stories Short Stories Shaw, G.B. Stein, G. Stevenson, R.L. Wells, H.G. Reference Quotations John Bartlett Familiar Quotations ... CONCORDANCE INDEX John Bartlett Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. NUMBER: AUTHOR: James Russell Lowell QUOTATION: ATTRIBUTION: Sonnet xxv.
INDEX What is PG Etext Listings. Etexts by Author Lowell, James Russell,18191891 L Index Main Index Abraham Lincoln; My Garden Acquaintance.
American Literature on the Web. James Russell Lowell (18191891). No ResourceAvailable. American Literature on the Web Lowell_J19re.htm 10/16/98. | 2019-04-19T15:14:13Z | http://www.geometry.net/book_author/lowell_james_russell.html |
Nothing can be accomplished affectively in the Kingdom of God unless we are connected to Jesus Christ in an intimate and daily basis. Paul understood this better than anyone when he said, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Phil 3:10,11).
Jesus said we must abide in the vine and that we can do nothing apart from Him.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing( John 15:5).
You get to know someone by spending quality time with them. If you do not have a regular and ongoing sense of His presence, you must cultivate this by spending time in His Word, talking to Him daily throughout your day and look for Him to respond to you.
Make getting to know Christ your priority and you will begin to experience the power of God in your life.
One of the great paradigms of the gospel is the bible's exhortation for us to depend upon God, but also use our skills for His glory (Col. 3:17). Paul understood that what really changed the world was not his persuasive words or his skills, but it was the power of God that was working through him. He ministered out of weakness, not power. Our society depends too much on the "Greek-based knowledge systems" which focus on oratory and information.
"I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power"
Sometimes we think we must be in a place of strength to have an impact. This is wrong. It is being weak that makes us strong and allows Christ to be reflected to others.
The early Hebraic church learned that wisdom came through obedience, not knowledge or information. The power of God was reflected through their obedience. Our culture often has a Greek-centered focus on knowledge and information, instead of focusing on obedience to the voice of God in our lives.
all who follow his precepts have good understanding" (Ps 111:10).
(You will discover this as you spend intimate time with Him).
Whether you are a VP of Household Affairs with four children, or a CEO of a major corporation, your work IS your ministry which is ordained by His will for your life. However, we need to make sure God has called us to the work we are doing so that we can walk in His anointing and blessing in that work.
"In the beginning we do not train for God, we train for work, for our own aims; but as we go on with God we lose all our own aims and are trained into God's purpose. Unless practical work is appointed by God, it will prove a curse." -- Oswald Chambers.
You may not believe that the work you are doing fits your personality or skill set. This does not necessarily mean you are not where God wants you. God sometimes places us in unattractive jobs in order to develop character in us. It is the training from this work that leads us to God's "perfect" call for us. Many times these difficult jobs are mere stepping stones that will lead to other, more fulfilling work. You may have many jobs before you end up where God plans to use you most in your workplace calling.
God's ways often involve God giving us a vision, (Joseph's dream), then there is often a long period between the fulfillment of that vision. In between reality and the vision being fulfilled, there is a deep valley of failure and humiliation (Joseph in prison and slavery). The vision often dies. If the vision is from God, He will raise it up (Joseph made ruler) if we don't try to help God fulfill it. Ishmael was Abraham and Sarah's attempt to help God fulfill God's vision for them. A great deal of Christian enterprise today is "Ishmael". We must learn the difference between allowing God to lead us, instead of helping God fulfill our vision.
"and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him" (Genesis 15:12).
Maintaining a vertical dimension with God allows us to understand how God wants us to fulfill the vision He has given to us.
God called Adam and Eve to join Him in His work by working in and managing the Garden. It was a form of worship to Him. Work and worship come from the same Hebrew word, Avodah. God called the people out of Egypt where they sweated and toiled for food to eat, to a land of milk and honey so they could worship Him. He was their Jehovah Jireh - My Provider, regardless of whether there was fertile soil to work.
"So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant' (Joshua 24:13). Whenever we begin sweating our finances, we are making a statement about our belief in God.
What is the inheritance God has for you? We are to enter our own personal Promised Land and take the land God has provided for us through obedience, not sweat and toil. "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:1-2). Each of us must come to understand God's provision for us is through our obedience, not our self-effort. This includes our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
"To this John replied, 'A man can receive only what is given him from heaven'" (John 3:27). John knew what his calling before God was. He knew what he was to do and what he was not to do. Each of us must walk in this understanding in order fulfill what God has planned for us.
Adversity and trials are a byproduct of a life fully committed to Christ. It is part of our calling as sons.
"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons"(Heb 12:7-8).
The question we need to answer is whether our adversity is due to our righteousness in Christ or unrighteousness due to sin. Or, it can simply be a result of a fallen world.
God uses adversity to frame our lives for the message He wishes to speak through us. The depth and width of our adversity and/or faith experiences is proportional to the call upon our lives. If you experience major difficulties for righteous reasons, He will use those to impact more people.
God uses adversity to develop character, wisdom and obedience in our lives. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). Almost every leader God uses in a significant way is taken through the fire of testing to refine their character and deepen their call. Avoid becoming a victim to your circumstances. Instead, see adversity as a place to experience the victory we have in Christ.
Satan wants to prevent every person from experiencing the love of God in their lives. He has made us to have seven basic needs as described in Genesis 1 and 2.
These needs are 1) Security, 2) Blessing and Provision, 3) Love and Companionship, 4) Freedom and Boundaries, 5) Dignity, 6) Authority, and 7) Purpose and Meaning.
Satan encourages us to meet needs outside God's design by bringing about pressure situations in which people seek to meet their needs in their own way. When this happens a spiritual stronghold is developed. This encourages the person to meet their needs by serving the stronghold, rather than responding to the grace of God. This stronghold often develops throughout a family line and is passed down from one generation to another.
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:3-5).
"I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations, of those who love me and keep my commandments" (Exodus 20:5,6).
In order to fully experience the love of God we must renounce the influence of spiritual strongholds that have kept us from allowing God to meet our needs.
The road is lined with broken dreams and disappointments because people have failed to follow God's guidelines for making decisions. What protects you from the deceit of your own heart? Jeremiah 17:9says "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"
Once we believe we have heard God speak through the Holy Spirit or His Word about a given situation, seek confirmation. Our first wave of defense against poor decisions is confirmation through our spouses or others in whom we are accountable. God will protect you from poor decisions if you truly want to find God's will for a decision. However, we must learn to give up our rights to have our own way in the process.
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Prov 15:22).
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1).
God desires to communicate with His children. Intercessory prayer is the method He has provided for us to communicate with Him.
1. Intense prayer for others. (Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:12).
2. The priestly calling of all believers. (1Peter 2:5; Exodus 19:6).
3. The Holy Spirit praying in us. (Romans 8:26,27).
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" (Colossians 4:12).
God is calling many men and women in the workplace to pull together intercessory prayer teams to support them in their marketplace calling. To learn more about this join our email subscriber list that focuses on prayer in the workplace. It's free.
http://godatwork.injesus.com. You will learn what God is doing through prayer in the workplace.
God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, including our work lives. He wants to provide strategy for accomplishing the purposes of your life. God gave David specific instructions about how to win a battle.
"Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." So David did as the LORD commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer' (2 Sam 5:22-25).
God gave others strategy to accomplish His will in their lives. He gave Jacob a dream which showed him how to fund his family enterprise. He told Jeremiah to make a land purchase to demonstrate God's faithfulness to the nation of Israel. God wants to guide you in your work life and make you successful. However, it requires total dependence and obedience to Him.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov 3:5-6).
prayerfully consider supporting our work financially.
Faith & Work: Do They Mix? by Os Hillman.
Discover God's Purposes for Your Work When you go to work on Monday, do you take your faith with you? Whether at the office or managing a household of children, do you experience God in your work? Does God even care about our work? Does God call us to the work we are doing, or is it a matter of personal choice? These are important questions that every Christian should know the answers to. Os Hillman provides Biblical insight into God's view of work and how our faith should be integrated into all aspects of life. Hillman's practical examples from scripture and his own story will encourage you in your journey to find purpose and meaning in your work life. His discovery that God creates each person for his/her work led him back to the business world where he realized his calling was in the first place. 128 pages, softback Order Faith & Work: Do They Mix?
I have to appreciate God for this great work on the principle of success.Finding this work was a great important to me as a pastor who who desire so much for the people.thank you I would like to be part of this end time success revelation.Rev.Dr. Alfred Branson.
this is very precious thoughts for life.I am highly influenced and motivated by this.I believe these principle can change the lives of men and women those who seek success in their christian life.this is not a prosperity theology but absolutely biblical and practical. One can surely be succeeded if he or she follows these steps truly and faithfully.Amen. | 2019-04-24T20:21:24Z | http://intheworkplace.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=1935&view=post&articleid=68298&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=13 |
As discussed elsewhere, it doesn’t really affect the planet. Earth outweighs us by a factor of over ten trillion. On average, we humna can vertically jump maybe half a meter on a good day. Even if the Earth were rigid and responded instantly, it would be pushed down by less than an atom’s width.
The T. F. Green airport in Providence, Rhode Island handles a few thousand passengers a day. Assuming they got things organized (including sending out scouting missions to retrieve fuel), they could run at 500% capacity for years without making a dent in the crowd.
Bundling. It works in other industries. Many AAA game titles are released in Collector’s Editions, packaging physical goods with the digital product. Nearly every band releasing on vinyl packages a digital download code with the album. DVDs aimed at kids do it all the time, adding stuffed animals or Christmas ornaments to the package as an incentive to buy. Your new razor comes with two “free” refills. Trial size bottles of new healthcare products are bundled with the stuff you usually buy. Facebook gives you a crappy email address you’ll never use, free of charge.
But for books, not so much. At least not here in the US. But elsewhere, bundling ebooks with physical copies is showing some promising returns.
FutureBook yesterday featured a piece on an experiment in the UK between Osprey publishing imprint Angry Robot and independent bookshop Mostly Books to bundle a free electronic edition of an Angry Robot novel with each print copy of it sold. After just two weeks, Osprey’s CEO revealed that the bundling initiative had tripled the publisher’s sales at that store, and plans are in the offing to expand it to other independent bookstores.
It’s a clever way to bump up flagging brick-and-mortar sales. Get them in the bookstore before giving them a digital bonus. It plays to the strengths of the indie bookstore: personal interaction and expertise. Even the ebook transaction has a personal touch.
The premise is simple. You buy an Angry Robot book, write down your email address at the till, and receive a free ebook edition of the book you bought, DRM free, by email.
It makes sense. Other publishers have experimented with this, but no one seems ready to make it the rule, rather than the exception. Angry Robot looks at this as win-win: it brings people back into indie bookstores and provides them with the convenience of a easily-transported ebook. Considering the costs are already sunk into the production of the physical product, bundling a digital file adds nothing (or close enough) to the overall cost. So far, the experiment (currently limited to one bookstore) seems to be a success.
At the beginning of July Osprey imprint Angry Robot launched a bundling experiment, Clonefiles, through the independent bookshop Mostly Books. The scheme offered the digital version of Angry Robot novels free to customers when they bought the physical paperback. Two weeks later Osprey chief executive Rebecca Smart told The Bookseller, that the initiative had trebled sales of the publisher’s titles at the trial store. The scheme has been supported in-store with a window display and signs explaining how it works. There is now an intention to roll it out in other independent bookshops.
First and foremost, it allows us to leapfrog the competition in the value stakes. By offering dual-format, we suddenly have a hugely attractive offering that changes the focus from price and ‘paper v digital’ (for which there will only ever be a single winner, no prizes for guessing who) to added value.
Suddenly indies are able to take their traditional strengths – edited and curated choice, personal service and recommends – and stick a ‘plus digital’ on the end. It is genuinely a game-changer.
Clonefiles allows us to start a conversation with them, and it is amazing how customer have responded. From a slightly-embarrassed “let’s all pretend eReaders don’t exist” awkwardness, customers have opened up to us about their eReading experience – and in the process are actually telling us what we need to offer to stay relevant – and survive.
Judging from the success of this experiment, it could certainly be argued that keeping the products separate is leaving a bit of money on the table as well. Considering the ubiquity of tablets, e-readers and smartphones, it just makes sense to reward someone who’s willing to purchase physical items with a convenient copy to take on the move. This sort of bundling becoming more prevalent (especially among major publishing houses) may hinge on the Department of Justice decsions. Meadows points out that one of the stated goals of this settlement is to make this sort of experimentation easier and far more common.
We therefore believe (and I’m sure that we are only echoing the opinion of the majority here) that there is a place for both, and in actual fact having both formats is of benefit to everyone. So our bundling project, Clonefiles, is an attempt to give our readers what they tell us they want – the beautiful physical copy that they can give as a gift, swap with a friend or keep in their collection, together with the convenience of the digital file that they can read on the commute or family holiday.
Additionally, the bundled ebook could push the on-the-fence reader towards a purchase of an e-reader, turning them into a customer for digital offerings. How many fans have bought multiple copies of the same thing on multiple formats? (Yeah, that’s all of us.) I have no doubt this happens with ebooks as well. Experimenting with price points and bundling has the potential to greatly increase a publisher’s customer base, and if they can just get over the hang-up of keeping these products separate (although I would imagine royalty payments on different formats complicates the issue), they might find it easier to sell the physical books they’d obviously much rather be selling.
Last, but certainly not least, it pays to remember that people like getting stuff for free. They may never use the digital book, but they like feeling like they’ve gotten a deal. Simple psychology. More sales will go to the item that offers extra value, even if the bundled component is never used.
While the majors sort it out (with the help of the DOJ), the smaller publishers and bookstores can start reaping the benefits now. Angry Robot’s experiment shows that is can work and as it expands its offerings, it should be able to provide better data on what works best for both the publisher and the bookstore. Either way, the readers will come out ahead.
“He was taken to the operating room, his skull was opened, they examined the brain and the surgeon decided to pull the metal bar out from the front in the same direction it entered the brain,” (chief of staff Luiz Alexandre Essinger) said.
Mr Leite had “few complaints” after the surgery, Mr Essinger added, saying “it really was a miracle” that he survived.
yesterday during my commute home from Kings Cross to Cambridge I crafted a wonderful post about food, the glory of eating and the pain of my new diet. I had started writing this post on the backend of my website during lunch but picked it up on the train using my iPhone.
I immediately realised that there was no way I could turn a Draft post into a Local Draft on my phone so made sure I saved the post back as a draft every few minutes (or so I thought). About 25 minutes into my journey I saved again after finishing a section extolling the virtues of the site I’m now using (livestrong.com). While the phone claimed it was saving the train entered a tunnel and the phones internet connection was cut off.
The application seemed to stall for nearly a minute and when it came back my post wasn’t showing on my posts list. I checked in the Local Drafts and couldn’t see it there either. Upon going back to the main posts list I noticed it was showing at the bottom with an update time of 31 December 1969 19:00 and, having clicked (pressed) it discovered the post was in the same state it was before I’d got on the train. All my edits had gone!! | 2019-04-24T16:05:31Z | http://www.smufflersworld.com/category/uncategorized/ |
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: Once again, we have learned that the president of the United States slipped away from his ranch in Crawford, Texas, and managed to pull off a visit to troops in Baghdad, Iraq. For more on that, we take it over to Baghdad and CNN's Walt Rodgers with details -- Walt.
WALTER RODGERS, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Miles. Well, this is a strange place to confirm what the White House said, but the White House has now confirmed that President Bush did, indeed, secretly fly to Iraq this Thanksgiving Day.
A short while ago, he is said to have had dinner with Ambassador Paul Bremer and the entire 25-member Iraqi Governing Council. The president -- little is known about what he may have said or done there. We're not even clear whether he is still in-country, that is, whether he's still in Iraq, or whether perhaps he's left the country, or whether, indeed, he may be visiting U.S. troops around the country.
Regardless of the circumstances of the visit, it was still an extraordinarily intrepid thing for the president to do, because this remains a very, very dangerous place. And it took some rather clever execution to get the president in here so quietly and be able to allow him this visit with the Iraqi Governing Council and Ambassador Bremer, who is the chief U.S. administrator here, all this on Thanksgiving day. And no one here knew it was happening -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Walt, it comes less than a week after a cargo plane was struck by apparently a shoulder-launched, heat-seeking missile at that airport. Do you know much about the security precautions they took when bringing Air Force One in there?
RODGERS: Well, we don't even know that he came in on -- that the president came in on Air Force One. All we know is that he came to Iraq. We know he came to Baghdad.
Whether he came on Air Force One or on a military plane, we can't answer that at this point. I should tell you, because you raised the question of that SAM-7 missile, a shoulder-fired missile which hit a DHL airbus last week, those missiles are only effective, for all intents and purposes, in daylight. That's when the DHL plane was hit.
The Iraqi insurgents' surface-to-air missiles are not very effective at night. And so, consequently, if indeed the president came under cover of night, it would have been much more wise that he came in that way.
There are more than a few choppers going over here. And you have to wonder if, indeed, one of those may not have the president on it. That's unusual helicopter activity at this moment -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right. So, Walt, then without violating any security issues here, do we know the president's whereabouts right now?
RODGERS: No, we couldn't violate any security issues, Miles, because we really don't know that much. All we know is that the White House has confirmed that President George W. Bush did, indeed, come to Iraq this Thanksgiving, that he had dinner with the chief U.S. administrator here, Ambassador Paul Bremer, and the 25-member Iraqi Governing Council.
Now, that's a real boost, a morale boost for those people. But as to the president's whereabouts now, we really cannot say where he is, whether he's gone to Baghdad Airport, whether he's out visiting troops, or whether indeed he may be airborne back to the United States.
We just don't know. And the reasons for that are obvious. No one wants to broadcast at this point the president's whereabouts. And we couldn't because we really don't know -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right. And as far as we know right now, he hasn't met with troops, but might.
RODGERS: I can't even say that. All the White House is confirming is that he was here, and we have independent confirmation that he met with the Iraqi Governing Council. Where the president is at this moment we cannot say.
Look, the one thing you have to remember is that what the president did was extraordinarily intrepid. Anybody who will tell you about this place will tell you that this is a very, very dangerous place. As the president moves about, he's moving about on a helicopter. Helicopter get shot down here with a fair amount of frequency.
So, again, anything that's -- that pertains to the president's movements is going to be extraordinarily classified for security reasons -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, Walt Rodgers, stand by there. I can only imagine what the meeting was like with the Secret Service when this idea was broached.
Dana Bash is in Crawford, Texas where we thought the president was. Where she thought the president was, I think.
How did he pull this off, Dana?
DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: You know, it's pretty amazing, Miles. As you said, we of course all were told and thought that the president was spending a quiet Thanksgiving here at the ranch, and that is exactly what they wanted us and everybody to think for the security reasons that you and Walt were just talking about. But we are told that the president has left Baghdad. We do not know where he is at this point, where he is headed. But we are told from the small group of so-called pool reporters who are traveling with the president, that he has left Baghdad.
We're also told he left from Andrews Air Force Base last night at about 8:00 Easter Time, arrived about 9:30 a.m. today in Baghdad. And that is the little bit of information that we have.
But as you were mentioning, we were told the president is here with his family. And we were even given a pretty extensive dinner menu for the president and his extended family that were gathering here at his 1,600-acre ranch. So there were great pains taken to tell the press, tell the media, tell the world, that the president was going to be here, certainly not wanting to tell anybody that he is going -- was going to be taking this trip to Baghdad.
Obviously, his first trip of any U.S. president to Iraq at all. You remember, when he was coming back from the Middle East in the spring, he did fly over Baghdad in Air Force One, and he and his aides said that they got close enough that they could see the various landmarks on the ground. But that is as close as he has gotten to Iraq, certainly as close as any president has gotten to Iraq. As soon as we get any more information, we will be giving that to you momentarily -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Now, Dana, you said there was a press pool with the president. Obviously, they had some pretty strict ground rules as to when they could file their reports.
BASH: That's correct. The way it works is, there is a pool, a limited number of reporters that traveled with the president. Obviously, they were not able to tell us or anybody that they were going, when they were going, or where they were going.
They were obviously given the OK to call us and give us this limited information, which is why we're able to give it to you at this point. And we are going to rely on them for whatever information we get in the next coming hours about the president's visit, who he is meeting with, and where he's headed next -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Of course, George Bush the senior back in 1990 famously visited troops in Saudi Arabia, the run-up to the first Gulf War on Thanksgiving Day. It sort of harkens back to that a little bit. But this even, perhaps, more bold, I think, Dana?
BASH: Yes, absolutely. And we were told just a short while ago that the president was going to be making phone calls to troops, that he would be on the phone from his ranch, talking to troops. They wanted to let us know that he is going to be connecting to the servicemen in and around the world.
But little did we know he was going to be connecting that close, that he was actually going to actually be headed to Baghdad. At this point, we believe that he is obviously going to be meeting with troops. That is our understanding, that is the purpose of his -- one of the many purposes of his trip there.
But we don't exactly know who he is meeting with, and what the particular details are. But we do know that he has left Baghdad again, and we're waiting to see what his next stop is. Whether he's heading back here, we're unsure.
O'BRIEN: All right. Dana Bash, stand by there.
Let's turn it over for just a few minutes to General Don Shepperd, our military analyst, retired, Air Force, joining us from Tucson.
General Shepperd, good to have you with us. And happy Thanksgiving to you.
MAJ. GEN. DON SHEPPERD, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Same to you, Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right. Now, first of all, there's a report here from somebody who is in that tight pool we were just talking about, who said that the president actually arrived at Baghdad International Airport on the 747 that he normally uses as Air Force One. They closed up all the windows and darkened it. Obviously came in under darkness.
How risky is that maneuver?
SHEPPERD: It's not real risky. They -- first of all, Baghdad Airport is a very large airport. I flew in there about a month and a half ago. They stay close to the airport, and they spiral down over the airport. But you still have to make a long approach with a 747. But at night, the risk is minimal from the shoulder-fired, heat- seeking weapons.
O'BRIEN: Explain that to me. I've never understood there. If the weapon seeks the heat of an engine, why does it matter if it's nightfall or not?
SHEPPERD: Yes, because you have to point it at the engine. So if you can't see the airplane, if it's totally black and you can't see the airplane, you have no idea where to point the weapon. And it's like looking through a soda straw in the sky, Miles.
You can't look everywhere at once. If you can find out where the airplane is, then indeed it will. But you have to keep the dot, if you will, on the airplane all the way. So at night, it's almost impossible to do it with a heat-seeking weapon.
O'BRIEN: So these heat-seeking missiles don't like an infrared site that allows you to hone in at night?
SHEPPERD: They do, but you have to lock it on. You have to hold it on and then lock it on, and then it will follow the target. Of course, if you have night vision goggles, that would help you see airplanes. So it's somewhat risky, but not a real high risk. O'BRIEN: And give us a sense of what this would mean for the troops. We don't know it's for certain, but we're presuming he's going to spend some time meeting with the troops, as long as he made it all the way over there. What kind of morale boost does that afford?
SHEPPERD: Well, let me tell you, it's a big morale boost. It's a big deal to the troops. It doesn't make any difference what the party, as long as a president or a high-ranking member, such as Secretary Rumsfeld or anybody of that sort shows up, all politics goes aside and they really appreciate the visit. It's a big deal, Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right. Major General Don Shepperd, retired in Tucson, watching it, enjoying his Thanksgiving and weighing in.
Let's send it back over to Walt Rodgers, who is in Baghdad.
Walt, as I said here, this report coming out of the so-called White House tight pool that went with the president indicates he flew right in there in the 747 that we're accustomed to seeing as Air Force One. But as General Shepperd points out, not that risky a maneuver as long as it's under darkness.
RODGERS: Well, that's true. But the most important thing is that the president and has gone, according to the pool reports we've been getting now. President Bush was only on the ground 2.5 hours here. He went to Baghdad International Airport. And the latest information we have is that he met with several commanders out there.
So he really did not get about the countryside where U.S. troops are exposed to any great extent. The president did have this message for his top commanders, those who met with him at the Baghdad International Airport. His message was, "We will stay until the job is finished."
As it was pointed out, Air force One came in under the cover of darkness, which is a very wise security measure, because the shoulder- fired missiles, which the insurgents have and have used near the airport recently, are almost ineffective in nighttime operation. So consequently, the president was able to come in just as the sun had set here.
He met for 2.5 hours with some of his generals, and then he left again. Very few of the troops -- and there are 130,000 troops here in Iraq -- ever got to see him this Thanksgiving Day. Still, the president sent the message that he wanted to send, which is to say the United States and its coalition partners are in Iraq until it's all -- until the job is done.
O'BRIEN: So Walt -- all right, just to clarify, the president has left Baghdad, probably cleared Iraqi airspace by now, on his way back. And his exposure -- in other words, the amount of time he spent with troops, was somewhat limited. But nevertheless, all the troops would hear about this, and I'm sure that would be a morale boost for everybody in the country there.
RODGERS: Well, everyone's going to hear about it. And as for the morale boost, let's wait and see and talk to some soldiers tomorrow to see how they feel about the president's visit.
He has come and gone. Again, judging by the watch at this point, he's probably still in Iraqi airspace or on his way soon to leave. We don't know his route.
So he could have left Iraqi airspace if he flew south to Kuwait. But if he's flying west to Jordan, he may still be over the country. Or, if he's going over Turkey, he may have just entered Turkish airspace.
It's kind of totally speculative to guess where Air Force One is at this time. But as I say, the president has been here in Iraq 2.5 hours. He met with some of his top commanders at the airport and presumably Ambassador Bremer here, chief U.S. administrator, was there as well -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: All right, Walt Rodgers, stand by there.
And let's check in with one of our presidential historians we check in with from time to time and put this one in perspective. Douglas Brinkley joining us on the line. He's at home. He's in New Orleans. Is that where he is?
DOUGLAS BRINKLEY, PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIAN: Yes, I'm in New Orleans.
O'BRIEN: Doug Brinkley, good to have you with us, as always.
O'BRIEN: Same to you. Now, we were talking just a few moments ago, back in 1990, the run-up to the first Gulf War, George Bush Sr. spent some time, Thanksgiving with the troops there. How many times have we seen presidents make such risky moves to get close to the troops?
BRINKLEY: Well, this one's extraordinarily risky. And it's, I think, a very smart move by President Bush. He's been under a lot of criticism lately for not going to some of the memorial services, some of the funerals of our soldiers who have been killed in the war in Iraq. And I think this is a real show that he cares about our troops, the fact that he went on Thanksgiving.
You can imagine the joy and surprise of many of our men and women of the armed forces when the president of the United States finally made an appearance there. And it's a wonderful morale boost.
About a year ago, I wrote an essay for "The New York Times," talking about when general -- or President Eisenhower went to Afghanistan, which many people didn't realize. And I was thinking that -- arguing that President Bush should go to Afghanistan to visit the troops. That if you're going to win the war on terror, you need to show that you're not afraid.
And of course we've had so many difficult moments in the last six and eight months. And I think the secrecy of this visit had to be of the utmost concern to the White House and the Secret Service and our Defense Department, but apparently they pulled it off. President Bush went. And now, as you're reporting, he's leaving Iraqi airspace. So I think it's a wonderful moment for our troops and for this Bush administration.
BRINKLEY: No. Lyndon Johnson, also. I mean, he would constantly in Vietnam -- both Johnson and Nixon wanting to constantly show the troops we were behind the efforts in Vietnam.
But as you rightfully said, I think this is more in tune with the visit that his father made, a Thanksgiving visit before. We don't have all the photographs, and I'm sure there are going to be some incredible photographs of Bush with our men and women there. And you can imagine the e-mails that are going on right now and the calls home to America, saying, mom and dad, guess who I just had turkey dinner with?
O'BRIEN: Can only imagine those.
All right. Let's go over to Dana Bash in Crawford, Texas.
Dana, you, as much as anybody else, knows how the Secret Service operates, and how much of -- the restrictions they place on the president of the United States. Dana's not there? No?
All right. Kelly McCann, I'll ask you the question. The Secret Service and its restrictions -- and sometimes you get the sense the Secret Service is the boss when it comes to security, and in some sense can overrule the wishes of the commander-in-chief. It's kind of a tug-of-war that goes on there, right?
KELLY MCCANN, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Oh, there definitely is, Miles. And, by the way, happy Thanksgiving.
MCCANN: The bottom line is that the president is well aware of the risk to his life when he goes into a situation like this. And there's been a little bit of heat labeling on him on visiting the families of casualties, et cetera. So I'm sure not only because he felt compelled because they are Americans and they're serving abroad, but also because it's the right thing to do in many ways. He basically put his foot down and said, I understand and appreciate your concerns for my security, but I'm going.
O'BRIEN: All right. So put yourself in the role of the Secret Service at this meeting. What would you say to the president and how would you tell him to pull this off safely? MCCANN: After the panic, I'm sure what they did was they spent as much advance through the appropriate channels who were very secure into Iraq to try to develop this into a safe journey. I'm sure they were met with military aircraft who could basically run on either side of the president's plane and take out targets that, you know, might engage the plane.
But the biggest thing that they did was they used a ruse. And that's a military acceptable tactic. They basically said, look here, and went there, which is a very, very good tactic to use, especially in protective services operations.
O'BRIEN: It's just hard to imagine in this day and age, with the amount of coverage that a president receives, you know, round-the- clock attention, that he could pull something like this off.
MCCANN: That, and the other thing is that they figured that the risk or (ph) reward formula worked, even when the ambient threat level is as high as it is around (UNINTELLIGIBLE) or Baghdad International Airport. That's the -- military calls that the (UNINTELLIGIBLE) region.
The bottom line is that a lot of aircraft, with no one near as important as the president, have been attempted to be engaged. So it was a risk. But I'm sure that the troops dearly appreciated it.
O'BRIEN: And as far as arriving there and the risk of these heat-seek missiles, General Shepperd just a few moments ago was saying, you know, really under cover of darkness, with the plane blacked out, as Air force One was in this case, no running lights and all the windows shut, the risk isn't as great as you might think.
MCCANN: Well, that's true, because remember that a lot of these aircraft will be engaged by opportunistic people who have the missiles, are in the field. They know there's no Iraqi aircraft in the area. So virtually those people who are operating against the United States, anything in the air is fair game as far as they're concerned. So in the daylight hours, if you see a plane, then there's no reason not to shoot it. But at night it's much more difficult.
O'BRIEN: All right. Kelly McCann, stay close. We're going to go -- I think we do finally have Dana Bash located in Crawford, Texas. At least we know she's there. She didn't secret her way out of there.
Dana, they start -- is the White House -- now that the president is safely on his way back, I assume we're getting some more details.
O'BRIEN: All right, we lost Dana Bash. We'll try to get back to her as soon as we can. Hopefully she hasn't spirited herself out of Crawford as well. Major General Don Shepperd, in Tucson, enjoying his Thanksgiving meal, or about to do that. It's a little early out there still.
General Shepperd, the risk to benefit analysis that goes on, for the Secret Service, they're just interested in the risk, obviously. I'll have you continue that line of reasoning that Kelly McCann was going through when the president and his people kind of broached this idea. And I guess one of the key things to keep this ruse a ruse was not to let many people know about it at all.
SHEPPERD: Miles, one thing is certain, America still can't keep a secret, as we've seen here. We kept the stealth secret for many years. Many people knew about the stealth secret until President Carter, I believe, broke the news.
And this had to be handled with the utmost secrecy, because the danger is not flying in, because the aircraft is equipped with the latest of the diversion devices and what have you, and going in at night and minimize it. But of course, rockets, mortars, that type of thing, can be launched at anytime into many areas there.
You have to keep the fact that he's going to arrive, who it is, where he's going very, very secret. So it was risky from that standpoint, from the obvious point that if anything happened to the president of the United States it would be a huge feather in the cap to those of us who wish us evil in this whole endeavor.
O'BRIEN: Of course Washington leaks like a sieve. Now, we have to presume that there was a fairly significant advance party in security that went to Baghdad International Airport to check it out. Keeping that a secret has to be tough.
SHEPPERD: It is. But you know, we have a lot of practice moving the president around the world on a regular basis. And security concerns are everywhere, wherever he goes.
If you've ever been in the middle of one of those things, you think that, man, you have really been violated, because they go through everything in the vicinity. So they're well schooled at doing this. And as Kelly said, this was all done over secure communications.
So it was kept very, very secret. Only the people that needed to know (UNINTELLIGIBLE), and then the rest was on the spot.
O'BRIEN: If you were in the position of advising the president to do something like this, from the role of a Secret Service type person, would you recommend it?
SHEPPERD: Go, man, is what I'd say. The troops need it, the nation needs it.
Yes, the fact that he has been criticized for not attending some of the funerals may have played in this, although I think that's been highly overblown out there. But definitely, I would have recommended that he go. You can always provide for security in the way that we've seen here.
O'BRIEN: All right. And General Shepperd, it's good to know the president is safe and on his way back, obviously. And that's right about the time we found out about this. Obviously, that's not a coincidence.
SHEPPERD: No, not a coincidence at all. I mean, they weren't going to -- until he was safely out of the area, they weren't going to break the news for obvious reasons. Didn't want to give anybody on the ground warning that he might be there, because you might set off the rockets or mortars that we've been talking about.
It's a dangerous neighborhood over there, Miles. And it's going to be a tough, long stay. As long as we're there, we're going to get shot at, probably be shot at the day we're leaving. It's just a fact of life.
O'BRIEN: All right, Major General Don Shepperd, stay close.
Getting a few of the pool report dispatches from Air Force One. Give you a little bit of tick-tock here.
The president left Crawford, Texas, at 7:25 p.m. Central Time -- excuse me, 8:25 p.m. Eastern Time, Wednesday. He flew to D.C., Andrews Air Force base. They were told they were just switching planes.
He switched planes and then flew to Baghdad. He arrived at 5:31 p.m. local time, 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time this morning. The president -- let's see. Now he's en route to Washington now, about 12 hours out.
The president will go to Crawford from D.C. He also met with some commanders in the Iraqi Governing Council, as we told you. And he gave a speech there. I'll read just a little bit of it.
"I can't think a finer group of folks to have dinner with," said the president. "I'm especially thankful for those who defend us. They are testing our will, hoping we will run. We didn't charge hundreds miles into Iraq, pay a bitter cost of casualty, defeat a ruthless dictator and liberate 25 million people, only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins." And that brought a standing ovation, we're told, by this pool report.
Dana Bash back on the line. We don't have pictures of her right now. We had a little transmission problem there. But she's here to shed a little more light on this as the details come out -- Dana.
BASH: Well, Miles, as I was saying before, we have a little bit more information of how this all went down. Essentially, the president was -- he slipped out of Crawford last night in unmarked cars. And we are told even some member of the Secret Service weren't informed about this. This is how tightly held a secret this was.
And as you said, he flew to Washington and took Air Force One into Baghdad. We're told that Air Force One flew in, in the dark, absolutely no lights. And they didn't use Air Force One's call letters for security reasons. Then the plane landed in a remote corner of the airport.
Now, you mentioned the fact that the president did have Thanksgiving dinner with troops. We're told that he had dinner with about 600 troops, members of the 1st Armored Division and 81st Airborne. Now, we're told that troops were gathered there, and we're told they were going to have dinner with Paul Bremer, the administrator there, and General Ricardo Sanchez.
And Bremer came out and started to speak and he said, "Well, perhaps you want somebody more senior than I to speak to you." He began to read a message from the president, a Thanksgiving message. Then he said, "Maybe you want somebody more senior to speak to you."
And then from behind a curtain, we are told, the president came out and that is when he got a rousing round of applause, a standing ovation from the troops there, who were, as you can imagine, quite surprised to see the commander in chief standing before them, there in Baghdad.
We're also told that this was so tightly held, even the first lady didn't know about it until just a few hours before the president left here in Crawford. And you said -- as you mentioned, the president did make a speech. He didn't necessarily eat, but he gathered and discussed the issues with the troops there.
And in his speech, he did say how thankful he was for all their service, how proud he was and America was for their service. And, as you said, he said the United States didn't charge to Baghdad and pay the bitter cost in casualties and defeat a dictator only to retreat, making it clear to them he needs them to stay, he needs the U.S. to stay, in order to continue doing the job.
That is something that we've heard from here back in the United States, time and time again. And as you said, Miles, we are expecting the president at some point later today to come back to Crawford after that stealth visit into Baghdad -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Now Dana, we're expecting -- we're getting some reports that we're going to get some tape of this fairly shortly. It will show that speech you referred to, and this whole scene, where Ambassador Bremer said, I'm going to read the president's proclamation, perhaps I should get someone more senior, as you say. And he appears.
Apparently he was spooning out some sweet potatoes and corn at one point or another during all this. The troops that were there, did you get a sense of how many were actually present?
BASH: We were told there were about 600 troops present at that particular dinner. And you're right, we are told he didn't eat, he was simply serving them and sort of talking to them and discussing the mission and other things with them. He didn't actually sit down and eat. And he was only there for about two hours, we are told. And we are going to get more details later. As you said, there was a camera crew with the president. And we should get all this on tape in the next hour or two.
O'BRIEN: Two and a half hours, not even enough time to get jet lag on this trip, right? That's something. Dana, I'm not questioning whether you're doing your job or not, but how did he slip away from you?
BASH: Well, it doesn't make us feel as bad now that we know members of the Secret Service and even his wife didn't know about it. This was incredibly tightly held. Only a few members of the senior staff in the White House, we are told, knew about it.
And they did a good job, as I mentioned before, of letting us know some pretty specific details of what they said he would be doing here in Crawford, including a pretty lengthy menu of the food he was going to be eating with his relatives here. So they -- this was clearly carefully planned so that there weren't any questions raised -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Interesting, right down to the sweet potatoes on the menu.
All right. Walt Rodgers is in Baghdad. Walt, we know about some 600 troops, 1st Armored 82nd Airborne, guys that you have been spending a lot of time with. What do you think this means to them?
RODGERS: Well, to the 600 soldiers who were in that hangar with the president it probably means an extraordinary amount. It's very flattering for the president of the United States to undertake a very intrepid mission. He was very bold, coming to a dangerous environment.
All of Iraq is very dangerous. The airport, of course, is under a fair amount of security. But still, it was an intrepid thing for President Bush to do.
What was very interesting, however, is in addition to seeking to meet with the troops to the extent that he did, what was very interesting was that he also met with members of the Iraqi Governing Council. He's clearly courting their support.
Ambassador Paul Bremer, the U.S. administrator here in Iraq, was hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the Iraqis, and suddenly he produces from behind the curtain the president of the United States. There was a fair amount of dissension on that Iraqi Governing Council as recently as today.
The chairman of the council had to go down to try to soothe the injured feelings of the leading Shiite cleric here, the Ayatollah Ali al-Sustani (ph). So perhaps the president's visit may even have a spillover effect, and at least temporarily damp down the internal dissension among the Shiites, the Sunnis and the Kurds here in Iraq. It's, again, very flattering to have all this happen. If I may add just one footnote to what you were saying earlier, Miles. There is a tradition in the U.S. military. I saw it last year in Kuwait with the 3rd Infantry Division. On Thanksgiving Day, the soldiers of the U.S. Army, at least, are served their Thanksgiving meal by their officers. And so here you have the commander in chief coming in.
And if the video is as it's described, that the president was shuffling out the sweet potatoes and the corn, that's a lovely gesture, in that it's on Thanksgiving Day, usually done by the officers of the unit. Now the president steps in, does it for a short while. A nice gesture, nice touch.
Long-term effects of this visit, we can't say at this point. This is Iraq. The president comes and goes in 2.5 hours. The Iraqis, Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds have a very real agenda of their own, quite apart from a presidential visit -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: And that's a good point. The president of the United States certainly has persuasive powers when he meets with a group like that. But that's a group with some deep-rooted problems that probably can't be fixed in that time frame.
Nevertheless, do you think he was able to move them forward toward some sort of consensus on what happens in Iraq?
RODGERS: Listen, what the president did was very important from the point of view of his administration. He came to Iraq, took a personal risk, and showed that he is committed to the future of what he calls a democratic Iraq. That is a very bold gesture by the president of the United States.
An I suspect it's -- it bespeaks a commitment. Indeed, it bespeaks a commitment. The problem is, Iraq is racked with internal problems, economic, social. The country is divided among its Shiite majority, 60 percent. The Sunnis, the next largest group, and then the Kurds.
And you know, the president of the United States visiting here for 2.5 hours is not going to resolve the ethnic divisions in this country. And it's a given here in Iraq that if the American troops were not here, this country would dissolve into civil war.
So, again, a 2.5 hour visit is not going to resolve those kinds of issues. But it does -- and it's very important to point this out -- when the president of the United States comes to Iraq, meets with some leaders of the American-appointed Governing Council, Shiites, Kurds and Sunnis, what the president is doing is saying, I am committed.
Indeed, at the airport, President George W. Bush said, "We will stay until the job is finished." And that's important. But it is not going to do the job. That's going to take week, months, years, perhaps -- Miles.
O'BRIEN: Walt Rodgers, stand by there. As details dribble in, we'll get back to him. | 2019-04-25T02:19:30Z | http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0311/27/bn.02.html |
The most beautiful places in Naples and surroundings for walks and hikes between lakes, mountains and nature reserves.
Naples and its surroundings offer fantastic opportunities for excursions to enchanting places, but also in the rest of Campania there are parks, nature reserves and mountains perfect for walking or trekking.
In the city it is possible to visit quarries, tunnels and underground passages with the many routes available in the Naples Underground and in the Galleria Borbonica, but moving a few kilometers there are also the suggestive walk on the Gran Cono del Vesuvio and the fascinating Sentiero degli Dei.
In the Park of Matese and Grassano, but also on Mount Faito and the Terminio you will immerse yourself completely in the untouched nature between rivers, lakes, a rich flora and many animals.
Here is a guide to the most beautiful excursions.
Napoli Sotterranea is composed of a series of tunnels and quarries that date back to the Greek era and which are located at 40 meters deep. About 5000 years ago the Greeks began to dig underground to obtain stones for the construction of buildings and to make funerary hypogea, but it was the Romans who opened tunnels and galleries that served as aqueducts. These are the routes that can be visited with walks through the quarries that during the Second World War were also used as shelters by the population. In fact, there are still objects of daily life dating back to those times. The visit also includes the entrance to the remains of the Greek-Roman Theater.
It extends under the small hill of Pizzofalcone and is an underground route built in the 1853 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon as a possible escape from the Royal Palace to the current Piazza Vittoria. Today it is a very popular tourist site, a very suggestive place where ancient monuments and engravings of the wells have been found and where old quarries were reopened and used during the Second World War as a shelter. They can be done four paths: the standard provides a walking itinerary accessible to all, that adventure is a visit to a cistern on board a raft, that caving with overalls and harness leads into tunnels and fascinating majolica cisterns. Finally, the Via delle Memorie starts or ends at the Palazzo Serra di Cassano with the octagonal courtyard and the monumental staircase.
The excursion on the Vesuvius crater is among the most evocative of Campania and is a walk that starts at about 1000 meters of altitude. In fact, you arrive by car to the square in the town of Ercolano which is located at that altitude and from there you continue on foot on a series of panoramic hairpin bends that become more and more fascinating as you go up. The vegetation of Vesuvius is mainly characterized by the broom, very fragrant flower and walking you can admire Mount Somma with the Cognoli di Sant'Anastasia and Punta Nasone opposite to the Cognoli of Ottaviano and Levante and a breathtaking view of the Gulf. Once you reach the Crater, even if you can walk the whole ring, you can not help but be amazed at the deep mouth of the volcano, rich in minerals and lichens and some fumaroles.
The Path of the Gods is one long walk on the Lattari Mountains, on the Amalfi Coast, which starts from the hamlet of Bomerano di Agerola to reach the town of Nocelle, in Positano. It's a'excursion of 10 km that we recommend to do in spring or summer, in any case with a beautiful day, in order to fully enjoy the beautiful landscapes. The walk is divided into High Path, which also includes a section that starts from Vico Equense, e Low Path, the most famous. This is almost all downhill, although there are some steps and climbs, it lasts about 5 hours and faces a vertical drop of 600 meters. You walk immersed in silence, in complete fusion with nature, discovering the Biscotto Cave, the Monte Serra pass and the Vallone Grarelle. Impossible not to be enchanted by the panoramic views with the beautiful Capri.
The hike on Mount Faito, one of the peaks of the Lattari Mountains, will lead up to approx 1130 meters high allowing the view of beautiful views of the Amalfi Coast. They can be done various routes, like the route from Campo del Pero to Monte Cerasuolo, from Campo del Pero to Croce della Conocchia, to the Casa del Monaco resort through the woods or from the Sports Center in Moiano on the mule track, which is the ancient road to Monte . On each of the chosen streets you can stop in the streets for picnics, meet grazing animals like horses or even indulge in the search for mushrooms and truffles. There is no lack of trees like monumental beeches and maples, but also natural cavities and springs.
The Parco del Matese is a 'protected natural area which includes Mount Mutria, Mount Gallinola, Mount Miletto, Lake Matese (from which it takes its name), Lake Letino and is crossed by the Titerno and Tammaro rivers. It is ideal for walks and outings and has one very rich fauna which includes, among the dozens of animals, the fox, the marmot, the great spotted woodpecker, the badger, the tordella, the dormouse, the hare and the rare rock partridge. Even the flora is lush and there are many plants of the Mediterranean scrub. It is also perfect for speleological excursions, for those who want to go mountain biking and for those who want to do grass skiing.
The Park is located in the Telesina Valley and is crossed by the Rio Grassano on whose clear waters you can do Canoeing or kayaking. The river is so crystalline that you can admire its backdrop, rich in particular colors due to aquatic herbs. It is a heavenly oasis where both adults and children can relax and enjoy uncontaminated nature, including picnic areas, play areas and dining options. There are about 120000 square meters of greenery, numerous varieties of flowers and plants, but there are no shortage of animals like otters, nutria and waterfowl.
The Valle dei Mulini is located in the territory of Gragnano and is called that because for about 600 years, from the thirteenth century, many mills used for the production of flour and pasta, exploiting the strength of the Vernotico torrent, to supply above all the city of Naples. The Valley is about 2 km long and the ancient 28 mills have remained today 11, some of which are only ruins. One of the survivors is the La Pergola mill, the most characteristic and large, with a terrace where the grain was washed. Walking, you also meet the Mill of Monaco with a large esplanade where the pasta was dried. The whole of the mills is now considered an industrial archeology, but it goes well with the beautiful surrounding nature.
Monte Terminio is located in the Appennino Campano, between the municipalities of Montella and Volturara Irpina. It is about 1800 meters tall and falls within Regional Park of the Picentini Mountains. You can undertake various paths that cross woods and esplanades, also meeting some watercourses. From the Principe di Piemonte Refuge you get to the Piana delle Acque Nere in which there is a large green space used for grazing, with a shelter for shepherds and a dairy, while in the village of Acqua degli Uccelli you get to Campolaspietro where there is a riding school and you can stop for a picnic. On Monte Terminio, in addition to walking, you can also do horse riding or cycling.
The Valley of Hell is one of the most beautiful excursions that can be done inside the great Vesuvius National Park both because it is not very popular and because it offers a very impressive view from the bottom of the volcanic complex Monte Somma-Vesuvio. It is a fascinating journey because in part it is covered by solidified lava and it develops through a pine forest. The trail, often sloping, leads into the Vallone Tagliente and is initially paved, and then becomes a dirt road. The real Valle dell'Inferno is reached after walking on a stretch rich in Neapolitan alders, one with brooms and another that runs along the slopes of Vesuvius. When you reach the final destination you can admire the most beautiful lava formation of the area with a crack in which the ferns have grown. | 2019-04-20T18:34:34Z | https://www.napolike.com/tourism/hiking-trekking-and-a-napoli/ |
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Earlier this year, the titles for Phase III of Marvel's productions were released. One of them was a movie about Dr. Strange. Rumors about who would play the role began circulating, and this week, one of those rumors was confirmed: Benedict Cumberbatch will officially be playing the role of Dr. Strange in a movie set to release November 6, 2014.
I gathered up some of The Fangirl Initiative team members and asked them their thoughts on this.
First off, a brief history. Dr. Stephen Strange was created by Steve Ditko in 1963. He first debuted in the comic Strange Tales #110. (Fitting, no?) The character has continued to show up in Marvel's comics from 1963 until now, with the character's most recent appearance being in New Avengers in 2013.
Dr. Strange was born on a farm in Nebraska, and became a world-renowned surgeon at a very young age, which made him very arrogant and full of himself. (Tony Stark, anyone?) Unfortunately, he was in a car accident that damaged the nerves in his hands, making him obviously unable to perform delicate surgeries. In his search for a cure, he drained his bank account dry, and, finally, followed rumors of an Ancient One. (Hint: he found him.) When the Ancient One was in danger, Dr. Strange redeemed himself from arrogance by defending the Ancient One from his enemy. As a reward, the Ancient One taught Stephen Strange magic, and Dr. Strange received the title of Sorcerer Supreme, which basically means he's a really powerful magician. (More info here.) Simply put, this is a seriously impressive guy.
And now for my opinion.
When I first found out about the casting, I... wasn't thrilled. While I'm not as acquainted with Dr. Strange as some of the other Marvel characters, I had a strong opinion as to who should play Dr. Strange. And Benedict Cumberbatch wasn't it.
While I love the guy--Sherlock is amazing, and his performance as Khan was bonechilling to say the least--I'm not sure I want him in the Marvel universe as Dr. Strange. Personally, I'd rather see him play a villain, or some other character that fits him. Instead, this casting choice somewhat strikes me as shoehorning a popular actor into a part, which obviously isn't great.
However, after researching Dr. Strange, I've changed my tune a little bit. While I'm still not thrilled, I think Benedict Cumberbatch could actually do this part really well. I trust Marvel, and I do think that once I see Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange, I'll probably change my mind completely and deny I ever objected to him. I've had harsh reactions to casting choices before, and every time, I'm proved wrong.
Do I doubt that Benedict can play the part? No! He's an incredible actor. But Dr. Strange is one of the characters I'm most excited about being brought to life on the big screen. So I'm incredibly torn as to whether this is what I wanted for the Dr. Strange movie. Overall, though, I think Marvel knows what they're doing, and I look forward to seeing what comes of this casting choice.
My knowledge of Dr. Strange is limited to a PS2 video game from about 2006. But basically: he’s this awesome dude rocking the cape and goatee and has awesome mystical abilities to keep guard over Earth. He’s also neurosurgeon. He sounds cool. He looks cool. It’s obvious not just any actor could play the part.
I think Benedict Cumberbatch being cast is a smart move for Marvel (but really when has Marvel failed in casting? Some of us were skeptical about Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, the young cast of X-Men, Andrew Garfield, Guardians in general, etc. And they all did brilliantly). They need someone known in order to sell a movie about someone who isn’t as well known (I mean, I’m a huge marvel fan and I’m summarizing the character in a stereotypical sentence because I barely know anything about him). They also need someone who can step into the role. Dr. Strange is kind of arrogant (at least at first) and he’s involved with really weird stuff (like weirder than Guardians stuff). They need someone who can play arrogant (Sherlock Holmes, anybody?), intelligent (Khan and Sherlock and a handful of his other roles) and really weird (you’re talking about a man who can be in a WWI movie, Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek, and a freaking dragon in the Hobbit and do fantastic in each role. He’s transcended between every genre pretty much).
I know that most of the “hate” towards the casting has been about him being white, but Dr. Strange appears white and grew up on a farm in Nebraska during the 30s and 40s (he’s probably white). I understand the desperate need for people of color but it makes absolutely no sense to take a character that is supposed to be white and make him colored. Instead, if we want more people of color to show up in Marvel we have to prove they can sell the movie by supporting the comics.
Cumberbatch is a phenomenal actor. I think he can do it. And I’ll be rooting for him all the way.
One of my problems is that Stephen Strange is Middle-Eastern, not English. That aside, I usually trust Marvel's casting - and when I don't, I'm proven wrong. Stephen is serious and powerful, and I'm more concerned about how Benedict is going to differentiate this from Sherlock or Khan or, heck, even Smaug. Personally, Oded Fehr would have been the PERFECT Dr. Strange, and that was disappointing.
I mean, I know I'll like the movie, but I'm not a fan of the 'Actor of the Moment' being in everything and playing everyone.
While I've little experience in the world of comics (I know if I ever started, I'd go down a black hole of fandom and ne'er return to the light of day), I have seen and heard a fairly large portion of Cumberbatch's roles in the past. "Heard," you say? "What ever does that mean?" Well, the talented actor in question has starred not just in films, but in BBC radio skits as well: comedy, to be exact!
It's one thing to see Cumberbatch's range of solemn acting on the screen -- the impudent genius of Sherlock, the intensely emotional Khan, and of course the reptilian CGI Smaug for which he volunteered hours of time in a full body suit covered in ping pong balls. But those dark, brooding roles aren't the only things that Cumberbatch is capable of, though many people may not know it. He's highly versatile, with a fantastic knack for comedy (and I'm not just talking about his Oscar photobombs). In the BBC radio sitcom Cabin Pressure, Cumberbatch plays an uptight airline captain with everything to prove... and a stutter that tends to pick up as he gets more and more nervous. He plays it so well, in fact, that it's hard to imagine he was born with any other personality.
For those of you who have a long plane or car trip ahead of you during the holidays, I highly recommend picking up some Cabin Pressure episodes off iTunes: there are 26 so far, one for each letter of the alphabet beginning with Episode 1 in Abu Dabai. The final episode, "Zurich," is about to be released this very Christmas. Hearing that familiar voice snarking away in the radio series may make your day and forever change how you think about airlines and their pilots; I know it does me.
And what's my point in all of this, you ask?
Having experienced Cumberbatch in both the darkest of plots and the lightest of laughs, I can personally say that I have great faith in him: he will dive into whatever role he's given, including the role of Dr. Strange, and play it wholeheartedly. There may be bad movies in existence, but though I go out on a limb, I think that there may be no bad acting by Benedict Cumberbatch.
1. For Marvel, money-wise and universe-expanding-wise, Benedict is the right type of actor for them to cast right now. Benedict is rising fast as one of the great actors of our time and he’s got a huge fanbase, especially among people that tend to like Marvel movies (basically fangirls. THAT’S US.). He’s a really good choice at this point to expand the universe and potentially bring in more fans.
3. Doctor Strange is a former neurosurgeon. Benedict can totally play a former neurosurgeon. And a magician. But not a former magician. A current magician. This is definitely looking good for Mr. Cumberbatch. Apparently Doctor Strange is also a genius. Benedict plays smart people well (Sherlock anyone?).
4. He’s British. Marvel loves British/Australian people. I mean, take Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth. If that’s not evidence, nothing is.
I was talking to a friend about this and she said, “Cumberbatch would be perfect.” My sentiments exactly. I don’t know if they could cast anyone better!
What do you think about the casting choice? Is Benedict Cumberbatch a good actor to play Dr. Strange? If not, who do you wish had gotten the role? Let us know in the comments! | 2019-04-20T13:01:07Z | http://www.thefangirlinitiative.com/2014/12/benedict-cumberbatch-as-dr-strange.html |
Since I have started keeping up a blog in late 2006, I have always heard my seniors say "never apologize for being busy, missing or not keeping up regular posting schedule". I get that. A blog is primarily meant for fun. Or at least it started that way for most. It did for me. My blog is not my job. I don't make a living from it and we do need to be a two income family. By a twist of hard work and continued practice, the blog gave me a very busy and very fulfilling career. And right now, I feel the pages and regularity of the blog escaping me.
I think about that dessert I made and photographed and not yet posted. About the soup we ate for lunch and dinner almost three days in a row it was so incredibly delicious. I start formulating the sentences that would bear enough meaning to tell you about the ribs we grilled and devoured with blue cheese coleslaw the other day before getting caught in the rain. On our patio. Soaked. Yet happy with full belly and lots of cheers with friends.
I blog in my head a lot these days. Lot less on paper. In the shower, while others sing out loud, I start sentences peppered with just the right amount of seasonal flair and fresh ingredient. I think long and hard about other words for "fragrant" as I tie my shoes or put the leash on the dogs. As I back up files and archives all my work at night, I dream of a blank screen where I can start a post.
So, yes, unlike my seasoned senior fellow bloggers, I am saying "sorry folks if I am not as often here on this page as I would like it to be". It's all good though. Things are busy here but all "oh so" awesome. Lots of fun shoots, more for Food & Wine, Le Creuset and One Kings Lane, prepping lots of fun workshops for the summer and planning a few more commercial and editorial shoots in the middle. Never a minute to slow down. And I would not change it. This is it. This is life. I can only do this once.
I am also taking the time to slow down, sigh and regroup. By coming here. By cooking some wholesome foods. By committing to the farmers market every Saturday. The colors, the smell, the care and the love that everyone puts toward giving us healthy materials to feed our bodies and soul... All very motivating and inspiring to get in the kitchen, tie my apron on, sharpen my knives, cling my wooden spoons (they are my ruby red slippers) and find comfort in the things I can explain and seemingly have control a little.
Soups are definitely one of those things that we like to sit in front of in the evening. Especially when we can sit down together, pour ourselves a glass of wine and talk. No other interruption than his band stories or geek talk over equipment. It does not matter if it is 50F or 110F outside, soups are always welcome.
One of Bill's favorites is a Thai chicken and coconut soup that he had decades ago in New York City. I have tried many times to recreate it based on his description and you can guess I never quite got it right. So much is part of his taste memory and so much is part of the memories of the trip itself. One day, I finally decided to give up on that memory entirely and come up with a completely different coconut based soup. Luck would have it that I only had to look so far as to one of my favorite cookbooks, Noodles: The New Way by Sri Owen.
This book is one of those in our kitchen that is open many times a week for inspiration. Cooked from a couple of times of month for satisfaction and permeated for ever with fragrances of star anise, ginger and mint. One of the recipes I had bookmarked from the very first day I got the book waited a whooping 10 years before I actually made it. Modified and made, I should say. And since then, I have made it ten times already. Trying to catch up on ten years without Shrimp, Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup..one bowl at a time!
The original recipe in "Noodles: The New Way" was "Coconut, Tofu and Pumpkin Noodles". I loved all the flavors but modified to accommodate what I had in the fridge when I decided to make it the first time. Pumpkin was replaced with butternut squash and shrimp made their way in our bowls, instead of tofu. Right now that shrimp are in full season, it's really easy to get a couple of pounds from the dock in the evening or from the market if we don't feel like casting our nets. Butternut squash are not in season anymore however so I have been using golden beets or baby turnips instead lately.
Hope you have a wonderful end of the week...!
Shrimp, Butternut Squash & Coconut Soup, modified from Sri Owen in "Noodles: The New Way".
1 1/2 pounds unwaxed kirby or Japanese cucumbers, cut into 3/4-inch-wide spears.
In a large saucepan, combine the water, garlic, bay leaves, lemon zest and chiles. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Uncover, add the salt and let the brine cool. In a small saucepan, combine the lemon juice and sugar and boil over high heat until reduced by half. Add the reduction to the pickling brine. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for just 1 minute, then drain. Arrange the cucumber spears around the side of a large glass bowl. Put the shrimp in the center and cover with the brine. Place a plate directly on the shrimp and cucumbers and weigh it down with canned goods to keep the shrimp and cucumbers submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Arrange the shrimp and cucumbers on a platter and serve.
I blog in my head all the time too. I think it's my way of processing what's going on, even if the thoughts never make it to the screen.
Your blog is beautiful in little bites or big feasts!
I blog in my head, talk to myself about the posts and edit them out loud. Then, when I've sufficiently discussed my next food blog post with myself in my head, I start trying to drum up inspiration for my next short fiction story - out loud. How will we ever know if we are going insane??
Your posts are inspirational and your photography is beyond description.
I blog in my head too. Especially lieing oin bed at night. This soup sounds wonderful. Since we moved to Brisbane we can't just pop down to the waterfront to buy our prawns. Sadly I need to buy them from a fish shop.
Very nice way to use the shrimps, and fresh shrimps! It can't be any better. Have a wonderful day!
blog it's not my work to and sometimes I'd like to post everything that I think but it's impossible with my house, family and work, don't worry, it's so good to read your post that don't mind wait a bit longer!!
What a wonderful post....Such beautiful thoughts, sincere moments recollected, recipe'd and photographed...always a delight to see, read and enjoy your work!
I love this post! The most awesome blog posts are always written in my head. Then when it comes down to typing them out I have no idea where they've gone.
I do the same Helene! I try to write the thoughts in my phone's notepad, but as you say, it's hard to do that in the shower or when walking the pup in pouring rain.
Beautiful post. Love the way you describe things. The pictures are, as always, truly awesome.
OMG yuuuuuummmmmmy!!!!!!! Those shrimp look so fresh and I'll have anything with butternut squash.
there are so many blog posts that I do not actually post... time is what's the issue. But I like thinking about those posts in my head because it helps me be a better writer next time. This recipe, btw, looks oh so ah-mazing! and of course gorgeous.
This is a beautiful post. I've only been blogging for 2 months and I know what you mean about the pressure of coming up with the exact right turn of phrase (for my maybe 2 readers!). This soup looks gorgeous too. Perfect for this rainy week in NYC.
I think your readers regard your blog posts as a treat, a gift from you, rather than a required task you must fulfill. When there are gaps between your posts, my only concern is whether you are well. Warmest wishes and many thanks for the many gifts you so generously offer.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who composes blog sentences in my head (I often think I'm going nuts). This soup looks utterly delcious!
I love that you are living life to the full. That is such a blessing and can only be achieved by your own effort and following your heart.
Shrimps from the dock! I am green with envy.
I was thinking of spice variations for homemade crackers this morning while I was in the shower.
I have 7 children ages 10 and under (the youngest is just a month old). It takes a lot of time to care for my family--plus I homeschool my children.
I know my readers would love for me to post recipes more often. I just put up a recipe this week that I planned to post 7 or 8 months ago. I have running list of recipes that I hope to get up on my site this year. It's been interrupted by 3 different ones! I still have the list, though, and I plan to return to it as I am able to do so.
I always figured with all of the testing, work, the many photographs, and experimenting, you are doing great with posting as OFTEN as you do! I would love to post once (and sometimes twice) a week, but there is so much of LIFE to live (and I love how you put that!) that it isn't possible to post that much.
I have heard bloggers say that a blogger must post 3-4 times a week to be succesful (these are bloggers who blog for income, though). I have always felt that your site defies that logic; you have grown your business from your site to do what you love, and you don't post that often. When I have people asking me to write more often, I think of your site, and I realize that I don't have to write that often to do that. And so, I continue forth with confidence in putting up new recipes when I am able to do so.
Thank you for taking the time to write this. I love the sentiments and admire your full life. It is nice to know there is someone else who blogs in her head all the time, too! The soup looks divine, one I know my family will love. I think I'll make it this weekend.
Love this post - so much so that I'm featuring it in this week's Food Fetish Friday series (with a link-back and attribution). I hope you have no objections and I'm always inspired by your creations… Thanks so much for sharing.
Nice looking soup! I am liking all of the flavours in it!
Helene, what you say about blogging in your head - that's exactly me! It's refreshing to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way - I was starting to feel as if there was something innately wrong with me. I think about ceramics as I brush my children's hair; I take inspiration on colours I see as I go shopping; I think about mood boards and setting up a scene while I am in the shower...I'm way too much inside my head these days! The only difference is, YOU create such inspirational images (I am merely mediocre). So, thank you, for sharing your thoughts and reassuring me that life is so full of inspiration!
It was a really sweet post :) I don't have a blog myself but I'm reading many different blogs daily (your included). Sometimes I play with the idea I would start one but I'm quite busy and I know I wouldn't have a time to write my posts as often as I would love to.
I love your entries especially the cooking/baking ones. I was wondering, where do you find recipes? Do you ask at restaurants or you just try a random recipe from the internet and alter it? Last year my best friend took me to NOMA, it's a Danish restaurant and their dishes are so good it's impossible to express it with words. I thought it was a sort of localish restaurant and guess what? They won the world best restaurants award! I've been trying to guess the recipe of the dish I had there but it's impossible. I can get close but it's never as good as they make it.
Gosh this looks stunning! Definitely adding it to my list!
Que de belles idées à travers toutes ces recettes!
Que de belles recettes publiées sur ce blog! | 2019-04-25T13:16:23Z | http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2012/05/recipe-gluten-free-shrimp-butternut.html |
Two interesting incidents yesterday – one at work and one at home – both again reminded me of a very important lesson – it’s the first that’s always the hardest.
Yesterday, we went to a nearby cycling park with my 7 year old who has been cycling for months now and really enjoys cycling. Though as soon as we rented a cycle at the park for him, he refused to ride. The park had rough muddy patches unlike our apartment’s smooth cemented road and the cycle was a bit bigger than what he was used to. We tried to coax him but he just refused, again and again!
Instead of saying – try it, it’s so easy, we changed it to – big boys ride big cycles, smaller ones are for babies. Riding bigger cycle will help you zoom faster (he loves speed).
If you’re getting scared of this muddy uphill slope, we will handhold you for the first patch. We will be there for you if you lose your balance and fall.
Try it out only for 1 minute. If you do not like it, we won’t ask you to cover the whole track. You can get down anytime you want.
Speed excites him and at his age, he has this strong desire to be not called a baby.
Handholding bit gave him the confidence to try.
Get down anytime you want, eased out his anxiety to go through the whole unknown track.
After a few initial hesitated pedals, he zoomed.
And I remembered the conversation with one of my clients on similar lines yesterday. They had launched a new product recently with good discounts too but were struggling to meet their conversion numbers. After my initial analysis of their target audience, I felt discounts may not be the biggest triggers for that target segment. They may need a different approach and the first 100 might need a different strategy altogether than the remaining mass.
I shared with them my previous organization’s experience about one of the products that I had worked from scratch, right from concept to launch.
Out of the approx. 10,000 conversions that happened there in 1 year, the first 100 took me more than 6 months and the remaining 9,900 happened in the remaining 6 months :-). And out those first 100, the first 10 were the toughest!
• I was personally involved in first 100 conversions, in fact, first 1000. No outsourcing at all to any external agency.
• A lot of time was spent in defining the value proposition for each stakeholder. Detailed understanding of different audience type was done and then my marketing pitch was customized depending upon the user profile and what would be of interest to them.
• Handholding, training and robust support during the onboarding process to build the trust.
• Trial to experience the product with transparent, no strings attached deboarding process.
• Taking all possible steps to ensure the first 100 who took a leap of faith with us had an excellent experience. Once they became happy, the word spread.
Be it anything in life, right from dealing with your child to your customer, it’s the “first” that’s always the toughest. Isn’t it :-)? But if done right, it’s the first that leads to second and so on.
Hello January and hello 2019! I know, I am late and it’s already more than one week into January but then it isn’t still that late to wish you all a very happy new year. Hope your first week of 2019 was full of energy and zeal.
Speaking of zeal, I often wonder what is so special about January that makes everyone plan new things this month? Isn’t it just another change of date? Another flip (or swipe, in case of digital) in the calendar? But the more I think about it and the more I observe everyone around me, I love the magic that January brings along with it.
The magic of believing again.
Indeed January is magical, for it brings an amazing amount of enthusiasm and fervor around us. I love how everyone gets busy making new plans, setting up new goals and deciding new milestones in their personal and professional lives. Even though half of those goals won’t be met, but I still love the fact that we at least try for newer things again.
So, what are the new things you’re planning to do in 2019? Ok, may not be new and I agree, it needn’t be new but how about thinking on – how would you like this year to be for you?
Do think about it and list down a few points for yourself this January. It will help you reflect on the year went by when you will sit and think about 2019 on 31st December 2019.
Chronicling helps, trust me on that :-).
On that note, wish you all a very happy January. May the magic of January continue throughout the year and may your new beginnings be beautiful and bright. Have a happy twenty nineteen!
Some of my recent consulting work gave me the opportunity to meet and interact with small business owners from different parts of the country, most of them actually from tier 3 cities and beyond. These are small business owners with a formal education level of either 12th or graduation, typically operating out of certain areas in their respective towns and are doing profitable businesses worth few crores every year.
Both the projects that I am consulting for are around digitization and these require me to have an in-depth understanding of how these businessmen operate and their respective selling philosophies.
To say that it was an enriching experience would be an understatement. While I have been closely associated with startup & entrepreneurship world for more than a decade now but the kind of insights you get when you meet these grassroots level entrepreneurs is unparalleled!
No formal MBA degree, no entrepreneurship certification, yet a powerhouse of business wisdom and practical knowledge nuggets.
After meeting a few of them, I got so fascinated with their understanding of sales, marketing, customer relationship that I started taking notes :-).
Sharing some that I loved here translated into English. These are lessons that we know of, perhaps learned through books and repeat many a time during our conference room sessions, but listening to these from real doers in absolute rural language, was nothing less than fascinating :-).
Me: How do you always manage to sell higher ticket items?
Him 1: I don’t jump to selling directly. I first work towards building my relationship with my customer and build the trust. People here value my suggestions and words, once that trust is established, it’s not difficult to sell anything. (One line verbatim: “madam, long term dhanda karna hai toh sabse zaroori hai grahak ka vishwaas jeetna”).
Winning customer’s trust is very important to do a sustainable business.
Me: You have created two very different type of leaflets for the same product, why?
Him 2: Product is same but positioning matters. I customize my offering depending upon who is buying from me (One line verbatim: “jo vigyapan aapke aankh ko jachega wo zaroori nahi ki mujhe bhi jachega, jisko jo jache, usko wo dikhao sabse pehle”).
Segmentation matters and so does contextual targeting!
Me: Commuting to your place isn’t easy, yet people come to you for the repeat purchase. Why?
Him 3: I first start with understanding the general lifestyle and need of my customer. Instead of selling my product, I try to provide a solution to their needs. (One line verbatim: “itna competition hai market main, sabse peel aap decide karo aapka grahak aapse hi “kyun” khareedega. Ye “kyun” bah zaroori hai madam”).
Start with a “why”, why will someone buy from you?
Me: You have changed the corporate brochure, but that’s not allowed. Was it because you wanted it in the local language?
Him 4: Who cares for the features explained in a brochure unless it doesn’t communicate the benefits? Instead of saying good things about the product, I say how it can benefit you or add value to your life (One line verbatim: Kiske paas time hai aajkal itna padhne ki, kisi ko kya padi hai ki humara product kitna mahaan hai, agar aap grahak ko ye samjha do ki humara product uski zindagi ko kaise asaan ya behtar kar sakta hai toh wo jhat se le leta hai”.
Keep it simple and focus on benefits more than the features.
Me: You started working for the first time at the age of 48 and now I can see you’ve employed only women at this place. Wow, how did you convince them to come out of their homes?
Her: It’s easy, I didn’t convince them about working, I just showed them the change in my lifestyle. I am the first woman in this area to have my own Alto :-). In our area, when men work, its for food & shelter but when women also start to earn, it leads to a better lifestyle (One line verbatim: khana, ghar toh aadmi log la ke de dete hai, lekin apni marzi ka saree, ye selfie wala mobile phone ke liye apna income bahut zaroori hai”).
The lifestyle and prosperity of a family grow when a woman starts earning.
Aren’t these insights amazing? I so wish, I had recorded these responses and shared with you all. Would have been a gem of a podcast coming straight from the doers of Bharat :-).
The recent report of Google states more than 100% growth for “best” search queries and even for smallest household items like a toothbrush or umbrella. While mobile searches for “best toothbrush” have grown more than 100%, for “best umbrellas” it has gone up by 140%. Wow, some search trivia this is, isn’t it :-)?
But why am I not surprised at these details? Isn’t it the norm now to hit the search button as soon as the word “buy” come to our mind? Be it the regular hygiene items or luxury holiday plans; we just cannot make a decision without searching for “best…..”.
Just yesterday, while picking up my son, I heard some mommies discussing steel lunch boxes over plastic ones, and one of the mommies immediately hit the search query for “best kids steel lunch box India.” Now, as someone who grew up in middle-class India, steel lunch boxes were very common during our childhood. In fact, if my memory supports me well, plain steel boxes were the only choices available to us as against the plethora of vibrant, colorful options accessible today. Assuming a steel box would be a steel box, I was a bit confused on this search for “best steel lunch box,” even though I am in that habit of searching for anything and everything before buying. But how wrong I was in my assumption! When I tried this search term later at home, I was amazed at the information available online – from listicles on “top 10 steel lunch box brands” to features comparison on Quora, the first page itself had tonnes of information on selecting the “best” “steel lunch box” for your child with details of features that you never thought could have mattered to you unless you read about them!
We, the consumers are informed and powerful like never before, aren’t we?
But where does this leave the job of marketers now? It’s getting tougher & interesting day by day. We know a lot more about our consumers, yet it’s difficult like never before to market your product. Forget about marketing your product; it’s actually a challenge in itself to get noticed by your consumers.
Push is actually gone, it’s primarily about advising now. You really cannot push a product, even the pull created through glittery advertisement or seeded influencers have their charm up to a certain limit only. Whatever you speak about your brand, your connected consumer will do their own research. It’s better to try being the adviser for the problems that your consumer is searching for. And in this age of hyper personalization, one-size-fits-all advice won’t work too. Invest time in understanding and analyzing your consumers and be prepared with the personalized advisory approach.
Zero moment of truth is no more just another jargon; it matters like never before. When this term got coined by Google a few years back, my immediate reaction was – ah, yet another fancy lingo for the same old marketing concept that will be in trend for few years before something else comes up. But I can’t stress the importance of ZMOT now, Zero moment of truth is a reality and that too a very competitive one. Being there, with the right message, at the time when they have just started to think about exploring your product is critical. What does this mean to a normal marketer? Understand at what point the stimulus begins and the exploratory search starts, be there not only at that point but also at the peripheral points – the peripheries could be the search of a similar category or even industry competitors.
Authentic word of mouth is important, the operative word being “authentic”. Your well-researched consumers would like to listen to feedback and reviews about your products, and they very well know to distinguish between genuine and the seeded content. While seeding definitely helps in increasing the awareness and getting noticed but for the final purchase decision, positive WOM is imperative now. Word of mouth has always been important, but historically the front end sales team also used to have lots of power for convincing and recommending. Today with most of the purchases happening via screens, recommendations from friends and family act as strong stimuli during purchase consideration. Make the process of feedback & reviews by customers as seamless as your purchase process.
There are many other trends that have changed, but for me personally, I have experienced huge changes in these three. On one hand, I see push almost dying (in fact I think an informed consumer actually hates the “push”) and on the other, I see the personalized content being present at the zero moment of truth helping remarkably.
What is that one or two things in your marketing strategy that has changed completely now? Would love to hear your views in the comment section below.
Digital Marketing is NOT Product Marketing.
Even for digital-only products, this remains true.
“Oh we have a limited budget for marketing and we just want to do some Facebook campaigns”.
Ok, that could be for now but what about later?
“Even later, we think our prime marketing channels to promote our products will be digital only”.
Sounds simple and fair enough, isn’t it?
But it’s not that simple in the real scenario. It’s a small company and this marketer is expected to own up the overall “growth” of the product – from awareness to consideration, from lead generation to conversion. Yes, the channels to be used are of course digital.
Considering I have worked in startups for long, I totally understand the need for resource optimization in smaller companies. I have also been a huge evangelist for digital medium ever since the start of my career but, just because your prime channel of promotion is going to be “digital”, you can not expect a digital marketer to do the overall job of product marketing.
The candidate could be an expert in understanding Facebook or might be a specialist in search engine optimization but these can’t be the be all end all of product marketing.
These roles may vary a bit depending upon the product category and organization, but overall a product marketer needs to have a holistic understanding of marketing and not just channel-specific approach.
Depending upon the growth stage of your organization and product, you may decide to hire the person at an appropriate time but before hiring, do invest some time in deciding your goals and objectives and hire the candidate with the right skills accordingly. You may even decide to give your digital marketer the overall product marketing role in future but this upskilling will take time and may not necessarily work always.
Thank you for visiting my blog & reading this post.
The moment I had seen this post on Linkedin, I was sure it would be a hit. When I had spotted it first few days back, views and likes were not even in hundreds and today with thousands of likes, views, and shares, there is no doubt once again that great storytelling works, almost always, in marketing and everywhere else!
In this attention economy age, imagine a candidate pitching her/his profile by speaking for more than 2 minutes or by writing a post of more than 400 words? Do you think you would be able to focus on it without any distraction?
Now imagine the same pitch presented to you visually as a story like this? Chances are, you will be hooked and end up watching it just like me.
This particular video is a great example of brilliant marketing in many ways but for me, most importantly it’s a great example of stunning visual storytelling.
It has all the elements to make it a COMPELLING story.
And it has a very definitive call for action, making it a story that compels you to act.
What more can I as a marketer expect from a powerful story?
I am sure this candidate would land/have landed up a great role in marketing by now. As for me, this video not only engaged me but it has its lasting effect on me to an extent that I am going to use it as a wonderful reference for the power of storytelling in marketing.
I have always believed in the persuasive power of visual storytelling, in case you would like to check out one of my recent posts on visual storytelling, you may find one here.
How to earn money from my Instagram page?
How to make brands pay me?
We have heard brands pay thousands of rupees for just one Insta post, how do we get such deals?
I want to be an influencer, as social media influencers make lots of money by just posting a photo or writing few lines.
This from an audience who was just starting with Instagram and other social channels!
Quick money attracts anyone and the idea of being paid thousands for just writing few lines on Insta or blog sounds very lucrative but in reality, it’s far from true.
Influencer marketing like any other channel of marketing requires some serious time and effort and unless you build your reach, credibility, and authority, there is no way you can establish yourself as a marketing channel.
To add to that, in this age of content clutter and media overload, it’s extremely difficult to cut through the noise and stand out in the crowd. I am no influencer on Instagram or elsewhere, so I don’t think I can give sure shot insights on how to be an influencer but I have been on the other side of the table for almost 15 years now – hiring endorsers, brand advocates, and influencers for all the brands that I have worked with till now. So, I can definitely give some insight on what all I look for when I engage with influencers for my brands.
1. Relevance: For me, this is one of the top criteria while engaging with an influencer. There are enough debates around reach vs relevance but in my personal experience, the subject matter credibility and relevance of influencer’s target audience matter a lot. Think of a juice brand being promoted by a food blogger or fitness expert vs. a travel blogger? Juice is a category that has a possibility of being consumed by almost any kind of audience but as a follower, your perception towards receiving a recommendation for a juice brand by a fitness expert will be different than from a travel blogger.
2. Reach: Of course reach is very important, no marketing channel can survive without sufficient reach but reach doesn’t mean only a very high number of followers. Reach is also a lot about engagement and interactions per post. For e.g., I definitely do a quick check on the quality of interactions on influencer’s last ten sponsored posts as one of the parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of the promoted content by the influencer.
3. Persona: Your brand has a persona and it’s extremely important to find influencers whose personas resonate with your brand. From the tone of voice to the type of content – it helps if influencers persona is aligned with the brand. While this sounds very simple but in reality, it’s quite a task to find the right fit. For a long time, I have been working for a photography brand. Now photography is a category, where almost anyone and everyone thinks he/she is an influencer. In this age of easy access to high-end cameras and millions of editing apps, it actually takes a few seconds to create gorgeous photos for your Insta feed. But I have observed it many times that just the ability to click perfect shots or having a large number of followers doesn’t necessarily translate to being an effective influencer for a photography brand. Sometimes the tonality doesn’t suit our brand and sometimes the quality of content. Finally, this is also a marketing channel and like any other marketing initiative, it’s important to have consistent brand persona while engaging with influencers too.
4. Content: The ability of influencer to create unique and authentic content is something very, very important for me. Influencer marketing is not only about promoting brand content as it is, but it’s a lot about engaging users with original content that’s relevant for brands as well as interesting for the audience. The more genuine the content would be with Influencer’s natural tone of voice, the more audience will trust. Influencer’s ability to create interesting content is a huge value ad to brand’s social media repository of user-generated content. There are many examples to highlight the same but one of the recent brands that I noticed doing it efficiently is Epigamia Yogurt. Many food bloggers participated in this campaign and they created beautiful Yogurt Art using Epigamia products and posted it on Instagram with hashtag #yogArt . Not only followers like me came to know of all the new flavors of Epigamia but we also got to know of many interesting ways this yogurt can be used in our day to day meals. And the best that I observed as a marketer was the gorgeous Insta feed of Epigamia – full of super creative user-generated photos using Epigamia products that would have otherwise taken huge time and investment for the brand to create! I know there are many brands who have created success stories like Epigamia but we also know of cases, like that of a recent mobile launch in India where almost all endorsers, celebrities, and influencers posted the same type of content on their social feed including the one where the influencer was praising the picture quality of this android phone but the picture was posted from an iOS :-).
5. Connect: The term “influencer” by definition is a person who has the ability to influence the behavior or opinions of others and it can only happen if the influencer shares a certain kind of relationship and connect with his / her audience. It’s important to evaluate the return visitors, comments, and quality of interaction between the influencers with their followers. And as far as authentic connect is concerned, there is no way one can do it through any shortcut, it has to be human and it has to be personal.
These are just some of the parameters that I take into consideration. I am sure others have some more parameters as well. In nutshell, it takes a whole lot of effort to be an influencer with credibility after whom brands run with a fat cheque. At least I haven’t met any real-life influencer yet who became an overnight success through quick hacks or digital bot programs :-).
To LIVE, before the moment is gone. Life changes in a blink, LIVE today as we may not get that chance tomorrow.
To be able to breathe, stand on your own feet and eat without any support system are all that we need to be alive. Rest whatever we have is luxury.
That time is indeed the best healer. When the going is tough and you can’t figure out any solution, it’s best to leave everything on time. Even the roughest patches of life lead to some direction with time.
To prioritize what matters the most. When you’re near death, you actually get flashbacks and wish you had done “this” or “that” more. These “this” or “that” are only & only about relationships and nothing else. From – ‘wish I could see my child once again’ to ‘wish I had spent some more happier times with my partner’, in that trance state of mind, you think of only people and relationships.
That, things could be worse any time, any day! Be thankful for whatever you have, there is always someone who is fighting a battle tougher than yours. Every time I remember the night when the person next to my bed in ICU died despite lesser injuries whereas I survived, I just say thank you – to God, to my fate and to the prayers and blessings of all the well-wishers in my life.
To smile! When you’re happy, smile but even when you’re sad, try to smile. Smiling through tough times gives you strength and courage of a different kind. Hey wait, smile in life has a technical requirement too – when I had maxillofacial fractures and lost all my front teeth in this accident, I had to go for many teeth reconstruction and dental implant surgeries. My dental surgeon was trying hard to understand how my teeth looked pre-accident. We scouted through many old photos and her feedback to me was – “Kanupriya, in none of your photos you’re smiling openly or laughing out loud. You should smile more.” Oh yeah, as if I knew one fine day I will have to refer to my old pics to see how my teeth used to look when I smiled!!
On that note, wish you a 2018 full of love, laughter, and fun! Cheers to new beginnings and new dreams. Have a fabulous year ahead! | 2019-04-25T16:48:06Z | http://kanupriyasindhu.com/ |
Summer is fast approaching, and you are thinking of surprising ways to spend your time. Does the top of your list among these include fly fishing and you have no idea about this amazing sport?
To get you started, you should know that unlike regular fishing, fly fishing requires specific equipment and lots of practice to perfect the art. This article guides you choosing the best fly fishing rods.
Success in the sport is highly dependent on the kind of fly rod that a fly fisher opts for.
Once you settle your mind on fly fishing as one of the must-do activities and set out to buy a fly rod, you should drift away from the popular belief that a high price means quality. Instead, look for a rod that mixes small investment with quality.
For a beginner, the first purchase can be confusing due to the many fly rods available and the presence of many marketers, all looking to sell their product. To get the right product for you, you need to consider the following factors.
Selecting a fly rod is based on many factors but this process will largely depend on where you are in your fly fishing journey. Are you a novice? If so you may want to pay more attention to rods geared towards beginners.
Likewise, even if you are a beginner you may want to focus on a rod that you can use long term if you are absolutely sure you want to take up the hobby seriously. In general, I like to simplify the process by looking at four categories when deciding on a rod.
I like to know that if I manage to get the bite that I can reel it in. I am not the most graceful when it comes to fly fishing; my style needs a bit more finesse, so I focus on rods that offer greater durability (usually).
Strength in fly fishing comes from several sources, the rod type (whether it is mid or tip flex), the material the rod is made of, and a few other factors.
It’s hard to buy a rod suited for you if you do not know your casting style. It is a common occurrence to find that beginners are not aware of their casting style.
Therefore, you need not worry if you too have no idea about the same. All you need to do is cast some demo rods and establish which ones you do not like and which ones you do.
It is essential to choose a rod that you can use with ease, and as such you want to focus on a rod that isn't too heavy.
Like many things fishing requires patience and judgment, you need to be able to act quickly when the need arises as well. The weight of the rod all plays into this.
The stiffness and speed of the rod you chose should be dependent on where you are going to do your fishing and the type of caster you are.
Regarding stiffness and speed, manufacturers manufacture either a full flex rod, tip flex rod or a mid-flex rod.
The full flex rod is best suited for a slow caster who loves dry fly fishing and fishing in small streams whereas the tip flex rod is for a fast caster who wants to throw bigger flies.
The mid-flex rod, just as the name suggests, is best suited for moderate conditions. It is best that you chose a fly rod that matches the type of caster that you are.
Accuracy is also critical in selecting a rod, in some rods if they aren't put together well the added friction can cause your casting accuracy to suffer. Efficiency can be pivotal in landing a catch and baiting fish.
The type of water body where you plan to go and fish is a significant factor since it determines the kind of fly rod that you need to buy.
If you intend to go to a river, it is essential that you establish its size. In connection to the location, you need to ask yourself if you foresee casting nymph rigs and streamers or primarily dry flies.
A 4-weight fly combo is an excellent rod for small rivers and streams. It can throw light nymph rigs and streamers whereas the six-weight is adapted to handle more massive nymph rigs and streamers. The five-weight, which is between the two, can handle both setups well.
To identify the right rod, you need to establish how manufacturers name them depending on their various properties.
Manufacturers use a numbering system to help in pairing reels, rods, and lines. The most popular sizes are four, five and six weight rods. A smaller number denotes lighter equipment and vice versa.
With the purchase of any product, it is always good to consider the price. A great buyer still goes for products that are within his or her budget. Fly rods have different rates with some going for approximately $800 while others go for $350 and below.
The difference in prices is as a result of the variance of the brand, quality of components, weight, patents, and technology.
For a beginner, the best rod for you is one that meets your budget after considering all the above factors. Do not break the bank for your first purchase but rather go looking for better quality fly rods as you mature in the field.
With these four concepts in mind, we set out to take a look at Top 10 Fly Fishing rods and how they measure up in our search.
Let's start by taking a look at below fly fishing rods and how they fare when compared to one another.
The first in our list of fly rods is The Shadowfire fly rod which is very light weighing only 2.9oz. It allows you to cast near infinitely with minimal fatigue.
The Dragontail fishing rod is also slender and durable, featuring a high-quality wooden handle and ultra-sensitive tip flexes that allow for accurate short casting.
This complete starter kit is just Perfect for beginners and backpacking fly fishing activities. It is also easy on the wallet!
Has everything needed for novice anglers.
The Maxcatch Fly Rod is made of graphite carbon fiber and features a grade AA cork grip. MAXCATCH has a strong focus on durability as the rod made of solid carbon fiber construction. A fast action fly fishing rod featuring amazing strength with a lightweight design for ease of handling.
The Maxcatch fly rod is 4 pieces and features medium fast action casting and average accuracy. All in all the perfect rod for all around fly fishing or beginners to practice their craft. This rod also works well as an all-purpose back-up rod.
This rod is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike, and with a low price range, it is necessarily a significant investment if you plan to do a lot (or even a little) fly fishing.
An Ultralight fly rod with amazingly smooth action.
For beginners and the experienced/ perfect back-up rod.
Priced under $50, the Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod is a complete starter package for beginner anglers. It features a 4-piece 9-foot rod, a large arbor reel with drag, aluminum reel seat with double lock rings and much more.
In fact, I used this very rod set when I began to learn fly fishing (brings back so many memories), which makes it perfect for those new to fly fishing. The rod features a mid-flex design which is great when learning the nuances of fly fishing and slow action casting (also helpful when just starting out). Depending on your rate of advancement you could outgrow this package sooner rather than later, but it is a good starting point that promises tons of enjoyable time getting acquainted with fly fishing.
Durable build ensures no unforeseen issues with rod cracks or breaks.
A well balanced quality build.
Simple to use, perfect for beginners.
The design allows you to align the guides easily and accurately.
The Tailwater Outfitters fly rod perfect for novices who wish to fish in small rivers. It enables beginners to pin down their casting method thanks to its comfortable and smooth action half well, high-quality cork handle. The Taccoa Fly rod is pretty easy to set up with the help of alignment dots which helps to get the sections lineup in the first try.
I was able to catch some very decent fish with Tailwater Toccoa Fly Rod. Do not get me wrong; this rod will not make you a fishing champion. However, it will give you the necessary tools to succeed. With anything in life, you can have all the skill but with the requisite tools, you won't be successful unless you have the right tools for the job.
Travel-ready comfortable 4 piece fly rod.
Comfortable cork handle won't let you burn out for longer casting.
Affordable fly rod for all.
Perfect for small streams and small fish.
Fly rods can change the fishing landscape as a whole. I used Fenwicks AETOS 5wt fly rod on my most recent fishing trip. It had a very smooth feel to it. The sleek aluminum design was so light in my hand, but at the same time, I could tell it was solid.I could say that It is plain and definite the this is the best fly rod on the market under $200.
The Fenwicks fly rod is best for long delicate casts. Its lightweight nature allows the user super control and accuracy. The fly rod is ideal for fishing medium and small dry flies.The Encounter is great in fresh and salt water environments but may require maintenance (cleaning) if you use it in salt as it may cause some buildup/corrosion. It also offers enough variety in set-up to be useful in most situations.
Great fishing rod that has real action to be effective.
Perfectly crafted fly fishing rod.
The TFO fly rods have been refined and reinforced for maximum tension. This dramatically enhances the rod's tracking, accuracy and lifting power for catches. The rod's enhanced performance is mainly due to the materials used to craft it. Anodized reel seats with aluminum inserts are just one of the many high-quality materials used to craft the TFO braided graphite rod, and its focus is to be high-quality and provide the most enjoyable, effortless fishing experience possible.
A very lightweight build. This offers very little arm fatigue and increased reaction time.
Supreme Craftsmanship. The rod is very beautiful.
Comfort and ease of use. The rod is designed with your convenience with grip and handling in mind.
Comes with an optional TFO- logo red rock sock.
The Redington offers smooth casting that is suitable for beginners, yet powerful and enought for boat fishing and big rivers. Its lightweight nature allows the user super control and accuracy. The fly rod is ideal for fishing medium and small dry flies.
Blank made of modular graphite material.
It has medium to medium action which is an excellent fit for presenting dry flies softly.
Has a two year warranty for replacements.
We are introducing the premier series of rods specially designed for making short and dynamic casts where the accuracy is far more important than range. You also need a durable, powerful rod that is preferably lightweight to shift the tides in your favor. This is where the G.Loomis warm water fly rod comes in, it offers a compelling, lightweight alternative to most fly rods and manages to be durable for extended use as well.
The G Loomis fly rod best for short, delicate casts. Its lightweight nature allows the user super control and accuracy. The fly rod is ideal for fishing mangroves, thick covers, and shorelines.
Comes with a travel rod sack and hard case for travel.
Well balanced rod useful in many situations.
Orvis Clear Water Fly Rod is the ideal fishing rod for all needs. You can use it in the roughest waters from Alaska to Maine. At a reasonable price, the Orvis Clear Water Fly Rod puts every other fishing pole out of business. It comes with a warranty and an array of features. It comes in many different weights and sizes which are ideal for almost any fishing situation.
The best situation it can be used for is the clear water Fishing, but it can be utilized for salt waters too. The rod contains an aluminum reel which gives it a lightweight feel while at the same time providing strength and durability. It has a four-piece design which makes it a convenient way to move on the go.
The Orvis Clearwater fishing rod is also very pleasing to the eye because it is a breathtaking piece of equipment. The rod is equipped to make casting easy and fun. The customization design packages benefit the customers because each person could develop their perfect rod.
Rod that is lightweight, durable and has a sleek design.
A good fishing rod can make a beginner look like a pro.
One of the best parts of this rod is the action. It isn't too fast or too slow.
The high-quality material and its durability are truly special.
It is more important that you invest in a fishing rod for the long term if you like fishing. The Headwaters Bamboo Fly rod is not the cheapest option in the market, but it is the most competitive in the long run. If you buy other cheap rods, in the short term, you might pay less for it, but in the long term, it will cost you a lot more because you have to pay for more rods. And if you want to experience the bamboo fly rod at a most affordable price, then this is the one for you.
The Bamboo fly rod incredible accuracy stems from the fact that it allows for near effortless casting. It's lightweight composition also ensures that you can focus nearly 100% of your effort in hitting the mark. This fly rod is smaller than the other fly rods mentioned in this article but still performs like its most robust competitors.
It is much more flexible compared to the graphite rod.
Small yet amazing fly rod suitable for close action.
Packed with a powerful medium fast flex action taper.
Comes with a life time warranty.
Professional fly fishing rods are pivotal for any serious fly fisher. You need to be able to react quickly and efficiently to land that catch. Fly fishing involves a lot of factors that you must judge fast such as how much power to use when reeling, accounting for line tension, reaction speed: the considerations can be near infinite.
The Orvis Clear water offers a lightweight, durable and diverse set of uses. You are sure to enjoy a great deal of your time fishing with this rod and it offers enough accuracy to practice both long and short range fly fishing techniques. | 2019-04-20T14:25:14Z | https://flyfishtrapper.com/best-fly-fishing-rods/ |
The following system of tables allows you to generate fun GURPS Fantasy / GURPS Dungeon Fantasy adventures on the fly. Feel free to use it for solo play, collaborative play, or just for inspiration when designing adventures for your traditional GM-and-Players group.
A strong urge to maximize fun.
If your PCs don’t yet have a lead on an adventure, you might want to play out a scene in which they look for work, listen to rumors, check with the local Guilds etc, in search of promising sites for exploration, dragons in need of slaying, or whatnot. If so, you might want to check out my rules for Searching For Adventure.
1 – How Perilous Is It?
First, nominate a desired Peril Rating.
Subtract 2 if you critically succeeded on your skill roll to search for leads, if applicable.
3-5 The employer thinks it’s more dangerous than it is. Use the nominated Peril rating, but calculate the Reward as if the peril were one point higher.
6-10 Use the nominated Peril rating.
2 – How Much Does It Pay?
3-4 Excellent rates, plus Fame and Glory!
7-8 Standard rates, plus Fame and Glory!
12 Low rates – but with Gratitude!
14+ No employer, hence no payment. This just looks like a promising site to explore for fun and profit. When the time comes to determine the Adventure type (under Step 5, What Do We Have to Do?”), just declare this an independent Explore! Adventure.
But Give Me Hard Numbers!
Sure… but these won’t apply to all types of adventures – just to most of them.
Fame and Glory: each PC gains Peril social points. Gratitude: each PC gains Peril/2 social points.
Gratitude: each PC gains Peril/2 social points.
“N” just means the number of PCs involved. The term originated in GURPS Dungeon Fantasy Adventures 1: The Mirror of the Fire Demon.
Social Points are character points that can only be spent on social advantages such as Ally, Claim to Hospitality, Contact, Favor, Patron, or Reputation, as appropriate to the adventure. They can also be used to buy off the negative versions of these: Enemy, etc.
3 – How Far Do We Have To Go?
3-10 No particular rush – but wandering monsters might get us if we dawdle somewhere dangerous!
11-12 The reward is dwindling! The reward, if any, loses 10% of its starting value for every unit of time that passes beyond the expected time.
13 We’re on a countdown to disaster! 1d6-2 units of time after the expected time elapses, the adventure ends and the whole reward is forfeited.
14 Our foes are multiplying! For every unit of time that passes beyond the expected time, add one extra foe to every encounter.
15 Our enemy’s power is growing! For every unit of time that passes beyond the expected time, add +1 effective Peril to the Villain encounter.
16-18 We’ve got to beat the competition! Someone is trying to complete the adventure before you! When you reach the Goal, roll 3d6. Add a bonus for every unit of time by which you beat the expected time, and a penalty for every unit of time by which you exceeded it. On an 11 or less, you’ve beaten them to it. On a 12-13, they’re there right now! On a 14+, they’ve beaten you and destroyed the artifact, made off with the loot, or similar. If (when?) a fight breaks out, build them as a deadly encounter.
5 – What Do We Have To Do?
This is the big one! First determine the Adventure Type, and then click through to determine further details.
Once you’ve determined the Adventure Type, click through to appropriate Adventure Type page and roll for further details.
Then you’re done! (If you like) Though if you want even more details, you might try some of the optional table below.
Note that as a general rule the Employer’s or Victim’s Status should not exceed the Peril of the adventure. This doesn’t preclude you being employed by the King, for instance; it just means that, in cases of that kind, your direct Employer is a lackey of the King, rather than the King himself. Save really epic plots like “Rescue the Dragon Queen” for Peril 7!
1-3 1 Nobility The Baron’s scullery maid; the Palace groomsman; the Duchess’ lady-in-waiting; the Dragon Queen.
1-3 2 Foreign A poor Halfling, far from the Goodhills; two Elves from the Greywood; the Dwarfish ambassador.
1-3 3 Travel/Transit The stableboy; the coachman; the Captain of the good ship Farflung; shipmaster of the White Sea fleet.
1-3 4 Magic A girl with a fairy ribbon; a hedge-enchanter; the warlock of Southwark; the Seventh Sorceress herself.
1-3 6 Military A crippled veteran; a strapping young guardsman; the captain of the third company; the Lord General.
4-6 1 Mercantile The errand-boy for the market stalls; a caravan driver; White Falcon Trade Co; the Merchant’s Guild.
4-6 2 Craft An old woman who weaves; the village blacksmith; the Guild of Taylors; Nelialian the Elven smith.
4-6 3 Agriculture A child born to serfdom; a peasant family; a prosperous farmer; a very wealthy franklin’s only daughter.
4-6 4 Entertainment The Tavern’s serving maid; a down-at-heels minstrel; a famous bard; the Prince’s Master of Revels.
4-6 5 Underworld An escaped serf; a pickpocket; a gang of thugs; a crime lord; the Lost Brotherhood of the Night.
4-6 6 Underclass A slave; a beggar; a family of lepers or outcasts; plague-bearers; slavers; slumlords; the slaver’s Guild.
1-3 A person – or perhaps an organization. Roll on the “Who is the Employer” table, above.
4-6 A monster – or a monstrous organization. For an appropriate monster, see the post on Monsters (link to come!). If you just want a random answer fast, roll on the “Random Monster Type” table, below.
3-6 A classic Dungeon. Either choose a dungeon type, or determine it be rolling on the table below.
Now you really are done, and it’s time to put all the elements together and work out what it all means!
Once you’ve found a lead on an adventure, determined what that adventure is, and decided to pursue it, it’s time for the characters to make some preparations for it – if they can!
Negotiate a Better Deal with your employer to get a better rate, or to cover up-front costs, travel expenses, and so forth.
Research the Journey itself, to familiarize yourself with the route, its hazards, etc.
Then it’s time to set off!
After making your preparations, the next step is to travel to the adventure site. If your adventure site is “Here,” then this is trivial: you just need to take a short walk. But if your adventure site is further away, it’s a more dangerous affair: if you want some help running this collaboratively, then you might like to take a look at my guidelines for Journeys.
In any case, don’t forget to mark off Units of Time as you go!
Once you arrive at the adventure site, you can begin trying to search in earnest. Unless it’s obvious from the adventure type description that your adventure works differently, the object of your quest will be at the Goal. This generally means that the knowledge you seek, the object you’re trying to retrieve, or the monster you’re trying to slay, is to be found deep down in the Dungeon!
If you want some help running this collaboratively, see my system for creating Dungeons during play.
No adventure is complete without at least the possibility of a surprising plot twist! But how to come up with one?
If you’re a GM, well, this is your job. But if you’re playing without a GM, then the following tables might be handy. (And to be honest, GMs might find them handy for inspiration, too).
Refer to your adventure type on the left, and then roll on the appropriate table(s) when the time comes.
Compete! When you’ve met the conditions for success, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Convince! When you’ve met the conditions for success, roll 1d. (Need a dice roller?) On a 1-3, roll on the But Are They What They Seem? Table. On a 4-6, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Explore! When you’ve met the conditions for success, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Fetch! When you reach the Goal, roll on the Is It Really Here? Table.
Investigate! When you reach the Goal, roll on the Is It Really Here? Table.
Protect! If your job is solely to guide someone or something through the wilderness, then when you’ve reached the end of the Journey, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table. If your job involves anything else, roll 1d6. (Need a dice roller?) If 1-3, after completing half the Journey, or when the first attack occurs (whichever comes first), roll on the But Are They What They Seem? Table. If 4-6, when you complete the mission, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Sabotage! When you’ve met the conditions for success, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Slay! Roll 1d6. (Need a dice roller?) On a 1-3, when you reach your target’s location (or the location of your first target, if there’s more than one), but before fighting it, roll on the Is It Really Here? Table. On a 4-6, when you’ve met the conditions for success, roll on the We Did It! What Now? Table.
Wrapping up the adventure can be a kind of mini-adventure in itself. The following are my rules for concluding the adventure.
So, How About That Reward?
3-4 Extravagant reward: +50% financial and social.
5 Extremely generous reward: +20% financial and social.
6 Reward and additional glory or gratitude: +20% social. If no social, gain 1pt.
8-9 Reward and additional work: roll for another adventure, with the option of re-rolling the Reward.
10-11 Full reward, as offered.
12 Stingy reward: -20% financial and social.
13 Really stingy reward: -50% financial and social.
14 When you arrive, you find that the employer is missing! Roll up an Investigate adventure.
16-18 Betrayal! A Deadly Encounter, rated at the current Peril! If you win, gain the promised Reward. If you lose, roll up an Escape adventure.
At the end of the adventure, a GM would usually award some experience points to the characters on the basis of how well they did during the adventure. If you’re playing without a GM, how do you know how may XP you’ve earned?
Yes, this system solves this problem using a table. Surprising, no?
When everyone agrees that an adventure has come to a close, for good or ill, roll 3d6 once on the table below. The result applies to the whole party. As you can see, the table is fairly harsh on those who are not willing to Raise the Stakes during the adventure!
2 or less 3 character points each.
3-6 2 character points each.
7-11 1 character point each.
Subtract 4 if everyone agrees the adventure was a raging success.
Subtract 2 if everyone agrees the adventure was a success.
Add 2 if everyone agrees the adventure was a failure.
Add 4 if everyone agrees it was a complete disaster.
If the adventure was a success, the group can also subtract 1 for every time they “Raised the Stakes” during the adventure.
If the adventure was a failure, all those bonuses are worthless.
Subtract 1 for every full session of play that was devoted to the adventure. | 2019-04-20T08:17:08Z | https://thecollaborativegamer.wordpress.com/adventures/a-system-for-creating-adventures/ |
Greetings Everyone! I want to share with you our recent trip to Scandinavia that included stops in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This trip actually came together just a few weeks before we left. We had tickets to fly into Copenhagen, then on to Finland. From that point, we were going to take the train and spend most of our time in Russia. We had our Russian Visa and were ready to go. Unfortunately, due to the most recent events, we were advised not to go. I want to thank our tour guide in Moscow for all he did and we look forward in seeing him on a future trip to Russia.
So, if you are considering a venture to Northern Europe, we certainly found it to be such a beautiful region. We loved all the natural scenery and European sights and, yes, the delicious food, too … and, what was extra nice, the people were always very friendly and hospitable.
Even though the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish languages are known as Scandinavian languages, you can be well-assured most everyone understands and speaks English. You should travel with a money converter, and if you carry an iPhone, you already have the app. Contrary to popular belief, not all countries have converted to the Euro. Finland has; however, the other three countries have not. You will need to convert your USD in Denmark to Danish Kroner, in Sweden to Swedish Kronor and in Norway to Norwegian Kroner.
I also want to mention something about using your credit card. First, you should check with your credit card company to see if you have a foreign transaction fee. Indeed, it can add up. I can recommend Capital One Visa, as they currently don’t charge a fee. Since 2013, the EU went to a chip card and the US has not quite adapted to that as yet. Most businesses will accept your credit card; however, you need to let them know it’s a signature card … meaning you will need to sign. Most will ask you for a PIN based on this chip … I believe we will have new credit cards with chips sometime in 2015.
First of all, we would like to thank Frank & Teri over at Wireless Rides for the limo service up to SFO. Our trip began on Friday with a relatively short, very nice three-and-a-half hour flight to Chicago O’Hare. Once there, we enjoyed a brief hour-plus layover. From Chicago, our transfer flight was with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), which departed on time. We had upgraded our seats and really enjoyed the plenty of extra leg room we had for the eight hour flight to Copenhagen.
We arrived in Copenhagen early afternoon the following day on Saturday. We took some time and strolled the Copenhagen Town Mall. From there, we enjoyed walking to Nyhavn, the popular 17th century waterfront, canal and entertainment district, and then shopping along the long streets of Stroget, experiencing this pleasant traffic free district. We stopped for a bite to eat at the Hard Rock Café, and along the way, we enjoyed some more shopping. Next, we went to the Visitor’s Center for some helpful info that would fill our day for tomorrow. Of course, we were on the prowl for our first local Starbucks … you will find a new one that recently opened at the train station. Our first night was at a boutique hotel … the Grand Hotel Copenhagen … in a nice city central location.
Up early, we strolled back to Starbucks. We didn’t have a lot of time today, as most of our time in Copenhagen was reserved for when we would return towards the end of our trip. Today, we would have a 3:30PM flight to Helsinki, Finland, so we took advantage of our great location and enjoyed walking around.
Our flight to Helsinki was short. We grabbed a cab (you will get a cab inside of the airport), which was approximately 30 Euros to our hotel. We stayed at Hotel Kamp, the only 5-star hotel in Finland. By the time we got in, it was time to find a place for a relaxing dinner. We didn’t have to go far, just outside of our hotel and about 100 yards to our left was an amazing restaurant called Kappeli. We had a fabulous two hour dinner … my only advice is that this may not be the place if you’re traveling on a budget. It boasted a great menu that included something for everyone … even that something special, if you wanted to try a plate of Reindeer. I went with their fresh Salmon, my wife enjoyed her Chicken mushroom and stew dinner. For dessert, we had the traditional Blueberry cake and ice cream … everything was delicious.
Since it was Sunday, most retail businesses were closed; however, we did come across the Helsinki Hard Rock Café and were able to enjoy doing some shopping there.
Today is another travel day, so we enjoyed strolling the very popular Stockmann’s, the largest department store in Finland and all Scandinavia. We had lunch back at our Hotel Camp … I’d highly recommend the Salmon Soup, and also a few other favorites, which were the Shrimp Sandwich and Club with Fried Egg.
From our hotel, it was a 15-minute walk to the Viking Cruise Line Terminal. First stop was our Bon Voyage Picture, then going on board for our overnight cruise to Stockholm, Sweden.
For an overnight cruise, the ship had everything you could ask for … There were several restaurants, bars, casinos, theatre, a kid’s game room, live shows and much more. I had another fabulous Salmon dinner. We enjoyed a stunning sunset, the weather was perfect.
Our ship, the Marella, was filled with such the warm friendly staff. One red flag, going back to the credit card pin number situation, the ship is a stickler on the pin number. Good news, they do offer currency exchange, so as always, carry some cash with you.
During the night, the seas did get a bit choppy. I’d suggest getting a room in the middle and upper floor.
Our ship arrived at 10:30AM, there were plenty of taxi’s at the terminal to take you to your hotel. Even though we arrived several hours before check in, our room was ready. We stayed at the “First Hotels” centrally located on the waterfront in old town. Our room had a large window with great views of the pier area and amusement park.
We took a walk around old town, which looked a bit like Venice, once you’re away from the water. We stopped and had lunch at Sally’s. Service was a bit slow, they may not be used to the American’s fast pace. We had an authentic Swedish Shrimp plate with fish eggs.
After lunch, we bought our ticket and went on the “Hop on Bus” tour which will take you throughout Stockholm for two hours.
After our delightful city tour, we put in another couple of hours on foot, enjoying going through the shops of old town. We wound our day down with a drink at our hotel bar before turning in.
After our tour, our stay in Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without another round of shopping and grabbing a bite at the Stockholm Hard Rock Café. Next up would be our flight to Oslo, Norway.
We arrived in Oslo around 8PM. It was a long day, so we chose to take a taxi to our hotel. City center is a bit distant from the airport, so expect a hefty cab fare... like $240 USD.
Our hotel was the First Hotel Grims Grenka, a chic hotel, comparable to the W Hotel in San Francisco.
We started the day with what was a great buffet breakfast at our hotel. Our hotel was nice; however, our room was very small. So first thing this morning, we checked out and went over to the Grand Deluxe Suite Hotel. The price went up, up, up … but was well worth it.
While in Oslo, we dined at Café Christiania a few times, delicious seafood soup. If you’re into Starbucks, like us, you will find plenty of them around Oslo.
Our day started with breakfast at our hotel. We then walked to the train station... Remember when I mentioned it was a $240 USD cab fare before? For both of us to take the train, it was only $29.00 USD … Yes, for both of us! Norway is a beautiful country; however, it’s one of the most expensive.
Today, we flew back to Copenhagen, just a brisk 55-minute flight. We checked in at the Palace Hotel.
We took a short walk over to the Visitors Bureau to book our tour which we planned for the next day. After that, we had a long leisurely dinner at the delightful restaurant, Il Petal.
Today, our day started early with breakfast at our hotel. Then off for our Grand Day Trip, which will take until early evening. Our tour stared with our guide Andersen picking us up near the hotel. Our tour was with four other couples … Andersen was a very thorough guide and spoke English very well.
We finished our day with what was again a delicious meal, this time at the Restaurant Barock in Copenhagen.
Today’s our day to return home, we admitted we were very much ready to get back. Our non-stop flight was from Copenhagen back to SFO. Our flight was perfect and again we arrived on time. SAS is a great airline to fly, excellent on time schedule and with very courteous attendants. As always, I suggest paying to upgrade your seating, if you can, it makes a world of difference. Again, a big thank you to Wireless Rides for warmly welcoming us on time at the airport and taking us home. | 2019-04-26T06:38:50Z | https://siliconvalleytalk.com/news/view/7180/Scandinavian_Splendor_-_Many_Memorable_Smiles |
Recent meta-analyses have found a survival advantage with gemcitabine based combinations over single agent gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. There is paucity of evidence in the form of direct head-to-head randomised controlled trials to determine which combinations are to be preferred.
Using the adjusted indirect comparison method proposed by Bucher et al, we have assessed randomised controlled trials of four gemcitabine based combinations namely gemcitabine plus a platinum compound or 5-fluorouracil or irinotecan or capecitabine.
No particular combination was significantly superior to another, but the indirect evidence suggests some important trends.
The strongest trends on indirect comparison are towards favouring gemcitabine plus capecitabine or gemcitabine plus a platinum compound over gemcitabine plus irinotecan, and to a lesser degree, over gemcitabine plus 5-fluorouracil.
We have previously reported a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies evaluating gemcitabine based combination chemotherapy compared to gemcitabine alone in patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Overall survival was significantly better for gemcitabine based combination chemotherapy (14 trials 4060 patients HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97) compared to single agent gemcitabine. A subgroup analysis was performed, dividing the selected studies into four categories defined by the addition to gemcitabine of platinum agents or 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or irinotecan or capecitabine (Table 1). The subgroup analysis found evidence to suggest a survival advantage for gemcitabine combined with either a platinum agent (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.96) or capecitabine (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.96), and insufficient evidence to support combinations of gemcitabine with either 5FU (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.11) or irinotecan (HR 1.01; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.22). These analyses provide estimates of the survival advantage for each combination compared to single agent gemcitabine but do not provide estimates of the survival advantage for each combination compared against another. To date, there is only one phase II randomised controlled trial [2, 3] which directly compared different gemcitabine combinations in a head-to-head comparison. This was a small study that directly compared only two gemcitabine based combination chemotherapy regimens (gemcitabine plus capecitabine versus gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin). In view of the paucity of data directly comparing alternative gemcitabine based combinations, we have attempted to answer, for the first time, as to which combinations of gemcitabine show more promise, an important clinical question which no previous meta-analyses have addressed.
where log HRAC was the log hazard ratio for the direct comparison of intervention A versus C and log HRBC was the log hazard ratio for the direct comparison of intervention B versus C.
where SE(log HRAC) was the standard error of the log hazard ratio for the direct comparison of intervention A versus C and SE(log HRBC) was the standard error of the log hazard ratio for the direct comparison of intervention B versus C.
The assumption of exchangeable treatment effects (treatment effect observed in trials comparing A versus C is assumed to be the treatment effect that would have been observed in those trials comparing B versus C if treatment A had been included in those trials and vice versa) across comparisons was evaluated by assessing heterogeneity across trials within each comparison and assessing comparability (methodological and clinical characteristics) of all trials contributing to the indirect comparison.
Gemcitabine plus 5FU agent versus gemcitabine plus irinotecan (Gem5FU versus GemIrino).
We did not find any one combination to be significantly superior to others (Fig 1), but the indirect evidence suggests some important trends, of which the strongest are towards favouring gemcitabine plus capecitabine or gemcitabine plus a platinum compound over gemcitabine plus irinotecan (GemCap versus GemIrino HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04; GemPlat versus GemIrino HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.06). Some advantage, to a lesser degree, was suggested for these two combinations over gemcitabine plus 5FU (Gem5FU versus GemCap HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.46; GemPlat versus Gem5FU HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.09). There was no evidence for heterogeneity within the direct comparisons and no obvious inconsistency with the assumption of exchangeable treatment effects.
Indirect comparison between different gemcitabine-based combination chemotherapy regimens.
Overall survival data was extracted from the single phase II randomised trial to allow estimation of a HR (95% CI) for the direct comparison between GemOx and GemCap. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two combinations (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.18) on direct head-to-head comparison as well as on computing this combining the results of both the direct and indirect comparisons (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.12) using random effects analysis.
In a situation wherein two drugs A and B have, in randomised controlled trials, shown to be effective in comparison to a placebo or common standard, but direct comparison between A and B is not available, indirect comparison can be used . The use of a simple indirect comparison has the limitation that the difference detected may not be a true difference, but instead be attributable to variations in patient characteristics and other prognostic factors in the different trials. An adjusted indirect comparison method was proposed by Bucher et al, and this method maintains the randomisation of the originally assigned patients while calculating the magnitude of the treatment effect.
Song et al assessed the comparability of indirect with the direct head to head comparison in the setting of clinical trials dealing with antimicrobial prophylaxis in colorectal cancer, and later using a sample of 44 comparisons from 28 systematic reviews [3, 6]. Compared with direct estimates, the adjusted indirect estimates were less likely to be statistically significant. Adjusted indirect comparisons usually but not always agree with the results of head to head randomised trials. When there is no or insufficient direct evidence from randomised trials, the adjusted indirect comparison can provide useful or supplementary information on the relative efficacy of competing interventions. The results of adjusted indirect comparisons should be interpreted with caution however and the internal and external validity of the trials involved examined carefully, to investigate potential causes of discrepancy.
This adjusted indirect comparison of gemcitabine-based combination chemotherapy is very important clinically as there is paucity of evidence comparing these combinations and this is the first time hazard ratios have ever been calculated for these pairwise comparisons. The only randomised trial comparing gemcitabine combinations was a phase II multicentre study that compared capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(CapOx) versus capecitabine plus gemcitabine (CapGem) versus gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (mGemOx) . There was no significant difference in the primary end point of progression free survival [median progression free survival time (p = 0.56) and progression free survival rates (p = 0.67)] and overall survival (GemCap versus GemOx HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.56–1.18). Grade 3/4 haematological toxicities were seen more often in the gemcitabine containing arms.
Although indirect evidence may not be as reliable as evidence from a randomised head to head comparison, these analyses show some interesting trends that could be used to direct future research priorities. The assumption of exchangeable treatment effects would seem reasonable for these comparisons which add strength to the clinical interpretation and conclusions. In particular, trends suggest that gemcitabine plus irinotecan may be the least effective of the combinations examined. The lack of significant differences on indirect comparison is probably due to the already highlighted observation that this method tends to yield results that are less statistically significant than in a direct comparison . Indeed, it can be shown that one directly randomised trial is as precise as an indirect comparison based on four randomised trials of the same size.
A note-worthy observation on indirect comparison was that overall survival with gemcitabine combined with the fluoropyrimidine 5FU was inferior (though not statistically significant) to gemcitabine plus another fluoropyrimidine capecitabine (HR 1.17). A likely explanation is that capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5FU, has the advantage of an element of tumour targeting, leading to enhanced selectivity and better tolerability . The higher levels of thymidine phorphorylase (the final requisite enzyme for conversion of capecitabine to 5FU) observed in tumours compared to normal tissue may account for the improved targeting. Another possibility is the mode of delivery of 5FU versus capecitabine. The 5FU trials have involved bolus 5FU schedule or 24 hour infusion , with the exception of one trial where 5FU was given by continuous infusion . In contrast, the administration of capecitabine is more analogous to the delivery of 5FU by continuous protracted venous infusion, with the added ease of oral administration.
In the light of level I evidence demonstrating that gemcitabine based combinations have a modest survival advantage over single agent gemcitabine, the current study indicates which combinations may be more efficacious. The findings of our original meta-analyses, as well as the trends observed on our adjusted indirect comparisons support the use of gemcitabine in combination with either capecitabine or a platinum compound in clinical practice. Future randomised controlled trials will now likely to be centred on the exploitation of novel targets or biology (such as Telovac) in this chemo-resistant cancer, probably on a cytotoxic backbone of a gemcitabine combination.
Adjusted indirect comparison of randomised controlled trials examining gemcitabine in combination with capecitabine, platinum based compounds, 5FU and irinotecan reveal trends towards favouring gemcitabine plus capecitabine or gemcitabine plus a platinum compound over gemcitabine plus irinotecan and to a lesser degree, over gemcitabine plus 5-fluorouracil. Future trials will now likely to be centred on the exploitation of novel targets or biology, probably on a cytotoxic backbone of a gemcitabine combination.
AS, CTS, JPN and PG were involved in the study design, data collection and analysis and manuscript write-up. DC and NS were involved in drafting the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. | 2019-04-23T04:22:31Z | https://0-bmccancer-biomedcentral-com.brum.beds.ac.uk/articles/10.1186/1471-2407-8-192 |
To all the parents, carers and children in RCR !
Thank you for all your support this year. You have been truly amazing !
Both Mrs Svensen and myself would like to wish you all good luck for next year. What a spectacular year this has been.The children have worked so hard and we have had a great time.
Wishing you all a wonderful summer holiday !
Not a great crop this year, but certainly enough for a plate of chips.
What fun we had playing Duck, Duck, Goose and singing along to The Farmer's in his Den.
We had some tasty snacks and cooled down with our drinks.
The teddies had a wonderful time too. They were very quiet, but we could see how much they were enjoying seeing all the fun.
Today's the day that teddy bears have their picnic! What a fabulous afternoon.
Look how much our beans have grown!
Mrs Hamblyn came into our class to talk to the children about a number of different mini-beasts.
The children were particularly enthusiastic in learning about food chains.
We went over to the allotment at the back of our playing field and had a good look for some of the mini-beasts.
We hope you are looking forward to our new topic on mini beasts!
Forest School- mud painting, finding 'treasure', looking for mini beasts, digging for worms and making mud pies...yum!
We had an amazing time at Leeds Castle. There was so much to see and learn...we went on a tour of the castle and found out some more information about castles... this included machicolations, garderobes, the portcullis, drum towers and the tiny arrow slit windows.
The children took part in a play...The Swan Princess! They dressed up and were just brilliant at saying their parts.
The weather was wonderful too!!
The children enjoyed the sunshine...in the playground!
The children all took part in maths challenge problem solving games and activities.
Reception and 1G had a fantastic time. They went into the hall together and worked in teams to solve the problems.
Welcome back to everyone. We hope you had a lovely break over the Easter.
The annual Easter hat parade...so eggciting!!!!!!
The children had an amazing time at the farm. Farmer Fay was fantastic. She showed the children how to stroke a chick (very gently with just one finger). She explained how the cows 'chew the cud all day'. She took us to see the sheep and the goats and we saw the lambs and kids with their mums. The children learnt how to milk a cow, they went for a ride in a tractor, fed the pigs sow rolls and even had some time left to play in the adventure area. What a brilliant day!
A huge thank you to all the parents and grandparents who joined us for the day. You were wonderful!
The children from Reception and 4/3 P got together to share ideas in writing, drawing, reading, creating artwork and singing on our farm theme.
Authors and illustrators of the future?
The winning nest. With 'eggs' ready to put in.
During our new topic the children have been having lots of fun whilst working very hard on their learning. They have learnt about farm animals and their babies, about the life cycle of a chicken and about the materials birds use to build a nest. They even worked in teams, having a competition on who could make a nest that was the most realistic.
New spring topic- Are eggs Alive?
Our trip to China by aeroplane. Passports and tickets collected!
The children learnt how the Jade Emperor invited the animals to have a swimming race...the rat came first!
The children made dinosaur biscuits-yum!
The children went outside to play in the snow.
They wanted to build a snowman.
They soon realised that there was barely enough to make a snowball.
Our intrepid explorers put on their hats. They picked up a backpack, the binoculars, camera and the compass.
Using their maps, they followed the dinosaur footprints...which dinosaurs did they spot...could they name them and how many did they find of each?
One theory is that a giant meteorite crashed into the Earth creating a huge dust ball.
So why did the dinosaurs become extinct?
Head turning...what a loud roar!
All that talk about which prehistoric animals were carnivorous or herbivorous...by lunchtime we were certainly ready for a little nibble ourselves.
Which one of these two is the Stegosaurus?
The children found out that the Diplodocus was believed to have been one of the largest land animals ever to have walked on the Earth. Its tail was like a whip and may have been used as a weapon to use against other dinosaurs.
We took the children on a trip to The Natural History Museum.
We went with the intention of exploring the Dinosaur Museum and also to look around the volcano section.
The children are really excited about their learning in our new topic this term. They have learnt so much already-some of the dinosaur names, what they looked like and what they ate.
Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
After all the dancing the children tucked in- a feast of sandwiches, sausages, sausage rolls, crisps, cakes and biscuits-they were ravenous!
Back in the classroom- time for the party food.
The children were so excited to meet Father Christmas.
Father Christmas meets the children. He gives out the Reception and KS1 class gifts.
The children thoroughly enjoyed playing musical statues. They had great fun dancing and singing, especially to 'Frozen'!
Christmas party day! The children all gathered around the WinterWonderland display for a class photo just before the party.
Christmas lunch together in the hall- delicious and great fun with crackers, jokes and festive music!
Our Christmas play was a huge success. All the children worked extremely hard to learn the songs and the actions for our special 'Star' song.
The children chose different places to melt the frozen objects. They predicted where they would melt the quickest.
We discussed how the objects looked and felt when they were taken out of the freezer.
We had frozen some penguins and polar bears in a container. The children discussed how they could 'rescue' the animals. They decided it would be best to 'melt the ice to get them out safely'.
In our investigations, we put liquid ice pops and water (in containers) into the freezer. We predicted what would happen to the liquid in the freezer.
In Maths we added two amounts of snowballs to find a total. James decided to continue this outside, making up his own snowball counting activity.
In the outside area some of the children built an 'igloo' and used it as a camp.
Tom, Charlotte, Farah and Esra play in the 'snow shop', buying and selling snow balls, snowflakes and icicles.
Isla and William investigate the cave, whilst Charlotte looks at the icicles.
Autumn Term 2- 'Winter Wonderland' topic.
The children have had lots of fun-learning about the Arctic and the Antarctic.
A big welcome to Edward Bear!
Edward Bear is a new member of the class. Every Friday, Edward will be lucky enough to go home with one of the children in RCR. Perhaps he will take part in a hobby or get to go on a special trip or visit.
The children learnt that during Diwali night sweets are given to neighbours and friends.
They found out how to make coconut barfi, a delicious sweet treat.
On the last day of term the children tried out some Indian food in our food tasting celebration.
The children tried naan bread, poppadoms, onion bhajis, vegetable samosas and mango chutney.
There were definitely mixed feelings about the tastes !!!
The children looked at a traditional stick dance, used in the celebration.
In our dancing, we used colourful ribbons and put together some simple movements.
The children used clay to make their own diyas. They painted them using bright colours.
In Maths the children made repeating patterns.
The children learnt about Rangoli patterns..how Hindus draw bright colourful designs on the floors, near to doorways, to welcome their guests.
The children painted their patterns using sand and a variety of colours.
During the last week of term the children had a fantastic time learning about Diwali.
They learnt that Diwali is a special Hindu festival, that the word Diwali means 'rows of lighted lamps' and that Diwali is known as the festival of lights because people decorate their houses and shops with small oil lamps called diyas.
We began by learning about Rama and Sita and the ten-headed monster.
Many hands make light work! All finished and looking lovely!
So, we decided to set about tidying up the planting area.
By the time we left school on day 5, we checked the leaves one last time. They were very dry and stiff.
Our investigation showed that our leaves had taken 5 days to go crispy!
Day 5- The children noticed more changes.
Day 4 - We left the leaves over the weekend and checked them on Monday morning. The children noticed a few changes.
So how long does it take for leaves to go crispy?
Having come to the conclusion that leaves dry out, which makes them go 'crispy' or 'crunchy', the children moved on to investigate how long it takes for this process to actually happen.
Day 1-We collected some freshly fallen leaves from outside.
Back to our autumn topic!
All in all, a good time had by all!
'Think i'll add this cone!
Welcome to the Mud Kitchen!
This week the children had a fantastic time in our mud kitchen.
They initiated their own play, making mud soup, stone soup and 'chocolate' cake.
RCR- Our first trip- to the park!
Welcome to all parents and carers of children in RCR!
The children have settled in well and have been working hard in their learning.
We started our first topic, 'Why Do Leaves Go Crispy?'. This began by a discussion on what we knew about autumn and progressed to what we wanted to find out.
Why do leaves go different colours?
What other things fall off the trees?
Why do things fall off the trees?
What happens to the things that fall off the trees?
Which tree do acorns come from?
We decided to be autumn explorers and we went for a walk over to the park to collect autumn 'treasures'.
Armed with collecting equipment and magnifiers, we set off to investigate! | 2019-04-21T09:12:59Z | http://www.longlands.bexley.sch.uk/reception-2/ |
Reading "Quotes To Climb The 10 Step To Success"
Dear Friend, In today’s episode, we are having a little fun!! We are sharing some of the best quotes we have found from various sources that inspire us to read, and remind us of how wonderful reading books can be!! Enjoy!! Background Music kindly provided by FreeMusicArchive.org “Everyone is so alive” by Loyalty Freak Music http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Loyalty_Freak_Music/ROBOT_DANCE_/Loyalty_Freak_Music_-_ROBOT_DANCE__-_01_Everyone_is_so_alive Connect with us: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/44210676-rupinder-sayal Twitter (Mind Upgrades): https://twitter.com/mindupgrades Email: [email protected] Thank you so much for watching! Please share our video with one friend who may like this video, give the video a thumbs-up if you liked it, and kindly subscribe to our channel – it gives us motivation to keep producing more videos! Thanks, Rupinder.
Do you like or enjoy my videos? Then consider buying me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/uQKkXCF6B Why You Should Read Books - The Benefits of Reading More (animated) Reading improves your focus and concentration. With all the distractions nowadays, people have really big problems with concentrating. Don’t be one of them. You're stressed out? Then pick up a book. Research conducted in 2009 showed that reading is the most effective way to overcome stress. Scientific studies show that reading actually makes you smarter. Your body needs movement. That means your brain needs movement, as well. And reading is the best workout for your mind.
Benefits Of Reading, Top 10 Reasons Why Reading Is Important, benefit of books, benefit of audio book Why you should read books - The benefits of reading more (animated) ==================================================== What is mindset of successful people? The legendary poet has penned down this beautiful secret long time ago. Take a look... माना हालात प्रतिकूल हैं, रास्तों पर बिछे शूल हैं रिश्तों पे जम गई धूल है पर तू खुद अपना अवरोध न बन तू उठ…… खुद अपनी राह बना……………………….. माना सूरज अँधेरे में खो गया है…… पर रात अभी हुई नहीं, यह तो प्रभात की बेला है तेरे संग है उम्मीदें, किसने कहा तू अकेला है तू खुद अपना विहान बन, तू खुद अपना विधान बन……………………….. सत्य की जीत हीं तेरा लक्ष्य हो अपने मन का धीरज, तू कभी न खो रण छोड़ने वाले होते हैं कायर तू तो परमवीर है, तू युद्ध कर – तू युद्ध कर……………………….. इस युद्ध भूमि पर, तू अपनी विजयगाथा लिख जीतकर के ये जंग, तू बन जा वीर अमिट तू खुद सर्व समर्थ है, वीरता से जीने का हीं कुछ अर्थ है तू युद्ध कर – बस युद्ध कर………………………..। We thought why not make a video on this? So we made one only for you. 😉 #Stay_motivated #Stay_inspirational ====================================================== SPEAKER : Jai Patel ====================================================== →DID YOU LIKE THE VIDEO? GIVE IT A THUMBS UP 👍 →SUBSCRIBE to my channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC90F0i80IZEHqm6PCAHk1BQ?sub_confirmation=1 →SHARE this Video if you liked it Copyright Information: This is not an upload of the film in its entirety. The clips used are heavily edited and most of them narrated over top of, showing only amounts that are necessary for me to be able to make my points. My motivational video is for purposes of commentary and teaching and is considered Fair Use by both YouTube and Federal Copyright Law. FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER * Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use. -This video has no negative impact on the original works (It would actually be positive for them) -This video is also for teaching purposes. -It is not transformative in nature. -I only used bits and pieces of videos to get the point across where necessary. We make these videos with the intention of educating others in a motivational/inspirational form. We do not own the clips and music we use in most cases. Our understanding is that it is in correlation to Fair Right Use, however given that it is open to interpretation, if any owners of the content clips would like us to remove the video, we have no problem with that and will do so as fast as possible. Please message us on YouTube or Facebook if you have any concerns. We believe these videos are fair use because: They are transformative in a positive sense, we take clips from various sources to help create an atmospheric feeling that will help people in hard situations in their life. We also do not wish to use the heart of any piece of work that would perhaps decrease the market value of the original content, if anything we hope to promote the content so that people can reach out and subsequently increase the market value. Lastly these videos are to educate people in an entertaining fashion. Given these are very short videos, the short parts we use within them act as a catalyst to further reading.
This is a collection of quotes from various authors and famous people. Keep Reading and Keep Rocking! . . .. . . . .. . This video and its creation is sole copyright of Must Read Books (www.facebook.com/MustReadBooks007/) Like , Subscribe and Share.
I wanted to share with you all an extract from my *book 'The Unemployed Philosopher's Guide to Life', chapter three 'Books Change Lives' in support of Oxfam's #BooksChangeLives campaign for Hay Book Festival. Share your story using the hashtag #BooksChangeLives to be in with a chance of winning a bundle of books, including a signed copy of A Handmaid's Tale. You can also use discount code HAY15 for 15% off Oxfam online bookshop https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/books *my book, a book which will never be published haha. my website: https://www.cinziadubois.com twitter: @Cinzia_DuBois instagram: @Cinzia.DuBois vlog channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNl7uVQHu6B0bSAezDZKGpg support my lectures on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Cinzia Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6341226-c-dubois Disclaimer: I am a Book Depository Affiliate. I am not sponsored for any of my reviews and will always disclose if a book I am reviewing has been sent to me for review.
Books reading uses in Telugu..
Opening montage for Reading Campaign 2018, Institut Latihan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia Tawau.
Be inspired with these 6 quotes from Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree. Subscribe to Shelf Stuff! - https://goo.gl/TkzXiD LET’S GET BOOK NERDY! Website: http://www.shelfstuff.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/theshelfstuff #ShelfStuff is brought to you by HarperCollins Publishers.
Please give a warm welcome to Jananie (who you may recognize from her own stellar channel, thisstoryaintover)! She’s going to be bringing you #EpicBookRecs every month, and for her first episode has a killer lineup of culturally diverse contemporary YA books. Prepare to laugh, swoon, and highlight enough inspirational quotes to fill up a book of your own! Subscribe to Epic Reads: http://goo.gl/2vD4rM Visit and subscribe to thisstoryaintover for more with Jananie: http://bit.ly/storyaintover Books featured in this #EpicBookRecs: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: https://bit.ly/2Go5xNb When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon: https://bit.ly/2IjazwE Black Enough, edited by Ibi Zoboi: https://bit.ly/2SfMLut A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi: https://bit.ly/2B5Cco6 American Panda by Gloria Chao: https://bit.ly/2ymJ14N Sign up for FIRST5 and receive a daily e-mail newsletter that gives you something to read. Delivered to your inbox each weekday! - http://goo.gl/EgXtSe LET’S GET BOOK NERDY! Website: http://www.epicreads.com Tumblr: http://epicreads.tumblr.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpicReads Instagram: http://instagram.com/epicreads Facebook: https://facebook.com/epicreads Google+: https://plus.google.com/+EpicReads Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/epicreads #EpicReads is brought to you by HarperCollins Publishers. | 2019-04-20T07:23:26Z | http://illusionniste.info/search?q=Books%20and%20reading%20quotations |
The City of Peterborough in the East of England has an extensive and well integrated road network, owing partly to its status as a new town. Since the 1960s, the city has seen considerable expansion and its various suburbs are linked by a system of parkways.
Despite its large-scale growth, Peterborough has the fastest peak and off-peak travel times for a city of its size in the United Kingdom, due to the construction of the parkways. The Local Transport Plan anticipates expenditure totalling around £180 million for the period up to 2010 on major road schemes to accommodate future development.
The A1/A1(M) broadly follows the path of the historic Great North Road from London, through Peterborough (Junction 17), continuing north a further 335 miles (539 km) to central Edinburgh.
A numbered roundabout sign in Peterborough.
Peterborough has so many roundabouts and grade separated junctions within its roads and parkway system that junctions are numbered using the same system as is used to number British motorway and major A road junctions to guide and help drivers. Peterborough is to date the only city within the United Kingdom to use the system in this way and has been using this system since the 1970s.
The majority of Peterborough's parkways are dual carriageways, to accommodate the large quantity of local traffic within the city, and national and regional traffic bypassing it. However, due to their age, many of the parkways do not have hard-shoulders. Most of the parkways that bypass the city have graded roundabout junctions.
The A1 is located just to the west of Peterborough. The road does not play a major part in Peterborough's road network itself although it is a major route. The road goes past RAF Wittering before meeting the A47 at Wansford on a grade separated junction. The A1 then moves south passing very close to the Nene Valley Railway line before reaching the city section of the A605 at another grade separated junction before reaching the A1139/A605 Oundle Section grade separated junction. This is also where the A1(M) starts and as a motorway the road quickly moves southward to reach the A15 at Norman Cross where the motorway moves out of the Peterborough area.
The Werrington Parkway runs from the south of Glinton, where the A15 forks into the Peterborough east bypass and main road into the city centre. The road is dual carriageway from Glinton to the centre of Peterborough. There are no grade separated junctions along its route but does contain a number of smaller roundabouts which give direct and easy access to Werrington and its industrial estates. The Parkway then becomes less and standard dual-carriageway to which speed limits are in place to pass through New England and its retail park along with a major supermarket just prior to reaching the junction with the A47 at a major junction. Because of the speed restrictions along the majority of its route traffic coming into Peterborough are now encouraged to use the Paston Parkway instead to access the city centre and in the past few years signposts have been changed to reflect this.
The Paston Parkway bypasses the eastern edge of Peterborough, terminating at a roundabout with the A1139, where the city bypass becomes the Frank Perkins Parkway. The road starts at the southernmost roundabout of the Glinton and heads eastward as a single carriageway before coming to a roundabout for local traffic. The road then becomes a major dual carriageway, although it has only one grade separated junction (with the A47), with the other junctions being roundabouts. In 2008, Peterborough City Council funded the dualling of the northernmost stretch of the Paston Parkway between two roundabouts east of Gunthorpe. This has significantly reduced congestion, as the route is used as a commuter run between the city's Eastern Industry development in Fengate and settlements north of the city.
The A15 moves southward as a minor dual carriageway from its junction with the A47 with several more roundabouts lining its route. The road goes past some rail sidings that are rarely used and also goes past a retail shopping area on the site of the city's former Parcel Force depot. After passing the city's Toys R Us store the A15 reaches Queensgate Shopping Centre. The road passes the shopping centre between two of the centre's major Car Parks with a 1980s style footbridge crossing over the top. Two roundabouts are located at either end of the complex. The southern roundabout is a junction with the A1179 and gives access to the city's Bus Station (part of the shopping centre). The A15 then passes through the Westgate shopping area and the city's courts before reaching a roundabout where the dual carriageway part of the road ends.
The A15 moves out of Peterborough heading southwards as a single carriageway road going past Peterborough United Football Ground. After some traffic light junctions the A15 goes under the A1139 before coming to a roundabout for a business estate. Then the A15 quickly comes to a second roundabout with the A1260 near to Serpentine Green. Then the A15 moves into open countryside before touching the outermost part of Yaxley where it meets the B1091. The A15 again moves into countryside before reaching the A1(M) at a major junction at Norman Cross.
The A1139 starts as a single carriageway road at a minor roundabout with the A47 at Eye. After a second small roundabout the road passes though some housing before meeting the A15 on a major roundabout near Paston.
The Frank Perkins Parkway is named after Frank Perkins, local founder of Perkins Engines and is the main Eastern Bypass for Peterborough. The parkway has access to the Perkins Engines site. The Parkway heads south as a major dual carriageway from a major roundabout with the A15 near Eye and quickly passes its first junction, which is restricted to southbound traffic and the Perkins Factory before reaching to Junction 5 which is a major inlet for city bound traffic. The road then passes over the River Nene and quickly reaches junction 4 where it meets the A605, which runs parallel to junction 3a and the new Stanground bypass out of Peterborough and the old A605, now the B1092. The Frank Perkins Parkway also becomes the Fletton Parkway here.
The Orton Parkway is a short minor dual carriageway, that is officially classed as the A1139, although it is not part of the main road itself. There is one small roundabout which provides local access to Orton Goldhay, Orton Southgate and Orton Brimbles. The road also helps to carry traffic to events at the nearby East of England Showground.
The A1179 is a short major road that is half dual carriageway and half single carriageway. It runs from the A1260 to the A15 near Queensgate shopping centre, passing over a metal arch bridge over the East Coast main line just before its eastern end.
The A1260 is a major road that serves the western side of Peterborough. The road is dual-carriageway from its southern terminus with the A15 at Hampton to its northern terminus with the A47 at Longthorpe. The road is also known as the "Nene Parkway" and serves as major route from getting from the southern end of Peterborough to the Northern end without having to travel into the centre of the city via the A15. The road itself starts at Hampton at a small roundabout with the A15 where after it goes past Serpentine Green at another roundabout before it very quickly heads to a major junction where its meets the A1139 (Fletton Parkway). After that junction the road takes on the form of a major dual-carriageway with its own grade separated junctions where it meets the A605 on a restricted junction before passing over the River Nene before meeting the A1179 (Longthorpe Parkway) on another junction. After that junction the road quickly heads north before coming to a major junction with the A47 where the road ends on a large roundabout with the A47 passing over on top. In 2008, the city council undertook improvements to the roundabout at the southern terminus of the parkway, increasing the southbound and eastbound approaches to three approach lanes and adding a third lane northbound on the roundabout for traffic using a newly constructed running-lane between junctions 1 and 2, where there are now three lanes northbound. Traffic lights have also been installed. Traffic signals are also planned on the roundabout at the northern terminus of the parkway with the A47 Soke Parkway.
The A47 heads west to Peterborough from Wisbech. It bypasses Thorney along a minor dual carriageway. Eye is bypassed by a single carriageway where the A47 meets the A16 and then the A1139 at separate roundabouts. The A47 then becomes dual carriageway, passing a large rubbish tip to reach a major junction with the A15 at Paston.
The Soke Parkway consists of the entire section of the A47 that runs through Peterborough. As a trunk route, the stretch of road is maintained by the Highways Agency, who have recently undertaken an update of road lighting on the route. This section of road is called the Soke Parkway (named after the Soke of Peterborough). When this was first built, in the mid-1970s, the A47 followed what is now the A1139 Paston Parkway. Apart from a roundabout on the eastern edge of the city, the parkway is an unbroken major dual carriageway. The road passes over the A15 (Paston Parkway) as a roundabout and than heads westwards passing one grade separated junction with a local road. The road then meets the city section of the A15 on an unusual junction. It crosses the East Coast Main Line near to a Morrisons (former Safeway), and Boulevard and Brotherhood retail parks in New England. After passing the A15 the A47 quickly heads south-westwards, where after passing another grade separated junction for local traffic the road meets the A1260 at Longthorpe. The Nene Parkway terminates in the Peterborough Longthorpe Grade separated junction (GSJ) (which opened in December 1987) where it meets the A1260 Nene Parkway. There is a GSJ for Bretton and a Sainsbury's, and it passes the Bretton Woods Community School. The £1.2m Peterborough Westwood GSJ opened in January 1987. After passing this junction the A47 heads westward into open countryside where it bypasses Castor and Ailsworth before the road becomes a single carriageway before reaching the A1 at Wansford.
The A605 comes into Peterborough from Whittlesey and comes into the city via the Stanground bypass. Once on the bypass the road heads towards the Kingston Park distribution center and then turns right at the roundabout and continues under the A1139 Fletton Parkway. From there it follows a short piece of single carriageway until it meets up with the Stanground roundabout junction with the A1139 and B1091. From there it continues towards the city and once again under the A1139 and finally meets with the A15 at the Peacock junction just short of the Peterborough United football ground.
The A605 leaves its junction with the A1(M)/A1/A1139 as a major single carriageway by widening to three lanes, before climbing up a hill close to the Peterborough (Morborne) FM & DAB radio transmitter is located. It then moves back to two lanes before moving on to Elton and out of Peterborough.
This page was last edited on 21 August 2018, at 14:28 (UTC). | 2019-04-26T03:39:49Z | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_transport_in_Peterborough |
One instance I would brush off — particularly coming from MSNBC — but when I see two in one day, I wonder if I’m seeing a new narrative from the anti-Christian left. That narrative is that Christians aren’t being true to the Bible, because of biblical illiteracy.
To be sure: it’s true that Christians, being sinners, are not true to the Bible. It’s also true that biblical literacy, even among Christians, is nowhere near where it ought to be. (I include myself in that generalization.) And it’s even true that Christians would be more true to the Bible if they were better familiar with it.
All that said, the thesis of these two pieces is that the practices and beliefs of Christians are contraindicated by the Bible, which Christians would know if they were only more biblically literate. That thesis is wholly unsupported by the evidence the two pieces are able to muster.
First, there’s MSNBC, which had a piece attacking Sarah Palin because she has a Christmas tree. (Seriously, you hate Sarah Palin so you go after her through her Christmas tree?! Bizarre.) Now it’s true that the Christmas tree, like many of our modern Christmas traditions, is not Biblical, and some Christians have chosen to eschew them for that reason. But MSNBC is trying to make a different point, claiming that the Bible actually forbids them.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because the cannot walk.
I hadn’t heard this particular notion before, but apparently it’s been out there for some time. Billy Graham even has a web page rebutting it. (Via Newsbusters.) As long as you’re not worshiping the tree as an idol, you’re okay, and the tree can even have some positive symbolism.
So MSNBC runs this piece attacking Sarah Palin’s religious practices — and, in passing, everyone who gets a Christmas tree — but doesn’t think to verify the Bible reference they cite, or do the slightest amount of research to determine if their thesis holds any water.
Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly defended the Republican Party’s spending cuts for SNAP by effectively declaring Jesus would not support food stamps for the poor because most them are drug addicts. If his insensitive remark is inconsistent with Scripture, which it is, then the question becomes why do talking heads on the right get away with proclaiming what Jesus would or wouldn’t support?
The answer is simple: Conservatives have not read the Bible.
I don’t know what Bill O’Reilly actually said. The piece doesn’t link him, which is an indication that the author is probably not quoting him fairly. The weasel-word “effectively” is another indication. Moreover, O’Reilly is not known as a Christian conservative. So let’s leave O’Reilly out of it and focus on the evidence the piece manages to muster.
The piece rambles a lot. There’s some weak argument about how Jesus’s actual positions lend themselves more to liberalism than conservatism (he is entitled to his opinion). It quotes some some poll results, which, like all polls on questions of fact, are dismaying. But, being a poll of Americans in general, it doesn’t tell us much about the biblical illiteracy of Christian conservatives. There’s some general libel about how conservatives killed Jesus and are also like Nazis. And there’s an attack on the Koch brothers, which I guess is de rigeur for a leftist screed these days.
For instance, when Republicans were justifying their cuts to the food stamp program, they quoted 2 Thessalonians: “Anyone unwilling to work should not eat.” One poll showed that more than 90 percent of Christians believe this New Testament quote is attributed to Jesus. It’s not. This was taken from a letter written by Paul to his church in Thessalonica. Paul wrote to this specific congregation to remind them that if they didn’t help build the church in Thessalonica, they wouldn’t be paid. The letter also happens to be a fraud. Surprise! Biblical scholars agree it’s a forgery written by someone pretending to be Paul.
Let’s just take all this in order: I don’t know any Republican who actually said that in regard to food stamps, but never mind that. I don’t believe that 90% of Christians attribute that verse to Jesus, but I do believe that 90% of Christians view the New Testament as divinely inspired whether it’s in red letter or not (2Ti 3:16).
There’s no textual support here whatsoever for the proposition that Paul was talking about paying for church construction.
And what about the supposed fakery of the book? The statement that biblical scholars agree it’s a forgery is simply a lie. In fact, although some have questioned Pauline authorship (due to differences in style and eschatology from Paul’s other writings), most agree that Paul did write it. (Certainly all don’t agree that he didn’t!) And if he didn’t, it easily could have been written by Silas or Timothy, who are listed as the epistle’s co-authors.
Furthermore, note the construction: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule.” This is something Paul had already said before. Even if the book were a fake, it is quoting an earlier statement that Paul did make; if he hadn’t, the book never could have fooled the church at Thessalonica.
This is a similar message to 2Th 3:7-10, and the authenticity of 1 Thessalonians is unquestioned even by progressives.
The best argument against a historical Jesus is the fact that none of his disciples left us with a single record or document regarding Jesus or his teachings. So, who were the gospel writers? The short answer is we don’t know. What we do know is that not only had none of them met Jesus, but also they never met the people who had allegedly met Jesus.
This is entirely untrue. Matthew and John were Jesus’s disciples. Luke never met Jesus, but travelled with Paul, who did. The authorship of Mark is not certain, but the early church universally believed it was written by John Mark, an associate of Peter. Furthermore, many believe that the young man of Mark 14:51 was the author (otherwise its inclusion is hard to explain), which would make him an eyewitness. So at least two and possibly three of the gospels were written by eyewitnesses, and all four are written by people who met the apostles.
Of course, some of these facts are contested by progressive theologians, but adopting the well-supported, traditional view hardly constitutes biblical illiteracy.
In our modern political discourse, there are few things so tedious as people who don’t believe something (e.g., the truth of the Bible, or libertarianism), and don’t understand it, lecturing those who do believe on what that belief should imply. Not only do they fail to understand the nuances of those views, and they frequently fail to understand that there even are nuances.
But the point isn’t to convince the believers, it’s to attack them. Do they care if Sarah Palin has a Christmas tree? No. Do they care what Christian conservatives believe? Yes, but they don’t expect it to change, and they’re certainly not trying to change it here. But they do want people to hate Sarah Palin, and Christian conservatives, like they do.
Churches that offered shelter to Occupy Wall Street protesters are dealing with theft, vandalism, and desecration.
The church’s mission is not class warfare, nor is it to give shelter to people who have homes but choose not to use them. The money spent accommodating Occupiers, and repairing the damage Occupiers did, could have been spent on the truly needy, or on spreading the Gospel. They should have known better.
A moving story of faith and resistance among Vietnam POWs.
Repeatedly invoking the Bible, President Obama yesterday told religious leaders that health-care critics are “bearing false witness” against his plan. . .
Remember how the left cried that we were a hair’s breadth from theocracy whenever President Bush used religious language?
Jay Nordlinger, at the Corner, has written a lot about the diminishing number of safe zones, places where people of different political persuasions can interact amiably. One big non-safe-zone is academia, where the majority ideology tends to be liberal, and where liberals delight in injecting political attacks into matters having nothing to do with politics.
Case in point: At a faculty meeting yesterday, we were discussing the process by which the department would fill an important position that is soon to become vacant. One person joked that Sarah Palin should get the job. Most of the room dutifully laughed.
I was perplexed. The joke was not at all funny, it was just weird. Sarah Palin is just one of countless people who would be inappropriate for the job, and who wouldn’t want it, and who weren’t relevant to the conversation. It would have made just as much sense to joke that Sidney Crosby should get the job, or any other name one might draw from a hat.
So why does the Sarah Palin “joke” elicit a laugh, while the Sidney Crosby “joke” would presumably elicit only an uncomfortable silence? I think that members of this particular political mindset have been conditioned to believe that Sarah Palin is inherently funny. Her very name is a joke for all contexts.
But flippancy is the best of all. In the first place it is very economical. Only a clever human can make a real Joke about virtue, or indeed about anything else; any of them can be trained to talk as if virtue were funny. Among flippant people the Joke is always assumed to have been made. No one actually makes it; but every serious subject is discussed in a manner which implies that they have already found a ridiculous side to it. If prolonged, the habit of Flippancy builds up around a man the finest armour plating against the Enemy that I know, and it is quite free from the dangers inherent in the other sources of laughter. It is a thousand miles away from joy; it deadens, instead of sharpening, the intellect; and it excites no affection between those who practise it.
The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church called the evangelical notion that individuals can be right with God a “great Western heresy” that is behind many problems facing the church and the wider society.
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.
Paul here describes salvation as an individual matter, brought about (now that Jesus’s redemptive work is done) by my own heart and my own mouth.
In the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus (another great Western heretic) makes it clear that we are not admitted to the kingdom of heaven as a community. He tells of ten virgins, five of whom were admitted to the wedding banquet and five of whom were turned away, based on their individual choices.
That’s right, not a since scripture reference in her entire address. She accused the Western world of a highly dubious heresy, without citing a single line of scripture to support her case.
We Christians often think the only important part of the Jerusalem story is Calvary, and, yes, suffering and killing in that place still seem to be the loudest news. But Calvary was a waypoint in the larger arc of God’s dream – it’s on the way to Jerusalem, it is not in Jerusalem.
Here too, I don’t actually understand what she means, but it sounds like she’s minimizing the importance of the crucifixion, and likening it to modern-day bloodshed in Jerusalem. It’s true that the bible ends in a New Jerusalem, and perhaps that’s what she’s getting at. But the crucifixion, by purchasing our salvation, is the single key event that allows mankind to have anything to do with that happy ending.
[Members of the new church] believe the Episcopal Church has failed to uphold biblical authority and traditional Christian doctrine on matters ranging from the divinity of Christ to sexual ethics.
Most stories on the schism of the Episcopal Church claim that it is about homosexuality, which isn’t remotely true. Questions about sexual ethics in general, and homosexuality in particular, may well be what most interest the press, but that doesn’t mean that Christians share that emphasis. Christians are much more concerned that the Episcopal Church has broken from basic teachings on the divinity of Christ, the sin of mankind, and the significance of the crucifixion for achieving our redemption from sin. A church that discards those teachings, as the Episcopal Church has, is no longer Christian at all.
Stories like this are why orthodox Christians are leaving the Episcopal Church.
I heard a report about this on NPR today (no link, sorry) that managed to get nearly every detail wrong. Here’s what happened today: No one broke away from the Episcopal Church today. North American churches that had already broken away from the Episcopal Church (or its Canadian analogue) had switched their allegiance to Anglican provinces in South America and Africa. It was an awkward arrangement to have North American churches belong to faraway provinces, so today those churches agreed to join together to form a new North American province.
The reason those churches had left the Episcopal Church had essentially nothing to do with sexuality. It had to do with the Episcopal Church’s abandonment of key Christian doctrines such as sin, redemption, and the authority of scripture. (As an indication of how bad things had gotten, read this and this.) It also had to do with the Episcopal Church’s contempt for its orthodox minority, most notably displayed by deposing the Bishop of Pittsburgh in violation of the procedures given in church canons. Issues of sexuality are one symptom of the problem, but by themselves would probably (there’s no way to know now) have never led to a major exodus from the Episcopal Church.
It’s true that the Episcopal Church will probably initiate a court battle to try to confiscate the property of breakaway churches, but this was already an inevitability when those churches left the Episcopal Church. Today’s action changed nothing. Also, any churches that join the new province from elsewhere do not have their property at risk. The same is true for the churches that have already won their legal battles with the Episcopal Church.
The one thing that NPR got right was it is unclear whether the Archbishop of Canterbury will recognize the new province, but the more important question is whether the Anglican primates recognize it. Under the Anglican Church’s unusual structure, the voting power of provinces is entirely uncorrelated with their size. Thus, the global south (which is overwhelmingly orthodox) has the vast majority of the people, but a minority of voting power. It will be very interesting to see whether the progressive primates (who control the Anglican Church despite representing a small minority of its members) press their advantage. If they do, there may well be schism, which would leave a rump Anglican Church and a new orthodox denomination with nearly all its people.
The Anglican Church is a peculiar one. It is the official church of England and headquartered in London, but most of its adherents are outside the English-speaking world (especially Africa). It is a worldwide denomination without any centralized authority. Its nominal leader, Rowan Williams, was appointed by a British politician, Tony Blair, who happens to be Catholic. Overall, it is strongly orthodox, but it has a powerful non-orthodox minority.
All these factors contribute to the crisis that now exists in the Episcopal Church (an American branch of the Anglican church). Within the Episcopal Church, orthodox Christians (who hold traditional Christian positions on the person of Jesus and the authority of the Bible) find themselves in the minority; the majority “progressives” wish to make the faith more compatible with modern views.
Non-Anglicans are most familiar with the conflict over sexuality, but that conflict is merely a sideshow, next to central disagreements over the divinity of Christ, his unique redemptive purpose, the Resurrection, and the authority of the Bible. The conflict has simmered for a long time, and although the consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire (Robinson divorced his family to live openly with a gay partner) worsened existing divisions, it wasn’t until the election of Katharine Schori as Presiding Bishop that the conflict exploded.
Christians understand that Jesus is the route to God. Umm– that is not to say that Muslims, or Sikhs, or Jains, come to God in a radically different way. They come to God through… human experience… through human experience of the divine. Christians talk about that in terms of Jesus.
A tolerant and multicultural statement this may be, but a Christian one it is not. Unfortunately, this is just one of Bishop Schori’s many statements denying basic tenets of the Christian faith, and she is far from alone. As just one other example, the Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles recently apologized to Hindus for Christianity’s efforts to evangelize them.
It was in this context that the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh last year began the process of leaving the Episcopal Church. Several provinces of the Anglican Church offered to accept Pittsburgh into their fold, including the Southern Cone (in South America).
Many were loath to leave the Episcopal Church, feeling that it would be better to remain and try to change it from within. Those voices were undermined, however, by Katharine Schori’s decision to depose Robert Duncan, the bishop of Pittsburgh. Ordinarily, deposition of a bishop requires a trial, but that would have required an actual charge, and would have taken a considerable amount of time. Instead, Schori used a provision called “abandonment of communion,” intended to deal officially with the departure of bishops who had left for the Roman Catholic church. Safeguards exist to prevent a charge of abandonment of communion in controversial cases (such as a bishop who had not yet left), but Schori ruled that those safeguards were inoperable.
In the end, the vote to realign and join the Southern Cone was not close. Clergy voted 121-38, and laity voted 119-72 (including abstentions and spoiled ballots). Vote counters indicated that nearly every swing vote sided with realignment in the end. Archbishop Venables of the Southern Cone immediately moved to welcome the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and appointed Duncan its caretaker bishop until Duncan can officially be re-elected next month.
In other words, unity is more important than truth.
The struggle does not end with the decision to realign. All observers now expect that the Episcopal Church will quickly file suit in secular court to confiscate the property of the Diocese. Historically, church property belonged to individual dioceses, but in 1979 the Episcopal Church passed the Dennis Canon, which asserts that all church property actually belongs to the national church. In 2006, after a lengthy court battle, the Episcopal Church took control of the Church of St. James the Less and shuttered it, and it remains empty today. However, differences in legal circumstances suggest that the Diocese is more likely to prevail in this case.
The movement is driven by theologically conservative leaders who believe the church has turned away from traditional biblical teachings on issues like whether Jesus is the son of God and the only way to salvation.
Christian publisher Zondervan is facing a $60 million federal lawsuit filed by a man who claims he and other homosexuals have suffered based on what the suit claims is a misinterpretation of the Bible.
That is to say, setting aside whether the federal civil rights lawsuit is credible, the company says Bradley Fowler sued the wrong group.
His suit centers on one passage in scripture — 1 Corinthians 6:9 — and how it reads in Bibles published by Zondervan.
Fowler says Zondervan Bibles published in 1982 and 1987 use the word homosexuals among a list of those who are “wicked” or “unrighteous” and won’t inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Fowler says his family’s pastor used that Zondervan Bible, and because of it his family considered him a sinner and he suffered.
Now he is asking for an apology and $60 million.
Opponents of Christianity have been suing Christians in Canada for years (and winning), so it was only a matter of time until it was tried here. This suit is flawed in so many ways that it should quickly be thrown out, but that will only make them try harder.
The death and resurrection of Christ has been called into question by a radical new interpretation of a tablet found on the eastern bank of the Dead Sea.
The three-foot stone tablet appears to refer to a Messiah who rises from the grave three days after his death – even though it was written decades before the birth of Jesus.
The ink is badly faded on much of the tablet, known as Gabriel’s Vision of Revelation, which was written rather than engraved in the 1st century BC. This has led some experts to claim that the inscription has been overinterpreted.
A previous paper published by the scholars Ada Yardeni and Binyamin Elitzur concluded that the most controversial lines were indecipherable.
Professor Knohl contends that the tablet proves that messianic followers possessed the paradigm of their leader rising from the grave before Jesus was born.
I just don’t get it. Let’s suppose than the inscription is correctly translated exactly as Knohl claims. (Apparently there is good reason to doubt this.) How exactly does this cast doubt on the resurrection? It has no bearing on whether or not it actually happened; all it does is suggest that the idea of resurrection was already out there. I think most people would agree that idea of resurrection is quite a bit easier than actually pulling it off.
Furthermore, there’s very little in the Gospels — the resurrection included — that isn’t already foreshadowed in the Old Testament. In fact, there is already a resurrection in the Old Testament. How would one more foreshadowing change anything? This result sounds greatly oversold.
UPDATE (7/17): One reader writes to tell me, none too kindly, that since Christianity is false anyway, all this discussion is vacuous. I disagree. There are at least two states of belief (Kripke worlds) we may consider here; in one Christianity is known to be false, and in the other it is seen as plausible. In either world, this discovery changes nothing. Clearly it is consistent with the atheist’s state, and, as I argue above, it is consistent with the believer/agnostic’s state as well. So, in what state of belief is this discovery germane? I still don’t get it.
Conservative Anglican leaders meeting at a rebel summit expressed frustration with the church’s leadership on Thursday but indicated that an outright schism might be avoided.
The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a week-long convention of hundreds of conservative bishops and clergy, opened on Sunday amid talk that it was a first step towards a split between conservative and liberal wings in the 77-million-strong Anglican Communion.
But mid-way through the conference, conservative leaders spoke only of making GAFCON a “movement,” without indicating how such a process would be handled and if there was enough support among the bishops to initiate a split.
As we’ll see, this is simply wrong.
The very question indicates that they have no idea what is going on. The assumption seems to be that orthodox Christians (“conservatives,” the article calls them) would secede from the Anglican Communion. What Reuters does not understand is that the Anglican Communion is overwhelmingly orthodox. If anyone found themselves on the outside, it wouldn’t be the orthodox members.
What is happening is a small province of the Anglican Communion (the United States Episcopal Church) is aggressively challenging the core tenets of the Christian faith (such as the unique redemptive work of Jesus Christ), and is persecuting dissident congregations. Many of those dissident congregations are looking to leave the Episcopal Church and join another province within the Anglican Communion. That is the split being contemplated, one within the Episcopal Church, not the Anglican Communion as a whole.
The conservatives, who claim to represent 35 million Anglicans, mostly in developing countries, have been hinting at a split within the Communion since Anglicanism’s first openly gay bishop was consecrated in the United States.
However, it seems that they might now shy away from that step.
“They are trying to back down from the difficult position they put themselves in, as gracefully as possible,” said Jim Naughton, Canon for Communications with the diocese of Washington.
Notice that the only quote the article solicited was from an opponent of the conference, and it is presented uncritically (despite, we’ll see in a moment, being completely wrong). However, basic demographic facts are qualified by “claim”.
This article completely misunderstands what happened in Jerusalem (or worse, deliberately misrepresents it). Truly a shabby piece of work.
Mark Hemingway points out a 2004 interview of Barack Obama by Cathleen Falsani, on the topic of his faith. Obama calls himself a Christian, and Falsani asks several questions to probe what that means to him. She leaves some important questions out, though.
Obama’s answers reveal him as a practitioner of the non-judgemental, “people are basically good” brand of pseudo-Christianity that is popular in America today. Certainly he is not an orthodox Christian.
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Blog — cassia cogger, artist. teacher.
This past month has been peony season. That wonderful time of year when you walk in to the grocer and buckets on floral balls waiting to explode in to a multitude of beauty and color await you. By far one of my all time favorite blooms!
Each time I go in to the store and pass these buckets I tell myself I shouldn’t indulge. My practical side shouts I shouldn’t buy myself another bouquet when I just bought some last week yet my heart whispers please so I do.
Yesterday while driving home after purchasing a cluster of pale pink peonies I remembered, I actually have peonies in my garden. Three little bushes we planted upon our arrival here in Connecticut 8 years ago. A gift to my future self so each Spring when these beautiful blooms fill the buckets at the grocer I would have the luxury of walking outside and clipping a few from my own front yard. Some years I remember, some years I can’t forget as the big bold blooms spill over on to the grass that surrounds them. This year, until yesterday, it hadn’t even occurred to me that they existed.
As I type this my breath is still a bit heavy and my muscles fatigued. As soon as the kids climbed on the bus this morning I walked to the little strip of land where my peonies root to admire them. Upon first glance they could not be found. A heavy stand of weeds had grown up around them, a thick patch of ivy over them. Then and there I started to clear the area. Frantically pulling from the roots the nearly 3 foot tall weeds surrendered easily. The roots of the vines put up a stronger fight. Very quickly I began to uncover that which I went in search of. Very quickly I began to see the foliage of the peonies and the wilted petals of three beautiful blooms. I continued clearing until the 3 little bushes we planted 8 years ago were visible. Not quite so little now. No buds or tightly bound blooms in anticipation of blossoming but the promise of their return.
I am often in pursuit of building the next best thing, striving for a newer different (supposedly better) version of things. I often grab the big beautiful blooms made easily available to me in buckets at the front door of merchants instead of looking in my own back yard. This morning was reminder of all of the beauty I already possess. All of the goodness that already exists. This morning was a reminder of the gifts already available to us if only we remember to tend that gardens that we already have.
What I really want to tell you is how easy it is to sometimes feel “off track”. To get lost in time while everything bustles about even when physically going through the motions of moving right along.
What I really want to tell you is how I worry I’ll never live up to my full or even partial potential while simultaneously wondering if I have any potential at all.
What I really want to tell you is how sometimes I stare at the laundry and the lunches, the mayhem and the messes and think to myself I want none of it while in the same moment feeling immense love and gratitude for it all.
What I really want to tell you is for me life is a series of me too, and me too and me too moments. That I can often feel very alone and crave the moments of simple connection.
What I really want to tell you is I don’t know why I need to write these things down or why I really want to tell you them. I also want to tell you that above all else I value authenticity and there is a part of me that knows sharing what I really want to tell you helps me better communicate in all ways written and more.
What I really want to tell you is that for me art is the antidote to what sometimes feels like the chaos of the world around us. That the marks are my meditation and the paintings are often my prayers to try and make sense of it all.
Today what I really want to tell you is how there was a bee in my hood this morning that stung me repeatedly right before my run. I really want to tell you how I just knew I would be allergic and wanted to use it as an excuse to skip the exercise. That for the first mile of trotting with my dog I could barely breath and I kept telling myself it must be the stings and that I should just quit, go home, try another day.
I really want to tell you that in some ways this has become a habit. Over the past few years if the conditions aren’t perfect or I’m feeling slightly off I don’t do the work I need to do. I distract myself with other busy work. I give myself the safety of not failing by sometimes simply not trying.
I really want to tell you that it hasn’t always been this way and I’m not even sure when or how it began. It might have been as a result of losses or other failures and honestly at the end of the day I’m not even sure the why is relevant. The fact that this has become an option for me however is.
I really want to tell you how I kept running this morning. The breath came and I found my stride. The conditions shifted to meet me or I them and it was a beautiful run. I went for 4 miles, further than intended, and could have continued.
I really want to tell you that I’m re-creating this habit of continuing to go in other areas too. Of forcing myself to move forward and risk failure in order to achieve success.
Finally I want to tell you about my new studio and the white walls and the blank slate and all of the possibilities I see for it. But instead I’m not going to talk the talk here, I’m going to walk the walk there. I’m off to create and promise to be back in touch soon.
Last week I asked what you really wanted to tell me and I heard so many amazing things from people. I heard about the importance of financial planning, people’s passion projects, just words of love so I’m asking again. Is there anything you really want to tell me?
What I really want to tell you is how grateful I am that you are here. That you take the time to read my words as I share my thoughts. To view my art. To see me.
I want to tell you that but I also want to tell you so much more.
What I really want to tell you is I don’t have it all together all or even some of the time. Yesterday as I grabbed a cup of soup with a girlfriend she asked me how I did it. How I “had it all together”? I laughed as I looked at her and her beautifully groomed hair and lovely clothing and answered that I was wearing a hoodie because I had yet to put a bra on for the day, that truth be told I had been wearing the same leggings morning, noon and night for three days straight and my hat was hiding some braids from the day before because I hadn’t brushed it yet even though it was 1:30 in the afternoon. That my priorities just vary from others and I have come to accept that. I pick and choose and more often than not I choose immediate interaction with my husband and children over blow drying my hair and a few marks in my sketchbook over sweeping the floor.
What I really want to tell you is that motion without progress is exhausting. To move for the sake of moving, to do something without intention or direction, wears a girl out. What’s the gazinta my bestie always asks me and more and more if I don’t have an answer that satisfies me I’m letting it go. We all have a finite amount of energy and we must spend it wisely.
What I really want to tell you is sometimes it’s ok to be quiet as you sit back and take a moment. Maybe to figure things out, maybe to savor that which you have already resolved. Not only is it ok, it is necessary. This is what I have been doing as I work to reconnect to my voice as an artist and as a human. As I struggle to clarify exactly who I am and what I want to do with my precious time here.
What I really want to tell you is that art heals. Viewing art and making art. When you allow it, when you give yourself over to the process, it can shift so much. Viewing a painting or sculpture can bring you in to your environment allowing you to connect more deeply to that which surrounds you. Making an artwork, the tactile experiences of sight and sound and touch and smell activate the body and allow you to really marvel at your experience as an energy in this human shell.
What I really want to tell you is that if you have a yearning, an urge, a question that repeats itself again and again act on it. Try the new activity, walk in to the unknown, get curious about the question and work on answering it.
What I really want to tell you is I love this Hawaiian prayer Ho’Oponopono. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you. It’s applicable in so many moments each and every day.
What I really want to tell you is that after you’ve taken a moment to be quiet it’s ok to find you words again and share them. Let them flow. Don’t edit yourself as you begin, just say what needs to be said and if something comes out wrong refer to the above ( I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.) and try again.
What I really want to tell you is that as I type this I’m questioning if I should be. Who am I to “tell” you anything? Wondering if these words even make sense. This is what has happened again and again over the months as I have attempted to return to a regular weekly sharing process. Until today, the doubt has won and I have fallen silent until I sit down a few weeks later and try again and the cycle repeats.
What I really want to tell you is everything really is a cycle. I want to end by saying I’m so grateful you are here. That you take the time to read my words as I share my thoughts. To view my art. To see me.
p.s. What I really want to tell you was inspired by an exercise with Angie Wiseman and her Wild Writing class (her business name is Soulshine Studio) and the picture of me above was taken by my amazing new studio mate Katie Russo and the gallery she shared it with me in was called Soulshine. There are messages all around us if we only pay attention. I’m doing whatever I can to let my soul shine. I’m inviting you to do the same.
The temperatures are hot and the humidity snuck up out of nowhere. We are T-4 days until summer vacation. Where I live this means one thing and one thing alone, it is strawberry season.(ok that might be dramatic, there are other things too but strawberry season is a big damn deal as it should be.) Families arrived to the fields by the car load last weekend and filled flat after flat.
My online feeds are clogged with pics of bright red succulent berries, talk of cleaning and freezing the berries, then more pics with stacks and stacks of little jars of jam. Everyone it seems is trying to “capture” this fleeting period in a jar.
It had me questioning if I should be making jam too. Mind you I never have, we don’t eat jelly in our house, and I have only ever canned once in my life. Still as I see the pictures and I hear the talk I can’t help but feel a slight panic rise in me as I wonder if I or worse yet my kids are missing out. If I should be donning my apron and firing up the big pot and getting to work on something that would surely be a tasty treat.
It had me questioning and then I stopped. If I decided to make the jam I would have to give up making something else; Paintings in my studio, embroidery on the couch, tree climbing memories with my children. It would prevent me from doing the work I am really here to do. The work that lights me up. The work that when I am lucky lights you up too.
So I’m not going to make the strawberry jam. I’ll drive down the hill and buy some from a farm stand that can make it far better than I ever could and spend that time making art instead. | 2019-04-23T07:51:04Z | http://www.cassiacogger.com/blog/ |
New Jersey has points in seven of its last 14 games (6-7-1=13pts). At 37-36-8=82pts, the club has already surpassed its win/point total from all of 2014-15 (32-36-14=78pts).
The Devils have points in four of their last seven home games (3-3-1=7pts), and are 18-17-5=41pts at Prudential Center overall.
The Devils will play their 2015-16 season finale at home.New Jersey is playing its final game vs. the Atlantic Division. The Devils are 10-9-4=24pts vs. the Atlantic Division, including 4-6-1=9pts at home.
New Jersey was 0/1 on the power play last game and is 6/26 (23.1%) over the last six games.
The Devils were 2/2 on the penalty kill last game and is 21/24 (87.5%) over the last six games.
The Devils have lost a season-high four consecutive games.
The Devils finished their season series 0-3-0 against Tampa Bay. It is the third time in franchise history that New Jersey has been swept by Tampa Bay in a season series, (previously; 2001-02, 0-3-1 & 2003-04, 0-4-0).
Keith Kinkaid (18 saves/21 shots against + ENG) made the start in goal tonight and fell to 9-9-1 on the season.
Sergey Kalinin scored his seventh goal of the season at 7:16 of the second period. It was his first goal since Feb. 23 vs. NYR. (19 games). John Moore and Stephen Gionta recorded the assists.
Kalinin scored his second goal, his eighth of the season at 9:26 of the third period, to record his first career mulit-goal game. Bobby Farnham and Gionta had the assists on the goal.
Gionta’s two point night was his first multi-point game of the season, and the third time in his career that he recorded 2a in a game. (previously, Oct. 28, ’14 & Jan. 31 ’13).
Gionta has 10 assists this season which matches his career high, (also, 2012-13).
Farnham’s assist comes after being a healthy scratch in the previous two games. (Apr. 2-5).
Adam Larsson led the Devils with 24:05 minutes of playing time.
Kalinin, Jacob Josefson and David Schlemko each had a team-leading three shots on goal.
Travis Zajac was 9/13 (69.2%) in the faceoff circle.
Joseph Blandisi had a season-high six penalty minutes.
The Maple Leafs are 30th in the NHL with a 29-41-11=69pts.
Toronto won its last game, 4-3 OT, at Philadelphia on Thursday. Jake Gardiner scored the game-winning goal at 2:51 of the extra frame. William Nylander had 1g-2a-3pts vs. the Flyers, leading his squad.
Nylander has 5g-5a-10pts in his last 17 GP.
Nazem Kadri (suspended four games, cross-checking) leads the Maple Leafs with 45 points (17g-28a).
Tyler Bozak leads Toronto in scoring vs. New Jersey this season with 1g-2a-3pts.
P.A. Parenteau and Leo Komarov lead TOR with 19 goals each. Parenteau leads TOR with seven power play goals.
Morgan Reilly has played in all 81 of the Maple Leafs’ games this season. He also leads Toronto’s defensemen in scoring with 9g-27a-38pts.
New Jersey lost in the shootout and fell to 0-0-2=2pts in the season series vs. Toronto. Toronto out shot New Jersey, 39-34.
Jacob Josefson scored a power play goal. David Schlemko recorded 1g-1a-2pts.
Keith Kinkaid made 37 saves (+2/3 SO) in the loss.
Notable: The Devils have earned a point in each of their last eight games vs. the Maple Leafs (4-0-4=12pts) and are 6-3-1=13pts vs. Toronto at Prudential Center since 2009-10…Patrik Elias has 2g-2a-4pts in his last four games vs. the Maple Leafs…Cory Schneider has not lost to the Maple Leafs in regulation in seven career games.
Connections: Jiri Tlusty was Toronto’s first choice, 13th overall, in the 2006 Draft; he played three-plus seasons with the club from 2007-09…Michael Cammalleri was born in Toronto…Adam Henrique is from nearby Brantford, Ontario…Joseph Blandisi is from Markham, Ontario, which is a suburb of Toronto…Tyler Kennedy hails from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont…Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald played two seasons with Toronto from 2002-04…Assistant Coach Geoff Ward served as Head Coach of Edmonton’s AHL affiliate in Toronto in 2003-04…Maple Leafs’ General Manager Lou Lamoriello served the Devils as GM for 28 seasons from 1987-2015; guided New Jersey to 3 Stanley Cup Championships…Toronto’s President Brendan Shanahan was New Jersey’s first choice, 2nd overall, in the 1987 Entry Draft. He played four seasons with the Devils from 1987-91 and rejoined the club midway through the 2008-09 campaign…Former Devils’ Head Coach/Special Assignment Coach Jacques Lemaire is now a Special Assignment Coach for Toronto…James van Riemsdyk is from Middletown, NJ. TJ Brennan was born in Willingboro, NJ.
Tonight is New Jersey’s 2015-16 season finale and home finale. The Devils are 16-13-3 overall in season closing games and are 20-9-3 when ending the season on home-ice.
Cory Schneider started in goal for the first time since Mar. 4 at Dallas, Apr. 2 at Tampa Bay. He served as Keith Kinkaid’s back-up on Mar. 31 at Florida after missing the previous 11 games due to a grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. Schneider allowed two goals or less in 37 of his last 50 starts since Oct. 29 and is 22-23-5 with four shutouts during that stretch. Schneider is ranked fourth in the NHL with a 2.17 GAA, sixth with a .923 save-percentage, and eighth (tie) with four shutouts. New Jersey was 6-4-1=13pts during Schneider’s absence.
Andy Greene has skated in 310 consecutive games, dating back to Mar. 6, 2012. On Mar. 31 at Florida, he passed Jay Pandolfo (307 games, Jan. 22, 2003-Nov. 28, 2007) for the fifth-longest games-played stretch in Devils’ history. Kirk Muller is next on the team’s all-time list, having played in 321 consecutive games from Apr. 5, 1987-Mar. 31, 1991. Greene’s streak is the second-longest in team history among defensemen, trailing only Ken Daneyko’s 388-game stretch from Nov. 4, 1989-Mar. 29, 1994.
Adam Henrique recorded the 200th point of his NHL career with an assist on Thursday at Florida (current, 96g-105a). He becomes just the 33rd player in Devils’ history to reach the 200pt. mark. Henrique scored 8g on 28 shots (28.6%) over 15 games in March and is second in the NHL with a 19.3 shooting percentage; scoring 28 goals on 145 shots. (*as of Apr. 8).
Kyle Palmieri has established new career-highs with 29 goals (previously, 14g, 2014-15 & 2013-14) and 55 points (prev., 14g-17a-31pts in 71 games, 2013-14) this season. Palmieri is on pace for 30g-26a-56pts, which would nearly double his previous career-high.
Devante Smith-Pelly recorded 1a on Mar. 31 at Florida, has points in seven of the last 14 games (5g-4a-9pts) and has 7g-5a-12pts in 17 games with New Jersey. Smith-Pelly had 6g-6a-12pts in 46 appearances with Montreal prior to being traded to the Devils on Feb. 29.
On Mar. 14, Keith Kinkaid was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week for the week ending March 13. Kinkaid went 2-0-0 with one shutout, a 0.48 goals-against average and a .981 save percentage in two starts that week. He earned his second career shutout with 30 saves in a 3-0 victory at San Jose on Mar. 10. Kinkaid then stopped 22 of 23 shots in a 2-1 OT win at Los Angeles on March 12.
John Moore scored his third overtime goal of the season/his career on Mar. 12 at Los Angeles. Four of the Devils’ nine OT goals this season & nine of their last 16 OT game-winners overall have been scored by a defenseman. Moore is just the second d’man in franchise history to score three OT goals in a season, joining Scott Niedermayer (4, 2001-02).
On Mar. 2, all eight teams competing in the World Cup of Hockey 2016, which will take place from Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto, announced their initial rosters of at least 16 players. Cory Schneider was one of three goaltenders selected to represent Team USA. On January 16, Devils’ Head Coach John Hynes was named an assistant coach for Team USA. Hynes, a native of Warwick, RI, will serve alongside Phil Housley, Mike Sullivan, Jack Capuano and Scott Gordon on Head Coach John Tortorella’s staff.
On Friday, USA Hockey named John Hynes as the Head Coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete at the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship from May 6-22 in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia. Devils’ General Manager Ray Shero is a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group.
Michael Cammalleri (I.R., upper body, 31 games missed) is out for the remainder of the season.
Jon Merrill (shoulder, nine games missed) is out for the remainder of the season.
Jiri Tlusty (I.R., upper body, 39 games missed) is out for the remainder of the season.
Jordin Tootoo (upper body, 13 games missed) is out for the remainder of the season.
Apr. 8- Assigned F Blake Pietila, F Mike Sislo and D Vojtech Mozik to Albany (AHL). Assigned F Pavel Zacha from Sarnia (OHL) to Albany/Recalled Zacha from Albany to New Jersey.
Apr. 7- F Mike Sislo cleared waivers.
Apr. 6- Placed F Mike Sislo on waivers.
Apr. 5- Activated F Patrik Elias off Injured Reserve.
Apr. 4- Assigned D Seth Helgeson to Albany.
Mar. 30 – Assigned G Scott Wedgewood to Albany. Activated G Cory Schneider off I.R.
Mar. 29 – Recalled G Cory Schneider from Albany. | 2019-04-23T09:53:05Z | https://devilsmedia.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/devils-pre-game-4916/ |
The words hole, spade, and dig come to mind.
This is of course just the Breakthrough/Lomborg etc. view, and so is the least surprising fallback for the likes of Spencer. Apply some actual climate change pressure and he'll flip to geoengineering.
I remember affactionately my favourite Mickey Mouse story where Mickey and Goofy are fleeing on a paddle steamer, run out of fuel and burn the entire superstructure of the ship down the water line to keep the paddles turning.
After that, Spencer and Lomborg want to burn the hull as well.
Wow! We've exploited our home to the brink of climate/pollution mayhem, so now we need to do it faster and bigger?
Setting aside the seething emotions of all of us who are paying attention as we watch reality trump denial, is there any way to stop the headlong rush to more bigger faster louder? Is there any way to slow down the frenzied Roman Circus treadmill model of distraction hyped by all forms of media?
You know, I would love to be corrected by any sane person who has a reasonable argument, but what surrounds us all is a level of escapism hitherto inaccessible and accelerating towards mayhem. And what do we get to fix it? More guns, more "security", more everything but what we need.
When was the last time that people aimed to have quieter less consuming fireworks or designed any other public spectacle to be more modest and inclusive of real life?
Huuurm... there's actually a good point in there. This really struck home talking to some folk from the Tyndall Centre working on input-output modelling. Whatever you think of the approach, its basic point is pretty irrefutable: increased demand for a given sector increases demands for its inputs. As it stands, increased demand for clean tech means increased fossil fuel demand. Or at least, it's hard to see it decreasing, save some drastic intervention.
Alternatives? Demand reduction while its happening. Good luck with that. How are any of us doing, as examples? Perhaps some of you monitor your carbon demand - at the moment, I don't. Something more radical involving reshaping the production pathways of clean tech to minimise its carbon impact.
Obviously, part of the answer is to make the right investment choices as we continue to burn carbon anyway - that's not happening anywhere near the scale it needs to. To the extent we *did* manage to scale up, this problem with increased inputs scales up too.
I can imagine some clever restructuring; I've always had my own little economic geography fantasy that future tech would involve a radical change in economic morphology so that e.g. clean tech industrial clusters would develop around sites like NZ's Manapouri power station and smelter. Primary production sites near its power source generally. But that kind of restructuring would - save massive state intervention - be slow. And people would probably get a bit twitchy developing major industrial clusters around, say, nuclear power stations.
What are we missing? What else can happen? I often wonder if there's something like the container ship that might alter our chances as profoundly as that technology altered globalisation. But again - that was a slow transition.
So yes, anyway: anyone got ideas on how we develop a carbon-free infrastructure without burning carbon? Or specifically aiming to minimise it?
"increased demand for clean tech means increased fossil fuel demand"?
Say I want more wind towers. You can argue that fossil fuels went into smelting the alloy for the blades. So what? If that cost weren't trivial compared to the energy generated by the windmill, there would be no point to the windmill. And then the wind power displaces a lot more demand for fossil power than it used.
After you make the first few wind towers, you can use that power in manufacturing more of them, so in the limiting case of very large substitution, the unit carbon cost for renewable infrastructure goes to zero. But even to start with, you are replacing far more carbon energy than you are using to replace it.
"increased demand for a given sector increases demands for its inputs" sure. Energy is an input for energy infrastructure. Sure. Some of that energy will in practice be dirty energy. Sure. But that doesn't increase the total demand for dirty energy! How could it?
That also doesn't seem closely related to Spencer's idea that R&D is so expensive that we need to overheat the economy even more to make progress.
I meant in the short to medium term. I have no argument with a fully clean tech future being possible, my concerns are only about the transition.
At one end there's people like John Michael Greer and others claiming a clean tech future is impossible because it'll never tally with the steady state result we ultimately need. At the other end, and you seem quite close to it, some say the carbon demand created is unimportant enough not to really consider.
We'd need some numbers and models. IO models are some of the most established in answering this kind of question, though that doesn't mean they're right in the long-term as (AFAIK) most of those used in policy don't include the possibility for production restructuring. Which is fine by me, because they're good at what they do: indicating where input changes will occur in sectoral networks.
I completely agree that Spencer's line of logic makes some classic pointless free-market leaps: we could manage R&D fine right now if we were pursuing sensible macro policies. But I think I've arguing something similar here before: if the transition involves medium term growth in boring GDP terms, fine. Why not? We need to very clearly separate out arguments about the ultimate, obvious need for some form of material equilibrium from the transition we need to make to a carbon-free global economy. Those two are most emphatically not umbilically linked - and more than that, linking them (if we managed it, which we won't) could scupper the chances of a successful transition.
I could be wrong about that - more work needed - but it worries me that we get a package of ideas that we're meant to accept wholly, when those different ideas need careful separation. Steady state - yes. When? Now or in 70 years or a hundred year's time, when demographic transitions have happened globally and we're way further towards a truly functioning carbon-free infrastructure?
This seems like a great topic to return to in ten weeks when I've either failed my PhD or got it done.
Admittedly, my little hissy fit above was full of sound and fury and signified nothing. However, we don't have 70 years.
There is the germ of a rational argument to be had between those who are convinced we need not give anything up and those who wish we could all get a grip and stop peltering towards the climate cliff. Going back to wedges and doing everything we can to improve clean energy and delivery and conserve, we might just squeak through.
Instead, for example, I put in a comment on Nocera's latest Keystone promotion, and got a reply about not wanting airfares increased. That's the kind of nonsequitur we are stuck with, suicidal denial focused only on perks and luxuries.
Until we act like the family of humankind and realize we have to labor hard and long and hammer out solutions, there's not much hope.
Good luck with your Ph.D. work, probably best set this aside for the time being.
I'm completely baffled by Dan's issue, which strikes me as very much different from Spencer's. The energy costs of building renewable or nuclear infrastructure are just not that high. Manufacturing is in no case the issue. Siting, licensing, installation and maintenance are the cost centers.
as discussed in more detail below.
"Producing electricity with photovoltaics (PV) emits no pollution, produces no greenhouse gases, and uses no finite fossilfuel resources. The environmental benefits of PV are great.
PV systems generate won’t be plagued by pollution, greenhouse gases, and depletion of resources.
In my opinion, we may have rather more than 70 years to attain some semblance of sustainability, presuming we get the climate problem under control.
We only have a few years to get a grip specifically on the CO2 problem, though, unless some sequestration method can be made to work at a vast scale.
Natural ecosystems are going to be universally degraded and the ocean will probably be mostly dead by the time we actually grow up. But there is no clear reason that this will cause a human population collapse that I know of, and as long as we avoid the chaos of a sudden collapse (which would be called World War III no matter what the primary cause) there is hope.
Aside from stopping coal and stopping tar sands, the best thing anyone could possibly do right now is to find a workable solution to the sequestration problem.
Again, my take on the situation for what it's worth. As we said in the early days of the internet, YMMV.
I am sad if I gave the impression that I thought Spencer knew what he was talking about. I mean: renewables are more expensive than fossil fuels, so the way to fix that is for everyone to get richer so they'll buy them...!?
The referring article at http://blog.metasd.com/2013/04/hair-of-the-dog-that-bit-you-climate-policy/ is worthy of your attention.
"we may have rather more than 70 years ... presuming we get the climate problem under control"
It it weren't so tragic it would be funny.
I give you five, if you're lucky, ten to twelve.
taking a look. "hair of the dog" is exactly right.
What do you think will happen within twelve years? Please be specific.
Arctic melt for starters. In no particular order, off the top of my head, including but not limited to: Australian collapse. Floods. Wildfires. Hybrid and out of season storms. Water supply collapse. Wars. Famine. Very cold in northern midwest and Siberia, variable areas, until it's not any more, anywhere. Increase in ocean dead spots, possible anoxia. Tree toxicity, bug invasions, disease (pandemics). More methane. Failure of infrastructure. Breakdown of ocean circulation.
We have current examples of most of these, but they are becoming more common. Who remembers the Pakistani floods?
Tell me I'm exaggerating, do. Very depressing and all too obvious, though perhaps not as quickly or at the scale I fear.
I forgot the explosion of gun ownership and real gut-wrenching poverty in this country. Will make it very personal.
A swath of horrors, to be sure, but there is a sort of overlap among the categories. Almost any large-scale failure mode will end up being called a "war" so I won't include that.
I do say that on existential threats we need to bat a thousand.
I think it is clear that nature only exists in tattered remnants and pampered zoos anymore. Young people will not have much more idea what we are talking about when we pine for it than the entertainment value they can glean from watching the science fiction movie Avatar. This is the real tragedy. In one generation we have made a complete mockery of the Endangered Species Act (and similar conservation legislation in many other countries). Everything everybody does nowadays is in violation of the Endangered Species Act. Ours is not a happy situation, and it's getting worse. Much is lost daily.
But human ingenuity is immense and the world is immense and doom is still a long way off.
Arctic sea ice becoming seasonal like Antarctic sea ice is an alarming symptom, and arguably it is having a lot of effect on the weather in the Northern hemisphere. But this will only happen once as an abrupt shift - we can adjust to a new equilibrium, dramatic though such a shift might be. The silver lining is that people are no longer joking about climate change.
Australian collapse. Well I hope not, but that's an awful consequence, not a cause. Most likely you are talking about heat and drought. As for heat, people live in Edmonton, Alberta, where you cannot survive for a minute outdoors unprotected in winter because it is so cold. People will adapt. And as for drought, in extremis the Ozzies will combine sunshine, sea water, wealth and ingenuity and work something out. As we may someday do here in Texas, and we will supply the rest of the Southwest as well. This is not a pretty picture, but it is not doom.
Floods. Yep. More infrastructure or else more suffering, but that's always true. Big money with or without suffering is the choice, and both the money and the potential suffering are likely go up quite a bit. But civilization-ending? Hardly.
"Very cold in northern midwest and Siberia, variable areas, until it’s not any more, anywhere." I probably should get credit for predicting more variability all along. Now we see how serious it can get. This is horrible for niche species and climax ecosystems. But to human infrastructure, it's mostly just weather.
Ocean dead spots. Well, the ocean is already as good as ruined and it's getting warmer and sourer by the day and by the hour. If people could only understand the devastation they might be less cavalier about the surface. But past ocean extinction events due to acidification had much smaller effects on land species. So this is a particular horror, perhaps the greatest of all. But it will not kill us.
Tree toxicity, bug invasions, disease (pandemics). Not entirely climate-related, just as ocean decline is not. Not clear how this will topple civilization. Horrible fires are coming, though. Inaccessible, hilly forested lands will eventually be uninhabitable. Short Boulder.
More methane. This is grossly exaggerated threat, fortunately. It may be big enough to make matters worse than we expect, but the methane bomb is not armed enough to actually blow us up all of a sudden.
Pakistani floods were supposed to have "covered a sixth of the country" but try as I might I have never seen a satellite image which confirms this. Most likely this is a mistranslation of sorts. Perhaps a sixth of the homes were flooded. This is a horror. Forgetting the past few summers somehow is getting harder and harder. But nevertheless an overstated impression was left.
All very depressing. All very obvious. But far from doom.
What can kill us? Environmental refugees, mostly, from sea level rise, from failure of traditional local practices, and from competition for bulk food resources with wealthier societies who can afford meat, as we see during recent crop failures. But I think we can muddle through for a while and gradually replace peasant society. Face it, nobody born a peasant wants to stay a peasant anyway.
But in a money-saturated global society, staple crop zones moving poleward and luxury crops moving indoors doesn't mean mass starvation.
Our twenty years of delay have so far bought us a lot of loss and a lot of suffering. I don't mean to suggest otherwise. Every further year of delay costs our future selves dearly.
And who knows, some unimagined or unimaginable error may cause even more damage than our present behaviors and trends.
But we are not yet doomed. Quoting Bruce Sterling, "the future is not yet written".
Dan, I found your comments very interesting and basically correct. Please don't disappear. We need to discuss this subject!
Dan O will be more useful to us all once he gets that dissertation in the can, though. Let's cut him a little slack.
wrt methane, I have been following the likes of RealClimate on the subject, but note that this moderation, while admirable, leaves the truth about the subject incomplete. It seems Shakhova and Semiletov keep finding new information, and they do not appear to be sanguine about what they are seeing. There is also the visible and shocking waste of burnoff at places like the Bakken oil fields. In any case, even if the quantity is relatively small, it is additive, which is a matter for some concern.
I did appreciate the reasoned thinking recently provided on the leveling off of population. Now if we can get our population off their addiction to consumption, peddled by all their principal forms of entertainment, and think more about sharing and less about cosmetic forms of pleasure, we could get somewhere.
The Russians playing up the methane thing are a problem, in my estimation. They imply without stating that they have demonstrated a trend in methane releases. They encourage the public to connect dots that aren't there. They keep discovering more plumes, and they lead you to believe that these plumes weren't there in preindustrial times.
But you can measure methane globally. Methane rose rapidly in the 20th century and has been relatively stable since. A smallish uptick in the last couple of years probably attributes to fracking, not to environmental clathrate releases. There is no cataclysmic methane bomb in the present-day environment, as I understand it, although such things may have occurred in major extinctions in the distant past. Certainly nothing that will have a major effect in the next few decades.
I am emphatically not saying we have time to kill. Future disasters are piling up every day. The economists' estimate of costs seem ludicrously small to me. But I don't see that we are committed to a collapse yet, and don't expect to live to see one if it happens.
Young people need to feel empowered to address these problems, not be convinced that they are doomed. A generation without hope will fulfill their own prophecy. Contributing to a premature sense of inevitability is pretty much a subversive act insofar as consequences that are not actually inevitable go.
in the 'real' world, I see no real fear, but rather blithe disregard. We continue to burn fossil fuels at increasing rates globally, we continue to chase a growth-oriented economy globally, with consumption increasing all the time.
As for most young people, on the whole they're too busy with their fancy toys and as far as I've been able to discern, they're more worried about losing those toys than "fear fire floods".
Yes, there is time, but only if we get busy. I don't see it happening, but I would love a good healthy dose of worldwide fear if that's what it would take. | 2019-04-25T05:13:58Z | http://planet3.org/2013/04/24/roy-spencers-peculiar-prescription/ |
Asset Purchase Agreement - PCQuote.com Inc. and Money.net Inc.
THIS ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this Agreement), dated as of June 2, 2003, is made and entered into by and between PCQUOTE.COM, INC., a Delaware corporation (Seller), and Money.net, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Purchaser).
(h) All materials and supplies and sundry items owned by Seller and relating to the operation of the Business.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller will not deliver any computer sourcecode relating to any of the Purchased Assets at the Closing. Promptly after the Closing, Seller will deliver such sourcecode to into an escrow pursuant to such terms and with such escrow agent as may be acceptable to the parties with such sourcecode to be delivered to Purchaser upon Sellers receipt of the cash payment of the Purchase Price contemplated in Section 1.7(a) below.
(g) all accounts receivable, notes receivable (and any security relating to such notes) and all other receivables of any other kind.
(e) all other debts, obligations and liabilities specifically assumed by Purchaser under this Agreement.
Section 1.4 Transaction with HyperFeed Technologies, Inc. and Ancillary License Agreement.
At the Closing Seller shall enter into a License Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A-1, pursuant to which Seller will license to Purchaser certain intellectual property rights described in Exhibit A to be licensed from Seller to Purchaser.
At the Closing Seller shall cause HyperFeed Technologies, Inc. (Parent) to enter into a License Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A-2 (together with the license agreement referenced in the preceding paragraph, the License Agreements), pursuant to which Parent will license to Purchaser certain intellectual property rights described in Exhibit A (together with the intellectual property to be licensed by Seller pursuant to the preceding paragraph, the Licensed Intellectual Property). All Licensed Intellectual Property shall be deemed Excluded Intellectual Property under this Agreement.
Seller acknowledges and agrees that any breach by Parent of the DLA referenced above shall be deemed a breach of this Agreement by Seller.
Section 1.5 Transition Services. Following the Closing and pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the form of Transition Services Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B (the Transition Services Agreement), Seller will provide certain transition services to Purchaser as described in the Transition Services Agreement.
of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon, 225 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606; provided, however, the parties may close by facsimile with original to follow by overnight courier.
(b) delivery of a promissory note at closing in form and substance acceptable to Seller in the principal amount of $150,000 bearing interest at the rate of 8% per annum with interest and principal payable in twelve equal monthly installments commencing on June 1, 2003 and secured by a grant of a valid first priority security interest in the Purchase Assets.
In addition, Seller shall remit to Purchaser at Closing $70,000 representing the estimated amount of (i) accounts receivable and notes receivable as of the Closing pertaining Post-Closing Services and (ii) Customer Credits. Within five (5) business days following the Closing, Seller and Purchase shall agree in good faith as to the actual amount of Customer Credits and accounts receivable for Post-Closing Services as of the Closing. Upon the completion of such reconciliation, Purchaser and Seller agree to promptly make appropriate payments reconciling the actual amounts to the $70,000 estimate.
Section 1.8 Allocation of Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be allocated to the Purchased Assets as set forth on Schedule 1.8. Seller and Purchaser each covenant and warrant to each other that in no tax return hereafter filed by any party or any of their respective successors or assigns, shall the allocation of the Purchase Price be treated or reported inconsistently with or differently from the allocation of the Purchase Price set forth above, unless such change in allocation is the result of a determination by a governing authority for that year or a preceding year; and that in no tax audit, tax examination, tax or compliance review or tax litigation, will either party or any of their respective successors or assigns claim or assert that the allocation of the Purchase Price is inconsistent with or different than that which is set forth in Schedule 1.8, unless as a result of the determination made by a governing authority.
(vii) a secretarys certificate from Seller certifying Sellers certificate of incorporation, bylaws, copies of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of Seller approving the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the closing of the transactions contemplated hereunder and the incumbency of the officers of Seller executing any document to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
From time-to-time after the Closing, at Purchasers request and without further consideration from Purchaser, Seller shall execute and deliver such other instruments of conveyance and transfer and take such other action as Purchaser reasonably may require to convey, transfer to and vest in Purchaser and to put Purchaser in possession of Purchased Assets, and to comply with the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
(vi) a secretarys certificate from Purchaser certifying Purchasers certificate of incorporation, bylaws, copies of resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of Purchaser approving the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the closing of the transactions contemplated hereunder and the incumbency of the officers of Purchaser executing any document to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement.
limitation those arising under the Assigned Contracts, and to comply with the purposes and intent of this Agreement.
Section 1.10 Cooperation on Accounts Receivable. Seller will receive the benefits from its operation of the Business through the Closing Date. Except as otherwise provided herein, all monies received by either party hereto which, under the terms of this Agreement, belong to the other party, shall be received in trust by the party receiving such funds, and shall promptly upon receipt be paid over to the other party. The parties agree, in this regard, to cooperate fully and to execute and deliver as expeditiously as possible such papers, checks and documents as are needed immediately to complete the transfer of such payments. Purchaser shall attempt to collect for Sellers account as Sellers agent the accounts receivable of the Business that are due to Seller (the Seller Accounts) and shall remit any amounts collected to Seller on a weekly basis. Seller shall provide to Purchaser a list of all Seller Accounts as of the Closing Date that identifies, by debtor, amount, age and invoice date, all accounts receivable of Seller relating to the business of Seller as of the Closing Date. In attempting to collect the Seller Accounts, Purchaser shall employ such methods it and its affiliates customarily employ in collecting their own accounts, but it shall not be required to bring suit or otherwise commence any collection action in respect of any Seller Account or refer any Seller Account to a third party for collection. Any extraordinary collection efforts shall require approval from Seller and shall be at Sellers expense. If Purchaser receives payment from a customer who is indebted both to Seller on a Seller Account and to Purchaser, Purchaser shall apply that payment to the particular invoice or account liability, if any, referenced by the customer in connection with the making of the payment or, in the absence of any such reference or other clear identification (including but not limited to an exact matching of an invoice amount, invoice date or a statement from the customer), to the oldest invoice or account liability first. Purchaser shall not use any direct or indirect means to cause any customer indebted to both Purchaser and Seller to designate payment to Purchaser instead of Seller on a Seller Account. Together with its remission to Seller of amounts collected upon Seller Accounts, Purchaser will give Seller notice of any instances in which a customer, who is indebted both on a Seller Account and to Purchaser, advises Purchaser that a payment is to be applied otherwise than to the oldest invoice or account liability first. Promptly after the close of each week during which Seller receives any payment (other than through Purchaser) on Seller Accounts outstanding at the Closing Date, Seller shall provide Purchaser with a list of all such direct receipts. Seller agrees not to seek collection on any Seller Accounts for 90 days following the Closing. Thereafter, Seller may use any legal means to seek collection on a Seller Account.
Section 2.1 Organization and Good Standing. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with all requisite power and authority to carry on the business and in good standing in which it is engaged, to own the properties it owns and to execute and deliver this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies.
Section 2.3 Violation. Neither the execution and performance of this Agreement or the other agreements contemplated hereby, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, will (a) conflict with, or result in a breach of the terms, conditions and provisions of, or constitute a default under, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of Purchaser or of any agreement, indenture or other instrument under which Purchaser is bound, or (b) violate or conflict with any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation of any court or any public, governmental or regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction over Purchaser or the properties or assets of Purchaser.
Section 2.4 Finders Fee. Purchaser has not incurred any obligation for any finders, brokers or agents fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which Seller may be liable.
Except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedules attached to this Agreement, Seller represents and warrants that the following are true and correct as of this date and will be true and correct on the Closing Date as if made on that date. Any reference in this Article or any Schedule attached hereto to Sellers knowledge shall mean the actual knowledge of Jim Porter, Frank Guerrera, Randy Diehs.
Section 3.1 Organization and Good Standing. Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with all requisite power and authority to carry on the business in which it is engaged and to own the properties it owns. Seller is duly qualified to do business in Illinois and every other jurisdiction where the absence of such qualification would have a material adverse affect on the Business.
Section 3.2 Authorization and Validity. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby by Seller, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, have been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of Seller and shareholders of Seller, if necessary. This Agreement and each other agreement contemplated hereby have been or will be duly executed and delivered by Seller and constitute, or will constitute as of the Closing, legal, valid and binding obligations of Seller enforceable against Seller in accordance with their respective terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies.
Section 3.3 Financial Statements. Attached hereto as Schedule 3.3 are the unaudited balance sheets of Seller as of March 31, 2003, and the related statement of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (or the equivalent) for the three-month period then ended (collectively, the Financial Statements). The Financial Statements fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of Seller as of the dates and for the periods indicated and have been prepared on a consistent basis with prior practices. Seller has no liability or obligation, whether absolute, contingent or otherwise as of the respective dates of the Financial Statements required to be recorded, reflected or disclosed thereon or therein which was not so recorded, reflected or disclosed.
Section 3.4 Employee Benefits. Seller does not sponsor, maintain, or otherwise is a party to, or is in default under, or has any accrued obligations under any pension, deferred compensation, bonus or other incentive plan, severance plan, health, group insurance or other welfare plan, employee benefit plan or other similar plan, agreement, policy or understanding.
Section 3.5 Absence of Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 2002, Seller has not suffered any material adverse change in its financial condition, assets, liabilities or business.
Section 3.6 Title Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.6 hereto, Seller owns the Purchased Assets free and clear of all liens, liabilities, claims, and encumbrances. Upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, Purchaser shall receive good, valid, and marketable title to the Purchased Assets.
Section 3.7 Material Agreements. Except for the Assigned Contracts, contracts listed as Excluded Assets or as otherwise set forth in Schedule 3.7 hereto, Seller has not entered into, nor are the Purchased Assets or the Business bound by, whether or not in writing, any (a) partnership or joint venture agreement; (b) deed of trust or other security agreement; (c) guaranty or suretyship, indemnification or contribution agreement or performance bond; (d) employment, consulting or compensation agreement or arrangement, including the election or retention in office of any director or officer; (e) labor or collective bargaining agreement; (f) debt instrument, loan agreement or other obligation relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or money lent to another; (g) deed or other document evidencing an interest in or contract to purchase or sell real property; (h) lease of real or personal property, whether as lessor, lessee, sublessor or sublessee; (i) agreement for the acquisition of services, supplies, equipment or other personal property other than agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; (j) contract containing noncompetition covenants; or (k) other agreement or commitment not made in the ordinary course of business consistent, that is material to the Business or financial condition of Seller (all of the foregoing are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Material Agreements). True, correct and complete copies of the written Material Agreements, and true, correct and complete written descriptions of the oral Material Agreements, have heretofore been delivered to Purchaser. There are no existing defaults with respect to the Material Agreements. The Material Agreements are in full force and effect and are valid and enforceable obligations of the parties thereto in accordance with their terms.
Section 3.8 Intellectual Property Matters. With respect to the Transferred Intellectual Property and the Licensed Intellectual Property (collectively, the Intellectual Property) and except as set forth in Schedule 3.8, (a) Seller, or, as to the Licensed Intellectual Property, Parent, has the sole and exclusive right to use the Intellectual Property without infringing or violating the rights of any third parties, (b) no consent of third parties will be required for the use thereof by Purchaser upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (c) no claim has been asserted by any person to the ownership of or right to use any Intellectual Property or challenging or questioning the validity or effectiveness of any such license or agreement, and Seller has no knowledge of any valid basis for any such claim. To Sellers knowledge, no product, activity or operation of Seller infringes upon or involves, or has resulted in the infringement of, any intellectual property rights of any other person, corporation or other entity. No proceedings have been instituted, are pending or, to Sellers knowledge, are threatened which challenge the rights of Seller with respect thereto. Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that Seller will not be liable for and Seller will not have breached any representation or warranty under this Section 3.8 if Purchaser (i) uses the Intellectual Property other than as intended, (ii) combines the Intellectual Property with data, hardware or software provided by anyone other than Seller or its agents, or (iii) modifies any of the Intellectual Property.
Purchased Assets or (b) violate any applicable law or regulation or any judgment or order of any court or governmental agency.
Section 3.10 Consents. Seller has received all necessary authorizations, consents, and approvals required (a) to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the agreements contemplated hereby on the part of Seller or (b) in connection with the transfer of any Purchased Assets from Seller to Purchaser, including but not limited to the assignment of the Assigned Contracts.
Section 3.11 Finders Fee. Seller has not incurred any obligation for any finders, brokers or agents fee in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby for which Purchaser may be liable or for which a claim could be asserted against the Purchased Assets.
Section 3.12 Claims and Proceeding. Schedule 3.12 is a complete and accurate list and description of all claims, actions, suits, proceedings and investigations currently pending or, to Sellers knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Business or any of the Purchased Assets, at law or in equity, or before or by any court, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality. No inquiry, action or proceeding has been asserted, instituted or, to Sellers knowledge, threatened to restrain or prohibit the carrying out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or to challenge the validity of such transactions or any part thereof or seeking damages on account thereof.
Section 3.13 Employee Matters. Set forth in Schedule 3.13 hereto is a complete and accurate list of all employees of Seller as of the date of this Agreement, together with their positions and their annual salaries and other compensation. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.13 hereto, to Sellers knowledge, Seller is in compliance with all federal and state laws respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment and wages and hours and is not engaged in, nor has it committed, any unfair labor practice as defined in the National Labor Relations Act of 1947, as amended.
Section 3.14 Real Property. Seller owns no real property.
2001 (a summary of the relationship under such agreement is attached as Schedule 4.1(a) and (ii) in relation to current and future web data and display data customer contracts, and (B) Seller and Parent shall not be prevented in any way from (X) selling any of its other divisions, subsidiaries, or other businesses to a Person which is or may be in competition with the Business, (Y) entering into a joint venture with a Person relating to another division, subsidiary or other business of Seller, which Person is also in competition with the Business; provided such joint venture is not in competition with the Business, or (Z) merging with any Person which is or may be in competition with the Business.
(b) Non-Enticement. During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on February 1, 2006, neither Seller nor Parent shall directly or indirectly, whether for its own account or for or with any other person or entity of any kind whatsoever, hire, solicit or endeavor to entice away from Purchaser, any person who was employed by Seller or Parent (to the extent that such person worked in the Business) or Purchaser at any time during the period beginning one year prior to the date of this Agreement and ending on the second anniversary of the Closing Date, and neither Seller nor Parent shall approach any such person for any such purpose or authorize or knowingly cooperate with the taking of any such action by any other individual, person or entity.
(c) Remedies. In the event of any violation of this Section, Purchaser shall be authorized and entitled to obtain from any court of competent jurisdiction preliminary and permanent injunctive relief as well as an equitable accounting of all profits or benefits arising out of such violation, which rights and remedies shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which Purchaser may be entitled under applicable law or this Agreement.
(d) Partial Invalidity. In the event any of the restrictions contained in this Section are held to be in any respect an unreasonable restriction upon Seller, then the court so holding shall alter or amend this Agreement, including making any reduction in the territory to which it pertains and/or the period of time in which it operates, or effect any other change to the extent necessary to render any of the restrictions enforceable. Each of the terms and provisions of this Section is and is to be deemed severable in whole or in part and, if any term or provision or the application thereof in any circumstances should be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions or the application thereof to circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 4.2 Name Change. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser executed but unfilled documentation in a form sufficient to change Sellers name in Delaware and Illinois from PCQUOTE.COM, INC. to another name chosen by Seller which does not include the words PCQUOTE or PCQUOTE.COM.
Section 4.3. Consents of Third Parties.
Purchaser shall not be required to assume such Assigned Contract and if not assigned shall not be entitled to receive benefits arising under such Assigned Contract.
(b) In connection with those consents that have not been obtained as of the Closing, Seller and Purchaser hereby agree that, until any such required consent is obtained, Seller, or HyperFeed Technologies, Inc., as appropriate, shall, with the reasonable and necessary cooperation of Purchaser continue to fulfill any and all obligations and commitments, and enforce any and all rights, of Seller in connection with any asset, claim or right that constitutes a Purchased Asset or Assigned Contract but for which any required consent has not been obtained, and that Purchaser shall be entitled to all of the economic claims, rights and benefits under such asset, claim or right and Seller shall pay or cause to be paid to Purchaser all such economic benefits as promptly as practicable following receipt by Seller or its parent; provided that Purchaser shall be responsible for the Assumed Liabilities, if any, arising under such asset, claim or right, to the extent that Purchaser has received the economic benefit of such asset, claim or right, and further provided that Purchaser shall reimburse Seller for its costs to fulfill any such obligations, commitments or enforcement of rights.
Section 5.1 Sellers Indemnity. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article V, Seller hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Purchaser and its shareholders, officers, directors, agents, attorneys and affiliates (defined as Purchaser and any person or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, Purchaser) harmless from and against all losses, claims, obligations, demands, assessments, penalties, liabilities, costs, damages, reasonable attorneys fees and expenses (collectively, Damages), incurred by any or all of them or assessed against the Purchased Assets by reason of or resulting from or based upon the material inaccuracy of any representation or material breach or material default of or under any warranty, covenant or agreement made by Seller in this Agreement or any exhibit or schedule attached hereto or in any certificate, document or other instrument delivered by Seller in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.2 Purchasers Indemnity. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article V, Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Seller and its shareholders, officers, directors, agents, attorneys and affiliates (defined as Seller and any person or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, Seller) harmless from and against all Damages asserted against or incurred by any or all of them by reason of or resulting from or based on any of the Assumed Liabilities or the material inaccuracy of any representation or material breach or material default of or under any warranty, covenant or agreement made by Purchaser in this Agreement or any exhibit or schedule attached hereto or in any certificate, document or other instrument delivered by Purchaser in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
thereof together with a copy of such claim, process or other legal pleading, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to undertake the defense thereof by representatives of its own choosing (but subject to the approval of the indemnified party which approval will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and at its own expense; provided, however, that the party to be indemnified may participate in the defense with counsel of its own choice and at its own expense and, provided further, that the failure of the party to be indemnified to give timely notice shall not affect the right to indemnification hereunder except to the extent (and then only to the extent) the indemnifying party proves actual damages caused by such failure.
(b) In the event that the indemnifying party, by the 30th day after receipt of notice of any such claim (or, if earlier, by the 10th day preceding the day on which an answer or other pleading must be served in order to prevent judgment by default in favor of the person asserting such claim), does not elect to defend against such claim, the party to be indemnified will (upon further notice to the indemnifying party) have the right to undertake the defense, compromise or settlement of such claim on behalf of and for the account and risk of the indemnifying party and at the indemnifying partys expense, subject to the right of the indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claims in accordance with this Section 5.3(b) at any time prior to settlement, compromise or final determination thereof.
(c) Anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding, the indemnifying party shall not settle any claim without the consent of the party to be indemnified unless such settlement involves only the payment of money and the claimant provides to the party to be indemnified a release from all liability in respect of such claim. If the settlement of the claim involves more than the payment of money, the indemnifying party shall not settle the claim without the prior consent of the party to be indemnified, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(d) The party to be indemnified and the indemnifying party will each cooperate with all reasonable requests of the other.
Section 5.4 Limitations Period. All representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Purchaser and of Seller under this Agreement shall survive the Closing for one (1) year.
Section 5.5 Exclusive Remedy. The sole and exclusive remedy of each Party for any all monetary claims or Damages relating to or arising out of or in connection with this Agreement and the facts and circumstances relating and pertaining thereto shall be an action for indemnity pursuant to this Article which shall be governed and limited by this Article, whether any such claim is made in contract, breach of warranty, tort, statutory, or common law.
Section 5.6 Limits on Liability.
(a) No indemnifying party shall have liability under this Article unless the aggregate amount of all Damages finally determined to arise from such breaches, misrepresentations or omissions exceeds Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), and, in such event such indemnifying party shall be required to pay the amount of such Damages without regard to such threshold amount.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no indemnifying party shall have any liability to any party to be indemnified to the extent that the breach of the warranty or covenant or the falsity of the representation upon which such liability would be based is disclosed in any of the Schedules or Exhibits to this Agreement.
(c) The maximum amount of Damages that an indemnifying party shall, in the aggregate, be required to pay to all parties to be indemnified hereunder pursuant to any provision of this Agreement shall not, in the aggregate, exceed the Purchase Price.
Section 6.1 Amendment and Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented or waived except by an instrument in writing executed by all of the parties hereto or, in the case of an asserted waiver, executed by the party against which enforcement of the waiver is sought.
Section 6.2 Successors and Assigns; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, administrators, executors, and assigns of each of the Parties; provided, however, that this Agreement may not be assigned by any Party in whole or in part, to any third party without the express written permission of the other Party which permission may be withheld or conditioned in such Partys sole discretion and without regard to any standard of commercial reasonableness. Any attempted assignment of this Agreement in violation of this paragraph shall, at the option of the non-assigning Party be rendered null and void and deemed a breach of the terms of this Agreement.
Section 6.3 Notice. Any notice or communication must be in writing and given by depositing the same in the United States mail, addressed to the party to be notified, postage prepaid and registered or certified with return receipt requested, or by delivering the same in person, by overnight courier or by facsimile. Such notice shall be deemed received on the date on which it is hand-delivered or sent by facsimile (with electronic confirmation), on the third business day following the date on which it is so mailed, or one day after timely deposit with an overnight courier for next-day delivery. For purposes of notice, the addresses of the parties shall be as set forth on the signature page of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notice by written notice given to the other parties in accordance with this Section.
(b) Prior to the Closing, except as otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties agree not to disclose, and to take all steps necessary or desirable to ensure that none of its Advisors disclose the transactions contemplated hereby or the existence of this Agreement to any third party including, but not limited to, customers, potential customers, suppliers and potential suppliers, other than Advisors, except as may be required by statute, regulatory authority, court order or decree.
advice of counsel, deems reasonable necessary to comply with law applicable to it.
(d) The Parties agree that, in connection with any breach or alleged breach by a Party of the terms and provisions of this Section, in addition to all other remedies available at law or hereunder, the injured Party shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance and all reasonable attorneys fees and court costs incurred in connection therewith.
(e) The provisions of this section are in addition to any other confidentiality obligations a Party may have to whether by agreement, applicable law or otherwise and shall not, in any way, limit the applicability, scope or enforceability of such obligations.
Section 6.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the exhibits hereto supersede all prior agreements and understandings relating to the subject matter hereof, except that the obligations of any party under any agreement executed pursuant to this Agreement or any other confidentiality agreement executed by a party shall not be affected by this Section.
Section 6.6 Transactional Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Purchaser and Seller shall each bear their respective costs and expenses of the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, the fees and expenses of their attorneys, accountants and other advisors. The prevailing party in any arbitration or other legal proceeding hereunder or under any agreement executed pursuant hereto will, however, be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys fees and expenses.
Section 6.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws effective during the term hereof, such provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance herefrom. Furthermore, in lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement, a provision as similar in its terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable.
Section 6.8 Specific Performance. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that a refusal by the other party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby will cause irrevocable harm to the non-refusing party, for which there may be no adequate remedy at law and for which the ascertainment of damages would be difficult. Therefore, the non-refusing party shall be entitled, in addition to, and without having to prove the inadequacy of, other remedies at law, to specific performance of this Agreement, as well as injunctive relief.
Section 6.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State of Illinois without reference or regard to the conflicts of law rules of any state or jurisdiction. In the event a dispute arises under this Agreement, the parties agree and consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Cook County, Illinois for the resolution of any dispute arising under this Agreement. Each party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection, which it may have based upon improper venue or forum non conveniens to the conduct of any proceeding in any such courts.
Section 6.10 Captions. The captions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect any of the terms or provisions hereof.
Section 6.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 6.12 Number and Gender. Whenever the context requires, references in this Agreement to the singular number shall include the plural, the plural number shall include the singular and words denoting gender shall include the masculine, feminine and neuter.
Section 6.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as expressly indicated elsewhere in this Agreement, nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or will be construed to confer upon or give any person or entity other than the parties to this Agreement any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement or any transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 6.14 Waiver of Trial by Jury. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT WAIVES ITS RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS, AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW OR STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER AND KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.
Section 6.15 No Strict Construction. This Agreement has been prepared, and negotiations in connection herewith have been carried on, by the joint efforts of the parties to this Agreement and their respective counsel. This Agreement is to be construed fairly and simply and not strictly for or against any of the parties to this Agreement. This Agreement is acknowledged by each Party as having been co-drafted.
Section 6.16 Incorporation of Recitals, Exhibits and Schedules. The recitals above and all exhibits and schedules identified in or attached to this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, have executed this Asset Purchase Agreement as of the date first above written.
The undersigned hereby agrees and covenants to be bound by the terms and provisions of Section 4.1 hereof; provided such provisions shall not be amended without the approval of the undersigned. | 2019-04-25T07:16:13Z | https://print.onecle.com/contracts/hyperfeed/moneynet.apa.2003.06.02.shtml |
In Part 1 we told about how hospitals have a huge computer file called a Chargemaster that details prices for every possible item a hospital can charge for. These prices don’t have anything to do with reality because in fact there is no market for health care services.
In a truly capitalist economy there would be a competitive market by means of which people could check prices and choose the service that’s the most reasonable in terms of price and other factors. It’s called price discovery.
Hospital charges represent a dark market just like over the counter derivatives because it’s next to impossible to get hospitals to reveal their prices for any of their services. According to an extensive article in Time, the author was given the brushoff and even told it was illegal every time he tried to get pricing information. Therefore, the Chargemaster details prices that are sky high and out of sight compared to the paying abilities of most Americans.
In Part 2 we will cover the plight of many folks who thought they had sufficient health insurance coverage only to be told that their insurance policies were useless and they would be required to pay cash upfront if they wanted to access hospital services.
Take the case of Sean and Stephanie Recchi, for example. They had purchased for $469 a month a policy that covered $2000 a day of any hospital costs. When Sean, age 42, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he needed immediate cancer treatment, and so they called for an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
They were told by the person on the other end of the line, “We don’t take that kind of discount insurance,” and that they would have to pay $48,900. in cash in advance just to be examined for six days so a treatment plan could be devised. Luckily, Stephanie’s mother had the wherewithal to write the check.
The doctors diagnosed Sean’s condition as making immediate treatment necessary. He had a large mass in his chest that was growing and his condition was deteriorating. However, treatment could not be begun until the Recchis wrote out another check for $35,000. But even this didn’t satisfy the doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Clinic. They were going to make Sean Recchi wait until the check had cleared.
Only after they advanced the hospital $7500. on Sean’s credit card did they start treatment. The total costs for Sean’s treatment plan and to begin his chemotherapy came to $83,900. which the hospital wanted up front… in cash!
The kind of insurance the Recchis had was a coverage plan commonly called a mini-med. They are widely sold as an alternative to expensive comprehensive care. The premiums are more affordable but the catch is that the benefits are limited. Those limitations might seem reasonable to most people, but they have no idea what hospitals are charging nowadays for even the most basic items.
Chargemaster prices defy any rational assessment. These policies target the self-employed like the Recchis and cover very little when it comes right down to it in the health care world of exhorbitant charges. They are also targeted at employers in industries such as retail, temporary staffing agencies and food service who want to show that they have a little something extra to offer employees while in fact what they have to offer is virtually worthless.
In 2010 the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed a suit on behalf of the people of California against a company called HealthMarkets Inc and its Wall Street owners saying the policies were just junk.
“The city attorney’s suit, based on state laws for unfair competition and false advertising, accuses the defendants of engaging in a “scheme to defraud California consumers … through the sale of junk insurance,” which it defined as coverage that has “hidden or obscure” terms.
And then there was the case of the Woffindens. Their agent assured them that they would have catastrophic coverage the same as their prior Blue Cross coverage which they had lost when the company Howard Woffinden worked for went out of business. But some time after they bought the policy Charlotte Woffinden became seriously ill.
The Woffindens were told that their policy wouldn’t cover an expensive test she needed. So Howard wrote the hospital a check for $6,500. Then although Howard knew that there was a $5000. deductible on the policy, which he thought was an annual deductible, it turned out that it was a $5000. deductible per occurence.
Charlotte’s illness turned out to be cancer and she would need expensive surgery and chemotherapy. They were told by Cedars Sinai hospital that their insurance policy was virtually useless. It wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. According to a Dan Rather report, the Woffindens were greeted by a Cedars Sinai admissions agent who informed them that their policy didn’t even cover one day in the hospital, and asked how they were going to pay the bill. They were told they couldn’t be admitted with such a policy.
Cedars Sinai eventually agreed to admit Charlotte, but she wouldn’t be given certain expensive therapies. She died at home four months later knowing that they owed more than $700,000. in medical bills and believing that her family was financially ruined.
A former agent for HealthMarkets, Eric Dyer, outed the deception that HealthMarkets encouraged its agents to practice. They were encouraged to give the impression that what they were selling was Major Medical when in fact it wasn’t. What the Woffindens bought was not Major Medical which they had had with Blue Cross but a specified limits or limited benefits plan although the premiums were about the same so they assumed the coverages were similar.
For example, Woffindens’ HealthMarkets policy stated that it would cover the cost of a room at the hospital up to $300. a day. However, the average cost for a room at a hospital in the LA area was around $4000. a day. The HealthMarkets policy claimed it would cover the cost of chemotherapy 100% up to $1000. a day. One day of chemo actually cost the Woffindens $14,000.
Howard Woffinden and many others have sued and settled with HealthMarkets. Two state attorneys general have gone after them as well. A deputy city attorney in LA has disclosed that his office is also going after HealthMarkets owners: Goldman Sachs and Blackstone.
These Wall Streeters have made over $200 million in dividend payments to them from HealthMarkets. Since they are directly involved in HealthMarkets and are not passive investors, the LA city attorney’s office thinks they should also be named as defendants in the lawsuit.
If you go over Sean Recchi’s hospital bill line by line, you come up with some fascinating information. Every time a nurse drew blood, there was a $36.00 charge accompanied by a dozen or more charges ranging from $23. to $78. for lab analyses performed on the blood sample. In all, the charges for blood tests on Recchi were more than $15,000.
If he had been old enough for Medicare, Medicare would have paid a few hundred dollars for all those tests because Medicare negotiates prices based on actual costs- not pie in the sky, detached-from-reality Chargemaster insanity. Recchi was charged $13,702 for one injection of the so-called wonder drug, Rituxan.
The average price paid by all hospitals for this drug is $4000., but MD Anderson probably pays more like $3000. because of a volume discount. That means that the non-profit cancer center’s markup for which Recchi had to pay upfront was about 400%.
Non-profit MD Anderson knows how to charge in return for its lifesaving cancer therapies. Its operating profit for 2010 was $531 million based on revenues of $2.05 billion. That’s a profit margin of 26%! MD Anderson’s President, Ronald DePinho, was paid last year $1,845,000. That does not count money made from his ties with three pharmaceutical companies.
The American health care market has transformed tax-exempt “nonprofit” hospitals into many towns’ most profitable businesses and largest employers. And the system offers lavish paychecks even to mid-level hospital administrators. Fourteen administrators at New York City’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are paid over $500,000. a year including six who make over $1 million.
The advance of medical technology and wonder drugs, while praised by some as forging ahead and creating a better future for American health care, only result, to my way of thinking, in the addition of huge costs over what we would have had to pay for less technologically sophisticated apparati and procedures without producing appreciatively better results.
This drives the costs of health care so that we Americans pay 20% of GDP on health care while the rest of the world spends closer to 10%. Yet our health care results are no better and often worse than those in countries that spend a fraction of what we do on health care.
We’re not done yet. Stay tuned for Part 3.
The non-profit hospital scam is even more pernicious because they don’t pay property taxes, further eroding the tax base and public services for citizens in the areas where they are located. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers (UPMC) is an enormous medical financial complex that has bled the city of Pittsburgh dry.
Ok- one more scam. I got an advertisement for “concierge” medical services. For a couple thousand bucks a year I could talk directly to my doctor. Or something….
It is becoming obvious that there is a two tier medical system in this country – one for the rich and one for the poor. No poor person is going to be able to afford the expensive therapies or even a one day’s stay at a hospital. Nor are they going to be able to afford the insurance that would cover cancer therapy, for example. And all the new technologies that are being developed are only going to drive up costs even more.
Obamacare does little to control health insurance costs. In fact health insurance companies are going to raise their rates to cover all the things that Obamacare is requiring them to cover. The only system that actually works is Medicare despite all the tweaking it needs. But it does keep most costs down because it negotiates prices based on actual costs with hospitals.
You may recall my personal story of a family member (named Bob) who lives in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife were vacation visiting with my brother-in-law, Dr. Bert van Beever (urologist surgeon) and his wife, in Fort Myers, Florida.
Bob came down with a very serious kidney stone attack and thus was rushed to the hospital where another doctor met him at the door and talked to him After a few minutes, the doctor’s parting remarks, “You are in good hands with Dr. Bert van Beever. ” Dr. van Beever arranged some standard tests immediately as well as a C-Scan. It was quickly determined that Bob’s stone required major invasive surgery. Dr. van Beever checked carefully with Bob’s insurance firm in Canada how far he could go treating Bob without jeopardizing his insurance.
Based on this information, Dr. Van Beever performed a minor non- invasive treatment that stabilized the pain and bleeding situation sufficiently for Bob to fly back to Canada for the serious surgical treatment. All in all Bob was twoand half days in the Fort Myers hospital. Guess what the cost was? It was $27,800 including $380 for the short chat with the Doctor who met him at the hospital entrance door … but excluding any charges from my brother -in -law as a family gesture!
The final invasive surgery and two day hospital stay in Canada cost $9,700. Bob´s stantdard Canadian insurance covered the entire medical treatment cost of $37,500 without any bureaucratic delays or obstacles.
America has perhaps the best trained doctors and advanced medical treatment services in the world … BUT we are almost below a third world country in making our medical knowledge and technical facilities available at an affordable cost for the bottom 80%. It doesn’t take a brain to realize we desperately need a standard low-cost Medicare plan for All, if necessary as a national public medicare option, leaving to the private insurance companies the medical coverage markets for more costly health care upgrades and luxory treatments.
Will that happen? Of course not. That’s European Socialism!
My wife and I pay $3,500 a year for an excellent standard basic health care plan in the Netherlands required for ALL Dutch citizens. This also covers medical treatments when traveling abroad (as does Bob’s standard Canadian coverage). Not bad, for this Socialist country recently ranked the 6th most competitive country in the world, ahead of Germany and the U.S.
The actual situation is that those who need immediate attention get it, and elective surgery or surgery that doesn’t have to be done immediately may require some wait time, but that just represents a wise use of resources.
Thanks, Frank, for this anecdote which supports the findings of this article and makes it seem only common sense that Medicare for ALL is the way to go. If Congress would undo Bush’s Medicare prescription drug law which requires Medicare to pay retail for drugs that seniors need and lets Medicare negotiate drug prices like the Veterans’ Administration does, there would be no need to cut Medicare benefits.
Also, there’s no reason why the rich shouldn’t have higher co-pays for benefits than the middle class and poor. They will also pay in at a greater rate starting this year. Starting in 2013, the Medicare tax on wages (which is being increased from 2.9% to 3.8%) will be expanded. The tax rate will be increased for higher-income individuals, and the income subject to the Medicare tax will be expanded to include investment income. These are steps in the right direction thanks to Obamacare.
The problem isn’t with Medicare so much as it is with the fact that Obamacare will not control hospital or health insurance rates for those not on Medicare.
Grace, thanks for that comment. We definitely need laws to be passed that require hospitals to list their prices (online would be nice) so as you say we can shop around and make intelligent choices. If restaurants are required to post their prices at the door so we can decide if we want to eat there or the place down the street, how much more important is it that we are able to make intelligent choices about things that are going to cost as much as a car or a house?
I have been in the health care field for over 30 years, on the financial end, and believe me, if the American people had seen the things I have, they would never get a good night’s sleep again. Chargemasters are the tip of the iceberg, and the difference in costs from one region of this country to the other are astronomical. While a patient in the state of Florida might be presented with a $500.00 emergency room bill, that patient receiving the same services in Southern California would be presented with a bill of at least $3000.00. Government reimbursement is even different based on region, state, etc. The mathematical formulas for reimbursement can be found online.
All health care in this country is based on a for profit system. and therein lies the problem. The pharmaceutical, health insurance companies and physicians own our nation’s legislators.
As for non-profits? In reality, they do not exist…They tout themselves as being ‘non-profit’, but they subscribe to the same theory as the ‘for profit’ facilities: Cash is King!
Check out the largest non-profit in San Diego County- they are no different than the facilities you have used as examples in your article. Always advertising their “special experience”- What a joke! A 2 month wait to see a specialist? That is special!
Anna’s comment as to concierge medicine? It is more than a scam-it is a scandal!
Sorry- I could go on for days- The corruption of the health care industry is unmatched- even the oil companies may be less corrupt.
Thanks, Jillian, for some insider verification. The fact that a lot of these hospitals are non-profits yet pay their administrators millions of dollars and mark up some supplies by as much as 1000% is enough to make anyone sick. On top of that one can contract infectious diseases while at the hospital including superbugs for which there is no treatment and a 50% death rate. Hospitals are places to be avoided at all costs, but, unfortunately, sometimes they are absolutely necessary.
It is chaos, driven by greed. As I wrote in a note to you once before, this year I was presented a $555.00 bill for hospital services I’d been told were to be covered entirely by Medicare. During my appeal, the hospital actually raised my part of the bill to $38,000. A few days later, the hospital told me the billing “has been adjusted” to -0-.
I wanted to give you an example of the difference between the bill that a cash paying patient would receive VS the payment made by an insurance company for the same hospital stay. The disparity is huge and comes down to the contracts that each hospital negotiates with the health insurance companies.
This is personal experience- In the year 2000, I was hospitalized in a North County hospital. I was there for 6 days and was covered by Cigna through my employer at the time—–remember, these are numbers from 13 years ago and the costs today are significantly higher.
The hospital mistakenly sent me a bill with the cash amount due being $160,000. That did not include lab or pathology charges-they were separate, and totaled $25,000. The surgeons, anesthesiologist and other physician charges were also not a part of the hospital bill and were well over $40,000. Cigna paid all of the bills in full, but their payment (because of their contract with the hospital) to the hospital was $888.00 per day, or roughly $5400.00. Quite a difference, wouldn’t you say?
Because of their contract with Cigna, the rest of the bill was written off. In fact, all of the other bills were paid at substantially less than would have been required had I been without coverage.
The chargemaster is a significant part of contract negotiations. As for consumers, most have no idea of what their policies cover, and more importantly, what their policies do NOT cover.
Yes, Jillian, insurance companies and Medicare negotiate with hospitals so that what they pay for any service or procedure is significantly lower than the Chargemaster prices which is what someone without insurance pays. Wouldn’t you think that those without insurance, who are usually poor people who can’t afford health insurance, should be able to pay less rather than more than what the for profit health insurance companies pay? In fact why shouldn’t those without insurance pay exactly what Medicare pays? It would take an act of Congress to make that happen. | 2019-04-22T22:59:55Z | https://sandiegofreepress.org/2013/03/health-insurance-scams-leave-people-high-and-dry/ |
New ideas for preventing postsurgical eye infections.
Endophthalmitis is a devastating complication for both the patient and the ophthalmologist. Fortunately, the incidence of endophthalmitis is low. Nevertheless, it is incumbent on all surgeons to remain vigilant in measures that may further reduce the risk of this devastating complication.
Studies dating back to the 1970s show that the preoperative use of antibiotics minimizes the occurrence of endophthalmitis. Allen and Mangiaracine found that the preoperative administration of chloramphenicol and gentamycin reduced the rate of endophthalmitis,1 and a 1991 study revealed that the use of povidoneiodine also lowered the incidence of this complication.2 Therefore, using povidone-iodine along with an antibiotic before surgery has become an accepted standard of care. The duration of treatment remains uncertain, with surgeons debating whether antibiotics should be administered starting 1 or 2 days preoperatively or on the day of surgery and continuing for a week or longer.
In a 2004 study, Bucci showed that treating the lid flora by scrubbing the eye lid with EyeScrub (Novartis Ophthalmics, Inc., Duluth, GA) effectively reduced bacterial cultures from the conjunctiva taken just before cataract surgery.4 AzaSite (Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) delivers high levels of the antibiotic to the lid and maintains those levels for an extended period of time. Combining lid scrubs with this new antibiotic is an effective method for reducing lid flora and should be considered for treating patients with active blepharitis prior to cataract surgery.
In their study of a 4-year period involving 9,079 phaco procedures, Jensen et al reported 26 cases of bacterial postoperative endophthalmitis. They found that the use of an eye patch during the first 18 to 24 hours after surgery increased the endophthalmitis risk ratio 14-fold.7 Again, it is important to note that, in the ESCRS study, all of the patients were patched, which may have resulted in the higher rates of endophthalmitis in those patients that did not receive intracameral antibiotics when compared with studies in the United States.
Based on the results of the study by Jensen et al,7 my patients resume topical antibiotics on the day of surgery. I patch their eyes for 2 hours to allow them to rest and to permit the anesthetic effects to wane. Next, I have them remove the patch and begin administering topical antibiotics every 2 hours until bedtime. I see them on the day after surgery and have them continue using the antibiotic four times a day until the cataract wound is sealed. I believe the intiation of a broadspectrum fourth-generation fluoroquinolone with rapid surface kill and good penetration into the aqueous achieves a very similar effect as the intracameral antibiotic used in the ESCRS study. Also, this process does not introduce the additional risk of toxic anterior segment syndrome or drug toxicity.
A major concern after cataract surgery is the introduction of bugs from the ocular surface into the eye. West et al conducted a study showing that a definite increase in endophthalmitis rates between the early and late 1990s directly corresponded with cataract surgeons’ widespread adoption of clear corneal incisions.8 A separate study of cadaver eyes revealed that, whenever the IOP drops below 12 mm Hg, clear corneal incisions are capable of pulling material from the ocular surface into the eye. Until clear corneal incisions are fully healed, bacteria can enter the eye.9 Therefore, I recommend extending the use of a rapid-killing, broad-spectrum topical antibiotic such as Zymar or Besivance for at least 14 days when a clear corneal incision has been utilized.
WHEN DOES ENDOPHTHALMITIS TAKE PLACE?
It is often thought that the pathogen causing the endophthalmitis enters the eye at the time of surgery. An increasing number of studies have strongly suggested that the pathogen can enter the eye many days after surgery. A study published in Ophthalmology showed that the average time to presentation of endophthalmitis was 9.3 days after surgery rather than 2 to 4 days.10 Another study showed that the average duration from surgery to the development of endophthalmitis was 6.9 days.11 This research indicates that endophthalmitis—particularly in eyes with clear corneal incisions—can occur much later than has been traditionally thought. The ocular surface should therefore be treated with a broad-spectrum topical antibiotic until it has fully healed.
Fourth-generation fluoroquinolones like Zymar and Besivance offer exceptionally broad coverage, because they are mixed with benzalkonium chloride (BAK). The presence of this preservative results in much more rapid killing and a significant lowering of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in otherwise resistant organisms.12 Besivance does not penetrate the eye as well as Zymar and Vigamox, but it offers the best surface kill because it has a higher concentration of the antibiotic combined with BAK. Vigamox has the best penetration into the anterior chamber but a slower speed of kill and higher MICs in resistant organisms because it lacks BAK. Zymar has good penetration and rapid surface kill and good MICs against resistant organisms because of the BAK.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing problem. Ophthalmologists are seeing more and more cases of community-acquired MRSA, which presents an increasing risk of endophthalmitis. Investigators at the Charles T. Campbell Eye Microbiology Lab at the University of Pittsburgh reported that 30% to 40% of endophthalmitis cases are MRSA.13 When operating on patients with known MRSA, ophthalmologists may want to consider referring them to an infectious disease specialist in case Zyvox (Pfizer Inc.) should be prescribed.
Surgeons must strive to reduce the risk of endophthalmitis in all patients undergoing cataract surgery. Awareness of trends in the development of the disease and consideration of therapeutic regimes to minimize risk remain paramount.
John R. Wittpenn Jr, MD, is an associate clinical professor at the State University of New York in Stony Brook. He acknowledged no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned herein. Dr. Wittpenn may be reached at (631) 941-3363; [email protected].
Allen HF,Mangiaracine AB.Bacterial endophthalmitis after cataract extraction.II.Incidence in 36,000 consecutive operations with special reference to preoperative topical antibiotics.Arch Ophthalmol.1974;91:3-7.
Speaker MG,Menikoff JA.Prophylaxis of endophthalmitis with topical povidone-iodine.Ophthalmology.1991;98(12):1769-1775.
Ou JI,Ta CN.Endophthalmitis prophylaxis.Ophthalmol Clin North Am. 2006;19(4):449-456.
Bucci FA Jr.An in vivo study comparing the ocular absorption of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin prior to phacoemulsification.Am J Ophthalmol. 2004;137(2):308-312.
Barry P,Seal DV,Gettinby,et al.ESCRS study of prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery:preliminary report of principal results from a European multicenter study.J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006;32(5):709.
Moshirfar M,Feiz V,Vitale AT,et al.Endophthalmitis after uncomplicated cataract surgery with the use of fourth-generation fluoroquinolones:a retrospective observational case series.Ophthalmology.2007;114(4):686-691.
Jensen MK,Fiscella RG,Moshirfar M,Mooney B.Third- and fourth-generation fluoroquinolones:retrospective comparison of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery performed over 10 years.J Cataract Refract Surg. 2008;34(9):1460-1467.
West ES,Behrens A,McDonnell PJ,et al.The incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery among the U.S.Medicare population increased between 1994 and 2001.Ophthalmology.2005;112(8):1388-1394.
Taban M,Sarayba MA,Ignacio TS,et al.Ingress of India ink into the anterior chamber through sutureless clear corneal cataract wounds.Arch Ophthalmol.2005;123(5):643-648.
Morshirfar M,Feiz V,Vitale AT.Endophthalmitis after uncomplicated cataract surgery with the use of fourth-generation fluoroquinolones:a retrospective observational case series.Ophthalmology.2007;114(4):686-691.
Aldave AJ,Stein JD,Deramo VA.Treatment strategies for postoperative Propionibacterium acnes endophthalmitis.Ophthalmology.1999;106:2395-2401.
Schlech B,Alfonso E.Overview of the potency of moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5% (Vigamox).Surv Ophthalmol.2005;50(suppl 1):S7-15.
Mather R,Karenchak LM,Romanowski EG,et al.Fourth generation fluoroquinolones: new weapons in the arsenal of ophthalmic antibiotics.Am J Ophthalmol.2002;133:463–466. | 2019-04-21T06:13:22Z | https://crstoday.com/articles/2010-apr/preventing-endophthalmitis-with-advanced-antibiotic-therapy/ |
The ongoing battle pits cannabis growers against rural property owners. Will it mean tightening up restrictions on legal weed?
In 2014, Oregon voters approved Measure 91 to legalize recreational marijuana, with 56 percent statewide support. Deschutes County was closer, at only 51.9 percent.
Break that down even further and an urban-rural divide emerges. In Bend, Redmond and Sisters—the county's three incorporated cities—55 percent supported legalization. In the unincorporated, rural parts of the county, only 47 percent supported legalization. Now rural neighbors say their worst fears have become reality. Each city sets its own rules for marijuana and the county sets rules for the remaining, mostly rural, areas.
"The people in the cities want the marijuana, but they wanted it grown in the rural areas. The people in the rural areas who didn't want it are feeling the impacts," said Liz Lotochinski, a member of a newly formed group opposing marijuana operations in the rural county.
One of the most visible and strident crusaders against cannabis is Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson. "My decision's easy," he said at a recent county work session on marijuana policy. "It's always easy when you're wearing a uniform. Marijuana is against federal law; so are marijuana grows. No state can legalize such a thing. It's absolutely against the law and not allowed."
But Nelson has other issues with marijuana, too. He said cultivation threatens livability in the county and negatively affects property values. He said residents are afraid to stand up to the industry, and his office has received complaints about statements made to "vulnerable citizens" who attend public meetings.
"If our office is made aware of it, we will absolutely take care of business. There's a general fear out there that if you speak your mind, you can expect some retaliation," he said. "There needs to be no comments to any neighbors that are present at these meetings speaking their minds."
Industry representatives and growers have no business trying to reassure neighbors that everything will work out, according to Nelson. Efforts to squash free speech and productive dialogue between neighbors and marijuana growers aside, the sheriff has one clear message for the county, "I am worried. I see an opportunity to stop this here, and I would encourage those [cannabis production] applications to be denied.
The sheriff is not the only person worried and afraid. Some county residents have formed Preserve Deschutes County to oppose marijuana farms. "Allowing marijuana grow operations in our rural neighborhoods is a threat to the community's safety, property values, water stability and way of life," its website states.
"We see all sorts of interesting people out in the neighborhood, and it gives us concern," said Sam Davis, a member of the group who lives near a rural cannabis grow. "The security they should have to protect it from the public, and the public from it, isn't there."
Lotochinski, also part of Preserve Deschutes County, said: "Individual neighbors don't want to complain." She noted that "no other crop requires posted 'No Trespassing' signs and cameras."
The state requires 24-hour surveillance of marijuana production sites. Security and safety aren't neighbors' only concerns, though. They also talk about the effects on quality of life and the environment. They point to lights shining at night, unpleasant odors, noise and water disruption.
Dave Fox, who lives in Alfalfa, said six neighbors have had to drill their wells deeper since a large cannabis grow opened nearby about a year ago. Although a direct link is difficult to prove, he said there hadn't been that many drills in the previous decade.
Opponents of rural grows also wonder why the state and county are allowing more cannabis production when U.S. Attorney for Oregon Billy Williams claims the state is overproducing by a large margin and shipping marijuana to other states illegally.
"We already have an overabundance of marijuana. Do we need one more grow?" Lotochinski asked.
"Maybe we should freeze grows at this point," Davis added.
Fox and many other opponents say "industrial" cannabis operations are incompatible with rural, agricultural communities. They run afoul of the spirit, if not the letter, of Oregon's land-use law.
"The growers want to use land that has been used for farming and livestock for something that doesn't need land," Fox said. "They don't need dirt. They just need space and water."
Clifton Cannabis Law, a Bend law firm specializing in supporting the marijuana industry, calls Sheriff Nelson's approach to the industry a "war on the weed business." Jennifer Clifton, founder of the firm, is also a founding member of a new industry group called Celebrate Cannabis.
"The economic base of our region is constantly evolving from its roots in timber to real estate development to health care to craft beer to tech to outdoor recreation to food and beverage," Clifton said. "Now it's time for legal cannabis to finally have a seat at the table in Central Oregon when it comes to both perceptions and regulations that affect our industry."
Celebrate Cannabis will advocate for the industry and focus on education efforts to support responsible and legal use, and cultivation.
County officials and industry representatives point out that county rules already address most neighbor concerns. For example, the county requires growers to install air ventilation systems that prevent odors from escaping and ensure that grow lights aren't visible outside from 7 pm to 7 am. The state mandates background checks on all employees.
"A lot of those fears are based in a little bit of fantasy and a little bit of general disdain for what they perceive the marijuana culture to be," said Jeremy Dickman, an attorney with Clifton Cannabis Law.
He points out that growers make a significant financial investment, sometimes millions of dollars, and aren't going to risk it over minor things. "We're not talking about the high school weed dealer setting up shop next door and inviting his friends from jail to help run it."
Former Oregon First Lady Cylvia Hayes is working with marijuana growers to minimize their environmental impact. She acknowledged that some unscrupulous growers have illegally tapped into waterways, but said there are better ways to do things.
"Cannabis done well doesn't have to be resource consumptive like that," Hayes said. "There are lots of vendors in the cannabis industry who are doing super responsible grows."
Hayes added that sound environmental practices aren't just about water. With Central Oregon's abundant sunshine and the requirement that all grows be indoors, solar power is an attractive option. Energy Trust of Oregon even offers technical services and cash incentives to licensed growers who install energy-efficient equipment.
Marijuana could become an issue in the upcoming county commission races. Commissioners Tony DeBone and Tammy Baney are up for re-election. Both are Republicans, and both face primary challengers in the May 15 election. Ed Barbeau filed against DeBone, and Patti Adair filed against Baney. No Democrats had filed a few days before the deadline.
Barbeau, who owns Pisano's Woodfired Pizza in Tumalo, says he'll bring business experience to the county commission if Republicans choose him. He gave passing mention to marijuana issues when announcing his campaign. "Federal and State decisions and inconsistency regarding cannabis and hemp continue to provide a difficult landscape for politicians," he wrote.
When asked about how he would handle applications for cannabis grows, he avoids taking a hard stand. "I'm not going to make decisions on cannabis until I have all the facts in front of me," he said.
But he doesn't think the marijuana genie can be put back in its bottle. "I don't believe it's an option for the county to opt out now," he said.
DeBone predicts marijuana will become a key issue in the campaign. "The citizens that are opposing it will be very motivated. Just a few very focused people can get other people to listen and pay attention to an issue," he said.
He said he understands neighbors' concerns, but the county must act within Oregon law. He defends commissioners' decisions as having been made in public with a great deal of input from all sides.
Adair, who lives in Sisters and chairs the county Republican Party, is less circumspect, worrying about overproduction, public safety and the effects on rural communities.
"You have all kinds of people coming in and out," she said about the grows already open in the county. "I worry about who it brings in. Really, do we want to attract those people? Mexico is having serious drug wars. It's frightening."
Given how close the vote on Measure 91 was in Deschutes County, Adair thinks commissioners should have let voters decide whether to have grows and sales in the rural county.
Right now, the county commission is conducting a thorough review of its marijuana rules. It recently completed a series of work sessions and will continue to engage with stakeholders from all sides, according to Community Development Director Nick Lelack.
"We're threading the needle between allowing the industry to emerge and succeed while at the same time protecting the high quality of life that so many of our rural residents value and enjoy," he said.
In the years since marijuana became legal, the county has approved 30 unique grow sites, with 22 more applications pending. Only nine of the approved applicants have also received a required license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which oversees the state marijuana issue, and can therefore legally operate.
Lelack acknowledges that the county's rules are among the most restrictive in the state. That was intentional. "Our board of commissioners wanted to get ahead of any potential changes and address those now. The theory with this program was, let's make it more restrictive at the start but still compliant with state law. If we want to amend the rules in the future, it's easier to make them less restrictive than more restrictive."
It doesn't look like things are going to get less restrictive.
Commissioners seem poised to implement a crackdown on marijuana grows. Currently, when a grower is out of compliance with development code, the county treats it like any other code violation. It notifies the owner and works with them to rectify the situation. Fines and other penalties are a last resort.
A proposed proactive approach would go looking for violators and perhaps penalize them immediately. Where every other industry gets a chance to fix its problems, cannabis would be treated with zero tolerance. The decision is up to commissioners.
"We would not change our approach without the board of county commissioners providing clear direction in a public meeting," Lelack said—so the public will get a chance to weigh in.
At least one commissioner seems to be leaning toward tough enforcement.
"I say absolutely. If you're looking for a clear direction from us today, I think we have an obligation to do that," Baney said at a recent work session.
Commissioner Phil Henderson is more tepid, but not necessarily opposed. "I like the gist of it there's immediate sanction of some kind," he said. But he worried that compliance on issues like smells and noise are very subjective and difficult to penalize without some due process.
DeBone said he favors a more proactive approach, but he wants it to focus on illegal grows.
If the county does move toward a proactive enforcement model, it would likely need to hire additional staff in the code enforcement department and maybe the sheriff's department. Paying for those positions could quickly consume the county's share of statewide marijuana sales tax revenue, which was $442,646.
"I've seen no increase in crime as a result of legalization of marijuana," Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said. He conceded, however, that he doesn't know where there are illegal grows. "We need to do better as a community at policing illegal marijuana grows. Maybe there aren't many, but I suspect there are some that we aren't detecting."
Perhaps the greatest hurdle to identifying illegal grows is Oregon's parallel systems for recreational and medical marijuana. The sheriff's office recently sent its first grow case since legalization to the district attorney, and a grand jury has returned charges.
Hummel views tough enforcement as good for the legal industry that has gone through the time, effort and expense of the extensive regulatory process. "We want to stop the criminals and protect the businesses that are doing it the right way," he said.
When law enforcement learns that someone is growing cannabis, officers can check against city, county and state licenses to see if it's a legal recreational grow. But the Oregon Health Authority licenses medical grows, and state law prevents the agency from being very forthcoming with records. In such cases, law enforcement is often stymied.
Hummel and Sheriff Nelson signed a joint letter to the OHA recently, asking it to provide a list of all registered medical grow sites in the county, updated at least quarterly. Generating and providing such a list likely would require a change to state law.
Given that marijuana is almost certainly here to stay, absent a federal crackdown, many people interviewed for this story hoped for better dialogue and compromise—at least the ones who could see past their desire for an outright ban on rural grows.
"It's not just marijuana," the county's Lelack said. "People care passionately about where they live, and even for minor applications, we're seeing challenges. People don't want to see changes."
Fox, the Alfalfa resident, said he doesn't personally oppose marijuana, only disruption of his rural community. "There's so much we don't know about what the growers are doing, and the growers don't know about how they are affecting people," he said. "This is just some of the growing pains we go through when we introduce something new to the culture. There's going to be some bumps in the road while we figure out how to make it all work for everyone."
Editor's Note: The original version of this story misstated the percentage of people who supported legalization in the rural parts of the county. The correct figure: 47 percent supported legalization, not 47 percent opposed. We regret the error. | 2019-04-19T19:33:30Z | https://www.bendsource.com/bend/grow-woes/Content?oid=5330998 |
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Great quality! Mazzariello Swivel Armchair best design By Alcott Hill. Mazzariello Swivel Armchair very well made, sleek and simple. Complete your living room furniture with a modern Mazzariello Swivel Armchair. Its cute sturdy, attractivce and it looks expensive and a good value for the money. Mazzariello Swivel Armchair is one of the most cozy, cozy, nice look and exotic Mazzariello Swivel Armchair especially for the price and made of awesome products. Great quality, easy to assemble, delivery on time and in best condition. Mazzariello Swivel Armchair is good merchandise at fair prices and wonderful free shipping. Guarantee damaged claim by offering to send parts or to keep the item at a discounted price. Great buy would definitely recommend. Shop with our low-price guarantee and find great deals on ##ptitle# and more!. Reading the reviews helped you purchase.
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Copyright © Mazzariello Swivel Armchair By Alcott Hill in Loveseats All right reserved. | 2019-04-26T13:44:36Z | http://www.u2search.co/postID-200/Arm-Accent-Chairs/spend-less-mazzariello-swivel-armchair-by-alcott-hill-2019-02-14-10-05-24am/200-xatweyat3ptezc8bnmcz.asp |
Equipped with the world’s first hybrid control ring – The f1.8-2.5 large-diameter lens boasts high-quality images that rivals that of SLRs!
Olympus Imaging Singapore is proud to announce the OLYMPUS STYLUS XZ-2, its flagship model boasting a bright f1.8-2.5, large-diameter, 4x optical zoom i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens, along with the world’s first hybrid control ring.
The OLYMPUS STYLUS X series is Olympus’ flagship compact camera, being the first compact digital camera with a lens bearing the ZUIKO name. The ZUIKO lens was first included on the Semi Olympus, the first-ever Olympus camera in 1936. The ZUIKO lens has been used for the past 76 years, continuing its tradition as a high-performance lens.
In January 2011, the OLYMPUS XZ-1 was announced as the first model in the X series. As a large-diameter lens with a bright f1.8-2.5 from wide-angle end to telephoto, it has continued to garner praise as a lens that delivers high image quality for a digital camera.
With the combination of the newly developed 1/1.7 type back-illuminated CMOS sensor on the large-diameter lens, and the SLR image processing engine TruePic VI, the STYLUS XZ-2 achieves the highest image quality of any Olympus compact digital camera. The lens, which is bright even up to the telephoto end, delivers high-end performance in image quality and soft-focus bokeh effects even when shooting in dark conditions.
The back-illuminated CMOS sensor was newly developed to take advantage of the bright f2.5 setting at the telephoto end of the lens. The 1/1.7 type sensor is larger than the sensors of most compact digital cameras, providing an advantage in image quality. At the same time, a larger size sensor would make it difficult to design a bright, high-performance lens. Hence, the current size is the best possible match.
The operability was also designed with care and precision. The world’s first hybrid control ring allows users to switch operating styles and functions to match their control preference. Users can assign function selection depending on their desired operating preferences. The “digital” operation provides a solid click on controls, whereas the “analogue” operation offers a smooth feeling on controls.
Basic operations and settings, starting with touch controls and Live Guide, as well as the refined UI are the same as those used on OLYMPUS PEN and OM-D E-M5 cameras.
In addition, as users can change the angle of the 3.0 type 920,000 dot rear monitor, keeping an eye on the subject from a low angle or high angle is a cinch.
Metal materials are used for the strong and sharp form of the top cover, plus the mode dial is cut from metal, giving the controls a solid feel.
For a sure grip, a removable grip is included as a standard feature. With an optimised control button layout, the STYLUS XZ-2 brings a comfortable feel to camera operations.
The hybrid control ring allows users to switch the control style and functions, as well as switching between the analogue and digital ring for the dial around the lens. When the lever next to the lens is placed downward, the ring around the lens switches to analogue control, allowing users to use it as a focus or zoom ring. If the lever is placed at an angle, the ring around the lens switches to digital control, allowing users to change exposure-related settings quickly and easily. This feature will allow users to fine-tune the focus in macro, select a composition when shooting, and set the exposure, all without taking their eyes off the subject.
The Touch AF Shutter function allows users to instantly select the subject they want to focus on simply by touching the screen. With the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 world’s fastest AF and an inductive electrostatic type touch screen, users can instantly select just the subject they want to focus on and activate the shutter, easily adjust Live Guide settings, select the AF location, enlarge images in playback, and browse images.
The lens on the STYLUS XZ-2 is a 4x optical zoom that covers a focal range from 28-112mm (35mm film equivalent). The maximum aperture of the lens at wide-angle is a bright f1.8, but the telephoto end also boasts a very bright f/2.5.
The lens fulfills the same quality standards as an SLR ZUIKO DIGITAL interchangeable lens with even, sharp depiction capability as well as reduced ghosting and lens flares in images.
The DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens boasts a high refractive index and powerful aberration cancellation capabilities in a single lens. Each HD (high refractive index, high dispersion) lens and each super HR (super high refractive index) lens contributes to a high refractive index, reduced number of lenses and shorter lens length. The EDA (Extra-low Dispersion Aspherical) lens prevents chromatic aberration at the telephoto end. This lens is a combination of Olympus’ superb lens technology and the spare-no-expense design process when it comes to using the same materials as on Olympus SLR lenses, resulting in an extremely bright and high image quality lens.
The “i” in i.ZUIKO stands for “eye” and “integrate”.
iHS Technology – iHS Technology is included from 2012 Spring and Summer models. iHS stands for “intelligence”, “high-speed”, and “high-sensitivity”.
With a 12.0 megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, and the TruePic VI image processing engine established with the OLYMPUS PEN, this camera achieves high-sensitivity, low noise, and a high-speed AF. Even in backlit, or nighttime scenes, the camera can beautifully capture images, just as they are seen by the human eye. With HDR backlit correction, the camera captures multiple images at different exposures and automatically merges them into a single image with a single shot. With Super Resolution technology, users can zoom up to 8x with minimal image degradation. As an added facet of Intelligence technology, iAUTO can automatically detect up to 30 different scenes.
By using the same imaging engine as the OLYMPUS PEN, the popular Art Filter is available on this model. With 11 Art Filters and 5 Art Effects, users can easily bring their artistic visions to life.
DUAL IS is an image stabilisation that uses digital SLR algorithms and counteracts the direction of camera shake by moving the CMOS sensor via a shift-type image stabilisation mechanism. By using this function in combination with high-sensitivity shooting, camera shake and subject blur is effectively reduced, providing double image stabilisation.
With a 1920 x 1080 High-definition size and MOV/H.264 movie compression for excellent compatibility with computers, beautiful movies can be shot even longer. With a dedicated movie button, starting and stopping movies is easy with a single touch. The STYLUS XZ-2 is also equipped with Multi-Motion Movie IS image stabilisation. This function corrects for the common gradual camera shake that occurs when shooting on the move, allowing users to enjoy more stable and higher quality movies.
With the iPhone and Android compatible smartphone application OLYMPUS Image Share (to be released on September 2012, and the Toshiba FlashAir SDHC card with an internal wireless LAN, uploading images to social networking services is easier than ever before. Using the smartphone connection function included on the STYLUS XZ-2 to set up a FlashAir card makes Wi-Fi connection simple. With the OLYMPUS Image Share application, users can easily load images onto a smartphone via a thumbnail index, add Art Filters on a smartphone, and share images on various social networking services.
A one-time password can also be issued for connecting to multiple smartphones simultaneously to share images with friends and family.
This function satisfies the demand of users who want to upload still images to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Flickr.
By adding images for sharing to an upload list on the camera, they can easily be uploaded to the desired social networking service.
Eye-Fi cards are SDHC memory cards that contain an internal wireless LAN. Images can be wirelessly uploaded to picture services such as [ib on the net], online photo albums, and computers.
High-speed shutter – 1/2000 sec.
The OLYMPUS STYLUS XZ-2 is available in Black colour at Olympus authorised retailers from November 2012 onwards. The RRP is to be advised.
This entry was posted in Brand: Olympus, Group Test & Reviews, Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized and tagged Olympus, Stylus. Bookmark the permalink. | 2019-04-20T00:12:21Z | https://ourshutterjourney.com/2012/09/29/announcing-the-olympus-stylus-xz-2-compact-digital-camera/ |
If you wish to use Bike Adventure doo Belgrade’s services, please take time to carefully read these Terms and Conditions. Please note you will be asked to accept these Terms and Conditions entirely and confirm you fully understand its contents, before completing your booking. Accepting these Terms and Conditions is a pre-requisite to completing the booking and delivering the services by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and in case you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions you will not be able to book a ride or receive services by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade. These Terms and Conditions are legally binding for both clients and Bike Adventure doo Belgrade.
If you have any further questions please check our FAQ page, which are integral part of our Terms and Conditions. You can also call us at +38163622914 (standard rates apply) or contact us via contact form by clicking here.
Bike Adventure doo Belgrade rents and leases sport equipment – bicycles over the internet (code 4791), in line with the technical specification and characteristics stated at Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and such rent includes a ride to the selected destination, a bike guide, helmet, alu-flats or Shimano SPD pedals, safety equipment, backpack, hydration and snacks.
Bike Adventure doo Belgrade is responsible to organize and deliver above service as indicated on Bike Adventure doo Belgrade website at the time booking is made. The high quality of service is guaranteed and clients have a right to submit a complaint any time during or after delivery of services by calling Bike Adventure doo Belgrade at +381636229140 (standard rates apply) or contact us via contact form by clicking here.
Bike Adventure doo Belgrade guarantees all provided equipment is technically sound, safe and pre-checked and are operating per producer’s specifications and requirements. In case clients decide to use any of their own equipment, including bikes, such equipment needs to be technically sound, safe and pre-checked and operating per producer’s specifications and requirements. Bike Adventure doo Belgrade reserves the right not to accept clients equipment, including bikes, if they do not comply with above requirements.
Also the transaction will be executed immediately on completing the booking and authorizing your payment card.
Bike Adventure doo is not in the VAT system. VAT is not calculated and charged in accordance with article 33 of the Serbian VAT Law.
In case Private/Corporate bookings, there is no minimum number of participants, however a minimum of 5 rides will be charged to the client.
For all tours booked Bike Adventure doo will provide a transport – clients will be picked up at the location designated in the booking, taken to the desired destination and after the bike ride is completed the clients will be taken back at the pick up location. Bike Adventure doo only accepts locations within the city of Belgrade for all locations (or from Novi Sad for Fruška Gora bookings). For all other indicated pick up locations, Bike Adventure doo will reject the booking.
Clients will be transported by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade vehicles that comply to all regulatory and safety standards. No smoking is allowed in the Bike Adventure doo Belgrade vehicles.
If service is cancelled by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade you will be offered an alternate date/time/location. If you don’t agree to the offered alternate date/time/location, you will receive 100% refund.
In the case of return of goods/services and the return of funds to the client who previously paid using payment card, in whole or in part, and regardless of the reason of the refund, Bike Adventure doo is obliged to make a refund exclusively through VISA, EC/MC and Maestro payment methods, which means that the bank will make a return of the funds at the request of Bike Adventure doo to the payment card user’s bank account.
Our rides are designed for riders of all skills and fitness levels, however you do need to be healthy, know how to ride a bike and be able to ride it. It is the responsibility of the clients to inform us on any restrictions , so our guides can plan the ride adequately and deliver to our client’s satisfaction. As we collect personal information please make sure you carefully read our Privacy and Personal Data Protection Policy, which is integral part of these Terms and Conditions.
Per the request of the clients Bike Adventure Belgrade can organize unguided tours, at the location required by the client. Such tours would include bikes, helmets and transportation, and will not include any other item included in our regular tours, listed on What’s included page. It is underlined that clients will not have a guide on such a tour, and are responsible on their own for navigation thorough the paths and tracks, also for any required repairs (e.g. flat tire). Clients are obliged to follow all safety standards, also take good care of the bikes and other equipment, that is owned by Bike Adventure Belgrade. Any damage made by the clients to bike and equipment owned by Bike Adventure Belgrade, that is deemed to be made due to gross negligence of the client, Bike Adventure Belgrade has a right to claim a damage compensation at the average market value of such or similar new equipment.
All ride participants need to listen and adhere to the instructions provided by Bike Adventure doo bike guides.
Clients have a certain responsibility to Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and other clients on the ride. Clients are responsible for: understanding the conditions implied in the service, selecting a trip that is appropriate to their interests and abilities, preparing for the trip accordingly and having the proper clothes needed for the selected trip. In case client and his group fail to show up at the address stated in the booking by the client or is late more than 15 minutes from the indicated pick up time, Bike Adventure doo Belgrade reserves the right not to deliver the service to the client and his group and such client is not entitled to any refund.
A client may be not accepted for a ride or asked to leave a ride if the guide objectively decides that the person’s continued participation may prove damaging to the individual or to the well-being and enjoyment of other riders. Such clients are not entitled to any refund.
Reckless riding will not be tolerated on any of Bike Adventure doo Belgrade tours and such clients will be asked to leave a ride. Such clients are not entitled to any refund. In case bike or any piece of equipment provided by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade to the client is damaged by the client on purpose, Bike Adventure doo Belgrade has the right to charge the median retail value of such or similar equipment to clients payment card, and by accepting these Terms and Conditions clients agree to accept such charge.
Clients that are deemed to be under influence of alcohol and/or drugs will not be accepted by the guides. Such clients are not entitled to any refund.
Minimum client’s age required is 18, or 16 if the client is travelling with parents or legal guardian.
Cycling can be HAZARDOUS AND INVOLVES THE RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH attached to it and you acknowledge that cycling is an inherently dangerous sport and fully realize the dangers of participating in bicycle tour and FULLY ASSUME THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PARTICIPATION INCLUDING, by way of example, and not limited to the following: the dangers of collision with pedestrians, vehicles, other riders, and fixed or moving objects; the dangers arising from surface hazards, equipment failure, inadequate safety equipment, equipment failure, THE RELEASEES’ OWN NEGLIGENCE, and weather conditions; danger of medical emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, or heat stroke; and the possibility of serious physical and/or mental trauma, injury, or death associated with cycling. Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and its employees shall not be liable for any damages relating to loss of property or injury of any kind, or death to any participant. It is the responsibility of each participant to take out travel and personal accident insurance cover. Therefore, you must be adequately insured against personal injury, medical expenses arising from accident or injury, property loss, theft or damage.
Bike Adventure doo Belgrade, its founders or employees shall not be liable for any delay or default in providing the service included in the tour if such delay or default is caused by conditions beyond its control including, but not limited to, Acts of God, Government restrictions, wars, insurrections and/or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of our company or its directors and employees. By reserving a tour or meeting your guide to join a tour with us you will be deemed to have accepted our terms and conditions of service of which this Disclaimer is part.
While conducting its business Bike Adventure doo Belgrade fully complies with the Law on Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia. In order to deliver its services with the required quality and prescribed characteristics, Bike Adventure doo needs to collect certain personal data from the clients.
The personal data of the clients are collected in line with the Law on Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia, without previous consent from the clients in line with Article 12 point 2 of the above-mentioned Law, for the purpose of executing the obligation to deliver services and/or preparations to deliver services from Bike Adventure doo portfolio. Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and its authorized employees will have access to provided personal data and will use such personal data solely for the realization of the booked ride and delivery of purchased services. Client personal data will not be communicated to third parties at any time, except in the case of legal obligations, without the prior special consent of the clients. Persons that will have access to client’s personal data are exclusively employees and authorized persons of Bike Adventure doo. All personal data collected will be treated confidentially by Bike Adventure doo Belgrade and its employees. All data is stored on secure location accessible only with login credentials (username and password) which are not shared.
The Client has the right to request from Bike Adventure doo a copy of the data that relates to him. The Client has the right to require Bike Adventure doo to update, supplement, refresh, or, delete data as well as termination and temporary suspension of processing. The client has the right to request deletion of the data if the purpose of the processing is not clearly defined, the purpose of processing is changed, the purpose of the processing is completed, the method of processing is not permitted, the data whose processing is disproportionate to the purpose, the data is incorrect and cannot be corrected and if the data is processed without consent or client’s authority.
After separate and explicit consent and application to Bike Adventure doo Newsletter, the client agrees to receive SMS and e-mail information on promotions and services of Bike Adventure doo Belgrade on a mobile phone and e-mail provided to Bike Adventure doo. After providing the consent to receive Bike Adventure doo Newsletter, the client has the right to withdraw his consent at any time and stop receiving the information mentioned above. and Bike Adventure doo must fulfill this requirement of the client. At no time receiving SMS and e-mail information by registration with Bike Adventure doo Newsletter is not related to personal information when booking a tour, i.e. personal data taken during the booking of the tour for the delivery of services will not be used for the needs of Bike Adventure doo Newsletter.
Bike adventure doo Belgrade will not process any data for any other purpose than stated in these terms and conditions. Bike Adventure doo will not condition the delivery of its service on providing any personal data that is not relevant to the services provided.
Clients have the right at any time to submit a complaint to the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection in accordance with the above-mentioned Law on Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Serbia.
When entering payment card information, confidential information is transmitted via public networks in protected (encrypted) form using SSL protocol and PKI system, as currently state-of-the-art cryptographic technologies.
The security of the data during the purchase is guaranteed by the payment card processor, Banca Intesa ad Belgrade, so the complete payment process is carried out on the bank’s pages. At no instances is the payment card information available to our system.
These Terms and Conditions are valid from 24th of February 2019. | 2019-04-24T13:10:02Z | http://www.bikeadventurebelgrade.com/terms-and-conditions/ |
Interested in partnering with the CLM Program?
Your intern has been hired! What are the next steps for mentors?
We are currently accepting 2018 intern requests!
The Conservation and Land Management (CLM) Internship Program represents the Chicago Botanic Garden’s broadest effort to recruit, train, & engage recent college graduates in applied conservation, ecology, restoration, & natural resources management. The CLM Program has provided participating partners with young, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, early-career scientists who are passionate and knowledgeable about botany and wildlife and interested in public land management, restoration and stewardship. Internships involve work in botany or wildlife-related fields, or combinations that may include monitoring or assessing threatened & endangered and/or invasive species and habitats. Interns have worked in biology-related fields i.e., ecology, fisheries, livestock utilization, and native plant materials. A few have completed internships in archaeology, planning and recreation.GIS data have been an important component of numerous projects.
The CLM Program involves the recruitment, training, and placement of interns to selected locations throughout the United States for a five-month period. Recruitment involves advertising the CLM to more than 1,200 colleges in the United States, numerous websites and listserves. All suitable applicants are subject to an intensive selection and interview process. Most successful applicants participate in a one-week Training Workshop that is held at the at the end of June annually. CLM Staff provide career and graduate school advice to interns during the Training Workshop and in one-on-one conversations with interns. CLM Staff also provide mentorship advice and guidelines to mentors to ensure that expectations for both interns are mentors are clear and the internship experience is positive for everyone.
The CLM Program staff apply for partnership opportuntities (task/cooperative/assistance agreements) and provide paperwork needed to modify established agreements between the partner organization and the Chicago Botanic Garden. CLM staff also coordinate all administrative duties associated with employment (interns are employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden) and plan and execute the annual CLM Training Workshop (Interns participate in a one-week training workshop covering a wide range of topics, including overviews of the respective agencies, participation expectations, safety issues, and botany/wildlife refresher topics. For interns who are unable to attend the Workshop, CLM staff help interns identify alternative professional development opportunities).
Mentors are accomplished conservation professionals who can offer advice and guidance to CLM interns. Mentors are employed by partnering agencies (commonly federal agencies including BLM, FS, FWS, USGS, & NPS) and typically are federal biologists or land-management/natural resource specialists. Mentors provide daily guidance to interns, coordinate on-site training (defensive driving, computer use as well as other project-specific trainings such as GIS, vegetation inventory, etc.), engage interns in a variety of conservation/restoration/land management projects and facilitate networking opportunities for the interns to expand their professional connections. Mentors commonly provide interns with valuable opportunities and advice as they navigate their future career goals.
A successful mentor will have patience and a willingness to share experiences and knowledge. Interns find the most success when mentors have clear project goals and expectations and appreciate guidance from mentors to improve skills and develop professional relationships.
If you are interested in partnering with the CLM Program, please contact Krissa Skogen, Manager of the CLM Program at 847-835-6919 or [email protected].
Krissa can provide you with quotes for internships of varying durations and can discuss the process for establishing assistance/cooperative agreements between your agency, field office or organization and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Projects can be accomplished that never would have been started otherwise - 87% of interns made meaningful contributions to accomplishing conservation goals!
94% of mentors would partner with CLM in the future - And most do!
"It seems as though as each year goes by, the workload increases and the workforce stays static or decreases. [My intern] has assumed the project responsibilities for preparing a biological assessment for a resource management plan encompassing nearly 4 million acres of public land. Without her help this assignment would not have even started."
"During his time here, my intern proved to be an extremely valuable member of our team. He is a thoughtful communicator and demonstrates intelligence beyond his years. My intern has an unquenched curiosity and is always seeking to further educate himself."
"My intern was an asset to the team, navigating to remote locations, identifying plants, and collecting, entering and organizing data."
"My intern was essentially my assistant this entire season. I would frequently go to him for advice about upcoming collections and field knowledge. I would have been under considerably more stress this season without him."
"This summer our office lost our botanist and it was absolutely a dream to have our intern fill in some of that role. She completed out field botany clearances for us and really helped us get a lot of projects done on the ground. She was quiet literally a godsend."
To request an intern for the upcoming field season, mentors will create an account on the CLM website and once logged in, submit an Intern Request Form that specifies the number of interns needed to assist with projects, the start date/timeframe, internship duration, funding source, qualifications needed for the position(s), internship responsibilities, and an internship description (job description that is used in the screening process and is provided to applicants).
Most internship requests are submitted November - January proceeding the field season for which the interns are needed.
Applicants are recruited October through January each year, until all positions are filled. Successful applicants are selected based on skills, academic qualifications, experience, professional interests and other selection requirements as detailed on the assistance/cooperative agreement (for example agreements under the Public Land Corps Act Authority require that interns be 16-30 years of age to qualify).
CLM staff evaluate all applicants (typically 500-700 applications are submitted annually), conduct interviews with the strongest applicants and then identify at least 3 applicants for each intern request. The application files (application form, cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation and official educational transcripts) for these 3 applicants are then forwarded to the mentor, who reviews them and provides CLM Staff with their feedback on each position. The applicant may reach out to the mentor to learn more about the internship, location, etc. Please be prepared to discuss the following with them, should they have questions. Note that applicants are provided with the position description and some of the information that you've provided in your intern request - their questions will likely be follow up on those details.
Expectations for the intern in terms of project goals, work schedule, etc.
CLM Staff then determines which applicant(s) are the best fit for the opportunity (age of the applicant, educational background, whether they belong to an underrepresented group in the STEM fields, etc.) and extends an offer to the top applicant. CLM Internship offers always are made by CLM Staff, not by the mentor. This is strictly enforced as interns are CLM/CBG employees.
Once the applicant has accepted the position, CLM staff coordinate details including employment paperwork for the intern to become an employee of the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Your intern has been hired - What are the next steps for mentors?
1. Coordinate an official start date with the intern & notify CLM Staff of the date.
2. Initiate paperwork for the mandatory security clearance (federal agencies). This is extremely important!
Because this can be a lengthy process, it's best to have the intern submit all necessary paperwork as soon as possible to ensure that their paperwork is complete before they arrive.
3. Assist the intern in finding affordable housing in the area.
4. Review the CLM Guidelines to learn the about the protocols and processes interns must abide by during their internship.
Land managers who have a specific botanical research need and have an interest in assisting a Master's student in their research design, ideas and associated field logistics should consider this program. Land managers with projects that may benefit from more intensive data collection and analysis that is typically available for projects are encouraged to submit research project ideas. Because the Graduate Program is Plant Biology and Conservation, research projects should be plant-based or have a very strong plant or habitat component. | 2019-04-26T15:54:00Z | https://www.clminternship.org/mentors |
Growing up, I have a vague memory of a wall frame that adorned our home. It was covered with writing and for this reason, I never paid much attention to it. The most fascinating thing about it was the background – mostly blue and brown showing a mountainous terrain.
I discovered later on that the writings were words from the Prophet’s last sermon in the ‘Uranah valley of mount Arafat (Makkah). I’m not sure what became of the frame, it likely ended up in storage. The message it carries, however, is not meant for storage – to become abandoned and forgotten. Rather, it should be stored in our hearts and utilized in our daily lives.
Listen below are 8 Personal Development Lessons for your Spiritual and Self growth (from the sermon).
Tip: Engage in righteous deeds and ask yourself each night: Will Allah be pleased with my deeds of today? How can I make tomorrow more pleasing to Allah ?
Goal: Master the five pillars with sincerity, excellence and devotion.
Tip: Schedule your daily prayer times on your phone as appointments – with reminders before and during scheduled times.
Goal: Become one who invites to Islam.
Tip: Share this article or at least one point of benefit with others.
Goal: Study the Qur’an and sunnah through authentic channels such as IOU.
Tip: Make it a daily habit to reflect on at least one verse of the Qur’an and a hadeeth in a language you understand.
Goal: Distant yourself from Satan; avoid sins and bad deeds.
Tip: Avoid sins and bad deeds by indulging in doing more good deeds (to wipe out your sins), repent, read about Satan’s plots [read Ibn Kathir’s ‘Stories of the Qur’an’].
Goal: Treat fellow Muslims as equals.
Tip: Read stories of the Prophet’s companions.
Goal: Listen and pay attention to people and happenings.
Tip: Use your senses to capture information correctly – through writing, active listening, etc.
Goal: Be ‘just’ in your interactions.
Tip: Manage people and money with a just and pure intentions, knowing that you will be held accountable in front of Allah .
The Prophet’s last sermon is a message for mankind today and for all generations to come. It lays out basic principles for getting the best from oneself as well as benefiting others. Reflecting on its message is a good exercise. Applying its lessons can be equated to a similitude of using the rights tools for the right task – improving one’s life holistically.
Although, I have not seen our old family frame in a long time, the message it carries lingers in my life. I encourage you to use it as a personal development resource – understand the words and live by its message.
What other tips can you share on how to make the Prophet’s last sermon relevant and practicable in your life today? Please share in the comments below.
JazakALLAHU khair, I agree with you Sister in Islam, the message is inspirational to all faithful Muslims. We must constantly reflect upon this message and drive the required benefit from it in sha Allah!
Wa iyyak. Wa baarakallahu feek.
Alhamdulillah you found it useful and worth pondering over Eliz.
If only we followed the teachings from the Hajjatul Vida, Khutba. Great article.
That wuz written so beautifully sister, May اللّٰه bless you.
Thank you for your comment and pointer to the ‘missing part’ of the sermon.
Alhamdulillah for the rights given to women ONLY in Islam. Indeed it is important especially in today’s society. And as a Muslimah, I relate to this esteemed position wholly.
If you read through my article again you will note that it doesn’t say anywhere that it is giving a comprehensive breakdown of the sermon. In fact I specified that the lessons are meant for the ‘self and spiritual growth of Muslims in general without delving into the gender specific aspect. So I didn’t forget but rather didn’t include it deliberately.
My focus is on simple and practicable tips for developing the Muslim personality. Wallahu A’lam – And Allah (swt) knows best.
I encourage every reader to study and ponder over the entire sermon and extract more practicable personal goals and lessons as these are based on my own reflections, knowledge and understanding.
May Allah (swt) increase us in beneficial knowledge.
You are right – they are basics for leading a good life indeed.
Alhamdulillah you find the language easy to understand.
Thank you so much sister for this article…I found it on the 1st Muharam where I am reflecting upon myself as a Muslim and use this as a yardstick to know where I am right now in my commitment as a Muslim. May ALLAH SWT reward your effort and place you and family in his sheltering shades. Ameen.
May Allah (swt) make us among those who keep reflecting on our lives and goals as Muslims. May He keep us committed, devoted and surrendered to Him till our last breadth.
Hajjatul wadah, a sermon with an all-encompassing message, remains applicable to our everyday life and in our dealings with fellow humans. Muslims are encouraged to have a copy of the sermon, read it constantly, reflect on it and apply its teachings to our lives. Jazakumullahu khayr sister for sharing that beautiful article.
It’s a perfect reminder on the message of our holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a complete summary of the purpose of our creation. JAZAKALLAHU KHAIRAN.
May Allah (swt) count us among those who take heed from the reminders we have been given.
Jazakhumlahi khair, may Allah gives us the grace to follow the saying and practise of the prophet (SWW).
Amin. We need to follow his example to live truly better lives.
Prophet(salalwslm) was sent as a Massenger for all human beings and will remain so till the Last Day. All human beings are equal and deserve respect.Trust in the Creator and obey His edicts.
May Knowledge delight you Inshallah.
I look forward to read your next article.
Amin. Wa iyyak. May Allah (swt) benefit us from beneficial knowledge.
I have a big problem. I have been harmed using black magic and been hearing voices in my mind, my heart, and they also can talk through my throat. They make me as if suffering from schizophrenia paranoid. They are asking me to give them a bulk of money, if I do not give them money they will kill me. They make me not to defecate and urinate, they hurt my head, ears and throat. every second they rebukes me with dirty words and nasty death threats. They know every story of my lives, and those people connected to me. Wherever I go they said they are inside of my body. They can see through my eyes, so I can not hide anything, because they see everything I see. They hack my face book account, my email, and my friend’s account and phone number. The keep stealing anything in my house because they can enter my house without seeing them. My life become miserable. It is almost one year now. They said they are very good in dzikrullah. They are not going to get out from my body unless I surrender half of my wealth to them as infak and shadaqah. I always pay my zakat infaq and shadaqah. They said, I should give infak shadaqah to them and they will distribute to the people, in other word they are the one who built a palace in paradise for me. They also say If I do not give those to them they will kill me and I will go to hell. My question is, is there a teaching from the Quran and sunnah rasul to get people pay infact shadaqah that way? What is the rule in Islam, if some one (in this case the voice we do not know and they are hackers) robb our wealth . Is it halal for them to be distributed to the poor people.
May Allah (swt) grant you complete recovery. He is the One Who Heals.
My advice is that you keep making a lot of supplication and seek professional help immediately. Ask for a Muslim who does hijama or ruqya shari’i in your area. But If there’s none, then find out how you can perform ruqya on yourself.
Remember to put your trust in Allah(swt); He will make a way out for you.
Amin to your duas. Alhamdullillah. My advice is to share post via email, SMS, social media etc so others may benefit as you have. And also study the comprehensive sermon.
Will you or others benefit in any practicable way by printing article as enlargement and then hanging on a wall?
I Have seen normal version of the sermon in frames. There is detailed version, possibly word to word, in Tafsir Ibne Kathir (Arabic with English translation). Can anyone guide which is authentic .
Asalaamu alaikum sis! Thank you for the beneficial reminder, it is really so simple and practical to implement. I’d definitely look forward to sharing it. I hope you can also share this link below with others in sha Allah tala, to help a fundraiser for Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, since her husband’s passing away due to a drunk driver hit-and-run accident. May Allah, Most Merciful have mercy on him and fill his grave with abundance, blessings, and light, ameen. More info can be found on the link.
Take care and again, thank you for the blessed reminder and words of our beloved Prophet sallahu alahi wa salaam. Jazzak Allah khair!
I explained about the missing part in a comment above. Please take out time to read over it.
Wa Alaikum Assalaam sister kindly requesting you to write goal and tips for this missing part of sermon as well.
Allah hs bestowed upon us HIS principles for how to live on dis planet in d form of HIS most beloved prophet muhammadur rasullullah (saw) pbuh….
We just hv to follow our prophet to obey d almighty as our prophet was…is…n…will b d perfect example….anywhere on dis planet….
Guys check out IERA’s (islamic education and research academy) upcoming debate. InshaAllah many haters and the uk government have been trying to close off their venues and stopping/warning their guests from attending. Let us show our support inshaALLAH.
beautiful piece sister…but like it has been pointed out earlier, the one about our women is very important..
may Allah increase us in knowledge.
Pingback : Are You Living Your Purpose? | 2019-04-25T02:20:31Z | https://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/personality-development-lessons-from-the-prophets-last-sermon/ |
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:FPRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing novel protein therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases, today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2014.
"Since the second quarter, we have made tremendous progress in support of our pipeline and strategy," said Lewis T. "Rusty" Williams, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Five Prime. "We recently received IND clearance for our Phase 1 trial of FPA144, which means we now have three therapeutic candidates in the clinic. As a monoclonal antibody, FPA144 represents an immunotherapeutic approach to treating gastric cancer where the FGFR2b protein is over-expressed or the FGFR2 gene is amplified. We've also elected to expand development of our CSF1R antibody, FPA008, into solid tumors and expect to initiate the first clinical trial in 2015. In parallel, we continue to advance both our internal cancer immunotherapy research program and our immuno-oncology collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb, which is focused on two checkpoint pathways."
Continued Enrollment in the Phase 1b Clinical Trial of FP-1039/GSK3052230, an FGF Ligand Trap, for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) continues to actively enroll all three arms of the clinical trial. Arms A and B are enrolling patients with newly-diagnosed or recurrent squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have amplification of the FGF receptor 1 gene. Arm C is enrolling patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Five Prime expects GSK will complete dose escalation in at least one arm of the trial by year end 2014 with a dose selected for expansion.
Initiated Part 3 of the Phase 1 Clinical Trial of FPA008, an Anti-CSF1 Receptor Antibody, in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Five Prime will soon begin dosing RA patients in its Phase 1 clinical trial of FPA008. Part 3 begins with open-label dose escalation before advancing into randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled testing in patients with active RA who are receiving methotrexate.
Initiated Phase 1 Clinical Trial for FPA144, an Anti-FGF Receptor 2b Antibody. Five Prime filed an IND in late September 2014 to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of FPA144 in gastric cancer patients. The company expects to announce first patient enrolled by the end of 2014.The trial will initially enroll patients with a variety of solid tumors and will subsequently enroll selected gastric cancer patients with FGFR2b protein overexpression or FGFR2 gene amplification in their tumors.
Expanded Respiratory Diseases Collaboration with GSK. In October 2014, Five Prime announced the expansion of the respiratory diseases research collaboration with GSK. The scope of the collaboration was broadened to include two additional respiratory disease discovery programs for a six-month evaluation period and GSK subsequently committed to continue these for an additional 18 months. Five Prime will receive $2.0 million in research funding for this expansion, $0.5 million of which Five Prime has already received. Five Prime would also be eligible to receive up to $193.8 million in potential option exercise fees and milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on global net sales for each product resulting from each selected drug target.
Licensed Target to GSK in Muscle Diseases Collaboration. During the third quarter, GSK exercised its option under the muscle disease collaboration with Five Prime to license an undisclosed muscle disease target Five Prime identified using the company's proprietary target discovery platform. Five Prime granted GSK an exclusive, worldwide license to products containing or directed to the target. Five Prime received a payment of $1.5 million in connection with the option exercise and is entitled to receive up to $122.5 million in milestone payments as well as royalties on net sales of products related to the target.
Hired Dr. Robert Sikorski as Vice President of Global Clinical Development. Five Prime appointed Robert Sikorski, M.D., Ph.D., as Vice President of Global Clinical Development. Dr. Sikorski was previously at MedImmune and has substantial experience in the field of cancer immunotherapy. He will implement the global clinical programs for the company's product candidates.
Appointed Bill Ringo to the Board of Directors. Five Prime appointed Bill Ringo to the company's Board of Directors. He is currently a strategic advisor at Sofinnova Ventures and has significant operational and strategic experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Cash Position. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $130.0 million on September 30, 2014, compared to $75.7 million on December 31, 2013.
Revenue. Collaboration revenue for the third quarter of 2014 increased by $2.6 million, or 74.0%, to $6.1 million from $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2013. This increase of $2.6 million dollars was primarily due to GSK's payment of a $1.5 million dollar option exercise fee to license an undisclosed muscle disease target and revenue from new collaborations that we established in the last two years.
R&D Expenses. Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 2014 increased by $1.6 million, or 19.7%, to $9.8 million from $8.2 million in the third quarter of 2013. The higher expenditure was primarily due to advancing the FPA144 program toward a phase 1 clinical trial and an increase in research costs related to Five Prime's internal cancer immunotherapy program.
G&A Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2014 increased by $0.8 million, or 28.9%, to $3.4 million from $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2013, primarily due to an increase in public company-related expenses and non-cash stock based compensation.
Net Loss. Net loss for the third quarter of 2014 was $7.1 million, or $0.33 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $7.2 million, or $2.74 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of 2013.
S-3 Filing. Earlier today, Five Prime filed a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The shelf registration statement will allow Five Prime the flexibility to offer and sell common stock from time to time, in one or more offerings. The prices and terms would be determined at the time of any future offering.
Cash Guidance. Five Prime expects full-year 2014 net cash used in operating activities to be less than $30 million. Five Prime estimates ending 2014 with more than $100 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Five Prime expects to have cash to fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2016, without entering into any additional collaboration agreements or receiving any future milestone payments.
Five Prime will host a conference call and live audio webcast today at 5 p.m. (ET) / 2 p.m. (PT) to provide a corporate update and discuss its financial results. To participate in the conference call, please dial (877) 878-2269 (domestic) or (253) 237-1188 (international) and refer to conference ID 30865272. To access the live webcast please visit the "Events & Presentations" page under the "Investors" tab on Five Prime's website at www.fiveprime.com.
Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. discovers and develops innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with serious diseases. Five Prime's comprehensive discovery platform, which encompasses virtually every medically relevant extracellular protein, positions it to explore pathways in cancer, inflammation and their intersection in cancer immunotherapy, an area of oncology with significant therapeutic potential and a growing focus of the company's R&D activities. Five Prime has entered into strategic collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies and has promising product candidates in clinical and late preclinical development. For more information, please visit www.fiveprime.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Five Prime's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements about (i) the timing of initiation, progress and scope of clinical trials for Five Prime's product candidates; (ii) the reporting of clinical results regarding Five Prime's product candidates; (iii) Five Prime's full-year 2014 net cash used in operating activities; (iv) the amount of Five Prime's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at the end of 2014; and (v) the period during which FivePrime expects to be able to fund operations. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected, changes in expected or existing competition, changes in the regulatory environment, failure of Five Prime's collaborators to support or advance collaborations or product candidates and unexpected litigation or other disputes. Other factors that may cause Five Prime's actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Five Prime's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the "Risk Factors" sections contained therein. Except as required by law, Five Prime assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. | 2019-04-23T06:11:09Z | http://investor.fiveprime.com/news-releases/news-release-details/five-prime-therapeutics-announces-third-quarter-2014-financial |
In The End of the Church Ephraim Radner deployed figural exegesis to show that the divided Church is a dead Church, deprived of the Holy Spirit, corresponding to Jesus’ own dead, deprived, and broken body on the cross. In his latest book, A Brutal Unity, Radner contends that the divided Church is murderous, complicit in all sorts of violence, such as the Rwandan genocide and the Holocaust. To curb these violent tendencies, God has raised up the liberal state, which at once judges the Church’s failures and shows something of what she has failed to be: a people that embraces her enemies, like Christ himself does with Judas and the rest of us.
On November 25, a panel at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion discussed Radner’s elegiac and provocative book. Convened by Timothy J. Furry of Cranbook Educational Community, a former student of Radner’s, the panel consisted of Francesca Aran Murphy (University of Notre Dame), William T. Cavanaugh (DePaul University), Paul Hinlicky (Roanoke College), and Peter Ochs (University of Virginia). That Radner offers pointed critiques of Cavanaugh’s work, particularly The Myth of Religious Violence, made this a lively panel indeed, and Radner was present to respond.
Francesca Murphy began not by addressing herself to A Brutal Unity but rather by offering her own critique of Cavanaugh’s work. She commended Radner for countering Cavanaugh’s “bizarre thesis” in works such as Torture and Eucharist and The Myth of Religious Violence. She contends that this thesis leads to a sort of “ecclesiological dualism,” which lets Christians off the hook for their misdeeds. Religious violence is very real, she said, and it is absurd not to hold Christians in particular to a higher standard amid this violence. Simply put: it is more scandalous for a Christian to engage in violence than someone with no Christian commitment. Cavanaugh’s account, she feared, flattens this out into an undifferentiated sameness.
Murphy had her own criticisms of A Brutal Unity: Radner refuses to abstract the ideal of the Church away from her concrete, sinful instantiation. But don’t we always do this for our loved ones? Don’t we love them for the ideal of who they are in the eyes of God, their deepest self, all the while acknowledging their faults? Going further, we need to ask the question of who the Church is; who it is who is so ideally lovely. Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God and mother of us all, is this person who is so loved.
Cavanaugh, as one might expect, devoted himself to defending his work, yet made it clear that he was not attempting to “agree to disagree,” but rather to “disagree to agree.” He demonstrated that several of the ways Radner characterized his work cannot be substantiated by a fair reading of his book. It is not that there is no such thing as religious violence. Rather, the sort of violence carried out in the name of political or economic commitments is no less “religious” (the proper term is idolatrous). It is not “essentially different” or “inherently more troubling” than religious violence. Christians in the West are indeed guilty of violence, Cavanaugh contended, but they kill only for the nation-state, and it is this which he tries to unmask in his book. Cavanaugh’s fear is that Radner, with his endorsement of the liberal solution to religious violence, might allow Christians to blind themselves to this fact.
Hinlicky turned away from disagreements and offered a self-described irenic reflection, focusing on Radner’s proposal that Christian unity can only be enacted by the sacrifice of conscience. Because it is historically demonstrable that the Church cannot agree its way to unity, Radner contends that Christian unity is only enacted when one suspends conscientious positions for the sake of remaining near others. This is amounts to a refusal to allow conscience to abridge unity. This refusal is grounded in Jesus Christ’s own sacrifice of conscience, his own drawing near to sinners. This is the shape of history, of our being caught along in the wake of Christ’s redemptive movement. Liberalism’s hegemony is a loving judgment upon the Church, meant to humble it, and to show it where it has failed to embrace the other, the enemy, the sinner.
Hinlicky registered two “perplexities” at this proposal. First, is this sacrifice of conscience, rooted in Christ’s sacrifice, not itself conscientious? Isn’t it simply the sacrifice of all idolatrous allegiances, rendering them subordinate to the gospel? Second, given this Christ-centered grounding, isn’t this sort of sacrifice contestable? Might not someone demur from it? If so, does that not make it just as likely to divide as to unite?
Peter Ochs, reflecting on his own Jewish tradition, compared Radner’s view of the Church’s relation to the world to the relation between Sabbath and six days of work. The Sabbath, replete with more light than any other day, sharing in the glorious light of the coming great day, is nevertheless more like working days than one might think. They are not contradictions but rather contrary; they are not the same, but they do not preclude or exclude one another. Similarly, the Church is filled with heavenly light, but is itself quite worldly. Radner’s Church is earthy, with all that entails, for good or for ill. Ochs appealed to the image of Jesus walking on the soil of the liberal state. The liberal state is indeed the environment in which the Church lives, but the Church’s Savior moves through this environment: touching it, changing it, and doing his redemptive work.
According to Ochs, Radner has resituated both liberalism and the Church not as contradictions, but as creatures. What if, instead of fighting, they were to speak to one another? A Brutal Unity represents, in his opinion, the most adequate grounding of postliberal theology since Hans Frei’s much-lauded work, but Radner has grounded it in a thoroughly christological and pneumatological manner. Radner provides a doctrine of scriptural hermeneutics focused not on deriving propositional content but on reading and rereading (and so on) the biblical text, to discern and join the movement of Christ through history.
In his response, Radner addressed himself to each panelist, conceding some points and clarifying others. Most importantly, he noted that A Brutal Unity is about the Church and the Church’s unity. This is the central argument. Everything else, from arguments about liberalism to forays into marital dynamics or language acquisition, was meant to serve this point. All else is subsidiary. This is what tends to be eclipsed as reviewers focus on this or that detail. The Church cannot agree her way to unity, and so if a true Christian unity is to be found it must be found otherwise. And this other basis of unity is the unity given in Christ; it is the sacrifice of conscience. This is something we all do in our daily lives. It’s not just something we should do, but what we actually do. Moreover, it is something we will do as Jesus takes us along where he is going: to the embrace of sinners.
Surely there is a deeper and true unity than what we perceive, but we do not have a window into it. Indeed, whenever we think we can see it clearly, we make excuses for ourselves and fail to grapple with our complicity in violence, which is not only idolatry but also blasphemy. People are suspicious of the Church these days, says Radner, and rightly so. And this is just what St. Paul said would be the case: “For, as it is written, ‘The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you’” (Rom. 2:24). We don’t know what this unity looks like, but only that it looks like Jesus.
We are not devoted to the Church because it is loveble, according to Radner, but because it is loved, even if we cannot account for why or how this is so. Christ loves us as sinners, not as future angels. The Church as such is not other than its members as such. And these members are sinners. The Church, personified as Mary, may not be the Immaculate Bride we understand ourselves to be, but fundamentally the Marian Church is loved. Ought not we, therefore, love her as well?
Eugene R. Schlesinger is a graduate theology student at Marquette University. | 2019-04-25T03:08:50Z | https://livingchurch.org/2013/12/03/scholars-debate-radner-latest/ |
Born Peter Dewey Fountain, Jr. (family surname originally LaFontaine), July 3, 1930, in New Orleans, LA; father was a delivery truck driver; married Beverly Ann Lang, October 27, 1951; children: Dahra, Kevin, Jeffrey. Addresses: Home-- New Orleans, LA. Other-- New Orleans Hilton, 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70140.
For the past four decades, Pete Fountain has been among the more recognizable jazz artists in the United States, and one of the most commercially successful, with nearly 50 albums to his credit. The energetic and affable New Orleans clarinetist first rose to prominence in the 1950s as a featured performer on The Lawrence Welk Show, and in the following decades became well known through frequent appearances on television. In a 1985 Down Beat profile, Howard Mandel described Fountain's lively performances on The Tonight Show: "There's Pete Fountain, the smooth-skulled clarinetist, blowing fiercely amidst select musicians from Doc Severinsen's Tonight Show band. I watched once recently as he concentrated all the air in his thick body through his tight embouchure, squealing and piping quite oblivious to anything else."
Fountain's career and sound are invariably connected to his musical hometown, New Orleans. Gunther Schuller, in The Swing Era: The Development of Jazz, 1930-1945, called him representative of "true New Orleans-style clarinet-playing." Many consider Fountain the personification, together with trumpeter Al Hirt, of the city's famed jazz venue, Bourbon Street. In the foreword to Fountain's autobiography, A Closer Walk: The Pete Fountain Story, Bob Harrington depicted how Fountain echoes the gusto of early New Orleans jazz pioneers, with musical roots in the "heartfelt expression" of gospel songs: "Pete is a prime example of this great musical legacy, handed down carefully and lovingly from the stellar performers of yesterday to our own generation. In his music you can hear the notes and the tones that have permeated Bourbon Street for more than 75 years."
As a young boy, Fountain listened to jazz at the Top Hat Dance Club, an establishment in his neighborhood that featured prominent New Orleans jazz musicians. Another early influence was his father, who could play a number of instruments by ear and first introduced Fountain to improvisation. Sickly as a child, Fountain received his first clarinet when a physician recommended playing it to improve his lung strength. He took formal lessons, but preferred studying the recordings of his idols, Benny Goodman and Irving Fazola, while trying to imitate their sound and style. "It was tough putting the whole thing together," Fountain remembered in his autobiography. "I wanted to play jazz, and I was ready to swing even if my fingers weren't."
Growing up in New Orleans, however, the jazz enthusiast progressed quickly as a musician. He played in his high-school jazz band, and became an avid follower of jazz recordings and radio programs. In his free time, Fountain frequented Bourbon Street music clubs, where he would sneak in back doors to catch performances. "It was from these nights, when I hid behind bandstands or trash containers, that I began to feel the soul and the heartbeat of jazz," Fountain revealed in A Closer Walk. "Things were starting to fall into place for me." At 16 he formed his first band, the Basin Street Four, and was afforded the opportunity to play sets at the Parisian Room, a famous jazz spot in New Orleans. Occasionally Fountain's band members would be allowed to sit in with the headlining bands. "Playing shoulder to shoulder with the jazz giants of the city taught us this timing, and it also taught us a tremendous amount of stage presence," Fountain related. Eventually those sessions were broadcast nationally on a radio program, "The Dixieland Jamboree," and by the time he was a high-school senior, Fountain was earning union scale as a musician--$125 a week.
Fountain continued to work with a number of New Orleans bands and artists, and soon began appearing on recordings. In 1950 he co-founded the Basin Street Six, a Dixieland comic band that landed a television contract with a local station. But Bebop, not Dixieland, was becoming the rage at this time and the Basin Street Six found it difficult booking work. They eventually disbanded and Fountain headed to Memphis and Chicago with a new group, the Three Coins. The move from New Orleans--and his family--however, took its toll. The clarinetist recounted in his autobiography that he began drinking heavily at this time, and contemplated giving up music altogether. He returned to New Orleans in the mid-1950s, not sure whether he would resume his music career.
Fountain's plans changed dramatically in 1956; bandleader Lawrence Welk, impressed with recordings of Fountain that he'd heard and wanting to "jazz up" his band, asked Fountain to join his national television show, which was produced in California. Fountain accepted, and his performances on the popular show generated hundreds of fan letters each week. Fountain headlined with Welk's band, and was featured in advertisements for its national concert tours, one of which took the group to Carnegie Hall, a thrill for Fountain. Exposure from the Welk show made Fountain a household name, and he soon became a frequent performer on television specials. Despite his success in California, however, Fountain and his family were continually homesick for New Orleans.
In 1959, at the height of his television popularity, Fountain returned to his hometown. Before leaving, though, he had signed a lucrative contract with Coral Records; his first two albums, Pete Fountain's New Orleans and The Blues, were particularly big sellers. Fountain enjoyed his newly acquired autonomy and soon formed a band in New Orleans; his name had made him one of the city's biggest attractions. In 1960 he established his own jazz club, "The French Quarter Inn," which became one of the hottest spots in New Orleans. Nine years later Fountain opened "Pete's Place" at 231 Bourbon Street, and later relocated to a posh 500-seat room in the New Orleans Hilton. Today, Fountain and his band still play at the Hilton; he has truly become one of New Orleans's local legends.
The title of Fountain's 1972 autobiography, in which he recalls his life and career, is taken from one of his trademark songs, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." New Orleans remains home to Fountain and he continues his love affair with jazz and the clarinet. Musically, he adheres to the older-style jazz that made him famous: "My solos change--from reed to reed," he told Down Beat' s Mandel. "They change personality from what I eat, from my day. I try to keep the improvisation alive, and not get stale that way, or into a rut. But the licks in the background stay the same." Content with his life in the city that has been his inspiration, and with his stature in American music, Fountain nonetheless spoke with some nostalgia of his younger days: "I've had my good times; I feel good now, and don't want to burn myself out. I only drink wine now; I used to like bourbon, then vodka, then it got time to cool it. But I'm still enjoyin'. I enjoy everything I have. But if I had that youth again--whew!"
Has played with numerous bands throughout career, including Phil Zito and the International Dixieland Express, late 1940s, the Basin Street Six (co-founder), 1950-54, the Dukes of Dixieland, beginning 1954, the Three Coins (founder), and the Lawrence Welk band (on television), 1957-59; established the French Quarter Inn, 1960, and Pete's Place, 1969, both New Orleans jazz clubs; published autobiography, A Closer Walk: The Pete Fountain Story, 1972; currently leads band at the New Orleans Hilton. Has performed on numerous television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show, Kraft Music Hall, and The Tonight Show; subject of John Byers's television documentary, Pete, PBS-TV, 1980.
Pete Fountain's New Orleans Coral.
Pete Fountain at the Bateau Lounge Coral.
New Orleans at Midnight Coral.
French Quarter New Orleans Coral.
Swing Low, Sweet Clarinet Coral.
Pete Fountain's Music From Dixie Coral.
The Best of Pete Fountain (two volumes), MCA.
Dr. Fountain's Magical Licorice Stick Coral.
(With the Basin Street Six) Strictly Dixie Mercury.
(With Al Hirt) Jazz Band Ball Verve.
(With Lawrence Welk) Lawrence Welk Presents Pete Fountain Coral.
Fountain, Pete, with Bill Neely, A Closer Walk: The Pete Fountain Story, Regnery, 1972.
Rose, Al, and Edmond Souchon, New Orleans Jazz: A Family Album, Louisiana State University Press, 1984.
Tulia and I were 23, and the only patron's of Pete's new club late one evening in November, 1960. Pete and his Xylophone player jammed for us for an hour or so. Unforgettable!
I grew up listening to Pete Fountain and just recently while in NOLA bought the CD Swigin' Blues. I am not disappointed. Lots of memories. Thanks.
met pete about 7 years ago. when my husband and i ,went to the casino magic jn bay st,louis.love his music.thank you pete.
met pete thru his sister who worked with me at gulf oil. in order for pete to date he had to doble date with sister. later on he was with george giruad (BasinStreet Six) and preformed at night club in abbeville, La. webt to club, wee reminised about old times and was graciou enough to iontroduce me to band members. saw him again with lawrence welk band. class act. he was my 15 minutes of fame.
My parents, who live with me, are 98 and 101. My father started talking about Pete and wondered about him so I went on-line to get this information. They remember Pete playing in Westwego, LA at a club called "Rachel's on the Hill" with the Basin Street Six, probably one of the first places where he played.
Is "A Closer Walk," Pete's autobiography? If so, where can I buy a copy at a reasonable price? Thanks. | 2019-04-25T03:51:49Z | https://musicianguide.com/biographies/1608001229/Pete-Fountain.html |
How the mighty clipper ships transformed Australia from convict outpost to a nation.
The story of the Clipper ships, and the tens of thousands of migrants they bought to the Australian colony of the nineteenth century, is one of the world's great migration stories. For anyone who travelled to Australia before 1850, it was a long and arduous journey that could take as much as four months. With the arrival of the clipper ships, and favourable winds, the journey from England could be done in a little over half this time. It was a revolution in travel that made the clipper ships the jet airlines of their day, bringing keen and willing migrants 'down under' in record time, all hell-bent on making their fortune in Australia.
Rob Mundle is back on the water, with a ripping story that starts on the sea, aboard a clipper ship charging across the Southern Ocean, laden with passengers heading for Melbourne in response to the lure of gold. Brimming with countless stories of the magnificent ships and fearless (and feckless) characters we find on them, like Englishman "Bully" Forbes and American "Bully" Waterman driving their ships to the limit and the tragic legacy of the many shipwrecks that were so much a part of this era.
July 1852. It had been six weeks since the 932 passengers and sixty-man crew aboard the clipper Marco Polo had left England bound for Melbourne. They had just crossed the northern latitude of the Roaring Forties, some 350 nautical miles south of the Cape of Good Hope.
Suddenly a fearsome Southern Ocean storm charged in from beyond the western horizon and locked Marco Polo in its jaws. In a matter of hours, the moderate seas turned to mountainous breaking combers, accompanied by a howling and callously cold wind, quite possibly laced with flurries of snow.
Abject fear filled the minds of the passengers huddled below deck in an alien world. Many had led sheltered lives in small country villages; now they crouched in the claustrophobic ’tween decks of a giant ship, being pitched and tossed so wildly that tables, chairs and any other loose fixtures were being hurled from one side of their accommodation areas to the other.
But they weren’t alone when it came to their anxiety: even members of the crew were unnerved. The end of this nightmare could not come soon enough for all on board.
One of them, however, had a very different reason for wanting to traverse these seas as quickly as possible: the ship’s captain, James Nicol Forbes, a thirty-one year old Scotsman more appropriately known as ‘Bully’ Forbes.
All others aboard Marco Polo just wanted to get through this alive. But for Bully Forbes, reputation won out over the fear of death: Forbes had boasted that he would drive the recently launched 184-foot clipper ship to a record-breaking time between Liverpool and Melbourne.
As the storm raged around him, Forbes seemed oblivious to its terrifying nature. His only focus was on driving his charge south-east as hard and as fast as he could, away from the tip of Africa towards iceberg territory in the southern seas: a course that few ships had previously taken.
There was already some justification for Forbes’s record-breaking ambition. On her maiden voyage from the builder’s yard in Canada in late 1851, Marco Polo had crossed the Atlantic to Liverpool in the impressive time of just nineteen days. Now, by harnessing the full force of the storm she was experiencing in the southern seas (today the Southern Ocean), the captain saw the opportunity to prove Marco Polo the fastest ship afloat.
Much to his satisfaction, she had so far lived up to expectations – thanks to his determination to maintain maximum speed at all times. But the opportunity to show just how fast she could run had not presented itself until the moment this south-westerly gale had thundered in from astern.
With adrenalin pumping through his veins, and as if goading his ship to sail even faster, a fearless Forbes was said to have been seen standing on the windward side of the deck while holding on to the heavily built, high timber bulwark. It was a location from which he could best absorb the entire scene around him, and really appreciate what it meant to be the master of a ship running hard in what he saw as the ultimate conditions for maximum speed. He could watch his helmsman at the very aft end of the deck battling to hold course, while around him there were the men of the on-watch hanging on for dear life at their respective stations – every one of them hoping they would not be ordered to go aloft to tend the few sails that were still set, all of which appeared ready to burst.
Forbes’s seemingly careless attitude towards what others saw as complete mayhem confirmed his confidence in the seaworthiness of his heavily laden ship. He seemed enthralled by the sounds of her being pushed to the absolute limit. Added to the roar of the huge breaking seas was the howl of the wind ripping through the standing rigging, sheets and braces, some of which were stretched to near breaking point. There was also the thunder-like rumble of the churning bow wave that rose up each time Marco Polo careered down a wave – a sound that was amplified aft by the curve of the forecourse (the lower square sail on the foremast). For Forbes, it was as if he were listening to Mother Nature’s orchestra tuning up for a booming symphony. For just about everyone else, it was a cacophony of terrifying sounds.
Forbes was convinced that no one aboard Marco Polo, and possibly no one else in the world, had ever been so fast under sail. This could well be history in the making.
That meant little for the petrified passengers and concerned crew. Apart from the shuddering and vibrations that racked the 2500 tons burthen ship and the horrid sounds they were experiencing, the wildly gyrating motion of the vessel brought additional terror. Each time the powerful press of wind in her sails combined with the force of a large following wave, Marco Polo would heel alarmingly to leeward – sometimes around 30 degrees – to the point where the outer end of the main yard on the mainmast appeared destined to touch the water. Then, as she surged forward at nearly 20 knots on what resembled a huge avalanche of churning surf charging down a sheer cliff face – and just before she started to come upright – an immense wave would explode like a dam burst over the leeward bulwark and wash across the flush deck in a seething mass of white water.
Unfortunately, leaks in the deck and companionway hatches meant some of this icy-cold torrent would find its way to the accommodation area below, thus bringing more misery to the ship’s inhabitants – the majority of who now expected to die at any moment. Some no doubt knew that in the twelve years prior to Marco Polo’s passage, ninety-four ships either had been wrecked or had disappeared sailing to Australia and New Zealand. It was a tally they did not want to add to.
Forbes, it is said, remained on deck unconcerned, but for the passengers, enough was enough. They sent one of their own to confront the captain and plead with him to slow their progress.
After plucking up the much-needed courage, the poor soul emerged from the companionway and stepped onto the deck amid what he could only perceive as a scene of chaos. Then, with the decks awash, and the ship quaking as if in her death throes, he clawed his way to where Forbes stood. Once there he begged the captain to consider the paying passengers, informing him that it was total turmoil below. The majority were certain that the ship would founder and disappear from the face of the planet, simply because of the captain’s brazen and irresponsible approach to their safety.
Forbes’s truculent manner, and his stubborn determination to have every possible stitch of sail set in what were the most challenging of conditions, finally brought the result he desired. This day of discord would prove to be a historic milestone in his relatively short, but spectacular, career as a clipper ship captain. Readings from navigation plots and the log line set from the stern later confirmed that Marco Polo had charged across the southern seas at unprecedented speed. She had covered an astonishing 364 nautical miles in one day – an average of nearly 15 knots – and over four successive days she had set a world record by sailing a total of 1344 nautical miles.
Forbes and all aboard his ship could now boast that no one before them had ever been so fast under sail. It could also be stated that Marco Polo’s speed was a ground-breaking achievement in British maritime history – one that reflected, for the first time, the true potential of the clipper ship. In today’s parlance, passenger ships had just gone from the era of propellers to the age of jets.
Regardless, the passengers had little interest in what was being achieved; they continued to exist on the brink of hell below deck. Marco Polo was surging, bucking, tossing, shuddering and shaking so much that countless men, women and children were totally incapacitated through sheer terror, severe cold and seasickness, circumstances made worse by the associated stench. The ship’s motion was so violent that many had to crawl along the passageways to get to their sleeping quarters, while others just gave up and lay where they fell.
Yet it was not just the appalling conditions on board that made them anxious to reach Melbourne. The sooner they set eyes on the entrance to Port Phillip and anchored off the town’s waterfront, the sooner they could join in the search for the life-changing wealth they expected to find there – with the first major gold find in Victoria made just a year earlier. Ironically, some of the passengers were actually Australian settlers returning home, most empty-handed and disheartened, after joining the rush to California when gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevadas in 1848.
Just six months later, on Marco Polo’s return voyage, euphoria would have started to replace hope as Forbes navigated her out of the North Atlantic and up St George’s Channel towards the Irish Sea. Holyhead, on the coast of Wales, soon loomed up in the distance.
At 3pm on Christmas Day, when the headland was aft of abeam, Forbes called for a course change to the east. From there it was only 75 nautical miles to the docks in Liverpool!
His response would have been based on the fact that no ship had returned to England with a report that Marco Polo had reached Melbourne. But what Baines didn’t know was that several ships had left Melbourne bound for England with that news, but Marco Polo had passed all of them on the way home!
Baines went towards the century-old Salthouse Dock simply to confirm that the news was not true – but it was! There, before his near-disbelieving eyes, was a magnificent black and white ship, riding easily alongside the pier.
As he stood there incredulous, he noticed something out of the ordinary amid the complex web of rigging that supported the ship’s masts. At that moment a wry smile probably spread across his face. Stretched between the foremast and mainmast was a long canvas banner with a message scrawled across it in huge black letters: ‘THE FASTEST SHIP IN THE WORLD’.
Minutes later, amid the large and admiring crowd that had already gathered on the dock, Baines was face to face with Forbes, congratulating him wholeheartedly on a remarkable achievement.
Marco Polo had completed her return voyage in seventy-six days. The total circumnavigation had taken her just five months and twenty-one days: an astounding three weeks less than the previous record-holder.
News of this historic passage, and stories relating to the ship’s hard-driving captain, spread quickly around the world. Not surprisingly, thousands upon thousands of people from all corners of Britain, and even Ireland, made the pilgrimage to Liverpool by train, horse-drawn carriage or boat to pay homage to the grand vessel, described by one historian as ‘the wonder of the age’. The crowd were enthralled by yarns from proud crew members about highlights of the passage, and gasped when they heard that at times Marco Polo had averaged almost 20 knots: an unimaginable speed for a sailing ship.
Baines and his business partner Thomas M. MacKay also enjoyed the adulation; they must have felt as if they were blessed with the Midas touch. For just like that fabled king, their path to prosperity would be paved with gold.
Marco Polo was one of two ships that had left Melbourne carrying £1 million worth of gold back to the Mother Country. Even more importantly, there was a 340-ounce gold nugget on board – a gift for the reigning monarch, Queen Victoria, from the people of the newly declared Australian colony that bore her name. It was also rumoured that one English passenger had returned home with gold worth an impressive £45,000: the result of his efforts in the Victorian goldfields.
Before this, the backbone of all shipping lines offering services to the Antipodes had been emigration – ordinary people migrating to the colonies to start a new life. Now Marco Polo had brought tangible evidence of the gold rush in Victoria, and there was no better way to get there than aboard this very ship, the fastest on the seas.
Most satisfying to Baines and MacKay, though, was the knowledge that some passengers were prepared to pay a premium price – £50 each – to make the voyage one-way. The two men and their associates had found their own goldmine. They could not have hoped for a more satisfying way to launch their newly formed Black Ball Line to the world. Within a decade they would have fifteen ships doing the run to Australia, most of them clippers. The timing of both the Californian and Victorian gold rushes changed the face of commercial shipping, and cemented the clipper even more solidly into maritime history. The speed of these ships was perfect for the gold-rush era, as the treasure hunters were only interested in reaching their destination as quickly as possible. It was Marco Polo’s record-breaking circumnavigation – and, around the same time, the big American clipper Flying Cloud’s stunning eighty-nine day passage from New York to San Francisco via Cape Horn – that did most to confirm that the swift clipper ships were the only answer to long-haul passenger and cargo transportation to the goldfields.
Burgeoning national pride, and a desire to build the world’s fastest and most spectacular sailing vessels, led to the beginnings of the clipper-ship era in America in the mid-1840s. These designs were an entirely new concept – hence the reference to them as ‘extreme clippers’ – and while their heyday lasted a mere thirty years, many American commentators have recognised this period for its profound influence on that country’s remarkable history.
The emerging nation of America was ready for such a historic change. As a country of immigrants, it boasted a substantial multinational pool of maritime talent – highly capable ship designers and builders who had gone there from England, Scotland, Wales and many parts of Europe. Neighbouring Canada would also participate in these exciting times.
The ships were unlike anything that had gone before them. They had sweet and sweeping, long and lean lines. They also featured a bow profile that arched up and forward from the waterline, and some were flush-decked. It has been suggested that the shape of the hull was influenced by the form of fast-swimming fish – but whatever its origin, the clipper was far more streamlined than any other ship of its era.
Equally imposing was the sail plan. The towering masts, which were heavily raked, carried acres of sail, thirty or more on some of the larger ships, and they had some romantic names – like the highest of all, which were called skysails or moonrakers. The clipper ships also proved to be amazing sail carriers in strong winds: they could set full sail when their predecessors would have been forced to reef, and their speed was unparalleled. Consequently, they soon acquired the name ‘clipper’, derived from the verb ‘clip’, to move swiftly.
The key to their success was their design.
Their predecessors had been created around cargo-carrying capacity, and had hulls that were overly buoyant and far from hydrodynamically efficient. They looked like bulbous-bowed barges that could have been modelled on the shape of a bathtub – and often sailed like them. On the other hand, the slim-lined clippers were designed with an emphasis on passenger numbers and speed, their cargo capacity being secondary.
The design theories that led to the creation of the clipper ship were revolutionary. They were an extension of the design of the considerably smaller but very swift and manoeuvrable ‘Baltimore clippers’, two-masted schooners that, as the name suggests, originated in Baltimore, on Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Their pedigree dates back to the Anglo-American War of 1812, when many were built as swift privateers and blockade runners. The design also proved ideal for pilot boats based on America’s east coast.
It was the all-round capabilities of these uniquely styled Baltimore clippers that no doubt influenced John Willis Griffiths, a free-thinking naval architect who is credited with creating the first true clipper ship. Named Rainbow, she was built at the respected Smith & Dimon yard in New York in 1845, primarily for transporting tea from China. Speed was of the essence in this highly competitive trade: the first ship back into New York with a cargo of the new season’s crop could demand a premium price from buyers.
Griffiths even created a design-testing tank so he could prove his theories by towing small models in it, and study wave patterns and drag readings. It was these endeavours that convinced him that the ‘cod’s head and mackerel tail’ theory behind the shape of existing ships was wrong. His designs were long and lean and had a V-shaped bottom instead of flat floors.
Rainbow was very much the centre of attention while being built on the waterfront in New York. She certainly impressed her backers, Howland & Aspinwall, after she was launched. Her top speed was a remarkable 14 knots, a rare achievement for ships of this time . . . and much more was to come. Little wonder that she was classified as an ‘extreme’ sailing vessel.
Immediately she proved her worth on the China run, but sadly her career was to be short-lived. On 17 March 1848, she sailed out of New York Harbour on her fifth voyage, bound for China via the Chilean port of Valparaiso, and was never sighted again. It was thought that she had foundered off Cape Horn in bad weather with the loss of all hands.
Rainbow would not be the only clipper ship of the era to disappear without trace: over the years an astonishing number of them would depart a port, sail over the horizon and never be seen again. The most common cause of these losses was gung-ho young captains like Bully Forbes, keen to break records and reap rewards, who would drive their ships too hard in extreme conditions. In such circumstances it would take only the combination of high wind strength and a massive rogue wave for the helmsman – or helmsmen, as some ships had twin steering wheels – to lose control.
Almost inevitably, the ship would then broach across the face of a wave, be knocked down to a position where she was beyond her stability point-of-no-return, and be overwhelmed. With her masts in the water and sails flogging wildly, there would be no possibility of her recovery. Instead, within minutes, she would be overwhelmed by the might and brutality of subsequent waves before her hull filled with water and she sank.
Sad as the loss of Rainbow was, she would forever be recognised as the foundation and standard-bearer of the remarkable clipper-ship era.
Griffith’s next clipper, Sea Witch, a 170-foot-long three-master, was launched in 1846, again out of the Smith & Dimon shipyard. Months later, she stunned the New York waterfront when she arrived back in her home port with a cargo of tea from Hong Kong after just seventy-seven days at sea. At the time, the same passage would take a conventional cargo vessel around 160 days to complete.
However, it was two years later that her true potential became undeniable.
On 25 March 1849, a tiny white speck was seen on the distant horizon off the entrance to New York Harbour. Its approach aroused interest for those standing high on the hills at Navesink, just inland from the coast, primarily because its proportions were growing at a rapid rate. In a very little time, discussion centred on what this might be – obviously it was a sailing ship, but never before had one been seen to close on New York so quickly.
This ship had every possible sail aloft, including studding sails set to windward. Lookouts who were in position to semaphore news of any approaching ship to downtown New York struggled to recognise the ship’s identity; they agreed she looked like a clipper, and if she was, she could only be returning from China with a cargo of tea, but the first of those was not expected so soon.
A little later, when the ship was close enough to the coast to be identified using a telescope, the lookouts were stunned. This was Sea Witch on her return voyage, fully laden with tea.
Her hard-driving master was one of the more colourful characters on the high seas at the time, American Robert ‘Bully’ Waterman, who had worked closely with Griffiths on the clipper’s design. His major contribution had related to the design of the rig and the amount of sail the ship would carry.
Bully Waterman was on his way to achieving what no one thought possible. He was on the verge of completing what was usually a six-month passage from Hong Kong to New York in just seventy-four days, beating by three days the record time he had set two years earlier. To this day, this new mark has never been beaten by a commercial sailing vessel.
The birth of the clipper coincided with an era when navigators were developing techniques and equipment that would bring a new dimension to ocean travel.
Matthew Fontaine Maury was an American naval officer who became known as the father of modern oceanography and naval meteorology. As the first superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory, over many decades, Maury gathered and studied the logs and charts of vessels that had traversed the world’s oceans, an effort that led him to develop highly detailed data relating to wind and current patterns, the likes of which had never been known. His subsequent publications showed how ships following his course directions between ports, while often covering a substantially greater distance than the direct route, could reduce their time for the passage by days, sometimes weeks.
He also developed a theory about the existence of a northwest passage, his hypothesis being that an area of ocean in the region of the North Pole was on some occasions not frozen over, which meant it would be possible to sail a ship around the top of North America west to east and enter the Atlantic. This conclusion came to him after he analysed the logs he had gathered from old whaling ships. It had been noted in some of those logs that markings on harpoons embedded in whales captured in the Atlantic showed the harpoons had come from ships based in the North Pacific. Recognising that the timeframe was too short for them to have migrated from one ocean to the other via Cape Horn, Maury deduced that those whales must have been able to surface to breathe over the thousands of miles they would have to travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. This meant that a north-west passage must exist – probably not every summer season, but certainly during some. His hypothesis was confirmed as fact in 1854, when Irishman Robert McClure crossed the passage partly by ship and partly by sledge. Then, half a century later, Norwegian Roald Amundsen made the first successful transit solely by boat.
On the opposite side of the Atlantic around the same time, John Thomas Towson was developing a separate theory that would revolutionise the art of navigating the world’s oceans. Towson started his commercial life as a successful maker of watches and navigational chronometers, but his talents and intelligence were such that history would see him as a contributor to many facets of life. Among his many noted achievements was the invention of a method for taking a photographic picture on glass, and the application of this method to the development of the reflecting camera.
In the mid–1840s Towson turned his attention to navigation, and in particular the ‘great circle’ route. He devised a set of tables to allow the easy calculation of a great circle course – where by sailing an arc between two points and not along a latitude, the distance to be sailed would be considerably less.
The benefits of this new navigational method were immediately proved on crossings of the Atlantic, and were soon being applied on many passages to and from Australia and New Zealand, in particular on the long legs across the southern seas.
When the great circle route was coupled with the benefits that came from Maury’s research into the world’s ocean currents and wind patterns, the sailing time between England and the Antipodes by all ships could be reduced by weeks. It meant that the high-speed clippers could now make this journey at unimaginable speeds.
It usually took a year to build one of these leviathan vessels. The timber to be used for the ship’s construction – usually maple or oak in North America – had been felled up to a year before the build commenced, so that the majority of the sap, which could cause rot, had dried out.
The designer, who was also often the builder, would often start with a 6-foot-long timber block and carve out what was called a half-model – one half of the ship cut lengthwise. Made using a mallet, chisels, saws and fairing equipment, the half-model was created to the hull lines drawn by the designer, with a bit of ‘feel’ often added to the shape by the builder. | 2019-04-20T06:15:43Z | https://ar.scribd.com/book/390331458/Under-Full-Sail |
The following are the complete texts of the press releases issued by the S.R.A.C.
October 24, l 996 -- Reeling from recent press exposes highly critical of its management, officials at The Center For Animal Care and Control (CACC) have punished whistleblowers by firing the people who volunteered their time, money and services helping the animals confined to the NYC Shelters.
The volunteers were the only conduit to fresh air, sunshine and touch for the caged animals languishing in shelters eyewitnesses call inhumane and unsanitary. Medium-size and large dogs now sit imprisoned, some in 3x3 foot cages, without being walked for indefinite periods. The law requires adequate food, water and exercise for all shelter animals. CACC officials admit they cannot comply.
For over a year and a half these individuals have been traveling to the East Harlem Shelter to volunteer in an emotionally devastating atmosphere to try and help these animals. One volunteer spent thousands of dollars in promotions and for months walked all over the city to distribute his own advertising, because the CACC was not. He also produced a CD of the sounds of animals inside the shelter howling and crying out, which has received attention on the Internet from as far away as the Netherlands. Another arranged to have major improvements made to the dog run, which was so old and poorly designed it could not even be accessed from the shelter itself and was therefore hardly ever used, raising thousands of dollars for this entirely on her own. Two more volunteers spent all their free time and money filming, editing and producing a cable show at the shelter which led to over a hundred adoptions. Through rain, heat and freezing cold, another came to the shelter five days a week to walk the dogs; another would stay until l l'o clock at night (after her regular job), to groom the unkempt and matted dogs so they would have a chance at adoption.
Since the CACC is a City agency -- the Health, Sanitation, and Deputy Police Commissioners sit on the CACC Board of Directors, appointed by the Mayor -- humane groups are crying foul because CACC is supposed to have an open-door policy, yet cameras are now banned and wards shut from public view. Since taxpayers fund the CACC, the fired volunteers have joined other animal advocates to form the Shelter Reform Action Committee, and pledge to file a class-action lawsuit to protect the taxpayers' and the animals' interests.
RESIGNS ON EVE OF CITY COUNCIL HEARING.
plagued former DOH bureaucrat since 1994 appointment.
February 18, 1997 -- After more than two years of heated criticism from many members of the humane community, Martin B. Kurtz, the former Health Dept. official appointed to run the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC), the nation's largest animal shelter system, has resigned effective this month. Mr. Kurtz was a lightning rod for controversy since his initial appointment in September 1994, because the Health Department oversaw the formation of the CACC for the Mayor, and Mr. Kurtz had no prior experience managing a shelter system.
Mr. Kurtz was previously the head of the DOH's Department of Veterinary Public Health Services, whose principal function is monitoring animal bites and rabies, and, more recently, dog licensing. Mr. Kurtz was also the Health Dept. official charged with overseeing the City's annual $4 million "animal control" contract with the ASPCA until 1994 when the "A" declined to renew the 100-year old relationship. In recent years, the ASPCA-built shelters in Brooklyn and Manhattan became increasingly criticized for their substandard conditions resulting in "an inhumane nightmare for the animals and employees who worked there, which they tried to keep quiet," according to Liz Grayson of The Animal Connection, Inc., an Upper East Side rescue group. "When we blew the whistle on the current conditions by talking to reporters in September, we were fired by Kurtz for going public," former CACC volunteer Jane Colton confirms.
Many of his critics blame Mr. Kurtz for allowing such substandard conditions to exist in the first place. "For Marty Kurtz to defend two years of dismal conditions by blaming them as ones he inherited is preposterously hypocritical," says Gary Kaskel, who once brought a Federal lawsuit seeking Kurtz' removal from the Health. Dept. based on his "extreme bias" against pet owners. "He's a real bureaucrat," says Kaskel, "interested it seems more in preserving his power and his job than in the welfare of animals."
"Marty Kurtz has the blood of more than 100,000 helpless animals on his hands because he took a job for which he knew he was not qualified, a despicable act," says Julie Van Ness of United Action for Animals. "The Health Department is in the business of protecting people, not animals, so the welfare of animals is not the Health Department's concern. But, ultimately it comes back to the Mayor, who really controls these appointments. It's no accident that the Commissioner of Sanitation is on the CACC board of directors. The CACC has been run like one more carting operation. Pick up and dispose -- that is, pick up and kill."
Last year, it is estimated the CACC destroyed more than 50,000 dogs and cats, the vast majority of which were healthy and adoptable. But even those statistics were the subject of dispute. "The CACC has a huge credibility problem," says Livi French of The Caring Corps. "Much of it had to do with trust, or the rather the lack of engendered by its predecessor. What with the historically sloppy recordkeeping that's still practiced, together with the Dept. of Health's heavy-handed omnipresence, plus the inherent nature of statistics to be twisted into just about anything, no one takes NYC shelter numbers at face value."
After months of pressure, the City Council's Contracts Committee, headed by Kathryn Freed, began a formal investigation of the CACC last year. A public hearing was promised for early 1997. Freed's investigators claim they are being slowed by uncooperative DOH officials delaying the production of documents. The Shelter Reform Action Committee (SRAC) will file a lawsuit in State Court this month seeking to declare the CACC subject to the Freedom of Information Laws, an obligation it denies despite an opinion from the NY State Committee on Open Government to the contrary. SRAC plans other legal action to follow.
OVER ACCESS TO INFORMATION, STATUS AS CITY AGENCY.
secrecy to cover its mismanagement, misdeeds.
February 27, 1997 -- A coalition of animal advocates filed a lawsuit yesterday seeking a court order declaring the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) be deemed a City agency for the purposes of accessing information through the Freedom of Information Laws. CACC has denied numerous document requests from animal advocates looking into the published statistics on animals taken in, adopted and euthanized by the City Shelter System, which critics and insiders claim are inaccurate and deliberately misleading.
In 1994, Mayor Giuliani incorporated the Center for Animal Care & Control and appointed the Health, Sanitation and Deputy Police Commisssioners to permanently sit on its board. A multi-million dollar contract was then awarded to the CACC through the Dept. of Health. Charges of mismanagement, cruelty to animals and conflicts of interest have surrounded the shelter operation ever since. The recent resignation of CACC's executive director Martin B. Kurtz, a former Health Dept. bureaucrat, came after an independent management consultant's report gave CACC extremely low marks.
The City Council has been conducting a formal investigation of complaints about the CACC and a public hearing of the Contracts Committee headed by Kathryn Freed has been promised at its conclusion.
Friday, April 18, 1997 -- Responding to years of what animal advocates say is a callous indifference by NYC government to the welfare of animals that end up in city shelters and then killed -- some 40,000 a year -- a coalition of humane groups and individuals spent four months with a team of lawyers writing new legislation which will amend the City Charter to create a Department of Animal Affairs to advocate for lost and stray animals, perform animal control functions and run the city animal shelters.
It is estimated there are more than two million pet owners in NYC. The ballot initiative takes these issues directly to the voters. The mandate will attack some of the root problems for animal overpopulation and expand animal control and shelter services, and create public accountability.
In 1994, Mayor Giuliani formed The Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) to take over New York City's animal shelter system from the ASPCA. CACC was awarded a contract by the Health Dept. paid for with tax dollars. Instead of appointing experienced professionals, the Mayor appointed city officials with no experience or knowledge in animal care to run these shelters. For the past two years, the Sanitation Commissioner has been Chairman of the Board of the CACC.
The result: Fewer than 20% of the dogs and cats that enter these shelters survive. Before they die, these animals languish in crumbling and diseased facilities without proper medical care or housing. More than 100,000 healthy, adoptable animals have been needlessly killed, frozen and burned since 1995. The CACC does minimal advertising or fundraising to promote their adoptions. The Village Voice called CACC "The cruelest animal rescue system in the country."
In 1994, Mayor Giuliani formed The Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) to take over New York City's animal shelter system from the ASPCA. CACC was then awarded a contract by the Health Dept. paid for with tax dollars. Instead of appointing experienced professionals, the Mayor appointed city officials with no experience or knowledge in animal care to run these shelters. The Sanitation Commissioner is the chairman of the CACC board of directors.
The result: Fewer than 20% of the dogs and cats that enter these shelters survive. Before they die, these animals languish in crumbling and diseased facilities without proper medical care or housing. Thousands of animals have been needlessly killed, frozen and burned since 1995. The CACC does minimal advertising or fundraising to promote their adoptions. The Village Voice called CACC "The cruelest animal rescue system in the country."
NYC spends only 67¢ per person annually on animal care & control.
Not-for-profit legal status of City animal shelters at issue.
to maintain mismanagement and corruption.
June 16, 1997 -- In an extraordinary and brash move, 1st Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro fired Center for Animal Care & Control board members Dr. Louise Murray and Rosemary Joyce within hours of their testimony at a public hearing of Kathryn Freed's contracts committee today. The two board members were critical of the conduct of Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty, who was obstructing the hiring of a new executive director on orders from the Mayor. Commissioner Doherty, the CACC chairman, walked out in protest prior to the critical testimony, and returned later to testify that he didn't recall the same timeline facts as had been recounted earlier. Commissioner Doherty received sporatic jeers and laughter during his two hours before the Council committee.
In response to the firings, Councilmember Freed has called a press conference to discuss her displeasure with the Mayor's action. The animal protection community cites this as just another move by a callous and indifferent Mayor who doesn't care about the welfare of animals, and vows to make the Mayor's conduct an election year issue. There are more than two million pet owners in NYC.
September 2, 1997 -- Responding to years of what animal advocates say is a callous indifference by municipal government to the welfare of animals that end up in city shelters and then killed -- more than 40,000 a year -- a coalition of humane groups and individuals are asking the voters to amend the City Charter to create a Department of Animal Affairs to advocate for lost and stray animals, perform animal control functions and run the city animal shelters. Such department will have a mandate to find humane solutions to the pet overpopulation problem, principally through spay and neuter, humane education and expanded adoption programs. An independent oversight commission will ensure public accountability for the activities of this new agency.
75,000 New Yorkers signed petitions to put this issue to the voters in November. The petitions will be filed at the City Clerk's office on the 2nd floor of One Centre Street at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2nd. A press conference will follow at 11:00 a.m. on the steps of City Hall.
SRAC filed a lawsuit against the City and the Center for Animal Care & Control (CACC) earlier this year over Freedom of Information requests denied by the CACC. State Court Judge Diane Lebedeff is expected to rule shortly.
September 22, 1997 -- Responding to years of gross neglect and mismanagement by the City in running the animal shelter system, a grass roots coalition of animal advocates, the Shelter Reform Action Committee (SRAC), submitted 75,215 petition signatures for a ballot initiative proposing a new City Department of Animal Affairs to improve conditions for the City's homeless pets. 50,000 valid signatures are required to put a referendum item on the ballot. Carlos Cuevos, the City Clerk, notified SRAC that 34,000 of the signatures do not qualify and that he was refusing to put the issue to the voters in November.
After analyzing photocopies of the petitions which the Board of Elections has purported to review, SRAC has filed suit against the City charging the City Clerk and the Board of Elections with illegally denying thousands of valid signatures, effectively keeping the referendum choice from NYC voters. An elections process expert hired by SRAC advised everything about the way the Clerk's accounting was documented was highly irregular. Signature witnesses were deemed invalid for no apparent reason, striking out whole petition sheets without justification. Election board workers were given poor quality photocopies of hundreds of petitions resulting in many more signatures being deemed invalid as illegible. SRAC volunteers checked records on Election Board computers for more than a week to confirm the widespread errors.
The referendum has met with wide approval from humane groups and sympathetic politicians alike, receiving endorsements from City Council members Gifford Miller (Man.), Jerome X. O'Donovan (S.I.) and Contracts Committee chair Kathryn Freed (Man.). Councilmember Freed's committee recently concluded a nine-month investigation into the City's animal shelters, confirming many of the criticisms of animal advocates. For a copy of the committee's report, entitled "Dying For Homes: Animal Care And Control In New York City," call 788-7016.
Julie Van Ness, president of United Action for Animals, and SRAC treasurer, says "the shift of animal control responsibilities from the Department of Health to a Department of Animal Affairs will give the City the best possible opportunity to humanely solve the pet over population problem." The referendum was brought under Section 40 of the City Charter, which permits creation of new City offices.
After a week of reviewing the thousands of photocopied petitions provided by the City Clerk's office, it became clear that the 50,000 signature requirement was met. SRAC, represented by the law firm of Dewey Ballantine, filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court that seeks a court order directing the City Clerk to put the referendum item on the November ballot. Justice David Saxe is expected to rule on the issue this month. | 2019-04-21T22:56:08Z | http://www.shelterreform.org/the-city-volunteers-barred-from-helping-nycs-caged-pound-pups.html |
Sometimes in the course of military operations ill-conceived ideas survive to produce unacceptable outcomes. When this happens, frustrated leaders might ask, “What made us think this would work?” The last decade of persistent conflict has made this a common experience especially when we face problems that are unique. Why would this be the case?
Military professionals prefer thinking that is rational and analytical, and which helps in the selection of ideas that meet feasibility, acceptability, and suitability criterion. In addition, they prefer to select rational and analytical ideas that have a history of working in similar situations as before. This creates a "paradigmatic" mode of typical thinking, which is the opposite of deep, reflective, multi-perspective thinking. This "field expedient" means of just enough thinking to find usual solutions has been so successful, through trial and error, that it takes a deliberate act of will to do original thinking that may take practitioners out of their professional paradigm. It has been so successful that there is great pressure among practitioners to keep doing it precisely because it has been a good way to solve problems that fit within the accepted paradigm of the military profession. In fact, it has made those kinds of problems so "solvable" that we are increasingly only left with the kinds of hard problems that our paradigmatic thinking is not well suited to handle. However, it is not the paradigmatic way of thinking that is "faulty," but rather that when we try to apply it outside of the appropriate context, it begins failing us. The fault is not in the mode of thinking but in its improper application to certain contexts. These contexts are the medium to ill structured problems that FM 5-0 introduces to the profession.
To meet these types of problems, the military profession is expanding its thinking repertoire to include concepts such as “Design”, in order to allow its critical and creative thinking to account for problems that fall outside of the assumed context of the military operating parameters. Professional military education institutions have furthered this effort by turning to theorists who have labeled the mental activities of critical and creative thinking. Several military professional practitioners have described a practical explanation of the same type of activities.
This essay will summarize how cognitive theorists have described critical and creative thinking in general, and how some military practitioners have applied them. In doing so, this essay will propose principles of critical and creative thinking applicable to the military profession to provide a common vocabulary that describes the type of thinking we do. To expand and improve critical and creative thinking, military professionals need a common vocabulary that accurately describes the very thinking we are to expand and improve on. Below is a synopsis of how a sampling of theorists and military practitioners describe the mental activities associated with critical and creative thinking.
Dr Mark Gerges is a retired Army officer with 20 years of service in armor. He is currently an associate professor of history at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His research area is the French Revolution and Napoleon, and in particular command and control of the cavalry under the Duke of Wellington. He holds a Ph.D. in European History from Florida State University.
Ken Long is a retired Army officer with 25 yrs service as an infantryman and logistician. He is currently the curriculum designer for CGSC's Department of Logistics and Resource Operations. Research interests include systems management, organizational development, change management, critical thinking and participatory action research. He holds an MS in Systems Management from University of Southern California and completing his dissertation in organizational development from Colorado Tech University.
Leonard Lira is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. He serves as an Army Strategist currently assigned as an assistant professor in the Department of Joint, Interagency and Multinational Operations in the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Richard A. McConnell is a retired Army officer with 25 years of service as an artilleryman. He is currently a Tactics Instructor at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Research interests include Leadership, Human Resource Management, Resilience, and Critical and Creative thinking. He holds a MA in Management and Human Resource Management from Webster University.
I am not fond of the distinction between systematic and systemic (as Hubba Bubba suggests). They both subscibe to thinking the world (and its messes) out there as a system and composed of subsystems (some more complex than others). This is a paradigm in- and of- itself.
It may be that the systems paradigm is THE issue with our thinking.
"We need not certainly presuppose that the world somehow is systematic (simple, uniform, and the like) to validate our penchant for the systematicity of our cognitive commitments."
I agree with most of Hubba Bubba's points below, and while we should continously endeavor to improve our ability to think creatively and critically this article appears to be largely a rational argument for continuing the current methodology, but focus on improving the individual planner, with the unstated assumption that is we have creative and critical thinkers conducting the planning the process will work. It may be improved incrementally, but the process is still largely similar to an algorithm and the input will be transformed into standardized results regardless of the level of creative thinking based on the military’s strong desire to embrace formats (which limit creative thinking and solutions) and employ all capabilities whether needed or not because good plans are joint and incorporate X, Y, and Z (according to our culture).
Our planning processes are probably adequate for planning military operations that are focused on threats, but they are from ideal when we’re focused on “attacking” ideas, economic assistance, building local and national governments, etc. At the end of the day you still have military officers in the planning group that are not experts in these areas that are attempting to make these activities conform to our doctrinal processes. Occasionally we have the time and are humble enough to invite functional experts into our planning groups, but they’re frequently frustrated with our inability to grasp and implement their ideas when we distort their ideas (sometimes even give them military buzz word definitions) by attempting to adapt them into our preconceived phases of an operation.
The author’s recommendations may make us “better” planners, but they won’t change the paradigmatic thinking rut we’re stuck in.
While design is designed (pardon the pun) to help us understand the context and identify the real problems (as Einstein stated we should spend 90% of our time defining the problem, 10% solving it), I have yet to see it work in reality. It is simply an intellectual exercise that largely separate from the planning process, and all too frequently conducted by a limited number officers with strong biases or strong prepositions.
Additionally, all too often when each of us talk about improving our strategic and operational level planning processes (for other than combat, because or processes work fairly well for what they were designed for) it means people should at the world the way I do. They should adopt my philosophy on life, my approach to problems, etc.
Then of course if you are actually successful with developing a creative plan that is outside the norm (not just using new buzz words to try to sound like your approach is different), you have the challenge of selling it through multiple layers of bureaucracy manned by dinosaurs (often young dinosaurs stuck in a doctrinal rut and uncomfortable with anything that doesn’t adapt to their formats and processes) that can step on the brakes.
Critical thinking evokes the concept of 'problematization' as espoused by Michel Foucault and represents the post-modern philosophical/organizational theory application to conceptual planning and problem-solving. To critically think requires one to challenge the institution, to include core values, and to 'think about thinking'- some use the term 'metacognition.' However, military planners and leaders that actually employ critical thinking will find many of the design references of this article quite constrictive, conformist, and lacking in appreciation of complex adaptive systems logic.
1. Army Design Methodology (in it's current form) reflects further 'group think' that attempts in a reductionist, or post-positivist manner to categorize thinking into a procedure. Step one- establish the environmental frame...step two..and so-forth. Doctrine codifies- it protects select narratives that are self-relevant to an institution; that is potentially why the military and some religious institutions (both defined by tradition, conformity, and the requirements for universalization and repetition of select behaviors and practices) use the term 'doctrine' in the first place. Doctrine is mostly about preservation of control- and the process of not thinking but following guidance to act.
Ludwig von Bertalanffy, Valerie and Allen Ahl, Ervin Laszlo, Huba Wass de Czege, Francois Jullien, Michel Foucault, Peter Novick, Jeff Conklin, Gwilym Jenkins, Shimon Naveh, Gerald Weinberg, Nassim Taleb, Vladimir Slipchenko, Alex Ryan, Paul Ricoeur, Thomas Nelson, Thomas Kuhn, Steven Johnson, Anne-Marie Grisogono, Gilles Deleuze, Felix Guattari, Peter Checkland, Walter Buckley, Eva Boxenbaum, Linda Rouleau, Mats Alvesson, Jorgen Sandberg, among others. There are just so many out there- and most of them have nothing to do with the military- which has everything to do with why we keep attempting to solve complex problems the wrong way!
3. Figure 1 in this article makes the point that Army Design Methodology relies extensively on science, procedures, and rigid decision making trapped within a hierarchical structure that does not take well to critical or creative thinking. The Army Problem-solving Model's highly problematic logic begins with "identify the problem" which leads right into a systematizing and positivist logic where every problem identified automatically comes with an associated solution. Instead of problem-centric thinking, we ought to consider appreciating the complex system holistically- seeking patterns and emergence. Solving one problem likely creates three more..
4. Figure 1 also includes Mission Command (which many general officers still question whether it is much different from Battle Command...or more useful); and to my dread, also includes the utterly worthless graphic from FM 5-0 with the Design Methodology fishing net of nothingness. In terms of graphics, figure 1 for this article is less about explaining anything in the article, and more about showing the reader a smorgasbord of conforming and “group think” planning graphics collected from across the Army doctrine. These are procedures, and are generally quite rigid. That is likely why the military struggles to bridge conceptual to detailed planning- complex systems do not behave or respond well to these controlling methodologies that seek to “tame” wicked problems, as Conklin would argue.
5. By the time I got to figure 2, the overarching narrative of this article was clear. Instead of discussing critical and creative thinking across a holistic perspective that draws from outside the military approved and sanctioned “Design” field, this article showcases only approved ideas. Doctrine is good, and sanctioned military thinkers are good. This is hardly critical- and largely unhelpful for military planners attempting to explain or understand how to better plan under complex conditions. To think critically is to go beyond touting the party line, whether that line is directed by Washington, the Pentagon, Leavenworth, or even within CGSC or SAMS. We must break beyond the group-think of doctrine, question why we think the way we do- why we prefer to see the world and attempt to explain it in certain ways while ignoring or rejecting other perspectives. To be creative, one must go well outside of the box and not look for procedures, check-lists, or pretty graphics that are universal in nature and expect the reader to think less, and follow the procedure more. Planning is not about coloring within the lines- to think creatively and critically, turn the coloring book upside down and use the back of it- the blank paper- move away from the lines entirely- and begin from there instead….
Food for thought- my opinions are just my own. | 2019-04-23T04:25:45Z | https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/how-we-think-thinking-critically-and-creatively-and-how-military-professionals-can-do-it-be |
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I got in touch with Chris Tan as was recommended by my piers and within a matter of a couple of weeks, I started working with one of the biggest civil contractor in Australia by CTC's help and support. I have been in touch with CTC for the past 2 years keeping an eye on better market opportunities through the team as they have supported me all the way through my first steps in the industry."
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Kellie is an empowering and positive role model for people and really cares about her clients and makes sure they get the best possible service from her.
I met with Kellie a few weeks ago. Kellie immediately empowered me to make a change in my life and reassured me that my experience would be greatly valued elsewhere. Kellie is very in-tune with her client's needs and was able to recommend to me a number of companies that would be suited to my personal values and career goals. I was very impressed that she was able to line up interviews within a week of our initial catch up, where she then personally campaigned for me with these companies to ensure that I got the best deal. | 2019-04-24T17:54:06Z | https://www.ctconsult.com.au/about/testimonials-and-feedback |
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CA eHealth® to CA Unified Infrastructure Management Transition is a set of activities aimed at facilitating the transition of eHealth customers to CA UIM. CA Services evaluates and helps implement equivalence mapping of various reports and configuration items. | 2019-04-22T11:01:17Z | https://www.ca.com/au/collateral/service-offering/ca-infrastructure-management-implementation-services.html |
Most pharmacists who work in retail pharmacies have a serious potential conflict of interest. On the one hand, they are professionals, expected to be knowledgeable about drugs and to dispense them in a responsible and ethical manner. On the other hand, their income depends on the sale of products. Before the FDA's OTC (Over-the-Counter) Drug Review drove most of the ineffective ingredients out of OTC drug products, few pharmacists protested or attempted to protect their customers from wasting money on products that did not work.
Today nearly all pharmacies carry irrationally formulated dietary supplements, and many stock dubious herbal and homeopathic products in addition to standard drugs. Chain drugstores are more likely to do so than individually owned stores. Hospital pharmacies are less prone to do so. In the late 1990s, some pharmacy trade publications—most notably the now-defunct Natural Pharmacist—suggested that "natural products" offered opportunities to make up for prescription drug revenues lost as a result of managed care and other cost-containment programs. Two pharmacy suppliers aligned with this trend were The JAG Group of San Clemente, California and HealthTrust Alliance, of Lawrenceville, Georgia , both of which offered comprehensive programs through which pharmacists could market dietary supplements and herbal and homeopathic products to their customers. I thought that these programs were appalling because (a) few common ailments can be helped with dietary supplements or herbal products, (b) nutrient depletion related to drug use is not common, (c) homeopathic products are worthless, (d) pharmacists are not qualified or legally permitted to be "natural healthcare practitioners, and (e) recommending products for hundreds of ailments would be outside the scope of pharmacy practice, constitute the illegal practice of medicine, and violate state laws against theft by deception. As far as I can tell, neither of these programs is active today, but the percentage of pharmacists who sell dubious products has increased considerably.
In the mid-1980s, two dietitians examined the labels of vitamin products at five pharmacies, three groceries, and three health-food stores in New Haven. Products were considered appropriate if they contained between 50% and 200% the U.S. RDA and no more than 100% of others for which Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intakes existed. Only 16 out of 105 (15%) of the multivitamin/mineral products met these criteria . Although current data on the percentage of irrational formulations in pharmacies is not available, every one I have ever visited carried lots of them.
Pharmacy compounding is another problematic area. Compounding is the creation of a drug product by mixing ingredients. Compounding has legitimate uses and is most often done honestly at physician request. However, some pharmacies compound drugs that have little or no rational use, including some that are potentially dangerous and lack FDA approval . Two such product categories are chelating agents and bioidentical hormones , both of which have been the target of FDA warnings.
If asked directly whether an ineffective product is worthwhile, most pharmacists will answer to the best of their ability. However, many surveys have shown that pharmacists are poorly informed about herbal products, many types of dietary supplements, and homeopathic products.
In 1985, reporters from Consumer Reports magazine visited 30 drugstores in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and California. The reporters complained of feeling tired or nervous, and asked whether a vitamin product might help. Seventeen were sold a vitamin product and one was sold an amino acid preparation. (None of the products had any ingredient that was effective against fatigue or nervousness.) Only 9 of the 30 pharmacists suggested that a doctor be consulted .
A study published in 1993 found that 47% of pharmacy students at two Philadelphia schools were taking supplements. The study demonstrated that many of them mistakenly believed that supplements could improve energy and relieve stress and that a year of school had only a modest influence on these beliefs .
A study at the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy published in 2006 found that only 26% of faculty members and 3% of senior PharmD students considered homeopathy ineffective and 23% of faculty members and 35% of students said they had no opinion .
Despite considerable effort, I have located no evidence that pharmacy educators generally perceive misbeliefs about ineffective products as a problem area and are trying to produce students who think clearly about these products.
The most common reason is greed. Advertising creates a demand that the pharmacist can supply and make a profit. "If I don't sell them, they'll just go to my competition down the street," is a common response. Pharmacists are apparently more interested in a sale than in the patient's welfare. . . .
Pharmacists are also the only recognized health professionals who sell tobacco products, which cause more death and years of lost life than any other consumer product. Although many pharmacies have stopped offering cigarettes, many others still carry them.
The code of ethics of the American Pharmacists Association (APHA) does not state that pharmacists have a duty to prevent dubious products from lining their shelves . A few states have laws declaring it illegal for pharmacists to sell ineffective products, but these laws have never been applied to the sale of OTC products. In 1995, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy passed a resolution critical of homeopathy. Though commendable, this resolution has had no visible impact on pharmacy practice.
ASHP believes that the widespread, indiscriminate use of dietary supplements presents substantial risks to public health and that pharmacists have an opportunity and a professional responsibility to reduce those risks. . . .
This statement is commendable, but I have seen no organized effort by pharmacists, their professional organizations, or their schools to raise the relevant educational or ethical standards.
W. Steven Pray, Ph.D., D.Ph., a professor at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy has concluded that pharmacists sell homeopathic products for three reasons: wilful ignorance, blatant dishonesty, and overwhelming greed. He also notes that the APhA endorses homeopathic products by (a) permitting homeopathic sellers to rent booth space at its conventions, (b) providing proponents with a national forum that reaches APhA members, and (c) publishing book chapters and articles that fail to adequately criticize homeopathy .
Like other professions, pharmacy is under tremendous external and internal pressure to accept and recommend products lacking proof of safety and efficacy, and not grounded in evidence-based medicine. Pharmacy colleges should include a required course in unproven medications and therapies. It should address the benefits of an evidence-based approach to medicine in general and to pharmaceutical care in particular. It should discuss the ethical dilemma inherent in recommending products lacking proof of safety and efficacy. When unproven systems are taught (eg, homeopathy), they must be clearly labeled as such and their departures from evidence-based medicine clarified for students.
Instead, he reports how, for more than ten years, nearly every communication channel through which pharmacists receive information about dietary supplements, herbs, and homeopathic products has portrayed them more favorably than they deserve. To counter this, he urges pharmacy schools to provide the naked truth in a course that minces no words and even asks students to complain to the FTC about misleading product advertising .
I believe that pharmacists have as much of an ethical duty to discourage use of inappropriate products as physicians do to advise against unnecessary surgery or medical care. Very few pharmacists do so. Pharmacy journal editors ignore this problem. Hospital-based pharmacists generally exhibit a higher standard of practice, but very few of them are speaking out about the problems described in this article.
Pharmacists and their customers have millions of conversations per year about dietary supplements, herbs, and homeopathic products. Can you imagine what would happen to quackery in America if pharmacists discouraged inappropriate purchases of these products? Do you think that will ever happen?
Some notes on the activities of Joanne Garneau. Pharmwatch Web site, June 13, 2011.
Bell LS, Fairchild M. Evaluation of commercial multivitamin supplements. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 87:341-343, 1987.
Bouts BA. The misuse of compounding by pharmacists. Quackwatch, Nov 26, 2005.
FDA takes action against compounded menopause hormone therapy drugs. FDA news release, Jan 8, 2008.
Edetate disodium (marketed as Endrate and generic products). FDA Public Health Advisory. Jan 16, 2008.
The vitamin pushers. Consumer Reports 51:170-175, 1986.
Nelson MV and others. A survey of pharmacists' recommendations for food supplements in the U.S.A. and the U.K. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 15:131-139, 1990.
Barrett S. Homeopathy: The ultimate fake. Quackwatch, Aug 23, 2009.
Nelson MV, Bailie GR. Pharmacists' perceptions of alternative health approaches: A comparison between U.S. and British pharmacists. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 15:141-146, 1990.
Ranelli PL, Dickerson RN, White KG. Use of vitamin and mineral supplements by pharmacy students. American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy 50:674-678, 1993.
Welna EM and others. Pharmacists' personal use, professional practice behaviors, and perceptions regarding herbal and other natural products. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association 43:602-611, 2003.
Harris IM and others. Attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among pharmacy faculty and students. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 70(6):1-7, 2006.
Nelson MV. Promotion and selling of unnecessary food supplements: Quackery or ethical pharmacy practice? American Pharmacy NS28(10):34-36, 1988.
Kessler DA. Why the FDA does not approve supplements. Speech at Good Housekeeping Institute Consumer Safety Symposium: Dietary Supplements & Herbal Remedies. New York, March 3, 1998.
American Pharmaceutical Association. Code of Ethics for Pharmacists. Oct 27, 1994.
ASHP statement on the use of dietary supplements. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists 61:1707-1711, 2004 (reviewed and considered "still appropriate" in 2009).
Pray WS. Why pharmacists should not sell homeopathic products. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 15:280-283, 2010.
Pray WS. Ethical, scientific, and educational concerns with unproven medications. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 70(6), article 141, 2006.
This article was revised on July 19, 2011. | 2019-04-22T15:09:55Z | https://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/pharm.html |
Aug. 20-27, 2007 issue - In India, education is supposed to be free and universal through age 14. In fact, it often doesn't work out that way. Consider Dhiraj Sharma, the 10-year-old son of a bicycle rickshaw driver in Dehli, who was forced to stay home last year after the local state denied him admission because he didn't have the right papers—a common problem. So Dhiraj is now applying to a private school. For just $6 a month, the R.S. School offers a much better education than the state, says Dhiraj's father, Ramesh, complaining that his son "finished class three in government school, and he can't read anything!"
Such problems have sparked a boom in private schooling throughout the developing world. In 2000, James Tooley, an administrator for Orient Global, a Singapore company that invests in education for the poor, went walking in Hyderabad, India, and was startled to find private schools on virtually every corner. He launched a full-scale study in India, China and Africa, and everywhere, officials and aid agencies told him such schools for the poor didn't exist. But when his researchers explored the villages and slums, they found that not only did they exist, they were flourishing. "It's a tremendous success story," says Tooley. "Entrepreneurs are catering to poor, low-income families, and they're achieving better than the government at a fraction of the cost."
The story was perhaps most dramatic in China. Tooley and his chief researcher, Qiang Liu, traveled to the poorest, most remote villages of Gansu province. Officials there insisted there were no private schools. And so it seemed, until Qiang woke up one morning at dawn and canvassed the vegetable market. Sure enough, women who'd traveled there from the neighboring countryside told him about private schools farther up in the mountains. "In the end, our survey found 586 of them in these remote villages, where the government and [aid workers] said there were none."
Elsewhere the private schools were easier to spot and even more numerous. In Delhi, hand-painted signs advertise low-cost private schools at every twist of the narrow lanes. In Hyderabad, 60 percent of the schools serving poor neighborhoods are private. None of them get state aid, and two thirds are not recognized by the government at all—meaning they are essentially black market. In the hinterlands of Accra, Ghana, Tooley's team found the same phenomenon: 65 percent of kids there attended private, unaided schools. In Lagos, in three different slums, the figure jumped to 75 percent.
The numbers suggest that despite the low prices (as little as $1.50 a month), parents believe such schools do a better job than the government. And they're generally right. Harvard's Michael Kremer found that though private-school salaries were lower in India than in public schools, teachers at the former skipped fewer classes (absenteeism is a notorious problem in India's state-run schools). Similarly, a 1999 survey conducted by Delhi University's Centre for Development Economics found that while teachers in state schools spent their time sitting idle, the makeshift private schools enjoyed "feverish classroom activity."
Harder-working teachers, of course, get better results—even when they lack qualifications. Kremer's 2002 study of Colombia's PACES program, one of the largest school-voucher projects ever implemented, found that three years after switching to relatively low-cost private schools, students had accomplished more, repeated fewer grades and scored higher on tests, and were less likely to have dropped out to take jobs, than were their counterparts still stuck in the government system. Other studies have reported similar results in Thailand, Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and elsewhere.
Indeed, it's remarkable how many cheap private schools manage to do more with less. In Uttar Pradesh, one of the poorer Indian states, for instance, Oxford University's Geeta Kingdon has found that private, unaided schools are about twice as cost-effective as government schools, achieving better results in math and comparable results in reading at half the cost. The explanation lies in basic market forces. Competition forces these schools to work effectively. It also produces greater accountability.
In India, teachers' unions are so powerful that educators are almost never fired or transferred for transgressions. And parents are powerless. "At government schools, parents won't even be allowed into the compound, let alone to meet a teacher, but in private schools, in most cases, they have parent-teacher associations," says Parth Shah, president of New Delhi's Center for Civil Society and coordinator of India's School Choice Campaign—a program that promotes vouchers to allow poor kids to attend private school. "Parents feel they have a right to ask a question of a private school."
This higher standard is on view at Priya Adarsh School, another low-cost private operator in northeast Delhi. Here the principal—keen on keeping customers—watches his teachers on a closed-circuit television while he pecks away at a spreadsheet on his desktop PC. The standards aren't perfect, of course; when NEWSWEEK visited, the camera caught one teacher whacking a pupil with a ruler. But at least every teacher was in his or her classroom teaching, and every student was sitting at a desk and paying attention.
Skeptics decry this "at least they're trying" argument. In many regards the cheap private schools are substandard—with poor infrastructure, high teacher-student ratios and poorly qualified instructors—even if they are better than state schools. R. Govinda, head of the department of schools and nonformal education at New Delhi's National University of Educational Planning and Administration, says embracing cheap private schools is defeatist. "I'm not ready to settle for a substandard alternative," he says. "Comparing them is like comparing two people who are drowning. One is drowning in 20 feet of water, the other is drowning in 30 feet of water. Does it make a difference?"
Other opponents, both in India and elsewhere, argue that ceding the educational field to private players will put an end to any hope of an equal education for all. A study based on a survey of parent satisfaction published earlier this year by researchers at Columbia University found that relying on private markets can undermine educational equity and universal access. Furthermore, it argues, private schools strive for superior quality only where they compete with government schools; otherwise they offer "lower-quality, second-chance" educations to children without any other option. "There is no reason to assume that private markets will necessarily improve the quality of education," the study concludes.
School-choice advocates respond that it is a fantasy to suggest public education is providing a quality education to all. "You can't compare the reality of private education with some myth of what public education has been like," says Tooley. At least cheap private schools are responsive to parents, and the more parents who choose this route, the better private schools will get, thanks to increased capital, higher demand, more competition and economies of scale. "These are [now] small cottage industries," says Tooley. "They're mom-and-pop stores. There are thousands and thousands of them. Some of them are beginning to consolidate, and you're getting small, embryonic chains."
That's where he's looking to invest much of the $100 million education fund he manages for Orient Global. Already the fund has given grants to six private-school associations or institutions in Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Nepal, and Tooley's team is conducting research in India ahead of opening a chain of budget private schools for the poor there that would set new benchmarks in quality. "It's an inadequate analogy," says Tooley. "But when I go shopping in a supermarket, I go to one of several chains, and poor people also go shopping there. Poorer people. They have the same diversity of choice and the same quality. The chain doesn't discriminate between us. Also, some of them have food stamps or social-security payments, which are like school vouchers. So when you have competing chains of schools, when the market system develops, that inequality will become less relevant." In the meantime, as the slums of Delhi, Lagos and Accra show, black-market schools will continue to thrive, ensuring that, even in places where government has failed them, poor kids can get an adequate education—on the books or off. | 2019-04-21T04:47:05Z | http://jasonoverdorf.blogspot.com/2007/08/ |
So, life's a game, right? And we've moved into a new area. Relocated. So part of the game is the challenge of recreating the good things from the old life while manifesting new things that are required. Everyone who relocates has to find new doctors, car care, personal services, and so forth. But how about making new friends? Finding new clients? Hooking up with new groups that share like-minded goals? How about quality of life issues such as dining out, entertainment, culture?
My plan is to approach the whole thing as a game that I'm playing with the universe: 1) Income? Put the thought out there, and wait. If during the move itself and subsequent hectic tasks there's little time to attend to marketing and salesmanship, money can appear through other means, such as internet sales, tax refunds, or (in my case) birthday gifts. When the immediate need is met, accept and acknowledge its route. It doesn't matter how the universe fulfills it, only that it arrives on time and is sufficient for the moment. 2) Clients? Anticipate. Who will come into my life having a need or interest, and how will I connect with them? Keep feelers out, but don't obsess about it. Just stay mellow and expectant. Visualize. Stay spacious, because sometimes we need quieter energy and fewer tasks for awhile. 3) Groups? Introductions help. So do pro-active moves such as following up leads. Those who are meant to connect, either as students or mentors or colleagues, will do so in the correct timeframe. Remember that such interweaving is not just your own need, but the greater task of Global Mind right now. 4) Culture? Look around! What does the area offer? Does this-or-that feel right to attend, or just know about and pass up? Education, blending, intermingling the flavors - all are important components of transplantation from one vibe to another.
If the whole transition is seen as a game, life remains happy. Tight schedules, bureaucratic bungles, false starts, less-than-perfect choices - that's all part of the move. Meanwhile, a merry mind keeps the path wide open for blessings. Not getting hung up on the glitches keeps the heart open for loving connections. After all, the only things that really count are Love and Flow, not the old values of money, fame, or power.
It doesn't have to be about moving; it could be applied to any challenging period. Frame what's happening in a way that sees things as demanding obstacles that you can get past while staying content, and you'll feel blessed. Your life will work... and work out well. You'll be one of those actors on life's stage who realizes who's actually pulling the strings.
My new contact info is: Wisdom Path/Judi Thomases, 612 King James Ct., Bear DE 19701. Cell phone is still 845-548-8200, and our new land-line phone # is 302-832-2127. Use [email protected] or [email protected] for all email contact because [email protected] is no longer active.
A daily companion for growth, love and inspiration that has much to offer those who are interested in becoming more aware and connected to the Earth. This book will begin a journey of exploration that has potential to heal and fill your heart with love. Over 60 pages of photographs by the author, meditations, poetry and prose that will awaken you to your Earthly Self and Divine connection to our Mother Earth.
An 11-page report, downloadable. � 2011 by Judi Thomases.
Jupiter has just entered Aries, and Uranus & Neptune are about to leave their mutual reception.
This is my daughter's book. She's an internet marketing expert... but don't take my word for it! Check it out - everything you ever wanted to ask about Twitter is right here.
This is my friend's CD - Stella has a beautiful voice and a profound talent. Here she presents her interpretation of a Tarot card, The Hermit.
I don't have any connection to this company - I just like the look of their Tarot jewelry.
"...in the greater framework of reincarnational existences you choose your roles, or your lives, but the lines you speak, the situations you meet, are not predetermined."
Great movie! Heartwarming, realistic, and inspiring.
The story is true, and pretty simple. A guy who was raised stiltedly, if not abusively, is thrust by history into a position of great significance; if he can overcome his disability, he can become great but if he can't, his own humiliation will pale before the psychological damage that he could wreck upon millions. His circumstances are unique, but his struggle is universal.
Will he succeed in climbing his mountain?
The real guy is Albert, Queen Elizabeth's father. He's a duke, but not next in line to the throne. His older brother is, but unsuitably. To escape the inevitable role, even on the cusp of world war, said elder bro escapes by marrying an American divorcee, thus disqualifying himself utterly from the task. "Bertie" is shoved into it. But Bertie has a prime flaw: he stammers.
Nothing could be worse for England's morale than to get those essential pep talks from a monarch who sounds like a weak jerk! But Bertie's not. He's got the guts and the brains to rule; he just has to fix his deep flaw. Nobody can help him - not his loving wife, not his stern advisors, and not his tradition-addled doctors. But his wife figures out a route, and brings him to an unconventional Aussie who gradually succeeds in breaking through the layers that have embedded in him into unyielding fear.
That the King successfully tackled his obstacle, and that the speech was actually required just as England had to confront Hitler's invasion, makes the tale all the more powerful. All the acting is superb, especially the little nuances. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! This is a great movie!
In this period of time, there is not a lot of chance or opportunity to dedicate oneself to inner work for there is pressure to cope, to stay relevant, to handle the intense challenges of this era, and to keep relationships alive and well. All psychic energy, therefore, is being directed primarily to attaining, if not success, then at least sufficient comfort and sustainability. That which can be considered as inner work - which would be wisdom, peace, and understanding - has been put to the side as non-essential or less valuable.
This shift is fairly recent, and is a reflection of the ramping up of pressure upon the human race. It is not important to enumerate what the pressures are, for everyone is quite familiar with them. From sheer survival to natural threats and over-expansion relative to personal or global resources, today's human being exists in a world that feels dreadfully squeezed and frighteningly unbalanced. Who has time, one might say, for the spiritual quest when daily living has gotten so tough?
Now, it isn't that these words are untrue, for today's reality is as such. But beyond the pressure and intensity lies purpose, design, a game plan to thrust people towards their maximum capabilities. An era without pressure is an era with little evolution. The mandate now is accelerated evolution. So, during this mad dance to cope and survive, where is there room for the inner work or the harmonic alignment? What has happened to newly awakened ideals and desires? These have not disappeared. These, having been remembered, wait in the wings for the moment of restoration. Soon, a brightness reappears, and people's minds remember.
Life's scramble, when pursued without the open heart or the centered mind, is a pathway to pain or illness or devastation, whereas life's challenge, when approached through wisdom and inner peace, is a happy delight leading to achievement and empowerment. So people will begin to remember the missing piece of the equation and return once more to the juggling act of outer reality plus inner gain, for this is the formula that brings wholeness to the Earth.
In the world chart, February begins with the conclusion of a long pattern, in effect since March 2003, that created the technological platform (internet, blogs, Facebook, Google, and Amazon) for the dissemination of spiritual concepts (mutual reception of Uranus in Pisces and Neptune in Aquarius) - this great task has now come to fruition, and soon another energy pattern will begin which I'll talk of in future issues. February 2nd-4th brings idealism (Venus sextile Neptune) and ingenious ideas (Mercury sextile Uranus, entering Aquarius), but erratic economic performance (Venus square Uranus); clashes are strongest on the 3rd, but so is a strong desire to implement new technological advances and humanitarian efforts (New Moon in Aquarius conjunct Mars). A more practical attitude is apparent by the 5th (Venus enters Capricorn), but extravagance and ebullience are possible on the 7th (Venus square Jupiter). The 10th sees financial pressures (Venus conjunct Pluto) which can lead to high anxiety by the 18th (Full Moon opposite Neptune). There is a lack of clarity on the 20th (Mercury conjunct Neptune) but from the 23rd - 25th, more compassion... and also more intuitive awareness (Mercury, Mars into Pisces). The 26th indicates challenges to world banking (Jupiter square Pluto).
For our nation, financial revamping goes well this month (Pluto, from H2, sextile progressed Sun), with much effort being directed towards transportation and communications (Mars in H3). Real estate should pick up (Jupiter into H4) but anxiety is heightened once again regarding fuel costs and foreign trade (Neptune, ruler of H3 from H9, quinqunx progressed Moon). Some optimism, however, can be found in Week 2 (Neptune conjunct Solar Arc Jupiter), with more focus on romance, pleasures, and even consumer extravagance leading up to Valentine's Day (Venus opposite U.S. Venus/Jupiter; Jupiter square Venus, then itself; progressed Moon into Libra). Compromise and diplomacy can be the watchwords of the week. However, the 18th highlights dramatic events regarding law, foreign affairs, or religion (Full Moon conjunct progressed Ascendant in H9), and may usher in a turbulent period of upsetting news and rapidly changing conditions thereafter (Uranus in H3 opposite progressed Moon).
President Obama has a mixture of elements this month: he will become more empowered vis-�-vis allies or enemies, and be presented with excellent new opportunities, but is in danger of being gullible and over-idealistic about money matters and legalities (Pluto, ruler of MC from H7, trine natal Pluto; Uranus, chart ruler from H7, trine Midheaven; Neptune square Midheaven). February begins combatively (Mars opposite Sun). The 3rd is an excellent day for speechifying (Jupiter trine Mercury), and by the 8th he'll be happy, presumably getting a bounce in the polls (Jupiter sextile Moon). On the 10th-12th, his desires and values are shaping up anew (Venus trine Pluto/progressed Pluto), and on the 16th he'll have plenty of renewed energy (Mars trine progressed Mars). The 17th marks a turbulent period or sudden upset in a partnership, and he'll need to talk things out (Mars opposite Uranus, trine progressed Mercury). The 18th is a key date, involving both a celebratory event such as a Hollywood party (Full Moon at 29 Leo conjunct his progressed Venus), yet also a fated connection or circumstance that relates to his soul mission and can involve the use of technology towards global humanitarian progress (progressed Node conjunct natal Uranus). By the 20th-21st, an old pattern resurfaces regarding unpredictability in relationships (Mars conjunct South Node, opposite Uranus), while the second half of the month brings setbacks and blockages from ancient and unseen roots (Saturn, ruler of H12 from H12, square progressed Midheaven).
Your sign did not change!
For more forecast of Obama, the economy, and our nation's destiny, check out my article "Destiny in the Balance" on my website, and coming soon, "Making a Case for the U.S. Sagittarius Ascendant".
(c) 2011 by Judi Thomases.
In tough economic times, an enlightened approach to your career is not only useful, but essential!
A 17-page report, downloadable. � 2010 by Judi Thomases.
WHAT COLOR ARE THE THOUGHT-FORMS YOU'RE CREATING?
FREE PODCAST - "Practical Spirituality: Expert Wisdom Tips on Karma, Intuition, and The Quantum Shift" A podcast of a talk at a holistic fair in Elkton MD, discussing various ways to navigate life's choices, the development of intuition as an effect of wisdom, and the importance of mastering one's emotions.
NEWEST ARTICLE NOW POSTED - "Making a Case for A Sibley U.S. Ascendant", Dell Horoscope Magazine, 2011 Yearbook (on newsstands now). This article compares the three most often used birth times for the nation's horoscope, using keywords, key events, and key figures, to conclude that the Sibley chart is The One! Some very interesting insights are revealed. And thus determined, forecasts are made.
RADIO SHOW - "PUTTING A POSITIVE CREATIVE SPIN ON INTENSELY CHALLENGING TIMES ~ The Energy Patterns: What's Happening & What Can You Do to Align Yourself?" New Perspectives Radio, www.RocklandWorldRadio.com. I was the featured guest discussing astrological patterns, and finding your best purpose and contribution. Archive available.
[email protected]. � 2011 Judi Thomases. All Rights Reserved. | 2019-04-19T02:43:59Z | http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs051/1101749899501/archive/1104229315031.html |
13 states have voluntary, statewide recognition programs that challenge and encourage ECE programs to meet or exceed certain standards related to healthy eating and physical activity for young children. These programs usually have unique branding, are managed by a state agency or non-profit organization, and issue recognition or designation for a certain period of time (i.e., one to three years).
8 of the 24 states reported having a recognition program that used the Healthy Kids, Healthy Future quiz and/or NAP SACC self assessment tools. However, these tools are used by programs to develop an action or improvement plan, as part of QRIS or rating process, and to help providers identify a focus as part of quality improvement. While some states may use the results of these self-assessments to recognize providers through an existing QRIS program, the tools were not usually associated with a standalone recognition program/designation.
4 states appeared to have a recognition program at some point or a program linked to a particular intervention for ECE providers. However, upon closer examination the program appeared to be inactive.
39 states reported having a recognition program, but we found no evidence of a statewide, all-encompassing program active. However, these states did appear to have active Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care recognition programs.
Reviews of programs focused on the 13 states that had an active, statewide, branded recognition program related to nutrition and physical activity – Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Programs in these states issue recognition based on multiple best practices and/or standards in healthy eating and physical activity.
All 13 recognition programs are completely voluntary and include a standardized application process. Applications are downloaded electronically and submitted via e-mail or regular mail to a state agency contact, primarily a Department of Health (11 states) and in one instance, a Department of Education.
Applicants must be licensed or license-exempt ECE programs. Some programs are only open to licensed ECE centers. Most programs seemed to focus on centers participating in CACFP.
With the exception of Florida, Ohio, and Oklahoma, family child care homes do not seem to be the main focus for recognition programs.
The applications varied in depth and intensity with some states requiring completion of a checklist based on standards/recommendations while other states had 10+ page questionnaires.
All states require the submission of some supporting documentation in addition to the application as evidence of the program implementing wellness policies, healthy menus, or completing staff training on nutrition, physical activity, and/or breastfeeding support. In addition to these documents, some states require programs to complete self-assessments and/or participate in an in-person training on a specific topic such as child nutrition, physical activity or breastfeeding support.
Four states (Missouri, Utah, South Carolina, Georgia) have an in-person visit (via TA specialist or QRIS visit) and/or verification visit as part of the application process.
The Missouri and Florida programs required the submission of photos.
All states recognized providers for at least one year. A few states allowed ECE programs to keep their recognition status for three years.
Most recognition programs required ECE programs to submit updated documentation as part of the renewal process. Most states also reported the renewal process tends to be less stringent. However, other recognition programs require ECE programs to achieve the same expectations specified during the original enrollment.
All states provided different levels of recognition, usually three (e.g., bronze, silver, gold). This method allows for ECE programs to achieve some level of recognition and make progress toward higher levels. For instance, the minimal level of recognition may align with CACFP standards. However, none of the states had any information on programs that moved from one level to the next, e.g. silver to gold.
All states branded their recognition/designation program so the recognition could be easily marketed and identifiable. Program names include Missouri’s Eat Smart, MOve Smart, California’s Shaping Healthy Impressions through Nutrition and Exercise (SHINE), Ohio’s Healthy Programs, and Tennessee’s Golden Sneaker.
Nearly all recognition programs showcased recognized facilities on their websites with names and addresses. Those states that don’t have the list currently available online do make it available upon request. However, none of these websites seem to be targeting or attracting families that would be looking for general information on child care centers.
Many ECE programs also received certificates or stickers which can be placed on the entrance of the facility to let families know the program had been recognized for healthy eating, active play and/or breastfeeding support.
Some states recognized providers at statewide conference or annual training events.
A few states provided sample press releases, parent letters, and menu templates with the recognition program logo. These seem to be helpful in promoting the recognition to families and providing tools and resources to centers.
Regardless of the complexity of the application, all states have a general uptake (e.g., percentage of total ECE centers recognized) of approximately 4-5%. Only Utah had an uptake of 17% but this was due to the overall low number of ECE centers in the state (approximately 300). The other outlier was South Carolina which has fully incorporated health and nutrition standards into their QRIS, in which 60% of licensed programs choose to be rated.
Some states offer Technical Assistance to help ECE programs complete the application requirements and/or develop an action plan to improve their recognition level. One state offers the opportunity for “additional resources” depending on funding but it was not clear what these resources include.
All recognition programs indicate the need for a dedicated managing entity to promote the program, receive and review applications, communicate with applicants, issue recognition materials, and, oversee renewal process, if applicable.
Only three state’s programs (Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina) seemed directly linked to the state’s QRIS.
Only two state programs (Oklahoma and Louisiana) recognizes other organizations (schools, restaurants, businesses, college/universities, hospitals and worksites) in their recognition program.
Criteria for Recognition: All licensed Arizona’s child care centers and child care small group homes who enroll in the Empower program must meet the 10 Empower Standards. If providers meet all 10, they get a reduction on licensing fee. Must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). ECE providers could voluntarily agree to implement the Empower Standards in exchange for discounted licensing fees of 50 percent.
Number of Programs Recognized: The data is collected by Department of Health Services but not available on their website.
Criteria for Recognition: The Preschools SHINE program consists of 10 elements that foster healthy habits during the early years of growth and development.
Recognition Time Period: The site is recognized as a Preschools SHINE site for four years. To reapply, they need to complete 15 additional continuing education units (CEU) related to nutrition, physical activity, and/or wellness education in the past four years and submit another application.
Description: The Healthy Apple Program is available for free to all child care providers in San Francisco. Healthy Apple supports child care providers in implementing research-based best practices in nutrition and physical activity for children from birth to age 5. The program includes (1) a self-assessment of current practices; (2) goal-setting assistance to improve those practices; and (3) resources, workshops and coaching to help meet these goals.
Self-Assessment: Providers can choose to take either or both the Nutrition or Physical Activity Assessments at any time. The online versions are currently available in English. Participants are reminded to re-take the-self-assessment by September 30 to qualify for the awards, which are given each Fall.
Setting Goals/Action Plan: A Feedback Report, highlighting areas for potential improvement, is immediately available after completing the self-assessment online. Providers choose a few key items to work on and use the online Action Plan to think through what is needed to complete their goals.
Utilize Targeted Resources: Online resources specific to goals selected are provided, including tip sheets, curriculum, parent handouts, posters, monthly newsletters, and videos.
Attend Workshops: Healthy Apple offers many free workshops on nutrition, physical activity, and policy development annually. Topics are based on recent self-assessment results from all participants to address areas of greatest needs. Workshops are held on weeknights and weekends.
Technical Assistance Support: At any time, providers can call, email, or schedule an appointment with Healthy Apple staff to learn more about the program or self-assessment tool, receive technical help, or discuss ways to achieve goals.
Recognition Time Period: Child care providers are encouraged to participate in the Healthy Apple Program annually to continue implementing best practices and improve their award level.
Affidavit signed by the program director. Affidavit it a commitment to healthy eating and physical activity best practices in the ECE program.
Copy of Training certificates to meet the training requirements.
Photographs of Benchmark Menu best practices as indicated by selected benchmark item.
Recognition Time Period: Recognition lasts for two years.
Description: Healthy Sarasota County — Child Care helps child care facilities improve the health and wellness of children in their care. Using the 5, 2, 1, 0 message, the program provides consistent guidance to address the policies, practices, and environments that influence healthy lifestyle behaviors. Centers are awarded a designation of Platinum, Silver, or Bronze based on five benchmarks.
Recognition Time Period: All programs must renew their recognition every year.
Description: The Healthy Okaloosa 5210 initiative launched in July 2014 and is designed to reach children in early childhood education. This includes childcare facilities and childcare homes. Healthy Okaloosa Child Care uses a variety of evidence-based practices to help early childhood education providers improve the health of their students, families and staff. Providers are encouraged to implement sustainable policy and environmental strategies that support healthy behaviors in the in the childcare setting. The DOH-Okaloosa Healthy Okaloosa Child Care team provides training, resources, and technical assistance to all partners.
Create a policy pertaining to the 5210 message or environmental policy that is sustainable.
All programs must perform at least one center activity and one parent engagement activity.
The Healthy Okaloosa program also holds an award ceremony at the end of the year for all programs who participated in the program.
Recognition Time Period: All programs must renew their recognition every two years. However, the renewal process is different. For re-certification, all programs must complete 2 out of 3 online trainings and develop a new policy or environmental policy.
Description: The Growing Fit Kit is intended to guide providers in the development or improvements to policies around nutrition and physical activity. This tool kit can also help you move toward achievement of Quality Rated standards by helping you meet what the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) refers to as Quality Rated Portfolio Standard 2.1.
Quality Rated is Georgia’s system to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early education and school-age care programs. Similar to rating systems for hotels or restaurants, Quality Rated assigns a rating (e.g., one star, two star, or three star) to early education and school-age care programs that go above and beyond minimum licensing standards. By participating in Quality Rated, child care programs demonstrate their commitment to continuous quality improvement. Hundreds of providers have accepted the challenge to embark on a path of continuous quality improvement. Improved physical activity and nutrition are a part of achieving Quality Rated.
Application: Create an account and complete a brief application with demographic information about your program to get started on the path to becoming Quality Rated.
Portfolio: Earn points by submitting evidence of the credentials and training of the teaching staff; your program’s commitment to child health and physical activity; the ways you support family engagement; practices around instruction and curriculum; and your classroom ratios and group size. The information in this tool kit can help you achieve some of the requirements for Portfolio Standard #2.
Assessment: Earn points based on your support of the development of children’s reasoning skills, social-emotional development, language, and school readiness.
Number of Programs Recognized: Growing Fit has trained 232 educators from 94 centers, reaching 7,785 children.
Description: The SHAPE award honors and recognizes early care and education programs that employ exceptional nutrition and physical activity practices that go above and beyond current licensing standards. The award is open to all child care facilities that become Quality Rated through Bright from the Start.
Criteria for Recognition: The Georgia Department of Public Health and Bright from the Start will use information obtained from the Quality Rated Portfolio to determine which centers qualify to receive the SHAPE Award.
Centers must be Quality Rated.
Information submitted in Quality Rated Standard Two: Child Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity will be reviewed and scored: programs must have a score of 85% or higher to receive the SHAPE Award.
All programs that qualify for the award will be contacted by the Georgia Department of Public Health to confirm the information from their Quality Rated Portfolio and will agree to be recognized for their achievement in becoming a SHAPE Award recipient.
Recognition Time Period: Quality rated star ratings are awarded for a three-year period, however providers must renew their star rating each year.
Description: A Well-Ahead designation program provides positive publicity for programs. Centers will receive recognition from the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and the Office of Public Health Assistant Secretary. Recognized programs will also be placed in the searchable network of WellSpots, supplied with a sample press release, and be given a window cling and digital graphics they can use to highlight their designation.
Criteria for Recognition: The WellSpot designation process begins with registration and an online assessment. All child care center WellSpots must be designated tobacco-free locations. In addition to being tobacco-free, child care centers may meet additional wellness benchmarks.
Recognition Time Period: There is no designated end period. However, there is an option for WellSpots to move up one level.
Description: A suite of recognition programs overseen by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The recognition programs focus on child care centers and family child care homes participating in CACFP (for Eat Smart). The criteria for each programs varies slightly.
Successful applicants receive a certificate, window cling, and recognition on the DHSS website.
Criteria for Recognition: The Eat Smart guidelines are divided into three levels: minimum, intermediate, and advanced. The minimum level is the same as CACFP meal pattern requirements and Missouri State Licensing requirements. Programs are required to submit their policies, weekly schedules, equipment checklist, photos, and list of physical activity trainings completed by staff.
Description: The Healthy Kids, Healthy Childcare program is a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Health and Healthy Kids New Mexico to create healthy environments and programs to give kids what they need to play well, eat well, learn well, and live healthy and full lives. Simply put, healthy eating and physical activity are two lifestyle choices that prevent obesity and subsequent chronic disease.
Healthy Kids Healthy Childcare aims to train childcare providers from licensed childcare centers and home-based daycares about the initiative and encourages completing a self-assessment and action plan for each childcare facility.
Silver Certificate Award: Successfully complete and submit Physical Activity and Screen Time Tracker and description of parent engagement component.
Gold Certificate Award: Must fulfill Silver requirements plus participation in at least two trainings and submission of portfolio on how challenge was implemented (may include photos, monthly calendar, lesson plans, success stories, etc.).
Commit to increasing physical activity to 120 minutes a day and screen time to 30 minutes or less per week.
Attend training and receive technical assistance on how to implement the Healthy Kids Healthy Childcare Challenge.
Implement the Challenge for 4 consecutive weeks during childcare hours.
Complete the Physical Activity & Screen Time Tracker every day of the Challenge.
Implement a parent education component that supports increased physical activity and decreased screen time at home.
Recognition Time Period: Seems to have operated as a time-limited initiative in 2014-2015 and it is currently being updated per DOH website. The HKHC challenge operated as a 4-week initiative to increase physical activity and decrease/eliminate screen time in child care programs across the state. The challenge is for registered and licensed home childcare providers and licensed center child care teachers with pre-school age children.
Number of Programs Recognized: Based on available information, recognition appeared to be one time.
Recognition Time Period: Childcare providers are Be Active Kids “recognized” as long as they continue to use the program. Trainers remain “certified” as long as they conduct either two provider trainings a year or one provider training and community outreach activity. If not, they become inactive and must retake the train-the-trainer in order to be active and able to access provider trainings and free Be Active Kids resources. The centers/schools must continue to provide action plans showing ongoing progress around the health-related components.
Number of Programs Recognized: Not available.
Description: Ohio Healthy Programs is funded by the Ohio Department of Health and in part by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The project offers early care and education programs the opportunity to earn recognition as an Ohio Healthy Program.
2) Implement at least one wellness policy, demonstrate improvement in the children’s menu, and achieve at least one healthy family engagement activity.
OCCRRA recognizes programs that meet the OHP requirements. Each program receives an award letter and certificate. As funding allows, programs may receive additional recognition items.
Recognition Time Period: Programs remain designated as OHP for one calendar year.
Description: Certified Healthy Early Childhood Program recognizes early childhood programs that are working to improve the health of children, families, and staff by providing wellness opportunities and implementing policies that lead to healthier lifestyles. The Oklahoma Turning Point Council and the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Center for the Advancement of Wellness administer the program.
Criteria for Recognition: Early childhood programs of all types and sizes are encouraged to apply to become a Certified Healthy Early Childhood Program. Programs must be at least smoke-free in order to apply. A program must be tobacco-free and submit a copy of their tobacco-free policy. The program must be licensed by OKDHS to be eligible to apply for the Certified Healthy Early Childhood Program or be exempt from licensure.
Exemptions: Care provided in a child’s own home or by relatives, informal arrangements for the occasional care of children, programs in which children attend on a drop-in basis and parents are on the premises and readily accessible, single activity programs, and programs operating for 15 hours or less per week.
There are 62 total criteria, including some multiple-option criteria (i.e., check all that apply), and a total of seven criteria with a possible “not applicable” (N/A) response, dependent upon the program’s situation.
Early childhood programs are scored according to type of program, and each criterion selected is worth one point. Certification status is assigned according to the percentage of criteria selected by the applicant in each category. A smoke-free policy is required for Basic/Merit, and a tobacco-free policy submitted with the application is required for Excellence.
Recognition Time Period: Certified Healthy Early Childhood Programs are recognized for one year. If an applicant wishes to apply for re-certification, a new application is required.
Description: The ABC Center Standards at all levels now include nutrition and physical activities standards. ABC Quality has partnered with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) for several years to develop these standards as ABC’s response to the growing state and national concern about childhood obesity. Grow Healthy sets forth policies and activities that promote children’s health and well-being through good nutrition and healthy exercise.
The Level A, B, and C Standards include the new Grow Healthy standards for each level. The Grow Healthy standards are highlighted in yellow in the Level B Standards.
Number of Programs Recognized: Approximately 60% of all regulated providers choose to be rated in ABC Quality. There about 1,500 licensed programs in the state.
A certificate of achievement signed by the Governor.
Two Gold Sneaker stickers which can be placed on entrance(s) to the facility or used in promotional activities for the facility.
Recognition on the following Web sites: Department of Health and the Gold Sneaker Web sites.
A copy of the feeding plan form in use by the program demonstrating compliance with Gold Sneaker Policy 1.5.
Documentation that the director (if center-based program) and teaching staff have completed Gold Sneaker training. If the program is a family or group child care program, the provider must provide documentation of completion of training.
Recognition Time Period: Programs remain recognized for one calendar year.
A training course, which is available through local health departments and Care about Childcare agencies.
A consultation and technical assistance program, which is available through local health departments.
Criteria for Recognition: Childcare providers electing to complete the full TOP Star program receive in-depth technical assistance with a trained local health department consultant. Upon completion of a process that includes self-assessment, goal setting, and the implementation of an action plan, childcare providers who demonstrate improvement in physical activity and nutrition environments are eligible to receive a TOP Star endorsement.
Recognition Time Period: The endorsement is valid for three years. After three years, endorsed childcare providers are encouraged to reapply for endorsement, which involves completing a new self-assessment.
Recognition Program Description: Baby-Friendly hospitals and birthing facilities must adhere to the Ten Steps to receive, and retain, a Baby-Friendly designation.
Recognition Program Description: The goal of the Loving Support project is to create sample graphics and messages that could be used by WIC agencies and partners to reach participants, eligible participants, and the public. Messages were developed using content from the Loving Support campaign materials and Loving Support peer counseling training.
Recognition Program Description: Flagship program for county recognition of child care centers that are certified breastfeeding friendly. County certification and database recognizes providers who go above and beyond minimum breastfeeding requirements. Licensed childcare providers are required to have breastfeeding policies.
Recognition Program Description: Baby Friendly Arkansas participating facilities are provided with on-going coaching and technical assistance from program coordinators through monthly coaching calls and webinars. In addition to a Summit and on-going support, Baby Friendly Arkansas hosts a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) course where each birthing facility can send representatives to complete a 45-hour educational program providing the competencies and skills required to provide safe, evidence-based counseling for pregnant, lactating, and breastfeeding women.
Recognition Program Description: The California Breastfeeding Coalition is committed to helping all 251 birthing hospitals and birth centers in California to achieve Baby-Friendly designation by 2025. Currently, California leads the nation with 102 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals.
Informing employees about accommodating their breastfeeding needs before and after parental leave.
Recognition Program Description: The CDPHE’s Baby-Friendly program outlines policies and standards that improve support for breastfeeding. The program is part of the Colorado Healthy Hospital Compact, an agreement by hospitals that share a mission to protect and promote the health of patients, families, visitors and staff by providing healthier high-quality nutrition. In doing so, hospitals are working to develop a culture of wellness and contributing to the state’s goal of making Colorado the healthiest state.
Recognition Program Description: Connecticut state law allows breastfeeding in public and requires employers to make accommodation at the workplace. There is also a Campus Initiative which creates secure and private spaces in various parts of campuses in addition to lactation rooms.
Recognition Program Description: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that help parents make an informed choice about infant feeding. The BFHI assists hospitals in giving mothers information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding, and gives special recognition to hospitals that have done so. Four Delaware hospitals — Beebe Healthcare, Milford Memorial Hospital, Kent General Hospital, and Christiana Care Health System — have received the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation. Saint Francis Hospital is working towards designation.
Recognition Program Description: Complete the child care facility self-assessment to find out if your child care facility qualifies. If your facility meets all six standards and has a breastfeeding policy, you may qualify to receive the Florida CCFP Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Facility designation.
Recognition Program Description: Georgia’s 5-STAR Hospital Initiative was developed to recognize hospitals that have taken steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. A five star system has been developed to encourage maternity centers to promote and support breastfeeding one step at a time. Georgia’s 5-STAR will award one star for every two steps implemented of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Baby-Friendly® USA.
Recognition Program Description: Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii assists businesses in providing support for workplace breastfeeding. Many companies develop comprehensive lactation support programs and provide additional support to their breastfeeding employees.
A reasonable break time for an employee to express milk for the employee’s nursing child for one year after the child’s birth, each time the employee has a need to express breast milk.
A location, other than the restroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from coworkers and the public that may be used by an employee to express breast milk.
Recognition Program Description: The mission of the Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition is to facilitate a community and statewide landscape that protects, supports, and promotes breastfeeding as the biological norm for a healthier Idaho.
Recognition Program Description: The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Recognition is an initiative of the Kane County Breastfeeding Coalition. Employers have been recognized at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold recognition levels. They are listed on the Coalition webpage and will also get a certificate in the mail.
Recognition Program Description: Child Care Aware® of Kansas recognizes child care providers in Kansas who provide support to breastfeeding families and employees through the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Designation. To receive the designation, child care providers must meet five criteria that demonstrate a culture of breastfeeding support. Programs receiving the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Designation will receive a certificate, a window cling, and be recognized in the Provider Profile information that is distributed through the Child Care Aware® of Kansas Referral Center to families.
Recognition Program Description: The Gift is an evidence-based program for Louisiana birthing facilities designed to increase breastfeeding rates and hospital success by improving the quality of their maternity services and enhancing patient-centered care. The Gift is a program of the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, and Bureau of Family Health. It has been adapted from the Texas Ten Step Program and the North Carolina Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation Program.
Recognition Program Description: The 6 for ME initiative provides support to Maine healthcare professionals and birth hospitals to adopt six of the evidence-based Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding outcomes are dependent on the number of steps a hospital implements. Implementing at least six of the ten steps has the greatest impact on breastfeeding outcomes short of implementing all ten steps. The long-term goal of 6 for ME is to increase breastfeeding duration.
Recognition Program Description: Employees enrolled in a company-provided lactation support program is a win-win situation. Employers benefit through increased rates of retention, employee satisfaction, and morale. The health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby equate to decreased health care and insurance costs, and a reduction in sick leave requests to care for an ill child.
Recognition Program Description: Using the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. BFUSA is responsible for coordinating and conducting all activities necessary to confer the Baby-Friendly designation and to ensure the widespread adoption of breastfeeding best practices.
Recognition Program Description: In partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Breastfeeding Network is working to catalyze a “race to the top” among Michigan employers. These awards recognize businesses that are in compliance with the Break Time for Nursing Mothers Law and celebrate businesses that go beyond the law’s requirements to support working families.
Recognition Program Description: Minnesota maternity centers, child care providers, workplaces, and health departments are being recognized as Breastfeeding Friendly. The Minnesota Department of Health recognizes family child care homes and child care centers that have taken steps to become breastfeeding friendly.
Recognition Program Description: Business Case for Breastfeeding is a comprehensive program designed to educate employers about the value of supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace. The program highlights how such support contributes to the success of businesses. The Business Case for Breastfeeding offers tools to help employers provide worksite lactation support and privacy for breastfeeding mothers to express milk.
Recognition Program Description: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) would like child care providers to successfully support breastfeeding families. Becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care is a voluntary recognition program available to Missouri child care facilities. To receive the award, child care providers must meet the below criteria that aim to improve the support for breastfeeding women in the workforce.
Recognition Program Description: Healthy Gallatin and the Gallatin Breastfeeding Coalition recognizes employers in Gallatin County that provide worksite breastfeeding support for employees with the Healthy Gallatin Breastfeeding Friendly Worksite Award. In accordance with Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207) and the 2010 amendment, employers are evaluated based on criteria for three levels of support: Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Recognition Program Description: Recognize your business as one of Nebraska’s Breastfeeding-Friendly (BFF) Businesses. Supporting breastfeeding mothers in the work place is not only the law, but is one way for businesses to embrace wellness, impact health care costs, lower absenteeism, and be seen as a family-friendly business for potential and current employees. Businesses of all sizes and types are encouraged to apply to share creative solutions to support breastfeeding mothers and employees.
Business offers a welcoming atmosphere that allows breastfeeding mothers to nurse or express milk in a designated location.
Business provides breastfeeding mothers access to a private room, other than a bathroom, for expressing milk or nursing.
The room has supportive amenities including, but not limited to: a comfortable chair, a lock on the door, a small table, and an electrical outlet.
Business provides all breastfeeding employees flexible breaks to express milk or nurse.
Business has an informal or formal breastfeeding support policy.
Business educates all staff to the breastfeeding support policy.
Recognition Program Description: Nevada’s Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Designation has been developed to recognize child care providers who have taken steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in their programs. Child care providers who have met requirements outlined are encouraged to apply for this distinction. Awardees will receive a Certificate of Recognition, a campaign sticker, poster, and inclusion on the campaign website.
Recognition Program Description: The New Hampshire Breastfeeding Task Force aims to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. All New Hampshire-licensed child care programs are eligible to apply for the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Award. Programs that answer “Yes” to all checklist questions and whose enclosed documents support breastfeeding will be awarded a certificate and a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” window cling, which designates the center as a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care program and allows others to see your commitment to breastfeeding.
Recognition Program Description: New Jersey Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces have made accommodations to support breastfeeding mothers as employees. This can be as simple as allowing employees to have flexible breaks and access to a private room for expressing milk or nursing. The room needs to have a comfortable chair and a lock on the door.
All lactating employees are allowed reasonable breaks to express milk or nurse their children.
All lactating employees have access to a private space for expressing milk or nursing. The space is not a bathroom, is lockable and shielded from view, and has an electrical outlet.
Recognition Program Description: The New Mexico Family Friendly Business Award was formed by the Task Force on Work Life Balance to develop an awards program that would both recognize New Mexico employers and businesses that offer family friendly employee benefits and promote increasing the number of businesses with family centered policies and workforce access to them. The purpose of the award is to recognize and support businesses that adopt and implement family friendly policies for their employees. The Task Force can help you develop a breastfeeding friendly policy for your workplace.
Contact Monica Esparza at [email protected] or (505) 629-9877. Email [email protected] to request a “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” window decal.
Recognition Program Description: The New York State Department of Health’s Obesity Prevention Program encourages new mothers to breastfeed their infants. The Department’s Child and Adult Care Food Program encourages child care centers and family day care homes to support breastfeeding families and recognizes these providers with Breastfeeding Friendly certificates. Child care center/day care home staff complete an assessment that shows they support breastfeeding families.
Recognition Program Description: The North Carolina Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Designation (NC BFCCD) program has been made possible through a grant from Kids Eat Smart Move More. The program recognizes child care facilities that have taken steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding. A rating system has been developed that awards child care facilities with a gold-starred building block for every two steps achieved in the Ten Steps to Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care.
Recognition Program Description: 138 North Dakota business locations are now recognized as “Infant Friendly” by the North Dakota Department of Health, which reaches over 24,000 employees across the state.
Complete a minimum of a two-hour staff training for breastfeeding offered by the North Dakota Department of Health or an equivalent program.
Organize an interdisciplinary team to support and implement the 5 steps and assess lactation services.
Implement all 5 steps required for North Dakota Breastfeeding-Friendly designation with consideration for social and cultural diversity.
Complete a program evaluation in coordination with the North Dakota Department of Health to measure implementation of the 5 steps.
Recognition Program Description: Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Department of Health sponsor the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies breastfeeding recognition program. The program recognizes maternity centers in Ohio that are taking steps to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in their organizations. The Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies program recognizes hospitals for implementing the Ten Steps, using a modified application form. Hospitals can earn up to five stars, earning one star to every two steps achieved. Hospitals can choose which steps to implement and in which order. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis.
Access to a nearby clean water source and a sink for washing hands and rinsing out any breast pump equipment.
Recognition Program Description: The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has an employer recognition program called the Breastfeeding Mother-Friendly Employer Project. Oregon employers who have a worksite policy and a clear plan to communicate that policy to all employees can apply to be recognized.
Recognition Program Description: The Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Coalition wants to recognize breastfeeding-friendly employers that support their employees by providing and maintaining high-quality lactation support programs and appropriate onsite environments. There is a selection criteria for businesses serving patrons/customers and one for workplaces.
Recognition Program Description: Recognition as a Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace is based on the successful establishment of supportive policies, facilities, and resources for breastfeeding employees and clients. Employers may complete and return the award submission questionnaire to be eligible for recognition at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level. Review of the questionnaire and a follow-up site visit by a Corporate Lactation Specialist will determine the level of award based on the number of demonstrated strategies.
Review. Read about the Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care.
Implement. Choose which step you would like to start implementing in your child care facility.
Apply. Submit your completed “Ten Steps” for review.
Get Designated. When your child care program has completed the Ten Steps, it will earn the Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Designation.
Recognition Program Description: Mother-Friendly Worksites are businesses that proactively support employees who choose to breastfeed their infants. Creating and implementing a Mother-Friendly policy is both simple and inexpensive. The most basic Mother-Friendly policies need only provide a private space, flexible scheduling for break time, and other basic support so that mothers may express and store breastmilk for their babies.
Flexible work schedules including scheduling breaks and work patterns to provide time for expression of milk.
Access to a private location(s) that is not a bathroom, for the purpose of milk expression.
Access to a nearby clean and safe water source and a sink for washing hands and rinsing out any breast pump equipment.
Recognition Program Description: The Virginia Maternity Center Breastfeeding-Friendly Designation (VA MCBFD) Program recognizes maternity centers that have taken steps to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding in their organization.
The five star program awards a star for every two steps achieved in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Baby-Friendly® USA.
Recognition Program Description: Breastfeeding Friendly Washington (BFWA) encourages organizations to promote and support breastfeeding through changes in their policies and procedures. BFWA celebrates and recognizes the commitment that organizations are making to ensure our future generations are the healthiest ever. A voluntary recognition program is currently available for hospitals, birth centers, and community health clinics making these changes. BFWA hopes to expand this program to other types of organizations in the future.
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Early Care and Education State Indicator Report 2016. | 2019-04-24T17:56:46Z | https://healthykidshealthyfuture.org/state-local-leaders/state-recognition-programs/ |
Countries, particularly in Europe, are in the midst of extensive scholarly and public debates about the tragedies of the first World War, on the occasion of its hundredth anniversary this year. Yet, the on-going search for further Nazi camps and the existent mass, unmarked graves of those massacred in the second World War stand as a gory reminder of the greater destruction, which soon followed. This horror, which can, probably, be never aptly captured in words, continues to mark the history of various peoples and nations. A visit to a former Nazi camp, on the outskirts of Prague, brought home this fact forcefully.
As our local train chugged away from Prague Hladvani (the main railway station), the grandeur of the Charles bridge and Vlatava river, gave way to a sleepy, unimpressive countryside. Dotted with grim looking buildings and exuding an inexplicable eeriness, it stood in stark contrast to the artistic splendour of the Czech capital. This was, perhaps, because the train followed the same route that more than a hundred thousand Jews, gypsies, communists and other political prisoners had endured during the period of the Second World War and before.
An overwhelming sense of uneasiness accompanied us to the Holocaust memorial at Terezin. At the entrance of our destination, it was impossible to avoid the inscription on the wall. The metal plaque solemnly mentioned the number of people which had been brought to the town. If mere numbers could be spine chilling, then it was this. An estimated 3000 prisoners out of a total of 80,000- 90.000 prisoners, a majority of them Jews, transported to extermination camps via Terezin survived.
Terezin or Theresienstadt (the German name), an otherwise sleepy and sparsely populated town, to the north of Prague, was one of the largest deportation camps maintained by the SS forces during Hitler's reign. Scholars have labelled it a deportation camp because, unlike the infamous Auschwitz or Dachau concentration camps, inmates were not subjected to organised killing here. It was supposed to be a transit point, to separate the 'able bodied' from the 'weak' and choose those who were to be transported to the gas chambers at extermination camps regularly.
The vast, empty spaces of Terezin's town square seemed to explain its transformation into a death camp. Built in the latter half of the eighteenth century during the reign of Joseph II, it was originally intended as a walled garrison town comprising a military fortress and a smaller one which was to be a political prison. Theresienstadt derived its names from the emperor's mother, Queen Maria Theresa, ruler of the region for over forty years before him. The Nazis, seeking to establish their programme of racial engineering, and a site to hold captive the Jews of the territory of Bohemia and Moravia found the military fortress suitable.
Through the ages, the major military fortress, spanning the breadth of the town, lined with red bricks and divided by a moat from the open streets ahead has witnessed the presence of thousands of Jews, speaking different languages and professing allegiance to different cultures. It also imprisoned Gavrilo Princip, the assassin of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose murder, is considered to have sparked the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. The minor fortress, which was a rather away from the camp, held political dissidents. By 1941, the first batch of Jews began to arrive in Terezin. They came in hordes from across Czechoslovakia and later, parts of the Netherlands, Denmark and Hungary. What happened after arrival is now widely known, although at that time the Jews seemed uncertain of what awaited them, since very few before them in other similar camps had lived to tell the tale.
Numerous rows of stone graves lay spread out at the entrance of the Terezin fortress. Amidst them stand two huge wooden symbols- the Star of David and the Christian Cross, memorials to those who died here, due to persistent starvation, illness and torture. The graves are one of the many tragedies of the Second World War that are now being increasingly heard. For here lies the ashes of around 15,000 persons, comprising Jews, Christians and others (Hitler also ordered the killing of those Christians with even a tinge of Jewish ancestry), out of the 30,000, known to have perished in Terezin itself. In 1944, when the International Red Cross Committee delayed their visit to the camp by about six months, Nazi forces, in a frenzy to cover all possible evidence, dumped the urns of the dead into the Ohre river and surrounding areas. They were discovered only after the war had ended.
The dead outnumbered the living and in 1942, bodies began to be cremated in large furnaces and the ashes allowed to be kept at the Jewish cemetery outside the ghetto. According to Jewish tradition, the deceased are buried and the burning of thousands must have broken the spirits of those who could not afford to even grieve for their loved ones. This immense humiliation and suffering was aggravated with the continuous torture of the inmates, orchestrated by the Nazi machinery. Vengeance marks these horrendous killings. The Nazi establishment did not stop at subjugating the Jews, their ultimate perceived enemy, like their medieval predecessors. Instead, they sought annihilation, to wipe them of the face of the earth completely. This largely explains the systematic and cold-blooded manner in which the 'Final Solution' was carried out, particularly in the final months of the war. With the Allied forces nearing, the Nazis transported thousands of Jews immediately from Terezin to Auschwitz for extermination.
As in other concentration camps, the Jews were required to elect their council of elders. The role of the Council was to provide the Jews with a sense of organisation and frame certain regulations within the camp. The Nazi propaganda, particularly the film units, wanted to demonstrate to the world that Terezin was a 'model Jewish settlement', a place for Jews to live and govern themselves. They have also been a subject of controversial debates, which have questioned the role of council members in choosing inmates for transport and alleged collaboration with Nazi officers. One of these propaganda films, directed by a Jewish prisoner, Kurt Gerron and titled 'The Gift of Terezin' was shown to the members of the Red Cross Committee, who did not find issue with the conditions of the camp. The political pressures and reasons for the Red Cross' decision is not as extensively discussed in contemporary times because of the former's sustained association with humanitarian work. Yet, the cruel irony of the fact that the Red Cross visited Terezin and let themselves be 'manipulated' by Hitler's men begs further interrogation.
The rooms of the Nazi officers and hundreds of inmates stand grimly, their contents neatly kept for visitors to glance at. But one can only imagine the terrible living conditions at the time. Around forty to fifty inmates and sometimes, even more, were crammed together in seventeen low-roofed, dimly lit cells with tiny bunkbeds. Food provision was kept at a bare minimum with an intention to starve the inmates over a prolonged time causing irreparable sickness and eventually painful death. Men and women were segregated in the living quarters and provision of water and clothes was scarce. There were also a dozen or more solitary confinement cells for those considered to be extremely dangerous and subversive. It is one of these cells that Princip died in 1918.
The theories of racial purity considered Jews and Gypsies to be the lowest in the hierarchy and targeted them as slave labour for arduous tasks in the camps and German factories. Jewish adults and children were put to work for long hours in units such as mica mining, tailoring, smithery, cloth sorting etc. The deceptiveness of this project is summed up in the phrase, 'Arbeit Macht Frei ( Work Makes You Free),' that hangs above the entrance of the prison quarters like a double edged sword. Until they had arrived in the Nazi camps, many Jews did not know or believe that they would be butchered indiscriminately. When the Nazis selected the physically stronger inmates for hard labour, it was felt that there was some hope for surviving the entire ordeal. But it was not meant to be. Being chosen for manual labour only meant a delaying of death. No Jew was expected to be left alive when the 'Final Solution' was completed.
Terezin was no different. Although the Jews had a small council of elders, it could not change their lives substantially. However, it brought them together seek consolation and help in each other. These council members were also transported later to Auschwitz. Rabbis held prayer services and made attempts to grapple with the violence being inflicted upon them. The story goes that when the Red Cross team arrived, many Jewish men, working as illustrators and drawing masters in the Nazi office, tried to depict the reality of Terezin by smuggling out illustrations, but their attempts failed. It had raised the suspicion of the Nazis who kept some of the suspects in solitary confinement without food or water until they died. We were told, during our visit to these solitary cells that the next prisoner punished was made to remove and clean the remains of the dead. It was meant to be a lesson to those who even dreamt of challenging the authority of the masters.
Today, Terezin also stands as a memorial to the thousands of Jewish children. Very few survived the gas chambers of Auschwitz and other killing fields. Jewish children captured with their families were separated from them after the age of four, and confined to the special homes looked after by Jewish teachers within the camp. They were not provided any substantial schooling and put to laborious work. But the adults persisted and their meager earnings were pooled together for educating the children. Within the walls of these buildings, the children congregated to organise small cultural events and compile their own magazines, music and art. Recent research has thrown light on the 'cultural life' of the prisoners at Terezin, many of whom were prominent musicians, playwrights and writers. Yet, what stands apart are the paintings and few surviving poems by the children themselves. The experience of viewing these drawings was heartwrenching. While some of them depict the images of families huddled into railway carriages and bodies toppled over another, hundreds of them portray colourful butterflies, birds, smiling children with families and friends. The 'joyfulness' of these pictures echoes a lingering sense of sadness. What must have gone through the minds of these children? Did they know what awaited them when they departed from Terezin months later? How did they, undergoing such suffering, muster the courage to draw such pictures?
These pictures were created, as the result of one teacher's courage and determination. Friedl Dicker- Brandeis, an Austrian art teacher was deported to Terezin and took with her a suitcase filled with art material. It escaped the scrutiny of the Nazi officers who were responsible for stripping prisoners of all their valuables upon arrival. During her internment, she kept the children together and encouraged them to draw, to express their feelings, in the hope that it would alleviate their suffering in some way. She saved these precious drawings for as long as she could until her tragic death. In 1944, she received news that her husband also at Terezin had been chosen for Auschwitz. She volunteered to join him. But little did she know that the Nazis killed women, children and the elderly first, since they were considered to be physically weaker and easy targets for elimination. Friedl died in Auschwitz while her husband remained in the camp. It was only known later that he was not sent to Auschwitz having been chosen for hard labour instead. He survived the war and her suitcase was found with the children's artwork. Titled, 'The Butterfly Project' was founded in memory of Friedl and the children. Art is being is used to help children and young adults suffering abuse and conflict in the world.
At the end of our return journey to Prague, we alighted in front of a bronze sculpture of a bespectacled man holding two young children. It depicts Nicholas Winton, a person who risked everything to save Jewish children he had never met before.
In 1938, at the age of thirty, Winton traveled to Prague, upon a request from one of his friends who was involved in Jewish refugee work There, he unassuming young man was confronted with the cries of Jewish parents who were desperately seeking ways to get their children out of the country sensing the path Germany could take. Struck by their plight, Winton requested many European governments, including that of his home country, England, to offer assistance in rescuing the children. His pleas were repeatedly rejected until the English government grudgingly conceded. The administration agreed to let Winton bring children younger than seventeen, across the borders, on the condition that each of them would be received by a family willing to take care of them and a guarantee of fifty pounds for a return ticket to their countries of origin later. Enlisting the support of his mother and friends, negotiating and bribing his way through multiple international borders, Winton finally managed the safe passage of an estimated 660 Czech children. In an operation later labelled ' Czech Kindertransport', trains filled with tiny tots and young children, passed through the notorious Dutch borders and arrived in the homes of British families. However, a batch of two hundred children set to embark upon a train from Prague never made it. Their train could not leave because the Nazis invaded Poland and the war had begun.
Gradually, Winton lost contact and was unable to keep track of these children in England and not much was heard from their families, who were presumably killed. It was only in the late 1980s, when his wife found his old, torn notebook containing elaborate details of the children and their photographs did the world take notice of him. Soon, Winton was honoured by the very same European countries which had spurned him and accolades have since, kept pouring in.
This year, Nicholas Winton celebrates his 104th birthday.
We left Terezin, bogged down by our inability to comprehend the utter brutality of the war period. Some of us tried to wish it away. Perhaps, a visit to Auschwitz, Chemnitz and other concentration camps would have been worse to digest. But what we saw was only a part of the hate-filled project that drove millions to death and despair, remnants of which are seen in the words and actions of many contemporary, extreme right wing groups. The victors and defeated of the Second World War continue to hound us by the manner in which they transformed the course of history.
The trip reminded me of the crossroads we find ourselves at in India. As we gear up for yet another parliamentary election, certain voices are reminiscent of the pre Second World War era. They eulogise the figure of men like Narendra Modi in an attempt to build a cult around him as the 'saviour' of the people. Their enemy is the 'other'. But this hatred of the perceived 'other' is driven by a particular fear. The fear of the minority which they want to make invisible. The Gujarat pogrom of 2002 has been one of the worst incidents of violence in post-independence India. The country is poised at a particular crossroads and yet, it seems lessons from the past have not been learnt. Members of the great Indian Hindu middle class, jet setting, money minting corporates and corrupt politicians tell us that a 'Hitler type of personality' is the answer. If history is to repeat itself once again, we need not look far. The graves at places such as Terezin and the endless names on memorials across the world stand witness to the monstrosities that can emerge and engulf us in its entirety. | 2019-04-19T11:02:54Z | https://www.vikalp.ind.in/2014/04/remembering-terezin.html |
We introduced you Fienx in regards to machinima created with The Sims 2, so we cannot do anything but showing you an artist that uses The Sims 3, and we chose SSProduction.
We saw one of his videos published on Sims3Nieuws, we liked it and on his YouTube channel we discovered he has created a series, called The Emperor of Evil, which has already 25 episodes! We interviewed him for you...read more to see what he told us, especially if you're looking for advices on dubbing your videos!
First off, tell us something about you..
How and when did your passion for machinima start?
My passion for machinima started in June 2009 when I discovered how much fun TS3 could be, especially for creating movies. I've always enjoyed writing, especially horror, I began writing at an early age. I never imagined I'd get to see my ideas, characters and plotlines actually materialize visually. It's awesome seeing them come to life on the screen. My ambition is to become an author or director. That would be awesome.
On your channel we can find only video created with The Sims 3? What about The Sims 2, have you ever tried it?
I've never played Sims 2 and was only introduced into the Sims world after watching a friend play TS3. I admit, I'm more of a first/third person shooter kinda gamer, but when I saw TS3 I thought the game engine would make an awesome tool for creating movies. Sets and characters are comparatively quick and easy to make and there is quite a lot of creative control. I've always wanted to try directing a movie so I decided to get the game and the rest is history.
and how does the idea of a new episode start?
The Emperor of Evil was originally going to be a novel but I wanted to try making it visual, and learn about directing. I've never written scripts before, just stories, so I had to experiment and discover the best way to get the story across in a series rather than a book. In a book a character's thoughts can easily be portrayed to the reader. In a script it's more difficult. Although I had the general premise for the series planned in my head from the start, I don't tend to think too far ahead. I have so many ideas for Emperor of Evil that the show could end up running for quite a while. I tend to leave my ideas open for flexibility, although the general story arc is planned. Sub plots and minor characters often come to mind during the actual writing process or shortly before. The whole series is not planned out to the end in intricate detail like many writers. Ideas often materialize at the strangest times. Inspiration is unpredictable. I sometimes have ideas just before trying to sleep, then I'm compelled to get up and make a note of them. Consequently, I don't get much sleep lol.
It takes quite a while to make an episode although I have a fairly quick release schedule. When I work on a project I become intensely focused on it. I've been known to do several all nighters while working on an episode. I don't get a lot of free time so it's the only feasible way I can work to my own schedule. The time it takes for an episode to be made depends upon what is involved for the episode. If I need to build new sets or test out new visual effects it takes longer.
What you can tell us about dubbing? How do you prepare dialogues and characters' voices?
Is there an EP and/or a mod you cannot make video without?
I have experience with audio engineering (I'm a musician) so working with voices isn't too difficult for me. The procedure I use is to record the voices before filming. I then spend a day or two processing the audio files, cutting out any bloopers and selecting the best takes. Both my co-actor and I do all the voices for the series. We do at least 3 takes for each line. Once this is done the files need further processing, such as noise reduction if required, or pitch shifting and other processing. Working with the audio takes almost as long as filming. I then import the audio into Sony Vegas and line it all up on an audio track so the dialog flows naturally. I then add the music soundtrack to a separate audio track and balance the levels so the voices are clearly heard above the music. Finally I film the scenes then add the footage to the video tracks, synchronizing this to the voices as best as I can.
A mod I can't do without is one which allows animations to be triggered on demand, or skills to be immediately set. Awesomemod and Nrass Debug Enabler both do this and have many options to trigger various things, which makes filming faster. Without these type of mods it would take way too long to film.
use, to those who are approaching machinima for the first time?
My advice is to research and experiment as much as possible, and if you're totally new to machinima to read or watch tutorials. Knowing how to remove the thought bubbles is important for filming, as is understanding what can be done with the camera. I edited the videocamera.ini file to achieve slow smooth camera motion. If something isn't quite working as planned, improvisation can help.
Experimentation is very useful - sometimes it's a success, other times it isn't, but you'll learn what works best for you. And don't be afraid to create your own unique style. Individuality is awesome. But the most important advice I can give is to have fun.
Which, among your videos, is your favourite? And which the one you like the least?
I haven't got a favorite as such, but some I prefer some to others. I tend to be hypercritical of my own work and notice all the mistakes lol. Or in retrospect I think how I could have done something better. I don't dwell on this too much though. Machinima creation is fun and there is a sense of achievement and satisfaction when an idea becomes visual. It's pure creation. My least favorite videos are the early music video trailers for the series. I had no clue what I was doing at the time lol. To be honest though, the learning process never stops.
I did made some videos and I still have in mind some scenes that I really wasn't able to do. I tried almost everything. Can you tell us a few fun facts about the making of your videos, issues you had to face (i.e. what were the hardest and the easiest scenes to shoot)?
often use green screening. An example of this is in episode 17. One scene involved having Alex, the main character crouching over an injured person, the museum curator who was lying on the floor. I wanted to have them speaking at the same time but because the game can't do this I had to use symbolism, green screening and devious camera work. I even green screened him crouching next to her. The easiest scenes to film are the seated dialog scenes. That's why the characters are often sitting and talking in the series.
The sims often misbehave lol. One time I recall is when I was filming during the day in a public place in France. For some reason the actors kept getting interrupted by non playable Sims. I must have deleted about 20 misbehaving NPC Sims that day lol. They just kept on interrupting the scene. Relentlessly. It's easier and preferable to film in your own lot. The characters misbehave too but that can be really cool, especially if they do something that enhances the scene.
The AI can be scary at times. It's almost as if they are sentient, it's uncanny. For instance, some characters seem to know exactly when to do the right facial expression at the right time, Bill in particular. It's awesome when they do this.
I know, we are a bit 'pushy, but this site's section was also created to encourage players to create videos by giving them some advice, would you show us a scene as example and describe how did you make it?
with each character, making sure I have enough footage of different talking animations at different camera angles. I then film them talking at a distance, showing all the characters in the shot. I get them to talk using the normal chat menu in the game. I also film some of the scenery too. When editing I use the footage where the character is speaking and sync it to the voice acting. I also use footage of the listener too, even though the other person is speaking. This minimizes any potential continuity errors. I also use the scenery shots I filmed as fillers, to break up the scene and make it flow better and add more interest. In the archaeological digsite scene in episode 22 I showed various parts of the digsite, as well as the other archaeologists who were working there.
people should take part at SIFF?
anticipation is intensely fun. All types of movies can be submitted, including music videos and voice acted movies, in any genre. There are many options for submissions, including short ads for those who don't have a lot of time to work on a movie, or want to try machinima for the first time. It's certainly a fun experience.
Are you already working on a new project or will you continue with new episodes of "The Emperor of Evil"?
I'm still working on Emperor of Evil, although I'll have to slow down production slightly while SIFF is happening. I'll be writing the script for episode 26 this coming week. I'm also working on a movie for SIFF. It's different to what I've done before as it will not be based on the series. The movie is called Vengeance and will be in production over the next few weeks. I've made a quick trailer for it.
Go to SSproduction's YouTube channel and watch more videos! | 2019-04-21T22:56:09Z | http://www.sims2cri.com/en/sims-art/machinima/44-featured-machinima-artist-ts3-ssproduction.html |
A picture paints a thousand words and at at no time is that more true than when analysing old family photos for clues to help with your genealogical research. Clothing, photograph style, and even the way your ancestors pose are just some of the valuable clues that can help you learn more about your forebears, and maybe even make some more additions to your family tree. So, without further ado, here are our 30 top tips for using old family photos for genealogy.
1. Before they get added to your photo collection, make a note of where any newly-inherited or recently-discovered photos came from. Recording the provenance (ownership history) of family photographs is vitally important for accurate identification and your own sanity later down the line.
2. Old photos are often scattered throughout the attics, photo albums and hard drives of various family members. Track down all your family snaps by contacting known relatives. You could even try contacting distant cousins, perhaps the descendants of ancestors who emigrated overseas. You never know what they may be holding onto.
I thought I already had all known photos of my mother, Ivy Shrimpton (1931-1980), but recently my 91-year old aunt, living in Canada since 1944, sent me a previously unseen snapshot of Ivy as an 8-year old child.
3. Images of forebears could also be found in public collections, including dedicated photographic archives, local archives and record offices, old newspapers, trade or work-related periodicals. You might even get lucky and find one of your ancestors in a local history book.
4. If 'borrowing' scanned photos belonging to relatives or other contacts, always ask the owner of the original for a complete front view and a scan of the back, too. Printed card mount details all provide important historical evidence relating to place and time.
5. If scanning an original photograph, you'll get the best quality image by selecting the area of the picture only and a high resolution – I recommend 600 or 1200 DPI (dots per inch) - before scanning. The video below is a good introduction to some photo scanning options available to you.
6. Try some simple image editing of your digital photographs, or have them professionally enhanced. It's entirely possible to sharpen the image with the potential to reveal hitherto hidden details such as wedding rings that are hazy on the original. PhotoShop is most people's go-to software, but free alternatives such as GIMP are all you'll need. Not sure how to use the software? Detailed, free tutorials are available on YouTube.
7. Old photos are wonderful heirlooms. They're also important visual 'documents' when placed within their true historical context, so make it a research priority to date each and every photograph as accurately as possible.
8. There are several ways of dating old photographs and ideally they should all be used together to obtain the closest possible date. Different types of photo were used at particular times in history, so begin by trying to identify the photographic format.
9. Card-mounted studio portraits, common from c.1860, are often printed with the photographer's details. Search online to see if operational dates are recorded on any freely-searchable photographer/studio databases and websites. Be aware, though, the data displayed may be incomplete. Use it as a guide alongside other photo dating methods.
This carte de visite photo can be closely dated to 1863-64 from the brief studio operational dates recorded on the London website for early photographers - www.photolondon.org.uk - and from the plain style of printed card mount.
10. Card-mounted photographic prints can be dated approximately from their physical characteristics, especially mount size, colour, and the style of lettering/printed design. Google the style of your picture mounts and see what you can find.
11. Photographic images can always be dated accurately from their visual clues. Key pictorial details to look out for are the composition of the subject(s), the setting and, especially, the fashion features, which frequently provide the best indication of date. Again, Google is your friend here!
12. Dating stylistic details such as our ancestors' mode of dress can perhaps seem daunting without experience. Take time to study and learn, beginning by consulting dedicated photo dating books and websites.
Fashion clues often provide the best date for unfamiliar photographs, especially outdoor snapshots with no card mount to date, or helpful studio details. The ladies' loose, calf-length dresses and hairstyles here, for example, date this scene to the early-1920s.
13. Train yourself to recognise visual clues by studying and comparing your photos with firmly dated examples online, in books and in galleries and museums. Avoid using genealogy forums where members simply guess at the date of photos and also photo history websites that display estimated dates: these are often misleading.
14. For specialist help with dating and interpreting your photographs, there are several options. For example, some genealogy magazines have columns dedicated to photo dating and are usually on the look out for submissions. Alternatively, you could consider employing an experienced professional consultant such as myself. If you have an annual subscription to Findmypast, and therefore have an FMP First membership you can get an exclusive 15% discount on my services. Click here to take advantage.
15. Begin examination of your old family photos with those that can be positively identified. Typically, these will be photographs of relatives you knew during their lifetime, or who are/were recognisable to your parents and their generation.
16. Take the opportunity to talk to elderly relatives about unfamiliar photos. They may still be able to name faces and places from their youth, just don't wait until it's too late.
17. Many family collections include Victorian and Edwardian photos portraying ancestors personally unknown to recent and current generations. Be wary of names written on the back: they are sometimes the result of guesswork or a failing memory.
18. In general, when trying to identify photographs from the more distant past, rather than following 'hunches', begin with an accurate date range and work from there.
19. Accurate photo dating is usually possible to within about 4-8 years for female images and around 7-10 years for men. These kinds of time frames, along with age estimates, can successfully pinpoint the correct generation of the family you're looking at.
20. Judging age in old photos can be difficult, due to poor image quality or varying visual perceptions. To include all possible ages, estimate widely, not narrowly.
21. Children's ages can be judged most accurately from their physical appearance, so when young boys and girls appear in a dated or closely dateable photo, try to calculate their likely birth years to within a few years, to find them on the family tree.
22. You may have successfully dated an old photo and confidently identified its subject(s), but what does that mean? Most formal studio portraits record special occasions, so try to work out why they may have been taken.
23. Sometimes significant dress clues appear in photos. For instance, white or coloured dresses with ornate hats or bridal veils were typically worn at weddings, while dull black clothes and black accessories were donned for mourning, and a boy aged 3-6 would wear knickerbockers to commemorate his ' breeching'.
Most Victorian and Edwardian photos are professional studio portraits and usually they were taken to mark a special occasion. The pose of this couple and the display of the lady's ring indicate a wedding photo, her smart suit and hat style typical of c.1910.
24. Some photos are harder to interpret. Look for features such as the engagement ring on the carefully displayed left hand, this might mean a wedding anniversary was being celebrated.
25. Some ancestors were photographed just before they left home, emigrated, and/or soon after their arrival in a new city or country. Location then becomes especially significant, hence the importance of viewing any printed details on card mounts.
26. Study everybody in every photograph. Are the infants male or female? How old do they each look? How many generations of the family are represented? Can they all be relatives, or might the setting suggest that they are work colleagues or neighbours? Get your metaphorical (real if that floats your boat) deerstalker on and use your skills of deduction. You might surprise yourself!
27. Over the years, I've also learned to question who's not present in a family group scene. Was the father away at war? Had the mother died, or was she absent due to childbirth? Are some of the children missing and why?
28. Many of us are fortunate to be the curators of old family photos, which means we have a responsibility to preserve them best as possible. Look online, in genealogy magazines or visit family or local history shows for conservation advice and ideally use archival-quality storage and display products.
29. Some photos relating to our family history are copies 'borrowed' from others who hold the originals. Apart from being mindful of the complexities of copyright, it's also respectful to ask permission from their owners before circulating them at all, and especially before posting them online.
30. Treasure your family photographs. They're special and unique historical 'documents' that are, in my opinion, often the most personal of heirlooms. They reveal past generations to us in the most direct way and are also intimate objects that our forebears actually touched, viewed often, and cherished during their lifetimes.
Jayne Shrimpton (BA History, MA History of Dress) has written several books on dating family pictures and fashion history, including Family Photographs and How to Date Them (2008); How to Get the most From Family Pictures (2011); Tracing Your Ancestors Through Family Photographs (2014) and Victorian Fashion (2016). She writes regular genealogy columns and articles, and is Photographs & Artworks Consultant for Who Do You Think You Are?
Up next: Who's the Mystery Woman in This Photograph? | 2019-04-20T17:12:57Z | https://blog.findmypast.co.uk/30-tips-for-analysing-old-photos-genealogy-deciphering-clues-2393637636.html |
54 people interested. Rated 5. 0 by 2 people. Check out who is attending exhibiting speaking schedule& agenda reviews timing entry ticket fees.
2018 edition of Craftsmens Christmas Classic Art And Craft Festival Columbia will be held at South Carolina State Fair, Columbia starting on 09th November.
JAMIL CRAFT SHOW! Where? Held in the Jamil Temple gymnasium. Jamil Shrine Temple 206 Jamil Road Columbia, South Carolina Directions (ST. Andrews West and I-26 West, Columbia, SC) Admission& Fees. Vendors - Download 2018 Vendor Application here. Gymnasium Table Layout For. A cast of over 400 put on a patriotic show. Columbia, South Carolina, United States. The First Baptist Church in downtown Columbia has evolved into a.
Craftsmen's Christmas Classic ™ Art& Craft Festival November 9, 10& 11, 2018 Voted consistently as one of the top 100 shows In The Nation 2 in South Carolina& a" Top 40" in the Nation - Sunshine Artist Magazine" 200 Best" September 2018 Find South Carolina craft shows, art shows, fairs and festivals. + detailed listings for South Carolina artists, South Carolina crafters, food vendors, concessionaires and show promoters. 2018 Columbia Fall Christmas Art and Craft Festival.
November 9, 2018. Location: Columbia, SC, SC State Fairgrounds, Ellison and Cantey Buildings: Experience all that Columbia SC has to offer with our calendar of events listing things to do, nightlife and annual events, in and around the Columbia region.
2018 edition of Craftsmens Christmas Classic Art And Craft Festival Columbia will be held at South Carolina State Fair, Columbia starting on 09th November. 54 people interested. Rated 5. 0 by 2 people. Check out who is attending exhibiting speaking schedule& agenda reviews timing entry ticket fees. 2018 edition of Craftsmens Christmas Classic Art And Craft Festival Columbia will be held at South Carolina State Fair, Columbia starting on 09th November. It is a 3 day event organised by Gilmore Enterprises Inc.
and will conclude on 11-Nov-2018. Voted consistently as one of the top 100 shows In The Nation 2 in South Carolina& a" Top 40" in the Nation - Sunshine Artist Magazine" 200 Best" September 2018. Columbia, SC. This show is a winner of. december 2018 – South Carolina Calendar of Events, Festivals.
walking trail, laser light show, plus other Carolina christmas show 2018 columbia sc at Saluda Shoals Park. Columbia Irmo. Concert. Saturday Dec. 1. Holly Hill Christmas Festival 2-day event includes parade. Location: Westminster, SC, South Carolina's Golden Corner: Description: The Apple Festival will be held on September 6-8, 2018.
It'll include kid's activities, games, art and craft show, parade, karaoke. Top Events and festivals this Christmas season in South Carolina. Some of the best events this year. . Columbia Boat Show – Columbia, South Carolina; Saturday ~ February 10, 2018. Columbia Boat Show – Columbia. South Carolina festivals in June 2018.
Top South Carolina festivals and things to do this June. June 1, 2018. The City of Columbia Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC beginning at 4 p. m. Read More City Media november 2018 – South Carolina Calendar of Events, Festivals. Add your SC. Dickens Christmas Show& Festival 4-day event includes period clad vendors, arts& crafts, Victorian Teas, tours. games Learn more about South Carolina's Scots-Irish history Rock Hill Clover.
Festival. Dates TBD. Festival of Trees Features decorated trees and. Experience all that Columbia SC has to offer with our calendar of events listing things to do, nightlife and annual events, in and around the Columbia region. Craftsmen’s Classics Christmas Art& Craft Festival, Columbia, SC, Nov. 9-11th, 2018, South Carolina State Fair, 1200 Rosewood Dr, Columbia, SC, USA, Columbia. 8901 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC; ;.
The Christmas Show of The South The Carolina Opry Christmas Special. As always, the 2018 Christmas special brings stunning changes, beautifully blended with time-honored tradition to create a family experience that is second to none as new talent mingles. Holiday Events throughout Columbia, Lexington and the Midlands of South Carolina. Let’s spread some holiday cheer!. January 1, 2018 James Island County Park. Craftsmens' Christmas Classic Art& Craft Show. November 9 - 11, 2018.
South Carolina State Fairgrounds Columbia, SC. Show Promoter: Gilmore. december 2018 – South Carolina. Columbia City Ballet's holiday family tradition. Upstate Holiday Light Show Drive through a nighttime Christmas wonderland. The 43rd Annual Craftsmen's Classics Christmas Art& Craft Festival features original.
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The City of Columbia Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, in Council Chambers at City Hall, 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC beginning at 4 p. m. 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC beginning at 4 p. m. Read More. City Media. City Manager Teresa Wilson leads the executive team for South Carolina.
Shows& Events. Youth Theatre Starts Monday!. 1012 Sumter Street Columbia, SC Box Office Hours:. July 2018 (2) June 2018 (1) March 2018 (1. Columbia, SC - 35th Anniversary Craftsmen’s Classic™ Art& Craft Festival March 2, 2018– Fri.
(10am – 8pm) March 3, 2018– Sat. (10am –6pm) Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Arts and Crafts Festival. Visit Christmas Tree Village to view the uniquely decorated Christmas Trees by some of our exhibitors. SCIWAY's South Carolina Calendar of Events and Festivals for November 2018.
november 2018 – South Carolina Calendar of Events. Dickens Christmas Show& Festival Craft Shows in South Carolina 2018–2019. Dickens Christmas Show and Festival. SC State Farmers Market, West Columbia, SC Columbia South Carolina festival events. Select the month of South Carolina festivals and events for 2018: January in South Carolina; February 2018 festival events in South Carolina Featuring all gun shows, expos, events, and classes in SC for 2018.
Find South Carolina gun shows where you can buy, sell, trade, and browse. SCACA Columbia Gun. C OLUMBIA, SC - C HRISTMAS S HOW Craftsmen's Christmas Classic ™ Art& Craft Festival November 9, 10& 11, 2018. Named a" Top 20 Event" by Southeast Tourism Society Consistently# 1 in Columbia, # 3 in SC& In The" Top 50" of the" 100 BEST" Shows in the Nation - Sunshine Artist Magazine in September 2018. Columbia has become nothing short of a light show thanks to rockstar events like Lights Before.
Dates vary between December 8, 2018 - December 16, 2018. Junior League of Columbia’s assistance through a Community Impact Grant was showcased Monday morning at the Richland Library Sandhills location.
Through the library’s collaborative effort with FoodShare SC, each child attending story Carolina christmas show 2018 columbia sc is given a copy of the book “Vegetable Soup A to Z” so they can read along with the librarian and. Koger Center for the Arts, Columbia Tickets. SC Philharmonic 2018/2019 Season.
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Good morning and welcome to the 15th meeting in 2015 of the Public Petitions Committee. I remind all those present, including members, that mobile phones and BlackBerrys should be turned off completely, as they interfere with the sound system even when they are switched to silent. Apologies have been received from Hanzala Malik.
I welcome Michael McMahon, who replaces John Pentland as a member of the committee.
Agenda item 1 is a declaration of interests. In accordance with section 3 of the code of conduct, I invite Michael McMahon to declare any interests that are relevant to the committee’s remit. Any declaration should be brief but sufficiently detailed to make clear to any listener the nature of the interest.
Other than what is in my declaration in the register of members’ interests, I do not believe that there is anything that I require to state. As trade union issues tend to come up quite a lot in the committee, it might be worth mentioning that I am a member of the GMB trade union. There is nothing else.
The second item on the agenda is the election of a convener. I put on record my thanks to John Pentland for his work on behalf of the committee.
The Parliament has agreed that only members of the Scottish Labour Party are eligible for nomination as convener of the committee. That being the case, I seek nominations for the position of convener.
Michael McMahon was chosen as convener.
Congratulations, Michael. I suspend the meeting for a minute, while we change places.
I thank David Torrance and other members for allowing me again to become the convener of the Public Petitions Committee. It is a position that I have held in the past, and I know how important the committee is. I certainly look forward to re-engaging with the petitions system, which is one of the most important aspects of the Scottish Parliament. I certainly valued and appreciated it when I was a member of the committee previously.
I thank David Torrance for holding the fort during the transition from the previous convener to me. I know that the clerks worked closely with him on all the areas that required to be addressed and that he took the committee for a few weeks while the convenership was in abeyance.
I also thank the previous convener, John Pentland, for steering the committee over the past while.
Agenda item 3 is consideration of new petitions, the first of which is PE1570, by Alan Lee, on parental rights to child contact. Members have a note on the petition from the clerk, which is paper 2, and a Scottish Parliament information centre briefing. I welcome the petitioner, Alan Lee, and invite him to make a short opening statement of around five minutes to explain what the petition seeks to achieve. After that, we will move to questions. Over to you, Mr Lee.
Thank you very much for inviting me to speak. The issue is close to my heart, as I have two children—a son who is six years old and a daughter who is three years old. They are my life; hence why I am before you this morning. I have been refused contact with my children for reasons that I do not understand, as I am not an alcoholic or a drug addict. I am unemployed for health reasons, but that does not make me a bad father. I have not seen my children for more than a year, and there is an on-going legal battle that I find difficult and frustrating. Legal aid is especially frustrating, as it takes an extremely long time to process applications in relation to child contact.
Children need a routine, consistency, security, love, nurture, guidance, protection, care and many other things. They also need both parents. When a legal battle is on-going, the absent parent is not there to provide all that to the child. I would understand if contact had been terminated for a reason—for example, if I was a drug addict or an alcoholic. However, that is not the case. Even if I had one of those issues, the proper route and legal channels should have been gone through to prevent me from seeing my children.
The legal aid process is a big issue that causes a long period when there is no contact. As I said, when contact is terminated, the non-resident parent has to go through an extremely long process. They have to find a solicitor, who will write to the resident parent to ask for the contact to be reinstated. The resident parent can, in a way, postpone a lot of the legal process by not responding to letters. Then, obviously, there has to be an application to the Scottish Legal Aid Board for assistance. The non-resident parent’s solicitor will have to write to the Legal Aid Board with a statement from a neighbour or family member in support of the application. The application takes between four and six weeks. While that is on-going, letters are being passed back and forth between the non-resident parent and the resident parent.
As I said, it takes an extremely long time even before a writ is issued, once legal aid has been granted by the board, and then a child welfare hearing is allocated by the sheriff court. Again, it is frustrating for the non-resident parent to have to sit and wait for the process to happen. Obviously, in that time, the bond between the non-resident parent and the child will be severely affected. In my experience, it is also a waste of public funds. Applying for legal aid is an on-going process that is not in the child’s best interests.
I gave the committee an article—“After parents divorce, regular overnight stays with dad are best for most young children”—by Professor Richard Warshak, who is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas. I emailed the article, which has been endorsed by 110 mental health experts from 15 countries, to the clerk late last week, and I hope that the committee will have the opportunity to read it.
As well as that interesting article, I would like to point out a few articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. I am sure that the committee will know about them. Article 9 states that children have the right not to be separated from their parents against their will, except where that is necessary to protect their best interests. To my mind, that article is breached the minute a resident parent stops contact without the intervention of a court, because who is to say that the resident parent’s decision to terminate contact is in the child’s best interests?
“all forms of physical or mental violence”.
If a resident parent terminates contact, how can the non-resident parent meet their responsibilities as a parent to assist with the child’s upbringing and development? Also, it will mentally scar the child not to have regular contact with the non-resident parent. That will have a significant and long-term effect on the child.
The petition asks for the Scottish Legal Aid Board to prioritise the processing of applications relating to child contact so that legal aid can be granted, and a child welfare hearing can be allocated on application to the court, fairly quickly. Where there are concerns, social work services can intervene and possibly supervise contact and assess those concerns.
We must remember that contact can be terminated only in the child’s best interests and not because there is bitterness between the parents. I find that normally there is such bitterness. The children’s panel always discusses contact. I am not 100 per cent sure whether the children’s panel can facilitate the contact issue. Maybe the committee can think about whether that is possible.
To my mind, children’s welfare is paramount. It will help their long-term development to have regular contact with both parents, rather than having big gaps in contact, which will be detrimental to them mentally and to their welfare and development. I understand that there have been previous petitions on issues to do with enforcing contact and on the rights of unmarried fathers. However, my petition is based on the termination of contact and asks whether we can change the process to have quicker access to legal aid and quicker allocation of child welfare hearings.
I have been quite lucky because my contact with my son was recently reinstated by the sheriff court. There was an order in place but that does not mean that the resident parent cannot stop that contact. I am sure that the committee has discussed that in relation to previous petitions.
Since April this year, contact with my daughter has been an on-going legal battle. To date, the Scottish Legal Aid Board has not granted my application.
I do not know what else to say to the committee except that, as a father, the difficulty and frustration of the process can be killing. I have not seen my daughter since April this year. Given the time that the legal process takes to run its course, I probably will not see her until April next year. That is a year of her life during which I have been unable to assist with her upbringing and development.
I will continue to fight on, whether or not the committee takes any action on the petition. I do not want to be forced, as a last resort, to have to climb the Scottish Parliament building in a Batman suit, if you know what I mean.
Thank you, Mr Lee. Has your lawyer raised concerns about the length of time that it has taken to process your legal aid application?
Yes. There is regular contact with SLAB. At the beginning, I think that a statement from a neighbour was missing. We had to submit that statement and then it came back. The process just takes a really long time. I find it quite frustrating.
From what you have said, it appears that the court has made at least one decision in your favour in relation to your son. Obviously, there is an on-going process in relation to your daughter. Is there anything in the court process that has caused unnecessary delay? Is there anything that has added to your frustration about the length of time that the process is taking?
I do not think that it is the courts—I know that the court will take time to allocate a child welfare hearing. However, a writ cannot be submitted by my solicitor to the resident parent without legal aid being granted. That is where the delay is at the moment.
The information from America that you mentioned indicates that, in a normal scenario, retaining contact is in the child’s best interests—I understand that. In Scotland, the law is predicated on what is in the child’s best interests. Do you accept that there may be times when contact is not in the child’s best interests? Is that not a reason for maintaining the position that the courts should do what is in the child’s best interests and not what is in the best interests of whichever parent does not have contact?
I accept that, but in my case I do not find that the law is helping me. I provide care and everything for my children. I had overnight contact with my daughter, which stopped for no specific reason.
Do you accept that the court has to put itself in the child’s mind when it considers what is in that child’s best interests and that the outcome should not simply be based on what the mother or father says? Do you accept that the law should continue to be based on what is in the child’s best interests?
As I say, I accept that but, looking at it from my perspective, I do not know what the reason is for my children not seeing me. I understand what you are saying about the court. In my case, if it was in my children’s best interests not to have contact, I would agree with the court. However, I do not agree with how things are going at the moment. I do not get to see my children because that is what my ex-partner believes is in their best interests.
I appreciate that legal aid can be slow, although there are special urgency provisions. Grant of legal aid is based on probable cause. SLAB has to consider whether there is probable cause or whether there might be a good reason why the application should not be supported. There will therefore be some bureaucratic delay as people check the basis of the application.
I understand that, too. Some applications are processed quite quickly. I was issued with an interdict in relation to my daughter because, as I say, my ex-partner thought that, for whatever reason, that was the right route to go down. I was prevented from going to the nursery to pick up my daughter. That was granted quickly. Obviously, there was an urgency issue there. However, in my case—a father who wants contact with his children—SLAB does not see it as urgent to process my application quickly. There is a timescale of four to eight weeks. I understand that and I am happy to wait four to six weeks, but we have run well over that since April.
Thank you for your evidence, Mr Lee. I will take a slightly different angle from that taken by Mr MacAskill. In your submission, you mention the court orders that have been granted, giving access to an absent parent. However, a resident parent can ignore an order and withdraw contact completely. What is your experience in that regard?
Thank you for that interesting question. There is no reasonable excuse for that. A court order is in place but my ex-partner will still stop contact any time that she wishes to. I have to wait to go back to court to reinstate contact. That is what happened in February, when my ex-partner stopped me contacting my son. I had contact with him again only a couple of weeks ago.
Most of the time, the resident parent—I hate referring to mothers, because I do not want to penalise them—just ignores any order that is in place. One time when I went to the house to pick up my son, my ex-partner said that I was not going to get him. When I asked why, given that the order was in place, she replied, “Because I say so.” I cannot do anything about that. Even if I phoned the police they would say that it was a civil matter and that I would need to see a lawyer. Lawyers are not on hand 24/7—they are not waiting for me to come to see them. I have to make an appointment, which can take a couple of weeks. The lawyer then needs to apply for legal aid, if legal aid has ended. Again, that takes time.
I accept Mr MacAskill’s argument that the courts should be able to decide what is in the child’s best interests. However, I also believe that if courts grant access orders, they should uphold those access orders and ensure that the resident parent grants the other parent the rights that have been agreed through the court system.
The committee might need to look at the wider issues. Although there are issues about the legal aid application procedure and the act of going through the courts to get access, we perhaps also need to look at the issue of the enforcement of court orders that have already been granted. If such court orders were enforced, you might not find yourself in this situation in future.
In my experience, there are instances when the non-resident parent is treated badly, but I also have great sympathy for sheriffs in relation to the scenario that Mr Wilson discussed. If a sheriff says, “I have given a contact order and you must obtemper it,” but the parent with residency says no, the sheriff is faced with two options. One is to switch the residency from the mother to the father or vice versa, which they might already have decided would be inappropriate, and the other is to jail the person. In that case, where do we put the child?
What should a sheriff do in that situation? Should they switch the order or jail the person—or is there a third way? In my more than 20 years as a lawyer and 16 years in the Parliament, I have never been able to discover a third way, which is why I have a great deal of sympathy with not only the parent, whom I feel heart sorry for, but the sheriff, because I am always bamboozled as to what we expect them to do. What are your views?
That is quite a difficult one, Mr MacAskill. You are more of a professional than I am on the subject, but I do not think that jailing the parent is the solution, because the child needs both parents. Some other punishment such as community service—say, time spent in a local charity shop or something—would probably be more beneficial than a custodial sentence. It would be harsh to jail a parent when there is a young child at hand who needs to be cared for, especially if there are concerns for the non-resident parent. The child might have been neglected, and that might be why the best interests of the child were not being served and the contact was terminated. I feel for sheriffs in that sense, but I am looking at the whole picture with regard to the best interests of the child, not the best interests of the parents or the sheriff who is going to grant the order to whoever is suitable.
I am interested in the best interests of the child. In my experience, we can say to somebody, “You can get a court order, and unless you have a good relationship with your ex-partner, that will become the maximum.” However, a time will come when the child is nine, 10 or 13 and they will say, “I’m supposed to come to you on Saturday, but there’s a party” or they will be playing football. What does the person do? Do they say, “No, you’re coming to me”? They could be in a separate town, and the child will not get to go to the party or play football. The best thing is to have a good relationship, but at what age do you think the child’s rights become paramount and they should be able to say, “I don’t want to come this weekend”—or even at all?
Even when a court order is in place, parents need to be flexible and work together on what is in the child’s best interests. My contact with my son, which was reinstated two weeks ago, is on a Sunday between 10 am and 2 pm. One Sunday, he was going to a christening party with his mum, and I was quite happy to change the time to Monday after school so that I could still see him for a few hours. He was happy, I was happy—we were all happy. That is important.
As I have said, even if a court order is in place, it is important for the parents to be flexible with regard to the child’s best interests. If the child is not well, we cannot force them and say that they still need to go and see dad or mum. That is not workable.
I think that John Wilson’s comments are pertinent. We would all wish that every sheriff had the wisdom of Solomon when it comes to the difficult scenarios that Kenny MacAskill has laid out. They will always be difficult for the court, but I have always been sympathetic to the view that, where a court order has been made, people should not be able to reject it with impunity. The court must have some redress if it makes an order and someone decides that they are not going to comply with it.
A number of issues have come up in Mr Lee’s comments about the duration of the bureaucratic process of allocation and the imposition of a court order. Do colleagues have suggestions on how we should take the issues forward?
We should write to the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Mr Lee makes a fair point about bureaucratic delay, although some of that goes with the process. For 16 years, I had to fill in paper application forms, but now that the process has gone online, I hope that it has been truncated.
It would be worth writing to the Scottish Legal Aid Board and asking it about the current timescales and its proposals for trying to speed things up. I appreciate that the applicant’s statement and the supporting evidence have to go before members of the board for clarification if the case is not simply dealt with on the basis of probable cause by the staff at the board, but it would be helpful to get an idea of the timescales and how the board believes they can be further truncated.
Are there any other suggestions about whom we should contact?
We cannot go directly to the Law Society of Scotland, but it might be worth asking the Family Law Association, which tends to be the specialist in such matters and will have experience on both sides.
I wonder whom it would be best to contact about the enforcement of court orders. Should we seek a view from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service?
We could go to the Lord President, now that he chairs the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service board.
You are quite right, convener—a court order should be obtempered. Otherwise, it brings the court into disrepute. Equally, my experience is that, in a lot of these cases, we tend to run into mental health issues, which then raise challenges. I think that it would be appropriate to ask the person at the very top.
As members have no other suggestions, I say to Mr Lee that we will contact the organisations that we have mentioned and get back to you with the responses. We will then see how we can take the petition forward.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to the committee this morning.
I suspend the meeting for a couple of minutes to allow us to change witnesses.
Our second petition this morning is PE1571, by John Beattie, on food bank funding. Again, members have a note by the clerk on the petition—paper 3—and the SPICe briefing.
I welcome the petitioner, John Beattie, who is accompanied by Kevin Magee from the Govan Development Trust. I invite Mr Beattie to make a short opening statement to explain the petition, following which we will ask questions on the issues that he raises. Over to you, Mr Beattie.
Good morning. I thank the committee for considering our petition.
I am a volunteer in my local area of Govan, in Glasgow. Since about February, there has been a developing crisis of food shortages in our local food bank, Glasgow South West Foodbank. It has become a recurring theme. Kevin Magee and I volunteer at Sunny Govan community radio, and the food bank was continually asking us to put out emergency appeals on radio for supplies, because it kept running low on stock. That situation inspired Kevin and me to start doing food collections in our local area. We also collected a lot of statistics and information on food banks in order to raise awareness of the issue in our local area. From there, we decided to start this petition.
As a former student of politics who studied Scottish politics, I was aware of the Scottish Parliament’s petitions process. I thought that if we started a petition, we could get it to this stage in the Parliament. I am delighted that we have got here and that the petition can be considered.
The reason for the petition is that we feel that we are getting to the stage with food banks whereby communities are now struggling to meet the demand. Lots of research has shown that food bank statistics are exploding, particularly in the past year, so the petition asks whether we can get some help from the Government to help meet that growing demand. That probably sums it up; it is as simple as that. I would welcome any questions.
Thank you. I will kick off the questions. Until recently, I was convener of the Welfare Reform Committee, which looked extensively at the issue of food banks. Last year, it undertook an inquiry on the subject, in which we heard harrowing stories about the usage of food banks and the types of people who are affected by the sanctions regime, among other things, and driven to require the use of a food bank.
I was struck by the breadth of concern that was expressed by those involved in the food bank sector and those involved in charities and support groups on poverty about the possibility of food banks becoming institutionalised in this country. They felt that there was a real danger that the more support food banks get from the Government, the more they become part of the welfare system. That concern was expressed repeatedly throughout our inquiry and Canada, where the food bank system is part of the welfare system, was given as an example of what could happen. We heard real concerns that we could end up copying that model if we increased the amount of central funding for food banks. How do you respond to such concerns?
I appreciate that point, which is a response that I anticipated. The thing is, though, that the present situation is bordering on being a humanitarian issue. I personally feel that that is true, because I see on the ground how it is affecting peoples’ lives.
As for the concern about the Government starting to have direct involvement in food banks, what is the alternative if it does not? What happens if we get to a stage when food banks are struggling to get food from local communities? More than 90 per cent of donations to our local food bank come from the local community, but many members of the community are themselves living on the breadline. What happens when we get to a stage when donations to the ever-growing number of food banks start to diminish?
We know that, because of the ideological attacks on welfare coming from Westminster, the situation is only going to get worse over the next five years. All I ask is: what is the alternative if the Scottish Government cannot at least set up the emergency food fund again?
Good morning. The Scottish Government already allocates £1 million to this issue, half of which goes to food banks, unlike the United Kingdom Government, which is not funding food banks at all. In times of austerity, do you think that it is right that Government should keep giving that money? Some food banks are really good at collecting food. The one in my area, Kirkcaldy Foodbank, has trolleys in all the supermarkets that are continually filled by shoppers.
That is a good question. Organisations are set up that get donations from supermarkets and so on. The same thing that you describe happens in our area, too: the bigger chains, such as Sainsbury’s, donate to our Glasgow South West Foodbank. However, even so, we still have emergency appeals every two or three weeks. All the independent food banks are in the same situation.
You mentioned the £1 million that the Government has given to food banks. That is an interesting issue. In response to a letter that I sent to the First Minister, I got a response that said that £1 million had been given to food banks. I asked people in a lot of food banks in our local area and more widely and they said that it was not £1 million. I then spoke to a Scottish Government minister, who told me that it was actually £500,000. When I again went back to the food banks, they challenged even that claim. I would therefore query what you have said about that £1 million. Where did it go? A lot of people who are involved in food banks asked me that.
Evidence that was given to the Welfare Reform Committee suggests that people want food banks to be community led and community run. How involved is the community—scout groups, local organisations and so on—in the food bank that you help with?
Yesterday, I was contacted by journalists who were interested in me coming to the committee today. They were under the impression that I am a volunteer at the food bank. I am not, and neither is Kevin Magee. We are just community volunteers who felt a social responsibility to do something to help the struggling members of our community.
Our food bank operates in four areas. It gets stuff from sources such as the Glasgow football clubs, who run donation days on which people bring along bags of food. On 12 September, Sunny Govan community radio, in partnership with a well-known dance DJ, organised a big event in Glasgow city centre that featured renowned DJs, and entry was open to people who brought along a bag of food. Lots of things are going on to raise donations of food, but how sustainable is that in an environment in which people are struggling? As I said, 90 per cent of the donations come from ordinary people.
We should get an emergency food fund in place, because I can tell you that there will come a crisis point. I know that the Scottish Parliament is getting a lot of new powers as a result of the Scotland Act 2012. Why do you guys not set up a commission or something to consider how we can sustain this system? As I said, we are going to be in this situation for the next five years. We do not have control of welfare in Scotland, so we have to look at the issue as a long-term problem, because that is what it is. We must set up some sort of emergency food fund in the short term, while getting people’s heads together to think of a way of dealing with the issue in the long term.
Good morning, Mr Beattie. I would like you to answer a couple of questions. A number of food banks on the south side of Glasgow are, in effect, competing with one another to raise donations and provide food to people who have been referred to them. Could there be greater co-ordination between food banks, to target provision? At the moment, people are confused about which food bank receives the food that they donate. In my area, one of the national organisations collected food in supermarkets, but none of it was supplied to the local food bank, which caused concern among some residents. They believed that they were making donations for local people, but the food was being supplied elsewhere.
That is another good question. As Kevin Magee and I have been through the process, we have learned a lot about different food banks and food bank groups.
The Trussell Trust uses a ticketing system, whereby a person goes to a professional, such as a doctor, who will give them a ticket to access a three-day emergency food supply. Other independent food banks do not have such requirements.
Some people who got a food bank ticket and went to a Trussell Trust food bank might not have liked the experience, so they might now be going to an independent food bank. Through statistics that food banks have sent us, we have seen that people are walking from Castlemilk to Maryhill to access food, because they might have used their three tickets. The Trussell Trust has a three-strikes system: someone can have only three tickets in a certain period. People then have to navigate their way through little independent food banks and groups that people have set up. Greater co-ordination is needed.
Kevin Magee and I had a public meeting at the Pearce Institute in Govan, at which we had people from Maryhill and Milton in Glasgow, which are a good distance from Govan. All those different groups came to the meeting, and we quickly learned that we need greater co-ordination.
We need a professional head to manage that co-ordination. That would lead to better results. There seems to be a wee issue with who feeds who in what area. I appreciate that greater co-ordination is needed, but while all this is happening, people are going hungry in our communities.
I have some sympathy with the petition. One of the main issues is the concern about whether people can continue to donate food to provide for other members of their community. In some of the smaller communities, in particular the areas in Glasgow that you mentioned, involvement and the level of giving is good but, as time goes on, people’s ability to donate will reduce. As you said in your submission, the level of donations falls off and the food bank ends up with fewer and fewer donations, and therefore less food to give out.
We need to get the issue out there and have a comprehensive review of what is being done within the movement to ensure that the people who urgently require food parcels are provided with them.
I will throw out another option. You mentioned some of the organisations that can make referrals to food banks. General practitioners, the Department for Work and Pensions, citizens advice bureaux and others can make referrals to the food bank in my area. What would you say if the Government, rather than giving money to food banks to buy food, gave vouchers to the people concerned? I am not advocating that option; I am just asking what your reaction would be if the Government gave out food vouchers.
That is difficult. Having studied social policy, I know that there can be a notion in society that people are deserving or undeserving. A stigma might become associated with using food vouchers. I will give the committee an example. One of the people whom Kevin Magee and I came across was a vulnerable elderly person. Sadly, due to circumstances, their children had passed away through the use of drugs and alcohol, so the elderly person was left to bring up their grandkids. The grandchildren asked their grandparent if they could take a certain route to the food bank, because they did not want their friends to see their grandparent go into the food bank to get food.
I can only imagine that that would be worse in local communities, where everybody knows everybody, if somebody paid for food at the till with vouchers that basically say, “I am claiming food.” We have seen that in America, where a trial of such a system showed that there is a big stigma attached to the use of food vouchers. It is a very difficult issue. A lot of thought would need to be given to the introduction of such a system, because there is a danger that stigma would arise from it and the issue is how we would deal with that.
Sorry, convener, but I have one final question. Another issue that has been raised is the administration costs of food banks and whether the money—be it Government money or financial donations to food banks from local organisations, businesses and individuals—should be used to purchase food or to pay for administration costs and the rental costs of the premises from which they operate.
That is another great point. We have had many discussions about the issue and find it difficult when we think about that in depth, because it means that people are getting wages and jobs are being created out of food poverty. That raises a lot of ethical issues.
A lot of food banks are run by volunteers. Only a certain number of food banks pay for premises and have high overheads and high running costs. For example, a food bank in Milton is run from somebody’s house, so there are no overheads. Those types of things are springing up. At public meetings, we have heard about independent food banks that are run from people’s own houses. People want to do something, because they can see the effect that the cuts are having on their community.
Yesterday, the Child Poverty Action Group, the Trussell Trust and Oxfam released a massive UK-wide report called “Emergency Use Only”. We have had a quick glance through it and it indicates that 30,000 volunteers are involved in food banks, so a huge number of those involved are volunteers. We also came across an article by Flora Douglas and her colleagues at the University of Aberdeen in the journal Public Health. She says that there was one manager in the food bank that she encountered and that the rest of the people involved were volunteers, so it is not that 10 or 15 people were getting a wage. One person was co-ordinating—I imagine from a professional standpoint—how the food bank was organised and run.
I will follow up on a point that John Wilson made. We already have a system that allows for the use of food vouchers. The Scottish welfare fund is a £33 million fund that was set up by the Scottish Government to cover a host of things including people who are in emergency situations. One aspect of the fund is that, if someone needs food quickly, they can be given a voucher for the local supermarket. However, the issue of stigma arises in such a case—we have heard horrific stories about how checkout operators treat people who arrive at the supermarket with the vouchers. That system is already in place and it is Government funded, but you are looking for Government funding not to do something like that.
There is also the issue—I have heard it called the three-strikes rule—of people who make three visits to a food bank. A good argument was put to the Welfare Reform Committee when it considered that issue. If someone goes repeatedly to a food bank, there may be an underlying issue, and if they are not being sent there by a health professional, a GP or social services, that underlying issue could be missed. Having a system whereby people can keep a record of those who visit a food bank and how frequently they visit may, in the longer term, help to paint a picture that allows someone to be supported and helped in a way that they may not have been previously.
Do you take on board the idea that some of the ways in which food banks operate have come about through practice and knowledge of the situation, and that food banks are seeking to assist people in a wider context rather than just handing out food when someone arrives at their door?
Yes, absolutely. We know that there is not one simple factor behind food bank use. For example, someone may use a food bank three times in three months. If they have a benefit sanction that lasts for 12 weeks and they go to a Trussell Trust food bank and get a three-day supply, what are they going to do for the rest of the time?
A lot of the measures were put in place prior to the astronomical rise in food bank use, over the past year, and food banks have to cope with what is happening just now. We need new measures to be put in place.
You mentioned the welfare fund, convener. Do people have sufficient knowledge of how to access the fund? Why has there been a 398 per cent increase in food bank usage in Scotland, as the BBC reported on 16 January? That report showed an absolutely massive increase in the use of food banks. Is the welfare fund working properly?
The Scottish welfare fund was not set up to address the issue of food bank use. However, the question has been raised, and I made the point that there is an aspect of the fund that allows food vouchers to be used. That system is already in place. The Scottish welfare fund also delivers white goods to people and provides furniture and all sorts of emergency assistance. It is not about food banks.
You mentioned that the welfare fund gives out food vouchers.
Under the guidelines, local authorities are permitted to use food vouchers as a way of assisting people through the Scottish welfare fund. That is the point that I was making.
Sorry—I interpreted your comment as saying, “The welfare fund gives people food vouchers, so why should we give more money to food banks?” I was asking why, if the fund is giving out food vouchers and people know that they can get food vouchers through it, there has been such an increase—-it can only be called a drastic increase—in food bank use.
I have a practical question on the detail of the petition. You recommend one of two things: the use of the underspend of £145 million or the use by the Scottish Government—I presume in due course—of the powers of the Parliament to raise £256 million through tax. There is a big distinction if such a concentrated amount of public money is brought into the equation. How do you see that funding being administered? What would constitute the definition of a food bank that would be able to make a claim? Is that how you see the process operating?
What kind of structure do you imagine would underpin that? Once public money was directed in that way, there would be considerable concern to ensure that it was being used appropriately and in a way that the public felt was meeting the need and not going beyond that.
Absolutely—you make a great point. However, I am led to believe that the initial emergency food fund has run out of money. I stress that the problem is long term—we will see such things happening at least until the next general election, in 2020, given the Government that we have at Westminster.
As for how the funding would be administered, maybe we would have to look at setting up a special group to deal with the food poverty issue. It would be of benefit to the Scottish Parliament if the situation was reviewed every so often. The emergency food fund that was set up last year has now run out of money and has not been topped up, so the problem will just come back again. We need to review the situation every so often, to see how the system is operating and what the criteria are when people apply for food banks or for funding for emergency situations. We need to review it to see how it is working and where improvements can be made.
There are a lot of discussions about more powers coming from Westminster. If the Parliament set up some sort of group to look at the system and review it every so often, surely, you could take the research and evidence from those reviews to Westminster and say, “Your policy on this does not work in Scotland.” It creates an argument for devolving the power if the Westminster policy does not work in Scotland.
The Trussell Trust runs a lot of food banks, but there is no legal definition of a food bank. Any organisation can set one up. If a significant sum of money was available and people could apply to that fund, as you envisage, how would you seek to ensure that the money was appropriately directed?
Surely one of the requirements would be that a group would have to register as a charity, because then it would have to make all sorts of commitments and follow the protocols.
I am still not clear who would administer all this.
That is why I suggested that the Scottish Parliament could set up a group that would deal specifically with the issue. It is going to be a long-term issue in Scotland—there is no doubt about that—because there will not be any reversal of the welfare reforms that are coming from Westminster. One can assume only that the current situation will continue, if it does not become worse.
Do colleagues have suggestions as to how we should take forward the petition?
Convener, can I come in?
As I said, the petition was set up to get us here to discuss and raise the issue, and I am delighted that we are here, discussing it. I can see that committee members have concerns. The least that we can hope for is to get the emergency food fund topped up again so that people can apply to it.
We spoke to various food banks and they gave us suggestions in relation to the emergency food fund. I will mention some of the things that they asked me to put to the committee. All the food banks that I spoke to said that they would welcome a reopening of the emergency food fund, as that would guarantee a fair and transparent decision-making process. They said that they would welcome an emergency food fund that did not have current food bank providers sitting on its decision-making board. I do not know whether there was an issue with that previously, but that is an issue that came back to us. The food banks said that they would welcome a decision-making process that considered the impact on existing services and any future decisions that they make.
The food banks would also welcome an application process that involved decision makers visiting applicants to see at first hand how an organisation worked. That maybe touches on Mr Carlaw’s point. Organisations that applied to the fund would commit themselves to being open for a visit so that decision makers could see exactly how they were operated and run.
We could ask the Scottish Government to respond to the points that have been made. I am open to other suggestions from members.
I respect the point that Mr Beattie has just made, but it is not actually in the petition that is before us. The petition that is before us is specific, and it is the petition that the committee has to take forward.
I accept that, but, in writing to the Scottish Government, we could ask it to comment on the points that Mr Beattie has made.
Surely we do not have to be so rigid. Surely, there can be a degree of flexibility. That is why we are here discussing the issue, is it not?
Mr Beattie, let us decide what we can do to take the petition forward. That is the question that I am asking members. I suggest that we write to the Scottish Government, asking it to respond to your comments and questions about the emergency food fund.
Do colleagues have additional suggestions?
I assume that that would be in conjunction with questions on the rest of the petition, convener.
Of course—we would not write only on that; we would seek the Scottish Government’s responses on all the aspects of the petition. It would be a good starting point to get the Scottish Government’s responses to all the points that Mr Beattie has made and to the content of the petition. We might also wish to contact those who are already working in the field.
Could we contact the Trussell Trust again, to see whether its views have changed since it gave evidence to the committee?
I am happy for that to happen.
It is right to contact the organisations that have been named so far, but it might be useful if we also contacted a number of independent food bank operators. It is useful to get the views of the Trussell Trust, but it does not represent the food bank movement. Some of the issues that the petitioner has raised highlight the difficulties that some smaller—what we might call independent—food banks face in their communities.
In addition, I suggest that we write to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities or a selection of local authorities, asking what support local authorities provide to food banks in their areas. I raised a point about administration issues because I know that some food banks are being charged rental costs because they operate from industrial units or other premises that are provided by local authorities. It would be useful to find out where the local authorities, not just the Government and others, stand in the process.
We should also write to FareShare. Mr Beattie raised a point about where the £1 million from the Government has gone. According to our briefing, half of that money has gone to FareShare, which redistributes food from supermarkets to communities and charities. It would be good to get its take on the current situation and the petitioner’s proposal.
We will contact all those organisations, Mr Beattie. They can also see the Official Report of our discussion if they want to know how the questions arose. We will collate their responses and get back to you with the information that we can pull together. Thank you for bringing the petition to us and for articulating the concerns that you have heard from within the food bank movement.
Thank you very much for hearing me—I really appreciate it. Have a nice day.
I suspend the meeting for a couple of minutes to allow the witnesses to change over.
Our third and final new petition is PE1572 by Parveen Haq on occupational disclosure in trials and sentencing. Members again have a note from the clerk—it is paper PPC/S4/15/15/4—as well as the petition and the SPICe briefing.
I welcome to the meeting the petitioner, who is accompanied by Nadim Ahmed, and I invite her to make a short opening statement of around five minutes on what her petition seeks to achieve. After that, I will open it up to questions from committee members.
Over to you, Ms Haq.
My name is Parveen Haq, and I am currently employed by the national health service as a senior physiotherapist in Clydebank. I have come along today with my nephew, Nadim Ahmed, who is the main reason for my submitting the petition in the first place.
The aim of the petition before the committee is to ensure that a person’s occupation is not revealed in court during a trial, especially when the person in question holds a position of trust. I feel that, if the person in question is accused of a crime that does not involve their occupation, that occupation should not be revealed to the court. Basically, when it is revealed, the person gets a harsher sentence.
According to research that I have done on the matter, MPs, police officers and lawyers receive harsher sentences when convicted by the court, but those sentences are dramatically reduced on appeal. They get harsher sentences in the first place because of their occupation, no matter what the crime is but especially when the crime is of a domestic nature and is nothing whatsoever to do with their occupation. By the time the matter gets to the appeal court, the person has lost their job and, because they do not have that standing any more, the sentence is drastically reduced.
The background to the petition is that my nephew was accused of a domestic crime that was outwith his police duties; in other words, it was nothing to do with the police at all. The reason why the court gave him a harsh sentence was his occupation, which he lost as a result; when he went to the appeal court, his sentence was dramatically reduced because he was no longer a police officer.
I have submitted this petition in the hope that the Scottish Parliament can introduce a law to prevent the occupations of accused individuals from being revealed not only in the courtroom itself but right at the start of proceedings when the case is lodged with the Crown Office. I hope that such a move will allow each individual to receive a fair trial in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998.
Okay. I will now open up the discussion to questions from committee members.
There is a difference between the trial itself and the sentencing. Do you not accept that at one stage someone has not been convicted of anything but that, once they have been convicted, their occupation is a material factor for the court?
Because the court has to take into account who someone is, where they live, their age, their income, their occupation and so on. Surely whether the person in question is rich or poor is a material factor; it depends upon the category and the nature of the job. Do you also not accept that in some jobs there is an area of trust? For example, if someone is, say, a nurse or a doctor and they are stopped for drink driving, notification will be made, because it is felt that in such occupations there is an area of trust. Do you not think that in some occupations there is a trust implication and that the authorities that govern them are entitled to know about such matters?
There is an area of trust, but do you not think that there is an area of trust in most occupations? What if I were, for example, a shopkeeper who was selling you something? Is there not an area of trust in my selling you an item at the value at which it should be sold? In my opinion, there is an area of trust in everything. Are we saying that there is no area of trust with a person who is unemployed and does not have an occupation?
You are right to say that everything has an aspect of trust to it. However, if a postman fails to deliver the mail, that is a serious charge; if they misbehave at a football game, the fact that they are a postman might be viewed as irrelevant. A lot of this is about context and whether someone has failed in their duties.
There is a fundamental jurisprudential view of the issue. Sentencing is not about vengeance but it is about atonement and there is an element of public shaming. We do not put people in the stocks but the reason why we allow newspapers to report court proceedings is that people in the community are entitled to know that Mr or Miss X, who lives at such-and-such an address and works at such-and-such, has committed an offence. The community is entitled to know who has committed an offence in their area.
Do you feel that the papers always tell the truth?
Most certainly not, but keeping them out is a separate issue.
Do you not think that the public are entitled to know who the individual in question is? That is why we allow local newspapers into court. It dissuades people from committing a crime. Sometimes, what is important to someone is not the £150 fine but the fact that all their neighbours and friends have seen that they misbehaved on Friday night.
That is fine in itself, but my petition is not about that. My petition is about the fact that people in positions of trust or who have certain occupations, such as police officers, lawyers and MPs, are given harsher sentences. If you compare convictions and crimes, you will see that people who are in positions of trust are more likely to be given custodial sentences, even for first offences, than unemployed people who have committed similar crimes, who are more likely be let off with a suspended sentence.
My petition is not to stop newspapers from spreading the news to friends and family; it is aimed at promoting fairness, equality and human rights. I want to ensure that everyone is treated the same. If Joe Bloggs has done something and PC Bloggs has done something similar, their sentencing should be the same, and they should be named and shamed in the same way. Joe Bloggs has lost nothing—he has not got a job—but PC Bloggs has lost his job. Is that not enough? Do they also have to be given a custodial sentence? My research has revealed to me that no police officer, MP or lawyer who has stood before the court has got off with a suspended sentence, community service or a fine. Mostly, they get a custodial sentence.
I am not a lawyer, so I do not bring that perspective to the discussion.
When I read the petition, I was quite intrigued by the proposal but it prompted me to wonder whether it might not create a fresh inequality, because some people’s occupations are such that their occupation will be known whether or not it is included in the information that is presented to the court. That would create an inequality in the sense that the occupation of a number of people would be understood or would become known during the proceedings, but the occupation of someone with a job that does not filter into the public domain would not. How fair would that be? I do not suppose that, if the person’s occupation became known, the judge could suspend the trial or hold it somewhere else. It struck me that the proposal would simply become an obstacle to the element of justice.
I take the point that you make about sentencing, but I come back to Mr MacAskill’s point. In a sense, the appeals process seeks to address any inequality in sentencing that might exist, and I am concerned about the possibility that your way of dealing with the perceived inequality might not create a new inequality in its own way.
I am saying that it does not matter whether the whole court knows the occupation of the person. What I am saying is that the lawyers, the procurator fiscal and the judge should not hold that person’s occupation against them. It is fine that they know the occupation, but that should have nothing to do with the sentencing. The judge should not say that someone is getting a certain sentence because they are a lawyer or a policeman. I have no issue with newspapers revealing someone’s occupation but the person who is deciding the case—the sheriff, the judge or whoever—should not hold in their mind the view that they are going to impose a harsher sentence because of the person’s occupation.
I do not want occupations to be hidden; they can be revealed. However, judges or whoever makes the decision in a case should be taught to put information about someone’s occupation to one side and look only at the case, especially when it has nothing to do with the person’s occupation.
Good morning. You referred to the example of an unemployed person being sentenced. I am sure that people in the five postal code districts in Glasgow that the majority of the population of Barlinnie prison comes from would be interested to find out that they were less likely to be jailed than somebody from elsewhere. The reality is, though, that Barlinnie is full of people from the five most deprived communities in Glasgow.
For me, trust is the issue here, as we put faith in certain groups of people because of their status in society. You mentioned three such groups, Ms Haq: MPs, lawyers and police officers. If we lose trust in individuals from such groups, how do we deal with them? As part of your argument, you referred to the issue of domestic crime. However, if somebody found guilty of drink driving or embezzlement is a police officer, a lawyer, an MP or a member of the Scottish Parliament, how do we want to deal with such an individual? How do we want to highlight such cases in our society?
We expect MPs and MSPs to pass the legislation that we expect society to abide by; we expect those who are lawyers to work through that legislation to represent people in court or, in another role, to pass judgment on individuals; and we expect police officers to enforce the law. Those three groups in particular are trusted by society to carry out certain duties on behalf of society. How do you think we should treat individuals from those groups when they break the law? Should we be more lenient with them? Or should the court system treat them, as you argue happens at the moment, more harshly than those from other groups in society? How should we punish those individuals, who we hold in high esteem and trust to carry out certain work in society, conferring on them the role of ensuring that people in society observe the rules, legislation and laws that society makes?
Somebody who holds a position of trust can be accused of doing something wrong like drink driving, but at the end of the day they are only human and make mistakes like everybody else. You would think that, because they held a position of trust, the courts would be lenient with them. However, they are not lenient with them and I would not expect them to be. I would expect the sentencing to be the same for anybody who is caught drink driving—that is what I am arguing.
I do not think that the courts should be more lenient on those who hold a position of trust. However, before the event behind the petition happened to us, I assumed that the courts would be more lenient on people who held a position of trust. They do not, though; they go the other way. But why? Because they are punishing those individuals. However, as I have said, is it not punishment enough to give them the same sentence as everybody else?
You mentioned Barlinnie, Mr Wilson—yes, it is full of criminals from five postcode areas, but they are not in there for their first offence; they are in there for their 10th, 12th or 15th offence. For their first, second and third offences, they get told that a fine, a suspended sentence or a community sentence is fine. Those in Barlinnie are not in there for their first conviction; they are in there because of how many convictions they have had. People who hold a position of trust and are convicted of a first offence should be treated like anyone else convicted of their first offence. I can understand a repeat offence being treated differently, but anybody can make a mistake for a first offence.
You are implying that, if a police officer, a lawyer or an MP has a first offence, they are more likely to find themselves being imprisoned. Is that the evidence that you have found?
I have done research. Basically, I have not come across MPs, but I have come across lawyers. You can read the news stories. If you do a Google search, you will be able to see information about police officers getting custodial sentences when they have been arrested, no matter for what. That is fine enough if the offence was committed on duty, but in my eyes the only person who is in their occupation 24/7 is a doctor. When a person becomes a doctor, their title changes to “Dr”. When somebody is having a heart attack on a flight, a doctor or somebody who can do first aid will be called for. If two people are fighting on an aeroplane, people will not call for a police officer or a justice person to come and help.
You have based your evidence on a Google search.
No—newspapers. The learned gentleman, Kenny MacAskill, highlighted newspapers and the need to know stories. Read the newspapers; I have read newspapers.
It is not just from newspapers. I have researched High Court and sheriff court cases. It is not just from Google and newspapers.
If a case appears before the High Court, it is of such a serious nature that a custodial sentence may be the only action that can be taken.
But not in the sheriff court.
I am trying to get down to the evidence that what you say is based on. I have anecdotal evidence that some people who are held in trust are not prosecuted but are basically taken before their various associations. Two weeks ago, we had a case in which a doctor decided to withdraw himself from the register because he was found not to have been carrying out operations. No action was taken against that doctor. The medical profession could not take action against him, because he had removed himself from the register.
It can be argued that, in different parts of society, people find their way round the law and do not face the court process to be charged or face punishment. I certainly ask the committee to investigate further the number of cases from the various professions that you have indicated in which people have found themselves facing a custodial sentence for a minor first offence. That is your assertion.
I refer to my earlier point. Maybe you are defining the petition more narrowly than that suggests. The petition suggests that a person’s occupation should not be known to the court, but I made the point that that could create an inequality, as certain people’s occupations might be known. Are you narrowing the petition simply to say that, at the point when sentencing is being taken into account, the occupation should not bear relevance to the sentence that is awarded?
No. I am saying that the occupation should not be revealed. You asked me about what would happen if people found out. If people find out, they find out, but I am saying that the lawyers in the case—the procurator fiscal or the sheriff—should not repeatedly mention in the case that the person has such and such an occupation. Whether they know his occupation is another thing; I am saying that it should not be revealed to everybody. Whether everybody who is sitting in the court knows the person’s occupation is beside the point. Basically, they should not make a big thing of the fact that the person holds a position, as that fact is then used.
My point was that the proposal would create a fresh inequality, because people who weighed up the evidence in one case and knew what somebody’s occupation was might be affected by that knowledge, but that might not be known in an entirely similar case, and that would create an inequality in the outcome.
That is what I am trying to say: they should not know that. If there are two similar cases in one of which the occupation is known and in one of which it is not, why would people hold that as an aggravating factor in their mind?
I do not think that we are going to get agreement.
I understand that, convener. Thank you.
We need to determine how to take the petition forward, if that is what the committee wants to do.
I think that the Scottish Government has now found the money for a sentencing council, which the Parliament supported and agreed to a good few years back. It seems to me that this is a jurisprudential matter. There are difficulties in what can be done when somebody is charged. There are those who are notified automatically because of their status, but you cannot stop the process, because all that the court produces is a document that says a name and address. It does not say the occupation, although, as Jackson Carlaw says, it might be known.
The petition certainly raises issues to do with sentencing. We should find out whether the sentencing council is about to be established. My understanding is that it is in the process of being set up with legal and lay members, and it may be the best port of call.
Do members agree with that?
We will take the petition forward in the way that Kenny MacAskill suggested, get the response to the petitioners, and consider the petition again at a future point. I thank the petitioners for lodging the petition and enabling the discussion to take place.
I suspend the meeting for five minutes to give people a break.
Agenda item 4 is consideration of eight continued petitions, the first of which is PE1105, by Marjorie McCance, on St Margaret of Scotland Hospice. Members have a note from the clerks, which is paper 5, and the submissions that have been received.
I welcome to the meeting Gil Paterson, who has a constituency interest in the petition and has been involved with it for a considerable time. Before I open up the discussion on the petition to the committee, I think it worth asking Gil Paterson to make a few points.
I would certainly be grateful for that, convener.
I will start at the end, by making my appeal to the committee to keep the petition open. I note that the committee has received a letter from the Government. I should highlight the fact that I am not in the Government; I just happen to be a member of the party of government, which is an entirely different thing. Like every member, I have to look after the interests of my constituents and I do not believe that it would be in the interests of my constituents for the petition to be closed at this time.
For anyone who does not know, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice is the oldest hospice in Scotland. It has just celebrated its 65th anniversary. Sister Rita Dawson, the lady—or, I should say, nun, although she is also a lady—who runs the establishment, has just received an honour from the Queen, and she will also be given the freedom of West Dunbartonshire. We should think about that before any consideration is made. We owe it to the hospice to go the extra mile. The committee has been patient and supportive over a long period, and now would be the wrong time to close the petition.
The committee has received a letter from Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board. I have had a meeting with the health board, along with the former provost of West Dunbartonshire, Denis Agnew. From looking at the contents of the letter and from the discussions that have been had, I feel that there is clearly a willingness on the part of the health board to get this issue off the table. The health board has moved, as has been acknowledged by the hospice and me, and we are certainly grateful for that. The meeting and the letter suggest that we have a willing partner, and of course the hospice itself is very willing.
Where do we go from here? Clearly, we need a person of some stature to oversee the process. There is a problem relating to the number of chartered accountants that have done business with either the health board or the hospice but I believe that someone of public stature could oversee the process, although a chartered accountant would still be needed to do the evaluation. Finding such a person would make an enormous difference.
I do not think that the health board will be difficult at all. I believe that the thought is that something has been missed and actually, if that is the case, the health board will, in a way, be relieved and offer no opposition at all. I believe that simply because, as the hospice has acknowledged, the health board has moved. For the issue to be concluded satisfactorily, the position vis-à-vis other hospices has to evaluated. There was a promise to evaluate that to find out the exact position, but that work has never been completed. Until that happens, there is a prospect that the issue will never be sorted. We need an evaluation to see exactly where we are and then, based on that, a determination can be made. For those reasons, the committee should keep the petition open.
Members have been keeping an eye on the issue as it has moved forward. I open up the discussion to suggestions from members.
I have to say that I am slightly uncomfortable that the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport has almost tried to direct the committee in its decision making. I do not know whether that sets a precedent, but it is not a regular thing.
This petition goes back to 2007, and it is difficult to remember what a contentiously hot issue it has been over many years. In that period, chief executives of the health board have come and gone, as have MSPs who have been associated with the petition. The reason why the petition has stayed open all this time is that, notwithstanding what seemed to be a commonsense route through, the various parties concerned found it extraordinarily difficult. At one stage, there was a definite lack of trust because of the way in which the health board was approaching the issue. From what Mr Paterson says, that seems to have been alleviated.
My view is that, if we are not closing the petition now, we are very close to the point when the committee should close it. However, given the on-going lack of conviction about good will prevailing, I would like the arbiter and auditor to be appointed so that we know that we have taken it to that stage. I would then be comfortable about closing the petition. We would not necessarily need to await the outcome of the process. At that point, it would be reasonable for us to say that we had achieved the objective that arose out of all the difficulties that have presented themselves at the various stages in the long time in which the petition has been rumbling along.
I note the Scottish Government’s suggestion that we close the petition, which I have to say is an unusual response—we do not get many of those from the Government. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to note that the health board has moved on the issue. Although I acknowledge the health secretary’s suggestion, I think that there is merit in keeping the petition open to allow the committee to monitor progress in the short term. I am therefore happy to keep the petition open.
I am one of those members who have been involved with the petition all the way through, as I was a substitute committee member in November 2007, when the petition was originally presented.
My colleagues have commented on the final paragraph in the cabinet secretary’s letter. That warrants some comment, particularly the point that Mr Carlaw and Mr MacDonald have referred to. The cabinet secretary suggests that we close the petition, which is perhaps a hint that we should not close it.
I would like to know why the Government has been unsuccessful in proceeding with that. I know that there were issues about who should be appointed to carry out the review, but I hope that we have come to a stage at which all sides can agree. As Gil Paterson has said, if we could get the right person to carry out the review, we could move forward substantially. I would like to find out why the Scottish Government has been unsuccessful in getting the issue resolved. After all, we received its response in July.
Things have moved on; the health board and the hospice have moved on; and we could reach an early resolution. However, as Gil Paterson has made clear, the review has to be carried out to the satisfaction of everyone concerned, so that we can move on and close this petition in a way that ensures that the petitioner feels that the issue has been dealt with in a way that accommodates the petition’s initial intent.
We could write to the Government to ask it not only to hold the review but to set a timetable for the review to be carried out, so that we are not sitting here considering the petition in eight or nine years’ time because the review has not been carried out. I think that the review could be carried out quickly, and that Government could give us a timescale for that.
The consensus appears to be that we do not want to put this to bed yet—pun intended. We will write to the Government in the terms that John Wilson has suggested and ask for an explanation of why the issue has not been resolved and, if nothing else, an indication of a timescale by which the review can be expected to have concluded. In the meantime, we will keep the petition open. That might disappoint the cabinet secretary, but we will make her aware of the fact that the committee was surprised by her suggestion.
It does not disappoint me, convener.
Do we agree to the suggested action?
Our next current petition is PE1319, by William Smith and Scott Robertson, on improving youth football in Scotland. Paper 6 refers to the petition, and members will have the submissions that have been received.
This issue has not gone away since it was raised the last time. I do not know whether we want to convene a round-table discussion—that might be difficult, timetable-wise; we are in the hands of the clerks on that matter—but we could certainly write to Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League for an update. As things seem to be bubbling away under the surface—indeed, the issue has been raised in the newspapers—I think that it would be premature to close the petition. I am sceptical about whether we would want to take any direct, hands-on action, but it might do no harm for us to put pressure on the parties involved.
I think that that is sensible. Do members agree to the suggested action?
The next petition is PE1531, by Ashley Husband Powton, on removing charitable status from private schools. Paper 7 and the submissions have been provided by the clerks.
We have considered this at some length. The Government’s position is clear and, on that basis, I recommend that we close the petition. I do so in acknowledgement of the fact that it is for political parties that have views on these matters to progress these issues as they see fit. From the committee’s point of view, we have got to a point at which there is nothing further that we can do to take forward the petition.
We must recognise the fact that the petitioner has submitted a lengthy response to the submissions that we have received so far. That response contains a number of questions that it might be useful to try to pursue with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and others. Clearly, the petitioner is in some doubt about why charitable status should be afforded to the independent school sector on the basis of the criteria that OSCR uses. If the committee is so minded, I would like to get answers to some questions on behalf of the petitioner, so that we are clear about how OSCR makes its decisions in relation to the attainment of charitable status by various organisations.
I hear what John Wilson says, but I tend to disagree. I thought that OSCR was quite clear that it thought that this was more down to Government direction and the statutory basis. We are coming into the period in which we will wind down and look to the 2016 election. It seems to me that the petitioner has raised a fundamental issue regarding charitable status, and rather than trying to resolve it within the current constraints, it seems to me that politicians—it will not be me, as I am stepping down—should consider what direction they wish the Government to take.
I am happy for the petition to be closed. The committee has taken it as far as it can, given the evidence and the way we have gone about considering it.
I tend to agree with Mr Carlaw, Mr MacAskill and Mr Torrance. It may be time to hand the matter over to the political parties for them to take it forward after the next election. I put on the record my thanks to the petitioner, who has put forward a strong case from day 1. Her determination on the matter is to be admired. I am in favour of closing the petition, but with a view to the issue becoming a political one in the future.
I do not think that we would necessarily want to go to a vote. It is clear that a majority of the committee want to close the petition. John, do you want to say anything?
I hope that, as Angus MacDonald and others said, the political parties will take the issue on board. I look forward to their manifesto commitments in the coming months in relation to the independent school sector, the use of charitable status by organisations in Scotland and the role of OSCR.
Do you want to push it to a vote or are you happy with the decision?
I am happy that my views are on the record.
Okay. We will close the petition.
The next petition is PE1548, by Beth Morrison, on national guidance on restraint and seclusion in schools. Paper 8 refers, and members have the submissions. I invite contributions from members.
We heard some powerful evidence on the petition. I am struck by the petitioner’s submission, which is slightly disturbing in as much as she clearly believes that the responses that we have received address the matter in such a way that they focus not on the subject of her petition but elsewhere. For that reason, I think that there is considerably more that we need to do.
I support the clerk’s recommendation that we write to the Scottish Government about the needs of children with complex and severe learning difficulties, raising the issues that are detailed in our paper. We need to get considerably more information and to focus on what we heard, which gave us some cause for concern. It seems from the petitioner’s submission that the situation, which we thought was completely unacceptable, is continuing unabated as we speak.
I dealt with such a case recently, and I was horrified by the way in which the young girl was treated. The response that we have received does not match the reality of my constituent’s experience, and it completely misses what the petition is aiming at. There is a good bit of work still to be done to get appropriate responses.
I would like us to impress on the Government, when we write to it, that it should consult the petitioner and other stakeholders in the area. The petitioner, in oral evidence and her submissions, has highlighted a number of other cases that have been brought to her attention. If the practice is widespread, is going unchecked and is unregistered, we need to ensure that the Government is bringing forward proposals that address the issues that parents and others have identified.
I urge the Government to consult the petitioner and other stakeholders to ensure that it addresses and hears at first hand about the issues that parents have raised.
Do other members wish to go with the three recommendations that have been made or do they have anything to add?
I am happy to go with the recommendations.
I think that they cover what is required. We are agreed that we should follow the recommended action and pursue the matter further.
PE1551, by Scott Pattinson, is on the mandatory reporting of child abuse. Paper 9 from the clerk and the submissions refer to the petition.
We need the Government to be clear on the issue. I can see the arguments in favour of the petition and, equally, I can see the consequences, not all of which are good for organisations. In addition, pressure might be put on victims who are reluctant to share. There needs to be greater scope in the discussion, so perhaps we should ask the Government what it is going to do and how it proposes to take the issue forward. I do not think that we can ask the Government to legislate immediately. We need to take soundings from all who are involved, because the issue is not simple or straightforward.
The paper suggests writing to the chair of the inquiry to highlight the petition. The inquiry is likely to run for a considerable period of time, so I am not averse to that, but the Government must give some indication of whether it will pull stakeholders together, because there are arguments for and against.
Members seem to be pretty much agreed with that course of action.
PE1558, by John Thom, on behalf of the RNBCC Crayfish Committee, Ken-Dee catchment, is on the American signal crayfish. Members have paper 10 from the clerks and the submissions relating to the petition. If members have any comments, they should make them now.
I do. I read with interest the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s submission, which is beautifully presented with lots of colourful pictures and details. When I got to the end of it, I was not sure that it had addressed any of the points that I had raised, so I ran off the Official Report of the evidence session that we had with SEPA, particularly my exchanges at columns 11 to 17. I found that the points that I raised had not really been addressed in SEPA’s very lavish production.
First, the claim was made that a lot of current research is under way. I have a table that details research that goes back more than 15 years, but it does not necessarily identify anything that is happening at the moment.
Secondly, I know that we keep hearing from Dr Edsman, but the point that is continually made but never addressed is about the difference between commercial fishing and not-for-profit trapping and fishing, all the proceeds from which are diverted back into research. I have still not heard a specific response to that. If the activity is done for commercial gain, I can understand the link between that and the signal crayfish travelling into other lochs and lakes, but when it is not for commercial gain, I am less persuaded.
“The treatment killed crayfish in test cages, but there are no results yet”.
What surprised me was that the dates of the case studies were 2008, 2009 and 2010, and they appeared to be the most recent dates on which we had any evidence about the long-term effects of the treatments. If a great deal of money is being spent on current research, I would have thought that we might have been interested in spending some of it on at least trying to find out about the long-term effects of the treatments.
I come out of all this thinking that I am being fobbed off, and I am inclined to say that I want to drill down further with some specific questions on the points that were put to SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage at our earlier meeting. As we are not getting the information directly, we should go back to some of the examples of alternative methods that were trialled to ask what the long-term consequences have been and whether any money has been invested in research to establish what those were.
That was a comprehensive critique of the responses. They all seem to be valid questions that we should be asking. Do members agree that we pursue the issue in the manner that Jackson Carlaw would like?
Thank you for paying such close attention to the petition, Jackson; that has been helpful.
PE1560, by John Buston, is on local authority planning appeals procedure. Paper 11 and the submissions are available to members.
We seem to have come to the end of the road on this one.
Sometimes we just have to accept that that is the case. There is going to be a review of planning, so we could bring that to the attention of the panel. We will close the petition but will write to the panel with the petition and suggest that it be borne in mind during the deliberations.
The final continued petition today is PE1564, by James Treasurer, on behalf of Friends of the Great Glen, on saving Loch Ness and the Great Glen. Members have paper 12 from the clerk and the submissions.
I am for closing the petition. The local authority seems to be on the case and things are not as they were being portrayed. The petitioners have made their point and some of it seems to have been taken on board by the council, but the areas that it was suggested were under threat are not likely to be where the turbines are located. I am for closing the petition and leaving the issue with the council.
With that, we can close the meeting. I thank everyone for their contributions. | 2019-04-24T14:13:03Z | http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10117&i=93377 |
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CIM GOLD has the functionality to completely service a construction loan from funding to repayment. In this jam packed hour we will learn how to stay organized when servicing a construction loan by utilizing key features such as managing a budget, disbursing funds via check or into a deposit account, and creating inspection and contractor reports.
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How have real commercial customers benefited from the FPS GOLD eBanking products? What value has it brought to them? What services can you add for commercial clients? How will they help you? The FPS GOLD eBanking system brings several important features to the table. This class will help you consider some compelling options and see examples of how they can make a difference.
Join us as we discuss your exposure to security threats, how to protect your organization’s systems and data, and manage risks originating from inside and outside your business.
The Lending Environment continues to change all around us. The Loan Forum gives you the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas on growing with these changes. Prepare to share your ideas and network with other clients and FPS GOLD personnel. We encourage you to pre-submit your ideas and topics of discussion prior to the forum to [email protected] or [email protected].
Although each FPS GOLD client is unique, some of the problems to solve or solutions you need are similar. We have selected a panel of FPS GOLD clients to share some of their best practices that have helped them succeed. Come listen and share your own ideas for improvement.
This session will focus on current and future technological trends that can enhance your bank’s efficiencies, competitiveness and customer engagement.
Registrations will still be accepted after the May 24th deadline; however, we will be unable to guarantee your place in a preferred class.
Cancellations will be accepted anytime prior to and including May 29, 2019. No refunds will be given after this date. However, arrangements can be made to transfer your registration to to another individual from your institution.
All conference fees will be included with your institution's regular monthly bill following the conclusion of the conference.. | 2019-04-23T20:25:42Z | https://www.fpsgold.com/directions-conference-2019 |
2006-05-08 Assigned to ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. reassignment ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALBRECHT, THOMAS E., ORTIZ, MARK S., SHELTON, IV, FREDERICK E., STOKES, MICHAEL J., ZEINER, MARK S., ZWOLINSKI, ANDREW M.
An endoscopic apparatus shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice in the body includes a scope attachment member coupled to an endoscopic instrument, and a connection member attaching the scope attachment member to the endoscopic instrument. The connection member has an insertion orientation sized for passage through the orifice and a deployed orientation too large to pass though the orifice. When the connection member is in its insertion orientation the endoscopic instrument is positioned closely adjacent an exterior of an endoscope for low profile insertion of the endoscopic instrument through an orifice, and when the connection is in its deployed orientation the endoscopic instrument is spaced from the endoscope to improve visibility.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/150,481, entitled “ENDOSCOPIC SUTURING DEVICE”, filed Jun. 13, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,615,060.
The invention relates to an endoscope attachment structure. More particularly, the invention relates an attachment structure for securing a surgical suturing apparatus to an endoscope.
Endoscopic procedures have been rapidly developing over the past decade. These procedures often allow for the performance of surgical procedures with minimal trauma when compared to prior techniques requiring a large external opening to expose the internal organ or tissue requiring repair.
In addition to the many areas in which endoscopic procedures have found use, endoscopic procedures have been developed for surgical procedures addressing morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is a serious medical condition. In fact, morbid obesity has become highly pervasive in the United States, as well as other countries, and the trend appears to be heading in a negative direction. Complications associated with morbid obesity include hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, multiple orthopedic problems and pulmonary insufficiency with markedly decreased life expectancy. With this in mind, and as those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the monetary and physical costs associated with morbid obesity are substantial. In fact, it is estimated the costs relating to obesity are in excess of 100 billion dollars in the United States alone.
A variety of surgical procedures have been developed to treat obesity. One procedure is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This operation is highly complex and is commonly utilized to treat people exhibiting morbid obesity. Around 35,000 procedures are performed annually in the United States alone. Other forms of bariatric surgery include Fobi pouch, bilio-pancreatic diversion, and gastroplasty or “stomach stapling”. In addition, implantable devices are known which limit the passage of food through the stomach and affect satiety.
RYGB involves movement of the jejunum to a high position using a Roux-en-Y loop. The stomach is completely divided into two unequal portions (a smaller upper portion and a larger lower gastric pouch) using an automatic stapling device. The upper pouch typically measures less than about 1 ounce (or 20 cc), while the larger lower pouch remains generally intact and continues to secret stomach juices flowing through the intestinal track.
A segment of the small intestine is then brought from the lower abdomen and joined with the upper pouch to form an anastomosis created through a half-inch opening, also called the stoma. This segment of the small intestine is called the “Roux loop” Roux limb and carries the food from the upper pouch to the remainder of the intestines, where the food is digested. The remaining lower pouch and the attached segment of duodenum are then reconnected to form another anastomotic connection to the Roux loop limb at a location approximately 50 to 150 cm from the stoma, typically using a stapling instrument. It is at this connection that the digestive juices from the bypass stomach, pancreas, and liver, enter the jejunum and ileum to aide in the digestion of food. Due to the small size of the upper pouch, patients are forced to eat at a slower rate and are satiated much more quickly. This results in a reduction in caloric intake.
As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the conventional RYGB procedure requires a great deal of operative time. Because of the degree of invasiveness, post-operative recovery time can be quite lengthy and painful. In view of the highly invasive nature relating to the current RYGB procedure, other less invasive procedures have been developed. With this mind other procedures for reducing the size of the stomach have been developed. The most common form of gastric reduction surgery involves the application of vertical staples along the stomach to create an appropriate pouch. This procedure is commonly performed laparoscopically and as such requires substantial preoperative, operative, postoperative resources.
As endoscopic devices and procedures have developed, surgeons have begun to employ endoscopic techniques to gastric procedures such as those discussed above in an effort to minimize trauma and reduce the time required for procedures and recovery. With the foregoing in mind, procedures and apparatuses that allow for the performance of gastric reduction surgery in a time efficient and patient friendly manner are needed.
One area that has not been adequately addressed is the need for the application of sutures as these gastric, and other endoscopic, procedures are being performed. The present invention provides an endoscopic suturing device adapted for the continuous application of sutures.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an endoscopic apparatus shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice in the body. The apparatus includes a scope attachment member coupled to an endoscopic instrument, and a connection member attaching the scope attachment member to the endoscopic instrument. The connection member has an insertion orientation sized for passage through the orifice and a deployed orientation too large to pass though the orifice. When the connection member is in its insertion orientation the endoscopic instrument is positioned closely adjacent an exterior of an endoscope for low profile insertion of the endoscopic instrument through an orifice, and when the connection is in its deployed orientation the endoscopic instrument is spaced from the endoscope to improve visibility.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the connection member includes a flexible connection arm that collapses against the endoscope during insertion for a low profile insertion, but then springs away from the endoscope once in position to improve visibility.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the scope attachment member includes a detachable mechanism for selectively securing the endoscopic instrument to the endoscope.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the scope attachment member includes a scope attachment ring including first and second parallel apertures respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope and a shaft of the endoscopic instrument.
It is also another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the second aperture is slightly larger than the shaft of the endoscopic instrument.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for insertion through a natural orifice of a patient.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 24 mm in diameter.
It is also a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for laparoscopic insertion through a trocar.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 18 mm in diameter.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus wherein the endoscopic instrument is a suturing apparatus.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with the vacuum chamber secured thereto.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention without the vacuum chamber.
FIGS. 3 through 10 are cut away views demonstrating operation of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a suturing body with a vacuum chamber in accordance with a preferred embodiment secured thereto.
FIG. 12 shows an alternate vacuum chamber secured to the suturing body.
FIGS. 13 and 14 are top views of yet another vacuum chamber secured to the suturing body, wherein FIG. 13 shows the vacuum chamber in its expanded configuration and FIG. 14 shows the vacuum chamber in its low profile configuration.
FIG. 15 is a cut away view of the suturing body showing a smooth friction camming member.
FIG. 16 is an alternate embodiment of the suturing body showing a toothed friction camming member.
FIG. 17 is a cut away view of yet another embodiment of the suturing body with a gear driven friction camming member.
FIGS. 18 and 19 are cut away views of the suturing body showing alternate back-up mechanisms which may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 are various views of a suturing body including a cam pin set mechanism utilized in selectively opening the suture housing.
FIGS. 23 and 24 are bottom views of a suturing body showing a tear strip mechanism utilized in selectively opening the suture housing.
FIGS. 25 and 26 are bottom views of a suturing body showing yet another mechanism utilized in selectively opening the suture housing.
FIGS. 27 and 28 are bottom views of a suturing body showing a spreader plate mechanism utilized in selectively opening the suture housing.
FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 are various views of a suturing body showing an alternate mechanism for selectively opening the suture housing.
FIG. 32 is a cut away view of the suturing body showing a needle position indicating mechanism.
FIG. 33 is a cut away view of the suturing body showing an alternate needle position indicating mechanism.
FIG. 34 is perspective view of a suturing body employing an alternate needle position indicating mechanism wherein an indicator pin is shown in its hidden position.
FIG. 35 is a cross sectional view of the needle position indicating mechanism shown in FIG. 34 with the indicator pin shown in its hidden position.
FIG. 36 is perspective view of the suturing body shown in FIG. 34 with the indicator pin in its exposed position.
FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of the needle position indicating mechanism shown in FIG. 36 with the indicator pin in its exposed position.
FIG. 38 is a detailed side, cut away view showing a colored needle utilized in needle position identification.
FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing a visual indicator linked to various sensors for identifying needle position.
FIGS. 40, 41, 41 a, 42, 42 a and 43 are various views showing an attachment mechanism for securing the present suturing apparatus to an endoscope.
FIGS. 44, 45 and 46 show a guidewire introducer mechanism for use in conjunction with the present suturing apparatus.
FIGS. 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 disclose a detachable handle mechanism for utilization in conjunction with the present suturing apparatus.
FIGS. 52 through 61 disclose various techniques for suture lacing in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a knotting element in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 63 is a perspective view showing fusing of knotted sutures.
FIGS. 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 are perspective views showing various suction vacuum assist mechanisms in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 69 shows a suturing technique utilizing an adhesive/sealant.
FIGS. 70, 71 and 72 show a perforated suture utilized in supplying adhesive/sealant to a suture line.
FIGS. 73 through 82 disclose a procedure whereby a stomach pouch is created through the application of an adhesive/sealant.
FIGS. 83 and 84 are perspective views of a suturing apparatus incorporating an imaging device within the suturing body.
FIG. 85 is a cut away view of the suturing body showing a cartridge mechanism for utilization therewith.
FIG. 86 is a cut away view of the suturing body showing a cartridge mechanism having a smaller needle.
FIGS. 87 and 88 are side views showing a needle loading mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 89, 90 and 91 disclose screw-based mechanisms for adjusting the size of the vacuum chamber and central opening.
FIG. 92 is a cut away view showing a wire-based mechanism for adjusting the effective depth of the vacuum chamber and central opening.
FIG. 93 is a top view showing a cinching line utilized in adjusting the effective size of the vacuum chamber and central opening.
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, an endoscopic suturing apparatus 10 for the continuous application of a suture 12 is disclosed. The term “suture” as used throughout the body of the present application is intended to refer to a variety of flexible securing filaments whether they be made of natural filament, synthetic or polymeric filaments, or metallic wire filaments.
Although the present suturing apparatus is particularly adapted for use in performing endoscopic gastric reduction procedures, those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate the apparatus may be used for a wide variety of applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. More particularly, the present suturing apparatus is shaped and dimensioned for insertion through a natural orifice of a patient, for example, transorally, and is, therefore, shaped and dimensioned for insertion through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 24 mm in diameter. Although the present suturing apparatus is particularly adapted for insertion through a patient's natural orifice, the present suturing apparatus may be shaped and dimensioned for laparoscopic insertion through a trocar, and is, therefore, shaped and dimensioned for insertion through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 18 mm in diameter.
The suturing apparatus 10 includes a suturing body 14 shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the distal end 16 of a commercially available endoscope, or other supporting structure, 18 in a manner permitting actuation thereof and the creation of a vacuum. With this in mind, the suturing body 14 is secured to the endoscope 18 using known attachment structures appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The suturing body 14 is composed of a first housing member 20 and a second housing member 22 secured together to create a suture housing 24 in which the functional components of the present apparatus 10 are housed for movement in accordance with the present invention. The suture housing 24 includes an inner first track 26 in which a needle 28 is positioned for movement about a predetermined continuous circular path under the control of a drive assembly 30.
Although the present suturing apparatus is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment as providing for the translation of the needle about a continuous circular path, it is contemplated many of the concepts underlying the present invention may be applied in systems wherein the needle is merely moved along an arcuate path, and not necessarily along a continuous circular path.
The drive assembly 30 is supported within second and third tracks 32, 34 positioned about the inner first track 26. The drive assembly 30 applies axial motion to cause movement of the needle 28 about its continuous circular path. The drive assembly 30 is generally composed of a friction plate 36 statically mounted along the second track 32 and a friction camming member 38 that moves along the second track 32 while a pin 40 moves along the outer third track 34. A drive cable 42 is coupled to the pin 40 for controlling actuation thereof in the manner described below in greater detail. The drive cable 42 is actuated for movement of the drive assembly 30 by a handle (for example, as shown in FIGS. 47 to 51). Although a preferred handle is disclosed below, it is contemplated a variety of handle structures may be utilized in the actuation of the drive cable without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For reasons that will become apparent based upon the operation of the present suture apparatus 10 as described below in greater detail, the suturing body 14 is substantially C-shaped with a central opening 44 in which tissue is positioned during suturing. The C-shape of the suturing body 14 allows the needle 28 to move about a circular path during operation thereof and pass through tissue positioned with the central opening.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present endoscopic suturing apparatus 10 is attached to a commercially available endoscope 18 by way of a clamp 17. As briefly mentioned above, and as discussed below in greater detail, the suturing apparatus 10 may be secured to the endoscope 18 in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The suturing apparatus 10 is oriented in a way that allows the user to maintain visibility of the needle 28 and operative field, as well as create a small cross section to aid in transoral insertion (when the suturing apparatus 10 is used in gastric surgical procedures).
A vacuum chamber 46 surrounds and/or otherwise contains the suturing body 14 of the present suture apparatus 10. This defines a cavity 48 in which the suturing body 14 sits. The vacuum chamber 46 is coupled to the vacuum line 50, which is coupled in tandem to the endoscope 18, but not in the working channel of the endoscope 18, such that a vacuum is created within the cavity 48 defined by the vacuum chamber 46, as well as the central opening 44 of the suturing body 14. In this way, the application of the vacuum draws adjacent tissue into the central opening 44 of the suturing body 14.
As briefly mentioned above, the present suturing apparatus 10 is provided with a vacuum chamber 46 designed to enhance one's ability to draw tissue into a position for suturing. The vacuum chamber 46 is shaped and dimensioned to facilitate pulling the tissue wall into the vacuum chamber 46, and particularly, the central opening 44 of the suturing body 14, under the control of the applied vacuum. Once drawn within the vacuum chamber 46 and the central opening 44, the tissue is held therein as the needle 28 is passed therethrough while the suturing body 14 throws stitches. The required vacuum chamber 46 size is based upon the thickness of the tissue being sutured. The vacuum necessary to pull the desired tissue thickness is proportionate to both the thickness of the tissue and the size of the vacuum chamber 46.
As a result, the present vacuum chamber 46 attempts to increase the size thereof to minimize the required vacuum for accomplishing the task, without making the vacuum chamber 46 too large for passage into the stomach. The ability of the present vacuum chamber 46 to achieve desired suction with vacuum pressure provided at a hospital or other medical facility is especially important considering the magnitude of vacuum sources available at different hospitals, as well as within different surgical suites, varies greatly.
With this in mind, and in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, (where similar reference numerals are used for similar parts) the vacuum chamber 146 is constructed from a resilient elastomer. It is cup-like in its configuration and generally includes an inner wall 170 and an outer wall 172. The inner wall 170 of the vacuum chamber 146 is preferably provided with projections, for example, ribs and/or hooks, 174 (as shown in FIG. 12) to further improve the ability of the vacuum chamber 146 to retain tissue drawn thereon under suction. These projections 174 provide grabbing surfaces for the tissue to be pinned against when the vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber 146. The projections 174 also increase the holding power of the vacuum thereby minimizing the amount of vacuum needed.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the vacuum chamber 146 is composed of first and second vacuum chamber members 176, 178 secured to opposite sides of the suturing body 114 in a manner containing, or otherwise surrounding, the functional components of the suturing body 114. The first and second chamber members 176, 178 are mirror images of each other and define a space surrounding the suturing body 114 for the creation of a vacuum. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first and second vacuum chamber members 176, 178 define a cup-like space in which the suturing body 114 is positioned.
Each of the first and second vacuum chamber members 176, 178 includes a semicircular upper edge 184 and a concave lower portion 186. As such, when the first and second vacuum chamber members 176, 178 are secured along opposite sides of the suturing body 114, the cup-like space is defined about the suturing body 114. The cup-like space provides a confined space in which the suction provided by the vacuum is constrained so as to securely and efficiently draw tissue into the central opening 144 of the suturing body 114.
The first and second vacuum chamber members 176, 178 of the vacuum chamber 146 are manufactured from an elastomer, for example, urethane, adiprene or santoprene. The vacuum chamber 146 is designed to permit expansion and contraction thereof. The provision of an expandable vacuum chamber 146 maximizes chamber size to increase tissue inclusion during vacuum application, while permitting reduced vacuum chamber 146 size during insertion of the suturing apparatus 110. More particularly, the ability of the vacuum chamber 146 to expand and contract facilitates trans-oral passage of the suturing apparatus 110 while similarly optimizing vacuum chamber 146 size during tissue suction.
As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the need for trans-oral passage of the suturing apparatus 110 defines an ultimate limit on the dimensions of the suturing apparatus 110 and, therefore, the vacuum chamber 146 that can be introduced to capture tissue in accordance with the present invention. The larger the vacuum chamber 146, the larger the “bite” of tissue that can be captured in one throw of the suturing apparatus 110. With this in mind, and as discussed above, the vacuum chamber 146 is made out of an elastomer allowing it to be collapsed during insertion and then “spring” back to its original shape after it is fully inserted.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, expansion of the vacuum chamber 246 is further facilitated by the provision of living hinges 280 at predefined bending points of the cavity 248 defined by the vacuum chamber 246. This allows the vacuum chamber 246 to be constructed of a wider variety of materials, including non-elastic plastics, since the living hinges 280 permit the more rigid structures to “fold” rather than elastically bend. More particular, and with reference to the prior embodiment, the vacuum chamber 246 is composed of a first vacuum chamber member 276 and a second vacuum chamber member 278. The first and second vacuum chamber members 276, 278 are mirror images of each other, and each includes a semi-circular upper section 284 and a concave lower section 286. As a result, the first and second vacuum chamber members 276, 278 are coupled to opposite sides of the suturing body 214 to form the present vacuum chamber 246, which can similarly include the ribs and/or hooks discussed above with regard to the prior embodiment.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first and second vacuum chamber members 276, 278 are constructed of a semi-rigid material and, therefore, respectively include living hinges 280 permitting expansion and contraction thereof. The living hinges 280 are positioned at predefined bending points of the first and second vacuum chamber members 276, 278 in a manner optimizing folding thereof. The living hinges 280 permits controlled expansion and contraction of the vacuum chamber 246 as the first and second vacuum chamber members 276, 278 are moved relative to each other in accordance with the present invention. One is, therefore, able to pass a vacuum chamber 246 that is ultimately, when used, larger than the trans-oral space through which it is passed.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate it is would be desirable to make a vacuum chamber and central opening adapted to accommodate any type of tissue, any thickness of tissue and be able to allow the user to adjust the bite size (that is, the extent of tissue through which the suture is thrown). To this end, various embodiments for the adjustment of the effective vacuum chamber and central opening size have been developed and are disclosed herein. These embodiments also allow for longitudinal and lateral adjustment of the vacuum chamber, as well as depth adjustment of the central opening and vacuum chamber, to allow for use with different tissue thicknesses, different tissue types and variable tissue bites per suture throw. In this way the surgeon is allowed to readily adjust the effective vacuum chamber/central opening depth, width and/or length to allow for adjustment of the depth of the tissue bite, which controls the depth of the needle path through the tissue (i.e., full thickness or partial thickness). The ability for adjustment also allows the same suturing apparatus to be used for multiple tissue types and thicknesses. While limiting the maximum amount of tissue that may be drawn into the vacuum chamber and central opening, the present techniques may also be applied to ensure that a predetermined and controlled amount of tissue is drawn into the vacuum chamber and the central opening.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 89, 90 and 91, adjustment is accomplished by the provision of adjusting screws 3970 in the base 3972 of the vacuum chamber 3946. The screws 3970 respectively allow for longitudinal or lateral adjustment of the vacuum chamber 3946 by adjusting a screw 3970 in the base 3972 of the vacuum chamber 3946 that expands or contracts the vacuum chamber 3946 in a desired direction.
In accordance with another embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 92 a wire 4070 is used to raise the effective base of the vacuum chamber 4046 and the central opening 4044 controlling the effective depth of the vacuum chamber 4046 and the central opening 4044. This wire 4070 is a buckled spacing wire that can be further buckled or allowed to straighten, effectively reducing the depth to which the tissue can enter the cavity defined by the central opening 4044 and the vacuum chamber 4046. The straighter the spring wire 4070 is allowed to be, the higher the effective bottom of the cavity is set. The spring wire 4070 thereby prevents deep entrance of tissue (that is, entrance beyond the barrier created by the spring wire 4070) into the central opening 4044. The slack in the wire 4070 is controlled via a screw member 4072 found within the suturing body 4014 for actuation of the wire 4070.
Referring to FIG. 93, and in accordance with another embodiment, a cinching cable 4170 is used to adjust the effective length of the vacuum chamber 4148. In particular, a cinching cable 4170 is threaded about the outer perimeter of the vacuum chamber 4146, with the free ends 4172, 4174 thereof exiting at the proximal end of the vacuum chamber 4146. As such, the free ends 4172, 4174 may be tensioned to shorten the vacuum chamber 4146 length, and similarly released when it is desired to increase the length of the vacuum chamber 4146 by allowing the walls thereof to expand to their unbiased position.
As mentioned above, the housing 24 contains the needle 28 used in the application of a suture 12 to the tissue drawn within the central opening 44. The suture 12 is secured to the proximal end, that is, the blunt end, of the needle 28 and is drawn through the tissue as the needle 28 is actuated in accordance with the present invention as described herein. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the needle 28 is curved to rotate about a predetermined continuous circular path and extends along an arc of 240 degrees creating an opening of 120 degrees. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate the opening may be varied; for example, it has been contemplated to use a needle offering an opening of 140 degrees.
The needle 28 includes an interior surface 52 along the inner surface of the arc defined by the needle 28 and an exterior surface 54 along the outer surface of the arc defined by the needle 28. A series of notches 56 are cut into the exterior surface 54 of the needle 28. As will be appreciated based upon the following description, the notches 56 are shaped and dimensioned for use by the drive assembly 30 in grabbing, driving and releasing the needle 28. Although notches along the exterior surface of the needle are disclosed for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated the needle may be formed without notches such that the drive assembly merely grips the substantially smooth exterior surface of the needle to drive it forward.
Operation of the drive assembly 30 and movement of the needle 28 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, wherein one half of the housing 24 is removed exposing internal components of the present suture apparatus 10. The drive cable 42 (shown in FIG. 3) is rigidly attached to the pin 40. As is described below in greater detail, the drive cable 42, pin 40 and friction camming member 38 are extended and retracted to engage and disengage the needle 28 for movement thereof about its circular path. The drive cable 42 is flexible enough to curve in the housing 24 and flex along with the endoscope 18, but is rigid enough to be compressed to drive the friction camming member 38 into its initial drive stage (see FIG. 4).
The friction camming member 38 is composed of an arcuate engagement member 58 and a camming member 60 working in conjunction with the pin 40 to control the position of the engagement member 58 for selective engagement with the needle 28. The engagement member 58 is constructed with internal notches 62 shaped and dimensioned for engaging the needle 28 to drive it in a clockwise direction, but permit free movement thereof as the friction camming member 38, that is, both the engagement member 58 and the camming member 60, is moved in a counter-clockwise direction toward the initial drive stage.
The engagement member 58 of the friction camming member 38 is designed to translate in the housing 24 both radially towards and away from the needle 28, as well as translate arcuately clockwise and counterclockwise about the arc defined by the housing 24. This is achieved through the camming action offered by the interaction between the camming member 60, the pin 40 and the engagement member 58. The camming member 60 is rigidly coupled to the engagement member 58 such that the engagement member 58 is moved into and out of engagement with the needle 28 as the radial position of the camming member 60 is altered based upon its interaction with the pin 40. As discussed below in accordance with an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that a spring element may be employed to force the friction camming member 38 against the needle 28.
More particularly, as the drive cable 42 is compressed (that is, the drive cable 42 is pushed distally away from the operation of the suturing apparatus 10) to move the friction camming member 38 in a counter-clockwise direction, the pin 40 slides within a slot 64 formed in the camming member 60 forcing the engagement member 58 and camming member 60 to move counterclockwise as well as outwardly from the needle 28. The friction plate 36 aids in forcing the engagement member 58 outwardly from the needle 28 as the friction camming member 38 is moved in this counter-clockwise direction.
With the friction camming member 38 in its initial drive position as shown in FIG. 4, and as tension is applied to the drive cable 42 (that is, the drive cable 42 is pulled proximally toward the operation of the suturing apparatus 10) and ultimately the pin 40, the pin 40 engages the camming member 60 forcing friction camming member 38, and more particularly, the engagement member 58 to travel inwardly into contact with the exterior surface 54 of the needle 28 due to the camming action resulting from the interaction of the pin 40 and the slot 64 within the camming member 60 (see FIG. 5). As tension is continually applied to the drive cable 42 the notches 62 formed along the inner surface of the engagement member 58 grab into the notches 56 cut into the exterior surface 54 of the needle 28, causing the needle 28 to rotate clockwise until pin 40 reaches the limit of track 34 and the procedure must start all over (see FIG. 6).
When the limit of the stroke is reached as shown in FIG. 6, the operator compresses the drive cable 42 causing the engagement member 58 to disengage from the needle 28 by way of the cam feature resulting from the interaction of the pin 40 within the slot 64 of the camming member 60 as the pin 40 slides within the slot 64 causing the engagement member 58 and camming member 60 to move outwardly and in a counterclockwise direction (see FIG. 7). The compression on the drive cable 42 is continued until the friction camming member 38 moves counterclockwise reaching the opposite end of the housing 24 (see FIG. 8). Tension is then applied to once again move the needle 28 in a clockwise direction and the procedure is repeated until the needle has traveled 360 degrees (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
As briefly discussed above, the drive assembly 30 of the present invention is capable of driving the needle 28 about its circular path in a highly controlled and efficient manner. Referring to FIG. 15, the functionality of the present drive assembly 330 is enhanced by the provision of the friction camming member 338, which drives the needle 328 when pulling the needle 328 along its path through frictional means. The contact surface of the frictional interface 358 of the friction camming member 338 is manufactured to enhance its frictional relationship with the needle 328 so as to smoothly and reliably move the needle 328 in accordance with the present invention.
The interaction between the friction camming member 338 and the needle 328 is enhanced by the provision of a leaf spring 370. The leaf spring 370 extends within the suture housing 324 of the suturing apparatus 310 and is oriented to contact the friction camming member 338 during actuation of the needle 328 for forcing the friction camming member 338 into contact with the needle 328. The leaf spring 370 is a cantilever mounted spring member mounted proximally of the friction camming member 338. As the friction camming member 338 is forced distally, the leaf spring 370 increases the engagement forces radially the farther the friction camming member 338 is displaced. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a spring structure is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and other spring structures could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 16, the smooth friction camming member 338 discussed above may be replaced with a toothed friction camming member 438. In accordance with this embodiment, the contact surface of the frictional interface 458 of the friction camming member 438 is provided with teeth 472 shaped and dimensioned to engage similarly shaped teeth 474 formed along the exterior surface of needle 428. In this way, the teeth 472 along the frictional interface 458 of the friction camming member 438 engage teeth 474 cut into the needle 428 and drag the needle 428 along its drive path when pulled. As with the prior embodiment, the interaction between the friction camming member 438 and the needle 428 is enhanced by the provision of a leaf spring 470. The leaf spring 470 extends within the suture housing 424 of the suturing apparatus 410 and is oriented to contact the friction camming member 438 during actuation of the needle 428 for forcing the friction camming member 438 into contact with the needle 428.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 17, The motion of the friction camming member 538 (whether it be a smooth friction camming member 338 as shown in FIG. 15 or a toothed friction camming member 438 as shown in FIG. 16) used in driving the needle 528 can also be achieved through the use of a sprocket gear 570 engaging with teeth 572 on the back side 574 of the friction camming member 538 driving the needle 528 through the same motions the linear pull system created. Such a gearing arrangement provides for the translation of rotary motion along the drive cable 582, and about a first axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the suturing apparatus 510 extending through the suturing apparatus 510, into rotary motion of the needle 528 about an arcuate path having a central axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suturing apparatus 510. In accordance with this embodiment, the sprocket gear 570 is rotated by a rotary cable drive system 576 linked to a rotary member in the handle (not shown) which would replace the linear pull system. In accordance with this embodiment, the rotary cable motion (rotating about the longitudinal axis of the device shaft) is converted to rotary motion (rotating perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device shaft) to drive the needle 528 directly along its circular path or to drive the toothed friction camming member 538 in its path.
More particularly, the drive cable 582 is designed for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 510. The distal end 584 of the drive cable 582 is provide with spur gear 586 which is linked to a similar spur gear 588 mounted between the spur gear 586 at the distal end 584 of the drive cable 582 and a geared contact surface 574 of the friction camming member 538. As a result, rotation of the drive cable 582 causes the spur gear 586 to rotate, which in turns translates into motion of the friction camming member 538. Movement of the friction camming member 538 then causes the needle 528 to move in a desired arcuate path. Since the friction camming member 538 engages and disengages the needle 528 in a manner similar to the embodiment described above, movement of the needle 528 is achieved by alternately reversing the rotation of the rotary cable system. Forward rotation cams the friction camming member 538 into engagement and drives the friction camming member 538 counter-clockwise in a manner driving the needle 528. Reverse rotation of the drive cable 582 disengages the friction camming member 538 from the needle 528 and rotates the friction camming member 538 clockwise resetting it for the next driving motion.
Regardless of the friction camming member design, the drive mechanism employed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention provides a rotary needle drive system for suture pass-through capable of multiple tissue pass-through during a single device insertion. As discussed above, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this is accomplished by a friction camming member that advances the needle by means of a toothed engagement or a frictional coupling, and provides for needle advancement permitting variation in the size of both the needle and suture used in accordance with the present invention.
Two anti-backup structures are disclosed with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. These anti-backup structures control needle movement so the needle is only allowed to pass in one direction. This prevents the needle from backing out between actuating strokes of the fricton camming member as it moves between its end (or limit) of stroke position as shown in FIG. 6 and its initial drive position as shown in FIG. 8. More particularly, the needle of the present suturing apparatus is designed to move in a predetermined first direction about an arcuate path, and movement in an opposite second direction is undesired. As such, the present anti-backup structures prevent movement of the needle in the second direction while permitting free movement of the needle in the first direction.
More particularly, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment disclosed with reference to FIG. 18, a frictional anti-backup device 670 is secured along the forward end of the needle 628 path for contact with the needle 628 in a manner preventing undesired back-up thereof. The frictional anti-backup device 670 is a lever arm 672 including a first end 674 and second end 676. The first end 674 of the lever arm 672 is pivotally secured to the suturing body 614 of the suturing apparatus 610. The second end 676 of lever arm 672 extends toward, and into contact with, the contact surface of the needle 628. The lever arm 672 is oriented such that when the needle 628 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 18, the lever arm 672 slides over the exterior surface of the needle 628 permitting the needle 628 to freely rotate.
However, if the needle 628 attempts to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 18, the second end 676 of the lever arm 672 frictionally engages the exterior surface of the needle 628 in a manner stopping clockwise rotation thereof. This is a result of the orientation of the lever arm 672 that creates a frictional impediment to movement of the needle 628, for example, similar to a ratchet mechanism. With this in mind, the lever arm 672 is biased to maintain engagement with the exterior surface of the needle 628 whether the needle is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment and with reference to FIG. 19, the suturing body 714 is provided with an integral spring biased latch 770 shaped and dimensioned to fit within recesses 772 formed in the exterior surface of the needle 728. With this in mind, the latch 770 and the recesses 772 are shaped and dimensioned to permit substantially free rotation of the needle 728 in one direction while preventing rotation of the needle 728 in the opposite direction.
Since it is possible the needle may become jammed within the tissue during deployment, it sometimes becomes necessary to free the needle from the suturing apparatus for emergency extraction of both the suturing apparatus and the needle. With this in mind, and with reference to the various embodiments presented below, techniques have been developed for freeing the needle in the event it becomes jammed and requires release. In general, the embodiments described below are different methods of separating or opening the suture housing of the suturing apparatus to release the needle and allow the suturing apparatus to be removed. Release of the needle in this manner might necessitate subsequent removal of the needle from its jammed position, but will permit extraction of the remainder of the suturing apparatus as the suturing apparatus is no longer hung on the tissue based upon the release of the needle.
In accordance with the various embodiments disclosed below, a surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing and a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path. The suturing apparatus also includes a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue. The suture housing has an open position and a closed position, and the needle can be removed from the suture housing when in the open position.
The various embodiments provide a user a controlled opening mechanism that allows the suture housing to be selectively opened should the needle fail to be able to advance and the suturing apparatus needs to be extracted. As will be described below in greater detail, this is achieved by employing either a spring biased, hinged clamshell suturing body opening when a crushable coupling mechanism is actuated, a removable pin/cable mechanism that holds the two halves of the suturing body together or an openable suture deployment system that can be re-closed for extraction from the body.
In accordance with a first embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22, and as discussed above in greater detail, the suturing body 814 is composed of a first housing member 820 and second housing member 822 making up the suture housing 824. A cam pin set 870 locks the first housing member 820 and the second housing member 822 together, with, however, the ability to remove the cam pin set 870 from the second housing member 822 when it is desired to separate the first and second housing members 820, 822 for removal of a jammed needle 828.
More particularly, the first and second housing members 820, 822 are hinged 872 along one end thereof, and the cam pin set 870 is positioned in a manner opposite the hinge 872 so the first and second housing members 820, 822 are securely held together. However, when the cam pin set 870 is removed, or otherwise removed from its locking position with a second housing member 822, the first and second housing members 820, 822 are free to move apart pivoting about the hinge 872. Opening of the suturing housing 824 is further facilitated by the inclusion of a spring 874 in the hinge 872 for encouraging opening of the suturing housing 824 upon removal of the cam pin set 870.
Actuation of the cam pin set 870 is achieved via the use of a release member 876 that interacts to permit controlled locking and release of the cam pin set 870. In particular, the release member 876 includes a series of interference members 878 which interact with the heads 880 of the cam pin set 870 to retain them within recesses 882 formed in the second housing member 822 (see FIG. 21). When it is desired to separate the first and second housing members 820, 822, the release member 876 is shifted, for example, via a cable 884 extending for actuation by a user, to move the interference member 878 and allow the cam pin set 870 to move from within the second housing member 822 (see FIG. 22).
In accordance with another embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a tear strip 970 is disclosed. As with the prior embodiments, the suturing body 914 is composed of a first housing member 920 and second housing member 922 making up the suture housing 924. The first and second housing members 920, 922 are hinged 972 along one end thereof, with a spring 974 biasing the first and second housing members 920, 922 to an open orientation.
The tear strip 970 is positioned through the centerline of the first and second housing members 920, 922. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the tear strip 970 is secured to the first and second housing members 920, 922 either through adhesive or other mechanical frangible, plastic coupling features. When pulled, the tear strip 970 “tears” the center out from between the first and second housing members 920, 922 allowing the suturing apparatus 910 to fall open. The tear strip 970 may be a straight adhesive or molded strip, or the tear strip 970 may include a camming feature (as discussed below) as part of the distal most end further spreading open the halves as it is removed.
A further embodiment is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. This embodiment employs a pull cable 1070 to facilitate selective opening of the suturing body 1014 for release of a jammed needle therefrom. In accordance with this embodiment, the suturing body 1014 is composed of a first housing member 1020 and second housing member 1022 making up a suture housing 1024. The first and second housing members 1020, 1022 are hinged 1072 along one end thereof (or are separate non-associated halves). The first and second housing members 1020, 1022 are further provided with lacing loops 1074 along the open end thereof. The lacing loops 1074 are shaped and dimensioned to permit the placement of a pull cable 1070 therethrough in a manner which holds the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 together.
More particularly, the pull cable 1070 is laced through the lacing loops 1074 alternately positioned on the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 much like the hinge of a door. As long as the pull cable 1070 is present around the perimeter of the first and second housing members 1020, 1022, the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 are held together and the needle 1028 is retained therein. However, when it is desirable to remove the needle 1028 or otherwise open the suturing body 1014 of the suturing apparatus 1010, the pull cable 1070 is pulled withdrawing it from the lacing loops 1074 and releasing the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 from each other. With the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 released, the spring biased hinge 1072 draws the first and second housing members 1020, 1022 apart by pivoting them along the hinge 1072.
A spreader plate 1170 embodiment is disclosed with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. This is a variation on the tear strip design disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. In accordance with this embodiment, the center connection member 1172 not only joins and releases the two housing members 1120, 1122, but has a camming member 1174 on the distal end of the center connection member 1172 that as it is pulled through the system actually cams the first and second housing members 1120, 1122 apart not just allowing them to freely fall apart.
More particularly, and as discussed above with the various other embodiments, the suturing body 1114 includes a first housing member 1120 and a second housing member 1122 making up the suture housing 1124. The first and second housing members 1120, 1122 are hinged 1176 along one end thereof, with a spring 1178 biasing the first and second housing members 1120, 1122 to an open orientation (or are separate non-associated non-spring biased halves). The central connection member 1172 is positioned through the centerline of the first and second housing members 1120, 1122. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the central connection member 1172 is secured to the first and second housing members 1120, 1122 through a member that is rigid enough to prevent inadvertent deployment of the system but can be broken or disengaged from the distal end of the suture housing 1124. When pulled, the central connection member 1172 releases the first and second housing member 1120, 1122 allowing the suture housing 1124 to fall open.
The opening of the suturing body 1114 upon removal of the central connection member 1172 is facilitated by including a camming member 1174 at the distal end 1180 of the central connection member 1172. The camming member 1174 is positioned and shaped such that it extends between the first and second housing members 1120, 1122 in a manner pushing the first and second housing members 1120, 1122 apart for removal of the needle 1128 or to provide other access to the internal structure of the suturing body 1114.
Referring to FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 yet a further embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The embodiment employs a series of crushable interlocking clamps 1270 in the selective opening of the suturing body 1214. As with the cam pin set, the interlocking clamps 1270 hold the first and second housing members 1220, 1222 together during normal function. When a cable 1272 secured to the interlocking clamps 1270 is pulled, the interlocking clamps 1270 are crushed, unlocking the first and second housing members 1220, 1222 and allowing them to pivot open under the control of the spring biased hinge 1274.
In addition to the inclusion of a release structure for the housing structures described above, each of these embodiments is provided with a housing outer profile, shaped and dimensioned to permit limited closing of the suturing body as it is withdrawn from the stomach. In particular, the outer profile is rounded with a convex profile designed such that the first and second housing member are at least partially forced together when the suturing device is withdrawn through a trans-oral tube.
With the convex profile in mind, it is contemplated it may be desirable to hinge the first and second housing members along their proximal ends (see FIGS. 27 and 28). Either of the various release mechanism may be used in accordance with this embodiment. However, by positioning the hinge at the proximal end thereof the first and second housing members are directly connected to the shaft allowing them to be easily re-closed during extraction rather than having numerous loose parts free to move and fall wherever.
One of the challenges of a suturing apparatus offering a needle that moves through a continuous circular path is to identify to the user where the needle is in the stroke of the device as well as give the user a method to stop at the end of one full stroke around before starting the next stroke. Current imaging techniques allow doctors to visualize a variety of endoscopic procedures. However, the techniques and devices must be designed to permit visualization. In addition, and where visualization is important to completion of the technique, it is important that physical feedback be combined with the visual feedback to ensure redundancy in the event visualization is not possible.
As such, the present suturing apparatus is provided with a variety of indicators for both physical and visual identification of the procedure being performed. Briefly, and as will be discussed below in greater detail, the present endoscopic suturing device includes means for identifying the position of the needle along its path both locally in the surgical field and externally on the actuation mechanism. In addition, the endoscopic suturing device includes a secondary mechanism designed to stop the needle at the end of one full actuation to indicate to the user that it is the proper time in the sequence to re-position the device for subsequent actuations.
More particularly, and in accordance with the various embodiments described below, the surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing and a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path. A drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue. A mechanism is provided for determining the position of at least one of the distal end of the needle and the proximal end of the needle at all points along the arcuate path about which the needle moves.
Referring to FIG. 32, the endoscopic suturing device 1610 includes a spring ball lock 1670 shaped and dimensioned to provide a physical indication of the needle 1628 position. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a small ball bearing 1672 is spring 1674 biased into the path of the oncoming needle 1628 to stop its motion at the end of its travel. The ball bearing 1672 is mounted within the suturing body 1614 for access to and contact with the exterior surface of the needle 1628. The ball bearing 1672 is spring 1674 biased toward the exterior surface of the needle 1628. As such, when the needle 1628 is moved along its arcuate path and comes into contact with the ball bearing 1672, tactile feedback is provided to the user. The needle 1628 is provided with a recess 1676 along its exterior surface (preferably adjacent the tip of the needle, although multiple recesses may be employed at various locations along the length of the needle to provide physical indications of needle position). The recess 1676 is shaped and dimensioned to permit the ball bearing 1672 to seat therein when the needle recess 1676 comes into alignment with the ball bearing 1672 providing the user with tactile feedback of the needle positioned 1628. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the ball bearing 1672 is positioned adjacent the entry point for the needle 1628 as it begins its throw loop and the recess 1676 of the needle 1628 is formed therealong at a position such that the operator is provided with additional tactile feedback that a complete needle loop is achieved.
It is contemplated the ball bearing may be used in combination with a camming mechanism to move it out of the path for the next stroke to occur or it can be used at a restricting force that only applies feedback to the user that the end of a stroke has been achieved, but can be overcome by the user though the application of more force.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 33, a spring ratchet pawl lock 1770 is oriented to interfere with movement of the needle 1728 for identifying needle 1728 position and the completion of a needle loop. More particularly, a pawl lock lever arm 1772 is secured along the forward end of the needle path for contact with the needle 1728 in a manner providing a physical indication as to the position of the needle 1728. The pawl lock lever arm 1772 is secured along the forward end of the needle path for contact with the needle 1728 in a manner providing a physical indication. The pawl lock lever arm 1772 includes a first end 1774 and second end 1776. The first end 1774 of the lever arm 1772 is pivotally secured to the suturing body 1714 of the suturing device 1710. The second end 1776 of lever arm 1772 extends toward and into contact with the exterior surface of the needle 1728. The lever arm 1772 is oriented such that when the needle 1728 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction, the lever arm 1772 slides over the exterior surface of the needle 1728.
However, and as with the prior embodiment, the exterior surface of the needle 1728 is provided with a recess 1778 along its exterior surface. The recess 1778 is shaped and dimensioned to permit the second end 1776 of the lever arm 1772 to seat therein when the needle recess 1778 comes into alignment with the second end 1776 of the lever arm 1772. As mentioned above, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lever arm 1772 is positioned adjacent the entry point for the needle 1728 as it begins its throw loop and the recess 1778 of the needle 1728 is formed therealong at a position such that the operator is provided with a tactile feedback that a complete needle loop is achieved.
Referring to FIGS. 34, 35, 36 and 37, the suturing apparatus includes a pop-out indicator pin 1870. The pin 1870 is shaped and dimensioned to pop out the side of the suturing body 1814 when the needle 1828 is in its advanced position giving the surgeon visible feedback as to the needle 1828 position within the surgical site of the endoscope. Once the needle 1828 is fully advanced, the pin 1870 is spring biased to the hidden or in position indicating the suturing apparatus 1810 is ready for repositioning (see FIGS. 34 and 35). Visualization thereof is provided by coloring the exposed portion 1871 of the pin 1870 in a distinctive color to allow ready identification that the needle 1828 is positioned in a desired orientation.
More particular, the pin 1870 is spring biased within an aperture 1872 formed in the wall of the suturing body 1814. The pin 1870 is biased to a hidden position and includes a first end 1876 and a second end 1878. The first end 1876 is positioned for contact with the needle 1828 as it moves along its arcuate path, while the second end 1878 is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the aperture 1872 for movement between a hidden position and an exposed position. With this in mind, the second end 1878 of the pin 1870 is colored in a distinctive manner allowing ready visualization thereof.
Movement of the pin 1870 is facilitated by the movement of the needle 1828 into contact with the first end 1876 of the pin 1870. In particular, the first end 1876 of the pin 1870 is seated within the path of the needle 1828, although it is shaped and dimensioned to readily move once the needle 1828 moves into contact therewith (without unduly interfering with the movement of the needle as it makes its arcuate path).
In accordance with another embodiment and with reference to FIG. 38, the needle 1928 is colored to provide ready visualization thereof. More particularly, the needle 1928 is made with contrasting color to the surgical field to improve the visibility of the surgeon to identify where the needle 1928 is currently positioned. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the tip 1970 is colored with the contrasting color to provide a ready identification the needle is exiting the suturing body.
Referring to FIG. 39, yet a further embodiment is disclosed. In accordance with this embodiment, the needle 2028 position is calibrated with an indicator 2070 secured at the handle of the suturing apparatus 2010. It is contemplated the indicator 2070 might be several hemispherical patterned lights, a dial indicator or other circular path indicator. In accordance with this embodiment, the suturing body 2014 is provided with one or multiple Hall effect sensors 2074 working in conjunction with the needle 2028 to provide the operator with an indication of the needle 2028 position. As the steel or magnetized steel needle 2028 passes adjacent the three sensors 2074 shown in FIG. 39 the system lights up the appropriate needle position indicator lights 2070 on handle 2072. Although Hall effect sensors are disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other electronic means known to those skilled in the art could be used within the spirit of the present invention. For example, the sensors could be mechanical spring biased switches, or even extremely low voltage contact or inductance switches that make contact through needle itself making contact with both side of the switches (one placed on either side of the needle track).
Improved functionality of the present suturing apparatus is achieved by the provision of a mechanical attachment mechanism specifically adapted for attaching the vacuum chamber and suturing body to the end of the endoscope, allowing for rotational positioning of the endoscopic suturing device with respect to the endoscope. The various embodiments described below provide for a mechanical attachment mechanism that attaches the vacuum chamber and suturing body at the end of the endoscope, allowing for flexible positioning of the vacuum chamber and suturing body away from the endoscope to increase visibility of the pocket. In accordance with one embodiment described below, the mechanical attachment mechanism includes a flexible connection arm that collapses against the endoscope during insertion for a low profile insertion, but then springs away from the endoscope once in the body to improve visibility of the vacuum chamber and suturing body for positioning and suture deployment.
In accordance with another embodiment, the mechanical attachment mechanism attaches the vacuum chamber and suturing body to the end of the endoscope through the use of a detachable mechanism that can be removed and passed into a body cavity prior to the introduction of the endoscope, or for interchanging the suturing apparatus with another suturing body or even another endoscopic device. This could also allow for interchanging between a vacuum assist suture device and a non-assisted device.
The mechanisms provide for a unique method for access to a body cavity through either a natural orifice or a surgical initiated orifice. In particular, the present invention provides a method for inserting a suturing apparatus, or other surgical instrument, through a body orifice. The instrument has a low profile orientation and a deployed orientation which is larger than the size of the body orifice through which it is to be inserted. The method is achieved by coupling the instrument to an endoscope and placing the instrument in its low profile orientation, inserting the endoscope and the instrument through a natural orifice to a target position within a body while the instrument is in its low profile orientation, and actuating the instrument to it is deployed orientation. Finally, the instrument is returned to its low profile orientation and withdrawn from the body through the natural orifice.
Referring to FIG. 40, a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. In accordance with this embodiment, a scope attachment ring 2170 is secured about the distal end 2172 of the endoscope 2174 to which the present suturing apparatus 2110 is to be mounted. The attachment ring 2170 generally includes a ring body 2176 having parallel apertures 2178, 2180 respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope 2174 and the support shaft 2182 of the present suturing apparatus 2110 to which the suturing body 2114 and vacuum chamber 2146 are attached. With regard to the endoscope 2174, the first aperture 2178 is shaped for frictional engagement with the outer surface of the endoscope 2174 in a manner preventing rotation of the attachment ring 2170 relative to the endoscope 2174.
The second aperture 2180 is shaped and dimensioned for receiving the shaft 2182 of the suturing apparatus 2110, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the second aperture 2180 is slightly larger than the shaft 2182 of the suturing apparatus 2110. In this way, the suturing apparatus 2110 may be rotated relative to the endoscope 2174 for improved access to tissue. Positioning of the suturing apparatus 2110 relative to the attachment ring 2170 is achieved by positioning abutment members 2184, 2186 along the shaft 2182 of the suturing apparatus 2110 on opposite sides of the attachment ring 2170. These members 2184, 2186 can be coupled to the shaft 2182 via screw threads during manufacturing, pressed into place during manufacturing or be molded as part of the attachment ring itself. In this way, the suturing apparatus 2110 may be freely rotated relative to the endoscope 2174 while the suturing apparatus 2110 is substantially prevented from longitudinal movement relative thereto.
In accordance with another embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 41, 42 and 43, an endoscope attachment ring 2270 similar to that described above is secured about the distal end 2272 of the endoscope 2274 to which the present suturing apparatus 2210 is to be mounted. The attachment ring 2270 generally includes a ring body 2276 having parallel apertures 2278, 2280 respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope 2274 and the present suturing apparatus shaft 2282. With regard to the endoscope 2274, the aperture 2278 is shaped for frictional engagement with the outer surface of the endoscope 2274 in a manner preventing rotation of the attachment ring 2270 relative to the endoscope 2274.
As for the second aperture 2280 receiving the shaft 2282 of the suturing apparatus 2210, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the second aperture 2280 is approximately the same size as the shaft 2282 of the suturing apparatus 2210. In this way, the suturing apparatus 2210 is prevented from rotating relative to the endoscope 2274 allowing for the elastic deployment off the axis of the endoscope 2274 to permit better visualization. Positioning of the suturing apparatus 2210 relative to the attachment ring 2270 is achieved by positioning abutment members 2284, 2286 along the shaft 2282 of the suturing apparatus 2210 on opposite sides of the attachment ring 2270. In an alternate embodiment the fit between the endoscope attachment ring and the elastic arm could be a loose fit as discussed above with regard to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40 permitting it to be freely rotated relative to the endoscope while the endoscopic suturing device is substantially prevented from longitudinal movement relative thereto.
Improved access of the suturing apparatus is further facilitated by manufacturing the shaft 2282 distal from the second aperture 2280 of the attachment ring 2270 from a flexible material that is biased to a position removed from the endoscope 2274. In this way, the suturing apparatus 2210 may be held close to the endoscope 2274 during insertion, reducing the profile of the structure being inserted trans-orally, while allowing for movement of the suturing apparatus 2210 away from the endoscope 2274 when the suturing apparatus 2210 reaches its desired location.
More particularly, the portion of the shaft 2282 a providing for flexing of the suturing body 2214 away from the endoscope 2274 is an elastomer lever arm designed to move the suturing apparatus 2210 off axis from the endoscope 2274 in a manner improving visualization of the suturing apparatus 2210 and its usage while still allowing it to deflect against the endoscope during insertion and extraction, reducing its overall profile during these activities.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention and with reference to FIGS. 41 a and 42 a, the attachment ring 2270 a may be constructed with a connection member 2283 a extending distally from second aperture 2280 a. The connection member 2283 a is an elastomer lever arm designed to move the suturing apparatus 2210 a, with the shaft 2282 a thereof extending through the connection member 2283 a off axis from the endoscope 2274 a in a manner improving visualization of the suturing apparatus 2210 and its usage while still allowing it to deflect against the endoscope 2274 a during insertion and extraction, reducing its overall profile during these activities.
As briefly mention above, the connection member 2283 a is shaped and dimensioned to fit about the shaft 2282 a of the suturing apparatus 2210 a. The connection member 2283 a is constructed of a resilient material and is biased to a position removed from the endoscope 2274 a. In this way, the connection member 2283 a with the shaft 2282 a of the suturing apparatus 2210 extending therethrough may be held close to the endoscope 2274 a during insertion, reducing the profile of the structure being inserted trans-orally. However, once the suturing body 2214 a is positioned within the body cavity, the connection member 2283 a is released, allowing it to extend away from the endoscope 2274 a. Because the shaft 2282 a of the suturing apparatus 2210 is positioned within the connection member 2283 a, the shaft 2282 a and the suturing body 2214 a are moved away from the endoscope 2274 a as the connection member 2283 a moves away from the endoscope 2274 a.
In addition to the various embodiments discussed above and with reference to FIGS. 44, 45 and 46, it is contemplated a guidewire introducer 2470 for a suturing apparatus 2410 may be employed. Such a device is used in combination with a detachable vacuum chamber 2446 and suturing body 2414 detailed above. The distal end components, that is, the vacuum chamber 2446 and the suturing body 2414 are passed, for example, through the oral cavity in advance of the endoscope 2472 and subsequently attached to the endoscope attachment ring 2474 via a guide wire 2470 which is pulled through a support shaft 2476 in a manner drawing the suturing body 2414 and vacuum chamber 2446 onto the support shaft 2476. The endoscope 2472 itself can be used to advance the detached vacuum chamber 2446 and a suturing body 2414 down the oral cavity. The pre-positioned guide wire 2470 within the working channel of the endoscope 2472 is terminated at its distal end 2471 by connection to the vacuum chamber 2446 and suturing body 2414. Once passed into the stomach, the vacuum chamber 2446 and suturing body 2414 are pulled back into attachment to the distal end of the endoscope 2472 and onto a support shaft 2476 by pulling the suturing body 2414 and vacuum chamber 2446 into engagement with the endoscope 2472 through the action of the guidewire 2470 to which the vacuum chamber 2446 and suturing body 2414 are connected. This allows for use of a vacuum chamber 2446 and suturing body 2414 that are laterally and thickness wise larger than could be passed in fixed attachment to the endoscope during insertion.
As an alternative embodiment, the vacuum chamber can be interchangeable used with non-vacuum equipment that looks similar or identical to the vacuum version, but does not utilize the vacuum to position the tissue and merely relies upon placing the chamber adjacent to the tissue to be sutured. This drastically reduces the bite size, but also reduces the possible trauma to the tissue that vacuuming the tissue into the pocket may cause.
In particular, there are some procedures that would preferably be used without a vacuum assist to pull the tissue into the vacuum chamber, but rather would merely throw the suture with minimal tissue bite depth. There are even clinical situations where the vacuum could induce damage to the tissue. An interchangeable vacuum chamber that has a differing cavity depth and profile could be used with the suturing apparatus without a vacuum assist.
A quick handle disconnect is also contemplated in accordance with present invention and is shown with reference to FIGS. 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51. This feature may be used in combination with or separately from the guidewire introducer as described above. Briefly, this embodiment employs a suture housing 2524, a needle 2528 mounted within the suture housing 2524 for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle 2528 for controlling movement of the needle 2528 with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, a handle 2570, an elongated flexible member, for example, a drive cable 2542 having a distal end attached to the suture housing 2524 and a proximal end attached to the handle 2570, and a mechanism for releasing and reattaching the handle 2570 to the flexible member 2542.
The utilization of a quick handle disconnect facilitates distal detachment and pre-passing of the suturing apparatus 2510 through the selective attachment and detachment of the handle 2570 from the flexible drive cable 2542 to which the suturing body 2514 and vacuum chamber 2546 are connected. In accordance with this embodiment, the drive cable 2542 may function much like the guidewire previously discussed in allowing one to pass the suturing body 2514 and the vacuum chamber 2546 into position prior to complete assembly. This improvement allows one to pre-pass the suturing apparatus 2510 from the distal end of the endoscope in manner reducing the required profile because the suturing apparatus 2510 is positioned distal of the endoscope during passage thereof rather than passing the suturing apparatus 2510 from the proximal end of the endoscope in a manner increasing the required passageway since the profile must accommodate both.
More particularly, the handle 2570 is composed of a handle body 2574 in which the drive cable 2542 is releasably secured for actuation. With this in mind, the handle body 2574 includes a central passageway 2578 in which the drive cable 2542 is stored and mounted. The handle body 2574 is composed of a central grip 2580 and a slide member 2581 that moves relative to the central grip 2580 in a manner discussed below in greater detail. The central passageway 2578 includes a first open end 2582 and a second closed end 2584. Adjacent the second closed end 2584 is a spring loaded trigger lock 2586 secured to the central grip 2580. The trigger lock 2586 is shaped and dimensioned to engage a protrusion 2594 (for example, a bullet nose tip) along the proximal tip 2588 of the drive cable 2542. In this way, the proximal tip 2588 of the drive cable 2542 is mounted within a recess 2590 in the proximal end 2592 of the passageway 2578 and within the central grip 2580 (for centering thereof), and the trigger lock 2586 is moved downward into engagement with the protrusion 2594 for maintaining the drive cable 2576 within the handle body 2574. When it is desired to remove the handle 2570 from the drive cable 2578, one need only actuate the trigger lock 2586 to its release position and the handle body 2574 may be freely removed from the drive cable 2542. Retention of the drive cable 2542 within the handle body 2574 is further facilitated by the inclusion of a locking slide 2596 along the slide member 2581. The locking slide 2596 frictionally interacts with a collar 2598 formed on drive cable 2542 for retention of the handle body 2574 thereon.
In practice, the distal end of the drive cable 2542 is inserted within the passageway 2578 formed in the slide member 2581. The drive cable 2542 is inserted to such a point that the collar 2598 of the drive cable 2576 is aligned with openings 2583 formed along the slide member 2581. At this point, the locking slide 2596 is slid along the slide member 2581 and is moved over the collar 2598 into engagement therewith. The drive cable 2542 is, at this point, secured to the slide member 2581. The slide member 2581 is then moved proximally relative to the central grip 2580 until the proximal end 2588 of the drive cable 2542 is seated within the recess 2590 formed in the central grip 2580. The trigger lock 2586 is then spring actuated to engage the protrusion 2594 at the proximal tip 2588 of the drive cable 2542 for securing it to the central grip 2580 and the handle body 2574.
Once the handle 2570 is secured to the drive cable 2542, release thereof is achieved by reversing the attachment steps discussed above. In particular, the trigger lock 2586 is rotated forward to permit release of the protrusion 2594 from within the recess 2590 of the central grip 2580.
As discussed above, the present handle 2570 allows for actuation of the drive cable 2542 in a manner operating the present suturing apparatus 2510. In particular, relative movement of the central grip 2580 and the slide member 2581 while the drive cable 2542 is seated within the central grip 2580 causes actuation thereof permitting the drive assembly to function in the manner described above.
Although the selectively releasable connection is described above with reference to the handle of a suturing apparatus, it is contemplated the releasable connection could similar be applied in the selective connection of the suturing body to the shaft connecting the suturing body to the handle. In this way, one could selectively connect the suturing body to the shaft once the suturing body is positioned within the body cavity and ready for use in the application of a suture to tissue.
The vacuum pressure available in different operating room suites varies greatly from location to location. Improvements to the vacuum chamber minimizing the necessary vacuum required have been discussed above. However, such structural changes might not be sufficient to ensure the present endoscopic suturing apparatus can be used in any location. The embodiments detailed herein are improvements to the handle to locally increase the vacuum in the vacuum chamber.
Each of these embodiments provides an endoscopic instrument, for example, a suturing apparatus, adapted for use with an endoscope. The instrument includes an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end, an end effector, for example, the suturing body of the suturing apparatus, attached to the distal end of the elongated tube, and a handle attached to the proximal end. The handle includes a mechanism for attaching the instrument to a first vacuum source. The handle further includes a second vacuum source integral with the handle for amplifying the first vacuum source, whereby the first and second vacuum sources combine to operate the end effector.
Referring to FIG. 64, this problem is addressed by the provision of a syringe based handle vacuum assist device 2970. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a syringe mechanism 2972 is placed in parallel to the main vacuum attachment 2973 to the suturing apparatus 2910. This allows the normal operating room vacuum source to be used to accomplish as much as it is capable of and, if additional vacuum is still necessary to get a good tissue bite, the syringe mechanism 2972 can be pulled by the surgeon to increase the vacuum in the vacuum chamber 2946. Since the normally available vacuum source of the operating room is the primary mechanism for drawing tissue into the vacuum chamber 2946, the volume necessary in the syringe mechanism 2972 is minimized as the tissue will already be engaged in the vacuum chamber 2946, although not to its full depth. An additional benefit of this method of assisting an operating room vacuum source is that fluids will have already been evacuated from the vacuum chamber 2946 by the normal or primary operating room suction means and the syringe mechanism 2972 will not be filled with bodily fluids.
In accordance with another embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 65, a battery 3071 powered multi-stroke vacuum assist device 3070 for suction actuation is provided. The vacuum assist device 3070 includes a rotary fluid pump 3072 (lobe pump, gear pump, peristalsis pump, etc.) to be used in a multi-stroke fashion to increase the maximum volume of gasses that can be extracted from the vacuum chamber after the primary vacuum source of the operating room is completely engaged. This has the same benefits of the syringe based system, but provides for the ability to exchange a greater volume of gas.
Similarly, and with reference to FIG. 66, a battery 3171 operated disposable vacuum pump 3170 is associated with a disposable deployment handle 3172 used in conjunction with the present suturing apparatus 3110. Like the mechanical multi-stroke mechanism detailed above, a battery operated, motor driven, disposable fluid pump 3170 is included in the handle 3172 to supplement the vacuum available from the operating room.
Although FIGS. 65 and 66 disclose systems that are automatically actuated to create a secondary vacuum source, FIG. 67 discloses a trigger actuated system 3070 a. The trigger 3074 a employs trigger handles 3076 a in conjunction with a gearing arrangement 3078 a to drive a fluid pump, for example, a single lobe fluid pump 3072 a. As with the prior embodiments, actuation of the trigger 3074 a and the fluid pump 3072 a increases the maximum volume of gases that may be extracted from the vacuum chamber after the primary vacuum source of the operating room is completely engaged. This has the same benefits of the syringe based system and the automated system, but provides for manual actuation offering a surgeon greater control.
It is further contemplated the vacuum assist may be created via a squeeze bulb with a one-way valve or a bellow mechanisms with a one-way valve or a secondary suction line. In addition, an idling vane 3172 a could also be incorporated to intermittently provide vacuum assist (see FIG. 68).
As discussed above, visualization of the suturing apparatus 3510 is often critically important to the proper use thereof. With this in mind, the suturing apparatus 3510 may be modified to improve imaging thereof. In particular, the apparatus 3510 includes a flexible member 3516, for example, a support shaft or endoscope, having a distal end attached to a suturing body 3514 for insertion of the suturing body 3514 through an orifice and into a body cavity. The suturing body 3514 includes a suture housing 3524 in which a needle 3528 and drive assembly are housed for movement of the needle 3528 with a suture secured thereto about an arcuate path facilitating application of the suture to tissue. A non-visible spectrum sensing member 3570 is associated with the suturing body 3514 for communicating a parameter of the procedure to a visual display 3572. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the non-visible spectrum sensing member is wirelessly linked to the visual display.
For example, it is contemplated the suturing apparatus 3510 may be modified through implementation of ultrasonic transducers 3570 in the suturing body 3514 (see FIGS. 83 and 84). Similarly, the suturing apparatus 3510 may be modified by the inclusion of a magnetic resonance imaging source transducer based within the suturing body or vacuum chamber to image the local suture site. Further, it is contemplated the endoscopic suturing device may be modified with the inclusion of an infrared based imaging sensor within the suturing body or vacuum chamber to evaluate blood flow to the sutured area post suture deployment or to identify blood rich areas in the interior lining pre-suture deployment for blood flow visualization. The endoscopic suturing device may also include Laser Doppler, oxygen, or carbon dioxide based sensors located within the suturing device to evaluate the blood flow characteristics before or after the suture line is deployed.
These various visualization techniques provide for non-visible (outside the normal visible spectrum) imaging integrated into the suturing apparatus to improve the visualization of the site during suturing. As mentioned above, the contemplated mechanisms could be ultrasonic, infrared, MRI, Laser Doppler, oxygen and carbon dioxide sensors or other sensor system. In addition, the sensors provide for tissue penetration visualization means for viewing the location of surrounding organ geometry and Tissue penetration visualization means for viewing the suture deployment depth and bite size.
Referring to FIG. 85 a cartridge 3670 for the loading of needles 3628 and sutures 3612 of different sizes is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a reloadable cartridge 3670 is capable of loading differing size needles 3628 and differing size sutures 3612. The cartridge 3670 is shaped and dimensioned for ready attachment within the channel 3672 in which the needle 3628 is mounted in accordance with the embodiment disclosed. In particular, the suturing body 3614 is provided with a cover 3674 providing access to and closure of the channel 3672 in which the needle 3628 is located. Through the implementation of a cartridge based system the detachable cartridge 3670 can be removed and replaced with a fresh needle 3628 and suture 3612 or even a different size of needle or suture.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the needle 3628 is supported in a track member 3676, which readily seats within the channel 3672 to create an assembly substantially similar to that disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.
The cartridge based system may further be adapted to allow for the adjustment of the needle size through a simple cartridge replacement. In particular, and with reference to FIG. 86, the track 3780 of the cartridge 3770 is provided with a spacer wedge 3782 taking up the space lost with the inclusion of a smaller needle 3728. The spacer wedge 3782 is shaped and dimensioned to interact with the friction camming member 3738 in a manner allowing the suturing apparatus 3710 to operate in accordance with this spirit of the present invention.
While a cartridge based system is disclosed above, the suturing body of the suturing apparatus could be designed to permit simple replacement of the needle alone. Referring to FIGS. 87 and 88 this is achieved through the provision of an openable suturing body 3814. Rather than having a cartridge based reload, this embodiment for reloading merely controls the needle 3828 and suture 3812, making quick loading of a device without a removable section. The needle 3828 would be coupled to the reloader 3870 via a clamp 3872 that could be released or easily broken and the suture 3812 would be maintained on the handhold section 3874 of the reloader 3870. This would facilitate manipulation of the needle 3828 without touching it directly and would provide some form of suture management prior to being loaded into the suturing apparatus 3828.
One of the difficulties in performing endoscopic procedures is efficiently and securely forming knots once the suturing is completed. It is desired the two ends, or leads, of the suture could be pulled tight simultaneously and a knotting element could then be used to tighten the adjacent ends. This would maximize the number of stitches that could be thrown before the suture needs to be cinched down since both ends of the suture could be pulled in a manner equally cinching from both ends of the suture.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a suture is secured by inserting the suture through a passageway into the body of a patient. The suture is then thrown into and back out of tissue. Finally a knot is tied along the length of suture in a manner securing the suture in place. The knot is then fused through the application of energy mechanically linking the first and second leads of the suture forming the knot. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the term “fusing” is meant to refer to any technique by which the suture and/or knotting element are brought together in a manner whereby their material components are fixedly connected.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, tying of the knot is achieved in a variety of manners, wherein the first and second leads are entangled in a manner holding the leads relative to each other. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of knotting techniques may be used in accordance with the present invention. For example, a traditional tying technique may be used wherein the first and second leads of the suture are tied in a mechanical knot which is subsequently fused.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 62, a suture hooking device 2710 is disclosed for tying first and second leads 2730, 2732 of a suture together. The hooking device 2710 utilizes two parts to lock the suture together in a cap like fashion. The advantage to this method is that the cap 2712 has two extension arms 2714, 2716 that allow it to be twisted about its axis winding the suture 2718 mid-lengths onto its shaft. The cap 2712 would then be crushed into the outside collar 2720 locking the suture ends 2718. This would allow for fine tensioning just prior to locking the suture together.
More particularly, the suture hooking device 2710 includes an outside collar 2720 and a cap 2712 shaped and dimensioned to fit within the outside collar 2720. The outside collar 2720 is generally cylindrical and includes an open upper edge 2722 and a close base 2724. The cap 2712 includes an upper disk 2726 and a downwardly depending central shaft 2728. The upper disk 2726 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the open upper edge 2722 of the outside collar 2720 such that it is frictionally retained therein. The central shaft 2728 is smaller and functions as a guide for suture 2718 wrapped thereabout.
The cap 2712 further includes opposed downwardly extending extension arms 2714, 2716. These arms 2714, 2716 provide for wrapping of the suture 2718 about the cap 2712 upon rotation of the cap 2712. Once the suture 2718 is wrapped about the cap 2712, the disk 2726 is fixed within the outside collar 2720, securing the suture 2718 in a “knotted” arrangement.
Although various mechanical knotting techniques are disclosed above, it is contemplated other fastening techniques may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, and with reference to FIG. 63, fusing of the tied suture is preferably achieved by RF, ultrasonic, or electrocautery for melting of suture knot 2810 to improve knot holding capability. This method would allow for a normal endoscopic knot to be tied adjacent the cinched tissue area. But since it would have a tendency to untie, an energy source (cautery, ultrasonic, RF, or other heat source) would then be applied to the knot fusing the knot together.
The lacing pattern, the cinching method, and the anchoring means of the suture all contribute greatly to ease of use of the device. With this in mind, various suturing techniques have been developed. The present disclosure is meant to detail at least the preferred lacing method and an alternate anchoring method for cinching both ends simultaneously.
In accordance with the various lacing technique described below, the present method is achieved by providing a suture with a needle attached thereto. The suture includes a first lead and a second lead. The needle and suture are then inserted into an organ through a passageway. A single stitch is thrown through a first tissue member and a single stitch is thrown through an opposed and spaced apart second tissue member. The step of throwing stitches is repeated at least once and the first and second tissue members are brought into contact by tensioning the suture, whereby suture drag is minimized during the tensioning and even tissue compression substantially achieved. Finally, the suture is secured in positioned with the first and second tissue members in apposition.
In accordance with a first embodiment shown in FIG. 52, resistance to cinching of a stitched suture 4212 is achieved via a throw reversing pin technique. The technique is initiated using traditional stitching techniques. That is, the needle and suture 4212 are inserted and alternating stitches are thrown along opposed tissue members 4274, 4276. The stitches are consistently thrown in the proximal to distal direction, that is, the stitch is initiated by inserting the needle through the tissue proximally to the point at which the needle stitch is completed by reentering the tissue. Although the terms distally and proximally are used in the present description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these terms are relative and ultimately the specific direction of stitching may be reversed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
However, the final throw 4270 of the suture 4212 (that is, the final loop or last stitch of the suture through the tissue) is altered to reduce friction during final cinching of the suture 4212. More particularly, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, drag and friction are reduced by positioning a reversing pin 4272 between the suture 4212 and the tissue wall 4274 after the last stitch 4270 is completed. This allows the suture 4212 to be cinched without it overlapping itself and twisting up. Such an arrangement will significantly reduce the friction necessary to overcome and cinch closed the lacing.
In accordance with another embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 53, resistance to cinching of a stitched suture 4312 is achieved via a throw reverse throw-over technique. The technique is initiated using traditional stitching techniques. That is, the needle and suture 4312 are inserted and alternating stitches are thrown along opposed tissue members 4374, 4376. The stitches are consistently thrown in the proximal to distal direction, that is, the stitch is initiated by inserting the needle through the tissue proximally to the point at which the needle stitch is completed by reentering the tissue. That is, the needle and suture 4312 are inserted and alternating stitches are thrown along opposed tissue members. The stitches are consistently thrown in the proximal to distal direction, that is, the stitch is initiated by inserting the needle through the tissue proximally to the point at which the needle is stitch is completed by reentering the tissue. However, the final throw 4370 of the suture 4312 is reversed to reduce friction during final cinching of the suture; that is, the final throw 4370 is completed by inserting the needle through the tissue in a direction distal to the point at which the needle stitch is completed by reentering the tissue.
More particularly, the final stitch 4370 is reversed in the direction in which it is thrown such that it is directed toward the position from which the surgeon will be pulling upon the suture line to cinch the suture 4312. This allows the suture to be cinched without it overlapping itself and twisting up. Such an arrangement will significantly reduce the friction necessary to overcome and cinch closed the lacing.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 54, an initial locking loop 4470 is employed to enhance the ability of one to cinch the suture 4412 upon completion of the stitching. In particular, a first lead 4412 a of the suture 4412 is anchored to the tissue along the first lead 4412 a of the suture line rather than needing to have both ends accessed by the user throughout the procedure. More particularly, the first lead, or leading end, 4412 a of the suture line is stitched and a portion thereof is anchored to the tissue. Thereafter the stitching is completed, with the final stitch 4470 and the second lead, or trailing end, 4412 b of the suture line is accessed for cinching thereof However, and in contrast to traditional cinching techniques, only the second lead 4412 b of the suture line need be pulled to cinch the suture 4412. As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, such an initial locking may be employed with other lacing techniques within the spirit of the present invention.
It is contemplated each set of sutures may be locally cinched before the next set is deployed from the suturing apparatus. This minimizes, but does not eliminate the need for the last stitch steps discussed above.
As shown in FIGS. 55 to 61, the preceding techniques for lacing opposed tissue members may be expanded in various ways. For example, and with reference to FIG. 55, the suture 4512 may be applied in separate segments 4513 with the first and second ends 4512 a, 4512 b of each segment 4513 anchored to respective first and second tissue members 4574, 4576. The first end 4512 a of the suture 4512 is subsequently tensioned and tied off to cinch the suture. By using segments of stitches in this manner (and as discussed below in accordance with other embodiments), local cinching of each segment of stitches may be performed in a manner which may assist in improving the drawing of tissue together.
Referring to FIG. 56, the suture 4612 may be applied in separate segments 4613 with the first and second ends 4612 a, 4612 b of the suture 4612 coupled via a knotting element 4614. The first and second ends 4612 a, 4612 b are subsequently tensioned to cinch the suture 4612 and the knotting element 4614 and suture 4612 are fused to secure the suture in position.
With reference to FIG. 57, the suture 4712 is once again applied in separate segments 4713. The first end 4712 a of the suture 4712 is provided with a loop 4716 through which the remaining portion of the suture 4712 is passed to couple the first end 4712 a of the suture 4712 to a first tissue member 4774. As to the second end 4712 b of the suture 4712, it is secured via a knotting element 4714 as discussed above. More particularly, the second end 4712 b is secured to the knotting element 4714 with a looping structure composed of a first loop 4718 which is coupled to the knotting element 4714 while a portion of the second end 4712 b passes through the second tissue member 4776 to form a second loop 4720, the end of which is also coupled to the knotting element 4714. Thereafter, the second end 4712 b may be tensioned, in particular, the first loop 4718 may be drawn through the knotting element 4714 and the knotting element 4714 and suture 4710 are fused to secure the suture 4710 in position.
With reference to FIG. 58, the suture 4812 is applied in separate segments 4813 with the first and second ends 4812 a, 4812 b of the suture 4812 coupled via a knotting element 4814. However, the final throw 4870 of the suture 4812 is reversed as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 53 and 54. The first and second ends 4812 a, 4812 b are subsequently tensioned to cinch the suture 4812 and the knotting element 4814 and suture 4812 are fused to secure the suture 4812 in position.
Referring to FIG. 59, the suture 4912 may be applied in separate segments 4913 with the first and second ends 4912 a, 4912 b of each segment 4913 anchored to respective first and second tissue members 4974, 4976. However, each throw of the suture 4912 is reversed as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 53 and 54, and extends in a distal to proximal direction as the suture is applied in the distal direction. The first end 4912 a of the suture 4912 is subsequently tensioned and tied off to cinch the suture 4912. Referring to FIG. 60, the same lacing technique is applied with the exception it is not completed in segments.
As shown in FIG. 61, an overhand knot 5022 may be used to secure the second end 5012 b of the suture 5012, while the first end 5012 a of the suture 5012 is anchored to the tissue.
In accordance with the present invention, it is preferred to apply medical fluid/sealant for improving the suture lines ability to engage and retain the tissue. Particular, the suture line is subjected to substantial strain for a short period of time after its application while the tissue applies substantial tension in its attempt to retain to its original configuration. This generally lasts for 7-10 days after the surgery is completed, and it is during this time period in which potential suture breaks are more likely. With this in mind, and as the following embodiments disclose, an adhesive, sealant, or medical fluid delivery mechanism can be used in conjunction with the present suturing device to increase the short term strength of the stomach pouch by adhesively binding the opposed tissue. A method of deployment of sealants or other medical fluid changes the stiffness properties of the tissue to improve the suture strength of the gastroplasty by adhesively binding the opposed tissue.
As such, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 69, adhesive 3210 is used to improve short term strength of the suture line 3213, that is, the line of tissue held together via the suture 3212. A fluid deploying mechanism is utilized to lay down a line of fluid sealant or adhesive 3210 along the suture line 3214 after the suture line 3214 is completed to improve holding strength of the line. Either a thin layer adhesive or a foaming (void filling) adhesive or sealant 3210 can be used in conjunction with the suture 3212.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, and with reference to FIGS. 70, 71 and 72, the suture 3312 is a hollow tube suture with periodic perforations 3314 along its length. Once the suture line 3313 is finished, the suture 3312 would be pumped full of the sealant or adhesive 3314 allowing it to be distributed all along its length increasing both the effective diameter of the suture, minimizing suture migration as well as providing a complimentary adhesive bond of the tissue together in addition to the suture line 3313.
Referring to FIGS. 73 to 82, yet a further embodiment is disclosed. A liquid polymer extrusion 3350 is used to form a sleeve 3352 around the internal pouch 3353 formed in, for example, the stomach 3354. The entire inside of the small gastroplasy created pouch 3353 and some length of the intestines would be coated with the polymer/adhesive 3350. This not only improves the strength of the pouch suture line, it also potentially creates some form of malabsorption compliment to the procedure that improves weight loss.
More particularly, and with reference to the various figures, a suction and application device 3356 is first transorally inserted within the stomach 3354. A vacuum is then created drawing opposed tissue surfaces 3358, 3360 together as shown in FIGS. 73 and 74. Thereafter, the liquid polymer extrusion 3350 is applied to the opposed tissue surfaces 3358, 3360 while the vacuum continues to be applied in a manner keeping the walls 3358, 3360 of the stomach 3354 in apposition. Eventually, the liquid polymer extrusion 3350 will cure holding the apposed tissue walls 3358, 3360 in apposition. Thereafter, and with reference to FIGS. 79 and 80, the suction and application device 3356 in accordance with the present invention may be withdrawn and the internal profile of the stomach 3354 is reduced to a simple passageway extending therethrough with a substantial portion of the stomach closed off from food absorption. Although the process described above does not employ sutures, the pouch could certainly be formed with suturing of the opposed tissue with the subsequent application of adhesives as described above.
the connection member is an elastomer lever arm resiliently biased to its deployed orientation moving the endoscopic instrument off axis from the endoscope.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection member includes a flexible connection arm that collapses against the endoscope during insertion for a low profile insertion, but then springs away from the endoscope once in position to improve visibility.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scope attachment member includes a detachable mechanism for selectively securing the endoscopic instrument to the endoscope.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scope attachment member includes a scope attachment ring including first and second parallel apertures respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope and a shaft of the endoscopic instrument.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second aperture is slightly larger than the shaft of the endoscopic instrument.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for insertion through a natural orifice of a patient.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 24 mm in diameter.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for laparoscopic insertion through a trocar.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the endoscopic instrument is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 18 mm in diameter.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscopic instrument is a suturing apparatus.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the suturing apparatus comprises a suture housing; a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path; and a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the drive assembly moves the needle about a continuous circular path.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the suture housing is shaped and dimensioned for insertion through a natural orifice of a patient.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the suture housing is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 24 mm in diameter.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the suture housing is shaped and dimensioned for laparoscopic insertion through a trocar.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the suture housing is shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice from approximately 3 mm to approximately 18 mm in diameter.
17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the scope attachment member includes a flexible connection arm that collapses against the endoscope during insertion for a low profile insertion, but then springs away from the endoscope once in the stomach to improve visibility of the suture housing for positioning and suture deployment.
18. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the scope attachment member includes a detachable mechanism for selectively securing the suture housing to the endoscope.
19. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the scope attachment member includes a scope attachment ring including first and second parallel apertures respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope and a shaft of the suturing apparatus.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the second aperture is slightly larger than the shaft of the suturing apparatus.
MX2007003974A MX2007003974A (en) 2006-03-31 2007-04-02 Surgical suturing apparatus with needle position indicator. | 2019-04-19T23:07:51Z | https://patents.google.com/patent/US8641728B2/en |
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Rated 3 out of 5 by Poemi from Smaller products fall Love the idea of this, but with barely anything around each shelf, smaller products fall easily whenever the caddy moves. It'll often move when I'm opening/closing the shower doors, or when I accidentally knock into it. It would be good to have more wires surrounding each shelf to prevent items slipping off.
Rated 4 out of 5 by mummyD from Great, but not perfect Our shower had a weird angle that wouldn't fit the usual "over the shower head" caddy. The next best option was to find one that slung over our glass enclosure. This one fit the bill! It held all our shampoo bottles and other paraphernalia - no complaints there. The hooks on the outside were also a wonderful bonus. We love the silver colour, and this overdoor caddy has a wonderful coating that resisted rust for a couple of years. However, after over 2.5 years, the coating began cracking in various places and inevitably rusting. We'd still recommend it. The rust hasn't gotten too bad now after 3 years (especially compared to other chrome caddies we've had in the past!) and we've never seen anything better that serves the same purpose.
Rated 4 out of 5 by kmalexandria from Happy purchase My old shower caddy hung over the shower head and was fine except it was rusting and so looked horrid. I picked this one to replace it because I really needed towel hooks on the outside of the shower. The finish is definitely more durable than the usual chrome, and it is big enough for just me. The one minor annoyance is that anything that doesn't stand straight, like tubes or an upside-down shampoo bottle will easily slip down and through the space between the bottom of the shelf and the shelf bar, which can result in a bruised foot. Still, I am overall happy with the purchase.
Rated 4 out of 5 by jejones75 from Wish it were bigger I just moved into an older house and the master bath has a weird, box-like corner shower. The shower head is very low and curved downward - which means all of the standard, "over the shower head" caddies won't work. I searched high and low for one that would hang on the side of the actual shower and couldn't find anything. That's the great thing about The Container Store - you can find the things you can't find anywhere else. Although I didn't love paying $30 for a shower caddy, I was loving bottles of shampoo and such mildewing at my feet even less. Some of the newer "over the shower head" caddies are HUGE and have great features, like slots to hang a razor. This one isn't very big and doesn't have any nifty features, but at least I'm not kicking mildewy bottles...actually, I am because they won't all fit in the caddy! I have considered buying one more to get everything up off the floor of the shower...then I will have SIXTY DOLLARS worth of shower storage...woo hoo!
Rated 4 out of 5 by MrsS from Nice addition to the Bathroom I got this to replace one that was about 20 years old. This is much superior to the old one. It would get five stars if it went down a bit lower. Thankfully our shampoo and conditioner fit in the bottom shelf. The top one would be too tall for the pumps. I am able to put body wash on the top shelf because it is not as high.
Rated 5 out of 5 by cafrane from Bought another I love this shower caddy. Most of the ones you get today go over the shower neck. Many are also plastic coated. This one is holding up and I can position it where I want. I bought a second one for another spot.
Rated 3 out of 5 by Thingsinitsplace from It's okay I'm a little disappointed in this caddy. The hooks for hanging over the shower door are a bit too wide, so it hangs at an angle. Because it has no place for a bar of soap, if you place a bar of soap on a shelf it slides off because it hangs at an angle. Bottles flop over. I do like the hooks on the opposite side for towels or something.
Rated 4 out of 5 by HLP2 from Shower Caddy Bought this to organize our shower. Works well, but is a little heavy to hang on towel rack. Over the shower enclosure works better. Made for a thick (2") enclosure.
Rated 4 out of 5 by MindiC from Great, but missing stability I bought this as a replacement for my previous shower caddy that I bought from The Container Store. It was definitely an upgrade on style, but it was missing the suction cups that allowed it to stay in place over the shower wall... my previous one did have them. The top of my shower is only about 2/3 of the depth of the hook that goes over the shower stall. I returned it, but i am looking for suction cups elsewhere in hopes that I can make it work.
Rated 3 out of 5 by MaggieRPh from It works The floor of my shower is much less cluttered now, but the "tops" of the shelves (wires to hold the bottles in) aren't high enough so small or narrow bottles tend to fall out if you don't angle them precisely.
Rated 4 out of 5 by Disorganized1 from Improvement Over Last System It is nice to have my shampoos and other things up off the floor (previously used a wire basket that would get all cruddy) - only drawback is that it gets in the way of sliding the door open and closed - didn't realize that but it is a minor annoyance.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Chance612 from Overdoor Shower Caddy This is great to hang over the shower door fits perfectly and is out of the way. Much better than the ones that hang over the shower head, easier to get to and does not get wet. Great Product.
Rated 5 out of 5 by summer2 from Great Shower Caddy It's the perfect size for all of the bottles that were falling off the sides of the tub. I love that it's not coated in the white plastic/rubber that only falls off and then it starts to rust. It looks neat and clean.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Peamer from The Best! I've ordered these shower caddies for years. They are the best in terms of ability to hold lots, and to hold a variety of sizes and shapes. Have always found that the over the top of shower is much easier to place in a discreet location rather than always having a shower caddy with bottles and stuff in your face hanging over shower head! Only thing is I wish they were made out of something that didn't rust! Granted, rusting is slow...takes quite a while to have to replace, but I don't understand why, with so many materials available, they are made out of a metal that has to be replaced periodically. Ugh! Our "throw-away" society!! But generally I think it's the best product out there designed to meet the need. I would be unhappy if they ever stopped making these.
Rated 5 out of 5 by StPhilpot from Just what I needed. This overdoor shower caddy is perfect. Just what I needed. Bottom shelf is tall enough to hold shampoo and shaving cream. Love it.
Rated 5 out of 5 by NorthernLisa from Saves a lot of space Our teen-aged daughter has a very tiny shower stall and the tubes and bottles of products strewn all over the place made cleaning it a real chore. We tried to use a caddy that hung over the shower head, but it took up too much valuable head room and once the shampoo bottles were in it the water from the shower would hit the bottles and spray everywhere except where you wanted it to. Not good. This caddy fits over the door and while it does still take up space, it does not seem to matter because we have placed it on the side opposite the shower head. It is a bonus that there are two hooks on the outside as well for towels and robes. It is high quality and very sturdy. Wish I had bought this sooner.
Rated 5 out of 5 by George123456789 from Shower Caddy I love this thing! Not only does it look amazing with my bathroom decor, but it is also very functional! I have bought many shower caddys, and they always tend to break apart within a couple weeks. Luckily, this baby is going strong and I never could go back to life without it! I would recommend this awesome piece to anyone looking to organize their shower items. It even has a holder for your razor!
Rated 5 out of 5 by Anonymous from The BEST Over-The-Sliding-Door Shower Caddy I bought this in 2009 from the Container Store. I was iffy at first about spending $30 on a shower caddy. But I took the risk. It was worth it! It did not rust at all. It was strong enough to hold those big shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles. In 2011, I did have to part with it because I moved. The house we moved to did not have sliding glass doors in the shower. I was trying to think of ways to "reuse" and "repurpose" it, but in the end, I had to be practical and had to give it away. It was the best $30 I spent on a shower caddy.
Rated 5 out of 5 by kcwood from Glass Walk-in Shower Problem The master bath has a walk-in shower which I really like. What I didn't like was there no place for hair products or washcloths. I never liked the type of shower caddy that suspends from the shower head and it doesn't work at all with head held shower heads. Love the over-the-shower door type of caddy.. Which there were more of these to chose from, but it work wonderfully. Outside hooks for towels. Interior hooks for wash cloths or loufahs.
Rated 4 out of 5 by CatD from Doable I like it, wish it was bigger as I like to buy the 1 liter bottles of shampoo so have to put it on the top and can barley reach it, have to stand on the tops of my toes to reach it and thats not really something I like to do half asleep in the mornings.
Rated 4 out of 5 by simplysophied from Solid Shower Caddy for Organized Small Shower My boyfriend has a very small standing shower in his master bath, and needed a way to organize his shampoo, conditioner, etc in the bathroom (aside from lining them along the shower floor, and atop of the shower door). This is the perfect solution for small spaces. It fits various sizes of shampoo and conditioner bottles and has a place for his razor. Great buy. The only reason I gave the shower caddy 4 stars over 5 is for style. In my book 5 is for exceptional.. 4 equals great quality and functional.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Numberoneorganizer from Out of reach Our shower head was installed very high. I could not find an organizer that would hang that high and allow us to still be able to reach the shampoo, etc. This solved my problem. It hangs over the edge of the shower and holds all of our hair care products (within reach)!
Rated 4 out of 5 by Karelee from One more level... This is the very best secure and unobtrusive shower caddy I've been able to find! None of those suction cups to slip and slide around the shower stall. My larger bottles have fallen off occasionally, the rings to hold them are just a tad too low or an extra one would be nice, yet overall, I am very pleased with this item.
Rated 5 out of 5 by kdhook from Awesome Shower Caddy The best shower caddy ever. Holds all products very well.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Jdocs623 from Best over door caddy Best caddy for over the door use. Exterior hooks are great for hanging towels while in the shower. The shelves are big enough to hold big bottles as well.
Do you have to keep the shower door that it is hanging on closed?
I only have half doors b/c it is a bathtub & use shower chair so need to open both doors at times.
Yes, the shower door has to stay closed. Unless you have something heavy hanging off the hooks, the weight of the materials being held in the caddy will cause it to topple over and drop most of the items when the door is opened.
does it come with something to protect against banging on the glass i.e. rubber feet?
How wide a shower stall door will it fit over? I can't tell from the picture.
Depth of overdoor hook is 2.25".
How deep are the baskets, front to back? Would liter bottles fit?
Our Over the Door Shower Caddy measures 10-1/4" width x 7-7/8" deep x 22-7/8" high.
What height of bottle could fit in each shelf?
The bottom shelf will fit bottles up to 10" tall. | 2019-04-25T09:07:14Z | https://www.containerstore.com/s/bath/shower-bathtub/over-the-door-shower-caddy/12d?productId=10023844 |
Art #47 -- Data Sculpture.
The ring curvature is inspired by the shape of holders seen on some Earth globe models.
Art #48 -- Abstract Art Cannon.
Edit: Image updated on 24 May 2018 to coincide with my current branding.
Art #50 -- Sophisticated Swirlies.
Art #51 -- The Trials And Tribulations Of Screen Tearing.
Art #52 -- Vintage Visuals & Traditional Trimmings.
The circular shapes at the ends of the street light's horizontal bar are directly inspired by the circular bumpers in Carnival Night Zone from the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles video game.
Art #53 -- Branches of foliage.
This piece has various sources of inspiration.
One source of inspiration comes from my desire to do a more full-fledged take on drawing plant life. I quite liked what I did in my previous piece, called "Chunk of nature.", and was eager to expand upon that.
Another source of inspiration comes from the Unravel video game, and all of the stunning detail its level environments have. This piece was particularly influenced by the plant life from the Berry mire level. Additionally, the rope on the middle branch references the similar type of material that Unravel's playable character Yarny is made of, and also references trees in reality which have had ropes hung on or wrapped around their branches.
This piece also has a little bit of influence from Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles. The tendril coil on the middle branch, and the large spotted mushroom on the bottom branch, are directly inspired by gimmicks in Mushroom Hill Zone.
Art #54 -- Against the grain.
Art #55 -- MentumAuris Feline Hybrid.
There are quite a large range of inspirations behind this piece!
One of the biggest inspirations behind this piece was the fact that my previous animal-based piece, called "Friendly Fins.", turned out much better than I had anticipated. As a result of that, I was eager to try drawing another animal-based piece.
Another large inspiration behind this piece, and the starting point for it, was to draw a cat body, as they are one of my favourite animals. One of my family member's cats, who had black and white markings, and is sadly no longer alive, was lying down on my lap for a significant amount of time while I was drawing this. As such, this drawing has quite a bit of sentimental value to me.
The size and styling of the spikes on top of the head are inspired by the spikes on top of the Zomom character's head, from the Sonic Lost World video games.
The eyebrows and fur tuft on top of the head are inspired by the eyebrows and fur tuft on top of the Crash Bandicoot character's head.
The fur curls at both sides of the head are inspired by the curls at both sides of the Classic Miles "Tails" Prower character's head.
The muzzle area is inspired by the muzzle area of the Sonic The Hedgehog character's head.
The size of the ears, the ears' inner fur tuft, and the spacing between the ears, are inspired by the ears of the Braixen character from the Pokémon series.
The outer tufts of fur on the bottom tips of the ears are inspired by the ear tufts of the Sticks The Badger character from the Sonic The Hedgehog series.
The tuft of fur on the bottom of the head, inbetween the ears, is inspired by goatee style beards.
The accented tip of the tail is inspired by the tip of tails seen on foxes.
The fur patterns themselves are inspired by those seen on black and white cats, however the smoothness of those patterns are inspired by markings seen on cows.
Mentum is the Latin word for chin. Auris is the Latin word for ear.
The pincer is inspired by the pincer on the front of house robot Dead Metal from the Robot Wars television shows.
The gloop is inspired by the gooey elements of the Goodra Pokémon.
The satellite dish styled element is inspired by some similar elements from one of my previous pieces, called "Aquatic Architecture.".
The name Gloopincerig is a portmanteau of three words: gloop, pincer, rig. These words represent the main items in this piece, with the word rig referring to the overall mechanical structure.
Art #57 -- Cryptic cracks and curls.
Some elements of this piece are influenced by one of my previous pieces, called "Abstract Combinations.".
A drawing that I have done on an individual A4 sheet.
I drew this piece while listening to this YouTube video on loop.
The lamp post is inspired by lamp posts in White Park Zone from Sonic The Hedgehog 4: Episode II.
BIC blue médium biro pen on regular paper.
Edit: Image updated on 09 June 2018 to coincide with my current branding.
Art #59 -- Ill Conceived Illustration.
BIC black médium biro pen on regular paper.
Art #60 -- Tropical Feathered Flourish.
A drawing that I have done on page 1 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils on cartridge paper.
Art #61 -- All-seeing Tassles Totem.
A drawing that I have done on page 2 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
My main inspirations behind this piece are totem poles in Green Hill levels from the Sonic Generations video game, and in particular, the totem poles and tribal elements in various levels from the classic Crash Bandicoot video games.
Wow, this thread literally becomes your personal showcase website. I feel like I got to write my feedback here just so at least you have a reflection to look and consider. But since I understand artists can be ultimately fragile, I'll put my comment under spoiler tab. Feel free to read or not. The point is that my comment is not to amuse you or to bash your work.
I see most of your works here involve patterns, abstract art, and symmetry art. I understand what you are trying to achieve, whatever the artistic reason may be lying under your artwork.
What I would like to talk about is the delivery of your ideas. All of them looks whacked. Skewed shape, asymmetrical symmetries, overly chaotic abstract, unstable lining kill your arts - badly. Not to mention the way you wrote and design some of the titles, the way you draw the box for the 'published date' are completely un-presentable.
My suggestion to you would be to try to use technical tools such as shape ruler and compass. Lastly, write the title neatly. No need to force fancy typeface, unless you know how to make one that collaborates with the art. You may put the title together with your name or signature on the bottom right hand side, while keeping their size within the necessary amount. Let the picture be presented first before the viewer's eyes finding the title/name.
Art #62 -- Rural decadence.
A drawing that I have done on page 3 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
My main inspiration behind this piece is from the various nature oriented pieces that were painted by Bob Ross in his television show The Joy of Painting. In fact, this piece was drawn entirely while watching and listening to episodes of the show on Twitch's website. The page for this can be found here: https://www.twitch.tv/bobross.
Led pencil and Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils on cartridge paper.
Art #63 -- Glass Stained Abstract Pane.
A drawing that I have done on page 4 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
There are two main inspirations behind this piece: One is blocky abstract art, and the other is some stained glass that I have seen on some buildings in my city's town area. I thought that it would be interesting to combine these two elements together.
Additionally, the shape of the encompassing black frame is inspired by the shape of the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system logo.
Led pencil, Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils, Berol Colourfine and Berol Colourbroad Fibre tipped pens on cartridge paper.
Art #64 -- Robotic emotions of uncertainty.
The ears on the head are inspired by the top of one of the flowers from Green Hill Zone in Sonic The Hedgehog (SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive).
The fingers on the hands (Excluding the thumbs.) are inspired by fingers on the hands of Metal Sonic.
Art #65 -- Native Nature Nurture Guardian.
The hair-esque ears have a combined inspiration from 2 sources: one of them is the hair on the Bubbles character from The Powerpuff Girls franchise, the other is the ears on the Milla Basset character from the Freedom Planet video games.
The eyes (Except the pupils.), nose and mouth are inspired by the faces on characters from the Happy Tree Friends series.
The muzzle is inspired by the muzzle on Miles "Tails" Prower.
The heels are inspired by the stick of the Braixen character from the Pokémon series. Also, while not a deliberate inspiration, the left and right sides of the waist are also likely to be subconsciously inspired by the waist of that same character.
Art #66 -- Segments of individuality.
A drawing that I have done on an individual A5 sheet.
This piece has many different sources of inspiration, but most notable are those of aquatic and medieval origin.
BIC blue médium biro pen on Ryman Bright white card.
Art #67 -- Twirling together.
A drawing that I have done on page 5 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
The eyes on the face in the blue circular shape are inspired by a style of eye decoration seen on clown faces.
Led pencil, WHSmith Oil Pastels, Ryman Coloured Pencils, Berol Colourfine, Berol Colourbroad and Berol Colourbrush Fibre tipped pens on cartridge paper.
Art #68 -- The Molten-Mechanical Clash.
A drawing that I have done on page 6 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
The overall idea of the rocky fire is inspired by Lava Reef Zone Act 1, however the fine details of the molten magma is inspired by the finely detailed foliage ground in Mushroom Hill Zone, both from Sonic The Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles (SEGA Genesis/Mega Drive).
The lazer gun is inspired by the Railgun weapon from Grand Theft Auto V (Microsoft Windows/Microsoft Xbox One/Sony PlayStation 4).
BIC blue médium biro pen on cartridge paper.
Art #69 -- Scattered Sources.
I'm starting a new art series, called Pokémon Customs!
In this art series, I'll draw each Pokémon's original outline, then fill the rest of it with my own details.
All art in this series will be done on individual A5 sheets, using BIC blue médium biro pen on Ryman Bright white card.
"Customs" logo segment, and name of this art series, are inspired by Los Santos Customs from Grand Theft Auto V. This art series' logo also uses a slightly edited variant of the original Pokémon logo.
The Pokémon Customs logo was designed using Serif DrawPlus X8 computer software.
Edit: Image updated on 07 July 2018, due to adding more text at the bottom.
Apologies for some missing dates regarding when I worked on this piece.
I've had a mini rollercoaster of emotions recently, and I was quite stressed while this piece was a work in progress.
Due to this, I lost track of time, didn't work on this piece at a consistent pace, and didn't log down all dates.
I've been busy during this past week or so, due to Father's Day, a family member's birthday, me going to the doctors, and everything surrounding E3's events.
After taking a break from art, and reducing my stress levels, I have resumed drawing. To help me return to my regular work on art, I have drawn this rather simple, somewhat rough piece.
The borders and panels are inspired by the different user interface themes from the three video games packaged within the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy video game.
A blob, who is a boy, and is curly.
The loop hair tuft is inspired by loop-de-loops from Sonic The Hedgehog video games.
Drops of sweat were placed specifically on the petals. This is a reference to drops of rain water that can sometimes be seen on petals.
Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils on regular paper.
Berol Colourfine and Berol Colourbroad Fibre tipped pens on Ryman Bright white card.
Art #79 -- Genie's Forgotten Waterworks.
A drawing that I have done on page 7 in my Daler-Rowney A4 Optima Spiral Pad.
I ended up working on this piece for longer than I anticipated, and as a result, I ran out of space to place dates. Therefore, unfortunately not all dates that this piece was worked on have been recorded. | 2019-04-19T08:53:13Z | https://gtaforums.com/topic/874122-naeans-art-design-topic/page/2/ |
Kohei Adachi, Osaka University, Japan.
Ana Maria Aguilera, University of Granada, Spain.
Niklas Ahlgren, Hanken School of Economics, Finland.
Mai Alfahad, Leeds university, United Kingdom.
Andreas Alfons, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Amirah Alharthi, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Per Arnqvist, Umea University, Sweden.
Julian Ashwin, Nuffield College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
Stan Azen, University of Southern California, United States.
Fadoua Balabdaoui, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Vlad Barbu, Universite de Rouen, France.
Erniel Barrios, University of the Philippines, Philippines.
Redina Berkachy, Applied Statistics And Modelling, University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
Martha Bohorquez, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia.
Daniel Bonzo, LFB USA, United States.
Nebahat Bozkus, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
Mihaela Elena Breaban, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania.
Nuria Caballe Cervigon, University of Extremadura, Spain.
Jingyu Cai, Osaka University, Japan.
Andrea Cappozzo, University of Milano Bicocca, Italy.
Michelle Carey, Univerity College Dublin, Ireland.
Michal Cerny, University of Economics Prague, Czech Republic.
LinHsuan Chang, SOKENDAI (The graduate university for advanced studies), Taiwan.
Yuan-chin Chang, Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Theodoros Chatzipantelis, Research Committee, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Greece.
Chun-houh Chen, Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Tomas Cipra, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Papa Ousmane Cisse, Le Mans University, Senegal.
Chantelle Clohessy, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa.
Marc Comas-Cufi, Universitat de Girona, Spain.
Aldo Corbellini, Faculty of Economics - University of Parma, Italy.
Christian Derquenne, EDF Research and Development, France.
Nienke Dijkstra, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Theo Dijkstra, University of Groningen, Netherlands.
Karin Dorman, Iowa State University, United States.
Pedro Duarte Silva, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa / Porto, Portugal.
Eric Eisenstat, University of Queensland, Australia.
Toshiko Ejima, Okayama University of Science, Japan.
Frank Eriksson, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Manuel Escabias, University of Granada, Spain.
Jaione Etxeberria, Public University of Navarre, Spain.
John Eustaquio, University of the Philippines, Philippines.
Ellinor Fackle-Fornius, Department of Statistics, Sweden.
Mohammad Fayaz, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Leonardo Feltrin, Laurentian University, Canada.
Frederic Ferraty, Mathematics Institute of Toulouse, France.
Berta Ferrer-Rosell, Universitat de Lleida, Spain.
Alexander Fisch, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
Alexandros Fragkou, UCL, United Kingdom.
Anna Freni Sterrantino, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.
Ilan Fridman Rojas, Profusion Media Ltd, United Kingdom.
Florian Frommlet, Medical University Vienna, Austria.
Lukas Fryd, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic.
Tomokazu Fujino, Fukuoka Women University, Japan.
Wing Kam Fung, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Thomas Alexander Gerds, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Steven Gilmour, KCL, United Kingdom.
Fedele Greco, University of Bologna, Italy.
Emily Grisanti, Robert Bosch GmbH, TU Freiberg, Germany.
Patrick Groenen, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Dominique Guegan, Universite Paris 1 - Pantheon-Sorbonne, France.
Yesim Guney, Ankara University, Turkey.
Kevin Hayes, University of Limerick, Ireland.
Ryohei Hisano, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Marius Hofert, University of Waterloo, Canada.
Vladimir Holy, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic.
Keisuke Honda, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan.
Karel Hron, Palacky University, Czech Republic.
Chiu-Hsieh Hsu, University of Arizona, United States.
Yufen Huang, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan.
Harjit Hullait, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
Longcheen Huwang, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.
Tadashi Imaizumi, Tama University, Japan.
Marina Ishikawa, JR Shikoku Information Systems, Japan.
Fumio Ishioka, Okayama University, Japan.
Dae-Heung Jang, Pukyong National University, Korea, South.
Woncheol Jang, Seoul National University, Korea, South.
Maarten Jansen, ULB Brussels, Belgium.
Seongil Jo, Chonbuk National University, Korea, South.
Kangmo Jung, Kunsan National University, Korea, South.
Ioannis Kalogridis, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Kee-Hoon Kang, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea, South.
Alexandros Karagrigoriou, University of The Aegean, Greece.
Belhal Karimi, INRIA Saclay - Ecole Polytechnique, France.
Dimitris Karlis, RC Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece.
Dominique Katshunga, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Soshi Kawada, Tokyo University of Science, Japan.
Sung-Soo Kim, Korea National Open University, Korea, South.
Masato Kitani, Tokyo University of Science, Japan.
Christian Kleiber, Universitaet Basel, Switzerland.
Kazuki Konda, Graduate school of Tokai University, Japan.
Po-Chih Kuo, Institute of Statistical Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Koji Kurihara, Okayama University, Japan.
Magda Le Roux, Non Academic, South Africa.
Niel Le Roux, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Clement Lee, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
Jae Eun Lee, Pukyong National University, Korea, South.
Jaeyong Lee, Seoul National University, Korea, South.
Klara Leffler, Umea University, Sweden.
David Lenz, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
Yisheng Li, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States.
Johan Lim, Seoul National University, Korea, South.
Sheng-Hsuan Lin, Institute of Statistics, Taiwan.
Regina Liu, Rutgers University, United States.
Ines Lopes, ISCTE - IUL, Portugal.
Freddy Omar Lopez Quintero, Telefónica-UTFSM-UV-PUCV, Chile.
Sugnet Lubbe, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Ying C MacNab, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Ranjan Maitra, Iowa State University, United States.
Angelos Markos, Democritus University Of Thrace, Greece.
Jose Antonio Martin-Fernandez, Universitat de Girona, Spain.
Alina Matei, University of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
Iwona Mejza, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland.
Stanislaw Mejza, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poland.
Alessandra Menafoglio, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
Yuji Mizukami, Nihon University, Japan.
Paula Moraga, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
Elias Moreno, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Odysseas Moschidis, University of Macedonia, Greece.
Stratos Moschidis, Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Greece.
Hidetoshi Murakami, Tokyo University of Science, Japan.
Junji Nakano, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan.
Atsuho Nakayama, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan.
Hiba Nassar, Lund University, Sweden.
Titin Agustin Nengsih, University of Strasbourg, France.
Manuela Neves, University of Lisbon and CEAUL, Portugal.
Joyce Niland, City of Hope, United States.
Henrik Nordmark, Profusion, United Kingdom.
Haruhiko Ogasawara, Otaru University of Commerce, Japan.
Dmitry Otryakhin, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Senay Ozdemir, Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey.
Lucio Palazzo, University of Salerno, Italy.
Francesco Palumbo, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Lixue Pang, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands.
Heewon Park, Yamaguchi University, Japan.
Chien-Yu Peng, Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Frederick Kin Hing Phoa, Academia Sinica, Taiwan.
Nihan Potas, Gazi University, Turkey.
Cristian Preda, University of Lille, France.
Natalya Pya Arnqvist, Umea University, Sweden.
Miroslav Rada, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic.
Wojciech Rejchel, University of Warsaw, Poland.
Gareth Ridall, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
Rosaria Romano, University of Calabria, Italy.
Cedric Rommel, INRIA, Polytechnique, France.
Dedi Rosadi, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia.
Helene Charlotte Rytgaard, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mika Sato-Ilic, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Delyan Savchev, Aviaso Bulgaria EOOD, Bulgaria.
Naoko Sawae, Hiroshima University, Japan.
Ryuichi Sawae, Okayama University of Science, Japan.
Kirsten Schorning, Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Mathematics, Germany.
Florian Schuberth, University of Twente, Netherlands.
Rainer Schwenkert, University of Applied Sciences Munich, Germany.
George-Jason Siouris, University of the Aegean, Greece.
Ondrej Sokol, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic.
Xinyuan Song, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Florentina Suter, University of Bucharest and ``Gheorghe Mihoc-Caius Iacob', Romania.
Juergen Symanzik, Utah State University, United States.
Mio Takei, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Japan.
Senren Tan, Cass Business School, City, University of London, United Kingdom.
Shinobu Tatsunami, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan.
Yves Tille, University of Neuchatel, Switzerland.
Duc Khanh To, University of Padova, Italy.
Anders Tolver, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Petra Tomanova, University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic.
Makoto Tomita, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Emiliano Torre, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Laura Trinchera, NEOMA Business School, France.
S-T Tseng, National Tsing-Hua University, Taiwan.
Tsung-Shan Tsou, Institute of Statistics, National Central University, Taiwan, Taiwan.
Yetkin Tuac, Ankara University, Turkey.
Emma Turian, Northeastern Illinois University, United States.
Maria Dolores Ugarte, Universidad Publica de Navarra, Spain.
Mahmood UL-Hassan, Stockholm University, Sweden.
Hans Van Eetvelde, Ghent University, Belgium.
Maria-Pia Victoria-Feser, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Ilia Vonta, National Technical University of Athens, Greece.
Jutharath Voraprateep, Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand.
Vladimir Vutov, Sofia University, Bulgaria.
Bo Wang, University of Leicester, United Kingdom.
Wenjing Wang, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Xiaoqing Wang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Yong Wang, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Kevin Watjou, University Hasselt, Belgium.
Weng Kee Wong, UCLA, United States.
Martin Wood, Office for National Statistics, United Kingdom.
Han-Ming Wu, National Taipei University, Taiwan.
Takayuki Yamada, Kagoshima university, Japan.
Hikaru Yamaguchi, Tokyo University of Science, Japan.
Chisako Yamamoto, Shonan University of Medical Sciences, Japan.
Taku Yamamoto, Hitotsubashi University, Japan.
Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Tokushima Bunri University, Japan.
Yoshiro Yamamoto, Tokai Univeristy, Japan.
Charles Xi Yan, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Fang Yao, Peking University, University of Toronto, Canada.
Philip Yu, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Beibei Yuan, Leiden University, Netherlands.
Werner Zellinger, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria.
Mikhail Zhelonkin, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Aiesha Zia, Novartis Pharma, Switzerland. | 2019-04-25T12:49:11Z | http://www.compstat2018.org/list_participants.php |
This week’s Echo of Our Past will be the story of a court case from the 2nd Judicial District Court, sitting at Minden, in 1919. There is no great historical significance to this case, it is simply one of most unique stories I’ve ever heard and certainly adds a colorful tale to Webster Parish history.
At first examination, one might find some historical significance in this matter by observing that the filing of what seem to be frivolous lawsuits is not a new phenomenon. Nor is the granting of favorable rulings from a court in such cases a recent development.
However, the results of this case may indicate that some seemingly trivial lawsuits may have more serious results in the lives of individuals.
I will make one editorial comment, since some of the circumstances of this case could prove embarrassing to any relatives of those involved in the case, I have substituted the name Jane Doe for the main character in this tale, rather than use her name. In other cases where possible I have simply omitted the names of persons shown in less than the best light.
This isn’t a morality tale, just a funny story about human greed, and the value that the Louisiana Supreme Court in 1920 placed on a damaged reputation.
The story begins in 1917. Jane Doe, a 45-year-old woman from Webster Parish was a relative of pioneer settlers of the area, Burton and Lawson Deck. For many years a family tradition had stated that the Deck brothers had before their deaths, buried a large amount of gold coins on a piece of family land.
That land had in subsequent years been sold to another family unrelated to the Deck brothers. Miss Doe worked as a traveling saleslady for the California Perfume Company and her route included the towns of Webster Parish and parts of Shreveport.
During a sales call in Shreveport, she went to see a fortune teller. This fortune teller confirmed the story that the Decks had buried gold. She even went so far as to provide Miss Doe with a map to the location of said treasure on the property where it had been rumored to be hidden.
Upon returning home, Miss Doe enlisted the assistance of three or four relatives and one hired man to begin digging up the property searching for the Deck gold.
The search went on for several months, with the approval of the property owner who had apparently been promised a cut of the discovery.
The owner provided free room and board to the prospectors and even allowed them to cut holes through the floor of his home, in places, as part of their search.
After several months of this search, without any gold being found, the daughter of the property owner felt that enough was enough.
The motivation for this decision would later be a key factor in the court’s ruling, but for whatever reasons, the little group of conspirators moved ahead with their plans to end Miss Doe’s search.
They found an old copper kettle filled it with rocks and wet dirt and buried it in an old chimney on the property adjoining the previously searched land. Miss Doe had made it known that her search would soon spread to that property, too, since the first land hadn’t yet yielded the treasure.
Before burying their pot, the hoaxers put two lids on the bucket; the first was tied down with haywire. Between this lid and the top lid was placed a tin containing a note, which was dated July 1, 1884.
The note instructed anyone finding this pot to not open it for three days and to contact all heirs of the Decks. Then the top lid was put on and also sealed with wire.
The “fools gold” was buried in late April. Later as part of their defense, the planters would state their intention was for the pot to be part of an April Fool’s joke.
However, Miss Doe and her party did not find the pot until Saturday, April 14. On that date, with the assistance of one of the conspirators, the prospectors struck pay dirt.
As the word spread, people from all around the neighborhood flocked to the site, including all of those who had planted the fake treasure.
According to witnesses, those “in on the trick” were among the most enthusiastic at the find and seemingly the most interested in opening the pot.
After the first lid was removed, the note was discovered and one of those who had planted the pot urged Miss Doe to follow the instructions and wait the required three days before opening. Miss Doe was convinced, and the pot was wrapped in a gunnysack and taken to the bank in Cotton Valley, which was the nearest community and seemed the appropriate meeting place for the heirs to open their treasure.
Upon receiving the pot, the Cashier of the bank, G. G. Gatling, later to be named as a defendant, refused to give a receipt for the deposit, claiming he didn’t know if it had any value.
Soon news spread all over the area that Miss Doe’s party had found gold. The word reached A. J. Hodges, Vice-president of the bank, so he went down to the bank.
After discussing the situation with Gatling, they decided that the contents of the pot should be examined immediately, because if it did contain gold, extra security precautions would be necessary.
Since the bank would be closed on Sunday, it meant the meeting of potential heirs was at least 48 hours away and the treasure would need protection.
The two men lifted the lid enough to determine that there were only rocks and dirt in the pot. Later they would testify that their discovery was shared with no one; however, the word that the pot was a hoax, soon began to circulate as quickly as the original story of gold.
Miss Doe went to Minden, to the office of her lawyer, Judge R. C. Drew and asked him to accompany her to Cotton Valley on Monday to make sure the opening of the pot was handled legally.
Drew had already heard rumors that the story was a hoax being played on Miss Doe and tried to persuade her not to put too much faith in the claim. Still she persisted and out of a sense of obligation and friendship, he agreed to attend the meeting.
In addition, more than a half-dozen relatives of Miss Doe from the Minden area were invited to attend, since they, too, had a potential stake in the riches.
The “grand opening” was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, 1917. All the invited heirs were present along with most of those involved in hiding the pot and the members of Miss Doe’s search team.
Judge Drew, serving as spokesman, requested Gatling to produce the pot for examination. When the pot was produced, Miss Doe immediately flew into a rage.
She noticed that the seal had been tampered with – during the brief examination of Hodges and Gatling – and began screaming that she had been robbed.
When the contents were revealed to only be dirt and rocks, Miss Doe became violent. She threw the lid of the container at Gatling and had to be physically restrained from attacking one of those who had planned the hoax.
In the aftermath of this incident, whatever humor had been present originally had vanished. Miss Doe filed suit against all involved in the matter, including Gatling and Hodges, seeking damages for mental suffering.
By all accounts, her life was ruined by this tragedy. She had previously been under care for mental problems as a very young person but had been free of symptoms for nearly twenty years before the incident. After the hoax, she rapidly declined in mental and physical health and was soon unable to perform her job.
Within two years of the event, she died, at the age of 47, before the suit could be heard in court.
With the plaintiff dead, the case appeared to be over; however, after Miss Doe’s death, several of her heirs petitioned the court to be allowed to become substitute plaintiffs. This action was approved, however, the case lingered on the docket with out being heard for nearly three years.
Finally, on February 2, 1920, the case came up before Judge John Sandlin. Sandlin, after hearing the facts of the case, found for the defendants. The plaintiffs entered a request for a rehearing and that request was rejected.
They then turned to the Louisiana Supreme Court. The Supreme Court turned a more sympathetic ear to the plaintiffs.
The highest court, while removing the bank officials from the case as defendants, found there was liability for those that planned this hoax.
For a frame of reference, $500 in 1920 is the equivalent of about $5000 today, adjusting for inflation. So, the sum awarded to the plaintiffs was relatively large, for damages of that sort.
Again, I have no significant historical reason for this column at this time; I just found the story of hidden treasure fascinating. But, I guess the ruling of the judges does bring remind us that every action, no matter how trivial, has consequences and practical jokes can often go too far. That is still more than just and Echo of Our Past. | 2019-04-26T05:57:00Z | http://press-herald.com/the-buried-treasure-hoax/ |
At some point in time, should you live long enough, your entire life enters the retro stage. You stop trying to like “new” music and enjoy listening to old music that’s just been re-released and re-mastered for your — and your grandchildren’s — listening pleasure.
The movies you loved as a child — the ones that had plots, stories, and people who could act — and weren’t designed by computer — are still better than new ones. Funny movies from the remain funny. I can’t figure out most of the “funny” movies that are being currently promoted.
It isn’t the plots because they don’t have plots. Mostly, they just are not funny. They are often stupid and tasteless. Is that what we now call funny?
Clothing has come a long way and closely resembles the stuff I wore in college, so that’s not a problem. And anyway, I don’t go many places that require “dress” clothing and since I also can’t wear dress shoes, if the event doesn’t let me wear pants, I’m not going.
At least there’s variety in retro. Mind you, most movies ever made were pretty bad. For every “great” movie the studios turned out, they churned out three dozen others no one wants to remember.
I think I’m in permanent retro mode.
I just won $1,000,000,000 — that’s one billion dollars — from the lottery. It is a bit mystifying since I don’t remember buying the ticket, but I’m not going to argue the point.
So there we were watching the news. Trump. Mueller. Some moron fell into the Grand Canyon trying to take a selfie. And then there’s this guy who just won the Lottery. Again. He won $10 million ten years ago and he just won ANOTHER million yesterday.
You don’t believe in luck? Really? AND he bought each ticket in a different location. I want some of his ‘not luck’ because whatever it is, I want a piece.
Winning the lottery is a major fantasy here on the Kachingerosa. I don’t know about you, but I can lull myself into a pleasant sleep imagining what I’d do if a huge amount of money — so much that I don’t even have to count how much I’m spending — were to come my way.
The only time I inherited money was when my father died. It turned out to be exactly enough to fix our dying septic system — and a new camera. It had to have been just about nine years ago because that’s when I had cancer.
The money and cancer arrived simultaneously. Everything has a price, it would seem.
It was the defining moment of my unfortunate relationship with my father. He was much too dead for me to thank him, but it was the single nicest thing he ever did for me. No longer being alive, he could not, this once, ruin it with a lot of snarky not-funny jokes at my expense.
After the executors finally coughed up a check, we had the septic system repaired. This meant we wouldn’t have to abandon the house and live in the car. We should have had the well done at the same time, but who knew it was going to pack it in? Anyway, it wasn’t enough money.
With no windfall or backup money, we’ve been paying things off.
But with a billion dollars … well, that would turn the tide. I could pay everything off, knock this house down and build a new one suitable for we aging folks.
A flat house. No stairs. Insulated windows. New heating and cooling systems built in. New bathrooms with great showers.
Two new cars. The non-winter vehicle will be something entertaining and sporty. When bad weather comes, our little sports coupé goes into the garage. The second car will be our winter truck, an all-wheeler that can plow through snow drifts and laugh.
Oh and an extra-large garage. Enough room for the cars we use and at least one we might want to use. Sometimes. AND room for the other “stuff” like snowblowers and lawnmowers and rakes and brooms and weed-whackers. A powerful generator so we can stop being terrified of wind and snowstorms.
Huge closets. Huge. Someone to come in and clean — and a cook!
How about a garden tractor? We’ll have a guy tend the gardens, clear away the leaves in the autumn. Run heavy errands which involve hauling and lifting — groceries for example.
We won’t forget our friends and family. We’ll make sure everyone we care about has what they need. Maybe we’ll have a compound so we can live in close proximity. Visit without driving long distances.
Beyond this? Security for whatever years we have.
Life won’t have to be so hard. We can grow old and enjoy ourselves without wondering what weird laws the government will pass or which strange new rules will make it impossible to get medication. It won’t buy us more time on earth — money doesn’t matter when your number is up — but it could make the time we’ve got more fun.
More fun for us and for our friends and family. Maybe for you, too.
There is no doubt in my cluttered mind that 1969 was the most memorable year of my life. None. Of all of the events that have happened through the years, I can not say that any other years stands out like this one.
When you are a Senior in high school and people tell you to enjoy it because these late high school, early college (if you go to college) years are the best years of your life, it is hard for you to believe.
Surely better times will come along, you think. You cling to that belief for many years. Then you realize something.
The years around your high school graduation may, in fact, have been the best years of your life. They are the touchstone. They are the yardstick by which all future events are measured. They contain the moments you treasure, and they are locked away in your memory vault for all time. They are the springboard that launched you into adulthood.
My first high school closed and I went to another for one year. Our class play is the extracurricular activity that introduced me to many of my classmates. Most seniors joined the spring musical which was South Pacific. It was a great experience as a large cast worked together at a common goal. It turned out well.
I’m in this group, just left of center.
Meanwhile, a series of astounding events filled the spring and summer of ’69. In April the convicted assassin of Senator Robert Kennedy, Sirhan Sirhan, was sentenced to the death penalty in California, but the state would eliminate the death penalty and he would never be executed. He is still incarcerated and is now 75 years old.
In May Apollo 10 took off for the moon. It was just a dress rehearsal for Apollo 11. On July 20th the world watched in wonder as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon. President Kennedy had promised the nation in May of 1961 we could accomplish this by the end of the 1960s, although he did not live to see it himself.
Also in May, The Who introduced their”rock opera,” Tommy. It was an album of rock songs that told the story of that “deaf, dumb. and blind kid” who “plays a mean pinball.” The “Pinball Wizard” may not have been the first rock opera, but it was the first album to call itself that. Others have followed to varying degrees of success.
The Beatles were still hitting the top of the charts. In May “Get Back” would reach number one. The song would later turn up on the “Let It Be” album. Who knew we were nearing the end of an era that in many ways never ended? In September The Beatles released Abbey Road.
In ’69 I went to the movies a little more often than I do now. Midnight Cowboy came out in May and I recall seeing it in the theater. It was likely then that I first took notice of the Harry Nilsson song, “Everybody’s Talkin’.” It became a favorite. After the movie came out, the song received a lot of radio play.
In June the Stonewall riots took place outside a Greenwich Village, New York City gay bar. A confrontation between police and activists turned ugly over a few days period. Many say it led to the modern gay rights movements. The following year the first gay pride parades were held in several cities, including Chicago. I can not say that I was aware of any of this at the time. However, Stonewall marked an important moment in LGBT history in this country.
On two days in August, The Charles Manson “Family” killed 8 people in murders that would shock the nation. The gruesome details that came out over time were almost too horrifying to be believed. Manson was sentenced to death for his role in the killings, but, like Sirhan Sirhan, his sentence was changed to life in prison when California did away with the death penalty. Manson died in prison in 2017 at the age of 83.
In August it may not have been a half million people who went down to Max Yasgur’s dairy farm 43 miles from Woodstock, New York, but the crowd was certainly in the hundreds of thousands for the “3 days of peace and music.” Perhaps a half million said they were there. Over the festival, 32 acts performed, sometimes in the rain, while organizers proved rather unprepared for the massive event.
I can not say I knew much about Woodstock in 1969. The film, the music and the many videos that have turned up taught us about the event. It meant little to some of us back home in the Midwest at the time it was happening. The 1970 documentary of the festival won an Academy Award. Joni Mitchell wrote a popular song that was a big hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young who played at the festival. Mitchell had turned it down.
The big news in Chicago that summer for baseball fans was the miracle collapse of the Chicago Cubs. On August 14th the Mets were nine games behind the Cubs in the standings and it looked like the long pennant drought for the northsiders was about to end. Then September happened. The Cubs lost 17 of 25 and the Mets got hot. They went on to win the World Series and the Cubs did not make it to the Fall Classic until 2016.
Sources include 1969: An eventful summer, http://www.cnn.com August 9, 2009.
See also: This Magic Moment, The Golden Age Of Rock Turns 50, 1969, SERENDIPITY, teepee12.com, 2/1/2019.
Good Old Rock ‘N Roll, One Hit Wonders of 1969, SERENDIPITY, teepee12.com, 3/10/2019.
I’ll have to remember to stop trying to make all my pictures square, that other shapes are okay now!
Spikes and pokes, sharp and pointy, we’re nearing the end. I started with birds and squirrels.
Tomorrow, I’ll return but not necessarily in squares with my pink Christmas Cactus. It is just about to bloom!
All the Eastern coast kits live down south, from Mississippi through Florida and out towards Louisiana. It’s not that we lack for hawks around here. We have both Golden (relatively rare as they prefer mountains to valleys, but sometimes you can spot them high above you, especially if are in the White Mountains in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, or Canada.
No hawks, safe to feed!
We see a lot of American Eagles, especially along the Merrimack — a much wider, slower-flowing river with lots of big fish and pollution to make me wonder if people really eat those fish. Nonetheless, many people nearby have boats and fish the waters of the Merrimack.
American Eagles are lazy. Rather than do their own fishing, they station themselves in trees along the river, waiting for someone to catch their dinner. Then they drop out of the sky, grab the fish and fly off. I’m sure they are mentally grinning. Note: Beaks don’t smile.
Very few people have enough character to fight off an eagle’s talons for a fish. Even a really big fish. American Eagles are not the biggest of eagles. I think the Golden is at least twice its size and there are some eagles in Africa and Asia that are also huge. Still, the talons on our Bald Eagle are no laughing matter.
I wouldn’t mess with them. I’ve been gored by a Cockatoo who wasn’t nearly as big as even a very small eagle and I nearly lost my thumb.
Birds have a lot of power in a lightweight body.
It’s rather like arguing with a bear over a basket of berries you are carrying across the moor. You can get more berries. You can buy them in the grocery store. Meanwhile, the bear doesn’t need a credit card and like the eagle, he’s glad enough you did the berry picking. He can as take your arm AND the berries for a healthy, balanced dinner.
Don’t run from the bear. Politely put down the basket and quietly stroll off. Don’t whistle. That might irritate him and an irritated bear is … well … an irritated bear. Even a small bear is a lot bigger than you are, so be nice, quiet, and go home. Light incense. Consider not scouring the fields for wild berries.
Cooper’s Hawk. Accipiter Cooperii. Jones Beach State Park, Nassau Co. NY.
Juvenile Cooper’s hawk in close flight during autumn migration.
The closest we have to a kite here is the Cooper’s Hawk and its close relative, the Sharp-shinned Hawk. Both of these small hawks used it live largely far from humans.
Until the arrival of bird feeders. Since both of these hawks are bird hunters and considered remarkable fliers when they discover a feeder and do their famous flap-flap-glide through forest and bushes — there are those who believe these hawks could thread a needle by flying through its eye — the scare the feathers from the birds.
For reasons best known to the Mourning Doves, they least terrified of these small hawks (listed as “kite-like” in my “Peterson’s” guide). Doves are not the smartest birds in the coop.
Regardless, a single passing swoop by one of the two bird-hunting hawks, and the birds are gone. They don’t just disappear for a few hours. They are gone for days and if the Hawks are active, as long as five or six days.
Which is what the Cornell Institute and Audubon Society both suggest you do if you find that the Hawks have become a problem. Which is to say you have actually seen them more than once. They are not easy to see, either. They are exceptionally skillful fliers. The diver between trees and hedges and in fact, when they miss, they are frequently crushed because they hit a tree chest first. I guess seatbelts would not help all that much.
It’s not that we don’t believe every creature deserves its dinner, but most of us don’t want to be setting the table for this particularly gastronomic feast. We invited the birds to come and chow down, so when it’s obvious that we’ve set them up as someone else’s main course, it takes a lot of the joy out of the party.
We also don’t fly paper kites around here. The trees, abounding as they do with bird life and trillions of insects, have their own killer instinct and will happily eat your kite.
The last time I flew a big kite, it was down on Cape Cod. The wind caught it and over the waves, it flew. Eventually, I ran out of string. I had a couple of thousand feet of thousand-pound nylon cord, so it was far away. Way beyond the breakers and invisible.
There was no way I could bring it home. The outbound wind was strong and had taken it way out to sea. We could not see it. I cut the string and let it fly.
I wonder if anyone found it and pondered where it had started? In case it was you, it was on a nearly deserted beach in November on Cape Cod. | 2019-04-18T23:11:18Z | https://teepee12.com/2019/03/ |
The Diamondbacks won the Ross Valley Little League majors division championship.
ou like, but be sure to include at least one name for possible use in the print edition. Please include individual statistics to highlight what each athlete did well.
On Saturday, RVLL crowned the Arizona Diamondbacks as the MAJORS Division Little League Champions!
The Terra Linda Orcas remain undefeated in 2017, and got a lot of help from Nicolette Jasko, a triple winner and setting pool records (at Lucas Valley) with all 3 events!
A grey morning gave way to sunny skies as the Terra Linda Orcas returned to Lucas Valley after a three-year hiatus. The Lightning put up a good fight, but in the end the Orcas came out on top, 348 to 208. Many swimmers turned in new best times, and along the way 7 pool records fell to Terra Linda swimmers, the oldest record dating to 1985. As always, great sportsmanship and camaraderie prevailed in this local meet which pits friends and neighbors against one another in spirited competition.
Triple winner Maya McAuley from the Rolling Hills Stingrays (Girls 13-14) 50 free, 50 fly, 100 IM also broke a 16 year old record for the girls 13-14 50 yd butterfly with a time of 28.46, breaking the record held by Ashley Saia (28.57 2001).
100mH: 15.8*, #1, 619 pts.
Long Jump: 16’7″, #1, 404 pts.
Shot Put: 32’1″, #2, 463 pts.
High Jump: 5’9″*, 585 pts.
100mH: 20.1*, #3, 301 pts.
Long Jump: 13’8″, #2, 355 pts.
Shot Put: 23’4″, #2, 343 pts.
High Jump: 4’3″*, #2, 409 pts.
800m: 2:42.8*, #1, 541 pts.
100mH: 16.2*, #2, 575 pts.
Long Jump: 16’4″, #2, 382 pts.
Shot Put: 23’*, #3, 244 pts.
High Jump: 5’1″, #2, 426 pts.
1500m: 5:32*, #3, 385 pts.
100mH: 17.2*, #1, 472 pts.
Long Jump: 15’7″, #1, 341 pts.
Shot Put: 23’8″, #2, 330 pts.
High Jump: 5’4″, #2, 504 pts.
The Dixie Terra Linda Little League Intermediate Padres claimed the District 3 Tournament of Champions crown, beating Tiburon Little League 9-1 in the championship game. Kyle Lord pitched 5 innings of shut out ball, backed by Christopher de Langis’ three hits and 2 runs scored. Karl Johnson, J.D. Monge, and Dominic Minton had 2 hits each. Dhruv Pareek also had 2 hits and played exceptional defense in center field.
In Sunday’s record breaking heat,close to 400 swimmers from Marin County swam some of their best times of the season. Overall, nine MSL All Star records and thirteen pool records were set. A few of those previous records had been on the books for over 25 years. Over 40% of all swims were personal bests.
Nearly two hundred Sea Lions descended upon the Lucas Valley pool as the Lightning played host to Sleepy Hollow in the penultimate dual meet of the MSL season. This was Lucas Valley Coach Mike Merrell’s first outing against his former team, and despite being outnumbered more than two to one, the LVST swimmers kept the races close. Saturday’s meet ran quickly under hot, sunny skies, with both clubs racking up numerous personal best and All Star qualifying times along the way. The final score was a closer-than-expected 299 to 241, with the perennial juggernaut that is Sleepy Hollow coming out on top.
It’s a meet that pits neighbor against neighbor, classmate against classmate, and friend against friend. The annual contest between the Lucas Valley Lightning and the Marinwood Waterdevils spans generations of swimmers with fierce competition, good-natured rivalry, and the Hambone Relay. Our local end-of-the-season tradition excites the community and wakes up the neighbors, and Saturday was no exception. The day began with dramatic entrances by both teams, which this year included a mythological allegory of good and evil. From the first sound of the starter’s horn the meet was close, with swimmers racking up blisteringly fast times and the crowd electric with excitement. After a few early lead changes Marinwood gradually pulled ahead, and by the end of Event 60 the Waterdevils bested the Lightning 303 to 257. The loss was quickly avenged, however, when Lucas Valley reclaimed the Hambone Trophy. The Lightning’s fastest freestyle swimmers in each age group, plus Coach Mike and Coach Lynn, led their Marinwood counterparts from wire to wire in a relay that delighted the crowd and set a new noise record. Parent relays followed, with the Lightning moms and dads prevailing in the first heats of both the Medley and Freestyle events. The day was capped with a full slate of fun relays for parents and swimmers alike.
As the heat wave finally subsided, a great meet was held today at the IVC Pool between the two Novato MSL teams. The Rolling Hills Stingrays defeated the Novato Riptide in a close-scoring affair, 288-267. The day was filled with excellent swims by both teams and nail-biting relays that had the large crowd on its feet shouting for their swimmers. The score went back and forth until Rolling Hills held on to seal the victory. But the meet was not without an exciting moment for the host team. An all-time Riptide record that had only existed for six days was again broken by the Mixed 13-14 Riptide Free Relay team consisting of Tereza Shea, Sam Morris, Kate O’Leary, and Sam Rhinehart (1:45.21). At the conclusion of the meet, the 2nd annual Riptide-Stringray Coaches/Parents/Kids Dual Relay was held. The winning team takes home the coveted “Golden Buoy” award for the next 12 months. In a photo finish, the Stingrays coaches narrowly defeated the Riptide coaches by a fingernail. Congrats to all the coaches, parents, and kids of all age-groups who stayed after to compete in this extremely fun event on a beautiful day in Novato!
It was a glorious day in Terra Linda as the Sea Serpents and Orcas battled in the final dual meet of the 2017 season. All involved were relieved to get a break from last week’s heat wave. From the opening 6-U relay until event 60, both teams swam hard in their final tune-up for Champs. The Orcas knew that something special was on the line, though, and at the end of the day they celebrated the win and their first undefeated season in over 25 years. Thank you to all of the swimmers and families of Scott Valley and Terra Linda who came out and made it an enjoyable and memorable day!
A beautiful day for the final dual meet of the 2017 season at Redwood High School. 237 best times in all between the two teams, as everyone cooled off after the All Star weekend. Tidalwaves may have out scored the Sharks, but the Sharks got the improvement win, with 33% of their swims resulting in best times compared to Tidalwaves 28% improved swims. Best of luck to both teams at Champs and the culmination of the season’s efforts for one more shot at great Marin Swim League competition!
The Strawberry Seals defeated the Sleepy Hollow Swim Team Saturday at the Tamalpais High School swimming pool for what is believed to be the first time in history, edging the Marin Swim League juggernaut, 280-273.
Though Sleepy Hollow was admittedly not at full strength due to water polo and general summer conflicts, the Seals had their own elements of seasonal adversity as well. It all made for a nail biter of a meet, with the final result hinging on the very last freestyle relays.
The competition began under a mostly clear blue sky, with the Seals coming out strong, especially in the 9-10 and 13-14 medley relays, as the Strawberry swimmers powered on to placing first and third with their “A” and “B” relay teams. Particularly exciting was the performance by the 9-10 “B” relay (Will Freas, Chloe Firmage, Margeaux Davis and Declan Murphy). In sixth place at one point in the race, the “B” relay swimmers knuckled down and finished with Seals’ anchor Murphy coming from behind and touching out the Sleepy Hollow “B” team swimmer to secure third place and a crucial extra point. That event alone would set the tone for would turn out to be a scrappy meet.
While the usual Seals suspects performed well – 9-10 girl Addison Everage earned three first places in the 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly and 100 individual medley, as did 13-14 year old boy Noah Erikson, in the 50 freestyle, 50 breaststroke and 50 fly – there were a host of good swims on the day.
Marc-Antoine Maync of the Seals earned a first place in the 50 back, and buttressed that win with a second in the 50 free and a third in the 50 fly. The Seals’ Jordan Lisle also had a great day in the water for the 9-10 boys, swimming a best time in the 50 free as an exhibition entry, winning the 50 back with a personal best, winning the 50 breast and placing second in the 50 fly with another personal best, as well.
Sleepy Hollow’s 9-10 boys were led by Max Crock, who placed first in all three of his events (50 free, 50 fly and 100 I.M.), and their 11-12 boys swept the field in the 50 breast, led by first-place winner Jacob Dixon. Dixon also touched first in the 100 I.M. Another triple winner for Sleepy Hollow was 13-14 girl Sasha Frey, who finished first in the 50 back, 50 fly (with a personal record) and the 100 I.M.
In the 11-12 age group, the Seals’ Lucille Johnson had a nice day with two third places in the 50 free and the 100 I.M. Caitlin Quill of the Seals also competed well, finishing second in the 100 I.M., third in the 50 fly and second in the 50 back.
Ty Anders Fong also contributed to the Seals’ point effort on the day, finishing third in both the 50 back and 100 I.M. for the 13-14 boys.
The bulk of the excitement, though came down to the final events. The Strawberry Seals’ spirit shined during the individual medley events as they rooted on the brave souls who had entered what is arguably the most challenging event on the docket by grouping at the ends of the lanes and cheering the swimmers on as they achieved numerable personal records as well as crucial, important points.
The waning moments of the meet was a tug-of-war. Sleepy Hollow placed first and third in the 8-and-under freestyle relay, and next won the 9-10 relay with the Seals coming in second and third. Sleepy Hollow went first and third in the 11-12 free relay and first in the 13-14 free relay with the Seals coming in second and third. What really hurt Sleepy Hollow in the end, however, was the fact that the team did not field a 15-18 free relay, while the Seals had two, which no doubt helped secure the Seals’ victory.
Next up for the all the teams in the Marin Swim League is the MSL Championships, which will be held July 8 at the College of Marin, Indian Valley Campus. | 2019-04-24T22:52:20Z | http://blogs.marinij.com/youthsports/2017/06/01/youth-sports-for-june-2017/?replytocom=3342 |
The beating heart of the Sinis is its basin. This is a marshy environment that is one of the Italy’s and Europe’s most important for the wealth of its wildlife. The basin is a few kilometres from the sea (to which it is connected by a channel) and extends for nearly 2,300 hectares, lining the village of Cabras that since ancient times drew sustenance from it thanks to fishing.
A long panoramic scenic path starts from the village of Cabras that winds along the southern coast of the basin and that it is viable by bike or on foot.
During the walks you can see various species of migratory birds, from flamingos to herons and from coots a number of species of waders.
The basin is also known for the local species of fish, first of all the mullet “of Pontis” that is appreciated in all of Sardinia for its meat that, thanks to the particular salinity and temperature of the water, have an unmistakable and unique flavour. For the same reason its bottarga is now found on the tables of the world’s best restaurants and is called “Cabras’ Gold”.
A number of times in the past the basin the basin has overflowed into part of the village of Cabras which, for this very reason, is known as the “Veneziedda” (Sardinian dialect for “small Venice”). Today the basin is a naturalistic oasis that is appreciated for its fauna and an important stimulus for Cabras’ economy and all the peninsula of the Sinis.
From the terrace of Dimora Laguna, we have identified three visual cones in which you have the greatest chance of watching local species. Only during specific hours of the day is it possible to observe the birdlife depending on the changing seasons.
The best times are early morning and late afternoon, the best time for fishing.
Definitely the most representative beach of the “ Sinis peninsula and Mal di Ventre island” Marine Protected Area . This beautiful beach is an expanse of quartz grains smoothed by the sea, characterized by crystal clear water that recalls the Caribbean beaches.
The area of Capo San Marco is dominated by the lighthouse, a guide for boats sailing in the waters of Sinis. An ideal place for long walks to discover the most uncontaminated and wild nature.
Beach on the edge of the naturalistic oasis of Seu, the last bastion of the Mediterranean scrub.
Its seabed is home to prairies of Posidonia oceanica, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Located along the west coast of Sardinia, this beach offers a special setting as it is bordered by rocky cliffs made of sandstone ending with a breath-taking cliff on which the tower of Seu stands . The name means “magic fountain”; due to a fresh water spring that is located in the middle of the sea about 100 m from the coast. In the past it was believed that this water had particular therapeutic qualities.
This is the beach in the province of Oristano that is the richest in history: from the archaeological site of Tharros to the Nuragic tower; from the falascus hut to the perfectly preserved early Christian church; not to mention the postcard views and landscapes. This beach will surely leave you speechless.
The largest seaside village in the province of Oristano, very close to Cabras, has at its center the largest coastal tower and a large very popular promenade . Bars, pizzerias, restaurants, kiosks, stalls, sports and music make it the summer lounge of Oristano.
A natural monument on the west coast of Sardinia, “S’Archittu”; (translated as “Archetto”;) is an arch carved by water and wind erosion into the white tuff rock that encloses a small gulf with a characteristic beach.
The largest beach is protected by a shoal that makes S’Archittu the ideal place for families with children. The small village is characterized by a walking path along the seafront with several clubs and restaurants. Recommended for a romantic evening, it is about 20 minutes from Cabras by car.
Although the origin of the toponym “Monte Prama” is uncertain, a confirmed thesis mentions the historical presence of a dwarf palm; a species that is now considered almost extinct.
In March 1974 Sisinnio Poddi, a farmer from a village in the province of Oristano known as Cabras, was ploughing his field on the Sinis peninsula in the Monte e Prama area when he found a particular carved stone.
The competent Archaeological Authority was immediately involved in this discovery. Subsequent excavations brought to light more than five thousand fragments of statues, which would later prove to belong to boxers, archers and warriors equipped with helmets and swords, all more than two meters high/tall. Several models of poly-lobed and single-tower nuraghe were also found. In 1979 another statue was unearthed and, in 1980, the most complete fragments were exhibited in the rooms of the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari and then in Berlin, Stockholm, Rome, Brussels and Athens. However, it is likely that for a long time the enormous importance of this discovery was not fully grasped, so that the material found remained locked inside the crates waiting to obtain the necessary resources for restoration. Restoration subsequently carried out in the laboratory of Sassari-Li Punti between 2007 and 2011.
The site of Tharros is one of the most famous destinations of archaeological tourism in Sardinia and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean.
Located in the municipality of Cabras, it is located in the southernmost part of the Sinis peninsula that ends with the promontory of Cape San Marco, overlooking one of the most crystalline seas in the province of Oristano. The whole area is an intriguing open-air museum, dating back thousands of years.
The visit along the ancient Roman roads to discover what remains of the houses, shops, spas and important monuments such as the tophet, the foundations of the temple and the necropolis, is a real dive into the past that will leave you amazed.
follow the signs to San Giovanni di Sinis and continue along the provincial road 6 that will take you to your destination. Once you reach San Giovanni di Sinis, the signs will direct you along the peninsula of Capo San Marco where the archaeological site is located.
Santu Srabadoi (in Sardinian language) is the largest temporary religious village in Sardinia.
make this village worthy of a western film environment, so much so that, less than fifty years ago, it was used as a film set, complete with saloons, sheriffs, colts and horses. As already mentioned, the village is uninhabited but is populated at the end of summer when it becomes the scene of the “race of the barefoot”;, one of the religious festivals most felt by the inhabitants of Cabras that takes place on the first Sunday of September: hundreds of men dressed in white clothes and strictly barefoot, bring the statue of San Salvatore, traversing many kilometers, from San Salvatore to Cabras, respecting a tradition handed down from generation to generation.
to locals and tourists who are made part of these great celebrations. San Salvatore is also well known for its church, built in the eighteenth century, which stands above a hypogeum of pre-Nuraghic origin dedicated to the cult of water and entirely carved into the rock, which worshiped Venus, Mars, and Hercules Salvatore during Roman times.
Leaving from hotel Aquae Sinis get out of the town through Via Tharros; at the intersection follow the signs for San Giovanni di Sinis and continue along the provincial road 6 for 8 km. At this point on your right you will find the signs for the religious village of San Salvatore, turn and continue until you reach the ancient kiosk of the village. From the kiosk continue on foot for a few meters inside the village until you reach the church.
San Giovanni di Sinis is a hamlet of Cabras, located south of the Sinis peninsula.
What is surprising about this hamlet is its location and its postcard landscapes. Looking at the landscape from the majestic Spanish tower you have a unique view of its kind: on the one hand you can admire ”maribiu”; (“living sea”; in Sardinian language) exposed to the strongest winds that blow over Sardinia and on the other hand you can see “marimottu”; (“dead sea”; in Sardinian language) always calm and sheltered from the winds. It is a contrast that certainly does not go unnoticed. This is an ideal place for those who want to take long walks on the coast or for those who simply want to enjoy a relaxing day at the sea sitting in one of the many characteristic kiosks.
For lovers of history, also remember that here is the archaeological site of Tharros as well as the famous early Christian church.
How to get there Starting from Hotel Aquae Sinis get out of the country/leave the village through Via Tharros; at the intersection follow the signs for San Giovanni di Sinis and continue along the provincial road 6 that will take you to your destination.
The church is located at the entrance of the village.
Until about thirty years ago, in the Cabras pond, there were four fishponds: “ Mar’ e Pontis”, “Pischeredda”, “Su Pottu”; and “Sa Madrini”.
The most important, both presently and in the past, is the Mar’e Pontis fishpond, situated between a dense network of canals that connect the pond to the sea. The interesting complex of the Mar’e Pontis fishpond includes ancient structures such as S’omu eccia (the old house), Sa coxia (the kitchen); S’omu de su fiau (the house to watchover eel fishing) and many others that you can discover and admire during a visit to the fishpond, as well as the areas in which there are the famous mullets of Cabras, connected to the mainland by wooden bridges and reeds. On fishing days, in the morning, you may have the good fortune to watch the picturesque catch of fish in the “death chamber”;: the fishermen, armed with nets that are shaken and raised rhythmically, join together to form a circle that gradually shrinks, where the fish are finally locked up and fished.
Ancient technique that requires a lot of effort and collaboration, to assist it is definitely something unique and unrepeatable for the spectators.
This unique location would not be complete without a nice restaurant, the recreational fishing, whose purpose is precisely to introduce guests to the products and traditional foods of Cabras related to the world of fishing. The menus are exclusively of fish typically found in the lagoon or the sea, cooked according to the local food tradition.
Leaving from Hotel Aquae Sinis get out of the country/village through Via Tharros; at the intersection follow the signs for San Giovanni di Sinis and continue along the provincial road 6 to Km 1. 2, turn left and follow the signs ”Peschiera Pontis”;.
In May (24), the feast of Santa Maria Assunta, patron saint of the village, takes place. The feast of Santa Maria lasts three days during which there are dances in the square, various shows and fireworks.
The 13th of June St. Anthony of Padua is honoured with a religious procession and various shows.
In August, almost in conjunction with the feast of St. Augustine organized in the same church by the worshippers from Nurachi, at the church of San Giovanni di Sinis, for three days, the feast of St. John the Baptist takes place.
in the typical costume of Cabras and barefoot, carry in procession the simulacrum of the saint from the church of Cabras to the sanctuary of San Salvatore, where religious rites follow one another for nine days.
The actual race starts at dawn on the first Saturday in September. Procurated “s’abidu”; (brotherhood dress), the young people meet in the churchyard of the Major Church of Cabras, from there the simulacrum is carried in procession to the outskirts of the village. At this point ”is curridoris”; (pronounced “curridorisi”; and meaning runners) tie s’abidu; at the height of the waist, cover the litter that encloses the simulacrum of the Saint and begin the race to the village of San Salvatore di Sinis. A “ muda”; made up of two young runners holds the sedan chair with a simulacrum which no one should try to pass. Every hundred meters you change and during the path scream “Viva Santu Srabadoi”; (San Salvatore). Once in the village “is curridoris”; are welcomed by hundreds of worshippers and tourists.
annus” (next year). The following Monday the women in procession take the simulacrum back to the main church. The rite of the race of the barefoot symbolizes the hope for a good harvest, plentiful fish in the pond and fertility for the flocks.
In August Cabras dedicates a festival to mullet roe that offers the opportunity to taste it with multiple courses of appetizers, first and second courses. The ”Sagra della Bottarga” an event that enhances the culture, history and gastronomic aspects of this delicious food consisting of mullet eggs which are prepared so as to be considered a “real caviar of the Mediterranean”. On the occasion of the Festival, the municipal administration organizes stands for the tasting and promotional sale of bottarga and also distributes an interesting booklet in which numerous recipes using bottarga are available. The eggs of this mullet (volpino mullet) are processed by first covering them with salt and then pressing them and exposing them to the air in a natural way for aging. The result is an amber-coloured, soft bar with an intense and delicate taste that can be eaten raw sliced in olive oil. It is excellent when used grated on a wide range of appetizers and first courses and is unparalleled when eaten spread on toasted bread with the addition of butter.
species such as flamingos, cormorants, turtles caretta-caretta, foxes and many others. No less interesting is the underwater part. In fact, there are countless stretches of sea with surprising depths, ideal for snorkeling. | 2019-04-18T19:16:39Z | https://aquaesinis.it/en/discover-the-sinis/ |
As I have told you before, my companion and I have been vying over the glory, and of course the heavy purse of gold, to be awarded for the head of a dragon which had been harassing a village.
After losing a duel to my competitor and captor, we traveled together to the mountain the dragon was rumored to have made its nest. Attempting to stay upwind, we traversed the mountain paths to a location determined to be over the cavern in which the dreaded dragon resided.
Balancing on his heels, hunkered down tending the fire, the Baron merely grunted his usual expression, “Indeed.” He didn’t speak much. Seeming content to communicate through his visual means; glances, ogles, grimaces, or stares. Laughter didn’t seem to have left any trace of a mark on that face. We had traveled for two days to reach this destination, we had not exchanged any words. Silence only.
“Once again my life is indebted to you. I would surely have been pulled to my demise had you not thought so quickly. The dragon’s luring spell called to my senses, I wanted desperately to jump.” My face was obviously bunched up in a show of emotional pain. I did not want to owe anyone, much less this ogre of a man. Sighing, I rolled onto my side, away from the fire.
Shocked by the length of his speech, I didn’t not question his decision for the two of us to leave. It was a dangerous trek up and would be even more dangerous for the trip down the side of the mountain especially as night was falling.
After agonizingly slow progress, we came upon a small sheltered level area, large enough for the horse, and decided to stop and rest for the night. At sunrise, I was surprised at the progress we had made. I was not surprised that every muscle on my body ached. I ached from the top of my head to the tip of my toes. Until I relaxed, I didn’t realize how tensed up I had been. As tense as the descent was, it was dark therefore neither of us could actually look down over the side of the mountain. Both more treacherous and safer, simultaneously. Thankful, albeit a bit shaky, to reach the main pathway, we paused to rest and determine our next move.
Leaving the horses lightly hobbled, we crab crawled our way over rocks and around scrub to the front of the cavernous lair. Ignorant of the exact location of the lair, we simply followed our noses and how badly our eyes watered.
The reek emitted from the cave entrance was not unlike the smell of boiling skunk, alive. My eyes watered. Both of us were adding to the aromatic flavor of the air, by sweating profusely. It wasn’t the warmth of the day making us sweat, rather the odor was so thick, we could taste it.
The rocks and crags near the cave entrance seemed to have a white phosphorus coating. The coating, I could only assume was the creatures way of claiming the area as its own as most animals do, scent markings. Vowing not to touch it when we entered the cave, I pulled the inside of my elbow to cover my mouth. A move that really didn’t help much.
Unsheathing our swords, we moved closer to the entrance. Roars and growls rumbled from the interior. We looked at one another, sweat beading on our brows already, grimaces on our faces, we made ready to enter the cavern entrance.
Huddled closely together, inching forward, we made our way further and further into the dragons lair. Darkness made the footing treacherous. The stench made our breath come in short shallow gasps. Ever so carefully, we stumble over what we thought were outcrops of loose stones. Stumbling, the Baron dropped our one torch we had engineered. The flame, flaring momentarily with the draft of falling, flickered and burned out. Now we were without the benefit of any light. We now had to feel our way forward as the blind in a new location, arms outstretched and small baby steps with our feet. Littered here and there, it feels as though we were walking over brittle brush piles. Down, ever downward, we shuffle our feet careful lest we fall into who knows what.
Up ahead there seemed a glow in the pitch black. A glow, that seemed to be coming closer towards us. A glow that illuminated some of the path that lay ahead. A glow that both drew us closer to it, yet made me want to turn and run! As it dawned on my feeble mind what the light really was, I nearly yelped with fear.
Simultaneously, we noticed an outcrop of a boulder and in unison worked our way towards the relative safe harbor. Hoping to go unnoticed, we waited there; two grown men trying to fit into a space not large enough to hold a medium sized child. We waited for the thing to pass.
With words unspoken, we both knew why we had not confronted the thing, allowing it to pass us by. We wanted an opportunity to size the thing up. Allow it’s full length to pass us by, look for the things weakness. A chink in its armor. At first glance, we saw none. What we did see was the largest reptile either of us had ever witnessed. It’s back brushed the top of the cavern. It was crawling nearly as tenuously as we had walked.
Even in the half light, we could see the iridescent blues, purples and gold coloration flicker on the tough scales. The accordion like reptilian walk, did show us that as the dragon strode forward, the scales would have to buckle up over one another. Exposing a ray of hope for us, a weakness for it. It waddled past us without glance in our direction.
Letting out my held breath, I could not help but clasp the Baron by the shoulder. I nearly wept. I was almost ready to turn tail and leave this awful place. Try to come up with a plan that entailed being outside of this hell-hole. The Baron, on the other hand, began to move further into the cave. The dragon was leaving and we were not following, but going deeper into its lair.
Quietly we crept. Slowly descending into the bowels of the mountain. The Baron would take a few steps, then stop and listen. I cast furtive looks over my shoulder as well. After several of these stops the Baron murmured, “Indeed.” It was a relief to hear a voice, then suddenly I could hear many voices. It sounded like singing. Singing?
Prayer hymns were being sung by small young voices. Praise the old gods and the new, there were still children ALIVE. Unsaid, but understood, we did not expect to be a rescue team. We were there to slay the dragon and collect our reward.
Haltingly, we entered the obvious nest of the beast. Not simply a worm hole, but a rounded nesting. It was hot down here, blisteringly hot. Around the perimeter were the children, the sheep and surprisingly many other animals; deer, elk, rabbits, ducks, geese and others. Some hanging limply as though shackled to the stone wall, others in strewn in heaps as rag dolls tossed aside by some giant. The stone carried scars of scorch marks nearly everywhere we looked. My tongue flickered over my lips in vain effort to keep them moist in the heat. Near the center of the huge room were two oval eggs.
The eggs drew my attention. I could not help myself, I was mesmerized by the rhythmic glows emitted from within illuminating the room. The eggs throbbed with life. Golden, both of them, I was reminded of the story of Jack and the Bean Stalk. I had always thought it a goose that laid golden eggs. Never had the thought of a dragon entered my mind, or the tale.
The Baron and I quickly ran to the nearest child. The town had lost only three, there were seven alive and many not. The beast had been plundering other villages as well. There would be more than one purse of gold to line our pockets. Quickly, silently, we unfettered the children. They had been adhered to the wall with some sort of glue-like substance, we could only guess which end of the beast rendered that substance.
Motioning silence, the Baron began to usher the children out of the nesting cavern. Even as we hurried, we could hear grunts coming towards us. We would need luck and timing to make our escape with seven children, two were beyond being able to walk. We hid ourselves as best we could, in crags along the wall. The beast waddled in, holding a prize in its jaws. My horse, Caballo.
My heart sank. My blood boiled. The Baron was quick to stay me with a glance and warning. First the children must be reunited with their villages. First we must make our own escape. Then we might come back to rescue my brave Caballo.
We nine stayed wedged into the side of the mountain while the dragon beast made a place for Caballo. We stayed while she inspected her nest. We stayed while she burned the ground around her eggs ensuring their warmth and incubation. We stayed until she finally lay down, curling herself round the eggs, and fell asleep.
Then, ever so silently, we crept upwards. The trek into the cavern had seemed long, carrying children who were more dead than alive. It was slow moving and leaving the glow of the eggs to shine our path for us, it was pitch black again. Our lungs heaving with effort, we shuffled and stumbled our way. Daylight streamed into the mouth of the cave. Daylight, my heart surged. Daylight, relative safety. We had been within the dragons lair for a full day and night.
We staggered our way back to the fresh water pool we had camped by and hobbled the horses. Careful to monitor the amount of water each child drank, we built a small fire and began our search for the Baron’s horse. Hours later, with the Baron’s horse found, food eaten and water skins filled, we determined we needed to start for the village before the beast decided to do more hunting. None of the children were up to the long trek back to the village. Shedding the saddle, several of the children took turns riding out of the foothills atop the Baron’s horse while he and I walked, carrying the little ones who could not even hold their heads up.
We entered the village in the middle of the night. The night watchman sounded the alarm. We were heroes. The children were taken to the healing woman. Prayers to the old gods and the new were sent up. The children were out of our hands.
The Baron and I were still sitting at the table, finishing our meal, when the Elders came to speak with us. It was much sooner than I had anticipated. I thought they would at least wait until morning. | 2019-04-23T12:51:13Z | http://viewsofanoptimist.blogspot.com/2012/10/ernesto-2.html |
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Other widespread options you’ll discover in conventional WordPress internet hosting embody the flexibility to make use of a one-click WordPress installer, so you may install WordPress in a few minutes. Some hosts will even provide the capability to pre-install WordPress the second you join internet hosting.
Other options it’s possible you’ll discover embody automated updates to the WordPress core, alongside along with your themes and plugins, and naturally, a educated help staff.
Any different WordPress-related options included in your bundle will probably be host particular.
Managed WordPress websites take pleasure in one of many highest ranges of internet hosting obtainable for WordPress websites. Managed WordPress internet hosting takes the stress out of internet hosting and managing your web site, as you’ll have a staff of WordPress specialists behind you each step of the best way.
Typically, managed WordPress internet hosting will make the most of a devoted server. However it can be configured with VPS internet hosting, cloud internet hosting, or perhaps a shared server setting. The actual sort of server specs relies upon upon the internet hosting supplier you find yourself selecting. Most usually you’ll discover that managed WordPress hosts make the most of devoted servers, so that offers you extra management over server setup and scalability.
Incredibly quick speeds. If you run a WordPress web site, then you will get extraordinarily quick loading speeds through the use of an optimized server setting.
High ranges of safety. With WordPress internet hosting you could have a safe internet hosting setting designed to guard towards WordPress-specific assaults.
Up thus far server. With automated updates you may guarantee your web site stays quick and safe with none added work in your finish.
Dedicated help staff. WordPress internet hosting presents you a help workers that’s effectively versed in WordPress and may also help you rapidly treatment any internet hosting or web site points.
High-level of uptime. If your web site makes cash, then each second it’s offline you’re shedding cash. A WordPress host may also help cease this from occurring.
Managed WordPress internet hosting is among the extra custom-made internet hosting options obtainable. As a outcome, there are some drawbacks that may not align with the targets of your web site.
For instance, there are sometimes plugin restrictions. Certain plugins could be banned because of their codebase, their safety protocols, or a wide range of different causes. So, should you’re utilizing a plugin that the host doesn’t enable, you then’ll want to search out another or take into account a special type of internet hosting altogether.
Also, if you wish to run every other type of web site past WordPress you may’t accomplish that with managed WordPress internet hosting. There merely isn’t help to run every other type of web site on the closely custom-made server setting.
Lastly, the prices of managed WordPress internet hosting may be prohibitive for some web site house owners. If your web site may be very worthwhile, then investing in managed WordPress internet hosting may also help enhance your web site’s efficiency, whereas saving you time on any technical internet hosting duties. If you could have a small finances, then there’s no disgrace in beginning with shared WordPress internet hosting and upgrading after you have the finances.
No matter what sort of WordPress internet hosting you select you’ll discover some unimaginable benefits. Here are a number of the reason why folks select WordPress internet hosting.
Today having a quick loading web site is non-negotiable. If your web site hundreds slowly not solely will you be offering a poor person expertise, however you’ll rank decrease in the major search engines too.
WordPress internet hosting is among the finest methods to hurry up your web site.. Even utilizing shared WordPress internet hosting will enhance your web site’s efficiency over normal shared hosting plans. By solely operating WordPress on sure servers, you can also make optimization and efficiency tweaks.
However, for the best ranges of efficiency, you’ll need to go for WordPress managed internet hosting. With managed WordPress internet hosting you’ll get a internet hosting setting that’s been utterly optimized to your web site. Plus, you’ll have a staff or WordPress specialists behind you that can work to make optimizations and provide recommendation to additional elevate ranges of efficiency.
Security isn’t normally considered till it’s too late. However, by being proactive about web site safety you’ll preserve your web site safe whereas retaining your entire customer and person information secure.
WordPress internet hosting has the distinctive benefit of having the ability to defend towards WordPress-specific assaults. When you’re utilizing a extra generalized host any safety protocols in place will solely defend towards extra broad assaults.
However, with WordPress internet hosting you may implement safety measures towards assaults that particularly goal WordPress. Since WordPress is essentially the most generally hacked CMS, you’ll need to take extra steps to guard your web site.
Loads of WordPress hosts can even have common safety scanning and monitoring, so that you could be positive your web site is all the time protected.
With managed WordPress internet hosting that is normally taken a step additional. If your web site does expertise a safety breach, the host managing your web site will assist you to absolutely recuperate and patch any safety holes.
When you’re operating a WordPress web site you’ll have to run updates frequently. It’s a small process that solely takes a few minutes. But, plenty of web site house owners normally overlook to test into their websites to see if any updates can be found.
Not solely is retaining your web site updated a means to make sure excessive efficiency, however it can preserve your web site safer.
Like most issues, safety associated updates are issued to patch safety holes which were found. Without updating your themes and plugins you allow your web site open to being exploited. Plus, when new variations of the WordPress core have launched any plugins or themes normally make updates as effectively to stay appropriate.
Depending on the WordPress host you’re utilizing, automated updates may be part of the internet hosting bundle. This will guarantee your web site is patched towards any identified safety points and all the time operating the most recent model of the WordPress core, plugins, and themes.
The common rule of thumb is smaller WordPress websites that get much less site visitors ought to make the most of shared WordPress internet hosting, whereas established WordPress websites that get greater ranges of site visitors ought to go for managed WordPress internet hosting.
However, two of the most important issues must be your general finances and the way a lot time it’s important to handle your web site.
Across the board shared WordPress internet hosting companies will probably be cheaper. If you could have little to no finances, you then’ll in all probability need to go for this model of WordPress internet hosting.
Managed WordPress internet hosting goes to be the costlier possibility, however you’ll additionally need to spend much less time managing your web site. All technical and upkeep duties will probably be taken care of by a staff of WordPress specialists. This will unencumber your time to deal with extra value-add duties associated to your web site.
Overall, managed WordPress internet hosting will provide you with the best ranges of efficiency, safety, and options, however should you’re on a finances, then utilizing shared WordPress internet hosting will nonetheless provide your web site quite a bit.
The most vital side in selecting a WordPress host is high quality. But, what internet hosting elements really make for a high quality host?
Overall, it relies upon upon your distinctive wants as a web site proprietor. But three of a very powerful metrics embody the velocity, the extent of uptime, and the standard of the help staff.
Speed. Speed refers to how lengthy your web site takes to load, together with the time it takes to open new tabs and mainly navigate the positioning. If your web site hundreds too slowly you’ll have a poor person expertise, which can negatively influence your search engine rankings, and make it troublesome on your web site to succeed.
Uptime. Uptime is the share of time your web site stays on-line. Most hosts will provide 99% uptime, that means that 99% of the time your web site will probably be accessible on the web. Having excessive uptime is vital, particularly for websites who’re processing transactions. When you could have a worthwhile web site each second your web site is offline will price you cash. Some hosts will be capable to present 100% assured uptime. In this state of affairs, when server updates or upkeep should be completed your web site will probably be transferred to a different absolutely operational server.
Support. When you’re coping with a WordPress host you’ll desire a educated help staff behind you. If you run into any points along with your web site or server you’ll need to have these points resolved rapidly. Hopefully, you received’t have to depend on your help staff usually, however when the necessity arises you’ll need to guarantee they’ve your again for all issues WordPress-related.
Essentially, WordPress internet hosting is any type of internet hosting that’s been optimized to run WordPress. The commonest types of WordPress internet hosting you’ll discover are managed and shared web hosting, though there are different sorts obtainable.
Shared WordPress internet hosting companies, often known as WordPress internet hosting, would be the most cost-effective type of WordPress internet hosting obtainable. You’ll get a WordPress-optimized internet hosting platform t that you simply’ll be sharing will different customers. However, every person can have their very own partitioned server setting that offers you entry to a sure stage of server sources.
The different kind obtainable is WordPress managed internet hosting. The managed internet hosting platform will give you a really excessive performing server setting that can assist you to get essentially the most out of WordPress, together with a devoted WordPress staff that can assist to handle and optimize your web site and server setting.
Hopefully, by now you may reply the query: what’s WordPress web hosting? And you may determine if it’s the proper step on your new web site. If you’re able to be taught the way to construct an internet site or register a website, contact the specialists at HostGator at the moment for extra info.
Kevin Wood writes about expertise and human potential. You can discover him at his digital houses Wooden Writing and Counter Culturist. | 2019-04-25T10:50:27Z | https://www.presscolors.com/en/blog/web-hosting/4328 |
Since the Qubes R3.1 release we have included the Salt (also called SaltStack) management engine in dom0 as default (with some states already configured). Salt allows administrators to easily configure their systems. In this guide we will show how it is set up and how you can modify it for your own purpose.
In the current form the API is provisional and subject to change between minor releases.
This document is not meant to be comprehensive Salt documentation; however, before writing anything it is required you have at least some understanding of basic Salt-related vocabulary. For more exhaustive documentation, visit official site, though we must warn you that it is not easy to read if you just start working with Salt and know nothing.
Salt is a client-server model, where the server (called master) manages its clients (called minions). In typical situations, it is intended that the administrator interacts only with the master and keeps the configurations there. In Qubes, we don’t have a master. Instead we have one minion which resides in dom0 and manages domains from there. This setup is also supported by Salt.
Salt is a management engine (similar to Ansible, Puppet, and Chef), that enforces a particular state of a minion system. A state is an end effect declaratively expressed by the administrator. This is the most important concept in the entire engine. All configurations (i.e., the states) are written in YAML.
A pillar is a data back-end declared by the administrator. When states become repetitive, instead of pure YAML they can be written using a template engine (preferably Jinja2); which can use data structures specified in pillars.
A formula is a ready to use, packaged solution that combines a state and a pillar (possibly with some file templates and other auxiliary files). There are many formulas made by helpful people all over the Internet.
A grain is some data that is also available in templates, but its value is not directly specified by administrator. For example, the distribution (e.g., "Debian" or "Gentoo") is a value of the grain "os". It also contains other information about the kernel, hardware, etc.
A module is a Python extension to Salt that is responsible for actually enforcing the state in a particular area. It exposes some imperative functions for the administrator. For example, there is a system module that has a system.halt function that, when issued, will immediately halt a domain. There is another function called state.highstate which will synchronize the state of the system with the administrator’s configuration/desires.
- name: echo 'hello world' #this is a parameter of the state.
The stateid has to be unique throughout all states running for a minion and can be used to order the execution of the references state. cmd.run is an execution module. It executes a command on behalf of the administrator. name: echo 'hello world' is a parameter for the execution module cmd.run. The module used defines which parameters can be passed to it.
For installing and uninstalling packages.
With these three states you can define most of the configuration of a VM.
The order of execution will be A, B, C, D. The official documentation has more details on the require and order arguments.
When configuring a system you will write one or more state files (*.sls) and put (or symlink) them into the main Salt directory /srv/salt/. Each state file contains multiple states and should describe some unit of configuration (e.g., a state file mail.sls could setup a VM for e-mail).
For each target you can write a list of state files. Each line is a path to a state file (without the .sls extension) relative to the main directory. Each / is exchanged with a ., so you can’t reference files or directories with a . in their name.
You will sometimes find yourself writing repetitive states. To solve this, there is the ability to template files or states. This is most commonly done with Jinja. Jinja is similar to Python and in many cases behaves in a similar fashion, but there are sometimes differences when, for example, you set some variable inside a loop: the variable outside will not get changed. Instead, to get this behavior, you would use a do statement. So you should take a look at the Jinja API documentation. Documentation about using Jinja to directly call Salt functions and get data about your system can be found in the official Salt documentation.
All Salt configuration files are in the /srv/ directory, as usual. The main directory is /srv/salt/ where all state files reside. States are contained in *.sls files. However, the states that are part of the standard Qubes distribution are mostly templates and the configuration is done in pillars from formulas.
The formulas are in /srv/formulas, including stock formulas for domains in /srv/formulas/dom0/virtual-machines-formula/qvm, which are used by firstboot.
Because we use some code that is not found in older versions of Salt, there is a tool called qubesctl that should be run instead of salt-call --local. It accepts all the same arguments of the vanilla tool.
To apply a state to all templates, call qubesctl --templates state.highstate.
The actual configuration is applied using salt-ssh (running over qrexec instead of ssh). Which means you don’t need to install anything special in a VM you want to manage. Additionally, for each target VM, salt-ssh is started from a temporary VM. This way dom0 doesn’t directly interact with potentially malicious target VMs; and in the case of a compromised Salt VM, because they are temporary, the compromise cannot spread from one VM to another.
Added the management_dispvm VM property, which specifies the DVM Template that should be used for management, such as Salt configuration. TemplateBasedVMs inherit this property from their parent TemplateVMs. If the value is not set explicitly, the default is taken from the global management_dispvm property. The VM-specific property is set with the qvm-prefs command, while the global property is set with the qubes-prefs command.
Created the default-mgmt-dvm DisposableVM Template, which is hidden from the menu (to avoid accidental use), has networking disabled, and has a black label (the same as TemplateVMs). This VM is set as the global management_dispvm. Keep in mind that this DVM template has full control over the VMs it’s used to manage.
It uses the Qubes-specific qvm.present state, which ensures that the domain is present (if not, it creates it).
The name flag informs Salt that the domain should be named salt-test (not my new and shiny VM).
The template flag informs Salt which template should be used for the domain.
The label flag informs Salt what color the domain should be.
The mem flag informs Salt how much RAM should be allocated to the domain.
The proxy flag informs Salt that the domain should be a ProxyVM.
As you will notice, the options are the same (or very similar) to those used in qvm-prefs.
Note The third line should contain the name of the previous state file, without the .sls extension.
As in the example above, it creates a domain and sets its properties.
Note The name: option will not change the name of a domain, it will only be used to match a domain to apply the configurations to it.
This enables, disables, or sets to default, services as in qvm-service.
In dom0, you can apply a single state with sudo qubesctl state.sls STATE_NAME. For example, sudo qubesctl state.sls qvm.personal will create a personal VM (if it does not already exist) with all its dependencies (TemplateVM, sys-firewall, and sys-net).
System UsbVM bundled into NetVM. Do not enable together with qvm.sys-usb.
Enable USB keyboard together with USBVM, including for early system boot (for LUKS passhprase). This state implicitly creates a USBVM (qvm.sys-usb state), if not already done.
Vault AppVM with no NetVM enabled.
Whonix workstation AppVM for Whonix DisposableVMs.
Setup UpdatesProxy to route all templates updates through Tor (sys-whonix here).
Additional pillar data is available to ease targeting configurations (for example all templates).
Note: This list is subject to change in future releases.
Template name on which a given VM is based (if any).
The output for each VM is logged in /var/log/qubes/mgmt-VM_NAME.log.
When your VM is being started (yellow) press Ctrl-z on qubesctl.
Look at /etc/qubes-rpc/qubes.SaltLinuxVM - this is what is executed in the management VM.
Adjust $target_vm (VM_NAME) and $salt_command (state.highstate).
Execute them, fix problems, repeat.
The -p will cause the execution to wait until the package is installed. Having the -p flag is important when using a state with cmd.run. | 2019-04-23T14:19:26Z | https://www.qubes-os.org/doc/salt/ |
By the evening of 16 May, more than 10,000 Belarusian citizens had signed a national petition to change the restrictive 2002 Religion Law, reports the campaign's spokesperson Sergei Lukanin. "This is already a serious figure for our country, where we don't have ideal conditions to gather such a petition," he told Forum 18 News Service from Minsk the same day. Stressing that this is an interim figure, he pledged that signature collection would continue. "The campaign is involving more and more churches and non-religious organisations in thirty towns across Belarus."
Local Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants have been gathering signatures since 22 April. As the campaign's promotional material states, "we are defending the rights of all Christians (Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants), all citizens of Belarus. The law violates the rights of all people, even atheists." Petitions to change the law require at least 50,000 signatures in order to be considered by the Constitutional Court.
Copies of campaign material received by Forum 18 explain that the rights to life, free speech and freedom of belief are inalienable, "because we have them from birth, they are given to us by God and not the government. Since the government does not give us these rights, they have no right to take them away." The petition form calls upon the Constitutional Court to bring the 2002 Law into line with the 1994 Constitution – Article 31 of which affirms religious freedom – and international human rights agreements which Belarus has signed. Petitioners also express concern at the "numerous violations of the rights of Belarusian citizens in the area of religious freedom" over the four years since the Law's adoption.
A 12-page supplementary document details the Religion Law's unconstitutional provisions. These include provisions that regular prayer meetings in private homes are illegal, and the fact that people can only meet together to worship after a complex state registration procedure has been completed.
The campaign material also gives theological grounds for supporting religious freedom, including that of personal responsibility for the development of society: "We are responsible for what laws our children will live under. God expects us to take affirmative action, as do our people." The timing of the petition, the supplementary material explains, is due to the fact that "since the end of 2006 it is in the interests of the government to have good, friendly relations with the European Union (EU) as never before, and one of the EU's conditions is improvement in the sphere of human rights." The co-ordinators stress, however, that the campaign "does not have political aims."
The petition is open only to Belarusian citizens, but an English-language appeal to the world community is on the website of the charismatic New Life Church, which is based in the capital Minsk. The website appeal asks "all people of good will to support the campaign of protection of the rights of freedom of conscience in Belarus and write letters to the leadership of our country" (see http://www.newlife.by/eng/right03_en.php).
Faith-based opposition to violations of the freedom of thought, conscience and belief has appeared, on other issues, from a number of Belarusian religious communities (see F18News 29 November 2006 http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=880).
Aleksei Shein, a campaign coordinator who is also co-chairman of the organisational committee of the Belarusian Christian Democracy movement, told Forum 18 that his request for permission to hold a small demonstration on Freedom Square in central Minsk on 20 April in support of freedom of conscience was refused. No explanation for the refusal was given by the city authorities. Normally an alternative, more distant, site is offered to demonstrators requesting a city centre location. Shein intends both to appeal against the refusal and also to submit a similar request for a less prominent site.
Public demonstrations require advance state permission under the relevant 2003 law (see F18News 1 September 2003 http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=131).
In addition to Christian Democracy activists, various church representatives have been promoting the petition. New Life Church hosted a press conference on 25 April addressed by: its pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko; the campaign spokesperson Sergei Lukanin (who is also lawyer for the New Life Church); fellow Minsk Full Gospel pastor Boris Chernoglaz; Pentecostal pastor Gennadi Kernozhitsky; and a Belarusian Orthodox priest from Minsk's Protection of the Holy Veil parish, Fr Aleksandr Shramko. As reported by New Life's website, Fr Aleksandr Shramko spoke of his belief that the 2002 Law "limits one of the basic human rights and needs to be changed. It is not right that other people are allowed to gather in apartments and engage in their favourite activity while Christians aren't allowed to gather at home and pray to God."
Although unable to attend the press conference, Grodno [Hrodna] Catholic priest Fr Aleksandr Shemet called upon all believers to support the petition, in an interview published on the Belarusian Christian Democracy website on 28 April. "Its importance must be understood," he remarked. "If we don't stand up for the rights guaranteed us by the Constitution, who knows what could happen next."
On 26 April, the day after the press conference, Orthodox priest Fr Aleksandr Shramko was invited to the office of the Plenipotentiary for Religious and Ethnic Affairs, where staff member Aleksandr Kalinov tried to persuade him that the 2002 Religion Law was in line with the Constitution. On 15 May Fr Aleksandr told Forum 18 that Kalinov simply expressed disagreement with his views – "there were no questions" – but had not been able to change the priest's mind about the law.
Kalinov's telephone went unanswered when Forum 18 rang on 16 May.
The Belarusian Orthodox Church, which comes under the Moscow Patriarchate, rejected all connection with the petition, in a statement issued on 27 April. It called on Orthodox Christians not to take part in any campaign for a review of the 2002 Religion Law. Fr Aleksandr Shramko, the church pointed out, participated in the 25 April press conference without church permission and only expressed his personal views.
Metropolitan Filaret (Vakhromeyev) of Minsk and Slutsk, the head of the Belarusian Orthodox Church, on 15 May supported a church court's 10 May recommendation to ban Fr Aleksandr from acting as a priest, although he retains the status of priest.
Fr Aleksandr told Forum 18 on 15 May that Metropolitan Filaret's decree "isn't final – it presumes repentance." He also confirmed that the ban was due to the fact that his participation in the press conference was unsanctioned by the church, "not for what I said."
The Belarusian Orthodox Church supported the 2002 Religion Law. Amongst proposals made by the Church as the Law was being discussed were a ban on all but irregular meetings in private homes for worship, as well as raising the minimum number of people needed to register a religious community with the state from ten to 20. Both these proposals were adopted. The church proposals were published in the 2002 "White Book" on religious freedom in Belarus, compiled by the subsequently outlawed Civic Initiative for Freedom of Conscience.
In its 27 April 2007 statement, the Belarusian Orthodox Church maintains that the 2002 Law "facilitates religious peace and confessional stability in Belarus" and "draws upon international experience of legislation on religion, especially practice in European countries."
Contrary to the church's assertions, the Belarusian Religion Law is the most repressive in Europe. For example, it is the only such law to demand state registration of religious communities and to place geographical restrictions on where the activity of an individual religious community can take place.
Belarus' President, Aleksandr Lukashenko, publicly stresses the role of Orthodoxy in the country. However, Forum 18 has found little evidence that state support for the Moscow Patriarchate is more than nominal (see F18News 10 August 2006 http://www.forum18.org/Archive.php?article_id=826).
According to New Life Church's website, a petition co-ordinator from Baranovichi's [Baranavichy] Salvation Pentecostal Church, Yuri Stupakov, was "summoned for a chat" by the city Executive Committee's Ideological Department on 27 April. This happened when information about the campaign against the 2002 Law appeared in a local newspaper. An official was reportedly interested to know whether the petition violated the law in any way, but Stupakov maintained that it was in accordance with the Constitution and no further action was taken.
Belarus is tomorrow (17 May) competing in a vote to join the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council. The Belarusian bid has been condemned by a broad range of Belarusian and international human rights activists, as well as by many democratic countries. | 2019-04-18T21:15:23Z | http://forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=957 |
Among the eight candidates running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination this June, only state Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) and Del. Rushern Baker (D-Prince George’s County, from 1994-2003) have ever served in a state-level elected office. A resident of Kensington, an affluent suburb several miles north of the D.C.-Maryland border, Madaleno is now in his 16th year in Annapolis–a quality that he says makes him the most qualified contestant to beat Gov. Larry Hogan in the November election.
Madaleno identifies as a progressive, championing the $15 minimum statewide minimum wage as his cause in the State House, and pushing for single-payer health care system and criminal justice reforms such as treatment-focused sentencing for drug offenders. He was the first openly gay man elected to the Maryland Senate, and, if elected in November, would set the same milestone for the office of governor.
While he hasn’t represented Baltimore constituents directly, Madaleno says he has worked for a number of Baltimore-born officeholders in his career. Last month, he tapped local businesswoman and former O’Malley administration aide Luwanda Jenkins as his running mate.
Madaleno holds no punches when discussing Hogan–something we’ve seen prior to and during his campaign–and, in our interview, harped on both the similarities between Hogan and President Donald Trump and Hogan’s penchant for avoiding confrontation with Trump.
We took a few minutes this week to chat with the Montgomery County lawmaker about his campaign to challenge Hogan, his track record in Annapolis, his ideas fixing the funding gap for Baltimore City Public Schools and more. Here’s an edited transcript of the conversation.
Baltimore Fishbowl: It’s a pretty crowded field of Democrats running for governor. What sets you apart?
My extensive record of accomplishments for the people of the state of Maryland. As a legislator, I’ve actually been working on the issues that our next governor is going to have to deal with, from education to transportation, the environment, workforce development, all of those issues, I alone have been immersed in for the last 16 years, of the candidates. I’m doing something a little bit different in both Maryland and American politics. I’m running for an office at a level of government where I’ve consistently served at for the last 16 years.
BFB: I’ve noted in other interviews with candidates that they have not served in political office. Beyond the given—that you have worked in politics—do you think there’s an additional quality from serving that has prepared you for this office?
In that time, I have developed the relationships, my own personal relationships, with the other people who most likely will continue to be in decision-making roles in the other branches of government, who you have to share governance with. I have a firsthand relationship and experience with the outside groups that you have to deal with, a degree of trust and credibility for when we sit down at a table. I’m not new to them, and they’re not new to me. I don’t need someone leading me around to give me the background on what needs to be done, how we’ve gotten to this point. I know the state government, I know the state agencies, I know why policies have been made over time.
I’ll give you one little tiny vignette. I was at an event in Howard County and I was talking about, you know, ‘We need to make sure we beat Bob Flanagan,’ the Republican delegate in the single-member district [9B] in Howard County. I was listing the Republican candidates that we need to beat in the next election, and somebody stood up and said to me, ‘Oh, you are really well-staffed that you have those names on the top of your tongue.’ And I was like, ‘I have those names, I know these people.’ So it’s that sort of unique, in-depth experience that I bring. And especially in a moment when we see what the Republican Party has done in pushing forward a complete outsider into the presidency, you can see what the lack of experience, the lack of relationships, all of those things have an impact.
Now, I would never compare any of the other people in this field to Donald Trump. But I think, as an example, it is very important to have these sorts of relationships, the experience. And that’s why over the last several cycles, you have seen it takes awhile for someone to learn how to be governor. I don’t think I’m going to have that learning curve because I’m immersed in the issues that will face our next governor. No one will be able to hit the ground running as fast as I will be when sworn in.
BFB: Governor Hogan has generally avoided criticizing or praising the Trump administration, kind of keeping his distance. Would you approach the job differently?
Absolutely. I would first point out that Larry Hogan had absolutely no problem criticizing Barack Obama. Just go back and look at the letter he sent to Obama when the whole issue of Syrian refugees came up. The Republican Party in general was trying to sow fear around Syrian refugees. He was more than happy to jump on the bandwagon and criticize and get involved in national policy when there was a Democrat in office. Now that it’s someone that can hurt him, he runs and hides, and that’s not the type of leadership the people of Maryland deserve.
We have an enormous economic dependency on the federal government. The federal government isn’t just an abstract thing to the people of Maryland; the federal government is our single largest employer. The governor of Maryland should be actively engaged in pushing and prodding Congress on federal appropriations, just like the governor is willing to go out on a limb and talk about any job effort that would bring 10 or 20 jobs to the state. The federal government brings hundreds of thousands of jobs, and our governor hides. Right there, any governor should be involved, any year. This isn’t about necessarily Hogan or Trump, this is just what a smart governor should be doing. I think just because it’s Trump and because Hogan’s only priority is to get himself re-elected, he’s hiding from all of these responsibilities.
I would be aggressive at advocating for the interests of the people of the state of Maryland. That means looking out for all of the federal employees who call Maryland home, the federal agencies who are based in Maryland. That means standing up to Donald Trump when he’s weakening the fabric of our nation, whether it’s the programs that people depend on, like Medicaid and Medicare and Social Security, or it’s talking about why our norms of governance are so important.
I guess the important thing to say is that I’m not afraid of Donald Trump, personally or politically. And I would point out to you, if you’ve spent any time looking at it, Larry Hogan shares a lot in common with the president, both having been real estate developers. There’s a great quote that the governor’s spokesperson gave a few months ago about, you know, ‘Larry Hogan, he’s always negotiating, everything is a negotiation, always negotiating,’ just like Donald Trump. And I don’t know if you saw the article that Maryland Matters put out about two weeks ago that detailed the governor’s continued active engagement in his real estate holdings.
BFB: You’ve made minimum wage a policy priority. How would you address naysayers’ concerns about regional economic effects of a $15 minimum wage, such as how people say businesses will move to states with lower wage requirements?
Because this is fundamental to the American style of governance and federalism, that when the federal government fails to act, states push the agenda by moving forward. And you need states like Maryland to be pushing up their minimum wage to put more and more pressure on the federal government to catch up. We need to push forward with that. The Economic Policy Institute put out a study that [showed] wage growth has been strongest for the average workers in states that have moved forward with the minimum wage.
I love how the conversation is always around, ‘Oh, this is bad, this will harm business,’ and no one looks at all the workers it will benefit. Look at the fact that you’ll be able to actually work a full-time job and not live in poverty in the state of Maryland if you have a $15 minimum wage.
It is, understandably, business interests that have a louder bullhorn when it comes to these sorts of issues. I am keenly aware of that when it comes to one aspect of my legislation, which is to phase out the tipped-worker exclusion to make sure that tipped workers get an opportunity to also be paid a minimum wage, especially when the Trump administration is trying to weaken protections for tipped workers. Tipped workers are so rarely organized, there’s almost no one speaking up for them. And understandably, I can’t criticize them, because this is what the restaurant association is supposed to do, right, is to look out for the interests of their members or the restaurant owners. And that means looking out for maximizing their profits however they can. That’s how the system works. I get it, but who’s looking out for the little person?
BFB: What would you do to address crime and policing reform in Baltimore, in whatever capacity the governor’s office can?
I think it’s helping to make sure the state remains a partner with the city in doing whatever reforms are necessary to help fight against the conditions that cause crime in the short term, and in the long term. I think it is everything from making sure that the city has the resources necessary to be able to support and train their police force in a way that’s going to help them build trust with the community where it’s been damaged; to making sure that there are resources available to give young people alternatives to getting caught up in crime, whether that’s investing in libraries and community centers or upgrading the schools; that’s having robust after-school programs and summer school programs; that’s making sure people have access to health care; that means helping make sure the city has resources to provide the programs that some of the other communities and around the country are able to provide.
We have to figure out how we move the city as a whole forward, because Maryland will not succeed unless and until Baltimore succeeds. There’s no model of a successful state with its center city in distress.
Working on improving outcomes in the city is essential for the entire state of Maryland. And that’s what you have with me, is someone with deep experience in working with those programs, and of understanding over the last 30 years—even in my experience before I was an elected official—how these programs work. I’ve been fortunate early in my career to work for a number of elected officials from Baltimore. I have an understanding of why we’ve gotten to the place that we have, and recognize that it’s nothing new.
I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to see this interesting book that came out a few months ago by Matthew Henson–he’s a professor at Hopkins–called “Baltimore: A Political History.” It is interesting to see that some of these problems in the dynamic between the state and the city go back centuries. It’s time for us to start making progress on changing that dynamic. And I think I’m the person best situated to get that done.
BFB: We, along with other outlets around town, were covering some of the horrible conditions that students were facing in City Schools this winter with the extreme cold. How would you help to address the long-term capital funding gap for City Schools as governor?
I’m the only one in the field who, again, has a record on this issue. I’d encourage you to go back and check with some of the people who played a pivotal role in the passage of the 21st Century Schools Act, which is the innovative state program that is helping to rebuild 25 schools across Baltimore. I played a pivotal role in making sure that that plan went forward, because even though I’m a legislator from Montgomery County, I fully believe that the state of Maryland and my constituents, all of them, the entire people of the state, benefit from having a well-functioning city school system. And essentially, that means good facilities. That’s why I made sure when other people walked away from that plan, that I put in the work to make sure we had a solution to get it done. And those schools now have taken longer than anyone had anticipated, but the first two of those schools opened this year, and another five are going to open shortly.
I think there are ways that we have to change the state’s approach to public school construction. We need to have a system that looks at not just Baltimore City, but the big jurisdictions, waste a lot of time with the duplication and effort between the local jurisdiction and the state. The state needs to get out of the way of the big jurisdictions making progress.
There’s got to be a value-added proposition to any of these relationships between the state and the local governments. And for the small jurisdictions that might build one or two schools a decade—I mean, Somerset County only has 10 schools in the entire jurisdiction—the state public school construction [program] provides a lot of value because the state has experts on its staff who can provide direction to a local school system so that they don’t have to duplicate that effort. Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, we all have the staff in the school systems. Then the state comes along and becomes yet another unhelpful bureaucratic barrier to getting things done. Nowhere does that problem show up more than with the Baltimore City Public Schools. It delays projects unnecessarily. The state should be there to help get things done, not make it more difficult.
There’s no interest in the Hogan administration to help the city—to be fair, not just the city. Larry Hogan isn’t interested in helping any jurisdiction where he can’t pick up votes. You have a highly politicized approach to state government that needs to come to an end. I want to see a state government that actually helps get things done. We have given the city funding, and the city has been unable to use the funding because our rules get in the way, and that needs to stop.
The governor of the state of Maryland is the most powerful governor in the country. I’m not talking about Larry Hogan. Our state constitution reserves more power, more authority, more responsibility for our governor than any other state constitution. The governor sets the budget. All the legislature can do is make line-item reductions in it, which is why you have this huge conversation and fight about mandates, because the only thing the legislature can do is mandate it in law, which the governor has to agree to. You’ve got, by far, the most extreme budgetary authority. Only the attorney general and the comptroller are elected; everyone else is appointed by the governor. State school board, the local school board–incredible authority that way. The governor’s executive branch sets all the regulations. He can change the public school regulations tomorrow if he wanted to. So over and over, we have a governorship that is primed to get things done for the people, if you have a governor who wants to do it. And with Larry Hogan, we’ve got a governor who just doesn’t care.
BFB: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received for campaigning and going for the governor’s office?
Don’t make any assumptions about the voters. There’s support to be had everywhere. Larry Hogan’s only path to victory is by convincing the Democrats that he’s unbeatable, because in poll after poll, while people say they like him and approve of the job he’s doing, they are not sold on his re-election. They are waiting for a more positive, more progressive vision for the future, and the governor who will actually get things done. If the definition of success is that he hasn’t royally screwed up anything—because we in the legislature, with me often front and center, have stopped him from implementing the bad policies he’s wanted to do, and he’s had to govern like a Democrat as a result. He’s been willing to hide his true self in order to get a second term. But make no mistake: We can’t afford to have a politically un-tethered governor when we have an unhinged president in the White House.
BFB: Do you have a favorite spot in Baltimore?
BFB: If you didn’t get the nomination, is there someone else you would back to run against the governor?
Well, I am committed to supporting whoever the Democratic nominee is.
This story has been corrected to reflect that Rushern Baker served in the House of Delegates from 1994 to 2003, and that Madaleno is not the only candidate to have served in a state-level elected office. We regret the error. | 2019-04-24T06:40:05Z | https://baltimorefishbowl.com/stories/qa-rich-madaleno-discusses-his-tenure-in-annapolis-the-15-minimum-wage-fight-and-his-campaign-to-be-marylands-next-governor/ |
Maricopa County’s roadway network supports and encourages the movement of people and resources between destinations. To meet the needs of all roadway users, MCDOT relies on a combination of rules, regulations and public awareness to keep its roadways operating safely and efficiently.
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, building, maintaining and operating the County’s roadway network. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is responsible for enforcing the roadway regulations approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Speed limits are based on engineering studies. These studies are conducted by MCDOT’s Traffic Studies Branch and take into consideration many factors which affect the safety and operations of a roadway.
Roadway classification: A roadway may be classified as a local residential street, collector road or major arterial roadway.
Roadway users: People utilize roadways for many reasons including personal travel, truck routes, transit, pedestrians, bicycling, parking, driveway access and more.
Lanes and shoulders: The size of travel lanes and shoulders influences how vehicles and other roadway users utilize the roadway.
Alignment and sight distance: Dips, curves, vegetation and other factors can affect how far ahead or behind a driver or other roadway user can see.
Current vehicle operating speeds: Engineers will conduct a speed study to determine how fast drivers are currently driving on the road. This study will determine the 85th Percentile speed. This is the speed at which 85 percent of all vehicles travel at or below. Speed limits may be set at or below the 85th Percentile, depending on roadway conditions.
Reported crash history: Engineers will consider reported crashes on the roadway as well as what may have caused the crash, if known, and other safety factors.
In addition to these factors, MCDOT strictly adheres to the guidance issued in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for setting speed limits. The MUTCD is the national standard for signing on all highways. Sections 2B.13-16 address regulatory speed limits and Section 2C addresses advisory speed signs. School zone speed limit signs are discussed in Section 7B and work zone speed limits in Section 6C.
MCDOT utilizes portable speed feedback signs to inform drivers of their traveling speed and encourage them to obey posted speed limits.
These signs use radar to detect the speed of oncoming traffic and display the approximate speed in real-time. This allows drivers to compare their current rate of speed with the posted speed limit and make adjustments as necessary.
Due to the limited number of signs available for use by MCDOT, these portable speed feedback signs are prioritized for use in construction work zones and speed study locations throughout unincorporated Maricopa County.
MCDOT utilizes traffic calming measures, including speed humps to address excessive cut-through traffic on local roads. Roadways must meet the criteria of Maricopa County’s Traffic Calming Ordinance (P-29) 29), which is confirmed through an engineering study and requires the support of residents, businesses and emergency responders in the area. Based on input from local emergency responders, MCDOT will not consider the installation of speed humps in the Sun City or Sun City West communities because they may increase emergency response times in situations where every minute counts.
Chicane: A combination of raised curb and striping to narrow lane width and reduce speed through on a local road.
Choker: The narrowing on one side or both sides of a local road in such a manner as to reduce speed without impairing safe two-way traffic.
Diverter: A barrier type device that forces traffic to make only a left turn or right turn at an intersection. A diverter is normally used to control direction and flow of traffic in residential neighborhoods.
Speed hump/cushion: An asphalt hump, approximately 3.25 inches high and up to 12 feet in width running across the road. The raised hump encourages drivers to reduce speeds while driving over them.
Traffic circle: A type of circular intersection, used primarily in low volume residential neighborhoods in which traffic must travel in one direction around a small central island. This encourages drivers to reduce speed while driving through neighborhoods.
Residents living on a County local road with a posted speed limit of less than 35 may request MCDOT study the feasibility of placing traffic calming devices on their street.
MCDOT’s study must determine the roadway has at least 1,100 vehicles per day and 85 percent of those vehicles are travel at speeds at or below 8 miles the posted speed limit. The roadway network is also evaluated to determine if feasible alternative routes are available.
Additionally, 80% of property owners whose property is adjacent to the roadway segment must agree to traffic calming plans.
Speed humps require the support of emergency responders in that area.
Residents can request more information about traffic calming through the “Contact Us” form.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing speed limits. Questions regarding speed enforcement, including use of radar and cameras to enforce speed limits, should be directed to MCSO at (602) 876-1000.
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for preserving and maintaining the County’s transportation investment. This includes maintenance of roadways, medians and shoulders, bridges and culverts, guardrail, street signs and traffic signals.
The Road Information Tool Opens a New Window. informs residents if their street is maintained by MCDOT. Viewers may choose to add layers to show additional roadway details including roadway classification, municipal annexation and subdivision information. A user guide is available in the “About” section on the right side of the map program.
MCDOT takes pride in keeping the county’s roadways well maintained. Residents can help us by reporting roadway maintenance concerns.
Please fill out the online “Contact Us” form or call 602-506-6063.
The effects of weather and traffic on a roadway can cause even the most well-designed and constructed roadway to deteriorate over time.
MCDOT maintains its paved roadway network through a Pavement Management Program which identifies preservation treatments needed to prolong the life of the road by sealing cracks and waterproofing surfaces.
Prior to performing pavement maintenance, residents will receive a color-coded notice informing them that pavement maintenance will be taking place and what they can expect.
More information about the different types of pavement preservation is available on our Pavement Page.
MCDOT adheres to the guidance of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Opens a New Window. for the placement and use of signage on roadways and pavement markings. MCDOT will review requests for an evaluation of traffic control signs and pavement markings. Requests may be made through the “Contact Us” form.
Traffic signal timing programs set the timing of red, yellow and green lights at a signalized intersection in a manner that allows the signal to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently.
Traffic signal operations, including timing, are based on engineering studies. These studies are conducted on a regular basis and consider traffic patterns, volumes and crash data to set timing patterns.
Traffic patterns: Many intersections see periods of time in the morning and evening “rush” hours where traffic patterns may be different than at other times of the day.
Volume: The number of vehicles traveling in each direction will influence how much time a signal will give to any particular direction of travel.
Reported crash history: Engineers will consider reported crashes at the intersection as well as what may have caused the crash, if known, and other safety factors.
MCDOT uses three types of timing systems at it signalized intersections.
Free/Uncoordinated Operation: Vehicle demands dictates the amount of green time a movement receives. Each signalized intersections operates independently and no traffic signal synchronization is provided along roadways.
Coordinated Operation: Coordination patterns are developed by traffic engineers to platoon groups of vehicles through a series of signalized intersections to provide smooth flow and progression/signal synchronization along roadways in order to reduce travel times, number of stops and delay.
Adaptive Signal Control Operation: Advanced traffic signal system software along with vehicle detection systems are used to adjust green light durations, when the green light turns on, and the sequencing of the movements based on the demands in real-time while providing signal synchronization. The green duration and when the left-turn arrow comes up can be different each rotation keeping the motorist on their toes as the system adjusts the traffic signal timings in real-time based on movement demands. It is not unusual for a left-turn arrow to come up twice in one rotation.
MCDOT will review requests to evaluate a traffic signal’s timing patterns. Requests may be made through the “Contact Us” form.
MCDOT may utilize drainage structures including basins, channels, culverts and storm drains to remove water from roadways. The use of these structures is based on an engineering study which considers water source, natural flow and roadway operations. MCDOT only maintains drainage structures within its right of way to ensure they are free from debris and that water can flow freely.
Residents may report drainage concerns using the online “Contact Us” form Opens a New Window. or by calling 602-506-6063.
The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is responsible for planning, designing, building, maintaining and operating the County’s roadway network. This includes all work performed within the County’s right-of-way by third party contractors and property owners.
Arizona State Law (ARS 16-1019) allows for the placement of temporary political signs in the right of way so long as the sign is not placed in a location that creates a hazard to public safety, obstructs clear vision or interferes with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Arizona State Law also prohibits the installation in the county right of way of any signs advertising the sale of an article, service or thing.
MCDOT does not permit the use of curb ramps or any other such device within County right of way. Curb ramps placed in MCDOT’s right of way are an unauthorized use of County right of way and are not allowed and must be removed. Homeowners who use these devices bear all responsibility and liability for their use.
MCDOT requires a permit for any activity to occupy, use or construct improvements within County right-of-way. This ensures new improvements are built to County standards and that the safety requirements are met.
Permit applications and more information is available on the MCDOT Permitting page. | 2019-04-22T16:49:10Z | https://swm.maricopa.gov/4992/Rules-of-the-Road |
The ads were all over the papers last week. They featured a man holding up an LED scoreboard, and a pin pad. Under the first ran the legend: "Numbers can make you feel anything"; under the second, "Chip and pin makes you feel safe."
The ads were for the "secure new way to pay" known as chip and pin. Magnetic strips on credit and debit cards are being supplemented by smart chips which are much less easy to clone, and which only work when the customer inputs their own four-digit personal identification number or "pin". Campaign organisers have called it the biggest change for UK shoppers since decimalisation: 36 out of 42 million cardholders are expected to have their new cards by the end of the year. Three million cards were sent out in September alone; in the same period, 42,000 shops installed their new tills. Overnight, it seems, chip and pin technology has revolutionised the way we shop.
Certainly the campaign's claims for greater card security are persuasive. When a pin-based system was introduced in France a decade ago, organisers say, the rate of credit-card fraud dropped by 80%; this system is more advanced than the French one, so they have even greater hopes. But what does this revolution - which is costing the banking industry £300m - actually mean? And is this system really any safer than the last one?
At my local newsagents in south London, I ask if they've got their system set up yet, and am met with complete puzzlement. Finally, one of the two men behind the counter asks, "Do you want a phone card?" The two assistants at the video shop round the corner are a bit more with it. "Oh yeah, that," says one. "We've had it for while, but no one's got round to using it yet." "I don't see what the big deal is," adds the other. "Australians have done it for ages" (so, it must be said, have the Dutch, French, New Zealanders and South Africans). I ask everyone I speak to if they've had any training - a spokesperson at the chip-and-pin programme, the non-profit office in charge of the rollout, has told me that they "have a very comprehensive programme of retailer training" - but no one knows what I'm talking about.
Finally, the manager of the opticians a couple of doors down, Imran Patel, admits he has been using the system for a couple of weeks week and "it's going really good. There's been so many times when I've had to look at a signature and say: 'Sorry, I can't accept it.' This makes things a lot easier. I think it's a brilliant idea, from a security point of view." Or, as a letter I recently received from my bank puts it: "The downside? There isn't one!"
This, of course, is a red rag to a sceptic. And indeed, all is not absolutely rosy. One of the first effects of chip and pin, it seems, has been a massive spike in the number of cards going astray: 56.8 million chip-and-pin cards had been sent out by September while, in the last year, fraud on cards lost in the post has risen by 51%. The Association for Payment Clearing Services admitted earlier this month that the advent of chip and pin had sparked a "fraud feeding frenzy".
The new technology that is being put in place doesn't help either. The pin pads are remarkably public and quite a number seem to have no protective screens. I tapped in my numbers at a restaurant for the first time last week, acutely aware of the waitress standing above me watching. When I was done, my friend pointed out that she hadn't planned to, "but now I know your pin number, and she probably does too". Patel says he's worried about his older and his disabled customers, many of whom find it difficult to see. He's particularly unimpressed by the pin pads that are fixed to counters, facing out. "Those, I think, are crap."
The manager of a middle-ranking high-street off-licence just down the road says he's more concerned about the smaller off-licences that have a camera above the till. "If they get a crooked employee, the very security system designed to help the customer is going to be detrimental to them."
The problem, says Mike Bond, a security expert at Cambridge University, is that cash withdrawal, at present, is kept reasonably separate from credit- or debit-card usage. But if you use the same pin for a variety of cards, as many of us do, and are followed out of a shop and coshed, the new system could allow an overly-observant fellow shopper immediate access to your credit or debit and cash withdrawal facilities. In addition, we will be keying in pin numbers far more than ever before, in all sorts of contexts, which exponentially increases the number of times we are vulnerable to shoulder-surfing. It doesn't take much investigation to discover a general feeling that while chip-and-pin may ensure that we are better cushioned from particular types of large-scale fraud, we may be putting ourselves at far greater risk from small-scale criminality.
So why are banks and retailers so very eager to shepherd in the new system? Hidden in all the song and dance about chip-and-pin systems is also a project that's "not so much about risk reduction as liability engineering", argues Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at Cambridge University, and the leading security academic in the UK. On the surface, everything is in the customer's favour. At present, banks are liable for any losses incurred once a card has been reported stolen, though they're not overly keen on our realising this (hence the vast num bers of us who uncomplainingly pay credit-card insurance). What chip-and-pin allows them to do, according to Anderson, is claim a kind of pre-emptive carte blanche. They can start by imputing negligence - "You naughty person, you've been a bit careless with that pin, haven't you? Our new systems are secure, so it must be your fault." In the case of severe fraud, the onus may well fall on the customer to prove the fallibility of their systems, which is "an unmeetable burden of proof", says Anderson, who has even known a bank to prosecute a customer, a victim of phantom withdrawals, for attempted fraud.
And so we're thrown back onto that most basic, most old-fashioned and low-tech of values: trust - the particularly 21st-century twist being that it is, perforce, blind trust. On some level we all know this, and it is responsible for a kind of low-level, constant unease and general technological rage. "As a society we have a curious attitude to trust," says John Clark, a senior lecturer in critical systems at York University who specialises in security and cryptography. "We want trust as if it's all or nothing, we want confidence as if it's all or nothing, and we want security as if it's all or nothing. But absolute security isn't possible. All you can do is manage risk."
It also puts the banks in a curious position. They need our trust - hence the bullish statements about safety - but if one thing goes wrong, if there is a major security failure, they instantly lose the confidence of 42 million cardholders.
Are we right to trust them? In 2003, Anderson and Bond acted as expert witnesses in a court case between a Mr Singh and Diner's Club. In attempting to work out how Singh could have withdrawn £55,000 over a single weekend in London, while he was in South Africa, Bond discovered that instead of the minimum 10,000 or so combinations we all fondly believe would have to be tried, pin numbers can be algorithmic functions of your account number, making it possible to crack a pin in about 15 attempts. Although ATMs only allow three, that theoretically means a corrupt insider could access 12,000 accounts in 20 minutes. Citibank promptly requested a gagging order.
This is not a specific chip and pin problem, but, says Bond, "You have to remember that during the transitional period, when both magnetic strips and chip-and-pin will be used together, and when many people will be setting their pin number to the one they already use, it may turn out that the same vulnerabilities will continue to compromise people's security for years to come." Anderson is frank. "There are many holes in these systems, and there are many ways in which insiders can exploit them."
It's clear that any combination of pin and chip vulnerability, unsupported by a signature, would be incredibly damaging, and some experts worry that it's only a matter of time. When France transferred to chip-and-pin, there was a huge influx of crime into the UK, says Bond. "We have to recognise that one of the reasons France benefited from introducing it was that they had it while no none else did." The Dutch system, meanwhile, has already been breached. The hope is that criminals will now go elsewhere - and yet, as more countries adopt it, there will be fewer places to go to, at which point, says Bond, "the chip-and-pin scheme will come under severe attack". And if there is such a concerted technological attack, says Clark, "the general public and most of the employees in the bank will have no chance of understanding it".
By then, of course, we may simply have switched to biometric security systems - passports with facial-recognition technology, for example, are due to be introduced in the UK next year. Now that, says Davis, really is scary, because people truly regard biometrics as infallible: "It's a false sense of security. Imagine if my building society started using an eyeball reader to gain entry to my credit-card account: anybody could hack into the database and get my iris pattern, then go off and design specific contact lenses." Furthermore, adds Clark, such information would presumably also be used on ID cards, which may well be linked to personal data (such as medical records), the security of which raises "all manner of civil libertarian issues".
It all raises the question of how, in a practical sense, we guard our individual identities. If, for security purposes, we are judged to be who we say we are because we can remember a pin that was issued by an institution that scrambled some numbers according to a crackable formula, one does have to wonder why a characteristic scrawl couldn't identify us any better. Pin numbers are the four-digit keys to our lives, of which banks already have a disturbing level of understanding.
Anderson's conclusion is clear, if worrying: chip and pin, for the customer if not for banks, is a "thoroughly negative move. From the customer's point of view, it's safer to use a signature". Bond is more careful, but still argues that "Chip and pin will make life more complicated and harder for customers for the first five years after it's introduced. I think in the short term, there are going to be customers getting a raw deal out of it."
So what can we do? Not a great deal, really, except to know as much as we can. It's especially important, says Clark, that customers understand that chip and pin is not a technological vaccine that protects them from all fraud. And some specific tricks: when you take cash from an ATM, cover one hand with the other; when you enter your pin number at a shop, put your body in the way - remember that it's usually attached to a lead that looks like a telephone wire, which means you can place it where you feel most comfortable. As one shop manager I spoke to said, "I think it's important that people feel the vulnerability of their cards." For that's the bottom line: there is no complete safety in numbers. | 2019-04-21T20:12:23Z | https://www.theguardian.com/money/2004/oct/27/creditcards.scamsandfraud |
Looking for some inspiration for meeting your health and fitness goals?
This post was originally going to focus on our top 10 health and fitness tips but why stop there? We’ve rounded up a whole load of health and fitness tips to help you to get healthier and in better shape!
Whether you’re looking for health and fitness tips for beginners or something to shake up your existing health and fitness routine, here are 44 tips for getting you fitter and healthier – both physically and mentally!
If it’s health and fitness tips for beginners that you’re after, improving your general fitness is probably going to be a big priority to begin with.
Even if you don’t class yourself as a newcomer to health and fitness, you might well benefit from making a change or two to your fitness routine to stay on track with your goals.
Here are some health and fitness tips for getting yourself in better shape!
Even if you don’t get to fit a workout in some days, there are still lots of ways to get moving and work on your fitness, strength and flexibility.
Anything that helps to move your body counts, including stretching. This is something you can do even while you’re at work, watching television or waiting for the kettle to boil so there’s no excuse for not getting a bit of movement in every day!
Yoga and Pilates are just two activities that can give you a pretty good workout, even though you might not think of them as one.
If you can get a workout in, that’s great but it’s not a huge deal if it doesn’t happen some days. Make it a goal to do something every day that gets you moving and you might be surprised at how better you feel for it, even if it’s not a traditional workout.
If you’re not very active at the moment and are looking to start getting a lot better with this, aim for at least 10 minutes of movement every day to begin with. And if you’re already a bit active and want to ramp things up a tad more, try for 10 minutes more each day than you currently do.
Don’t trust yourself to commit to regular exercise? Make it a regular appointment in your diary and you’re a lot more likely to see it through. Treat it as something non negotiable that absolutely has to be done and it should become a key part of your average day in next to no time. Once it’s there in black and white, it’ll feel as though you’re letting yourself down if you don’t see it through. And that kind of guilt isn’t great for your wellbeing!
Even if you love to exercise, things can soon feel like a chore if you stick to the same routine all the time.
Trying a few different types of exercise can help you to look forward to your fitness regime and you may even find some ones you really love! And if you genuinely love working out, it’s far less of a chore and much more of a prospect to look forward to!
If you’re currently doing a lot of cardio or aerobic work, you could try switching things up with a bit of High Intensity Interval Training (which is another tip in itself later on!) or even a spot of yoga. Switching things up regularly gives you the chance to work different parts of your body and target different fitness goals, as well as keeping things fresh.
Another side effect of switching things up involves improving your efficiency for burning calories. If you spend a lot of time doing the same things fitness wise, it can mean that your body has to work doubly hard to burn the same amount of calories. Freshening things up regularly doesn’t give your body the chance to fall into this trap and can help you to burn fat more effectively.
If you’re not in the habit of grabbing some protein after your workout is done, you could be missing a trick for your recovery.
Working out encourages your muscles to break down so if you’re not helping them out afterwards, it’s harder for them to recover post exercise.
If you don’t fancy actually eating protein after your workout, try drinking it instead. Protein shakes and protein rich smoothies are both easy to prepare beforehand and so simple to consume. Just sip them fairly soon after you finish exercising and you’re well on your way to better post exercise recovery.
The dangers of sitting too much have been highlighted a lot in recent years and even more worryingly, studies have shown that even doing some exercise during the day doesn’t do much at all to negate the health effects.
Experts now think that too much sitting can be a factor in a range of health problems, largely because it raises insulin levels and decreases metabolism.
Try standing as much as you can rather than sitting if you have the option between the two. Standing desks are something to think about if you need to be at a desk a lot as they work your muscles much more and take away most of the problems associated with sitting too much.
Stretching might not seem like much but it can help your body in a number of ways. This includes relieving muscle tension, reducing the potential for getting muscle cramps and increasing blood flow around the body.
Get into the habit of stretching first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed and you should start feeling a lot better for it!
If you’re a big fan of cardio type exercise, the idea of doing yoga might feel a bit alien to you.
There are lots of benefits attached to yoga though and it’s a great way to stretch your body and get it moving in a different way.
It also helps to reduce cortisol levels, which can otherwise lead to sizeable spikes in your body’s insulin levels so it’s great for evening this out.
Vague goals can be hard to put into action and you’ll usually find it a lot more useful to set yourself more specific goals that you can measure and keep track of. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Action-Orientated, Realistic and Timely goals.
Instead of telling yourself that you’ll get more active, break it down into how you’ll do this and when. “I’ll get more active” can quickly turn into “I’ll go for a brisk half hour walk three times a week to improve my fitness and clear my mind” using this approach. See how the latter goal is so much clearer and more likely to be met?
Depending on your long term health and fitness goals, you may be looking to tone up and lose a bit of weight as well as improving your fitness.
Here are some health and fitness tips that will also help from a weight loss perspective!
In an ideal world you’d see the pounds magically drop off as you get fitter and healthier but unfortunately it’s not likely to be the case in reality! Setting yourself a big target can feel daunting and if you’re anything like most people, you’ll probably lose motivation and enthusiasm pretty quickly as the end goal is so far away.
A better approach is to break that end goal into smaller mini targets that are more realistic. For example, your end goal may be to drop twenty pounds altogether but you can break this figure down a lot more. Think how much easier it feels to say you’ll aim to lose a couple of pounds as your next bit of progress rather than targeting the whole amount as one big goal.
You’ll be able to see progress as you tick each mini goal off and know that it’s all part of the bigger picture as far as your weight loss goes.
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you to work towards your weight loss goals. If you can picture yourself looking slimmer and fitter, you can keep it in your mind as you make progress.
Exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing when you first wake up but it can be a great move from both a fitness and a weight loss perspective. It can also boost your mood for the day ahead.
Exercising releases endorphins and ups your serotonin levels, both of which are strongly linked to your mood. Just what you need first thing in the morning even if it doesn’t quite feel like it to begin with!
Early morning exercise can also help with your weight loss efforts as it increases your metabolism.
If you don’t feel like you can easily fit in exercise, you can do a lot by getting up a little bit earlier than normal. Even just an extra 30 minutes gives you a great chance to get active. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a full on workout – a run or even just a walk are ideal too.
Strength training (or weight training as you may know it better) can be an underrated way to boost your weight loss efforts.
Lots of people fall for the myth that it builds big muscles but it actually help to build more lean muscle and this can be your secret weapon for burning fat.
Strength training encourages your muscles to break down and then rebuild themselves over the next couple of days. This leads to the ‘afterburn’ effect and leads your body to burn more fat even when you’re resting. This basically speeds up your metabolism and makes it a bit easier to burn fat. How about that for a weight loss boost?
Mindfulness is all the rage right now but did you know it can also apply to how you eat? A lot of us eat as a way to deal with our emotions rather than because we’re genuinely hungry.
For example, do you make unhealthy food choices when you’re upset, stressed or bored? You may not actually realize this is the case, especially if it’s something you have done for a long time, and it can help to keep a food diary that charts any relationship between what you’re eating and how you’re feeling at the time.
Mindful eating is all about changing your relationship with food so that it isn’t linked to your emotions. Most people who practice a more mindful approach to eating find that they lose weight into the bargain once they focus on using food as a way to nourish the body.
When you’re looking to burn fat, High Intensity Interval Training is a good bet.
Known as HIIT, these fast paced sessions are great for waving goodbye to more calories and because they’re designed to be done in short bursts, you don’t need to spend hours on them to get the benefits. This can be a bit daunting to begin with but it’s a great option for fat busting and building your general fitness too.
A popular way of doing HIIT is to follow the Tabata approach. This involves doing 8 sets of intense cardio work for 20 seconds each, with a 10 second rest in between each set.
Depending on how intense you want your sessions to be, you can do as little as 10 minutes of HIIT and still get a really good workout in. If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, try a 30 minute HIIT workout as a way to switch things up.
Another great thing about HIIT is the ability to up your Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) levels compared to straightforward cardio sessions. This relates to your body’s efforts to repair itself after exercise. And the added benefit of this? It’s easier to burn fat as part of the ‘afterburn’ effect.
Circuit training is an ideal way to do both strength and cardio training in one session. Metabolic resistance training is essentially a faster paced version of circuit training with less rest time in between reps, which makes it a really effective way to burn fat. Just be sure to master the right technique so you don’t do yourself any injury. If you’ve never circuit trained at this tempo it can be easy to do more harm than good but getting it right can up your fitness routine dramatically.
Got a problem area that you really want to tone up? It’s a popular myth that you can tone up your stomach with just sit ups but it’s actually quite difficult to burn fat on just one part of the body. This is because fat tends to be burnt across the body as a whole and doesn’t isolate itself to particular areas.
You will probably lose weight in the problem area but this won’t be the only place it comes off so you’ll probably be very frustrated if you’re hoping to sculpt one particular part of your body through spot training.
There is one scenario that spot training can work will in though, and this is when you’ve successfully burnt off body fat and can start sculpting the muscle underneath. This is when you can look to specifically tone the stomach muscles, for example.
You may not associate sleep with weight loss but they’re more closely connected than you might think.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re a lot more likely to snack and make unhealthy food choices. Studies have indicated that you can find yourself eating a lot more calories if you’re sleep deprived, compared to getting a good night’s sleep.
Unsurprisingly, this makes it harder to keep a healthy weight, even if you have great intentions to eat healthy.
One study found that sleep deprived people ate over 500 more calories! Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do to help your weight loss efforts.
Making sure that your bedroom is at the right temperature and free from noise and light related distractions.
Not using technology just before you go to bed to avoid falling victim to the ‘blue light’ effect that is known to hinder sleep. This includes not watching television or checking your phone in the couple of hours before bed!
Having a relaxing bath before bed to help your body to get to the optimum temperature for sleep.
Try to go to bed at a similar time each night and wake up around the same time each morning to encourage your body into a more regular body clock schedule.
What you eat is so important for your health and we couldn’t write a health and fitness guide without giving you some all important healthy eating tips to work alongside your fitness (and maybe weight loss) efforts!
Here are some tips to make sure that your eating habits don’t inadvertently sabotage your health and fitness goals.
Start the day right with a healthy, filling breakfast that sets you up well for the rest of the day. Protein is great for helping you to feel fuller for longer and fiber also helps in this respect. An egg based breakfast such as an omelette or poached eggs can be great for this, for example.
If you’d rather drink your breakfast rather than eat it, a filling breakfast smoothie can keep you feeling satisfied through the morning so you don’t start snacking before lunch. Making these yourself means you can have total control over the ingredients so they’re as healthy as possible and gives you the chance to select ones that are perfect for a filling but convenient breakfast smoothie.
Clean eating has come in for a bit of flak in recent times but at its simplest, it can be a really effective way to eat and be healthy, and there’s no need to make it overly complicated.
You can’t go too far wrong with natural, unprocessed foods and these are a good bet for making up the bulk of your diet. For fruit and vegetables, aim for a wide range of different colors. Try shooting for the rainbow!
No matter how filling your breakfast is, it’s no guarantee that you won’t have the dreaded 3 pm slump later in the day.
If cravings do strike, make sure you have healthy snacks to hand that won’t derail your healthy eating plans. Fruit and raw vegetables are always a good one but other options include nuts and seeds. Just remember that nuts in particular can be quite fatty and although these are largely the good kind, it’s still fat.
If you’re going to be on the go, why not have a go at making your own homemade healthy energy bars or energy balls to take out and about with you? With the right ingredients, these can be both tasty and filling.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean that you never eat anything nice. As long as you’re eating well most of the time, the odd treat won’t hurt too much.
In fact, depriving yourself of treats completely can make you a lot more likely to fall off the wagon with your healthy eating plans so it’s not always the best approach.
It’s okay not to feel super guilty every time you give yourself a bit of a treat! As long as you’re doing it in moderation, it can definitely still form part of a healthy lifestyle.
Not all sugars are necessarily obvious and you may find yourself consuming more than you think, especially if you’re drinking a lot of fruit juices or smoothies that you haven’t prepared yourself.
They might seem like a really healthy choice (especially compared to soda!) but not if they’re packed full of sugar and mean you’re loading up on unnecessary calories. Water is always one of your best bets for drinks and herbal teas can break things up if you want a break from it.
Don’t forget about hidden sugars in your food too. Sugar can be sneakily added to lots of different items and you may not realize it’s there a lot of the time. Be sure to check food labels carefully so you know what you’re really eating and where possible, do your own cooking so you can definitely avoid too much sugar.
We’ve already talked about water being one of the purest drinks you can go for but there are lots of other benefits of drinking water too.
Your body needs water to survive. Water is needed by every cell in your body and is constantly being lost through things like excretion and even breathing. If you’re losing more water than you take in, you risk getting dehydrated, especially if you exercise a fair bit and/or live in a fairly warm climate.
Other benefits of drinking water include flushing out toxins and waste products from your body, giving you healthier looking skin, helping to regulate your body temperature, create enough saliva, maintaining a healthy digestive system and protecting against kidney stones.
Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can affect your concentration levels and make you feel more tired so it’s important to drink regularly and not wait until you’re thirsty as this is a sign that you’re already a bit dehydrated.
Aim for 6-8 glasses of water in the average day but if you can’t manage that much, you can up your water intake through herbal teas and even homemade smoothies.
Drinking a glass of water when you first wake up in the morning helps to hydrate you (especially if you haven’t drank during the night) and flush out toxins.
There’s good reason why we’re always being told to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
The more color you can pack into your day, the more likely you are to be getting a good helping of nutrients and antioxidants and this is a big boost for your health.
Fruits and veggies can help to protect against heart disease and may even cut your cancer risk.
If you can go above five portions, go for it! This is a minimum recommended guideline and a baseline to at least aim for. Make it your aim to add at least one different portion of fruit and vegetables each day. With so many options to choose from, why not have some fun trying out fruits and vegetables you’ve never had before?
Remember being told to eat all of your greens when you were younger? There is definitely good reason for this!
Aiming to eat a colorful array of fruit and vegetables is a great move but leafy green vegetables are a particularly good choice.
These vegetables are packed full of nutrients. For example, kale contains vitamins A, C and K and even some calcium. Leafy greens are all rich in antioxidants and are thought to have cancer fighting properties and the ability to lower cholesterol (as just two of the benefits!).
Some examples of leafy green vegetables you can include in your diet include kale, spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard, lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens and cabbage.
If you’re not a big fan of greens and you know you’d struggle to eat them, try making a green smoothie that includes a few different ones as an easy way to tick them off. A lot of people shy away from the idea of green smoothies on taste grounds but it’s easy to make them taste yummy. Apart from the giveaway green color, you won’t even remember what’s inside!
If you leave the house on an empty stomach, you’ll probably find yourself making some unhealthy food choices – especially if you’re going somewhere with food. Go to the grocery store without eating first and you can easily see your healthy eating plans head straight out of the window.
Eat something healthy and filling before you go out and you’re a lot more likely to resist temptation to grab the nearest thing to hand.
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can enjoy a delicious dessert again, especially if you make them from super healthy ingredients instead.
Get a bit creative and pretty much any dessert can be turned into something yummy and healthy. For example, chocolate mousse can be made with avocado and cocoa and it tastes surprisingly like the ‘real’ thing. Give it a try and you might find you prefer it!
Meal planning saves time but that’s not the only advantage. It also gives you a lot more control over what you’re eating and avoids any situations where you’re tempted to fall off the healthy eating bandwagon because you’re tired or stressed, for example.
Meal planning also means you’re not at the mercy of processed foods, which are often high in fat, salt and sugar. This can be the case when you eat out too as even food that looks healthy on paper can be a lot different in reality.
Batch cooking healthy meals and freezing them means you’ll always have a good meal choice to hand if you need it.
It’s not usually much more effort than cooking one portion but it can be a real lifesaver for keeping you on track for your health goals.
If you want to add flavor and taste to your meals, don’t reach for the salt. There are so many herbs and spices that not only act as great seasoners but also offer some brilliant health benefits too. They can also help to reduce blood pressure whereas salt is linked to high blood pressure.
Cinnamon, turmeric, parsley, basil, ginger, oregano, thyme and cardamom are just a few of the herbs and spices that can make great additions to your diet. Sprinkle a touch of them on meals and start reaping the health benefits!
Think plant based diets are just for vegans and vegetarians? Think again!
This way of eating is getting more and more popular and for good reason as there are lots of benefits to going plant based. These include lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, better mood and better digestive health, to name but a few!
If you go about a plant based diet in the right way, you can get most of the nutrients you need to be healthy, as long as you replace meat and dairy with alternative sources of the nutrients they provide.
Magnesium is known as an anti stress hormone so it’s a good mineral as far as wellbeing goes. It also has a lot of benefits for general health but it’s one of the nutrients that many of us are lacking in through our diet.
Signs that you’re not getting enough magnesium can include muscle cramps, facial tic, insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain.
Plant based foods are good sources of magnesium, including beans, nuts, whole grains and leafy green vegetables.
If you regularly drink carbonated drinks such as sodas, these can hinder your body’s ability to absorb magnesium. This means even if you’re getting enough magnesium, your body can’t use it properly and you’re effectively sending it straight back out again. Caffeinated drinks can have a similar effect.
We all know the deal with saturated and trans fats but some fats are actually good for you and should be included in a healthy diet. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the ones to go for and these have been linked to heart health, lower cholesterol levels, better mood and a more balanced metabolism.
Good sources include avocado,almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and olives.
B vitamins are really important for a lot of things in the body, notably energy and concentration levels. For example, vitamin B1 (thiamin) is involved in breaking down and releasing energy from the food you eat and helping to keep the nervous system healthy while vitamin B6 helps the body to produce hemoglobin, a substance found in red blood cells that’s needed for carrying oxygen around the body.
Good sources of B vitamins include leafy green vegetables, avocado, nuts, seeds, root vegetables, bananas, berries, legumes, beans, whole grains and coconut.
To be truly healthy, don’t forget to focus on your mental wellbeing too! This can be just as important as your physical health.
Here are some top tips for taking care of your mental fitness.
Every little success you have on your health and fitness journey is another step towards your end goal and it all deserves some recognition and reward. Don’t be scared to acknowledge this and use it to spur you on with your goals. Just make sure that your choice of reward isn’t something unhealthy!
Getting fitter and healthier is all about working towards becoming a better version of yourself so don’t feel that you need to be perfect. This kind of mindset can actually work against you as it makes you more likely to give up on your healthy lifestyle if you feel that you’re not measuring up well enough.
Truth is, you’re only human! We all have bad days and off days and there may be times when you don’t meet your goals or go off track.
It’s okay if this happens every now and again; just as long as it’s more of an exception than the norm! You definitely don’t need to achieve perfection to be fit and healthy – just aim to improve yourself from where you are now.
On a similar note, everyone is different so it’s a waste of energy to compare yourself to other people. There may be people that you really admire and would love to be like but how realistic is it to compare yourself to them?
Focus on your goals and where you want to be to improve your health and fitness, and don’t factor other people into this. You are unique and it’s important to embrace that.
We all have things we’d like to change about ourselves and focusing on these ‘shortcomings’ can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and unhappiness.
A better approach is to be grateful and thankful for the good things you do have in your life such as good relationships and health. This type of gratitude has been shown to reduce stress levels, which in turn is heavily linked to better physical and emotional health. It may seem like a relatively small thing but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing!
Your mental attitude can be make or break when it comes to fitness in particular and it’s important to keep reminding yourself of how far you’ve come on the journey since it started.
Things won’t always go to plan but it’s how you bounce back from setbacks and disappointments that really matter.
If you’re constantly telling yourself that you can’t do things, chances are good that you’ll talk yourself out of it and it’ll become a self fulfilling prophecy. The reverse is also true – if you make a habit of telling yourself that you can do something, it’s a lot more likely to happen.
So get working on your positive mental attitude and you’re sure to notice a big difference in how you feel and how likely you are to meet your goals!
When life gets busy, it’s so easy to forget to take time for yourself and this can lead to emotional burnout. Neglecting self care can quickly and easily lead to burnout and this can impact on your health, fitness and weight loss goals, not to mention affecting your whole wellbeing.
Taking even 5 minutes for yourself every day can avoid this scenario and work wonders for your emotional fitness. Here’s the thing though: self care needs to be a regular thing and not just something you do once or every so often.
Self care can be as simple as taking a bit of time to relax with a good book or enjoy a relaxing soak in the bath, or take a few minutes to be mindful, meditate or do yoga.
Most of us have incredibly busy minds that rarely quiet down on their accord and this is where meditation can become an invaluable tool for improving your emotional wellbeing.
Meditation can be tricky to get your head around to begin with and it can feel almost impossible to avoid having any thoughts at all. It’s perfectly normal for some thoughts to pop into your head while you’re trying to meditate; the trick is to acknowledge them but don’t give them any importance in your mind so that they drift out again and you can refocus.
If you meditate when you first get up in the morning, it can help to clear your head so that you can focus on preparing for the day ahead. Having a bit of quiet time is also a perfect opportunity to lower your body’s cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone that is heavily linked to a range of health conditions so it’s definitely one that you want to put in the quiet as much as you can!
Try a bit of meditation and see how much better it feels to calm down your mind!
A lot of us don’t breathe properly (and don’t even realize that this is the case). Taking shallow breaths (known as hyperventilation) can have a physical effect on your body but this can be counteracted by correcting your breathing.
Take some time every day to sit down, make yourself comfortable and just focus on your breathing. Ideally, you want to be breathing from your diaphragm so that your breathing is deep.
Here is an exercise you can do pretty much anywhere, whether you’re sitting or standing, so it’s no big deal if you don’t get chance to sit down and breathe deeply.
You want your breath to flow down towards your abdomen and for this not to feel overly forced. Breathe in through your nose and try to make it last for up to 5 seconds before you let it out again through your mouth. If you can’t get to 5 seconds to begin with, don’t worry as it can be difficult if you’re so used to shallow breathing. When you breathe out, try to let it flow out gently rather than one big exhalation. Do this for a few minutes if you can and you should start to feel a lot calmer.
We all need a bit of support now and again and this is where it pays to have a good network of people that will help you through the tough times (and celebrate in the good times, of course!). It can help too if you’re accountable to one another and can help to push each other on towards your goals in life.
This doesn’t need to be a big number of people – the focus is on quality connections and relationships that will be rock solid when you need it. If you only have a few genuine supporters in your network, it can be a lot more valuable than having a much bigger number of fairweather ‘friends’. Make it a priority to build a good, strong support network of like minded people as part of your emotional fitness.
When we’re generous to other people, it has benefits for us as well as them. Doing something nice for someone else can be incredibly rewarding and great for your wellbeing.
A nice gesture doesn’t need to be extravagant or over-the-top; it can be as simple as doing them a favor, sending a nice bunch of flowers or card to let them know you’re thinking of them, taking someone out to lunch or giving a bit of your time to help out at a local charity.
Doing these kind of things on a regular basis is an underrated way to boost your wellbeing and you might just make someone’s day or even change their life into the bargain!
Spending quality time with friends and loved ones releases a hormone called oxytocin, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and makes us feel happier. This is the same hormone that is released when we hug or kiss people so you probably won’t be surprised to hear that it’s known as “the love hormone”!
You can also get the same feelings when you spend time with a pet so this is another way to benefit.
Be sure to book time to see friends and family regularly and see it as a key part of your emotional fitness!
So there you have it – 44 ways to boost your health and fitness for a better you, both physically and mentally!
Hopefully you’re already doing some of these things regularly but you can add to this by trying a few new actions every week and reaping the benefits. | 2019-04-25T01:08:37Z | https://createmeashirt.com/44-health-and-fitness-tips/ |
Dr. Miller was raised right here in Houston. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science in 1981. He then worked several jobs (including delivering dog food) before returning to Texas A&M University where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. He worked in South Texas before returning home to join Dr. Davis at Village Veterinary Clinic in 1994.
Dr. Miller has helped Village Veterinary Clinic grow into the successful clinic it is today. He treats every pet as he would his own. This has made him the favorite of many clients. He is very active in the veterinary community, serving as president of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association and most recently, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Miller and his wife, Jane, are hoping to start enjoying their new quiet life together now that their two children are off at college.
Dr. Seth Landry earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 2006 and joined the Village Veterinary Clinic team in 2010. He has a strong interest in preventative medicine, sport medicine, and surgery. Born and raised here in Houston his childhood dream was to become a veterinarian and now has the pleasure of living and serving the community he grew up in. Dr. Landry actively serves the veterinary community as a member of the Harris County Veterinary Medical Association (HCVMA) serving as the president in 2013. He also is a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). His high school sweetheart (Shelley) and he married in 2001 and now have three human kids (Shelby, Wyatt, & Walker) and one hairy kid (Trudy the Deutsch Drahthaar).
Dr. Davis was raised in Marked Tree, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1958. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 1965. He and his wife, Mary Catherine, moved to Houston in 1965 where he started working at Village Veterinary Clinic as an associate veterinarian. He soon became an owner of the clinic he loved.
Although Dr. Davis is no longer with us, he will be in our hearts and part of Village Veterinary Clinic forever.
Dr. Walsh was raised in Houston. She always wanted to be a veterinarian and practiced on her pecking duck named Pietri. She received her Bachelors from Rice University in 2008 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M in 2013. She joined Village Veterinary Clinic shortly thereafter. She is interested in small and exotic medicine, soft tissue surgery, dermatology, behavior and sports medicine.
Rachel and her husband, Ryan have two beautiful children and live with Sammy, their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Dr. Leland grew up in Keller, TX (a suburb of Ft. Worth). She discovered veterinary medicine at a school fair when she was 6 years old and wanted to be a veterinarian ever since. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science in 2011. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University in 2015. She came to join Village Veterinary Clinic after graduation and soon became a client favorite. Her goal is to continue growing as a veterinarian and learn to balance her family life and professional life.
Katie and her husband, Hunter, have a beautiful daughter who has two guardian dogs, Penny and Miller, to protect her.
Susanne was raised in Abilene, TX. She followed the family tradition by attending Texas A&M University. Getting a degree in Wildlife Biology did not open the doors she thought it would. She worked in retail for many years before finally finding her place in the veterinary field in 1990. She joined the Village Veterinary Clinic family in 2000 and said she instantly felt she was "home". She loves her VVC family, both coworkers and clients.
Susanne lives with her three rescue dogs, Gideon, Gypsy and Piglet.
Kate was born and raised right here in Houston. As a small kid, she was obsessed with everything to do with animals and the army. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2004, with a major in Criminal Justice and a Minor in Social Work. Katie then moved back to Houston to start a short-lived career with the Houston Police Department. While attending HPD’s academy in 2005, she started dating and became engaged to her current husband, Ben. That changed a few life perspectives and priorities. Katie ultimately decided to resign from the HPD, shortly after graduating from their academy. A few months later, she began her career with us here at Village Veterinary Clinic. She has become a “Jack of All Trades” by working as a technician, receptionist, administrative assistant, and manager. Her title changes day-to-day, depending on the need. She and Ben live in Katy with their two daughters, Lucy and Cora, and their two dogs, Rudy and Turk.
JoAnn grew up in a large family here in Houston and graduated from Memorial High School. She has wanted to work with animals since she was a teenager. She has been working in veterinary medicine for over 15 years. She loves helping pets because they love us unconditionally.
Her ultimate goal is to go to Bible college and work in children's ministry or a recovery home.
JoAnn and her husband, Carlos, live with her son Nicholas and their rescued Shih Tzu, Faze.
Christina was raised in Sugar Land, She claims she wanted to work with animals since birth. She joined the Village Veterinary Clinic family in 2013 after graduating from Texas A&M with a double major in Biomedical Science and Bio-environmental Science. She quickly found she loved both the clinic and it's clients. There is no question that the feeling is mutual.
Christina and her husband, Daniel, live with their dogs, Izzy and Axel... and a sweet cat nicknamed Lucifer.
Kelly joined our family in 2016. With her big smile and cheerful demeanor, she was a terrific addition to our front desk. She was raised in Richmond, TX where she dreamed of working with animals as she cared for her MANY pets.
Tara was raised in Los Fresnos, TX (South Texas). She has always loved animals. She received a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas A&M in 2007. She joined Village Veterinary Clinic in 2014 and was an instant hit with our clients.
Tara lives with her Ragdoll cat, Finley and her dog, Aggie.
Carissa was raised in Galena Park where she graduated from Galena Park High School. She graduated from the Vet Tech Institute in 2009. She loves all animals and has always wanted to work with them. She has a large animal family at home including Stubby and Duke (dachshunds), Layla (mix) and Xena (pitbull). She also owns many reptiles.
Carissa is a new mother and her world now revolves around her handsome son. Carissa lives with her husband, Will and their son, Zarian.
Ashley was raised in the Beaumont area where she worked in veterinary medicine. She moved to Houston and began working at Village Veterinary Clinic in 2015. She has always wanted to work with animals. She has a special place in her heart for the senior pets and poodles. She always keeps us entertained telling us humorous stories about her bad dates. She has been a terrific addition to our family.
Ashley lives with Daphne, her miniature poodle.
Evonne joined Village Veterinary Clinic in 2015. She worked in emergency medicine for several years before joining our family. Not only is she an excellent technician, she is often our entertainment. Her Louisiana humor always makes us laugh. Although exhausted most of the time, this new mother gives her all to our clients and their pets.
Evonne lives with her husband, Melvin, her son, “Q” and her two dogs, Nala and Cane.
Jose joined the Village Vet family in the Spring of 2018. His love of pets and people was immediately obvious to everyone. Although he was raised in Lake Jackson, his passion for animals began as a young child while in Brazil "helping" his mother who worked in a wildlife sanctuary.
Jose lives with his large menagerie of pets ranging from frogs to dogs!
Jennifer joined Village Veterinary Clinic family in 2015 and immediately fit right in. Jennifer grew up in the Sugar Land area. She has wanted to work with animals as long as she can remember. She is always ready to lend a hand where needed.
Jennifer and her wife, Blythe, live with their 5 cats and 2 dogs in Katy. Her goal is to retire anywhere near the water.
Anyone who meets Max will first notice how gorgeous he is. Unfortunately, he knows it! Max is the king of this kingdom and we are only here to serve him. | 2019-04-25T15:42:54Z | https://villagevethouston.com/our-team/ |
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Do you know what plagiarism is? Well, it is using the ideas of other people, without citing or acknowledging their roles in the production of such kind of work. Providing an accurate citation is one of the most effective ways of avoiding plagiarism. Using the Harvard citation generator is one of the most effective ways and methods of avoiding plagiarism. This is an automated system that allows you to generate citations for your paper. Note that, the Harvard reference style is not difficult to master.
It is one of the simplest styles of references that you can use to write your paper. Nonetheless, to save time, you can always rely on an auto citation Harvard reference system. The results of using such kind of a system are instant, and all that is required is for you to provide the name of your resources or materials that you want to use for the purpose of referencing your paper using Harvard citation style. On this basis, our Harvard online citation generation system will help you with your citations. The Harvard citation machine that we use is reliable and accurate. At no given time will these machines produce citations that are not correct. Furthermore, our citation generators are constantly updated for purposes of ensuring that they produce Harvard reference and citations that are up to date.
Note that, there are a number of other styles of referencing that can be used to reference your paper. Another style is APA. Most universities that are using the American system of education prefer to use the APA for purposes of referencing their papers. Other popular styles are MLA, Oxford, and Chicago. Nonetheless, if you are stuck with your paper, and are unable to format it using the mentioned styles, you can ask for professional assistance from us. We are available 24/7, and ready to help you.
Understanding of questions: You must first understand the question that is being asked, and come up with an approach that you want to use in answering it. This process also involves formulating a unique and original thesis.
Data collection: Begin the process of collecting data. Ensure that the materials you use are relevant and will help you prove your thesis.
Analysis: Analyze the data collected. This will include picking up the relevant information that will help to prove your thesis. This is an important step, because any information that you use from the sources must be referenced. When using Harvard reference style, ensure that all the materials and sources used for your paper are properly referenced at the end of your paper.
When you follow these strategies, chances of you coming up with a unique and non-plagiarized paper are high. This is because you will be writing your paper from scratch, and any borrowed work will be well cited. You can always seek professional assistance when you are not able to write your papers from scratch.
Well, if you want to benefit from our Harvard reference generator, you can ask us to write your paper for you. Our generator has the capability of providing accurate Harvard citation; thus, you will not need to write the citations manually. One of the benefits you will enjoy once you get a paper from us is that your paper will be revised for free. We do not tolerate low quality work; hence, you have a right to request a write to revise your work, in case the solution provided is wrong.
Additionally, we have a refund policy. You have a right to ask us to refund back your money if the solution of your paper is wrong. It is advisable to request a refund if the revised paper is not satisfactorily done. Furthermore, our services are available 24/7. You can request a writer to write your paper at any time. In fact, if you have an urgent order, do not hesitate to bring it to us. We can write a paper that has a very short deadline and deliver it on time. We, therefore, encourage you to order an essay writing service from us, and we shall never disappoint you.
Why in the World Might You Need Harvard Format Citation Generator?
Because of the last point, students are forced to learn various academic paper formats. In fact, even famous authors often format their papers or articles to make them visually attractive and easy to read.
Referencing or citing resources is an important part of any type of writing. No matter whether you deal with academic, technical, business, or creative writing, using the words and ideas of other people is always a good way to support your arguments. However, you should keep in mind there are specific rules used to cite books, journals, websites, and other resources full of useful information.
People cite their works for several reasons. First of all, they want to avoid plagiarism. Copy-pasted material leads to a lower paper grade. It also harms writer’s reputation as stealing intellectual property is the same as stealing material things.
Second, Harvard referencing as well as other referencing styles are used to distinguish the works of authors whom you trust. Each time you want to share lines from your favorite poetry or words of your favorite celebrity, cite the source with the quotation you like. It will allow your readers to learn more about researchers and famous people you like. Who knows: maybe, some day young writers will acknowledge your famous works in the same way.
Third, students cite other sources to show their proficiency in a certain field. Through quoting different sources, students prove their ability to conduct in-depth research on the given topic. Besides, this step proves that they have really read the whole piece. Using other sources in your work stresses your reading, research, and comprehension skills. It also improves your writing. A background literature points to the author’s objectivity when it comes to making judgments.
Finally, it is a great share of your grade. Students have to play with different writing styles in order to learn at least a couple of them by heart. Perhaps, one day you will decide to take SAT or TOEFL test to get the scores necessary for the higher educational institution of your dream.
Smith, G. 2014. The second anthology by Kathy Lette. In: Jones, B. ed. The bumper book of reviews. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, pp.13-14.
Without having the basic formatting rules in mind, it would be impossible to achieve the desired results.
Harvard citation style is one of the most popular formats among college and university students. While school students have to recognize only MLA format, students of the higher educational institutions have to work harder. Harvard is basically assigned to the students of the US and Australian institutions. It is applied to many different disciplines, but those who study social sciences, political science, and law face the need to cite/reference using this style more often than others.
High school and college students often fail to keep to the recommended writing style. We’ll discuss how to choose sources and paper format below. Also, you will find how to overcome the need to cite every source manually.
We have established this free Harvard citation generator to use as the referencing tool. If you search for the ways to format all citations and sources according to the required writing style, you just need to enter this website and choose the corresponding option. The page with Harvard generator is designed in a user-friendly manner. Without any extra efforts, you receive all the sources cited in your paper the way they should appear in the essay. In addition, you receive a high grade and appreciation of your teacher. Doesn’t it sound attractive enough to sign up with us today?
Our website knows everything about the anatomy of each writing style. Thus, you can obtain Harvard citation online with all of these nuances taken into account. Our generator was created in collaboration with the UWA Business School and Harvard Business School. Talented writers, professors, designers, and developers did their best to produce a high-quality product for the students who have problems with referencing their essays, research papers, and dissertations correctly. All you have to do is keep checking with your tutors for which paper format they prefer you to use.
If you register an account, you can save all the bibliographies to use them whenever you want. It is a useful option if you work on a large project like coursework or dissertation. You may break the process of working on your assignment into several parts to make it easier. Once you get back to work, return to our website, type in your account details, and find all sources collected in one place. This way, you won’t miss any important information. Also, in case you have not used all sources yet, you may take a look at the list to remember what you still have to read.
Thus, our goal is not simply to create Harvard citation but to make the entire research and writing procedure simpler.
Of course, you may ignore the registration stage and move directly to the wonderful options of our automatic generator. It works as simple as ABC: no special instruction is required to understand the principles of its work. You don’t have to install any complex software which will only ‘eat’ free space on your computer or phone.
It does not matter what OS you use. The website will be reflected the way it should be. It allows using this referencing machine at any time and any place. Internet connection is all you need!
If you think that we ask to register an account just to make you pay for the service or steal your private information, you’re wrong. Once again, we recommend signing up to have an opportunity to access your saved information without any obstacles. Do not lose important data with our innovative solution!
Better Than Just Harvard Citation Examples Online!
Not only students find our Harvard format citation generator useful. Many young writers and professional journalists apply this solution to their works to obey the formatting principles. By doing so, they make their papers easier to read. Also, they allow their readers to get additional information on the studied subject by providing a full, detailed list of sources that may contain helpful information such as facts and statistics.
There are many analogies online, but we’ll try to persuade you that our solution is the best.
We offer 2 in 1: Harvard in text citation generator along with the referencing machine. It means that you will get the proper citation (this is what appears in the parentheses/brackets next to the chosen in-text quotation) and reference for your Bibliography list (it goes on the last page of your paper). Many other websites that offer the same service often confuse these two elements of the writing style.
Our developers cooperate closely with Harvard professors to learn the latest news on the given referencing style. Each time there are some changes in writing standards, they upgrade the generator according to all rules.
You can find various sites which offer generators that look alike, but our software is the fastest and the smartest. Sometimes, it is enough to insert only ISBN 10-digit number for a book or website address for the online resource to get the answers. If you lack information on the chosen sources, this option is very useful.
As you can see, we offer more benefits than any other online service with similar tools. When you want to obtain a quick solution to your writing assignment like an automatic Harvard citation, there is no place on the web better than our site. Use our tool at least once to become our loyal customer! | 2019-04-19T12:16:42Z | http://pnuwo.web2001.cz/153-free-harvard-style-bibliography-maker-george.php |
Wake up rise and shine, brush the teeth, wait a moment and smell the delicate aroma sipping through the bedroom door, savor the smell, cherish the desire and hurriedly prepare for whatever we opt to and go the kitchen counter table to witness the delicacy waiting for us. A bowl of delicious cereal with hot milk, sugar, cookies and eggs-a perfect meal to start the day and smile all along the way. But, is the cereal we are eating is as nutritious as the mom on that commercial claim to be? Is what we are eating really beneficial for our health? Take Kellogg’s Mini Wheat for example and let’s review their claims for a perfect and nutritious cereal.
Kellogg claimed in a national advertising campaign – including television, print, and Internet advertising, as well as product packaging, that a breakfast of Frosted Mini-Wheat’s cereal is clinically shown to improve children’s attentiveness by nearly 20 percent. The complaint alleges that, in fact, according to the clinical study referred to in Kellogg’s advertising, only about half the children who ate Frosted Mini-Wheat for breakfast showed any improvement in attentiveness, and only about one in nine improved by 20 percent or more.
The method used to test the results was experimental as opposed to co-relational, survey or naturalistic observation. Among these, naturalistic observation is a research method commonly used by psychologists and other social scientists. This technique involves observing subjects in their natural environment. This type of research is often utilized in situations where conducting lab research is unrealistic, cost prohibitive or would unduly affect the subject’s behavior. This sort of observation often limits results as it deals with one-on-one basis evaluation. For mass evaluation, this technique has its limitations. Survey method, on the other hand, is much widespread and yield a lot more useful information as compared to naturalistic observation, as it deals with people reaction to certain queries and their response are quite adequate to the problem at hand. Plus it is also useful when dealing with problems that cannot be directly observed and hence, indirect methods are employed to solve a problem. Correlation is a statistical method to compare two variables and then compare their results respectively to establish a connection and then evaluate the response initiated by each variable when another is fluctuated. This method is useful as it provides a positive and negative correlation between the two variables. The biggest flaw, however, is the fact that one is not able to prove an actual cause and effect connection exists which means that even though one can observe a change in variables but they cannot justify the phenomenon of change which in return restrict evaluation. Hence, Kellogg’s technique to acutely judge their subject through means of experiment was adequate and it surfaced some valuable yet not-new information and they paid the price for breaking a federal law.
This is not the first time Kellogg had made ridiculous theories about diseases and eating their breakfast cereal will shunt those said diseases. According to the Marion Nestle, a nutrition professor at the New York University saw the false information written at the back of the cereal box back in August “The idea that eating Cocoa Krispies will keep a kid from getting swine flu, or from catching a cold, doesn’t make sense. Yes, these nutrients are involved in immunity, but I can’t think of a nutrient that isn’t involved in the immune system.” Nestle wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration at the time, but still has not got any response from the concerned.
“Based upon independent clinical research, kids who ate Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal for breakfast had up to 18% better attentiveness three hours after breakfast than kids who ate no breakfast”.
As a critic I find it hard to digest and then laugh out loud at such silly obviousness. The importance of breakfast is not something that is shrouded in mystery and buried in the tomb in the middle of the desert, guarded by zombies. Everyone knows the importance of eating breakfast in the morning and people particularly children get extreme health issues if avoid breakfast. Moreover, Kellogg’s claim isn’t in comparison with the fellow competitor’s cereal. The claim would have been a lot more interesting in this critic’s opinion if it had been made against another product and then evaluation would have been much more interesting and helpful. If as a person we do not eat breakfast and go to work, it’s clinically proven that we will feel sleepy and dizzy, we will lack attentiveness and it will be really hard for us to concentrate. Now, instead if we eat Kellogg’s cereal, off course, we are shoving food in our belly and it will bound to help us in one way or another. Hence, the claim was stupid and absurd and it is no wonder they suffered the wrath of FTC.
According to the FTC i.e. Federal Trade Commission , Kellogg was misrepresenting a study which actually found that only about half the children who ate Frosted Mini-Wheats for breakfast showed any improvement in attentiveness, and only about one in nine improved by 20% or more. The FTC called Kellogg’s claims false and said they violated the law, but the cereal company’s only punishment (other than the bit of bad press the company received over the phony advertising statements) is that it must stop making false claims about its Frosted Mini-Wheats. The company is also barred from advertising health-related issues on their cereal box. It will also forbid the company from making comparable claims about Frosted Mini-Wheats unless the claims are true and not misleading. It requires that claims about the benefits to cognitive health, process, or function provided by Frosted Mini-Wheats or any morning food or snack food be substantiated and true. The settlement would prohibit Kellogg from misrepresenting the results of tests, studies, or research regarding any morning or snack food product.
The FTC’s proposed settlement-which the commission pointed out “does not constitute an admission of a law violation” on the part of Kellogg-is open for public comment through May 19. After that date, the commission will determine whether to finalize the agreement. Once it becomes final, Kellogg could be subjected to a fine of $16,000 and other penalties should the company break the terms of the agreement.
“The study was conducted by an independent research group and then reviewed by third-party cognition experts. A series of cognitive tests were conducted in 8 -12 yr old children from various backgrounds. Children were tested prior to eating breakfast to get a base measurement. Then, children were either provided a breakfast of Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® cereal or water. Next, the children were given a series of tests (the same tests and measurements as prior to the breakfast) each hour for three consecutive hours. The results were taken for three hours after breakfast since this is most likely when children may start to feel hungry, which may lead to distraction and decreased ability to retain and recall what they are being taught. A description of the actual tests taken is found below.
The study used a computerized assessment system, which is the most common type of testing today. The computerized system is quite similar to the traditional “pencil and paper” testing and is most commonly used today. The advanced technology of computerized testing offers more accurate measures in the response time as well as speed and accuracy of the response”.
The methods employed were up-to-date and contained no error except the need to compare with the cereal of other brand and then co-relate the attentiveness ratio. If it were done in this manner, concerned parents would get a clear view of what to buy next on their trip to grocery store. Apart from this no moral and ethical issues can be raised on this and people mounting concern over this new form of theory (which is not so new now) should be no more than a paranoia.
Benefits of eating breakfast cannot be stressed more than it already had in this article. People in their hurry to their work often tend to forget eating the most important meal of the day which affects them in latter life. So do eat breakfast and eat healthy. | 2019-04-24T02:42:28Z | https://specialessays.com/kellog-s-mini-wheats/ |
La investigación analiza los factores del paisaje natural cotidiano que favorecen el envejecimiento saludable en el lugar y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores residentes en los límites del Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey (México). La metodología ha consistido en la utilización de métodos como fotovoz y mapas mentales aplicados a grupos de discusión por personas mayores, encuestas y Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Los resultados indican que la exposición a elementos naturales del paisaje, como árboles y flores, contribuye al envejecimiento saludable en el lugar, favoreciendo las actividades cotidianas, como relaciones sociales y ocio, mejoran la percepción de la salud y disminuyen las necesidades de ayuda. Asimismo, se muestra que el paisaje natural cotidiano, como elemento simbólico de la identidad ambiental, está asociado a la presencia de recuerdos y vivencias del parque, frecuencia de visitas, grado de conservación de la vegetación autóctona, la proximidad al parque, la práctica de ocio y las relaciones sociales. También, el estudio confirma la importancia de las implicaciones de los paisajes naturales en la calidad de vida de la población, en especial, de las personas mayores, por sus beneficios terapéuticos y simbólicos. Además, se propone impulsar esta línea investigación y generar políticas sostenibles de calidad de vida para favorecer el desarrollo y protección de los paisajes naturales en la región.
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If you haven’t tried Garlic Scape Pesto, put this on your list! Find garlic scapes at your local farmer’s market, farm stand, or Co-Op during mid Spring to mid Summer. Their season is short so grab them while you can! vegetarian. *For a dairy free Garlic Scape Pesto, try my Vegan Garlic Scape Pesto.
I had never tried garlic scape pesto until these beautiful curly scapes showed up in my CSA share. I’d had garlic scapes before, roasted, on pizza, in hummus and other delicious dishes, yet I had just not made pesto with them. I finally decided it was time… it blew my socks off!
A garlic scape is the flower stalk of a ‘hardneck’ garlic plant. It tastes like garlic, only spicier! The stem is removed so that the remaining energy goes towards the development of the bulb, or head of garlic, which is good because this helps the plant develop a full flavored and good size head of garlic. So until the garlic harvest, we feast on scapes!
It’s so quick to whirl this pesto up, enjoy it, and/or pop it in your freezer for a delicious summertime treat in the middle of winter.
First, in the bowl of a food processor, add the scapes, nuts, cheese, salt, and lemon. Give the ingredients a whirl to break down.
Next, with the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil.
Last, taste for salt adjustment and transfer into storage containers.
I typically put it in a jar and freeze it, but pesto can also be spooned into ice-cube trays to freeze, then used later when smaller portions are needed. Also, garlic scapes can be blanched and frozen if preserving them whole or diced is preferred.
Garlic is part of a group of plants known as alliums, which includes onions and leeks. Garlic’s health benefits are vast, including cardiovascular support, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It also supports the body in the prevention of cancer. It’s a superfood!
And the flavor of this pesto? It is spicy, creamy, and gives any special dish that WOW factor! My favorite way to enjoy Garlic Scape Pesto is on Flatbread Pizza, pasta, crostini or in Creamy Farro with Pesto, Asparagus and Peas. But it’s also just as fabulous with a spoon! Um, um…. um.
For a dairy free garlic scape pesto, try my Vegan Garlic Scape Pesto.
Trim the garlic scapes by cutting just below the bulb. Discard the bulb and set the remaining scape aside.
In a food processor, add the scapes, twirling them around the center so that they all fit. Add the pine nuts, cheese, juice of the lemon and salt and pepper. Process by pulsing until the mixture begins to break down. Scrape the bowl down.
With the processor running, slowly add all the olive oil. Continue to process until all the ingredients are incorporated and broken down, about one minute.
Store in a covered container or lidded jar in the fridge and enjoy within a week. Also, you can freeze the pesto in a jar or in an ice-cube tray. Once frozen, in the ice-cube tray, remove and place in a ziplock bag in the freezer.
*The price of pine nuts have gone through the roof! Toasted walnuts will be a fine sub for this recipe. Simply rough chop the walnuts and measure 1/3 C (30g).
**Parmesan Cheese: Look for vegetarian friendly Parmesan cheese (one that does not use rennet in production). BelGioioso vegetarian Parm can be hard to find, but Organic Valley is more widely available and Stella offers a vegetarian friendly Parm. I found this comprehensive list that shows brands who produce vegetarian friendly parmesan cheese. For more information, check directly with your preferred cheese maker.
If you make this recipe, or any others on Vanilla And Bean, be sure to post it to Instagram and tag #VanillaAndBean! I’d love to see what you’ve made! Also, if you like my content, please consider sharing it with three friends and/or family. Thank you!
My fave thing to do with CSA garlic scapes too! Lovely, Traci. Sometimes if I don’t get enough I add in some kale and that works beautifully as well.
Oh my… Kale!? I’ve gotta give that a go! I bet the color is gorgeous!
I just saw garlic scapes at the farmers market and did not buy because I didn’t know what to do with them. Next time though, I am grabbing some to make this so that I can use it as pesto on my homemade pizzas.
Love the use of garlic scapes in pesto, sounds fresh and tasty!
I made this pesto last year and loved it (especially pulling it out of the freezer in the dead of our New England winter)! Now I’m using up my garlic scapes and have a question about the recipe: when do you add the lemon juice? It’s listed in the ingredients, but I don’t see it added anywhere in the instructions. Thanks!
Hey Lisa! Thank you for your note! I added some lemon as I updated this to brighten the pesto. Add with all the ingredients.. I’ve corrected the recipe. Hooray for Summer freezer food in the middle of winter! SO happy you enjoy the recipe!
I’m making this recipe right now. The 1/2 lemon juiced is not mentioned in the instructions. Not an issue for me, but you might want to add it. Looking forward to this on crusty Italian Bread.
Thank you so much Anita! I appreciate your note! :D On crusty bread? Yes please!!
Thank you Meera and for your pin! I hope you can get your hands on some scapes!
I have not tried garlic scape pesto Traci, but you know me, I’m totally game. I’ll need to grab some the next time I’m at my farmer’s market. I know they’ll have them. I’ve tried them in other dishes, so I know I’ll love the pesto! Hope you’re having a great time with your family. I bet you’re enjoying some great food! Safe travels!
I made this last year and took it to a party. It was a hit. Thanks for another great recipe Traci. Enjoy the time with your family and come home safe!
Hooray! Love hearing this Heide! Thank you for sharing and note :D .
Thank you for introducing me to Garlic Scape Pesto. I made this last year and loved it .. and just last week picked up fresh scapes from the Haliburton (Ontario) Farmers Market. Couldn’t wait to make it again .. which I did on Wednesday and enjoyed last night with zucchini noodles and fresh grape tomatoes .. delicious!!
So happy to hear this Karin and thank you for your note! Zucchini noodles and fresh grape tomatoes sounds amazing! I’ll have to give it a go!
Thank you for the recipe and great ideas to put with scapes. We are fairly new to farming garlic. We are loving every aspect of it and always looking for new recipes for the he scapes. I will be trying this after we get done cutting all the scapes today!!!!thanks again. Renee.
Traci, I’m so intrigued by this! I’ve tried garlic scapes when I was a member of a CSA group one year and loved them! I put them in hummus but I hadn’t thought of making them into a pesto. And I LOVE me some pesto! That piece crostini with the pesto and tomatoes looks drool-worthy. In fact, I think I’m drooling. Great recipe!!!
I’m laughing, Allison! I would agree, this pesto is drool worthy! And it’s sooo good on pizza too. I’ll have to try scapes in hummus, if I can get my hands on another bundle! Thank you, Allison!
YUM! Love garlic scapes…great idea turning it into pesto. By the way, are garlic scapes the same as garlic sprouts? When I lived in Asia, garlic sprouts (looked similar to the scapes) were used in Chinese cooking.
Good question! Garlic scapes are produced from the variety of garlic known as hardneck Rocombole. So I am wondering if garlic spouts are just from a different variety of garlic. Are the sprouts curly like garlic scapes?
Its nice to have a change of pesto from time to time! Thanks, Medha!
I’m a pesto fanatic so I really DO need to try this! It looks beautiful and delicious – I need to get some garlic scape!
Hi Jessica! Thank you! I know, right? Put it on the list!
I just want to know who is snacking on this delicious treat while you were taking pictures?
Why, it was me! I couldn’t resist. LOL!
Hi Olivia! You’re welcome! This pesto would pair beautifully with your delicious whole wheat pizza dough!
Yum, Traci, this look delicious. I love a pesto that is not basil-centric. I would definitely go for the crostini topped with cherry tomatoes since my little garden is about to be overflowing with cherry tomatoes! Your photos are great – love the shot of just the scrapes all curly q.
Thank you, Geraldine! I’m not a much of a basil pesto fan either. How fun that you’ve planted and are about to enjoy an abundance of cherry tomatoes! Oh the possibilities are endless! | 2019-04-25T06:27:24Z | https://vanillaandbean.com/garlic-scape-pesto/ |
We Have Bulk Succulents for Sale shipped to Wallace, Idaho!
The Succulent Source has been providing the highest quality succulent plants to people in Wallace, Idaho for almost fifteen years. We're a three-generation succulent-loving family, and we're here to fulfill all of your botanical desires. We're a registered nursery in southern California and ship out thousands of plants a week, all over the country, all year long.
If you're looking for landscaping ideas, indoor plants to spruce up your Wallace, Idaho home, wedding decorations, or anything else having to do with cactus and succulents, we will make sure you get exactly what you're looking for. Succulents can make some of the most beautiful plants, and whether you're looking for a few low maintenance plants around the home, or wanting to purchase gifts for a large wedding party, we can accomplish your order of any size.
Succulents are also great for your Wallace, Idaho outdoor project. They can add an exotic look to your landscape or garden. Forget to water them? No problem—succulents are water retaining plants, so they still look fantastic with minimal attention. Not all succulents are alike, so our expert staff can help you on the most appropriate outdoor plants for your particular climate to get you with ones that will thrive in that environment.
How about enhancing your work setting with some office plants? We would love to provide you with the best and most appropriate succulents and plants to compliment your work surroundings. If you need ideas or just want to talk about possibilities, just browse our website or call us today and we'll be more than willing to talk to you about what will work within your or your office's budget. Plants are great for the work environment, as they can be comforting, provide aesthetic appeal, and help to reduce stress, hopefully helping you and your co-workers be more productive and enjoy your work in Wallace, Idaho!
Succulent plants can look bizarre and be alluring to the human eye. Due to their uniqueness and ability to survive in extreme conditions, they are great as both outdoor landscape and indoor house plants in Wallace, Idaho.
Not only are succulents very exotic and unusual looking, they're also considered low maintenance plants. Succulents retain water for extensive lengths of time, so they don't need constant watering or attention, even in Wallace, Idaho. Succulents are very resilient plants and they're absolutely gorgeous. We at The Succulent Source have developed quite an affinity for them. They're spectacular plants and come in many shapes and sizes. We love succulents because they look magnificent, they're easy to maintain, and they can complement almost any other plants in your house, in your office, at your wedding, or in your garden.
Most succulents usually have very shallow root systems, so they can be made into very cool and creative arrangements around the house or for weddings, such as making a vertical garden or using a glass container to make a mini succulent terrarium. People in Wallace, Idaho have used all sorts of random objects or creative ways to display their succulents, like incorporating them into a piece of furniture, exhibiting them in a converted book, creating living wreaths out of them, or even placing tiny succulent plants in hollowed out wine corks. Some can even be hanging succulents, or air plants, because they don't require any contact with the ground, and they can make very cool decorations. The possibilities are virtually endless. Just google ideas for succulent uses around the house and you'll get a huge source of innovative ideas. If you do use a container to create a terrarium, make sure it is open at all times to allow air to circulate through. Succulents need drainage and good air circulation to live healthy lives.
If you don't have a lot of space around your Wallace, Idaho home, succulents work immensely well for container gardening. The plants can be found in very small sizes, so even if you don't have much area to work with, you can fit a good assortment in a limited amount of room. Along with fitting in snug spaces, because they come in an assortment of colors they can create a vivid display with minimal area.
Another reason succulents are so cool is their medicinal uses. Most people have probably heard of the Aloe Vera plant being able to treat and soothe burns, but did you also know the sap from the leaves can be used as a laxative? There are a number of other uses for various succulents in Wallace, Idaho.
Succulent plants are often times associated with cacti and thought of as being green, but they actually come in all sorts of colors and it's part of what makes them such a dynamic plant species. Not only that, but their leaves also grow in some astonishing patterns that can be awe-inspiring to look at. Different succulents are indigenous to some really cool places around the world. They often occur in dry climates, which can be remote areas such as desserts or high up in mountains ranges. Therefore, they usually look different than most plants you'll find in Wallace, Idaho, and they can represent some breathtaking regions from across the globe.
As we've mentioned before, succulents are world-class for being some of the easiest plants to grow and maintain. They don't need to be pruned like other plants, they don't mind neglect, they don't need to be watered regularly, and they don't need fertilizer. Succulents can handle poor soils and they're actually very hard to kill plants, so they're perfect for beginners or people who lead busy lives. We do recommend taking care of your succulents, as they will look better and flourish if you do, and we can tell you about the best ways to help your succulents thrive in Wallace, Idaho. But if you happen to like low upkeep plants, succulents are perfect for you.
There are many types of succulents to choose from, and we have a huge selection of the best and most beautiful products at the most competitive prices in Wallace, Idaho. We have lots of varieties of Aeoniums, Echeverias, Sempervivums, Aloes, Echeveria, Sedum plants, and more.
The Trichocereus family are columnar styles of cactus. They grow very quickly and are native to the Andes Mountains in Peru and other places throughout South America. We sell both cuttings and potted Trichecereus. The cuttings will only take roughly 2-4 weeks to begin rooting, and if taken care of properly, they should be able to grow a good foot in height per year in Wallace, Idaho.
We offer collections of both succulents and cacti in Wallace, Idaho. The sizes are varying from 36, 20, and 9, for both cactus and succulents, and we can also do collections of 64 succulent plants. If you need other quantities, have any color requests or restrictions, or just have questions, we are more than happy to work with you and meet your needs. Just call us during business hours and we'll help you out. Collections can be fun because they provide a great variety of plants in a particular sized package. Our collections are hand selected, totally unique, and gorgeous!
Plants and flowers have become an essential part of weddings. They're very important to make the event unforgettable and to reflect the bride and groom's specific personality and taste. Succulents make incredible decorations for your special day, and perfect wedding favors in Wallace, Idaho. They'll bring sensational patterns and color to your wedding and tables. We specialize in wedding succulents and can arrange your plants in any way you prefer. Because of their low price, they also make very affordable gifts for large wedding parties. This is something your guests will appreciate for a long time and a great way for everyone to remember your wedding day in Wallace, Idaho.
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The succulent source is committed to providing the absolute best customer service possible. Succulents are our business and our life, and we want to cater you with not only the best plants and exactly what you're looking for, but also with the best assistance with your purchase and your succulent maintenance. We are available by phone Monday through Saturday from 8AM – 6PM Pacific time, and also by email and mail. Our staff in Wallace, Idaho is dedicated to giving you the full attention you need to make your experience completely satisfactory. Whether you want to know how quickly you can get an Aloe Vera plant in Wallace, Idaho, or if you want to know how to plant succulents, we're available and ready to help you with your questions. If we don't have what you're looking for, we'll do our absolute best to locate it for you.
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In County Sligo, when green winter vegetables in particular were scarce, watercress was cooked with ham or bacon joints. As watercress wilts down like spinach, at least a pound of picked watercress should be used for a 3-4 lb (1.4 to 1.8 Kg) ham. Cook the ham as before in cold water and 45 minutes before it is ready add the watercress. After the cooked ham has been removed, lift out the watercress with a strainer and squeeze out the liquid. Chop coarsely and arrange around the ham. The peppery flavour of watercress makes for a good contrast with sweet hams.
A suitable sauce for cooked ham is to melt 1 heaped tablespoon butter in a saucepan. Add the same amount of flour and when well mixed add 1 cup (24oml) of the hot ham stock. Stir until it boils and there are no lumps. Add the grated peel and juice of 1 lemon, stir again and serve hot.
The pudding is made from two parts lamb’s blood, well salted to keep it liquid, to one part cream or full cream milk, mixed together with a handful of breadcrumbs or oatmeal, pepper and a pinch of mace with a sprig of tansy added. When made in the home and sausage casings not available, the mixture is poured into bowls and either steamed or cooked with the bowl in a pan of water in a moderate oven (150C – 300F – gas 3) for about 1 hour. It can be eaten warm. When left to go cold, it is sliced and either fried or grilled often with bacon, eggs and sausages for breakfast or supper.
Traditional black pudding is made with pig’s blood, often with pigs liver.
The pudding is made from two parts pigs blood, well salted to keep it liquid, to one part cream or full cream milk, mixed together with a handful of breadcrumbs or oatmeal, pepper and a pinch of mace and a sprig of tyme. When made in the home and sausage casings not available, the mixture is poured into bowls and either steamed or cooked with the bowl in a pan of water in a moderate oven (150C – 300F – gas 3) for about 1 hour. It can be eaten warm. When left to go cold, it is sliced and either fried or grilled often with bacon, eggs and sausages for breakfast or supper.
In Tipperary blood puddings were made from turkey or goose blood.
The pudding is made from two parts turkey or goose blood, well salted to keep it liquid, to one part cream or full cream milk, mixed together with a handful of breadcrumbs or oatmeal, pepper and a pinch of mace with a sprig of thyme. When made in the home, and sausage casings are not available, the mixture is poured into bowls and either steamed or cooked with the bowl in a pan of water in a moderate oven (150C – 300F – gas 3) for about 1 hour. It can be eaten warm. When left to go cold, it is sliced and either fried or grilled for breakfast or supper.
Mix the stuffing ingredients together and divide into four. Put the stuffing in the body of each bird and then lay them in a casserole dish. Season them well, pour over the stock, wine and add the blade of mace. Cover and cook in a moderate oven (180C – 350F – gas 4) for 35 – 40 minutes. Thicken with the flour rubbed in butter, then add the lemon juice. Heat up before serving.
This dish is also called ‘salt beef’. The beef is rubbed with coarse salt to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (1cm) then with brown sugar and 1 teaspoon saltpetre. The joint is put into a bowl and turned each day for about a week. Before cooking it is advisable to soak the meat for at least 3 hours, the stock from the meat can then be used for soups.
4 lb (1.8Kg) corned beef, 1 large sliced carrot, 2 large onions – 1 stuck with 4 cloves, 1 large or 2 small cabbage, 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, sprig of thyme and sprig of parsley, pepper, cold water.
Put the meat into a large saucepan with all the ingredients except the cabbage. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil, then skim off any scum. Cover and simmer very gently for 3/4 of an hour, then put in the trimmed and quartered cabbage. Leave a little of the stump on as this adds flavour. Cook the meat for 30 minutes to the pound and serve on a dish surrounded with the cabbage. When the stock is cold remove any fat from the top and add 1 lb (500g) split peas per 2 quarts (2.2 Litres – 4 pints) stock. Cook fairly fast for around 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until the peas become a puree. If the split peas are soaked overnight they will soften and cook much quicker.
(Rhodymenia palmata.) A reddish-brown seaweed found on all coasts of Ireland. Also called dillisk and dillesk. It is sold dried and can be eaten raw or added to fish or vegetable soup. To cook, the dulse must be soaked for 3 hours in cold water, then simmered in milk for the same time with a knob of butter and pepper. It can be added to mashed potatoes for Dulse Champ and goes with all meats or fish.
(Porphyra laciniata) or sea-spinach found on rocks all over Ireland. Called laver in England and Wales. Sloke should be simmered in water for 4 – 5 hours; drained then dressed with butter, cream and a squeeze of orange or lemon juice. Sloke is excellent with roast lamb, boiled ham or fish.
(Littorina littorea) The local names in Ireland for periwinkles or winkles, which are small shellfish or sea snail. Winkles are boiled in the shells in cold sea water for 10 minutes. Traditionally, having used a pin to get them out of their shells, they are then dipped in fine oatmeal before eating.
Soak the sweetbreads in cold salted water for at least 30 minutes. Change the water, salt it and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 minutes, strain and let them get cold. When cool enough to handle remove any skin or membrane. Take the rind from the rashers and wrap each sweetbread in the bacon. If the sweetbreads are not all the same size, cut them accordingly. Place into a lightly greased, oven-proof dish and season well. Add the small onion finely chopped, the sliced peeled tomatoes and stock. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and cook in a moderate oven (180C – 350F – gas 4) for 35 – 40 minutes. Any unused bacon rashers can be rolled into curls and grilled. When serving, these crisp bacon curls can garnish the top of the sweetbreads.
2lb (1Kg) potatoes, 2 medium onions, 6 rashers streaky bacon – crisply fried, 2 oz (60g) butter, 3 pints (1.8 Litres) of half milk and water or stock and milk, 1 cup (240ml) light (single) cream, chopped chives or parsley, salt and pepper to taste.
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the peeled and chopped onions and cook gently but do not brown. Add the peeled and sliced potatoes, season to taste, then pour over the milk and water or stock. Cover and cook gently for about an hour. It is then put through a sieve or liquidised until it is pureed. Add the cream and gently re-heat but do not boil. Serve with freshly chopped chives or parsley on top, and the crisply fried bacon rashers finely broken up with a fork as garnish.
Colcannon should correctly be made with kale, but it is now more often made with cabbage. It is traditionally eaten in Ireland at Hallowe’en or All Hallowes Day on 31st October, and a plain gold ring, a sixpence, a thimble and a button are often put into the mixture. To whoever gets them, the ring means marriage within the year; the sixpence denotes wealth, the thimble a spinster and the button a bachelor.
1lb (500g) of kale (or cabbage) and 1lb (500g) potatoes (cooked separately), 2 small leeks or green onion tops, 1 cup (240ml) single (light) cream, 4 oz (115g or 1/2 cup) approx butter, salt, pepper and a pinch of mace.
Have the kale (or cabbage) cooked, warm and well chopped up while the potatoes are cooking. Chop up the leeks (green and white) or onion tops and simmer them in milk or cream to just cover until soft. Drain the potatoes, season and beat them well: then add the cooked leaks and milk. Finally blend in the kale, beating until it is a pale green fluff. Do this over a low flame and pile it into a deep warmed dish. Make a well in the centre and pour in enough melted butter to fill up the cavity. The vegetables are served with spoonfuls of the melted butter. Any leftovers can be fried in hot bacon fat until crisp and brown on both sides.
Irish soda bread is one of the specialities of Ireland and is still baked in many homes all over the country. Soda bread is made in loaves of white or brown, the brown being made from whole-wheat flour. Classically, soda bread should be cooked in a ‘bastable oven’ – a pot oven with handles, lid and three short legs for standing at the side of the hearth or suspended by chains. Therefore in some parts of west Cork soda bread is known as Bastable Cake.
1 1/2 lb (750g or 6 cups) plain flour, 1/2 pint (300ml or 1 cup) buttermilk, sour milk or fresh milk; if using fresh milk 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar is added to dry ingredients, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon salt.
This quantity will make 1 large loaf or 2 small ones. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a basin and make a well in the centre. Add enough milk and stir with a wooden spoon to make a thick dough. The milk should be poured in large quantities rather than spoonfuls, the mixture should be loose but not wet and the mixing done lightly and quickly. Add a little more milk if it seems too stiff. With floured hands put on to a lightly floured board or table and flatten the dough into a circle of about 1 1/2 inch (4cm) thick. Put on to a baking sheet and score a large cross over it with a floured knife; This will ensure even distribution of heat. Bake in a moderate to hot oven (200C – 400F – gas 5) for about 40 minutes. Test the centre with a skewer before removing from the oven. To keep the bread soft it is wrapped up in a clean tea-towel.
Follow the same method as above for ‘white’ soda bread but use 1 lb (500g or 4 cups) whole-wheat flour and 1/2 lb (250g or 2 cups) plain white flour. A little more milk is used to mix the dough. If a brittle texture is required add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the above quantities. The bread should not be cut until it is quite cold and set – this takes from 4 – 6 hours.
A favourite is Treacle Soda Bread. It is made as ‘white’ soda bread (above recipe) but 2 tablespoons of black treacle (molasses) is heated with the milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar is added to the dough. Sultanas (about 180g or 1 cup) are sometimes also added to the dough.
Blend very well, then put the mixture into a greased and lined cake tin 8 inches (20cm) in diameter and bake in a slow oven (120C – 250F – gas 1) for about 2 hours. This is a good moist cake which keeps very well. Chopped nuts may be added if liked. | 2019-04-21T18:26:42Z | https://oakden.co.uk/a-collection-of-irish-recipes/5/ |
Ove brushes the snow off the gravestone. Digs determinedly into the frozen ground and carefully replenishes the flowers. He stands up, dusts himself off, and looks helplessly at her name, feeling ashamed of himself. He who always used to nag at her about being late. Now he stands here himself, apparently quite incapable of following her as he’d planned.
“It’s just been bloody mayhem,” he mumbles to the stone.
And then he’s silent again.
He doesn’t know what happened to him after her funeral. The days and weeks floated together in such a way, and in such utter silence, that he could hardly describe what exactly he was doing. Before Parvaneh and that Patrick backed into his mailbox he could barely remember saying a word to another human being since Sonja died.
Some evenings he forgets to eat. That’s never happened before, as far as he can remember. Not since he sat down with her on that train almost forty years ago. As long as Sonja was there they had their routines. Ove got up at quarter to six, made coffee, went off for his inspection. By half past six Sonja had showered and then they had breakfast and drank coffee. Sonja had eggs; Ove hadbread. At five past seven, Ove carried her to the passenger seat of the Saab, stowed her wheelchair in the trunk, and gave her a lift to school. Then he drove to work. At quarter to ten they took coffee breaks separately. Sonja took milk in her coffee; Ove had it black. At twelve they had lunch. At quarter to three another coffee break. At quarter past five Ove picked up Sonja in the school courtyard, hoisted her into the passenger seat and the wheelchair into the trunk. By six o’clock they were at the kitchen table having their dinner, usually meat and potatoes and gravy. Ove’s favorite meal. Then she solved crosswords with her legs drawn up beneath her on the sofa while Ove pottered about in the toolshed and watched the news. At half past nine Ove carried her upstairs to the bedroom. She nagged him for years about moving into the empty downstairs guest room, but Ove refused. After a decade or so she realized that this was his way of showing her that he had no intention of giving up. That God and the universe and all the other things would not be allowed to win. That the swine could go to hell. So she stopped nagging.
On Friday nights they sat up until half past ten watching television. On Saturdays they had a late breakfast, sometimes as late as eight. Then they went out to do their errands. The building supply store, furniture shop, and garden center. Sonja would buy potting soil and Ove liked to look at tools. They only had a small row house with a tiny outside space, yet there always seemed to be something to plant and something to build. On the way home they’d stop for ice cream. Sonja would have one with chocolate and Ove one with nuts. Once a year the shop raised the price by one krona per ice cream and then, as Sonja put it, Ove would “have a tantrum.” When they got back to the house she’d roll out the little terrace door onto the patio and Ove would help her out of the chair and gently put her on the ground so she could do some gardening in her beloved flowerbeds. In the meantime Ove would fetch a screwdriver and disappear into the house. That was the best thing about the house. It was never finished. There was always a screw somewhere for Ove to tighten.
On Sundays they went to a café and drank coffee. Ove read the newspaper and Sonja talked. And then it was Monday.
And one Monday she was no longer there.And Ove didn’t know exactly when he became so quiet. He’d always been taciturn, but this was something quite different. Maybe he had started talking more inside his own head. Maybe he was going insane (he did wonder sometimes). It was as if he didn’t want other people to talk to him, he was afraid that their chattering voices would drown out the memory of her voice.
He lets his fingers run gently across the gravestone, as if running them through the long tassels of a very thick rug. He’s never understood young people who natter on about “finding themselves.” He used to hear that nonstop from all those thirty-year-olds at work. All they ever talked about was how they wanted more “leisure time,” as if that was the only point of working: to get to the point when one didn’t have to do it. Sonja used to laugh at Ove and call him “the most inflexible man in the world.” Ove refused to take that as an insult. He thought there should be some order in things. There should be routines and one should be able to feel secure about them. He could not see how it could be a bad attribute.
Sonja used to tell people about the time that Ove, in a moment of temporary mental dislocation in the middle of the 1980s, had been persuaded by her to get himself a red Saab, even though in all the years she’d known him he’d always driven a blue one. “They were the worst three years of Ove’s life,” Sonja tittered.
Since then, Ove had never driven anything but a blue Saab. “Other wives get annoyed because their husbands don’t notice when they have their hair cut.
When I have a haircut my husband is annoyed with me for days because I don’t look the same,” Sonja used to say.
That’s what Ove misses most of all. Having things the same as usual.
People need a function, he believes. And he has always been functional, no one can take that away from him.
It’s thirteen years since Ove bought his blue Saab 9-5 station wagon. Not long after, the Yanks at General Motors bought up the last Swedish-held shares in the company. Ove closed the newspaper that morning with a long string of swear words that continued into a good part of the afternoon. He never bought a car again. He had no intention of placing his foot in an American car, unless his foot and the rest of his body had first been placed in a coffin, they should be bloody clear about that. Sonja had of course also read the article and she had certainobjections to Ove’s exact version of events regarding the company’s nationality, but it made no difference. Ove had made up his mind and now he was fixed on it. He was going to drive his car until either he, or it, broke down. Either way, proper cars were not being made anymore, he’d decided. There was only a lot of electronics and crap inside them now. Like driving a computer. You couldn’t even take them apart without the manufacturers whining about “invalid warranties.” So it was just as well. Sonja said once that the car would break down with sorrow the day Ove was buried. And maybe that was true.
But there was a time for everything, she also said. Often. For example, when the doctors gave her the diagnosis four years ago. She found it easier to forgive than Ove did. Forgive God and the universe and everything. Ove got angry instead. Maybe because he felt someone had to be angry on her behalf, when everything that was evil seemed to assail the only person he’d ever met who didn’t deserve it.
So he fought the whole world. He fought with hospital personnel and he fought with specialists and chief physicians. He fought with men in white shirts and the council representatives who in the end grew so numerous that he could barely remember their names. There was an insurance policy for this, another insurance policy for that; there was one contact person because Sonja was ill and another because she was in a wheelchair. Then a third contact person so she did not have to go to work and a fourth contact person to try to persuade the bloody authorities that this was precisely what she wanted: to go to work.
And it was impossible to fight the men in white shirts. And one could not fight a diagnosis.
“We have to take it as it comes,” said Sonja. And that was what they did. She carried on working with her darling troublemakers for as long as she could, until Ove had to push her into the classroom every morning because she no longer had the strength to do it herself. After a year she was down to 75 percent of her full working week. After two years she was on 50 percent. After three years she was on 25 percent. When she finally had to go home she wrote a long personal letter to each of her students and exhorted them to call her if they ever needed anyone to talk to.Almost everyone did call. They came to visit in long lines. One weekend there were so many of them in the row house that Ove had to go outside and sit in his toolshed for six hours. When the last of them had left that evening he went around the house carefully assuring himself that nothing had been stolen. As usual. Until Sonja called out to him not to forget to count the eggs in the fridge.
Then he gave up. Carried her up the stairs while she laughed at him. He put her in the bed, and then, just before they went to sleep, she turned to him. Hid her finger in the palm of his hand. Burrowed her nose under his collarbone.
“God took a child from me, darling Ove. But he gave me a thousand others.” In the fourth year she died.
Now he stands there running his hand over her gravestone. Again and again.
As if he’s trying to rub her back to life.
“I’m really going to do it this time. I know you don’t like it. I don’t like it either,” he says in a low voice.
He takes a deep breath. As if he has to steel himself against her trying to convince him not to do it.
“See you tomorrow,” he says firmly and stamps the snow off his shoes, as if not wanting to give her a chance to protest.
Then he takes the little path down to the parking area, with the cat padding along beside him. Out through the black gates, around the Saab, which still has the learner plate stuck to the back door. He opens the passenger door. Parvaneh looks at him, her big brown eyes filled with empathy.
“I’ve been thinking about something,” she says carefully, as she puts the Saab into gear and pulls off.
She hardly has time to speak Sonja’s name before Ove’s face darkens, anger stiffening it into a mask.
“Not another word,” he roars, with a booming sound inside the car.
“Not another bloody WORD. Have you got it?!”Parvaneh nods and goes silent. Shaking with anger, Ove stares out the window all the way home. | 2019-04-20T08:17:34Z | https://zbook.ir/a-man-called-ove/chapter-30/ |
The objective of this research was to understand the political roles of Sikh Americans and the various challenges to Sikh identity from post-9/11 hate crimes. Some of the difficulties faced by Sikhs are addressed along with some of the reactions to post-9/11 hate crimes. This study investigated the actions taken by Sikh leaders, from the United States and the Punjab, towards hate crimes as well as their efforts to create more awareness about Sikhism and the Sikh identity. The mutual system of Sikh Americans and Sikh leaders in the Punjab is also explained. Some of the assimilation life-style patterns of Sikhs, which were collected through surveys, are also explored. Finally, ideas for future research studies are discussed.
Surveys and interviews were the two main methods of collecting data. A total of sixty-five surveys were collected from several gurdwaras and interviewees. Surveys were given in gurdwaras to Sikhs that were eighteen years in age and older. There were fourteen surveys collected from the Sikh Cultural Society, NY; twenty-three from the Blue Mountain Gurdwara, PA; twenty-two from the Bridgewater Gurdwara, NJ; and six from interviewees in the area of Washington, DC. I interviewed six representatives of Sikh organizations and gurdwara committee members. I interviewed representatives of three Sikh organizations: Sikh Council On Education and Religion (SCORE); Sikh Mediawatch And Resource Task Force (SMART), which switched its name to Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF); and Khalistan Affairs Center. Observation and/or filming were done during Sikh events such as: 17th Annual New York Sikh Day Parade, Philadelphia Sikh Day Parade, and the 400th Anniversary of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. I observed sadh sangat (Sikh congregation) and their actions closely in gurdwaras.
Asian Indians were found in the United States as early as hundred years ago. According to Lal (1999), the first Sikhs who entered the United States were labeled as Hindus while some of other South Asian Americans were part of the British Indian Army. Eighty-five percent of South Asian Americans coming to Canada and California between the period of 1900 and 1917 were Sikhs. Since the Sikhs made up a large percentage of South Asian Americans groups in the United States, they started to build gurdwaras. The gurdwaras has been found as early as 1908 in Vancouver, Canada and in 1915 in Stockton, California. In 1913, the Ghadr (revolutionary) Party was founded by Punjabis in San Francisco to fight against the British for liberating India. Soon after, in 1917, this Party ended, when America entered into the war working with the British. The Immigration Act of 1917 closed the doors for all Asians from entering the United States. Lal (1999) shows how the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 once again opened the doors for Asians to enter the United States as professionals saying, “By 1975 the number of Asian Indians had risen to well over 175,000” (Lal 2).
Racial attacks on South Asian Americans are traced back as early as 1907 in Bellingham, Washington. Sandhu (2002) says, “Sikhs were asked to cut their hair and beard in order to get a job.” However, these racial attacks and discrimination did not completely discourage Sikhs from teaching others about their religion. That said, the first priority of Sikhs at that time was not religion, but the American dream of economic advancement.
One event that motivated Sikhs to become more religiously active was the Blue Star Operation of 1984, which was an attack on the Golden Temple by the Indian army. Orders were made by Rajiv Gandhi, son of Indira Gandhi, to kill Sikhs after two Sikh bodyguards murdered Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India in 1984. Under the law of TADA, Indian police gained the power to arrest and kill young Sikh boys from villages without legal due process. Regarding this illegal arresting and killing in Punjab, Sandhu (2002) says, “Recent immigration, of relatives of the previous immigrants, has been spurred by events in Punjab. Young Sikh men, particularly those from villages in Punjab, are ‘getting out’ not only for economic reasons but also to escape arbitrary arrest, torture and possible death. This group, representative of the average village population in Punjab, includes a large proportion of non-professionals. However, their influx has contributed to growth in numbers and to the emergence of strong local communities centered around numerous gurdwaras” (Sandhu 1).
As some of my interviewees mentioned, there were few gurdwaras prior to the Blue Star Operation. After this massacre, Sikhs became aware of their rights and started to build more gurdwaras and to start organizations in order to protect their status in India. This crisis on Sikhs and their religion motivated them to fight against unfair policies by the Indian government. The demand for Khalistan started. Many Sikhs left the Punjab, but had difficulty finding safe communities in which to settle. Many Sikhs started to sell their properties in India and began moving to countries like Canada and the United States. Likewise, Sikhs who were already in the United States and Canada became more active about protecting their identity through the creation of more religious infrastructures (i.e., gurdwaras, non-profit organizations, etc.). Years later, after the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001, Sikhs were attacked again. In contrast to earlier discrimination, these recent attacks were based on a mistaken association between Sikhs and Arab Muslims. On September 15, 2001, Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot to death for resembling a terrorist. Many other hate crime cases were shown on the news, one after another, continuing to the present day. These crisises have mobilized the Sikh community to make efforts in preserving their identity and creating more awareness among non-Sikhs.
Such efforts have occurred both on the local and national levels in the United States, indirectly teaching Sikhs how to participate in politics.
Sikhs faced many problems after the September 11 attacks because many people in the United States misunderstood Sikhs due to their similar appearance to terrorists (i.e., turbans, beards, dark skin, knives, etc.). The earliest misunderstanding with Sikhs was when Sher Singh, currently a member of Sikh Council on Religion and Education, was arrested the day after the attacks. Sher Singh was traveling by a Amtrak train. As the news was released that some terrorists escaped from Boston, Sher Singh, was arrested by police on September 12, 2001 because he was wearing a turban and had a long beard. NBC telecasted his arrest as an the arrest of an ‘Arab’. With the help of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), NBC and other media soures later corrected their stories that Singh was a ‘Sikh’ and that Sikhs had nothing to do with the terrorists on September 11.
I was attacked two blocks from my residence. Verbal abuse was everyday after 9/11.
An individual attempted to attack me physically. I was forced to stay home for a week.
The day after 9/11 attacks, I faced many problems. People were calling me “Bin Laden, shoot him.” I had to run from there and didn’t go to work for three months because of fear.
People were running after us to beat us or shoot us.
I was arrested three times and one time just for verification. I was in lock-up for four hours, because I went to work a little early and was wearing a round turban and open beard. I work at the MTA. Police questioned me about my work.
Sikhs faced discrimination from US security and police as well. Sikhs during travel by air or land were told to remove their turbans for security checks. A Sikh police officer was told to remove his turban while on duty. He later filed a case against the NYPD over a “No Turbans” policy. He won the case with the help of the Sikh Coalition. The Sikh Coalition is also fighting a case for Sat Hari Singh, an American Sikh also known as Kevin Harrington, who was told to remove his turban while on duty by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of New York. MTA gave Sat Hari Singh a choice of removing his turban if he wanted to continue working as a subway train operator or to choose to work in the MTA yard in which there is no customer interaction. His case is still in progress. Furthermore, Sikh drivers are stopped by police and are charged as criminals for wearing turbans, having an open beard and carrying a kirpan, an important Sikh symbol that baptized Sikhs normally carry with them at all times. Sikhs continue to face discrimination.
Many existing Sikh organizations such as the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), founded in 1998, and the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), founded in 1996, revamped their programs after September 11 hate crimes. To help Sikh victims of hate crimes, some new organizations were founded in the months after September 11 attacks such as the Sikh Coalition. The Sikh Coalition, SCORE, SMART and the Sikh Communications Council along with two Arab American Organizations met with US Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta to protect the religious rights of Sikhs and other minorities during travel. SCORE led a delegation of Sikh leaders in America to meet President Bush at the White House on September 26, 2001, to share how the Sikh community was facing a backlash for their mistaken identity.
Many new programs were and are being introduced to create more awareness about Sikhs, their religion, and their identity in mainstream society. SCORE also has started the program called “Sharing Your Faith with Your Neighbors”. Neighbors, religious and civic leaders, teachers, and elected officials are invited to a local participating gurdwara by gurdwara members to create more awareness of each others’ faith. SCORE prepares packets to hand out to gurdwaras with the information of how to lead this program. SCORE requires the permission of the committee of the gurdwara, in which the program will take place, in order to direct this program at the gurdwara. Thirty-seven gurdwaras nation-wide participated last year and over a hundred gurdwaras participated in this program for this year. SMART offers services in legal matters just like the Sikh Coalition. Khalistan Affairs Center has been working on the cases involved with extradition. Dr. Amarjit Singh, president of Khalistan Affairs Center, indicates that Indian government is seeking the extradition of Sikhs, who are languishing in American jails for more than 10 years. These are the Sikhs who were implicated in post-1984 acts on the Golden Temple.
Individual gurdwaras have started their own parades in their home towns to educate their community about Sikh values. The organizers of the parades say it is not an easy task to organize a parade, especially for an individual gurdwara. There used to be one parade in New York called Annual New York Sikh Day Parade. All the gurdwaras of the tri-state area would participate in this parade, which organizers said was much easier because it was a joint effort of many gurdwaras. It has been celebrated for long time; as a result, many New York officials know Sikhs personally. Sikhs celebrated their 17th Annual New York Sikh Day Parade in 2004. Sikhs have become aware that they need to promote Sikh identity nationwide in the United States.
Sikhs are learning to participate in politics. They are starting to participate in the politics of the United States and getting their voice heard. Sikhs are making contacts with the president of the United States by asking for help in their projects and issues. Asking for permission for local parades allow Sikhs to get to know local officials and to understand state and federal laws. Sikhs organize events in which top government officials are invited. For example, an event was organized by SCORE on December 11, 2001 at the Capital Building in which Senators, members of Congress, Government officials and top leaders of the Commerce, Labor and the Interfaith Communities participated to show their unity and harmony. Sikhs are participating in interfaith alliances to gain more political contacts as well as promoting Sikhism. Sikh organizations are compelling Sikhs to register their votes and to vote. Sikhs become familiar with the American political system by participating in these kinds of programs.
The Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee offered their support for Sikh Americans. The Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Tarlochan Singh, chairman of Minority Commission, contacted Dr. Rajwant Singh, president of SCORE, to offer support. The Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee invited US Ambassador Robert D. Blackwill to Bangla Sahib Gurdwara to show how the Sikh system works and to show who Sikhs are. After understanding Sikhs and their values, Blackwill wrote a letter to the government of the United States concerning Sikhs. The Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee lead a delegation to the American Embassy in Delhi to show that Sikhs are different than Arabs and Muslims. The Delhi Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Sikhs in Delhi have given their best support to Sikhs in America.
Simranjit Singh Mann, president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), is the only Sikh leader of my knowledge who keeps Sikhs outside of the Punjab in mind when making decisions. He is one of the few Sikh leaders who is concerned about Sikh Americans and their problems. He wrote many letters to the President Bush on lightening Sikhism, Sikh values, and Sikh identity. Dr. Amarjit Singh, president of Khalistan Affairs Center, says, “Simranjit Singh Mann requested the Indian Government in the Indian Parliament that why can’t the Indian Government can come up with an ad campaign on American TV’s, radios, and newspapers telling who Sikhs are and how they have distinct identity with their turbans.” Dr. Amarjit also says, “The Indian Government didn’t come to rescue of the Sikhs.” Simranjit Singh Mann work closely with American officials to make Sikh Americans’ lives better in the United States of America. He came to the United States to stop further distribution of a video called “Terrorism: A War Without Borders,” released in 2002, in which Sikhs were shown with weapons and addressed as terrorists. The clips of Sikhs with weapons in the video were taken from news clips of the time of the 1984 Blue Star Operation against Sikhs. This video was supposed to be distributed nationwide, but only few thousand copies were able to be distributed out due to the mutual effort of Simranjit Singh Mann and SMART to stop further distribution. According to collected data, Sikhs in America really admire him as a true Sikh leader and as one of the best contemporary Sikh leaders.
Besides the efforts made by the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Simranjit Singh Mann, Joginder Singh Vedanti, the Jathedar of Akal Takhat (“Timeless Throne,” a critical source of Sikh religious authority), also wrote a letter to President Bush about his concerns for Sikh Americans. In addition, Akal Takhat helps Sikhs outside the Punjab on various issues that are handled by Akal Takhat. For example, they helped in the passing of the Hukums (orders) out to Sikh community.
The Mutual System between Sikh Americans and Sikh Leadership in the PunjabThe mutual system between Sikh Americans and Sikh leadership in the Punjab is complex; the connections are stronger in some places and weaker in others. For an example, many Sikh organizations have addressed that they do not have good working relations with SGPC or Akal Takhat. They said that they do not work with Akal Takhat, SGPC, or any other political party in Punjab to run the organization. Sikh organizations’ members have mentioned that they have kept the respect and honor for Akal Takhat as the center of Sikhism, but do not have formal, working relations. Jathedar of Akal Takhat also says, “I can only preach to Sikh Americans to create more awareness for the mainstream and Akal Takhat is always there for any kind of help they might need.” Some organizations like SMART just want to concentrate on Sikhs’ needs only in the United States. However, some Sikh organizations like Khalistan Affairs Center and many gurdwaras do support Simranjit Singh Mann in his actions for human rights. Simranjit Singh Mann also works with Sikh organizations and gurdwaras to promote Sikh identity in the United States.
The vast majority of Sikhs have kept tight ties with their religion, its values, and its practices. According to graph one, 54% of Sikhs attend gurdwara once a week, 27% attend m ore than once a week, 11% attend once a month, and 8% attend daily, which is a big percentage relevant to the number of gurdwaras and Sikhs in the United States. Graph two shows that 70% Sikhs do Paath (reading Guru Granth Sahib Ji) daily, 7% once a week, 8% once a month, and 15% sometimes. These values show that Sikh communities in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York care about their religiosity.
You become aware of your identity after you experience people looking at you differently and you become aware of your unique appearance with a turban and open beard in the crowd. Kids would look at me and tell me that a genie is walking by and people would give me a very different look that makes me feel that I do not belong here. It is different now then it was like 15 years ago. Now there is more diversity and more Sikhs with turbans and open beards in the United States. These kinds of experiences make me think that I am different than the others and I become more aware of my identity in the United States than in Punjab or India. In Punjab, you are not aware of your unique identity when you walk in bazaar [market], because most of the men there have a turban and open beard.
I am a professional and often go to business meetings and conferences with a turban and open beard. People usually ask me about my outfit and its meaning. Then I have to explain the meaning of the turban and beard, and how its related to my religion and my identity. These kinds of interactions with people encourage me to learn more about my religion and the identity I carry around. If I would be in India, nobody would ask me about it and I probably would not give that much importance to my unique appearance.
I wanted to cut my hair like everybody else in my high school, but my parents did not let me do it. I was the only one with patka [small piece of cloth that young boys ties around their head with tied hair]. When I went to college, I had that spirit and unique feeling about my identity. At this time, I would proudly say that I am a Sikh and explain to my peers about my appearance and my religion. I just developed the interest to know more about my religion and Sikh identity, so that I can tell others about my uniqueness. What my peers liked about me is what I am from the inside (…my Sikh values…) and not my outside appearance.
Hearing from above Sikhs, it seems that being in a different environment, where people around you do not know about your identity, usually makes Sikhs more aware of their appearance and identity. Sikhs do not limit their identity to their outside appearance, but what and who they are from the inside. As other surveys reveal, many Sikhs hold tightly to their religious values such as: doing ‘path,’ reading Guru Granth Sahib and attending gurdwara. They have an increasing interest in learning more about their religion after coming to the Untied States, and most importantly they put their Sikh identity prior to their American identity, which does not label them as bad Americans. From interviews and surveys, it seems, though this was not quantified, that Sikhs do not differentiate their Sikh identity from their other identities in social, cultural, political, public or even private arenas. Their unique appearance constantly reminds them about who they are. Some point back to the the history and purpose of the creation of Khalsa. I do not know if Sikhs without the turban would try and balance multiple idenities differently than those Sikhs with turbans. Further research is needed.
The political roles of Sikh Americans in the Untied States are growing day by day. Sikhs have started to participate in interfaith alliances, government programs and events, and in politics by becoming senators or representatives of the states. Sikhs have started to ask for help from federal and local governments. They are creating big events to further develop relations with government officials and to make political connections on national and local levels. Sikhs are creating more awareness about the religion and its values by doing parades and celebrating Sikh festivals and anniversaries in public. Sikhs are also keeping close ties with their religion, its values and its practices. With the limitations of this study, there are many things that could not be addressed. Further research directions on Sikhs may include Sikh identity with or without turbans and Sikh youth in the United States. Related to the latter, further studies could examine the assimilation of Sikh youth to the American culture, how Sikh youth keep the balance between Sikh values based on families and the American culture, enculturation of Sikh adolescence, the role of Sikh youth in gurdwaras, the role of Sikh youth in Sikh politics, etc. There is no present study that addresses these issues of Sikh youth even the present Sikh youth will soon be leading Sikhism in the Untied States.
Lal, V. (1999). “Establishing Roots, Engendering Awareness: A Political History of Asian Indians in the Untied States,” in L. Prasad (Ed.), Live like Banyan Tree: Images of the Indian American Experience. (pp. 42-48). Philadelphia, PA: Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies. Retrieved September 22, 2004, from the University of California-Los Angeles website.
Sibia, T.S. (2001). Pioneer Asian Indian Immigrantion to the Pacific Coast. Retrieved September 22, 2004, from the University of California-Davis website.
Sandhu, S. R. (2002, September). Sikhs In America: Stress and Survival. Retrieved September 20, 2004, from the Sikh Spectrum.
Tatla, S. D. (1999). The Sikh Diaspora: the Search for Statehood. London, UK: UCL Press. | 2019-04-23T10:01:07Z | http://pluralism.org/research-report/sikh-americans-political-roles-after-september-11-2001-2004/ |
There are hardly any data available on the relationships between the parasite and the vector or regarding potential reservoirs involved in the natural transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Tropics of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Local families from communities were responsible for the capture of triatomine specimens, following a strategic methodology based on entomological surveillance with community participation developed by the National Chagas Programme of the Ministry of Health of Bolivia.
We describe the collection of adult Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius robustus naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi from houses and from the hospital of Villa Tunari municipality. The flagellates found in the digestive tract of P. geniculatus belong to genetic lineages or DTUs TcI and TcIII, whereas only lineage DTU TcI was found in R. robustus. The detection of these vectors infected with T. cruzi reveals the vulnerability of local communities.
The results presented here highlight the risk of Chagas disease transmission in a region previously thought not to be endemic, indicating that the Tropics of Cochabamba should be placed under permanent entomological and epidemiological surveillance.
Chagas disease transmission to humans occurs when they come in contact with Trypanosoma cruzi-infected feces of hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) . Epidemiologically important triatomine species are those with the ability to efficiently colonize rural habitations where they may transmit the T. cruzi to local inhabitants. Of the 17 currently recognized triatomine species that occur in Bolivia, only Triatoma infestans fulfills the above definition, being responsible for 80 % of vector-borne Chagas disease transmission in endemic areas such as the mesothermal valleys and the Chaco .
Other native vectors are also often reported in Bolivia, including Triatoma sordida and Panstrongylus megistus in the valleys, and Rhodnius stali, R. robustus, Panstrongylus rufotuberculatus and P. geniculatus in the Amazon region and Yungas [3–5]. Light-attracted and in search of food sources, these vectors occasionally invade human dwellings, thus presenting the possibility of T. cruzi transmission to humans .
The Amazon region and the Yungas have not been considered endemic for Chagas disease. However, several studies have documented the presence of Rhodnius specimens in palm trees close to rural households both in the Yungas region, La Paz Department, and in the Cochabamba Tropic region [4, 5].
The Rhodnius robustus species complex is distributed throughout the Amazon region . These taxa utilise several Amazonian palm tree species as natural habitats, and might show high percentages of natural infection with T. cruzi .
A preferred habitat of Rhodnius spp. are non-cultivated palm trees with dense foliage as they provide shelter for a wide variety of mammals and birds, which serve as food sources for the insects [8, 9].
Panstrongylus geniculatus, on the other hand, has a very wide geographical distribution, from Southern Mexico to Northern Argentina . In Bolivia, this vector has been identified in the Yungas region, the eastern plains, and the Bolivian Chaco . Despite its occasional entry into homes attracted by light, this species does not colonize human dwellings, which is an important factor limiting its potential as an efficient vector of Chagas disease .
In the natural habitats, P. geniculatus can be found in caves which provide shelter to armadillos, anteaters, marsupials, bats and rodents. They can also be found in palm trees, under trunks and bark and in bromeliad plants [12, 13].
An increasing number of food-borne Chagas disease outbreaks have been caused by different sylvatic vectors . Most cases of Chagas disease transmission per os have occurred in Brazil, but they have also been reported less frequently in countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia .
More than 180 domestic, synanthropic and wild species of mammals, especially nest-building rodents, opossums and primates, are likely to be infected with T. cruzi.
Trypanosoma cruzi is now classified into seven discrete typing units (DTUs): T. cruzi I (TcI) to T. cruzi VI (TcVI) and Tcbat. TcI has the widest distribution ranging from southern USA to northern Argentina and Chile; TcII is found predominantly in the southern and central regions of South America; TcIII and TcIV have both been detected from western Venezuela to the Argentinian Chaco; TcV and TcVI occur in southern and central South America; and Tcbat is reported from the Amazonian rainforest to urban areas of the central, northeast and southeast Brazil [16–18].
The Tropics of Cochabamba region is technically referred to as a bosque de uso múltiple. Its population belongs predominantly to the Quechua ethnic group and the economy relies basically on the harvesting of coca leaves and tropical fruits, with fish farming and tourism playing secondary roles. This geographical area is not considered epidemiologically important because it is located outside the endemic region (i.e. where T. infestans occurs).
The Chagas disease epidemiological scenario in the region has gone through important changes. This region has experienced intense migration of people coming from highly endemic Andean regions, leading to the development of many new settlements. These migration flows were stronger in the 50s due to the Bolivian Agrarian Reform and in the 80s due to a combination of economic hardship and adverse weather conditions caused by climate change .
The main goal of this study was to identify, based on a community-oriented surveillance program, the sylvatic Chagas disease vectors that most often invade households in the Tropic of Cochabamba region, in Bolivia, and determine their natural infection rates and identify the strain of T. cruzi.
Triatomine specimens were obtained from local residents of communities in the Tropics of Cochabamba between August 2012 and January 2014, in the framework of action of the Villa Tunari Center for Comprehensive Chagas Disease Care (VTCCCDC), a collaborative project between the Colectivo de Estudios Aplicados y Desarrollo Social of Bolivia (CEADES) and the Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain. Residents carried out the capture of triatomine species according to a strategic methodology based on entomological surveillance with community participation developed by the National Chagas Program (Ministry of Health, Bolivia). Members of each household received an educational folder with instructions on how to search for triatomines in their homes (Additional file 1: Fig. S1). After notification by the residents, house inspection for insects was carried out by the man-hour method.
The entomological surveillance folder was designed to be used in tropical non-endemic regions where triatomines are not known to colonize houses. It provides basic information on Chagas disease, a schematic representation of all community players that take part in the initiative, and an entry for family data. Inside there are two figures illustrating both the peridomestic and intradomestic areas with directions on how to clean and maintain each area in order to prevent triatomine colonization. Earlier studies had identified the presence of Rhodnius robustus in palm trees of the Tropics of Cochabamba region [MR-C, personal communication]. Thus, the developmental cycle for this species was included in the folder to facilitate vector identification by the participants. Information on how to avoid oral Chagas disease transmission is also provided (Additional file 1: Fig. S1).
Collected triatomines were delivered to the VTCCCDC, where they were morphologically identified according to the taxonomic keys of Lent & Wygodzinsky , and stored in the laboratory for further use.
For the microscopic observation, drops of feces extracted from triatomines were mixed with phosphate-buffered saline solution and viewed at a magnification of 400×. A sample was considered positive whenever flagellate parasites were detected during a 5 minute examination under the microscope. The confirmation of T. cruzi infection was done based on the molecular method described below.
To confirm insect infection by T. cruzi and to characterize the strains to which they belong, DNA was obtained from the insects’ digestive tracts using a DNA extraction kit DNAzol® reagent according to the manufacturer instructions. A first PCR amplification was performed according to . Amplification was done in 25 μl reaction volume containing 1.5 mM MgCl2, 50 μM of each nucleotide, 10 pmol of each primer, 1.25 units of Taq DNA polymerase (Bioline UK) and 20 ng of DNA template. PCR products were analyzed in 3.0 % agarose gels stained with Sybersafe (Invitrogen, Massachussets, USA). This approach discriminates three groups of DTUs: a 200 bp PCR product for TcI; a 205 bp product for TcII, TcV, and TcVI; and a 150 bp product for TcIII and TcIV.
To separate between the TcIII and TcIV DTUs we performed a second PCR amplification, using oligonucleotides to amplify the D7 divergent domain of the LSU rDNA . Amplification was achieved in a final reaction volume of 20 μl containing 2.0 mM MgCl2, 200 μM deoxynucleotide solution mix (New England Biolabs, UK), 20 pM of each primer, 1.0 unit of Taq DNA polymerase, and 20 ng of DNA template. After amplification, the 125 bp fragments were identified as DTU TcIII, and the 100 bp fragments as DTU TcIV on 3.0 % agarose gels.
Educational folders were distributed to the local population at the Villa Tunari Center for Comprehensive Chagas Disease Care between August 2012 and January 2014. Of a total of 1,427 folders handed-out, 988 subjects (i.e. households; 69 %) participated in the study. Twenty-one households were positive for the presence of two triatomine species: P. geniculatus and R. robustus (Table 1).
It is worth mentioning that 61 households collected/reported other (non-triatomine) insects showing their commitment and willingness to participate in the entomological surveillance study.
The capture of P. geniculatus and R. robustus was carried out in different communities from Villa Tunari, Shinahota and Chimore. Only adult insects were collected. From 19 reports, ten indicated that the triatomines were captured inside houses, mainly in bedrooms, and two in a peridomestic area (16 for P. geniculatus and five for R. robustus). Four P. geniculatus reports referred to the locations inside the Villa Tunari Hospital. These insects were captured at night when they were presumably attracted by indoor lighting. Colonies of P. geniculatus and R. robustus were not detected neither in inspected houses nor in the hospital (Table 2).
The numbers of P. geniculatus collected from inside houses is somewhat unexpected, perhaps because little attention has been given to the biology and distribution of this particular species in the country. On the other hand, R. robustus has been known to occur in the Alto Beni region of Bolivia since 2001 .
Ten out of the 12 specimens positive for T. cruzi infection were from houses and two were from the Villa Tunari Hospital. Molecular identification methods confirmed that the flagellates found in the digestive tracts of P. geniculatus and R. robustus belong to DTUs TcI and TcIII for the former, and TcI for the latter (Table 2).
In the wild, P. geniculatus has usually been described as a vector of TcIII, associated with armadillos throughout the Americas, but it has also been found to be infected with TcI, TcII, and TcIV in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil [23–25]. Among TcI isolated from lowland Bolivia, Poisson-distributed allele frequencies point to large, stable effective population sizes . In this specific region of Bolivia, however, there is little available data about the relationship between parasite DTU and this particular vector species. In addition, information about sylvatic reservoirs that would help clarify the natural transmission cycle is also lacking.
The VTCCCDC has seen an increase in the number of adult vectors reported by local inhabitants. Of the 17 families that reported the presence of P. geniculatus and R. robustus in their houses, 15 were migrants from endemic areas of Bolivia. Each family had at least one member with positive serology for T. cruzi infection. One of the two indigenous families found to have the vector in their houses, had a family member with positive serology for T. cruzi infection (unpublished data).
In October 2010, the National Chagas Program reported an outbreak of acute Chagas disease in Guayaramerín, Beni region, in the Bolivian Amazon, which placed health officials on alert. Fourteen cases of acute Chagas disease were confirmed by laboratory diagnosis at local and national reference centers. All parasites were molecularly identified as belonging to DTU TcIV, leading to the suggestion that all analyzed patients were exposed to the same source of infection .
The findings of Coura et al. in Brazil, Carrasco et al. in Venezuela and Santalla et al. in Bolivia, draw attention to the increased seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in regions hitherto not considered endemic for Chagas disease.
The increased migration and settlement (colonization) of infected people from endemic areas, coupled with the evidence of house invasion by sylvatic triatomine species, has motivated health officials to take action in such tropical regions.
The peoples’ willingness to participate in the study exceeded our expectations as most of them (colonizers) were familiar with T. infestans but had no prior knowledge of sylvatic bugs that could transmit T. cruzi in tropical regions. This indicates that our public awareness approach using a folder as a surveillance method was effective.
We suggest that environmental changes could be causing an impact on the ecology and behavior of sylvatic vectors. Deforestation, house building, availability of electricity, added to a new blood source, would be favoring household invasion by such vectors. Unfortunately, we have no information regarding the daily behavior and practices of the colonizing families that may be increasing the risk of domiciliation by sylvatic insects.
The detection of P. geniculatus and R. robustus infected by T. cruzi in the urban areas of Cochabamba studied, indicates the vulnerability of the local human population to T. cruzi infection. Therefore, the Tropics of Cochabamba, previously thought not to be endemic, should receive attention by health officials and, if necessary, be placed under permanent entomological and epidemiological surveillance.
We thank the staff of the San Francisco de Asis Hospital, in Villa Tunari, Bolivia for their participation in the field-work. Three anonymous reviewers provided insightful comments on the manuscript.
This work received support from the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID; grant 10-COI-039). The research of MJ and JG was supported by the Departament d’Universitats i Recerca de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain (AGAUR; grant 2014SGR26).
Study design: MRC, M-JP. Data analysis: MRC, M-JP, JG, FT, FAM. Molecular identification of T. cruzi: LG. Collection and analysis of field data: MA, LU, SG, CM, DL. Wrote the manuscript: MRC, M-JP, LG, JG, FT, FAM. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript. | 2019-04-26T05:40:19Z | https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1445-1 |
A U.S. mail survey of all pharmacists holding a Nebraska license (N = 1,953) was conducted in June–August 2008. Only 12 percent of pharmacists indicated using an EHR. Most pharmacists (63 percent) indicated that their pharmacy had no plans to adopt an EHR system, while 13 percent indicated their pharmacy planned to adopt an EHR system in the future. Only 8 percent of respondents currently had access to EHRs for their patients created by other providers. Despite a national focus on electronic health information exchange, there remains a low uptake of EHRs by pharmacists.
The national focus on the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) is expected to facilitate electronic health information exchange (HIE) between healthcare providers and assist in more effective and informed healthcare decision making.1–3 Though pharmacists are experienced users of technology and electronic record-keeping systems to manage patients’ medications and insurance information, there has been little discussion regarding their experiences with EHRs and health information exchange.4 Though exchange will ultimately involve the larger healthcare team, it remains to be seen if pharmacists will embrace the adoption of EHRs in all practice settings.
The pharmacy record currently serves as a repository for patient information relevant to medication use in nearly all healthcare settings. The pharmacy record in the hospital, home care, nursing home, and community pharmacy settings typically contains information about patients’ prescription medications; allergies to drugs and other exposures; pharmacists’ care plan notes that include patient-specific considerations (e.g., preferred medication use decisions governed by formularies); and a variety of elements included in a patient’s medication use history often including over-the-counter medication and herbal supplement use. In the outpatient setting, pharmacy records have been used to reveal patient medication use patterns based upon pharmacy refills, often recognized as a relatively accurate proxy for a patient’s general adherence to medication regimens.5 The detail maintained in an outpatient pharmacy record about medication management typically exceeds that documented in EHRs maintained by other provider types and settings in order to serve the needs of the patient-pharmacist relationship. Outpatient pharmacy records indicate what prescribed medications a patient has chosen to pick up from the pharmacy for use, and may also make reference to the patient’s medication use behaviors and outcome responses to prescribed therapies. Pharmacists use the pharmacy record as a source of information about the patient’s overall medication use as a safety and quality-of-care check when filling prescription orders. The pharmacy record is also a resource to aid pharmacists in assessing appropriateness of the prescribed therapy in the context of each patient’s individual situation. Examples of pharmacy record software include McKesson EnterpriseRx and Cerner Etreby Pharmacy Management System.6 Pharmacists in inpatient care settings or those part of an integrated health system such as Kaiser Permanente or the Veterans Affairs system may work with a pharmacy record that is integrated with other providers’ records, or may use a separate electronic pharmacy record that either “crosstalks” electronically with a patient’s health record or from which the pharmacist can toggle between screens to review the larger record and process the orders in the pharmacy record.
The introduction of HIE will facilitate pharmacists’ efforts to better assist patients in the management of their own disease states and medications. This will further enhance communication between pharmacists and patients, contributing to an evolving patient-pharmacist relationship that is impacted by the increased use of health information technology (e.g., EHRs, personal health records, e-prescribing, and patient-specific technologies already being used). Pharmacists are accessible resources for healthcare, a role that will likely be enhanced by HIE and one that will continue to grow as the HIE movement evolves.11, 12 The use of pharmacists to manage patients’ care for chronic conditions, such as through the use of collaborative practice agreements, can be enhanced through the additional patient information available in the EHR. Competency levels will need to be established for pharmacists to demonstrate the ability to obtain, utilize, and contribute to the patient information maintained in the EHR, leading to evolving privileging and credentialing of pharmacists.13 For instance, obtaining a pharmacotherapy specialist credential or developing a collaborative practice agreement allowing pharmacists to directly manage patients’ care may require a pharmacist to demonstrate an understanding of the benefits and limitations of EHRs and/or the technical skills to use the EHR system. The health information management (HIM) profession needs to be informed about pharmacists’ adoption and use of EHRs to better understand how this will affect the profession in ways not previously considered.
The purpose of this study is to describe pharmacists’ views and practices about the adoption and use of EHRs and the sharing of health information in all pharmacy practice settings in the state of Nebraska.
A statewide survey of pharmacists was conducted in June–August 2008 to assess patient safety issues currently faced in practice.14 A modified Dillman technique was used to distribute the survey through U.S. mail to all individuals holding a Nebraska pharmacists’ license and actively practicing in the state (N = 1,953).15 The survey was developed by a team consisting of pharmacists, health services researchers, and key members of state health organizations in order to provide an evidence base to aid pharmacists in identifying possible practice improvements and strategies to address newly emerging problems in patient safety. Questions on the survey included items about the state of EHR adoption in pharmacy practice and pharmacists’ interactions with other healthcare providers regarding the sharing of patient health information. This study was approved by the Creighton University Institutional Review Board and received exempt status.
The survey was completed by 535 pharmacists for a 27 percent response rate. Respondents practiced across a range of pharmacy settings (Figure 1), including independent pharmacies (25 percent), hospital pharmacies (24 percent), traditional chain pharmacies (23 percent), and grocery chain pharmacies (13 percent). Respondents had been in practice for an average of 21 years, and 56 percent were female.
Figure 2 displays the EHR adoption status of respondents. Only 12 percent of respondents indicated that they were currently using an EHR. Of these 12 percent, nearly three-fourths (72 percent) indicated they worked in a hospital setting. The remaining EHR users were located in traditional chain pharmacies (12 percent), clinic pharmacies (10 percent), home care pharmacies (3 percent), and independent pharmacies (3 percent). Most pharmacists (63 percent) indicated that their pharmacy had no plans to adopt an EHR. This was most frequently reported by pharmacists in independent pharmacies (33 percent), followed by traditional chain pharmacies (20 percent), grocery chain pharmacies (17 percent), hospital pharmacies (14 percent), long-term care pharmacies (7 percent), clinic pharmacies (4 percent), home care pharmacies (2 percent), and other (4 percent). A small percentage of respondents (13 percent) indicated that their pharmacy planned to adopt an EHR in the future. Of these pharmacists, 37 percent indicated working in a hospital setting, with the remaining pharmacists in traditional chain pharmacies (26 percent), independent pharmacies (19 percent), grocery chain pharmacies (8 percent), long-term care pharmacies (6 percent), home care pharmacies (2 percent), and clinic pharmacies (2 percent). Twelve percent of respondents reported not knowing their pharmacy’s plans regarding EHR adoption. Few pharmacists reported having any prior experience using an EHR (16 percent).
Few pharmacists were using EHRs, citing a large amount of patient health information already available in the pharmacy record (Table 1). Pharmacists indicated that allergies (91 percent) were the most common type of information maintained in the pharmacy record. Other information contained in the pharmacy record varied in frequency, including patients’ chronic conditions (48 percent), renal function (34 percent), hepatic function (28 percent), height (26 percent), weight (26 percent), smoking status (14 percent), alcohol consumption (13 percent), and pregnancy status (39 percent) or lactation status (24 percent) in women.
Concerning issues of sharing patient health information, 80 percent of pharmacists believed they should have access to patient EHRs created by other providers; however, only 8 percent of respondents currently had access to these records. These 8 percent of pharmacists practiced primarily in a hospital setting (72 percent), followed by traditional chain pharmacies (12 percent), clinic pharmacies (10 percent), independent pharmacies (3 percent), and home care pharmacies (3 percent). Pharmacists believed they should share the following information with other providers (Table 2): medication history (94 percent), allergies (93 percent), health history (72 percent), immunizations (69 percent), laboratory data (64 percent), and progress notes (57 percent).
This study revealed that few pharmacists are engaging in HIE with other providers or patients, and those that are currently exchanging health information practice in predominantly a hospital setting. This is not unexpected given the state of physician EHR adoption observed around the nation and within the state of Nebraska.18–20 It can be argued that pharmacists will not adopt EHRs until more physician practices do so, due to a lack of perceived benefits (i.e., no increased access to patient health information not maintained in the pharmacy record).
HIM professionals need to continue to stay informed about the role of pharmacists in the health information technology (HIT) movement. As HIE takes greater hold throughout the nation, the issues of pharmacist privileging, credentialing, and expertise necessary to utilize these new sources of information will continue to grow.27 HIM professionals are also integrally involved in issues pertaining to access to and use of electronic health information. Findings from this study indicate that HIM professionals will have to understand the evolving role of different health professionals in the context of EHR and HIT use in order to understand which providers will need access to patient health information and how best to address issues related to this access.
The state of Nebraska has led discussions among the various stakeholders in EHR adoption through the state eHealth Council.28 The coauthors of this work have been directly engaged in these early conversations and have observed the early interactions of the pharmacy profession’s participation in this movement. This state-level view of pharmacists and HIE may help to inform pharmacists, health information managers, and policy makers about the progress being made toward achieving the formation of a NHIN that includes the pharmacist, and about the potential role that pharmacists may play in this movement.
The survey used in this study yielded a 27 percent response rate. This relatively low response rate is likely to represent a biased sample in favor of those who were both motivated and able to participate. On the other hand, the entire population was surveyed, resulting in over one-fourth of the entire population contributing to the data. With a simple random sample, we would only need responses from a small portion of the population. Inspection of the distribution of responses from pharmacists suggests that the distribution is representative of each major type of pharmacy practice setting.
Despite a national focus on HIE, there remains a low uptake of EHRs by health providers, including pharmacists. Though HIT offers great promise for enhancing availability of information for pharmacists to improve patient safety and quality of care, further study on barriers to and solutions for EHR adoption from the pharmacy perspective and the effectiveness of implementation strategies is needed.
Funding for this study was provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health and the Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy, through the Dyke Anderson Patient Safety Grant.
Kevin T. Fuji, PharmD, is a resident assistant professor at the Center for Health Services Research and Patient Safety in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Kimberly A. Galt, PharmD, PhD, FASHP, is a professor of pharmacy practice and director of the Center for Health Services Research and Patient Safety in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
Mark V. Siracuse, PharmD, PhD, is an associate professor of pharmacy sciences at the Center for Health Services Research and Patient Safety in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
J. Scott Christoffersen is a PharmD candidate in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University in Omaha, NE.
1. Hillestad, Richard, James Bigelow, Anthony Bower, Federico Girosi, Robin Meili, Richard Scoville, and Roger Taylor. “Can Electronic Medical Record Systems Transform Health Care? Potential Health Benefits, Savings, and Costs.” Health Affairs 24, no. 5 (2005): 1103–17.
2. Chaudry, Basit, Jerome Wang, Shinyi Wu, Margaret Maglione, Walter Mojica, Elizabeth Roth, Sally C. Morton, and Paul G. Shekelle. “Systematic Review: Impact of Health Information Technology on Quality, Efficiency, and Costs of Medical Care.” Annals of Internal Medicine 144 (2006): E12–E22.
4. Downard, Susan, Kimberly A. Galt, and Adam B. Reel. “Pharmacists’ Use of Electronic Health Records: Silent Leaders No More.” Journal of the American Pharmacists Association 47, no. 6 (2008): 680–92.
5. Bubalo, Joseph, Roger K. Clark, Susie S. Jiing, Nathan B. Johnson, Katherine A. Miller, Colleen J. Clemens-Shipman, and Amanda L. Sweet. “Medication Adherence: Pharmacist Perspective.” Journal of the American Pharmacists Association 50, no. 3 (2010): 394–406.
6. Surescripts. “Surescripts Certified Pharmacy Software.” Available at http://www.surescripts.com/connect-to-surescripts/pharmacy-software.aspx. Accessed February 18, 2011.
8. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Nationwide Health Information Network.” Available at http://healthit.hhs.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&mode=2&cached=true&objID=1142. Accessed December 21, 2010.
10. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. “ASHP Long-Range Vision for the Pharmacy Work Force in Hospitals and Health Systems.” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 64 (2007): 1320–30.
12. Berens, D., Kimberly Galt, and Karen A. Paschal. Security and Privacy Barriers to Health Information Interoperability Report 3: Consumer Views about Privacy and Electronic Health Information Exchange. Available at http://chrp.creighton.edu/share/sharedfiles/UserFiles/file/HISPC_Report_3.pdf. Accessed December 20, 2010.
13. Galt, Kimberly A. “Credentialing and Privileging for Pharmacists.” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 61 (2004): 661–70.
14. Creighton Health Services Research Program. State of Patient Safety in Nebraska Pharmacy. December 2008. Available at http://chrp.creighton.edu/share/sharedfiles/UserFiles/file/State_of_Patient_Safety_in_Nebraska_Pharmacy_December_2008.pdf. Accessed December 20, 2010.
15. Dillman D. A., Jolene D. Smyth, and Leah M. Christian. Internet, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. 3rd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009.
16. U.S. Congress. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h1enr.pdf. Accessed December 19, 2010.
18. DesRoches, Catherine M., Eric G. Campbell, Sowmya R. Rao, Karen Donelan, Timothy G. Ferris, Ashish Jha, Rainu Kaushal, Douglas E. Levy, Sara Rosenbaum, Alexandra E. Shields, and David Blumenthal. “Electronic Health Records in Ambulatory Care—A National Survey of Physicians.” New England Journal of Medicine 359 (2008): 50–60.
19. Jha, Ashish K., Catherine M. DesRoches, Eric G. Campbell, Karen Donelan, Sowmya R. Rao, Timothy G. Ferris, Alexandra Shields, Sara Rosenbaum, and David Blumenthal. “Use of Electronic Health Records in U.S. Hospitals.” New England Journal of Medicine 360 (2009): 1628–38.
20. Galt, Kimberly A., James D. Bramble, Andjela Drincic, Mark V. Siracuse, Karen A. Paschal, Amy A. Abbott, Ted A. Kasha, and Kevin T. Fuji. Status of Health Information Technology in Nebraska: Focus on Electronic Health Records in Physician Offices. March 2008. Available at http://chrp.creighton.edu/share/sharedfiles/UserFiles/file/Status_of_Health_Information_Technology_in_Nebraska_March_2008.pdf. Accessed December 16, 2010.
21. NPR, Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard School of Public Health. The Public and the Health Care Delivery System. April 2009. Available at http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/upload/7887.pdf. Accessed December 22, 2010.
25. Galt, Kimberly A., James D. Bramble, Andjela Drincic, Mark V. Siracuse, Karen A. Paschal, Amy A. Abbott, Ted A. Kasha, and Kevin T. Fuji. Status of Health Information Technology in Nebraska: Focus on Electronic Health Records in Physician Offices.
28. Nebraska Information Technology Commission. “eHealth Council.” Available at http://www.nitc.nebraska.gov/ehc/. Accessed December 18, 2010.
Kevin T. Fuji, PharmD; Kimberly A. Galt, PharmD, PhD, FASHP; Mark V. Siracuse, PharmD, PhD; and J. Scott Christoffersen. “Electronic Health Record Adoption and Use by Nebraska Pharmacists.” Perspectives in Health Information Management (Summer 2011): 1-11. | 2019-04-19T02:27:56Z | http://perspectives.ahima.org/electronic-health-record-adoption-and-use-by-nebraska-pharmacists/ |
I was waiting on a new poll from EKOS to be reported on, as well as hoping to get my hands on the details of the newest (and oddest) COMPAS poll, but in the end I only have today's Nanos poll for CTV and The Globe and Mail to add to the projection. Accordingly, there is little change to report.
But I suspect this will not be the case for much longer. While last night's debate was interesting, I'm not sure it will move the numbers in any significant way. However, it can take time for this sort of thing to register, and often the effect of the debate is only known well after the leaders have finished arguing.
In terms of poll results, we shouldn't begin to see any of the effects until tomorrow at the earliest, and by the weekend we might still only be seeing a piece of the puzzle. The French debate tonight will, of course, have a large influence on the polls in Quebec but if anything especially remarkable happens it could resonate in English Canada as well.
My initial impression, however, is that all of the leaders generally shored up their own support but did little to capture votes from the other parties.
There are no changes in the seat projection today. The Conservatives are still at 152, the Liberals are at 73, the Bloc Québécois is at 50, and the New Democrats are at 33. The Tories are back up to 39% while the Liberals and NDP are unchanged at 28.1% and 16.7%, respectively.
There has been little change at the regional level as well. Today's Nanos poll replaced yesterday's in the model, so there were only tiny variations.
The most important are those that took place in Ontario and Quebec. The Conservatives are unchanged at 42% in Ontario, but the Liberals are now at 35%. It is a gain of only 0.1 points, but it nevertheless narrows the gap between them and the Tories. The seats I highlighted yesterday as liable to fall back into the Liberal fold are all the more likely to go Grit now.
In Quebec, the Liberals are down and the Bloc is up - the first time the Bloc has seen their numbers improve in the projection in a few days.
Tonight's debate is very important for Gilles Duceppe, as he has to galvanize what has been, so far, a relatively uninspired campaign. Expect him to go hard at all three of the federalist leaders, as he is being pressed by all of them: the Conservatives in Quebec City, the Liberals around Montreal, and the New Democrats everywhere.
The Bloc isn't likely to lose any seats at the hands of the NDP (except maybe Gatineau), but the real threat to the Bloc that the NDP poses is as a spoiler. Many ridings in Quebec were close BQ/Liberal or BQ/Conservative races, and if the NDP siphons off enough support from the Bloc it could benefit the two other parties.
Undoubtedly, the NDP is also taking some votes from the Liberals and perhaps even the Conservatives. But the Bloc and NDP are both social democratic parties, and many polls show francophones and Bloc supporters have a generally high regard for the NDP and their leader.
As Quebecers already have a pretty clear picture of how the Conservatives and Liberals see their province, expect Duceppe to go after Jack Layton on issues that revolve around Quebec. We saw that a little last night when he talked about Bill 101. The NDP is more of a centralizing party than their two federalist counterparts, and that is a particularly problematic position for many former Bloc supporters now considering to vote for the NDP.
It will be up to Layton to ward off these attacks. I think he might be able to do it, as unlike the other two anglophone leaders Layton speaks decent working-class French (he did grow up in Montreal, after all). The more educated French of Michael Ignatieff and the heavily accented (and at times difficult to understand) French of Stephen Harper will not likely resonate with francophones once they are pressed by Duceppe and knocked off message.
In any event, the French debate will be an interesting one. It's unfortunate we only get one in each language.
My apologies for the late update today, my alarm clock is to blame.
I think it is interesting to note that the above poll shows the Conservatives ahead in EVERY area of the country today except Quebec, and are ahead of the Liberals in Quebec. I only found this page several days ago, but this is a first in that time. It will be interesting to see what effect the debates have on the polls. I expect that The Bloc will get a bump in Quebec after tonight's French Debate.
That COMPAS poll has some crazy numbers... Drastically higher Conservative support and drastically lower Liberal support west of Quebec. The numbers are just too far off to trust it on it's own. It will only be believable if other polls start showing similar trends.
Hmm. Elizabeth May's numbers in Saanich—Gulf Islands are still rising, it seems, despite the lowering in BC overall. I'm don't think the Green leader's plane has enough runway left, so to speak, but it's getting.
Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier is against André Arthur today, though Justin Trudeau seems to be shoring up support in Papineau.
*sigh* My riding is still boring. Yvon Godin is going to win in a walk in Acadie—Bathurst. Though the Green candidate isn't on the official list. Wonder what's up?
"In fact, among those who said the Liberals were their first choice before the debate, just 54% said they thought Ignatieff won the debate. One in five Liberal supporters said Layton was the winner."
A 21 point gap isn't crazy. We've seen a poll with a 19 point gap this election, just after the writ was dropped. It's on the far end of Conservative support for sure, but it isn't crazy and had a substantial number of those polled.
Your alarm clock is to blame for your late update? Are you sure you aren't hung over from playing the "Let me be clear" drinking game whilst watching the debate?
Thank you Eric for best site on the internet.
Only poll that matters is on May 2. I think we will see another Conservative minority government, no majority for Harper.
Harper is defeated in the house (on budget or whatever). Coalition talk starts again with usual rhetoric about socialists, separatists, etc .
Harper will be in very tight spot and I have feeling that knives will come out.
Eric, I wonder if COMPAS asked their leadership questions (best judge, best military commander, best money manager) before they asked the federal vote intention question. That could actually cause the 5% swing we're seeing. Mind you, all the other trends in the poll regionally seem to stack up with industry concensus. Only Ontario is really off from the other polls.
Just out of sheer curiosity I was wondering if you would do a seat projection on the COMPAS poll alone?
I was very annoyed that I was still sober after the debate.. Coalition didn't get mentioned by Harper enough lol. Should have known he'd just sit there and not debate.
- Harper: Could have left a a button to play his sound byte. He didn't even need to be there, since he didn't even seem to answer any of the actual 6 questions.
- Layton: He was trying to distinguish himself from both Cons/Libs, but even he seemed oddly boring.
- Iggy: Well, not a drooling idiot, so that's a plus. Just not as good as he should have been.
- Giles: Was a drooling idiot. Very strange given his last election performance in english was actually credible.
Funniest moment of the debate goes Iggy though. Iggy vs. Giles - Iggy opens with praise for Quebec. Giles counters with a look of wth? Iggy kept Giles from saying anything bad about the Liberals (important for Quebec) and effectively made him useless there.
Not surprising from COMPAS - Dr. Conrad Winn is as right wing as they come, and has been under the direct pay have the Harper Government in the past (at least according to here: http://dymaxionworld.blogspot.com/2007/03/conrad-winn.html). I trust that poll about as much as I trust Fox News (or QMI) to be fair and balanced.
BVoR - I agree that Ignatieff didn't get the knock out punch he needed, but according to this site's projections the Conservatives are polling ~45% outside of Quebec. 37% isn't a great result for Harper either.
The COMPAS (is all caps right on that?) poll had 35% undecideds. That's a lot. I'm going to go out on crystal ball gazing limb here and say undecideds are more likely to be Liberal supporters.
Also, we saw another IPSOS (all caps?) poll last week that state the Conservative support would be 44% if they only counted those sure to vote. This would also be in the 21% spread range.
Eric do you know, but I don't believe Canadian pollsters screen for likely voters, like they do in the states? I believe, and I could be mistaken, that we poll support, not if someone is going to vote, which is part of why we see third party vote collapse at the polls.
We take out undecideds, not unlikely voters.
So, if you have high undecideds for whatever reason, and screen for likely voters, 21% as a gap is not that unreasonable. High for sure, but possible depending on who votes.
Yes in the states, pollsters will ask leading questions before question number 14 or 21 is the money question, "Who are you going to vote for?" That doesn't happen in Canadian polling as far as I'm aware that question is always asked first.
The only difference in polling companies is whether or not they give the party names and leaders aka prompt or not.
However the COMPAS poll asked some hillarious follow up questions, this being the last one.
"If a young friend of yours were serving with the Armed Forces in a battlefield in Afghanistan, which one of these leaders would you have preferred as unit commander in charge?
Harper emerges as an exceptionally strong battlefield commander in the eyes of the public,"
Harper won that question by a 42 point spread over Ignatieff, 56-14.
This reinforces my notion that Canadians are ok with tyrants as PM, and the opposition constantly going on about his tight leash style of governing doesn't hurt him.
We don't want to "let the flowers grow", which was Ignatieff's lamest line of the debate.
The COMPAS press release indicates the leadership questions were the last set asked.
Ontario isn't the only one that's really off - MB/SK, Alberta and BC are all showing some significant differences from most other polls for the Conservatives, the Liberals or both. They've got drastically higher Conservative numbers for all 3 Prarie provinces (not that it actually matters much for the seat count in Alberta). In BC, the 22 point lead on the NDP and 26 point gap on the Liberals is way off of the ~14 point gap we've seen on the 2nd place party from other polls.
The 35% undecided makes me wonder if it's either a higher bar for decided (cutting out more "soft" support) or a lower bar for intending to vote.
Just as a comment towards the NDP's centralizing tendencies. It is true the NDP, being a social-democratic party, tends to support a more active and interventionist federal government, which clashes with the Bloc supporters' desires for more Québec autonomy. However, the NDP is also perhaps the party that is the most friendly towards Québec nationalism. This contradiction has resulted in the NDP adopting a position called "asymmetrical federalism" towards Québec.
Meaning, the Federal would enact policies, but grant Québec the right to remove itself from these policies, getting the money that would otherwise have gone to it in that program so that they may enact their own program or use the money elsewhere. So the NDP can use this as a way to go after the soft nationalist vote in Québec.
However, this poses a dilemma for Layton, because this policy risks not being too popular in the rest of Canada, especially in Western Canada, due to resentment against Québec. That's a main reason why the NDP hasn't made its policy of asymmetrical federalism known too well in their campaigns. It's there, but they prefer not to talk about it too much, at least not in the national campaign, the Québec candidates use it as a main selling point on the other hand.
If the NDP were to win with a strong Québec delegation, I have a feeling that sparks would fly in the caucus on that policy. I don't think Ontarian and Western NDP candidates are keen on the whole thing. So the policy is there and Layton can use it, but he also has reasons not to expose it too much.
5% gap. Looks like somebody's COMPAS is pointing in the wrong direction.
Photo caption: "Prime Minister Harper and three other guys"
"I soon had the feeling the PM was on his own, delivering a briefing to Canadians on present and future conditions. And the others were the proverbial dog that finally has caught up with the car it's been chasing and now doesn't know what to do with it. Having defeated the government, they were now unable to make a convincing case for having done so."
This is the most Liberal friendly media. The Star is incorporated and mandated to support progressive points of view.
I wonder when the CBC will go into damage control.
A Harper majority getting a mandate to balance the budget earlier would be obligated to look at the 1.1B / year of tax dollars going to the CBC.
The CBC argument for being the fair balanced purveyor of the news as a reason for continued support will be absurd.
2) Drop Greg Weston while he is still on probation.
4) Immediately get the freedom of information requests completed. How ever bad they are for the CBC hiding them will be worse.
Some pollsters definitely do screen for likely voters. Maybe all - not sure.
I don't think any of them list the specific question wording or the cutoff for doing so though.
BTW, I was trying to see how COMPAS had performed in the past, and I couldn't find any comparable polls. Is this their first poll of national voting intentions ever?
I think they have polled in the past, but they are not exactly very active on federal voting intentions. I have no poll from them taken within the last four weeks of any of the last three federal campaigns.
Most other polls had the cpc ahead by 20-22 % points.
To me this COMPAS poll translates to a 14 pt CPC lead. removing a 33% CPC Bias.
You can't claim the debate performance as a reason why the 21 point spread is reasonable. There is zero connection between the two - the 21 point spread did not influence Harper's performance in the debate, and the debate was after the polling period that produced the 21 point spread.
As for the CBC Voter Compass - I have yet to hear a single reason why it's biased that is based in actual fact. Every single one has been on the basis of incorrect assumptions (including a handful of completely ignorant ones) on how it functions.
Do the Liberals pull back on the national campaign and run a targeted campaign to save money for a leadership campaign?
Will Ignatieff bother with a visit to Alberta / Saskatchewan?
Funding becomes a serious issue with the $2 / vote being phased out.
No BT, if you go to the pdf of the poll from the COMPAS website, the questions about money management, and combat leadership were asked last.
@ BC Voice of Reason: The Toronto Star is no more a Liberal(federal) friendly paper. The current publisher John Cruickshank and editor in chief Michael cooke ran the most conservative papers in Canada i.e The Vancouver Sun and the Province under the leadership of none other than Conrad Black during the Chretien years. They then moved to Black's US papers when he sold his Canadian operations and then back to Canada after he got into trouble there. These guys are as right wing as they come. Many progressive journalists at the Toronto Star openly despise these two.
"Measures of enthusiasm and commitment still show the Conservatives with a major advantage but the gap seems to be eroding somewhat."
This is the most interesting line from the EKOS press release. Ekos still shows the Greens at 9% and the NDP at 20%.
I think this happens in the EKOS parallel universe where younger voters all come out and vote, as much as older voters, and non-voters come out and vote.
I'm not sure if they don't screen for likely voters, or if they include leaners and COMPAS or IPSOS calls those people undecided, but I place bets that how you get most of the differences between polls, and it isn't terribly transparent.
If young people come out and vote, which is historically against the trends seen since the 1980's, and if the 800,000 Liberal supporters come out who didn't vote last time, the EKOS poll is probably fairly accurate.
Do I think both those things will happen? No I don't. I think we will have record low turnout of around 55-57%, and the 35% undecideds in the COMPAS poll are mostly liberals who aren't coming out again.
That was released on June 24, 2004. The Canadian federal election in 2004 was held on June 28, 2004. COMPAS had 34% Liberals and 33% Cons at that point with a 3.5% MOE.
Seats ended up being 135 to 99. 36% to 29% Nationally. So I guess that was within the MOE although this new one seems rather strange as how can so many other polls be so off?
The 35% undecided is significantly higher than the number for other pollsters. On the other hand, it's awfully close to the percentage of Canadians who don't bother to vote (i.e., 40%+). My theory is that the people who say undecied are, generally, people who are disinterested in politics and who are unlikely to vote (although there is, no doubt, a small minority who are genuinely undecided voters). If Compass' methodology is more effective at identifying actual voters than those of the other polling firms, that might explain the significant differences.
Moreover, while the Tory leads in some provinces seem unusually high, it's not so implausible if you think that Liberal voters are more likely to be disengaged by this campaign (perhaps as a result of the pre-writ Tory add campaign against Iggy), while Tory voters are more likely to be energized. Moreover, some of their other party numbers (particularly for the NDP, Bloc and greens) aren't inconsistent with what other pollsters are getting.
Not sure why you seem to be disagreeing with me... I said they were asked last.
Leger was polling for QMI/Sun. And now COMPAS is...what's the deal with that?
There are many anonymous posters making contributions.
You can maintain your anonymity by just selecting the name/url out of the drop down box. All you have to do is fill in a fake name... don't even have to provide a fake e-mail address.
It would not even have to be consistent (although that would be better) and makes it easier to have a conversation or make reference to a particularly wise post.
It'd be nice if there was one right before an election so that we could get a bit of a better estimation of what their house effect was though. I think your guess of +7 for the Conservatives is probably close to the truth though - a 14 point lead would still make them one of the more Conservative-favourable pollsters, but still within the MOE of what seems to be the industry average of around 11% right now.
EKOS' numbers were pretty odd too, but at least we know that we should probably take about 3 points from the Greens and give them to the Conservatives (or at least that's what I do).
Hi BC Voice of Reason, I did not realize you could do that. Thank you. I was Anon @ 13:14.
At this point I'm willing to put down money that your projection for the Liberals is at least 6 percentage points too high for the Liberals. Most other outlets are putting this complicated race in the "too close to call" column.
The Liberal candidate is no longer the popular incumbant and maverick MP Keith Martin. They got their candidate literally just before the election started--Troy Desouza from the Conservatives has been campaigning in this riding for many elections and came within 80 votes of beating Keith last time.
I heard somewhere that federal parties are actually allowed to spend their spending total every year rather than every election in each riding. If this is true, you may want to look at this for Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca, where I believe the Conservatives have spent boatloads of money every year pre-writ since last election to get Troy Desouza in.
I know you need uniform polling data... but maybe there's a way for you to get a closer poll by poll analysis of Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca that could actually adjust your numbers back down to reality for this important BC riding. | 2019-04-25T06:53:35Z | http://www.threehundredeight.com/2011/04/seven-point-gap-in-ontario.html |
I have been using Lazy-K for as long as I have been using WordPress (about 4 months) and it is a great tool. I recently upgraded Lazy-K to use Lightbox and that makes the photos look much better.
All of my photos are stored in sub-galleries, which works great for attaching photo sets to individual posts. However, when you view the lightbox slide show of a sub gallery from a post link it also include all the photos from the other sub galleries ... is there a way to change this???
I have also selected the option 'Show image filename in slide view' but this does not happen in the slide show. Is there a reason for this? Is there another way to add a description to the slide?
Take a look at www.forevershores.ca to see the problems.
Many thanks in Advance if anyone can help.
To start with, can you please tell me what version of the "lightbox" plugin you're using? Where did you download it from? There are a few differences in how they are implemented.
The "show image filename in slide view" wasn't really intended to have an effect on the lightbox display. "Slide View", as I call it, refers to the standard Lazy-K Gallery slide page. That being said, there may be an easy way to do what you want. Let me know where you got your plugin and I'll take a look.
Regarding subgalleries and lightbox - I haven't heard of that issue before. I'll take a look when you reply with your lightbox version.
Here is the version I have, cannot remember where I got it through. Looking at the date I guess there will be a newer version out there, which may help. Where is the best version download?
OK, I see what you are saying about the "show image filename in slide view", thats fine.
Check out my site to see the subgalleries lightbox issue.
That version of the plugin is fine. It's not so much the "version" that matters as the source. There are a few different plugins out there calling themselves "lightbox" but they implement things in different ways, so not all work. Yours is fine. There's a list in the FAQ in case you're curious.
When you're viewing your blog from the main page, there are multiple posts on one page, but each has the same "lightbox[lazyk]" attribute. As a result, it's all the same group inside of lightbox. What we need to do is use a different group name (instead of just "lazyk") for each separate group. I'll see if I can come up with something.
Ok, I think this will work. I don't have subgalleries and Lightbox set up handy to try it on, but this should work.
Sorry I didn't have time to try it out myself, but let me know if that works for you. Basically I just grabbed a piece of the path and used it to make the lightbox group identifier unique.
That works a treat Korey! Thanks very much for taking the time to help.
If you need me to test anything else I would be glad too, just shout.
Great - I'll get that into the next version. Let me know if any problems arise!
Can you do the same thing for me?
I'm using the lightbox plugin from m3ment0r.de and the changes you gave to mob_rich, won't work for this plugin.
I don't think I can make that work on my blog.
What exactly is happening for you? Can you send me the URL so I can take a look? You can send a private message if you'd prefer not to advertise your URL.
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Good pair of sports shoes can help you run faster. U.S. footwear industry has made the following conclusions: a high-quality materials and good quality shoes, can long maintain its shape, when people dressed in even more feet, and will give you the best performance. At the same time, the report shows that a pair of good shoes, the general value of 65-90 dollars. Lower than the price of shoes, may be less or more with low-grade material by the system. Mike. Jordan would never agree to this. He always wore the most expensive sports shoes, standing in the basketball court. And Jordan shoes are always in the market within less than a week, immediately dump the sale of one space. There is no doubt that Jordan shoes are the young breed of love. | 2019-04-20T04:17:10Z | http://pluginforums.atterberry.net/viewtopic.php?t=496&view=previous& |
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