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What are the M&A and VC transaction trends and business valuations?
What is the historical and future expected performance for the software & IT staffing industry?
What are the supply chains, products, services, and major market in the software & IT staffing space?
Who are the major industry competitors and what is their market share?
What are the industry operating conditions (key success factors, barriers to entry, industry globalization)?
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This report is the first of a series that will describe the IT Staffing and Consulting Industry. Later reports will cover the following topics in the industry: transactions, industry performance, products and markets, competitive landscapes, major companies/activities, operating conditions, buy side agreements, and key statistics.
This first report will provide an executive summary by discussing (a) the overall purpose and (b) the main activities of an IT Staffing and Consulting firm. Then the report will discuss (c) similar industries that attempt to create the same value.
Because the need for highly skilled IT workers is at an all-time high, companies see great value in outsourcing their responsibilities of finding these employees to staffing agencies. Figure 2 shows how general staffing firms are widely used across organizations.
IT staffing and consulting firms also provide the value of human capital by offering consulting services to the firm. These firms use their highly valued human capital to help consult firms with IT problems. Their dual purpose enables them to bring highly trained individuals to solve projects for a short duration, and they provide companies with the opportunities to hire these individuals full time.
The staffing agency screens and hires candidates for regular positions. The agency goes through the detailed, hiring process so that the employer at the company can have full confidence in hiring that individual. The staffing service offers its IT talent to firms for a premium charge.
The individuals, which are hired on from the IT staffing and consulting, provide value by giving their clients, a corporation, insights about overall IT strategy. For example, the IT consultant will advise clients concerning mobile security, process automation, data storage, etc. An IT consultants is a domain expert about information technology who can satisfy corporations’ technological needs.
Staffing is a general business that can be practiced in every branch of a corporation. Finance and accounting, marketing, and public relations are all examples of staffing agencies. The staffing agency takes a skilled individual and then adds value by linking the individual to a company’s need. Figure 3 shows the breakdown of occupations by staffing employees.
Overall, the IT Staffing and Consulting industry is a platform that provides value by connecting qualified, tech-skilled individuals with enterprises that need it. The industry adds value to the individual by promoting his or her skills and abilities. The industry also adds value to the enterprise by making the hiring process more efficient and effective. In return, the individuals’ human capital adds value to the enterprise.
Peter Economy, “11 Interesting Hiring Statistics.” Retrieved from: https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/19-interesting-hiring-statistics-you-should-know.html. Accessed February 22, 2018.
Robert Half, “How Do Staffing Agencies Work? 5 Tips for the Employer.” Retrieved from: https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/working-with-a-staffing-agency/how-do-staffing-agencies-work-5-tips-for-the-employer. Accessed February 22, 2018.
IBS. Retrieved from: http://www.ibs.com/media/Infographics/IBS-Why-Work-For-an-IT-Staffing-Firm-F.pdf. Accessed February 24, 2018.
Pinnacle Group. Retrieved from: https://www.pinnacle1.com/What-We-Do/IT-Staffing-and-Consulting. Accessed February 22, 2018.
Randstad. Retrieved from: https://www.randstadusa.com/staffing-and-solutions/staffing/it-staffing-2017/. Accessed February 22, 2018.
Amy White, “What is a Staffing Agency?” Retrieved from https://www.snagajob.com/resources/staffing-agency/. Accessed February 22, 2018.
iCorps Technologies. Retrieved from: https://blog.icorps.com/what-are-the-differences-between-it-consulting-it-services-and-software-consulting. Accessed February 22, 2018.
Staffing continues to be a hotspot for software M&A transactions because of the value that it creates for individuals and companies. In this report, the following items will be discussed about the transactions of an IT Staffing & Consulting firm: (a) historical transactions, (b) major buyers and buyer trends, (c) valuations and multiples, and (d) notable deals.
In 2017, there were 88 staffing firm transactions announced. Of those transactions, Healthcare and IT staffing firms were the most frequently targeted segments. Staffing Industry Analysts’ Database Tool holds information about 847 transactions that occurred between January 2014 and December 2017.
According to Duff & Phelps, the number of staffing deals in 2017 totaled to 139, ~14% increase from 2016. Figure 1 represents Duff & Phelps’ yearly staffing transaction volume from 2007 to 2017. Figure 2 shows the percentage of staffing transactions per industry.
Because the economy is in the middle of a recovery cycle, the current demand for temporary jobs has increased; therefore, M&A activity in the staffing industry has increased over the last few years.
Staffing companies are generally acquired by strategic buyers. From the 139 reported transactions in 2017 (see Fig. 1), 20% were obtained by financial buyers and 80% by strategic buyers. Because financial and strategic buyers’ processes differ, each buyer valuates firms differently. Figure 3 compares financial buyers to strategic buyers for staffing transactions for the last five years.
Financial buyers. Financial buyers include “private equity firms, venture capital firms, hedge funds, family investment offices, and ultra-high net worth individuals.” These firms are looking for a return on invested capital. Generally, financial buyers acquire firms that can generate cash flow on their own.
Strategic buyers. Strategic buyers are operating companies that acquire other firms to integrate the firm into its own operations to increase its primary revenue stream. Also, strategic buyers may acquire another company with unrelated operations to diversify revenue sources.
The following table (Fig. 4) represents public trading statistics for eight staffing companies. This chart includes stock prices, market capitalization, enterprise value, and other valuation ratios to represent multiples.
The data shows that the average EV/EBITDA multiple for these companies is 9.8x. According to Valuation Academy as of January 2014, the average EV/EBITDA multiple for industries such as computer services, information services, and telecom services are 9.51, 15.21, and 7.42, respectively. A relatively high EV/EBITDA means that the company is overvalued; versus a low multiple, which means the company is undervalued.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, Vaco, a staffing firm, was acquired by Olympus Partners, a private equity firm. Vaco provides consulting and staffing in the accounting, finance, technology, healthcare, operations, and administrations sectors. The amount of the acquisition is not publicly known, however, Vaco’s revenue is projected to surpass $458 million in 2017.
The Staffing Industry continues to grow with the economy. IT staffing and consulting represents the top sector of M&A transactions for staffing companies in the United States. Strategic buyers acquire staffing companies to improve their company’s margins and to create different revenue streams. IT staffing transactions are growing and expanding in the market.
Staffing Industry Analysts, 2017. “Staffing Mergers & Acquisitions: 2018 Update.” Retrieved from: https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Research/Research-Reports/Americas/Staffing-Mergers-Acquisitions-2018-Update. Accessed February 27, 2018.
Madison Street Caapital, 2017. “2017 Staffing Industry.” Retrieved from: http://madisonstreetcapital.com/blog/id/86. Accessed February 27, 2018.
Boyte, Cody, 2014. “5 Differences Between Financial and Strategic Buyers.” Retrieved from: https://www.axial.net/forum/5-differences-financial-strategic-buyers/. Accessed February 27, 2018.
Valuation Academy, 2014. “Industry Specific Multiples.” Retrieved from: http://valuationacademy.com/industry-specific-multiples/. Accessed March 1, 2018.
Y Charts, 2017. “EV/EBITDA” Retrieved from: https://ycharts.com/glossary/terms/ev_ebitda. Accessed March 1, 2018.
The software and IT segment is the fastest growing sub-sector of professional staffing and consulting firm. Revenues for this sub-sector continue to grow along with the entire staffing industry. This report will discuss the (a) key external drivers and (b) current performance for staffing firms in 2017.
IT Staffing firms, like other firms, are heavily influenced by external factors such as customers, the economy and competition. The economy heavily affects IT staffing firms by influencing the (a) labor force participation rate, and (b) overall industry competition.
Labor force participation. When the labor force participation is low, typically in a recession, companies have trouble finding the right candidates for a position. This makes it critical for businesses to look to staffing companies for recruiting and hiring top employees.
When labor force participation is low, staffing agencies fill employment needs. Using staffing firms during these times will help a company productively fulfill demands without having to deal with full-time employees.
Competition. As the economy rises, the competition goes along with it. During periods of healthy and improving economic growth, companies struggle to find and retain key employees. Companies can use staffing agencies to improve their pool of qualified candidates.
Overall, the economy drives the fluctuation of staffing firms’ performance. Along with fluctuations in the economy, IT staffing firms are influenced by the current fluctuations of the technology market.
The following looks at both the quantitative and qualitative performance of staffing firms.
Quantitative performance. In 2016, the staffing industry generated about $137 billion of revenue. The top-performing industry for the last three years, Allegis Group, has a 6.5% market share of the entire industry. Figure 1 displays the revenue for top firms from 2014 to 2017.
The top 43 IT software and staffing firms account for over $18 billion of revenue and 63% of market share. The following chart (Figure 2) shows the top five IT staffing firms in the U.S.
Allegis Group’s 12% market share equates to $28.9 billion of total market value for IT staffing firms. IT staffing firms are the fastest growing subsector of professional staffing and consulting firms.
Qualitative data. Because staffing, in general, is an industry based on human capital and intangible key indicators, studies are done to rank staffing using net promoter scores (NPS). Net promoter scores “measure customer experience and [predict] business growth.” The NPS is calculated by asking the question, “How likely is it that you would recommend [brand] to a friend or colleague?” The answer is given on a scale of 0 (not at all likely) to 10 (extremely likely).
Those who score 9-10 are titled as “promotors,” those who score 7-8 are titled “passives,” and those who score 0-6 are titled “detractors.” The NPS is calculated by taking the percentage of promoters and subtracting the percentage of detractors. Figure 3 shows the scale used for NPS calculation.
Studies and surveys were completed to calculate the NPS for the staffing industry. In the survey program promoted by Inavero, the study measured the NPS for three different categories: (1) client satisfaction, (2) talent satisfaction, and (3) internal staff satisfaction. Figure 4 shows the results of the study for 2017.
With an average scores between 7.5 and 8.3, staffing is perceived as neutral by consumers. According to the same survey done in previous years, last 7 years has yielded net promoter scores similar to the chart shown above. Client satisfaction has fluctuated the most with an NPS of 33%, -3%, and 9% in 2010, 2015, and 2017, respectively. Overall, current performance has remained fairly constant according to net promoter scores.
Revenue for staffing firms continue to increase year over year. The fluctuation of external factors (e.g. economy) heavily impact the current performance of these staffing firms. External factors impact the need for staffing firms but also affect the way individuals perceive staffing firms. Depending on the ups and downs of an economy, staffing firms perform differently.
Chron, 2017. “What are Internal & External Environmental Factors That Affect Business?” Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/internal-external-environmental-factors-affect-business-69474.html. Accessed March 6, 2018.
@Work, 2015. “What Impact Does the US Economy Have on Staffing?” Retrieved from: https://www.atwork.com/2015/11/06/what-impact-does-the-us-economy-have-on-staffing/. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Staffing Industry Analysts, 2017. Retrieved from: https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/Daily-News/Staffing-Industry-Analysts-lists-largest-US-staffing-firms-for-2017-42794. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Staffing Industry Analysts, 2017. Retrieved from: https://www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/Daily-News/US-staffing-market-to-increase-3-SIA-forecast-says-43471. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Staffing Industry Analysts, 2017. Retrieved from: http://aictalent.acsicorp.com/aictalent/sites/all/themes/aic/images/Largest-IT-StaffingFirms.pdf. Accessed March 10, 2018.. Accessed March 9, 2018.
Satmetrix, 2017. “What is Net Promoter?” Retrieved from: https://www.netpromoter.com/know/. Accessed March 6, 2018.
Inavero, 2017. “Net Promoter Score (NPS) Benchmarks for Staffing.” Retrieved from: https://www.inavero.com/category/staffing_recruiting/staffing-nps-benchmarks/. Accessed March 6, 2018.
A supply chain is the set of links between various steps that allow a business to reach its end goal. For example, a manufacturing business typically has a supply chain consisting of suppliers, the manufacturer, wholesalers, and then a retailer. Staffing supply chains vary slightly in that they rely on an employee board, hiring managers, recruiters, agencies, and background check providers. The important components of any human capital supply chain are training, development, and retention.
With the proliferation of technology, the most effective staffing systems electronically link agencies, online sources, and referrals through one-click multi-posting, agency portals and electronic employee referral programs. This enhanced process reduces the recruiting cycle time and increases efficiencies in staffing. This is also useful in recruiting top-notch Information Technology (IT) talent.
According to TEKsystems, the world’s highest revenue generating IT staffing company, the goal of these firms is to provide IT talent, solutions, and services that help organizations stay competitive and actualize ROI. Their IT staffing solutions include IT application staffing, communications staffing, and network infrastructure staffing. Annually, TEKsystems deploys over 27,000 IT professionals with 74% of those being application staffing and 19% communications staffing. They also provide many other services apart from staffing. This is typical with the top organizations.
The demand determinants are the price of the staffing services, the price of competitors’ services, the price it costs for organizations to recruit top talent themselves, and the income of potential clients. Each of these will determine whether an organization utilizes the resources of an IT staffing firm. The holiday and tax seasons typically represent the busy season for staffing services.
Virtual staffing firms are gaining in popularity. 73% of working adults include flexibility as one of their most important factors when considering a new job. The benefits include a happier workforce with better work/life balance, a larger talent pool, and decreased overhead costs. Virtual staffing is successful in the IT industry as well as the clerical, administrative, and creative industries.
The Staffing Industry Analysis (SIA) estimates that the staffing industry generated USD 429 billion in revenue worldwide with the largest markets being the US, Japan, and the UK. The top 15 countries combined for 88% of total global staffing. The staffing market as a whole has been experiencing accelerated growth.
The following chart is based on research conducted by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). The chart highlights the top 20 IT staffing firms in the United States. They are ranked by the estimated temporary IT staffing revenue generated in 2016. The overall US IT staffing marketing for 2016, as estimated by SIA, was $28.6 billion..
According to the four-firm concentration ratio, the IT staffing industry in the US is not considered very competitive or concentrated. To be defined as competitive the top four firms would need to account for roughly 40% of the industry’s output. In this case, the top four firms represent approximately 27% of the market.
When analyzing the market share held by the largest firms the following chart from SIA shows that the five largest firms have maintained roughly the same share since 2010. The 15 largest firms experienced a jump in share from 2008-2010 but have slowly lost ground over the years.
SIA further mentions that the consolidation that was seen in 2008 thru 2010 was largely in part due to the acquisition of COMSYS IT Partners by ManpowerGroup. The transaction took place through the merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of ManpowerGroup into COMSYS. Another notable transaction during this same time period was the acquisition of MPS Group by Adecco.
The below pie chart compares the M&A activity within each segment of the staffing industry during 2015 in North America. As illustrated, M&A within IT staffing constituted 22% of all transactions. Compared to other staffing services, such as commercial staffing, IT continues to dominate. This is attributed to the healthy margins of firms and the positive growth prospects for the future. During the year 15 firms that specialize in IT were acquired. The industry experienced a downswing in M&A activity from 2015 to 2016. Deals in North America fell from 92 in 2015 to 69 in 2016. Both figures well off the 126 deals announced in 2007 prior to the recession. This may have been due to subpar economic growth and heightened business uncertainty.
In 2017, IT staffing has proven itself to be the most active segment of the staffing industry for M&A with 41 transactions globally. These results are significantly higher than the other sectors within the staffing industry.
In recent deals Creative Circle, LLC was acquired by On Assignment on May 11, 2015 for $570 million with an additional $30 million in potential earn-out payments. The purchase price, including tax savings with a net present value of ~$91 million, represents ~8.0x 2015 Adjusted EBITDA (excluding earn-out) and ~8.5x 2015 Adjusted EBITDA (including full achievement of earn-out). Revenues for Creative Circle were $226 million in 2014 prior to the acquisition.
In recent years ManpowerGroup has been in acquisition mode. In 2015 ManpowerGroup acquired 7S Group GmbH in Germany for a reported €136.5 million to expand their range of solutions in specialty sectors. In 2016 they purchased the Norway division of Ciber, Inc. and announced in early 2017 that they would be acquiring the Spain division as well.
Landhuis, Timothy, and Maxim Kupfer. “Largest IT Staffing Firms in the United States: 2017 Update.” Staffing Industry Analysts, 21 July 2017, aictalent.acsicorp.com/aictalent/sites/all/themes/aic/images/Largest-IT-StaffingFirms.pdf. Accessed 18 Apr. 2018.
Staffing Industry Analysts, www2.staffingindustry.com/site/Editorial/IT-Staffing-Report/Feb.-2-2017/IT-staffing-remains-industry-s-most-active-segment-for-M-A. Accessed 18 Apr. 2018.
“ManpowerGroup In the News.” ManpowerGroup Announces Acquisition of Ciber Spain, www.manpowergroup.com/media-center/news-releases/ManpowerGroup Announces Acquisition of Ciber Spain. Accessed 18 Apr. 2018.
There are many different competitors within the IT Staffing and Consulting sphere. The focus of this report will be to identify how the market is concentrated, key success factors, cost structure benchmarks, the basis of competition, barriers to entry, and the industry’s globalization.
Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) creates a list each year of IT staffing firms with at least $100 million in revenue. The data is based on the year prior. The 2017 list, which was based on 2016 revenue, included 43 firms with a combined revenue of $18 billion.
These IT staffing firms are the largest and account for approximately 30% of the industry in the US. It is important to note that the higher rankings do not necessarily imply better service or greater value to each of the companies’ shareholders.
When identifying characteristics among successful firms the following tend to appear.
Successful firms provide various options that align with their unique clients’ needs. For example, On Assignment, the second largest revenue producing IT staffing firm, has a skill-focused recruiting methodology which allows them to quickly identify top local talent in 13 skill disciplines across the entire IT project life-cycle. By utilizing this methodology On Assignment is able to provide their clients with higher caliber candidates and a stronger applicant pool. Apex, On Assignment’s dedicated IT staffing and services company, offers many specialties including application development, technology support, systems administration, project management, business analysis, database development, data science, enterprise software, and quality assurance. Their 65 branch locations with over 3 million technical professionals across North America enable them to achieve this high standard.
The top IT staffing firms, like On Assignment, have a network that best matches the talent needs of their clients. These staffing agencies also have a timeline that matches the expectations and needs of their clients. On Assignment is able to quickly identify relevant candidates that match a client’s needs. Typically, a candidate can be found and placed with a client in a matter of weeks. The process may be even quicker if a candidate is currently between jobs.
Finally, the top IT staffing firms are transparent with their clients and provide the highest ROI.
Each of these key success factors are the basis for competition in this industry. The firms capable of providing these services the best will typically receive the most clients.
For the Top Echelon Network recruiting firm, the average recruiting fee is $18,571, the average fee percentage is 22.1%, and the average starting salary is $86,907. For IT positions specifically they average a fee amount of $19,643, a fee percentage of 20%, and an average salary of $93,319. The fees generated by the Top Echelon Network are standard for IT staffing firms. Fees generally vary depending on the position or title that is being filled and the industry in which the client operates. Fees are strategically negotiated based on the value provided to clients. Typically, they are percentage fees, but firms will occasionally accept a flat fee.
Prior to the financial crisis, the staffing industry seemed to have low barriers to entry with low start-up costs and little governance or regulation. Now, the industry is saturated with thousands of companies. This makes it more difficult to charge a premium for premium services. However, because of low barriers to entry, staffing companies do not have to provide formal training like other industries with many regulations. Companies that choose to go the extra mile set themselves apart more easily from their competitors.
IT staffing represents a significant percentage of the staffing industry. While IT staffing is still most common in the United States, its influence has spread globally, especially in Japan and the United Kingdom.
Austin Stradling, Wesley Bosco, Colin Cole, and Joseph Zhang contributed to this report. | 2019-04-23T20:56:01Z | https://investmentbank.com/software/staffing/ |
China is the biggest nation in size and population in Asia. Currently it has the world’s second largest economy. It has disputes over the Senkaku islands in the East China Sea and with a number of ASEAN countries on the South China Sea. The South China Sea is bounded by China in the North, the Philippines in the East, Vietnam in the West, Malaysia as also Brunei in the South East and Indonesia in the South West. The area bounded by the Sea is approximately 3, 685,000 Square km and forms a part of the Pacific Ocean.
The area includes more than 200 small islands, rocks and reefs with many of them located in the Paracel and Spratly chain of islands. The South China Sea is a highway for trade, shipping and telecommunications. The route is used by all ships heading from the Straits of Malacca to Japan, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. Thirty three percent of the world trade and 50 percent of world’s traffic in oil and gas pass through the South China Sea. It is a source of fish and is expected to be rich in hydrocarbons. Oil deposits have been found in most of the littoral countries of the South China Sea. The region has proven oil reserves estimated at about seven billion barrels and oil production in the region is currently around 2.5 million barrels per day. Natural gas reserves are estimated around 266 trillion cubic feet. Being an enclosed area, there are difficulties with regard to conflicting claims by various countries.
Prior to analysing the claims of affected countries, it is important to understand the UN Law of the Sea. The 1982 Convention on the Law of Seas has numerous guidelines pertaining to islands, the continental shelf, enclosed seas and territorial limits. Pertinent articles as applicable to this dispute are Articles 3, 55-75, 76 and 121. Article 3 establishes that every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles. Articles 55-75 explain the concept of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which is an area up to 200 nautical miles beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea. The EEZ gives coastal states sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources. Article 76 defines the continental shelf of a nation which comprises the sea and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical missiles. This is significant as it allows every nation to exploit the continental shelf. Further, Article 121 states that rocks that cannot sustain human habitation or economic life shall have no EEZ or continental shelf. In the case of South China Sea, most of the claimants have established military outposts in order to conform to Article 121 in pressing their claims. The Convention also states that overlapping claims must be resolved in good faith.
The South China Sea contains over 250 small islands, atolls, shoals, reefs and sandbars most of which have no indigenous people, many of which are naturally under water at high tide and some of which are permanently submerged. The islands are located on a shallow continental shelf with an average depth of 250 metres. However, in the Spratly chain, the depth changes tremendously and near the Palwan trough is more than 5000 metres deep. The sea floor contains Paleozoic, Mesozoic granite and metamorphic rocks. Out of the entire group, only one island is volcanic, otherwise the islands are made of coral reef. There are no native animals except boobies and sea gulls. There are numerous territorial issues in this region. Some of them have been settled or what could be termed as partially settled. China is the principal claimant and in the last two years has become more assertive.
The first to be dealt is the Natuna islands which contain Indonesia’s natural gas fields. The area had no dispute till China released an official map with maritime boundaries including these islands. Indonesia responded by conducting a large naval exercise in the region in 1996. Since then China has not voiced any protest and drilling of natural gas continues unabated. Similarly Malampaya and Camago natural gas fields of Philippines are claimed by the Chinese. However, they have not objected to the drilling of gas. Further, many of Malaysia’s natural gas fields located offshore Sarawak is claimed by the Chinese but Malaysians are drilling with no objection from the Chinese. Vietnam and China have resolved the Gulf of Tonkin dispute and similar issues have been resolved in the Gulf of Thailand.
The present dispute mainly pertains mainly to the Paracel and Spratly group of islands. Parcel Islands were occupied by China in 1974 when Vietnam was fighting a war with the United States. Both these island groups are disputed and are claimed by countries of the region. Brunei reportedly claims area of Louisa bank and Rifleman bank near Spratley chain as part of its continental shelf. Philippines claims 53 of the maritime features in the Spratley Islands which it calls the Kalayaan island group as well as the Scarborough Shoal. Similarly, Malaysia reportedly claims sovereignty over 11 maritime features in the Spratly Islands. Vietnam claims sovereignty over all the maritime features in the Paracel and Spratly islands. China and Taiwan claim sovereignty over all the maritime features in the South China Sea. Taiwan is currently in possession of the largest maritime feature in the South China Sea, Itu Aba or Taiping.
It is of interest to note that China’s occupation of Paracel Islands was a big surprise to Vietnam. This occurred while China and Russia were both assisting North Vietnam militarily to fight the war for unification of the country. Chinese strategy is to be friendly on the diplomatic front and suddenly occupy unguarded territory. The Paracels were under the control of the South Vietnamese who were fighting alongside the US. On 19 January 1974, the Chinese frigates and submarines duly supported by fighter aircrafts defeated the South Vietnamese in the Duncan portion of the island and quickly secured the entire island. South Vietnam made mild protests which were over shadowed by the major conflict with North Vietnam.
The map above shows the Chinese claims based on the nine dash line. China has been aggressively pursuing her claims in the South China Sea. China’s claims are based on the eleven dash line drawn in 1947 by the Kuomintang Government. The claim has been made by Chinese survey team post Second World War who included all important areas of the sea as Chinese. This map was made after China’s victory over Japan and Vietnam was under the French. Philippines was badly shaken by the war and the rest were British colonies. Possibly the Kuomintang perceived that this would remain unchallenged due to the disturbed set of circumstances that prevailed on termination of the Second World War. However by 1953, China had fought the Korean War and Ho Chi Minh with his Vietnamese troops were threatening Dien Bien Phu as also many of the ASEAN countries were gaining independence and viewing these aspects China reduced the boundary to the current nine dash line. Thereafter, China despite strong opposition from Vietnam moved into the Paracel Islands in 1974.
China in 1980s improved relations with the US led international community. A global sea level joint observation plan was adopted by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission in February 1987, commissioned by the Chinese government establishing five marine observation stations. Nansha station of China is located on the Yongshu reef. In early February 1988, the Chinese launched the construction of NO.74 observatory on Yongshu reef. Vietnam learnt about this activity and its Navy began to patrol the Spratly group of islands. On 13 March 1988, three Vietnamese transport ships arrived at the reef and set up Vietnamese flags. A little later, four large Chinese warships arrived and warned the Vietnamese. The Vietnamese did not respond. The Chinese mobilised more warships and next day early morning despatched 40 marines in three motor boats to physically remove the Vietnamese flags. The Vietnamese held their ground and the Chinese had to return back to their war ships. The Chinese now fired their 37 mm anti aircraft guns destroying the lightly armed Vietnamese on the reef. About 80 Vietnamese soldiers were killed in this skirmish. Thereafter the PLA occupied several reefs in the Spratlys. Vietnam occupied other islands on the reef and the Chinese war ships withdrew to avoid escalation.
The Philippines had similar problems with Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoals which are islands in the South China Sea. Mischief Reef is a large reef in the South China Sea. In 1994, China built structures on stilts during the monsoon season. As the area is about 130 nautical miles from Palawan in the Philippines, they objected as a part of creeping invasion by the Chinese. After negotiations, Philippines did not destroy the structures to avoid escalation and the Chinese continue to occupy these positions. The next area of dispute is the Scarborough Shoal also known as Huangyan Island which is located between the Macclesfield Bank and Luzon Island of the Philippines in the South China Sea. The shoal forms a triangle shaped chain of reefs, rocks and small islands which have a circumference of 55 km and an area of about 150 square Km. The shoal and its surrounding areas are rich fishing grounds. The nearest landmass is Palauig on Luzon island in the Philippines at a distance of 137 nautical miles. China and Taiwan claim that their people discovered the shoal centuries ago and there is a long history of Chinese fishing activity in the area. Philippine legally claims the island based on international law on sovereignty. Philippines proposed to take the matter to the International Tribunal for the Law of Seas (ITLOS) but this was not agreed by the Chinese Government as they wished to resolve it bilaterally. On 08 April 2012, a Philippine Navy surveillance plane spotted eight Chinese fishing vessels docked at Scarborough Shoal. The Philippine Navy despatched a ship which reached the location on 10 April 2012 and found that the Chinese had illegally collected corals, live sharks and giant clams. They attempted to arrest the Chinese fishermen but were prevented by two Chinese Marine Surveillance ships. There were protests by both countries and finally by July 2012 China erected a barrier to the entrance of the Shoal. Chinese surveillance ships have prevented Filipinos from fishing in the area.
In July 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for the People’s Republic of China to resolve the territorial dispute. China replied that the US keep out of the issue. The US Department of Defence issued a statement on 18 August 2010 where it opposed the use of force to resolve disputes in the South China Sea and accused China of assertive behaviour. Issues kept simmering and in May 2011, Chinese naval ships attacked and cut the cable of a Vietnamese exploration ship. On 01July 2013, US Secretary of State John Kerry asked all nations to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea amicably. This was accepted by all members and China has emphasised that bilateral solutions will be found.
On 22 July 2011, INS Airavat, an Indian naval amphibious assault ship was on a friendly visit to Vietnam. The ship was repeatedly contacted at a distance of 45 nautical miles from the Vietnamese coast on an open radio channel by a vessel identifying itself as Chinese Navy which warned the Indian ship that she was entering Chinese waters. Indian Navy clarified that no ship or aircraft was visible from INS Airavat and the ship moved on without paying any heed to the cautionary warning. Further, India clearly stated that she supported freedom of navigation in international waters including the South China Sea.
India and Vietnam signed an agreement seeking to contain a dispute over the South China Sea in September 2011. Further, Oil and Natural Gas Commission’s (ONGC) overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh Limited had signed a three year deal with Petro Vietnam for developing long term co-operation in the oil sector. Further it had accepted Vietnam’s offer of exploration in specified blocks in the South China Sea. This was met with stiff opposition from China who claimed that no exploration could be undertaken in areas over which China has sovereign rights. The Government of India correctly responded by stating that while China had concerns but India was going by the agreement signed with Vietnam. The Chinese claim was rejected by both India and Vietnam. As per the UN, the area of exploration belongs to Vietnam. India has firmly stated that ONGC will continue to explore oil in the South China Sea. Further India has clarified that the entire Indian Ocean region stretching from East African coast to South China Sea remains crucial to its foreign trade, energy and national security. Vietnam has remained steadfast on the issue and in July 2012 the National Assembly of Vietnam passed a law demarcating Vietnamese sea borders to include the Paracel and Spratly islands.
The latest development is the setting up of a prefecture by China by the name of Sasha in the Paracel islands. On 24 July 2012, the city was formally inaugurated as the centre of Government for the Spratly and Paracel islands. The government offices are located at Yongxing (Woody Island) on which some 1000 civilians currently reside. The island is the biggest island in the group and has an area of about five square miles. The island is served by an airport which was completed in July 1990 with a 2700 metre runway. It is capable of handling the Sukhoi Su-30 of the PLA Air Force. There is also a Coast Guard station and a hospital. While Vietnam strongly contends that Paracel and Spratly islands are their territory, the Chinese have left no stone unturned to build infrastructure for militarily occupying these islands.
All countries particularly US and ASEAN want the issues to be resolved peacefully. China has been dealing with the issue bilaterally without any success. Its occupation of territory by force is challenged particularly by Vietnam which has demonstrated their military capabilities and would counter use of force judiciously. The obvious question that arises is what the options for resolving the issue are. Broadly there are two options. The first is to resolve the problem through negotiations bilaterally or multilaterally. In the event of no success during negotiations, the parties could resort to other modalities of dispute settlement such as conciliation, arbitration and adjudication. This is a sovereignty dispute and it would be difficult to refer it to any form of third party without the consent of parties. Further, China has exercised her right under Article 298 on UN Convention of Law of Seas to opt out of compulsory binding dispute settlement. Therefore, the case cannot go before the International Tribunal for Law of Sea. The other option would be to set aside sovereignty issues and to undertake joint development of disputed areas. Joint development has produced tangible results between Malaysia and Thailand (1979-1990), Malaysia and Vietnam (1992) as also between Australia and Timor Leste (2002). This issue can be applied to Disputed Areas. However, China has yet to clarify its claims. Thereafter the aspect of Joint Development could be analysed.
Vietnam is the only country which has physically fought the Chinese on these islands and would not bow to China over their claims. While China holds the key to resolution of problems in the South China, it is pertinent to note that China resolves a border problem only after protracted negotiations so as to exploit time to its advantage. Paracel Islands was secured in 1974 by China without worthwhile opposition from Vietnam as they were involved in the war for unification. They would like to get a clearer perspective of hydrocarbon availability prior to clarifying their claims. Out of all the other claimants, Vietnam would fight for its rights and settle for a judicious resolution. The new Chinese leadership has been assertive on both the East Sea and South China Sea claims. Vietnam and Japan have strongly opposed China’s aggressive behaviour on these disputes. Both these countries are developing intense strategic partnerships with India to counter China’s assertive posturing. India on her part has spoken of freedom of navigation in the high seas. Further, Vietnam insists that India continue offshore drilling in the blocks allotted despite Chinese opposition.
Resolution of disputes in the South China Sea would depend on China’s keenness to clarify its claims and peacefully negotiate with other claimants. This would possibly occur once oil exploration results are available possibly in about another five years which would allow China to provide space to other claimants leading to rapprochement between the contestants to these territories. India has taken a correct stand to explore oil in the region and should remain firm on this aspect. This would send a signal to China that it is dealing with a country that can stand up to China for projecting her energy interests. Currently all claimants must be patient and wait for China to see issues in the correct perspective. | 2019-04-24T22:46:43Z | http://blog.vifindia.org/2013/10/south-china-sea-india-should-remain.html |
(Photo: Monica Almeida/The New York Times) A hospital in California.
President Barack Obama said in his speech to Congress that the nation must address “the crushing cost of health care,” with premiums having grown four times faster than wages in the past eight years and one million more Americans having lost health insurance each of those years. Reform won’t be easy, he said, but it cannot wait another year.
We asked some health care experts, who have seen attempts at comprehensive reform founder over the years, what might make a difference this time.
Elliott S. Fisher, a professor of medicine, is director of the Center for Health Policy Research at Dartmouth Medical School.
In calling for reform, President Obama emphasized the critical importance of bringing the soaring cost of health care. To do that, we need to address the underlying causes: a fragmented care system; lack of accountability for the overall costs and quality of care; a payment system that rewards growth and unnecessary care.
Our research, documented in the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, shows there are remarkable regional variations in spending. Those differences suggest there are substantial opportunities to improve the efficiency of our health care delivery system while reducing costs.
For example, in 2005, per-capita Medicare spending was $10,988 in Los Angeles but $6,838 in Sacramento; $14,360 in Miami, but $7,008 in Tallahassee, Fla.; $12,119 in Manhattan, but $6,556 in Rochester, N.Y.
If higher spending resulted in better care, this data would suggest that we need to spend more. But higher spending regions don’t provide better care. Ten years of research has shown that lower spending regions of the U.S. achieve equal or better health outcomes and quality.
(Photo: Doug Mills/The New York Times) President Obama delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress.
The higher spending — and much of the growth in spending — is due to the provision of unneeded and sometimes harmful care: hospitalizations that could have been avoided with better primary care; frivolous specialist consults; overuse of diagnostic tests. Unnecessary care can be harmful because hospitals are dangerous places to be, especially if you don’t need to be there. And having more physicians involved in your care makes it harder to know who is responsible: too many cooks can spoil the soup.
Aligning those varying costs with better health results will take time. The stimulus package, which includes nearly $20 billion to invest in electronic health records, new research programs, and preventive care, will help — especially if the standards for electronic health records are linked to a requirement that all providers within a region adopt them.
President Obama, at least in the speech, was silent on some central issues: whether he would foster the development of a more integrated and organized delivery system, whether he would modify the payment system to encourage improved quality and lower costs, and whether reform will contain performance measures to reassure the public that lower costs are compatible with high quality care. He will have to answer those questions soon.
Kevin Pho, a primary care physician in Nashua, N.H. blogs at KevinMD.com.
With the number of the uninsured having risen to 48 million Americans, clearly the need for reform is dire. But President Obama made no mention of who exactly will take care of these patients, even if they get insurance under a successful health reform initiative.
As a primary care physician in southern New Hampshire, I’ve been able to observe a universal coverage experiment, similar to what Congress is likely to consider, taking place in the neighboring Massachusetts.
Since that state’s universal coverage law took effect in 2006, its health care system has been inundated with almost half a million new patients. The demand for medical services has rapidly outpaced the supply of care physicians are able to provide care.
Universal coverage must go hand in hand with the training of more primary care providers — not only doctors, but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can provide excellent primary care.
In its most recent annual survey, the Massachusetts Medical Society found that the average wait time for a new patient to see a primary care doctor averaged 50 days. When you consider that this is a state with the highest density of physicians per capita nationally, it is frightening to think what the wait times would be in other parts of the country should universal coverage be enacted on a federal level.
When patients wait that long to see a physician, they inevitably find their way into the emergency department for care that ordinarily can be handled in an office setting. Doing so increases the cost of managing a routine issue up to ten-fold, and indeed, soaring utilization of emergency care has been an unanticipated consequence since reform was passed. In fact, patients who have obtained state-subsidized insurance visit the emergency department at a rate 14 percent higher than the average Massachusetts resident — evidence that lack of access to doctors is a big problem for newly insured patients.
The lesson here is that universal coverage must go hand in hand with the training of more primary care providers — not only doctors, but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants who can provide excellent primary care. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there will be a shortage of 46,000 generalist physicians by 2025, a deficit that not only will balloon under any universal care measure, but cannot be made up as both doctors and mid-level providers gravitate toward more lucrative specialty practices.
So, while any attempt at covering the millions of Americans without health insurance is a laudable goal, doing so without addressing a health care system ill-equipped to deal with millions more patients has the potential to make an already grim situation worse.
The better we do in treating cancer, the higher the costs. Prevention decreases the number of patients while the cost of caring for them increases.
There is a distressing irony in that in that statement: as progress has been made in managing cancer, the costs of caring for cancer patients has steadily risen. President Nixon declared a “war on cancer” in 1970, and that war has advanced on many fronts, but hardly any experts are projecting a near-term cure. Prevention efforts and public education have helped to reduce death rates from cancer (a 13 percent decline since 1990), but prevention appears more successful in improving the quality of life than in lowering costs.
In short, the better we do in treating cancer, the higher the costs. Prevention decreases the number of patients while the cost of caring for them increases. Can anything be done about such costs? More successful prevention can surely help. But we need to keep in mind the uncomfortable truth that those whose lives are saved from cancer will eventually die (possibly expensively) of some other disease. The health care system will not get off scot-free.
As for the costs of care, pressure can be put on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to hold down the price of their products. Doctors can be paid less for their care of cancer patients. Efforts can be made to persuade physicians and their patients not to undertake expensive treatments with small benefits (or, more harshly, insurance coverage can be denied). The public will have to be convinced that it is not an attack on the value of life to say no to the kind of cure-driven medicine that has brought great benefits but also some nasty ethical dilemmas. President Obama will have his hands full in coming up with a plausible reform that takes account of those mischievous perversities of medical progress.
Karen Ignagni is president and chief executive of America’s Health Insurance Plans, a national association representing nearly 1,300 companies providing health insurance.
For the past hundred years, the country has tried and failed to reform health care. Ever since the false start on reform fifteen years ago, political insiders have cautioned against trying it again. But circumstances have changed and now, rather than mobilizing to oppose reform, a wide group of diverse stakeholders — employers, health plans, consumers, doctors and hospitals — is working together to help the nation get to yes.
We’ve learned that we can work together on important issues, like children’s health care, safety net improvement, privacy protection, mental health parity, and genetic nondiscrimination.
We agree that reform needs to address cost, access, and quality simultaneously. There is also broad consensus that we can’t afford to do nothing.
Our organization has put forward a comprehensive plan to bring all Americans into the system. Our proposal urges Congress to set a target of reducing the future growth in health care costs by 30 percent — which would save $500 billion over the next five years. And we support the creation of a public-private advisory group of respected health care experts to develop a policy road map for Congress.
Among the market reforms we would bring to the table is a proposal to guarantee coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions, in conjunction with an enforceable mandate that individuals keep and maintain health care coverage. By working collaboratively with other stakeholders we can create a uniquely American combination of public and private initiatives that can pass and will work.
Last night in his address before Congress, President Obama talked about the spiraling cost of health care and how it is “one of the fastest-growing parts of our budget.” He emphasized that if we don’t root “out the waste, fraud and abuse” in our Medicare system, the spending on unnecessary and ineffective treatments “that don’t make our seniors any healthier” (but do make those who profit from the system wealthier), we will never bring down our budget deficit.
But greater efficiency will provide only part of the needed funding. I take the president’s emphasis on the deficit as a signal that he does not plan to finance healthcare reform with deficit spending. He leaves the problem of finding the rest of the money to Congress. As the Commonwealth Fund made clear in a report that it issued last week, universal coverage will almost certainly require tax increases.
Steven Findlay is a senior health care analyst with Consumers Union.
The challenge Obama and Congress face in hammering out health reform legislation centers on financing and timing. Health care spending today (government and non-government) is terribly structured, wasteful, and misappropriated. But that also means that if we do health reform right, we will not have to dig too deeply into the Treasury’s coffers to guarantee that every American has health insurance.
Indeed, it’s entirely feasible that within five to 10 years we can redeploy the projected money we will spend on health care — $2.5 trillion in 2009 rising to $3.1 trillion in 2013 — in ways that cover everyone and improve both access to care and quality of care.
How? There’s an emerging consensus that we must, first and foremost, change the way we pay for care delivered by doctors and hospitals and aggressively root out inappropriate and unnecessary care. There’s less consensus, to be sure, on exactly how to carry out those changes.
On timing, President Obama and Congress will face tough questions on how fast to expand coverage, modify payment systems, and require providers to address long-standing gaps in the quality and safety of care. With many interests at stake, compromises will be needed on these issues. But there should be no compromise on the goal of covering all Americans as quickly as possible, particularly as thousands of families are now losing their jobs and health insurance every week.
Elephant #1: Most medical spending occurs in the last 6-18 months of life and most is wasted. We’re all read horror stories of invasive tests administered to dying patients. Who’s going to deny extreme but useless end-of-life care?
Elephant #2: Fertility treatments. Sure, everyone has the right to try to have children. But when insurance pays, everyone’s premiums go up.
Elephant #3: Mental health care for the”worried well.” Once you’re functioning at a reasonable level but want “something more,” who should pay?
Countries with centralized single-payer systems don’t allow unlimited use. In fact, they can be quite restrictive. Maybe insurance companies should be, too.
I am a mathematician, not an economist, but I have spent some time looking at health care in this country and elsewhere. Forget about the immorality of the uninsured. Disregard the competitive disadvantage of our businesses. Look at health care as a business decision. Suppose you were the CEO of a soulless corporation and you wanted to evaluate some department, the IT department or the health care department. You would develop parameters to see how well the department is doing its job. For health care, these are called public health statistics. You would see how your department was doing in comparison with other similar companies. Then you would compare your cost with their cost.
This has all been done for our health care system. Obviously there is no one way to do this, but the result is so robust (as we mathematicians are wont to say) that it makes scant difference if you vary what countries you use or what public health statistics you use as long as you don’t do a Cato Institute type of analysis where you only look at people making over $10,000,000 a year. The most famous of these analyses was published in the New England J. of Medicine about 15 years ago, but has been brought up-to-date many times. (BTW you can check this and all other figures I use at //www.pnhp.org.) The author took 12 wealthy countries and the US and ranked them according to 16 public health statistics (life expectancy, infant mortality, etc.). The US ranked last or next to last in every category. No other country was anywhere near as bad. Yet, yet, we spend 2.5 times as much per patient as the average of the other countries. We spend 50% more than the Switzerland which is second in highest cost per patient. In another measure of how well we do, WHO ranks the US 37th in the world in health care. I think that’s above Slovenia, but below Costa Rica.
O.K. we spend much more money for much worse health care. What do the other countries do that we don’t. They have very different systems from pure socialized medicine to a national insurance scheme like Medicare. The one thing they have in common is that they are all single payer systems. There is one entity that makes the rules and does it in the interest of efficiency and helping people stay well and treating them when they are sick. Under our system, there are 1,500 different insurance plans with different rules and forms run by companies whose goal is not to be efficient or give good care, but simply to make money for their stockholders. If a complicated form cuts down on the money it has to give to physicians, and it can make more money even after processing the form, the company will adopt such a form even though it significantly increases costs overall by wasting the time of physicians. One of my doctors says her job is filling out forms. She gets paid depending on how well she fills them out. It’s a hard job because there are many different forms, and they are tricky and complicated, but she works hard and thinks she is pretty good at it. She also has a hobby which she loves–the practice of medicine. She would like to do much more of it and hopes if she makes enough money filling out forms, maybe she can practice more medicine.
A conservative estimate says we waste $200,000,000,000 (two hundred Billion) a year on physicians filling out forms that the single payer systems do not spend. Another $100,000,000 000 is wasted by the overhead of private insurance companies. This includes their processing of the unnecessary forms, fantastic executive compensation, and profit. The overhead for our private companies averages 15% (this may be low as it is several years old and the trend is up). The overhead for the public part of Medicare is 2% and the overhead for the entire Canadian system is 1.3%. I do not have the figures for how much we waste on high drug prices, but I do know that Big Pharma spends 11% a year on research, about 19% on profit, and 34% on marketing. We could cut drug prices by a third and not touch the amount spent on research. Here is a simple example that shows what is wrong.
Suppose you had $100 to give out to 10 people. You could give $10 to each person. Alternatively, you could decide to determine who really needs the money. You could develop a set of criteria, investigate to see who meets the criteria, and then give those the money. Say it costs you $50 to develop the rules and investigate, and suppose you decide to take $25 for your work in distributing the funds. Suppose you find only 5 are deserving. That would leave $25, so you could give $5 to each of your deserving folks. We spend much too much money denying medical care.
Perhaps you are going to trot out the horror stories about health care in other countries. It takes 400 years to get a hip replacement in Portugal or something. A lot of these stories are lies. Some are because of special conditions in some countries The real reason for the real problems is simply that other countries do not spend enough money. Can you imagine what our system would look like if we cut spending by 60%? There is, however, a more important point to be made. In spite of all their problems, the bottom line is that the other countries are getting much better results. We have already seen that.
What about choice? I am 70 years old and retired. During my career I had 5 HMO’s and 5 indemnity health plans. I have much more freedom of choice under Medicare than I had under any of the private insurance plans. I have no more referrals, no more in plan – out of plan nonsense. As for choice of insurance plan, why would anyone want choice if everyone had a plan that covered everything? In any case, you could still have private insurance for those who can afford it as most European countries still do.
Dr. Elliot fails to mention another contributing factor in overutilization of health care resources – the increasing ownership of diagnostic and treatment “infrastructure” (from MRIs and PET scans to specialized surgical centers) by the very physicians who receommend these expensive tests/treatments. In addition, our entire health care system is now geared toward maximizing revenue, rather than maximizing outcomes. It’s much easier to talk an administrator into purchasing expensive new technologies based on revenue streams than based on medical outcomes – and this is equally true in the not-for-profit health systems. Incentives for care need to change, which will require an all-around overhaul of the way healthcare is structured in this country. Given the political clout of medical specialists and hospital systems, it will be a very difficult thing to pull off.
I am always surprised to see the cost of medical education in the US omitted from any conversation on healthcare reform. Of course we need more doctors, but is it right to ask 20-somethings to take on the $250,000+ debt of a medical education, often after a very expensive four year undergraduate degree, and with little guarantee of a salary substantial enough to repay the debt?
Medical education costs need to be streamlined and subsidized by the government if any progress on healthcare is to be made. While the four year liberal arts degree is noble in theory, with the cost of education as it currently stands, it is also a luxury for many doctors in waiting, many who have been certain of their career path from a very young age. Why add a further $50,000 – $150,000 of undergraduate education costs?
In the UK, medical education starts after high school and is paid for by the government. In return, fledgling doctors commit to a few years of training with the national health service on a modest but sizeable salary that far exceeds medical residents’ pay in the US. Many choose to stay on with the NHS as GP’s. The result? An entire nation receives decent, primary healthcare at an affordable price, and young doctors are not saddled with mountains of debt.
There are 7 essential components to this system, which counter-balance each other. Please be patient as you read each one, and then see how the system as a whole works.
1) It uses a high-deductible approach to encourage patients to be value conscious, and to use their first-dollar purchasing power to exert some pressure on providers to be cost sensitive.
2) It uses an intermediary mechanism to enable each patient to pay their deductible and premium based on their means to pay; consumers pay the intermediary mechanism, and the intermediary mechanism then pays the insurance companies and the providers.
3) It keeps insurance companies and providers from “cherry picking” wealthier patients, because they only get paid, by the intermediary mechanism, a price that reflects the national average; at the same time, using this per-capita pricing mechanism, each insurer and provider is free to charge what they want for their insurance products and services. For insurers, both the high-deductible amount and the corresponding premium are priced in terms of a “days wages” for the individual consumer — but the insurance company gets paid the same amount from each consumer based on what the national average “days wages” is. For providers, (doctors, hospitals), etc.. — they too specify their prices in terms of “days wages” — and get paid directly for services that are below a deductible, or by the patients insurance company if they are above the deductible.
4) Insurance companies also provide payment to providers for a patient’s costs that exceed the high-deductible; this helps insurance companies focus on the complex high-cost cases that are too complicated for patients to manage on their own. Thus, the insurance company becomes an advocate for the patient to have providers keep the costs of complex (beyond deductible) care down.
5) The system is also fair across all income levels, because it is linked to a tax-free Health Savings Account, into which consumers can put in about 20 percent of their pre-tax income, and it can accrue in the account tax-free, like an IRA; it can ultimately be rolled over into extended-care living expenses, or into one’s estate, tax free. This encourages everyone to use health services prudently, even at the end of life.
6) It is a relatively incremental approach — all of the existing structures and players remain in place, doing what they do best. It makes it possible to require all insurance companies to accept patients without denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. It can replace employer-paid insurance, which gives patients more flexibility to move and seek better jobs without fear of losing their coverage.
7) It can be automated: a simple Health Card and Account Number is used to pay under-deductible expenses at the point-of-care, and premiums. The apparatus then converts the “days’ wages” stated price, and converts it to what that patient’s corresponding actual amount would be; the apparatus then automatically takes that amount from the patient’s Health Savings Account and pays and Intermediary Central Account; the apparatus then pays the insurance company or provider the price for the service/premium that the insurance/provider had already freely posted as their price for the service/premium, defined as the ‘days’ wages” of the national average income. By being automated in this way, a lot of administrative overhead expenses that are now in insurance and government health care would be eliminated.
Altogether, what MBHCC accomplishes is empowering patients to use their choice-power to drive medical efficiencies and value — but it does so in a way that remains equitable across all income levels.
>Coverage is universal, undeniable, and portable.
>Encourages preventative care and healthier life-styles.
>Providers/Insurance Companies remain free to run their business and price their services and products as they see fit — assured to get paid — but get paid based on what the national average income is.
>Uses patient’s value choices to optimize pricing and supply of health care services.
>Equitable across all income levels.
>Provides a means for a person who lives a healthier life-style, and/or makes a choice to forego expensive and often futile end-of-life care, to have that saved money go to advanced age supportive care expenses and to one’s heirs.
all pipedreams. we have guaranteed cradle to grave medical care for every complaint to everyone forever. We cannot afford it. I predict the government will take over to prevent healthcare from devouring the rest of the economy. A line will be drawn in the sand by fiat limiting health care expenditures to a fixed percentage of GNP. After that, it is up to the stakeholders to design the best system with the resources they are limited to. Sound grim? It’s better than living in a society where healthcare takes 30% of GDP and the bridges all fall down.
here is an idea for fixing the health care: appoint Paul Krugman to the health care department. We need for that job an economist with experience in health care problems. No doctors or insiders for that job. The Kansas lady would be a disaster. It is time for Obama to let go with his pals and paybacks.
What no one here has addressed are the gross inefficiencies and inconsistencies in the administration of medical care. The cost of miscoded, reprocessed and rejected claims over minor technicalities that should be able to be rapidly addressed.
The insurers themselves are the ones most perfidiously responsible in this matter, as there is no accountability, and no consistent standards of enforcement regarding their perfomance in delivery of services.
There are no incentives to get the claims right the first time, and the focus is on finding reasons to deny claims, when the focus should be on how do we facilitate getting claims processed and paid quickly?
Inefficient healthcare admiistration, and healthcare insurers and pharmaceutical companies need to be held to a higher ethical standard that brings them in line with the physician’s hippocratic oath (with enforceable and significant legal consequences for failure to comply), i.e., to “heal the sick” and to “do no harm”.
Insurance is supposed to be about distributed risk management, but medical insurers refuse to take any risks. They would rather have nothing but strong, young healthy people to cover. Then they could keep premiums low, because they’d be paying out very little in benefits. With this model, who even needs health insurance, if their implicit purpose is to conspire on how not to pay or provide coverage in order to maximize their revenues?
This is the beginning of our publicly recognizing the increases in trained healthcare providers that must accompany both the improvement and the enlargement of our health systems to adequately cover all Americans.
Along with more health care employees, additional infrastructure will be needed, including some re-deployment from over served areas to underserved locations.
The only problem with the current system is cost. Quality is important, but isn’t the problem. The problem is hospitals charge too much. Thats it. They’re accountable to no one. Why should scoping a knee cost as much as a new car? Attorney’s fees? Come on. Hospitals charge that much becasue they can. I hate to say it but everybody (citizens, tourists, guests) deserves Part A coverage. The rest should remain private/competitive. Carries are set up to provide coverage so lets use them. Start an enrollment process tomorrow, they pay the premium, but its a tax credit (their refund is bigger. Stimulus!).
How do we pay for this? Federal Sales tax. We’re all busy so lets keep it simple.
Why don’t you look at all the other nations that already have national health care systems, and ask what we need to do to improve on all these model systems???
3. Eliminate medical records except for original clinical entries provided in a plain paper bound book maintained by the patient – cost to provide computerized medical records to about everyone to everyone about 18% of the health care dollar.
4. Provide up to 70% of the remaining health care dollar (total savings of which is about 82%) to all other health care providers to provide all health care to everyone.
5 Give the remaining 30% left over to the government to be applied to tax breaks for those who earn less than $49,000.00 per year.
6 Freely charge for prescriptions if people want them when they are not required for health care.
Freely charge for the second and other copies of medical records provided for any one other than the patient, but require that only the patient maintains the original.
Freely provide health insurance as long as it is not accepted by providers for required medical services pad by number 4 above.
This is a plan that will work. It is available in almost all other countries than the US today.
That we require, that those with no insurance coverage, or no ability to pay for care, to enter our health care system, through it’s most expensive delivery area (the emergency room) is absurd.
Doctors as a rule don’t order unnecessary care unless they have a profit motive (such as avoiding malpractice, or billing for tests from machines they own or lease). Take away incentives to overbill, cut out the middle-men insurance companies and the army of workers that deal with billing on both sides, and things will take care of themselves.
The mandatory first step to “fixing” healthcare in the United States is finding out what the expenses are for everyone who is part of the industry. It’s a bit frustrating to see how much is spent yet I can’t find anyone who is “making money”. I become wary of doctors complaining about low reimbursement schedules and then denying care because they “can’t afford to see the patient” because the fee doesn’t cover their three houses, six cars, vacations to Fiji, skiing trips to Courchevel (and don’t forget the alimony payments to the first two wives…) twice per year all while they “work” three days a week.
Is there any analysis going on about how much time health care providers are spending doing paperwork and meeting requirements for insurance providers? Also, what about division of labor- can some functions performed by doctors and nurses be done by specialists who require less formal education and work at cheaper prices? I would be willing to spend less money seeing someone who wasn’t a doctor but skilled at what they were doing.
Why do none of these experts mention nationalizing some or all of the the health care industry? It works quite well in Canada, Britain, France, etc. They have universal coverage, well-paid doctors, healthy citizens. US healthcare appears insane and unethical by comparison.
The emphasis of these experts is mainly “rooting out” waste and unnecessary care. That’s like John McCain planning to balance the budget by eliminating earmarks — patently absurd. Removing instead the entire administrative cost of the health insurance industry would go much further.
I agree with author Michael Pollan and others: we need a department of food. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions would substantially lessen if we ate more locally grown food and fresh vegetables, and less refined carbohydrates. Exercise is preventive, as well as strong social networks.
I am surprised that the Times did not include comments from “experts” regarding the central issue of health care reform: getting the insurance companies out of health care. Many public opinion polls and studies of the views of experts show that there is a growing consensus that health care costs will never be lowered while maintaining quality unless we get rid of the duplicative administrative, management, advertising, and facility costs that come with health insurance and for-profit health care. Add the profit that these businesses make and the problem takes on a strong moral element – why are taxpayers going to subsidize more cost containment for profit-making entities?
Unnecessary care is easy to define, especially if you’re a cynic. It is care for other people and their families, right? Extreme or end of life care is known to be the costliest — Joe Califano wrote that in the 80s — but who among us is willing to acknowledge that extending a guaranteed-to-end life in its very late stages is excessive for a loved one?
Won’t anyone step up to say eliminating insurance overload — where there were once 65 payers there are now over 1300 — would save money, too?
With the HIPAA system in place to provide the required framework under which physicians and payers communicate, who needs so many payers?
Only the management of those companies. Just how many CFOs of payers are needed? Clearly, a few top-level executives could easily find the economies of scale that they always seek at the claims processor level.
As a family practice physician actively exploring a new career outside of medicine I feel that all these solutions talk around a basic societal problem. People want healthcare that is good and cheap. It can be either good or cheap but not both. The true value of any good or service is what people will pay for it, not what they say they will pay. everyone says that their childs health is “priceless” but I have seen many double takes at the price of an MRI or CT and deferrals of such tests. Maybe their “frivolous” but a jury would not think so if a rare brain tumor was missed. The shift needs to be made in a society that does not blink an eye at the annual national carnage on the nations highways of 30,000 deaths a year yet becomes outraged if a patient is dropped off on the curb in skid row and then does not even notice when the offending hospital is closed down. Finally my college classmates who went into finance are making ten times what I make. That finally has sunk in to what my true worth is to society as a physician. It is one tenth or less that of a Wall Street banker. We value money more than health, and until the actual monetary discrepancy is reversed (not the usual clicking of tongues and the rote “That isn’t right” offered as an insincere palliative) it cannot be said that we value health in this country at all. Money talks, everything else can walk.
These experts really don”t say anything specific, much as a cable show host. As a business owner you have to eliminate pre-existing conditions for a start and have some sort of program available for part time workers that don’t meet the hourly coverage threshold. I have two employees I pay premiums for but they can’t get treatment for 1 year as a penalty for their pre-existing condition. This is ridiculous. You try and do the right thing and get penalized by insurance companies. Try not asking “experts” about how to cure the system. Ask regular people what the needs are, from business owners to the intake nurse at an emergency room and see what information you get for a change. That is the disconnect between the government and the media and the people experiencing the problems. Experts don’t have health care problems. We do.
I was eager to read this post on this critical topic, but am disappointed in the result.
Health care costs more in Los Angeles than in Tennessee? So does a hamburger, a home, electricity. Your point?
> Much of health care costs go to insurance companies’ unnecessary bureaucracy. The percentage of premiums they pay back in benefits is dropping consistently and is perhaps near only 50%. If the plan is to keep insurance companies in the loop, we’re prioritizing the overhead of what are actually stock mutual funds over health care. How can that ever work?
> Rationing Health Care. It looks from Peter Ostertag ex OMB that the Real Obama health care plan is to prevent people deemed to not be “worth” expensive care from getting it (MBA speak: cost-benefit analysis) Need open heart surgery? Better not be too old to be worth it. What you deem “unnecessary” care might save my life.
> Doctors and nurses in the U.S. are paid more than their peers elsewhere, yet we hear that no one wants to be a GP. Why, if we’re paying far more than other countries can’t we produce more, better health care providers? Does the entire medical school hegemony need to be blown up?
> Big Pharma. Why do Americans continue to pay the highest drug costs in the world and why are drug companies allowed to force pharmacies and doctors to charge far more to uninsured patients? Is paying the CEO of a health insurance company $46 Million a big part of the problem?
> Accountability. Life expectancy in the U.S. is now shorter than that in most developed countries. Can we expect a medical system that is delivering inferior results to hold itself accountable? Are we “de-frocking” bad doctors? Closing insurance companies that force bad practices? We can’t have the same people in place doing the same things. If a sports team is losing you get new, better players. We need some new people IMHO. | 2019-04-25T14:37:12Z | https://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/ideas-for-fixing-health-care/ |
When you, as a working member, wish to improve your professional skills and strengthen your position in the job market, you may be entitled to as much as SEK 3,425 per term for costs such as course fees, literature and materials.
If you are a working member of Unionen, you can apply for a study grant for course fees dated after the qualification period of 6 months, i.e. from the seventh month of your membership. Those who have been a working member of another trade union for at least 6 months and have transferred directly to Unionen can apply for a grant for course fees dated from your first day of membership in Unionen, on provision of proof of membership from your previous trade union. The same rules apply to Unionen Self-employed, Unionen Manager and Guest Members.
We reimburse fees for teacher-led courses (even online-/distancecourses) that develop your professional skills and strengthen your position in the job market.
You can have your expenses reimbursed for course fees, literature and materials that the provider of the course certifies that you need for the course/study programme in question.
You can apply for study grant for the spring, summer and autumn terms. Apply for study grant from Unionen.
What does “teacher-led online and distance course” mean?
We only reimburse the cost of courses that are teacher led. If you take a distance or online course, you need to have an opportunity for interaction/dialogue/personal contact and supervision by a teacher while the course is in progress. This may take place via Skype, e-mail, Facebook, telephone, chat, video conferencing or by submitted assignments on which the course leader provides feedback. The information provided by the course arranger (course description or certificate) must show in what way the course is teacher-led.
Download, print out and complete the form study grant application. Before completing the form, please read through the FAQs below regarding applying for study grant.
You send your application to us after you have paid your costs, started the course and have all documents.
Please note! Application handling time: 4-6 weeks. Log in and choose "Mina uppgifter" and "Mitt studiestöd" to see the current status of your application.
We recommend you to take your own copies of your documents before sending your application documents to us. Due to the Personal Data Act, your application will be deleted from us 2 weeks after the decision date.
Unionens study grant is provided and administrated by Unionens Stipendiestiftelse which constitutes its own legal entity founded by Unionen with the purpose of providing grants to members.
As a working member of Unionen for a minimum of 6 months, you can apply for study grant for course fees dated from your seventh month of membership onwards.
As a working member of another trade union for a minimum of 6 months, and who transferred directly to Unionen, you can apply for study grant for course fees dated from your first day of membership in Unionen.
As a working member of Unionen who has been a member of Unionen Student for a minimum of 6 months, and who transferred directly to Unionen, you can apply for study grant for course fees dated from your first month of membership.
Are you a member of Unionen Manager? The same rules apply as to working members of Unionen, see above.
Are you a member of Unionen Self-employed? The same rules apply as to working members of Unionen. However, study grant is offered to you as a private individual rather than as a business contribution. More information under QA 10 below.
Are you solely a member of Unionen’s unemployment insurance fund? You are therefore not covered by the membership benefits extended to members of the Unionen trade union, such as study grant, etc.
You must be registered as a working member at the time we receive your application.
Are you a Guest Member of Unionen? The same rules apply as to working members of Unionen, see above.
Are you a member of Unionen Student?
2. What does “working member” mean?
“Working member” is a form of membership. Working members are those who are employed, a member of Unionen Chef or Unionen Egenföretagare, and those whose temporary status on the labour market is unemployed, studying, on sick leave or parental leave.
3. For which courses can I apply for study grant?
You can apply for study grant regardless of whether you study full-time or are developing your professional skills while continuing to work. Unionen study grant is available for both longer study programmes and shorter evening or one-day courses. You may be studying a new language, marketing, law or a new software program, or something completely different that will enable you to develop work-related skills and strengthen your position in the labour market.
Reimbursement is available for courses attended at colleges, universities, adult education centres or vocational colleges. The cost of courses offered at community colleges, study associations and private-sector training companies may be reimbursed, depending on the course subject, contents and how it strengthens your position in the labour market .
Because your employability is almost sure to increase if you have a category B driving licence (car licence), you can be reimbursed for your instructor-led lessons.
We will reimburse: driving lessons, instructor-led theory course, Risk 1 and Risk 2 (skid pan), introductory course (for you as the pupil), and the course literature that your driving school certifies you need for the course in question.
You must provide the following documents: a certificate from your driving school with your name, the name of the course (e.g. B licence), the dates and the cost of the instructor-led theory and practical lessons you have done, Risk 1, Risk 2 (skid pan), invoice and receipt or copy of a marked receipt. Write your personal identity number on the original receipt, take a copy of the marked receipt and send it to us. We will not be able to return original receipts.
In order for you to get a better knowledge of your finances, we also reimburse teacher-led courses in personal finance, such as share trading, fund knowledge and pension savings.
Unionen study grant is also available for studies abroad.
Are there any courses for which I CAN’T apply for study grant?
Courses in preventive healthcare and personal development including mindfulness, counselling or inspirational/motivational seminars, yoga or stress management. You can, however, apply for the reimbursement for a course that leads to an instructor qualification in any of the areas mentioned.
4. Which course costs can I have reimbursed?
We will reimburse you for costs such as your student union membership fee, course literature and materials (e.g. software, computer, calculator or anything else that you may need for the course as specified by the school).
If you have a certificate from the school stating that you need your own computer for the course, you may receive an amount equivalent to one term’s grant for the term during which the computer was purchased (SEK 3 425 for year 2019). You can not apply for study grant for the same computer purchase for multiple terms. You can be reimbursed for the purchase of one computer over a 3-year period.
With your application, please submit a copy of the receipt or invoice / delivery note. Mark your original receipt with your social security number. Take a copy of the marked receipt and send us to us. We will not be able to return original receipt. If you lease a computer, you can receive a one term amount for your leasing contract over a 3-year period.
Which course costs can I NOT have reimbursed?
If you pay a subscription charge which gives you access to a range of courses, you can apply for study support for this. The courses must meet our criteria – they must be teacher-led, you must be able to benefit from them professionally and they must strengthen your position in the labour market. You can send us your application once you have a certificate for a course you have started in the term in question and that you wish to seek reimbursement for.
Can I receive reimbursement for course fees paid for by my employer or my own company?
Because we reimburse you as an individual member and not as an employer or company, all invoices issued to you must be in your name and paid by you personally, rather than by your employer or any company.
If you are a member of Unionen Self-employed, you can receive reimbursement both for course costs that you have paid for privately and for those which are paid for by you as a sole trader. However, we cannot reimburse course costs paid by your own company if this is in a form other than a sole trader.
What do I need to know about invoice and receipt dates?
Receipts and invoices must be dated during the period of your working membership and after you have completed the qualification period of 6 months.
What is the earliest date I can buy my course literature?
5. How much study grant can I get?
You can receive up to SEK 3,425 per term for courses that take place during 2019. When you have received SEK 13,700, you can reapply for study grant after 3 years. Even if you do not receive the full amount, you can still reapply for a new period of study grant after 3 years have elapsed. For applications regarding spring, summer or autumn terms 2019, the maximum amount payable is SEK 3,425 per term, with a total amount of SEK 13,700.
Example: If you receive the total amount of 13,700 SEK during Spring term 2019 you can apply for study grant again for courses taking place during summer term 2022 or later.
How are terms divided for courses arranged by providers other than universities/colleges.
It is the course date that determines which term the application refers to. If the duration of a course is more than one term and your costs exceed SEK 3,325 you can apply for study grant for the terms the course is ongoing.
If your course lasts for several terms and your course costs exceeds our term amount, you can apply for study grant for all terms in which the course is in progress.
Example: if the course costs 10,000 SEK and lasts during April-July, you can get 2 terms amount of 3,425 SEK (year 2019).
Example: You pay 10,000 SEK for 20 driving lessons (500 SEK each) at a traffic school and take 15 driving lessons during spring term and 5 lessons during summer term. You will then receive the maximum amount 3,425 SEK for the spring term and 2,500 SEK (5x500 SEK) for the summer term (year 2019).
6. How do I apply for study grant?
Once you have paid your course costs, started the course and have all the documentation, you may send us your application by post. The address is shown at the bottom of the application form. If you need to send in any supplementary information, we will e-mail you during the processing of your application.
For applications arriving 1 January 2018 or later, we will need to receive your supplementary information within one year of the date we received your application. Supplementary information for applications received by us before 31 December 2017 must be received by us no later than 31 December 2018.
In order to keep the processing time to a minimum, we ask you to apply for each term separately. If you are applying for the reimbursement of more than one course run by different schools/course providers, please complete one application for each of the school/course providers. Make sure to include all the documents and certificates required with your application. Receipts and invoices must be dated during the period of your working membership of Unionen and after you have completed the qualification period of 6 months.
Please note that the Unionen Study Foundation reserves the right to ask for the repayment of any incorrect payments.
7. Has my application been received? When can I expect to hear from you?
Log in and click on ‘My details’ (Mina uppgifter) and ‘My Study Grant’ (Mitt studiestöd). Here, you can see if your application is registered as received, your current application status, how much study grant you have received so far and how much more you can still apply for. When logging in, use the e-mail address that you have previously submitted to Unionen.
In order to speed up the application process, it is important that you carefully read and follow the instructions above under ‘This is how you apply’. Make sure that you submit all the documents required together with your completed application form so that you do not have to submit any additional information as this would only prolong the process. If, when processing your application we see that any information is missing, we will contact you by e-mail. When your completed application has been approved, you will receive the money in your bank account the following week.
In accordance with GDPR your application be deleted 2 weeks in case your application is denied.
8. What information do I need to submit?
2.1 Certificate from the school/course provider specifying your name, personal identity number, what course you have enrolled on and how long the course lasts. This certificate must be dated close to the actual term date or later.
2.2 If you take a distance or online course, we need a certificate/documentation from the course provider (course description or course certificate) stating your opportunities for interaction/dialogue/personal contact and supervision by a teacher while the course is in progress. This may for example take place via Skype, e-mail, Facebook, telephone, chat, video conferencing or by submitted assignments on which the course leader provides feedback.
2.3 If you attend a driving course, we require a certificate from your driving school with your name, the name of the course (e.g. B License), the period of the course and the dates of completed instructor-led theory and driving lessons, Risk 1, Risk 2 (skid pan), as well as original receipts or invoices and payment receipts.
Material list – if you are studying a practical subject. The material list must be issued by the course provider. The course provider must verify any additions or amendments that you make to the literature list.
Literature list – if you are studying a theoretical subject. The literature list must be issued by the course provider. The course provider must verify any additions or amendments that you make to the literature list. If you are writing a thesis and have chosen the literature yourself, the literature list must be verified by your academic supervisor.
With your application, you submit a copy of the receipt or invoice / delivery note. Mark your original receipt with your social security number. Take a copy of the marked receipt and send us to us. We will not be able to return original receipt. Receipts must be dated within the timeframe specified for the respective term / course period. The receipt must be dated when you were a member of the Union and meets the qualification requirement.
Have you paid with a credit card on the web? Send the delivery slip / order confirmation with the price indication and payment receipt from your bank.
Have you paid via invoice - send a copy of the invoice or mail invoice and something that confirms that you have paid the invoice, such as extracts from your internet bank or copy of payment orders that show account owners (your name), recipient name, amount and payment date.
Option 2. When buying second-hand books on Blocket, please include the following: A handwritten receipt (as above) or e-mail correspondence with the seller in which the book title and price are stated, together with an internet bank statement showing that you have paid for the books.
Proof of membership of another trade union that you would like or should be taken into account together with your application.
We recommend that you make copies of all relevant documentation before submitting your application to us.
9. Can I apply for study grant retroactively for a course I attended several years ago?
You can either apply for study grant for the current term or up to 1 year retroactively. Receipts and invoices for course fees must be dated during the period of your working membership and after you have completed the qualification period of 6 months, see the example below. You must have a continuous membership in Unionen from the term for which you a seeking study grant up until the date your application is received.
As a working member of Unionen who has been a member of another trade union for a minimum of 6 months, and who transferred directly to Unionen, you can apply for study grant for course fees dated from your first month of membership.
You must submit your study grant application for spring term 2018 to us no later than week 24 (of 2019), for summer term 2018 no later than week 32 (of 2019) and for autumn term 2018 no later than week 52 (of 2019).
You must be registered as a working member at the time we receive and process your application.
10. What applies to me as self-employed when applying for Unionen study grant?
Are you a member of Unionen Self-employed? The same rules apply as to working members of Unionen. However, study grant is offered to you as a private individual rather than as a business contribution.
Because we reimburse you as an individual member and not as an employer or company, the invoice must be issued to you and paid by you as a private individual.
11. I am currently a working member but will shortly begin studying. Should I then join Unionen Student?
One of the criteria for receiving study grant is that you are a working member. It is therefore more beneficial for you to remain in this membership category. Unionen Student is mainly intended for completely new Unionen members.
12. What is the situation if I want to begin studying but am currently unemployed?
Application handling time: 4-6 weeks. Log in and choose "Mina uppgifter" and "Mitt studiestöd" to see the current status of your application. | 2019-04-22T08:00:46Z | https://www.unionen.se/in-english/study-grant |
MIT Sloan provides a 2-Year Full-time MBA program, Joint MBA programs, a 20-Months Executive MBA program and various executive certificate, PHD and Masters programs. Established in 1914, as Course 15 in the MIT Department of Economics and Statistics, MIT Sloan School of Management has come a long way establishing itself as a pioneer in Executive MBA program. MIT Sloan is among the few Business Schools that have put emphasis on Tech Entrepreneurship. The Sloan SOM sponsors the famous MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition.
MIT MBA programs is a combination of case studies, team projects, lectures, case discussions, interaction with industry leaders and hands on training. The combination of these key features will provide MBA students with Business Skills and real world experience.
MIT Sloan's MBA curriculum starts with the core courses in first semester. It is among the toughest courses in the MBA program. MIT Sloan is known for its academic rigour. In its graduate programs including the MBA program, students with less than 4.0(on a five point scale) or "B" average is not allowed to graduate. After the first semester, students are given the freedom to customize their courses according to their goals. The courses offered in MIT Sloan MBA programs have a high focus on analytic skills, problem solving and leadership.
The HKUST MBA program is a 16-month full-time MBA program focused on Chinese markets and develops skills necessary to work in a global Business environment. The three focus areas of the program are Creativity, Analytical Thinking and Teamwork. Students who have considerable work experience and international exposure can choose the 12-month accelerated MBA program. The advantage of 16-month program is the inclusion of Internship during summer (first year) and the option to be part of the exchange program during fall (second year).
The Functional Cores include the following courses: Corporate Finance, Information and Technology Management, Management of Organization, Marketing Strategy and Policy and Operations Management.
The Integrated Cores include the following courses: Doing Business in China, Responsible Leadership and Ethics and Strategic Management.
HKSUT Full-time MBA Electives: HKSUT MBA students can chose electives according to their post-MBA goals and needs. Over 70 electives are provided in the HKUST MBA program. Also, students can choose 5 career tracks: General Management in China, Entrepreneurship and Family Business, Finance, Consulting and Strategic Management, and Marketing.
The Lisbon MBA International is a Full-time degree in business administration framed in an international environment with a focus on both the academic component and interpersonal competencies that develop strong leaders. Brought to you by the two top Portuguese universities – Católica and Nova – in partnership with the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, The Lisbon MBA International prepares you to face the unexpected challenges of leading a top organization and to drive new trends in international business.
That’s what’s at the heart of The Lisbon MBA International Program.
3 World-Class Institutions: The Lisbon MBA International Program is a collaboration between the , Universidade Nova de Lisboa and MIT’s Sloan School of Management. This partnership ensures that you will receive the highest level of academic expertise.
Located in New York City(Greenwich Village campus), NYU Stern School of Business was established in 1900 as the NYU School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance. According to Sep 2011 enrollment data, NYU Stern has over 784 students enrolled for Full-time MBA, 2073 for part-time MBA, 190 for the Executive MBA Program and 133 for the Trium Global Executive MBA program.
Academic excellence is a high priority for NYU Stern with its faculty comprising experts in areas like Entertainment & Media, Luxury & Retail and Social Enterprise. Being located in New York City, the Business Capital of the world, NYU Stern MBA graduates have access to real world Business learning. NYU Stern is famous for the strict adherence to the Stern Curve . According to stern's grading system, faculties can provide a maximum grade of "A" to 35% of the students, B to 40% and the remainder of the students will receive "C" or lower.
Courses Offered: NYU Stern offers a 24-Month Full-time , Part-time(2 Years Intensive to 3 Years), Executive(22 Months) and Dual Degrees MBA programs.
Stern MBA candidates are often recruited by Companies like Booz & Co, McKinsey, Deloitte, Unilever, L’Oreal, Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, American Express, Citi and Disney. Stern programs are known to have a focus on Finance.
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) MBA program is an 18-month full-time MBA program conducted in Shanghai. Established in 1994 through a partnership between the Chinese government and the European Union, CEIBS gives emphasis on developing communication skills, managerial skills and customizing the program according to student’s post-MBA goals.
The CEIBS MBA Core curriculum consists of a set of required courses that are designed to lay the foundation for developing managerial skills. The required courses are focussed on: Managerial Skills, Economics and Decision Sciences, and Marketing & Management.
The curriculum also has a strong china focus with courses like “China HR” and “‘China within the World”. Admitted candidates who are not well versed in Chinese are required to take the Chinese pre-MBA course. Each year, CEIBS also conducts an annual lecture series – China Discovery Week, a comprehensive lecture series about challenges and opportunities in Chinese markets.
Elective courses: Students can choose elective courses based on their focus on various concentrations. CEIBS offers concentrations in General Business Management or Finance/Marketing.
Interesting electives in Marketing: New Product Development & Marketing, Sales Force and Channel Management, Game Theory & Strategic Marketing and Services Marketing.
Business Fundamentals: The customized core curriculum allows UCLA MBA students to complete the essential courses according to their post-MBA goals. Students are guided to choose core courses based on their internship plan. If the student is interested in consulting/marketing, core courses required to build knowledge in the subject are chosen by the student.
IMD MBA is a 11-Month Full-time MBA program with focus on leadership and personal development. The program starts from January and ends in December. Before starting the core subjects, IMD offers a Pre-Program in accounting, finance and statistics.
The core areas covered in IMD MBA program are Accounting, Critical Thinking, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Political Economy, Innovation, Marketing, Organizational Behaviour, Production and Operations Management and Strategy.
Chicago Booth offers a two-year Full-time MBA program, Evening MBA and Weekend MBA and 21-month Executive MBA program in Chicago, London, and Singapore. The University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business was founded in 1898. The school is the second oldest school in the U.S. Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world with campuses in Chicago, London and Singapore. The four campuses are Charles M. Harper Center, Gleacher Center, Europe Campus - London and Asia Campus - Singapore.
Chicago Booth is a pioneer in many aspects of Business education. Booth is the first business school to have a Nobel laureate on its faculty (George Stigler, 1982); the first business school to have six Nobel Prize winners: Stigler; Merton Miller, 1990; Ronald Coase, 1991; Gary Becker, 1992; Robert Fogel, 1993; and Myron Scholes, 1997; the first to initiate a PhD program in business (1920); the first to offer an executive MBA degree program (1943); the first to establish a minority relations program (1964); the first and only U.S. business school with permanent campuses on three continents: Asia, Europe, and North America.
Chicago Booth provides the students with the option to choose the MBA experience. Students can choose MBA based on their experience, education and goals.
The flexible curriculum is divided into four sections: The Foundation Courses, The Functions, Management and Business Environment, Electives and Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD).
economics, law, psychology, politics and international relations. Working at the interface of disciplines, faculty and researchers are mining rich new insights into issues such as the politics of global business, the rise of science entrepreneurship, the management of innovation, and the social and commercial impact of information systems and the Internet.
By collaborating actively with faculty from other disciplines, we are aiming to transcend the traditional functional divisions of a business school in order to reflect the complex realities of business and society in today’s global economy.
In 1957 Georges Doriot, founder of INSEAD, had an extraordinary vision – to set up a business school in Europe that would be international, independent, diverse, entrepreneurial and close to business.
INSEAD’s first MBA class in 1959 had 52 graduates. Today, they have more than 900 MBAs graduating each year in ceremonies which take place on their two campuses – one in Fontainebleau France and one in Singapore.
INSEAD also offers a part-time Executive MBA programme, Executive Education programmes, a world-class PhD programme, has an additional campus in Abu Dhabi, a research centre in Israel, an office in the USA and valued partnerships with Wharton, Kellogg, Tsinghua University and CEIBS.
INSEAD’s full time MBA Programme offers an accelerated 10-month MBA curriculum which develops successful, thoughtful leaders and entrepreneurs who create value for their organisations and their communities. Over 70 different are represented in the classroom each year, offering a rich multicultural experience.
The MBA programme runs in parallel both campuses (France and Singapore). The two campuses are equally diverse, both have world-class faculty in residence, and both offer MBA participants access to global career opportunities. In addition to being able to study on the INSEAD campuses in Singapore and Fontainebleau, participants also have the option to participate in an exchange with Wharton and Kellogg.
SDA Bocconi continues to be the leading Business School in Italy and the only Italian School to be featured in all important International rankings (Financial Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, The Economist, Forbes). SDA Bocconi School of Management was founded in 1971. With over 40 years of experience, Bocconi is a pioneer in Business Education both in Italy and in Europe. What differentiates Bocconi is their innovative approach to management education that has translated to a wide range of executive courses and masters programs for management students.
Location, Class Diversity & Network: SDA Bocconi is located in the heart of Milan – the intersection of industry, finance, arts, media and, above all, fashion. The location and strong network enable students to leverage the Bocconi brand to reach their post-MBA goals. SDA Bocconi further pushes this advantage with a global focus, diversity in class and gender diversity. The MBA Class brings some of the best minds from diverse backgrounds and exposes students to experiences from a wide range of industries. This is ensured by the school’s focus not to allow any industry to dominate the class.
Partnerships & Alumni Network: The quality of partnerships that SDA Bocconi has built over the years with key Business institutions in Italy and around the world, in addition to a global alumni network in some of the major cities in the world, allows students to network effectively for job search and career growth.
HEC Paris is one of Europe’s premier Business Schools. The school boasts of more Alumni in CEO position than any other Business Schools in Europe. 11 of the CAC40 (top 40 Businesses based on market capitalization in France) is headed by an HEC alumnus. Access to 50000 alumni worldwide might be an incentive for many HEC students but a major consideration for MBA aspirants while selecting HEC Paris over other top Business Schools is the proximity of the campus to La Défense - the epicenter of European Business with the highest concentration of MNC headquarters in the continent. HEC MBA students have earned the reputation as “connectors” with their ability to overcome communication and cultural barriers, implementing global strategies for International Businesses.
The 16-month MBA program provides students with the opportunity to interact with stakeholders and participants from different background. The 200-strong student body is made up of 85% International students. The class diversity is just one aspect. The course in itself offers several opportunities for international exposure through exchange programs and international projects.
In 2012, the curriculum was redesigned in partnership with Bain & Company, dividing the program into two phases: the Fundamental and the Customized Phase.
In 1957 the first steps were taken towards the creation of IESE, which was founded in 1958 in Barcelona as the graduate business school of the University of Navarra. Initially, the school offered an array of executive education programs for managers, at a time when the concept of executive education was scarcely known outside of the United States. The establishment of these programs, aimed mainly at experienced business leaders, constituted a landmark in the history of executive education in Europe. Since then, more than 32,000 people have taken part in such programs.
The school launched its MBA program in 1964, under the guidance of an advisory committee set up by Harvard Business School and IESE. It became the first two-year MBA program in Europe, drawing students from all over the world. The Harvard-IESE Committee continues to meet annually to discuss matters of mutual interest and relevance.
Harvard Full-time MBA is a 24-month program with the latest class enrolling 913 students in the Boston Campus. The full-time MBA is a residential program with a focus on hands-on experience through the Case Study Method and FIELD projects. By encouraging students to exercise their knowledge on real-world problems, Harvard Business Schools has created a learning environment that encourages Entrepreneurship and leadership. Even though the class size is huge compared to other top MBA programs, the school leadership has set up small learning groups of 80-90, to mimic the efficiency of lean teams.
The Harvard MBA Curriculum is divided into Year One Spring & Fall, and Year Two Spring & Fall schedules. During Year One Fall, HBS MBA students follow a common curriculum - Finance 1, Financial Reporting and Control, Marketing, Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD), Technology and Operations Management, FIELD Foundation in Leadership and Field 2: Global Intelligence.
Finance 1 is the classic Finance course that teaches MBA students how organizations create value through informed Finance decisions.
Financial Reporting and Control familiarizes students with the vocabulary of accounting and teaches them to communicate in the language of accounting.
Over the past 40 years, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University has firmly established its reputation as one of Europe’s leading business schools.
Long before ‘global’ became an important descriptor for business education, RSM’s students, faculty and staff were already reflecting the diversity of the globalising world.
Just like the Netherlands, one of the world's renowned international trading nations, RSM has continued to expand and internationalise, cementing its status as one of Europe’s most international and innovative business schools.
The Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is the graduate school of business at Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, the RSM is renowned for its international character and innovative approach. The RSM portfolio of programs include the International Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA), Global Executive OneMBA, Master in Financial Management (MFM) programme and an extensive array of open-enrollment and tailor-made Executive Education programs.
Mihaylo full-time MBA program is a 16-month program with a focus on building leadership skills. The Mihaylo Leadership Academy will provide students with the skill required to be an effective leader. There would be an initial evaluation of the student that acts as the foundation for developing a customized leadership development program for each MBA student. The three critical leadership skills that are developed during the program are interpersonal skills, leadership, and decision-making capability. During the six weeks in the Academy, students will learn to manage change, resolve conflict, negotiate, communicate effectively, build teams and make effective decisions.
Some of the Core Courses include Financial Accounting, Microeconomic Perspectives for Managers, Operations Management, Legal & Ethical Environment of Business, Decision Models for Business & Economics, Marketing Management and Management of Information in the Corporate Environment.
Mihaylo MBA Students can choose from eleven concentrations that would enable them to achieve their short-term personal and professional goals. Concentrations include Accounting, Business Intelligence, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Management Science and Marketing.
Founded by eminent business leaders, entrepreneurs and academicians from around the world, ISB enjoys the distinction of being the first Indian B-school to be ranked among the top 12 global business schools in the Annual MBA Rankings by Financial Times, London. The FT ranking is based on various parameters covering specifics like career progress of the graduates, diversity of experience, international alumni, idea generation and research.
The Indian School of Business (ISB) is a unique collaboration between some of the world's leading corporations including a number of Fortune 500 companies, the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at North Western University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the London Business School. As part of this association, faculty from Kellogg, Wharton and the LBS work closely with the ISB faculty in designing and delivering a world class programme.
The ISB offers a one-year, full time, residential postgraduate management programme for candidates, preferably with at least two years' full time work experience. The ISB assesses candidates on their leadership potential and academic accomplishments, aims to have diversity in the student body with international experience. To apply, students must take the GMAT and complete the application form online.
IE Business School was created in 1973 as a private initiative designed to offer postgraduate training programmes in the field of business administration and senior management. The last three decades have seen marked changes in the environment, circumstances, and different economic cycles, but IE Business School is still recognised for its entrepreneurial spirit and its commitment to innovation.
Located at the University Of New South Wales (UNSW) in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, the AGSM MBA has been one of Australia’s premier MBA programs for the past three decades. Established in 1977 by the University at the behest of the Australian Government, the AGSM MBA has produced many global leaders and 33 years since its foundation it is ranked amongst the top 40 MBA programs in the world.
In 2007, UNSW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred Hilmer, focused on pooling the complementary strengths of AGSM and UNSW’s Faculty of Commerce and Economics into an integrated comprehensive business school, which would leverage its capabilities across undergraduate programs, MBA programs, specialist masters degrees, executive education and research. AGSM MBA Programs are now delivered by the Australian School of Business. The recognised rigour and distinctiveness of these programs is a feature of the new Australian School of Business.
Mannheim Business School is one of Europe’s leading institutions for business education. Together with the University of Mannheim and its faculty of business administration, it offers a holistic program portfolio, ranging from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate studies.
Mannheim Business School was founded in 2005 and has steadily grown and expanded its program offerings. The Mannheim MBA, previously known as the European MBA, was initially offered in 2002 by the University of Mannheim. The ESSEC & MANNHEIM Executive MBA started in 2004 and is run in cooperation with ESSEC Business School in France. More recently Mannheim Business School established an alliance with the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University in Shanghai to create the MANNHEIM & TONGJI Executive MBA, which will begin its first class in 2011. Beside its MBA degrees, Mannheim Business School also has a diverse range of Open Enrollment Programs and creates Customized Programs for companies.
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is Ireland’s leading business school and research centre. It offers a wide range of postgraduate business programmes that equip students to become the business leaders of the future. The School of Business at UCD was established in 1908. It became the first European university to offer a Master of Business Administration in 1964. UCD Smurfit has developed a reputation as a standard-bearer in business education, by providing full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes for graduates from both business and non-business backgrounds.
In 1991, the graduate school of business moved to the dedicated campus at Blackrock, with cutting edge facilities, including wired and wireless internet, spacious modern classrooms and the largest academic business library in the country. Professor Tom Begley was named Dean of the UCD School of Business in 2006. He has a PhD from Cornell and has taught in Singapore, Indonesia, France and the US. Prof Begley most recently held the Governor Hugh L. Carey Chair in Organisational Behaviour at UCD. UCD Smurfit boasts a 100-strong team of academics with qualifications from the worlds leading universities. This section allows students to view the profiles of the academic staff across six different subject areas; accountancy, banking & finance, industrial relation & human resource management, management, marketing & MIS.
ESADE is an independent nonprofit university institution, founded in 1958 in Barcelona by a group of entrepreneurs and Jesuit Society members. Since 1995, it has formed part of the Ramon Llull University.
ESADE is one of the founding members of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and the Community of European Management Schools (CEMS). ESADE is also a member of the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), The Association of MBAs (AMBA), The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the Latin American Council of Business Schools (CLADEA) and numerous other academic and professional associations.
The Full Time programme can be completed in 12, 15 or 18 months, depending on the individual student’s needs. Students are able to adapt the programme to tie in with other obligations and can change the course length once started. There are two streams; English and Bilingual.
International Part Time MBA, taught through Spanish.
Founded in 1967, Aston Business School offered its first MBA programme in 1968. In 2006 it opened a new £22m extension including new study rooms and two new lecture theatres.
Aston Business School is committed to creating and transferring knowledge that enables, innovates and inspires. 60 years of pioneering research and teaching has made the school internationally renowned, whilst the warm community spirit has created a positive difference to the lives of its students, alumni, businesses and organisations.
The Aston MBA is designed for individuals who have already made their mark in business to reach their true potential, transforming them into influential business leaders on the international stage. Prospects, salaries and career progression can be drastically improved through a world-class teaching programme, underpinned by exceptional academic research and well-developed links across business and industry.
Ashridge is a leading international business school based in Hertfordshire, England. Founded in 1959, Ashridge works with individuals and organisations from around the world in its three core areas of executive education, research and consulting. It is consistently ranked as one of the world's leading business schools. Ashridge's activities and areas of expertise include open & tailored executive education programmes, MBA, MSc & Diploma qualifications, organisation consulting, applied research and online learning.
The Ashridge MBA has developed a reputation for accelerating careers and widening opportunities for its graduates. To be accepted on the Ashridge MBA, participants must have at least five years' experience in a management position, and this, along with the international mix and the use of live assignments and projects creates a dynamic and stimulating development environment.
The full time MBA is an accelerated learning experience, particularly suitable for people experiencing or anticipating a significant career transition and/or change in career direction. It is an opportunity to take a year out of work to invest in an international experience that will stretch your thinking and your horizons.
The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) was founded in 1920. From 1999 onwards, the University developed even further and now it includes eight academic departments, offering 8 undergraduate degrees, 28 Master degrees and an equivalent number of Doctoral Programs. The MBA International Program was also founded in 1999.
The Full Time MBA International program is a world-class program particularly suited for the global, dynamically changing, and technology-driven business environment.
MBA International starts in September of every year. Preparatory courses are offered starting late August, for the 2 weeks prior to the normal program. Students who have to take the preparatory courses are notified upon admission. All coursework for the program is normally completed by mid-July of next year. The program is divided in 5 academic periods, each period consisting of 7 weeks of classes, followed by 1 week of exams. At the end of their coursework, students undertake their field study project, which normally lasts 3-4 months, and addresses a real business problem.
Located in the heart of Paris, our School brings together individuals with widely differing experiences and interests who share one goal: the pursuit of excellence. Students and professionals attending the ENPC School of International Management come from a broad range of backgrounds, including media and publishing, banking and financial services, art and design, engineering and manufacturing, high-tech and energy, hospitality and tourism, education and training, retailing and consulting services, as well as government and public administration. The aim of the School is to take you beyond technical proficiency to mastering the mental frameworks and analytical tools for lasting individual development and professional success.
Strathclyde Business School is internationally respected as one of the most innovative and largest business schools of its kind in Europe. It is Scotland’s premier business school, with over 200 academic staff and more than 3000 full time students, both undergraduate and postgraduate.SBS has a reputation for innovation in business and management education, and was the first school in the UK to offer a full time one year MBA programme in 1966, a part time MBA in 1976 and a distance learning MBA in 1983. SBS offered the first DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) in the UK, and pioneered the study of marketing.
Founded in 1947, Strathclyde Business School offers high quality business education and management development for both inexperienced graduates and senior managers. SBS has nine international centres where the MBA can be studied.
The full time MBA is studied over 12 months in Glasgow; the first nine months will be dominated by classes, group-work and personal development processes, while the last three months will be spent completing the MBA project.
Essec Global MBA is a 12-Month Full time MBA with September Intake in Paris and Singapore. The program focuses on developing critical thinking and creative problem solving skills.
As part of developing critical thinking, Essec has introduced a course - Critical Analytical Thinking, which runs through Term 1 and Term 2. Creative problem solving is another aspect that Essec MBA students develop during the course. Creativity and Decision Making under uncertain environment are two courses that build the foundation for Creative problem solving . Effective Communication skill is essential for overall personality development. Essec MBA has an interesting course - Written Analysis & Communication, which runs through Term 1 & Term 2 that helps students in that regard.
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) was founded in 1917 to meet the business sector demand for highly qualified people. Today, it is the leading business school in Northern Europe. CBS offers a comprehensive range of programs in business economics and modern languages for international business communication on bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level.
Internationally oriented, CBS maintains close partnerships with the business community and has exchange agreements with more than 300 universities and business schools worldwide. In addition to the AMBA and EQUIS accreditations, CBS is the Danish member of CEMS – Community of European Management Schools; which only accepts one university as member from each European country. Furthermore, CBS is also a member of PIM – Partnership in International Management – a corresponding international consortium of prestigious business schools.
Boston University Full-time MBA is a two-year MBA program designed for Global business. The students work in groups of 50, which would form the core study group for the course. The core study group works on assignments and projects and the classification of the class as groups will allow faculty to plan the learning experience, allowing cross-functional and coordinated assignments.
The Core Courses included in BU Full-time MBA are Financial Reporting and Control, Financial Management, Economics and Management Decisions, IT Strategies for a Networked Economy, Marketing Management, Managing Organizations and People, Creating Value Through Operations and Technology, Introduction to Business Law, Data Analysis for Managerial Decision-Making, Competition, Innovation, and Strategy, Executive Presentation, Executive Written Communication, Managing Career Growth, Career Management, Career Community, Career Community II and Career Community III.
The summer internship in BU full-time MBA program will allow students to network and develop skills essential for career search and in getting full-time job offers. First-year students are required to complete the career management course that supports the job search and internship opportunity.
BU offers field seminars in Brazil, India, Europe and Asia.
HEC Montreal’s Intensive 1 year Full-time MBA is divided into four phases. The Full-time MBA is structured into six-week sessions with over 600 hours of courses. The core curriculum covers the role of the manager and business fundamentals, Management of operational and strategic issues and corporate social and environmental responsibility.
HEC Montreal Full-time MBA specialization Tracks include Analysis of the Economic Environment, Corporate Finance, Energy Management , Entrepreneurship, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, Investment and Portfolio Management, Management, Marketing, Operations and Logistics Management and Project Management. The specialization tracks are part of phase 3 of the program.
As part of Experiential learning, HEC Montreal MBA provides students with the opportunity to implement what they have learned with five-week Business consulting project with organizations of various size and management challenges.
• Key Executive MBA – Designed for senior leaders. This program requires one weekend per month in residency on our campus for 20 months.
• Saturday MBA – Geared for mid- to senior-level managers, the Saturday MBA program meets each Saturday for 19 months.
• Professional MBA – This program is for working professionals at all levels within an organization. It is a truly multi-generational program, perfect for a multi-generational workforce.
Founded in 1885, Rollins is the oldest recognized college in the state of Florida. The Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business was founded in 1957 to prepare students to be both managers and leaders who will add significant value to their organizations and communities.
Imperial MBA is a 12-Month Full-time MBA program with a focus on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design. Before starting the course, Imperial MBA students are expected to complete three online refresher courses in Accounting Primer, Quantitative Methods Primer and Preparatory Maths Primer.
Imperial MBA students can take 8 core courses in Accounting Management Analysis, Business Economics, Economic Framework, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organisational Behaviour, Quantitative Methods and Strategic Management. These courses are designed to develop the foundation necessary for acquiring skills in leadership and managerial roles.
The electives in Imperial MBA will allow students to specialise in their area of interest.
Around 25 electives are offered to the students: out of which 6 electives can be chosen. Some of the interesting electives are: Advanced Corporate Finance, Advanced Consulting Skills, Brand Management, Breakout Strategy, Designing and Innovating Services, Entrepreneurship in Renewable Energy, Hi-Tech Strategy, Strategies and Policies, Managing Negotiations and Pricing, Intellectual Property Valuation and Leadership.
What makes Imperial MBA unique is the inclusion of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design course (IE&D). The course gives students a first-hand experience of introducing a product/service in the market. For Entrepreneurial candidates, the IE&D is a great opportunity to evaluate their own ideas. There will be four mentoring workshops under the course. Each workshop will lead the students towards translating their idea into a viable product/service.
LUMS is a triple-accredited, world-ranked management school, consistently among the UK's top five. Since the University’s founding over 40 years ago, LUMS’ faculty and students have worked at the boundaries of knowledge and practice, challenging conventional wisdom and contributing to future best practice. The faculty is rated second to none in the UK, whilst our graduates are influential in every sector and every country around the world.
LUMS excels in developing individual and organisational potential through MBA programmes, executive education and high quality business research. LUMS understanding of how managers and leaders learn is at the core of all our work. It has underpinned our work on MBA programmes and with many leading global companies. Its distinctive Full-time MBA (FTMBA) and Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes help high-performing managers to develop into leaders who are confident, knowledgeable, critical and responsible in facing the challenges of an increasingly complex international world of business.
Ivey MBA is a 12-Month Full-time MBA program with a focus on developing Business Fundamentals and learning with cases & Business Simulation. The Business Fundamentals are covered in the core curriculum with the lecture series.
Before starting the core curriculum, students can optionally take three courses: Economics Primer, Finance & Accounting Primer and Quantitative Analysis Primer. These courses will allow students to acclimatize with the pace of the actual MBA program and refresh some of the basic Business concepts necessary for the MBA program.
The core curriculum starts with Business Essentials. The courses in the core curriculum are Accounting and Control for Managers, Decision Making with Analytics, Developing and Executing Strategies, Leading People and Organizations, Managing Operations, Marketing Products and Services, Leveraging Information Technology, Macroeconomics for Business Decisions and Communicating Effectively.
Haskayne Daytime MBA program is a full-time 20-month MBA program with a September intake. The program can be completed in 16 months. To complete Haskayne Full-time MBA successfully, students need to complete 20 courses (13 core courses and 7 electives).
The core courses essential for the MBA Foundation are in four focus areas: Finance and Accounting, People and Organization, Supply Chain Management and Management Studies. Students can choose from 10 electives namely Strategy, Operations Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business and Environment, Management Information Systems, Sustainable Development, Organizational Dynamics, Human Resources, Accounting and Finance. After completing the core curriculum, students can chose the electives based on their post-MBA interest in Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Finance, Marketing or Project Management.
Mentorship program: Haskayne MBA program provides students with the opportunity to partner with Business leaders in Calgary with the Mentorship program. This is also an opportunity for students to widen their network.
Calgary Advantage: Location of MBA program is crucial for post-MBA opportunities. According to Forbes Magazine, Calgary is one of the fastest growing cities in North America. It has the highest number of head offices in Canada and the highest income in the country. Calgary also has the highest employment rate in Canada and also ranks third in terms of diversity.
Tippie MBA is a 21-Month Full-time MBA program with a focus on leadership and experiential learning. What makes Tippie unique is the focus on completing the foundational courses in the first semester (16-week) itself. MBA students will be ready for their consulting projects and concentrations by second semester.
The Foundational courses in the fall semester are in Management in Organizations, Marketing Management, Business Analytics, Operations Management, Corporate Financial Reporting, Managerial Finance, Corporate Communications and Leadership, Ethics & Professionalism. Once the students have a firm grasp on the fundamentals, they can chose a specialization from Managing Customers, Products & Brands, Corporate Finance, Process and Operations Excellence, Strategic Management and Innovation and Investment Management. Students in addition to pursuing the electives according to specialization can also explore other interesting courses in Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Innovation.
Tippie MBA program redesigned its curriculum in 2009. Leadership development is integrated throughout the course. The Knapp Lecture Series is one such example where Tippe MBA students will get a chance to learn from Entrepreneurs, Nobel Laureates, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, Creative thinkers and successful managers. Students will also have access to the University of Iowa Speaker series like the Sandage Entrepreneurial Speakers Series and the Pearson Lecture Series.
UBC MBA at Sauder School of Business is a 16 month Full-time MBA program provided in Canada. The core of the program is focused on five key personal development factors – Leadership, Decision Making, Creativity, Macro Economics and responsible Business practices.UBC MBA students are introduced to refresher courses that would solidify their understanding of key concepts like Quantitative Methods, Computers, Economics, Financial Accounting and Statistics. These are non-credit courses.
An interesting aspect of the UBC MBA is the Business Fundamentals module whose primary goal is to prepare students for live cases and project development skills. This module prepares students to keep pace with the MBA program. During fall term of second year, UBC MBA students can take part in International exchange programs with partner schools like Fisher College of Business, The Fuqua School of Business Melbourne Business School, Fundacao Getulio Vargas (FGV-EAESP), China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), Keio University, Yonsei University , National University of Singapore - NUS Business School , EDHEC Business School , ESSEC Business School , WHU - Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management , SDA Bocconi School of Management, Erasmus University - Rotterdam School of Management , ESADE Business School and Manchester Business School.
The EDHEC Global MBA is a 10-month full-time MBA program with focus on personal development and global experience. The program is structured into four areas: Management Science, Leadership Development, Applied Learning and Global Business Trips.
Management Science: covers fundamental courses which build the foundation for the MBA program. The courses include Advanced Corporate Financial Management, Consulting Methodologies, Criminal Risk Management, Data Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial & Management Accounting, Global Macroeconomics, Innovation Management, International Business Law, International Mergers & Acquisitions, Manager's Introduction to Information Technology, Managing People & Organisations, Managing the Internationalization of the Firm, Marketing Management, Microeconomics and Strategic Analysis & Business Modelling. After the students have completed the core courses, they can take one of the three specialization tracks: Global Finance Tracks, Global Leadership Track and Global Entrepreneurship Track.
The Global finance tracks provides courses in international corporate finance and financial economic. The track concludes with a week-long residential seminar in London. The Global leadership track is conducted in partnership with IBM. The track concludes with a week-long residential seminar in Singapore.
The Global Entrepreneurship track is for Entrepreneurial MBA candidates who want to start their own Business. The courses cover entrepreneurial finance and project financing, which is followed by a week at Stanford University's guesthouse in Silicon Valley.
UC David Daytime MBA program is based on IMPACT - Integrated Management Project and Articulation and Critical Thinking. With IMPACT, UC David MBA students develop their writing, speaking and critical-thinking capabilities. The core courses cover the fundamentals of management education: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Organizational Behaviour, Statistics and Strategy.
An interesting part of the curriculum is that UC Davis has developed a systematic process to provide internship opportunities for all MBA students. The process starts with the fall Quarter, when students are involved in the Internship Search Plan, which is followed by Internship Interviews in Winter Quarter and finally in Spring Quarter, UC Davis MBA students prepare for the summer Internship. Regular MBA Career FAIR and Leadership Development sessions are also conducted in the first year.
Second Year starts with summer internships where MBA students can apply what they have learned in the first year of their program. Internship also provides MBA students with the opportunity to get a Job offer before second year courses begin. After the internship UC Davis MBA students are given the choice to complete their MBA program in General Management or choose concentrations like Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Organizational Behaviour, Strategy and Technology Management. The concentration is implemented by a series of elective courses like International Finance, Corporate Social Responsibility, International Marketing, New Product Development, Business Law, Customer Relationship Management, Technology Competition & Strategy, Venture Capital & the Finance of Innovation.
Mays MBA Program at Texas A&M University is a 16-Month Full-time MBA program with a focus on one to one interaction and experiential learning. The program can be completed between August and December, spanning over 18 months.
The Curriculum is divided into terms. The Term 1 and Term 2 covers the MBA Fundamentals: Financial Accounting, Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions, Microfoundations of Business Behavior, Marketing Management, Finance for the Professional, Managerial Macroeconomics and Operations Mangement. Term 3 focuses on Managing People in the organization. Term 4 covers Management Accounting and Control, Finance for the Professional and Corporate Strategy.
Term 4 ends with specialization courses where students can choose from Consulting and strategic management, E-commerce, Finance, Human resource management, Information technology and operations, Marketing and Real estate. In specialization course, students can choose from courses beyond Mays Business School. They can select from a vast array of graduate courses from Texas A&M University. Specialization courses provide a platform for students to develop skills that are necessary for post-MBA jobs.
According to BusinessWeek Biennial Ranking, Notre Dame MBA is ranked 24th in the world. The program has also earned an “A+” in the teaching and career services category. The Economist ranked the Notre Dame MBA 40th globally, 10th globally for “potential to network” and 2nd for "alumni effectiveness."
WHU MBA is a 15-Month full-time General MBA program. The program emphasizes courses that develop strategic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in MBA students. Before the core courses in April, students can take part in the preparation courses in March that covers mathematics, statistics and German.
The core courses are divided into four modules: The Business Organization, Finance & Accounting, Business Economics and Value Chain Activities.
After the core courses, students can deepen the knowledge with concentration modules. WHU students can pick one of the following concentrations: Marketing & Sales, Advanced Finance & Accounting, Operations, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Strategy & Organization and Personal Leadership.
Another interesting module is the International Management Module, where students will learn how to face challenges in International Management scenarios. This module allows students to participate and learn from management challenges in North America, China and India. The practical learning is provided by the faculty in WHU partner universities (Kellogg - USA, IIM Bangalore – India and CEIBS - China).
The WHU MBA program concludes with the thesis, which provides the opportunity for students to implement what they have learned with the 3-Month internship project.
The Cambridge MBA is a 12-Month Full-time MBA program. The curriculum is divided into core courses, electives, concentrations and consulting projects. Before the core courses Cambridge MBA are required to take part in the Orientation module where students will get an overview of the MBA program and learn about Microeconomics.
Core Courses: The core courses starts with the Foundation module during October to December. Some of the interesting courses are Appreciating Accounts, Corporate Finance, Market Analysis and Career Development Programme. With the Cambridge Venture Project, students will consult and provide solutions for start-up companies like Antenova or Hypertag. From Jan-March, students will learn the fundamentals of Management Education – Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, Financial Management, Managing Innovation Strategically and Negotiation Skills.
Electives: Cambridge MBA can choose five electives from a wide range of subjects. Students can focus on subjects that can bring greater value in the post-MBA journey. Some of the elective courses are : Advanced Data Analysis for Management, Business Strategy & Management Consulting, Changing the Game: Business Models, Innovation & Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Emerging Venture Opportunities, Entrepreneurship: How to Start a Company, Environment & Sustainability, Fundraising, Globalisation & International Business, International Film Business, Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Real Estate, Strategic Brand Management, Supply Chain Strategy and topics in Investment Management.
Rollins Early Advantage MBA (EAMBA) is a full-time MBA program that can be completed in 16 or 21 months. Rollins EAMBA is divided into nine core courses, management concepts courses, elective courses, integrating course and International study component.
The Core courses include Management Analysis, Financial Accounting, Economics for Managers, Organizational Behaviour, Introduction to Strategy, Quantitative Business Analysis, Legal, Ethical, & Social Issues, Career Management and Leadership and Communication.
Rollins EAMBA program focuses on training MBA students for Global Opportunities. To prepare students for Global Business, Crummer Graduate School has introduced Global Research and Study Project, Global Consulting Projects, Global Sustainability: Business and the Environment, Business in Emerging Markets and International Exchange programs.
The wide range of International projects makes Rollins Early Advantage MBA program a truly unique program. Students participating in International Exchange program have the option to either choose EM Lyon in France or East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai for their program. The Exchange program lasts for four weeks. The internship immediately follows the Exchange program.
The 12 Month SFU Full-time MBA program at Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University is focused on strategic management and working as a leader/contributor. The curriculum packs in the equivalent of 18-24 months of traditional MBA program by cutting out the breaks between terms, normally seen in 2 year programs.
The SFU MBA program starts with the Fall Semester, when students develop the Fundamentals of Business Education - Professional Decision Making: Ethical and Analytical Perspectives, Managerial Economics, Managing People, Finance and Accounting. The Summer Semester builds on the foundational knowledge with courses like Marketing, MIS, Negotiation, Leadership and Groups, Managing Global Enterprises and Managing a Globalized Workforce.
After the Summer Semester, SFU MBA students can opt for an International Study Trip (optional), which provides them with the skills required to work in a globalized work environment. After the study trip students should complete the Summer Semester with courses in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity in Business and Business Strategy. Finally students are required to complete 2-8 months internship in Business Development & Sales Forecasting, Corporate Finance and Financial Analysis, Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability, Information Technology Management, Market Research and Competitive Intelligence, Marketing and Brand Management or Project Management & Analysis.
Queen’s MBA is a 12-Month Full-time MBA program provided in Kingston, Canada. The program has a focus on teamwork, personal coaching and experiential learning. Queen’s Full-time MBA program starts with three refresher courses: Accounting, Finance and Statistics. These are not-for-credit optional courses conducted as a one day session.
Some of the interesting courses in the core curriculum are: Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Acquisition & Analysis of Information for Management, Management Accounting, Finance Fundamentals, Corporate and Marketing Strategy, Managing Information Technology, Finance Strategy, International Business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Implementation and Change, Organizational Behaviour, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Capstone Simulation and Consulting & Project Management.
As part of the core curriculum Queen’s MBA students are divided into teams. The team members will work together on projects, presentations and other activities. The teams consist of 6-7 member students, carefully constituted to maximize diversity and experience. Each team is assigned with a personal coach, who monitors the performance of each group and provides constant feedback essential for their performance.
Foster MBA program focuses on strategic thinking, leadership, and global business. The Year one of the Foster Full-time MBA curriculum starts with the development of Business fundamentals covering topics like accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and strategy and an understanding on how each topic are interrelated. Some of the courses covered in the first year of the program include Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Leadership Development & Building Effective Teams, Marketing Strategy, Business Consulting Project, Leading Teams and Organizations and Competitive Strategy.
The Second year focuses on the MBA students goals. Students are given the flexibility to choose from 12 electives that include subjects like Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing and International Business to name a few. Courses in ethics and macroeconomics are mandatory for the Second Year student.
A unique feature of the Foster Full-time MBA program is the mentorship program offered under the guidance of top executives. The MBA Mentor program is in partnership with Seattle's leading Businesses. First year students typically attend two on-site sessions (ranging 2-3 hours) while second year students attend up to 4 sessions throughout the academic year. This provides students with an opportunity to work with senior level executives and gain exposure to various industries.
Thunderbird Full-time MBA has a Global focus. The core courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management and international studies, while the foundation course last 1 week. The foundation course is mandatory for all entering students and covers key aspects of leadership, team building, motivation, ethics and cross-cultural communication. Thunderbird MBA also introduces students to Career Management Seminars, Industry Experience and Global Experience (two-week course in Latin America, Europe or US).
Hult One Year Full-time MBA is a 12-Month MBA program that you can complete in five campuses (Boston, Dubai, London, San Francisco and Shanghai) with the Global Campus Rotation program. The Curriculum also referred to as LEAP (Learn, Experience and Action Projects) incorporates experiential learning.
Hult MBA Curriculum is divided into six parts – Foundation, Fundamental, Advancement, Mastery, Global Application and Action Learning.
2) Fundamentals: Focus on developing Financial and Analytical knowledge required for effective managers. Courses include Financial Management, International Accounting, International Marketing, Managerial Economics and Lifetime Career Management.
3) Advancement: This module has a focus on Strategy and Global Business management. Courses include Corporate Finance, Strategy, Operations, Global Management and Lifetime Career Management.
Georgetown’s two year Full-time MBA at McDonough School of Business starts with the core courses that provides students with the functional knowledge that acts as the foundation for their MBA program. The First year MBA curriculum include courses like Financial Accounting, Organizational Behaviour, Applied Business Statistics, Microeconomics Management Communication, Professional & Career Development, Managerial Accounting, Marketing, Financial Markets Strategic Management, Management Communication, Professional & Career Development, Corporate Finance , Management Science, Operations Management, Leadership and Business Ethics I and International Business Environment.
The Second Year in McDonough’s Full-time MBA focuses on developing the leadership skills required for managing Businesses and organizations. Some of the interesting electives in the second year program include : Cases in Financial Statement Analysis, Corporate Restructuring, Option-Based Position Trading, Real Estate Finance I & II, Venture Capital, Leading Organizational Change, Managing Organizational Change, Sports Leadership, Operations Strategy Project Management, Applied Decision Theory, Advanced Competitive Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Ethical Management/White Collar Crime, Global Strategy and Leading Management Consulting Firm.
The biggest bonus for Auburn MBA program is the Graduate assistantship. Student with strong Academic background and a GMAT Score of 620 and above are offered with assistantship that includes a full tuition waiver scholarship and monthly stipend. Unlike other MBA programs, the weekend starts on Thursday evenings, with very few graduate-level classes conducted on Fridays.
Smith’s 21 Month MBA program focuses on hands-on learning. The core courses in the curriculum include Introduction to Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Data Models and Decisions, Technology Selective, Managerial Economics and Public Policy, Leadership and Teamwork, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Financial Management and Marketing Management.
Smith MBA’s Hands-on experience is further supported with MBA Consulting Program (a team-based consulting engagement), Mayer Fund (gain real experience in securities analysis and portfolio management), New Markets Growth Fund (learn to identify potential investment opportunities), The Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship (Get mentoring and networking opportunities with Entrepreneurs and Venture Capitalists. Learn to identify Business Opportunities) and Netcentricity Laboratories (practical aspects of supply chain management, financial trading and e-commerce).
The Full-time MBA at Melbourne Business School can be completed in 16 or 20 months. The curriculum is divided into ten mandatory and ten elective courses. There are two intakes for the program: one in September and another one in January. Students are required to complete 750 hours of class.
Before the program start, students are required to attend the two week orientation program in Melbourne Business School. To implement the experiential learning process, students are required to spend up to six hours every week on field studies, apart from the time spent on lectures.
The first two terms of the program covers the core curriculum: The World of Management (intensive one week training to develop managerial skills), Financial Accounting ( learn to manage costs and make business decisions based on Financial information), Managing People (learn what motivates people and how to manage people effectively) , Marketing (learn how to implement successful marketing program), Data and Decisions (learn how to use statistics, graphs and probability for decision making), Managerial Economics (introduction to concepts in economics that are crucial for managerial and strategic decision making), Economics and Public Policy (learn how Government policies impact organization and how to deal with it), Managing Processes(learn to create process that are effective in managing resources), Financial Management (introduction to corporate finance), Business Strategy(learn the basics of strategic management).
The University of Tampa’s Full-time MBA program can be completed in just 12 months. The program is designed for accelerated completion with 8 to 16 hours per semester. The course has a foundational requirement that covers topics like Developing Software Competencies, Essentials of Accounting and Finance, Foundational Economics for Managers, Statistics for Decision Makers, Foundations of Marketing and Foundations of Management. The courses under Foundational requirement can be waived depending on the applicants background and course work.
The Foundational course is followed by the Leadership course – Leading for Performance, which immediately follows the orientation. The core curriculum covers topics like Accounting and Value Creation, Financial Management and Strategy, The Economics of Organizations, Information Systems and Operations Management, Marketing Management, Strategic Management and Professional Development Practicum.
The University of Tampa MBA can select electives from Decision Modelling and Analysis, Business Analytics and Business Research Methods. The Full-time MBA students will also have the option to select concentrations like Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information System Management, Innovation Management, International Business, Marketing and Non-Profit Management.
The 22-Month Olin Full-time MBA focuses on developing critical thinking and leadership skills. The biggest differentiating factor for Olin Full-time MBA is the number of elective courses offered to students. Nearly two-thirds of the courses (66 credit hours) offered are from electives. This allows MBA students to plan their curriculum according to their post-MBA goals.
The Core Courses include Financial Accounting, Strategic Cost Analysis, Financial Management, Strategic Management, Introduction to Management and Strategy, Critical Thinking and Impactful Communication, Fundamentals of Statistics, Managerial Economics, Managerial Statistics, Marketing Management, Foundations for Leadership Effectiveness, Leadership Development Workshop and Operations Management.
Olin Full-time MBA also provides access to Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) that bring together students with entrepreneurs, non-profits and corporations, allowing students to provide consulting services for organizations. Students are also given the opportunity to work on The Taylor Community Consulting program that involves spending six weeks helping organizations reach their short-term goals. MBA students also explore challenges and opportunities in setting up Business in countries like China, Peru, Colombia and United Arab Emirates, with Global Management Studies.
Merage Full-time MBA Curriculum covers the Business Fundamentals - Accounting, finance, marketing, operations and strategy but focuses on three areas: Strategic Innovation, Information Technology and Analytic Decision Making. Strategic Innovation allows students to recognize change and innovate accordingly. Information Technology allows students to use IT as a tool for being a better Manager. The ability to make decision when you are bombarded with data is a critical skill for Managers and Leaders. With Analytic Decision Making students develop skills that are essential for making sound Business decisions.
Merage Full-time MBA starts with a Boot camp followed by core courses that build the foundation for the MBA course. What makes Merage unique is the focus on choosing career path right from the start of the program. Students partner with experienced professionals at the Merage MBA Career Centre to determine the best fit career. By having a clear career path, students can select electives that will help them prepare for summer internships. The summer internship provides MBA students to apply the knowledge gained during the first year.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a semester-long exchange program with one of the schools - Hitosubashi University in Japan, St. Gallen University in Switzerland, and RSM Erasmus University in the Netherlands.
The Career Management team in Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi ITO Graduate School of Management works in partnership with students to achieve their post-MBA goals. Some of the key focuses of the Career Management centre are Personalized Career Planning, Skills Development, and Resources for finding job opportunities, Networking Opportunities with esteemed Drucker Alumni and dedicated Alumni Mentor programs.
To encourage International students to communicate effectively, Claremont Graduate University’ has introduced an International Fellows Program, where students will get an opportunity to take part in an advanced English Program.
USC Marshall School of Business has introduced a new core curriculum in 2011. The curriculum is designed to fit the needs of a diverse class with varying interests, aspirations and backgrounds. Before starting the core curriculum, students are required to complete a one week orientation program followed by a three-week "Super Semester" that provides crash course in leadership, strategy, statistics, microeconomics, financial accounting, ethics and management communication.
Students will be assigned to one of the three "Cores"(groups designed with diversity in mind). Each core will be further divided into teams of five to six people. The members of each core will together take the required courses, case discussions, student presentation and team projects. Subjects that would be useful for the summer internship are picked as part of the first-year electives (after discussion between students, alumni and recruiters). Some of the courses in the first-year electives include accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, information and operations management, management and organization, and marketing.
SDA Bocconi has introduced three major changes for all the Full-time MBA classes starting from Sep 2012.
Planning and Innovating: The first sequence is designed to develop skills to manage global competition. Students should learn to plan according to current capabilities and resources, while keeping in mind potential competition and future innovation.
Controlling and Investing: The second sequence provides students with tools to perform quantitative analysis to manage performance of investments and obtain funds for Businesses.
Leading People and Processes: Managing human resources and deadlines is crucial for successfully implementing any projects. The third sequence provides students with the framework to define projects based on people and processes.
Soft Skills and Values: Often ignored aspect of skill development is soft skills. SDA Bocconi with this final sequence has designed the curriculum to include exercises and courses to develop skills in communication, project management and team management. The financial crisis of 2008 was due to lack of Business ethics. This concentration has a section for Business ethics that will educate students about conducting Business in an ethical and fair manner.
The Four Sequences will take students to all the four concentrations: Innovation, Marketing, Finance, and the Luxury track.
The Simmons 16-month MBA program is designed for developing women’s career and leadership skills. The program starts with a one-week introductory course, followed by the Foundational courses. During the Foundational courses, students develop skills like financial, economic, quantitative analysis as well as behavioural skills like communications and leadership strategies, necessary for being an effective manager. The Foundational courses are followed by Advanced Courses which focuses on developing tools required to lead at a strategic level.
The biggest advantage of The Simmons MBA is the internship opportunity provided to students during summer. Internships are however not mandatory. Once the students have implemented the knowledge gained during the MBA program, they are introduced to career strategies, a required course that guides students during every stage of their career.
To familiarize students with diverse disciplines in Business, an integrative course is taught that addresses strategic issues, problems and opportunities in Business. Finally students are given the option to choose from one of over 8 concentrations or from a list of advanced electives: Accounting for Financial Services, Advanced Corporate Finance, Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship, International Marketing, Investment Portfolio Management, Labor Relations and Employment Law, Contemporary Topics in Marketing, Consulting, Gender and Leadership in Complex Organizations, Identifying and Exploiting New Business Opportunities, and Business and Market Failures. The electives change from year to year.
Stanford Full-time MBA is a 24-month program with the 2016 class setting a new record in the history of Stanford GSB for the largest class with 410 students. The diverse group of students for the latest class was chosen through a rigorous MBA Admission process that accepted applications from 7355 aspirants with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. The sparks of innovation that Stanford is known for has to do with the talented group of MBA candidates but the environment - the pleasant “The Knight Management Center Campus” in Bay Area, Northern California, is the perfect fertile ground for new ideas. The vicinity to some of the best innovators in the world – Intel, Google, Facebook and Apple, lends an inspiring learning experience for MBA candidates.
For the Class of 2016, Stanford Full-time MBA program received 7,355 applications, admitting only 410 students – a 5.5% acceptance rate. The entry criteria in terms of GMAT score is on the higher side with the class average at 732 and GPA at 3.73. Women and International students were represented at a much higher percentage compared to other top MBA programs at 42% and 44% respectively. Unlike other programs, Stanford has also maintained diversity in terms of pre-MBA employment, with the admission team, selecting candidates from a record 312 companies.
The Philadelphia campus hosts the 24-month Wharton Full-time MBA program with the latest class enrolling 850 students. The focus of the Full-time program is to make the students better decision makers, encourage them to take risks, test their Entrepreneurial skills, and give them the opportunity to work with diverse groups in Global communities.
Although not as popular as Harvard, Wharton ranks among the top five popular MBA programs in the world with the Class of 2016 receiving 6111 applications, enrolling only 859 students - a 14% acceptance rate. The mean GMAT for the class is 728 with 80% of the class scoring in the 710 to 750 range. 31% of the class was international students. Interestingly, minority students had a wider representation this year with 30% of the Americans in the class represented by a minority group (African-American, Asian-American, Native American, and other multiethnic backgrounds). | 2019-04-26T02:53:56Z | https://www.f1gmat.com/business-school-profile?source=bc-nav |
The common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus is one of three bat species that feed exclusively on the blood of mammals often more than 1000 times its size. Vampire bats even feed on human blood. Moreover, they tend to feed on the same individual over consecutive nights.
Using psychoacoustical methods, we show that vampire bats can recognize individual humans by their breathing sounds. Accompanying psychoacoustical experiments using the same stimuli and procedure but with human listeners show that even these trained and instructed listeners were unable to achieve the vampire bats' performance under the most difficult conditions, where the breathing sounds had been recorded under physical strain.
It is suggested that vampire bats can make use of an individual acoustic signature imposed on breathing sounds in a way similar to that in which we identify humans by their vocalizations.
Vampire bats are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood. The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is one of three vampire species (Fig. 1a). Typically, D. rotundus only feeds on a single prey animal on any one night. The blood meal lasts from 10 min up to 1 hour during which time the vampire bat drinks between 0.5 times and 1.4 times its body weight in blood. Despite the abundance of prey animals since the start of livestock farming, vampire bats repetitively feed on the same individual whereas other individuals are ignored [1–3]. The perceptual features that guide the vampire bats' selection of prey animals and enable them to recognize an animal that they have fed on the night before remain elusive.
Animal portrait (a) and experimental setup (b) for the behavioral experiments on breathing-sound classification and absolute thresholds in the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus. For the breathing-sound classification, animals were trained to associate each of three breathing sounds, presented from a speaker above the starting area, with one of the three feeders. For the absolute-threshold measurements, stimuli were presented from one of three speakers mounted above the feeders.
Earlier studies revealed sensory specializations that support the extraordinary food and feeding strategies of D. rotundus: Kurten and Schmidt found pit organs in the nose of D. rotundus that are sensitive to the infrared radiation emitted by the blood-rich skin surfaces of homeothermic vertebrates. However, the detection range for this infrared emission is only 8 to 12 cm . Thus, infrared sensitivity cannot help to locate or select the prey animal but will identify a promising place to bite it. D. rotundus has a very well developed olfactory system. Both anatomical and behavioral studies indicate that olfaction may play an important role in both the long-distance orientation towards potential prey and possibly the selection of individual prey animals.
The importance of passive hearing, as opposed to echolocation, for the common vampire is supported by the very low thresholds of midbrain neurons in the frequency range between 10 and 25 kHz, i.e. considerably below the echolocation frequency range (~40 to 100 kHz). Moreover, these recordings have revealed neurons that are stimulated exclusively by breathing sounds .
This study was designed to investigate the passive-hearing capabilities of the common vampire bat behaviorally; specifically, the extent to which auditory sensitivity to breathing sounds may support prey selection. Vampire bats were trained to discriminate three sequences of breathing sounds recorded from three different subjects. A spectrogram of a recorded breathing sound is shown in Fig. 2. Once the vampire bats had learned this task, additional breathing sounds, recorded under different experimental conditions from the same three subjects, were randomly interspersed. The spontaneous association of these test sounds with the learned training sounds was assessed. These psychophysical data from the vampire bats were compared to the performances of human listeners using the same experimental paradigm and stimuli. The experimental data, together with simulations of the breathing-sound task based on different sound parameters, allow the relevance of these parameters to the perceptual association of breathing sounds in both vampire bats and humans to be evaluated.
Spectrogram of a recorded breathing sound. The spectrogram shows the spectro-temporal features of an air intake (left) and output (right) in a single breathing-sound cycle. Frequency-modulated, ultrasonic tonal components can be observed during air intake. These components result from turbulences in the nasal cavity during depression. Note the good signal-to-noise ratio, which was realizable with the recording equipment described in the methods.
The percentage spontaneous associations of nine unknown test sounds with the correct subject are shown in the two panels of Fig. 3 for the two vampire bats, respectively. The data show that the vampire bats reliably associated these test sounds with the correct subject (p < 0.05 , horizontal dotted lines). The vampire bats were even able to recognize the recordings under physical strain, although performance dropped markedly for this test-sound condition. The importance of passive hearing (as opposed to echolocation) is reflected in the very low auditory thresholds in the frequency range of breathing sounds. The absolute thresholds for long-duration narrow-band noise stimuli are shown as a function of the band-pass center frequency by the fine lines and circles in Fig. 4. Data are averaged across three vampire bats; error bars represent standard errors. The bold line in Fig. 4 shows the averaged breathing-sound spectra. The gray lines represent standard errors. These data show that the high auditory sensitivity of the vampire bat in the frequency range between 10 and 25 kHz is well suited to the detection and analysis of the breathing sounds we recorded. Owing to the noisy, broadband nature of breathing sounds, it is not to be expected that breathing sounds from other mammals of comparable size differ markedly from human breathing sounds in their magnitude spectra.
Spontaneous classification of unknown breathing sounds by D. rotundus. The two panels show results from two individuals. The correct recognition of a breathing sound recorded from one of three human subjects is shown as a function of the condition of breathing-sound recording. The different bar colors represent the three different subjects. The bold horizontal line at 33 % correct indicates chance level, the gray line at 47 % correct indicates significant deviation from chance with p < 0.05. The data show that both animals recognized the breathing sounds correctly under all experimental conditions. Only under the most difficult condition, where the sounds were recorded under physical strain (unlike the training sounds), the bats' performance dropped markedly but still remained significant.
Vampire hearing and breathing-sound spectra. Absolute auditory thresholds averaged across three individuals of D. rotundus are shown as symbols and the fine line; error bars represent standard errors of the mean. Averaged breathing-sound magnitude spectra are shown by the strong black line; the strong grey lines again represent standard errors. This comparisons show that in D. rotundus, auditory sensitivity is well suited to detecting and analyzing breathing sounds.
Breathing-sound classification by human listeners is shown in Fig. 5 in the same format as Fig. 3. The human listeners were well capable of correctly associating the test sounds, recorded either in the same recording session or in another session under a similar degree of physical strain of the subjects. However, unlike the vampire bats, the naïve listeners (left panel) completely failed to classify the breathing sounds recorded under physical strain correctly. Instead, all sounds recorded under physical strain were consistently associated with subject #3. This subject used the highest breathing frequency in the training set. Breathing frequency is simply defined as the number of breathing cycles per second. Note that the human listeners went through the same training procedure as the vampire bats and scored at least as well as the vampire bats in the training condition and in the first two test conditions.
Breathing-sound classification by human listeners with exactly the same stimuli and experimental procedure as used in the vampire experiment. Results are shown in the same format as in Fig. 3. Error bars represent across-listeners standard errors. While the human listeners were well capable of recognizing breathing sounds recorded in the same session or in a different session in the same physical state, the naïve human listeners failed to recognize the breathing sounds recorded under physical strain (a). Even after the listeners were instructed to ignore breathing-frequency information (b), overall performance did not improve for this most difficult experimental condition.
After completion of this data set, listeners were instructed to ignore breathing-frequency information but to try instead to exploit all other information. This was done because both the listeners' reports and the numerical simulations (see below) suggested that the listeners had been trying to use breathing-frequency information to classify the breathing sounds. This instruction had obviously not been given to the vampire bats. The results obtained under this experimental condition are shown in the right panel of Fig. 5. While the pattern of results changed in comparison to the naïve condition, listeners still failed to associate breathing sounds recorded under physical strain correctly.
The numerical simulations of the breathing-sound association were implemented to assess whether the vampire bats' or humans' performances can be linked to a physical sound parameter. Simulation results for the four extracted sound parameters are shown in the four panels of Fig. 6. Overall, the simulation based on breathing frequency provides the best results while the power-spectrum simulation provides the worst. However, none of the simulations can correctly classify all test sounds recorded under physical strain. Note the high similarity between the breathing-frequency simulation (Fig. 6b) and the performance of the naïve human listeners (Fig. 5, left panel). This similarity supports the hypothesis that human listeners relied on breathing-frequency analysis.
Numerical simulation of the breathing-sound recognition. The simulations are based on four different breathing-sound parameters, namely (a) the sound level, (b) the breathing frequency, (c) the power spectrum of the breathing sounds and (d) the breathing-sound roughness. None of the simulations matches the behavioral performance of the vampire bats (Fig. 3). The breathing-sound simulation, however, matches the performance of the naïve human listeners (Fig. 5a), confirming the listeners' reports that they had tried to rely on breathing-frequency information.
These analyses were performed on the sounds as they were recorded. The audiogram of a vampire bat, however, is quite different from that of humans. To capture the possible effects of the different frequency ranges in which the bats and the humans processed the sounds, the simulations were repeated with the sounds filtered to match either the human or the vampire-bat audiogram. These simulations were only carried out for the three parameters that are potentially influenced by the filtering, namely sound-pressure level, differences in the magnitude spectrum and stimulus roughness. However, none of these parameters alone yielded significantly better predictions with the filtered sounds (not shown).
It is conceivable that the bats did not rely on a single sound parameter but on different parameters depending on which parameter yielded the strongest predictions for a given comparison of a test sound with the three training sounds. Although the magnitude spectrum did not provide strong predictions for a given test sound (the mean-squared difference between the magnitude spectrum of the test sound and each training sound was similar), the stimulus roughness provided strong predictions e.g. in favour of the training-sound of subject one.
Consequently, a simulation was implemented in which the model was free to choose the parameter for a given test sound that provided the strongest predictions. Again, test sounds were either filtered to match the human or the vampire-bat audiogram. Simulation results are shown in Fig. 7. While the predictions of this model are still poor when the sounds were filtered to match the human audiogram (Fig. 7a), they were quite good in predicting the bats' performance when the sounds were filtered to match the vampire-bat audiogram.
Simulation of the breathing-sound recognition with dynamically changing analysis parameters. Predicted breathing-sound classification when the model was free to choose the breathing-sound parameter (sound level, power spectrum or roughness) that provides the strongest predictions (strongest deviations from chance performance) for a given comparison of a test sound with each of the three training sounds. All sounds were filtered to match either the human audiogram (a) or the vampire-bat audiogram (b). While the simulation based on the human audiogram does not yield improved predictions of the classification of the test sounds recorded under physical strain, this simulation approach when combined with the sounds as they are weighted by the vampire-bat audiogram results in qualitatively correct classifications even of the test sounds recorded under physical strain.
In summary, the current functional simulations suggest that the vampire bats spontaneously recruited a rather sophisticated analysis of the sounds based on multiple parameters; and they appeared to base decisions for each test sound on the sound parameter that provided the strongest discriminative capacity for comparing this test sound with the three training sounds. It appears that this analysis is more reliable when based on ultrasonic components of the sounds.
The current data show that for vampire bats, prey-generated breathing sounds could provide a reliable cue for recognizing prey individuals: during the relatively long time a vampire feeds on a prey animal, it can memorize the prey's breathing sounds and use this information to find the same prey on the following night.
Breathing sounds are typically faint. The sounds we recorded from human subjects ranged between 25 and 35 dB SPL. This gives rise to the question: over what distance could breathing sounds be perceived and analyzed by vampire bats? Considering the absolute thresholds (cf. Fig. 4), the frequency region most likely to be used is around 15 kHz, where thresholds are as low as 0 dB SPL. In this frequency region, atmospheric attenuation is around 0.5 dB/m. Thus, in the (unlikely) absence of any masking sounds, detection of breathing sounds could work over several tens of meters. In the presence of natural masking sounds, however, the effective detection distance will depend on the level and spatial distribution of the masking sound sources.
While it is unlikely that prey recognition relies exclusively on breathing sounds [5, 7], these sounds potentially have high individual significance: vocalizations are generated by the vocal cords and filtered through the vocal tract. Both the pattern of vocal-cord vibrations and the filtering are highly individual and this supports our recognition of individual voices. While breathing sounds are unvoiced, and thus do not excite the vocal cords, they will also pass the same vocal and nasal tract and may thus also mediate individually specific information. However, the sounds used in this study were emitted through the nose. It remains to be investigated to what extent the nasal acoustic tract filters breathing sounds in a similarly characteristic way. An early study confirmed that, at least for partially voiced sounds such as consonant-vowel combinations, speaker recognition is feasible on the basis of nasal co-articulation . However, the current simulations based on the breathing-sound power spectra, and the human-psychophysical experiments, suggest that speaker recognition is difficult with purely unvoiced sounds. If nasal-tract filtering were individually specific, the resulting spectral features would result in a correct breathing-sound association in the power-spectrum simulation. The simulation results in Fig. 6c show that this is not the case. Also, the failure of the instructed human listeners to associate the breathing sounds recorded under physical strain argues against the use of power-spectrum information for breathing-sound recognition, at least in the audio frequency range below 20 kHz. Note that human listeners are very sensitive to changes in the spectral composition of broadband stimuli .
Qualitatively correct predictions of the vampire-bats' performance, even under the most difficult experimental condition where the test sounds had been recorded under physical strain, could be obtained with a refined simulation approach: first, the sounds were filtered to match the vampire-bat audiogram; and second, a simulation paradigm was designed that allows whichever sound parameter yields the strongest predictions to be exploited.
The current behavioral study shows that the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is very sensitive to breathing sounds. In the three-alternative, forced-choice setup, it spontaneously associates unknown breathing sounds with the subject who emitted them. This exceptional performance is underlined by the inability of human listeners to match the vampire bats' accomplishment under the most difficult experimental condition where the sounds had been recorded under physical strain. Numerical simulations show that while the human listeners relied on breathing-frequency information, the vampire bats appeared to recruit different acoustic parameters and to choose amongst these parameters depending on which provided the highest discriminative power.
On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that vampire bats can memorize and classify complex acoustic features of prey-generated breathing sounds to facilitate the identification of prey animals that they have successfully fed on before.
Breathing sounds were recorded from three human subjects (two female, one male) aged between 27 and 30 and breathing through the nose. The microphone (Bruel&Kjaer 4189 with B&K 2671 preamplifier, Naerum, Denmark) was positioned at a horizontal distance of 10 cm and 2 cm below the nose tip. This position was found after extensive tests to ensure maximum acoustic sensitivity to the breathing sound while, at the same time, minimizing the risk of the air stream hitting the microphone directly. Care was taken to exclude recordings where the air stream hit the microphone. The microphone was connected to a B&K 2525 measuring amplifier; the output was high-pass filtered at 1 kHz (Krohn Hite 3550, Brockton, MA) and analog-digital converted (Tucker Davis Technologies RP2.1, Alachua, FL) at a sampling rate of 100 kHz. This recording system had a flat frequency response up to 35 kHz followed by a shallow decay (about 12 dB/oct.), caused by the 1/2 inch microphone. This microphone was chosen because, unlike a ¼ inch microphone, the background level was low enough to obtain a reasonable signal-to-noise ratio of 20–25 dB with the breathing sounds. Three 40-s sessions were recorded from each subject. One session was recorded after the subject was subjected to physical strain (20 knee bends).
The breathing sounds used to train the vampire bats consisted of a sequence of full breathing cycles lasting between 7 and 10 s extracted from the first recording session. The test sounds also consisted of full cycles lasting between 7 and 10 s extracted (1) from a different time period within the same 40-s session, (2) from a second 40-s session recorded on a different day and (3) from the session recorded under physical strain. Thus, the test program consisted of nine test sounds (three subjects times three test conditions). Downsampled (to 44.1 kHz) and compressed versions (mp3, 128 kB/s) of all training and test sounds are provided in the supplementary information.
The breathing sounds were digital-analog converted at 100 kHz (TDT RP2.1), amplified (Rotel RB 976 MkII, Worthing, England) and presented through a speaker (Technics Matsushita EAS10TH800D, Osaka, Japan) mounted vertically above the starting area of the vampire. Emission sound levels were set to the recorded levels (25 to 35 dB SPL) including their natural intra- and inter-individual variability. The frequency response of the playback system was flat (± 2 dB) between 3 and 48 kHz.
In a three-alternative, forced-choice paradigm, the vampire bats (Fig. 1a) were trained to associate each of the three training sounds with a corresponding reward feeder located at the ends of the three arms of the behavioral setup (Fig. 1b). When the vampire arrived at the correct reward feeder before the end of the stimulus presentation, it was rewarded with 0.25 ml of cattle blood provided by an automated syringe system under computer control. A video clip of a vampire approaching a feeder and feeding is provided in the supplementary information [see Additional files 2 and 3]. Two of the four animals trained on this task learned to associate each training sound with a specific feeder with more than 70 % correct performance after about 6 months of training. Test trials were then randomly interspersed between the training trials with a probability of 25%. In these test trials, one of the nine test sounds was presented and the vampire bats were rewarded independently of their choice of reward feeder. Whether a trial was a training trial or a test trial, and which feeder would be the correct feeder for the training trials, were determined exclusively by random generators in the software. Control of the automated syringes was done over the IO port of the TDT RP2.1 and this switching only occurred after the animals had made a decision. The results shown are based on at least 30 presentations of each of the nine test sounds. Thus, the data result from at least 270 test trials interspersed between 810 training-sound presentations. Numerical simulation based on random performance shows that the p < 0.05 threshold in this 3-AFC task with 30 trials per condition is 47% correct . The data-acquisition period lasted about one year.
Absolute auditory thresholds were determined for nine center frequencies between 3 and 80 kHz equally spaced on a logarithmic frequency axis. The stimuli were narrow-band noises with a -3 dB bandwidth of the center frequency ± 10 %; the noises were regenerated for each trial. Each noise had a duration of 500 ms including 10 ms raised-cosine ramps. Stimuli were presented through the TDT RP2.1, a TDT PA5 programmable attenuator, the Rotel RB 976 MkII, and a 40 dB passive end attenuation. The end attenuator consisted of a 100 Ω resistor in series and a 1 Ω resistor in parallel to each speaker. The speakers were Technics Matsushita (EAS10TH800D) and they were mounted at the ends of the three arms. The setup was calibrated with a ¼ inch microphone (B&K 4135) connected to a B&K 2670 preamplifier and a B&K 2636 measuring amplifier. Stimuli were presented at a rate of 1 Hz for 15 s or until the vampire had reached one of the feeders. Correct choices were rewarded in the same way as in the breathing-sounds experiment.
Psychometric functions were obtained over an attenuation range of 35 dB in steps of 5 dB. The overall position of this attenuation range was set according to the individual animal's performance in preliminary trials. Within this 35-dB range, the attenuation for each trial was selected randomly. Each point on the psychometric functions is based on at least 30 trials; the 47 % correct point (corresponding to p < 0.05 in the three-alternative, forced-choice task) on a sigmoidal function fitted to the psychometric function was taken as threshold.
The shape of the psychometric functions, the frequency dependence of the absolute thresholds and the different associations of the test sounds are incompatible with the hypothesis that the animals relied on other than auditory cues to perform the task. In this context all trials in the absolute-threshold measurements with high attenuations, where the animals' performance was at chance level, can be regarded as blank trials. As the animals typically responded to 20 to 30 trials per day, the data for a single psychometric function required about 8 to 12 training days.
Four adult D. rotundus were trained on the breathing sounds. Two animals failed to learn the association of the breathing sounds with the corresponding feeders and were removed from the experiment after 6 months of training. Three animals, two of them identical to those having taken part in the breathing-sound experiment, were subsequently trained on the absolute-threshold measurements. The animals were born in captivity in a colony located at the Zoologisches Institut, Universität Bonn, and they were kindly provided by Prof. Schmidt.
The breathing-sound experiment was repeated with four human listeners using exactly the same experimental stimuli and paradigm. The listeners were two males and two females (22 to 24 years old) and had normal hearing as determined by preceding measurements of absolute thresholds. The breathing sounds were delivered diotically through AKG K240DF headphones (Wien, Austria) at the recorded sound level. Instead of a blood reward, the listeners received visual feedback from a graphical user interface shown on a touch screen in a sound-proof booth. The touch screen also served as a response interface.
The simulations were performed to investigate whether the vampire bats' or the humans' performances could be linked to a simple physical sound parameter. Four such parameters (the sound-pressure level, the base-ten logarithm of the breathing frequency, the power spectrum and the breathing-sound roughness) were extracted from the three training sounds and the nine test sounds. The breathing-sound roughness was calculated as the 4th moment of the waveform . The fourth moment is the waveform raised to the power of four divided by the squared waveform raised to the power of two. As the divisor corresponds to the squared variance of the waveform, the division makes the 4th moment independent of the sound-pressure level. For each of the four extracted breathing-sound parameters, the similarity between each training sound and each test sound was calculated as the reciprocal of the squared difference between the test sound and a training sound. For the power spectrum, the squared difference was averaged over all frequencies (0 to 50 kHz). Percentage correct identification was calculated by dividing the similarity between the test sound and the correct training sound (from the correct subject) by the sum of the similarities between the test sound and the training sounds from all three subjects.
To test the influence of the different hearing ranges of vampire bats and humans, the sounds were subsequently filtered with infinite-impulse response filters designed either to match the vampire audiogram (cf. Fig. 4) or the human audiogram . Then the simulations for the three parameters that are potentially affected by this filtering (sound-pressure level, power spectrum and roughness) were repeated. However, the predictions of the breathing-sound classification by the vampire bats did not improve (not shown).
These simulations only evaluate the contribution of each the extracted parameters but not combinations of parameters. In the first simulations, the breathing-frequency parameter was identified as a distractor for the correct classification of breathing sounds recorded under physical strain. It is conceivable that while none of the other parameters alone can predict the vampire bats' performance, a combination of the remaining parameters, namely sound-pressure level, power spectrum and roughness, may be used by the vampire bats to classify breathing sounds.
To test this hypothesis, the model was allowed to choose the parameter that produced the strongest predictions, i.e. the strongest deviations from chance level, for the comparison of a given test stimulus with each of the training stimuli. Again, this version of the model was evaluated for both the human and the vampire hearing ranges. Simulation results are shown in Fig. 7. While the best-parameter simulation was still unable to achieve a significantly correct performance under the 'physical strain' condition when the sounds were filtered with the human audiogram, filtering with the vampire-bat audiogram resulted in qualitatively correct predictions even for those breathing sounds that had been recorded under physical strain.
We thank Benedikt Grothe and Gerhard Neuweiler for helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper. We thank Uwe Schmidt (University of Bonn) for the provision of vampire bats and many helpful discussions. Thanks to Michael Burger for his constructive comments and language corrections. This work was supported by the 'Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft', Wi 1518/6 (to L.W.) and the DFG Graduiertenkolleg 267.
UG and LW designed the vampire experiments. UG carried out the animal training and data acquisition. LW implemented and carried out the human psychophysical experiments and simulations. UG and LW wrote the manuscript and designed the figures. | 2019-04-23T12:27:01Z | https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1741-7007-4-18 |
Retelling the Christmas Story | Truth Or Tradition?
Was it in a stable, cave, or a home?
An old and familiar part of the Christmas story goes like this: Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem shortly before the birth of Jesus. The night they arrived in Bethlehem there were no rooms available in the local inns, and so Joseph and Mary had to make a place for themselves in a local stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus and then laid him in a manger, a feeding trough for the animals.
The picture painted by the above part of the Christmas story is not a pretty one. It paints a cold and selfish picture of the people of Bethlehem. Most people of every age and culture go out of their way to help women in need, but somehow the people of Bethlehem closed their doors to this young woman about to give birth. Is that really the picture of the birth of Christ that the Word of God paints for us? We will see that there is a joyful picture of giving in the Christmas story that has been hidden from the eyes of many Christians, but which shows the true heart of Christmas: giving to others from a joyful heart.
The modern Christian understanding of the birth of Jesus comes largely from extra-biblical works and traditions imported into the Gospels, rather than the biblical record itself. Much misinformation came from a document that was widely circulated in the early centuries of the Christian era. It is referred to by scholars as the Protevangelium of James, and was likely written in the third century A.D. The Protevangelium is the first document scholars are aware of that refers to Jesus being born close to Mary’s arrival in Bethlehem, though it says Jesus was born in a cave before Joseph and Mary even reached Bethlehem. Sadly, in ancient times as well as today, people seem to pay more attention to what people say about the Bible than what the Bible itself says.
We do not know how large a part the Protevangelium played in developing the tradition that Mary gave birth to Jesus the night she and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. However, we do know that the traditional belief became easier to sustain as the center of Christian culture moved to Europe, where day-to-day life was quite different from life in Palestine.
When we read the Bible carefully, even in most English versions, we see that Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem for an unspecified number of days before Mary gave birth.
It is clear from Luke 2:6 that Joseph and Mary did not arrive in Bethlehem the night she gave birth, but days earlier. Mary gave birth “while they [she and Joseph] were there [in Bethlehem],” and the verse specifically says “days.” When the word “days” is used in the plural in the New Testament, it always refers to “days” literally or a period of time. Had Joseph and Mary arrived the day Mary gave birth, the text would have used “day” or “hours,” not the plural “days.” New Testament scholars know this. For example, R. C. H. Lenski writes: “This [the day Jesus was born] was not the day of Joseph’s and Mary’s arrival….” Nevertheless, as usual, scholarship does not often have the power to overturn tradition, with its well-entrenched stories, songs, and paintings.
If Joseph and Mary had been staying in Bethlehem before Jesus was born, how is it that they had not found adequate lodging? Why give birth in a stable and lay Jesus in a manger? Oops, the Bible never says the birth was in a stable—that is tradition. If for some reason Bethlehem was so totally filled with guests and visitors that no one would open their homes to Joseph and Mary, their relatives Zechariah and Elizabeth lived only a short distance away, in the hill country of Judah (Luke 1:39 – NASB) , and Joseph and Mary could have gone there with only a little effort. In fact, Mary had visited Elizabeth early in her pregnancy (Luke 1:40). So Joseph and Mary could have found adequate housing and care if they needed it.
The story of the night of Christ’s birth needs to be retaught and relearned in Christian circles, not only because truth matters and what actually happened is important, but because it shows the love and sacrifice that people make to help each other, and the true joy of giving so that others may be blessed. That is a much more redemptive rendition of the Christmas story than townspeople closing their hearts and shutting their doors to a pregnant woman in need.
In order to see what really happened around the season of the birth of Christ we will need to glean facts from both the Greek text and the culture of the ancient Near East (which, by the way, existed in many parts there until quite recently). Too often the Greek text alone has been used to try to reveal biblical truth. The Greek text alone is not enough to rebuild the truth of the biblical events for a very simple reason: when something in a culture is usual, well known, normal, or “standard operating procedure,” it is not written about in detail. For example, if I write a letter to a friend about my months of being with my son as he recovered from being wounded in battle, I might say, “I drove to the hospital every day.” I would never write: “I went to the hospital in my car, which is a large metal and plastic mobility device on wheels, with a gasoline engine that starts when an ignition key is turned, and I made it move by pedals on the floor, (etc).” It would be ridiculous to write that. Why? Because everyone in today’s culture knows exactly what I mean when I say, “I drove to the hospital.” Perhaps 2000 years from now, if culture has changed so much that only a few historians know what a car is, they might wish we described our driving in more detail, but that is not necessary today. In the same way, things that were part of the everyday culture of the Bible times were not described in detail in their writings. We have to learn about the ordinary things of ancient life by piecing together details from many texts and writings, by using archaeology to study the material a culture left to us, and by studying any cultures that still live the same way.
What we will see as we examine the biblical record from both the Greek text and the culture of the times is that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem some time before she gave birth and were taken into the home of a local resident, likely a relative who was also of the family of David, in whose home Mary gave birth. Although most English versions have the phrase, “there was no room for them in the inn,” we will see that phrase has been both mistranslated and misinterpreted.
Before we look at the mistranslations of “room” and “inn,” however, let us look at some reasons Joseph and Mary could have found a place to stay. First, Joseph was returning to his town of origin. Historical memories are long in the Middle East, and family support is very strong. For example, Paul knew he was a descendant of Benjamin (Phil. 3:5), even though Benjamin lived more than 1500 years earlier than he did. Given the long family memories in Hebrew culture, once Joseph told people that both he and Mary were descendants of families from Bethlehem, many homes would be open to them. In fact, it is likely that Joseph and Mary already knew of relatives in Bethlehem and may well have gone to those homes first to find lodging. As we see the true story of Christ’s birth develop, that seems like a very strong possibility.
Second, not just one, but both Joseph and Mary were “royals,” because they were both from the royal line of David. David is so famous in Bethlehem that it is called, “the city of David” (Luke 2:4 – KJV). Being from that famous family would have meant that most homes would open their doors to them if only for that fact alone. Being able to host a couple that was direct descendants of David would have been an honor and privilege.
Fourth, and very importantly, the shepherds who came to see Jesus shortly after his birth knew that he was the promised Messiah and their Savior. The angel had made that very clear to them. When they found Joseph, Mary, and their Savior, and if they in any way felt that he was not being treated well, they would have been scandalized and outraged, and immediately taken them home to their own houses. The fact that they did no such thing, but left the new family where they were and went to tell the good news to the whole area, indicates they felt Joseph, Mary, and the baby were being well cared for.
It is important that we properly understand the record of the birth of Christ. The night that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem they were not rejected by a local hotel that had its “No Vacancy” sign turned on. Instead, they were taken into the private home of a caring family, who let them stay in the family living quarters. This type of giving and joy of service demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas.
Let’s read, properly translate, and correctly understand what happened when Jesus was born.
and she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The normal Greek word for “inn” is pandocheion, and it refers to a public house for the reception of strangers (caravansary, khan, inn; we would say hotel or motel). The word pandocheion was used not only by the Greeks, but also as a loan-word for “inn” or a commercial lodging place in Hebrew, Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, and Turkish. Luke uses the word pandocheion in the parable of the Good Samaritan when the Samaritan took the man who was mugged to a public inn (Luke 10:34).
In contrast to the public inn (pandocheion), both Mark and Luke use kataluma in their Gospels as a “guest room” in someone’s house (Mark 14:14; Luke 22:11). When finding a place to eat the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus tells them to say to the owner of the house, “…The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room [kataluma], where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” (Luke 22:11). So in both Mark and Luke, the kataluma is a guest room in a house, not an inn or hotel.
There are a few things about ordinary houses and ordinary life in first century Palestine that we must know in order to understand the birth of Jesus. One is that it was quite common for houses in the Middle East to have a guest room where guests, and even strangers, could stay. Showing hospitality to strangers has always been a huge part of Eastern life, and is written about in the Bible and in many books on the customs of the Bible. Several biblical records show strangers being given hospitality, including the record of Lot (Gen. 19:1-4), the man in Gibeah (Judg. 19:19-21), and the Shunamite woman, who showed hospitality to Elisha by building a guest room just for him (2 Kings 4:10). Giving hospitality is a command for Christian leaders as well (1 Tim. 3:2).
Even poor people could have a guest room because it did not have to be furnished or have an adjoining bathroom and shower. People did not generally sleep on beds, but traveled with their own blankets that they slept on at night, so sleeping arrangements were no problem. Tables and chairs were not used in the common homes of first century Palestinians, and the bathroom was a pot, or a place outside. So the average guest room was simply a small, empty room, offering shelter and a place of safety. The guest room provided privacy for the guests as well as the family, because one-room homes were common. Our modern houses with many rooms were simply not the norm in a village of the first century. Quite often a family lived in a one-room house, in which all family activities occurred. They pulled their bedrolls out at night and slept on the floor, and simply rolled them up again in the morning. Of course, the Bible does not specify that Joseph and Mary were taken into a one-room house, but even if it were a larger, two-room house Jesus would still have been born in the family room of the house. Single room dwellings were so common, however, that when Jesus taught that a lighted oil lamp (sometimes mistranslated as “candle”) was lit and put on a stand, it would give light “to everyone in the house” (Matt. 5:15).
Another thing we must understand about houses in the East is that it was common for people to bring their animals, such as the family donkey, a couple of milk goats, or a cow or two, into the home at night. Such animals were very valuable, and the people brought them in at night to keep them from being stolen and to protect them from harm. Also, the animals added heat to the house, which would be very welcome on chilly nights. The woman in Endor who King Saul visited at night had her calf in the house with her: “And the woman had a fat calf in the house” (1 Sam. 28:24, KJV). Of course, if the family were shepherds or herdsmen, they would not bring the whole flock or herd into the house, but would have a family member or hired guard watch them in the field, just as the shepherds were in the field on the night Jesus was born.
It was a common practice to raise the floor of the part of the house where the family lived, and keep the animals in an area that was a little lower. Knowing this helps us understand Luke 2:6 and also where that idea that Jesus was born in a stable came from. Jesus was laid in a manger, which is an open trough, box, or bin, where the animal food was placed so the animals could feed easily. In Western society, mangers are in barns or stables, so if Jesus was laid in a manger it made sense he was born in a stable. However, in Eastern society, where the animals grazed outside during the day and were brought into the house at night, the manger was in the house. Having the manger in the house kept the animals calm and contented in the tighter quarters of the house, just as many modern farm animals have a feeding trough in their stall stay calm and content.
Everyone knew the manger was in the house, so when the Bible says that Jesus was laid in a manger “because” there was no space in the guest room, any Easterner would understand perfectly that the guest room was full so Jesus was born in the main part of the house where the family and animals stayed. Sometime after his birth he was safely placed in the manger, which would have been filled with clean hay or straw and would have been the perfect size for him. This was not to demean him in any way, but to care for him. The protective walls of the manger kept him safely guarded and away from busy feet and a bustling household, as well as warm and protected from any drafts or cold air in the home.
Another thing that helps us understand the Christmas story is understanding Eastern hospitality. In the East, guests were given special treatment of all kinds, including behavior that seems very extreme to us. For example, in the record of Lot and the two strangers, Lot would have handed over his own daughters to the mob before surrendering his guests (Gen. 19:8). Similarly, the people with whom Joseph and Mary stayed would never displace their guests from the guest room, but instead would inconvenience themselves, graciously bringing the couple into their living space.
Another thing we need to know is that Mary and Joseph would not have been alone when Jesus was born. Actually, Joseph would not have been there at all, while the women of the household, along with the women of the family staying in the guest room, most likely the village midwife, and perhaps even wise and experienced women from the neighborhood, would have been present. They would have shooed Joseph and the rest of the men out of the house some time during Mary’s labor (actually, the men would have graciously left on their own, which was also standard procedure in that culture). This is all completely normal for birth in a village in Israel.
Someone with a modern Western mindset may say, “Well, the Bible does not say those women were there.” Of course not. We remind the reader that if something was normal for the culture, it was written about only rarely, if ever. The details of a woman giving birth are never given in the Bible. Is someone going to insist that none of the women in the Bible who are mentioned giving birth (and there are dozens of them) had other women to help them just because those helpers are not specifically mentioned? That would be absurd. No details of the birth would be given in the Bible because births were a “normal” part of life, and no first-century reader in Palestine would expect anything different than what usually happens with a village birth. In fact, if the women of the household had not been there to help, that would have been so unusual (and seemingly coldhearted) that it would probably be written about in the Bible.
While Mary was in labor and giving birth in the house, the man who owned the house, along with his sons and Joseph, would have been outside or perhaps in the home of a neighbor, giving Mary the privacy she needed during the birth of Jesus. Once Jesus was born, a woman would announce that a baby boy had been born, and there would be shouting, music, and joyful partying. Of course the men would be allowed back in the house after there had been adequate time after the birth to get things back in proper order and make sure Jesus and Mary were comfortable. Thus baby Jesus would have been born in normal circumstances, with Mary being helped and cared for by the women around her while the men waited outside to hear the news of the birth.
So we see that the way the birth of Jesus actually happened is considerably different than what is commonly taught. It is not that Bethlehem was full of cold-hearted townspeople who would not take special care of a young woman about to have her first child.
Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem at least a few days before Mary gave birth, and were taken in by one of the local homes, most likely that of a relative. The host family already had guests in the kataluma, the guest room, so there was no space (topos) for them there. Therefore, the homeowners graciously made room for Joseph and Mary in their own living quarters, treating them like family. When Mary went into labor, the men left their own home to give her privacy, and the women of the household, likely along with the village midwife, came to Mary’s side for help and support. When Mary gave birth to our Lord and Savior late in the evening (after sunset) or at night, Joseph and the men would have been told the news, and there would have been much jubilation and revelry, which was always a traditional part of the birth of a baby boy, particularly if it was a first child. Sometime later the men would have been called back into the house to see the new baby boy.
Not too long after Jesus was born, he was wrapped in swaddling clothes, dedicated to God, and placed in a perfect spot, the manger in the family home, which would have been cleaned and made up with fresh hay or straw. No doubt the news soon spread around the village that a baby boy had been born (the music and shouting would have helped that happen), and that both the mother and baby were doing well, but this kind of news was common in village life. However, soon there was news that was anything but common. Shepherds showed up from a nearby field to see the newborn child, and after seeing him, went out and told the village that a great light had shined around them, that they had seen an army of angels on the hillsides, and that an angel had told them that this baby was no ordinary baby, but the Messiah, the Savior. Their report caused great wonder all over the region, and resulted in glory and praise to God.
The story of the birth of Christ reveals what we today consider to be the true spirit of Christmas. Not people closing their hearts and homes to a couple in need, but rather people opening both their hearts and their homes, and joyfully giving to others in need and helping where they can. It is wonderful that the Christ, who gave so much to so many, was born in circumstances in which people were so giving to him.
Wilhelm Schneemelcher, editor, New Testament Apocrypha (The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1963), “The Protevangelium of James,” pp. 370-388. It is possible, but not likely, that it dates as early as 150 A.D.
R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel, (Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, MN, 1946), p. 126.
Some versions, such as the NASB say Judah, while some say “Judea.” The correct translation is Judah, and it refers to the ancient tribal area of Judah, not the Roman province of Judea. The Greek is iouda, which Luke uses for Judah, usually the name of a man and here the tribal area named after the man, Judah, the son of Jacob. If Luke had meant Roman Judea, he would have used ioudaia as he did 10 places in Luke and 12 in Acts. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
These reasons are given in Kenneth Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, (IVP Academic, Downers Grove, IL, 2008), pp. 25-37, and credit must go to him for enlightening me to the basic truth in this article and for making many of the points I have covered; that Jesus was born in the home of a loving family in Bethlehem, who opened their home to Joseph and Mary.
Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, p. 26.
In the New Testament, the only other use of the verb kataluo is also in Luke, and occurs in Luke 9:12 in the record of the feeding of the 5,000. The disciples wanted Jesus to send away the multitude so they could “find lodging” and get something to eat. Although the disciples spoke in a general sense, in the culture of the East, where showing hospitality was an important part of family life, they would have had in mind that these 5000 would find lodging with other people, and not that they would find local hotels to stay in. Public inns have been around a long time, and much could be written about them. In the first place, there were not many of them. Certainly not enough for 5000 men and their families to stay. Beyond that, however, both those inns that were modeled after the inns of the Greco-Roman culture and those with roots in the Eastern culture were not wonderful places to stay, like the hotels we have today. They were loud and dirty places, and often filled with riff-raff and ruffians. They were centers of prostitution and drunken parties (often the inn provided food for sale and prostitutes for rent), and the rooms were not rented privately, as in our modern hotels. Instead, guests rented a space on the floor to sleep (there were no beds), and it was anyone’s guess who might be in the room with you, renting the space on the floor next to you (and anyone’s guess if they would actually sleep or stay up all night engaged in activities with friends or prostitutes). In contrast to staying in a public inn, taking in travelers for the night was a long established biblical custom, going back to Genesis (cp. Gen. 19:1-3), and that is what the disciples would have thought about when they knew Jesus’ audience needed to find a place to stay.
Caesar wanted everyone to be registered for taxation, so some versions read “enrolled,” some “registered,” some “taxed,” some refer to a “census,” etc. It was a registration, or enrollment, for taxation.
The translation “in the house” is correct, and is used in the more literal translations such as the KJV, ESV, NASB, etc.
Fred Wight, Manners and Customs of Bible Lands (Moody Press, Chicago, 1953), p. 34; Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, pp. 28-33. The New Testament scholar John Nolland also mentions the area for animals being somewhat lower than where the people ate and slept: “…it is best to think of an overcrowded Palestinian peasant home: a single-roomed home with an animal stall under the same roof (frequently to be distinguished from the family living quarters by the raised platform floor of the latter). John Nolland, Word Biblical Commentary (Nelson Reference and Electronic, Colombia, 1989), p. 105.
We know Jesus’ birth was late in the evening, after sunset, or at night, because the shepherds were in the fields at night when the angel appeared to them (Luke 2:8 – KJV), and told them the Christ was born “this day.” Since “this day” started at sunset, as all Jewish days do, then the Messiah was born after sunset.
We Westerners are used to thinking of Mary’s birth night as being silent and peaceful (note the song, “Silent Night”), but the birth of a boy is always the time for a party in village life.
love this article, thank you for the information.
Thankyou for your study on the birth of Jesus. I have been studying the same myself and come to very similar conclusions. However I am intrigued to learn about the Tower of the Flock, Migdal Edar. Could this place have been where Jesus was born where the sacrificial lambs were birthed? Could this place be in the same vicinity as the house of which you speak? I look forward to your comments. | 2019-04-24T14:07:12Z | https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/retelling-the-christmas-story?replytocom=196935 |
Which He Wrote to the Roman Emperor, Concerning Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Upon Jesus Christ, whose case I had clearly set forth to thee in my last, at length by the will of the people a bitter punishment has been inflicted, myself being in a sort unwilling and rather afraid. A man, by Hercules, so pious and strict, no age has ever had nor will have. But wonderful were the efforts of the people themselves, and the unanimity of all the scribes and chief men and elders, to crucify this ambassador of truth, notwithstanding that their own prophets, and after our manner the sibyls, warned them against it: and supernatural signs appeared while he was hanging, and, in the opinion of philosophers, threatened destruction to the whole world. His disciples are flourishing, in their work and the regulation of their lives not belying their master; yea, in his name most beneficent. Had I not been afraid of the rising of a sedition among the people, who were just on the point of breaking out, perhaps this man would still have been alive to us; although, urged more by fidelity to thy dignity than induced by my own wishes, I did not according to my strength resist that innocent blood free from the whole charge brought against it, but unjustly, through the malignity of men, should be sold and suffer, yet, as the Scriptures signify, to their own destruction. Farewell. 28th March.
Sent to the August Cæsar in Rome.
To the most mighty, venerable, most divine, and most terrible, the august Cæsar, Pilate the governor of the East sends greeting. I have, O most mighty, a narrative to give thee, on account of which I am seized with fear and trembling. For in this government of mine, of which one of the cities is called Jerusalem, all the people of the Jews have delivered to me a man named Jesus, bringing many charges against him, which they were not able to convict him of by the consistency of their evidence. And one of the heresies they had against him was, that Jesus said that their Sabbath should not be a day of leisure, and should not be observed. For he performed many cures on that day: he made the blind receive their sight, the lame walk; he raised up the dead, he cleansed the lepers; he healed paralytics that were not at all able to make any movement of their body, or to keep their nerves steady, but who had only speech and the modulation of their voice, and he gave them the power of walking and running, removing their illness by a single word. Another thing again, more powerful still, which is strange even with our gods: he raised up one that had been dead four days, summoning him by a single word, when the dead man had his blood corrupted, and when his body was destroyed by the worms produced in it, and when it had the stink of a dog. And seeing him lying in the tomb, he ordered him to run. Nor had he anything of a dead body about him at all; but as a bridegroom from the bridal chamber, so he came forth from the tomb filled with very great fragrance. And strangers that were manifestly demoniac, and that had their dwelling in deserts, and ate their own flesh, living like beasts and creeping things, even these he made to be dwellers in cities, and by his word restored them to soundness of mind, and rendered them wise and able and reputable, eating with all the enemies of the unclean spirits that dwelt in them for their destruction, which he cast down into the depths of the sea. And again there was another having a withered hand; and not the hand only, but rather the half of the body of the man, was petrified, so that he had not the form of a man, or the power of moving his body. And him by a word he healed, and made sound. And a woman that had an issue of blood for many years, and whose joints and veins were drained by the flowing of the blood, so that she did not present the appearance of a human being, but was like a corpse, and was speechless every day, so that all the physicians of the district could not cure her. For there was not any hope of life left to her. And when Jesus passed by, she mysteriously received strength through his overshadowing her; and she took hold of his fringe behind, and immediately in the same hour power filled up what in her was empty, so that, no longer suffering any pain, she began to run swiftly to her own city Kepharnaum, so as to accomplish the journey in six days.
And at the time he was crucified there was darkness over all the world, the sun being darkened at mid-day, and the stars appearing, but in them there appeared no lustre; and the moon, as if turned into blood, failed in her light. And the world was swallowed up by the lower regions, so that the very sanctuary of the temple, as they call it, could not be seen by the Jews in their fall; and they saw below them a chasm of the earth, with the roar of the thunders that fell upon it. And in that terror dead men were seen that had risen, as the Jews themselves testified; and they said that it was Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, and Moses and Job, that had died, as they say, three thousand five hundred years before. And there were very many whom I also saw appearing in the body; and they were making a lamentation about the Jews, on account of the wickedness that had come to pass through them, and the destruction of the Jews and of their law.
And the fear of the earthquake remained from the sixth hour of the preparation until the ninth hour. And on the evening of the first day of the week there was a sound out of the heaven, so that the heaven became enlightened sevenfold more than all the days. And at the third hour of the night also the sun was seen brighter than it had ever shone before, lighting up all the heaven. And as lightnings come suddenly in winter, so majestic men appeared in glorious robes, an innumerable multitude, whose voice was heard as that of a very great thunder, crying out: Jesus that was crucified is risen: come up out of Hades, ye that have been enslaved in the underground regions of Hades. And the chasm of the earth was as if it had no bottom; but it was as if the very foundations of the earth appeared along with those that cried out in the heavens, and walked about in the body in the midst of the dead that had risen. And he that raised up all the dead, and bound Hades, said: Say to my disciples, He goes before you into Galilee; there shall you see him.
And all that night the light did not cease shining. And many of the Jews died, swallowed up in the chasm of the earth, so that on the following day most of those who had been against Jesus could not be found. Others saw the appearing of those that had risen, whom no one of us had ever seen. And only one synagogue of the Jews was left in this Jerusalem, since all disappeared in that fall.
Sent to Rome to Tiberius Cæsar.
And on the first of the week, about the third hour of the night, the sun was seen such as it had never at any time shone, and all the heaven was lighted up. And as lightnings come on in winter, so majestic men of indescribable splendour of dress and of glory appeared in the air, and an innumerable multitude of angels crying out, and saying: Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace, among men goodwill: come up out of Hades, ye who have been kept in slavery in the underground regions of Hades. And at their voice all the mountains and hills were shaken, and the rocks were burst asunder; and great chasms were made in the earth, so that also what was in the abyss appeared.
And there were seen in that terror dead men raised up, as the Jews that saw them said: We have seen Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, that died two thousand five hundred years ago; and we have seen Noah manifestly in the body. And all the multitude walked about, and sang praises to God with aloud voice, saying: The Lord our God that has risen from the dead has brought to life all the dead, and has plundered Hades, and put him to death.
This is a conjecture of Thilo's. Themss. have Spania. Instead of this last sentence, one of the mss. has: And the whole world was shaken by unspeakable miracles, and all the creation was like to be swallowed up by the lower regions; so that also the sanctuary of their temple was rent from top to bottom. And again there was thunder, and a mighty noise from heaven, so that all our land shook and trembled. Another: And there began to be earthquakes in the hour in which the nails were fixed in Jesus' hands and feet, until evening. One ms. adds: To the number of five hundred.
And the writings having come to the city of the Romans, and having been read to the Cæsar, with not a few standing by, all were astounded, because through the wickedness of Pilate the darkness and the earthquake had come over the whole world. And the Cæsar, filled with rage, sent soldiers, and ordered them to bring Pilate a prisoner.
And when he was brought to the city of the Romans, the Cæsar, hearing that Pilate had arrived, sat in the temple of the gods, in the presence of all the senate, and with all the army, and all the multitude of his power; and he ordered Pilate to stand forward. And the Cæsar says to him: Why hast thou, O most impious, dared to do such things, having seen so great miracles in that man? By daring to do an evil deed, thou hast destroyed the whole world.
And Pilate said: O almighty king, I am innocent of these things; but the multitude of the Jews are violent and guilty. And the Cæsar said: And who are they? Pilate says: Herod, Archelaus, Philip, Annas and Caiaphas, and all the multitude of the Jews. The Cæsar says: For what reason didst thou follow out their counsel? And Pilate says: Their nation is rebellious and insubmissive, not submitting themselves to thy power. And the Cæsar said: When they delivered him to thee, thou oughtest to have made him secure, and to have sent him to me, and not to have obeyed them in crucifying such a man, righteous as he was, and one that did such good miracles, as thou hast said in thy report. For from such miracles Jesus was manifestly the Christ, the King of the Jews.
And as the Cæsar was thus speaking, when he named the name of Christ, all the multitude of the gods fell down in a body, and became as dust, where the Cæsar was sitting with the senate. And the people standing beside the Cæsar all began to tremble, on account of the speaking of the word, and the fall of their gods; and being seized with terror, they all went away, each to his own house, wondering at what had happened. And the Cæsar ordered Pilate to be kept in security, in order that he might know the truth about Jesus.
And on the following day, the Cæsar, sitting in the Capitol with all the senate, tried again to question Pilate. And the Cæsar says: Tell the truth, O most impious, because through thy impious action which thou hast perpetrated against Jesus, even here the doing of thy wicked deeds has been shown by the gods having been cast down. Say, then, who is he that has been crucified; because even his name has destroyed all the gods? Pilate said: And indeed the records of him are true; for assuredly I myself was persuaded from his works that he was greater than all the gods whom we worship. And the Cæsar said: For what reason, then, didst thou bring against him such audacity and such doings, if thou wert not ignorant of him, and altogether devising mischief against my kingdom? Pilate said: On account of the wickedness and rebellion of the lawless and ungodly Jews, I did this.
And this decree having come into the region of the East, Licianus, obeying from fear of the decree, seized all the nation of the Jews; and those that were left in Judæa he scattered among the nations, and sold for slaves: so that it was known to the Cæsar that these things had been done by Licianus against the Jews in the region of the East; and it pleased him.
And again the Cæsar set himself to question Pilate; and he orders a captain named Albius to cut off Pilate's head, saying: Just as he laid hands upon the just man named Christ, in like manner also shall he fall, and not find safety.
And Pilate, going away to the place, prayed in silence, saying: Lord, do not destroy me along with the wicked Hebrews, because I would not have laid hands upon Thee, except for the nation of the lawless Jews, because they were exciting rebellion against me. But Thou knowest that I did it in ignorance. Do not then destroy me for this my sin; but remember not evil against me, O Lord, and against Thy servant Procla, who is standing with me in this the hour of my death, whom Thou didst appoint to prophesy that Thou shouldest be nailed to the cross. Do not condemn her also in my sin; but pardon us, and make us to be numbered in the portion of Thy righteous.
Or, in the entrance. autokrator. The text is very corrupt. Lit., he made to be slaves in the dispersion of the Gentiles. One of themss. adds: By the will and good pleasure of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
And when Tiberius Cæsar, the emperor of the Romans, was labouring under a grievous disease, and understanding that there was at Jerusalem a certain physician, Jesus by name, who by a single word cured all infirmities, he, not knowing that the Jews and Pilate had put Him to death, ordered a certain friend of his named Volusianus: Go as quickly as possible across the seas; and thou shalt tell Pilate, my servant and friend, to send me this physician, that he may restore me to my former health. And this Volusianus, having heard the emperor's command, immediately departed, and came to Pilate, as he had been commanded. And he related to the same Pilate what had been entrusted to him by Tiberius Cæsar, saying: Tiberius Cæsar, the emperor of the Romans, thy master, having heard that in this city there is a physician who by his word alone heals infirmities, begs thee earnestly to send him to him for the curing of his infirmity. Pilate, hearing this, was very much afraid, knowing that through envy he had caused Him to be put to death. Pilate answered the same messenger thus, saying: This man was a malefactor, and a man who drew to himself all the people; so a council of the wise men of the city was held, and I caused him to be crucified. And this messenger returning to his inn, met a certain woman named Veronica, who had been a friend of Jesus; and he said: O woman, a certain physician who was in this city, who cured the sick by a word alone, why have the Jews put him to death? And she began to weep, saying: Ah me! my lord, my God and my Lord, whom Pilate for envy delivered, condemned, and ordered to be crucified. Then he, being exceedingly grieved, said: I am vehemently grieved that I am unable to accomplish that for which my lord had sent me. And Veronica said to him: When my Lord was going about preaching, and I, much against my will, was deprived of His presence, I wished His picture to be painted for me, in order that, while I was deprived of His presence, the figure of His picture might at least afford me consolation. And when I was carrying the canvas to the painter to be painted, my Lord met me, and asked whither I was going. And when I had disclosed to Him the cause of my journey, He asked of me the cloth, and gave it back to me impressed with the image of His venerable face. Therefore, if thy lord will devoutly gaze upon His face, he shall obtain forthwith the benefit of health. And he said to her: Is a picture of such a sort procurable by gold or silver? She said to him: No; but by the pious influence of devotion. I shall therefore set out with thee, and shall carry the picture to be seen by Cæsar, and shall come back again.
Volusianus therefore came with Veronica to Rome, and said to Tiberius the emperor: Jesus, whom thou hast been longing for, Pilate and the Jews have delivered to an unjust death, and have through envy affixed to the gibbet of the cross. There has therefore come with me a certain matron, bringing a picture of Jesus himself; and if thou wilt devoutly look upon it, thou shalt immediately obtain the benefit of thy health. Cæsar therefore ordered the way to be strewn with silk cloths, and the picture to be presented to him; and as soon as he had looked upon it, he regained his former health.
Pontius Pilate, therefore, by the command of Cæsar, is taken and brought through to Rome. Cæsar, hearing that Pilate had arrived at Rome, was filled with exceeding fury against him, and caused him to be brought to him. But Pilate brought down with him the seamless tunic of Jesus; and he wore it on him in presence of the emperor. And as soon as the emperor saw him, he laid aside all his anger, and forthwith rose up to meet him. Nor was he able to speak harshly to him in anything; and he who seemed so terrible and fierce in his absence, now in his presence is somehow found to be mild. And when he had sent him away, immediately he blazed out against him terribly, crying out that he was a wretch, inasmuch as he had not at all shown him the fury of his heart. And immediately he made him be called back, swearing and declaring that he was the son of death, and that it was infamous that he should live upon the earth. And as soon as he saw him, he forthwith saluted him, and threw away all the ferocity of his mind. All wondered; and he himself wondered that he should thus blaze out against Pilate when he was absent, and that while he was present he could say nothing to him roughly. Then, by a divine impulse, or perhaps by the advice of some Christian, he caused him to be stripped of that tunic, and immediately resumed against him his former ferocity of mind. And when at this the emperor wondered very much, it was told him that that tunic had belonged to the Lord Jesus. Then the emperor ordered him to be kept in prison, until he should deliberate in a council of the wise men what ought to be done with him. And a few days after, sentence was therefore passed upon Pilate, that he should be condemned to the most disgraceful death. Pilate, hearing this, killed himself with his own knife, and by such a death ended his life.
When Cæsar knew of the death of Pilate, he said: Truly he has died by a most disgraceful death, whom his own hand has not spared. He is therefore bound to a great mass, and sunk into the river Tiber. But malignant and filthy spirits in his malignant and filthy body, all rejoicing together, kept moving themselves in the waters, and in a terrible manner brought lightnings and tempests, thunders and hail-storms, in the air, so that all men were kept in horrible fear. Wherefore the Romans, drawing him out of the river Tiber, in derision carried him down to Vienna, and sunk him in the river Rhone. For Vienna is called, as it were, Via Gehennæ, the way of Gehenna, because it was then a place of cursing. But there evil spirits were present, working the same things in the same place. Those men therefore, not enduring such a visitation of demons, removed from themselves that vessel of malediction, and sent him to be buried in the territory of Losania. And they, seeing that they were troubled by the aforesaid visitations, removed him from themselves, and sunk him in a certain pit surrounded by mountains, where to this day, according to the account of some, certain diabolical machinations are said to bubble up.
Or, upon the sight of this. This is the first appearance of the word Christian in these writings. Losonium was the Roman name of Lausanne. For a discussion of this legend concerning Mont Pilate, near Lucerne, see Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, under Pilate. | 2019-04-25T09:51:12Z | http://mb-soft.com/believe/txua/pilate.htm |
For many a day in 2004, three people sat Around a single desk in a small medical office — an office which functioned as the team’s conference room, lunch room, and thought heart. Backed by a little programming group in India, the trio (comprising Benchmark Internet Group founder Curt Keller, his wife Denise, along with an SEO expert) discussed ideas for how to implement a deceptively simple idea. Simple email marketing. Many of their ideas were beyond the means of this fledgling company, but that did not stop Keller from moving ahead.
The first Customers of Benchmark Mail were small businesses located in near proximity to Benchmark’s one-room HQ in Long Beach, CA. Keller and his team personally sold them on the use of email marketing, while working hard to create a very simple user interface which would be simple to operate. All the time, the company uses such innovative ideas as customizable templates and software which adapted to consumer requirements. They also made sure from the outset that anybody who needed help would have rapid access to outstanding customer care.
Benchmark Has continued to rise and advantagesper. Its current focus. Providing global email marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses while continuing to honor a commitment to assist children in need. This does not indicate that Benchmark is a little-guys-only company, however; it has stuck to its core principle of adaptability and serves big organizations such as UNICEF and Kaiser-Permanente via its High Volume Enterprise plans.
Today, Benchmark serves upwards of 73,000 users from throughout the planet, but the company hasn’t forgotten its origins. Benchmark still keeps good relationships with little, locally-based businesses. In fact, the organization offers a complete page of testimonials from users of the program. You may read about Benchmark’s background and development here.
While most of the attributes Benchmark supplies Are on par with the rest of the industry, among the standout characteristics of the ESP is the simple fact that most of its features come standard with each account — including the free ones. Below are some of Benchmark’s most notable offerings.
· Dedicated Email Server. All of Benchmark’s High Volume programs have a dedicated IP address to help increase deliverability rates. Users on other programs have the choice of paying for this service ($30/month) to boost their particular delivery stats. Read more about the advantages of dedicated servers .
· Mobile App. Benchmark’s mobile programs allow customers with an Apple device to get several functions on the street. They can get and include contacts, read reports, send videos through integration with a YouTube accounts, and even layout and send fast email blasts with one of 10 available templates. That is quite a little more than a number of other businesses offer in their mobile apps, which makes them considerably more functional.
· Photo Editing. If the photos you intend to use in your email campaign are not perfectly sized or need some colour adjustment, you may use Benchmark’s integrated picture editor. This is a fairly handy feature if you do not have photoshop available.
· Autoresponder. Each Benchmark client has the ability to design up to eight custom autoresponder messages. These can be scheduled as a string or event lead-up, or made as yearly messages like anniversary or birthday emails.
· Sign-Up Types . The only way to be successful in email advertising is through growing your list, and Benchmark actually promotes doing so via sign-up forms. The company bases its Free For Life account entirely around site and Facebook sign-ups and supplies an easy-to-use tool to create customized templates for every medium.
· Inbox Checker. Because every email program differs and each internet browser has a signature style, making sure that your emails look good across the board is crucial. You can use Inbox Checker to have a look at the way your email screens in Gmail using Explorer and Outlook 3. Using the full app (which assesses everything out of AOL to Yahoo, Explorer into Safari, mobile to PC) is a paid add-on service, available for $14 per 100 checks.
· RSS-to-Email. Regular bloggers can create newsletters out of their blogs automatically through the RSS-to-Email feature, which works with any site which manages an RSS-feed. Users simply need to establish a campaign and template within Benchmark once.
· API Integration. An API (Application Program Interface) allows different software programs to communicate with one another without a formal plug-in link. Benchmark’s API Integration feature allows users using XML-RPC, HTTP POST, or HTTP GET abilities to recover data from other programs that use JSON, XML, XML-RPC, or PHP serialization strings. In a nutshell, this permits them to perform three functions. Manage contact lists, handle campaigns and effort sending, and assess data. The company describes this role in more detail .
Enrolling in a Benchmark account is fairly straightforward. After entering your name, email, phone number, and company name, you need to confirm your email address. This is a five-minute procedure for me. Upon logging into my account (with the free program ) I was greeted by an appealing UI that gave me a clear path about the best way to create my very first email campaign. Great beginning!
From there, you must decide If You Would like an RSS Or traditional email message. You can use Benchmark’s drag-and-drop editor, or go for more customization using the built-in code editor. If you’re somebody who codes their own email, then my hat is off to you, but I am not gifted that way, so I moved with the drag-and-drop alternative.
I was motivated to enter a subject line for my Email and set up how much observation I desired on the message, in addition to when I wanted an automated tweet when the effort went out. The following task was to select which contacts I wished to get the campaign. With that, I was finally able to begin building the email itself. If you want to, you can assemble your own email layouts employing an extremely intuitive editor. On the flip side, you can alter one of Benchmark’s templates, which are great, and better than I managed to do on my own.
If You’re just Starting out, you can do as I did and manually enter contacts one at a time. However, for those who already have a list, there are numerous ways to import it. You can upload a CSV, xls, or txt file directly from the computer; import contacts directly from Salesforce.com, Hotmail, or Gmail accounts; or copy and paste large lists of contacts to a text type. Once you create your Benchmark lists, they’ll appear on your dashboard, along with a Master Unsubscribe List.
The sending of the email is rather simple. When you’ve completed all your tweaks, you can save email as a draft, send it immediately, or schedule a time and date for delivery. If you want to verify everything is well before unleashing your email on the world, it is possible to send it to your self to preview it as many as 10 times/day. I opted to program my email for delivery to see how timely the automated system would actually be. I scheduled my email for 2.45 and obtained it at 2.50, so while the timing wasn’t exactly ideal, it was probably within tolerance levels for many users. If you are one of the more infrequent users who demand on-the-minute email sending, then you might have to appear elsewhere. More worryingly, my email didn’t go to my main inbox but was automatically sorted into my”promotions” folder. Definitely not ideal.
The first thing I Noticed about Benchmark email reports was something I’d read about in a few reviews. They’re really, really quickly. I mean lightning fast. Opens enroll in the Benchmark system almost instantaneously. I’ve worked with a lot of other apps where these reports require hours or even days to appear.
Though all of this information Is Excellent and Necessary, it isn’t enough to sustain higher level marketers that want more info such as conversions, which links were clicked, and earnings analysis. Though Google Analytics provides a whole lot of this info with proper integration, there might come a time when serious marketers need more information than Benchmark provides. Whether a small company will get to that point varies, naturally, dependent on the business.
Benchmark designed its 3-tiered pricing Structure with the objective of serving everybody from the tiniest kitchen-table startup to large email marketers. On the other hand, the organization’s key focus is on small to medium businesses, especially those just starting out in email marketing. This is particularly reflected in the reality that customers subscribing to the moderate plans get unlimited mails, while larger plans have constraints.
· Benchmark Occasions — Benchmark Occasions is event marketing software designed to integrate fully with Benchmark Email. Launched in 2012, this program allows users to create and customize occasions, promote and market tickets, and monitor the success of the events via their Benchmark Email accounts. A number of subscriptions are available, such as a free alternative.
· WordPress — Benchmark Email Lite is a WordPress plugin which permits users to easily build an email audience through their readers. The plugin can automatically produce email variations of blog articles and allows users to connect up to five Benchmark accounts.
· Benchmark Power — This free plugin lets you source pictures for your Benchmark mails from places throughout the web. Benchmark Power captures pictures you locate and immediately uploads them to a Benchmark accounts for future use.
· WordPress — The ever-present blog and website builder provides an integration using Benchmark. Use it to send mails of your blog articles and use the analytics to observe how your subscribers react to them. Learn more here.
Because Of the integral connection between social media and email advertising, it’s important to look at the social media features included in Benchmark.
· Social Media Templates — One section of Benchmark’s massive email template listing is made of social media-specific templates which directly promote your company’s involvement in social media forums like facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
· Social Links within Mail — Once you connect your Benchmark account together with your Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn accounts, you can add buttons to each email that will direct your readers to each of your social media pages.
The Business also fully Complies with the U.S.-E.U. and U.S.-Swiss Safe Harbor Frameworks concerning the collection of personal data from citizens of these nations. When customers provide credit card numbers to Benchmark, the company utilizes secure socket layer (SSL) security to encrypt the info. The entire system is encrypted to ensure the safety of all customers’ personal details.
Like All valid ESPs, Benchmark takes spam seriously and outlines a clear zero-tolerance policy for any of the users trying to engage in spam activities. The business is fully in compliance with all the U.S. CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. Benchmark additionally takes several steps to preserve its reputation as a spam-free supplier, one of them membership from the Email Sender and Provider Coalition. The business employs the program SpamAssassin to filter messages delivered through its host.
To stop users from Unknowingly sending spam-like materials, Benchmark provides a spam test feature that looks for words commonly used in spam messages. It scores each email on a scale from 1 to 5; 5s are assigned to content that is likely to be blocked. In the event of a top score, the program suggests”less spammy” choices. Individualized IP addresses also help large-volume senders decrease their spam amounts.
Benchmark Offers its customers a lot of support resources. Customer support is usually responsive, with minimal waiting times. The site provides good learning resources, but may be opaque at times. Key information is often buried and difficult to locate, especially if you don’t know precisely what you’re searching for, especially when it comes to minute details about strategies. As an example. That the Free For Life plan includes Benchmark branding on each email, however you won’t see that mentioned on the Free For Life page, not even in the fine print. Nor will you see it said when you sign up. The only place it’s mentioned is in the FAQ, here.
· FAQ — Benchmark’s FAQ section is somewhat mislabeled because it’s closer to a QandA-format knowledge foundation than a normal FAQ. There are over 900 entries, sorted into 18 topics ranging from”Getting Started” to”API.” Users can perform a keyword search of any topic (or sub-topic) or of the FAQ as a whole. 1 caveat. With such an extensive knowledge base, it’s pretty much inevitable that some entries will be out of date. A few of the QandAs provide information which is wholly inaccurate, so in some cases, you may need to contact assistance to hash things out.
· Video Tutorials and Webinars — Benchmark supplies about two dozen movie tutorials which take users step by step through the features of the program. The business also supplies a webinar known as”Benchmark Mail Crash Course.” You can see it live each Friday at 10.00 a.m. PST or watch the recorded version at any moment. You can even ask for a particular webinar on quite a few different topics. Live webinars comprise the chance to ask questions during the presentation.
· Email Marketing Manuals and Articles — You can find more in-depth details on email marketing generally, in addition to the Benchmark program specifically, at the Manuals Section. These downloadable files also cover industry-specific issues. Articles, similar to sites, offer users advice beyond that found in the FAQ section, but in shorter, more digestible chunks than the manuals provide.
· Blog and Newsletter — For current information regarding email marketing trends, check out Benchmark’s monthly newsletter, as well as its extremely active site. All subscribers automatically gain access to present newsletters, and Benchmark also provides an archive of newsletter posts from November 2007-October 2012.
· Benchmark Community — Benchmark users may post their newest newsletters on message boards in the Benchmark Community. This forum allows users to talk about newsletter production approaches, vote for their favourite newsletters, and gain inspiration from additional Benchmark users.
· Top Notch Service . This is maybe the most typical observation regarding Benchmark, and something I noticed for myself too. People today tend to find support prompt and helpful, and a few say it’s actually the element that distinguishes Benchmark from its competitors. The company also receives praise for its website posts and videos.
· Feature Selection Across All Plans. Some users praise the addition of attributes including AB analyzing and surveys in most programs; many firms charge extra for these attributes or just include them into their pricier programs.
· Ease of Use. Users tend to locate Benchmark’s interface extremely user-friendly and intuitive. The program gathers compliments from a wide range of demographics, from first-time ESP users to people who have attempted a variety of programs before settling on Benchmark.
· Mobile Friendly Emails. Users were impressed with the mobile-friendly email design of Benchmark’s templates. Since more and more people access their email from mobile devices, this is an increasingly significant factor to take into account.
I was Unable to find many people who loathed Their Benchmark experience. But, I was able to find a few complaints.
· Inconsistent Send-Times. Apparently a few users experienced an issue with Benchmark where their mails were sent hours after they were scheduled. 1 customer theorized that the issue might arise from lengthy lists of recipients. Not all clients of Benchmark will possess time-sensitive shipping needs, but other people will. Should you want your mails to go out exactly whenever your program dictates, you may have to take into account this situation.
· “Spammy” Templates. Some users were worried that Benchmark’s templates may feel like spam email, leading receivers to mark them as junk and not reading the contents. Since the whole point of an ESP is to prevent this from occurring, this may be a problem. On the flip side, I never felt this way while searching through the template list, therefore it may not be the most legitimate of complaints.
Benchmark Provides a huge number of pricing strategies, including a free plan and a massive array of paid plans which can service anywhere between 600 and 7,140,000 subscribers.
Benchmark’s free plans do not require credit Cards, which is always refreshing. The only catch. There’ll be a small Benchmark emblem in the bottom of each email you send out. Of course, you may always choose to upgrade to a paid plan in case you don’t want the Benchmark branding. The free program permits you to send up to 14000 mails to around 2000 subscribers and provides you access to most but not all of Benchmark’s features record. Notable absences into the features list for free account comprise email automation and sub-accounts (enabling multiple users to access one Benchmark account).
Benchmark is a solid program. It’s easy to use, Open to innovation, and competitively priced. Its free alternatives might just be the very best in the business for anyone who just wants to dive into email advertising (especially small, local companies ). For that matter, any Benchmark plan can work well for a small business which perspectives email as a little aspect of its advertising and does not have any desire to operate beyond the principles just yet.
If you are a small or maybe medium-sized Company looking for a simple email advertising program using a multitude of great features, Benchmark is an exceptional option. Even though there may come a time when you launch the app, it provides a lot for the money, provides exceptional service, and the company seems to be sensitive to the requirements of its customers. You can not ask for more. | 2019-04-26T00:09:38Z | https://rarityofficial.com/email-id-list-benchmark-email-marketing-review-2019/ |
It's hard for me to believe how much has happened in Balsamiq-land in 2009.
I feel like a completely different person than when I wrote the "A Look back at 2008" post, just 12 months ago. In a way, I am a different person, and Balsamiq is a completely different company as well.
Mockups has definitely come a long way in 2009, but we like to believe that it's still the simple and focused tool we set out to build from the beginning.
We are happy we kept the weekly schedule, as it allowed us to fix bugs quickly and showed our customers our commitment to the application.
The drawback of releasing this often is that it makes it harder for us to work on bigger, tougher features. Since we have a few of those planned for the near future - see next post - we might slow down the pace for a little while...maybe to releasing every other week, we'll see what feels right.
I also have recently realized that updating every single week might be more than most people have an appetite for. We don't want you to feel like keeping up with our releases is a job, know what I mean? What do you think?
Links! The no.1 new feature of the year was the ability to link mockups together. It's a good feature - no, it's an essential feature - but it's one that I didn't really want to do for a long time for fear it would change Mockups entirely, and one that took me a while to fully digest. That's why the initial release of it was a bit rocky, it took a few iteration to get it to a point where it was really usable. And guess what, we're still tweaking it, and we're not done either (we need to improve how we position mockups while in full-screen, for instance). In retrospect, we needed to include our awesome community earlier in the process for this important feature...I wanted to make it come out with a bang, which was a big mistake. That's when I learned that long-term value trumps any short-term marketing scheme.
Zoom! Probably the other biggest feature we released this year was zoom and pan. This was a direct result of having someone other than me in the code-base: the coordinate translation calculations required for zooming is one of those things that scare me (not sure why, it's irrational), so I was planning on postponing this feature for a while. Luckily Marco had no such fear: he jumped in and had it done in no time. Unfortunately, my excitement about getting this awesome new feature in the hands of our customers made me jump the gun and release it in a bad state, but we fixed it all up in a couple of hours in the end (see below).
Mockups for FogBugz! The other major release of the year was Mockups for FogBugz, Marco's first back-end integration project. We are really pleased with how it turned out and it's selling very well, both the on-premise and the hosted version.
In Mockups for JIRA, we got rid of the annoying watermarks and replaced them with a 30-day trial. We added the Personal (3-editors) license level first, then switched to full user-based pricing, which is more fair and flexible.
In Mockups for Confluence, we added the 3-editor and 10-editor license levels and added support for linking mockups together, which is super-cool.
Other big features, specific to Mockups for Desktop, include the ability to export all of your mockups as a multi-page, interactive PDF, more native menus, the semi-secret but awesome "DropBox integration", the Open Recent menu, the switch from Comic Sans to Chalkboard on OSX, a new application icon and a cleaner application skin in general. We also added support for pasting images into a mockup and a way to reuse common images via the project and asset folders.
We made hundreds of other changes and bug fixes, if you have a few hours to spare you can read our Release Announcements blog posts for the year for all the details.
There's still a lot to do before we can even say that Mockups is "implemented to vision", a milestone we think we'll hit late this year. I'll blog more about our "Grand Vision" for Mockups soon, I promise.
That's over 4 times my 400k goal and over 3 times my stretch goal.
To say that we are blown away by this success is a huge understatement, I never thought a little app like Mockups could bring in these kinds of numbers...and in a recession!
It's simply awesome...we are literally in awe, every day.
This also means that we are very well positioned for the years to come, with money to invest in the company and a solid little cushion in the bank to keep us going even if - God forbid - we hit a rough patch in the future. I love it.
Those are some sweet charts, I can't believe they're OUR charts! What a ride!
Company Changes: From "I" to "We"
The biggest change of the year, of course, was Marco joining in March and Valerie in May.
It seems so obvious now, but I have no doubt in my mind that Valerie and Marco were essential to our success in 2009. When I started Balsamiq I thought I would go at it alone for years...I was really scared at the thought of hiring anyone, and I didn't expect this kind of success, by far.
Both in Marco and Valerie's case, I waited until it became clear as day that if I didn't hire someone quickly, I was going to hurt the company. In both cases I just woke up one day and KNEW that the time was right.
I also knew right away that Marco and Valerie were exactly the right people, and consider convincing them to join Balsamiq my biggest personal achievement of 2009.
I feel really blessed to work with such awesome individuals, sharing this adventure, learning together and from each other, every day. That's really what it's all about. I am so thankful.
To support the community we started off the year by launching MockupsToGo, which has been a big success (84 posts, 222 subscribers, 290,000 page views). It's so awesome to see the widgets you come up with! In 2010 we plan on making the MockupsToGo stencils more easily embeddable in the app, stay tuned for more.
Together we designed some of the most important features of Mockups, like linking, zoom, the UI library position and others. In 2009 I have learned that we simply MUST involve you in the feature design right from the beginning, or it won't come out right. Thank you so much for helping us with your use-cases and insight!
Later in the year we released a version of Mockups designed exclusively for UX trainers to use in workshops, which is starting to get some traction. We'll try to push it some more in the new year: whatever we can do help UX professionals in our shared quest to rid the world of bad software is a good investment in our book.
We are thrilled with these efforts, are doing whatever we can to support them (we built the "custom properties" feature just for them, for instance) and would love to see more. Next year we plan on providing more APIs to allow easier integration with other back-end systems...see the next post for more info.
Last but not least, I estimate that we donated around $1M worth of our software to do-gooders, non-profits and other worthy individuals. It's our small way of making meaning, and we're proud to do it.
In 2009 we attended a few great conferences. We had our first little conference booth (at Atlassian Summit, which was a blast), and we also sponsored LessConference and the iPhone Camp Bahm.
I was fortunate enough to speak at the Atlassian Summit (video: one and two), at WebExpo in Prague and at Red Gate in Cambridge, UK for the Springboard startups. Valerie attended and spoke at AtlasCamp, and Marco attended The Business of Software in San Francisco, where we also threw a massive meet-up / after-conference party (with the generous last-minute help of Atlassian).
I am looking forward to speaking at a few more conferences this year - I am confirmed to speak at the Business of Software 2010 conference in Boston (can you believe it? me neither!) and I'm hoping to get confirmed for FOWA London.
We have also been sponsoring the excellent Wireframes Magazine, as well as supporting groups like the Product Group in NYC, the Find Invest Grow and TechStars incubators, the Founders Institute and a few others.
A new thing for the year is that you can now subscribe to this blog via email, or even listen to our best posts as a podcast, provided by the cool new Hear a blog service.
Twitter continues to be an integral part of our daily lives, and our usage of it is constantly evolving as we all learn more about it. The introduction of Twitter lists now tells us who we are in the eyes of the Twittersphere and allows us to show you a view of our whole competitive landscape, as well as what we consider to be essential startup tools. Even our Twitter background (below, click to enlarge) has received some nice praises, so thank you!
We now have over 1,100 fans, and use the page to share and discuss topics that are more informal than what we'd share on this blog, as well as release announcements, etc.
Sales: starting to "Work the Channel"
In 2009 we started to dip our toes in different sales channels for Mockups.
For instance, we decided to sell Mockups for FogBugz both as an on-premise plugin, purchased once with an optional yearly maintenance fee (just like we already did for Confluence and JIRA), as well as a monthly subscription, using Spreedly as a payment processor.
Each of these different ways to charge for our product has its pros and its challenges. One of the first things we're working on for 2010 is a nice "Which Mockups version is best for me?" wizard, to help you buy exactly what you need.
We are learning a lot from these different sales channels, and are happy to support them all for now. I am looking forward to learning a lot more in this area in 2010, as we expand to support more platforms, more resellers and start looking into affiliate programs.
Oh, 2009 should also be remembered as the year we stopped writing invoices and quotes manually in Word - we are happy Freshbooks customers now.
We also had to cave in and get a fax number - we use MyFax and are happy with it so far.
Competitive landscape: From "new tool" to "the one to beat"
My, it seemed that 2009 was the year of new wireframing tools. Someone even complained that we're drowning in them!
In just a few months Mockups went from being this quirky little new tool with a scrappy, never-seen-before hand-drawn interface to being "the gold standard", the one to beat.
I really didn't expect this transition, and while it's a nice feeling, it's going to take me a little while to get used to this new role. Like Val says, it's easier to get to the top than to stay at the top.
It doesn't look like any other tool in our same price-range is gaining much traction, but even if they do, if we continue to focus on usability and customer service, I think we'll be fine.
The Internet is a big place, there's plenty of room for multiple players. We know Mockups is not for everyone, and that's totally fine.
If you'd like to get a sense of the competitive landscape we're in, follow the tweets from all the wireframing tool makers we know of via this list: balsamiq/wireframing-tools.
Setting wrong expectations for the Web App: right, the web app. That's been "the other thing" that we've been working on all year, our "next big thing" that's been in private beta for a few months now. The mistake I made about the web app is to not realize that with all that we have going on, we'd really only be able to dedicate tiny amounts of time to it. We've been working with an external contractor on it for a while - and it's really very close to where we want v1.0 to be - but without having at least one person dedicated to it in-house, and zero revenue, it's been hard to justify investing the time on it. I guess I thought we'd have more time. We are fixing this staffing issue very soon, and are very eager to get the web app in your hands early in 2010. It won't be perfect, but it will be a start, and I consider it a key part of our strategy in the future. Thank you for your patience on this one, and sorry for promising earlier releases. We live and learn.
Yeah, Peldi, I’m terrible at forecasting financial performance too. Really cool to see you blow even your stretch goal out of the water. Your profit margin is just incredible, too. Really a sight to see and to motivate other people who want to startup a business. Congratulations.
Inspiring results indeed, Peldi! Way to go!
And I’ve never seen such an open approach to declaring in public your financial results. You are completely transparent which makes your company even more cool to watch thrive and prosper. You and your amazing team deserve it!
Do you have any books, or reference materials that you would suggest for a startup? Seems like you have gone through it, learned a lot of stuff. I have just started going through your blog posts 1 by 1 and they are insightful. For instance I would love to know things like what you use the accountants and attorneys for, what did you use before you had their services, etc.
Great story and thanks for sharing all of the information. This helps those who are looking to start there own thing see that if they have a good idea and a solid product you really can build a business in this new information age!
Great work! Its an inspiring tale of focus and dedication to deliver a great product and a great service.
Amazing. Simply amazing. Congrats on all the success.
I love the candor with which you share the results so far. It is really inspiring.
With all the candor, i.e. especially with the financials, what changes have you experienced (with respect to others) ?
Considering that now you have a decent amount of cash in the bank, from the boom in sales, what would you consider being the downside to being so transparent? I would think that there would be more people asking for handouts. If that is the case, how have you handled that and would you say the benefits of the upside vastly outweigh the downside?
Also, what is the upside (aside from the obvious buzz-building) ?
P.S. Congrats on all your success, by the way.
Amazing! Cheers and hope you do even better in 2010!
Impressive and inspiring results. Well done.
I have a question about the monthly revenue and profit graphs. They seem consistent for most of the period except for October to December 2009 where there is a small decline in revenue (roughly $15k) but a pronounced decline in profits (about $40k). I guess that means there was a particular non-recurring expense that hit you in December. So I guess my question is, what kinds of non-recurring (perhaps unforeseen) $25k expenses should we look out for?
Congrats on all the success!
It reaffirms for me personally, my taste in entrepreneurs. I wish there were a public market for investing in people, because I would have definitely bought your stock (and clearly, it would have been a wise investment).
In a world where there are more commentators than players – you’ve stuck to your guns and did what you believed in.
Hat’s off Peldi and the Balsamiq team.
Well done guys, we use balsamiq at my web agency, and we love it.
So glad for your success, it’s very inspiring.
So happy for you all. Congrats!
Nice one Peldi, you’re such an inspiration. Hope we can catch up at FOWA this year!
Congratulations Peldi and Team Balsamiq! Your product is outstanding and the effect on your revenue is an amazing validation of that. Inspiring!
One of my personal values is Transparency. This post is my new favorite to demonstrate that value. I love it and it helps me engage with the company and increases my loyalty. Wonderful.
Your link for Tools We Use for Running our Startup is not correct.
1. Wall Street Journal doesn’t have business articles as good as this (and certainly not comparable data).
Congratulations Giacomo and Balsamiq. Stunning results. Great example for the rest of us as well – to keep us motivated. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Balsamiq! Your success gives more motivation to all small software development shops!
What an awesome, awesome year. And, you’re really doing the community a service by being gutsy and publishing all of this data.
Just imagine what 2010 will be like!
Good job, Peldi et al! You’re an inspiration.
As Geir says, I don’t know why rapid-fire small releases should harm your ability to (at the same time) work on larger features.
If you are going to keep to even a fortnightly release schedule, *please* get auto-update working – it’s a bit of a killer that I can’t confidently use a new feature in a mockup because I need to first email the other people who might edit it to remind them to update Balsamiq.
We’re a somewhat in the same situation: Small company focused on lean product development. We are aiming at perfecting continuous deployment before scaling with many customers, and we are prepared to exercise the discipline that goes with it.
I think you will see that this problem seizes to exist if you formalize your branching-discipline in your Configuration Management system (i.e. SVN).
Short story: Feature is longer than a release cycle = branch out. Keep branch synchronized to changes in main trunk at all times (minimizing chance of conflicts), but not the other way around, until done. Then merge.
Please do not quit your winning streak. If anything, release more often! Aim for continuous deployment. Good luck!
Congratulations on having surpassed you wildest expectations. I go back to when we bumped in to each other on your return to Italy and the whole adventure started. Plus the passion and love involved make Balsamiq a perfect business model to be studied in the best business school’s worldwide!
Congratulations! I hope you have an even better year in 2010!
Congrats. I’d be curious to see your face in June when you’ll receive italian taxes (your company is italian, right?). I’m just a consultant but I’m seriously trying to move elsewhere because of this. Anyways congrats again for your accomplishments!
Great to see how you make your dreams come true following your passion. | 2019-04-18T14:24:04Z | https://blog.balsamiq.com/a-look-back-at-2009/ |
A transcript of Episode 203 of UX Podcast. James and Per talk to Bruno Figueiredo and look back at UX in 2009 and speculate about UX design in 2029.
PER: We have listeners in 182 countries from Togo to Kenya.
JAMES: We’ve got our own little variation of the 10 year challenge for you today. In our 200th episode, Lisa asked Per and I about the future of the podcast and UX. In that show we gave a brief answer about design and I focused quite a bit on legislation. Today, though, we thought we’d expand the topic a bit. And in our own 10-year challenge we’re going to take a look towards the year 2029.
PER: And to help us do just that, we’re joined by Bruno Figueiredo. Bruno for the past 10 years has been curating and organizing one of our favorite conferences, the UXLx Conference in Lisbon. And I believe doing that and having attended as many of those conferences as we have, we understand that he has actually hand-selected a lot of people from a different broad wide areas of industries and people that may not even have identified them as UXers. And in that sense, for me, I think Bruno has even set the stage for some of the paths that people have chosen.
I know that Alastair Somerville did not identify as a UXer the first time we met him at UXLx and our most recent interviews that we released from the past UXLx with Kathryn McElroy with the Arduino prototyping – he’s pushing the boundary of UXers. I kind of love what he’s doing with that conference.
JAMES: Yes, I didn’t recognize myself as a UXer until I started going to UXLx.
JAMES: Absolutely. I think Bruno has been filling the pores of our industry and reading what people want to learn about and hear about for of the past decade. So it feels a good choice to join us in this topic show.
So we’re three middle-aged men now, can we remember as far back as 2009?
BRUNO: I think I still can. It’s not very far away.
JAMES: You’re very confident, Bruno.
PER: It’s kind of blurry, though. I mean, from 2002 to 2011 probably kind of blurry.
JAMES: Well, it does get blurry because you don’t remember exactly when certain things did happen. But 2009, so we’ve got iPhones – we started to get the smartphones and iPhones but we’ve not got as far as responsive web design, have we?
PER: But at least we’re not designing with tables anymore.
JAMES: Most of us have moved on from tables. And Flash by then, as well – that’s pretty much dead by 2009, I guess?
BRUNO: Well, if you’re talking iPhone, I mean, iPhone kind of killed Flash. There were lots of debates in the beginning because iPhone didn’t support Flash. YouTube used Flash around that time.
BRUNO: And I think it lingered on for quite a bit after that as well.
JAMES: But how we were working back in 2009?
BRUNO: Well, I think one of the main differences is nowadays we use mobile devices quite a lot more so maybe accessing the web these days might be primarily done with mobiles rather than desktops. And I think that’s quite a big change.
JAMES: You’re absolutely right about that, Bruno. I know back in 2009 – for one, I wasn’t calling my self a UXer of any form and we weren’t doing mobile first and we weren’t testing websites primarily on mobile or even at all on mobile. So absolutely, the way of working in that sense, I think, has changed a massive amount given were we’re putting our design focus.
PER: I think that’s probably around the time when sliders started becoming popular, sliders on the home page.
BRUNO: Yes, I remember one of the first workshops we did at UXLx was something about using rich interactions like we would call them those days. So we were just starting moving on from mostly static web where you had to click on something to refresh the entire screen and moving into asynchronous paradigm. In 2009 we were just getting to that, and that changed the way immensely.
JAMES: Yes, of course, around that period we were thick in the whole Ajax time of things, weren’t we. We were just getting to the point where we could dynamically update pages.
JAMES: But you Bruno, you’ve got kind of a unique situation. You’ve been spending 10 years now watching the world of design to see what we’re all interested in learning so that you can pull in people for UX conferences and workshops. So apart from the mobile side of things, what else have you noticed has been a big change in what people are after?
BRUNO: I think in the beginning almost everyone that was doing UX kind of landed into it coming from all sorts of different places. So the discussion for the first two years was focused about what do we do, what are we? A little bit existentialist. And I think when we stopped doing that we started to have more specialized roles, and new things emerged like, sort of, this design, like content strategy. So people started focusing on different specializations of the UX field. And I think we’re still doing that. The field is splitting into a very more specialized streams.
JAMES: Per and I are acutely aware of the whole thing about how much conversation that was around who we are, the existential side of things. That’s what inspired the whole start of the podcast. I don’t think that has gone away. It’s just that we’ve got other things occupying our time, I think. So it isn’t the most dominating of topics nowadays.
PER: I think we were trying to figure out who we were. We were also struggling for more power. I was looking for my LinkedIn profile and realized that 2009 was actually the year that I attended a UX intensive training course by Adaptive Path that was run in Berlin at that time. And it was design strategy and design research and it was about taking your design practice to the next level.
So I think before that we were basically just providers of a design to someone else. But whereas we now have matured so much that we’re actually in charge of the design in another way. So it’s the maturity. I think it’s a big difference. And that’s also what’s allowing us, of course, to split into smaller and smaller segments. Everyone is becoming more specialized around these issues.
JAMES: Yes, you’ve got the fact that 2009, I didn’t work in the agile teams or I didn’t’ work intrusively, I guess, we’re developing things. I mean, every single thing, I guess, I worked on back then was sit down, work out what we wanted, and then start producing it. Or go through the laborious process of choosing the agency to come and do the end production. You didn’t just get on with it yourself, you had to go through that procurement process of finding someone.
And then that whole dance of, “Have they done the right thing, have they done the wrong thing? Who’s going to change it? Do we have to pay for them to change it?” So that’s a massive difference. You must notice that too, Bruno – running and agency.
BRUNO: Yes, I think in 2009 we as a community, we all agreed what the right process of working would be. And it took a while until we all started effectively doing everything that we preached back in those days. So I think that that’s one difference. I don’t think that at least, the market was fully ready to accommodate for everything that we wanted to do for the entire process that we were outlining those days.
JAMES: That’s probably still true. I thin organisations, at least the ones I’ve come into contact with, they find it challenging to, for example, by sprints rather than buy an app or by a website. It’s a challenging concept to get your head around paying for as an organisation, I think.
PER: And this is just the case, I mean, we’re just stretching out the maturity. Some practitioners and organizations will still be around where we’re talking about to 2009 whereas others have moved on quite far to actually having their whole in-house UX organizations with a product manager on top of them running it like its own business but within the company.
JAMES: That’s really good to flip out 10-year challenge forward. So now we’re in 2029, we’ve jumped in our time ship and gone forward. Where are we at now? What’s are the major changes we expect to our work as UXers? We will even be UXers in 10 years’ time?
BRUNO: It’s a good question. I think so. I think it’s established itself even though the meaning might be slightly different. I think that in 2029 what we will be focusing on will be different kinds of interactions. I think in the past 10 years the interaction on web evolved a lot to a point – I don’t know I there’s much more we can do to increase the quality of interaction on the web from a technology standpoint. But in 10 years I think we’ll start seeing entirely new ways of interaction that go a little beyond the desktop. And we’re starting to see that now.
With the focus on virtual reality, augmented reality I think in 10 years augmented reality will be a big part of our lives if we can manage out the weight of the interface to access it. I think that’s the largest drawback for that kind of technology.
JAMES: Virtual reality, I don’t think that will take off again. We’ve talked about in previous episodes about the usefulness of augmented reality. That perhaps is going to be something that takes hold in the workplace and so on. But I’m not sure exactly how the mass adoption side of augmented will be. I think, there, we’re going to be landing in more very specific applications to enhance something a little bit.
I don’t see us all walking round with Google Glass attached to us.
BRUNO: Well, maybe not that, and certainly the devices that we have nowadays in the market – they are big and cumbersome to us. I don’t think people will update around these. But I hope there will be new devices emerging that will be streamlined, lighter. As with you, I don’t believe virtual reality is something that has much of a future besides game. But augmented reality is really where I see we could advance the signs of interaction. I was just watching a movie on Vimeo the other day called Sight. It’s a short movie but it has a vision similar to what I think will happen in a couple of years.
So if you have high definition screen right in front of your eyes and you can project anything on to it, you don’t need screens anymore. And I just revisited, a few days ago, a video that Microsoft did 10 years ago. You know, one of those vision videos they put out every now and then. And it was mostly about screens and paper-like screens. But you touching physical screens everywhere. I don’t think we’ll actually get to that because screens dematerialize sooner than we expect with the advancements in the field of augmented reality.
But as I said, the biggest drawback is finding the good interface for some really light glasses or something because I don’t believe the answer is using your smartphone and pointing at things and looking kind of, like, through a keyhole like we do today because that’s cumbersome. But when you start thinking about materializing screens and maybe feeding information from IoT devices into that as layers of information in front of your eyes I think that’s where we’re heading.
PER: I can see myself walking around with a contact lens. I mean, if you could fit this technology into a contact lens that takes you a second to put in and take out. Certainly. But I’m always afraid of where that will take us. I’m always imagining stuff. So yes, it’s great if I’m walking to the bus and I can see a timetable for the bus in front of my. If I can look at my child and see vital signs like their pulse and fever. But also then what would happen in the workplace if I’m looking at people and I can see their names, their age, their heartbeat. Will I detect, oh, is that person lying? Will I start wondering things like that?
Where will the information – how will we make sure that people can stay private in a world like this because face recognition will also of course be adopted by any type of screen that we have in front of us all the time.
JAMES: That ties in with what me and you were saying in Episode 200 when Lisa asked us a question that we answered with legislation was the main thing that I thought will come and affect us. Thinking about what we’re saying now – well Bruno you said that we may be reaching a technological limit with what we can do with interaction. But there, I think, we’ve still got a huge amount to go when it comes to accessibility when it comes to the interaction. We may have designed stuff really nicely but implementing it, we’re falling away short.
And then when we start talking about augmented reality and screens and the visual side of things. There, again, will we be wanting or forced to make things inclusive going forward? So in ten years, will society want to have a dividing piece of technology? Something that excludes huge chunks of society because it’s just not possible to use for certain groups of people around us.
BRUNO: Well, it’s certainly a problem for vision-impaired people but for people without disabilities just imagine that they could be talking with someone and being able to read instant captions on what are they talking. So in some ways, yes, it can be a little more dividing but also more inclusive to other people with disabilities.
JAMES: But I think that kind of thing, though, where the technology becomes kind of a layer of something that is a service layer. It’s not actually something that maybe we’ll have to design or we’ll have to work with designers because instant captioning will be a service layer that we just employ in the things that we create. Maybe even some of the augmented aspect that we’re talking about, whether it’s augmented vision or augmented hearing some of these things maybe will be service layers.
So they’re not what we’re going to be working with designers.
BRUNO: I’m not sure if entirely agree with it because I think in the future, designers will be more involved in business processes. So the experience – and we’re starting to reach this stage nowadays the business layer of the services we design, automation and artificial intelligence. I think that will need to be designed as well. So everything that happens behind the screen will need to be designed in the way that it’s not visual but it’s part of the service.
PER: Part of the choice architecture.
PER: What choices will be offered to the user? When you say automation there, that makes me think, so what parts of what we’re doing today will be able to become automated in the future?
JAMES: That’s a good point. Generative design is one of the phrases that’s used where machines produce many, many design variation for us and perhaps even choose or suggest the right one or we, maybe, then help them decide the final one.
PER: Historically, I mean, we’ve been pretty bad at understanding human behavior. Maybe we can design a machine that can understand humans better than we can understand ourselves. Depending on what goals you’re setting for that machine, what will be the purpose of the machine? And that’s the things that keep me awake at night. We will decide the value system of the machine.
BRUNO: I think one of the large difference that we’re walking into is technology is ever more personal. Nowadays, if someone sees you using your mobile or your tablet, it’s a personal experience that they’re witnessing on the side, they don’t know what you’re doing, they can only assume that maybe you’re eating or watching a video. But when we move into personal augmented reality, you have your own world there that no one can peek into.
So it’s a never more personal experience. The layers of information that you choose to use, they both can be projected into the same physical space. But they would be two different realities.
PER: Yeah, I can’t remember.
JAMES: I can only hear Laurel so I’ve forgotten what the other one is.
JAMES: Yanny and Laurel. So everyone has got these variations of reality, then, you know, you can have conversations were you don’t truly understand the variation of reality you’re talking to that’s perceived by the other side of the conversation. But I’m getting into some of the practical challenges of stuff that we’re imagining.
I mean, we’ve talked an awful lot these last few years about chat-bots and voice interfaces. What do we think about that in 10 years’ time?
PER: We have been talking about voice interfaces since the early ‘90s or even before that. Bill Gates has predicted it many, many times that “Next year, next year.” My problem with voice interfaces is that I live in a family where everyone can control everything. And I wouldn’t walk around if everybody is just talking to the devices when they’re walking. I can’t see where it will be used. I have so much trouble understanding the application of voice interfaces.
I mean, I still use it for turning on lights, for scheduling an appointment in my calendar, sure. For command and control, stuff like that. I can see a use for it, absolutely.
BRUNO: I think as we evolve in that field — I think some people and some cultures are not as comfortable with talking to machines as others. And I think the main thing is that we’re still very much aware that we’re talking to a machine, particularly when the machine doesn’t understand you. So if their technology gets better I think that people will start engaging more with it and it won’t feel as much as we’re talking with a machine.
JAMES: I actually think maybe it’s the tech side of this which will be a bigger thing in ten years. I’m basing this on the fact that there’s report after report now that’s saying about how the new generations are – the less likely they are to ring people, to talk to people, to have voice conversations. So any interaction with an authority or a company, they prefer to do it via writing rather than talking. So perhaps 10 years’ time there will be a huge shift of – conversational transactions will be texted-based.
BRUNO: I think so. I don’t know if it’s the synchronous nature of it. In a world where we’re ever more busy and doing things, asynchronous communication fits better than synchronous modes like the telephone.
PER: So when you say there, Bruno – you say in a world that is ever more busy, going back in time we thought we would come to a place in the future we wouldn’t have to work as much and it seems like we’re working more and more. So when we’re trying to predict the future, what are we actually trying to do? Are we trying to think of the things that would help us work more or work less or be more comfortable or less comfortable? For me, there’s something wrong in how we – do we want to create more stuff and for what purpose?
What is it that people will actually be demanding of designers in the future? Will there be a backlash where people understand that they have been manipulated by designers for many years in the sense that people are using cognitive tricks to actually force people – in a choice architecture fashion, force people to at least make choices that may be better for them, harder to make.
I’m seeing that people will actually be more weary of technology in the future because we’ve been treating people in a bad way.
JAMES: I think so too Per. We’re already starting to see the information backlash. I thin people’s knowledge is starting to rise about what information is potentially gathered and how stuff can be used. Although it’s an incredibly complex thing for a lot of people to get their head around. What you can do with information at scale. But looking at how people are reacting to Facebook and some of the big operators; Google and so on.
What I’m hoping is that we’ll see something like Tim Berners Lee’s solid project or if Microsoft had launched their own kind of idea of – the idea where your information will be contained in a digital entity which you then control how this is distributed and loaned out to other parties rather than the model we’ve got at the moment where Facebook and Google and Amazon basically own every single bit of data about you and they decide, effectively, who by and large gets to play with it.
If that situation is coming to play in 10 years’ time then that will make a massive difference to how we conceptualise things that we’re working on, how we design things that we’re working on. Because it will flip the data model.
BRUNO: And a few years ago I think it was Clay Shirky there is no information overload, there is only futile failure. That’s one thing that we suddenly need is to have better filters for information in the future. I think that’s going to be a huge challenge.
PER: And a kill switch, a kill switch for my technology sometimes when I want to break. So there was this excellent piece of tech that I actually saw the other day. I forget what it’s called and it was tweeted by Alan Cooper. It was a device that you actually put on top of your Alexa and it takes over, and it emits a sound into the Alexa microphones so the Alexa can’t listen in on everything you’re saying. And then you can set your own activation phrase for that device, and that device will translate that to activating the Alexa. Which means that you’re actually blocking Alexa from doing what they designed it to do and you’re deciding what the Alexa will do for you.
So I think that type of technology will be interesting as well to, actually, people selling technology that will keep your data safe.
JAMES: You see, there’s just so many fascinating things you could get into here. It’s probably out of the scope of this podcast today but just the whole medical side of technology advancement as well. Imagine the time where someone operates in their voice cords a noise cancelling enhancement so that you’re permanently not being able to be picked up some of these devices.
BRUNO: You did start a good point. Health. I think health and technology and the way you see advancement into personal technology that tracks your health like smart watches and other devices, I think that’s going to be a challenge for the next 10 years. I think we’ll start seeing a lot more medical devices tracking you and having those in your home. I think we’ll start seeing small diagnostics devices that you’ll have at home to take care of your health.
JAMES: You’re completely right there. As far as – kind of, if we had a sure hand, how many of us are working with health related design? I think we’re going to see a lot more hands rise up. Because it’s a pure numbers game in 10 years’ time. There’s a world of baby boomers born in the ‘40s who are going to be seriously in need of more healthcare. That means there will be more demand, like you say for some of these health care issues. Which means there will be more design for these healthcare things.
So I think that’s one of the few things we can probably, with great confidence, predict for 2029 is that we’re going to have a lot more UXers working with health.
PER: And me myself having worked with health things for seven years now I completely agree. It’s just growing and growing and growing and suppliers are just struggling to get into this area all the time.
BRUNO: One other thing that I think is going to be massive in 10 years is the holistic design process and how – nowadays we’re working in service design. But we’re working in service design in a way it’s tied to the company that hired us to do that. But companies are ever more working with other companies. So how does the experience evolve when there are other players in between and how do the services of one company connect with the services of another company that they didn’t even expect to be intertwined in the first place.
So I think that’s going to be a challenge.
JAMES: Well, I think we’ve pretty much wrapped up 2029 and 2009. Spanning 20 years. 20-year challenge in the end.
PER: Yes, there will be stuff for us to work on. That’s a definite. There are so many challenges out there and it’s impossible to know what direction we’ll take. But the important thing for me is that we’ll actually keep being the voice of the users, the voice of the humans and being even more than human-centric, even human-considerate.
JAMES: No matter what happens with technology, I think our role is still going to be as guardians of that interface between humans and machine. Thanks for joining us today, Bruno, and helping us out with this topic.
BRUNO: Thank you for having me.
PER: Robbing the piggy bank again.
This is a transcript of a conversation between James Royal-Lawson, Per Axbom and Bruno Figueiredo recorded in January 2019 and published as Episode 203 of UX Podcast. | 2019-04-26T13:45:45Z | https://uxpodcast.com/ten-year-challenge-bruno-figueiredo/ |
The version 11.0 of our network calculation software CERBERUS offers a number of new functions to the user. Calculations of the load flow and for the evaluation of local power generators are now also possible for unbalanced systems. Standard load profiles can be integrated into single load flow analyses and into the calculation of the network values for a day. The means for selectivity analysis have been extended significantly.
More detailed information on CERBERUS 11.0 is included in a flyer. Test versions can be requested here.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Stadtwerke Wolfhagen and Adapted Solutions have jointly launched the project “DiGO” last year. The main topic of “DiGO” is the automated grid expansion planning in the low-voltage grid.
A press release (German) of the Fraunhofer Institute can be found here.
This year’s CERBERUS User Meeting will take place on 7.11. in Chemnitz. The program (German) includes the presentation of the new CERBERUS version 11.0 as well as presentations on current research and development projects.
A session of CERBERUS Basic Training is scheduled for the 6th of November. Registration for the user meeting or the training can be done online or by sending the form.
The new version 6.3 of Portunus includes enhancements in the support of SPICE netlists and the FMI standard, a number of new features and optimizations.
An overview of the new features in Portunus 6.3 is available here. Trial versions can be requested via the form.
The project “Universal Dynamic Network Calculation” (Undyne), which will be jointly carried out by Adapted Solutions and the Professorship of Energy and High Voltage Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology, has started. Within the scope of this project, mathematical methods for the fast dynamic simulation of energy systems will be developed. The aim is to provide a simulation platform that can be used to quickly calculate different network structures (public grid, stand-alone grid, symmetric or unbalanced loads) even for longer periods of time.
This project is supported by grants from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The new version 10.0 of CERBERUS comes with a fundamentally reworked numerical kernel, now able to run simulations in the time domain. Another new feature of CERBERUS 10.0 is a module to analyse the selectivity of the protection devices in a CERBERUS schematic. More detailed information about CERBERUS 10.0 is given here.
Adapted Solutions will share a booth together with our Swiss partner Applied Magnetics on the XXIIth International Conference on Electrical Machines (ICEM’2016).
CST – Computer Simulation Technology AG and Adapted Solutions have signed a contract about licensing the technology of the simulation software Portunus for CST and a continuative collaboration. Further information can be found here.
This year’s CERBERUS User Meeting will be held in Chemnitz on April 13th. The program includes presentations about the new CERBERUS version 10.0 and a new module for the selectivity analysis of protection devices. Other contributions describe current trends in the energy supply and applications of CERBERUS.
Depending on the demand, a session of CERBERUS basic training will be scheduled for the 12th and / or 14th of April. The registration form for the user meeting and the training course can be found here.
As in the previous years, we will be present at the PCIM in Nuremberg (May 19th – 21st) and show the latest versions of our products. You can find us in Hall 7 at booth 512.
We have also been involved in a paper called “An Open Framework for Algorithm Based Multi Criteria Optimization of Power Electronic Systems” presented during the conference.
The new version 6.1 of our simulation software Portunus provides new interfaces for reading models defined by XML text and the generation of stand-alone applications, expanded model libraries and a new software for the definition and execution of parameter sweeps and optimisation runs.
An overview about the news in Portunus is given here. Requests for evaluation versions can be sent here.
By means of a newly developed XML interface, CERBERUS 9.0 offers an alternative to the graphical input of the network diagram and thereby a way for a seamless data import from other applications. Other highlights of the new version are expanded analyses and new models for components of smart grids (voltage regulated transformer, voltage regulator). More detailed information about the new release is given here.
This year’s CERBERUS User Meeting will be held in Chemnitz on November 5th. The program includes presentations about the new CERBERUS version 9.0, new means to exhange data with other software (especially GIS) and current topics from electrical power supply industry. Depending on the demand, a session of CERBERUS basic training will be scheduled for the 4th and / or 6th of November. The registration form for the user meeting and the training course can be found here.
The Vogel Buchverlag has published the “Praxishandbuch Stromverteilungsnetze” (German edition only) which deals with technical and legal aspects of the grid expansion within the frame of the “Energiewende”. The book comes with a CD that comprises a time-limited version of our software CERBERUS and a tutorial that demonstrates the software-based analysis of power grids.
Also in 2014 Adapted Solutions will be showcasing its products and expertise at the PCIM (20th to 22nd May) in Nuremberg again. You can find us at booth 442 in hall 7.
New features in the support of VHDL-AMS and the software interfaces expand the opportunities for the users of Portunus. Information about Portunus 5.2 can be found here. Requests for an evaluation version can be sent here.
The company Maccon organizes the “Motor Design Seminar 2013” from December 9th to December 12th in Munich. Parts of the program are presentations by Dr. Thomas Barucki about system simulations with Portunus.
This year’s CERBERUS User Meeting will be held in Chemnitz on November 6th. The program includes presentations about recent and future developments of CERBERUS, applications of our software and current issues of power grids. Depending on the demand, a session of CERBERUS basic training will be scheduled for the 5th and / or 7th of November. The registration form for the user meeting and the training course can be found here.
Due to new interfaces (OLE, http), the new version 8.0 of CERBERUS offers a bigger range of possible applications. In addition, new functions have been added to models, the graphical user interface and the license module. Details about CERBERUS 8.0 can be found here.
Adapted Solutions is present at the PCIM in Nuremberg also in this year. You may find us in hall 7 at booth 442B.
The VBEW Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH hosts a seminar about the “Technical Realisation of EEG” (German Renewable Energy Law) at 5th March 2013 in Munich. The second session of this seminar will be a presentation by Adapted Solutions about “Network Calculation Software as Smart Grid Element”. More information is given here.
At the VDI conference “Power Electronics in Hybrid and Electric Cars”, which takes place in Frankfurt-Mörfelden on March 20th and 21st, Adapted Solutions and the Robert Bosch GmbH will present a paper on the topic “Design and Simulation of Control Systems for Hybrid Drives”.
This year’s CERBERUS User Meeting will be held in Chemnitz on October 17th. Besides the presentation of the new CERBERUS version 8.0, the program includes specialists presentations on current issues in the field of energy supply. Depending on the demand, a session of CERBERUS basic training will be scheduled for the 16th and / or 18th. The registration form for the user meeting and the training course can be found here.
The project HERRB is run within the frame of the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiatives. In this project, the University of Bristol (project coordinator), Motor Design Ltd. (UK) and Adapted Solutions develop a prototype of a Helicopter Electric Regenerative Rotor Brake. More information about the project are given here.
Adapted Solutions announces the release of Portunus 5.1, the new generation of its system simulation software. An overview about the news in Portunus 5.1 is given here. Evaluation versions can be requested here.
Adapted Solutions will be present at the PCIM in Nuremberg also this year. You can find us in hall 12 at booth 752C.
The first workbook that uses Portunus for the realisation of simulation examples has been published. The second updated edition of “Übungen zur Leistungselektronik” by Jäger/Stein comes with a CD containing Portunus and a set of exercise files. More information are given here.
Our network calculation software CERBERUS has got a number of new useful features in its new version 7.0. The most important new functionalities are a “Project Manager”, the option to define look-up tables for the control of real and reactive power of alternative power sources and the calculation of the maximum allowable power injection of an alternative power source. A more detailled description of the new features in CERBERUS 7.0 is given here.
The CERBERUS User Meeting 2011 takes places on October 6th in Chemnitz. The program contains the presentation of the new CERBERUS version and technical presentations given by renowned companies. A session of CERBERUS Basic Training will be given depending on requests on October 5th or 7th. For the registration to the user meeting and/or the CERBERUS training course please use the form for registration.
At the EPFL Lausanne, the “Summer school EMR‘11” takes place from July 4th to July 6th. This event is dedicated to the “Energetic Macroscopic Representation” (EMR) method. Amongst other topics, the application of the EMR method in our software Portunus is demonstrated.
Adapted Solutions exhibits at PCIM in Nuremberg (May 17th – 19th) at the booth 12-260. A paper about “Combination of Analysis Tools for the Estimation of Motor Performance under Various Load and Cooling Conditions” is presented at the conference.
Within the frame of the joint research project “Solar – Simulation and Optimization Methodology for Power Electronic System Design”, the companies Bosch, CST – Computer Simulation Technology AG and Adapted Solutions together with the Technische Universität Berlin will develop a software solution for the electro-thermal design of power electronic components. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
The VBEW Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH hosts a seminar about software solutions for the evaluation of alternative power generators at 17th March 2011 in Ulm. During the first session, Adapted Solutions will explain aspects of grid compatibility calculations for alternative power generators. More information can be found here.
The version 6.0 of CERBERUS offers a number of new functions. The graphical user interface has been expanded by a table view of the results. Integrated sorting and zoom functions make it now easy to determine the most critical parts, even for big systems. The numerical core has been optimized which gives a reduction of the calculation times by more than 50 per cent on average. New models and several detail improvements complete the appearance of CERBERUS 6.0. An overview about the new functions is given here.
The fourth CERBERUS User Meeting takes places on June 23rd in Chemnitz. The program includes the presentation of the new version CERBERUS 6.0 and three technical presentations. A CERBERUS Basic Training will be given depending on requests on June 22nd or 24st. For the registration to the user meeting and/or the CERBERUS training course please use the form for registration.
Adapted Solutions presents its software products and expertice at the PCIM (May 4-6) in Nuremberg. We can be found at booth 12-260.
The road shows (agenda) are free of charge. Please register in advance.
The new features of Portunus 4.1 like the co-simulation interface to Matlab/Simulink and models for the simulation of magnetic circuits expand the application range of our system simulation software. Additional functions of the automation interface allow for an easier integration of Portunus into design flows.
CERBERUS 5.0 comes with new functions. Amongst others, the introduction of the “Multiple Pages” technology and the new feature “Sub-Systems” make the analysis of big network structures much more convenient.
With the parallel release of Flux 10.3 by Cedrat and Portunus 3.2 SP1, coupled simulations have become possible. Co-simulation of Portunus and Flux allows for the detailed analysis of electro-magnetic processes within machines, sensors and actuators by Flux and the simulation of connected supply, load and control systems with the help of the modelling options provided by Portunus.
Students may apply for free licenses of Portunus and CERBERUS (copy of student card required).
Adapted Solutions will be present at the PCIM 2009 (12-14.5) in Nuremberg in booth 12-548.
The third CERBERUS User Meeting takes places at June 18th in Chemnitz. The program includes the presentation of the new version CERBERUS 5.0 as well as three technical presentations. A session of CERBERUS Basic Training is scheduled for June 17th. To register for the user meeting and/or the CERBERUS training course please use the form for registration.
Version 3.1 of our system Simulator Portunus offers important new features. By supporting the IEEE standard model description language VHDL-AMS, new means of modelling analogue, digital and mixed-signal systems are provided. Modelling and simulation of power electronic systems are made easy by the new “Power Electronics Library”. A reworked graphical user interface makes the handling of Portunus even more comfortable.
Please click here for starting a short product presentation.
With the release of the new version of Portunus, the range of training courses has been expanded too. Detailed information can be found in the Training Courses section.
The new version 4.0 of CERBERUS is now available. It features the new “Connecting Point Analysis”, models for fuses and energy storages as well as expanded short circuit calculations.
Adapted Solutions will be present at the PEMD 2008 (April 2nd to 4th, York/UK) together with Motor Design Ltd (UK). During the PCIM 2008 (27-29.5) in Nuremberg Adapted Solutions can be found at the Maccon booth (12-548).
The second CERBERUS User Meeting takes places at April 24th in Chemnitz. The program includes the presentation of the new version CERBERUS 4.0 as well as two technical presentations. A session of CERBERUS Basic Training is scheduled for April 23rd.
The version 2.1 of the system simulator Portunus is now available. Main new features include the import of SPICE netlists, a major update of the “Thermal Library”, models for translational motion and the handling of 3D-look-up tables.
With the release of the version 1.4 the system simulator Portunus provides a number of new functionalities. The most eye-catching features are the library management, a programming interface (C++), the equivalent circuit import from InCa and new comfort functions of the wiring.
Version 3.0 of the network calculation software CERBERUS is available. Beside a number of minor improvements, it provides new functions for the calculation of flicker values and switching voltages.
Adapted Solutions will be present at the PCIM Europe 2007 (Nürnberg 22-24.5.2007) and can be found at the booth of the Maccon GmbH (12-548). Dr. Thomas Barucki will give a presentation about “Software Solutions for Design and Simulation of Drive Systems and Power Electronics” (May 22, 2:05 PM).
The CERBERUS User Meeting 2007 takes place at March 7th in Chemnitz. Beside the presentation of the new version CERBERUS 3.0, two presentations about current issues of net power grid operation and fee calcuation are on the agenda. A session CERBERUS Training will be offered on the next day.
With the release of the Thermal Library a powerful Portunus add-on for thermal simulations becomes available. more..
Adapted Solutions GmbH has been established as the legal successor of the Adapted Solutions Barucki & Schmidt GbR at January 9th 2007. | 2019-04-20T14:45:03Z | https://www.adapted-solutions.com/en/unternehmen-2/neuigkeiten/ |
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One oft-repeated assertion no longer holds true. Those in trouble are not, primarily, lower-income borrowers. The foreclosure crisis has become a wave, afflicting neighborhoods of every stripe -- but particularly communities created by the boom itself.
Before Robin Bohnen and her husband, Shane, bought a $1.16 million Mediterranean-style house in an upscale Southern California suburb two years ago, they were not cash-strapped, debt-ridden or credit-impaired.
Now they are all of the above. Soon they also may qualify for one more distressing category: home lost to foreclosure.
"Wake me up, can this really be happening?" the 42-year-old Bohnen says. As she tries to describe how it feels to have the nation's financial crisis land in her living room, the phone rings. She ignores it. "It's probably the bank -- again," she says.
Bohnen once owed her comfortable lifestyle to the dizzying growth that transformed Southern California over the past decade, creating a boom that led many to believe their home values would keep climbing. As the owner of a furniture store born during the housing boom, she provided bean bag chairs and bedroom sets for the brand-new communities that easy credit built.
Now, she and husband just owe. They cannot afford their $6,400 monthly payment, and in this plummeting market, they wouldn't make enough on a sale to pay off their mortgage or recoup the 20 percent they put down to buy their Riverside County home.
They're "underwater," industry parlance for borrowers who owe more on their mortgage than their houses are worth. They have joined the growing line of homeowners seeking a break from their lenders.
Both the departing and incoming administrations in Washington have promised help on the foreclosure front, but providing help requires federal regulators to get their collective arms around the size and shape of the crisis. That isn't easy. No one agency collects information on every loan, every borrower and every delinquency.
Of the 20 Zip codes with the highest share of underwater loans, seven are in California and four are in Riverside County, the vast exurb southeast of Los Angeles where the Bohnens live. Riverside's unemployment rate has zoomed to 10 percent, well above the national average of 7.2 percent. About 94,200 people in the county are looking for work, many of them formerly employed in the real estate, banking and construction industries, according to the county's economic development agency.
The foreclosure crisis hasn't played itself out. The next wave looms in the form of a new batch of adjustable-rate mortgages scheduled to reset over the next two years. Unless the market comes back with a roar, which is unlikely, more borrowers will struggle to hang on to their homes.
Southern California was the epicenter of the housing bubble, in many ways. Four of the largest lenders had offices there, and Riverside County became a showcase for how communities can create wealth through real estate. Now the county is a case study of what can happen when the only industry in town is growth itself.
"These economies were self-feeding off the housing boom. And when the boom went bust, there was no safety net to fall back on," said Sean Snaith, an economist at the University of Central Florida's business school.
After the technology stock bust of 2001, which hit California and its sun-kissed regions particularly hard, investors and consumers sunk their money into real estate. Some wanted high returns. Others sought the perceived safety.
"They thought housing was a sure thing because there had never been, since the Great Depression, a sustained drop in housing prices," said Alan Blinder, former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve and now a professor at Princeton University. "There had been isolated drops in certain geographies, but not across the nation."
The federal government played a central role in the boom. The Fed cut a key short-term rate to rev up the economy following the tech bust, enabling lenders to borrow money at low rates, lend that cash to home buyers at higher rates and then sell the mortgages to other institutions, said Esmael Adibi, an economist at Chapman University, south of Los Angeles.
"The lenders had ample amounts of money, and they needed customers," Adibi said. "The best places to find customers were areas with expensive housing, where people had a hard time using traditional mortgages that required a 10 to 20 percent down payment."
Some of the priciest real estate was in California, making it a natural base for the busiest lenders, including New Century Financial and Ameriquest Mortgage, both defunct; Countrywide, which Bank of America has bought; and IndyMac, a Pasadena-based bank taken over by the federal government last summer and recently sold to a group of private investors.
"These companies spread their wings in California and then moved on to other parts of the country, such as Las Vegas, Phoenix and southern Florida," Adibi said.
In Las Vegas and Florida, speculators and second-home buyers snapped up properties as fast as anyone could build them. In California, buyers competing for a bit of coastal real estate drove prices to levels beyond most people's reach, said Albert Saiz, a real estate professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton school. Buyers frozen out of those markets moved further inland, to areas such Riverside County, where land was plentiful. "That demand translated into new construction," Saiz said.
In 2005 and 2006, more than half the homes sold in Southern California were in Riverside and neighboring San Bernardino County, pumping thousands of new jobs into the regional economy, said John Husing, an independent economist. "Real estate became what gold was to the gold mining towns," he said. "Everyone's job was tied to the mine, whether they realized it or not."
By early 2006, the construction sector comprised about 11 percent of Riverside County's job base -- more than double what it was two decades earlier, according to Beacon Economics, a California research firm.
For a brief time in 2005, the housing market showed signs of cooling nationwide and interest rates edged up. Lenders reacted by reaching out to even riskier borrowers with more subprime and other exotic loans to keep the home-buying frenzy going, said Howard Shapiro, an analyst at investment bank Fox-Pitt Kelton.
Some lenders wooed borrowers with generous terms once reserved for the most creditworthy. Mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, eager to profit, started buying more of these loans -- in effect, subsidizing the market.
Blinder used the Wile E. Coyote character in the old Road Runner cartoons to explain what happened to prices next: "The coyote is running, running until he runs off the mesa, suddenly he's out there in thin air and stays there for a while -- then crash," he said.
The markets that crashed the hardest were the ones where prices had climbed the fastest.
On a drive through Riverside County, it's easy to spot the foreclosures: Green lawn. Green lawn. Green lawn. Brown lawn.
The grass doesn't get watered when incomes dry up, mortgage payments stop and families move out. Robin Bohnen can see patches of brown from her house. A neighbor to her right and another to her left lost their homes in the past year. Her arms flail as she describes life in a financial vise.
The home to the left is listed for $699,900 and the other for $725,000. She and her husband owe $932,000 on their house, so they're facing at least a $200,000 shortfall. That's not what they expected when they bought their home two years ago. The economy looked good then, the housing market was still thriving and the house seemed like a steal. It was the cheapest available in the exclusive gated community that they had been eyeing for some time.
A lender offered them a mortgage that allowed them to pay interest only for the first five years. They were not asked to document their income, which put their mortgage into the class of loans known as "Alt-A," so called because they are an alternative to a prime (or A) mortgage.
It turned out to be a risky decision. What galls the Bohnens is that they brought $233,000 to the table when they bought the house -- cash they had pulled out of their previous home, which was under contract for sale. But the sale fell apart just before the scheduled closing date, and while the agent was confident of finding a new buyer at the time, the house never sold. It is now in foreclosure.
As the housing market tanked, so did their income. Robin Bohnen's three-year-old furniture franchise couldn't make it without a steady supply of new homeowners, so she gave it up. Her husband, who had earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in yearly commissions selling law-enforcement equipment, was hurt indirectly: His main employer cut him loose after several California cities, pinched by declining property tax revenue, cut back on buying police gear.
Bob Livingston, a real estate agent and friend of the Bohnens, tried to sell the house.
"I couldn't," he said. "Everyone looked at it and wanted to pay foreclosure prices."
Now the Bohnens are tapped out. They missed their third mortgage payment yesterday and can barely keep up with their homeowner association dues. Their twins are in college and their 4-year-old in day care. They're working with a housing counselor to try to modify their loan.
"We have no equity, just debts," Robin Bohnen said. "We've maxed out our credit cards and gone through all our savings and retirement accounts."
Once equity vanishes, income matters far more than the kind of mortgage a borrower has. Luke Rizzo, another Riverside County homeowner, took out a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage in 2003. He put down $125,000, but he, too, is teetering on foreclosure's edge.
In 2006, Rizzo lost his job as an information technology manager at Lockheed Martin and sunk deep into credit card debt as he tried to keep up with his mortgage payment. He bought the house for $460,000. The house next-door recently sold in foreclosure for $340,000. His debt has climbed to $498,000 because he took out a $200,000 home-equity line. That money was spent on landscaping and living expenses.
Rizzo's lender initiated foreclosure six months ago but recently rescinded the action without explanation. Rizzo is confused. He and his wife have started packing, just in case. "When you have a $2,800-a-month mortgage," said Rizzo, who has found work as an electrician, "it doesn't take much to get behind."
Against this backdrop of plunging values, some homeowners are dumping their homes even if they can make the payments, real estate agents and lenders said. A California lawyer even launched an online calculator, www.payorgo.com, to help borrowers decide.
"There's this easy come, easy go mentality," said Mike Novak-Smith, a real estate agent in Moreno Valley, a working-class part of the county. "Some people would rather hold onto their pickup truck or Mercedes than their homes."
In 2006, about 25 percent of Riverside County home buyers took out loans without making a down payment, according to SMR Research, which analyzes mortgage data. For those borrowers, Novak-Smith says, their loan payments are akin to rent: They essentially have no stake in their homes, which makes walking away easier.
"So they get a ding on their credit record. No big deal," he said. "They wait a few years and buy again."
Diolinda Igma, a real estate agent in Riverside County, went through this calculation before she and her husband, who works for a public utility, stopped making payments on their Moreno Valley home. They were underwater on their adjustable-rate mortgage, due to reset in 2010.
Because most lenders will not modify a loan until the borrower has missed payments, Igma said she fell behind to get her lender's attention. "I had to be practical," she said. "Why wait for 2010? Why keep putting money into a house we'll lose?"
The Igmas took out two loans to buy their $437,000 house. The second enabled them to buy without putting money down.
After Igma missed five payments, her lender came through. The bank lowered the interest on the first loan from 5.5 percent to 3.5 percent and extended the life of the loan to 40 years from 30. The lender added the missed payments to the loan. If not for that, the couple was prepared to move back into their much smaller first home, which they have been renting out.
The decision to walk away involves a mix of emotions and pragmatism. People get angry when they see a neighboring house in foreclosure sell at a deep discount, said Carri Clark, a mortgage broker at Mortgage Tree Financial in the city of Riverside. They see their home value eroding and their equity disappearing, but their mortgage payment remains the same.
"I had one the other day and she's telling me, 'We're going to buy this other house and let the one we've got go because it's a money pit," Clark said. "They have three homes, including a vacation home and rental property. . . . I keep telling people: 'You signed a promissory note. You told the bank you'd pay it back. It's like marriage. It's for better or worse.' "
For all those reasons, Carol Byrd, a real estate agent, does not want to walk away from her home. But she will if she has to, she said.
Three years ago, Byrd bought a home for $525,000, in the city of Riverside, getting a no-money-down mortgage. Back then, she was selling 50 homes a year and earning roughly $350,000 annually.
Byrd makes nothing close to that now, but her lender thinks the potential for that income is still there. To keep her in the mortgage, the lender has agreed to postpone her foreclosure until August and defer half of her payment, a temporary savings of $1,600 a month. The unpaid portion will be tacked onto future payments.
Byrd said the arrangement would not work long term. She wants her loan modified to reflect the current value of her house -- about $250,000. If not, then she's at peace with the consequences.
"If I have to rent, I have to rent," she said. "It's not the end of the world."
Federal regulators recently held a one-day seminar in Riverside for troubled IndyMac customers interested in a loan modification. About 4,200 were invited. Only 250 showed up, half of whom probably will not qualify for a more affordable loan.
The turnout underscores a common complaint from lenders, who say many struggling borrowers do not respond to outreach efforts and when they do, they come with inflated notions about what can be done.
"They think it's 'Let's Make a Deal,' but it's not," said Evan Wagner, an IndyMac spokesman.
Wagner ticks off some memorable ones: The couple who rejected several offers even though they were 10 months delinquent. The investor who owned four properties but refused to sell any at a loss to help save her primary residence. The borrower who was approved for modification but was disappointed that IndyMac couldn't help with his credit card debt.
IndyMac specialized in Alt-A loans. The unraveling of this type of loans has devastated several other large lenders, including Countrywide and Washington Mutual.
Initially, Alt-A loans catered to financially sophisticated borrowers with strong credit scores and hefty down payments who would not or could not document their income or assets. People who were self-employed or whose income fluctuated paid higher rates to take out these no-hassle loans.
For years, Alt-A loans performed as well as prime ones, reinforcing the idea that income hardly mattered if a borrower had good credit, said Dave Stevens, a former Freddie Mac official and now president of Long & Foster.
"We had a period of time with ever-improving housing market conditions and there was no history of default to look back on," Stevens said. "Every year, the investors and lenders were proved right, that certain people did not need to document their income, so the lenders started becoming more lenient."
Increasingly, Alt-A mortgages came to be known as "liar loans" because so many lenders and borrowers did not provide accurate income data. Lenders also took on more risky borrowers and aggressively marketed Alt-A loans, including option adjustable-rate mortgages like the one Byrd used to buy her home.
Byrd's loan, which came with a 1.5 percent teaser rate for the first five years, let her decide how much to pay each month. Most borrowers who took out these option ARMs from 2004 to 2007 chose to pay no more than the teaser rate. They can keep doing so until their interest rate adjusts or they reach a certain percentage of the principal (10 to 25 percent, depending on the lender).
The excess money they owe is added to their balance so that they owe more than they borrowed on the house. Fitch Ratings expects monthly payments to jump 63 percent on average (or $1,053) on loans adjusting in 2009 and 2010, which will undoubtedly cause a rise in defaults.
Already, 24 percent of option ARMs were at least two months late in September, up from 5 percent a year ago, said Mahesh Swaminathan, a Credit Suisse mortgage strategist.
"We're seeing delinquencies rise even before the recast date has hit," Swaminathan said. "After the recasts, the weakness will increase. In 2010 and 2011, the recasts will peak."
Robin Bohnen hit a wall when she sought to modify her loan. The lender told her it would not rework loans that are not adjusting immediately, she said. Her Alt-A loan doesn't reset until 2011.
Shane Bohnen lets his wife deal with the lender. He was reluctant to speak for this story. He figures no one will have any sympathy for a family living in a $1 million house.
"We came in with eyes wide open," he says, standing in the kitchen. "We knew what kind of loan we had."
"Oh, really," Robin Bohnen says. She darts him a look from the living room couch before launching into a series of questions that gives some hint of the tension that inevitably comes with financial trouble.
"Did you know that the housing market was going to collapse?" she says to her husband. "Did you know I was going to lose my store? Did you know you were going to lose your job? Come on. There was no reason to believe any of this would happen. It's not like we did anything impulsive. You've been doing this job for 10 years and making good money."
"Twelve years," he said. "It's been 12 years."
And he walked away. The conversation was over, for now.
Minutes later, the phone rang again, a reminder that for the Bohnens, the end was nowhere in sight. | 2019-04-20T09:10:02Z | http://ellmann0.tripod.com/id174.html |
Rollin J. MOREHOUSE; Maureen B. Morehouse, Appellants v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE, Appellee.
Before LOKEN, BEAM, and GRUENDER, Circuit Judges. Natalie Ingraham Wyatt–Brown, argued, Minneapolis, MN (Ryan W. Wahlund, Paul Jansen Quast, on the brief), for appellant. Marion E.M. Erickson, argued, Washington, DC (Thomas J. Clark, on the brief), for appellee.
The Tax Court determined that payments received by Rollin and Maureen Morehouse under the United States Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), 16 U.S.C. §§ 3801, 3831–35, constituted income from self-employment for purposes of 26 U.S.C. § 1401. We reverse.
Morehouse1 holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation he worked as a regional sales manager and as an associate publisher. From 1987 through 2003, Morehouse provided marketing and fundraising services for the University of Texas at Austin. In 2003, he moved his family to Minnesota and became the primary caretaker for his four sons.
In 1994, Morehouse inherited 503 acres of land in Grant County, South Dakota (Grant County Property), 320 acres in Roberts County, South Dakota (Roberts County Property), and 400 acres in Day County, South Dakota (Day County Property). All of the land was tillable cropland, with the exception of a gravel pit on the Grant County Property and 129 acres of the Roberts County Property, which Morehouse's father had placed in the CRP program. Morehouse never farmed any of the land, but instead rented portions of the properties to individuals who farmed their rented portions.
Morehouse received CRP payments of $37,872 in both 2006 and 2007. The Morehouses timely filed tax return forms for both years and identified their occupations as “self-employed.” On Schedules E of their tax returns, the Morehouses listed the CRP payments for both years as “rents received,” and thus the CRP payments were not taxed as self-employment income. On October 14, 2010, the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner (Commissioner) mailed to the Morehouses a notice of deficiency for 2006 and 2007. The notice stated the CRP payments should have been reported as income on a Schedule F, Profit or Loss From Farming, and were thus unreported self-employment income, which should have been taxed.
The Morehouses petitioned the Tax Court for review of the Commissioner's determination that the CRP payments were taxable as income from self-employment. The Tax Court ultimately sustained the Commissioner's determination. In reaching this decision, the Tax Court first concluded Morehouse was “engaged in the business of participating in the CRP ․ with the primary intent of making a profit” and that there was a sufficient nexus between this business and the CRP payments, thus categorizing the payments as net earnings from self-employment.4 26 U.S.C. § 1402(a). The Tax Court also rejected the assertion that CRP payments were rentals from real estate under 26 U.S.C. § 1402(a)(1) and should thus be excluded from Morehouse's net earnings from self-employment. The Tax Court instead concluded CRP payments were proceeds from Morehouse's own use of his land and thus did not constitute rent. Morehouse appeals.
An order of the Tax Court “is subject to the same review ․ as a similar order of a district court.” 26 U.S.C. § 7482(a)(3). The Tax Court's “conclusions of law are reviewed de novo and findings of fact are upheld unless clearly erroneous.” Estate of Korby v. Comm'r, 471 F.3d 848, 852 (8th Cir.2006). The question of whether CRP payments are “net earnings from self-employment” within the meaning of 26 U.S.C. § 1402(a) is a mixed question of law and fact that we review de novo. Milligan v. Comm'r, 38 F.3d 1094, 1097 (9th Cir.1994).
Section 1402 of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposes a tax on the “self-employment income of every individual,” was designed to provide social security benefits to self-employed persons. See Bot v. Comm'r, 353 F.3d 595, 596 (8th Cir.2003). We have previously recognized that self-employment tax provisions “are broadly construed to favor treatment of income as earnings from self-employment.” Id. at 599.
The CRP is the current version of a long line of federal soil conservation programs, and is so substantially similar to its predecessor, the Soil Bank Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 1801–1837 (repealed 1965), that we have referred to it as the “Son of Soil Bank.” Petersen v. Chater, 72 F.3d 675, 677 (8th Cir.1995).
In Revenue Ruling 60–32, 1960–1 C.B. 23 (1960), the IRS concluded that soil bank payments made to persons who did not operate or materially participate in a farming operation were “not to be included in determining net earnings from self-employment.” Soil bank payments to farmers, however, were to be treated as self-employment income derived from their farming business. Id. Although Revenue Ruling 60–32 did not explain why the IRS differentiated between farmers and non-farmers, a subsequent revenue ruling indicated the IRS viewed soil bank payments to non-farmers as rental income. Rev. Rul. 65–149, 1965–1 C.B. 434 (1965).
Although not binding on this court, “when a Revenue Ruling reflects a longstanding and reasonable interpretation of the agency's regulations, the Ruling attracts substantial judicial deference.” David E. Watson, P.C. v. United States, 668 F.3d 1008, 1017 n.6 (8th Cir.2012) (internal quotation omitted). Given the significant overlap between the CRP and the soil bank program “and because the judgment expressed in Revenue Ruling 60–32 is not an unreasonable” one, we find Revenue Ruling 60–32 persuasive. Wuebker v. Commissioner, 205 F.3d 897, 903 (6th Cir.2000). We thus hold that CRP payments made to non-farmers constitute rentals from real estate for purposes of § 1402(a)(1) and are excluded from the self-employment tax. See Rev. Rul. 65–149 (reaching same conclusion with respect to soil bank payments).
Although not abundantly clear, the Wuebker court's determination seemed to rest on its conclusion that, because the taxpayers' maintenance obligations under their CRP contracts were intrinsically similar to activities performed in their active farming operation—“tilling, seeding, fertilizing, and weed control”—these obligations did not rise to the level of “occupancy or use” by the government. Id. The court further presumed the IRS took a similar position in Revenue Ruling 60–32 when it concluded soil bank payments to active farmers constituted self-employment income under § 1401. Id. at 905. However, the court neither recognized nor rejected the IRS's position in Revenue Ruling 60–32 that similar payments to non-farmers were not self-employment income.
In 2006, the IRS submitted for comment a proposed revenue ruling that would have dramatically expanded Wuebker's reach. See Notice 2006–108. With little analysis, the proposed revenue ruling concluded CRP payments to non-farmers were not rentals from real estate and should be treated as income from self-employment. Notice 2006–108 further stated that, if adopted, the proposed revenue ruling would render obsolete Revenue Ruling 60–32. The IRS has not formally adopted the proposed revenue ruling, perhaps because the Commissioner has come to understand Wuebker's reasoning concerning this particular issue, especially when applied to non-farmers, is problematic. Neither does the proposal represent the agency's longstanding treatment of land conservation payments made to non-farmers. See Rev. Rul. 60–32; Rev. Rul. 65–149. We thus afford it no deference. See United States v. Cleveland Indians Baseball Co., 532 U.S. 200, 220 (2001).
In arriving at our conclusion, we embrace the agency's longstanding position that land conservation payments made to non-farmers constitute rentals from real estate and are excluded from the self-employment tax. See Rev. Rul. 60–32; Rev. Rul. 65–149. While CRP contracts may require farmers to conduct a small subset of activities similar to those used in a portion of their general farming operations, Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 903, the same cannot be said for non-farmers. The only reason they even indirectly engage in or arrange for any “tilling, seeding, fertilizing, and weed control” activities on their CRP land is because the agreement with the government requires them to do so. Id.
Representatives of CCC shall have the right of access to [the] land subject to this contract and to examine any other lands or records under the participant's control for the purpose of determining land classification and erosion rates and for the purpose of determining whether there is compliance with the terms and conditions of this contract.
205 F.3d at 900 (alteration in original).
For the reasons set forth above, we reverse and remand to the Tax Court with instructions to enter judgment in favor of the Morehouses.
The court concludes that the CRP payments to Morehouse were not taxable as self-employment income because the CRP payments constituted “rentals from real estate” under 26 U.S.C. § 1402(a)(1). Ante at 8–9. I respectfully disagree. I would follow the Sixth Circuit's persuasive interpretation of “rentals from real estate” as it relates to CRP payments, see Wuebker v. Comm'r, 205 F.3d 897, 903–05 (6th Cir.2000), which accords with the Internal Revenue Service's most recent explanation of this statutory phrase, see I.R.S. Notice 2006–108, 2006–2 C.B. 1118.
Morehouse makes two arguments to support his assertion that his CRP payments were not taxable as self-employment income. First, Morehouse argues that the CRP payments were not net earnings from self-employment under § 1402(a). Second, Morehouse contends that, even if the CRP payments were net earnings from self-employment, they nonetheless were excluded therefrom as rentals from real estate under § 1402(a)(1). The court's reversal of the Tax Court's judgment rests solely on this latter ground. Ante at 7–9. Because I agree with the Commissioner that the CRP payments to Morehouse constituted net earnings from self-employment and that the CRP payments were not rentals from real estate, I would affirm the Tax Court's judgment.
The Internal Revenue Code imposes self-employment tax on the “net earnings from self-employment derived by an individual ․ during any taxable year.” 26 U.S.C. §§ 1401(a), 1402(b). The term “net earnings from self-employment” is defined as “the gross income derived by an individual from any trade or business carried on by such individual, less the deductions allowed.” § 1402(a). “The ‘derived from’ requirement necessitates a nexus between the income and the trade or business actually carried on by the taxpayer .” Bot v. Comm'r, 353 F.3d 595, 599 (8th Cir.2003). To carry on a trade or business, “the taxpayer must be involved in the activity with continuity and regularity and ․ the taxpayer's primary purpose for engaging in the activity must be for income or profit.” Comm'r v. Groetzinger, 480 U.S. 23, 35 (1987). Treasury regulations further provide that a taxpayer's trade or business “must be carried on by the individual, either personally or through agents or employees.” Treas. Reg. § 1.1402(a)–2(b). Consequently, the CRP payments to Morehouse were net earnings from self-employment if they were derived from a trade or business carried on by Morehouse or his agent, keeping in mind that “[t]he self-employment tax provisions are broadly construed to favor treatment of income as earnings from self-employment.” Bot, 353 F.3d at 599.
This brings me to the issue on which the court and I disagree: whether the CRP payments to Morehouse were rentals from real estate. If the CRP payments qualify as rentals from real estate, then they are excluded from Morehouse's net earnings from self-employment. See 26 U.S.C. § 1402(a)(1). The court's principal reason for finding that the CRP payments to Morehouse were rentals from real estate is Revenue Ruling 60–32, 1960–1 C.B. 23, in which the IRS analyzed whether payments to a landowner under a predecessor of the CRP were taxable as net earnings from self-employment. In this revenue ruling and another that followed it, the IRS defined rentals from real estate to include, as relevant here, payments to a landowner who does not operate a farm personally or through agents or employees. Id.; Rev. Rul. 65–149, 1965–1 C.B. 434. However, as the court notes, the IRS effectively abandoned this position in 2006 by issuing a proposed revenue ruling in which the IRS concluded that CRP payments to a non-farmer, like Morehouse, are not rentals from real estate. See I.R.S. Notice 2006–108, 2006–2 C.B. 1118. The IRS issued this proposed revenue ruling in response to, among other things, the Sixth Circuit's opinion in Wuebker, id., which held that CRP payments to farmers did not constitute rentals from real estate, 205 F.3d at 903–04. In adopting Wuebker's rationale and applying it to both farmers and non-farmers, the IRS recognized that this notice would render Revenue Ruling 60–32 obsolete. I.R.S. Notice 2006–108, 2006–2 C.B. 1118 (“Revenue Ruling 60–32 is obsoleted.”). Consequently, we are left to reconcile the IRS's conflicting views.
The court resolves this conflict by “embrac[ing]” the IRS's interpretation from Revenue Ruling 60–32 and according no deference to Notice 2006–108. Ante at 8. Although I would grant limited deference to Notice 2006–108 as the IRS's understanding of § 1402(a)(1) in light of Wuebker, I agree with the court that our deference must be tempered by the IRS's inconsistent views over time and by the IRS's failure to adopt this notice as a formal revenue ruling. See Esden v. Bank of Boston, 229 F.3d 154, 169 n.19 (2d Cir.2000) (finding that IRS notice can be “entitled to respect” because it constitutes a “body of experience and informed judgment” (quoting Skidmore v. Swift & Co., 323 U.S. 134, 140 (1944)); see also Skidmore, 323 U.S. at 140 (noting that level of deference depends upon, among other factors, “consistency with earlier and later pronouncements”); United States v. Mead Corp., 533 U.S. 218, 228 (2001) (explaining that, under Skidmore, deference can range from “great respect at one end to near indifference at the other” (internal citation omitted)).
However, even according no deference to Notice 2006–108, I agree with its interpretation of the rentals-from-real-estate exclusion. Because the term “rentals from real estate” is not defined in the Internal Revenue Code, it must be interpreted “in accordance with its ordinary or normal meaning,” Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Meyer, 510 U.S. 471, 476 (1994), with the qualification that, as an exclusion from net earnings from self-employment, the rentals-from-real-estate exclusion must be narrowly construed, Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 903; Johnson v. Comm'r, 60 T.C. 829, 833 (1973). In Wuebker, the Sixth Circuit defined “rentals from real estate” as “[c]onsideration paid ․ for the use or occupancy of property.” Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 904 (alteration and omission in original) (quoting Black's Law Dictionary 1299 (7th ed.1999) (defining “rent”)). While the court adopts a similar definition, the court concludes that the CRP payments to Morehouse compensated him both for the government's occupancy and its use of Morehouse's property. Ante at 8. For the reasons explained by the Sixth Circuit, I respectfully disagree. See Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 904.
Beginning with the issue of the government's occupancy of Morehouse's property, a handful of governmental ingresses for monitoring does not amount to “occupancy” as that term is normally understood. See Webster's Third New International Dictionary 1561 (2002) (defining “occupy” as “to reside in as an owner or tenant”). The court, however, adopts an almost unbounded view of occupancy, even though Morehouse did not argue that the government occupied his property and even though the Wuebker court, including the dissenting judge, expressly declined to endorse such an expansive interpretation of occupancy. See Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 905 (Jones, J., dissenting) (“[T]he [government] did not possess or occupy the [taxpayers'] property in the traditional sense that gives rise to a tenant-landlord relationship.”).
Turning to whether the government “used” Morehouse's property, the court equates the tasks required of Morehouse under the CRP contracts and the government's compliance checks of his property with the use of Morehouse's property by the government. Ante at 8–9. Although I agree with the Sixth Circuit that “[w]hether the CRP payments constitute consideration for the ‘use’ of [a taxpayer's] land is a close[ ] question,” I also agree that “such an argument impermissibly stretches the plain meaning of the term ‘use,’ especially in light of the narrow construction required of the rentals-from-real-estate exclusion.” Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 904; see Webster's Third New International Dictionary 2523–24 (2002) (defining “use” as “to put into action or service”). Under the CRP, Morehouse, not the government, implemented the required work on his property.10 In addition, Morehouse enjoyed uninterrupted and unfettered access to his property. Under these circumstances, it cannot be said that Morehouse's checklist of tasks along with the government's sporadic entries onto his property somehow translated into “use” of Morehouse's property by the government. As the Sixth Circuit recognized, “[t]he essence of the [CRP] is to prevent participants from farming the property and to require them to perform various activities in connection with the land, both at the start of the program and continuously throughout the life of the contract, with the government's access limited to compliance inspections.” Wuebker, 205 F.3d at 904. Consequently, the CRP merely allowed the government to replace the income that Morehouse could have received from using his property for farming with income from Morehouse using his property to achieve a public benefit.
1. The Morehouses filed joint tax returns for 2006 and 2007 and were thus both liable for their alleged deficiencies in those years. However, only Rollin Morehouse's conduct is at issue and any references to “Morehouse” refer solely to him.
2. The CRP was established pursuant to the Food Security Act of 1985. See Food Security Act of 1985, Pub.L. No. 99–198, §§ 1201–1236, 99 Stat. 1354, 1504–1514 (codified as amended at 16 U.S.C. §§ 3831–3835). The primary purpose of the CRP is to reduce soil erosion and improve soil conditions on highly erodible cropland. See 16 U.S.C. § 3801(a).
3. The dissenting opinion seems to indicate that Morehouse's compliance with the CRP contracts amounted to a full-scale farming operation, complete with hired hand. The record, however, indicates that Morehouse hired Wallace Redlin, who had previously cash rented portions of the CRP Properties, to perform the tilling, seeding, and mowing services required by the government in 1998 and 2000, and that the government paid for a significant portion of the materials used in these activities. However, there is no evidence that Redlin performed any activity on the land in either 2006 or 2007—the only two tax years at issue. Rather, Morehouse's activities in 2006 and 2007 with respect to CRP contracts were limited solely to driving around the CRP properties a few times each year to ensure they complied with the contracts.
4. The dissent seemingly argues that we should conclude that Morehouse was in the trade or business of farming because in order to qualify for CRP payments he had to certify that he was an eligible person actively engaged in farming operations on eligible land. This argument, however, runs directly contrary to the Tax Court's longstanding position that a determination by the USDA that an individual was actively engaged in farming “is not a determination for Federal income tax purposes that [Morehouse was] actively engaged in a trade or business.” Hasbrouck v. Comm'r, T.C.M.1998–249, 1998 WL 373337, at *12, aff'd without published opinion, 189 F.3d 473 (9th Cir.1999). Here, the Tax Court summarily (and quite properly) rejected the Commissioner's novel argument that Morehouse was actually engaged in the trade or business of conducting an environmentally friendly farming operation. The record indicates that Morehouse never personally farmed the CRP Properties and that he tilled and fertilized the land so that he could establish grass covering of which he could make no economic use. We suspect, respectfully, that the Commissioner's characterization of Morehouse's activities as even remotely resembling a “farming operation” would be met with a fair modicum of skepticism by anyone who has carried on (or closely observed) such an enterprise.
5. The Wuebker court defined “rent” as “ ‘[c]onsideration paid ․ for the use or occupancy of property.’ “ 205 F.3d at 904 (alterations in original) (quoting Black's Law Dictionary 1299 (7th ed.1999).
6. The dissent correctly identifies that the CRP contracts obligated Morehouse to develop and maintain certain grass coverings on the CRP Properties and to comply with certain weed control standards. The dissent fails, however, to note that at trial, counsel for the IRS represented that if Morehouse did not fulfill these requirements, the USDA could arrange for any needed work to be completed “on his behalf” and could charge Morehouse a per acre fee for the work. Although the record is somewhat murky regarding what authority the USDA actually had to enter and use the CRP Properties, this representation nonetheless suggests that, rather than merely compensating Morehouse for his own use of the properties, the CRP contracts actually entitled the USDA to make certain uses of the properties, whether through Morehouse's actions or its own.
7. The Commissioner singularly focuses on the benefits Morehouse received from the CRP contracts while ignoring the broad public purposes served by the CRP and its predecessor conservation programs. The CRP is a mechanism by which Congress prevents harmful soil erosion, improves air and water quality, provides habitat for animal and plant populations of significant ecological value, and protects “the agricultural production capability for future generations.” 16 U.S.C. § 3831. Congress has charged the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out these public purposes via CRP contracts that compensate private landowners for devoting their land to these purposes. Id. The Secretary is also required to jointly “share the cost of carrying out the conservation measures and practices” on the land. Id. § 3833(a)(1). Congress has charged the Secretary with ensuring that vast portions of highly erodible cropland are removed from production and transformed into conservation reserves. That private landowners participate in this process does not change the fact that the government is using their land for its own purposes.
8. We note in passing that Morehouse's CRP contracts bear a striking resemblance to land conservation easements. A “land conservation easement” is “[a]n easement arising from an agreement between a land-owner and a land trust to provide for the protection of the land in its natural state while perhaps also allowing the property to be used for agricultural or low-impact recreational activities.” Black's Law Dictionary 623 (10th ed.2014). Here, it appears the CRP contracts may have functioned in practice as ten-year long “land conversation easements” with the government functioning as the trustee in enforcement of the contract obligations.
9. This conclusion is fully consistent with the IRS's recent views on this issue. See I.R.S. Notice 2006–108, 2006–2 C.B. 1118 (“Although more extensive activities are required [of the landowner or his agent] at the beginning of the [CRP] contract term than later, the obligation to perform activities extends throughout the ten-year period, giving participation in [the] CRP the continuity and regularity necessary to be considered a trade or business.”).
10. As evidence that the government “used” Morehouse's property, the court points to the IRS's assertion from trial that the government could arrange for Morehouse's CRP requirements to be completed on his behalf. Ante at 9 n.6. The court correctly acknowledges that the record is “somewhat murky” regarding whether the government actually possessed this authority. The court has identified no provision in Morehouse's CRP contracts that granted this unilateral right to the government. Moreover, when Morehouse violated one of his CRP contracts by using part of his property as a gravel quarry, the government simply removed the property from the CRP and required Morehouse to refund the relevant CRP and cost-sharing payments, plus interest and liquidated damages.
11. While I respectfully disagree with the court's reading of the rentals-from-real-estate exclusion, its rationale may come with a short shelf life due to an intervening amendment to the Internal Revenue Code. After Morehouse received the CRP payments at issue, Congress amended § 1402(a)(1) to specify that CRP payments to an individual who receives old-age and survivors insurance benefits or disability insurance benefits are rentals from real estate. See Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (“FCEA”), Pub.L. No. 110–246, § 15301(a), 122 Stat. 1651, 2263 (2008). Although the court refers to amended § 1402(a)(1) in its discussion of the statutory background, ante at 5, this amendment is not applicable here. The amendment governs CRP payments made after December 31, 2007, FCEA § 15301(c), 122 Stat. at 2263, and neither party disputes the Tax Court's finding of fact that the government made the CRP payments at issue before that date. Consequently, whether CRP payments that the government made after December 31, 2007 or currently makes to a non-farmer qualify as rentals from real estate under amended § 1402(a)(1) is a question that the court's decision does not resolve. | 2019-04-26T06:49:53Z | https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-8th-circuit/1680335.html |
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Partner Payment means the monies received in cleared funds by Flossie in respect of the booked appointment by a Customer minus the Commission Fee. | 2019-04-21T18:57:58Z | https://www.flossie.com/legal/au/terms-and-conditions/supplier |
The Zatara refit project began two years ago when my partner Steve Gallo (a mortgage banker) and myself, Ken Newell (a materials engineer), decided that we wanted something to do with our spare time and money. What we didn't realize was the level to which the refit project would absorb every weekend and every non-critical dollar we had and cause our significant others to chastise us for our obsessive behavior. Nonetheless, our goal is to transform a good weekend sailing vessel into a world class blue water cruising yacht equipped with everything necessary to safely and comfortably circumnavigate the globe-well, maybe just Mexico and possibly Costa Rica.
Zatara sitting in her dock in Marina Del Rey before the start of the refit.
Zatara is a 1979 custom-built 50' cutter with nice deck lines, a great interior, and basic amenities for long distance cruising. While she lacks many of the modern conveniences of electronics and rugged sail handling hardware, she has all the right stuff to justify a refit: 300 gallon fuel capacity; 500 gallon fresh water tanks; and a solid 3/4"-thick, hand laid glass hull, and full keel, unlike those of the mass produced type being plopped in the water these days.
At some time, Zatara's previous owner had decided that the original teak deck was too much trouble to maintain and had pulled it up and paid for a fiberglass deck to be laid. Years of sailing ultimately introduced stress cracks in the fiberglass, resulting in a much less than watertight deck.
We found old pictures from the early eighties on the wall at Doug's Harbor Reef on Catalina Island of Zatara when she still sported her teak decks. Those pictures quickly convinced us that installing new teak would return the boat to her original glory.
We began stripping the old non-skid off the glass deck and installed a single dark tint acrylic window to replace three leaking framed glass windows. The new window installation took two months, twice as long as anticipated.
Plan the location and pattern for the layout of the teak strips. Cut the strips to fit and mark them for reference as necessary.
Prepare the bonding surfaces. Clean with a wax and silicone remover or solvent and abrade smooth surfaces with 50-grit sandpaper.
Place the first set of teak strips in the desired location and mark the bonding area and reference location points on the strips and deck. Also, make sure you clearly mark the locations of each screw and washer on the planks of teak as these will be your only means of locating your screw holes when fastening the planks down into the epoxy bed. It is also helpful to number each plank in order to reference the location relative to neighboring planks.
Steve dry laying the teak planks and establishing layout. He soon realized that his drill was not cordless. The next day we learned that an 18-volt Ryobi cordless is your best friend for only $85. Buy two!
Wet out the bonding surface of the first set of teak strips and the corresponding bonding area of the deck. Remember to solvent wipe the bonding surfaces of the teak 30 minutes before the wet-out. Apply a heavy layer of thickened WEST SYSTEM® 105/206 epoxy to the wet-out deck surface. Thicken the resin/hardener mixture to a mayonnaise consistency with 404 High-Density Filler. Then add enough 423 Graphite Powder to turn the mixture to an opaque black color. Apply enough thickened epoxy to bridge gaps between the strips and the deck and to squeeze up and fill the gap between the planks. Be sure to leave reference marks uncovered.
Position the first set of strips on the deck. Use the reference marks as necessary.
Clamp the strips in place with #10 sheet metal screws and large washers. Place the screws and washers between the strips, 8" apart. Each row of screws will clamp the edges of two adjoining planks and act as spacers (below). Coat the screws and washers with a mold release (cooking non-stick spray) or place a small sheet of plastic under the washers to prevent bonding. Push adjoining strips tight against the screws before tightening the screws completely. Tighten the screws enough to hold the strips firmly and force some of the epoxy mixture to squeeze up between the strips.
Left-Steve applying epoxy/404/graphite blend prior to placing the teak planks. Right-Installing planks back in their original position. Make sure to have several hundred pairs of latex gloves, numerous rolls of paper towels, and a large trash bag ready and open prior to applying the epoxy and teak.
Bond the remaining strips in place, several at time, following the same procedure.
Remove the screws and washers within 24 hours.
Fill the screw holes and remaining gaps between planks with epoxy/404/graphite mixture. A syringe loaded with the mixture will speed the process of filling the holes.
Our own (non-traditional) scalloped edge pattern which we continued across the entire deck project including the king plank running down the center of the deck. The outer edge of the doghouse was fit with margin boards cut using a portable Ryobi band saw.
Sand to level the surface and remove saw marks from the teak surface. Use a belt sander or disc sander with 50-grit sandpaper for the initial sanding. A commercial floor sander works well for large decks. Finish with 80-grit and then 120-grit sandpaper. The teak surface may be left natural or finished with marine-grade teak oil, marine varnish or WEST SYSTEM® 105 Resin/207 Hardener and a high quality two-part polyurethane varnish.
The completed doghouse teak veneer. The cost for the materials was approximately $900. We eventually filled and faired the outer edges of the doghouse flush with the 1/4" margin boards using epoxy/404, and painted it with white linear polyurethane out to the eyebrow. The sides of the doghouse were also painted white, after the deck was completed.
Once we had completed the top of the doghouse, we researched how to bend teak planks to achieve a sprung plank layout. After visiting a few web sites for steam bending wood, we developed our own low cost portable design for steam bending teak planks. It uses 4" diameter PVC tubing, 4" bolts, portable saw horses, PVC end caps, a gasoline can, and propane camping burners. Its total cost was $180, and it let us steam four planks of teak at a time.
Steam bending teak is quite an art. However, for our job, which required edge bending 3/8" x 1-3/4" x 12' teak planks, the process is relatively simple. The primary requirement for successfully bending teak planks is to maintain a hot flow of steam across the planks for at least one hour prior to bending. If the steam stagnates inside the tube, it cools and precipitates on the wood, preventing the wood from achieving the temperatures needed to bend. To prevent this, we drilled holes through the tube at 12" spacing to allow the steam to escape. To keep the wood from sitting in the precipitated water at the bottom of the tube, we built elevated platforms for the planks so that the steam could come into contact with the entire surface. Placing 4" bolts through the sides of the PVC tube at 3' intervals provided a simple method for achieving this.
The portable steam tube made from PVC tubing, portable saw horses, gasoline can, duct tape, and a Coleman 1500 btu propane burner. This design enabled us to steam four teak planks continuously using two Coleman burners.
For our steam bending, we found that two gallons of water would last for 6-8 hours and consume approximately four 16 oz bottles of Coleman propane. In all, we used over 30 bottles of propane. We recommend buying two propane burners in order to make the bottle change quickly enough to maintain the boiling point of the water.
Preparing the fiberglass deck prior to installing the teak is critical if the teak and epoxy are to bond successfully and last for years. Using an industrial hardwood floor sander with 40-grit paper was the best method to prepare our deck. These can be rented for approximately $100/day. Using the industrial sander and a couple of edge sanders, we prepared the deck in approximately 10 hours. The 40-grit paper leaves deep grooves, which enable the epoxy to achieve maximum grip. In fact, we found that once fully cured, the epoxy/404/graphite blend was stronger than the fiberglass deck and the teak itself.
After the deck had been completely sanded and all the hardware removed, it was time to lay out the margin boards. We decided to use 1/2" thick margin boards to form a flow path for water towards the drains and to prevent pooling of water along our toe rail. Our margin boards are 3-1/2" wide and are joined using a serpentine joint. We chose the serpentine joint mostly for esthetics; however, it is an easily repeated pattern that accepts variations in outside edge camber.
Left-We scribed the curve of the toe rail onto the 8"x1/2"x6' teak board, and cut it to shape with a portable band saw. Center-Clamps and #10 sheet metal screws with washers held the margin boards in place while bonding. Right-The serpentine margin board joint used for the entire length of the toe rail.
Positioning and clamping the margin boards along the toe rail was somewhat challenging since we did not want to drill holes through the teak itself. Therefore, we used screws and washers along the outer edge and clamps along the inner edge. This method proved to be very successful. Since the margin boards are the reference edge for laying the steam bent planks, we wanted to have all the margin boards cut and bonded to the deck before we started laying planks.
Starting from the edge of the margin boards and working inward from port and starboard, we began dry laying the steamed teak planks in the sprung position to force the teak to take and hold the curve of the outer plan form of the foredeck.
Left-Steve bending and clamping teak planks into their respective sprung positions. Right top-The Motivator tool bending planks at wider section of the foredeck.
We found that several 4' Quick-Grip bar clamps helped considerably when pulling the plank into its bent position. Further in towards the mid section of the deck, we used a Motivator (used for laying tile) which uses a ratcheting strap to span the wider sections of the foredeck.
Left-Final dry lay-up with drains and through-deck holes located and sized. The most time consuming and yet most satisfying parts of the job were the trim details. Right-Once dry lay is completed, the planks are allowed to relax in the bent position for 3-4 weeks in order to allow the wood to accept the bend. We found that the planks would hold approximately 80% of the bend. The final 20% was easily forced back by hand during bonding.
Steam bending and dry laying the foredeck required approximately 100 hours (two months of weekend only work) with two people working and numerous beer breaks. We expected bonding the planks to the deck to take the same amount of time.
Probably the most difficult aspect of laying a teak deck is the repetition of the process. Once we had completed the dry lay of all the planks, we had the sheer pleasure of removing all 2500 screws and 500 odd steam bent planks just so we could repeat the process all over again for bonding! However, before beginning to remove those screws and planks, it was very important to mark the position of every screw and washer relative to each plank and number each plank in an easily identifiable manner. In addition, every joint between planks needed to be marked for trimming, and centerline planks needed to be precisely marked for the king plank pattern of choice.
Left-Beginning the process of bonding planks to the port foredeck. It is important to mark the position of every screw and washer relative to each plank and number each plank before beginning to remove those screws and planks. Right-The port foredeck with all of the planks bonded in place. Dealing with the curvature reduced the number of planks that we could bond in a 30 minute interval.
When bonding the planks to the deck, it is important to do small sections per batch of epoxy/404/graphite. On the foredeck, we found that dealing with the curvature reduced the number of planks that we could bond in a 30-minute interval. It took two or three people with quick hands driving a screw and washer every 10-15 seconds to maintain pace with the epoxy cure time. Although it was sometimes very tempting to lay sections of planks, we realized that racing against the cure time was far too risky. After one attempt, in which the epoxy started to cure before we got all our planks in place, it required far more time to remove excess epoxy as it was hardening than it would have laying fewer planks.
Bonding the sprung planks is extremely dirty and a considerable amount of the epoxy/ 404/graphite blend gets on the top surface of the teak planks. After a while, we abandoned the effort to clean the planks since we were going to be covering them completely later in order to fill the grooves. In total, the final shaping and bonding of the sprung planks and trim sections took us four full weekends or approximately 160 man (and a few women) hours.
Once all the planks were bonded, we started the tedious task of producing trim and king plank patterns. We found that the most efficient method for producing accurate patterns of complex trim sections and curves was the use of thick construction paper, masking tape and a brightly colored wax crayon. By tightly masking the thick paper over the section being patterned and lightly rubbing the edge of the crayon over the paper, we could easily transfer the exact edges of the planks to the paper.
Accurate patterns for the king planks and trim boards were produced by rubbing a wax crayon over construction paper covering the edges of the planks.
We then cut out the patterns and tacked them directly to the teak using 3M spray adhesive. Once the pattern was on the teak, we hand drew 3/16" margins onto the pattern and then used a band saw to follow the margin lines on the pattern to produce perfectly fitting curves. We cut the king planks and trim from 1/2"-thick x 10" x 8' pre-cut and planed boards. The teak required for the king planks and trim cost considerably more than expected, approximately $800. Although we made every effort to minimize scrap, we found ourselves with two full boxes of oddly shaped 1/2" scrap teak for which we hope eventually to find a good use. In the meantime, we try not to think about it much.
Producing paper patterns and cutting all the king planks and trim sections required another three full weekends or approximately 140 man hours. We needed an additional day to bond the king planks and trim boards into position and thus complete the bonding part of the job. At this point, the teak deck was in position and looked absolutely filthy with black epoxy everywhere. Our fellow boaters were certain we'd lost our minds and wasted lots of money. But the hard part was over.
The next step was filling the grooves between the planks with epoxy/404/graphite. (Generally polysulfide caulk should be used to fill the grooves in 3/8"-thick planks unless they are thoroughly dry.) Before filling the grooves, we used syringes filled with a low viscosity blend of epoxy/ 404/graphite to fill every one of the 2500 screw holes. This took us approximately 6 hours with two people working. Filling the screw holes is extremely important to assure a watertight deck.
After the screws and washers were removed, the screw holes and groves were filled with epoxy/ 404/graphite mixture.
Once all the grooves were filled, the fun and extremely dirty part began-the dreaded sanding. Using industrial floor sanders is the best way to achieve a smoothly sanded deck in a reasonable period of time. A large orbital sander with 60-grit pads can remove a large quantity of material quickly. In fact, we sanded off 160 pounds of teak and filler in just 12 hours. Neighbors truly love this, so try to sand on a weekday with no wind and fewer people at the marina.
Steve working very diligently on a VERY calm summer day as he sands away more than 160 pounds of teak, epoxy and filler to achieve the smoothest finish.
After doing most of the sanding with the orbital and 60-grit pads followed by 80-grit, we rented a large finish sander and lots of 120-grit screen in order to achieve a swirl-free finish. Sanding and finishing took two full weekends and $300 in sander rentals and pads. After completing the finish sanding and removing all swirl marks, we were ready to hydro-wash the teak deck to remove the fine teak dust trapped in the pores and grains of the planks. This step is very important to achieve the brightest golden hue from the teak deck. After pressure washing, allow the deck to dry for a day before applying oil or finish.
Left-Finally, a teak deck! Yards and yards of teak and not a single fastener or plug to be found. Right-The intricate plank layout of the finished teak covered cockpit, before the hardware was reinstalled.
Finally, the day came to reveal our labor of love, hundreds of hours of time, and thousands of dollars in materials. Most importantly, we could show everyone at the marina that we really did know what we were doing!
If you think that applying a teak deck or teak veneers might be a project for you, here's an itemized account of everything that goes into such a large job. This list is based on a 360 square foot deck space (considerably more than most 45-50' boats). It should provide some insight as to the cost of such a project in terms of primary materials, tools, and time.
In addition to the costs listed above, we also estimate approximately $2000 worth of incidental expenses such as drill bits, knives, shop vac, Vise Grips, hammers, and cell phones, all of which are now located at the bottom of our slip. From this experience, we hypothesized a new gravitational relationship between the value of an object and its attraction to water. We believe it to be exponential. | 2019-04-25T00:09:20Z | https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/document.do?docId=415&title=Step-by-step+installation+of+teak+planking+using+West+System+Epoxy+in+lieu+of+calking |
Among the many quandaries a writer must face after publishing a controversial book is the question of how, or whether, to respond to criticism. At a minimum, it would seem wise to correct misunderstandings and distortions of one’s views wherever they appear, but one soon discovers that there is no good way of doing this. After my first book was published, the journalist Chris Hedges seemed to make a career out of misrepresenting its contents—asserting, among other calumnies, that somewhere in its pages I call for an immediate, nuclear first-strike on the entire Muslim world. Hedges spread this lie so sedulously that I could have spent the next year writing letters to the editor. Even if I had been willing to squander my time in this way, such letters are generally pointless, as few people read them. In the end, I decided to create a page on my website addressing controversies of this kind, so that I can then forget all about them. The result has been less than satisfying. Several years have passed, and I still meet people at public talks and in comment threads who believe that I support the outright murder of hundreds of millions of innocent people.
How, for instance, should I respond to the novelist Marilynne Robinson’s paranoid, anti-science gabbling in the Wall Street Journal where she consigns me to the company of the lobotomists of the mid 20th century? Better not to try, I think—beyond observing how difficult it can be to know whether a task is above or beneath you. What about the science writer John Horgan, who was kind enough to review my book twice, once in Scientific American where he tarred me with the infamous Tuskegee syphilis experiments, the abuse of the mentally ill, and eugenics, and once in The Globe and Mail, where he added Nazism and Marxism for good measure? How does one graciously respond to non sequiturs? The purpose of The Moral Landscape is to argue that we can, in principle, think about moral truth in the context of science. Robinson and Horgan seem to imagine that the mere existence of the Nazi doctors counts against my thesis. Is it really so difficult to distinguish between a science of morality and the morality of science? To assert that moral truths exist, and can be scientifically understood, is not to say that all (or any) scientists currently understand these truths or that those who do will necessarily conform to them.
But we must descend further before reaching a higher place: for occasionally one’s book will be reviewed by a prominent person who has not even taken the trouble to open it. Such behavior is always surprising and, in a strange way, refreshingly stupid. What should I say, for instance, when the inimitable Deepak Chopra produces a long, poisonous, and blundering review of The Moral Landscape in The San Francisco Chronicle while demonstrating in every line that he has not read it? (His “review” is wholly based on a short Q&A I published for promotional purposes on my website.) Admittedly, there is something arresting about being called a scientific fraud and “egotistical” by Chopra. This is rather like being branded an exhibitionist by Lady Gaga. In retrospect, I see that the haste and bile of Chopra’s fake review are readily explained: we had recently participated in a debate at Caltech (along with Michael Shermer and Jean Houston) in which the great man had greatly embarrassed himself. And while I am certainly capable of being both scientifically mistaken and egotistical, I am confident that anyone who views our exchange in its entirety will recognize that I am the firefly to Chopra’s sun.
I think Sam Harris’ idea is equally bad [as religion-based morality], I’m surprised he’d write on it. There’s just some really bad thinking in Sam Harris’s new book, I haven’t read it yet, but that’s because from what I’ve heard, it sounds terrible and wrong-headed and just bizarre. He’s trying to make science do what religion used to. His basic philosophical reason is a fallacy, it’s impossible to derive ought from is, the naturalistic fallacy, it’s a complete misconception that you can. I’m surprised Sam Harris would fall for that. A few weeks ago, Anthony Appiah nailed him for it in the New York Times. I have no idea why that arises in some scientists. The idea is wrong. It’s been refuted. It’s hard to believe they still argue that point.
No matter that I cannot find a single, substantive point in Appiah’s review not already addressed in my book, McGinn appears to know otherwise through the power of clairvoyance. Many other philosophers and scientists have begun to play this game with The Moral Landscape, without ever engaging its arguments. And so, mindful of the dangers, I have decided to answer the strongest criticisms that have appeared to date. Failure beckons on both sides, of course, as my response will be all-too-brief for some and far more than others can stomach. But it is worth a try.
As far as I know, the best reviews of The Moral Landscape have come from the philosophers Thomas Nagel, Troy Jollimore, and Russell Blackford. I will focus on Blackford’s (along with a few of his subsequent blog posts) as it strikes me as the most searching. It also seems to echo everything of interest in the others.
Blackford and others worry that any aspect of human subjectivity or culture could fit in the space provided: after all, a preference for chocolate over vanilla ice cream is a natural phenomenon, as is a preference for the comic Sarah Silverman over Bob Hope. Are we to imagine that there are universal truths about ice cream and comedy that admit of scientific analysis? Well, in a certain sense, yes. Science could, in principle, account for why some of us prefer chocolate to vanilla, and why no one’s favorite flavor of ice cream is aluminum. Comedy must also be susceptible to this kind of study. There will be a fair amount of cultural and generational variation in what counts as funny, but there are probably basic principles of comedy—like the violation of expectations, the breaking of taboos, etc.—that could be universal. Amusement to the point of laughter is a specific state of the human nervous system that can be scientifically studied. Why do some people laugh more readily than others? What exactly happens when we “get” a joke? These are ultimately questions about the human brain. There will be scientific facts to be known here, and any differences in taste among human beings must be attributable to other facts that fall within the purview of science. If we were ever to arrive at a complete understanding of the human mind, we would understand human preferences of all kinds. Indeed, we might even be able to change them.
However, morality and values appear to reach deeper than mere matters of taste—beyond how people happen to think and behave to questions of how they should think and behave. And it is this notion of “should” that introduces a fair amount of confusion into any conversation about moral truth. I should note in passing, however, that I don’t think the distinction between morality and something like taste is as clear or as categorical as we might suppose. If, for instance, a preference for chocolate ice cream allowed for the most rewarding experience a human being could have, while a preference for vanilla did not, we would deem it morally important to help people overcome any defect in their sense of taste that caused them to prefer vanilla—in the same way that we currently treat people for curable forms of blindness. It seems to me that the boundary between mere aesthetics and moral imperative—the difference between not liking Matisse and not liking the Golden Rule—is more a matter of there being higher stakes, and consequences that reach into the lives of others, than of there being distinct classes of facts regarding the nature of human experience. There is much more to be said on this point, of course, but it is not one that I covered in my book, so I will pass it by.
The true culprit behind contemporary professions of moral skepticism is the confused belief that the ground of moral truth must be found in something other than moral values. One can pose this type of question about any kind of truth. What makes it true that 2 + 2 = 4? What makes it true that hens lay eggs? Some things are just true; nothing else makes them true. Moral skepticism is caused by the currently fashionable but unargued assumption that only certain kinds of things, such as physical facts, can be “just true” and that value judgments such as “happiness is better than misery” are not among them. And that assumption in turn leads to the conclusion that a value judgment could be true only if it were made true by something like a physical fact. That, of course, is nonsense.
It is encouraging to see a philosopher of Nagel’s talents conceding this much—for the position he sketches nullifies much of the criticism I have received. However, my view of moral truth demands a little more than this—not because I am bent upon reducing morality to “physical” facts in any crude sense, but because I can’t see how we can keep the notion of moral truth within a walled garden, forever set apart from the truths of science. In my view, morality must be viewed in the context of our growing scientific understanding of the mind. If there are truths to be known about the mind, there will be truths to be known about how minds flourish; consequently, there will be truths to be known about good and evil.
Many critics claim that my reliance on the concept of “well-being” is arbitrary and philosophically indefensible. Who’s to say that well-being is important at all or that other things aren’t far more important? How, for instance, could you convince someone who does not value well-being that he should, in fact, value it? And even if one could justify well-being as the true foundation for morality, many have argued that one would need a “metric” by which it could be measured—else there could be no such thing as moral truth in the scientific sense. There seems to be an unnecessarily restrictive notion of science underlying this last claim—as though scientific truths only exist if we can have immediate and uncontroversial access to them in the lab. The physicist Sean Carroll has written a fair amount against me on this point (again, without having read my book), and he is in the habit of saying things like, “I don’t know what a unit of well-being is,” as though he were regretfully delivering the killing blow to my thesis. I would venture that Carroll doesn’t know what a unit of depression is either—and units of joy, disgust, boredom, irony, envy, or any other mental state worth studying won’t be forthcoming. If half of what Carroll says about the limits of science is true, the sciences of mind are not merely doomed, there would be no facts for them to understand in the first place.
While the analogy may not be perfect, I maintain that it is good enough to obviate these three criticisms. Is there a Value Problem, with respect to health? Is it unscientific to value health and seek to maximize it within the context of medicine? No. Clearly there are scientific truths to be known about health—and we can fail to know them, to our great detriment. This is a fact. And yet, it is possible for people to deny this fact, or to have perverse and even self-destructive ideas about how to live. Needless to say, it can be fruitless to argue with such people. Does this mean we have a Persuasion Problem with respect to medicine? No. Christian Scientists, homeopaths, voodoo priests, and the legions of the confused don’t get to vote on the principles of medicine. “Health” is also hard to define—and, what is more, the definition keeps changing. There is no clear “metric” by which we can measure it, and there may never be one—because “health” is a suitcase term for hundreds, if not thousands, of variables. Is an ability to “jump very high” one of them? That depends. What would my doctor think if I wanted a full neurological workup because I can only manage a 30-inch vertical leap? He would think I had lost my mind. However, if I were a professional basketball player who had enjoyed a 40-inch leap every day of his adult life, I would be reporting a sudden, 25 percent decline in my abilities—not a good sign. Do such contingencies give us a Measurement Problem with respect to health? Do they indicate that medicine will never be a proper science? No. “Health” is a loose concept that may always bend and stretch depending on the context—but there is no question that both it and its context exist within an underlying reality which we can understand, or fail to understand, with the tools of science.
If we presuppose the well-being of conscious creatures as a fundamental value, much else may fall into place, but that initial presupposition does not come from science. It is not an empirical finding… Harris is highly critical of the claim, associated with Hume, that we cannot derive an “ought” solely from an “is” – without starting with people’s actual values and desires. He is, however, no more successful in deriving “ought” from “is” than anyone else has ever been. The whole intellectual system of The Moral Landscape depends on an “ought” being built into its foundations.
Again, the same can be said about medicine, or science as a whole. As I point out in my book, science is based on values that must be presupposed—like the desire to understand the universe, a respect for evidence and logical coherence, etc. One who doesn’t share these values cannot do science. But nor can he attack the presuppositions of science in a way that anyone should find compelling. Scientists need not apologize for presupposing the value of evidence, nor does this presupposition render science unscientific. In my book, I argue that the value of well-being—specifically the value of avoiding the worst possible misery for everyone—is on the same footing. There is no problem in presupposing that the worst possible misery for everyone is bad and worth avoiding and that normative morality consists, at an absolute minimum, in acting so as to avoid it. To say that the worst possible misery for everyone is “bad” is, on my account, like saying that an argument that contradicts itself is “illogical.” Our spade is turned. Anyone who says it isn’t simply isn’t making sense. The fatal flaw that Blackford claims to have found in my view of morality could just as well be located in science as a whole—or reason generally. Our “oughts” are built right into the foundations. We need not apologize for pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps in this way. It is far better than pulling ourselves down by them.
There could be situations where the question of which course of action might maximize well-being has no determinate answer, and not merely because well-being is difficult to measure in practice but because there is some room for rational disagreement about exactly what it is. If it’s shorthand for the summation of various even deeper values, there could be room for legitimate disagreement on exactly what these are, and certainly on how they are to be weighted. But if that is so, there could end up being legitimate disagreement on what is to be done, with no answer that is objectively binding on all the disagreeing parties.
Couldn’t the same be said about human health? What if there are trade-offs with respect to human performance that we just can’t get around—what if, for instance, an ability to jump high always comes at the cost of flexibility? Will there be disagreements between orthopedists who specialize in basketball and those who specialize in yoga? Sure. So what? We will still be talking about very small deviations from a common standard of “health”—one which does not include anencephaly or a raging case of smallpox.
[Harris] acknowledges the theoretical possibility that two courses of action, or, say, two different systems of customs and laws could be equal in the amount of well-being that they generate. In such cases, the objectively correct and determinate answer to the question of which is morally better would be: “They are equal.” However, he is not prepared to accept a situation where two people who have knowledge of all the facts could legitimately disagree on what ought to be done. The closest they could come to that would be agreement that two (or more) courses of action are equally preferable, so either could be pursued with the same moral legitimacy as the other.
This is not quite true. My model of the moral landscape does allow for multiple peaks—many different modes of flourishing, admitting of irreconcilable goals. Thus, if you want to move society toward peak 19746X, while I fancy 74397J, we may have disagreements that simply can’t be worked out. This is akin to trying to get me to follow you to the summit of Everest while I want to drag you up the slopes of K2. Such disagreements do not land us back in moral relativism, however: because there will be right and wrong ways to move toward one peak or the other; there will be many more low spots on the moral landscape than peaks (i.e. truly wrong answers to moral questions); and for all but the loftiest goals and the most disparate forms of conscious experience, moral disagreements will not be between sides of equal merit. Which is to say that for most moral controversies, we need not agree to disagree; rather, we should do our best to determine which side is actually right.
In any case, I suspect that radically disjoint peaks are unlikely to exist for human beings. We are far too similar to one another to be that different. If we each could sample all possible states of human experience, and were endowed with perfect memories so that we could sort our preferences, I think we would converge on similar judgments of what is good, what is better, and what is best. Differences of opinion might still be possible, and would themselves be explicable in terms of differences at the level of our brains. Consequently, even such disagreements would not be a problem for my account, because to talk about what is truly good, we must also include the possibility (in principle, if not in practice) of changing peoples desires, preferences, and intuitions as a means of moving across the moral landscape. I will discuss the implications of this below.
Generally speaking, I think that the problem of disagreement and indeterminacy that Blackford raises is a product of incomplete information (we will never be able to know all the consequences of an action, estimate all the relevant probabilities, or compare counterfactual states of the world) combined with the inevitable looseness with which certain terms must be defined. Once again, I do not see this as a problem for my view.
Another concern that prompts Blackford and others to invoke terms like “ought” and “should” is the problem of persuasion. What can I say to persuade another person that he or she should behave differently? What can I think (that is, say to myself) to inspire a change in my own behavior? There are, in fact, people who will not be persuaded by anything I say on the subject of well-being, and who may even claim not to value well-being at all. And even I can knowingly fail to maximize my own well-being by acting in ways that I will later regret, perhaps by forsaking a long term goal in favor of short term pleasure.
[W]e usually accept that people act in competition with each other, each seeking the outcome that most benefits them and their loved ones. We don’t demand that everyone agree to accept whatever course will maximize the well-being of conscious creatures overall. Nothing like that is part of our ordinary idea of what it is to behave morally.
Why, for example, should I not prefer my own well-being, or the well-being of the people I love, to overall, or global, well-being? If it comes to that, why should I not prefer some other value altogether, such as the emergence of the Ubermensch, to the maximization of global well-being?… Harris never provides a satisfactory response to this line of thought, and I doubt that one is possible. After all, as he acknowledges, the claim that “We should maximize the global well-being of conscious creatures” is not an empirical finding. So what is it? What in the world makes it true? How does it become binding on me if I don’t accept it?
If we want to persuade Alice to take action X, we need to appeal to some value (or desire, or hope, or fear, etc. … but you get the idea) that she actually has. Perhaps we can appeal to her wish for our approval, but that won’t work unless she actually cares about whether or not we approve of her. She is not rationally bound to act in the way we wish her to act, which may be the way that maximizes global welfare, unless we can get some kind of grip on her own actual values and desires (etc.)… Harris does not seem to understand this idea… there are no judgments about how people like Alice should conduct themselves that are binding on them as a matter of fact or reason, irrespective of such things as what they actually value, or desire, or care about… If we are going to provide her with reasons to act in a particular way, or to support a particular policy, or condemn a traditional custom – or whatever it might be – sooner or later we will need to appeal to the values, desires, and so on, that she actually has. There are no values that are, mysteriously, objectively binding on us all in the sense I have been discussing. Thus it is futile to argue from a presupposition that we are all rationally bound to act so as to maximize global well-being. It is simply not the case.
Blackford’s analysis of these issues is excellent, of course, but I think it still misses my point. The first thing to notice is that the same doubts can be raised about science/rationality itself. A person can always play the trump card, “What is that to me?”—and if we don’t find it compelling elsewhere, I don’t see why it must have special force on questions of good and evil. The more relevant issue, however, is that this notion of “should,” with its focus on the burden of persuasion, introduces a false standard for moral truth.
Again, consider the concept of health: should we maximize global health? To my ear, this is a strange question. It invites a timorous reply like, “Provided we want everyone to be healthy, yes.” And introducing this note of contingency seems to nudge us from the charmed circle of scientific truth. But why must we frame the matter this way? A world in which global health is maximized would be an objective reality, quite distinct from a world in which we all die early and in agony. Yes, it is true that a person like Alice could seek to maximize her own health without caring about the health of other people—though her health will depend on the health of others in countless ways (the same, I would argue, is true of her well-being). Is she wrong to be selfish? Would we blame her for taking her own side in any zero-sum contest to secure medicine for herself or for her own children? Again, these aren’t the kinds of questions that will get us to bedrock. The truth is, Alice and the rest of us can live so as to allow for a maximally healthy world, or we can fail to do so. Yes, it is possible that a maximally healthy world is one in which Alice is less healthy than she might otherwise be (though this seems unlikely). So what? There is still an objective reality to which our beliefs about human health can correspond. Questions of “should” are not the right lens through which to see this.
And the necessity of grounding moral truth in things that people “actually value, or desire, or care about” also misses the point. People often act against their deeper preferences—or live in ignorance of what their preferences would be if they had more experience and information. What if we could change Alice’s preference themselves? Should we? Obviously we can’t answer this question by relying on the very preferences we would change. Contrary to Blackford’s assertion, I’m not simply claiming that morality is “fully determined by an objective reality, independent of people’s actual values and desires.” I am claiming that people’s actual values and desires are fully determined by an objective reality, and that we can conceptually get behind all of this—indeed, we must—in order to talk about what is actually good. This becomes clear the moment we ask whether it would be good to alter people’s values and desires.
Consider how we would view a situation in which all of us miraculously began to behave so as to maximize our collective well-being. Imagine that on the basis of remarkable breakthroughs in technology, economics, and politic skill, we create a genuine utopia on earth. Needless to say, this wouldn’t be boring, because we will have wisely avoided all the boring utopias. Rather, we will have created a global civilization of astonishing creativity, security, and happiness.
However, some people were not ready for this earthly paradise once it arrived. Some were psychopaths who, despite enjoying the general change in quality of life, were nevertheless eager to break into their neighbors’ homes and torture them from time to time. A few had preferences that were incompatible with the flourishing of whole societies: Try as he might, Kim Jong Il just couldn’t shake the feeling that his cognac didn’t taste as sweet without millions of people starving beyond his palace gates. Given our advances in science, however, we were able to alter preferences of this kind. In fact, we painlessly delivered a firmware update to everyone. Now the entirety of the species is fit to live in a global civilization that is as safe, and as fun, and as interesting, and as filled with love as it can be.
It seems to me that this scenario cuts through the worry that the concept of well-being might leave out something that is worth caring about: for if you care about something that is not compatible with a peak of human flourishing—given the requisite changes in your brain, you would recognize that you were wrong to care about this thing in the first place. Wrong in what sense? Wrong in the sense that you didn’t know what you were missing. This is the core of my argument: I am claiming that there must be frontiers of human well-being that await our discovery—and certain interests and preferences surely blind us to them.
Nevertheless, Blackford is right to point out that our general approach to morality does not demand that we maximize global well-being. We are selfish to one degree or another; we lack complete information about the consequences of our actions; and even where we possess such information, our interests and preferences often lead us to ignore it. But these facts obscure deeper questions: In what sense can an action be morally good? And what does it mean to make a good action better?
For instance, it seems good for me to buy my daughter a birthday present, all things considered, because this will make both of us happy. Few people would fault me for spending some of my time and money in this way. But what about all the little girls in the world who suffer terribly at this moment for want of resources? Here is where an ethicist like Peter Singer will pounce, arguing that there actually is something morally questionable—even reprehensible—about my buying my daughter a birthday present, given my knowledge of how much good my time and money could do elsewhere. What should I do? Singer’s argument makes me uncomfortable, but only for a moment. It is simply a fact about me that the suffering of other little girls is often out of sight and out of mind—and my daughter’s birthday is no easier to ignore than an asteroid impact. Can I muster a philosophical defense of my narrow focus? Perhaps. It might be that Singer’s case leaves out some important details: what would happen if everyone in the developed world ceased to shop for birthday presents? Wouldn’t the best of human civilization just come crashing down upon the worst? How can we spread wealth to the developing world if we do not create wealth in the first place? These reflections, self-serving and otherwise—along with a thousand other facts about my mind for which Sean Carroll still has no “metric”—land me in a toy store, looking for something that isn’t pink.
So, yes, it is true that my thoughts about global well-being did not amount to much in this instance. And Blackford is right to say that most people wouldn’t judge me for it. But what if there were a way for me to buy my daughter a present and also cure another little girl of cancer at no extra cost? Wouldn’t this be better than just buying the original present? Imagine if I declined this opportunity saying, “What is that to me? I don’t care about other little girls and their cancers.” It is only against an implicit notion of global well-being that we can judge my behavior to be less good than it might otherwise be. It is true that no one currently demands that I spend my time seeking, in every instance, to maximize global well-being—nor do I demand it of myself—but if global well-being could be maximized, that would be better (by the only definition of “better” that makes any sense).
It seems to me that whatever our preferences and capacities are at present, our beliefs about good and evil must still relate to what is ultimately possible for human beings. We can’t think about this deeper reality by focusing on the narrow question of what a person “should” do in the gray areas of life where we spend much of our time. However, the extremes of human experience throw ample light: are the Taliban wrong about morality? Yes. Really wrong? Yes. Can we say so from the perspective of science? Yes. If we know anything at all about human well-being—and we do—we know that the Taliban are not leading anyone, including themselves, toward a peak on the moral landscape.
In particular, it is quite open to us to condemn traditional systems of morality to the extent that they are harsh or cruel, rather than providing what most of us (quite rationally) want from a moral tradition: for example that it ameliorate suffering, regulate conflict, and provide personal security and social cooperation, yet allow individuals a substantial degree of discretion to live their lives as they wish. | 2019-04-25T02:34:48Z | https://samharris.org/response-to-critics-of-the-moral-landscape/ |
Ireland is currently undergoing ‘a challenging social and economic climate for families, the employed and the unemployed’. The rate of unemployment is still, unfortunately, very high, despite dropping to 11.7% from a peak of 15.1% in 2012. This uneasy atmosphere leads to an increase in litigation, with more and more employees pursuing claims against their employers. Unfortunately, due to the structure of Irish employment law, litigation in this area can often be a costly, lengthy, and inefficient process, for all parties involved. In fact, a survey undertaken by Dr Barry in 2011 shows that 96 out of 103 practitioners believe that the current system is in need of a complete overhaul. The Workplace Relations Bill, 2014 proposes to significantly change the structure of Irish employment law. Based on the “Blueprint to Deliver a World-Class Workplace Relations Service†(published in April 2012 by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation), this Bill, if enacted, will alter the way disputes are resolved between employers and employees in this jurisdiction. The overarching themes of this Bill seem to be about giving priority to speed and simplicity – this reform is very much welcome, especially considering how convoluted Irish employment law has become. While there are an overwhelming amount of positive changes and tweaks in this Bill that will change the resolution of disputes for the better, certain aspects of the Bill could potentially have a negative impact on the system, mostly due to a lack of detail. In order to assess the potential significance of the Bill, it is necessary to first examine its aims. Overall, according Mr Richard Burton, TD, the goal of the Bill is to create a ‘world-class workplace relations service’. The Explanatory Memorandum states that that the Bill will ‘provide significant benefits for its users and society as a whole. The focus will be on resolving the workplace disputes as quickly and inexpensively as possible’. Merging of Existing Bodies According to Cox, Corbett and Ryan, ‘a key distinguishing feature of Irish employment litigation is the multiplicity of different for a in which claims may be brought’. This is huge problem in the current system, one that is unique to Ireland, for numerous reasons that will be examined below. Currently, there are several bodies that deal with workplace relations. These include the Rights Commissioner Service (LRC), the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Equality Tribunal, and the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT). The old system is potentially unfair due to the large number of these bodies, some with similar functions, making it easy for employees to become daunted, as it is unclear which of the bodies suit their particular claim. This leads to ‘forum shopping’, which requires legal advice – yet another cost on top of the litigation. Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that if the claims are directed to the wrong forum, or under the wrong statute, they can become statute-barred before the error of the action is discovered. A good illustration of some of the difficulties multiplicity of fora poses to dispute resolution can be seen in the recent case of Cunningham v Intel Ireland Ltd. This case started out as a discrimination claim against Intel. The litigant in question held a senior role within the company, and claimed that she was discriminated against because of her return from maternity leave. The worker brought an action to the Equality Tribunal (for gender discrimination), as well as a separate action to the High Court (for personal injuries sustained due to her treatment in the workplace). The employer argued the High Court action should dismissed, as it would be unfair to have the same case argued twice. The Courts agreed, citing an old common law rule from the case of Henderson v Henderson, which states that as a matter of public policy, a defendant should not be vexed with having to defend a case in several places. This is extremely harsh, and potentially even infringes on the right to court access. The system is also unfair for employees in the sense that it is possible for several appeals to be heard in a single case, greatly prolonging the proceedings. An extreme example of this can be found in the case of JVC Europe Ltd v Ponisi, a case in which an unfair dismissals claim was heard four times, with Mr Ponisi succeeding each time. Mr Justice Charleton referred to this as ‘cumbersome and redolent with potential for unfairness’. On the other hand, from the point of view of the employers, ‘employers may often find themselves having to fight a number of fires in different forums all emanating from the same dispute’. Overall, the system has been described as ‘a chaotic and poorly functioning regime’. The Bill, if enacted, will merge all the existing bodies into a single two-tier system, an action that will potentially get rid of a lot of these difficulties. For the first instance claims, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) will be established. Appeals will be brought to an expanded version of the Labour Court. This new system is bound to fix a multitude of problems concerning the multiplicity of fora described above, and is a vast improvement over having four different bodies governing decisions in a similar area. In fact, this system has come recommended by many – according to a survey undertaken by Dr Barry, 80% of employment law practitioners support the two-tier system. The two-tier system gets rid of the ‘forum shopping’ problem for disputes, as it means that there is only one point of access for employment law litigation. The new system also solves the problem of having such a large number of opportunities by appeal by restricting appeals only to the new Labour Court (s.44), with only one more opportunity to appeal to the High Court, but only on a point of law (s.47). This will ensure that all disputes are efficiently dealt with. Labour Court also promises to be efficient due to the new appeal period (42 days, s.44). The only issue is, again, the expanded scope of potential areas of law which will be decided on there. This is a problem, considering the old Labour Court was mostly specialised in industrial relations issues. There is, however, a slight problem in terms of the logistics of merging all these bodies into one. Dr Barry cites NERA’s Annual Report 2013, which states that at the moment, NERA’s Workplace Customer Relations Service processes complaints to the Rights Commissioner Service, the Equality Tribunal, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, and the Labour Court – this amounts to 15,558 complaints for the year, which is a staggering 43 complaints per day. After the merging of the bodies, this task, which at the moment merely directs complaints to the various bodies, will become much more complex, considering that the complaints must now be directed to the various services between the WRC. If this process does not go smoothly, then there is the potential for workplace disputes to remain just as slow-paced as before. Kevin Duffy, the Labour Court chairman, has recently stated that the changes will ‘present many challenges’, and that the ‘overall architecture will be different’, as well as the fact that he anticipates ‘a 56% increase in [their] workload’. Dr Barry suggests some practical methods for ensuring a smooth transfer, such as ‘strategic preparation for case-transfer’, the development of ‘a proper case management system to include an online portal’, as well as the ‘proper training of staff’. Merging the bodies also alleviates another problem the previous system had, which is a lack of consistency in between the judgments. Some practitioners that participated in Dr Barry’s survey referred to above mentioned that Rights Commissioners ‘seem to forget that they are there to make an unbiased decision on the facts’, and that in the EAT, ‘it really is a lottery and almost identical cases go either way’. By merging the bodies into one, it will be easier to maintain an equal standard above the board and make sure that decisions remain consistent. There is also the concern that merging the existing bodies is merely a re-shuffling of existing bodies, meaning that the change might not be as dramatic as it seems on the surface level. Costs The Bill makes no provision as to the possibility of being liable for legal costs. If it is possible for the losing party to be liable for the costs of the winning party, it could prove to be a huge imbalance between the employer and the employee, as due to a lack of funds, an employee may be more apprehensive at attempting to seek justice through the new system. Dr Barry recommends including a liability for costs for vexatious claims, or those with no reasonable prospect of succeeding, which is the current method in the UK Employment Tribunals. This will help strike a balance between access to the courts and stopping time-wasting through vexatious claims. Early Dispute Resolution and Mediation One of the key changes proposed by the Bill is the introduction of early dispute resolution. According to ss.36-40, there will be three new services introduced for resolving disputes in the WRC – these will be provided by case resolution officers, mediation officers and adjudicators. The former two will be in charge of facilitating ‘the resolution of disputes where possible at an early stage and without recourse to adjudication’. This is relevant for less complex disputes, for instance, ‘disputes as to whether an employee has receive information on Terms of Employment or a payslip’. The WRC Director General can suggest the parties to make use of the Case Resolution Officer or the Mediation Officer, but the parties can reject this suggestion and instead opt for the Adjudication Officer, who will hold a more formal hearing. Dr Barry makes the argument that having two split positions that, for all intents and purposes, have the same goal, would be wasteful. The positions of Case Resolution Officers and Mediation Officers are indeed quite similar, and differ only in terms of the complexity of the issues that they deal with. This is why he argues for merging of the two positions, basing his arguments on example services that already exist in the UK such as the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service’s (ACAS) Early Conciliation Service. He also raises the issue with the Adjudication Officers, who will be former Rights Commissioners and Equality Officers from the Equality Tribunal (s.40(3)). The issue is that they may not have enough experience with some of the complexities of other areas of employment law that they will have to examine over the course of their work (s.41(4)), which could lead in some inaccurate judgments. There is also little detail as to how these Officers, with so many responsibilities, will be appointed. Another welcome change is to do with mediation – whereas previously, formal mediation was mostly available to claims under the Employment Equality Acts, the Bill proposes to offer mediation for all employment rights disputes (s.38). Mediation, as well as other forms of Alternate Dispute Resolution, play an increasingly important role in legal matters. It has been stated that it “offers a means of bringing workplace justice to more people, at lower cost and…it also helps to clear the backlog of cases at statutory dispute resolution institutions and is thus assisting government agencies to meet their societal responsibilities more effectivelyâ€. This quote demonstrates some of the improvements that employers and employees will receive by the incorporation of mediation into every aspect of employment law. Similar mediation programmes have worked well in other jurisdictions. For instance, in Ontario, due to the mandatory mediation programme, 90% of matters do not end up in court. An even better result is achieved by the New Zealand State Mediation Service. The process consists of assessing whether or not mediation is possible before the case goes to court. A staggering 95% of claims do not end up in court due to this system. Although it would be nave to suggest that the same result will be achieved here as soon as the Bill passes, mediation will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the way disputes are resolved between employers and employees. Under s.42, the Adjudication Officer is able to strike out claims that are ‘frivolous or vexatious’ This is another example of the Bill attempting to speed up the general process of dispute resolution. This could, however, be potentially be unfair, as it denies the litigant the right to a hearing during a dispute. However, the safeguard of being able to appeal this to the Labour Court seems to potentially alleviate some of these concerns. The above provisions demonstrate that it seems like the Bill will affect dispute resolution in the sense that the disputes will be settled as early as possible, to ensure efficiency and time management for both the WRC and the Labour Court, and the parties involved. As Kevin Duffy said, “I confidently expect that the changes in the Bill, particularly the provisions in respect of mediation and early resolution, will increase the settlement rate and that cases will settle earlier on, and not at the date of the hearing where the resource of the Court are wastedâ€. Privacy Concerns One key change that will come about if the Bill is enacted is the fact that hearings in the WRC will be held in private. Appeals to the Labour Court, on the other hand, will be held in public. This could have a negative impact on the way disputes are resolved between employers and employees, according to Dr Barry – he argues that if privacy is an issue, a threat of an appeal could be used as a sort of ‘bargaining chip’ by one of the parties, making proceedings unfair. There is also, of course, the issue of the argument of ‘access to justice’ – private hearings are always problematic, unless there are exceptional circumstances that demand it (family law in camera proceedings, for instance). According to the Constitution, justice has to be administered in public, except for ‘special and limited cases as may be prescribed by law’. Also, the European Convention on Human Rights features the right ‘to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law’. An argument could be made comparing this provision to those concerning company law hearings (which can sometimes be held in private). However, in those situations there is a clear provision for when privacy is permitted – the hearing has to ‘involve the disclosure of information the publication of which would be seriously prejudicial to the legitimate interest of the company’. There is no such provision in the Bill, making it more suspect. These private hearings ‘could undermine the principle of ensuring public confidence in the justice system’. The extensive powers given to the adjudicators by the Bill are bound to leave both the potential litigants and the public in general in doubt of such a system. If there is no trust in the system, then people might be less likely to use it, causing a negative impact on the way employment law disputes are resolved. Another concern in this area was raised by Noel Dowling, a former trade unionist. He argues that there could be issues with the Bill in the context of unfair dismissals. If the hearings are held in private, this could throw the balance of power in favour of the employer. Compliance with Employment Legislation ‘Prevention is the best cure’, some would say – this statement is an accurate description behind the philosophy behind some of the sections of the Bill. By promoting ‘higher levels of compliance with legislation’, the bill will be helpful in stopping employment disputes before they begin, saving cost, time and the mental health of participants in the process. Compliance will mostly be enforced by inspectors. Compliance notices are a new feature provided for in the Bill that serves as an example of this. According to s.27 of the Bill, if it is discovered that employment law is not being complied with within the workplace, an Inspector may issue such a notice to the employer. If the notice is not complied with the employer may be prosecuted. To make sure that the balance isn’t entirely tipped against the employer, (s)he will receive a chance to appeal such a notice in the Labour Court. Another way in which the Bill will attempt to ensure compliance is through ‘fixed charge notices’, a particular type of fine for certain employment legislation breaches such as failing to produce wage statements to employees, or for failing to provide employees with a written statement of their hourly rate of pay for a pay reference period (s.35). These fines can reach up to €2,000. Such a fine may be appealed to the District Court. The purpose of this is to ‘reduce the need to rely on expensive and time consuming prosecution procedures for the scheduled acts of non-compliance’. Conclusion The aims of the Workplace Relations Bill, 2014 are noble. It is fair to say that employment law, in Ireland in particular, has become extremely complex and daunting for potential litigants – the fact that it is often a costly and lengthy process just solidifies the fact that reform is needed. The Bill’s goal of increasing efficiency, through merging several existing bodies into a single two-tier system, coupled with a focus on early dispute resolution, are bound to make resolving disputes between employers and employees a lot easier and stress-free. There are still, however, some concerns with regards to the lack of detail in the Bill, which might be problematic in terms of logistics. This could undermine some of the lofty goal the Bill sets out to achieve. Also, the lack of open hearings, as well as the powers given to the adjudicators could throw the balance of power in favour of one party over the other, making the dispute resolution unfair. Of course, it is very possible that some of these concerns will be alleviated through future amendments to the Bill. Overall, the Bill is a positive step in terms of simplifying employment law. If certain amendments and clarifications are made, it will have a significant positive impact on the way disputes between employers and employees are resolved.
Labour Relations Commission, Annual Report (2013). Ibid. Dr Brian Barry, ‘The Workplace Relations Bill 2014 – An Important Opportunity for Workplace Relations Reform’ (2014) IELJ 11(4). Legislating for a World-Class Workplace Relations Service: Submission to Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (July 2012). Workplace Relations Bill, 2014, Explanatory Memorandum. Neville Cox, Val Corbett and Des Ryan, Employment Law in Ireland (Clarus Press 2009). Legislating for a World-Class Workplace Relations Service: Submission to Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (July 2012). IEHC 207. (1843) 3 Hare 100, EngR 917, (1843) 67 ER 313. IEHC 279. Ibid. Brian Hutchinson, ‘Editorial’ (2014) Commercial Law Practitioner, 8, 174. Tom Mallon, ‘Employment Law Reform’ (2012) IELJ 3, 76-80. Dr Brian Barry, ‘The Workplace Relations Bill 2014 – An Important Opportunity for Workplace Relations Reform’ (2014) IELJ 11(4). Ibid Kyran Fitzgerald and Andy Prendergast, ‘Changes to State’s Dispute Resolution Bodies to be ‘Profound and Revolutionary’’ (2014) IRN 42. Dr Brian Barry, ‘The Workplace Relations Bill 2014 – An Important Opportunity for Workplace Relations Reform’ (2014) IELJ 11(4). Ibid. Workplace Relations Bill, 2014, ss.36-40. Ibid. Workplace Relations Bill, 2014, Explanatory Memorandum. Employment Equality Acts 1998-2008, s.78. Hanneli Bendeman, ‘ADR in the Workplace – The South African Experience’ (2007) African Jon Conflict Journal 7(139). Dr Barry, “Workplace Relations Bill 2014 – Reforming Employment Dispute Resolution in Ireland†– TCD Lecture. Lyons v Financial Services Ombudsman IEHC 422. Kyran Fitzgerald and Andy Prendergast, ‘Changes to State’s Dispute Resolution Bodies to be ‘Profound and Revolutionary’’ (2014) IRN 42. Dr Brian Barry, ‘The Workplace Relations Bill 2014 – An Important Opportunity for Workplace Relations Reform’ (2014) IELJ 11(4). The Constitution of Ireland, Art.34.1°. European Convention on Human Rights, Art.6(1). Companies Acts (1963-2008), s.205(7). Claire Bruton, ‘Editorial’ (2014) IELJ 11(4). Noel Dowling, ‘Unfair Dismissals - "Powers That Be" Set to Squeeze the "Little Person"?’ (2014) IRN 37, 22-23. Workplace Relations Bill, 2014, Explanatory Memorandum. Workplace Relations Bill, 2014, Explanatory Memorandum. | 2019-04-21T18:50:21Z | https://samples.edusson.com/analysis-of-the-workplace-relations-bill-2014/ |
January | 2016 | VAMboozled!
As you all likely recall, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined by the Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF), last year, filed a “Lawsuit in New Mexico Challenging [the] State’s Teacher Evaluation System.” In December 2015, state District Judge David K. Thomson granted a preliminary injunction preventing consequences from being attached to the state’s teacher evaluation data. More specifically, Judge Thomson ruled that the state can proceed with “developing” and “improving” its teacher evaluation system, but the state is not to make any consequential decisions about New Mexico’s teachers using the data the state collects until the state (and/or others external to the state) can evidence to the court that the system is reliable, valid, fair, uniform, and the like (see prior post on this ruling here).
Late Friday afternoon, New Mexico’s Public Education Department (PED) announced that they are accordingly changing their NMTEACH teacher evaluation system, and they will be issuing new regulations. Their primary goal is as follows: To (1) “Address major liabilities resulting from litigation” as these liabilities specifically pertain to the former NMTEACH system’s (a) Uniformity, (b) Transparency, and (c) Clarity. On the surface level, this is gratifying to the extent that the state is attempting to, at least theoretically, please the court. But we, and especially those in New Mexico, might refrain from celebrating too soon…given when one reads the PED announcement here, one will see this is yet another example of the state’s futile attempts to keep with a very top-down teacher evaluation system. Note, however, that a uniform teacher evaluation system is also required under state law, although the governor has the right to change state statute should those at the state (including the governor, state superintendent, and PED) decide to eventually work with local districts and schools regarding the construction of a better teacher evaluation system for the state.
As per the PED’s subsequent goals, accordingly, things do not look much different than what they did in the past, especially given why and what got the state involved in such litigation in the first place. While the state also intends to (2) Simplify processes for districts/charters and also for the PED, and this is more or less fair, the state is also to (3) Establish a timeline for providing to districts and schools more current data in that currently such data are delayed by one school year, and these data are (still) needed for the state’s Pay for Performance plans (which was considered one high-stakes consequence at issue in Judge Thompson’s ruling). A tertiary goal is also to deliver in a more timely fashion such data to teacher preparation programs, which is something also of great controversy, as (uninformed) policymakers also continue to believe that colleges of education should also be held accountable for the test scores of their graduates’ students (see why this is problematic, for example, here). In the state’s final expressed goal, they make it explicit that (4) “Moving the timeline enhances the understanding that this system isn’t being used for termination decisions.” While this is certainly good, at least for now, the performance pay program is still something that is of concern. As is the state’s continued attempts to (still) use students’ test scores to evaluate teachers, and the state’s perpetual beliefs that the data errors also exposed by the lawsuit were the fault of the school districts, not the state, which Judge Thomson also noted.
Regardless, here is the state’s “Legal Rationale,” and here is also where things go a bit more awry. As re-positioned by the state/PED, they write that “the NEA and AFT recently advanced lawsuits set on eliminating any meaningful teacher evaluation [emphasis added to highlight the language that state is using to distort the genuine purposes of these lawsuits]. These lawsuits have exposed that the flexibility provided to local authorities has created confusion and complexity. Judge Thomson used this complexity when granting an injunction in the AFT case—citing a confusing array of classifications, tags, assessments, graduated considerations, etc. Judge Thomson made clear that he views this local authority as a threat to the statutorily required uniformity of the system [emphasis added given Judge Thompson said nothing of this sort, in terms of devaluing local authority or control, but rather, he emphasized the state’s menu of options was arbitrary and not uniform, especially given the consequences the state was requiring districts to enforce].” This, again, pertains to what is written in the current state statute in terms of a uniform teacher evaluation system.
Accordingly, and unfortunately, the state’s proposed changes would: “Provide a single plan that all districts and charters would use, providing greater uniformity,” and “Simplify the model from 107 possible classifications to three.” See three other moves detailed in the PED announcement here (e.g., moving data delivery dates, eliminating all but three tests, and the fall 2016 date which all of this is to become official).
Related, see a visual of what the state’s “new and improved” teacher evaluation system, in response to said litigation, is to look like. Unfortunately, again, it really does not look much different than it did prior except, perhaps, in the proposed reductions of testing options. See also the full document from which all of this came here.
Nonetheless, we will have to wait to see if this, again, will please the court, and Judge Thompson’s ruling that the state is not to make any consequential decisions about New Mexico’s teachers using the data the state collects until the state (and/or others external to the state) can evidence to the court that the system is reliable, valid, etc.
The Student Growth Percentiles (SGPs) model, which is loosely defined by value-added model (VAM) purists as a VAM, uses students’ level(s) of past performance to determine students’ normative growth over time, as compared to his/her peers. “SGPs describe the relative location of a student’s current score compared to the current scores of students with similar score histories” (Castellano & Ho, p. 89). Students are compared to themselves (i.e., students serve as their own controls) over time; therefore, the need to control for other variables (e.g., student demographics) is less necessary, although this is of debate. Nonetheless, the SGP model was developed as a “better” alternative to existing models, with the goal of providing clearer, more accessible, and more understandable results to both internal and external education stakeholders and consumers. For more information about the SGP please see prior posts here and here. See also an original source about the SGP here.
Most importantly, the evidence in this study should make us (continue to) question the extent to which “the learning of a teacher’s students in one year will [consistently] predict the learning of the teacher’s future students.” This is counter to the claims continuously made by VAM proponents, including folks like Thomas Kane — economics professor from Harvard University who directed the $45 million worth of Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) studies for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While faint signals of what we call predictive validity might be observed across VAMs, what folks like Kane overlook or avoid is that very often these faint signals do not remain constant over time. Accordingly, the extent to which we can make stable predictions is limited.
Worse is when folks falsely assume that said predictions will remain constant over time, and they make high-stakes decisions about teachers unaware of the lack of stability present, in typically 25-59% of teachers’ value-added (or in this case SGP) scores (estimates vary by study and by analyses using one to three years of data — see, for example, the studies detailed in Appendix A of this report; see also other research on this topic here, here, and here). Nonetheless, researchers in this study found that in mathematics, 50% of the variance in teachers’ value-added scores were attributable to differences among teachers, and the other 50% was random or unstable. In reading, 41% of the variance in teachers’ value-added scores were attributable to differences among teachers, and the other 59% was random or unstable.
In addition, using a 95% confidence interval (which is very common in educational statistics) researchers found that in mathematics, a teacher’s true score would span 48 points, “a margin of error that covers nearly half the 100 point score scale,” whereby “one would be 95 percent confident that the true math score of a teacher who received a score of 50 [would actually fall] between 26 and 74.” For reading, a teacher’s true score would span 44 points, whereby one would be 95 percent confident that the true reading score of a teacher who received a score of 50 would actually fall between 38 and 72. The stability of these scores would increase with three years of data, which has also been found by other researchers on this topic. However, they too have found that such error rates persist to an extent that still prohibits high-stakes decision making.
In more practical terms, what this also means is that a teacher who might be considered highly ineffective might be terminated, even though the following year (s)he could have been observed to be highly effective. Inversely, teachers who are awarded tenure might be observed as ineffective one, two, and/or three years following, not because their true level(s) of effectiveness change, but because of the error in the estimates that causes such instabilities to occur. Hence, examinations of the the stability of such estimates over time provides essential evidence of the validity, and in this case predictive validity, of the interpretations and uses of such scores over time. This is particularly pertinent when high-stakes decisions are to be based on (or in large part on) such scores, especially given some researchers are calling for reliability coefficients of .85 or higher to make such decisions (Haertel, 2013; Wasserman & Bracken, 2003).
In the end, researchers’ overall conclusion is that SGP-derived “growth scores alone may not be sufficiently stable to support high-stakes decisions.” Likewise, relying on the extant research on this topic, the overall conclusion can be broadened in that neither SGP- or VAM-based growth scores may be sufficiently stable to support high-stakes decisions. In other words, it is not just the SGP model that is yielding such issues with stability (or a lack thereof). Again, see the other literature in which researchers situated their findings in Appendix A. See also other similar studies here, here, and here.
Accordingly, those who read this report, and consequently seek to find a better or more stable model that yields more stable estimates, will unfortunately but likely fail in their search.
Castellano, K. E., & Ho, A. D. (2013). A practitioner’s guide to growth models. Washington, DC: Council of Chief State School Officers.
Haertel, E. H. (2013). Reliability and validity of inferences about teachers based on student test scores (14th William H. Angoff Memorial Lecture). Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Lash, A., Makkonen, R., Tran, L., & Huang, M. (2016). Analysis of the stability of teacher-level growth scores [derived] from the student growth percentile [SGP] model. (16–104). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Regional Educational Laboratory West.
Assessment psychology (pp. 43–66). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Recall that the peer-reviewed journal Educational Researcher (ER) – recently published a “Special Issue” including nine articles examining value-added measures (VAMs). I have reviewed the next of nine articles (#7 of 9), which is actually a commentary titled “The Value in Value-Added Depends on the Ecology.” This commentary is authored by Henry Braun – Professor of Education and Public Policy, Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation at Boston College (also the author of a previous post on this site here).
In this article Braun, importantly, makes explicit the assumptions on which this special issue of ER is based; that is, on assumptions that (1) too many students in America’s public schools are being inadequately educated, (2) evaluation systems as they currently exist “require radical overhaul,” and (3) it is therefore essential to use student test performance with low- and high-stakes attached to improve that which educators do (or don’t do) to adequately address the first assumption. There are counterarguments Braun also offers to readers on each of these assumptions (see p. 127), but more importantly he makes evident that the focus of this special issue is situated otherwise, as in line with current education policies. This special issue, overall, then “raise[s] important questions regarding the potential for high-stakes, test-driven educator accountability systems to contribute to raising student achievement” (p. 127).
Given this context, the “value-added” provided within this special issue, again according to Braun, is that the authors of each of the five main research articles included report on how VAM output actually plays out in practice, given “careful consideration to how the design and implementation of teacher evaluation systems could be modified to enhance the [purportedly, see comments above] positive impact of accountability and mitigate the negative consequences” at the same time (p. 127). In other words, if we more or less agree to the aforementioned assumptions, also given the educational policy context influence, perpetuating, or actually forcing these assumptions, these articles should help others better understand VAMs’ and observational systems’ potentials and perils in practice.
At the same time, Braun encourages us to note that “[t]he general consensus is that a set of VAM scores does contain some useful information that meaningfully differentiates among teachers, especially in the tails of the distribution [although I would argue bias has a role here]. However, individual VAM scores do suffer from high variance and low year-to-year stability as well as an undetermined amount of bias [which may be greater in the tails of the distribution]. Consequently, if VAM scores are to be used for evaluation, they should not be given inordinate weight and certainly not treated as the “gold standard” to which all other indicators must be compared” (p. 128).
Likewise, it’s important to note that IF consequences are to be attached to said indicators of teacher evaluation (i.e., VAM and observational data), there should be validity evidence made available and transparent to warrant the inferences and decisions to be made, and the validity evidence “should strongly support a causal [emphasis added] argument” (p. 128). However, both indicators still face major “difficulties in establishing defensible causal linkage[s]” as theorized, and desired (p. 128); hence, this prevents validity in inference. What does not help, either, is when VAM scores are given precedence over other indicators OR when principals align teachers’ observational scores with the same teachers’ VAM scores given the precedence often given to (what are often viewed as the superior, more objective) VAM-based measures. This sometimes occurs given external pressures (e.g., applied by superintendents) to artificially conflate, in this case, levels of agreement between indicators (i.e., convergent validity).
Related, in the section Braun titles his “Trio of Tensions,” (p. 129) he notes that (1) [B]oth accountability and improvement are undermined, as attested to by a number of the articles in this issue. In the current political and economic climate, [if possible] it will take thoughtful and inspiring leadership at the state and district levels to create contexts in which an educator evaluation system constructively fulfills its roles with respect to both public accountability and school improvement” (p. 129-130); (2) [T]he chasm between the technical sophistication of the various VAM[s] and the ability of educators to appreciate what these models are attempting to accomplish…sow[s] further confusion…[hence]…there must be ongoing efforts to convey to various audiences the essential issues—even in the face of principled disagreements among experts on the appropriate roles(s) for VAM[s] in educator evaluations” (p. 130); and finally (3) [H]ow to balance the rights of students to an adequate education and the rights of teachers to fair evaluations and due process [especially for]…teachers who have value-added scores and those who teach in subject-grade combinations for which value-added scores are not feasible…[must be addressed; this] comparability issue…has not been addressed but [it] will likely [continue to] rear its [ugly] head” (p. 130).
In the end, Braun argues for another “Trio,” but this one including three final lessons: (1) “although the concerns regarding the technical properties of VAM scores are not misplaced, they are not necessarily central to their reputation among teachers and principals. [What is central is]…their links to tests of dubious quality, their opaqueness in an atmosphere marked by (mutual) distrust, and the apparent lack of actionable information that are largely responsible for their poor reception” (p. 130); (2) there is a “very substantial, multiyear effort required for proper implementation of a new evaluation system…[related, observational] ratings are not a panacea. They, too, suffer from technical deficiencies and are the object of concern among some teachers because of worries about bias” (p. 130); and (3) “legislators and policymakers should move toward a more ecological approach [emphasis added; see also the Review of Article (Essay) #6 – on VAMs as tools for “egg-crate” schools here] to the design of accountability systems; that is, “one that takes into account the educational and political context for evaluation, the behavioral responses and other dynamics that are set in motion when a new regime of high-stakes accountability is instituted, and the long-term consequences of operating the system” (p. 130).
If interested, see the Review of Article #1 – the introduction to the special issue here; see the Review of Article #2 – on VAMs’ measurement errors, issues with retroactive revisions, and (more) problems with using standardized tests in VAMs here; see the Review of Article #3 – on VAMs’ potentials here; see the Review of Article #4 – on observational systems’ potentials here; see the Review of Article #5 – on teachers’ perceptions of observations and student growth here; and see the Review of Article (Essay) #6 – on VAMs as tools for “egg-crate” schools here.
In case you missed it, click here for the full op-ed “How Measurement Fails Doctors and Teachers” piece published in The New York Times on Saturday.
It’s well worth the read, especially given the comparisons that author, Robert M. Wachter – MD, Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco – makes between medicine and education, in terms of how measurement systems in many ways have worked to hurt, not help improve, both professions.
Is Alabama the New, New Mexico?
In Alabama, the Grand Old Party (GOP) has put forth a draft bill to be entitled as an act and ultimately called the Rewarding Advancement in Instruction and Student Excellence (RAISE) Act of 2016. The purpose of the act will be to…wait for it…use test scores to grade and pay teachers annual bonuses (i.e., “supplements”) as per their performance. More specifically, the bill is to “provide a procedure for observing and evaluating teachers” to help make “significant differentiation[s] in pay, retention, promotion, dismissals, and other staffing decisions, including transfers, placements, and preferences in the event of reductions in force, [as] primarily [based] on evaluation results.” Related, Alabama districts may no longer use teachers’ “seniority, degrees, or credentials as a basis for determining pay or making the retention, promotion, dismissal, and staffing decisions.” Genius!
Accordingly, Larry Lee whose blog is based on the foundation that “education is everyone’s business,” sent me this bill to review, and critique, and help make everyone’s business. I attach it here for others who are interested, but I also summarize and critique it’s most relevant (but also contemptible) issues below.
For the Alabama teachers who are eligible, they are (after a staggered period of time) to be primarily evaluated (i.e., for up to 45% of a teacher’s total evaluation score) on the extent to which they purportedly cause student growth in achievement, with student growth being defined as the teachers’ purported impacts on “[t]he change in achievement for an individual student between two or more points in time.” Teachers are also to be observed at least twice per year (i.e., for up to 45% of a teacher’s total evaluation score), by their appropriate and appropriately trained evaluators/supervisors, and an unnamed and undefined set of parent and student surveys are to be used to evaluate the teachers (i.e., up to 15% of a teacher’s total evaluation score).
Again, no real surprises here as the adoption of such measures is common among states like Alabama (and New Mexico), but when these components are explained in more detail is where things really go awry.
“For grade levels and subjects for which student standardized assessment data is not available and for teachers for whom student standardized assessment data is not available, the [state’s] department [of education] shall establish a list of preapproved options for governing boards to utilize to measure student growth.” This is precisely what has gotten the whole state of New Mexico wrapped up in, and currently losing their ongoing lawsuit (see my most recent post on this here). While providing districts with menus of preapproved assessment options might make sense to policymakers, any self respecting researcher or even assessment commoner should know why this is entirely inappropriate. To read more about this, the best research study explaining why doing just this will set any state up for lawsuits comes from Brown University’s John Papay in his highly esteemed and highly cited “Different tests, different answers: The stability of teacher value-added estimates across outcome measures” article. The title of this research article alone should explain enough why simply positioning and offering up such tests in such casual (and quite careless) ways makes way for legal recourse.
Otherwise, the only test mentioned that is also to be used to measure teachers’ purported impacts on student growth is the ACT Aspire – the ACT test corporation’s “college and career readiness” test that is aligned to and connected with their more familiar college-entrance ACT. This, too, was one of the sources of the aforementioned lawsuit in New Mexico in terms of what we call content validity, in that states cannot simply pull in tests that are not adequately aligned with a state’s curriculum (e.g., I could find no information about the alignment of the ACT Aspire to Alabama’s curriculum here, which is also highly problematic as this information should definitely be available) and that have not been validated for such purposes (i.e., to measure teachers’ impacts on student growth).
Regardless of the tests, however, all of the secondary measures to be used to evaluate Alabama teachers (e.g., student and parent survey scores, observational scores) are also to be “correlated with impacts on student achievement results.” We’ve also increasingly seen this becoming the case across the nation, whereas state/district leaders are not simply assessing whether these indicators are independently correlated, which they should be if they all, in fact, help to measure our construct of interest = teacher effectiveness, but state/district leaders are rather manufacturing and forcing these correlations via what I have termed “artificial conflation” strategies (see also a recent post here about how this is one of the fundamental and critical points of litigation in Houston).
The state is apparently also set on going “all in” on evaluating their principals in many of the same ways, although I did not critique those sections for this particular post.
Most importantly, though, for those of you who have access to such leaders in Alabama, do send them this post so they might be a bit more proactive, and appropriately more careful and cautious, before going down this poor educational policy path. While I do embrace my professional responsibility as a public scholar to be called to court to testify about all of this when such high-stakes consequences are ultimately, yet inappropriately based upon invalid inferences, I’d much rather be proactive in this regard and save states and states’ taxpayers their time and money, respectively.
Accordingly, I see the state is also to put out a request for proposals to retain an external contractor to help them measure said student growth and teachers’ purported impacts on it. I would also be more than happy to help the state negotiate this contract, much more wisely than so many other states and districts have negotiated similar contracts thus far (e.g., without asking for reliability and validity evidence as a contractual deliverable)…should this poor educational policy actually come to fruition.
Recall from a prior post that a set of teachers in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), with the support of the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT) are taking their district to federal court to fight for their rights as professionals, and how their value-added scores, derived via the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS), have allegedly violated them. The case, Houston Federation of Teachers, et al. v. Houston ISD, is to officially begin in court early this summer.
More specifically, the teachers are arguing that EVAAS output are inaccurate, the EVAAS is unfair, that teachers are being evaluated via the EVAAS using tests that do not match the curriculum they are to teach, that the EVAAS system fails to control for student-level factors that impact how well teachers perform but that are outside of teachers’ control (e.g., parental effects), that the EVAAS is incomprehensible and hence very difficult if not impossible to actually use to improve upon their instruction (i.e., actionable), and, accordingly, that teachers’ due process rights are being violated because teachers do not have adequate opportunities to change as a results of their EVAAS results.
The EVAAS is the one value-added model (VAM) on which I’ve conducted most of my research, also in this district (see, for example, here, here, here, and here); hence, I along with Jesse Rothstein – Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of California – Berkeley, who also conducts extensive research on VAMs – are serving as the expert witnesses in this case.
The EVAAS produces different results from another VAM. When, for this case, Rothstein constructed and ran an alternative, albeit sophisticated VAM using data from HISD both times, he found that results “yielded quite different rankings and scores.” This should not happen if these models are indeed yielding indicators of truth, or true levels of teacher effectiveness from which valid interpretations and assertions can be made.
Ceiling effects are certainly an issue. Rothstein found that in some grades and subjects, “teachers whose students have unusually high prior year scores are very unlikely to earn high EVAAS scores, suggesting that ‘ceiling effects‘ in the tests are certainly relevant factors.” While EVAAS and HISD have previously acknowledged such problems with ceiling effects, they apparently believe these effects are being mediated with the new and improved tests recently adopted throughout the state of Texas. Rothstein, however, found that these effects persist even given the new and improved.
There are major validity issues with “artificial conflation.” This is a term I recently coined to represent what is happening in Houston, and elsewhere (e.g., Tennessee), when district leaders (e.g., superintendents) mandate or force principals and other teacher effectiveness appraisers or evaluators, for example, to align their observational ratings of teachers’ effectiveness with value-added scores, with the latter being the “objective measure” around which all else should revolve, or align; hence, the conflation of the one to match the other, even if entirely invalid. As per my affidavit, “[t]o purposefully and systematically endorse the engineering and distortion of the perceptible ‘subjective’ indicator, using the perceptibly ‘objective’ indicator as a keystone of truth and consequence, is more than arbitrary, capricious, and remiss…not to mention in violation of the educational measurement field’s Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” (American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Psychological Association (APA), National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME), 2014).
HISD is not adequately monitoring the EVAAS system. According to HISD, EVAAS modelers keep the details of their model secret, even from them and even though they are paying an estimated $500K per year for district teachers’ EVAAS estimates. “During litigation, HISD has admitted that it has not performed or paid any contractor to perform any type of verification, analysis, or audit of the EVAAS scores. This violates the technical standards for use of VAM that AERA specifies, which provide that if a school district like HISD is going to use VAM, it is responsible for ‘conducting the ongoing evaluation of both intended and unintended consequences’ and that ‘monitoring should be of sufficient scope and extent to provide evidence to document the technical quality of the VAM application and the validity of its use’ (AERA Statement, 2015).
A colleague whom I have never formally met, but with whom I’ve had some interesting email exchanges with over the past few months — James D. Kirylo, Professor of Teaching and Learning in Louisiana — recently sent me an email I read, and appreciated; hence, I asked him to turn it into a blog post. He responded with a guest post he has titled “Deep Pockets, Corporate Reform, and Teacher Education,” pasted below. Do give this a read, and a social media share, as this one is deserving of some legs.
Money is power. Money is influence. Money shapes direction. Notwithstanding the influential nature of it in the electoral process, one only needs to see how bags of dough from the mega-rich-one-percenters—largely led by Bill Gates—have bought their way in their attempt to corporatize K-12 education (see, for example, here).
This corporatization works to defund public education, grossly blames teachers for all that ails society, is obsessed with testing, and aims to privatize. And next on the corporatized docket: teacher education programs.
In a recent piece by Valerie Strauss, “Gates Foundation Puts Millions of Dollars into New Education Focus: Teacher Preparation,” she sketches how Gates is awarding $35 million to a three-year project called Teacher Preparation Transformation Centers funneled through five different projects, one of which is the Texas Tech based University-School Partnerships for the Renewal of Educator Preparation (U.S. Prep) National Center.
A framework that will guide this “renewal” of educator preparation comes from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), along with the peddling of their programs, The System for Teacher and Student Advancement (TAP) and Student and Best Practices Center (BPC). Yet, again, coming from another guy with oodles of money, leading the charge of NIET is Lowell Milken who is Chairmen and TAP founder (see, for example, here).
The state of Louisiana serves as an example on how NIET is already working overtime in chipping its way into K-12 education. One can spend hours at the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) website and view the various links on how TAP is applying a full-court-press in hyping its brand (see, for example, here).
And now that TAP has entered the K-12 door in Louisiana, the brand is now squiggling its way into teacher education preparation programs, namely through the Texas Tech based U.S. Prep National Center. This Gates Foundation backed project involves five teacher education programs in the country (Southern Methodist University, University of Houston, Jackson State University, and the University of Memphis, including one in Louisiana (Southeastern Louisiana University) (see more information about this here).
Therefore, teacher educators must be “trained” to use TAP in order to “rightly” inculcate the prescription to teacher candidates.
TAP principally plugs four Elements of Success: Multiple Career Paths (for educators as career, mentor and master teachers); Ongoing Applied Professional Growth (through weekly cluster meetings, follow-up support in the classroom, and coaching); Instructionally Focused Accountability (through multiple classroom observations and evaluations utilizing a research based instrument and rubric that identified effective teaching practices); and, Performance-Based Compensation (based on multiple; measures of performance, including student achievement gains and teachers’ instructional practices).
And according to the TAP literature, the elements of success “…were developed based upon scientific research, as well as best practices from the fields of education, business, and management” (see, for example, here). Recall, perhaps, that No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was also based on “scientific-based” research. Enough said. It is also interesting to note their use of the words “business” and “management” when referring to educating our children. Regardless, “The ultimate goal of TAP is to raise student achievement” so students will presumably be better equipped to compete in the global society (see, for example, here).
While each element is worthy of discussion, a brief comment is in order on the first element Multiple Career Paths and fourth element, Performance-Based Compensation. Regarding the former, TAP has created a mini-hierarchy within already-hierarchical school systems (which most are) in identifying three potential sets of teachers, to reiterate from the above: a “career” teacher; a “mentor” teacher, and a “master” teacher. A “career” teacher as opposed to what? As opposed to a “temporary” teacher, a Teach For America (TFA) teacher, a substitute teacher? But, of course, according to TAP, as opposed to a “mentor” teacher and a “master” teacher.
This certainly begs the question: Why in the world would any parent want their child to be taught by a “career” teacher as opposed to a “mentor” teacher or better yet a “master” teacher? Wouldn’t we want “master” teachers in all our classrooms? To analogize, I would rather have a “master” doctor performing heart surgery on me than a “lowly” career doctor. Indeed, words, language, and concepts matter.
With respect to the latter, the notion of having an ultimate goal on raising student achievement is perhaps more than euphemistic on raising test scores, cultivating a test-centric way of doing things.
That is, instead of focusing on learning, opportunity, developmentally appropriate practices, and falling in love with learning, “achievement” is the goal of TAP. Make no mistake, this is far from an argument on semantics. And this “achievement” linked to student growth to merit pay relies heavily on a VAM-aligned rubric.
Yet, there are multiple problems with VAM, an instrument that has been used in K-12 education since 2011. Among many other outstanding sources, one may simply want to check out this cleverly called blog here, “VAMboozled,” or see what Diane Ravitch has said about VAMs (among other places, see, for example, here), not to mention the well-visited site produced by Mercedes Schneider here. Finally, see the 2015 position statement issued by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) regarding VAMs here, as well as a similar statement issued by the American Statistical Association (ASA) here.
Back to the Gates Foundation and the Texas Tech based (U.S. Prep) National Center, though. To restate, at the aforementioned university in Louisiana (though likely in the other four recruited institutions, as well), TAP will be the chief vehicle that will drive this process, and teacher education programs will be used as the host to prop the brand.
With presumably some very smart, well-educated, talented, and experienced professionals at respective teacher education sites, how is it possible that they capitulated to be the samples for the petri dish that will only work to enculturate the continuation of corporate reform, which will predictably lead to what Hofstra University Professor, Alan Singer, calls the “McDonaldization of Teacher Education“?
Strauss puts the question this way, “How many times do educators need to attempt to reinvent the wheel just because someone with deep pockets wants to try when the money could almost certainly be more usefully spent somewhere else?” I ask this same question, in this case, here.
Recall that the peer-reviewed journal Educational Researcher (ER) – published a “Special Issue” including nine articles examining value-added measures (VAMs). I have reviewed the next of nine articles (#6 of 9), which is actually an essay here, titled “Will VAMS Reinforce the Walls of the Egg-Crate School?” This essay is authored by Susan Moore Johnson – Professor of Education at Harvard and somebody who I in the past I had the privilege of interviewing as an esteemed member of the National Academy of Education (see interviews here and here).
In this article, Moore Johnson argues that when policymakers use VAMs to evaluate, reward, or dismiss teachers, they may be perpetuating an egg-crate model, which is (referencing Tyack (1974) and Lortie (1975)) a metaphor for the compartmentalized school structure in which teachers (and students) work, most often in isolation. This model ultimately undermines the efforts of all involved in the work of schools to build capacity school wide, and to excel as a school given educators’ individual and collective efforts.
Contrary to the primary logic supporting VAM use, however, “teachers are not inherently effective or ineffective” on their own. Rather, their collective effectiveness is related to their professional development that may be stunted when they work alone, “without the benefit of ongoing collegial influence” (p. 119). VAMs then, and unfortunately, can cause teachers and administrators to (hyper)focus “on identifying, assigning, and rewarding or penalizing individual [emphasis added] teachers for their effectiveness in raising students’ test scores [which] depends primarily on the strengths of individual teachers” (p. 119). What comes along with this, then, are a series of interrelated egg-crate behaviors including, but not limited to, increased competition, lack of collaboration, increased independence versus interdependence, and the like, all of which can lead to decreased morale and decreased effectiveness in effect.
Inversely, students are much “better served when human resources are deliberately organized to draw on the strengths of all teachers on behalf of all students, rather than having students subjected to the luck of the draw in their classroom assignment[s]” (p. 119). Likewise, “changing the context in which teachers work could have important benefits for students throughout the school, whereas changing individual teachers without changing the context [as per VAMs] might not [work nearly as well] (Lohr, 2012)” (p. 120). Teachers learning from their peers, working in teams, teaching in teams, co-planning, collaborating, learning via mentoring by more experienced teachers, learning by mentoring, and the like should be much more valued, as warranted via the research, yet they are not valued given the very nature of VAM use.
Hence, there are also unintended consequences that can also come along with the (hyper)use of individual-level VAMs. These include, but are not limited to: (1) Teachers who are more likely to “literally or figuratively ‘close their classroom door’ and revert to working alone…[This]…affect[s] current collaboration and shared responsibility for school improvement, thus reinforcing the walls of the egg-crate school” (p. 120); (2) Due to bias, or that teachers might be unfairly evaluated given the types of students non-randomly assigned into their classrooms, teachers might avoid teaching high-needs students if teachers perceive themselves to be “at greater risk” of teaching students they cannot grow; (3) This can perpetuate isolative behaviors, as well as behaviors that encourage teachers to protect themselves first, and above all else; (4) “Therefore, heavy reliance on VAMS may lead effective teachers in high-need subjects and schools to seek safer assignments, where they can avoid the risk of low VAMS scores[; (5) M]eanwhile, some of the most challenging teaching assignments would remain difficult to fill and likely be subject to repeated turnover, bringing steep costs for students” (p. 120); While (6) “using VAMS to determine a substantial part of the teacher’s evaluation or pay [also] threatens to sidetrack the teachers’ collaboration and redirect the effective teacher’s attention to the students on his or her roster” (p. 120-121) versus students, for example, on other teachers’ rosters who might also benefit from other teachers’ content area or other expertise. Likewise (7) “Using VAMS to make high-stakes decisions about teachers also may have the unintended effect of driving skillful and committed teachers away from the schools that need them most and, in the extreme, causing them to leave the profession” in the end (p. 121).
I should add, though, and in all fairness given the Review of Paper #3 – on VAMs’ potentials here, many of these aforementioned assertions are somewhat hypothetical in the sense that they are based on the grander literature surrounding teachers’ working conditions, versus the direct, unintended effects of VAMs, given no research yet exists to examine the above, or other unintended effects, empirically. “There is as yet no evidence that the intensified use of VAMS interferes with collaborative, reciprocal work among teachers and principals or sets back efforts to move beyond the traditional egg-crate structure. However, the fact that we lack evidence about the organizational consequences of using VAMS does not mean that such consequences do not exist” (p. 123).
The bottom line is that we do not want to prevent the school organization from becoming “greater than the sum of its parts…[so that]…the social capital that transforms human capital through collegial activities in schools [might increase] the school’s overall instructional capacity and, arguably, its success” (p. 118). Hence, as Moore Johnson argues, we must adjust the focus “from the individual back to the organization, from the teacher to the school” (p. 118), and from the egg-crate back to a much more holistic and realistic model capturing what it means to be an effective school, and what it means to be an effective teacher as an educational professional within one. “[A] school would do better to invest in promoting collaboration, learning, and professional accountability among teachers and administrators than to rely on VAMS scores in an effort to reward or penalize a relatively small number of teachers” (p. 122).
If interested, see the Review of Article #1 – the introduction to the special issue here; see the Review of Article #2 – on VAMs’ measurement errors, issues with retroactive revisions, and (more) problems with using standardized tests in VAMs here; see the Review of Article #3 – on VAMs’ potentials here; see the Review of Article #4 – on observational systems’ potentials here; and see the Review of Article #5 – on teachers’ perceptions of observations and student growth here. | 2019-04-23T16:58:05Z | http://vamboozled.com/2016/01/ |
Serratia spp. have been isolated from superficial abscesses, wounds, ocular or urethral discharges, lung, and liver of marine mammals. Although it is now an established pathogen, at one time Serratia marcescens was believed to be completely innocuous. In England and Wales, Serratia bacteremia reports increased by 13.2% between 2000 and 2001. Patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and indwelling catheters or colonized or infected respiratory tracts are the most common reservoirs; spread occurs primarily via the hands of hospital personnel. Serratia bacteremia is relatively uncommon; S. marcescens accounted for only 2% of bloodstream infections reported to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS). Cholangitis, osteomyelitis, ruptured diverticuli, and premature ruptured membranes have also been reported as sources of bacteremia. S. fonticola fails to produce DNase, lipase, or gelatinase, all hallmark traits of the genus Serratia. The majority of pigmented strains belonged to environmental serotype O6:K14 and were serum resistant, a trait previously determined to be associated with this serotype and not believed to be important in human serratia infection. Strains that are initially susceptible rapidly become resistant during antimicrobial therapy. The current literature indicates that 88 to 93% of serratiae are susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Susceptibilities to various cephalosporins and other antimicrobials are reported.
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How can retailers go about staying focused on green initiatives when sourcing bulk hotel stays with e-negotiation tools?
Recently in an article in Continental Magazine titled A GREEN NIGHTS SLEEP,author Neil Weilheimer posits Eco-friendly hotels offer travelers a variety of ways to love the Earth. In the article a spokeswoman for TripAdvisor.com quotes their survey where twenty six (26) percent of consumers indicated they planned to be more green conscious during the next year. Thirty four (34) percent indicated they would even be willing to pay more for it.
First it is important that a retailer set their own environmental guidelines, after all we are planning on paying our own programs forward to suppliers that support similar initiatives right? If a retailer follows best practices in the e-procurement process and during the discovery process follows a hotel stays template created with the environment in mind, they can do just that. In the same article, according to Patty Griffin, founder and president of the Green Hotels Association there are steps a consumer can take, and like wise so can a retailer.
1. Does the hotel use energy star approved appliances and televisions.
2. Are rooms cooled by ceiling fans to limit air conditioning usage?
3. What about their linens and towels, are they made of organic cotton?
Additionally you can check prospective hotels websites to see if they list other green initiatives that you can discuss with them further.
This author believes that it is not that difficult. Focus on your company?s social conscience and include that in your discovery. Then pay it forward based on more than just price.
Why should suppliers want to participate in e-negotiation events such as reverse auctions and on line Requests For Information?
There are a number of significant benefits suppliers receive by participating in e-negotiation events.
Quite often when speaking to new suppliers to invite them to participate in a reverse auction or an on line request for information the question comes up; what?s in it for me? This is almost never the case for suppliers that have been involved in the practice before.
1. Suppliers can accurately represent their company and its capabilities to a buyer or group of buyers.
2. Suppliers benefit from reduced cost of new business acquisition.
3. Suppliers are exposed to more opportunities for new business.
8. Suppliers are introduced to tools they can use in their businesses in order to compress their pricing.
9. Suppliers can instantly submit and modify their bids electronically rather than submitting paper bids, providing a faster, more efficient purchasing process.
The next time a e-negotiation solution provider calls you on behalf of a company requesting your participation in an e-negotiation event, ask to be added to the database and what you have to do to be invited to all events in the future.
The Northern Lights are an amazing phenomenon that many are mesmerized by.
The safety of food products produced in Canada is ultimately the responsibility of the food industry. Food inspection programs administered by the CFIA confirm that establishments have taken the appropriate steps to produce safe food products.
In the past, food manufacturers relied almost entirely on end-product testing to determine the safety of their products. Now, industry representatives and government together have developed scientifically sound principles based on HACCP to control production.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) was conceived in the 1960s when the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Since then, HACCP has been recognized internationally as a logical tool for adapting traditional inspection methods to a modern, science-based, food safety system.
FSEP encourages establishments to adopt HACCP principles. An establishment’s HACCP system includes its HACCP plans and prerequisite programs as well as procedures for the maintenance of the HACCP system.
The HACCP system prevents food safety problems by providing control throughout the manufacturing process at critical steps identified as Critical Control Points (CCPs). These points permit operators to detect and control hazards before products are distributed.
What are retail 3PL’s and what types of retailers use them?
Do retail 3PL’s make it more difficult for smaller retailers to run e-negotiation events?
According to Wikipedia a third-party logistics provider (abbreviated 3PL) is a firm that provides outsourced or “third party” logistics services to companies for part, or sometimes all of their supply chain management functions. Third party logistics providers typically specialize in integrated operation, warehousing and transportation services that can be scaled and customized to customer’s needs based on market conditions and the demands and delivery service requirements for their products and materials.
As such, there are a number of types of SPL’s within retail that may in fact service a single retailer. All might fall under this umbrella including wholesalers such as SUPERVALU, collective buyers such as TOPCO or even a retailer collaborative that may in fact just coordinate aggregated purchases and in fact pick other 3PL’s to provide warehousing, picking and packing and distribution. Each of these providers may in fact provide some or all of the same services and also may all be in play at an individual retailer. The later or collaborative of multiple retailers might even be looked at as a non asset based 3PL.
In all categories of third party logistics providers however it is still the end user or retailer regardless of size that determines what products they buy and accept delivery of in their stores. As such, it should be no more difficult for smaller retailers to run e-negotiation events? There will need to be discussions as to costs that are purely associated with the warehousing, slotting, picking and distribution of products by a 3PL once an e-negotiation event has been planned, but these items should be easy to break out for bid or add to the final pricing prior to award of business as a flat fee. This is a practice that all 3PL’s should be familiar with already. Retailers should anticipate that their existing 3PL depending on services offered would rather not have you conduct these types of events as it negatively impacts their volumes with manufacturers and other providers and as such their company’s margins.
Understanding your options and the flexibility that 3PL’s can provide may actually make it easier for all retailers to use e-negotiation tools to impact their bottom line.
What are retail 3PL?s and what types of retailers use them?
Do retail 3PL?s make it more difficult for smaller retailers to run e-negotiation events?
As such, there are a number of types of SPL?s within retail that may in fact service a single retailer. All might fall under this umbrella including wholesalers such as SUPERVALU, collective buyers such as TOPCO or even a retailer collaborative that may in fact just coordinate aggregated purchases and in fact pick other 3PL?s to provide warehousing, picking and packing and distribution. Each of these providers may in fact provide some or all of the same services and also may all be in play at an individual retailer. The later or collaborative of multiple retailers might even be looked at as a non asset based 3PL.
In all categories of third party logistics providers however it is still the end user or retailer regardless of size that determines what products they buy and accept delivery of in their stores. As such, it should be no more difficult for smaller retailers to run e-negotiation events? There will need to be discussions as to costs that are purely associated with the warehousing, slotting, picking and distribution of products by a 3PL once an e-negotiation event has been planned, but these items should be easy to break out for bid or add to the final pricing prior to award of business as a flat fee. This is a practice that all 3PL?s should be familiar with already. Retailers should anticipate that their existing 3PL depending on services offered would rather not have you conduct these types of events as it negatively impacts their volumes with manufacturers and other providers and as such their company?s margins.
How Socially Responsible (SR) are your suppliers?
What is Social Responsibility (SR) versus Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how is it measured.
According to the ISO, SR is the need for organizations in both public and private sectors to behave in a socially responsible way that is becoming a generalized requirement of society.
Broadly speaking, we need to understand that the difference between Social Responsibility or SR and Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is that SR applies to more than just companies. Although not totally accurate, this author likes to think of SR as an umbrella under which corporate or governmental social responsibilities reside. More often than not today governmental social responsibility is also falling more under the CSR umbrella.
It is felt that a guideline like ISO 26000 is required because of ever increasing globalization and a need to be more conscious of what we buy, but also of how the goods and services we buy have been produced and by who. Issues such as production that is harmful to the environment, child labor concerns, dangerous working environments, safety, and other inhumane conditions are just some of the examples of issues being openly discussed today. All companies and organizations aiming at long-term profitability and credibility are starting to realize that they must act in accordance with norms of right and wrong. The guidance standard will be published in 2010 as ISO 26000 and be voluntary to use. It will not include requirements and will thus not be a certification standard.
AHA moments in product and food safety are just fine.
Kellogg CEO proposes food-safety reform plan.
One would hope that the announcement by Kellogg CEO David MacKay was not an AHA moment. However, if it was that?s ok if it causes authorities, companies and other leaders to work together to solve the crisis in food and product safety that is rampant in this country and around the globe today. MacKay told Congress (who always listen to the big guys) that Kellogg?s wants food safety placed under a new leader in the Health and Human Services department. We hope that this direction is not just because Kellogg lost Seventy Million Dollars as a result of the recent salmonella outbreak where they had to recall seven million cases of peanut butter crackers and cookies. If that is the case it?s just fine.
Another pressure point that may be leading companies such as Kellogg to refocus on this problem is the fact that our new President who is enjoying rock star status around the world has also made this a focal point of his new administration. Last week President Obama launched a special review of food safety programs that are in many cases decades old and not under the umbrella of a single government organization.
It is this authors hope that other CEO?s seize the opportunity to make this issue a focal point of their company versus a me too effort that does not get the necessary amount of attention inside most companies. In this case AHA moments are a good thing and piling on only helps to solve a problem.
Safesourcing Inc. has reached out to our congressional leaders to play any part we can in assisting with this process through the use of our tools, database and best practices in sourcing safer products around the world.
Please do your part, and as always we look forward to and appreciate your comments.
China product safety issues are in the headlines again.
Tens of thousands of homeowners have encountered numerous issues including the smell of rotten eggs, sinus problems, and sulfur gases that can corrode copper coils as well as electrical and plumbing components. Based on import estimates, as many as 60,000 U.S. homes may be affected.
A class action suit has been brought against the manufacture Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin who claims they have tests that show the gases given off by the drywall pose no health hazards. Presently Florida Regulators and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission are investigating this issue.
These issues have forced some homeowners out of their homes and into rentals. Some of those affected can?t afford to rent additional living space.
Retailers and Contractors are also being negatively affected as well at a time when there is less work and the costs associated with the time it takes to field all the complaint calls as well as the time required to tear out and replace the contaminated drywall. These hours further erode already slim profit margins and net profitability.
Consumers are tired of spending hard earned money on things that harm them. Over the last year or two we?ve seen reports about lead in paint on children?s toys, tainted dog food, baby food, and a variety of other safety breakdowns. What is it going to take to force and monitor policy changes?
Holding suppliers accountable to a growing list of Safety Certifications during Supplier Research is a must in today?s market. Is your present e-negotiation provider referencing twenty-five different Safety Certifications for every supplier if not, consider the consequences beyond just the monetary impact it could have on your bottom company?s line?
As always thanks for reading and look forward to your comments.
If you want a sustainable e-negotiation program some critical thinking is required.
A client recently asked me why a large suppliers database is important to creating a sustainable e-negotiation program and what else would help ensure the process is sustainable?
A logical focal point for hosting a competitive e-negotiation event is to assemble all of your present suppliers for a particular category who are held in good standing. These are suppliers from whom you have sourced products using traditional means in the past.
In general the principal is that the more vendors or suppliers that agree to participate in the e-negotiation event; the better your potential results. This however requires some strategic thought because you are beginning a process that you want to use on a recurring basis. As such inviting the same suppliers again and again may seem to make sense, but may not encourage the results you are looking for whether it is shorter delivery times, better quality products, better pricing or all of the aformentioned. This is a critical reason why it is important to have the most robust supplier data possible available for your regular review. If you can only find six local suppliers for a particular auction, they will all most likely agree to participate the first time around. However a key issue to consider is what will encourage them to participate the next time and again after that? Suppliers will almost always not be the same size. As such the smaller vendors will most likely bid early and drop out after the early rounds. These suppliers will most likely not agree to compete in the future as they consider their chance of winning the business unrealistic. There are however ways around this if you are creative. The suppliers that finish first or second or incumbents that are displaced will always agree to participate again, but lack of competition from new souruces of supply will make the e-negotiation evenrs less successful.
A logical question would then be. If we only have six suppliers available; how many should we invite to participate? Should we invite them all? Every company will answer this question differently. When considering the future, do we want events or do we want continual process improvement that drives continuous savings?
There are several possible solutions to consider. First, only invite four participants to begin with. This will create a competitive environment for your auction. Let?s assume that in twelve months when you repeat this e-negotiation event that the two largest suppliers agree to return. You could now invite supplier?s number five and six that were not included in the original event. You have now created a competitive auction for the second year or cycle. A second thought might be to not invite all of the largest suppliers to your first auction, in order to manage the quality of your suppliers for future auctions. This type of critical thinking supports continual process improvement in e-procurement implementations.
Certified Humane Raised & Handled. Far too often law makers look the other way.
What sourcing lessons can be learned from HBO?s documentary ?Death on a Factory Farm??
This author has to admit that I changed the channel on several occasions last night when watching the above mentioned documentary on HBO. I just could not tolerate or watch the violent behavior and mistreatment of hogs and their piglets on the Wile Hog Farm located in North East Ohio.
It is however part of my job to understand these practices in order to advise retail clients as to better ways to source meat products for their stores and understanding the brutality of this documentary is part of that.
Our SafeSourceIt? Supplier Database with over 300,000 suppliers from around the world holds suppliers accountable to a number of standards that are included in a table in our database, templates library and best practices used in identifying and qualifying new sources of supply. One of those standards is Certified Humane Raised & Handled. The Certified Humane Raised & Handled program is an inspection, certification and labeling program for meat, poultry, egg and dairy products from animals raised to humane care standards. Wile Hog Farms practiced none of these. In fact we go a step further at SafeSourcing. We will not allow Wile Hog Farm or others who treat animals inhumanely to participate in our database. We will also ask processors if they accept Hogs from Wile Hog Farm. If they do, we may recommend to a retailer to not include them in an auction or replenishment event.
The question you are now asking yourself is; what impact will this have? At present, probably not much, but someone has to begin to hold the sources of our food supply accountable. Obviously our law enforcement organizations don?t take this seriously. In fact of the ten criminal counts at the end of 1 1/2 days of testimony, Wayne County Municipal Judge Stuart K. Miller found Joe Wiles guilty on only one count of improperly handling piglets, grabbing them and throwing them by their ears and legs.
I encourage you to watch this documentary if you are in the meat procurement business and then answer the question as to whether you want Safesourcing looking out for your best interests when sourcing safe products or someone else. | 2019-04-23T18:54:30Z | http://blog.safesourcing.com/2009/03/ |
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At its meeting on 27 May 1999, the Legislative Council Panel on Manpower discussed a report on "Minimum Wage Systems" compiled by the Research and Library Services Division (RLSD) of the Legislative Council Secretariat. During the discussion, the Panel requested the Administration to render a response to the RLSD report. This paper sets out the Administration's response to the report.
2. The RLSD report contains a substantial amount of information on the experience and practices of a number of overseas economies in implementing their minimum wage systems, covering such aspects as historical development and evolution, enforcement mechanism, social and economic impact assessment, etc. The information is presented in a well organised and factual and objective manner. On the effect of changes in minimum wage on employment, poverty situation and income distribution in the respective economies, the pros and cons are laid out in a balanced manner. Understandably, for the sake of neutrality, the RLSD report has not gone so far as to conclude whether or not Hong Kong should set up a statutory minimum wage system.
3. There are however some key aspects which the RLSD report does not seem to have explicitly addressed. In drawing observations from the various studies on overseas economies, there is little mention of the more recent trend towards liberalisation of the minimum wage system particularly in the advanced economies, as part of their move to reduce rigidities in their labour market. Also, the empirical studies have all focused on the implications arising from a change in the statutory minimum wage level, but not the implications of implementing statutory minimum wage as a brand-new system, which should be of more direct relevance to Hong Kong. Furthermore, the RLSD report has not made sufficient reference to a comprehensive research study on the subject done recently by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which covers many more economies and provides some overall observations(1).
4. In this response, we seek to address these key aspects. In addition, we examine broadly the evolution of the conceptual argumentation pertaining to statutory minimum wage up till recently. Then we turn to the likely implications of imposition of statutory minimum wage, at say about $4,000 - $7,000 per month, for the Hong Kong economy. Concluding this response, we re-iterate the Administration's stance on the issue, i.e. statutory minimum wage should not be introduced in Hong Kong.
5. The long-standing mainstream argumentation against imposition of statutory minimum wage can be summarised as follows. First, for the covered sectors, the loss in employment thus resulted could outweigh the gains by those minimum wage workers still in employment. Secondly, unless the low-pay workers belong to the poor households, the statutory minimum wage might end up benefiting low-wage members of better-off households. Thirdly, the surplus labour generated from the covered sectors could depress wages in the uncovered sectors, thereby offsetting any poverty alleviation gains in the covered sectors. If the whole economy were covered, higher overall unemployment would result.
6. In recent years, some empirical studies have tried to resurrect the case for statutory minimum wage, by alluding to economic efficiency instead of poverty alleviation grounds. A modern theory of "dynamic monopsony" was advanced. As distinct from the conventional theory, it does not rely on the extreme case of "company town" where the sole employer company is able to exercise monopsonistic powers in setting wages for its workers at below the market-determined level. Rather, the idea is that, in a labour market where many small employers exist, workers will find it less easy to obtain complete information about wage level and dispersion than in a labour market dominated by a few large employers. It is argued that, in the light of such information deficiency, employers may also be able to set wages at below the market-clearing level. It is therefore claimed that, under such circumstances, imposition of a statutory minimum wage at above the prevailing level would actually improve economic efficiency.
8. According to the OECD study, in order for a statutory minimum wage system to be effective, the statutory minimum wage should be set at some margin above the market-clearing level. However, if so, this would lead to a surge in unemployment, especially amongst those workers whose productivity is not sufficient to match the statutory minimum wage. The extent of job loss would tend to vary amongst different economies, depending on their respective economic and labour market characteristics(2). Generally speaking, the loss in employment would be more apparent over the longer term, as employers could have sufficient time to adjust their employment practices so as to minimise the entailing cost impact(3).
9. Several other studies also come up with similar findings. In particular, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research in the United States has found that a 10% rise in the statutory minimum wage in real terms would lower the probability of future employment by 10-13% in France, and by 4 - 16% in the United States(4).
10. Ironically, the increase in unemployment resulting from statutory minimum wage is found to concentrate in the less-advantaged workers, including in particular teenagers, disabled persons, unskilled workers etc, who normally receive low pay and thus are intended to be the primary beneficiaries of the statutory minimum wage system. Yet owing to the relatively lower skill and productivity for many of these workers, they are often out-competed by the others in the job market. This observation is made in the RLSD report(5). The OECD study likewise reveals that the reduction in employment tends to be more visible amongst teenage workers aged 15-19. It is estimated that a 10% increase in the statutory minimum wage in money terms would result in a reduction in teenage employment by 2-4%. A separate study by the National Bureau of Economic Research(6) indicates that the impact would be most significant amongst the "marginal workers". These include basically men aged 25 - 35 whose wage just prior to the increase in statutory minimum wage is above the previous minimum but below the new higher level. According to the study, an upward adjustment of 1% in the statutory minimum wage is expected to reduce the probability of keeping the jobs of such marginal workers by 4.6%.
11. Even for those low-wage workers who manage to retain their jobs after implementation of statutory minimum wage, their overall remuneration against workload might not increase eventually, as employers would seek to circumvent the additional cost burden either by trimming their non-wage benefits and/or by increasing their workload. In the end, the statutory minimum wage system might not provide much relief to the plight of low-wage workers.
12. In face of increased labour cost upon implementation of statutory minimum wage, employers would become less willing to provide training for their workers(7). At the same time, the low-wage workers themselves would have less incentive to pursue further training and retraining so as to sharpen their skills in their career paths. More specifically for teenage workers, the reduced job opportunities consequential to implementation of statutory minimum wage would retard the process of on-the-job training for better skills and productivity, to the disadvantage of the employers, the employees themselves, and the economy at large.
13. The remuneration packages for employees are also likely to be altered upon the implementation of statutory minimum wage, by trimming the variable, performance-oriented rewards such as bonuses and commissions so as to make up for the statutory minimum wage as a rigid, fixed pay component. This in turn would dampen work incentive and hence productivity performance of the workers concerned. The impact is expected to be greater on the service sectors, given the greater importance of performance-related rewards in the overall remuneration packages of employees in those sectors.
14. At a time of economic downswing, it is essential for labour wages to be able to adjust downward in a flexible and expeditious manner. This will help reduce production costs and hence output prices thereby enhancing competitiveness, and so is conducive to revival in overall demand. However, judging from the experience in the OECD economies, statutory minimum wage is generally rigid downward, though flexible upward. This downward stickiness in wage movement hampers the adjustment process in both the labour and the product markets during an economic downswing, thereby prolonging the unemployment situation and retarding recovery of the economy. Worse still, with an entrenched downward rigidity in the wage adjustment mechanism, what originates as shorter-term cyclical unemployment might persist into long-term structural unemployment.
15. When the economy is undergoing structural change, it is crucial for wages to be determined to the maximum extent possible by market forces in an uninhibited way, so as to ensure an efficient allocation of manpower resources amongst the various economic sectors as the pattern of labour demand progressively changes. In response to the market signals provided by the changes in relative wages, workers will shift from sectors of declining importance to those of growing significance. A statutory minimum wage would blur the pattern of relative wages and its necessary change in line with economic restructuring, thereby retarding the flow of manpower resources and hence the very process of restructuring for better gains to the entire economy.
16. Contrary to common perception, there is no close relationship between minimum wage and poverty reduction in an economy, for the following reasons. First, for those low-wage workers who are laid off upon the implementation of statutory minimum wage, they are deprived of job opportunities and hence employment earnings. Secondly, for those low-wage workers who manage to retain their jobs, the increase in wage up to the statutory minimum will have to be weighed against the possible cuts in non-wage benefits and allowances by their employers. Thirdly, statutory minimum wage cannot improve the livelihood of those poor households comprising mainly the unemployed or the economically inactive persons such as retirees, housewives and children, as households with no working members cannot really benefit from such a provision. A congressional study in the United States also comes up with this observation(8).
17. Statutory minimum wage may help to reduce household poverty only if there is a high concentration of low-wage workers in poor households. Yet the OECD study reveals that, in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, only 5% and 13% respectively of the adult members in poor households are low-wage workers, while the corresponding figure for the United States, though considerably higher at 33%, is not so large as to be able to equate low wage with poverty(9) (Annex II). The OECD study thus concludes that statutory minimum wage is far from an effective solution to the poverty problem in the economies concerned.
18. Summing up, the experience of the OECD economies shows that implementation of statutory minimum wage generally cannot attain the desired objective of helping to alleviate poverty. As most of the poor households do not have working members, minimum wage cannot provide the assistance intended. Even for those households with low-wage members, the threat of job loss puts them in a more worrisome position. Moreover, at the macro level, a statutory minimum wage system gives rise to rigidity in the labour market structure, resulting in higher labour cost, lower productivity, weaker international competitiveness, and reduced job creation. Learning from their past mistakes, many of the OECD economies have turned to liberalisation of the labour market in order to re-invigorate their economic dynamism.
19. There has manifestly been a general trend amongst the OECD economies to introduce greater flexibility into their statutory minimum wage systems(10), particularly in regard to such specific categories as youth workers, disabled workers, and apprentices and trainees. For instance, in the United States, a separate minimum wage rate at a lower level has been fixed for workers aged below 20 since 1996. Also, upon fulfilment of certain conditions, employers can pay 85% of the statutory minimum wage for trainees, as well as lower rates for disabled workers. In New Zealand, the statutory minimum wage rate for youth workers has been pitched at 60% of the corresponding statutory minimum wage rate for adults since 1994. Likewise, in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, the statutory minimum wage rate for workers aged below 23 is generally lower than those for workers at the higher age groups.
20. In addition, some OECD economies have sought to offset the higher wage cost to employers brought about by the statutory minimum wage, by reducing the statutory non-wage items for low-wage workers(11). In France, employer's social security charges have been reduced on two occasions since 1993, with the effect that employer's social security contributions for the minimum-wage workers are lowered by 40%. In Belgium, employer's social security charges were similarly reduced, by up to 50% for the low-salary workers in 1994. In the Netherlands, employer's payroll tax for the lower-pay workers was reduced, by some 25% in 1996.
21. Over the years, several OECD economies(12) have also strived to do away with the practice of indexing the statutory minimum wage automatically to inflation, by replacing it with an adjustment mechanism based on a wider range of market-related factors including competitiveness, business viability and employment situation. Partly due to this change in practice, statutory minimum wage in the OECD economies has generally risen at a slower pace than overall wage growth. As an indication, the ratio of statutory minimum wage to median earnings in many of the OECD economies, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Spain, has followed a declining trend over the past 25 years, falling from a range of 50-80% in the early 1970s to that of 20-50% in 1996(13).
22. By reference to the experience in some selected overseas countries, our inference from the RLSD report is that, were the minimum wage system to be implemented in Hong Kong, the statutory minimum wage might be set at around HK$4,000 - 7,000 per month(14). Some analysis on the likely implications thus arising is provided below.
23. If the statutory minimum wage were set at HK$4,000, some 100 000 workers or 3% of the local workforce, excluding foreign domestic helpers, would be captured(15) (Annex III). But if it were set at HK$7,000, the corresponding figures would be much greater, at 500 000 and 16%. Amongst them, marginal workers with lower skills and productivity can be expected to face greater risks of losing their jobs upon implementation of statutory minimum wage. Female workers and workers in the unskilled category are likely to be affected to a greater extent (Annex IV(a)-(b)).
24. The effect on unemployment in Hong Kong brought about by implementation of statutory minimum wage could be significant for the following reasons. First, given a flexible labour market, the wage elasticity of both labour demand and labour supply in Hong Kong are unlikely to be low(16). This means that the reduction in employment caused by a specific administrative lift in the wage rate would probably not be small. Secondly, part-time and casual workers would be more seriously affected, if the statutory minimum wage is also rigid in regard to working hours. Thirdly, as sounded out so far, the objection from the local business community to the implementation of statutory minimum wage is strong. A likely reaction in the event that this measure is imposed would be that more of their business operations, along with the jobs provided, would move out of the territory.
25. Statutory minimum wage, if implemented, would exacerbate the already severe unemployment rate faced by teenagers. In the first quarter of 1999, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15-19 was estimated at around 23%, way above that of 9% for persons aged 20-24 and of 6.2% for the entire labour force (Annex V). Nearly three-quarters of the workers in the teenage group were at the semi-skilled and unskilled levels, as compared to 60% for the entire labour force (Annex VI).
26. Following the methodology adopted in the OECD study, it is estimated that only 12% of the adult members living in the poor households are low-wage workers (Annex II). Within these poor households, about three-fifths of the adult members are economically inactive or outside the working population, comprising mainly retirees, housewives and students, and also nearly one-tenth of the adult members are unemployed (Annex VII). Obviously, those households without working members cannot benefit from the statutory minimum wage. Coupled with possible job loss for those low-wage workers in the poor households upon implementation of statutory minimum wage, it is rather unlikely that the poverty faced by such households would be much relieved as a result. In any event, the social safety net accorded by the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSA) has been performing its proper function of rendering assistance to those households in genuine financial hardship.
27. As of now, the Hong Kong economy is still undergoing extensive adjustment in the wake of the regional financial turmoil. In the process of this adjustment, the economy shows a high degree of flexibility in respect of prices and rentals, as manifested by markedly lower property prices and rentals and prevalence of price discounts at retail outlets, and this is helpful for preserving international competitiveness. By comparison, nominal wages, though also following a moderating trend, seem to have come down less distinctly. Any move to introduce greater rigidity into the wage mechanism, as would be so by implementing statutory minimum wage, is bound to impede the adjustment process. This in turn would prolong the cyclical rise in unemployment and retard recovery of the economy at large.
28. It should be noted that, even with a pick-up in economic activity, employers could still be cautious about hiring additional workers, at least not so soon after they have just effected downsizing. Experience in the OECD economies indicates that a "jobless recovery" in the early stage of upswing is quite plausible(17). Implementation of statutory minimum wage at that stage would certainly not help resurrect employment.
29. On cost burden, the more labour-intensive businesses with a larger proportion of lower-skill workers at lower pay would be affected more than the others by the implementation of statutory minimum wage. Payroll-related costs account for a large proportion of the total operating costs in such sectors as restaurants, retail trade, security services, and repair, laundry and domestic services (Annex VIII). The impact would tend to be more pronounced on small to medium-sized enterprises, many of which probably have less lattitude than the large enterprises in adapting to the cost burden thus imposed.
The RLSD report has considerable breadth, with a lot of factual information on the experience and practices in a number of economies in implementing statutory minimum wage systems. Yet after going through the report, as well as canvassing other references, we maintain that there is no case to change our policy stance on the issue.
The contents of the RLSD report do not provide any strong grounds on the whole for setting up a statutory minimum wage system in Hong Kong. At best, the economic effects are shown to be mixed. The adverse consequences thus entailed cannot be lightly taken.
Of particular concern is the likelihood that implementation of statutory minimum wage would impinge most on the jobs of the marginal workers and the low-wage workers, contrary to the desire that statutory minimum wage would be able to protect or benefit them.
While some empirical studies suggest that statutory minimum wage may bring about little negative impact, or even some positive impact, on employment, such studies are often found to be fraught with analytical problems. Most of the other studies, including notably that conducted by OECD, reaffirm the view that statutory minimum wage could have a negative impact on employment and may not help much in alleviating poverty.
The institutional set-up and operational mechanism involved for establishing and administering a statutory minimum wage system are likely to be elaborate, and moreover are prone to conflict. The RLSD report shows that for implementing a statutory minimum wage system, there will have to be layers of boards and committees with wide representation from the employers, trade unions, government officials and academia. Pursuance of any change in the statutory minimum wage will be very time- and resource-consuming. Not least are the host of statistical indicators, including wage level and differentials, operating costs of businesses, competitiveness of the economy, prices, employment and so on, that the bureaucratic organ concerned will have to go through in order to seek agreement amongst the divergent vested interests.
Even Singapore, where the government has much greater direct involvement in the workings of the economy, has not implemented a statutory minimum wage system. The RLSD report mentions that the Singapore government is staunchly against statutory minimum wage on the ground that it would introduce inflexibility into the wage system. It postulates that wages should be determined by market forces of supply and demand. Employers and workers should be allowed to negotiate and mutually agree on the wages to be paid before they enter into employment contract. The role of the National Wage Council is rather to enhance Singapore's competitiveness in the international market by adjusting the wages, either upward or downward as necessary, in an orderly manner so as to foster employment. Moreover, more recently it places strong emphasis on enlarging the variable component of the pay package for the sake of reducing wage rigidity.
The market-determined wage setting mechanism in Hong Kong is well-tried and time-tested. In no small part, the smooth operation of market forces has enabled the Hong Kong economy to attain robust growth over the past decades, resulting in a substantial improvement in standard of living for the community. It is of utmost importance for the economy to maintain resilience and flexibility in both the product and the factor markets, including the labour market, for economic growth to be sustained over the longer term.
"The minimum wage is an inefficient, well-intentioned but inexpert interference with the mechanisms of supply and demand."
So Hong Kong should not fall into this pit.
(1) OECD (1998), "Making the most of the minimum: statutory minimum wages, employment and poverty", in OECD Employment Outlook, June 1998.
(2) The factors that would come into play include the specific differential between the statutory minimum wage and market wage, elasticity of demand for and supply of labour, degree of substitution between workers of different skills, etc.
(3) Market conditions permitting, employers would shift the cost burden to consumers through a rise in product prices. Alternatively, they could resort to other means such as production rescheduling, corporate downsizing, closure of marginal activities, and in the extreme case, cessation of the entire business. In most of these cases, a reduction in employment opportunities would result. The experience of the United States is a notable case in point. In response to the hike in statutory minimum wage in the late 1970s and again in the early 1990s, many restaurants in the country reportedly had eliminated table service, promoted self-service, and substituted machinery for labour in food preparation, while some of them cut their business hours short. All these moves led to reduction in jobs.
(4) Abowd, Kramarz, and Margolis (1999), "Minimum wages and employment in France and the United States", National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper No. 6996, March 1999.
(5) See the last sentence in paragraph 9.19 of the RLSD report, which reads "It is generally agreed that a high real minimum wage could have an adverse impact on the employment of low-wage workers."
(6) Abowd, Kramarz, Lemieux and Margolis (1998), "Minimum wages and youth employment in France", National Bureau of Economic Research, 1998.
(7) Neumark and Wascher (1998), "Minimum wages and training revisited", National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper, No. W6651, July 1998.
(8) McCallion (1996), "The Federal Minimum Wage: Employment and Distributional Effects", Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, May 1996. Specifically, the reasons cited in the report are: (i) not all minimum wage earners live in poor households; (ii) most of the working poor already earn more than the minimum wage; and (iii) some poor households do not have wage earners.
(9) In the OECD study, "poverty" is defined in the relative sense, referring to those households having per capita income levels less than half of the median per capita household income. As to low-wage workers, they refer to those earning less than two-thirds of the median employment earnings.
(10) A distinct exception is the reinstatement of statutory minimum wage in the United Kingdom by the Labour Government in April 1999, following its abolition by the Conservative Government in 1995. Yet arguably, this merely reflects the change in political orientation in the United Kingdom itself.
(11) OECD (1997), Implementing the OECD Jobs Strategy : Member Countries' Experience, pages 72-75.
(12) Notable examples are Greece, Italy and the Netherlands.
(13) OECD (1998), "Making the most of the minimum: statutory minimum wages, employment and poverty" in OECD Employment Outlook, June 1998, pages 40-41.
(14) In Part 13 of the RLSD report, the ratio of minimum wage to average wage is found to be about 60% in France, 45% in the United States, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Japan, and below 40% in South Korea. Applying a benchmark ratio of 40-60% thus inferred to the average wage level in Hong Kong, the hourly minimum wage for consideration might range from HK$23.7 to HK$35.6, and the monthly minimum wage from HK$4,554 to HK$6,830 per month. For the purpose of this analysis, we broaden the latter range slightly to HK$4,000 - 7,000 per month.
(15) As at end-March 1999, there were around 180 000 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. They are subject to a Minimum Allowable Wage.
(16) As an indication, the wage elasticity for the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Japan are estimated at 0.8 - 1.0, according to an OECD study. Our estimate suggests that the wage elasticity for Hong Kong falls within this range.
(17) As an illustration, the United States economy bottomed out from recession to resume positive GDP growth in the second quarter of 1991, and has undergone continuous growth since then. Yet its unemployment rate still rose further in the ensuing quarters, from 6.8% in the second quarter of 1991 to a peak of 7.6% in the third quarter of 1992. For details, see OECD (1994), "The recent recession and current recovery in historical perspective", in Part I of The OECD Jobs Study : Evidence and Explanations.
(18) Deepak Lal (1995), "The Minimum Wage: No Way to Help the Poor", IEA Occasional Paper 1995. | 2019-04-19T16:23:25Z | https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr98-99/english/panels/mp/papers/mp2207_3.htm |
So according to PIOMAS , the ice volume and thickness (and therefore area) are at the beginning of March almost the same as in 2012. And still a month to grow even thicker.
Well it looks like the ice cracks had a big effect, but in the opposite direction many people were predicting. The previous record for volume gain through March 1st was 16.4. We are at 16.7 now. It is fairly likely we will break or tie the record for volume gain this year.
We will see if the cracks result in a record volume loss as well but I am skeptical. The cracks are far from the fram strait and will have time to refreeze. Volume doesn't peak until sometime in April.
I am going to predict a recovery year, with an expected value for volume minimum close to last years number.
So volume also almost same as 2011 as well as 2012.
One reason for growing thicker faster is heat can be lost faster through thinner ice. If the ice has caught up in thickness that reason disappears.
So is any further thickening relative to 2012 likely to be a result of less snow cover? If so, the lower snow cover might mean lower albedo and a faster start to the melt season? The frozen over cracks certainly look like they have lower albedo.
Got a feeling there was a diagram showing evolution of ice thickness and snow thickness after instantaneous removal of sea ice in Schroder and Connolley 2007 but I am struggling to find it now.
Attached is a graph of PIOMAS ice gains (max.volume - min.volume.previous.year).
It shows, as most people here are aware, that volume gains are on the increase. Record gains should be quite normal, and are entirely expected because of the record low September ice.
Record gain straight after record loss isn't at all unexpected - it's well-known that there is less of a downward trend in winter than in summer, and that the annual cycle is getting gradually wider.
Staying at the same volume as the all time record low is not a recovery! If the volume is the same, then any recovery in area/extent just means the ice is thinner. Note that for 2007 -> 2008, there was a reasonable if short-lived "bounce back" in summer minimum extent. However, that time round, 2008 was well ahead of 2007 even by the end of January. The fact that we're not substantially above 2012 by now suggests we're unlikely to see much of a "bounce back" from last year's record low, and may be close to a second record in two years. How is that a recovery?
How did you fit that trend line on the annual gain plot? The data are very scattered.
What I meant to say was that it is looking like there will be a deviation from the volume loss trend in a positive direction.
Based on various trend lines volume could be expected to range from 2.0 to 2.7. It's looking like ice volume will significantly deviate from these trends.
I guess I could have been more precise.
As always thanks so much for your work!
I'm planning on stealing a few of your graphics for a presentation I'll be doing in early May - with proper accreditation and your consent of course.
It would be nice if PIOMAS linked to your graphics page as you've managed to tease out so much more from their data than they're able or willing to share.
I wonder how PIOMAS is handling the fractures so prevalent this year. When we had the stacked up FYI after the "Ice Hurricane" in late 2011 it melted away with astonishing speed. I have a feeling that though we're losing heat through the fractures, this spring will see even faster ice loss than last year.
Wipneus- Yea I've seen that data. It's part of why I came up with my 2007 theory.
If the discontinuity is that huge, can you accurately map it in one smooth function?
My theory is that even though you have less data it would be more accurate to focus primarily on post-2007 trends.
Who wants a smooth function? I think my 'project melt' is quite a good fit for 'melt'. Isn't this more impressive for not being smooth in close to the right places? However, if there were only differences in a couple of places I wouldn't think that, I would instead think overfitting.
You can model the freeze volume as 2 horizontal lines or as a smooth curve. Maybe the 2 horizontal lines is a better fit but that doesn't mean it is going to be a better predictor. With the level of noise involved I would be very surprised if the better fit is significant. I suggest that despite the better fit, two horizontal lines is unlikely to be a better predictor if the curve is more physically plausible.
I think the curve is more physically plausible.
I don't spend any time at all worrying about what is a better fit. I just think about how to look at the data in a way that makes the best predictions.
I think it would be a good idea to have an ice prediction contest where people commit to a number and see how well it matches. Of course a lot of it would be luck, but over multiple predictions I think some skill might emerge.
Hi Phil. It is a Loess (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_regression) curve fitted to the data, it is the default smoothing method for the plotting library (ggplot2) that I used in R to produce the graph.
I find the curves are quite useful for trends that are severely non-linear and similar to what an expert human would sketch with graphing paper and pencil.
Terry, by all means. I am glad you find the graphs are useful.
I wonder how PIOMAS is handling the fractures so prevalent this year.
Good question, we don't even know whether the ice in the modeled world of PIOMAS has ice fractures as bad as, or as outstanding as we see on the satellite images now. PIOMAS may have been vindicated somewhat, but only as far as the overall annual cycle and long time trends. The details may differ from reality still.
Attributing the volume increase mostly to the cracks is IMO jumping conclusions. It also ignores the well known physics that colder than normal temperatures over thinner than normal ice will give larger than normal ice volume growth.
Dave, beware. I was taught a long time ago that physical laws are continuous and the world is mostly continuous as well if studied detailed enough. We already know that volume trends are highly non-linear. Human minds are known (for a fact) not to understand exponential trends and falsly introduce discontinuous, sudden, or unexpected behavior when faced with exponential phenomena.
Just assuming won't do here to make a convincing argument.
PS, attached is trend focused on 2007-2013. I find it makes your case (IIUC ) look even worse.
I know that this jump in thickness probably isn't actually all that reassuring, what with it being not only first-year ice but first-year ice that's formed quickly, thus expelling less brine. Nonetheless, I have to say it's somewhat comforting to see the Arctic heading towards the 2013 melt season with a thickness that isn't 1,000 km^3 lower than last year. It won't make a particle of difference to the long-term trend, but as someone who's hoping to get out of the U.S. and into a more northerly country before the ice crumbles completely, every little bit of extra ice is good ice, and every year that the final collapse is delayed is a good year.
Wipneus- We use more data points because it gives us more statistical significance and keeps us from unconsciously cherrypicking. But the problem with the arctic is that those data points are not equally valid. Each previous year is less likely to describe the arctic as it actually is today. As I've said, I could be wrong, but it seems that pre-summer 2007 data is describing a different enough situation that you might be better off dealing with the large statistical problems of a small data set.
Also, in your graphic you should exclude winter 2006-07 since that was before the divide.
Right now I'm just trying to look at the problem from different angles. I'm not in a position to argue authoritatively against your approach, but it seems worth a try to overweight the recent data. At the end of the day it's about what model makes better predictions.
A 5 year linear trend is currently predicting 3.35 will be the minimum volume this year.
A 10 year linear trend is predicting 3.0.
Your exponential trend is predicting 2.0.
I certainly don't have everything figured out, but I would be willing to bet that my 5 year prediction is more accurate this year than your exponential model.
Wipneus- We use more data points because it gives us more statistical significance and keeps us from unconsciously cherrypicking. But the problem with the arctic is that those data points are not equally valid. Each previous year is less likely to describe the arctic as it actually is today.
Hmm. You correctly state mention the advantage of looking at the trends and mention cherrypicking(sic) as a dirty word. Followed by a defending of cherry picked data. All without a single hint of analysis.
Repeat: the physical laws that cause the trend are the same in 1980 and in 2013. The behavior is clearly non-linear, so apparent to the human eyes discontinuities are to be expected.
I have showed a trend drawn with an algorithm that has been found to be much better than deceiving eyes.
cherry picking as you suggest an dropping the 2007 gain, does not change anything at all: 1st of March 2013 data point lies comfortably in the confidence range.
You would have known that if instead of eye'ing the graph you would have tried an analysis.
Too close to call I think.
I'd prefer to say a range of 0 to 4, best value 2. The uncertainty is of course not very satisfying, but that is what the exponential trend method gives.
My nonscientific mind thinks your extrapolation might be correct. Every bit of "logic" tells me it is toast.....and PDQ (pretty darn quick) (1) all the positive feedback effects have been kicking in over the past 5 years (2) increasing amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere (3) warm ocean anomaly in the Arctic and north Atlantic (4) early start to Greenland melt season does not bode well for the Arctic was well. So when I "step back from the numbers".....the direction is clear....and the "increasing speed of the direction" is also clear.
TOO many things stacked against the Arctic and Greenland as well. One of these years....and this year MAY be the year....the melting in the Arctic and/or Greenland is going to "scare" more "mainstream/average" folks. THAT is what it will take to get some political action....and some substantive change in policy.
At this point...most people who visit this board often (which includes me) think the Arctic ice sheet is gone within 2 - 5 years (I think it is summer of 2015 or 2016).
Based on a discussion in which I was involved in another forum, I've gone ahead created two new graphs reflecting the same data set in two different manners. These graphs show monthly average PIOMAS sea ice volume from 1980 to now not in terms of absolute volume, but as a percentage of the 1979 value for that month.
With data as noisy as they are and no convincing explicit physical model in the background, eyballing the decrease is (imho) as good as any mathematical model can be. Or in other words: extrapolation of any kind holds only under the assumption, that the processes, which lead to this unexpectedly rapid loss, continue more or less the way they did.
But on the other hand, a switch to a different weather pattern, leading to, say, more hours of overcast and subsequently less melting, cannot be ruled out.
At the end of the day, we are left with a mixture of common sense, guts feeling and fit functions.
True, but so far I haven't seen anyone reporting that sunny day overcast is increasing. Overcast after the Sun drops below the horizon should increase melting/water warming as it should trap heat.
If the weather (climate) is going to shift to be more favorable to ice retention then is needs to get going. It would seem that if the physics of less ice was going to change the weather pattern then we would be seeing signs by now.
Time is certainly of the essence.
New graphics in the top post.
Great graphs and impressively fast as usual. Thanks you Wipneus!
A strange combination? Random fluctuation or to some extent explainable as less ice than last year means more growth than 2012 and more ice than 2011 means less growth than 2011?
Thanks as always for excellent work!
Wipneus, thanks for the permission for use, I lecture in a week on Climate Change in an ethics course, your graphics will be very helpful.
Updated, new graphics in the top post.
Great graphs and impressively fast as always. Thanks you Wipneus!
So the maximum is slightly less than last two years and the decline since the peak is pretty rapid.
Now 0.063 below 2011 and 0.295 below 2012.
Wipneus, thanks for all the work you do on those graphs. I find them interesting and informative. I have a question, is this the first time that the projection for Volume includes zero within the error bars?
Year 2013 is the first year that has an expected minimum volume with a confidence range that includes zero.
I think I did show that for the first time November (maybe December) last year.
New this month are error bars around the maximum and a few more dates, responding to a request/question made on the blog.
Updated, graphics in the top post.
PIOMAS always seems to update after I've gone to bed. Then I have work in the morning.
The anomalies are very interesting; looks like this year could break the pattern of the previous three.
Thanks very much Wipneus, I always look forward to your monthly ASI volume plots.
Of course, that piques our curiosity and raises obvious questions. For more detail, could someone please remind me if PIOMAS now makes available their average thickness values by region or else on a grid? (Or, conceivably, even by parameterisation.) If so, does anyone on this talented blog/forum do thickness maps and also year-to-year thickness difference maps from the PIOMAS data? Thanks, slow wing.
PIOMAS thickness is easy to calculate from the gridded data, this can be broken down regionally. However concentration is needed to match the PIOMAS thickness plot and the gridded data are only available monthly.
While the PIOMAS team have been good enough to release thickness data earlier this year (updated is normally only annual in January), they have not included concentration. So I cannot calculate thickness. They have provided data for those of us using gridded data to use because it's been noticed what we're doing with it, they have said they will release data again this year. The PIOMAS team are not costed to provide this service to us, so I am unwilling to ask for them to upload concentration as well.
As posted over at Neven's blog. I had asked for PIOMAS thickness data to be provided up to July to be available August. In view of current events I am considering asking instead for data up to June to be available in July.
Comments on this are welcome here.
Chris, you know that we have concentration available since some days allready.
Not sure if it is compatible. The PIOMAS concentration is monthly average from the model. The model does assimilate concentration, but this may not necessarily mean that using NSIDC or other concentration is useable to calculate average thickness.
That's before you get to mapping your concentration data onto the PIOMAS grid.
It looks like a hell of a lot of work for little gain in my opinion.
Thanks anyway, and I have been reading with interest (over at Nevens blog) what you guys are up to.
It would be very interesting to simply plot the gridded data that the PIOMAS people have given you, normalised to the areas of course, and particularly if the same data is also available for the same time last year so that difference plots can be done.
If they provide the ice volumes in grid squares of known area then that indeed provides an average ice thickness for that square and under one definition. (For my tastes, that is probably the most interesting definition as well.) Concentration data is not needed to plot that much.
I appreciate your point that they are not paid to provide extra data and are doing it as a favour. It is good of them to do that, and great as well that they have satellite data and other information to work from. Whoever does the plots is standing on the shoulders of many hard working scientists.
I have previously done interannual and intermonth thickness but I'll have to dig the url out of an email as it's not in my favourites. I've not updated this for 2012 and 2013.
Also gridded thickness data did update.
@Wipneus - Unless I'm missing something, looks mostly like a 'wash' in terms of over-all volume. Key difference I'd say would be the thinning at higher latitudes, which ( I presume...) is the source of MYI going forward.
All in all though, seems like large amounts of ice are being spun out of the central arctic basin, much as a centrifuge forces anything heavy to the bottom of the tubes it spins. That may not work out so well for ice in the Beaufort, even if we don't see as dramatic an early melt out.
Thanks, Wipneus, for that PIOMAS difference map!
Agreed, jdallen, the ice has thinned from last year in the middle. The overall volume looks similar* because that is approximately compensated by thicker ice on average around the fringes, where most of it would generally be expected to melt away anyway.
Thick ice in Chukchi and East Siberian Sea.
The maps of the gridded data are monthly averages.
To put it in more mechanistic terms. The further south the ice edge is relative to the current pseudo-equilibrium (has 2012 set a new lower equilibrium point?), the more insolation it will be subjected to, and a faster volume loss should be expected to occur.
The further south ... the more insolation it will be subjected to.
Yup, insolation along with warm Pacific and Atlantic waters (and, possibly, churned-up salty & warm Arctic water) working on the Persistent Arctic Storm mélange (slush puppy ice left by the churning winds) plus any other special (weather) effects Ægir and Rán (too far north for Poseidon) choose to throw down this year, including forced migration of ice through the Fram.
Is that TOA or surface, adjusted for angle of incidence?
Thanks Wipneus, I wasn't aware of it. The figures you have are in line with radiometer figures from a 1993 cruise off Siberia. | 2019-04-26T13:42:12Z | https://forum.arctic-sea-ice.net/index.php/topic,119.0.html |
Held at Minsk. It was attended by 9 representatives.
From July 17 (30) - August 10 (23), 1903, the Second Congress of the R.S.D.L.P. took place. Thirteen sessions were held in Brussels but the Congress was forced to move to London as a result of police persecution. The primary items on the agenda were the approval of the programme and the rules of the R.S.D.L.P., and the election of the party's central bodies.
The Congress unanimously (with one abstention) adopted the party "minimum programme" which formulated the immediate tasks of the proletariat in the event of a bourgeois revolution and the "maximum programme" which aimed at achieving the victory of the socialist revolution and establishing the dictatorship of the proletariat.
During the discussion of the Party programme, a decisive struggle ensued over the principles of the party organisation. The majority of the party stressed the need to build a militant revolutionary party of the working class and the need for all members of the party to be aligned to this task. A minority in the party took the position that revolution could only be achieved through reforms and negotiation with the tsar.
This difference caused the R.S.D.L.P. to split into two groups: the Bolshinstvo (majority) and Menshinstvo (minority).
See Stenogrpahic Record of the Congress.
Held at London. The Congress was held separately by the Bolsheviks.
Held at Tammerfors (Finland). It was attended by representatives of 26 organisations. Lenin was elected chairman of the Conference. Among the participants were V. Y. Fridolin, L. M. Knipovich, L. B. Krasin, N. K. Krupskaya, P. F. Kudelli, S. A. Lozovsky, P. N. Mostovenko, V. I. Nevsky, V. A. Radus-Zenkovich, J. V. Stalin and Y. M. Yaroslavsky. The Mensheviks were represented by E. L. Gurevich (V. Danevich).
The Conference had the following agenda: 1) Reports from the localities. 2) Report on the current situation. 3) Organisational report of the C.C. 4) On the merger of both parts of the R.S.D.L.P. 5) On Reorganising the Party. 6) The agrarian question. 7) On the Duma.
Lenin gave reports on the current situation and the agrarian question. The Conference came out for restoring Party unity and merging the practical centres of the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks and their Central Organs on a basis of equality, and also for mergers of parallel organisations in the localities, authorising the united C.C. to call a unity congress. In its resolution on “Party Reorganisation”, the Conference recommended the practice of a broad electoral principle and the principle of democratic centralism. Departures from the latter were recognised as admissible only in the event of insuperable practical obstacles. In the “Agrarian Resolution” (on Lenin’s report) the Conference, elaborating the decisions of the Third Congress, proposed that the point in the Party’s agrarian programme dealing with “cut-off lands” should be replaced by the demand for the confiscation of all landed estates and state and church lands. The Conference adopted a resolution on an active boycott of the First Duma. In view of the fact that an armed uprising had already started in Moscow, the Conference, on Lenin’s proposal, hastily wound up its work, and the delegates went home to take part in the uprising.
It was attended by 112 delegates with vote, representing 57 local organisations of the R.S.D.L.P., and 22 delegates with voice only. National organisations were also represented: the Social-Democracy of Poland and Lithuania, the Bund, the Latvian Social-Democratic Labour Party, the Ukrainian Social Democratic Labour Party and the Finnish Labour Party. There was also a representative of the Bulgarian Social-Democratic Labour Party.
Among the Bolshevik delegates wore V. I. Lenin, M. V. Frunze, M. I. Kalinin, N. K. Krupskaya, A. V. Lunacharsky, F. A. Sergeyev (Artyom), S. G. Shahumyan, I. I. Skvortsov-Stepanov, J. V. Stalin, V. V. Vorovsky, K. Y. Voroshilov and Y. M. Yaroslavsky.
The Mensheviks had a majority at the Congress because many Bolshevik Party organisations, which had led the armed action by the masses, were broken up and could not send their delegates. The Central Area, the Urals, Siberia and the North—Bolshevik bulwarks—were represented by a small number of delegates. By contrast, the Mensheviks, who had the more numerous organisations in the country’s non-industrial areas, where there had been no mass revolutionary action, were in a position to send more delegates.
There was a bitter struggle between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks on every point of the Congress agenda. Lenin gave reports on the agrarian question, the assessment of the current situation and the class tasks of the proletariat, on the attitude to the Duma, the armed uprising and other questions, and took part in the committee drafting the Party Rules (see LWC, Vol. 10, pp. 277–309). The character of the decisions was deter mined by the numerical superiority of the Mensheviks. After a stubborn struggle, the Congress approved the Menshevik resolutions on the Duma and the armed uprising, and adopted their agrarian programme.
On the attitude to bourgeois parties, the Congress confined itself to endorsing the resolution of the International Congress at Amsterdam. Without debate, it adopted the compromise resolution on the trade unions and the resolution on the attitude to the peasant movement.
At the same time, on the demand of the Party masses, the Congress adopted Paragraph One of the Rules in Lenin’s wording, rejecting Martov’s opportunist formula. The Bolshevik proposition on democratic centralism was included in the Rules for the first time.
The Congress decided on the question of uniting with the Social-Democracy of the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania and the Latvian Social-Democratic Labour Party, which joined the R.S.D.L.P. as territorial organisations working among proletarians of all nationalities in their territories.
The Central Committee elected by the Congress included three Bolsheviks and seven Mensheviks. The Editorial Board of Sotsial-Demokrat, the Central Organ, consisted of Mensheviks only.
The Congress is known as the “Unity” Congress, but it marked only the formal unification of the R.S.D.L.P. Actually, the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks had their own views, their own platforms on the key revolutionary questions, and in fact remained two distinct parties. Lenin analysed the work of the Congress in his pamphlet Report on the Unity Congress of the R.S.D.L.P. (A Letter to the St. Petersburg Workers).
Held in London. It was attended by 336 delegates representing more than 147,000 members: 105 Bolsheviks, 97 Mensheviks, 57 Bundists, 44 Polish Social-Democrats, 29 members of the Social-Democracy of the Latvian Territory, and 4 “non-faction” delegates. The large industrial centres were represented by Bolsheviks. The St. Petersburg Party organisation sent 12 Bolsheviks of its 17 delegates; the Moscow City and Moscow District, 16 out of 19; the Urals, 19; Ivanovo-Voznesensk, Vladimir, Kostroma District, Bryansk, Kazan and Krasnoyarsk, Bolsheviks only. Lenin was a delegate to the Congress from the Upper Kama organisation. At the Congress there was a well-knit group of Bolsheviks led by Lenin, among them A. S. Bubnov, I. F. Dubrovinsky, M. N. Lyadov, V. P. Nogin, M. N. Pokrovsky, K. N. Samoilova, S. G. Shahumyan, J. V. Stalin, A. M. Stopani, I. A. Teodorovich, M. G. Tskhakaya, K. Y. Voroshilov, and Y. M. Yaroslavsky. Maxim Gorky attended the Congress with voice only. Following a long and sharp debate the Congress adopt ed this agenda: 1) Report of the Central Committee. 2) Report of the Duma group and its set-up. 3) Attitude to the bourgeois parties. 4) The Duma. 5) “Labour congress” and non-Party labour organisations. 6) Trade unions and the Party. 7) Partisan action. 8) Unemployment, economic crisis and lockouts. 9) Organisational questions. 10) International Congress at Stuttgart (May Day, militarism). 11) Work in the army. 12) Miscellaneous. In view of the work of the Congress being protracted, the questions of unemployment, of the economic crisis and the lockouts, and the International Congress at Stuttgart were taken off the agenda.
Lenin was elected to the presidium of the Congress and chaired the 6th, 7th, 14th, 15th, 27th, 34th and 35th sittings; he gave the report and delivered the summing-up speech on the key item of the agenda—the attitude to the bourgeois parties; he also spoke on the C.C. report on its work, the report on the Duma group activity, for inclusion in the agenda of the general theoretical questions of the principles underlying the Party’s tactics in the bourgeois revolution, against the Mensheviks, the Bundists and Trotsky (see present edition, Vol. 12, pp. 437–88).
At the Congress the Bolsheviks were supported by the delegates of the Social-Democracy of the Kingdom of Poland and Lithuania and the Social-Democrats of the Latvian Territory. Having rallied them on a revolutionary platform, the Bolsheviks secured a majority and a victory for the revolutionary Marxist line. The Congress adopted Bolshevik resolutions on all major questions. It amended the Party Rules, eliminating the two-centre arrangement (election of the C.C. and the C.O. by the congress). Under the amended Rules, only the C.C. was elected, while the C.O. was to be appointed by the C.C. and was to work under its control. The Rules provided for periodical Party conferences to discuss the most important aspects of Party life.
To the Central Committee were elected five Bolsheviks, four Mensheviks, two Polish Social-Democrats and one Latvian Social-Democrat; ten Bolsheviks, seven Mensheviks, three Polish and two Latvian Social-Democrats were elected alternate members. Among the Bolsheviks elected to the C.C. as full and alternate members were V. I. Lenin, I. F. Dubrovinsky, F. E. Dzerzhinsky, L. B. Krasin, J. Marchlewski, V. P. Nogin and L. Tyszka. Three more persons were subsequently nominated for the C.C.: two from the Bund and one from the Latvian Social-Democrats.
As the C.C. leadership could not be reliable, for it consisted of representatives of different trends (those of the non-Russian Social-Democratic organisations frequently vacillated between the Bolsheviks and the Mensheviks), a Bolshevik Centre headed by Lenin was elected at a sitting of the Bolshevik group towards the end of the Congress. It included the Editorial Board of the newspaper Proletary.
The Fifth Congress marked a triumph for Bolshevism in the working-class movement of Russia. Its decisions summed up the victory of Bolshevism over the opportunist, Menshevik wing of the Party during the bourgeois-democratic revolution. The Bolshevik tactics was approved as the common one for the whole Party.
Held in Paris. It was attended by 16 delegates with vote, among them five Bolsheviks, three Mensheviks, five Polish Social-Democrats and three Bundists. On the agenda were the following questions: 1) Reports of the R.S.D.L.P. Central Committee, the Central Committee of the Polish Social-Democrats, the Bund Central Committee, the St. Petersburg organisation, the Moscow, Central Industrial Region, Urals and Caucasian organisations. 2) The present political situation and the Party’s tasks. 3) The Social-Democratic Duma group. 4) Organisational questions in connection with the changed political conditions. 5) Local mergers with non-Russian organisations. 6) Affairs abroad. On every question, the Bolsheviks conducted a relentless struggle against the Menshevik liquidators and their supporters. The Conference resolution “On the Reports” sharply condemned liquidationism as an opportunist trend and called for the most resolute ideological and organisational struggle against any attempts to liquidate the Party.
The work of the Conference was centred on Lenin’s report “On the Present Moment and the Tasks of the Party”. The Mensheviks tried in vain to get the item off the agenda. The Conference adopted the resolution motioned by Lenin with slight amendments (see present edition, Vol. 15, pp. 321–24).
The resolution “On the Social-Democratic Group in the Duma”, motioned by the Bolsheviks, criticised the activity of the group and stated its concrete tasks. The Mensheviks objected to any indication of the Duma group’s mistakes in the Conference decisions and opposed the Central Committee’s right of veto in respect of the group. The otzovists also came out against the Leninist line in respect of the Duma group. The Conference adopted the Bolshevik resolution, whose text included a part of Lenin’s second variant of “Practical Instructions on Voting for the Budget by the Social-Democratic Group in the Duma” and all of his “Addendum to the Resolution on ‘The Social-Democratic Group in the Duma’ (see LCW, Vol. 15, pp. 326–27, 328). During the discussion of the organisational question, the Bolshevik proposed a draft resolution stating that the Party should devote special attention to the establishment and strengthening of illegal Party organisations, making use of an extensive network of diverse legal societies for work among the masses. The Mensheviks were actually trying to liquidate the illegal Party and stop all revolutionary work. In his speech on the organisational question, Lenin sharply criticised the resolution of the Menshevik liquidators and their attempts to justify those who had deserted from the Party in the years of reaction. The Conference adopted Lenin’s “Directives for the Committee on Questions of Organisation” (see present edition, Vol. 15, p. 325) and set up a committee to draft a resolution. The committee, and then the Conference itself, adopted the Bolshevik draft resolution. The Conference’s resolution on the local merger of national organisations resolutely rejected the principle of federalism, which the Bundists supported, as they wanted workers in the Party to be compartmentalised on national lines. During the discussion of the Central Committee’s work, the Mensheviks proposed that its seat should be transferred to Russia and that the C.C. Bureau Abroad should be eliminated. The liquidationist draft resolutions were rejected. The Conference adopted a resolution recognising “the existence abroad of a general Party representative body in the form of the Central Committee Bureau A road as being useful and necessary”. A Bolshevik resolution was adopted on the Central Organ; the Conference rejected the Menshevik proposal to have the publication of the C.O. transferred to Russia.
The Sixth Congress of the R.S.D.L.P. (Bolshevik) sat in Petrograd from July 26 to August 3 (August 8-16), 1917, in semi-legal conditions. It was attended by 157 delegates voting and 110 delegates with voice but no vote, from 240,000 Party members. Lenin guided the congress from underground. He kept in touch with Petrograd through Bolsheviks assigned by the Central Committee who visited him at Razliv. Lenin's theses "The Political Situation", the article "On Slogans" and other items formed the basis for congress resolutions. While at Razliv, Lenin took part in drafting the most important resolutions of the congress. The congress unanimously elected Lenin its honorary chairman.
The congress decisions laid special emphasis on Lenin's thesis of the alliance of the proletariat and the peasant poor as the paramount condition for the victory of the socialist revolution. "It is only the revolutionary proletariat," said the resolution “The Political Situation,” “that can accomplish this task – a task set by the new upswing-provided it is supported by the peasant poor” (The C.P.S.LJ. in Resolutions, etc., Part I, 1954, p. 376 [in Russian]).
After much debate, the Sixth Party Congress unanimously passed a resolution against Lenin appearing in court, expressed its “emphatic protest against the outrageous persecution of revolutionary proletarian leaders by the public prosecutor, spies and police,” and sent Lenin a message of greeting.
The congress reaffirmed the decision of the Seventh Conference of the R.S.D.L.P.(B.) on the need to revise the Party Programme in the sense indicated by the conference. It found it necessary to call a congress before long for the express purpose of adopting a new Programme, and instructed the Central Committee and all Party organisations to begin discussing a revision of the Party Programme, preparatory to the congress. | 2019-04-18T12:41:51Z | https://www.marxists.org/glossary/events/r/rsdlp.htm |
This course covers the topics typically taught in Canadian Grade 7 and 8 Mathematics curricula and, in some instances, extends ideas beyond grade level. Letters are included beside the unit names to help group the units into similar themes.
For more information about the structure and general use of this courseware, see the Course Information unit.
Topics include representing and comparing positive rational numbers (integers, fractions, and decimals), finding multiples and factors of positive integers, and determining the least common multiple (LCM) and the greatest common factor (GCF) of a pair of positive integers.
Topics include representing negative fractions and negative decimals, comparing the values of any two rational numbers, exponential notation, and using factor trees and prime factorizations to find the LCM or the GCF of a pair of positive integers.
Lesson 1: What Are Rational Numbers?
This lesson examines three different number systems: whole numbers, integers, and rational numbers. Connections between different number systems are highlighted to set the groundwork for comparisons and operations.
Mathematicians often use the number line to solve problems. In this lesson, we review the number line, focusing on plotting fractions.
In math, symbols are important for communication. In this lesson, we review the “greater than” and “less than” symbols. In addition, we present two techniques used to compare fractions.
Rational numbers can be written as fractions or decimals. In this lesson, we discuss the connections between fractional representations and decimal representations, specifically, when it comes to plotting numbers on the number line.
In this lesson, we review how to generate a list of multiples of an integer. Using our lists, we identify common multiples of two integers, paying particular attention to the least common multiple (LCM).
Factors, like multiples, have to do with multiplication. In this lesson, we solve problems by identifying factors of positive integers.
Expanding on the factors lesson, we compare the factors of two positive integers to find common factors; specifically, we are often interested in identifying the greatest common factor (GCF). We conclude by solving word problems that require us to apply factors to different contexts.
Fractional quantities can be positive or negative. Similar to negative integers, negative fractions lie to the left of zero on the number line. In this lesson, we plot negative fractions on the number line to help us understand and compare the values of these numbers.
Rational numbers can be written as fractions or decimals. In this lesson, we compare negative decimal numbers by plotting them on the number line. We then compare negative fractions with negative decimals. The decimal equivalents of common fractions are determined and strategies for converting a fraction into a decimal are shown. Finally, we learn how to compare any two rational numbers.
In this lesson, we learn to represent repeated multiplication using exponential notation. Exponential notation is then used to represent whole numbers in expanded form using powers of ten. Square numbers and cube numbers are investigated.
In this lesson, we review prime and composite numbers. We learn how to represent a composite number as a product of its prime factors using a factor tree.
Prime factorizations can be used to determine the greatest common factor (GCF) and the least common multiple (LCM) of a pair of positive integers. We explore how this can be done, and we use these strategies to solve word problems.
Topics include adding and subtracting rational numbers, multiplying and dividing a whole number by a positive rational number, and evaluating expressions using the order of operations.
Topics include multiplying, and dividing integers, fractions and decimal numbers, approximating square roots of positive integers, and evaluating expressions that include exponents using the order of operations.
We begin our discussion of addition by studying how number lines can be used to show addition. In this lesson, we focus on the addition of integers, specifically how positive and negative numbers can be added using a number line.
We can add integers without using a calculator or a number line. In this lesson, we extend our previous discussion on integer addition and examine strategies for performing integer addition mentally.
This lesson explores equivalent fractions in preparation for when we must add and subtract fractions. In the process of finding equivalent fractions, you will be given the opportunity to practise finding common multiples, using improper fractions and mixed numbers, plotting on the number line, and comparing rational numbers.
In this lesson, we build upon our understanding of addition to include rational numbers. To do this, we revisit the number line and incorporate our strategies for plotting rational numbers so that we can find their sum.
This lesson introduces strategies for the addition of fractions without the use of a number line. We use number lines as motivation for finding a common denominator, then we move to adding fractions without the use of visual aids.
We begin our discussion of subtraction by focusing on the integers. In this lesson, we review the operation of subtraction, show subtraction on the number line, and learn how to subtract integers both with and without a number line.
Continuing our discussion on subtraction, in this lesson we explore strategies for subtracting fractions. Our goal is to use equivalent fractions to solve subtraction problems without the use of a calculator or the number line.
This lesson explores strategies for multiplying whole numbers by fractions and decimals. We solve examples and highlight rules for performing calculations without using a calculator.
Multiplication is the operation that is used to scale or resize a quantity. In this lesson, we explore scale factors and discuss why we must start thinking about multiplication in terms of scaling.
In this lesson, we learn how to solve calculations that involve the division of whole numbers by fractions and decimals. Through examples, we highlight rules for performing these calculations without a calculator.
The order of operations is reviewed and used to perform calculations involving integers, fractions, and decimals. Additionally, we explore the importance of brackets; when they are needed and when they can be removed from an expression. We conclude by using the distributive property to simplify calculations.
In this lesson, we learn how to multiply integers mentally. Specifically, we look at how the sign of each integer in a product impacts the sign of the product.
Division is the opposite operation of multiplication, and so the strategies we learn for dividing integers will be similar to those we used when multiplying integers. In this lesson, we examine how the signs of the dividend and divisor impact the sign of the quotient.
We begin this lesson by reviewing how to multiply a fraction by a whole number. We then expand our understanding to include the multiplication of any two fractions. Additionally, some focus is given to estimating the values of products.
In this lesson, we review how to divide a whole number by a fraction. We then explore how to adapt this strategy in order to divide a fraction by another fraction, without the use of a calculator.
We begin this lesson by examining the multiplication of decimal numbers by powers of ten, including a discussion of scientific notation. We then learn how to multiply two decimal numbers, first by converting the numbers to fractions, and second by working with the decimal numbers themselves.
In this lesson, we develop strategies to evaluate division expressions that involve whole numbers and decimal numbers. We also extend these strategies to discuss division with two decimal numbers.
This lesson focuses on the relationship between squaring a number and taking the square root of a number. We discuss perfect squares and examine how to approximate the square root of a positive integer that is not a perfect square.
In this lesson, we revisit the order of operations for arithmetic. We solve problems involving integers, fractions, and decimals, paying special attention to exponents.
Topics include writing and interpreting ratios; finding equivalent ratios; converting between fractions, decimals, and percents; converting between units of measurement; and solving problems involving unit rates.
Topics include recognizing proportional situations in word problems, tables and graphs; connecting unit relates to proportional relationships and their representations in tables, graphs and equations; and fractional percents and percents greater than 100 percent.
Lesson 1: What Are Ratios?
This lesson discusses the meaning of a ratio and goes through how to write and interpret ratios. We conclude by solving problems that require a ratio to be applied to large quantities.
We begin our discussion on equivalent ratios using diagrams and exploring how two ratios can represent the same relationship between two quantities. Then, we develop strategies for finding equivalent ratios numerically. This lesson concludes with solving ratio problems.
In this lesson, we define a percent and explore the relationships among fractions, decimals and percents. We conclude by solving some word problems involving percents.
This lesson explores strategies for converting between different metric units of length, mass, and capacity. We then apply these strategies to convert between units of time and units of area.
In this lesson, we learn about rates which are comparisons of two measurements with different units. We focus on how to write unit rates and how unit rates can be used to solve word problems. Also included are some examples on how to convert a rate into different units.
In this lesson, we explore the notion of proportionality using examples like image enlargement and paint mixing. We explore proportional relationships between two quantities and learn how to recognize when a situation is and is not proportional.
In this lesson, we examine how to recognize a proportional relationship between two quantities when the data is displayed in a table or a graph.
The relationship between proportional quantities is often given in the form of a unit rate. In this lesson, we explore how this unit rate manifests in an equation, a table, or a graph representing the relationship between the two quantities.
In this lesson, we discuss fractional percents and percents greater than 100 percent. Some focus is given to where percentages appear in everyday life and how estimation can be helpful when working with percentages.
Proportional situations can be presented in many ways including: unit rates, tables, graphs, or equations. In this lesson, we practise comparing proportional relationships that are presented in different ways.
Topics include constructions of angle bisectors and perpendicular bisectors, and the various properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and more general polygons. In particular, different polygons are classified based on their side lengths and angle measurements.
Topics include quadrilateral diagonals, circle terminology and construction, and applications of circles in the real-world.
Topics include calculating the area of parallelograms, triangles, trapezoids, and composite shapes; calculating the surface area, volume, and capacity of prisms; and representing 3D objects in different ways.
Topics include calculating the circumference and area of circles; calculating the volume and surface area of cylinders; and properties of angles formed by intersecting lines including parallel lines and transversals.
This lesson reviews the definition of area and how to calculate the area of a rectangle. We then develop and apply the formulas for finding the areas of parallelograms, triangles, and trapezoids.
Continuing our discussion on area, we explore how to decompose and calculate the area of composite shapes.
In this lesson, we learn how to visualize the surface of a 3D solid using a net. We then calculate the surface area of prisms and solve word problems involving surface area.
In this lesson, we develop and apply the formula for finding the volume of a prism. We relate volume and capacity, and explore how to convert between units of volume.
We wrap up our discussion on prisms and composite solids by learning how to draw them on triangular dot paper. We also learn how to recognize and sketch different 2D views of a 3D object.
In this lesson, we review the circumference and area of circles. We then develop and apply the formulas for calculating the circumference and the area of a circle given the radius (or diameter) of the circle.
We begin our discussion on cylinders by comparing cylinders to prisms. We develop and apply the formula for finding the volume of a cylinder and solve word problems involving the volume or the capacity of a cylinder.
Continuing our discussion on cylinders, in this lesson, we explore the net of a cylinder and use the net to develop a formula for the surface area of a cylinder. We then calculate the surface area of cylinders and solve word problems involving surface area.
In this lesson, we begin our discussion of intersecting lines by exploring the properties of angles formed by two intersecting lines. We define supplementary, complementary, and opposite angles, and use angle relationships to find unknown angles in a diagram.
Continuing our discussion on intersecting lines, in this lesson we explore the angles formed by parallel lines and transversals. We define corresponding, alternate, and co-interior angles, and use angle relationships to solve for unknown angles in a diagram.
Topics include congruence of polygons, triangle congruence rules, plotting points on the Cartesian plane, the image of a polygon on the Cartesian plane under translations, reflections and/or rotations on the Cartesian plane, and tessellations.
Topics include similarity of polygons, triangle similarity rules, dilatations of polygons, and indirect measurements.
In this lesson, we review the definition of congruence and match the sides and angles of two congruent polygons. We also take a look at the perimeter and area of congruent polygons.
Continuing our discussion on congruence, in this lesson, we explore congruence rules for triangles. Our goal is to show two triangles are congruent by matching only three corresponding parts.
This lesson introduces the Cartesian plane. We examine how to construct the Cartesian coordinate system, how to plot points on the Cartesian plane, as well as examine the vertical/horizontal distances between two points on the Cartesian plane.
In this lesson, we begin our discussion on transformations by exploring the translations of polygons. We learn how to draw the image of a polygon under a translation and relate the definition of congruence to translations.
Continuing our discussion on transformations, we now explore reflections of polygons. In this lesson, we learn how to graph the image of a polygon under a reflection on the Cartesian plane and explain how the image is congruent to the original polygon.
In this lesson, we learn how to graph the image of a polygon under a rotation. We also combine all three transformations and graph the image of a polygon under a translation, reflection, and rotation on the Cartesian plane.
This lesson explores the art of tessellations. We define a tessellation and explore what polygons can tessellate the plane. Then, using polygons that we know tessellate the plane, we explore how to create interesting designs that tessellate.
In geometry, the word “similar” is used to indicate when two objects have the same shape, but not necessarily the same size. In this lesson, we learn the precise definition of similar polygons, explore the scale factor between two similar polygons, and learn how to use the scale factor to solve problems.
Every triangle has three angles and three sides, but it turns out that we do not need to know the measures of each to determine the shape of the triangle. In this lesson, we explore the minimum conditions needed to verify that two triangles are similar. We learn the Angle-Angle, Side-Side-Side, and Side-Angle-Side similarity rules and practise constructing similar triangles.
In this lesson, we explore how to draw similar polygons without measuring any angles. This can be done by performing a particular type of transformation: a dilatation.
Indirect measurements allow us to find unknown lengths without actually measuring line segments. In this lesson, we explore how to use the triangle similarity rules to make indirect measurements in different scenarios.
Topics include representing sequences using tables, general terms and graphs, describing patterns using variables and expressions, extending sequences, and solving problems involving unknown quantities.
Topics include equivalent expressions for the general term of a sequence, describing relationships and patterns using equations, and decreasing and naturally occurring sequences.
We begin our discussion of patterning by examining number and image sequences. In this lesson, we focus on stating the pattern rule which describes how to generate the next term in a sequence.
This lesson explores the relationship between the term number and the term value, that is, the relationship between a term in a sequence and its position in that sequence. We then use the general term to find the value of a term in a sequence given its term number.
We continue to find the general term of sequences, with emphasis on how to use a variable to represent an unknown quantity. This lesson concludes with a discussion on substitution, where we evaluate expressions by substituting a number for a variable in the general term.
In this lesson, we encounter sequences that have a different type of relationship than what we have previously seen. You will continue to practise finding the general term of a sequence, concluding the lesson with some application problems.
In this lesson, we explore how to represent a sequence graphically. With a sequence represented on a graph, we then use the graph to determine the term number that corresponds to a given term in the sequence. Finally, you will practise how to find the general term of a sequence given its graph.
In this lesson, we connect the different sequences that we have studied so far. We continue using tables, graphs, and general terms to study the patterns that sequences represent.
In this lesson, we review how to represent a sequence using a table, a general term, or a graph. Emphasis is put on determining which of these three representations is most appropriate in a particular problem-solving situation.
In this lesson, we analyze different patterns that generate the same sequence of numbers. We generate various expressions to represent the different interpretations of a pattern, and learn how to determine whether two expressions are equivalent.
In this lesson, we learn the difference between an expression and an equation, and explore how each can be used when describing patterns. In particular, we use expressions for the general term of a sequence to form equations to represent relationships in sequences.
In this lesson, we define and explore decreasing sequences. You are challenged to consider how strategies for finding the general terms of increasing sequences can be used to write an equation representing a decreasing sequence. We also examine how some sequences of numbers that arise from physical situations cannot continue forever due to real-world boundaries.
In this lesson, we look beyond the typical sequences discussed in this unit and explore more naturally occurring sequences. The examples focus on popular puzzles and real-life growth and depreciation scenarios. We conclude by discussing, through an example, how apparent patterns can sometimes be deceiving.
Topics include using variables in expressions and equations, identifying and exploring linear relationships, and solving equations by inspection, trial and error, and using visual models.
Topics include solving equations using algebraic techniques, comparing the differences between evaluating an expression and solving an equation, exploring equations with multiple variables, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
In this lesson, we review variables and expressions. We discuss common notation for operations in algebra and practice translating English phrases to mathematical expressions.
In this lesson, we explore linear relationships between two quantities. We learn how to identify a linear relationship represented in a graph, in a table of values, or in an equation.
In this lesson, we use expressions and equations to model and solve real-world problems.
In this lesson, we use graphs and a visual model of weights on a scale to help solve equations. We also practise solving simple equations by inspection.
In this lesson, we practise solving equations by trial and error. These methods are applied to solve word problems and to solve equations that have fractional solutions.
In this lesson, we visualize equations using weights and a balanced scale. We solve equations with one operation using algebraic techniques and learn how to verify a solution of an equation.
We continue to solve equations using algebra by extending our strategies to solve equations with more than one operation.
This lesson explores the forwards and backwards movement through a math machine, and makes connections to the differences between evaluating an expression and solving an equation.
In this lesson, we find solutions to equations with two or more unknown quantities using trial and error and algebra.
In this lesson, we investigate the relationship between the side lengths of a right triangle. We will develop the Pythagorean Theorem and use it to solve for the missing side length of a right triangle.
Topics include different types of data; population, sample and census; bias in data collection arising from question wording, accepted answers and choice of sample group; frequency and relative frequency tables and graphs; reading and creating circle graphs; choosing an appropriate graph type for a data set; bias in data representation arising from the chosen graph type, graph structure and shape, and axis labels and scales.
Topics include organizing continuous data into stem-and-leaf plots and frequency tables with intervals; as well as creating and reading histograms, and scatter plots.
In this lesson, we discuss different types of data including primary, secondary, categorical, and numerical data. We discuss the terms population, sample, and census and learn the difference between discrete and continuous numerical data.
In this lesson, we explore how data can be influenced by the wording of survey questions, the types of answers accepted in a survey, and the sample group that is being used in the survey to represent the population.
In this lesson, we learn how to organize data into frequency tables, calculate relative frequencies, and create and compare frequency and relative frequency graphs.
In this lesson, we focus on reading and creating circle graphs (or pie charts). We also discuss the appropriate graph types (circle, bar, or line) that can be used to display various data sets.
In this lesson, we explore how choices made while creating a graph can lead to a misrepresentation of the underlying data. In particular, we discuss how the type of graph, the structure and shape of the graph, or the axis labels and scales of the graph can potentially mislead the viewer.
In this lesson, we focus on working with continuous data sets. We explore different ways in which continuous data might be organized and graphed as well as discuss how to display paired data sets.
In this lesson, we study different ways to organize numerical data sets into intervals. We start by organizing data using stem-and-leaf plots and then exploring how frequency tables can be used if we divide the data into intervals. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these organization tools and practise choosing appropriate intervals for given data sets.
Standard bar graphs are not always an appropriate way to display a given numerical data set. A histogram is a similar type of graph in which numerical data are first grouped into ranges and then the frequency of each range is plotted using a bar. In this lesson, we discuss the features of a histogram and practise creating histograms from numerical data sets. We discuss what information might be gained or lost by presenting data in a histogram, and explore the effects of interval choice on the shape of the graph.
A scatter plot is a graph consisting of points which are formed using the values of two variable quantities. Scatter plots are used to display a relationship between the two variables in question. In this lesson, we discuss the features of a scatter plot and practise creating scatter plots from paired data sets. We discuss the roles that the two variables play in a scatter plot and explore what information might be revealed when we consider the shape formed by the data points as a whole.
Topics include determining the mean, median, and mode of data sets; studying the effects of adding data to a data set or removing data from a data set; exploring the effect of outliers on the mean, median, and mode; and practising drawing conclusions and making predictions from data in graphs.
Topics include interpreting data, histograms, and scatter plots and drawing conclusions from these graphs; describing relationships between the two variables in a scatter plot; estimating rates of change associated with scatter plots; making predictions supported by the data in histograms and scatter plots; and using appropriate measures of central tendency to compare two data sets.
It can be helpful to use a single value to summarize the information in a large data set. Measures of central tendency, like the mean, median, and mode, attempt to summarize data by measuring the middle (or centre) of a data set. In this lesson, we will learn how to determine the mean, median, and mode of different data sets and discuss how they can be used to analyze data.
In this lesson, we discuss the effects of adding data to (or removing data from) a data set. We focus on how this might affect the mean, median, and mode in different ways.
Some data sets contain outliers, which is data that is separated from the rest of the values in the data set. In this lesson, we discuss the effect of outliers on the mean, median, and mode of data sets, and explore different contexts in which one particular measure might be the most appropriate for summarizing the given data.
In this lesson, we practise interpreting the underlying data displayed in different graphs. We discuss the difference between statements that can be verified using the information in a graph and predictions that are supported by the trends in the graph but cannot be verified using the graph alone.
In this lesson, we practise identifying and interpreting information provided in a histogram, and drawing conclusions supported by the histogram. We also explore how the interval size of a histogram can affect the conclusions drawn by someone who is analyzing the data in a histogram.
In this lesson, we practise identifying and interpreting information provided in a scatter plot, and drawing conclusions supported by the scatter plot. We explore how to identify and describe a general relationship that might exist between the two variables in a scatter plot.
Scatter plots are often used to identify and study a relationship between two variables. When the data points in a scatter plot seem to roughly follow the path of a line, we can use our knowledge of linear patterns to study the data and make predictions. In this lesson, we explore drawing lines that approximate the trend observed in a scatter plot, and estimating rates of change associated to scatter plots. We compare rates of change of different scatter plots and use them to make predictions.
In this lesson, we practise using measures of central tendency to compare two data sets, draw conclusions, and discuss factors that might influence which measure of central tendency is most appropriate for a particular comparison. We also explore how to compare data presented in histograms.
Topics include random experiments, outcomes, and events; calculating theoretical probabilities of single events; comparing probabilities of different events; independent events; experimental probability; and using probabilities to make predictions.
Topics include comparing theoretical probabilities and experimental probabilities; exploring how the number of trials impacts probability estimates; complementary events; setting up and running simulations using probability models; and revisiting independent events.
A random experiment is an experiment where the set of possible outcomes is known but the actual outcome cannot be predicted with any certainty. Probability theory is the study of random experiments including different ways to measure the likelihood that a particular outcome or event will occur. In this lesson, we review the notion of probability and practise calculating theoretical probabilities of different events in various experiments.
Often random experiments include more than one object, for example, an experiment might include tossing a fair coin and rolling a standard die. In this lesson, we explore how to calculate the probability that two independent events occur, for example, the probability that a head is tossed and an even number is rolled. We define and identify independent events and use tables and tree diagrams to systematically list all outcomes of an experiment in order to calculate probabilities of various events.
Theoretical probability is a ratio that describes what we expect to happen in an experiment and experimental probability is a ratio that describes what actually happened during trials of an experiment. In this lesson, we calculate experimental probabilities of different events and explore how these compare to known theoretical probabilities. We also explore situations where experimentation is our only option for studying probabilities.
If you can determine the chances that a particular event will occur in an experiment, then you can use this information to make predictions involving this experiment. In this lesson, we use theoretical and experimental probabilities to make predictions. We discuss how reliable, or unreliable, our predictions might be and explore how we might design experiments in a way that makes our predictions as reliable as possible.
In this lesson, we compare theoretical probabilities to probability estimates found through experimentation, and explore how the number of trials performed in an experiment might impact probability estimates.
In this lesson, we define and explore the notion of complementary events. We learn how identifying complementary events can be helpful when calculating probabilities.
For many real-world situations involving probabilities, it can be difficult to collect data directly by running real experiments. In these situations, mathematicians often run simulations that resemble the real situation in terms of probabilities. In this lesson, we will learn how to choose appropriate models for simulations and practise running simulations to obtain probability estimates.
In this lesson, we review how to determine probabilities of independent events using lists, tables, and tree diagrams to display all possible outcomes. We also explore how to count the number of possible outcomes and favourable outcomes without explicitly writing them down. These skills can be helpful for experiments with too many outcomes to list efficiently. | 2019-04-19T22:26:50Z | https://courseware.cemc.uwaterloo.ca/27?gid=69 |
I am back from overseas now, rested up a little, and I knew when I returned that I wanted to share with you one of the highlights of my trip.
This happened at the beautiful Burasari Resort in Phuket, where with the help of two lovely volunteers, one glorious afternoon, I filmed real life Quanta Freedom Healing shifts.
It can be so hard to explain … so I wanted to show you.
I really hope that these videos accomplish that, and give you an up close and personal feel for what happens in a Quanta Freedom Healing session.
This is the identical healing process which occurs via MP3s in all of my Healing Programs, including NARP (the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Program).
These shifts were done in a very relaxed manner, in the busyness of the resort – which you will clearly see in the videos. There were some very humorous moments! Hilarious in fact! I hope you enjoy these, as much as we did during filming!
Quanta Freedom Healing is not always easy to explain verbally or in text … because Energetic healing is not physically tangible … it works on the inside of us, by accessing and shifting our subconscious.
It works on the unseen, emotional parts of us.
At first it can be a little hard to get your head around, as it certainly was once upon a time for me, before this immense personal journey, and when I was very logical in my thinking.
In fact there is no way once upon a time I would have believed I would be doing Quanta Freedom Healing as a career, and would have thought someone was crazy if they suggested it!
In stark contrast, these days, I know no other way to deal with the heart of any matter … and this “inner-work orientation” has saved and changed my life beyond description – as I know it has for many other people in this Community as well.
Scott and I have already done a lot of work together with QFH, and Scott has worked through many shifts on himself with the NARP Program.
What we worked on, in this session, is a very usual symptom that people can struggle with after being narcissistically abused, and since recovering from the abuse, when wishing to expand their life out further.
We accessed and shifted the deep core reasons as to why Scott has been struggling with this area of his life.
Narelle had experienced Reiki and other energetic concepts before, but had never heard of or accessed Quanta Freedom Healing. She had no idea what to expect!
She was wonderful and really surrendered into the process, and was so authentic. It was a joy to be able to help Narelle locate and shift some inner programs that logically she didn’t realise were blocking her future success.
I hope you enjoyed these videos and that they give you a sense of the absolute joy I feel to be connected to this incredible healing system – which not just saved my physical life, but also emancipated my soul.
If you would like to learn more about Quanta Freedom Healing you can do so here.
I would like to thank Scott and Narelle from my heart, so much for their courage and their hearts to share their shifts so bravely with this Community.
I am so thrilled to be back … and now as an even more expanded self (since travelling for almost 2 months) … embracing the continual growth, expansion and joy that Quanta Freedom Healing and Life co-creates with me!
Please know there is only 1 day until the next 3 Keys To Thriving After Narcissistic Abuse Webinar. In this Webinar you get to personally experience Quanta Freedom Healing with me. If you would like to have this experience please sign up now.
Sign me up to the 3 Keys To Thriving After Narcissistic Abuse Webinar.
I look forward to answering any of your questions and comments on the blog, and I would love you to share your personal Quanta Freedom Healing experiences below too!
And what are you doing with your right hand and why is the other person not doing it too?
thats okay it is a deeper spiritual concept … that we either connect to, or maybe at some time later we may.
I am doing the process because I am the healer conducting the healing for people.
That was an awesome shift with Scott. I could feel myself going through it too, my body just responded (my subconscious will take any opportunity now) …and I just went with it. Your muscle testing method is really unique. I use the looped fingers method as well as the resistance method. I tried to do yours Melanie and wow, it takes some co-ordination. It was interesting because when Scott got past lives… I just went with it and it was the same with me. I don’t get that often at all, I guess my shifts have been more with this present experience. I felt it in my arms and shoulders whereas Scott had it in his solar plexus and above. Going in through that, I could go through the same shift! Neat! I didn’t know we could piggy-back (?) energetically! That’s what I just did!
I tried to watch Narelle’s video and it was choppy. Likely from a lot of views happening at the same time. I will have to watch that again tomorrow. I’m really excited about this video QFH… now that I’ve seen it and tried it, I can see how what a valuable experience this can be.
I loved the setting as well. The interruptions didn’t distract from the process at all.
Great idea Melanie! Thank you for doing this.
my muscle test process is a kinesiology one, and it does take some practice but when it kicks in it is really handy and effective.
It just takes practice … so keep at it!
Oh yes, energy is unlimited, it is not inhibited by space or time and at the Quantum Level we are all “one”. Yes you can “piggy back”!
Truly the roots of our issues do stem way back in the past – when we allow ourselves to access that part of ourselves.
It stands to reason that whatever we have yet to evolve keeps representing until we do find it and up-level it.
In all of our DNAs and history are traumatic survival programs that can still have their grip on our lives.
The truth is if we don’t deal with our shadows – they have their way with us!
I think the video is buffering because of views. It was fine our end, but if it persists the team will look at the issue.
Try again later, and I will keep an eye on it.
You are so welcome Claire, and I am so pleased you enjoyed the videos!
Thank you so much Scott for putting yourself out there and sharing that moment. First time I see it live.
I was actually watching it in the background while working of all things. Was hoping to get a sense of how to progress beyond the NARP sessions and move to ‘custom’ ones with my own custom healing messages. Perhaps also that Mel said the healing by proxy is pretty much what she does with clients… so wanted to grasp that.
But then a really odd thing happened. It was in my background, but when you did the second shift and Mel reacted, just as I started wondering how it is she could feel it (and to be honest, wondering if she really could feel it – in spite of having done many sessions and it working for me it still strikes me as formidably hoaky… :), it hit me. It felt like it came out of my computer monitor and slammed into me. WHOA!!! And then it became my ‘own’. It was a different version of what you were saying and wandered off to become my own and I followed along on the healing (did a second shift using the video from the middle because it took a while for it to wander into being exactly on target for me).
Heartfelt thanks for putting yourself out there Scott!
Yes I do feel it – and the reason is because when I am doing a healing for someone my body is proxy for them – I am connected ….
The real Quantum Level of Reality is that we are all “One” – most empath type people easily feel others people’s energy. Naturally this needs to be in healthy balance, so that we can be anchored into and generating life authentically and not derailed by others emotions.
In healings I am fully present in people’s “stuff” but in everyday life that is not my orientation or energy set-up. It used to be disastrously, and for very fearful reasons – not assisting people in healing sessions reasons!
The brought in messages in healing sessions can be more generic or channeled (as they are in personal sessions) to be the Source replacement – the True Self version of the belief system being shifted.
When you have cleared enough of your own inner programs allowing this connection to Source, they do start flowing as intuitive guided messages.
In regard to your own MP3s you do need to be mindful of using them for yourself – or creating your own system if you are working with others.
Quanta Freedom Healing is a powerful tool, and I am going to start training people in it next year, as there is so much responsibility that goes with this tool (this is deep affecting Soul work) – and these people will be hand picked. Quanta Freedom Healing training and use is not going to be something just anyone is licensed to do.
I do recognize your QFH is a very powerful tool indeed and I am not at all competent to tamper with it. Besides I think its working wonderfully as is. Sorry to call it hoaky… I only mean that for someone like me (engineer type) its hard to ‘accept’ things I can’t fully explain or understand and I am not the empath you are. Mind you, both my mom and sister are quite empathic and so I think (hope) I stay open-minded to the fact there is lots out there that is beyond me… I do indeed trust you can feel it. And I was just blessed with the proof when it came and hit me too even though my empathic skills are slim. It’s easier on my poor brain when I have ‘proof’! 🙂 I can only imagine how hard it might be to be able to feel like that unless you learn to handle it. Perhaps my sister suffers from that as she tends to ‘hermit’ herself from people, in spite of being so in tune with others.
In any case, all that to say, have no fear, I am not meaning to ‘alter’ your mp3s in any significant way. And I certainly don’t pretend to help anyone else beyond praising your terrific work and directing them to your website!!! 🙂 I find the proxy idea fascinating, but don’t aspire to use it for now. I have kids and so its good to know its a future possibility perhaps.
I got Narelle’s video to work, perfectly! Yay! It also was great! And again, QFH kicked right in. Narelle and Scott were both so excellent, open, honest and really participated. I could tell they were so sincere. I could feel it. I learned a lot with these videos and I’m going to watch them again tomorrow.
They truly were fantastic, and so authentic … which is the only way to heal!
I’m glad you learned a lot Claire – that was my intention – to help raise consciousness.
Wow! I’m new to NARP and have only done Module 1 a few times. This was perfect timing and I felt the “piggy back” effect as well.
That’s great that you are working with NARP, and I am so thrilled you felt the energy of the healings!
And lots of love to you too!
We enjoyed recording the video, and we laughed about all the interruptions happening in the background.
I am excited to hear that people tapped into the recording healing… amazing …. hope it continues to help the wider community.
sure we can do round two of healings for sure!
I am so pleased my material resonates with you!
And this is meaning even back to childhood.
If there is then it really is important to do NARP – and I promise you – very quickly – you will see it IS all about you … all of my healing programs are.
There is also an incredible Goal Setting Module tool in NARP which is probably the most powerful multi-purpose healing I have ever created.
Many people start ES or FOO and they don’t get the most powerful results that they could, because they hadn’t quite done the spring cleaning of abuse programs with NARP first.
Then when they go back to NARP and do some work there – then they do!
My greatest suggestion to you would be to do NARP first, (my feeling is you saying “mostly” it would be of great benefit), and then look out for Christmas specials in regard to the other two programs.
I’m gonna weigh in this one!
Heather, truly, truly, NARP is all about you. That was the wonderful thing about it: it took all the focus OFF my ex and put it where it belongs!
you are so, so welcome … and I am so thrilled that you found the “key” to unlock the healing after such a long search.
That is wonderful that you can now reach for relief, release and joy!
Thank you for your blessings dear lady, and many blessings to you too!
A couple questions for you Melanie, is the goal of the shift to simply decrease the charge or to get to a zero?
Do you do your shifts while walking? I would like to do that but believed that as a beginner I need to be in a quiet, very contemplative space. ( I appreciated the video with Scott for showing me I don’t need to be so darn serious about the whole process).
Some shifts are better than others I’ve noticed— wondering if that is to be expected or if I am doing something “wrong”— maybe I need to go deeper, do a second shift, get more out of mind and into the energy….would love tips on how to enhance all shifts.
Giving thanks for you today among many other things!
You are very welcome 🙂 I am so glad the shifts have made a big difference.
Very, very true … energetic soul healing works at a level other than what our logical mind can grasp. It takes an in-depth understanding of Quantum Physics to start to grasp it, and even then we don’t know the answers.
We don’t need to logically grasp it – that is a false premise of the ego. We need to EXPERIENCE it for it to work.
The reality is – it does work, and we get to feel and live the extraordinary results.
These are great questions Michelle!
The goal is to really clean it up, so that you can’t access the charge at all anymore … when we can think of it, it’s neutral and there is no emotion left on it.
That’s when we know our young previous involved wound(s) are up-levelled and are no longer “reacting” to that event/ thought.
This can take some repeat shifts and digging and finding and up-levelling all the beliefs that are attached to this.
What we can also find is: later the same painful belief can re-present. This simply means that at our present state of evolving (growing) we now have access to another part of ourselves (we are incredibly multi-dimensional).
All we need to do is allow the trigger, embrace it and go into it with the process and release again (whatever has presented) – without judgement.
This can be very true for the BIG core issues in our life. Other things we will shift out of easily and they never come back.
So rule of thumb: whenever you are working on anything make it your goal to clean it up – and this gives you the ability to expand to the next level of freedom of your True Self.
I do my shifts “anywhere”, because I have the process mentally down pat, can easily connect to theta brainwave and connect to my inner being, and have trained myself to do it with my eyes open and regardless of what is going on around me. Early morning walking is a favourite time. I am pretty expressive with muscle testing – but in public I can be more discreet!!
It is very, very true that initially getting that connection going will be better with eyes closed, by being still and undisturbed. Later as you get more practised, absolutely you can do whilst walking etc.
Very true Michelle we do not have to do the process “perfectly” for it to work … The process is powerful, unconditionally loving and very forgiving!!
What you will find is that when you really “nail” a shift – it is incredibly powerful – you have a huge somatic shift in your body that is unmistakable. You just KNOW it’s done!
There are two main reasons why this doesn’t happen with other shifts. The first is that you are not right down into the “core” of the matter yet. That just means “clear this and keep digging”. When you go into the “issue” you will feel resistance still there.
Just drop deeply into that, use the technique and claim what you find. The issue will be be an “onion” – meaning you can’t get access to the core of it, until you have shifted out the layers above.
That is a nutshell is what “evolving ourselves” really means.
We can’t do it all at once, we are layers … and it is never a destination, it is a process of layer by layer – level by level DNA re-wiring.
And there would be no fun in “growing” and “expanding” it that wasn’t the case!
To maximize the “growing part” – which means moving forward, it is really important to be diligent about cleaning up.
The other reason the shift may not be powerful is because your ego is intervening with distractions, excuses, temptations or self-avoidance.
I know point blank when this happens to me – and I know “I’m on to something big” when my mind starts jumping off onto tangents.
These days I have a giggle, and state something like this “No way, I’m not falling for that … I’m honing right in!” and I do.
I’ve called the bluff, and I have no fear of what I’ll find, and totally open my body up, and go straight into it with full attention.
Naturally I didn’t ‘die’ as a result of ignoring my egos distractions and false insane promises, and by instead going inside to fully claim my painful inner programs – I was emancipated … I was re-born.
But our ego can do a very good job at keeping us away from doing so, by convincing us these inner wounds will eat us alive or something “outside” is the solution.
Call it out – because darkness cannot operate when it’s pulled into the light – (authenticity / truth), and then get even more determined to go inwards to “be with self”, and shift the pain out.
Wow I’ve gone on! I hope I have answered your questions in amongst all of this Michelle!
I LOVE the inner child connection you are creating Michelle … it IS beautiful!!
A million thanks for all that info…. Too full to digest all of it at this minute:), but will be embracing your suggestions with gusto!
I’ve tried to submit this post a couple if times with no luck so if this a repeat, my apologies.
One more question for you, albeit an unusual one. My mom died 6 months ago. We were very close and I love her very much. I found it somewhat odd that I was not as sad as I thought I would be /”should” be celebrating Thanksgiving without her. To be honest I was surprised and confused by this….
Do you think this has anything to do with the recent energetic healings I have done; or perhaps she and I share the same energy; or perhaps itis totally unrelated.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mum passing … bless and hugs.
When you release that and up-level it, not only will you have clarity, you will also have peace on this topic.
The bottom line is no-one else has any idea what your emotional truth – it is all within you.
And the distractions were anything but! They actually added to the experience because it proved to me that NARP and Quanta Freedom Healing can be done anywhere. No matter what’s going on “out there”, what’s equally real is “in here”, and we always have a choice as to where we can direct our attention. Out there, in here, doesn’t matter. It’s all one, it’s all love and it’s all for us.
Thank you, Scott and Melanie.
that is so great the distractions gave you that knowing!
What a profound statement you just made – as you often do Arnel!!
All is One. So what? What does that mean? Where’s the profundity?
I get it that All is At Once, because I’ve experienced all-at-once knowing. (I read that Mozart perceived his masterpieces as all-at-once whole pieces before translating them into the time and space realm of notes and rests.) You gave me the best summary of this: Time is vertical, not horizontal. You gave me clarity on how we collapse higher knowing into our reality, through feeling, then thought.
But, All is One puzzles me. “When the inner is as the outer…” puzzles me.
It worries me right now because I have a Rat in my workplace – and my work involves at-home care of the elderly. The Rat is cunning, undermining, and the elderly very vulnerable.
But I don’t know how to BE for others … I find myself worrying about them, anticipating the Rat … because just loving, and trusting, might not be enough.
It is a childhood thing – watching another bullied and feeling powerless to intervene – but loading and releasing isn’t the complete answer this time. Because I feel a responsibility toward my clients, as well.
the concepts aren’t something you can jut “think” – they have to be experienced to be known – and that only happens when we move the concept from just mind concept to a “knowing” that is embodied cellulary in our bodies.
The shifts get you to that level.
Loading that childhood fear and releasing and up-levelling it is the true “direct” answer, because then you will show up without fear, with great clear boundaries that not only benefit you but also your clients.
It is all the “one” thing … “them” and “you” are not mutually exclusive.
I was with my NPD abuser for 5 years. It wasn’t until the last year the abuse become so severe that my life became unimaginable and unmanageable. I placed myself in denial. It was a dark deep toxic poisoning of my mind, feelings, body and even soul. I’ve spent the last 90 days acquiring knowledge which led me to your website. It’s taken me 3 weeks getting to acceptance. I have spent the last 10 days focusing on relief and release with your program. I experienced my first emotional “shift” today. I get it! Thank you so much for giving it. 🙂 I’ve come to realize that a scorpion is just a scorpion. You can’t understand it. It just is. But knowledge isn’t the answer. Awareness is. Thank you so much for proving the tools to move on from this dark life and all consuming abyss. I can now go from survivor to thriver. I can now go from victim to victor! Thank you again.
I am so thrilled you have started shifting!!
Bless and big healing hug!
I so loved watching this – how I missed it earlier I have no idea.
AMAZING! And I am a NARP member, and am getting so much better :-), but watching you brought a ‘feeling’ for me. | 2019-04-23T22:10:34Z | https://blog.melanietoniaevans.com/quanta-freedom-healing-in-action-from-phuket/ |
Historically black colleges and universities in the United States were created when African Americans were blocked out of predominantly white institutions. Today’s climate is much different now that black students can attend the schools they were once not allowed to attend. This leaves HBCUs in a unique position.
Does America still need HBCUs?
As college enrollment numbers rise, with Black college students at their highest enrollment levels ever, the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, have come into question. Before 1964, and even as recently as two decades ago, an increase in the number of Black young adults with college aspirations would have been welcome news for HBCUs.
Today, more Black college students do not automatically translate into higher enrollment numbers at HBCUs because the college landscape has changed so drastically since the golden days of these institutions. Diversity recruitment programs on traditional campuses, the ease of online degree programs, and the rising credibility and offerings at community colleges have eclipsed the cornered market that was once enjoyed by HBCUs when it comes to enrolling Black and other minority students.
HBCUs are still havens for the disadvantaged. The achievement gap in K-12 learning may be narrowing, but it still exists. Even minority students who end up graduating from high school drop out of college at higher rates than their white peers. While all types of colleges are picking up on this weakness and looking for ways to retain students, many HBCUs stand out as examples of how to succeed at having students return after freshman year. A U.S. News ranking lists Spelman College (at 88 percent retention), Morehouse College (82.5 percent), Howard University (82.3 percent), Florida A&M University (79.5 percent) and Winston-Salem State University (78.3 percent) as the top five HBCUs for having students return to campus after freshman year.
As a comparison point, the top 10 predominantly white institutions, or PWIs, had retention rates that ranged from 97.5 to 99 percent – BUT the retention numbers for minority students was lower. The campus culture and student-centric programs at these PWIs are stellar, but it also stands to reason that the students are attending top PWIs, like Brown University and the University of Notre Dame, are predisposed to staying in college anyway – while HBCUs have many more obstacles to overcome when convincing and encouraging their attendees to stay. HBCUs are also proving to be thought leaders when it comes to advancing rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students, with Morehouse College offering its first LGBT course this past spring.
HBCUs are blazing STEM trails. Many HBCUs are powerhouses when it comes to offering strong degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and math. HBCUs are important hubs for developing the greatest STEM minds in the nation, with 65 percent of all Black physicians and half of all Black engineers graduating from HBCUs. The Tuskegee University College of Engineering and Alabama A&M University of College Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences are not just top engineering schools among HBCUs – they are among the best in the nation. Spelman College is the second largest school in the nation that sends Black undergraduates on to medical school. Jackson State University receives the highest amount of HBCU federal research funding every year, at $68 million, and is known for its “research intensive” programs.
Claflin University students work alongside the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology and receive hands-on industry training and connections in the field long before graduation. The Xavier University of Louisiana has a consistently top-ranked pharmacy program and is a sought out school for those hoping to advance to medical school. Florida A&M University consistently ranks at the top of all colleges that graduate Black students with doctorates in natural sciences and engineering. In June, Fayetteville State was awarded a $718, 000 government research grant that included plans to oversee STEM instruction to local high school students. The advancements these schools are contributing to STEM fields are not just relevant; they are groundbreaking and an asset to the industries the graduates eventually serve.
They make college more affordable. As college costs climb, HBCUs remain reasonable options for earning college degrees and come with plenty of financial aid options in the form of grants, scholarships, and federal loans. HBCUs like Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi cost as little as $4,940 for in-state students for an entire academic year (before any grants or financial aid) or just under $7,000 for in-state students who choose to live on campus. Even out of state students get a pretty good deal – adding just $1,000 more to that total. Even HBCUs with top billing offer affordable routes for their students, like Howard University in D.C. that saw 52 percent of students in 2012 with their financial needs fully met. The financial assistance programs at HBCUs have an inherent understanding that their students come from a place where college may not be an option without the sound advice and financial assistance – and they step up to meet the needs of those students.
They adequately staff the workforce – and help graduates land jobs. During the latest Recession years, college career centers faced even greater scrutiny when it comes to helping students find jobs when they leave campus. The state of unemployed college graduates reached nearly crisis proportions at one point, with college graduates returning home to live with their parents after receiving a degree. HBCUs stepped up and worked even harder to help their graduates find the work they were qualified to accomplish after graduation. The 2012 HBCU Career Center Survey found that over 90 percent of HBCUs offered career workshops, career counseling, one-on-one resume writing help, one-on-one interview coaching, on-campus job fairs and on-campus interviews from prospective employers. Nearly three-fourths of the HBCUs in the survey said they also offered career development services for alumni. HBCUs are not simply training their students and sending them off blindly into their future careers; these schools are supplying well-equipped, highly-educated workforce members through connection programs that happen long before graduation day.
They remind us that there are still battles to be fought. As much as I’m a proponent of diversity in all of our schools, from pre-K to doctoral programs, there is some solidarity at HBCUs that would be a danger to lose. Despite advancements against discrimination, it is important to remember that the fight for civil rights and equality still rages on – and it extends beyond the Black community. It is vital to remember why HBCUs were developed in the first place and what role they have played in the fight for justice – producing such civil rights trail blazers as Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall. Though the initial mission of HBCUs may have evolved with the times, the reminder that education is an inalienable right for all Americans and those who chose to study from abroad, lives on proudly at HBCUs and will always be a necessary pillar of the U.S. college and university system.
Thankfully, despite the rough climate for HBCUs today, not all HBCUs are taking it lying down. In fact, many of them are thriving even today. Here are some of the many things HBCUs are doing to continue their inspired legacy.
Many HBCUs demonstrate a commitment to service.
For example, students at Bowie State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), have created an app geared towards aiding the homeless.
The students presented their idea and model in Washington D.C. at the Capitol Hill Maker Faire, a festival that allows makers who use technology to show off their ideas and models.
The kiosk is made-up of “a mini-computer, wireless internet adapter, and computer monitor.” This way those in need will have the ability to check for resources at local shelters and if those shelters have space available.
While this model was created by students and only presented at the Maker Faire, hopefully, such an innovative idea will receive more attention and possibly implementation statewide.
The idea surrounding the kiosk has the potential to streamline county, state, and federal efforts to help the homeless and those in need of temporary shelter.
This also helps Bowie State in the long-run as the university prides itself on being an educational destination for students interested in pursuing a career in science and technology.
Another school, Grambling State University have started collecting books for a prison near the school during the holiday season in late 2015. The drive has attracted the attention of other HBCUs across the country who have also decided to get involved, resulting in nearly 5,000 books being donated to prisons.
This isn’t the first time Grambling has held the book drive. It was the great results from the first one that made students decide to do it again and give it the official title of HBCU Book Challenge.
The book drop-offs began on December 1st and were distributed throughout the month.
In addition to doing good deeds, HBCUs are winning awards for their excellence.
Take Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) for example. Their president, Elmira Mangum, was awarded HBCU ‘President of the Year’ at the AARP HBCU Awards at Hampton University.
“Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., was awarded the prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) “Female President of the Year” Award presented by the HBCU Digest Friday night at the annual AARP HBCU Awards ceremony at Hampton University,” according to WCTV.tv.
Magnum’s presence has been good for the university. The article further states how well she’s been received and awarded this past year. In addition to receiving this award, she was also honored at the Onyx Awards, named to the USDA Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC), and was placed on EBONY magazine’s list of 100 powerful people.
In conjunction with Magnum’s good news, FAMU was recently named as the top HBCU in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. That’s a pretty big deal.
For recruiting purposes, this news will surely be used to lure more students to the prestigious university. Hosting a president of the year and laying claim to being the best HBCU in the nation isn’t a bad way to brag on one’s school. The accomplishments of schools like FAMU that attract news attention are good for all HBCUs because they lift the credibility, relevance and overall name recognition of the schools.
FAMU isn’t the only school that is worth recognizing.
Raising $92 million to improve the University, receiving a $75,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and hosting the South Carolina Collegiate Journalist of the Year are fairly significant achievements all on their own. One university can claim them ALL as its own, though.
Claflin University was named HBCU of the Year by the HBCU Digest Alumni Association.
According to thetandd.com, the school likely got the award mostly for its participation from its alumni, though. The involvement of graduates who are returning their financial and workforce bounty back to their alma mater are boosting the clout of the HBCU.
“The combined success of the campaign and the generosity of Claflin alumni were largely responsible for Claflin winning the HBCU Digest Alumni Association of the Year Award. In 2013, alumni annual giving rose to an all-time high of 52.2 percent, among the best in the nation for all colleges and universities. Claflin continues to be the perennial leader among HBCUs in this category.
Claflin has less than 5,000 students, so successfully raising nearly $100 million to improve the school’s positioning to recruit and make it more viable makes the feat look even better.
Alumni involvement, specifically financially, isn’t likely to tail off anytime soon. That’s good news for any student looking to call Claflin home for the next four years and really for other HBCUs that are hoping to recruit students.
And finally, one other school has a lot to brag about.
Dillard University in Louisiana has always been known as one of the nation’s best HBCUs. The institution for higher education has been nominated for some awards at the HBCU National Media Summit should come as no surprise.
The university’s president, Walter Kimbrough, was up for Male President of the Year, and the school was also nominated for Best Choir and Best Fine Arts Program.
According to The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com, of the HBCUs in Louisiana nominated for awards, Dillard received the most.
Other HBCUs from the state (Louisiana) nominated for awards are Xavier and Southern University.
This is great news for Dillard as this will surely shine a bright spotlight on how well the university is doing. Heralded as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the south, it shows through the nominations that Dillard has received. Honors like this come at an important time for HBCUs that are increasingly competing with online degree programs and increasing the quality of community college offerings. Congratulations to Dillard and the other HBCUs nominated.
With many minority students opting for non-traditional routes to obtain their degrees, now is a great time to embrace the online course.
For students who might have to balance work, the demands of daily life, and school, the flexibility online courses offer is a perk. Thankfully, some HBCUs are catching on to this trend.
Let’s look at Florida A & M University. According to HBCUBuzz.com, Florida A&M and the University of Phoenix have partnered to offer online courses for minority students.
HBCUs have tried to offer online courses or full degrees in the past but with little success. This project will tailor its offerings specifically towards African-American, bilingual, and poor students.
So far, FAMU (Florida A&M University) has been the first HBCU to utilize the online offerings that the University of Phoenix offers. Educationnews.org reports that Phoenix “made its online platform available to historically black colleges and universities” in 2014.
The end goal for all involved in the project is to increase the number of minority students, specifically African-American students, who have successfully taken classes online. Moving beyond that, FAMU likely wants to offer an assortment of degrees online.
Apple committed $40 million to the project to attract more HBCU students to the tech field. Needless to say, this could be an incredible boost to diversity in tech fields which have been traditionally dominated by white males.
To participate, students must be in their last year of study at an HBCU or PBI (Predominately Black Institution).
Apple’s partnership cut to the heart of a well-documented issue: the tech sector and Silicon Valley are lacking melanin.
According to a report by The Washington Post, companies like Facebook and Yahoo are two of the Valley’s worst offenders.
By cultivating such a large effort, Apple at least attempted to curb the apparent lack of enthusiasm that some minorities hold towards the tech field.
The news comes as HBCUs are under scrutiny for effectiveness and if black students are better served by attending Predominately White Institutions (PWI).
Some HBCUs are struggling to survive due to debt, but this report shows that the product being produced at America’s predominately black colleges and universities is pretty good. For anyone who has been lauding the relevancy of HBCUs for some time now (like me), this is music to our ears.
The study found that over 50 percent of HBCU graduates who were surveyed viewed their prospects after graduation as positive while just under 30 percent of black graduates from PWIs viewed them as positive.
Again–all good news for soon-to-be graduates and the health of HBCUs. Of course, there is always a ‘but’ when studies are released.
That news is likely tied to the overall health of the economy and how graduates may find their place in an ever-changing workforce. I’m also not sure what the definition of “thrive” is in this case. There is a difference, I think, in being comfortable or being affluent.
Overall, though, this news is great for HBCUs and the students who attend them. The report found that graduates from HBCUs are better emotionally, have stronger relationships, and are more goal oriented as well.
During HBCU Week at the White House in September 2015, education leaders gathered to talk about the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Vice President Joe Biden spoke to those gathered regarding the role that HBCUs play in America’s economy.
Biden also noted that many volunteers from his first campaign for Senate were from Delaware State University, an HBCU he leaned on for support.
In addition to talking about the importance of sustaining HBCUs, Biden spoke of what the Obama administration has done to aid in the financial success of HBCUs, stating that the federal government invests about $1 billion into the collection of colleges each year.
But there is still work to be done regarding the health of many HBCUs. Some are facing financial ruin, and others are teetering on the edge of collapse. This conference will surely help to quell some of those fears as the White House works to reassure leaders that they are there to support and help to ensure that HBCUs are here to stay.
Believe it or not, HBCUs have the support of more than just their students and alumni.
Known for his zeal for supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, host of the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show” Tom Joyner gives away scholarships to a high school senior planning to attend an HBCU every year.
Joyner is not the only one to award money to those who attend HBCUs. Coors Light ended the HBCU (Historically Black College and Universities) classics football season by providing $100,000 in scholarships to HBCUs across the country.
According to lasentinel.net, Coors Light gave scholarships “benefiting juniors and seniors aged 21 and older” who attended HBCUs.
The support that Coors shows for HBCUs isn’t new. Over the past 25 years, Coors has given over $1 million to support higher education over the past seven years.
The bottom line is that people and corporations from all walks of life, whether they are radio show hosts or former athletes, see the value of HBCUs as a cultural legacy and as a haven for minorities, low-income, and other non-traditional students. HBCUs, in general, are enduring many problems today, but they still manage to rise above it all with their efforts and with the heartfelt support of others.
I’m encouraged to learn about HBCU’s and the tremendous efforts it has fabricated to enhance learning experiences. I look forward to reading more of the positive impacts HBCU’s has performed in the education landscape and the American economy.
You deserve thanks and praise for your commitment in bringing to the public such vital information.
Thank you for the update on HBCU’s. It is clear there has been a serious transformation in the education sector and HBCU is not left out on the agenda. It has ushered in a new era of doing things and regardless of this changes I am proud that HBCU’s still stand out of the crowd. | 2019-04-23T08:10:23Z | https://www.theedadvocate.org/hbcus-at-their-finest/ |
Proper use of technology in teaching is valuable to the learning experience, but existing barriers must be addressed and overcome by teachers for the successful realization of a technology-enhanced, learner-centered classroom. The two types of barriers faced by teachers are first-order barriers and second-order barriers (Tsai & Chai, 2012). First-order barriers deal with external factors affecting the teacher such as institutional support and training, as well as adequate access to and time with technology. Second-order barriers focus more on the internal factors affecting teachers to include a teacher’s technology and pedagogical beliefs along with their willingness to change in order to incorporate technology into a learn-centered classroom successfully. Addressing these two barriers through proper planning and administration of technology integration should be a key focus of education in order to ensure success and benefits from technology integration into the classroom environment. In a 2002 study, Windschitl and Sahl (as cited in Sherman & Howard, 2012) determined that technology use and pedagogy “underestimate the powerful influences of…teachers’ beliefs about learners and learning.” In other words, schools must focus on teachers’ perceptions of the technology and its use in teaching rather than only the technology itself. We must understand teachers’ perceptions of technology and learner-centered instruction, barriers they face, and support they need to help teachers to create effective, learner-centered classrooms (An & Reigeluth, 2011). In 2007, Hew and Brush (as cited in Ertmer, Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Sadik, Sendurur & Sendurur, 2012) analyzed 48 empirical studies and identified three frequently cited barriers to technology integration as resources (40% of the studies), teachers’ knowledge and skills (23% of the studies), and teachers’ attitudes and beliefs (13% of the studies). The following literature will attempt to identify the causes of the teachers’ perceived barriers. Finally, it will look at successful technology integration factors and pedagogical practices that will assist schools to limit the manifestation of barriers, thereby ensuring the positive use of technology within the classroom. Proper understanding of, and consideration to, the teachers’ perceptions of technology is one of the key factors to guaranteeing a successful technology-enhanced, learner-centered classroom.
Note. From “Barriers to Adopting Technology for Teaching and Learning” by D. Butler and M. Sellbom, 2002, Educase Quarterly, 2.
A second barrier noted by faculty was the time it takes to learn new technology (14.4%). Though many would consider this a second-order barrier provided the institution provided training, many faculty noted that the difficulty in learning was a result of bad design, not lack of training.
The final barrier noted by faculty was institutional support, though many could not articulate the issue beyond a feeling of non-satisfaction. Institutional support is a significant first-order barrier to technology integration covering everything from technical support for existing technology to professional development and training to become more technologically proficient. With regards to institutional support, most organizations recognize user's views of institutional support as the leading factor of whether technology will be successfully integrated and used.
More recent studies have shown a significant decrease in perceived first-order barriers from teachers in relation to training and support as well as internet access and access hardware and software tools. According to a 2008 National Education Association (NEA) survey of 1,934 educators (Ertmer, Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Sadik, Sendurur & Sendeurur, 2012), 74.1% of those surveyed had adequate, accessible access to the computer, the internet and instructional software. In addition, 94.6% had computer and internet access at their home. Finally, 81% of the educators surveyed have remote access to students’ data. The software accessible by teachers is Web 2.0, which made communication and collaboration a non-issue. By definition, Web 2.0 software is second-generation software that allows for more connection and collaboration among users. With regards to training, the NEA survey noted that 68.3% felt they had adequate training to operate the technology and 57% felt adequately trained in the incorporation of technology into classroom instruction. Regardless of improvements in addressing first-order barriers, there still seemed to be a perception of extrinsic constraints being placed on teachers due to curricular and assessment requirements.
Overall, the teachers’ reported a positive attitude towards technology in both teaching and learning. In addition, the majority believe that technology plays an important part in helping students to learn. Finally, the majority felt that it was their job to incorporate technology into the classroom and, as such, were willing to learn more.
The majority of teacher participants in the survey had a positive perception of LCI with 70% agreeing or strongly agreeing that they were learner-centered teachers. An additional 27.6% were neutral on whether they were learner-centered teachers. Although 40% indicated they had enough knowledge of LCI, the majority of respondents stated they wished to learn more about leaner-centered instruction.
1. I provide positive emotional support and encouragement to students.
2. I have high expectation of every student.
3. I help student feel like they belong in the class.
4. I am sensitive to student difference in learning styles, culture, values, perspectives, customs, and so forth.
5. I allow students to express their own unique thoughts and beliefs.
6. I encourage students to work collaboratively with other students.
7. I monitor individual process continually in order to provide feedback on growth and progress.
8. I provide learning experiences that are relevant and meaningful to individual students.
9. I provide personalized learning experiences that take into account the different needs of individual students.
10. I provide learning activities or tasks that stimulate students’ higher-order thinking and self-regulated learning skills.
11. I give students increasing responsibility for the learning process.
12. I provide activities that are personally challenging to each students.
13. I help students in developing and using effective learning strategies.
14. I assess different students differently.
15. I help students develop self- and peer-assessment skills.
16. I provide structure without being overly directive.
17. I allow students to work at their own individual pace.
18. I include students in decisions about how and what they learn and how that learning is assessed.
Note. From “Creating Technology-Enhanced, Learner-Centered Classrooms: K-12 Teachers’ Beliefs, Perceptions, Barriers and Support Needs.” by Y. An and C. Reigeluth, 2011, Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 28(2).
A significant barrier to the introduction of technology into the classroom environment is a teacher’s pedagogical beliefs. The traditional teacher following a behaviorist model works on the assumption that the educator is more knowledgeable than the learner. Regardless, when it comes to how information is collected and sorted, the learner tends to be more proficient due to an aptitude for digital literacy (Smyth, 2011). Teachers with a more constructivist perspective on learning tend to be more open to technology than teachers with a traditional behaviorist perspective. It is understood that constructivist pedagogy lends itself to a more learner-centered classroom environment which is more conducive to technology integration with student-centered learning as the focus. Teachers with a constructivist view of education that provide different objectives for student computer work may find “most students’ use computers to do work for the class outside of class time” which implies that the activity is more engaging for students (Becker, 2000). The out-of-class computer use is in contrast to teachers that use technology for the transmitting of facts and skills only. The Teaching, Learning, and Computing (TLC) study from 4,100 teachers, administrators and technology staff at over 1,000 schools found that 25% of all responding teachers noted that 75% or more of their students were using school computers to complete assignments outside of class time (Becker, 2000). The teachers reporting the highest level of at-school, non-class-time computer use were from students using computers to present information to an audience. In contrast, teachers’ least likely to see students using computers during non-class-time are those that use computers for skills reinforcement or remedial learning. Other influential factors that impact teachers’ willingness to integrate technology are computer anxiety, perception of the importance of computers, and time requirement to learn new technology (Christensen, 2002).
The 2006 to 2007 study of beginning secondary math, science, career and technical education teachers in the Midwestern United States looked at the habits practices and beliefs of the participating STEM teachers (Theoretical Framework, 2007). One findings was that many of the participating teachers did not find value in community-based professional development which took the form of collaborative communication software such as blogs, forums and chats. Blogging was singled out as the least satisfying part of the program study. It is possible to infer that this negative view of the value of blog, forum and chat software would carry over into the teachers’ classroom use of this same technology.
The second-order barriers teachers have towards technology integration are prevalent in other countries as well. For example, a 2006 South Africa is the Second International Technology in Education Study (SITES 2006) report looked at over 1,200 South Africa math and science teachers’ perceptions of technology in education (Sherman & Howard, 2012). The study found that the teacher use of technology remains low due to lack of technology literacy and structured teaching styles incompatible with a technology-enhanced, learner-centered classroom. Specifically, the South African teachers noted the role of the teacher, need for controlling the classroom and the value of technology in learning as their primary attitudes limiting their use of technology in the classroom. Another study compared U.S. and Japanese teachers’ attitudes towards technology using the technology acceptance model (TAM) developed by Hold and Rada (Kusano et al., 2013). The TAM model looked at perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitudes towards technology. Japanese teachers have a more positive view of the use of technology in education. Specific to Japanese teachers’ perceptions, gender was the biggest factor affecting perceived ease of use. With regards to perceived usefulness and attitudes towards technology, the number of computers available and the presence of smart boards within the classroom had the most significant impact on Japanese teachers’ willingness to use the technology.
First-order barriers have been adequately addressed to ensure availability of technology for teachers. Regardless, the area of proper access to training and development should continue to be a focus. In regards to successful technology professional development, Schrum and Levin (as cited in Kusano et al., 2013) identified four critical factors to success. The factors include formal activities at the district level, informal professional development, workshop opportunities during school break, and individual personal development by the teacher.
There is a critical need to address teachers’ internal beliefs in order to address the more rooted second-order barriers limiting successful integration of technology into the classroom. A study conducted by Park and Ertmer (2007) showed that problem-based learning (PBL) had a significant impact on changing teachers’ beliefs regarding technology use. The participating teachers’ pedagogical and self-efficacy beliefs, as well as the perceived value of technology in the classroom, were measured using pre- and post- surveys looking at the teachers’ level of agreement using a 7-point scale. The pre-survey results found very little difference among the participating teachers regarding their beliefs and practices. The teachers were then split into treatment groups with a control group and a PBL group to go through training. The control group participated in a more traditional, lecture-based treatment whereas the PBL group participated in a variety of group-based activities. The study found that PBL group teachers showed a greater shift in their teaching practices by moving to a more student-centered learning approach in their lesson plans while also describing students’ roles in a more student-centered way with a focus on student collaboration. In addition, PBL teachers group had previously viewed curricular characteristics as structured and sequenced. After the treatment, the PBL group included more approaches and components to their curricular structures. With regards to learning goals, the PBL group learned to focus on overall student growth more than just the content-based learning goals. Finally, the PBL group started to integrate varying types of technology rather than relying on PowerPoint and LCD projectors which tend to favor a lecture-style approach. The Park and Ertmer (2007) study showed that problem-based learning (PBL) can positively influence pre-service teachers’ beliefs, thereby decreasing the second-order barriers faced by those teachers.
When considering technological knowledge of teachers, it is beneficial to have a framework of how educational technology fits the teacher knowledge base. Mishra and Koehler (2006), building on Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) framework, formulated the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK or TPACK) framework. The three main components of the TPACK theoretical framework are content, pedagogy and technology. Prior to Mishra and Koehler, technology was considered separately from pedagogy and content was considered separately from pedagogy and content. The Shulman framework included Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), Content Knowledge (CK) with overlapping Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK).
Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) is the overlap of Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) and Technological Knowledge (TK). It is a cognizance of how technologies will impact instruction by understanding of the various technologies available and how the teaching and learning environment makes use of these technologies.
Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) is the overlap of Content Knowledge (CK) and Technological Knowledge (TK). It is the awareness of how content and technology are interconnected or interrelated.
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK or TPACK) is the overlap of all three areas; Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), Content Knowledge (CK) and Technological Knowledge (TK). It extends beyond the knowledge of the areas themselves to a synergy of concepts and techniques with regards to teaching and learning while also taking into consideration each learners’ needs and abilities.
An alternative to traditional professional development is for teachers to develop learning activities using the TPACK framework (Harris, Mishra, Koehler, 2009). This type of training would look at specific content areas to identify both technological and non-technological activities to support the learning aims. In addition, the activities would be approached from a learner perspective to better understand which technologies would benefit the content objectives. Finally, the learning activity would be looked at from all perspectives of the TPACK framework while being inclusive of all teaching and learning styles. An example would be the forty two learning activities for social studies identified by Harris and Hofer (as cited in Harris, Mishra, Koehler, 2009). The distinct activities were knowledge-building (13) and knowledge-expression (26) with each activity focusing on either convergent or divergent thinking process. The allocation of activities allows for teachers to call from a wide range of activity types based on the requirements of the content being delivered and the needs of the learners.
Smyth, T. (2011). The New Literacy: Technology in the Classroom.
Self-education is not just homeschooling. It is the surest method of achieving true knowledge; and this may be accomplished anywhere you choose. | 2019-04-23T04:25:33Z | http://eslarticle.com/pub/e-learning-call/107689-Addressing-Teachers-Barriers-to-Promote-Successful-Technology-Integration-Into-the-Classroom.html |
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your life. Therefore, it’s no surprise that so many people want to know what affects their credit score. The truth is that your credit score is the result of a number of different factors.
Moreover, each of the major credit score factors is affected by several things. The amount of time an item has been on your report affects how much it influences your score. The type of item on your credit report affects how much it influences your score. That means there’s no easy answers for people wondering how much certain situations will affect their FICO score.
However, there are lots of question out there. That’s why we put together this helpful guide. We’ll list the five major factors that affect a person’s credit score. We’ll also explain what each factor means and how strongly it’s weighted into your credit score. After that, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that relate to that factor. Finally, we’ll cover some questions that are more complex.
Use this information to make smart decisions about your credit and credit score. After all, your credit score determines lots of things in your life. Everything from approval for credit and loans to getting a job offer can be based on your score. That means every bit of knowledge can make your life better.
Does Closing Credit Card Affect Credit Score?
Yes, this can affect your credit score in a few ways.
Does Closing a Bank Account Affect Credit Score?
Does Closing HELOC Affect Credit Score?
Yes, student loans can affect your credit score in many ways.
Yes, personal loans affect your credit score.
How to Pre-Qualify Credit Card Without Affecting Credit Score?
Pre-qualification shouldn’t affect your credit score.
How Many Points Does a Hard Inquiry Affect Credit Score?
How Long Do Hard Inquiries Affect Credit Score?
Does Applying for Loans Affect Your Credit Score?
Yes, applying for a loan will create a hard check on your credit score.
Does Soft Credit Inquiry Affect Score?
No, a soft credit inquiry doesn’t impact your credit score at all.
Does Applying for Credit Card Affect Credit Score?
Yes, applying for a credit card will lower your score a bit.
Does Checking Your Credit Score Affect Your Credit?
It depends on how you check your credit.
Does Pre-Approval Affect Credit Score?
Pre-approval doesn’t affect your credit.
Does Cosigning Affect Credit Score?
Yes, cosigning on a loan or credit account will affect your credit score.
Do Insurance Quotes Affect Credit Score?
No, credit checks from insurance companies are soft checks.
Does Mortgage Pre-Qualification Affect Credit Score?
Most mortgage pre-qualifications won’t affect your credit score.
How to Check Credit Score Without Affecting It?
There are lots of ways to check your credit score without affecting it.
Will Refinancing Affect Credit Score?
There are a few ways that refinancing can affect your credit score.
Does a Car Lease Affect Credit Score?
Yes, a car lease is a type of installment loan.
What is the Additional Cardholder Effect On Credit Score?
That depends if you’re the account holder or the authorized user being added.
Do Multiple Inquiries Affect Credit Score?
Does Requesting Credit Line Increase Affect Credit Score?
Does a Parent Plus Loan Affect Your Credit Score?
Yes, Parent Plus student loans affect your credit just like any other type of student loan.
Medical bills do not directly affect your credit score themselves.
How Long Do Late Payments Affect Credit Score?
Bankruptcy will cause a steep drop in your credit score.
How Does Mortgage Forbearance Affect a Credit Score?
How Much Does One Late Payment Affect a Credit Score?
How Much Does a Collection Affect Credit Score?
Does Paying Rent Affect Credit Score?
Does Not Paying Water Bill Affect Credit Score?
How Does Paying Collection Agency Affect My Credit Score?
Paying off the debt does not by itself affect your credit report.
Do Phone Bills Affect Credit Score?
Does Paying the Minimum Affect Credit Score?
No, it’s better to make an on-time minimum payment than to miss a payment.
How Much Does a Delinquency Affect Credit Score?
How Does a Charge Off Affect Your Credit Score?
Does Balance Transfer Affect Credit Score?
Usually a balance transfer will boost your score.
Does Increasing a Credit Limit Affect Credit Score?
Yes, increasing a credit limit can affect your score in two ways.
Does Overdraft Affect Credit Score?
Do Maxed Out Credit Cards Affect Credit Score?
Does Paypal Credit Affect Credit Score?
That depends on how you use their services.
Does Credit Karma Affect Your Credit Score?
Do Debit Cards Affect Credit Score?
No – debit cards are like an electronic checkbook.
What is the Effect on Credit Score When Denied for Credit Card?
You’ll see a slight dip in your score.
Does a DUI Affect Your Credit Score?
A DUI will not directly affect your credit score.
How Many Points Does a Lien Affect Your Credit Score?
How Much Does a Tax Lien Affect Your Credit Score?
Does Debt to Income Ratio Affect Credit Score?
No – income isn’t reported on your credit report.
Does a Paid Judgment Affect Credit Score?
No – the judgement is going to be on your report whether you’re paid or not.
Will Changing My Address Affect My Credit Score?
How Does Adding Authorized User Affect Credit Score?
Adding an authorized user to your account doesn’t affect your credit score by itself.
There are five primary factors that affect your credit score. The length of your credit history, your credit mix, new credit, payment history, and credit utilization. We’ll look at each of these factors below.
One of the trickiest credit score factors is the length of your credit history. This is an area where people can sometimes get into trouble by accident. The longer your credit history, the better your score will be. That’s because a longer history gives creditors and lenders more confidence in their ability to assess how much of a risk a person is for default. The length of your credit history makes up 15% of your credit score.
First, closing a credit card lowers your available credit. That means you’ll be utilizing a higher percentage of your credit. That causes your score to drop. Also, closing your credit card can shorten the length of your credit history. That’s because your credit score is calculated using the average age of open accounts. Closing an account removes it from that consideration, which can drop your score.
A bank account isn’t based on credit. It isn’t the same as a credit card or loan. Instead of owing money to the bank account, your bank account stores money. Therefore, bank accounts aren’t reported on credit reports. As a result, closing them doesn’t affect your score.
Closing a HELOC causes the average length of your credit history to go down. That means that your credit score can also take a hit. Therefore, you want to be sure it’s the right move to close your HELOC once you’re done paying it off. It can be smart to do so if your account charges annual fees. It’s also necessary to close the HELOC to remove the lien on your home, even if the balance owed on your HELOC is zero.
Credit mix is a bit hard to understand. Essentially, this category evaluates the types of accounts that you have open and looks for a good mix of them. Specifically, it takes revolving accounts and installment accounts into consideration.
The best example of an installment account is a loan. You get a lump sum of money up front and then pay down the balance over the repayment period. Revolving accounts are things like credit cards. These are accounts that you can dip into when you need them and carry a different balance each month. The balance on a revolving account can go up or down, depending on how you use it.
Creditors like to see a good mix of these types of accounts. That shows them that you’re able to handle multiple different types of credit. It also shows that you’re using credit responsibly. Many installment accounts are things that add value, for example a mortgage. Whereas revolving accounts usually only represent debt with no value added.
Your credit mix makes up 10% of your credit score.
First, they’re an installment account. That means lenders see these accounts as a good investment that will increase your earning potential in the future. Therefore, they can contribute to having a good mix of credit.
However, student loans also show debt obligations. That can make it harder to get credit or loans in the future. Additionally, if you fall behind on your payments, then a student loan can hurt your account. Student lenders have to follow special credit reporting rules. That means they aren’t as flexible as other lenders when it comes to what they can report to the major credit agencies.
A personal loan can build up your credit score if you make all of your payments on time. However, taking out a personal loan also generates a hard credit inquiry, which will bring your score down a little bit.
Also, the way you use a personal loan matters. If you use the loan to consolidate credit card debt and then keep a low or zero balance on those cards, it can boost your score by lowering your utilization. However, using a personal loan for something like a vacation or event doesn’t help your credit score.
New credit is a bit vague but is easy to understand. Any time someone requests new credit it sends a signal that they are a bigger risk than they had been in the past. That’s why things like credit checks affect your credit score. If someone starts applying for lots of new loans and lines of credit, it tells lenders and creditors that person is having money problems.
Additionally, new credit can play a role in affecting another factor. Specifically, your average account length. Anytime you add a new credit account to your credit history, your average account age goes down. That also causes a drop in your score.
New credit makes up 10% of your credit score total.
When you pre-qualify for a financial product like a loan or line of credit, the lender or creditor is performing a soft credit check on you. This kind of credit check doesn’t impact your score at all.
Lenders use pre-qualification as a way to help people know if they’re likely to get approved for a loan or line of credit. However, even if you’re pre-qualified, you can still get turned down on your official application.
Everyone’s credit history is different. Therefore, there’s no way to know how many points a hard check will take off of any single credit score. These kinds of credit entries don’t cause a huge impact, and new credit only makes up 10% of your overall score. Most people see a drop in their score of less than 5 points for a hard credit check.
A hard credit check will stay on your credit report for 2 years. However, after 6 months it is no longer factored into your credit score. This type of item ages off your report faster than any other credit report entry.
That will lower it some. The impact from the application won’t be very large though. Additionally, if you’re applying for the same kind of loans with different lenders, then the credit reporting agencies treat all of those checks as a single check. Therefore, you should feel free to shop around to find the best deal.
The credit check may be included on your report, but it doesn’t influence the actual score. That’s the point of a soft credit check. It gives consumers and lenders enough of an idea about someone’s credit situation to decide whether or not they want to move forward in the process of applying. Also, your current creditors and lenders may perform a soft check for their own internal purposes.
Applying for a new credit card sends the signal that you’re a greater risk for default. That’s because companies assume you wouldn’t be applying for a credit card if you didn’t need the money. However, the impact is minimal and, as long as you use it responsibly, getting a credit card can help raise your score.
If you use one of the free tools or the credit check methods that states and the federal government entitle you to, then no, this doesn’t affect your credit. That’s because these kinds of inquiries are known as a soft pull. They don’t influence your score at all.
Pre-approval is given based on your credit records that are available from a soft credit check. A soft credit check doesn’t impact your score at all.
That’s because co-signing on something adds it to your credit history. Also, when you co-sign for a line or line of credit, the lender will perform a hard credit check on you. That will lower your credit score. Your score can also be impacted if the primary holder of the account fails to pay.
The company isn’t selling you a loan or line of credit. That means the credit check they do doesn’t signal a higher level of risk of default to the credit reporting agencies.
That’s because a pre-qualification usually uses a soft credit check. Pre-qualification works as a way to say that you’re likely to get approved for the mortgage. You’ll still have to formally apply at the time you want to buy a house. This is when most hard credit checks happen.
You can use any of the three major reporting agencies. State and federal laws mandate that consumers get at least one, and usually two, free credit checks per year to check for errors and problems.
Also, many of the credit monitoring services don’t impact your credit. That’s because they perform soft credit checks. These type of credit checks don’t indicate that you’re actively seeking more credit, so they don’t factor into your score at all.
If the refinanced loan is reported as the same loan, then the way it is modified will impact how your score is affected. If the loan is reported as a new loan, then you’ll take a small hit for a new hard inquiry. Moreover, if the loan is reported as new, then it indicates a new credit obligation, which lowers your score.
You get money up front to pay for the car, and you pay the loan back according to the terms of the deal. The initial credit check for the loan will lower your score. Your score will also be lowered because you’re taking on a new credit obligation.
However, a car lease can also give your credit score a boost. That’s because it adjusts the mix of credit accounts on your record. It also lets you build your score by making consistent on-time payments.
If you hold the account, your credit won’t be affected so long as you make all of your payments on time. Keep in mind you’ll be responsible for any purchases that the authorized user makes.
If you’re being added as an authorized user, then the account’s status and payment history are factored into your score. That means if the account has a solid record of on-time payments and low utilization, it can really help your credit score.
If you make multiple inquiries for the same kind of product, then the credit agencies treat these as one inquiry. For example, if you’re shopping for student loans and apply to four different lenders, then that’s treated as one credit check. It will affect your score, but only a little bit.
However, if you’re making multiple inquiries for different types of credit or loan products, then your credit score will take a bigger hit. That’s because each type of product you’re checked for will generate a new hard inquiry, which will lower your score. Having multiple hard inquiries for different products will send a signal that you’re having money issues.
A request for a credit line increase can come with a hard credit check. If that’s the case, then you’ll see a slight dip in your score.
However, some companies will approve a credit line increase without a hard credit check. That means your credit score won’t be affected.
You’ll get a hard credit check, which will lower your score a bit. You’ll also reap the benefits of consistent on-time payments and suffer any penalties from late payments or default.
Payment history is the most heavily weighted factor that affects your credit score. It makes up 35% of the total score.
That’s because past behavior is usually very accurate at predicting future behavior. As a result, if you’ve missed lots of payments in the past, creditors expect you to do so again in the future. On the flipside, if you have a solid record of on-time payments, then creditors expect you’ll continue to make payments on time.
However, medical bills can have a huge impact on your credit score if you don’t pay them on time. Late or missed payments and being sent to collections are the biggest ways that medical bills affect your credit score.
A late payment will stay on your credit report for 7 years. But it affects your score less as time goes on. That means a 4 year old late payment won’t affect your score as much as a late payment for the past month.
A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7 years. A Chapter 11, or liquidation bankruptcy, will stay on your report for 10 years. A bankruptcy shows the credit reporting agencies that you were completely unable to handle your credit and debt obligations, which makes you a high risk for default. The good news is that the bankruptcy affects your score less and less as time goes on.
Lenders have the option to report a forbearance to credit reporting agencies. However, they usually won’t do so. That means the forbearance is much better than the late or missed payments that you’d have if you didn’t take the forbearance offer.
There’s no one formula for how much a certain thing will affect a credit score. Late payments have a larger effect on people with higher credit scores. However, people with fair to average scores won’t see as large of a drop in their score. Other factors, like payment history and length of accounts, make it impossible to know how much one late payment will impact your credit score.
A collections effort will impact your credit score more the higher your score is. It also depends on how you handle the collection efforts and the size of the debt being collected. The best way to ensure your credit score stays safe is to negotiate a settlement with the debt collection agency. Make sure you get an agreement from them in writing that they will not report the collection account to the credit reporting agencies.
If you landlord reports rent payments to the credit reporting agencies, then paying rent on time will boost your score. If the landlord doesn’t report, then it won’t affect your credit score at all.
Many utility companies will hold off on reporting late or missed payments. If the company reports the payment, then it will cause your score to drop. If the company doesn’t report payments, then your score likely won’t be affected.
Instead, you need to negotiate an agreement with the debt collection agency that they won’t report your collections if you make on-time payments. You can also negotiate a settlement for a lump sum and get them to agree in writing not to affect your report.
If your phone service provider reports payments to the credit agencies, then on-time payments will boost your score and missed ones will hurt it. Otherwise, it won’t have any affect.
Missing a payment will lower your score. The minimum payment keeps your account in good standing, even if it doesn’t lower your credit utilization much.
Negative entries do more damage the higher your score is. It also depends on the severity of the delinquency and what other deal you work out with your lender or creditor.
If a creditor reports a charge-off on your account, then your score will drop. How much it drops depends on lots of other factors. If the creditor doesn’t report the charge off, then it won’t affect your account.
Credit Utilization makes up the second highest percentage of your credit score. It comes in at 30%. This is a measure of how much credit you have access to compared to how much you’re using.
You may see a slight hit when you first open the balance transfer account. However, if you don’t use your first card and pay off the balance transfer card on-time, then your score will go up because you’ll be using less of your available credit.
If your creditor performs a hard credit check before the increase, then you’ll see a slight drop. However, if you get the increase and don’t use it, then your score will go up because you’re utilizing less of your available credit.
However, overdrafts only affect your credit if you don’t pay the fees and the bank sends you to a collections agency. Checking accounts are not on credit reports.
30% of your credit score comes from your credit utilization. That means if you have maxed out credit cards your score will take a big hit.
This section is for questions that deal with multiple credit reporting factors. They are frequently examples of less common credit cases and questions.
If you apply for Paypal credit you’ll see an initial score drop from the hard credit check. However, Paypal doesn’t currently report to credit agencies. Late payments won’t hurt your score, but on-time payments won’t help it.
Some of their services could cause an immediate drop in your score, but will build it up over time. Other services will cause a jump in your score.
If you consolidate revolving debt into an installment account and stop using credit cards, your score will go up because you’ll be utilizing less of your available credit. However, you’ll see a slight dip from the hard credit check necessary to get approved for the consolidation loan.
Credit Karma uses a soft credit check to tell you your score. That doesn’t impact your score at all.
Your spouse’s credit history doesn’t affect your score at all. Your score can still be affected by joint accounts if you fall behind on payments.
They don’t affect your credit score because they’re not a line of credit.
Your income affects your ability to get approved for loans and lines of credit. However, it doesn’t directly affect your credit score, and is not listed on your credit report.
However, that’s not caused by the denial. Instead, it’s caused by the hard check required to get approved. You’d see the same dip if you were approved.
However, the loss of money to fines, jail time, and other expenses can make it hard to pay your bills, which would impact your credit score.
Your credit score is the result of many factors. Everyone’s credit score and credit report is different. Generally, any negative item will affect people with higher credit scores much more than those with lower credit scores.
Credit scores are generated from many different pieces of data. No two people have the same credit report. Generally, people with a higher credit score will take a bigger hit than people with a lower credit score.
Therefore, it doesn’t affect your credit. However, it does affect if you’ll be approved for a loan or not, as lenders and creditors use verifiable income and debt to income ratios to determine how likely you are to make payments.
It will be there for 7 years. Thankfully, as time moves on it will have a smaller and smaller impact on your score.
Changing your address doesn’t affect your credit score.
If that user makes a lot of purchases and you can’t pay off your balance, then your credit score can go down. It can also go down because the new user is causing your credit utilization to be higher than it otherwise would be.
It can make it harder to get loans and lines of credit though, as you’ll have to unfreeze your credit reports prior to getting approval. | 2019-04-18T17:30:04Z | https://repair.credit/what-affects-your-credit-score/ |
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What is the power Jesus was speaking of? It is the power to hear from God, to speak in tongues, prophesy, do signs, miracles, and wonders, and much more. In short, we can bring into evidence, into manifestation, the gift of holy spirit inside us. The gift of holy spirit, the divine nature, that is sealed in each Christian, cannot be detected by the five senses. No one can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch it. However, holy spirit inside can be manifested, brought forth into evidence, in the nine ways set forth in 1 Corinthians 12:8–10.
The word “manifestation” is a good translation of the Greek word phanerosis, which means “a manifestation, a making visible or observable.”1 Manifestation comes from two Latin words: manus = hand and festare = to touch. A manifestation is detectable by the five senses. We experience manifestations all the time. Electric energy in a light bulb is manifested in the form of light and heat. A manifestation of the chicken pox disease is a rash with small pimple‑like sores. We cannot see the virus that causes the chicken pox, but we can see the manifestation of the disease.
The multipurpose “Swiss Army” knife is a good example of the difference between a gift and a manifestation. The traditional knives have red handles, and many come with two blades (big and little), two screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a can opener, an awl, scissors, a file, and a pair of tweezers (Nine manifestations!). If you receive one multipurpose knife as a gift, you can use (bring into manifestation) any or all of its implements, and cut, snip, tweeze, etc. The one gift has many manifestations. Similarly, the one gift God gives each believer is holy spirit, which can be manifested in nine ways.
The examples of the light bulb, chicken pox, and Swiss Army knife are intended to show the difference between a gift and a manifestation, and every example has limitations. The examples are intended to make the point that there can be one gift with many manifestations, and when a person has the gift, he has the capacity to manifest it.
The gift of holy spirit is not observable or detectable by our five senses. Its presence inside the Christian becomes known when it is manifested, made obvious, in the senses world.2 It may be obvious only to the one with holy spirit, such as when God gives a message of knowledge to someone, and that message is known only by the one receiving it, but it is obvious in the senses world nonetheless.
The Bible says that to “each one” (1 Cor. 12:7) is given the manifestation of the spirit. Each and every Christian can manifest holy spirit because each Christian has holy spirit. We know there are many Christians who have never manifested the gift of holy spirit in a way that they themselves recognize, and this has caused them to doubt that they can. We trust that this book presents convincing evidence that a Christian can manifest holy spirit even if he has never done so.
(10) and to another [allos] working of miracles; to another [allos] prophecy; to another [allos] discerning of spirits; to a different one [heteros] various kinds of tongues; and to another [allos] the interpretation of tongues.
We will study each of these manifestations separately, but before we do, we need to address some basics about the manifestations. First, these verses seem to indicate that each Christian gets only one manifestation, something that has confused many people. Even though these verses use the term, “to another,” it does not mean that each person will manifest only one of the manifestations. As we have seen somewhat already, and will see in much more detail later, every person can manifest all nine manifestations. However, not everyone will manifest the spirit in the same way at any given time and place. To make sure that things in the Church are done “decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40 KJV), at any given time the Lord energizes different manifestations in different believers. Thus at a Christian meeting, one person will speak in tongues and interpret, another will prophesy, another will minister healing, etc. 4It is important to point out that believers need to step out on what the Lord is energizing in them. It often happens that he is working in someone to pray, speak in tongues and interpret, prophesy, etc., but the person will be too timid to step forth and manifest. The Lord will do his part, we need to be sure we are doing ours.
Second, the Bible specifically says that the manifestation of holy spirit is for the “common good.” Some benefit is missed, or some consequence occurs, when Christians do not walk with the power of the manifestations of holy spirit. Imagine the Bible with no such manifestations—no record of Moses smiting the rock, or Joshua stopping the Jordan River, or Samson pushing down the pagan temple, or God telling Samuel to anoint Saul as king, or Elijah calling down fire from heaven [See Segment 12 of our class: One Day With The Creator], or God telling Jonah to go to Nineveh.
The Bible would be much less exciting and would bring much less hope and blessing if the power of God were absent from its pages. Had Ananias not walked in the power of the manifestations, he would not have had the blessing of healing Paul (Acts 9:10–18). Had Peter not walked in the power of the manifestations, he would not have had the blessing of being the first to lead Gentiles into the New Birth (Acts 10:9–46). If Paul had not walked in the power of the manifestations, Eutychus would have remained dead (Acts 20:9–12). If a Christian does not speak in tongues, he misses out on the fact that it is a sign from God that he is saved (1 Cor. 14:22). Similarly, if the manifestations are absent or misused, there are consequences. If everyone in the congregation speaks in tongues at the same time, for example, an unbeliever may get the wrong impression (1 Cor. 14: 23).
Third, we must take note that God has placed the manifestations into three groups, or categories. In the above verses most versions read “to another” eight times. However, there are actually two different Greek words, allos and heteros, translated “to another.” In Greek, allos was generally used to express a numerical difference and denotes “another of the same sort,” while heteros means a qualitative difference and denotes “another of a different sort.” When a list is put together, and the items are said to be allos, they are of the same kind or nature. When they are said to be heteros, they are different in nature. Thus, what we see in this section is God separating the manifestations into three groups, separated by the word heteros, which we showed in brackets when we quoted the verses.5 In our translation, we used “another” when the Greek word was allos, and “different one” when it was heteros.
As we study the groupings of the manifestations, it is clear that two of them are revelation (hearing from God), five are related to the power of God, and two are worship oriented.
[We highly recommend our foundational class: One Day With The Creator, Segment 20, Parts one & two, titled “The Manifestations of Holy Spirit.”] Before we examine these manifestations separately, we need to be aware that they are listed separately in the Bible and discussed separately in this book for the sake of clarity. God never intended them to be separate and distinct in the lives of the believers who experience them. He is our Father and He wants a relationship with us, and He wants us to be effective fellow-workers with Him (1 Cor. 3:9). In order to do that, we must be able to worship God (the worship group), hear from Him (the revelation group), and work for Him (the power group). In the day‑to‑day life of a believer who is striving to love God, live a holy life, and do God’s will, the manifestations will often work seamlessly and result in great blessing for the believer and the people affected. For example, a Christian woman, Susan, may be by herself enjoying worshipping God by singing in tongues to some Christian music she is playing. Then the phone rings and it is her friend who needs prayer because many things seem to be going wrong in her life and today she is sick. Susan immediately feels the leading of the Lord to pray for specifics about her friend’s life (the revelation manifestations at work) and then commands healing to take place in the name of Jesus Christ (faith and healing). By the time she gets off the phone, her friend is feeling better.
In the above scenario, Susan did not think to herself, “Now I need a message of knowledge. Now I need a message of wisdom, Now I need faith. Now I need the manifestation of gifts of healings.” No, she had a relationship with God and love for her friend, and the manifestations worked together to produce the “common good” mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7.
The manifestations work together, but it is still important to understand them individually. For years, scholars have discussed the manifestations of holy spirit and there are many differing opinions. The reason for the discussion and the uncertainty is that the manifestations are not clearly defined in 1 Corinthians. There is a good reason for this. It is common in all writing that authors leave out details and descriptions that everyone knows. Books and magazines are full of words that refer to things that in other cultures or ages may not be understood. Writers today commonly mention cars, planes, the Internet, and thousands of other things that we do not explain in detail because the readers know what they are. There are many examples of this in the Bible also.
A good example occurs in Luke, where, in his day, Luke did a good job of dating the birth of Christ by telling us it was about the time of the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria (Luke 2:2). No doubt everyone in Luke’s day who read that said, “Ah, now I know when the birth of Christ occurred.” Today, however, not much information about Quirinius has survived the centuries, and so there is controversy about the date of the birth of Christ.
Nevertheless, the Bible never describes them because the biblical readers knew exactly who they were and where they lived.
The people of Corinth and other Christians in the first century were familiar with the manifestations of holy spirit, so there was no need for Paul to explain what they were or how they worked. God’s people had been manifesting holy spirit for generations (except for speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues, with which the Corinthian Church was very familiar). God had put holy spirit upon people in the Hebrew Scriptures such as Moses, Joshua, Deborah, David, Elijah, and many others, and those people could then hear knowledge or wisdom from God (thus, the message of knowledge and wisdom). They had the faith to do what God asked of them even when it seemed impossible, they did miracles, and when Jesus came on the scene, he taught his disciples to heal and cast out demons. The believers of Corinth were familiar with all these manifestations, and of course Paul, who founded the Church in Corinth on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–18), had also instructed them.
Some scholars have tried to look in Greek culture to find the meaning of the manifestations based on the definitions of the Greek words themselves (for example, “wisdom” was very important in the Greek culture). That misses the point, and for the most part has been unhelpful in discovering the nature of the manifestations, and is one reason why there is so much debate about the manifestations by scholars. The manifestations were not Greek experiences or concepts, but the timeless manifestations, outward evidences, of the inward presence of holy spirit. These manifestations were not to be found in Greek culture, vocabulary, or history, but in the experiences of the men and women of God.
English culture today is somewhat similar to the Greek culture in that there has been very little accurate exposure to the power of holy spirit and very little accurate teaching on it. Therefore, we need a clear explanation of the manifestations so we can understand them. As the Greeks of old, we need to get our understanding from the Bible itself and then add to our understanding by utilizing and experiencing the manifestations. We will start our study of the manifestations by giving a basic definition for each of them, and then examining them in more detail.
A message of wisdom is God or the Lord Jesus Christ providing you with direction, or how to apply the knowledge you have about something.
The manifestation of faith is you having the confidence or trust that what God or the Lord Jesus Christ has revealed to you by a message of knowledge or a message of wisdom will come to pass at your command.
The manifestation of gifts of healings is you exercising your God‑given spiritual ability to heal by the power of God, according to what God or the Lord Jesus Christ has revealed to you by a message of knowledge or a message of wisdom.
The manifestation of working of miracles is you exercising your God‑given spiritual ability to do miracles by the power of God, according to what God or the Lord Jesus Christ has revealed to you by a message of knowledge or a message of wisdom.
Discerning of spirits is God or the Lord Jesus Christ revealing to you information about the presence or non‑presence of spirits (including both holy spirit or demons), and sometimes including the identity of demons present, whether or not you may cast them out, and providing the power to do it.
It is very important to realize that when the Bible says “manifestation of the spirit” it means exactly that—these are evidences of holy spirit, not natural abilities God has given to the person. They are the presence of holy spirit being made visible. We make this point because some people treat these manifestations as if they were talents that some people have, with no specific connection to the gift of holy spirit they received when they were saved. It is true that God does give different people talents. Some people sing well; some people are very athletic; some are very intelligent; some people are great artists, etc. These are all God‑given talents, but they are not manifestations of holy spirit.
We will cover the two “revelation” manifestations together because they are the first group of manifestations God mentions. They often work seamlessly together, with a single revelation from God consisting of both a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom. We call these the “revelation” manifestations because they deal with God or the Lord Jesus “revealing” something. We translate these manifestations as a “message” because the Greek word logos means an intelligible communication. The first definition of logos in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon is “a word, yet not in the grammatical sense (equivalent to vocabulum, the mere name of an object), but language, vox, i.e., a word which, uttered by the living voice, embodies a conception or idea.”8 The NIV uses “message,” and other versions, such as the RSV, NRSV, and NJB, use “utterance,” which would be fine as long as it is understood that it is the Lord who “utters” the message to the person and not that the person speaks a message of wisdom to someone else.
The translation “message” communicates accurately exactly what the Lord gives by revelation: a message. The message may come as an audible voice, as a picture or vision, as a physical sensation, or even as a firm realization, an inner knowing. The King James Version says “word of wisdom” and “word of knowledge” and so those terms are widely used, and “word” is used for “message” in Christian jargon. Nevertheless, it could be misleading to a new Bible student who might think of revelation as “words,” especially because in our experience the majority of the revelation any person receives is not a “word” and not even by “words,” but much more often by an impression or picture.
The prophets had holy spirit upon them, which is why they could hear from God and then powerfully act on what He said, and why they were so revered in their culture. It is possible for God to speak to people audibly, and not via the holy spirit upon or in them, but this is rare. When God wanted to communicate to people, He usually did so via holy spirit. That is why, as we saw in Chapter 3, all through the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospels, when God wanted a person to prophesy or, like Joseph, to be a wise ruler, He put holy spirit on him. Today, many Christians realize that it is possible to hear from God, and there are a number of books available on the subject by popular preachers.10 It is a great blessing that today, in the Administration of Grace, each and every Christian can hear from God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
When we speak of revelation from God, a message of knowledge or wisdom, we are speaking of God or the Lord Jesus giving direct revelation to the person via holy spirit. Sometimes people point out that God “speaks” via other people’s advice, or nature, etc. He can “speak” to us that way, but that kind of communication from God is not a manifestation of holy spirit. Furthermore, a message of wisdom or knowledge is the Lord giving information to the believer, not the believer giving it to others. The Living Bible, for example, calls “a message of wisdom,” “…the ability to give wise advice.…” Many people, saved and unsaved, give wise advice. That is not a manifestation of holy spirit. The manifestation of a message of wisdom occurs when God gives a Christian a message about what to do in a given situation via the gift of holy spirit.
As we saw from its definition above, the manifestation of a message of knowledge is when God or the Lord Jesus Christ gives a believer information about something. It may be only a little bit of information, but it is knowledge nevertheless. A good example would be Joseph interpreting Pharaoh’s dream (Gen. 41:25–27). God gave Joseph knowledge about the meaning of the dream, which was that there would be seven years of plenty, then seven years of famine. That revelation is a message of knowledge because it only gives information, the facts of the case.
It is important to realize and keep in mind that a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom are manifestations of holy spirit, and are not part of the natural human mind. They work together with the human mind, but they are separate from it. They are not superior knowledge, insight, awareness, or wisdom, which comes from the ability of the mind. Many unsaved people have great knowledge and wisdom, but these are not manifestations of holy spirit. Neither is it giving knowledge or wise advice to someone else, for many unsaved people give wise counsel to others.
A message of knowledge and a message of wisdom are God “speaking” to us to guide and help us. It is inconceivable that He would not do that for each and every Christian. Surely He would not give guidance to one Christian and not to another. Every Christian can, and needs to, manifest holy spirit in these two ways to live a rich and successful Christian life. No doubt most Christians have heard from God via the manifestations without even realizing it. Although there are times when God gives a message of knowledge or wisdom in such a clear and powerful way that it cannot be missed, usually God speaks in a “gentle whisper” or “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 NIV, KJV).
An example of the Lord giving a very clear and powerful message of knowledge and wisdom was when the Lord wanted Peter to go to the Gentiles and present the Christian message to them. The Lord gave Peter a vision and an audible revelation (Acts 10:11–13). However, in our experience, the whisper of God can be so gentle, so quiet, that often we cannot distinguish it from our own thoughts. This is especially true in these modern times when there is probably music or television in the background, and we are so busy and distracted that we are not really paying attention to Him. That is a major reason why the definition of a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom is “God or the Lord Jesus Christ providing to you” information or direction. The Lord “provides” the information or direction, but sometimes we do not recognize it for what it is. Many times it is only after the fact that we recognize that the “thought” we had was actually revelation from the Lord.
Sometimes it is because of the timing of a thought or idea that we come to recognize it as revelation. Many Christians have the experience of doing something that turns out to be at “just the right time.” A believer may “get the idea” to call a friend that he has not called in a long time, only to find out when he is on the phone that the timing of the call was so godly that the “idea” had to have come from the Lord. A person may “feel an urge” to stop by someone’s house when he is on his way home from work, only to find that the timing of the visit was so perfect that the “urge” had to be revelation. Although sometimes these things happen by coincidence, a Christian endeavoring to walk with God and bless people will recognize them happening too frequently for that to always be the case. Often he will be able to think back to the “idea” or the “urge” and begin to recognize that it was somehow different from a “normal thought,” even though he did not recognize that at the time.
In the above examples the Lord gave the revelation at just the right time, and the effect of the believer acting on the revelation he received was that people were helped and blessed. This is a good example of how the manifestations work for the “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). It is often when there is a tangible blessing in the Body of Christ that people recognize that the Lord is at work in those Christians who walk by the power of holy spirit.
Revelation from God or the Lord Jesus rarely comes like a flash of lightning and a crash of thunder, so very different from our own thoughts that we cannot miss it. Usually the Lord is working to help us do what we are already doing. Thus, revelation sometimes makes us aware of something that we already know, jogging our memory or “connecting the dots” for us. A good example of that is when Paul stood on trial before the Sanhedrin. Paul had been a Pharisee (Phil. 3:5), and was very aware of the tension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were both vying for control of the religious system in Israel. As he was brought before them he could have been in serious trouble. They hated him, and the Romans dealt harshly with troublemakers. However, just at the right time, Paul “perceived” (Acts 23:6 KJV) that part of the Sanhedrin was Pharisees and part was Sadducees, and he cried out that he was a Pharisee and on trial over the issue of the resurrection of the dead. The counsel broke into pandemonium, and Paul was taken from there by the Romans who feared he would be hurt.
That Paul received revelation is quite clear from the scope of Scripture. He knew very well that part of the Sanhedrin was Pharisees and part was Sadducees, and he knew the issues over which they were divided. Therefore, it would make no sense to say that he “perceived” or “noticed” (NRSV) it as if he did not already know it. He knew it, but it had not occurred to him to use their division to save himself. The Lord provided the insight for Paul and it probably saved his life.
While it is important that we do not become prideful or “spooky spiritual” and attribute all our thoughts and ideas to God, there are times when we have an “Aha” moment, or a “gut feeling,” that is from God and not from our own mind. The holy spirit sealed inside of us is part of our very nature, and therefore God can communicate through it seamlessly and effortlessly to our minds.
We have now discussed the revelation manifestations, a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom, and seen how they work in the lives of Christian believers. What God did for the people who had holy spirit in the Hebrew Scriptures, He does for Christians because He knows we need His help and guidance to be successful in life and accomplish what He would have us accomplish. Each and every Christian should strive to live a holy life and do the work God has for Him, and then expect to receive messages of knowledge and wisdom to help and bless him.
One of the great benefits of a message of knowledge or of wisdom is that it builds our faith. It is a powerful faith‑building experience to hear from heaven, and we need faith in order to accomplish that which the Lord asks us to do. Faith is the third manifestation listed in 1 Corinthians 12.
The biblical definition of faith is “trust,” and we trust things only after they have been proven to us. Jesus never asked anyone to believe he was the Messiah without proof. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and did miracles, such as healing the man born blind (something that had never been done in the history of the world), and he asked people to believe the miracles that he did (John 10:38). Similarly, God does not ask us to believe Him without proof. He has left many evidences that He exists and that His Word is true. Thus, when God asks us to have faith, He is not asking us to believe something without proof. God proves Himself to us, and because of that we trust Him, that is, we have faith.
We must distinguish between faith as it is commonly used in the Bible and the “manifestation of faith.” All of us have “faith” (trust) in a large number of things. In fact, ordinary life would be impossible without trust. A person would not sit down if he did not trust that the chair would hold him. People plan their entire evening based upon faith (trust) in a recorded announcement by a total stranger as to what time the movie they want to see starts. God asks us to trust that Jesus has been raised from the dead because the Bible, history, and life give plenty of evidence for it.
Moses brought water out of a rock by the manifestation of faith (Exod. 17:5 and 6), Gideon defeated the Midianites by the manifestation of faith (Judg. 6:16), Elijah multiplied the oil and bread by the manifestation of faith (1 Kings 17:14–16), and the other great miracles of the Bible were done by the manifestation of faith. When it comes to miracles and gifts of healings, we need the manifestation of faith because we cannot heal the sick or do miracles by our human power. God must give us a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom, letting us know that it is His will for us to heal someone or do a miracle, and then we must have the faith to do it.
Every Christian needs to utilize the manifestation of faith. Christ said that when people received holy spirit they would receive power (Acts 1:8), but no one can operate the power of God without the faith to do so. Since every Christian needs to use the manifestation of faith to bring to pass the revelation that God gives him, every Christian has the ability to manifest faith. Thus, we see that the manifestation of faith, like a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom, is for every Christian, not just certain ones.
We cover these two manifestations together because they are similar in many ways. The “gifts [plural] of healings [plural]” is so called because God does multiple healings, and each of them is a gift, done out of His grace or mercy. Gifts of healings and working of miracles are manifestations of holy spirit because it takes a believer to do them by the power of God that He has been given. It is very important to realize that it is people, empowered by holy spirit within, who do healings and miracles. On rare occasions God heals or does a miracle without human agency, but that is not “the manifestation” of gifts of healings or miracles because the gift of holy spirit inside a Christian was not employed.
To do a healing or miracle, several manifestations come into action. First, the person needs a message of knowledge and/or a message of wisdom to know what the situation is and what to do about it. Second, he needs the manifestation of faith to bring to pass the healing or miracle. Third, he must represent Christ on earth and, via the power of God, bring to pass the miracle as God supplies the energy for it. Notice how Peter raised Tabitha.
Peter spoke the miracle into being. First, Peter prayed. Then, when he had revelation from the Lord to go ahead, he raised her from the dead by the power of God. Once Peter received the revelation to raise Tabitha, he performed the miracle. We believe that there would be more miracles and healings in Christendom today if Christians would step out in faith and do what the Lord tells them to do. Too often we are waiting for God to do what He has given us the spiritual power to do.
It is not our intention to demean the power of prayer in any way. Christians are commanded to pray, and should do so as much as possible. However, when God or the Lord Jesus gives us the revelation to do a healing or miracle, that is not the time to pray, it is the time to step out in faith and boldly do the miracle. If the miracle or healing takes time, the one receiving the revelation must stay in faith and prayer to see it accomplished.
(13) Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
Once God gave the revelation of what to do, it was Moses’ turn to act, using the power God had given him. Moses utilized the manifestation of faith, and performed the miracle of splitting the sea. Had Moses not had faith to raise his staff and do the miracle, Israel would not have escaped from the Egyptians. Likewise, we Christians must recognize the power we have, and then step out and use that power.
The manifestations of gifts of healings and working of miracles are often interwoven. There are certainly miracles that are not healings, such as when Moses parted the sea so the Israelites could escape Egypt. Also, there are healings that are not miracles, when, although the natural power of the body to heal itself is augmented by the healing power of God, the healing is not instantaneous. However, there are many miracles of healing in the Bible, such as the instantaneous healing of Bartimaeus, who was blind (Mark 10:46–52). Also, casting out a demon can be a miracle (Mark 9:38 and 39).
The manifestation of prophecy is speaking, writing, or otherwise communicating a message from God to another person or persons. God or the Lord Jesus gives the Christian a message of knowledge or a message of wisdom via the holy spirit born inside him, and when he gives that message to someone else, it is prophecy. The revelation that is spoken as prophecy can come in the moment, coming almost word‑by‑word as the speaker says them, something we call “inspirational prophecy.” It can also come as a complete revelation given to the speaker before it is spoken as prophecy, and it can come as a combination, with some revelation coming beforehand and some coming as the prophecy is spoken. In the Hebrew Scriptures, when a person had holy spirit, he or she almost always prophesied. That is why Joel said that when holy spirit would be poured out on all Millennial Kingdom believers, they would prophesy (Joel 2:28), and why Peter, in his teaching on the Day of Pentecost, referenced Joel.
(17b) …I [God] will pour out my Spirit [spirit] on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
(18) Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit [spirit] in those days, and they will prophesy.
God says His servants will prophesy, so there should be little argument about it. The manifestation of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort people (1 Cor. 14:3). It can reveal the secrets of people’s hearts so that they can be closer to God (1 Cor. 14:24 and 25). A study of prophecy in Scripture shows that prophecy is part of the power of God, which is why God places prophecy in the “power” group of the manifestations. Some Bible teachers have placed prophecy in the “worship” group of manifestations, but prophecy is not worship, it is speaking a message from God to people. It is used in a worship service, yes, but that does not make it worship. At any given Christian service all the manifestations may come into play, depending on the needs of the people.
There is a reason why each Christian should covet to prophesy. Bringing God’s messages to His people is not only a tremendous privilege, it is essential for the wellbeing of the Church. A study of the Bible, especially the Hebrew Scriptures, reveals how valuable prophets were in the spiritual wholeness of the people of Israel. Prophecy is not only speaking about the future. Not only can every Christian prophesy, as the Scripture says, but we should want to. That every believer can prophesy gives us more conclusive evidence that each believer can manifest all nine manifestations.
The manifestation of discerning of spirits is necessary if men and women of God are going to deal effectively with the spiritual realities of this fallen world. There are many “spirits” in this world, including angels and the gift of holy spirit.16 Nevertheless, because of the spiritual battle that rages around all of us, the most important aspect of discerning of spirits is dealing with the demonic forces of this world.
The Greek word translated “discerning” (diakrisis) has several meanings. It can mean a “distinguishing” or “differentiation.” Also, it can mean to quarrel.18 One of the definitions in Liddell and Scott’s Greek Lexicon is “decision by battle, quarrel, dispute.”19 Thus diakrisis can be much more than just “discerning,” it has the overtones of quarreling or fighting. Since “discerning of spirits” is a total package of recognizing “spirits” and dealing with them, God places it in the “power” group of manifestations.
The manifestation of discerning of spirits is interwoven with the other manifestations. For example, a believer manifesting discerning of spirits may be simultaneously aware of the presence of the demon, know what to do about the situation, and begin to command it to come out of the person. Receiving the information about the demon and knowing what to do is similar to and interwoven with a message of knowledge and a message of wisdom, while the casting out of the demon can be in the category of a miracle (Mark 9:38 and 39), even as a healing can be a miracle (Acts 4:14 and 16).
The manifestations of speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues did not exist before the Day of Pentecost. We believe that speaking in tongues is so valuable to Christians that we have dedicated Chapter 10 to it.
The interpretation of tongues is interpreting, or giving the sum and substance, in one’s own language, that which he has just spoken in tongues. The interpretation of tongues, like speaking in tongues itself, is given by the Lord. No one understands what he is saying in a tongue, so no one could give an interpretation of what he is saying. The interpretation comes from the Lord Jesus Christ, just as the tongue does. The manifestation of interpretation of tongues works just like speaking in tongues and prophecy do—the words come from the Lord Jesus Christ to the individual via the gift of holy spirit inside him. When a person speaks in tongues in a believer’s meeting, he should interpret so that the people in the meeting may be edified.
The interpretation of tongues is to be done by the one who spoke in tongues, just as 1 Corinthians 14:5 says. Furthermore, because speaking in tongues is praise and prayer to God, the interpretation will also be to God. That is the big difference between prophecy and the interpretation of tongues. Prophecy is a message to the people (1 Cor. 14:3), while interpretation of tongues is to God (or the Lord Jesus Christ), but is heard by the congregation, who are then edified by it.
This section of the book has shown that each Christian has the spiritual ability to manifest all nine manifestations of holy spirit. Every Christian can talk with the Lord and receive revelation, every Christian can and should have faith and do some of the works of Jesus, every Christian should enter into the spiritual battle and deal with demons, every Christian should prophesy, speak in tongues, and interpret. It is by manifesting holy spirit that Christians can walk in the power that Jesus Christ gave to the Church. We must trust God in order to boldly manifest holy spirit in our daily lives.
In the previous section, we spoke over and over about the “manifestations” of holy spirit. At this point we want to once again make the point that we Christians should use biblical words when we talk about the things of God. Most Christians commonly use the word “gifts” to describe what the Bible calls “manifestations” of the spirit, and this causes problems in Christianity. Why? Because words have definitive meanings, and it is through those meanings that clear communication is made possible. “Manifestation” does not mean “gift.” What’s the difference? A gift is individually given, and no one has a gift unless it was given to him. A manifestation is an evidence, a showing forth, of something that a person already has. There are spiritual gifts, which include holy spirit, God‑given ministries such as that of an apostle or a prophet, and the gift of everlasting life (Rom. 6:23). But, the nine manifestations are not gifts and calling them “gifts” can have a negative effect on the quality of believers’ lives.
The theology of many Christians, however, reduces the difference between “gifts” and “manifestations” to a non‑issue, which is one reason most commentaries make so little of it. If a person believes that he will be given at most only one of the manifestations (which is the most common teaching about the “gifts of the spirit”), then to him there is no difference between a gift and a manifestation. If the Swiss Army knife has only a knife blade, then there is not much difference between the gift of the knife and the manifestation of the blade. But, if the Swiss Army knife has many blades and tools, there is a huge difference between the knife as a whole and just one blade. The difference between gift and manifestation becomes very clear and very important when one realizes that the one gift of holy spirit has many “manifestations,” or evidences.
The major problem that occurs when the manifestations of holy spirit are thought to be “gifts” is that it causes many Christians to be spiritually passive. Instead of realizing that they can utilize the nine manifestations and walking in faith to speak in tongues, some believers wait on God, hoping that one day He will give them the “gift” of tongues. Other believers who would love to heal people wait for the power to heal. Such people are waiting for something they already have! They may even plead with and beg God, and end up disappointed with Him for not answering their prayers. Christians need to know that they have received the power of holy spirit, and that God is waiting for them to act. They must move their mouths and speak in tongues, or use their voice to prophesy, or stretch forth their hands to heal, all with faith in the power God provided.
The theology of Bible translators is in large part responsible for people thinking that the manifestations of the spirit are gifts. Notice how often the word “gift,” “gifts,” or “gifted” appears in most translations of 1 Corinthians 12–14. Yet not one of these uses of “gift” is in the Greek text.
It is easy to see why the average Christian thinks of prophecy and the other manifestations as “spiritual gifts.” It is difficult to read the Bible and come away with an accurate understanding of it when the translators have allowed their theology to distort the clear reading of the text. What is the Christian to do when he reads a version with “gifts” improperly inserted in the text? He can cross out “gifts” and make an accurate reading in the margin.
One good thing about the King James Version, American Standard Version, and New American Standard Version is that the translators italicized many words that are not in the Hebrew or Greek text, but which they added in an attempt to clarify what a verse says. In today’s English writing, words are sometimes italicized for emphasis. A Christian reading those versions needs to remember that the italicized words are not being emphasized, they were added to the original text.
In each of the above verses, the italics show that the word “gifts” has been added. A better translation than “spiritual gifts” is “spiritual matters” or “spiritual things,” which fits the subject of 1 Corinthians 12–14, which are about spiritual matters, including “gifts” (1 Cor. 12:4), “service” (1 Cor. 12:5), “working” (energizings) (1 Cor. 12:6), and “manifestations” (1 Cor. 12:7–10).
The wide variety of spiritual matters being discussed in 1 Corinthians 12–14 dictates that “matters” or “things” be supplied to complete the sense of “spiritual” in 1 Corinthians 12:1, 14:1, etc. Those chapters in 1 Corinthians are speaking about spiritual matters of many kinds, not just spiritual “gifts.” Adding the word “gifts” obscures what God had so clearly stated in the original text and causes people to be confused about the manifestations of holy spirit.
In conclusion, it is important to use the word “manifestations” rather than “gifts” when referring to speaking in tongues, interpretation, prophecy, message of knowledge, etc., for a number of reasons. That is the wording that God uses, and we are always on solid ground when we use the language of the Bible. Furthermore, the word “manifestations” points to the fact that we are dealing with outward evidences of something, which in this case is the gift of holy spirit. So if speaking in tongues, etc., are manifestations of the gift, then everyone with the gift has the ability to manifest it. Are you a Christian? If so, you have holy spirit, and with it comes the power of its nine manifestations just as Christ said in Acts 1:8.
1. Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament (AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN, 1992), p. 1436.
2. There has been much scholarly discussion about the exact nature of the genitive, “of,” in the phrase, “the manifestation of the spirit.” The confusion is in large part due to the fact that most theologians think the “Spirit” is God. The spirit in this verse is the gift of God, holy spirit, and the genitive is the genitive of origin. The gift of holy spirit is the source of the manifestations. A parallel phrase occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:2, which has “the manifestation of the truth” (KJV, which has the articles accurately placed) [that’s the only other use of “manifestation” in the Bible]. This also is a genitive of origin. One cannot see the “truth” in the Apostles’ minds, but it is there, and it is the origin of their behavior, which can be seen by everyone. The gift of holy spirit and “truth” are invisible in a person, but they produce manifestations that can be clearly seen in the senses world.
3. It is “because of the same spirit,” the gift of holy spirit inside him, that a person can receive revelation. The word kata (because of) has a variety of meanings. Bauer’s Greek Lexicon lists two major concepts, with more specific meanings under those, and even more specific meanings under those. For this verse, he notes “the mng. [meaning] ‘in accordance w. [with]’ can also disappear entirely, so that k. [kata] means simply because of, as a result of, on the basis of….” William Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 1979), p. 407.
6. Joseph Free, Archaeology and Bible History (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1982), p. 108.
7. In the context of this book, “you” refers to you the Christian. The manifestations of holy spirit can be utilized only by people who have holy spirit.
8. Thayer, op. cit., Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, p. 380.
10. One example is Joyce Meyer, How to Hear from God (Warner Faith, USA, 2003). Joyce writes in her introduction: “We talk to our children all the time—why wouldn’t our heavenly Father talk to His children?” God does want to talk to us, and He will if we open our spiritual ears and have faith.
12. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, Springfield, MA, 2003), p. 450.
13. The word “working” is perhaps more properly, “energizing,” and it is plural. However, we felt that saying “energizings of miracles” was unclear. The phrase “working of miracles” is working more than one miracle and thus adequately covers the plural in the Greek.
14. We realize that although the presence of holy spirit gives each Christian the spiritual power to do healings and miracles, not everyone is called to walk in that kind of ministry. There is a difference between inherent spiritual ability and how that ability will actually be evidenced in the life of an individual Christian. Nevertheless, we assert that many more Christians would be doing healings and miracles if they knew they had the ability, and were confident to act on the spiritual power they have.
15. The Greek word translated “discerning” is plural. Nevertheless, we used “discerning” because it has the overtones of plurality. If a person is “discerning,” it is because he has exhibited discernment in a multitude of situations.
16. The word “spirits” in the phrase “discerning of spirits” does not refer to “attitudes.” Although that is one of the meanings of pneuma, it is not the meaning in this context. There are many very gifted people that are very sensitive and can “read” people and situations very well, but many of them are unsaved. That discernment is a natural ability, just as is native intelligence and other natural abilities.
17. We like the KJV because it uses the word “wrestle,” which is literally what the Greek text says. As in any wrestling match, there is an opponent that must be fought and overcome.
18. Arndt and Gingrich, op. cit., A Greek-English Lexicon, p. 185.
19. Henry Liddell and Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon (Oxford University Press, NY, 1992), p. 399.
20. The improper addition of “gifts” to the Greek text is one reason why Christians should purchase and learn to use Bible study helps such as interlinears and lexicons. An “interlinear” is a Bible in the original Greek or Hebrew, with the English in an interlinear (between the lines) form. Looking at an interlinear version of the Greek text shows conclusively that “gifts” was added by translators to the English version. This same thing could be done for all the verses listed where “gifts” was added. Note that, although Greek and English word order are not the same, the sense of the verse can be well followed in the interlinear. Well‑stocked Christian bookstores have Interlinear Bibles or visit www.Christianbook.com or www.Half.com.
2) Peri de ton pneumatikon adelphoi ou thelo humas agnoein.
3) concerning but the spirituals brothers not I want you (plural) ignorant.
4) Now concerning the spiritual things, brothers, I do not want you ignorant. | 2019-04-20T08:13:50Z | https://thelivingtruthfellowship.org/the-holy-spirit/walking-in-power-the-manifestations-of-holy-spirit/ |
Mr. Andre Roger Desmarais, o.c. o.q. serves as Executive Co-Chairman of the Board of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Desmarais is Executive Co-Chairman of the Corporation, and Deputy Chairman, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power. Prior to joining Power in 1983, he was Special Assistant to the Minister of Justice of Canada and an institutional investment counsellor at Richardson Greenshields Securities Ltd. He has held a number of senior positions with Power group companies and was named President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power in 1996. Mr. Desmarais is a Director of many Power Financial group companies in North America, including Lifeco, Great-West, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation, Canada Life, Putnam Investments, LLC, IGM, Investors Group Inc. and Mackenzie Inc. He is also a Director of Power. He is Director and Vice-Chairman of Pargesa in Europe. He was a Director of Bellus Health Inc. until 2009 and of CITIC Pacific Limited in Asia until 2014. Mr. Desmarais is Honorary Chairman of the Canada China Business Council and is a member of several China-based organizations. Mr. Desmarais is active in a number of cultural, health and other not-for-profit organizations. In 2003, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and, in 2009, he was named an Officer of the Ordre national du Québec. He has received Doctorates Honoris Causa from Concordia University, Université de Montréal and McGill University. Mr. Desmarais is a trustee of the Desmarais Family Residuary Trust.
Mr. Paul Desmarais, Jr. O.C. O.Q. serves as Executive Co-Chairman of the Board of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Desmarais is Co-Chairman of the Corporation and Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Power. Prior to joining Power in 1981, he was with S.G. Warburg & Co. in London, England, and with Standard Brands Incorporated in New York. He was Chairman of the Board of the Corporation from 1990 to 2005, Vice- Chairman from 1989 to 1990 and President and Chief Operating Officer from 1986 to 1989. He was named to his present position with Power in 1996. Mr. Desmarais is a trustee of the Desmarais Family Residuary Trust. Mr. Desmarais is a Director of many Power Financial group companies in North America, including Lifeco, Great-West, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation, Canada Life, Putnam Investments, LLC, IGM, Investors Group Inc. and Mackenzie Inc. He is also a Director of Power. In Europe, he is Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Pargesa, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, and Director of GDF Suez, Total SA, Lafarge SA and SGS SA. He was Vice-Chairman of the Board and a Director of Imerys until 2008. Mr. Desmarais is a member of the Advisory Council of the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD), a Trustee of The Brookings Institution (Washington), a Co-Chair of the Brookings International Advisory Council, a member of the Global Board of Advisers of the Council on Foreign Relations (New York), the Chairman of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and a member of the Global Advisory Council of Harvard University (Boston). He is also involved in a number of charitable and community activities. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005, an Officer of the National Order of Québec in 2009 and Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in France in 2012. He has received Doctorates Honoris Causa from Université Laval, Université de Montréal and McGill University.
Mr. R. Jeffrey Orr serves as President, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Power Financial Corporation, since May 2005. From May 2001 until May 2005, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of IGM. Prior to joining IGM, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and Vice-Chairman, Investment Banking Group of the Bank of Montreal. Mr. Orr had been with BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and predecessor companies since 1981. Mr. Orr is a Director of Power and is also a Director, the Chairman of the Board and the Chairman or a member of various Board committees of IGM, Investors Group Inc. Mackenzie Inc. Lifeco, Great-West, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life, London Insurance Group Inc. Putnam Investments, LLC, Canada Life Financial Corporation, Canada Life and The Canada Life Insurance Company of Canada. He is also a Director of PanAgora Asset Management Inc. Mr. Orr is active in a number of community and business organizations.
Mr. Amaury-Daniel de Seze serves as Vice Chairman of Power Financial Corporation. Until May 2010, he was Director of Power from May 2001 and one of its Vice-Chairmen from March 2008. He was Chairman of PAI partners, a management company of private equity funds, from 1998 until 2007. He was a member of the Executive Committee of BNP Paribas, one of Europe’s banks, until 2004. He serves on the Board of Directors of several European-based companies, including Carrefour S.A. where he is Chairman of the Board, Publicis S.A. Suez Environnement Company, Imerys S.A. Thales S.A. Groupe Bruxelles Lambert and Pargesa. He joined the Paribas group in 1993 as a member of the Management Board of Banque Paribas and Compagnie Financière de Paribas and, prior to that, he held senior positions with the Volvo Group, including as a member of the Group’s Management Board of AB Volvo in Sweden. He was a Director of Eiff age S.A. until 2008.
Mr. Michel Plessis-Belair serves as Vice Chairman of Power Financial Corporation since May 14, 2012. Previously he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and Vice-Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Power until January 2008. Before joining Power 1986, he was Executive Vice-President and Director of Société générale de financement du Québec and, prior to that, Senior Vice-President of Marine Industries Limited. He is a Director of several Power Financial group companies in both North America and Europe, including Lifeco, The Great-West Life Assurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life Insurance Company, Canada Life Financial Corporation, The Canada Life Assurance Company, Crown Life Insurance Company, IGM, Investors Group Inc., Mackenzie Inc., Pargesa and Groupe Bruxelles Lambert. He is also a Director of Power, Lallemand Inc. the Universitede Montréal and Hydro-Quebec, and he is on the International Advisory Board of Ecole des hautes etudes commerciales of Montréal.
Dr. Henri-Paul Rousseau, Ph.D. serves as Vice Chairman of the Power Financial Corporation. He was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec from May 2005 to May 2008 and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from September 2002 to April 2005. Prior thereto, he was President and Chief Executive Offi cer of the Laurentian Bank of Canada from 1994 to 2002, Vice-Chairman, President and Chief Executive Offi cer of Boréal Assurances Inc. from 1992 to 1994 and Vice-President of the National Bank of Canada from 1986 to 1992. Mr. Rousseau was a professor of economics at the Université Laval from 1975 until 1986 and at the Université du Québec à Montréal from 1973 until 1975. He is a Director of Power. He is also a Director of several Power Financial group companies, including Lifeco, The Great-West Life Assurance Company, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life Insurance Company, Canada Life Financial Corporation, The Canada Life Assurance Company, Crown Life Insurance Company, IGM, Investors Group Inc., Mackenzie Inc. and Putnam Investments, LLC. As well, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Global Financial Markets Association. Mr. Rousseau has received Doctorates Honoris Causa from Concordia University, the Université Lumière Lyon 2 (France), the Université Laval and the Université de Sherbrooke. He is active in number of community and not-for-profit organizations.
Mr. Gregory D. Tretiak serves as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Power Financial Corporation, with effective from May 2012. Mr. Tretiak has been with IGM Financial Inc. (a subsidiary of the Corporation) for 24 years and is currently Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since 1999. Mr. Tretiak will also join Power Corporation of Canada, as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Claude Genereux serves as Executive Vice President of Power Financial Corporation since March 2015. Mr. Genereux is also Executive Vice President of Power Corporation of Canada. Previously, senior Director of McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.
Mr. Paul Desmarais III, serves as Senior Vice-President of the Corporation and Power since January 2017; previously, Vice-President of the Corporation and Power since May 2014; previously, Assistant Vice-President in the Risk Management Group of Lifeco since 2012; previously, Project Manager at Imerys.
Mr. Paul C. Genest serves as Senior Vice President of the company. previously, Fellow at the Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship since October 2015; previously, Deputy Minister in the Ontario Government.
Mr. Arnaud Vial serves as Senior Vice President of Power Financial Corporation. He is Senior Vice President of Power Corporation of Canada. Mr. Vial also serves as Managing Director of the Pargesa.
Mr. Stephane Lemay serves as Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary of Power Financial Corporation, since August 3, 2012. Mr. Lemay joined Power Corporation of Canada (Power Financial Corporation's parent company) in 2005 as Vice-President, Assistant General Counsel and Associate Secretary and was appointed to the same position at Power Financial Corporation in 2009. Prior to joining Power, he held various executive legal and public affairs positions with companies in the telecommunications and manufacturing sectors. Mr. Lemay began his career as lawyer in a Montreal-based national law firm.
Mr. Denis Le Vasseur serves as Vice-President and Controller of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Le Vasseur is also the Vice President and Controller of Power Corporation of Canada.
Mr. Eoin O hOgain serves as Vice President of the Corporation and Power since September 2016; previously, Vice-President, Fundamental Equities Investing at State Street Global Advisors, an investment advisory firm, since 2013; previously, Associate Principal, Strategy and Corporate Finance at McKinsey & Company.
Mr. Richard Pan serves as Vice President of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Pan was previously Executive Director at Goldman Sachs International (UK) in the Global Natural Resources Group from 2006 to 2008.
Mr. Luc Reny serves as Vice President of Power Financial Corporation. He is also Vice-President of Power Corporation of Canada. Mr. Reny holds MBA from Universite de Sherbrooke and Bachelors in Finance from Universite de LAVAL.
Mr. Marc A. Bibeau serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Bibeau is President and Chief Executive Officer of Beauward Shopping Centres Ltd. a privately owned company which develops, leases and operates real estate properties, a position he has held since 1996. He previously held a number of other positions with that company. Mr. Bibeau is a Director of IGM, Investors Group Inc. and Mackenzie Inc. He was previously a Director of Lifeco, Great-West, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation and Canada Life until May 2009. Mr. Bibeau is also a member of the Board of Directors of Tennis Canada.
Mr. Gary Albert Doer serves as Independent Director of the company. Mr. Doer is a Senior Business Advisor to the law firm Dentons Canada LLP since August 2016. From 2009 to 2015, he served as Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. He was previously the Premier of Manitoba from 1999 to 2009 and served in a number of positions as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1986 to 2009, including as Minister of Urban Affairs from 1986 to 1988 and as Minister of Crown Investments from 1987 to 1988. From 1979 to 1986, Mr. Doer was the President of the Manitoba Government Employees’ Association. Mr. Doer is a Director of several Power group companies in North America, including Power, Lifeco, Great-West, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation, Canada Life, Putnam Investments, LLC, IGM, Investors Group Inc. and Mackenzie Inc. Mr. Doer is also a director of Barrick Gold Corporation since April 2016. Mr. Doer is a volunteer Co-Chair of the Wilson Centre’s Canada Institute, a non-partisan public policy forum focused on Canada-U.S. relations. In 2010, he became a Member of the Order of Manitoba and, in 2011, he received a distinguished diplomatic service award from the World Affairs Council.
Mr. Gerald Frere serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Frere is Managing Director of Frere-Bourgeois S.A., a financial group based in Belgium. Mr. Frere is Chairman of the Board of Loverval Finance SA, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Pargesa and Commissioner of Parjointco N.V. He is also a Director of ERBE. From 1993 to December 2011, he was Managing Director of Groupe Bruxelles Lambert of which he also became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2012. He was a Director of Electrabel S.A. from April 2010 to April 2014, of Pernod Ricard from November 2009 to November 2012 and of Lafarge SA from May 2008 to November 2011. Mr. Frere is also Regent of the National Bank of Belgium.
Mr. Anthony R. Graham, LL.D. serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Graham is Vice-Chairman and a Director of Wittington Investments, Limited (“Wittington Investments”), an investment management company and the principal holding company of the Weston-Loblaw Group. From June 2000 to May 2014, he was President of Wittington Investments. Prior thereto, he held senior positions in Canada and the United Kingdom with National Bank Financial Inc. (formerly Lévesque Beaubien Geoffrion Inc.), a Montréal-based investment dealer. Mr. Graham also serves on the Board of Power. Mr. Graham serves on the Boards of George Weston Limited, Graymont Limited, Brown Thomas Group Limited, Holt Renfrew & Co. Limited and Selfridges & Co. Ltd. Until July 2015, he served on the Boards of Loblaw Companies Limited and President’s Choice Bank, of which he served as Chairman from February 1999 to May 2014. Mr. Graham also serves as Chairman of the Ontario Arts Foundation and the Shaw Festival Theatre Endowment Foundation. He is a Director of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, St. Michael’s Hospital, Luminato and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. In June 2007, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Brock University.
Mr. J. David A. Jackson, LL.B. serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation. Mr. Jackson retired as a Partner of the law firm Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (“Blakes”) in 2012, and currently serves as Senior Counsel to the firm, providing advice primarily in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. He was the Chairman of Blakes from 1995 to 2001. He was recognized throughout his career as a leading practitioner in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and corporate governance by numerous independent assessment organizations. Mr. Jackson is a Director of Power and of several Power Financial group companies in North America, including Lifeco, Great-West, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation and Canada Life. He served as a Director of Investors Group Inc. from 1991 to 2001. Mr. Jackson has also served as a Director of a number of public and private corporations. He was a Director and the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre until June 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Osgoode Hall Law School, and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1974.
Ms. Susan J. McArthur serves as independent Director of the company. Ms. McArthur is a Managing Partner at GreenSoil Investments, a private equity firm focused on investing in real estate technology and agro food technology, a position she has held since April 2013. She has 25 years of international and domestic investment banking experience and has advised corporate clients on a broad range of transactions including acquisitions and divestitures, public and private equity and debt financing, capital restructuring and other strategic initiatives. Previously, Ms. McArthur was a Senior Investment Banker at Jacob Securities Inc., an investment banking firm specializing in renewable energy, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure. She has held positions with Rothschild Canada Limited in Toronto, Lazard Freres & Co. in New York and Paris and The First Boston Corporation in New York. Ms. McArthur is a Director of several Power Group companies in North America, including Lifeco, Great-West, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation and Canada Life. She is also a Director of IGM, Investors Group Inc. and Mackenzie Inc. and is a trustee of Chemtrade Logistics Income Fund. She has previously served as a Director on a number of boards, including Chair of the Canada Revenue Agency Board of Management and Director of First Capital Realty Inc., KP Tissue Inc., KPGP Inc., Globalive Wireless Management (Wind Mobile), UBS Bank Canada, Orvana Minerals Inc., Bonus Resources Services, the Canadian Club of Toronto, Les Jardins de Métis Inc., Luminato and the Toronto International Film Festival. Ms. McArthur is a graduate in Economics and Political Science from the University of Western Ontario (now Western University).
Mr. T. Timothy (Tim) Ryan, Jr. serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation, effective May 2014. Mr. Ryan is a Company Director. Until October 2014, he was Managing Director, Global Head of Regulatory Strategy and Policy of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“J.P. Morgan”) a global financial services firm, a position he had held since February 2013. From 2008 to 2013, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”), a trade association representing 680 global financial market participants. Prior to joining SIFMA, he was Vice-Chairman, Financial Institutions and Governments, at J.P. Morgan, where he was a member of the firm’s senior leadership. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan in 1993, Mr. Ryan was the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision, U.S. Department of the Treasury. Mr. Ryan is a Director of many Power group companies in North America, including Power, Lifeco, Great-West, Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation, Canada Life and Putnam Investments, LLC, having previously served as a director of the Corporation and of Power from May 2011 to May 2013 and of Lifeco from May 2010 to May 2013. Mr. Ryan is Chairman of the Board of Santander Holdings U.S.A., Inc. and Santander Bank, N.A. He has served as a director of Markit Group Limited from April 2013 to October 2014 and of Lloyds Banking Group from March 2009 to April 2013. He was a private sector member of the Global Markets Advisory Committee for the National Intelligence Council from 2007 to 2011.
Dr. Emoke J. E. Szathmary, Ph.D. C.M. O.M. FRSC, serves as Independent Director of Power Financial Corporation. Dr. Szathmáry was named President Emeritus of the University of Manitoba in 2008. She received the title of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Anthropology in 2014. From 1996 to 2008, she was President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. She was previously Provost and Vice-President (Academic) of McMaster University in Hamilton and, prior thereto, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science of the University of Western Ontario in London (now Western University). Dr. Szathmáry is a Director of Power. Until May 2017, she served as a Director of many Power Group companies in North America, including Lifeco, Great-West, London Life, Canada Life Financial Corporation and Canada Life. Dr. Szathmáry also serves on the Board of Directors of several national and provincial educational, research and philanthropic not-for-profit organizations. She has received the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Excellence in Public Administration in Manitoba and seven Honorary Doctorates. Dr. Szathmáry is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a Member of the Order of Canada and of the Order of Manitoba. In 2015, she was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. | 2019-04-24T01:28:29Z | https://uk.reuters.com/business/stocks/company-officers/PWF.TO |
1.1. ‘Agreement’ refers to these Terms and Conditions.
1.2. ‘Company’ means the entity that provides independent research and writing services to Customers according to the defined terms laid out in this Agreement.
1.3. ‘Writer’ is the person, who has agreed to work with the Company on a freelance basis to provide research and writing services under the Company’s terms.
1.4. ‘Customer’ is the person who places an Order with the Company to obtain the Product according to his or her requirements and governed by the defined terms and conditions laid out in this Agreement.
1.5. ‘Order’ is an electronic request of a paid service from the Customer for a particular Product and/or service.
1.6. ‘Order Status’ defines order progress on a particular stage.
1.7. ‘Product’ is a document in an electronic format that is the final result of Order completion.
1.8. ‘Product Revision’ is an edited version of the original Product initialized by Customer.
1.9. ‘Support Team or Support’ is the part of the Company’s organizational structure with the mission to assist and coordinate the Order process.
1.10. ‘Quality Assurance Department’ signifies the part of the Company’s organizational structure with the mission to guard and evaluate the quality of Product and service provided.
1.11. ‘Messaging System’ is an interactive feature that ensures communication between the Customer and Support/Writer.
1.12. ‘Verification Process’ is a procedure required from Customer in order to confirm his/her billing identity to prevent fraud.
1.13. ‘Store Credit’ is a money account of the Customer within the Company.
2.1. The Company is committed to protect the privacy of the Customer and it will never resell or share any of Customer’s personal information, including credit card data, with any third party. All the online transactions are processed through the secure and reliable online payment systems provided by Authorize.net. It saves the Customer from the risk of having the credit card data disclosed. The Company, however, does not fully guarantee any disclosures of the credit card data that may occur beyond its control and/or without its fault.
2.2. Certain pages on the Company’s web site require the Customer to provide the Customer’s name, e-mail address, home address or phone number ( for example, when filling in the order-form). The Company does not use this information for any other purpose than verification and to contact the Customer with regards to the Order. All additional files provided by the Customer in order to pass the Verification Process are deleted from the Company’s database right after verification is completed.
2.3. Direct contact between the Customer and the Writer is prohibited to keep the personal information of the Customer safe and confidential. The Customer is welcome to use the numerous interactive features created by the Company for that purpose and a qualified Support Team is available for the Customer 24/7.
2.4. Information provided by the Customer in Order description and in additional files needed for Order completion immediately becomes visible for the Writers once Order is paid. The Company is not responsible for the information voluntarily disclosed by the Customer when placing an Order and highly encourages the Customer to avoid including any personal or billing information (i.e. Customer’s phone number, email address etc.) as well as disclosing the Customer’s identity when communicating with the Writer through the Messaging System.
3.1. The Company offers a service that locates suitably qualified experts for the provision of independent personalized research and writing services provided to the Customer as a unique reference that is designed to assist in the completion of the Customer’s assignments or academic obligations. Thus, it is understood that the Company does not make any guarantees regarding Customer’s grades as an outcome or consequence of submission of the Product to any academic institution. The purpose of this Agreement is strictly to provide the Customer with an original reference document or related services according to the Customer’s instructions. Everything provided by the Company is intended for research/reference purposes only. The Company is also not responsible for failure on the part of the Customer to learn the material covered by the Product or improper usage of research contained therein.
3.2. Intellectual property is owned by the Company and the Customer has the exclusive permission and right to use the Product for a limited period of six (6) months. When the six (6) months period has passed, the Company shall exclusively regain all rights of the Product.
4.1. Placing an Order. When filling in an Order form, it is the sole responsibility of the Customer to register using a valid email address and to provide a correct phone number where the Customer can be reached (preferably both – home and mobile). There may be multiple occasions during Order preparation when establishing contact with the Customer is crucial. Failure to provide a valid email address or a correct phone number may affect Order completion and will result in a violation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. This may lead to forfeiture of any claim to the implied warranty or guarantee by the Customer.
The Company cannot begin working on the Customer’s Order until the Customer has paid for the entire amount of the Product(s) and/or service(s). The Company is not liable or responsible for the failure of a Customer to pay on time. The Customer must be precise and attentive when filling in the Order form. The Customer can also use a discount to lessen the price if the Customer is entitled to it. Special offers or discounts on the Company’s Products and services may not be used together at the same time and cannot be combined with any additional services.
4.2. Instructions. Because the Company works based on Customer’s instructions, these instructions must be clear and precise. If the instructions are not clear and additional instructions are needed to complete the Order, but are not provided within the required time schedule, the Company cannot fulfill any implied warranty or guarantee and it shall not be held responsible. The Customer is advised that once the Order is completed any revision request must only be based on the initial requirements and description of the original Order. Any changes from the initial instructions of the Order will be considered “editing”. This is an additional service and the Company will not conduct any free revision request that is different or deviates from the original Order requirements and/or description. Instructions and additional requests must be sent before a Writer is assigned to the Customer’s Order. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a violation of this Agreement and forfeiture of any claim to the implied warranty or guarantee.
4.3. Sources. The Writer is allowed to use any relevant source available for the completion of the requested assignment – books, journals, newspapers, interviews, online publications etc., unless the Customer mentions some particular sources to be used or others to be ignored. If the Customer needs specific sources that are crucial for the completion of the Order, the Company would expect the Customer to provide them within the required time schedule listed below.
4.4. Matching of the Academic Level. In the event that the desired academic level chosen by the Customer is the improper academic/quality level (either by accident or not), the Customer shall assume all liability for such error. It shall be the Customer’s sole responsibility to choose the correct academic level that best fits the required assignment at the time of making the Order. If the Customer has made an error while placing an Order, then the Customer must contact the Support Team immediately for assistance.
4.5. Checking the Messaging System. The Messaging System is an easy and convenient way to communicate. The Customer should check messages for any updates from the Support Team or from the Writer. The Customer should also promptly address any questions, concerns or give additional instructions using this interactive feature. Failure or neglect to check the Messaging System shall not be sufficient ground for a refund of services rendered. If the Customer does not know how to use the Messaging System, the Customer may contact the Support Team at any time for assistance or instructions.
4.6. Incorrect Order Placement. The Company reserves the right not to process or to resubmit the Customer’s Order in the event that the details indicated are inconsistent to or do not match the Order’s original description. Failure to provide the correct description or choosing the wrong Product, deadline extension requests or Writer level upgrade may require additional payments. Please note this is done by the Company only so that it may properly process the Customer’s Order and have the best possible Writer to complete the Customer’s Order. The Customer will always be contacted to approve any additional charges or requests.
4.8. Client can request for a draft from Writer, however, the Company does not guarantee a draft if Order’s urgency is 3-48 hours.
4.9. Preferred Writer. When placing an Order, the Customer can indicate a preferred Writer to be assigned to an Order. The Company reserves the right to decline preferred Writer request based on Writer’s history, recent quality and lateness issues that might jeopardize Order completion. The Company will inform Customer about it’s decision and provide supporting materials. If the Customer insists on chosen Writer, the Company will not be responsible for failure of the preferred Writer to deliver high quality Product in a timely manner. No refund can be guaranteed at that point.
5.1. The Company strives for the highest level of satisfaction available. However, the Company cannot and will not be held liable or responsible for any type of delivery issues resulting from problems such as spam filters, incorrect email, lack of internet access or general neglect, among others, which are beyond its control and/or without its fault. The Support Team is available 24 hours a day to assist the Customer with any delivery problems of the Order. The Company will do its best to meet the Customer’s academic writing needs by maintaining up-to-date software. However, it is the sole responsibility of the Customer to provide the correct contact information to the Company.
5.2. In case of timely delivery of the Product, the Company will not be responsible for failure of the Customer to download the Product. Please note that the Customer will still be billed for the service rendered and no refund is guaranteed at this point in order to pay the Writer for the work done.
6.1. Protecting billing information of the Customers and eliminating fraud is a priority that the Company takes seriously. The Company is obliged by authorities along with merchant providers and banks to protect the credit card holders who purchase from it. Accordingly, due to the nature of the Company’s business, type of Product and the fact that it is delivered by electronic means, no hand written signature is required as proof of delivery.
6.3. When requested to verify the Customer’s billing information, it is the Customer’s sole responsibility to comply immediately to ensure that the billing information meets the Company’s anti-fraud policies and procedures. Any verification requests must be completed in the following time schedule.
6.4. Any unauthorized use of a stolen credit card is prohibited by law and will be reported to the applicable law enforcement agencies for further investigation. The Company works closely with the authorities to fight cyber crime and report all fraudulent Orders for prosecution.
7.1. The Company reserves the right to cancel any paid Order at its own determination or decision in case there is lack of cooperation/communication from the Customer’s side that affects Order completion or a suspicion by the Company that the Customer is engaged in a fraudulent activity. The Company does not guarantee reimbursement in the circumstances described above. Each case is analyzed separately and final decision depends on the number of factors. The Company shall have sole discretion to take action based on the particular circumstances of each case.
8.1. The Free Revision policy is a courtesy service that the Company provides to help ensure Customer’s total satisfaction with the completed Order. To receive free revision the Company requires that the Customer provide the request within fourteen (14) days from the first completion date of the Order/Product and within a period of thirty (30) days for any dissertation, thesis, research proposal, thesis proposal, dissertation chapters writing or any other reasonably large assignments. If the Customer has missed the policy deadline, the Customer may choose to have the order revised but for additional payment or the Customer may place a new one for editing.
8.2. Quality Assurance Department of the Company reserves the right to limit the number of revisions or decline revision requests in cases such as, but not limited to: changes in initial order details; unreasonable return of the assignment; taking advantage of Writer and obvious abuse of revision option.
8.3. If revision request violates original instructions, the Quality Assurance Department has the right to decline it. If request falls within mentioned guidelines, the Company will happily revise the Customer’s Order to meet the initial requirements free of charge.
9.1. The Product ordered is guaranteed to be original and delivered in a timely manner. Orders are checked by the most advanced anti-plagiarism software in the market to assure that the Product is 100% original. The Company has a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism.
9.2. The Company does not and cannot guarantee that editing, proofreading, formatting services will be plagiarism free. Papers and other materials that are not written or made by the Company will not be scanned or reviewed for possible incidence of plagiarism. The Company shall not refund any amount in the event that a proofread/formatted paper or Product is considered to be plagiarized.
9.4. All refunds and cancellations should be communicated and expressed in writing by using the Order Messaging System or by e-mailing the Support Team. In the unlikely event that the Customer is not satisfied with the Product or receive the Product after the specified deadline, the Customer may request a partial or full refund. It is the sole discretion of the Company to approve or disapprove any request on an individual case to case basis.
9.5. In case of a refund request due to bad quality of the Product, the Customer must provide strong reasons, and examples to back up the claim for refund. Only after an extended list of violations is provided, will the request for refund be forwarded to the Quality Assurance Department for further investigation and refund request approval. Please note that the Company can also ask for additional materials or evidence to support the request. Quality Assurance Department reserves the right to decline refund inquiry if aforementioned information or documents are not provided when the request is made.
9.6. If the refund request is not received within seventy-two (72) hours after Order completion it is to be assumed that the Customer is satisfied with the Product and the Customer will not be eligible for any refunded amount.
9.7. In case a full refund is issued or Order becomes unpaid in circumstances where the service rendered has already been delivered, the Writer retains full authorship for the Product completed and reserves the right to use, resell, distribute and share it to other third parties. The Customer is then not eligible to use the Product for whatever purpose.
9.8. The Company shall not be responsible for failure of the Customer to learn the material covered by the Product or for improper usage of research contained therein and no refund shall be made by the Company in case the Customer receives a failing grade. For more details see section 2.1.
9.9. Store Credits accepted by the Customer as a compensation for any occurred inconveniences are non-refundable.
9.10. The Company reserves the right to contact the Customers by email regarding new services, discounts, special offers and any other information that the Company may deem useful for the Customers.
9.11. Short Message Service (SMS) Alerts allow the Customers to receive alerts on their mobile phones in the form of a SMS text message. By placing an Order, the Customer agrees to receive mobile phone alerts and updates from the Company. The Company also reserves the right to alter or modify any SMS Alerts at any time without further notice to the Customer which may include special offers and discounts. The Company will not be responsible for any additional charges for the Company SMS Alerts that may be charged against the Customer by the mobile service provider.
10.1. No waiver by the Company of any breach of this Agreement by the Customer shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. All remedies afforded in this Agreement shall be taken and construed as cumulative, that is, in addition to every other remedy provided herein or by law.
12.1. Entire Agreement – This Agreement contains the entire stipulations between the Customer and the Company, and no statements, promises, or inducements made by either party or agent of either party that are inconsistent herein shall be valid or binding, unless expressly authorized under this Agreement. This Agreement may not be enlarged, modified, or altered except in writing signed by the parties and indorsed on this Agreement. This Agreement shall supersede all previous communications, representations, or agreements, either verbal or written, between the Customer and the Company. | 2019-04-19T14:18:19Z | http://superioressaywriter.com/terms-conditions-for-customers/ |
The Check Point Compliance Blade is a dynamic solution that continuously monitors the Check Point security infrastructure. This unique product examines your Security Gateways, Blades, policies and configuration settings in real time. It compares them with an extensive database of regulatory standards and security best practices. The Check Point Compliance Blade includes many graphical displays and reports that show compliance with the applicable regulatory standards.
The Check Point Compliance Blade has a library of Check Point-defined tests to use as a baseline for good gateway and policy configuration. A Best Practice test is related to specified regulations in different regulatory standards. It describes compliance status and recommends corrective steps.
Global Tests - Examine all applicable configuration settings in the organization.
Object-based Tests - Examine the configuration settings for specified objects (gateways, profiles and other objects).
The Check Point Compliance Blade monitors the status of applicable regulations and shows them in an easy-to-read view. Each line shows the status, compliance score, and best practices for one or more related tests and for related gateways and policies.
The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), which are contained in schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act).
Outline how most Australian and Norfolk Island Government agencies, all private sector and not-for-profit organizations with an annual turnover of more than $3 million, all private health service providers and some small businesses (collectively called 'APP entities') must handle, use and manage personal information.
CIPA USA The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that K-12 schools and libraries in the United States use Internet filters and implement other measures to protect children from harmful online content as a condition for federal funding. It was signed into law on December 21, 2000, and was found to be constitutional by the United States Supreme Court on June 23, 2003.
CJIS USA A joint program of the FBI, State Identification Bureaus, and CJIS Systems Agency, the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy outlines the security precautions that must be taken to protect sensitive information like fingerprints and criminal backgrounds gathered by local, state, and federal criminal justice and law enforcement agencies.
CobiT 4.1 USA COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a good-practice framework and supporting tool set created by international professional association ISACA for information technology (IT) management and IT governance. COBIT allows managers to bridge the gap between control requirements, technical issues and business risks.
DSD Australia First published in February 2010, and revised for 2014, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), also known as the Defense Signals Directorate (DSD), has developed prioritized mitigation strategies to help technical cyber security professionals in all organizations mitigate cyber security incidents. This guidance addresses targeted cyber intrusions, ransomware and external adversaries with destructive intent, malicious insiders, 'business email compromise' and industrial control systems.
This guidance is informed by ASD's experience responding to cyber security incidents and performing vulnerability assessments and penetration testing Australian government organizations.
FIPS 200 USA Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 200. It is the second of the mandatory security standards, FIPS 199 being the first one, defined by the Federal Information and Information Systems of the United States Federal Government. FIPS 200 is the Standards for Security Categorization.
FIPS 200 standard emphases more security during the development, implementation, and operation of more secure information systems.
FIPS 200 defines following 17 security areas covered under confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of federal information systems and the information processed, stored, and transmitted by those systems.
Firewall STIG International Firewall Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) is a cybersecurity methodology for standardizing Firewalls.
GLBA USA Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. These regulations include financial privacy guidelines and safeguards related to information security.
GPG13 UK Of the 35 guides, the Good Practice Guide 13 (GPG13) defines requirements for 12 Protective Monitoring Controls (PMC), which comprise of tasks such as event log management and use of intrusion detection and prevention systems. Local authorities are required to conform to GPG13 in order to prevent accidental or malicious data loss.
As connection to GCSX encompasses access to sensitive and confidential data, compliance with GPG13 is imperative for protecting privacy and preventing data breaches. It is imperative that log is collected from systems that provide the security mechanisms.
HIPAA Security USA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. These regulations require government agencies, insurers and health care providers to protect all data that they collect, maintain or use.
ISO 27001 International Standards for the implementation of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This standard includes 133 control objectives that cover organizational security architecture.
ISO 27002 International Supplemental controls and best practices for implementation of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This standard includes detailed control objectives that are applicable to certain industries.
Katakri 3.0 Finland Katakri 3.0 refers to the Finnish National Security Authority's National Security Auditing Criteria. Katakri is divided into four sub-divisions: Administrative, Personnel, Physical, and Information Assurance. Katakri provides different levels of security requirements. The Check Point Katakri mapping is based on 'Requirements for the base level (IV)'.
MAS TRM Singapore Various Technology Risk Management (TRM) guidelines for Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
NCIPA USA The Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act (NCIPA) sets guidelines for a library's "policy of Internet safety". This policy must address: "(I) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; (II) the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; (III) unauthorized access, including so-called 'hacking', and other unlawful activities by minors online; (IV) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and (V) whether the school or library, as the case may be, is employing hardware, software, or other technological means to limit, monitor, or otherwise control or guide Internet access by minors". NCIPA also requires a library to "...provided reasonable public notice and held at least one public hearing or meeting which addressed the proposed Internet use policy."
NERC CIP USA The NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation critical infrastructure protection) plan is a set of requirements designed to secure the assets required for operating North America's bulk electric system.
NERC CIP (v.5) USA The NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation critical infrastructure protection) plan is a set of requirements designed to secure the assets required for operating North America's bulk electric system.
On November 22, 2013, FERC approved Version 5 of the critical infrastructure protection cybersecurity standards (CIP Version 5), which represent significant progress in mitigating cyber risks to the bulk power system.
In 2014, NERC initiated a program to help industry transition directly from the currently enforceable CIP Version 3 standards to CIP Version 5. The goal of the transition program is to improve industrys understanding of the technical security requirements for CIP Version 5, as well as the expectations for compliance and enforcement.
NIST 800-41 USA National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for firewalls and firewall policies.
NIST 800-53 USA National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommend security controls for federal government information systems and organizations.
PCI DSS 2.0 USA PCI DSS 2.0 (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard Version 2.0) is the second version of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) released in October 2010.
PPG 234 Australia Prudential Practice Guide (PPG) aims to assist regulated institutions in the management of security risk in information and information technology (IT). It is designed to provide guidance to senior management, risk management and IT security specialists (management and operational).
The PPG targets areas where APRA continues to identify weaknesses as part of its ongoing supervisory activities. The PPG does not seek to provide an all encompassing framework, or to replace or endorse existing industry standards and guidelines.
Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 South Africa Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act governs the way personal information is collected, stored, used, disseminated and deleted.
SOX USA Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) act is intended to protect shareholders and the general public from accounting errors and fraudulent practices in enterprises, and to improve the accuracy of corporate disclosures. The act sets deadlines for compliance and publishes rules on requirements.
Statement of Controls (ISAE 3402) International International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) No. 3402, Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization, was issued in December 2009 by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), which is part of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). ISAE 3402 was developed to provide an international assurance standard for allowing public accountants to issue a report for use by user organizations and their auditors (user auditors) on the controls at a service organization that are likely to impact or be a part of the user organizations system of internal control over financial reporting.
UK Data Protection Act UK The British Data Protection Act controls how personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government.
Daily - Automatic scan one time each day, finds changes to gateway and policy configurations made with CLI or scripts.
You can also run a manual scan, as necessary.
If administrator actions cause a degradation of the compliance status, the Check Point Compliance Blade displays an alert with details of the issue. It also generates an action item to monitor corrective steps.
View - Use the Check Point Compliance Blade tools to examine and monitor compliance status.
Plan - Manage Check Point Compliance Blade automatically generated Action Items.
Act - Correct compliance issues as recommended by the Action Items. You can see the updated compliance status when you run Check Point Compliance Blade scans.
Check Point Compliance Blade is supported starting in R77 GA.
For R75.40 and R75.45 versions, a special hotfix can be offered.
See Check Point Compliance Blade R75.40 and R75.45 Release Notes.
You cannot upgrade to higher versions when this hotfix is installed.
If you do this, the Check Point Compliance Blade is not available.
Connect with SmartConsole to Security Management Server / Domain Management Server and go to 'LOGS & MONITOR section > Add new tab > Open Compliance View'.
The 'Overview' pane shows the overall compliance status of your organization.
Security Best Practices Compliance Displays compliance status information for each Best Practice.
To see Best Practices recommendations filtered by status, click a status.
To see all Best Practices, click on 'See All...'.
Gateways Displays Security Status by Gateway - Security Gateways with the highest compliance scores, lowest compliance scores, or a predefined set of Favorites.
To see the results for a specific Security Gateway, click on its name.
Blades Displays Security Status by Blade - the average scores for the five Software Blades with the most Security Best Practices.
To see the results for a specific Software Blade, click on that blade.
To see the results for all Software Blades, click on 'See All...'.
The number of regulatory standards shown is dependent on your screen resolution.
Upcoming items - Action items with due dates in the next 30 days.
Future items - Action items with due dates of more than 30 days.
Unscheduled items - Action items without defined due dates.
Overdue items - Action items that are overdue.
This widget displays compliance status information for each Best Practice.
Gateways, Software Blades, and regulations.
The applicable Software Blade is not installed on the Security Management Server.
The Security Gateway does not support the examined feature.
Many Best Practice tests are boolean: either compliant, or not.
Other Best Practice tests calculate a score based on the degree of compliance.
Active - Select to activate the Best Practice test. Clear to deactivate it.
Blade - Blade related to this Best Practice.
ID - Check Point Compliance Blade ID assigned to the Best Practice.
Name - Name and brief description of the regulatory requirement.
Status - Poor, Medium, Good, Secure, or N/A. We recommend that you resolve "Poor" status items immediately.
Description - What the selected Best Practice test looks for.
Action Item - Steps required to become complaint, which also includes alternative scenarios.
Dependency - Shows when the selected Best Practice is dependent on a different Best Practice. The selected Best Practice test is not performed unless the other Best Practice test is compliant.
Relevant Regulatory Requirements - Link to show list of all regulatory standards that include the Best Practice test that generated the selected action item.
This widget displays Security Status by Gateway - the five Security Gateways with the highest compliance scores, lowest compliance scores, or a predefined set of Favorites.
To see the Best Practice test results for a specific Security Gateway, click on its name.
To see the results for all gateways, click on "See All Gateways".
Click on a Security Gateway / Cluster object in this window to see the details.
Name - Best Practice test name and brief description.
This widget displays Security Status by Blade - the average scores for the five Software Blades with the most Security Best Practices.
To see the results for a specific Blade, click on that blade.
Description - Detailed description of the Best Practice test.
Click the configuration icon in the top right corner of the pane.
In the Select Regulations and Standards window, select the standards to show in the Overview.
". The All Regulatory Requirements window opens.
To see details of a standard, click the name of the standard in the Overview pane or in the All Regulatory Requirements window. The Regulatory Requirements pane for the selected standard opens.
Check Point Compliance Blade ID.
Status (Poor, Medium, Good, Secure, or N/A).
Name of the regulation, taken from the published standard.
Description - What the standard requires.
Relevant Best Practices - Best Practice tests for the selected requirement, and their compliance status.
Overdue items- Action items that are overdue.
Note: It is a best practice to resolve overdue action items immediately.
If you have a high resolution, then the Alert and System messages show in the bottom section of the pane. Use the arrows to scroll through the messages.
If you have a low resolution, then two buttons show in the bottom section of the pane.
To see alert messages, click "Compliance Alerts". They open in the 'Overview' pane.
To see messages about the Check Point Compliance Blade, click "System Messages". They open in the 'Overview' pane.
To open the action items for a status category, click that category. The 'Action Items' pane opens.
Due Date - Optionally assigned due date for resolving this Action Item. A due Date is not automatically assigned when an Action Item is generated.
Action Item Description - Steps required to become complaint, which includes alternative scenarios.
Due Date - Optionally assigned due date for resolving this Action Item. You can assign or change a due date here (see "Working with Action Items").
You can define your own, custom Security Best Practices based on organizational security requirements. This release supports user-defined Security Best Practices. You define user-defined Security Best Practices in the SmartConsole Compliance tab.
In the 'Compliance tab > Security Best Practices pane', click "New".
Name and Description for this Best Practice.
Name and Description for the non-compliance Action Item generated by this best practice.
Note: In this version, you cannot change the Relevant Blade option. It is automatically set to Firewall.
In the "Best Practice Rule Definition" table, enter rule matching criteria in the table cells. Each cell matches one related field or parameter in Security Policy rules. A Security Best Practice match occurs when all table cells match one or more rules in the Rule Base (Logical AND).
Hit Count - Select a Hit Count level. A match occurs when the Hit Count for a rule is equal to or exceeds the specified Hit Count level.
Any - Matches all rules (default).
Blank - Matches all rules that do not have a name (null value).
Not blank - Matches all rules that have a name.
Exact - Enter a text string. A match occurs when the rule name is the same as the specified string.
Starts with - Enter a text string. A match occurs when the rule name starts with the specified string (case sensitive).
Ends with - Enter a text string. A match occurs when the rule name ends with the specified string (case sensitive).
Contains - Enter one or more text strings. A match occurs when a rule name contains the specified strings in the order you enter them (case sensitive).
Source - Select one or more source objects. A match occurs when at least one of the specified objects are included in the Source field of a rule.
Destination - Select one or more destination objects. A match occurs at least one more of the specified objects are included in the Destination field of the rule.
VPN - Select one or more VPN communities. A match occurs when at least one of the specified VPN communities are included in a rule.
Service - Select on or more services. A match occurs when at least one of the specified services are included in a rule.
Action - Select one or more actions. A match occurs when at least one of the specified actions are included in a rule.
Track - Select one or more tracking options. A match occurs when at least one of the specified tracking options are included in a rule.
Install on - Select one or more Gateway, Cluster, or group objects. A match occurs when at least one of the specified objects are included the "Install on" field of a rule.
Time - Select a time option that defines when the system enforces a rule. A match occurs when at least one specified time option is included in a rule.
Blank - Matches all rules that do not contain text in the Comment field (null value).
Not Blank - Matches all rules that contain text in the Comment field.
Starts with - Enter a text string. A match occurs when the Comment field in a rule starts with the specified string (case sensitive).
Ends with - Enter a text string. A match occurs when the Comment field in a rule ends with the specified string (case sensitive).
Negate Cell - Right-click a cell to match all objects except the specified objects. This feature is not available for the Name and Comment cells.
Note: If you use the Negate Cell option on a cell that contains the Any object, no match can occur. This is the same as a blank cell.
Percentage - The percentage of the Rule Base to scan.
For example, select Bottom 30% to scan 30% of the Rule Base starting from the bottom (last rule in the Rule Base).
Last Hit Date greater than - Select to include only rules that have at least one hit on, or after the specified time period. Select the number of time periods and the type of period.
For example, select 2 Months to include only rules that have at least one hit during the last two months.
Define how Compliance Blade creates a violation (Action Item) when a Security Best Practice matches a rule.
Rule found - A violation can occur when a rule matches the Security Best Practice (Default).
Rule not found - A violation can occur when no rules match the Security Best Practice.
Tolerance - A violation occurs when there are more than the specified number of matches (Default = 0). For example, if the tolerance is set to 0, the Compliance Blade creates a violation when the first match occurs. If the tolerance is set to 3, the Compliance Blade creates a violation when the fourth match occurs.
Note: The tolerance option applies only to the Rule found option.
Define when the Rule Index (Rule number) shows in the Relevant Objects pane.
You can configure custom Security Best Practices to show the Rule in specified circumstances. This lets you easily see which rules cause or prevent violations.
Display rules that match - Shows Rules that match the specified criteria in a Security Best Practice.
Display rules that don't match - Shows Rules that do not match the specified criteria in a Security Best Practice.
Don't display rules - Does not show the Rule.
To see the status of your Security Best Practice, click "Preview". This feature runs the new Security Best Practice and shows the results in a window.
In the 'Compliance tab > Security Best Practices pane', double-click a user-defined Security Best Practice.
In the Best Practice Definition window, change the parameters and settings as shown in the above procedure.
If the user is accessing Compliance Blade for the first time, then Navigate to 'LOGS & MONITOR' and click "Open Compliance View".
Click "+" to open New Best Practice dialog.
If the user is not accessing Compliance Blade for the first time, then navigate to 'LOGS & MONITOR > Compliance > Security Best Practices' and click "New".
Enter Best Practice Name, Description, Action Item, Practice Script, Expected Output and click "OK".
Your new Gaia Best Practice will be added to the list of Best Practices.
Navigate to 'MANAGE & SETTINGS'.
Navigate to 'LOGS & MONITOR > Compliance'. The scan resuls for the new Gaia OS Best Practice are displayed.
In the Check Point Compliance Blade panes, enter a string in the search field to filter results.
To group results, select "Blade" or "Status" in the grouping field.
To sort the results by values in field, click that field header.
You use the Alerts and System Message pane to see alerts generated when a configuration change causes compliance status degradation. You can also see messages that are automatically generated by the Check Point Compliance Blade.
To see the details of a system message, double-click it. The Alert Details window opens.
You can activate or deactivate Best Practice enforcement of tests by test (for the organization), by gateway, by Software Blade or by other objects. Activation changes are applied after the next scan.
By default, all Best Practice tests are active.
Select a Best Practice test in the top section, or in the Related Objects section.
In 'Compliance' tab > 'Security Best Practices Compliance' overview, clear the "Active" option for the Best Practice test.
When prompted, enter an explanation. A comment is required to show why it is necessary to stop running this compliance test.
Optional: Define an expiration date. If you define an expiration date, the deactivated test is automatically activated on that date.
Navigate to 'MANAGE & SETTINGS' > 'Blades' > 'Compliance' > Open 'Inactive Objects...'. De-activated Best Practice tests are shown in the Inactive Security Best Practices section.
Select a Best Practice in the list.
Double-click a Best Practice test in the Inactive Objects pane.
Navigate to 'MANAGE & SETTINGS' > 'Blades' > 'Compliance' > Open 'Inactive Objects...'.
In the Inactive Gateways section, click the "Add" icon.
Enter or select a gateway or cluster. The selected gateways show in the Inactive Gateways list.
Click the "Remove" (X Remove) icon.
In 'Compliance' tab > 'Security Best Practices Compliance' overview, select the Best Practice test.
In the Relevant Objects section, clear the "Active" option for the object.
An object can be a gateway, policy, profile or other object.
'. The de-activated Best Practice test is in the "Inactive Security Best Practices on Specific Objects" section.
Select the Best Practice test.
You add objects to your Check Point environment.
You activate or de-activate a Best Practice test.
Navigate to 'MANAGE & SETTINGS' > 'Blades'.
On the Settings page, click "Rescan".
Note: While a scan is running, you cannot work with the Compliance tab.
Regulatory Requirements shows the Check Point Compliance Blade Best Practice tests that examine compliance with the requirements of standards and regulations.
Navigate to 'LOGS & MONITOR'.
Go to the Compliance tab and open in Regulatory Compliance pane 'See All' link.
Click a regulatory standard. The selected regulatory standard pane opens.
You can select the regulatory standards that are applicable to your organization. By default, all supported regulatory standards are active.
Select the regulatory standards that are applicable for your organization.
Clear the regulatory standards that are not applicable for your organization.
Have an XML file saved locally. In order to import a new regulation or standard, you must have it saved locally as an XML file.
Open up the Compliance Settings in the SmartConsole. In the Navigation Toolbar, click on 'Manage & Settings > Blades > Compliance' and click on the "Settings" button.
Import the Regulation XML file. Go to the Actions drop-down list and select "Import".
Select the XML file you want to import. Once selected, import the file. The regulation will now appear in your list of User-defined Regulations.
Save the Regulation. Open the regulation by double-clicking on it. Press save and wait for the process to complete. This could take three to four minutes.
Display the imported Regulation on your Compliance Dashboard. Once the Regulation is imported, you can now add and manage it from your Compliance Dashboard. In the Navigation Toolbar, click "Logs & Monitor" and open the Compliance Tab, or click on the configuration icon in the top right-hand corner of the pane, or select the Regulation you just imported and click "OK" to save.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember that to save any SmartConsole changes, you must Publish those changes.
When a Best Practice test finds a deficiency, the Check Point Compliance Blade automatically generates an Action Item. You can assign a due date to an Action Item and monitor corrective steps. Action Items are not assigned a due date when they are generated.
When you complete the corrective steps, the Check Point Compliance Blade deletes the Action Item after the next scan.
Go to the Compliance tab > 'Action Items and Messages' > 'Pending Action Items' > 'Unscheduled items'.
In the Action Item Description section, click "Schedule Now". If the Action Item already has an assigned due date, click on the date link to change it.
In the window that opens, enter or select a due date and then click "OK".
Deactivate the applicable Best Practice test (see "Deactivating Tests").
Run a manual scan: 'Settings' > 'Rescan'.
The Check Point Compliance Blade has features that help you to quickly implement corrective steps in SmartConsole. The Action Items pane shows a helpful description for each Action Item, which gives suggestions to correct the related configuration. You can also correct some issues with the command line.
You can correct issues by using the description to guide you through the configuration steps.
Generate reports for status summary and details of Best Practice tests and Action Items.
To generate a report, navigate to 'LOGS & MONITORS' > new tab > select "Reports" and then select 'Compliance Blade' report. The report shows in a pane with the report name as the title.
Per Regulation - Shows a summary of the regulatory requirements and a detailed list of the Best Practice tests included in each requirement.
To generate a report, navigate to 'LOGS & MONITORS' > Compliance > click on specific regulation > click on: "Generate Report". The report shows in a pane with the report name as the title.
You can export the data shown in the selected pane to a Microsoft Excel® file. This lets you save the results for archiving, auditing, and analysis of historical trends and data relationships.
Open a Check Point Compliance Blade pane.
Go to main page of all reports.
Symptom: In SmartConsole, in the Compliance Blade tab, you see "The compliance blade is not activated" message, and you cannot navigate in the tab's pages, or in 'LOGS & MONITORS' when you open new tab, the "Open Compliance View" is not displayed.
In SmartConsole, check the Security Management Server object. Verify that the "Compliance Blade" box is checked in the Management Blades section.
Symptom: If the Security Management Server IP Address that the customer used to login to the SmartConsole is not identical to the IP Address set on the Management object, there will be problems with connectivity to the Security Management Server.
If that is the case, then the customer may still be able to login and access the Compliance tab, but he will get "The compliance blade is not activated" message.
If no license is installed, the user will probably encounter this error message for the first time, when user will try to access the Compliance Blade tab in SmartConsole.
Customer must purchase a Compliance Blade license according to the number of (supported*) gateway objects.
If you have 3 gateways, you must buy a 5 gateway license.
If you have 10 gateways, you must buy a 25 gateway license.
If you have bought a 5 gateway license, but you have 6 (or more) gateways, the license will not work.
If you have bought a 5 gateway license, and you have 5 gateways, but you later add an additional gateway object, after the next scan, the license will cease to work.
*Supported Objects: The Compliance Blade currently only supports regular Gateways and Clusters.
This means that currently all other objects will not be taken into consideration when counting the licenses.
If a customer has a single Management, with 50 gateways, but only 5 are regular gateways, and the other 45 are Edge gateways, the customer can legitimately attach a 5 gateway license and it will work (because Check Point currently only counts "supported" objects).
For a gateway cluster network object with two gateway cluster members, the compliance blade license count would be for two gateways.
A license must be installed on each Management (assuming the customer wants to install the Compliance Blade on each Management).
If the customer has Management A with 5 gateways, and Management B with 20 gateways, he needs to buy a 5 gateway license for Management A, and a gateway license for Management B that is equal or greater than the numbers of gateways attached to the Management.
He cannot buy a 25 gateway license and split it between his two Managements.
All other comments are the same as for Single Management, above.
Whatever license is installed on the Multi-Domain Management container, is pushed down to all the connected CMAs.
If there is a Multi-Domain Management, with CMA X, CMA Y, and CMA Z, and the customer installs a 5 gateway license on the Multi-Domain Management, a 5 gateway license is pushed down to CMA X, Y and Z.
Likewise, if he installs a 25 gateway license on the Multi-Domain Management, a 25 gateway license is pushed down to all connected CMAs.
If there are 10 supported gateways on the CMA, and the customer received a 5 gateway license from its linked Multi-Domain Management, the license will not work on this CMA.
If a customer has a Multi-Domain Management with 20 CMAs. 19 of the CMAs have 3 gateways each, and 1 CMA has 20 gateways. If he installs a 5 gateway license on the Multi-Domain Management, the license is pushed to all 20 CMAs, but only 19 of them will work.
If he installs a 25 gateway license on the Multi-Domain Management, all the CMAs will work.
The initial full scan begins about 2-3 minutes after the first installation. You will get a notification in the Compliance Blade regarding the need to wait for the full scan to finish.
A full scan can take between 2 - 5 minutes. During this time, the SmartConsole should work as usual.
The Compliance tab will not display any information until the scan is finished. Once the Full scan is finished, the user can access the information in the blade and he should not see a "Full scan is in progress" message in the top of the Overview.
Supported resolutions: Check Point supports 2 different thresholds of resolution: 1366x768 (laptop) and above. There is a slight difference in the Overview page.
1366x768 - "Action Items and Messages" widget displays the actual records. Activate by using 3 buttons.
Above 1366x768 - Action Items and Messages" widget displays all the data with no buttons. The data regarding the "Compliance Alerts & Messages" is a preview (contains short descriptions) and for the full details you need to access the menu items by the link.
Security Best Practice: if the customer has certain constraints that prevent him from configuring a Check Point Software Blade according to the recommendation, we enable to exclude individual Security Best Practices, by unchecking the "Active" field, along with the reason why it should be excluded and for which period of time.
What happens behind the scenes when we "deactivate" a Security Best Practice? Changes will take effect only after a "save" and full scan (either nightly, or manually executed by the user via the Settings screen). These effects are: the Action Item regarding this Best Practice disappears, statistics in the Overview should change accordingly, compliance of Regulations should change, as well.
How is the overall score recalculated? Each Security Best Practice gets a grade (percentage) and is given a status according to the thresholds.
If the Security Best Practice is a Gateways / Profiles Best Practice, the grade is calculated as an average of the grades of each of its corresponding objects.
Each Security Best Practice is assigned to one or more regulatory requirements.
When is it recalculated? Next full scan.
Expiration date for deactivation: Expiration date for deactivation can be set. The status of the Security Best Practice or object in Security Best Practice is not relevant in the calculation until the expiration date has passed. Again, the full scan will check the expiration dates and take this into account for the calculations.
After excluding a gateway, do we need to actively perform a scan or is it automatic?
You need to perform a scan. The gateways status is calculated as the average of all the Security Best Practices running on this gateway. Meaning, Global Properties Security Best Practices are not included in the calculation. Security Best Practices that have been deactivated on a certain gateway are not included in the calculation, as well.
Status of a requirement: Each Security Best Practice is assigned to one or more regulatory requirements. The status of a requirement is calculated as the average score of all the Security Best Practices assigned to this requirement. The score is a percentage and translated into a status according to the same thresholds logic.
How is the Regulation score impacted after a Security Best Practice is excluded? When does it change? After a Security Best Practice is deactivated (and full scan performed), the grade of the Regulation should be based on only the activated assigned Security Best Practices.
After excluding a gateway, do we need to actively perform a scan or is it automatic? After deactivating a gateway, a "save" and full scan is needed in order to recalculate all the Security Best Practice results. After this is done, the Regulation results will change, as well.
Are any processes being generated in the background? No processes are being generated. The system waits for the full scan.
When setting a date, is there a process being run in the background? No process is being run. The only effect of the due date is the distribution of the statistics in the 'Overview' > 'Action Item'.
Date format errors: where is the date format taken from? The dates/time is checked and compared with the server time.
How do the Action Items interact with the daily scan? Once a Security Best Practice becomes 100% secure, its corresponding Action Item should disappear from the Action Items screen (in the menu).
And the mini-scan? Once a Security Best Practice becomes 100% secure, its corresponding Action Item should disappear from the Action Items screen.
When pressing Save, a mini-scan takes place. What is the process? How long should it take? What is normal and what is abnormal (in terms of time range)?
A mini-scan recalculates the relevant Security Best Practice (relevant to the objects changed in the last save). This process should take up to 30 seconds. At the end of the process, the user is notified if any Security Best Practice statuses have gotten worse with Security alerts.
Some actions will require a full scan (no mini scan will be executed after the save): Adding/removing gateway objects, adding/removing blades from gateways, deactivating Security Best Practice or Security Best Practice objects, IP Address changes in Profiles or Protections.
When is "post-save" information updated in the Overview and Security Best Practice windows? After the mini-scan is finished (or full scan, as well), the GUI and data is updated automatically.
Generation of Compliance Alerts - process involved? Part of the mini scan (see above).
How the Save adds and removes Action Items based on the results? See "Action Items".
How is the data generated? Based on the results in the last scan (what is viewed in the system at that moment).
Format issues? - No export to Word. Permissions issue may cause the generation of the report to fail.
Export to PDF issues? Some paging issues still exist.
Export to email client? No issues.
What happens when I export data to Excel? Process involved? The Excel Export is based on the results in the last scan (what is viewed in the system at that moment).
Process when I select / choose my favorites? The favorite gateways are saved on the local machine. Each user has his own favorites.
When editing a comment / timeframe of an Exclusion, is there a process in the background that updates somewhere? Requires a full scan to take effect.
How does the software know when to cancel the exclusion (reached the due date)? Requires a full scan to take effect.
Deleting an Exclusion - Requires a full scan to take effect. See "Exclusions - Deactivating a Best Practice, or object within a Best Practice".
When performing Install Policy, are there any GRC processes running that impact performance? No process is running.
Cancelling the Security Alerts post-install policy: What is the process here? Upon install policy, the user can decide to view the compliance report/view current Security alerts / delete the current Security alerts. If delete Security alerts is chosen, the alerts are deleted from the DB. No special process.
If the help text is not loading, what is it being linked to? Standard SmartConsole help. Not specific to Compliance Blade.
Scoring errors Should not be any.
When a Best Practice is displayed as "NA"
The security product is not enabled on the specific gateway.
Security Best Practices of type "OS" (Operating System) can only run on Check Point devices running the GAIA operating system, except for 61k and 64k appliances. For example, SMB devices run the GAIA Embedded operating system and therefore all OS best practices show N/A for each SMB gateway.
Dependent Best Practice: A Security Best Practice can be dependent on another Security Best Practice status. The current Security Best Practice will be tested only if the dependent Security Best Practice is above a specified threshold. If it is not above that threshold, the current Security Best Practice will be "NA".
' > 'Rescan'), the status changes to "pending ..." and rescan does not start after more than 20 seconds.
Go to 'Other' -> 'grc_test_elements'.
Sort the table by the object name.
Look for an object named "grc_interpreter" (there should be only one) and click on it.
Look for the field_name "status".
Right-click on that field and click "Reset".
On the Security Management Server, run cpstop command.
Edit the file /opt/CPPIgrc-R75.4X/bin/grc.conf: Set the value of debugMode to "1"
Note: Starting from R77, edit the file $FWDIR/conf/grc.conf.
Connect with SmartConsole to Security Management Server / Domain Management Server.
Note: Starting from R77, $FWDIR/log/grc_interpreter.elg*.
In the $FWDIR/log/fwm.elg file, look for the string: "interpreter was requested to rerun".
If you find the string, we should look for additional information about the cause of the problem in the continuation of the log.
Otherwise/If instead you see "no pending requests found" - should coordinate with Contact Check Point Support.
The Compliance blade supports VSX Gateways / VSX Clusters running R77.20 and above. By design, the "Security Best Practices" for "Gaia OS" are not checked on VSX Gateways / VSX Clusters.
The relevant object for APP & URLF practices are the Policies, since you need to handle them per policy (and not layer). As for inline layers, the parent rule of inline layers are usually not Src = 'Any' Dst ='Any' or 'Internet'. Hence, even though the inline layer rule states Src = 'Any' Dst ='Any' or 'Internet' , the traffic that reaches the inline layer for matching may be skipped because of the parent definition.
Related Solution: sk92861 - ATRG: Compliance Blade (Pre-R80.10). | 2019-04-21T12:53:39Z | https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk120256&partition=General&product=Compliance |
Craig Green Striped Cotton jersey Sweatshirt Pink The linear design details on Craig Green 's sweatshirt are inspired by different kinds of workwear. Made from soft pink cotton-jersey, it has red topstitching along the edges and two coated stripes down the chest to enhance the relaxed shape. Shown here with Junya Watanabe T-shirt, Craig Green trousers, Converse sneakers. - - Pink and red cotton-jersey - Crew neck, side slits - 100% cotton - Hand wash- For Men.
Craig Green otton jersey T shirt Black Circular motifs have featured in Mr Craig Green 's collections since the very beginning. Finished with the designer's signature at the neckline, this T-shirt is cut from soft black cotton-jersey. Wear yours over a shirt or different coloured tee to let the eyelet detail stand out. Shown here with Craig Green hoodie, Dries Van Noten trousers, Acne Studios sneakers. - - Black cotton-jersey - Ribbed crew neck, embroidered eyelet - 100% cotton - Machine wash- For Men.
Craig Green Lace detailed Cotton jersey T shirt White A twist (particularly along the neckline) on a wardrobe favourite, Craig Green 's T-shirt is detailed with the brand's signature lace trim – you'll spot it on worker jackets and hoodies, too. It's cut from white cotton-jersey, so the black drawstring and gunmetal eyelets really stand out. Shown here with Craig Green jacket, Our Legacy jeans, Acne Studios sneakers. - - White cotton-jersey - Lace-trimmed crew neck - 100% cotton - Machine wash- For Men.
Craig Green mp collar Embroidered Cotton poplin Shirt White Mr Craig Green has a real knack for taking menswear classics and giving them just the right sort of twist. This white shirt is made from smooth cotton-poplin and has an embroidered hole on the chest pocket. Tailored in Italy, it's cut with a relaxed camp collar and short sleeves, so it'll make a cool addition to your summer wardrobe. Shown here with Craig Green trousers, Acne Studios sneakers, Le Gramme bracelet. - - White cotton-poplin - Camp collar, chest patch pocket, black embroidery - Button fastenings - 100% cotton - Machine wash - Made in Italy- For Men.
Craig Green mp collar Embroidered Cotton poplin Shirt Blue Mr Craig Green refers to the uniforms worn by tradesmen, cleaners and surgeons to inspire his clothes, giving them a utilitarian feel. Embroidered with a black hole on the chest pocket, this short-sleeved shirt has been tailored in Italy from blue cotton-poplin. The boxy cut provides plenty of room to move, and the camp collar keeps it looking relaxed. Shown here with Craig Green trousers, Converse sneakers, Le Gramme bracelet. - - Blue cotton-poplin - Camp collar, chest patch pocket, black embroidery - Button fastenings - 100% cotton - Machine wash - Made in Italy- For Men.
Craig Green Lace detailed Bonded jersey Hoodie Black Mr Craig Green says he's inspired by the way his friends rely on certain pieces in their wardrobes, so he designs everything to become just as trusty. This hoodie is made from bonded-jersey with a substantial handle and a chunky two-way zip so you can adjust the fit. Note the lacing details – they've been one of the label's calling cards for years, so it'll be instantly recognisable to those in the know. Shown here with Craig Green T-shirt, Dries Van Noten trousers, Converse sneakers. - - Black bonded-jersey - Lace-up detailing, gunmetal eyelets, front pouch pockets, ribbed trims - Two-way zip fastening - Fabric1: 95% viscose, 5% elastane; fabric2: 67% Lyocell, 33% cotton - Dry clean- For Men.
Craig Green Acid washed Cotton Shorts Blue Mr Craig Green is one of the most exciting designers around at the moment, and these shorts are a perfect example of his keen eye and unique flair. Made from two layers of cotton that are intricately stitched together, they're acid-washed and dyed to achieve their textured appearance. Match them up with the coordinating jacket. Shown here with Craig Green T-shirt, Acne Studios sneakers. This item is large to size. See Size & Fit notes. - - Tonal-blue cotton - Belt loops, five pockets, embroidered eyelet - Button and zip fastening - 100% cotton - Dry clean- For Men.
Craig Green ontrast trimmed Cotton jersey T shirt Black There are a lot of linear motifs running through Mr Craig Green 's collection this season, said to represent the straightforward workwear that inspired the designer. The construction of this tee looks like a series of differently stitched panels, when in fact it's the result of red thread outlining the yoke, sleeves and back, along with a coated stripe across the chest. It's cut from soft acid-washed cotton-jersey and shaped for a regular fit. Shown here with Craig Green trousers, Craig Green jacket, Converse sneakers. - - Black and red cotton-jersey - Crew neck - 100% cotton - Machine wash- For Men.
Craig Green Quilted Printed Shell Parka Blue A slew of parkas appeared in Craig Green 's FW19 show, combining and innovating elements of utility and workwear. This style is one of the standout pieces from the collection - it's made from lightly quilted shell printed in a psychotropic scene that almost seems to vibrate. The functionality comes from the roomy hood, fishtail hem and adjustable drawstrings so you can keep the elements out. Shown here with Craig Green T-shirt, Acne Studios sweatpants, Nike sneakers. - - Multicoloured shell - Drawstring hood, waist and fishtail hem, two front slash pockets, internal pocket, fully lined - Zip and snap fastenings - 100% polyester; lining: 100% cotton - Dry clean- For Men.
Craig Green Floral print Cotton jersey T shirt Blue Mr Craig Green hasn't won his many accolades by playing it safe - he's always looking for new ways to make his pieces fresh and exciting, like the 'vibrating' floral print on the back of this cotton-jersey T-shirt. The effect is achieved by layering three different fabrics, moving them off the axis and then stitching them together. Team yours with these shorts from the line. Shown here with Craig Green shirt, Acne Studios sneakers. - - Multicolored cotton-jersey - Ribbed crew neck - 100% cotton - Dry clean- For Men.
Craig Green Lace detailed Mélange Bonded jersey Sweatshirt Gray Mr Craig Green likes to centre his collections on the concept of protection, and captures the idea by bounding the body with structures and fabric. A pared-back version of his SS19 runway pieces, this sweatshirt has drawstrings looped around the crew-neck collar and centre back seam. It's cut from thick bonded-jersey and bordered by ribbed trims. Shown here with Craig Green trousers, Craig Green T-shirt, Acne Studios sneakers. - - Grey mélange bonded-jersey - Crew neck, lace-up detailing, gunmetal eyelets, ribbed trims - Fabric1: 95% viscose, 5% elastane; fabric2: 67% Lyocell, 33% cotton - Machine wash- For Men.
Craig Green Poplin panelled Cotton blend Jersey Zip up Hoodie Green Mr Craig Green comes from a family of tradesmen – it's where he gets the utilitarian inspiration behind pieces like this hoodie. Cut from loopback cotton-blend jersey, it's trimmed with a multitude of poplin pockets on the front and a channel for the drawstring that runs around the hood through to the hem. Shown here with Craig Green T-shirt, Dries Van Noten trousers, Acne Studios sneakers. - - Army-green loopback cotton-blend jersey and poplin - Drawstring hood, two chest patch pockets, two front slash pockets, ribbed trims - Two-way zip fastening - 97% cotton, 3% elastane - Hand wash- For Men.
Craig Green Worker Jacket Blue denim Worker jacket from Craig Green featuring a short length, a concealed front fastening and two front pockets.
Craig Green Loosefit Straightleg Trousers Nothing beats Craig Green when it comes to innovative and unique clothing. With designs that have earned both critical and commercial success on a global scale, Green has once again delivered us his signature codes this new season. Expertly crafted in Italy from a soft cotton blend, these beige loose-fit trousers from Craig Green will surely take your casual looks up a gear. Featuring a mid-rise, belt loops, a concealed front fastening, a hanging lace-up detail to the side, buttoned pockets at the rear, a straight leg and turn up hems.
Craig Green Wideleg Colour Block Trousers Multicolour cotton wide-leg colour block trousers from Craig Green featuring a cropped length, a wide leg, a panelled colour block design and an elasticated waistband.
Craig Green oncealed ZIP Jacket Violet and blue cotton concealed zip jacket from Craig Green featuring a classic collar, long sleeves, an all-over print and a short length.
Craig Green Drawstring Detail Sweatshirt Designer Craig Green is renowned for his avant-garde and unconventional take upon luxury with his collections. By incorporating a laid-back aesthetic to eccentric prints, asymmetric cuts and innovative detailing, he has established himself as one of fashion’s biggest names. This grey stretch cotton drawstring detail sweatshirt features a crew neck, long sleeves, a ribbed hem and cuffs and a straight fit.
Craig Green Shellpanelled Sweater Multicolour cotton-blend shell-panelled sweater from Craig Green featuring a turtle neck, long sleeves and a shell panel.
Craig Green String Neck T-Shirt Black cotton string neck T-shirt from Craig Green.
Craig Green Fold Shirt White cotton fold shirt from Craig Green featuring a classic collar, a front button placket, a front button placket, a foldover top and long sleeves.
Craig Green Hooded Drawstring Shirt White cotton hooded shirt from Craig Green.
Craig Green Quilted Worker Jacket Designer Craig Green is renowned for his avant-garde and unconventional take upon luxury with his collections. By incorporating a laid-back aesthetic to eccentric prints, asymmetric cuts and innovative detailing, he has established himself as one of fashion’s biggest names. This black quilted worker jacket features a spread collar, a front button fastening, two chest pockets, long sleeves, a tie waist and a straight hem.
Craig Green Worker FIN Jacket When it comes to textural and minimal designs, there’s nothing like Craig Green. Famous for presenting us with drama, innovation and craft, this new season is no different. Crafted in Italy, this Olive green and blue cotton-blend Worker Fin jacket from Craig Green features a pointed collar, long sleeves, a concealed front fastening, two chest pockets with an embossed circle, side pockets, a straight hem, a short length and contrasting stripe details.
Craig Green Straight LEG Trousers Embrace your bold fashion sense this season, after seeing Craig Green’s latest collection. Designed with swagger and coolness in mind, you will be dazzled by a well constructed line, filled with fashion-forward pieces. In an electric blue palette, these straight leg trousers are crafted from textured cotton and feature an waistband with belt loops, a button and zip fly and a five pocket design.
Craig Green Uniform Trousers Black cotton blend uniform trousers from Craig Green.
Craig Green Straightleg Trousers Black stretch cotton trousers from Craig Green featuring a mid rise, a straight leg, a loose fit and a side lace-up trim.
Craig Green Loose FIT Straight Trousers For the new season, Craig Green combines an immaculate tailored collection with a bold utilitarian aesthetic, creating fashion-forward designs like these khaki green loose fit straight trousers. Comprised of a comfortable cotton blend, these trousers have belt loops, side pockets, turn up hems, a concealed front fastening, a straight leg and side tie fastenings.
Craig Green phic Print T-Shirt Craig David’s newest collection is all you need this season. By cementing its reign as the brand of choice for fashion-forward men, Craig David is staying true to its reputation - yet again - for artistic flair and structural minimalismo. This white cotton round neck T-shirt features short sleeves, a regular length, a straight fit and a royal blue graphic print.
Craig Green Tassel Buttonup Craig Green cultivates a fashion-forward brand with bold colours and street-savvy designs that appeal to both young and experienced fashion audiences. This white cotton tassel button-up from Craig Green features a classic collar, a front button fastening, front pockets, long sleeves, button cuffs and a long length.
Craig Green Laceup Sweater Nothing beats Craig Green when it comes to innovative and unique clothing. With designs that have earned both critical and commercial success on a global scale, Green has once again delivered us his signature codes this new season. Incorporating a drawstring tie laced through eyelets at the collar, this blue cotton-blend lace-up sweater from Craig Green features a ribbed crew neck, long sleeves, a ribbed hem and cuffs, a straight hem and a relaxed fit.
Craig Green ontrast Panel Shirt Jacket London-born designer Craig Green founded his namesake brand in 2012 after graduating the Fashion Masters course at Central Saint Martins. Since then, his innovative and unique approach to fashion has earned him both critical and commercial success on a global scale. This purple cotton contrast panel shirt jacket features a classic collar, a concealed front fastening, long sleeves and a cut out detail at the chest pocket.
Craig Green Reversible Hooded Coat Navy and white cotton blend reversible hooded coat from Craig Green featuring a hood with drawstring tie fastenings, a press stud fastening, long sleeves, a panelled colour block design, button cuffs, two chest pockets, side pockets and a mid-calf length.
Craig Green FIN Detail T-Shirt White cotton fin detail T-shirt from Craig Green featuring a relaxed fit, a round neck and short sleeves.
Craig Green ord AND Tunnel Shorts Black cotton cord and tunnel shorts from Craig Green.
Craig Green ord AND Tunnel Shorts White cotton cord and tunnel shorts from Craig Green.
Craig Green Laceup Detail Jacket Black cotton lace-up detail jacket from Craig Green featuring a classic collar, a snap button closure and a front lace up detail.
Craig Green Rope Detail Shorts Blue cotton rope detail shorts from Craig Green featuring a waistband with belt loops, a button and zip fly and side pockets.
Craig Green ontrast Panel Shirt Blue and black cotton contrast panel shirt from Craig Green featuring a classic collar, a front button placket, a chest pocket, long sleeves, button cuffs and a straight hem.
Craig Green Roundneck Sweatshirt By exploring concepts such as uniform and utility, Green’s cult-like runway processions have become a highly anticipated fixture of the menswear calendar, given that he specialises in menswear. This black round neck sweatshirt from Craig Green features a ribbed hem and cuffs and a rope detail.
Craig Green ontrast Panel Shirt White cotton contrast panel shirt from Craig Green featuring long sleeves, a classic collar, a button fastening and a straight hem.
Craig Green Tank TOP Layover Shirt Craig Green cultivates a fashion-forward brand with bold colours and street-savvy designs that appeal to both young and experienced fashion audiences. Ths blue cotton tank top layover shirt from Craig Green features a classic collar, a front button fastening, long sleeves, button cuffs and a relaxed fit.
Craig Green ontrast Panel Shirt Jacket London-born designer Craig Green founded his namesake brand in 2012 after graduating the Fashion Masters course at Central Saint Martins. Since then, his innovative and unique approach to fashion has earned him both critical and commercial success on a global scale. This brown cotton contrast panel shirt jacket features a classic collar, a concealed front fastening, long sleeves and a cut out detail at the chest pocket.
Craig Green Illusion Print T-Shirt Purple and blue illusion print T-shirt from Craig Green featuring a round neck, short sleeves and a straight hem.
Craig Green olour Block Cropped TOP Multicolour cotton colour block cropped top from Craig Green featuring a round neck, a sleeveless design, a straight hem and open side detailing.
Craig Green ometric Print Trousers For the new season, Craig Green’s pastel colour palette evokes an otherworldly sense of style. By combining an immaculate tailored collection with a bold utilitarian aesthetic, you most definitely won’t be bored. These black cotton geometric print trousers feature a low rise, a waistband with belt loops, a hook and zip fly, side pockets, a long length, stitching details and rear pockets.
Craig Green ontrast Panel Vest Craig Green cultivates a fashion-forward brand with bold colours and street-savvy designs that appeal to both young and experienced fashion audiences. This tonal blue cotton contrast panel vest from Craig Green features a round neck, a sleeveless design, a waistband with belt loops, side slits and a relaxed fit.
Craig Green Zipped UP Parka By exploring concepts such as uniform and utility, Green’s cult-like runway processions have become a highly anticipated fixture of the menswear calendar, given that he specialises in menswear. This black zipped up parka from Craig Green features side flap pockets, a hood with drawstring tie fastenings and a back slit at hem.
Craig Green Lightweight Field Jacket White cotton lightweight field jacket from Craig Green featuring a funnel neck, front flap pockets and a drawstring hem.
Craig Green POM POM Shortsleeved Shirt White cotton pom pom shortsleeved shirt from Craig Green.
Craig Green phic Print T-Shirt Craig David’s newest collection is all you need this season. By cementing its reign as the brand of choice for fashion-forward men, Craig David is staying true to its reputation - yet again - for artistic flair and structural minimalismo. This white cotton round neck T-shirt features short sleeves, a regular length, a straight fit and a black graphic print.
Did you know Striped Cotton jersey Sweatshirt Pink, Cotton jersey T shirt Black and Lace detailed Cotton jersey T shirt White are the most popular Craig Green Clothing? If you are looking for a better option aside from Craig Green Clothing, you can check out SheIn, Rowe and Calvin Klein online. You can get yourself great Craig Green Clothing online for as low as ₱ 6,218.00 up to as much as ₱ 151,679.00 There are several main types of Craig Green Clothing such as T-Shirts, Hoodies and Sweatshirts and Shirts. When it comes to color, Craig Green Clothing today are most popular in White, Purple and Pink. | 2019-04-25T07:51:25Z | https://iprice.ph/craig-green/clothing/ |
CDC4, which encodes an F-box protein that is a member of the Skp1-Cdc53/Cul1-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin E3 ligase, was initially identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an essential gene for progression through G1-S transition of the cell cycle. Although Candida albicans CDC4 (CaCDC4) can release the mitotic defect caused by the loss of CDC4 in S. cerevisiae, CaCDC4 is nonessential and suppresses filamentation.
To further elucidate the function of CaCDC4, a C. albicans strain, with one CaCDC4 allele deleted and the other under the repressible C. albicans MET3 promoter (CaMET3 p) control, was made before introducing cassettes capable of doxycycline (Dox)-induced expression of various C. albicans Cdc4 (Ca Cdc4) domains. Cells from each strain could express a specific Ca Cdc4 domain under Dox-induced, but CaMET3-CaCDC4 repressed conditions. Cells expressing domains without either the F-box or WD40-repeat exhibited filamentation and flocculation similarly to those lacking CaCDC4 expression, indicating the functional essentiality of the F-box and WD40-repeat. Notably, cells expressing the N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 partially reverse the filament-to-yeast and weaken the ability to flocculate compared to those expressing the full-length Ca Cdc4, suggesting that N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 regulates both morphogenesis and flocculation.
The F-box and the WD40-repeat of Ca Cdc4 are essential in inhibiting yeast-to-filament transition and flocculation. The N-terminal region (1–85) of Ca Cdc4 also has a positive role for its function, lost of which impairs both the ability to flocculate and to reverse filamentous growth in C. albicans.
Candida albicans is a natural diploid without a complete sexual cycle and exists as yeast, pseudohyphal, and hyphal cells . It is capable of a morphological switch induced by environmental stimuli , essentially via cAMP-mediated and MAPK signaling pathways . Importantly, its ability to alter morphology among cell types is associated with virulence to humans . Many cell cycle regulators including cyclins are also known to control morphogenesis in C. albicans.
Recently, an F-box protein encoded C. albicans CDC4 (CaCDC4) has been shown to play a role in filamentous development [6, 7]. Cdc4, originally identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encodes ubiquitin E3 ligases, which belongs to a member of the Skp1-Cdc53/Cul1-F-box (SCF) complex. This complex is known to play a role in ubiquitin-proteasome dependent degradation of regulatory proteins in eukaryotes . A specific SCF complex is designated by its associated F-box protein. This protein is variable with two interacting domains of F-box for Skp1 and WD40-repeat (or LRR) for specific substrates , such that Cdc4 can be named SCFCdc4. To progress through the G1-S transition in S. cerevisiae, SCFCdc4 is required to degrade Sic1 and Far1 , which are the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Therefore, S. cerevisiae CDC4 (ScCDC4) is essential in S. cerevisiae.
Although Ca Cdc4 is a structural homolog of S. cerevisiae Cdc4 (Sc Cdc4) and is capable of rescuing the mitotic defect caused by the loss of ScCDC4 in S. cerevisiae, the functions of Ca Cdc4 and ScCdc4 are dissimilar as the null Cacdc4 mutant is viable and the depletion of Ca Cdc4 causes the accumulation of Sol1 (Sic1 like) for hyphal development rather than initiation of cell cycle arrest . This verifies that CaCDC4 is nonessential and suppresses filamentation and suggests that controlling the degradation on Sol1 in C. albicans by Ca Cdc4 is important for inhibition of filamentation. Therefore, while C. albicans Sol1 is likely a substrate of SCFCaCdc4, which can be demonstrated by the reduction of Sol1 when Ca Cdc4 is overexpressed , there has not been any direct evidence to support this hypothesis. Additionally, the filamentous properties for mutants of Cacdc4 null and Cacdc4 sol1 double null were comparable. This refutes the idea that Sol1 is the sole target of Ca Cdc4. Indeed, with an affinity-purification approach, we have isolated at least two novel Ca Cdc4-associated proteins that are potential substrates of Ca Cdc4.
To further elucidate the role of CaCDC4 and its mediation through a characteristic F-box protein of SCF ubiquitin E3 ligase in C. albicans, we have sought to dissect the Ca Cdc4 domains associated with filamentation. In this study, we made a C. albicans strain with one deleted CaCDC4 allele and repressed the other by CaMET3 promoter (CaMET3 p) using methionine and cysteine (Met/Cys). We used this strain to introduce plasmids capable of inducing expression of various Ca Cdc4 domains with doxycycline (Dox). We observed the roles of F-box and WD40-repeat for Ca Cdc4 function and the possible role of the N-terminal 85-amino acid for morphogenesis. We also showed that C. albicans cells that lacked Ca Cdc4 triggered flocculation. Moreover, we found that N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 is required for inhibition of both filamentation and flocculation.
E. coli strain DH5α was used for the routine manipulation of the plasmids. They were grown at 37°C in LB broth medium or on plates containing 1.5% agar (Difco, BD Biosciences), with 50 μg/ml ampicillin or 30 μg/ml kanamycin. All C. albicans strains (Table 1) were derived from auxotrophic strain BWP17 (arg4/arg4 his1/his1 ura3/ura3) . They were grown at 30°C in either yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YEPD) or supplemented minimal synthetic defined (SD) medium with 2% glucose with or without 2% agar . While Ura+ prototrophs were selected on SD agar plates without uridine, His+ prototrophs were selected on SD plates without histidine. Selection for the loss of the C. albicans URA3 (CaURA3) marker was performed on plates with 50 μg/ml uridine and 1 mg/ml 5-fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA, MD Bio). To repress the CaCDC4 expression that was controlled by CaMET3 p, strains were grown on SD medium or on plates with 2.5 mM Met/Cys, which has been shown to optimally switch off the expression of the CaMET3 p-driven downstream gene . To induce gene expression under the Tet-on system, 40 μg/ml Dox (Sigma) was added to YEPD or SD media.
Plasmid DNA was extracted routinely from E. coli cultures using Gene-SpinTM MiniPrep purification Kit-V2 (PRO TECH, Taipei, Taiwan) and the instructions provided by the manufacturer. E. coli was transformed with plasmid DNA by using CaCl2. The DNA cassettes were introduced into C. albicans by the lithium acetate method as described previously .
Initially, a strain with repressed CaCDC4 expression was made. A mini-Ura-blaster cassette, flanked with 60-bp sequences homologous to CaCDC4, was PCR-amplified using a template of plasmid pDDB57 and long primers of CaCDC4-URA3-F and CaCDC4-URA3-R (Table 1). BWP17 was transformed by integration of the cassette into the CaCDC4 locus to generate Ura+ strain JSCA0018. The plasmid pFA-HIS1-MET3p-CaCDC4, with a partial CaCDC4 coding sequence for N-terminal Ca Cdc4 (1–563), was linearized with Bsp EI and used to transform JSCA0018 to generate His+ JSCA0021 (Figure 1A; Table 1). Cells of JSCA0021 were plated with 5-FOA to induce recombination between two copies of dpl200 flanking the mini-Ura-blaster for a loss of CaURA3 to generate JSCA0022.
Construction of a C. albicans strain for repressibly expressing CaCDC4 . (A) Strain construction (detailed in the Methods). The first CaCDC4 allele on BWP17 was deleted by mini-Ura-blaster to obtain JSCA0018. Plasmid pFA-HIS1-MET3p-CaCDC4 containing partial CaCDC4 coding sequence was linearized at a unique site for introducing into strain JSCA0018 to generate JSCA0021. 5-FOA was used to counter-select CaURA3 removal to obtain JSCA0022 for re-introducing the Tet-on plasmid with a CaURA3 marker. (B) Verification of constructed strains by Southern blotting analysis. Organization of the CaCDC4 locus with respect to Nde I sites is shown. The relative positions of the probe used and the predicted Nde I-digested pattern of the CaCDC4 locus are indicated. Two Nde I-fragments of 14 kb and 8.5 kb, specific to CaCDC4, could be detected in genomic DNA from BWP17 digested with Nde I; two Nde I-fragments of 8.5 kb and 4.5 kb, specific to CaCDC4 and Cacdc4::URA3-dpl200, respectively, could be detected in JCSA0018; two Nde I-fragments of 4.5 kb and 7.4 kb specific to Cacdc4::URA3-dpl200 and Cacdc4::P MET3 -CDC4:HIS1, respectively, could be detected in JSCA0021; and two Nde I-fragments of 13.5 kb and 7.4 kb specific to Cacdc4::dpl200 and Cacdc4::P MET3 -CDC4:HIS1, respectively, could be detected in JSCA0022. A non-specific Nde I-fragment is indicated as “*” can be detected in all strains tested.
To allow the expression of cassettes encoding assorted Ca Cdc4 domains in C. albicans, a Tet-on plasmid, pTET25M , which is derived from pTET25 for inducing gene expression with Dox, has been developed. To regulate CaCDC4 expression by the Tet-on system, the coding sequence of CaCDC4 was PCR-amplified using plasmid CaCDC4-SBTA bearing CaCDC4 (Lai WC, unpublished results), primers CaCDC4-SalI and CaCDC4-BglII (Table 2), and Pfu polymerase (5 U/μl, MD bio), digested with Sal I and Bgl II for cloning into pTET25M, from which pTET25M-CaCDC4 was generated. Moreover, CaCDC4-6HF, which encodes 6×histidine and FLAG (6HF) tags at the C-terminal of Ca Cdc4, was PCR-amplified with primers CaCDC4-6HF SalI and CaCDC4-6HF BglII (Table 2), followed by digestion with Sal I and Bgl II and cloning into pTET25M to obtain pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF.
a Restriction enzyme sites are in italics.
b Sequences complementary to those encoding 6×His and FLAG are in lower case letters. The italics has been used for restriction enzymes as in note “a”. The underline is new replaced with lower case letters.
To define the function of the distinct Ca Cdc4 domains (Figure 2A), different CaCDC4 portions were used to replace the full length CaCDC4 coding sequence on pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF. By using the primer sets listed in Table 2, the following constructs were made: pTET25M-ΔNCaCDC4-6HF (with primers CaCDC4 ΔN AatII and CaCDC4 ΔN XhoI), which encodes the N-terminal truncated Ca Cdc4; pTET25M-F-6HF (with primers CaCDC4 F-box AatII and CaCDC4 F-box XhoI), which encodes the F-box domain with flanking regions; pTET25M-WD40-6HF (with primers CaCDC4 WD40 AatII and CaCDC4 ΔN XhoI), which encodes eight copies of WD40-repeat; and pTET25M-ΔNF-6HF (with primers CaCDC4 ΔN AatII and CaCDC4 F-box XhoI), which encodes truncated N-terminal Ca Cdc4 and the F-box domain. All inserts of the constructs were released with Aat II and Xho I to replace the full-length CaCDC4 on pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF. Consequently, plasmids bearing those CaCDC4 segments flanked with common C. albicans ADH1 (CaADH1) sites were digested with Sac II and Kpn I, each of which was transformed into C. albicans for integration at the CaADH1 locus. All strains were verified by colony PCR with specific primers before subjecting to Southern blotting analysis.
Morphological analysis of the constructed CaCDC4 repressible strains. Cells of strains JSCA0021 and JSCA0022 were grown on SD medium or plates with (+) or without (-) Met/Cys. Colonies were photographed with MEIJI stereoscopic microscope EMZ5 at 40× magnification (top panel). Cells in liquid culture were visualized and recorded with a Nikon 50i microscope at 400× magnification (bottom panel). Bars represent 10 μm.
Genomic DNA from the C. albicans strains was isolated by the MasterPure™ Yeast DNA Purification Kit (Epicentre®, an Illumina company) according to the manufacture’s instruction. Southern blotting was performed with the aid of the Rapid Downward Transfer System (TurboBlotter™, Whatman) using 10 μg of the restriction enzyme-digested genomic DNA. The DNA on the blot was hybridized with a probe amplified by the PCR DIG probe synthesis kit (Roche) with the primers CaCDC4_Probe_F and CaCDC4_Probe_R for CaCDC4 locus or CaADH1 Probe_F and CaADH1 probe_R for ADH1 locus (Table 2) using DIG Easy Hyb (Roche). To reveal the structure of gene locus, the DIG Luminescent Detection Kit (Roche) was used after hybridization, and the luminescent images of blot were captured with the imaging analysis system (ImageQuant LAS4000 mini, GE Healthcare Life Sciences).
Cultured cells were collected, and the total protein from each sample was extracted as described previously . The proteins were resolved by 10% SDS-PAGE and transferred to PVDF membranes (PerkinElmer, Boston, USA). Proteins on the membranes were probed with polyclonal antibody to FLAG (Sigma) in 1:2000 dilution and detected using the SuperSignal West Pico Chemiluminescent Substrate Kit (PIERCE). These were recorded with the Luminescent Image Analyzer (FUJIFILM LAS-1000) and analyzed by ImageGauge 3.46 and L Process v 1.96 (FUJIFILM).
The cells of strains were streaked on YPD agar plate for 3 days and colonies were picked and inoculated into SD medium with required supplements for 48 hrs. Next, the cultures were diluted into fresh SD medium to 0.1 of an initial OD600 with required supplements. To simultaneously repress the expression of CaMET3 p-driven CaCDC4 and to induce the expression of various CaCDC4 segments encoding series of Ca Cdc4 domains, 2.5 mM Met/Cys and 40 μg/ml Dox were also added into the SD medium. After 48 hrs, the cultures were spun down for 1 minute at 500 rpm, and the suspensions of the cultures were sampled to determine their optical density at OD600. Three independent assays were conducted and each sample was assayed in duplication. A paired Student t test with p < 0.05 was considered significance.
The FLO-encoded flocculins are known to be essential for flocculation in S. cerevisiae. Functional homologues of FLO genes have been found in C. albicans. In particular, the important S. cerevisiae gene FLO11 responsible for flocculation has C. albicans functional counterpart ALS1. Since FLO11-associated flocculation is dependent on the presence of Ca2+, we adopted an alternative flocculation assay in which the rate of flocculation is initiated by Ca2+ and the optical density was assessed within a short time-frame . Briefly, to initiate flocculation, an aliquot of 800 μl deflocculated cell suspension was transferred into a 1-ml cuvette, followed by addition of 200 μl of 100 mM CaCl2. The cuvette was mixed robustly by pipetting and the absorbance (OD600) was assessed instantly at 30-s intervals for 5 minutes using a spectrophotometer (DU800, Beckman Coulter, Inc.). All assays were conducted in triplicate.
To establish C. albicans strains capable of expressing CaCDC4 and its domains solely controlled under a Tet promoter directly in C. albicans, BWP17, with both alleles of CaCDC4 deleted, was constructed to accommodate Tet-on plasmid cassettes capable of expressing assorted Ca Cdc4 domains induced by Dox. The first allele of CaCDC4 was deleted in BWP17 by mini-Ura-blaster to generate the JSCA0018 strain (Figure 1A; Table 1). This strain was used to delete the second CaCDC4 allele to obtain a Cacdc4 null mutant. However, Cacdc4 null mutant cells growing as filamentous form with toughened cell walls obstructed transformation.
To overcome this problem, the strain JSCA0021 (Figure 1A; Table 1) was created that had one CaCDC4 allele deleted and the other under CaMET3 control that was Met/Cys repressible. To allow the introduction of Tet-on cassettes with the same CaURA3 selectable marker as the mini-Ura-blaster on JSCA0021, 5-FOA was used as a counter-selection agent to remove CaURA3 from JSCA0021, from which JSCA0022 was obtained (Figure 1A; Table 1). The strains were PCR-confirmed with specific primers before subjecting to Southern blotting analysis. The CaCDC4 locus from BWP17 strain could detect two Nde I-digested fragments with size of 14 kb and 8.5 kb, respectively (Figure 1B). The size shifting of Nde I-fragment flanking CaCDC4 from 14 kb to 4.5 kb demonstrated that one CaCDC4 allele was integrated with the mini-Ura-blaster cassette as in strain JSCA0018 (Figure 1B). The size shifting of Nde I-fragment flanking CaCDC4 from 8.5 kb to 7.4 kb demonstrated that the other CaCDC4 allele integrated with the MET3-diven CaCDC4 plasmid as in strain JSCA0021 (Figure 1B). Strain JSCA0021 could be further popped out the mini-Ura-blaster cassette to obtain strain JSCA0022 in which the size shifting of Nde I-fragment flanking CaCDC4 from 4.5 kb to 13.5 kb (Figure 1B). These results indicate that all strains constructed have expected organizations in their genome.
It has been shown that Ura— auxotrophic mutants are avirulent and other virulence-associated features can be influenced by the level of CaURA3 gene expression . To assess presence of CaURA3 having effect on yeast-to-filament transition, the yeast-to-filament transitions between strain JSCA0021 and JSCA0022 were compared, cells of those strains were assessed under CaMET3 p repressed or de-repressed conditions. Cells of both strains on SD plates without Met/Cys grew as circular colonies with smooth surfaces (Figure 2). By contrast, cells on plates with Met/Cys formed irregular colonies with filaments (Figure 2). Under the microscope, these strains exhibited equivalent filamentous forms, suggesting a comparable ability to deplete CaCDC4 for expression and inability of CaURA3 interfering with yeast-to-filament transition in C. albicans. Subsequently, JSCA0022 was used as a parental strain to introduce the Tet-on cassettes (with CaURA3 marker) that encoded assorted Ca Cdc4 domains.
The filamentous development of JSCA0022 under CaMET3 p-CaCDC4 repressed conditions, with Met/Cys and the Tet-on system, allows us to study the function of the Ca Cdc4 domains. A set of Tet-on cassettes (obtained from pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF, pTET25M-ΔN-6HF, pTET25M-F-box-6HF, pTET25M-WD40-6HF, and pTET25M-ΔNF-6HF) that encoded each of the assorted domains of Ca Cdc4 (Figure 3A) were used to transform JSCA0022 (which contained a CaMET3 p-repressible CaCDC4) to Ura+ by integration at the CaADH1 locus (Figure 3B). The correctness of the strains was confirmed by yeast colony PCR with specific primers before Southern blotting analysis. The CaADH1 locus from strain JSCA0022 could detect a Spe I-digested fragment with size of 3.3 kb (Figure 3C). The CaADH1 locus from strains JSCA0023 and JSCA0024 detected an increased Spe I-digested fragment of 9.4 kb due to the integration of Tet-on cassettes of either pTET25M-CaCDC4 or pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF (Figure 3C). The CaADH1 locus from other strains also showed expected alteration in size according to the size of different CaCDC4 domains (Figure 3C). These results confirmed the correctness of the strains.
Construction of C. albicans strains for Dox-inducing the expression of assorted CaCDC4 domains. (A) Schematic representation of Ca Cdc4 domains expressed from the Tet-on system. The strains with which they are derived and predicted Tet-on cassette size are shown (B) Generation of Tet-on cassettes for expressing assorted CaCdc4 domains. Different portions of CaCDC4 were PCR-generated with primer sets (Table 2) containing common Aat II and Xho I sites for replacing full-length CaCDC4 on pTET25M-CaCDC4-6HF as described in the Methods. By digestion with Sac II and Kpn I, each cassette was used to transform C. albicans strain JSCA0022 for integration into the CaADH1 locus. (C) Verification of Tet-on cassettes being integrated into CaADH1 locus by Southern blotting analysis. Organization of the CaADH1 locus with respect to Spe I sites is shown in Figure 3B. The relative positions of the probe used and the predicted Spe I-digested pattern of the CaADHI locus are indicated in Figure 3B. One Spe I-fragment of 3.3 kb specific to CaADH1 locus could be detected in genomic DNA from strain JSCA0022 and its derivatives digested with Spe I. The correctness of integration of the cassette into the CaADH1 locus of various strains was confirmed by alteration of the Spe I-fragment from size of 3.3 kb to 9.4 kb (Figure 3B) or various sizes as indicated in Figure 3A.
The JSCA0022 strain, which expressed the non-tagged and repressible Ca Cdc4, was used as a negative control. The sample obtained from JSCA0022 contained two prominent proteins of approximately 55 kDa and 72 kDa (Figure 4A) which were presumably a result of cross-reactivity to the anti-FLAG antibody. Those two proteins were used as an internal control. The F-box and WD40-repeat proteins from strains JSCA0026 and JSCA0027 migrated to their expected positions of approximately 19 kDa and 43 kDa (Figure 4A), respectively. However, the full-length Ca Cdc4 and the N-terminus truncated Ca Cdc4 (ΔN) from strains JSCA0024 and JSCA0025 exhibited signals at positions corresponding to 100 kDa and over 100 kDa (Figure 4A), respectively, as opposed to 86 kDa and 77 kDa, respectively. Three distinctive signals (Figure 4A) were observed for strain JSCA0030 expressing ΔNF of Ca Cdc4, but none of them matched the expected size of 34 kDa; however, the signal at the lowest position could be meaningful. These patterns of expression were similar to strains expressing each of the domains, with either BWP17 or JSCA0021 as a parental strain (Lai WC, unpublished results). Therefore, even though some of the strains expressed domains with unexpected size, they were unique from the negative control of JSCA0022. We concluded that the Tet-on system functions in JSCA0022 and that Ca Cdc4 might be undergoing undefined modifications.
Morphological analysis of C. albicans strains capable of Dox-inducing the expression of assorted CaCDC4 domains. Cells were grown initially in SD medium without Met/Cys to saturation and were diluted to the same initial concentration. Cells were grown exponentially in SD in the absence of 2.5 mM Met/Cys, with or without 50 μg/ml Dox (-Met/Cys + Dox or -Met/Cys), or in the presence of 2.5 mM Met/Cys, with or without 50 μg/ml Dox (+Met/Cys + Dox or + Met/Cys). (A) The Dox-inducibly expressing assorted Ca Cdc4 protein domains under CaMET3-CaCDC4 repressed conditions was verified by Western blotting with polyclonal antibody to FLAG. The non-specific signals between 72 and 55 kDa, and between 55 and 40 kDa are served as a loading controls. (B) The images were visualized and recorded with a Nikon 50i microscope at 400× magnification. The arrow in white indicates filamentous cells. Bars represent 10 μm. The designations of strains are the same as in Table 1.
To determine the function of the assorted Ca Cdc4 domains, JSCA0022-based strains capable of repressing CaCDC4 and inducing expression of assorted Ca Cdc4 domains were grown in SD medium with or without Met/Cys and in the presence or absence of Dox. Cells from strains in SD medium without Met/Cys grew as yeast in the presence or absence of Dox (Figure 4B). By contrast, cells from strains in medium with Met/Cys grew with filaments (Figure 4B). As expected, cells of JSCA0023 and JSCA0024 growing on medium with Met/Cys and Dox and that expressed the full-length Ca Cdc4 with or without tag grew as yeast. Disregarding the full-length Ca Cdc4, cells from all strains, except JSCA0025 expressing assorted domains, still grew as filaments (Figure 4B). Under Met/Cys and Dox conditions, cells from JSCA0025 expressing the N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 seemed to have an ability to suppress filamentation but not complete back to the yeast form (Figure 4B). This is in consistent with our previous observation in which, comparing with cells capable of expressing the full-length Ca Cdc4 under the CaMET3 p repressible control, those cells expressing the N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 lagged behind in reaching exponential stage (Additional file 1: Figure S1) and converted to filamentous form earlier (Additional file 2: Figure S2) in the repressed condition.
Significant differences in the ability among strains to form suspensions (to resist flocculation) were observed. The extent of flocculation among strains was observed after resuspending the cells in cuvettes, where they remained for 30 seconds. When cells were grown under the Met/Cys and Dox conditions, only those from JSCA0023 and JSCA0024 were somewhat easier to maintain as a suspension. To exclude the possibility that this was a result of increases in cell density, cells from all strains were initially grown to saturation, and the cultures were subsequently diluted to the same initial optical density and grown exponentially to similar optical density. The extent of flocculation among strains was observed after spinning the cells for 1 minute at 500 rpm. The suspended cells were sampled for determination of their optical density. Cells resisted in flocculation would remain in suspension upon centrifugation. Under the CaMET3 p de-repressed condition and in the presence or absence of Dox, all strains exhibited a similar degree of suspension. However, under the CaMET3 p repressed condition, JSCA0026, JSCA0027, and JSCA0030 displayed flocculation similar to JSCA0022 regardless of the presence or absence of Dox (Figure 5A). While more cells of strains JSCA0023, JSCA0024 maintained as suspension, those of JSCA0025 with some filamentous cells, showed comparable extent of flocculation to JSCA0022 under CaMET3 p repressed but Tet-on induced conditions (Figure 5).
Analysis of cell flocculation by low-speed centrifugation. Cultures of the indicated strains were grown in SD medium with histidine, arginine, uridine for 2 days before diluting into the SD medium to an initial OD600 = 0.1 with addition of 2.5 mM Met/Cys to repress the expression of CaMET3 p-driven CaCDC4 and 40 μg/ml Dox to induce the expression of Ca Cdc4 domains tested for 48 hrs to OD600 ≈ 1.6. Cultures were photographed before and after centrifugation. (A). A representative of the cultures. Upper panel: two-day culture. Bottom panel: cultures being spun down with 500 rpm for 1 minute. (B). Quantitative results. Data are represented as means with standard deviation from three independent experiments, each sample was in duplication. The data from JSCA0022 were compared with those of other strains. **: P < 0.01. The designations of strains are the same as in Table 1.
To solidify our observations, an alternative flocculation assay where flocculation is initiated by addition of Ca2+ to the culture medium being depleted with Ca2+ beforehand was used . Only cells of JSCA0023 and JSCA0024 remained resistance in flocculation during the time-frame of 5-minute assay compared with those of the rest of strains (Figure 6), which were consistent with the results shown in Figure 5. However, both strains JSCA0025 and JSCA0027 exhibited greater ability to resist flocculation than that of JCSA 0026 and JSCA0030 when considering the differences in OD600 from the initial to the end points.
Analysis of Ca 2+ initiated cell flocculation. The strains were grown as described in Figure 5 to saturation at OD600 ≈ 1.4. The cultures were harvested and washed twice with deflocculation buffer, followed by initiation of flocculation as described in the Methods. The assays were conducted in triplicate. The name of each strain shows only the last two numbers.
In this study, we aimed to dissect the function of Ca Cdc4 domains by introducing a Tet-on system with cassettes that encoded for a variety of Ca Cdc4 domains in a C. albicans mutant of Cacdc4 null. However, the Cacdc4 null mutant with a filamentous form could not be easily used to introduce the Tet-on cassettes; therefore, we constructed the JSCA0022 strain, where CaURA3 was released from the strain JSCA0021, and CaCDC4 expression was repressible. Under repressed conditions, the JSCA0022 strain showed similar filamentous morphology (Figure 2) to those from previous reports of cells with CaCDC4 repressed strain [6, 7] and of cacdc4 null mutant (Tseng TL, Hsu WH, and Shieh JC, unpublished results). We confirmed that the JSCA0022 strain under repressed conditions was equivalent to a strain that had completely lost CaCDC4 function. Hence, by introduction of the Tet-on cassettes into JCSA0022 strain, each of the strains was capable of expressing individual Ca Cdc4 domains in the presence of Met/Cys and Dox for functional comparisons.
To verify the ability of the Tet-on cassettes in C. albicans, each of the cassettes encoding various Ca Cdc4 domains was transformed into BWP17 and JSCA0021 before introducing them into JSCA0022 at the CaADH1 locus. Individual Ca Cdc4 domains from relevant strains were all detectable, suggesting that the Tet-on system functions in C. albicans. However, while cells expressing the F-box and the WD40 repeat could be detected as their expected sizes, those expressing the full-length Ca Cdc4, the N-terminus truncated Ca Cdc4 (ΔN), and the ΔNF of Ca Cdc4 could be detected at positions higher than anticipated (Figure 4A). In particular, the sample from strain JSCA0030 expressing the ΔNF could be detected three signals (Figure 4A), all of which were greater than the predicted sizes. These results suggest that the N-terminal Ca Cdc4 from residue 85 to 241 (Figure 3A) might be undergoing post-translational modification during the Tet-on-induced expression, although its functional significance is unknown. Interestingly, the region between residue 85 and 241 of Ca Cdc4 contains abundant serine and threonine residues, the majority of which are homologous to S. cerevisiae Cdc4 . This implies possible phosphorylations or other modifications on these residues that is specific to C. albicans. However, the genuine nature of these residues remains to be determined, and their functional significance of this N-terminal Ca Cdc4 requires further study.
With regards to integration of CaADH1 locus by the Tet-on cassette, it is known that C. albicans adh1 homozygous null mutant gains the ability to form biofilm both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a possible role of CaADH1 in flocculation. However, the heterozygous CaADH1 null mutant with which the homozygous adh1 null mutant is reintegrated a functional copy of CaADH1 to the CaADH1 locus appears to be similar in biofilm formation as its isogenic wild-type strain. In addition, disruption of CaADH1 has no consequence of morphology alteration in C. albicans (Lai WC, unpublished results). Therefore, the possible effect of Tet-on cassette on flocculation and filamentation by integration, hence disruption of a copy of CaADH1 locus can be excluded.
Under the Met/Cys and Dox conditions, cells expressing F-box, WD40 repeat, and the ΔNF of Ca Cdc4 exhibited filamentous forms similar to those of JSCA0022, whose CaCDC4 was repressed, compared to those expressing the full-length Ca Cdc4 without or with tag (JSCA0023 and JSCA0024), which exhibited yeast forms (Figure 4B). These results suggest that both the WD40 repeat and F-box are essential to suppress the yeast-to-filament transition. Cells from strain JSCA0025 expressing the ΔN of Ca Cdc4, which were grown in the presence of Met/Cys and Dox, were only partially able to reverse filamentous cells to yeast cells, suggesting that the N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 plays a role in the yeast-to-filament transition in C. albicans. The role of the N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 for growth was observed previously, in which cells expressing N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 lagged slightly in proliferation during the exponential stage (Additional file 1: Figure S1), and repression of the expression of the N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 resulted in prominently lagging behind in growth, which was presumably due to the morphological alteration of cells to filaments in advance (Additional file 2: Figure S2) that delays proliferation as compared to those of yeast cells. Since the N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 is unique compared to that of the S. cerevisiae Cdc4 , our finding reveals a role of N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 on morphogenesis, which is unknown previously.
Importantly, cells of all JSCA0022-based strains exhibited flocculation in medium with Met/Cys, but the strains JSCA0023 (CaCDC4) and JSCA0024 (CaCDC4-6HF) exhibited less flocculation by adding Dox simultaneously (Figure 5). Unlike cells of JSCA0023 and JSCA0024, those of JSCA0025 expressing N-terminal 85-amino acid truncated Ca Cdc4 were unable to totally overturn filamentous-to-yeast cells, suggesting that N-terminal 85-amino acid is required for full activity of CaCDC4 function in C. albicans to inhibit filamentation. However, if flocculation is tightly associated with filamentation, we expect to see the extent of flocculation in JCSA0025 (ΔN 6HF) being greater than that of JSCA0022 but less than that of JSCA0023 and JSCA0024 in the presence of Met/Cys and Dox. This was not revealed by the low speed-centrifugation method but by the Ca2+-initiation assay. Importantly, both JSCA0025 and JSCA0027 expressing Ca Cdc4 lacking N-terminal 85-amino acid (Figure 3A) exhibits similar extent of flocculation. Moreover, JSCA0025 that expressing Ca Cdc4 lacking N-terminal 85-amino acid could only partially suppress filamentation yet JSCA0027 that expressing Ca Cdc4 lacking N-terminal 85-amino acid and F-box with flanking regions completely lose the ability to inhibit filamentation (Figure 3A and Figure 4B). These results imply that N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 has a role in inhibition of cell flocculation in C. albicans and that the F-box and its flanking region in addition to the N-terminal 85-amino acid of Ca Cdc4 might be associated with proper control of both morphogenesis and flocculation.
Therefore, we conclude that F-box and WD40-repeat are important in suppressing yeast-to-filament transition and flocculation and that the N-terminal region (1–85) has a positive role in CaCDC4 function, lost of which impairs reverse of filament-to-yeast and reduces the ability to flocculate in C. albicans. Moreover, the function of Ca Cdc4 for suppressing flocculation that is related to cell-cell adhesion implies a role of CaCDC4 in biofilm formation that is under investigation.
The authors thank Dr. A. Mitchell (Columbia University) for C. albicans strain BWP17 and plasmid pDDB57, Dr. J. Wendland for pFA-HIS1-MET3p (Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany), and Dr. J. Morschhäuser for pTET25 (Universität Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany). We gratefully acknowledge the financial support for this work provided by a grant of a collaborative agreement between the Chung Shan Medical University (Taichung, Taiwan) and the Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital (Pingdung, Taiwan) (CSMU-TSMH-097-005) and grants from the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI-EX100-9808SI) and National Science Council (NSC 101-2629-B-040-001-MY3 ) of Taiwan, R.O.C.
CC, WCL, JCS, TLL conceived and designed the experiments. CC, WCL, and TLT performed the experiments. CC, WCL, JCS, and TLT analyzed the data. WCL, TLL, and TLT contributed reagents and materials. JCS wrote the paper. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. | 2019-04-19T01:11:14Z | https://jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1423-0127-20-97 |
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I would like to write a book that anyone could pick up, regardless of whether or not they have a philosophical background. When I fantasize about writing such a book I am not fantasizing about writing a book that is “easy” or “clear”. Rather I am fantasizing about a book that could function as an element of other assemblages or networks without the reader already having to be linked in to a pre-existent and extensive network characterized by the history of philosophy. The adventure of such a book would be premised not on maintaining its identity or the sameness of a message throughout all of the possible relations it enters into among readers, but would rather function as an element, like lavender in the region of wine grapes, contributing to the production of new productions. Here the history of philosophy wouldn’t be absent or ignored, but would be, as it were, virtual or in the background. Philosophy wouldn’t proceed through the activity of commentary as is practiced in Continental thought today, but rather there would be direct ownership of one’s writing and appropriation of the history of philosophy. Just as the peppers in my garden are borne of the soil, the water, and air out of which they grow without displaying these elements in any recognizable sense, such a writing would be willing to take direct responsibility for how it has “prehended” or integrated that history without thematically making that history the issue or question of the writing. Is it possible, today, to write in the fashion of a Descartes, Spinoza, or Hume?
The book that comes to my mind is Wittgenstein’s Philosophical Investigations. I have taken a critical stand against some of the thought-positions that seem to underlie its eliptical arguments (and the apostlary devotion of some to its text), but if one leaves behind one’s already assumed position upon the supposed notion of “language game” or ordinary language philosophy or Private Language, and simply engage the book, as a book, it is remarkably and precisely the kind of thing that Levi yearns to write. And while Levi is concerned with the leadened, commentary entrenched Continental traditions, and Ludwig’s freedom was composed against a very different style of thinking, there is something to be learned here. What makes the Philosophical Investigations so free?
It comes I believe from Wittgenstein’s notion that there are pictures of language (and therefore of the world, ourselves, and everything in it) that largely govern the way we see and think about things. For him these are very elementary things, simple compositional, almost building-block analogies that bring everything into view, making our explanations about explanations work. And so he presents another one. A different one. And he attempts to do so at the simplest level, without jargon, in self-conversation.
It is interesting that Levi wants to not necessarily write something that is “clear” because his writing seems at times overburdened with a kind of Herculean effort to make things that he takes to be very complicated, clear. In fact, his powers of explication of Lacan or Deleuze are quite admirable, leaving behind the firm trace of the the explicable. But for the unclear clear that Wittgenstein attempted, a different sort of tact is needed, a grasp and re-grasp of the “picture”. Perhaps to write philosophy in the genuine sense that Levi means one has to be a child about it. Just as Levi is moved by the anticipated incomprehensibility of his Deleuze book for one of his students, Wittgenstein was stirred to his philosophical awakening by his teaching of small children, noticing how children see and learn things.
In this way, if we are to write philosophy of the unclear clear we have to paint the picture of it, and not just talk about the concepts. We have to compose the moving parts and turn the shaft to rotate the gears so that others can see it. It might be a complicated machine, but its parts must be made to touch, to be felt.
It challenges me to think of the same. I’ve spent a long while holding certain concepts in my mind, turning them about as a infant turns a building block and even sticks it in his mouth so as to feel its shape. What would it mean to write like this without lapsing into poetry so as to escape the shape/picture? I am thinking lately on a critique of Hoffmeyer’s Code Duality, and how I can just feel that it works out. I can almost synesthetically put my mouth around the two concepts “digital code” and “analogical code”. What would it mean to express them as a picture, a child-picture that makes the whole thing turn?
A (digital) code is a rhythm of discrete parts, joined by a syntactical governance.
The truth of it is not found in either the rules for their joining, nor the elements that are joined, but in their mutuality.
An analogical code is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms.
An “analogical code” is a continuous stream of material recording, the scratching of one thing upon another, (so that there is revelation and memory).
Every digital code necessarily performs analogical powers of impress. DNA has a body.
Below is a puzzle that I feel is a product of Wittgenstein’s over-reaching into the analogy of grammar to explain what for him is a fundamental distinction between sense and nonsense. Nonsense is that barred by hidden rules of (philosophical) grammar, Sense, that which is enabled by them. When someone speaks nonsense, it is because they have violated the rules of (philosophical) grammar, that is, the way that words should be used.
“If grammar says that you cannot say that a sound is red, it means not that it is false to say so but it is nonsense—i.e. not language at all” (Wittgenstein’s Lectures, Cambridge 1930-1932, p. 47; Lent Term, 1931).
1. Let us say that I say sentence “x”, a sentence which you do not understand at all. You tell me that x is plainly in violation of hidden grammatical rules which prevent the formation of just such a word sequence.
2. I tell you are wrong, and you ask me several questions which you hope could help you understand what I mean by x. None of my answers help. This confirms for you that there are such a hidden grammatical rules which forbids x.
3. Now you come across some friends of mine who regard x as perfectly sensible. What they have to say when interacting with me over sentence x suggests to you that indeed perhaps x does have some sense (at least these people are behaving as if it did, similing, responding with looks of comprehension…your only evidence). You still claim that there are such hidden grammatical rules which forbid the formation of x, even if we think or act like it makes sense.
4. Now you come to a person who seems to understand x quite well. He gives you several explanations what x means which come to satisfy you. You come to understand that x, rather than being barred from formation, is sensical.
5. My question is, were there ever such a hidden rules which barred x from formation in the first place?… If there were not ever such rules, what use is a reference to them?
If indeed there were such rules, were the conditions for their employ ONLY confined to the circumstances of your incomprehension? If this is the case, what good is reference rules which have theoretically only one circumstance for their employ…when sentence x is uttered in your presence before time t, that sentence is barred from formation?
6. Now let us say that the new, comprehending, you then utters in the presence of someone else the sentence x, and they do not understand you at all. They claim that there are hidden grammatical rules which forbid you from forming sentence x. All your explanations fail. Are these the same rules you referred to earilier, or different ones? How can we tell? In otherwords, what role do these unspoken rules serve to explain whether something is sense or nonsense?
Are there or are there not grammatical rules which forbid this sentence’s formation? How can you tell?
There are of course several answers needed here, only the last as it pertains to Wittgenstein has the irony. On that, an average person would tell you that such a sentence violates Wittgenstein’s notion of the grammar of the words “talk” and “understands” and he may or may not be able to understand an explanation if offered. On the other hand a Davidsonian would tell you, I believe, even after elaborate explanation from a Wittgensteinian that on Wittgensteinian terms the grammar of the words in the sentence is violated: for us to be able to say that something “talks” this entails the necessity that we can “understand” him (by Davidson in his very rejection of scheme/content dualism). Is Wittgenstein talking nonsense to tell us what sense must be?
N. N., a thorough going defender of Wittgenstein over at Methods of Projection, brings up a supposed “refutation” of Wittgenstein offered by Barry Smith, in the example of Alien Hand and Anarchic Hand Syndromes. These medical examples seem to run counter to our main intuitions about the conceptual integrety of our bodies, and thus our identities, and as such produce tension in some of Wittgenstein’s Grammatical arguments which depend on a certain logic of Self.
Here Wittgenstein (mysteriously) ties his Private Language argument to a supposedly meaningless exchange between hands (an impossibility that we take to be grammatical, I suppose). In anarchic hand syndrome the full silliness of hand-to-hand exchange becomes less obvious. Indeed there are consequences for such exchanges, which could read as a “gift” (imagine someone with multiple personalities). When the logic of the Private Language argument is foregrounded in the assumed impossibility, the ultimate question of the integrity of the “subject”, even at the grammatical level, is opened up.
What is one do to when Wittgenstein uses an example which prima facie is supposed to be taken as an absurdity (a frequent rhetorical tool of his), and this absurdity is meant to establish or make clear an “argument”; yet upon looking closely one finds that it is not so absurd in all conditions? Is Wittgenstein “refuted”? This would seem to be a odd thing to say, since he does not present direct arguments per se. What it does say is that if you look closely at the substantive, real-world examples that surround his proposed absurdities, his grammatical arguments become thinner and thinner.
“Come on” Wittgensteinians might say, “you have to read him with charity, you know what he means.” Look closely, but not too closely.
If indeed one can have instances where your right hand can MEANINGFULLY give money to your left hand, and if we are to read the above section on its own terms, does this mean that a Private definition of a word is possible, although unlikely? If not, if counter examples to Wittgenstein’s illustrations don’t count against his arguments, what really is the substances of these arguments anyway?
As for “consequences” we certainly can imagine that in a court of law someone could be held “not guilty” of murder, having stabbed someone with their anarchic hand, while it still could be considered their hand in many legal ways (amputation?). A rougue left hand also might also give food to the right hand, or directly to the mouth, with consequences that have strong interpersonal meanings.
Upon reflection, I would say that Wittgenstein (or Wittgensteinians) do not fully embrace the radical historical contingency of Wittgenstein’s notions of grammar, in a trade off which allows a certain degree of normative argument and logical force. What grammar does, in the sense that Wittgenstein uses it, is unseat even the most assured intuitions of sense, since our conditions of use ultimately are those which establish our categories, even categories of Privacy and Self.
It is Wittgenstein’s last sentence of his Tractatus that is perhaps his most problematic, and therefore engaging: “Whereof one cannot speak, one must remain silent”. The silence though appears not to have stopped here. There seems to be a hidden silence that carries through to Wittgenstein’s much embraced latter work, despite the arguable radical break with what preceded it. The “silence” with which the Tractatus ends, is the silence imposed when speaking under a picture-sentence view of language, “A sentence is a picture of reality” (TLP 1, 4.021). How much of this need, this must of “silence” remains in Wittgenstein’s new thinking?. It strikes me that at least in the followers of Wittgenstein a great deal more of this silence lingers than is often acknowledged. There is the feeling that Wittgenstein wants to say “Whereof one cannot speak under a Language-game picture of language, one must, or should remain silent”. It is this implicit continuation of a sense of completion, that the adequate framework of sense as been now supplied, and that all that falls outside of it is simply by definition “nonsense”, which is somehow sublated in the Philosophical Investigations and other texts. (One can see this most explicitly in Wittgenstein’s treatment of “nonsense” and metaphysics under a normalized concept of health vs. illness.) To be sure, Wittgenstein’s loose, often playful approach to language through an analogy of rules and games lacks the rigid latticework of the Tractatus, but it seems that the prescription of silence remains.
If though we take Wittgenstein’s two projects in composite, his picture-sentence theory of language, and his language-game theory (understanding “theory” in its Greek sense), we might take away something more than a final resting place which fixedly allows us to parse sense from nonsense, and the coherently spoken from requisite quiet. Perhaps we can see that while a silence halos all our approaches of a descriptive cohesion, our pictures of language can and indeed necessarily do change. A Language-game approach is not a final framework for our divisions of the spoken and unspoken. Other circumscriptions exist, and will exist, prospectively, creatively, usefully. If anything is taught by Wittgenstein’s progression, it would be that silence is always qualified. And the “must”, the imperative of normative discourse about discourse, is itself contingent to the metaphors and analogies we fashion. Wittgenstein’s Language Game itself imposes its unique urge to silence in the implicit assumption of its descriptive powers. The Language Game also is a “picture [that] held us captive” (PI §115).
For those worn thin by my constant investigation into Spinoza’s lens-grinding, a discussion developed over at Methods of Projectiona Wittgenstein weblog, some of it is perhaps worth repeating. There are more complex ways of talking about this, but these were some of my general thoughts off the top of my head (a few edits here and there). Here is my response to Quirinus Quine from Philosophical Pontifications.
This is really the key, I believe. The reason I suspect that certain uses of language are denied PROPER language game status [technically, “language games” are much more simple than what we are talking about, but any conceptual construction must rest upon a complex of its games one supposes] is that Wittgenstein has a slightly hidden Puritanism in his approach. He, out from his engineer’s background, wants to take language off holiday, and put it back to work doing what it is supposed to be doing. Buried in this play vs. work conception is that real games are mechanistic and rule-following (that is what gives them traction, connecting them to solid ground and keeping them off the ice).
It just so happens that historically in the fields of philosophy, when you spend time thinking about thinking, this isn’t really how things work. There is something about metaphysical conception (those kind of games) that is between Language being at Work (like the Slab Language), getting things done, and Wittgenstein’s alternate, language being like gears turning emptily without connection to the rest of the mechanism (the world), as if pure unadulterated ritual [rituals have purposes too!]. There simply are not only two positions, that of pure sense and that of pure nonsense, which Wittgenstein would like to propose. Metaphysical conceptions, arguments, debates, even if we grant them the status of complete and utter grammatical nonsense and confusion, end up producing empirical observations about the world and ourselves, for instance how Hegelian nonsense spinnings about the negation and the sublimation lead to all kinds of sociological descriptions which are definitively measurable. The conceptual refinement leads to research and focus. As such, metaphysical debate helps to organize communally shared perceptions, (which is not to say that metaphysical truths have authority over perceptions). To imagine that a game of words has only one kind of use, a use which grammatical confusions supposedly radically undermine, simply turns a huge blind eye to the actual historical processes that have employed metaphysical language games, all the while. In a sense, Wittgenstein’s empirical/grammatical distinctions is as cut off from solid ground (the path of history, concrete analysis of language use and its products), as any metaphysical word game.
In the end it is just that Wittgenstein (really more his followers than he himself, for he remained more playful than most of his adherents), neglected to apply the word game analysis to his own language use, hoping I suspect, to be able to achieve a vantage point where he could judge as good or bad, by category, some games (sense makers) as better than others (nonsense makers). One may of course take such a distinction as informative, even revealing, but it too rests on analogy, metaphor and perspective, all of which can be called into question. | 2019-04-23T08:24:59Z | https://kvond.wordpress.com/tag/philosophical-investigations/ |
7. Review: Wonderful, Wonderful Wincanton.
Welcome to issue 176. November been a month for updating web sites, the Discworld Emporium now has a new look at http://www.discworldemporium.com, I've made a few mostly cosmetic changes to the Discworld Monthly site and the second stage of the updates to the official UK Terry Pratchett site http://www.terrypratchett.co.uk have completed with a much needed upgrade to its message board software.
The next stage will be the consolidation of the UK and US Terry Pratchett websites. The message boards at http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com will eventually be taken off line. Most members of the US board have already migrated over to the UK and have been made welcome by the wonderful community there.
Be sure to visit http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/community to see what it's all about.
In my review of A Night with Terry Pratchett last month I talked about Terry's visit to Hobbiton. In the review I forgot to mention that Terry and Rob travelled from Australia to New Zealand where Matamata and Hobbiton are located.
Re 'Hobbiton and Matamata [which is in N Island (Motu) of Aotearoa] Just a correction - Matamata is a town the name of which is Te Reo Maori for headland jutting into a swamp. It became settled as a district of Waikato, in the 1880s. Peter Jackson set 'the Shire' there as it has rolling hills and hedgerows. As a proud NZer just want the name correct and the region and it is in NZ Aotearoa, not Australia! Kia kaha - stay strong!
Pern creator Anne McCaffrey recently passed away aged 85 in her home in Ireland. I am sure that many Discworld fans also loved the dragons of Pern. The Wyrmberg in The Colour Of Magic is a parody of the Pern dragons. RIP Anne McCaffrey.
A proof copy of Snuff is currently up for auction to raise money for the Orangutan Foundation UK - the auction runs until Monday 5th December.
Snowgum Films have released a new teaser trailer for Troll Bridge on YouTube. The trailer features some amazing fly by scenes shot in New Zealand. The New Zealand shoot was only possible due to the generous donations made by fans to Snowgum's kickstarter campaign.
Martin Wallace of Treefrog games (the man who designed the Ankh Morpork game) has created a fun, quick to play card game called Old Men Of The Forest. The game for three or four players costs just 10 GBP + 2 GBP p&p with all profits from the game going to The Orangutan Foundation UK. I purchased a copy at Hogswatch and look forward to playing it.
A Third Sector Blog Post tells how the author of the post once met Terry before he wrote the Discworld. Apparently Terry moaned a lot on the 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk across the North York Moors. It also talks about how Terry works with his PC and his attitude to his Alzheimers.
The Age have a video interview that was taken on Terry's recent tour of Australia. The article is called Holy Narrativia!
Monstrous Regiment gets a mention on The Guardian's website in its feature 10 of the Best: Women Dressed as Men.
The Bear in Wincanton was recently announced top pub in the Famous Grouse list of best pubs in the UK.
An article in The Bookseller suggests mainstream publishers can "no longer afford to ignore" science-fiction and fantasy projects, with genre tropes now perceived as an "advantage" in general fiction, as a flurry of six-figure deals and chart successes point to a rising demand for the genre. It goes on to mention Snuff selling 31,094 copies in its first week. [I think the actual number was nearer 54,000 - Ed].
Nation as dramatized by the BBC for Radio 4 Extra has been uploaded to YouTube.
The Radio Times recently interviewed Terry for their Britain in a Day series. In the article Terry describes a typical Saturday. Sounds a lot more relaxed than most of my Saturdays.
We would like to invite you, one and all, to attend the Unseen University Convivium 2012, to be held at University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Roundworld, on July 6-8 2012.
This will be a celebration of all things Wizardly and Discworldly, for afficionados of the oeuvre of Professor Sir Terry Pratchett. The weekend shall include lectures, seminars, games, performances of an artistic nature, and much more.
Of course, there will be a chance to experience one of UU's famous big dinners at Gaudy Night, and for those able to stay an extra day, on July 9th there will be a Winery and Gourmet Tour. After all, there's nothing wizards like more than dining and whining.
The documentary Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die recently won best documentary at the Scottish Baftas.
Terry's books are mentioned twice in another Guardian article called Conn Iggulden's Top 10 Books About Tiny People.
Topping the list is Truckers, Diggers and Wings and in 9th place is The Carpet People.
Mark Hall of Cosgrove Hall fame, the people that created the animated Wyrd Sisters, Truckers and Soul Music, sadly died recently of cancer, aged 74.
The National Portrait Gallery has created a project called Imagined Lives where some of Britain's best known authors provide an imagined history to portraits whose identities have been lost. Terry is one of the authors to provide biographies for the unknown portraits.
DARPA has made a new announcement on its "One Shot" programme, which ensures that a million-to-one shot will (as on Discworld) hit the target nine (well, six) times out of 10.
Terry has been involved in trying to prevent a day centre called Netherwood that supports those with Alzheimers from closing down.
Terry urged Camden Council to "withdraw the proposal to close Netherwood Day Centre".
Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month. In December this will be Monday 5th.
The Broken Drummers meet at The Monkey Puzzle, Paddington, London, W2 1JQ, England at 7pm. This month will be the Drummers Christmas dinner. There will be a special meal that needs to be ordered in advance - email for more information. The meal is optional and anyone can come along without ordering the meal.
[UK, New] Ottershaw Players, in Surrey, will be performing Wyrd Sisters at the Rhoda MacGaw Theatre in Woking from the 7th - 10th December.
Performances start at 7.45 with a matinee on the 10th at 2.30.
Tickets cost: 12 GBP (10 GBP concessions) and can be booked via our box office 01932 241341 or . Our director has some very exciting ideas for the staging of the play and we hope to entertain everyone from the diehard fans to the Discworld novices - no pressure then!
[UK, New] Lichfield Players will be performing Lords and Ladies at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre between 1st - 4th February 2012.
[UK, New] Monstrous Regiment will be performed in Cardiff from 22nd - 25th February 2012.
[AU, New] The Unseen University Convivium 2012 takes place from July 6 - 8 2012.
[UK, Updated] The Eighnnnnnn International Discworld Convention will take place from the 24th to 27th August 2012 at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham.
Tickets are almost completely sold out with over 900 already allocated. I've had my ticket numbers allocated so I'll see you in Birmingham.
Hi, can anyone help me? I have a hardback copy of I Shall Wear Midnight, but I have torn the dustcover and really need a new one as it's ruining my display bookshelf. Is there anyone out there who has a spare cover, or can anyone please tell me where I can get one? Thanks.
On the subject of computing with water, the MONIAC water computer was used to model economies. Further information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MONIAC_Computer and a number of them are on display around the world, including at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand museum here in Wellington.
I have been an avid Terry Pratchett fan since mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm about 1989/1990. I have collected all the Discworld series, including the Tiffany Aching books (in paperback). Nation I bought in hardback, and found it not only deeply moving but also inspiring. I think I walked around for about a week after reading it in a state of altered consciousness. It is very very very seldom that something like that happens.
Over time I've noticed all the books that have been produced to help a fan delve further into the meaning of TP's vision. I would like to know where I should start (bearing in mind that they should be in pb and maybe slightly aged, and the current rate of exchange between the South African rand and English Pound GBP1=ZAR12.7).
Just thought I'd say I enjoy getting Discworld Monthly and really like reading the wee articles.
I finished 'Snuff' recently and loved it; really loved it a lot to the point that I was sad I'd finished it so quickly. I must admit I was slightly disappointed the Death didn't appear in it as he was the only character that had appeared in every single Discworld book. Did anyone else notice this or do you know if there was a reason he was left out?
I had a job to put 'Snuff' down, as you would expect it's pretty damn good! But no capital letters; is this the first Discworld novel without Death?
But I was surprised to read that Terry addresses Neil as "Mister Gaiman". I thought that they wrote a book together. Shouldn't they use their first names for their conversations? Maybe this is my different German understanding for the usage of names. Could you help me with that?
WB replies: Terry's joking - he's emphasising the over-formality of his expression 'on a point of order', the sort of phrase you might expect to hear in a court of law or a parliament.
Ok, see, I've been refraining myself from sending this email for a lo-o-o-o-ong time! A really really long time. I don't even remember how long, probably at least 3 or 4 years, maybe more. But not anymore! and that's because I am a FAN. I care about anything Discworld, so here we are: First let me say I am an architect, actually I am still a student too, so that's probably why I care a lot about this; guys! seriously! you have been publishing the Discworld Monthly for so many years, and you still have not even thought about doing it a little justice in terms of "graphics" and "formatting"?!! come on! this is Discworld we are talking about! Terry did and is doing his best relaying a very vivid and unique graphically realised world to us readers, and you guys don't even care about making this even look like a magazine! what I am getting at is this: you need a graphic language, correct formatting, not this "Notepad-like" look that only discourages people from ever even considering seriously reading this monthly! It really is not a difficult thing. you just need a template; good colors and framing, maybe a more "fantastical" font, and separate, specific graphic layout for each section of the monthly. And then, all you need to do is copy and paste the text in the template! Maybe even add a picture or two here and there from time to time. Now, is that so difficult?! please, please do this and you'll see how much more positive response and feedback you will get, how much more Discworld Monthly will be read and talked about. I care, and apparently not even nearly as much as you guys do! so I'm sure you'll do something about this, right?
DWM replies: What do you think? Should we produce a more pretty version of Discworld Monthly or should we stick with text only? Any budding artists out there want to provide us with free Discworld inspired images to use? Fancy coming up with some design ideas for a nice looking template? Let us know.
Thanks for all the work on the news letter. It continues to entertain and inform.
RE: The Casting of the "Night Watch" TV series. It won't work unless the cast is perfect. To that end I would suggest that there is currently only one actor with enough range and personality to play Sam Vimes, and that is Philip Glenister. Anyone who has seen the series 'Life On Mars' or 'Ashes to Ashes' or the more recent 'Hidden' knows the range and quality of this actor, who is the British equivalent of Clint Eastwood (who would be a perfect Vimes, but is alas too old and too expensive now), only with a British slant that makes him the perfect choice. Whatever else the production company does, it's Glenister or nothing as far as I'm concerned.
You could hear the snow falling. It made a strange little noise, like a faint, cold sizzle.
The Quirm College for Young Ladies had been very advanced in that respect, and its teachers took the view that a girl who couldn't swim two lengths of the pool with her clothes on wasn't making an effort.
"Don't talk to me about progress. Progress just means bad things happen faster."
After a very pleasant and uneventful drive I arrived in Wincanton mid-afternoon on Friday 25th November for the 10th anniversary of Hogswatch events in Wincanton. After parking up, I visited the Cunning Artificer's shop to find out what was planned for the weekend. After picking up my Saturday meal ticket and an itinerary of events which included a disclaimer along the lines of "This is what we think will happen and where it will happen, but it might not - or it might, but later, or even earlier, or differently" I headed over to the Dolphin Inn (where I would be staying for the weekend) for a pint.
The Dolphin had two barrels of cider on the bar which contained a drink named Nanny Ogg's Cider and claimed the drink was made from mostly apples. I decided to try a pint and sat down to chat with friends. About half way through the pint I started to notice that I could feel the effects of the alcohol (I'm not a big drinker but thought this was strange until I later found out that Nanny Ogg's Cider was just over 8% in strength). After a very nice curry I went back to the Dolphin Inn and spent a very pleasant evening with friends both new and old.
Saturday started with a hearty Dolphin breakfast, eventually - I think the new owners of the pub were not quite ready to be invaded by a hoard of hungry Discworld fans! So having breakfasted and freshened up I headed into the skittle alley where I met up with Leonard Boyd & David Brashaw of Backspindle games (http://www.guardsguards.com), the designers of the Guards! Guards! board game. Having sorted out a few rule queries a game was started. The game turned out to be an epic, with three of the four players quite quickly getting four of their spells back to the Unseen University. Then the dragons came. And the shape of the game changed dramatically. Three of the players needed to get into one quadrant of the game but that quadrant was blocked by a dragon. After a failed attempt to kill the dragon, I spent time recruiting a small army and took on the dragon myself and was able to slay it, but before I could take advantage of the situation another dragon was summoned into the same quadrant. Luckily I noticed that one of the other players was about to finish his last spell run and while I was unable to stop them I could try to get all four dragons into play and thus prevent any player from winning. So I quickly set about trying this strategy but as quickly as I could invoke dragons other players were killing them. Eventually the player on their last run managed to kill their third dragon and make it safely home ending the game.
After playing Guards! Guards! I decided to see what else was going on, so I looked in at the traders' room where there were plenty of shiny things for sale. Keeping my hands firmly in my pockets I headed down to the Bear where I met Martin Wallace of Treefrog Games (http://www.treefroggames.com) the designer of the Ankh-Morpork game who told me about the Old Men of the Forest game which Martin wrote to make money for the Orangutan Foundation UK. I purchased a copy of the game and plan to write a review about it for next month's issue. I spent some time looking at the lovely Deluxe version of the Ankh-Morpork game. In the standard and collector's editions the playing pieces are made of wood but the pieces in the deluxe edition are cast and look and feel great.
I noticed that there were a lot of new people at the event and it meant that it was very difficult to get in to see what Bernard and Ian from the shop were presenting to the crowd. Several new projects were mentioned including a new version of the Ankh-Morpork map. Every road that has been mentioned in any of the Discworld books has been placed on the new map and certain bits changed from the previous edition to take later books into consideration. We were shown an early version of the map that looked amazing. I can't wait to see a version with all the street names on it.
Soon it was time for the sausage supper so I headed back to the Bear and had a quick drink before heading into the dining area. We found a table with some spare seats where we met up with five first time visitors to Wincanton - including poor Jonathon (he came to Wincanton with four friends - who won tickets to the Burnham-on-Sea trip and left him alone). We had great fun meeting our new table guests while waiting for dinner to arrive. After the meal we dismantled the tables (don't ask) so the evening's activities could take place. First Davina was made a Discworld Dame. The Bear was recently voted number one pub by fans in the Famous Grouse competition and the award was unveiled. Then Terry was made an honorary Morris man. After that, Davina and co entertained the crowd with Discworld versions of some of the Beatles songs. I didn't stay too long and went to the bar where I met up with Martin Wallace who gave me the original artwork for The Chair of Indefinite Studies card from the Ankh-Morpork game. The character painting was based on my image. I'm really proud to own my own bit of original Discworld art. I eventually headed back up to the Dolphin where some serious drinking was taking place.
Sunday morning started quite slowly with another great Dolphin breakfast. I packed my stuff in the car and headed down to the shop to pick up the auction items. Two huge boxes of donated items were carried down to the Bear where we set up after Tom Foolery's flea circus.
The auction went really well and Discworld fans once again proved they were a bunch of generous loonies who helped us raise nearly 3,000 GBP for the local charity RICE that looks after elderly people with dementia. Pat Harkin once again purchased the holy onion and Terry was so impressed that he ordered Bernard to create a special Order of the Onion. I can't wait to see what Bernard comes up with. After the auction was over and everyone had paid for and collected their goods the money was taken to the shop.
Sadly I had to leave at this point because my wife who was at home looking after our children was ill so I missed the radio play and the cutting of the cakes and the birthday address from Bernard "The Cunning Artificer" Pearson.
I had an uneventful journey home and spent the afternoon watching Christmas films with my children.
I had a great time at the event and it always amazes me how quickly it's all over. I'm looking forward to my next visit sometime in the Spring next year.
Note: You may need a facebook account to view the albums.
I attended the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for An Evening With Terry Pratchett, tickets purchased by my daughter for us both, along with my son who introduced us both to Discworld. Feeling very honoured to have been able to do so.
We could see from the outset that Terry and Rob were obviously twins in a previous incarnation, all praise to Om.
Terry was defiantly "on form" and his natural wit and humour flowed and was well stimulated in a comfortable and natural way by Rob.
They were so in tune with each other, bouncing naturally along and I now think, from hearing Rob reading from Snuff, that the spirit of Vimes is with him, at least in the marital role that Vimes has adapted to quite well, all things considered.
We collected our books on the night and agreed with relish to the usual rules - no spoiling!!!! - as the three of us each began to read our own copies.
I was able to read mine in 3 days and reluctant to put it down for the required irritations of life like sleeping, eating and going to work. I still dived in, "eating" my way through with the hunger that is now a trademark of obtaining a new Terry Pratchett book (picture if you will a starving person with a burger and small fries).
I felt elated at once again getting hit on the right spot and full of the satisfaction that this produces as I reached the end.
This of course followed by a huge sulk and irritation lasting for at least a day and a half at the disappointment of having finished the damn thing and it being over!!!
Luckily I can now start it again and catch all the little bits & witticisms and make the links I missed in the first reading. Terry always gets me with some on a second and sometimes third reading.
Thank you Terry, I feel I have known Vimes as he has matured - or been domesticated? - but not tamed by someone who cares enough to give him a long enough rope to hang someone who deserves it. I do have a special soft spot for the witches mark you, so don't you go telling them otherwise (never know when you might need a witch).
Amazing man Terry, and if you get to read this please carry on and I really and sincerely hope you enjoy writing these as much as I do reading them, wishing you a long and happy working friendship with Rob, I hope you both get to take a good holiday (of the non-Snuff kind, might mean going away from the countryside in your case)?
Despite the best efforts of our 'never-to-be-trusted' sat-nav guiding us merrily along a road which had probably last seen traffic when several centuria from a passing cohort took a wrong turn on the long march north to the wall, we eventually arrived in Wincanton, ready for Hogswatch and determined to find out what all the fuss was about.
We checked into our B&B and set off into town to find the lay of the land. After a quick visit to the 'Bear' and the Dolphin we sat down for some fine food in the 'Nog. The Bear, the Dolphin, the Nog? This report is sounding more like a trip to the zoo than a night out at a Discworld event. (I'm not certain what sort of animal a Nog is but I'm sure if it exists Ridcully's probably shot one).
After a quick visit to some crazy Karaoke at the Bear where we witnessed, amongst other wonders, a coven of beautiful witches entrancing the crowd with a bewitching rendition of 'Sisters are doing it for themselves' we retired to the bar. Here we enjoyed a brief pint with Martin Wallace, before settling down for some inspired conversation and ale fuelled discussions with a few of the many Hogswatch pilgrims.
Saturday morning came very early. Mostly because Friday night left very late. But we were up in time for breakfast and although not exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed; we could at least be described as partially coherent and mostly vertical. On our way to the games room we had the pleasure of meeting Ian and Reb at Discworld Emporium before heading over to the Dolphin to get ourselves set up, ready and waiting for whatever the Discworld and Hogswatch could throw at us.
And so began two days of great fun and games. We had many visitors to our demo tables. From witches and wizards to vampires and voodoo lords, we played Guards! Guards! non-stop each day. The Discworld was saved many times. Many alliances were formed across the playing board only to be broken on the very next turn by a sneakily placed saboteur and then hastily, if perhaps a little more warily, reformed again when the next dragon was summoned in Ankh-Morpork.
We had lots of great games of Guards! Guards! (Including the one where we all got well and truly thrashed by an 11 year old! - well done Sam!) But one stands out above all.
The very first game we played on Saturday morning (which saw Jason taking to the gaming table against three worthy opponents). It all began innocently enough, but rapidly became an epic encounter with all the excitement, drama, pitfalls and perils of a Greek Odyssey. It will pass into legend and as generations gather round the fires on long winter nights, tales will be told and songs will be sung of derring-do and dastardly deeds and the valiant hero who faced down 4 dragons to return the Great Spells and save the day.
We managed to break away from the games room and catch some of the open mic night in the Bear and we were honoured to have been present to witness the creation of a Discworld Dame. (Something the ladies can all aspire to, however we doubt there are many women out there who have the necessary equipment to become a Dame like Davina). We had a chance on Saturday to meet once again with the wonderful Bernard and Isobel and were delighted to talk once more with Colin Smythe and to meet Rob (Terry's assistant) for the first time.
To top it all off on Sunday we got to meet with a certain gentleman in a particular hat. What an honour it was to finally come face to face and chat with the man whose writing we have enjoyed for so long and who originally inspired our game exactly 20 years ago.
All in all we had a fantastic time and if someone was to ask what Wincanton at Hogswatch was like we would tell them, "It is a magical and welcoming place, inhabited to a man by some of the warmest, most approachable and friendly people a visitor to the Discworld could ever hope to meet."
Big thanks to all who took the time to sit in on a game and to everyone involved in organising the event for all their hard work in making Hogswatch 2011 a weekend to remember.
We are looking forward to meeting some familiar faces and hopefully a few new ones on our next visit to wonderful Wincanton. | 2019-04-20T18:27:27Z | https://discworldmonthly.co.uk/dwm0176.php |
Provinces and subprovinces of the Colorado River drainage area, as recognized in this report, are based on physiographic character, on rock structure, and on the age of surface rocks. The value derived from using such subdivisions is chiefly that of ease in making descriptions of geologic features. Thus, elements of similar nature are considered together and contrasts are made apparent.
This portion of the report is prepared with a twofold objective: first, to present a general description of geology in the Colorado River drainage system and, second, to indicate specific features of unusual interest or unique character which should be permanently preserved and or made accessible because of their educational or inspirational values. The general description of the area is essential to an understanding of the individual features which are discussed in more detail later. An appreciation of these features is essential in evaluating the recreational possibilities of the region or in planning its development.
In its continental relations, the area comprising the drainage basin of the Colorado is a feature of the great intermountain region outlined by the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevadaan enormous expanse of relatively low land that might have been drained by a single river system. During Tertiary times this vast area was separated into two parts by the building of crinkled mountains in western Wyoming and uplifting masses of sedimentary rock to form the high plateaus of Utah. West of this common boundary is the Great Interior Basin, characterized by elaborately faulted and uptilted strata arranged as ridges between broad flatsa region of dwindling streams which never reach the sea. East of the division zone and extending to the crest of the Rocky Mountains lies the well-drained Colorado Basin, developed in dominantly flat-lying sedimentary rocks whose continuity has been interrupted by lava flows and igneous intrusions, and which in places have been bent upward into monoclinal folds or sliced into long earth blocks by faults. During a large part of Tertiary time the basin was the dumping ground for rock debris worn from its border lands. As a regional structural unit the Colorado drainage basin is a geosynclinea downwarp formed at the time when its counterpart, the Rocky Mountains, was upraised.
An outstanding feature of the Colorado River Basin is the alinement and the peculiar local setting of the drainage channels. The original streams chose courses in accord with regional and local slopes and the relative hardness of the surface rocks. Some doubtless were through-flowing and others formed lakes, but nearly all of them eventually became parts of an integrated drainage system whose master stream, the Colorado, reached the sea. In the soft, uniformly textured Tertiary rocks that once covered most of the plateau country, the streams developed in the usual fashion, but as their channels were deepened, more resistant rocks in various attitudes were encountered. To escape these obstacles, some streams developed new round about courses, but many were so firmly established in deep trenches that readjustment was impossible, and as erosion of the adjacent lands proceeded their position became glaringly out of accord with the topography. Thus, with seeming disregard of regional features, the Green River crosses the Uinta Mountains, the Uinta Basin, and the Tavaputs Plateaus, and its tributaries pass through, instead of around, rock domes; the San Juan River meanders through Hogback Mountain and the Monument upwarp; the Paria River crosses the East Kaibab monocline; the Virgin River plunges through the Hurricane Cliffs, and farther on through the Beaverdam and Virgin Mountains; and the Colorado itself flows squarely across the Grand Hogback and the Waterpocket Fold and has cut a mile-deep trench across the Kaibab Plateau. Obviously, these streams, so strangely out of place in the present landscape, are superposed; they have inherited courses established on higher, less complex surfaces. They illustrate the superposed stream pattern characteristic of the entire Colorado drainage basin.
In developing their runways by down cutting, headward cutting, and the sluicing-out of rock waste, the Colorado and its scores of tributaries have removed from their drainage basin rocks with an average thickness of about 5,000 feet, and during this process have exposed all the major geologic formations. Along the Grand Canyon, where vigorous erosion has continued longest, rocks of Pre-Cambrian and Paleozoic age lie at the surface; northward across Utah, Mesozoic rocks predominate; and in southwestern Wyoming the floor of Tertiary limestones and shales is almost continuous.
In southern and western Arizona, below the great plateau region, the Colorado River and its tributaries drain an area totally different from that to the north. Rugged mountain ranges rise above broad, flat valleys like islands in the sea. The mountains contain rocks of many geologic ages and their structural histories are complex. Surrounding plains are in reality deep valleys that have been filled to thousands of feet with debris worn off the mountains within relatively recent geologic time. The present drainage follows the gentle surfaces of these valley floors between the ranges, flowing over sediments at low elevations.
The general floor of this regional basin consists of flat stretches and broad slopes of gentle gradient trenched by relatively broad valleys and shallow canyons, but is roughened by ridges and elongated domes sufficiently high and resistant to erosion to outline somewhat poorly defined subordinate units. The Rock Springs Dome and the White Mountains separate the Great Divide Basin4,200 square miles in extentfrom the Bridger Basin, the latter extending along both sides of the Green River, from the foothills of the Wind River and Gros Ventre Mountains southward for 150 miles to the base of the Uinta Mountains. The lofty cuestalike Lany Rim and Cathedral Bluffs mark the boundary between the Bridger and Great Divide Basins and the Washakie Basin, and farther south the anticlinal Cherokee Ridge separates this structural depression from the much larger Yampa Basin.
Though its average altitude exceeds 6,500 feet, the Green River Basin is surrounded by mountains 10,000 to 12,000 feet high. At its northeastern border stands the massive Wind River Range. On its southwest side, the broadly exposed granite core of the range rises abruptly from the flat lands of Bridger Basin along a fault, and northeastward is flanked by the truncated edges of steeply inclined strata. The Wind River Range originated as an uplift in late Cretaceous time, during which thick, horizontal Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata were bent upward in elongated anticline. Then during a long period of erosion the up-arched strata were worn down to Pre-Cambrian rocks and the mass uplifted again and reexposed to erosion by the present-day powerful streams.
The southeastern border of the Green River Basin is defined by the Park Range, which essentially is a mass of ancient granite; the basal rock of an anticlinal uplift that in Pre-Tertiary time was deeply mantled with sedimentary rocks. In consequence of erosion, a second uplift, and recent dissection by streams, the originally arched surface of the range has been worn down to a plateau of moderate relief, above which in places rise craggy, glaciated alpine ridges to heights exceeding 12,000 feet. The eastern border of the Green River Basin between the Park Range and the Wind River Mountains is poorly defined. For a distance of 125 miles the rocks characteristic of the crests of the high ranges along the Continental Divide occupy a huge structural sag, where they are covered by sediments of younger age. In the place of the usual topographic drainage divide, the margin of the basin is a sinuous line across featureless plains where the intermittent and ephemeral streams tributary to the Green River seem to be interlaced with those flowing eastward to join the Platte.
The drainage pattern of the Green River Basin is peculiar; to an extent not duplicated elsewhere in the United States, the alinement of rivers and creeks is out of accord with the topography. Bitter Creek goes through, instead of around, the Rock Springs Dome, crosses a valley, and then plunges directly into the face of White Mountain. In the present topography an unobstructed course lies 1,000 feet below. Equally remarkable is the drainage of the Great Divide Basin, particularly the Red Desert, where the streams have no outlet. On a surface of flat land, ridges, and remnant mountains they terminate in alkaline lakes or die out on mud flats in the midst of brightly colored sand dunesthe all-year home of antelope and a winter grazing ground for sheep.
The interpretation of the anomalous stream pattern its wholesale disregard of present day mountainsinvolves the assumption that the Pre-Tertiary rough floor of the Green River Basinits highlands and lowlands alike was completely buried by younger sediments and that the courses of streams established on the new-made surface have been maintained regardless of the structure and composition of the exhumed mountains encountered in down cutting. In geologic terms, the entire drainage system is superposed.
Within the Green River Basin most of the exposed rocks are sedimentary in origin and geologically very young. Lavas cap a few mesas and, at Leucite Hills, lavas, volcanic tuffs, and ash occupy about 750 square miles; in a few places Upper (?) Jurassic rocks are in sight; and Upper Cretaceous beds crop out in some valleys and inter-stream areas and are uptilted along folds and faults. But the basin is almost completely filled with Tertiary strata in nearly horizontal position. (Pl. 13, Secs. 1 and 2, in pocket.) The hard Cretaceous rocks form hogback ridges, while the poorly consolidated Tertiary strata erode into banded cliffs and picturesque castles, towers, "pulpits," and "witch rocks," in places into extensive badlands. From them have been obtained the fossil mammals, fish, birds, and plants exhibited in American and foreign museums.
Yampa River Valley.The salient Yampa River Valley topographic and geologic features of the Green River Basin in Wyoming extend southward into northwestern Colorado where an area of about 2,000 square miles drained by the Yampa River, particularly its chief tributary, the Little Snake River, is surfaced with rocks of Tertiary age. This plainlike expanse, most of it north of the Yampa, is trenched by shallow streams, and its easily eroded soft rocks have been carved into attractive small-scale badland forms. Locally, the Tertiary beds are overlain by lavas or so far stripped away as to expose Cretaceous sandstones, igneous dikes, and volcanic necks. At the Elkhead Mountains, a lone mass of metamorphic and igneous rock that culminates in Hahns Peak (altitude 10,824 feet) interrupts the continuity of the flat-lying Tertiary beds. Near its mouth the Yampa has cut deeply into the steeply tilted rocks of the eastern Uinta Mountains, exposing the edges of Paleozoic and Mesozoic strata. The Yampa also transects Cross Mountain and, farther east, Juniper Mountain, which are short domelike masses that rise abruptly from the regionally flat surface. Like Douglas Mountain and Spring Mountain north of the river, these conspicuous landmarks are anticlines once arched over by Cretaceous rock but now so deeply eroded that the Cambrian and Pre-Cambrian core rock is exposed, and against it the Paleozoic and Mesozoic formations lie in orderly sequence. In shape and structure these isolated masses are so like the Uinta Mountains that they have been dubbed "Little Uintas."
Also suggestive of the Uinta structures is the remarkable Axial Basin a valley formed by stripping away the crest of an anticline which crosses the Yampa River and farther southeast merges with folds of the White River Plateau. The sequence of strata shows that the anticline is post-Eocene in age; the date of the second up-arching of the Uintas. South of Juniper Mountain, beyond the Axial Basin, the land rises to the anticlinal Danforth Hills, which stand 2,000 feet above the bordering lowland and outline the drainage divide between the Yampa and White Rivers. Here in the Cretaceous rocks, Goodsprings, Wilson, and Morgan Creeks, and Maudlin and Temple Gulches have cut deep channels across hogback, ridges, and the Collom syncline. From Juniper Mountain to Steamboat Springs, Colo., except near the mouth of Elkhead Creek, where Tertiary rocks are exposed, the Yampa and its southern tributary flow on Cretaceous rocks, developing broad valleys and rounded hills in soft shales, and rugged landscapes of ridges, mesas, and "pagodas" in the most resistant sandstone. The many-branched Williams Creek, Trout Creek, and the Upper Yampa start abruptly at the Flat Tops extensive sheets of basalt and andesite.
East of the latitude of Steamboat Springs, characteristic landscapes of the Yampa Basin entirely disappear. In the topography the plainlike surfaces developed on approximately horizontal beds are replaced by rugged mountains trenched by steeply inclined streamways and, as stratigraphic units, the dominant Tertiary formations are replaced by schists, gneisses, and granites. In other words, the southeastern edge of the Green River Basinthe northeastern edge of the Colorado River drainage basin lies on the west slope of the Park Range and its features are those of the Rocky Mountains rather than of the plateau lands farther southwest.
Figure 19.The Green River passed through Split Mountain, part of the Uinta upwarp.
The rocks of the Uintas contain a rich fossil fauna. The bones of dinosaurs are particularly abundant in the Jurassic Morrison formation at Dinosaur National Monument.
The major events in the geologic history of the Uintas include two periods of crustal movements, two of widespread denudation, and an epoch of glaciation. Soon after the close of the Cretaceous period the rocks of the region were pushed upward in the form of an elongated fold, thus bringing strata previously below sea level to altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet (Powell's estimate is 30,000 feet). This great up-arching was associated with down-warps paralleling its borderson the north the Bridger Basin, on the south the Uinta Basin, and on the east the Yampa Basin. Then followed a period of erosion, an estimated 45,000,000 years, during which the range was greatly reduced in height. The bordering strata were truncated, and rock thousands of feet in thickness eroded from the highlands, the sediments being deposited in the adjacent basins, forming thick extensive deposits of sands and muds, now represented by the formations of early and middle Tertiary age. Before denudation ceased, the original lofty mountains had been worn down to a low-lying surface, probably of inconsiderable relief. In late Tertiary time, crustal upthrust was renewed, the remnant of the original arch was raised, and the edges of the flat-lying surrounding sediments were bent upward. There was thus introduced a second major cycle of erosion which has not yet come to an end. The new conditions have been favorable for roughening the surface of the mountain mass by cutting deep canyons and outlining peaks and ridges, especially along the borders. Twice during the glacial period the summit mountain surfaces were covered by ice. Thirty distinct glaciers, the smallest 1-1/2 miles long and the largest 27-1/2 miles long, extended down the highland valleys. Over an area exceeding 1,000 square miles only a few peaks and narrow divides escaped burial. The peculiar work done by these stationary ice caps and slowly moving ice streams is plainly recorded by striated rocks, cirques, U-shaped valleys, moraines, and glacial lakesabout 400 of them large enough to be shown on maps.
Most of the streams in the Uinta region are in accord with the topography, and also generally with the structure. They occupy synclinal troughs or descend the flanks of anticlines, and locally follow courses determined by the relative hardness and attitude of the rocks encountered. In other words, they are consequent or subsequent streams. A conspicuous exception to the normal arrangement is the Green which, after flowing southward for 150 miles over soft flat-lying rocks, abruptly turns east, crosses a great fault, meanders through the hard, steeply upturned rocks along the flanks of the Uintas, and passes entirely through the range in spectacular canyons. To account for this abnormal course involves the supposition, based on a study of the regional geology, that the ancestral Green River was established on a surface that lay far above its present canyon walls at a time when the eastern end of the Uintas was buried beneath strata of late Tertiary age. In consequence of readjusted alinement caused by the growth of its tributaries and by local tilting and faulting, the stream became so well established that it maintained its course, cutting through the soft rocks and on into the complex hard rocks its present floor. Like many rivers in surrounding regions, the Green through the Uintas is superposed; its course has been inherited.
The Uinta Basin is both a topographic and structural depression. In generalized north-south profile across its central part, the surface descends from 7,000 feet at the base of the Uintas to about 5,000 feet (along Green River, 4,000 feet), then ascends to altitudes of 8,000 to 9,000 feet. This topographic expression is largely in accord with the attitude of the underlying sedimentary rocks. In structure the basin is a long syncline; from its axis northward, the strata bend upward to the base of the Uintas and southward up the back slopes of the Tavaputs Plateaus.
The Uinta Basin is a profitable agricultural section, a potential oil field, and the site of the largest and oldest Indian reservation in Utah. It is a famous source of fossils, and derives additional geologic interest from its scattered outcrop of solid hydrocarbons, which include rare types, some of them unique and little understooduintaite, native asphalt, ozocerite (mineral wax), wurtzililze, tabbyite, and bituminous sandstone. Especially peculiar are the deposits of commercially valuable gilsonite, which on both sides of the Green River fill deep vertical cracks 1 to 8 feet wide and 3 to 8 miles long, and appear at the surfaces as conspicuous black streaks. | 2019-04-23T08:40:15Z | https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/colorado/chap2.htm |
[/caption]The first Orion spacecraft has just been shipped from NASAs Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orlean’s to a Lockheed Martin manufacturing facility in Denver for crucial tests to simulate the harsh environment of deep space.
The Orion crew cabin – know as the Ground Test Article or GTA – was shipped by truck and will arrive in Denver on Feb. 14 according to a Lockheed Martin spokesperson.
Orion is NASA’s next generation crew vehicle and will eventually replace the Space Shuttle system after the looming retirement of the three orbiter fleet, now reset to mid 2011.
The Orion crew exploration vehicle is capable of supporting missions to low Earth orbit (LEO), the Moon, Asteroids and Deep Space.
The next step at Denver is to install the heat shield and thermal protection backshell. The pathfinding vehicle will then be subjected to performance testing inside the acoustic and environmental testing chamber. The testing exercise ensures the vehicle can meet the challenges of ascent, on-orbit operations and safe landing.
Engineers for Lockheed Martin successfully finished the initial construction and testing phase for this prototype Orion crew cabin at New Orleans. The final pieces of the Orion GTA were welded together in late May 2010 using a state of the art friction stir welding process. See photos below from my inspection tour of the newly welded Orion GTA.
The spacecraft underwent proof pressure testing this past fall. Several mass and volume simulators including the parachutes were installed by the technical team to ready the capsule for shipment.
In Denver, the vehicle will be bombarded with acoustic energy and vibrations to simulate flight like situations that correlate the structural environment inside and outside the vehicle. The tests will determine if the spacecraft was properly designed to survive the harsh rigors of spaceflight. Lessons learned will be incorporated into the tools and manufacturing processes that will eventually lead to a human rated production vehicle.
The GTA vehicle will then be transported to NASA’s Langley Research facility for drop tests to simulate, validate and certify a variety of water landing scenarios at the new Hydro Impact Basin. The Langley facility will be used to test and certify water landing for all human-rated spacecraft for NASA according to Lockheed.
NASA and Lockheed hope to launch the first unmanned Orion test flight in 2013 if the budget allows. Construction of the service module and other key components is in progress.
Orion has achieved other significant development milestones in the past year.
The emergency abort rocket was successfully tested on May 6, 2010 at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces, N.M. The abort rocket is bolted atop the crew cabin and is designed to pull the capsule away from the launcher in a split second in an emergency and save astronauts lives.
“The Phase 1 Safety Review was completed in June 2010 and formally acknowledges that Orion’s design meets all of NASA’s critical safety requirements for a human-rated space flight vehicle for flights to low earth orbit (LEO), lunar and deep space missions,” according to Larry Price, Orion Deputy Program Manager at Lockheed Martin.
In the past year the Orion budget has been cut significantly by NASA due to lack of funding from the federal government and the outlook for future funding is uncertain. The new Congress is aiming to cut NASA’s research and development budget even further.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is the prime contractor for Orion and designed and built the GTA as part of a multiyear contract awarded by NASA worth some $3.9 Billion US Dollars. The goal is to produce a new, US-built manned capsule capable of launching American astronauts into space in the post shuttle era.
As soon as the shuttles are retired – for lack of money – the United States will have no capability to loft American astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for at least several years. NASA – and all other ISS partners – will be wholly dependent on the Russian Soyuz capsules for launching astronauts to the ISS until either the Orion or commercially developed space taxis such as the Dragon spacecraft from SpaceX are ready for flight. The first operational unmanned Dragon was test flown in Dec 2010.
The Obama Administration sought to cancel Orion in Feb. 2010 as part of NASA’s Project Constellation Return to the Moon program, but then decided to continue Orion’s development after the cancellation proposal met strong bipartisan opposition in Congress.
Orion was to have been launched atop the Ares 1 rocket which has now been officially cancelled. NASA has started the design of a replacement for the Ares 1 which will most likely be a shuttle derived vehicle. Congress has mandated that the first test flight of the still undefined heavy lift rocket must take place by 2016.
Alternatively, Orion could be launched atop a Delta 4 Heavy booster after the rocket is man-rated.
Lockheed Martin team of aerospace engineers and technicians poses with Orion GTA after welding into one piece. Credit: Ken Kremer.
Ok this may be a stupid question but I’ve gotta know. Why is it that NASA always has to reinvent the wheel? With aircraft once you have a proven airframe you can continually upgrade and modernize the components. What you have is something like the F-14 Tomcat, or better yet the B-52 bomber. The B-52 airframe is older than my mother and I believe the F-14 has about 10yrs on me, (I’m 32 and too lazy to fact this on google atm.) However by modernizing the engines, electronics, controls, weapon systems, navigation, radar, etc, etc, etc, you have a world class war plane.
So why can’t we dust off a Saturn 5 and an Apollo capsule modernize them and have someone back on the moon in 2 years?
I realize this is a gross over simplification (it’s after midnight here and I’m posting from my blackberry.) That aside I fail to see a serious hole in my logic.
It’s not only a manned flight phenomena either, take the exploration of Mars. The Spirit and Opportunity rovers have got to be in the top 5 maybe top 3 of mankind’s all time best engineered vehicles. Why haven’t we built a half dozen more equipped with science payloads designed to operate for 2 to 3 years instead of 3 months?
I agree with you. It is a waste of money to reinvent the wheel again and again.
It is possible to reuse old design as long as you are not interrupting the production (know-how and designs are then transmitted over times). That’s what Russian are doing for a long time with Soyouz. Same thing with old military blue print such as C130 or F16. It doesn’t mean that you are not losing part of the information (ESA is struggling for 7 years to re-design a Soyouz launch pad) but you have cheap and reliable hardware at disposal.
My personal opinion : large company probably prefer to lobby the administration to lauch expensive R&D programs (remember Constellation budget ?) than keeping alive old concepts. Atlas and Delta rockets are still alive thanks to Air Force needs, not NASA.
Yes but with NASA they went and build the shuttle so they have lost all the engineers that understood the Saturn V. The people developing the Orion do not have the experience to do this.
If they would have continued the Apollo missions, by now they would have the same experience as the Russians have with their rockets.
And nevertheless, the weren’t the last word in fighters and bombers, even though still in service. Even the classic DC-3 is not the widely-used workhorse it once was. Time, requirements and technology march on.
It would be abut as difficult to recreate that manufacturing technology, as to start from scratch…but the real question is, was that the best way to get to the Moon? Is it one you *want* to re-create?
You don’t want to do ‘Apollo-on-steroids,’ because it’s unaffordable and unsustainable, if you want a continuous human presence there, and not merely “have someone back on the moon in 2 years”. Unfortunately, Apollo has warped our thinking into the mindset that something that looks like it is the best or the only way to get back there. NASA is finally coming to understand this. Certain elements of the Houses of Congress…do not.
That is what they do. They took the Apollo proven capsule design and are now improving it with state of the art technology and materials. And also make it bigger.
I really would love to see a Saturn V equivalent back again. That is the most beautiful rocket they ever built.
Curiosity does not have a nuclear power generator in the sense like nuclear power plant. It is a RTG which generates heat and this heat is used to create electricity. This RTG has a very long duration and it gives more power off than any size of solar panel can give. Curiosity can operate during winter as a bonus.
I know curiosity doesn’t have a nuclear reactor. I’ve worked in the legal too long and tend write everything like you would for a legal pleading, or the polar opposite of the way scientists do.
“Nuclear Powered SUV,” Is an impactful statement of fact which could lend it’s self to mean a fission reactor. So in this setting I see how that was bad form.
To your other point about the money being necessary and useful expenditure I whole heatedly agree. My issue is with the scientific return on that investment. To continue in the Mars thread to plan curiosity’s mission the were studying satellite photos and radar data of I believe 4 sites. I would send the upgraded rovers to all those sights so we would know for sure at which one Curiosity’s unique capabilities and our scientific return would be greatest.
To sum up I’m not against the Curiosity mission or even the price. I’m against the Curiosity mission at this juncture at this price.
I hope this is legible I’m posting from Blackberry which is always a challenge past the first paragraph.
The initial problem with dusting off old designs is that we lost most of the plans and all the workers that built them.
It would be like trying to make an F-14 three decades from now when everyone who’s ever touched one either has Alzheimers or is dead and the only machines left are rusting away in museums. All the specifics would be lost and constructing a new one would cost as much as making a better one.
Well, smart money says you’d opt to take the basic idea and go one better… which is what constellation was attempting.
The second issue became a management problem. Just as with the shuttle you had people trying to build constellation for missions it would never fly and risks it would never face. You end up with an LAS bigger than the ship and tons of unnecessary equipment.
What NASA really needed was strong leadership… A Von Braun type to put his foot down and keep the mission on track. What it got was a guy who decided space leadership decisions were above his pay grade and outsourced it.
While I think these machines have a better chance of success under private management, the question still remains of what we’re going to do with them once the’ve been built. Forever going to the ISS is only a valid excuse so long as the ISS is there.
Not sated after sacking the U.S. Treasury, like locusts our Military Industrial Complex is swarming around the globe seeking new sources of sustinance. In the photo linked below we see U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz presenting a model of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony at a ceremony at the Air Force Station at Hindon near New Delhi, India on Saturday (5 February 2011) to mark the induction of the first of six Lockheed Martin C-130J airplanes purchased for the Indian Air Force.
In the age of automated, robotic production lines a hand crafted and lovingly assembled spacecraft is built. Based on concept that is 60 years old.
There will be no space program worthy of humanity until ‘money’, is no longer part of societal lexicon. However that will require a revolution in world society that is even more abstract and unimaginable then faster then light travel.
damian: “Money” in a general sense is nothing more than a convenient means of barter (IE, it’s easier to set a monetary value for a car than it is to trade 700 chickens for one). Currency is nothing more than pre-fabbed promissory notes. It doesn’t have an intrinsic value, but rather each note can be thought of as representing a set amount of resources in relation to every other note of the same currency (oil, gold, timber, time, energy, food, etc).
Barter exists due to the fact that almost every resource we have is in an economy situation. IE, we don’t have enough of it to go around, and therefore rationing has to occur. Barter is the method that we use to ration resources. We barter one resource (time) for another: lodging, food/water, clothing, and internet are the 4 necessities of life that we trade for most often, with other resources being luxuries of various types that make our lives better, or extend our lives.
As long as we don’t have infinite resources, economy situations will exist, barter will be necessary, and some form of money will exist in order to make bartering easier (note that that doesn’t mean that either Standard Based or Fiat Currencies have to exist, merely that *something* has to exist).
In TV shows like Star Trek the reason that they don’t need money (for the most part) is because they have – to most intents and purposes – infinite resources. Or at least more than they can efficiently use.
Who knows. Maybe Orion could even be launched on a Chinese or ESA rocket?
If I were in the space business, the technology should be able to be flexible enough to satisfy all launch vehicles. It cuts both production costs and the affordability getting into space. Commercially you could sell vehicles and rocket systems to smaller countries wishing to get into low Earth orbit — an make some profit along the way.
On Ariane perhaps, but what for? Orion would be perfectly happy on an Atlas V to LEO, a Delta IV Heavy (assuming no orbital infrastructure for refueling or other support) for a deep-space (maybe even a Lunar flyby, I’m not quite sure) flight. And those launchers are in production and available right now, no ITAR or other international issues involved.
Most people wrongly believe that preceding the creation of money (some 3000BC by the Babylonians) some kind of barter system must have operated. In fact what did exist was far more altruistic. Essentially a (gift) economy.
In return for people coming to work towards this goal I can provide all the necessities for a happy life without a mortgage, or the stress of monetary pursuits. In return the project sells ideas to the world and individuals are encouraged to prosper intellectually. As this is a multi generational project, participation guarrantees future generations access to the space based arcologys when they are built.
Hypothetically, who would care to participate knowing this is a money free zone? Its not a free society, it requires your skills, trade, intellect, labor and participation, however a goal is set in the city charter. What charter for the future does life have in our present society? The pursuit of money and unlimited consumption ?
I’m not sure precisely how a society like this could function, but one thing I am sure of is that in a space based arcology a monetary system is never going to work. And a human space program that requires money as its base motivator will never fulfill our desire for a space based future.
On the reinvention/lobbying/taxpaying moneygrubbing of US space exploration, I hear your pain.
You can’t validate a theory by attacking its contenders, but I have to note that utopias have never existed. Specifically here our link gives no references but ethnograpical, which aren’t reliable since they are social science storymaking on no factual basis.
gopher65 seems to me describe what is and why it is so. We can also see from sources like Gapminder that democracy and markets are successful in taking populations out of poverty.
The pursuit of money and unlimited consumption ?
“Charter”, purpose or goals are what you make of them, but making tools like money and markets your purpose or goal in life seem kind of daft and boring.
I rather see what we can make of them, such as space technology, but more basically what they provide at large at ever increasing efficiency. Starving isn’t a moral or even practical solution for a society, but having access to enough resources is. And we are getting better at this all the time!
It’ll do for the time being(?) that is until we get something more ‘elegant’ flying… Straight up one time use booster rockets are so wasteful… I like the Scaled Composite’s mother ship to altitude for drop launch…. scaled up! Think XB-70 designed in the 21st century…. | 2019-04-21T05:12:23Z | https://www.universetoday.com/83202/nasas-first-orion-capsule-ships-for-crucial-deep-space-tests/ |
Is Vitaliy Mutko the greediest man in Russian football?
THERE’S GREED, and then there’s Vitaliy Mutko.
When the Russian Duma’s Audit Chamber completed a review of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, they found that the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy had claimed 97 breakfasts for the three-week stay in Canada on expenses at a cost of $4,500. His room had cost almost $30,000 for his stay, which allegedly put his spending at 12 times over the official allowance.
The revelations came sandwiched between Russia’s worst ever Olympic performance and its own Games in Sochi, which were by far the most expensive Olympics Games, summer or winter, ever staged. The shocking performance of the athletes themselves, for which Mutko was ultimately responsible in his ministerial capacity, had cost $26 million annually, roughly the same as Canada’s outlay on their team, which did little to placate then-President Dmitry Medvedev.
The President’s words were to be expected, just the same as the predictable lack of action to back them up. The exact balance of power between Vladimir Putin and Medvedev has not been hard to fathom for observers of the last two decades of Russian politics, and it was with the former that Mutko aligned himself with.
The whole episode shows that Mutko is a modern operator of sporting politics. Not content with merely holding onto his government position, he is now also President of the Russia Football Union, a member of FIFA’s executive committee and chairman of the 2018 World Cup organising committee, making him unquestionably the most powerful man in Russian sport.
His ascent to power has coincided with a very Russian golden age of sport. In the space of little over a decade, the country will have hosted the Winter Olympics, its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Athletics World Championships, the Rugby Sevens World Cup, the IHHF Ice Hockey World Championships (twice), the World Biathlon Championships, even the World Winter Swimming Championships in Tyumen – and of course the FIFA World Cup.
All of these showpiece events have attracted the attention of the world, but have come at some cost. The glossy sheen of global competition has not covered over the shattering allegations of state-run doping, financial mismanagement, racism and widespread corruption, with Mutko having to use all of his nous to put out the fires that are spreading wildly around him. If there’s one thing he has an endless supply of, however, it is nous.
The previous RFU President Nikolai Tolstykh – ‘Thick Nick’ as his name loosely translates into English – had overseen a disastrous period during which Fabio Capello was allowed to sign a staggeringly generous contract that even included a clause allowing the Italian, but not the impoverished RFU, to unilaterally break the deal. Tolstykh’s election in 2012 had come with the backing of Mutko himself after the latter pulled out of the race, and was built on a promise to reform youth football, but within three years he had been hounded out by a popular belief that he wasn’t powerful enough to effect change.
On the surface, Tolstykh’s inability to clear up the financial and political mess at federal level led to him being voted out of office, despite him claiming to have actually improved the RFU’s deficit, but the truth is it was an impossible job for one man to accomplish. The issue of Russian youth development in football has again come to the forefront of people’s conscience with the desperately poor performance of the national team at Euro 2016 and the worrying lack of alternatives for the squad. Tolstykh’s agenda was, and always will be, a task that will take not only time but a complete overhaul of the education and preparation of coaches, officials and players – something that will patently take longer than the three years he was given.
With the former Dinamo Moscow player gone, in stepped Mutko. While nobody believes he literally ate five $45 breakfasts everyday in Vancouver or can ascertain conclusively that Tolstykh “had done everything to finally wreck the image of Russian football”, as Anzor Kavazashvili, former head of the RFU anti-match-fixing unit claimed, there is only one winner in the battle to control the game. However unpalatable it may be, Russian football is deeply embedded in a mire of politics over clarity, and only someone who understands how to navigate these perilous waters will survive.
How did Mutko earn the support of President Putin? How did he engineer himself into a position of such unimaginable power? According to FIFA statutes, no government is allowed to interfere in the running of its football association, and yet Mutko, the Minister of Sport, holds the presidency of the RFU. He actively pursues measures that reflect Putin’s outspoken views on foreign player regulations, while his dual role as member of the FIFA executive committee and head of the Russian World Cup again appears to contravene the ethical code of world football’s governing body.
The answer lies further in his past. He had previously spent four years as President of the RFU from 2005 to 2009, during which time Russia delivered their best performance at a major tournament by storming to the semifinals of Euro 2008. CSKA Moscow and Zenit Saint Petersburg both won the UEFA Cup during his tenure, and while those victories could not be attributed to Mutko’s direct influence, the vicarious success did his image no harm at all.
Before he rose to his national positions of power, he was president of Zenit itself around the turn of he century. It was under his club presidency that Gazprom were introduced to Zenit as club sponsors. The world’s largest gas corporation bought a controlling interest in the club two years after Mutko left his official role in 2003, and have since plowed untold millions into the playing squad to make it one of the wealthiest clubs in Europe. German sports manufacturing giant Adidas had been brought in as kit producers in 1997, long before Zenit were in any way desirable for marketing purposes.
Despite the seemingly unstoppable momentum of Zenit’s endless spending power, a decade ago they were little more than a solid side near the top of the table. In fact, when Mutko took over in 1997 they had only recently returned to the top flight, and it wasn’t until 2001 until they qualified for continental competition through their league placement. His reign as club president saw Zenit drag themselves up from mid-table strugglers, who had managed to score less a goal per game in the season before he took charge, to being a national powerhouse with a healthy youth system bearing fruit.
Russian legend Alexander Kerzhakov had top scored in the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Mutko’s last as President, and would go on to become the country’s all-time top scorer. Andrey Arshavin needs little introduction to British audiences; the PR spearhead of the successful World Cup bid is widely regarded as one of Zenit’s and Russia’s finest talents ever. His breakthrough form in 2001, when he was voted Zenit’s second best player ahead of Kerzhakov, along with Vladimir Bystrov and Igor Denisov’s emergence was further proof of the quality coming through the youth system.
With the famously fierce pride between fans and ‘their’ native local-born players, it could be expected that Mutko’s period is seen as a success on the pitch, even with just a solitary Russian Cup to show for it. His push towards privatisation was crucial for keeping the club up to speed with the modern game, and in the long-term helped ensure the competitive capacity of Zenit with blockbuster signings now commonplace.
“He wasn’t very good at bringing across his viewpoint … He stumbled around a lot,” Pozner recently said about a 2009 interview conducted with the then-newly appointed Minister.
Mutko has been closely linked to Putin for nearly quarter of a century, and owes his current position in no small part to his place within the Saint Petersburg ‘set’ – the powerful, rich businessmen and politicians with strong Kremlin connections. Arkady Rotenberg, for example, is a former judo sparring partner and school friend of Putin and the majority stakeholder in SGM Group, Russia’s largest gas pipeline and electrical power supply conglomerate which has had a long history with Gazprom. His personal history has called into question the legitimacy of his favourable business deals, which he strenuously disputes. “Vladimir Vladimirovich doesn’t protect me,” he told the Financial Times in 2012. He and his brother Boris, who until recently was president of Dinamo Moscow, also own a 38 percent stake in SMP, Russia’s fastest growing bank.
In its first four years after forming in 2008 from the amalgamation of a number of Gazprom subsidiaries acquired by Rotenberg, SGM received contracts for 11,600 kilometres of pipeline construction – end to end it would stretch from Saint Petersburg to the Pacific Ocean and back – which saw its revenues grow by 50 percent.
The state monopoly on the gas industry via Gazprom means the awarding of those contracts was hardly coincidental. Another of Putin’s Saint Petersburg allies, Vladimir Yakunin, was installed as head of the Russian Railways – like Gazprom, a state-run monopoly – by government decree in 2005 and enjoyed a salary of almost $15 million. He also happened to own a dacha near Putin’s on Lake Komsomolskoe near Saint Petersburg and enjoyed a lucrative contract in the run up to the Sochi Olympics in 2014. SGM is Gazprom’s major supplier of pipeline and was another beneficiary of the enormous preparations for Sochi.
Despite not being born in the city like most of the privileged circle, Mutko certainly engineered his way into favour. After being born in Krasnodar Krai in the south of Russia, he moved to Leningrad, as Saint Petersburg was known, to study ship engineering and law, and at the relatively young age of 33 was elected as Deputy Mayor. Around this time Putin was head of the Committee for External Relations of the Saint Petersburg Mayor’s Office, where current Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller also worked. It was Mutko who joined Putin in organising the Goodwill Games of 1994 in the city.
Established as a way to use Olympic disciplines to improve relations between the former Soviet Union and the US, the event was considered a success as it saw significant foreign investment with 30 international sponsors brought on board, while the city’s infrastructure was vastly improved. It would, of course, not be the last time Putin and Mutko would combine to use a grand sporting spectacle to attempt to boost a public image.
During his time at the helm of Zenit, which followed right after his spell in local government, he was also appointed President of the Russian Football Premier League, but his day-to-day financial management has been called into question as Zenit ran into serious debt towards the end of his presidency. Only the takeover, led by his former colleague Miller, secured the future of the club as a thriving going concern.
Upon his election as RFU President last autumn he was tasked with reviving the flagging monetary health of the organisation, something he was acutely aware of. “The most important thing is to pay off the debts that the RFU owes and they are huge,” he told a press conference in July last year. “I don’t want to dramatise the situation, but we are basically on the edge of going bankrupt.
Commendable rhetoric, certainly. If one compares his comments to that of ousted predecessor Tolstykh, who complained he had been saddled with debt from the previous administration, an insight into the culture of blame becomes apparent.The only difference between the two presidents is that Mutko has been smart enough to complain at the start to ensure that however calamitous his reign may turn out to be, everyone will remember that it was not all down to him alone.
Mutko’s remark about decision-making is extremely pertinent, especially given the FIFA statutes on political interference. When Putin demanded that sport organisations tighten their limits on foreigners, ostensibly to improve the exposure of young native talent to more competitive experience, Mutko duly obliged by cutting the permitted number of ‘legionnaires’ – as foreign players are known in Russia – on a football pitch from seven to six, just three days before last kicked off.
To follow a President’s wishes is not in itself a controversial move, but to do so a matter of hours before teams jetted off around the largest country on earth for the first round of a new season is a clear indication of where the decisions are coming from. It is inconceivable that Richard Scudamore would inform José Mourinho or Antonio Conte that they had to reorganise their squad planning at such short notice.
As dramatically apocalyptic as his words may seem, they are not without foundation. In the aftermath of the new ruling, he sold the previous season’s top league goalscorer José Salomon Rondón to West Bromwich Albion to help satisfy the new restrictions, and brought in 32-year-old former Chelsea full-back Yuriy Zhirkov and errant partygoer Aleksandr Kokorin to bolster the Russian passport holders in his squad. Kokorin in particular is the perfect example of the poisonous culture that pervades the issues with development that Villas-Boas was referring to; players with undoubted talent but lacking the drive or necessity to challenge themselves.
What it demonstrates is an understanding that to maintain a position in Russian football involves more than just doing your job well. Mutko is a master of self-preservation who also has a genuine affection for the sport, but whose priority is clearly keeping himself above the water. Even Yakunin found out that a place in the inner circle is fragile at best; after decades as a confidante of Putin, his retirement last year came as a shock, amid suggestions his son Andrei had caused consternation with his UK-based business dealings.
The latter two were hugely successful media magnates who had been forced out by Putin after daring to oppose him. Guzinsky founded Russia’s first independent television network, NTV, where he backed an investigation into the supposedly staged bombings by the FSB (the modern-day incarnation of the government secret service KGB) in the run-up to the 1999 presidential elections. One of Putin’s first acts upon taking office was to take NTV under state control by imprisoning Gusinsky and then forcing him to sell his entire media holdings to Gazprom-Media for $300 million. Gusinsky went into exile, never to return to Russia.
The ruthlessness with which dissenters have been removed from the inner circle has not been lost on Mutko, who at the same time has realised there is a public face he must use to deal with international outcry. His appeal, in broken English, to “speak from the heart” at the official 2018 World Cup host announcement conference, was no accident. The words he chose, the exaggerated rolling of his consonants, even the clasped hand over his chest, were all part of a carefully staged speech that ticked the boxes to connect to FIFA’s executive committee and the expectant media.
Some matters are beyond obsequious platitudes. In July this year, the revelations from the report led by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren over state-backed doping across Russian sport were shattering for the country as it was revealed that FSB agents disguised as workers had swapped urine samples of athletes who had been doping with clean samples. In the report, it was claimed Mutko had personally intervened in the case of a foreign footballer to ensure he was not caught out. At Euro 2016 Russia’s players were subjected to 46 doping tests as the scrutiny from the World Anti Doping Agency’s investigations intensified, piling more pressure on Mutko himself.
To claim that the all-powerful Minister of Sport, President of the RFU and Putin loyalist had no knowledge or complicity in the transgressions is pushing the boundaries of credibility, but so far Mutko’s skilful political manoeuvring has saved his skin. The future of Russian football is never certain, and with the focus of the entire world centred on the management of the sport over the next two years in particular, Mutko will have fewer and fewer places to hide if he doesn’t fulfil his mandate.
Without question he has been sheltered by the system that he grew up in, so in one sense he is the ideal candidate to run Russian football. Idealism is a cheap commodity where alliances and secrets dictate the state of play, and however distasteful it may be, a modern figure who knows how to work both sides of the political minefield is the only type that can hope to survive. Whether Vitaliy Mutko has the ability to lead Russian football through its darkest hour remains to be seen – even Vladimir Putin won’t be able to save him if he doesn’t. | 2019-04-22T04:24:57Z | https://thesefootballtimes.co/2016/07/27/is-vitaliy-mutko-the-greediest-man-in-russian-football/ |
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The best Italian wine guide is Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia. Italy’s top winemakers and the top wines are awarded glasses, from 1 glass to 3 glasses - Tre Bicchieri.
This is the 27th edition of Vini d’Italia, which was first published in late 1987 in newsletter format with reviews of a limited number of wines. It has grown in size and coverage each year since then. The latest edition is over 1,000 pages.
The Gambero Rosso Vini d’Italia 2014 was issued in November 2013. The German and English versions are scheduled to be released in February 2014.
There is wine everywhere in Italy, from the Alps in the North to Sicilia in the South, clustered into 20 wine regions, which correspond to the 20 administrative regions. The about 30 DOCG wines are located in 13 different administrative regions but most of them are concentrated in Piedmont and Tuscany.
The Piedmont area of northwestern Italy is further divided into the two popular regions of Barbaresco and Barolo. The predominant grape there is the Nebbiolo. Northeastern Italy has the Veneto area. Soave and Valpolicella are two important regions that produce many local varieties. The large area in central Italy is Tuscany and is known for Chianti and Chianti Classico. The Sangiovese is the predominant red grape in Tuscany. In Italy’s South are Puglia and the island of Sicily. The Negroamaro grape is widely grown in this area.
Sangiovese - Italy's claim to fame, the pride of Tuscany. It produces Chianti, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.
Nebbiolo - The most noble of Italy's varietals. Nebbiolo is difficult to master, but produces the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco.
In the 2014 Guide, 415 wines got the top award of Tre Bichieri. This compares with 399 in the 2013 Guide and 375 wines in the 2012 Guide.
Four regions (Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto and Alto Adige) got 212 awards between them, accounting for more than half of the total. Wines from the Piedmont received the largest number of awards (77), with Barolo and Barbaresco wines dominating the list. As usual, the producers listed read like a who’s-who of Italian wines – Gaja, Vietti, Giacosa, Conterno, and Grasso, to name a few.
Tuscany received 72 Tre Bicchieri awards, the second-largest number of awards. Chianti Classico wines garnered 17 awards, 4 more than in the previous year. 15 Brunello di Montalcino wines received awards. The list of Tre Bicchieri wines from Tuscany includes numerous Super-Tuscan wines from pedigreed wineries such as Tenuta San Guido, La Macchiole, Montevertine and Rocca di Frassinello, to name just a few. 4 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines received awards, an increase of 2 from the previous year.
346 wine producers submitted their best dry Riesling for the 2013 competition. The Feinschmecker Riesling Cup 2013 went to Weingut Horst Sauer, Volkach, Franken, for the Escherndorf Am Lumpen Riesling trocken Großes Gewächs.
Max Gerstl (Wine Retail, Switzerland), Gianluca Mazzella (Journalist, Italy), Daniel Gantenbein (Winemaker, Switzerland), Wolfgang Pfeifer (Hochschule Geisenheim), Karl-Josef Krötz (Bremer Ratskeller) as well as Dieter Braatz, Ingo Swoboda, Kenny Machaczek, Ulrich Sautter (all Feinschmecker).
The 2013 Bordeaux Tour by ombiasy PR and WineTours included a tour of and tasting at Château Pontet-Canet. For the tasting, we were joined by Owner Alfred Tesseron.
The 2 leading biodynamic producers in Bordeaux are Château Pontet Canet and Château Climens. We visited both of them during the 2013 Bordeaux Tour.
Château Pontet-Canet has been owned by just three families over the last 3 centuries: originally Jean Francois de Pontet in the 18th Century, then the Cruse family for 110 years during the 19th and 20th centuries and now (since 1975) the Tesseron family.
Château Pontet-Canet was established by Jean-François de Pontet in the early 18th century and expanded by his descendants to include adjoining vineyards in the lieu-dit Canet. 10 years following the 1855 classification, Château Pontet-Canet was purchased by an important Bordeaux négociant, Herman Cruse, in whose family the estate remained for many years. The Bordeaux wine fraud scandal in 1973 forced the sale in 1975 of Pontet-Canet to Cognac merchant Guy Tesseron, who had bought Château Lafon-Rochet earlier. Chateau Pontet-Canet is currently owned and managed by Guy’s son, Alfred (who we met in Washington DC), assisted by Jean-Michel Comme. Alfred’s daughter Melanie Tesseron also has a hand in the estate.
Located directly across from the Château Mouton-Rothschild in Pauillac, Château Pontet-Canet has the largest production (20,000 cases) of any classified growth. It also produces about 20,000 cases of its second wine, Château Les Hauts de Pontet.
It is in the vineyard, where the Tesserons probably have most made their mark in Bordeaux, through the application of biodynamic principals. Alfred Tesseron has spent the best part of the last 10 years converting to organic and biodynamic viticultural practices. In 2010, Château Pontet-Canet became the first major Bordeaux wine producer to earn the official Agence Bio (AB) organic certification.
While many chateaux welcome new technology, Alfred Tesseron moves in the opposite direction.
The château utilizes no computers to make harvesting or fermentation decisions. According to Alfred Tesseron, Château Pontet-Canet does not perform any computer analysis until the wine is finished. Also, in the vineyards, he uses horses instead of machinery for some of the blocks. For the 2010 vintage, Alfred Tesseron added numerous rows of Nomblot to his wine cellar for fermentation. These concrete eggs were created in a joint venture between concrete vat manufacturer Nomblot and Michel Chapoutier. Remarkably, in the vineyard Alfred Tesseron is now moving away from green harvesting, a method for controlling yields and quality in the vineyard. Alfred Tesseron also has put an end to leaf-thinning.
For more information, Jeff Leve has an excellent write-up about Château Pontet-Canet on his website The Wine Cellar Insider.
We tasted the Pontet Canet 2012.
For the last couple of years, in late January, when he is on vacation in Washington DC - “where his heart is” - from Strasbourg - where he works at the Council of Europe, Panos Kakaviatos, who writes for the Decanter (UK) and publishes on Connections to Wine, has organized impressive vertical tastings. Last year, Lilian Barton-Sartorius and Panos Kakaviatos presented a vertical blind tasting of Châteaux Léoville-Barton and Langoa-Barton plus the 2011 Chateau Mauvesin-Barton. This year, Laurent Dufau, Managing Director, from Château Calon Ségur flew over to present a massive vertical with Panos Kakaviatos.
The tasting took place at Ripple Restaurant in Washington DC. Executive Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley prepared an exciting meal. Ripple General Manager and Wine Director Danny Fisher and his team managed the event very effectively.
The event was attended by about 30 wine geeks, professional wine sellers, sommeliers, merchants and restaurateurs.
Château Calon-Ségur is a third growth under the 1855 Classification in the Saint-Estèphe AOC. It is the most northerly classified estate within that (northern) area.
Château Calon-Ségur has a rich pedigree, once among the properties owned (by marriage) by Nicolas Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, who also owned Château Latour and Château Lafite (along with Mouton-Rothschild, Pontet-Canet, d'Armailhac and Montrose). Despite his ownership of First Growths, the Marquis said that his “heart was with Calon” and the wine’s label today includes a drawing of a heart around the château’s name. The château passed through various owners, until it was purchased by Georges Gasqueton of Château Capbern-Gasqueton in 1894.
The origins of Calon-Ségur’s name lie in the proximity of the Gironde River estuary and its famous owner Nicolas Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur. Calon is the name of the small boats, or skiffs, once used to transport timber along the estuary. The Calon-Ségur vines run right down to the water’s edge, fulfilling the old Bordeaux adage that the best châteaux can all "see" the river.
In June 2012, 9 months after the death of the estate's owner, Denise Capbern-Gasqueton, surviving members of the family sold the château to Suravenir Assurances for an estimated US$212 million. Inheritance taxes and family disagreements were reportedly the main reasons. Videlot, a Bordeaux wine group owned by Jean-François Moueix, was a minority partner in the deal.
The purchase included 235 acres in St.-Estèphe, encompassing Calon-Ségur, second label Marquis de Calon and the Cru Bourgeois Capbern-Gasqueton.
When the Winemaker of Calon Ségur retired in 2006, Madame de Gasqueton hired Vincent Millet – who had previously been at Chateau Margaux – to take over winemaking. First, Vincent Millet chose to focus on the 55 hectares of the main vineyard to make Calon Segur and discontinued using vines from outside the main vineyard for the first wine. Second, he started to increase the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, to the point where the average blend in recent years is about 80-20. Third, he also increased the percentage of new oak to 100%. Finally, is gradually increasing the vine density. “We now have about 10,000 vines per hectare, up from about 7,200 per hectare. This helps to improve the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes by creating a bit of competition between the vines and causing some hydric stress."
Annual Production of the Grand Vin is 20,000 cases. Chateau Calon-Ségur also produces second and third wines: Marquis de Calon and La Chapelle de Calon.
I am reissuing the comments of Panos Kakaviatos, Kevin Shin on winebeserkers and also Jane Anson, who tasted most of the wines a few months earlier in Paris. I am adding the average wine searcher prices in US$ in paranthesis.
Jane Anson: The blend in this vintage reached a full 86% of cabernet sauvignon. In the glass, the colour remains a bright en primeur purple, barely budged in two and a half years. Gorgeous! I love this vintage, but taste-wise also this is still very much in its primeur stage of primary fruit, with rich texture and vigorous tannins. Monumental, as we say so often of 2010 wines, and it’s worth remembering that the three years since this have been significantly lower in quality. This is a reminder that nature is a game of give and take. However, it wasn’t all fun for Calon Ségur in 2010; they had severe hail storms, and made just 50% of the crop of 2009. A classic. 95+/100. Excellent. Drink 2019-2040.
Jane Anson: The words that spring to mind here are generous, luscious, ripe… and plenty more of the same. This is turbo-powered compared to the Marquis de Calon in this vintage, but with the same generosity of fruit. Blend is 90% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot – figures which speaks for themselves in terms of fruit ripeness. Tight, tingling, a long way to go but the shape is starting to appear. Very very pleasurable. 94/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2017-2035.
Jane Anson: As with the 2007, this has an oak-dominated nose with traces of coffee. But it is less intrusive here, with more fruit character. This is a beautiful wine, precise and elegant and very enjoyable. 76% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot. Good persistency, with subtle warming spicing. This vintage had an Indian summer, good for cabernets – and Calon was also benefitting from two years of changes brought by Vincent Millet. 93/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2015-2030.
Jane Anson: A difficult year, as we know (or thought until 2013). Already slight pinking of the colour around the rim of the glass. Very different on the nose from the other vintages tried in this vertical, much more coffee (cappucino, milled coffee beans). Must be the use of oak barrels to compensate for the fruit. Less année de vigneron, more année de viticulteur. For me, it is too obviously compensated for in the cellar - but still offers pleasure. Blend 76% cabernet, 24% merlot. 89. Recommended. Drink 2013-2023.
Jane Anson: Blend is 64% cabernet, 33% merlot, 3% petit verdot. A year that saw a mixed bag of results in estates across Saint Estephe, but this is showing great appellation character. Quite different in personality from the 2005, some excellent deep coloured fruit, right through to black cherry and blueberry - a real cabernet and petit verdot year. Not the persistency of 2005, this will be ready to drink sooner, has slightly out of balance acidity and doesn’t make you break into cheer like the 2005, but still plenty to admire, classic good quality claret. 91. Highly recommended. Drink 2014-2028.
Jane Anson: Ah, here the color seems to retract, darken, deepen, even though it is now approaching its 9th birthday. The anthocyanes are barely giving an inch. Cloves, cassis, liquorice again coming through, and percolating coffee, this is a burly wine, wonderful tannins, so present and yet so reassuring, cradling the fruit like Rudolph Valentino. Just gorgeous, and just getting going. Love it, 96/100. Excellent. Drink 2013-2035.
Jane Anson: The heat wave year, and usually the Saint Estephe clay meant a touch more freshness for many of its wines. But even with that advantage, the fruit here has spread out a little too much right from the first nose, get gourmet notes of caramel and brioche, a patisserie spread of characters. No need to wait to drink this. It is a little underwhelming for the estate, certainly out of character in terms of personality of the lineup. Doesn’t have the length of the others, and wonder if phenolic ripeness was fully reached. For me, the big disappointment so far (but way better than many 2003s that I have tasted recently, so don’t discount it entirely). 87/100. Recommended. Drink 2013-2020.
Jane Anson: This tastes so much fresher and younger than the 2000, amazing the difference one year can make. Excellent vivacity and youth here. Really an excellent wine, with the poise and precision that you start to see coming into Calon at this time. Where the 2000 is all about generosity, this one is about precision and poise. We are back to the cassis flavours of a younger wine. Only complaint is that it has perhaps a touch of geosmin, an earthy character that suggests perhaps 100% of the fruit was not entirely ripe? A very very classic Medoc wine however. 93/100. Hightly recommended. Drink 2013-2035.
Jane Anson: We are getting close to 15 years for this wine, and as you would expect, the colour is just starting to soften. It is still a beautifully dark red, but with amber reflections beginning to appear around the edge. Oh, this is gorgeous, the fruit almost explodes in your mouth. Often I am a little underwhelmed with 2000s, at least in terms of their reputation, but not this one. Full of life and vivacity, fruit is still in fine form, but tannins have stayed firm and protective. An excellent wine that you would be super happy to drink now. Get a touch of animal aroma on the end of play, some gibier going on, worry that may become more obvious as fruit loses its power. 92/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2013-2035.
Jane Anson: A vintage that is seen as being one of the strongest of the 1990s, but more typically on the Right Bank than the Left, so maybe the clays of Saint Estephe helped. The nose holds promise of still poised, crispy fruit, and indeed it tastes much younger, but without the nuances of the 1995. This is a fine wine, with great race and precision, firm bilberry, fig and prune, no truffle notes appearing yet here. Has appearance of ripe but not over ripe fruit, but for me not as majestic as the 1995. To drink now but can easily wait a few years more before opening, and no rush. 92/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2013-2024.
Jane Anson: This is nearly 20 years old now, incredibly, and made when Madame de Gasqueton was grieving for her husband, who died during the harvesting of this wine. It was a late harvest year, with beautiful weather in September, offering ripe tannins that are of course by now fully smudged and softened into a gossamer covering over the fruit. On the nose get faint blue cheese, that wonderfully foodie ageing claret smell, very soft black truffles, acidity is climbing up a little higher than I would like for it to be perfect. But this is a beautiful wine, and who wouldn't be happy to pull a cork on it? Very soft tannins, spreading autumnal fruits, stewed prunes with classic liquorice and truffle, touches of eugenol (cloves), can still see oak influence after all these years, but beautifully integrated. Just touch out of balance from the acidity levels. We had this at lunch also, and the blue cheese was pronounced again, as was the lusciously comforting fruit. 95/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2013-2023.
Jane Anson: As ever, the presentation of 1982 vintage brought a sense of excitement to the table (we only drank this at lunch, with Pauillac lamb and cepe macaroni, not in the vertical). It doesn’t match the power of some of its neighbours such as Montrose 82 today, but it has a wonderful blue cheese and black truffle aroma that you can slip effortlessly into. I drank every drop of this, while all other vintages mentioned in this vintage I tasted, noted, left at least half the glass. So soft, have caramel, creme caramel to be more specific on both the nose and palate, and the fruit has slid into a compote, prune compote, not jammy but soft and relaxed, with still subtle persistency. If you have this wine, don’t wait forever, but be prepared for a very special experience. 93/100. Highly recommended. Drink 2013-2020.
Ripple: In a comfortable setting, just across the street from the historic Uptown Theater in Cleveland Park, Ripple offers a complete dining experience, with a focus on sustainability, organic and locally-acquired produce, and a good time. We are proud to support local farmers and co-ops in our mission to bring the best products to the table. In addition, we have an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu, to complete any meal. Above all, we believe in hospitality and hope that everyone who dines with us will feel comfortable and enjoy their time with us. We truly are a place to eat, drink, and gather.
Ripple was chosen in 2013 as one of the 100 Best Wine Restaurant in the USA (by Wine Enthusiast).
Panos Kakaviatos taking notes at the end of the tasting. | 2019-04-26T16:35:20Z | http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2014/01/ |
This winter has been very mild so far, with our coldest weather starting this week and expected to last through the first week of January. As I've had an extra day off the last two weeks, I started to go through my gear and see if everything is up to par and ready for the weather. Yes, temperatures in the 30s classifies as cold in California. Deal with it!
My best rain coat, a Goretex Marmot jacket I've owned for the better part of 20, years just had thezipper pull break. This doesn't make the jacket unusable, just not very convenient to use right now. Marmot will service the jacket for free if there is a mechanical problem like the zipper or a snap fails (which they have done for me in the past). I will be sending the jacket in next summer to be fixed, since it is being used right now.
The two inexpensive emergency space blankets that were in my G.H.B. were both damaged by heavier, sharp-edged items shifting around and tearing both the packaging and blankets. This is my fault, as the blankets could have been placed inside a zip-lock bag for extra protection or placed in a side pocket and not allowed to migrate to the bottom of the bag.
The Tylenol, Advil and Triple Antibiotic were all out of date and from being kept in my truck, probably should have been replaced sooner. The band-aids in my kit were also damaged (by heat, I think) since the paper protective wrapper was separated on half the box.
All my other gear looks fine. Cans of chicken and tuna are in good shape, as are the jerky and energy bars. However, the bars were pretty smashed but the wrappers did not tear, so that was a plus.
The small bottle of Dr. Bronner's soap (kept in its own zip-lock bag) is intact. My Life Straw, Sawyer Mini filter and Katadyn Micropur MP1 tablets are fine. Socks, long sleeve polypropylene tee shirt, knit cap and rain hat are in good shape.
If you get an hour or so, take the time to inspect all your gear. You never know what you will find and what shape things are in until you look!
After telling everyone NOT to buy me anything, I recieved several gifts. People don't listen.
The Doan Magnesium is a familiar item but I had no idea what this shovel would look like. The U-Dig-It seems pretty cool, if a bit heavy at 6 ounces, but looks very sturdy. I do not have any other digging tools in my G.H.B. at the moment, so this is a needed addition. A test and evaluation will be coming in the near future.
I also received a $50 Amazon gift card, from my son and his wife. Who was really told not to get me anything, but whose kids ever listen to their parents?
Thank you all for the nice gifts, cards and Christmas Wishes. I hope the New Year sees you never needing your supplies, but always having them ready.
You take care of your car. You maintain it well. You expect it to take care of you. Then one day, when you can least afford it to fail, you put your key in the ignition and are rewarded with only a click. Your battery is flat. Oh, woe! What to do?
As with the rest of life, step one is Don't Panic. The rest of the solution depends on where you are and what help you have.
Jumper Cables: Way back when I talked about my Car Survival Kit, I mentioned carrying a good set of jumper cables in my truck. They are the most basic way to jump start a dead vehicle, assuming you have another car around to jump yours.
Be very careful to not touch the ends of the cables together while they're connected to any battery or car. They can cause a deadly electric shock.
There are two schools of thought with regard to positioning of jumper cables on the dead car side. Some folks advocate attaching the black lead to a bare metal body piece on the car. I, and various others, feel better results are obtained by hooking the black lead to the negative (marked -) terminal. Either one should work.
Next, connect the red/orange/light-colored lead to the positive (marked +) terminal of the battery.
Connect the same colored leads to the same marked terminals on the live car.
Start the engine on the live car, and allow it to run for a few minutes to give a bit of charge to the dead battery.
While the live car is still running and connected, start the dead car.
Disconnect the cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
Plug-In Chargers: If you're at home, or at least near a power outlet, a battery charger gives quick, sure starts, and doesn't require another vehicle. Simply plug it in to the wall, connect the leads to the battery just like jumper cables, and start your car. If you have time, you can allow the charger to actually charge the battery as well.
Jump Starters: Cables require another car and chargers require an outlet, but Jump Start Packs overcome both of those shortcomings. They are a self-contained battery pack with built-in cables and a charging port. The linked unit also contains a light and an air compressor, for inflating tires that may be a bit low. They aren't cheap, but they're invaluable when your battery goes flat in the middle of nowhere. I owned one for several years, and finally wore it out to the point where the battery would no longer hold a charge. They're expensive, but they're very worth it, the first time they save you in the middle of nowhere.
Keep yourself from getting stranded.
Erin Palette talks about fitness for preppers.
Miguel Gonzalez gives you his pick for the best Christmas movie of all time.
Barron B. explains when security updates aren't enough.
and Weer'd breaks down some audio anti-gun hate.
You can listen to the podcast here, and the show notes may be found here.
It's time for Episode 18 of The Gun Blog Variety Cast!
Adam and Sean host in their usual excellent style.
Erin Palette wants you to pay attention to priorities.
Miguel Gonzalez says "Read those Primary Sources!"
Barron B. talks about police using Stingray devices.
and Weer'd Beard offers an epilogue to his "Gun Death" series.
Check it out. Download, listen, and subscribe. And tell a friend!
Video #3! Hopefully (hopefully!) I have fixed the problem with the jerky video that plagued unboxing #2 and made it unwatchable by some.
Audio should also be substantially better, due to a lovely Christmas present of a quality microphone and stand from a dear, dear friend.
I am amused that I already had 3 of the items in this month's box, but I'm not at all upset; I had planned to get seconds of them anyway, and seeing them here reassures me that at least some of my choices are sound.
For those interested, the Piddly Stik may be found here. Through conversations with them on their Facebook page, I've been told that they will soon be posting videos on how to set up, and how to fish with, the P. Stik. I am looking forward to those, as it looks like a quality bit of handmade kit and not a cheap piece of plastic crap like a pocket fisherman, and I want to understand how to use it.
EDIT: Brook West has found a demonstration video of how to use the Piddly Stik. Thanks, Brook!
Enjoy my video, and please, leave comments! I'm always looking for ways to improve!
Pictures of the box's contents may be found here.
I have been asked to do a compare-and-contrast covering the various methods of water treatment available for preppers. Having spent 18 years operating a waste water treatment plant (the same technology as drinking water treatment, just with looser standards), I'm the closest we have to an expert on the subject so I'll give it a shot. This will be just an introduction to water treatment, with more details in future articles. This is a very important subject and I don't want to leave out information, but I also don't want to write a ten page article that nobody is going to finish reading.
Before getting into specific methods or brands of treatment I need to ask a few questions. All of these will come into play when you start looking at filters and other treatment methods.
How clean do you want/need your water? I have worked in labs that required water so pure it would dissolve copper tubing, and I spent many years discharging treated water into a major river that was dirtier than what I was putting into it. Some uses may not require water as clean as others, I'm pretty sure your dog (who drinks out of the toilet and stray mud puddles) doesn't need water treated to the same standards as you'd use for mixing baby formula. The EPA and WHO have established drinking water quality standards, technical data that I'll try to put into layman's language.
Also, not all raw water needs to be treated. Rain water and melted snow would be safe to drink in all cases, unless you're dealing with chemical or nuclear fallout. I grew up drinking water straight from a (fairly deep) well and have never had any issues with it. You can also develop a resistance or immunity to any local microbes that don't immediately kill you, but changing location will change the definition of “local” and you may run into problems until your body adjusts (Montezuma's Revenge).
What's in the water that you need to remove? Unless you have some idea of what you're trying to remove, you'll be lucky to pick the right method of getting it out of your water. A filter that will remove giardia cysts may not be good enough if you're dealing with chemical contaminates. Even without access to a microbiology/chemistry lab, you can do some research before a crisis to get an idea of what to expect. This is where things get personal, because there are too many possibilities for me to list them all. You'll need to think about where you may be when you need a water treatment system and do the research now.
How much water per day are you treating? The standard is one gallon per person per day for drinking and cooking purposes, but what about cleaning your body and clothes? Does your water system need to be cleaned periodically? For how many people are you prepping? Larger demands are going to require larger systems to clean your water or multiple smaller ones.
How long are you going to be treating your water? It's just common sense that a pocket filter might get you through a weekend in Mexico, but it isn't likely to last for several years' worth of daily use. Be wary of the claims made by manufacturers, unless you've thoroughly checked their system out. The filter that you pick for your BOB may be different than what you'll want to use once you get to your safe location, or you may only need to treat your water until the city gets their plants back online and the pipes flushed. Different needs for different plans.
Are you prepared for when your water purification system fails? Nothing lasts forever, so having a back-up plan is essential. It may be as simple as just drinking untreated water for a short period and dealing with the consequences (that weekend in Mexico), or it may be as complex as making another treatment system, but you need to be thinking of redundancy. A good idea for a fixed location would be to store your treated water and rotate through your stocks. That way, when the filter fails, you'll have a buffer supply to give you time to repair it or get another system online.
Are you aware of the indications for when your purification system fails? Do you have a way to test your system and the materials and skills to run those tests? One of the first filters I bought for hiking and camping came with a bottle of blue dye. The instructions were to add a few drops of the dye to some water and run it through the filter. If the dye passed through the filter it was a sign that it had failed. I'll get into specifics for each type of system as I cover them, but you need to be aware that there are simple ways to test water systems and you need to be able to run those tests.
Are you aware of how important maintenance and hygiene are going to be? Some filters require an occasional backwash to flush them clean while others require boiling or chemical cleaning and others just need to be replaced. Be prepared and learn your system before you need it. Make sure everyone who may need to use it is also trained.
Hygiene is an absolute must-have in any crisis situation. Sharing a water bottle with another person is also sharing their diseases. Unless you're comfortable sharing bodily fluids with someone, get them their own bottle. Keeping your water treatment equipment clean will avoid cross contamination. Think about it: if your hands are filthy, do you really want to touch anything that is going into your mouth? It would be wise to pad the numbers in your answer to number 3, above, to allow for some surplus water for hygiene purposes.
Those questions should give you something to think about, and maybe form a few questions of your own. I'll discuss the different methods of water treatment and some of the various types of equipment in the next few articles. If you have questions you would like to see answered here, feel free to leave comments and I will do what I can to find an answer.
This Christmas, I am working on a very short budget and have friends that don't need anything but deserve much. Four of them have expressed more than polite interest in planning for emergencies of and seem serious about it (by that I mean no 'Zombie Apocalypse' nonsense). I am trying to give them some ideas to use as a starting point; namely, directions to Blue Collar Prepping and some books that I have in my small prepping library.
In no way are these books the only ones in my library, the only books on the market or the best for everyone else; they are simply what I recommend for my friends and their needs.
I am not writing a book review or summary, but rather why I chose these titles.
Les Stroud is the host of Survivorman, the best outdoor adventure show on television (in my opinion). His book Survive! uses the skills and techniques learned from his many personal trips into the wilderness,as well as those seen on his television show. The majority of the book is focused on wilderness survival in any climate, in any part of the world, so this would be a good choice for travelers or people not living in the U.S. or North America.
This book is going to friends that hike and camp now that their kids are older.
Arthur T. Bradley has written a book that seriously addresses common emergencies faced by modern societies: Natural, Pandemic, Man-Made, War/Terrorism/Crime, Personal, etc.
The Disaster Preparedness Handbook addresses these topics in a very thorough way, with chapter summaries, checklists, suggested reading lists and diagrams of items that can be made or built. It is written in an easy-to-read style, without being so simple as to be boring to experienced preppers or too intense for those just starting. While most of the book covers 'bugging in' and urban/suburban plans, there are chapters on planning for 'bugging out' as well.
This book is going to friends that have several family members living close by.
Aton Edwards has collected a massive amount of information on survival techniques and sources of information! From emergency heating to improvised hydroponics, this book could be a one-stop shop for the novice to those already well on the way to self-sufficiency. Preparedness Now! has topics ranging from biological hazards, fire, and personal safety, to the more common subjects of food and water storage or bug-out plans. Included in the back of the book are several pages of notes, blank planner pages, an amazing bibliography and a very detailed set of checklists, sourced and linked back to the chapters where the items were first mentioned.
This book is a gift for one of my OCD friends that makes lists for everything.
I hope this has given you food for thought and ideas for last minute gifts for the Holiday season!
Fire is a valuable thing, but sometimes, traditional fires just are not possible. Today, we'll take a look at a couple non-traditional alternatives. Both of them burn non-standard fuel, and are based on the principle of a candle, basically using a natural-fiber wick to carry fuel to the flame. Both can run almost* any liquid fuel that is thin enough to be carried by the wick.
*Warning: Do not use gasoline. It burns too hot and fast and can cause injuries.
Calling this a stove is a bit inaccurate; while it can be used to heat things, there are far too many variables to use it to cook reliably . It does, however, make a dandy reusable candle, and provides a fair bit of heat for its size.
To make a hobo stove, you need a tuna fish can (or similar; any can that is short and wide should do nicely.) and its lid. You'll also need some kind of wick material made of natural fiber. Jute twine, cotton cord, thin strips of cloth; all work well.
Completely remove the lid and rinse the can.
Make a hole or holes in the lid, just large enough to fit your wicks. More wicks mean more flame, but also dramatically increase fuel consumption. You can use a power drill and a small bit for this, but a hammer and nail also works wonderfully.
Bend the sides of the lid down slightly, just enough to give you room for fuel underneath it. 1/4" is plenty.
Pull your wicks through the holes. Leave 3/4" or so on the top side of the lid. Trim the wicks so there are a couple inches below the lid as well.
Insert the lid in the can and add fuel.
Any number of light, flammable liquids will work. Light oils (olive, peanut, etc.) and high-proof alcohols burn quite nicely. The fuel you use will determine how hot and fast your candle burns. Allow the wicks time to soak up fuel before you light them.
We used these when I was in Boy Scouts. All that you need to make them is a roll of toilet paper, two #10 coffee cans, and fuel.
Stand the toilet paper roll on end in the bottom of the coffee can.
When the toilet paper has had a chance to soak up fuel, simply light the top of the roll. It will burn with a flame as tall and hot as a good campfire, so don't light it anyplace you wouldn't light a normal fire.
Putting this fire out is where the second coffee can comes in. Stack the second can on top of the fire, and it will quickly starve for air and put itself out. After the cans have cooled, you can put a lid on top of your fire can, leaving it assembled and ready for use again.
Both of these fire sources work great when there is very little wood, or when it's wet or snowy. There's no need to be cold and dark out there!
We've discussed the planning stages of building the Oven.
We've discussed building the Firebox of the Oven.
We've discussed building the Cob Dome of the Oven.
In today's article, I'm going to briefly go over a few things that we learned along the way while building the oven, and where we'll go from here when we have the time and resources to start planning and building the Mark II Oven.
Frankly, this is something that all preppers should take note of, regardless of what they're trying to be prepared for. There is a huge gulf of difference between Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Knowledge.
Nothing shows this quite as thoroughly as taking a group of people who have practical knowledge in a diverse set of areas, but only theoretical knowledge in the area you need, and asking them to collectively tackle a practical project.
I joke that my main "talent" actually lies in the area of being able to surround myself with extremely talented and knowledgeable people. This project proved to me that I wasn't joking.
One of the first things that I realized was that we should have spent a bit more time considering our placement. While we built the oven in a location that's very convenient to the industrial kitchen on-site, the location we chose is such that the person (or people) manning the oven are fairly removed from the majority of activity taking place out at Knight's Rest Retreat. This has both advantages and its disadvantages.
One advantage is that the cooks manning the oven don't have the opportunity to get distracted by other things going on at Knight's Rest. The disadvantage is that the cooks can easily get bored, and therefore become unwilling to man the oven.
Another issue that I realized could be a problem with our oven is its location in relation to the resources needed to build it. We were fortunate that we had a functional backhoe to use for bringing clay from our clay bank to our location, and our water source was a spigot with a convenient hose to drag closer to where we were building.
Remember that your resources will have to be hauled to your chosen location, so pick a spot where you're not going to wear yourself out before you ever actually start building. The less hauling of resources you have to do, the less energy you're expending. Less energy used = less need to rest and refuel later.
Just how flat is the piece of dirt where you're planning to construct your oven? Have you got a nice, level spot that just happens to have a concrete pad already in place?
If you have a concrete pad available to work on, use it! If you don't, then either build directly on the ground, or make sure you build a platform that is going to be both stable and level, without the possibility of it sinking or caving in.
We've run into difficulties with the long-term viability of the Mark I simply because the earth platform we built for its placement has shifted quite a bit, and some areas have compacted much more than others. There have been a few minor earthquakes (something we never used to experience in Oklahoma!) that have caused portions of the packed earth platform to no longer be completely level.
If you're building directly on the ground, bedrock would be a great choice. At the very least, look for an area that's not going to be making its way out from under what you're building, and make certain it's well packed and solid.
Temperature control has been something of an issue. We still haven't gotten it completely right yet, but we're working on that!
Have a thermometer handy that can withstand the anticipated temperatures inside your oven, and use it as you do your progressive firings to cure out the cob dome. This will give you a much more accurate idea of what size fire you're going to need to achieve specific temperatures.
Having a good in-oven or in-grill thermometer handy during cooking uses will also help you maintain your fire, and know exactly what temperatures your oven space is reaching during the cooking process for specific dishes.
Adjusting recipes is much easier when you actually know what internal temperature your oven happens to achieve.
Eventually - probably in late spring - we will get started on the Mark II Oven build. This will address problems that have arisen with the Mark I either during construction, or since it was finished.
We've chosen a spot not far from where our current Mark I Oven happens to reside, but situated closer to where our Main Hall is being built. This will put its placement more centrally located, which should help keep the boredom factor down.
The change in location will also cut down on the amount of foot work to go between the oven and the Feasting Hall while carrying hot food straight out of the oven, like fresh bread.
We will be taking the time to do a few things to the location chosen for the Mark II prior to starting on the actual building. First, we'll be leveling and grading the area. Once it's leveled and graded, we'll be pouring a single concrete slab of the proper size to accommodate our Mark II, and allowing the poured concrete to cure for several days.
Another major difference between the Mark I and the Mark II will be use the exclusive use of refractory cement, rated for extremely high temperatures, as mortaring for our firebox. We used regular cement mortar on the firebox in the Mark I, and it was a mistake; we've had a lot of cracking and expansion due to the high temperatures in the firebox, and it has caused issues with the stability of the entire structure.
We will also likely have a much longer cure time in firing the cob dome on the Mark II, because we feel like it got slightly rushed for the Mark I.
All in all, it's been both educational and fun, and I'm looking forward to working on the Mark II and other ongoing projects out at Knight's Rest Retreat.
Erin Palette talks about prepping for pet owners.
Nicki Kenyon explores foreign aid to Israel.
Special Guest Ben Berry from The Triangle Tactical Podcast tells us why we should all be shooting competition.
Barron B. tells us about future developments in more secure credit cards.
Weer'd rounds out his "Gun Death" series with the very serious subject of suicide.
Don't miss the show. Download, listen, and subscribe. And make sure to tell your friends!
In Part 1, I talked about what's in the sleeping bag compartment of my bug-out bag. For today's post I'm going to talk about what I have on the outside.
You can see the Klymit Static V air pad, mentioned in last week's post, on the left of the sleeping bag compartment and the Adventure Medical Thermolite Bivvy on the right. Just above the Klymit is a Cold Steel Kukri Machete which I use as a universal chopping & hacking tool (and for $20, one of the best blades I've ever owned -- HIGHLY recommended). In the center is a UVPaqLite UVO Necklace, which I have tied around a fastener on the back so I can easily find my pack in the dark. If necessary, I can remove it to mark something else, like a campsite or a family member.
I've also added some compression straps to keep everything tight so that the center of gravity is closer to my spine.
a Condor MOLLE pouch, filled with things I might need to access quickly without taking off my pack.
Two S-biners (in blue) that secure the "lifting straps", for want of a better term -- basically straps that attach to the top of the frame so that it's easier to stand up with the pack by pulling on them in my hands -- to the plastic D-rings on the shoulder straps. That way, I don't have to go fishing for the straps when I want to stand up, and extra carabiners are always useful.
1) a Hot Shot signal mirror with whistle.
2) a Coughlan's compass with light-up face. It's a fairly cheap compass, but I have a nicer one inside the bag, and this one self-illuminates.
3) two rolls of camper's toilet tissue, for use in the traditional manner, or as kleenex in case I need to blow my nose (and given my allergies, I need to do that a lot.) The third roll, along with the dispenser, is inside my Get Home Bag.
1) a multi-tool from Duluth Trading Company in a cordura pouch the same color and texture as the Condor fabric.
2) a tube of Blistex medicated lip balm/sunscreen.
3) a Sawyer Mini Water Filter (thanks for the Thankmas Present, John Kochan!) with 16-ounce collapsible drinking pouch. Since the filter and the straw are large, I have them outside the pocket and are held in place by the cords that tighten up the gadget pouch.
Left: Attached to a carabiner is a "Bug Out Band": a nifty USB drive integrated into a rubberized slap bracelet that came in the October Apocabox. I use it to store important documents (see my "Scan Your Stuff" post ) and being attached to my pack makes it easy for me to take it off when info needs to be updated.
The sheath of the Kukri machete is held in place by two Nite Ize Figure 9 carabiners hooked over a strap, with the 'biner part running through the sheath's belt loop.
Right: The other side, just for completeness' sake. The odd bits of green are lengths of electrical tape, used to tie down lengths of errant strap.
Next week: What's in the pockets?
To recap the idea behind the Rock Ridge series, not everyone is going to be able to go back to living off of the land after a major catastrophe. There will be those who are not suited to raising their own food, but will have other skills that they can use to make a living. I am using the fictional town of Rock Ridge (ca. 1870) as an example of the skills and services that may be in demand after TSHTF. It doesn't have to be “Mad Max in Thunderdome”; people lived comfortably in small towns and villages for centuries before the invention of electric lighting and automobiles.
First things first: any time you see the word “mill”, you're looking at a facility that takes in a raw material and produces a marketable product, with windmills being the sole exception that proves the rule. Wood (or saw) mills take in logs and put out lumber; cotton mills take raw cotton and turn it into thread; a grain mill will take grain and turn it into flour or meal suitable for use as a cooking ingredient.
If you have a reliable source of energy and grain, you might be able to make a living with a grain mill. Grain mills are simply large versions of the basic stone utensils that have been used to make flour out of grain for as long as humans have been growing grain.
The most basic grain mill is a bowl-shaped stone (called a “mortar”) and a smaller rounded stone that fits inside the bowl (known as a “pestle”). Grain is placed in the mortar and the pestle is either rolled over it with downward pressure or pounded down on the grain to break it up into tiny pieces. Roughly ground grain is called meal, and finely ground grain is called flour.
Hand mills have evolved into steel and plastic kitchen appliances that vary in quality and price. The general rule that “you get what you pay for” holds true for hand mills, so get the best that you can afford. Unless you have a bullet-proof source of electricity, avoid motorized mills that don't also have a manual method of operation.
Grinders like this have been used for decades to mix and grind meats, but if you get the right plates for it you can grind grain. Avoid the cheap ones since they are generally of very poor fit and finish.
While a single person can grind enough grain into flour to keep their family in bread, it is time consuming and not a very efficient use of time. A centralized grain mill will tap into a local source of power and provide the service of producing flour (or meal) for its customers in return for a percentage of the grain. The miller's percentage would be sold or traded to people who didn't grow grain, and provided a source of income for the miller.
A small commercial mill, like those found in villages, was usually made of two discs of stone (often pieces of stone held inside a metal ring). They were placed face to face and the grain was introduced through the center hole of the top stone. The grain was turned into flour as it worked its way out toward the the rim.
A moderately-sized mill, suitable for a small town, would consist of two round stones, one placed flat and the other on edge riding on the top of it. Grain would be added to the top of the base stone as the wheel stone rolls around on top of it and the grain ground between the two.
Power sources for this size of mill would be a water wheel set on a stream or a wind mill with large sails. High torque, low speed power that can be harnessed with the use of mainly wooden gears and shafts is a good fit for this kind of mill.
A large mill, producing flour for a large bakery or a large town, would likely consist of a series of smaller mills in series, with them set to grind the grain into progressively smaller pieces. Larger mills are/were powered by steam engines, electric motors, or some form of internal combustion engine.
Stone grinding wears down the grinders slowly, leaving sand or grit in the flour. This is not normally hazardous to the health of the consumers, but it can lead to increased wear on their teeth. Steel rollers last a lot longer and are easier to replace with modern infrastructure.
Since steel wears slower than stone, it is easier to set and maintain the desired degree of grind you want.
Steel is less porous than stone, so it is easier to keep clean and prevent contamination of new flour from spoiled remnants of previous grindings.
Steel rollers can be run at higher speeds than stone mills, increasing the output for a given size of mill.
Steel rollers generally weigh less than stone ones, so starting and stopping the machinery is easier.
They can be made of locally available materials.
Stone rollers are not as likely to create sparks as metal ones. Dust explosions are a major hazard of any grain handling operation, so sparks are to be avoided as much as possible .
The weight of stone rollers provides enough pressure without requiring tensioners.
Running at a slower speed allows for the use of simpler bearings and shafts, often made of wood instead of metal. Lower speeds also mean less heat, which can damage the grain or contribute to dust explosions.
The mass of stone rollers provides inertia to the operation which will smooth out minor variations in the power source. This is helpful when using wind or some other form of variable power.
Setting up a grain mill is a time-consuming process that will require a source of power, a good supply of materials, a source of grain, storage for grain and flour, and a customer base. Operating it will require a low level of daily supervision, a moderate amount of maintenance, and plenty of customer interaction.
A good miller will work with his customers as much as his machinery, and his reputation can make or break his business. Bookkeeping and an accurate set of scales will help keep both the customers and the miller honest, so plan for them as well.
The holiday season can be a fun time of year to gather with friends and family to share happy times and events, but it can also be a time of stress. Not having enough food on your table, let alone enough money to pay the bills, is an extra stressor that many people have this time of year. While I do not have that problem, many in our communities do, and there is a way that anyone can help: Donate to your local Food Bank!
So by sorting my stored goods with the oldest marked items going out first, I can keep an eye on what is not being used quickly, and then donate the excess to the Food Bank if needed. Not only can I help those less fortunate than myself, I also keep fresh items in my reserve!
These were all dated 'Best By' the middle or late 2015, but it is the perfect time to move some of these out, as I am not using them very quickly all by myself.
Even if you don't have food that is expiring soon or you have long duration stores, this is a good time to consider buying an extra can or two and dropping them into the donation barrels most supermarkets have on display. You will be helping others and also helping yourself.
28% of food distributed is for children under 18. 8% are under the age of 5.
Approximately 18% is for people over 65.
The average family income of recipients is $15,000 per year.
Matches are the gold standard of fire starting: they're cheap, readily available, and reliable, and things that are designed to be lit are usually designed to be lit with matches.
Waterproof cases are the most basic starting point of protecting your matches. A waterproof case will keep your matches together and protected from water and damage, and most of them have a rough surface for striking your match.
If you're equipped to safely melt paraffin wax, it makes a dandy waterproof coating on any number of things, including matches. Simply melt the wax and dip your match heads into it, then let the wax cool and harden. When you're ready to use them, simply scrape the wax off with your fingernail, and strike as normal.
Melting wax has its hazards, though; and is not something to be undertaken lightly: hot wax can burn skin, and can also cause a very serious fire. Don't try it if you're unprepared and don't have the proper gear.
Turpentine is a wonderful, very safe method of waterproofing matches, but it must be renewed about once a year. Simply pour an inch or so of turpentine into the bottom of a small glass (one you don't care for, since you won't want to drink from it after), and stand several matches head-down in the turpentine for five minutes. Then, lay them out on a paper towel or piece of newspaper to dry for about half an hour. Your matches are then ready to go; just strike them as you otherwise would.
Probably my favorite method of waterproofing matches (and sealing various other things) is clear nail polish. It doesn't necessarily have to be clear, but Grandma used clear nail polish for all manner of things, and who am I to argue with Grandma?
Simply open your bottle of nail polish, and dip your match heads into the nail polish. Wipe any excess against the bottle rim, and let your matches dry, with the head not touching anything. As with turpentine, they'll strike as-is. However, nail polish dries hard and durable, and will provide a little extra protection for your matches.
Sealed Pouches: This page has a wonderful guide to sealing your matches in simple waterproof packets. Other things like tinder can also be sealed in this manner, and be safe and ready when you need to crack them open and use them.
Last week, I talked about the work I and others did to make the Firebox portion of our Earth Oven out at Knight's Rest Retreat. Today, I'm going to further expound on that in the visual, and show you what it was like building the baking dome portion, which is the actual cooking area of the oven.
2 Muffins go in, but only 1 Scone emerges victorious!
Anyway, now that I've gotten the cheese outta my system (well, mostly anyway - there are a couple of quiches still awaiting trial runs in the oven to do some more timing/temp tests!), on to the meat (roasted) of this article.
In order to get our dome built on top of the firebox, the first thing we had to do was figure out how to get the actual dome shape built. We set the brick work for our chimney while we were making the final decision, and let our bricklayer do his magic while the rest of us debated about method.
We decided it would be easiest to build up layers of our cob over a positive mold of shaped dirt, which could then be dug out once the cob was dry and solidly stable.
Once we'd decided how we wanted to proceed, we built a simple wooden form in the shape and size of our intended door and set it in place. Then we started building our dome mold at that point, packing the dirt in well and making certain it was absolutely level where we were going to be putting the brick arch support of our entry door.
Once we had our door frame mold in place to use as a guide, our bricklayer went to work again, setting our brick archway in place. This was a much shorter process than laying the bricks for the firebox, but was still labor intensive enough that I was glad I wasn't the one having to do the actual work.
After he'd placed all the bricks into the archway except our keystone (the one at the very top of the arch), things started getting mortared into place. The keystone went in last, and then the mortar was allowed to set while we all took a short break.
After the break, we moved on to rearranging the excess dirt so that our dome mold would be uniform in height and properly align with the door. It was a few hours of work, which included turning the top layers into a thick muddy slurry so that it could be properly smoothed out.
When we finally got everything smoothed and evened out, it was obvious this oven was going to be even larger than we'd originally anticipated. The height of the dome had been lowered, but the overall surface area to cook in was going to be much larger than was first planned.
We needed a means of keeping the cob mix from sticking to the positive mold while the dome was being formed. Our solution was simple: newspapers that were going to be recycled anyway were pulled out and put to use.
A double layer of newspaper was placed over the entire dome (except for the doorway arch), and then a thin layer of straight mud was put in place as the bottom layer of what would become the interior of the dome.
The kids, of course, were more than eager to "help play in the mud"
A helper (right) and I (left) applying the initial mud coat.
Once that was finished, it was time to start mixing our cob to form the dome. Cob has traditionally been a mix of clay, sand, and straw.
Think of it as a sort of rudimentary cross between the basic material for bricks, and a primitive cement, all rolled into one.
Yep, you guessed it. Trevor's kids wanted a chance to play in the mud for that part too! Thankfully it was still pretty warm outside in late September and early October here in Oklahoma, so hosing them off at the end of each day wasn't an issue!
at least we weren't bad enough to need actual hosing down before going in the house to clean up!
Yes, building the dome of the mold took longer than expected, and it was well past twilight by the time we'd finished putting the layer of straight mud over our newspaper barrier and adding the first layer of cob.
Then we needed to allow some time for that layer of cob to set before we added another, but that would require working in the dark.
We called a break for the evening to allow things to start drying, and met again a couple of days later to start slathering on further layers of cob.
As I mentioned a moment ago, traditionally cob is formulated from a mix of clay, sand, and straw. We used a ratio of 70% clay from the high quality clay banks on the property (there are advantages to having a stream running through the middle of your acreage!), 20% sand from the one of the sand banks of the same stream, and 10% high quality grout mix that we happened to have on hand.
We mixed up our mud - that clay/sand/grout mix - in a small bucket until it was the consistency we desired. We originally intended to mix our mud completely by hand, but that proved to be far too labor intensive when we considered Cordless Power Drills and Drywall Mixers!
Once our mud was mixed by one of the guys, he would bring it over to our big mixing bucket - a repurposed and somewhat banged up small feeding trough. The mud would be dumped from its small mix bucket into our larger mix bucket, and we would then add a 50% straw content to add support and help hold the structure of the cob over the long term. This portion was done completely by hand, as we didn't want the straw tangling itself around the mixer bit - and we only had one mixer bit available for use.
This also proved advantages in other ways. Since our Mud Guy could only mix up so much on his end at any one time, we had the lag between mud deliveries to mix in straw, and place the now ready cob onto whichever portion of the dome we were currently concentrating on for that layer.
After getting the initial 2 layers of cob in place, the thought crossed several minds simultaneously that adding some extra internal support structure might be a Good Thing over the long term. To this end, we decided to place a single layer of chicken wire between the cob already in place and what would be going in on top of this.
At this point, we had our positive mold in place, our door arch built, a thin layer of mud without cob mix, 1 thin layer and 2 thick layers of cob, then a layer of chicken wire, and 2 more thick layers of cob over the wire support structure.
And it was back to work placing thick layers of cob mixture over the entire dome.
At this point it was decided to pay a bit of extra attention to the area where the dome was being built up around the base of the chimney. We wanted to make certain we had a good seal between the cob and the brick, so that we wouldn't have to cope with excessive heat loss or unexpected drafts of air through the cooking chamber.
As a group, we spent 6 days of laying in a couple of layers of cob each day, and allowing for a day or two of drying time between sessions. We wanted to give each successive set of layers time to dry somewhat, independently of the whole, so that we could locate and repair cracks without them becoming deep fissures that ran through the whole thickness of our dome structure.
Our final day on the project to build the dome itself, there were only 3 of us out there getting muddy - Jen (the owner of Knight's Rest) myself, and my buddy Vanessa. It's mid-October, and you can see from the photos that it was still warm enough for shorts and t-shirts!
Laying the final layer of cob turned out to be the most time consuming of all the cob layers. We wanted to make certain it was smooth, uniform, and was visually appealing. A lot of smoothing, both by hand and with small bricklayer's hand tools later, and we finally had things looking the way we wanted them to!
Our oven build was complete... almost. We still needed to give it a week to dry out completely. Then we had to dig out the dirt used to form the positive mold for the dome. And build several fires, each one successively hotter and more intense than the last, in the cooking chamber itself to cure out the cob completely and to burn off the remains of the newspaper we used to keep the mold and dome separate.
We're still doing test runs in the Oven, to see how large a fire we need for various temperatures, and how we need to adjust recipes for timing so we don't end up with burnt or undercooked foods. While under-cooking can be salvaged easily enough by simply putting our cooking vessel back into the Dome for a bit longer, burnt bottoms aren't so easily fixed.
Next week, I'll discuss some of the difficulties, tips, and tricks that we learned during this build, our plans for the Oven Mark II, and extra considerations to be taken into account for different areas. Bon appetit! | 2019-04-22T14:47:37Z | http://bluecollarprepping.blogspot.com/2014/12/ |
One of SoMAS’ paramount objectives is to educate and train students to become the next generation of marine and atmospheric scientists, environmental resource managers, and citizens who possess a fundamental grasp of environmental issues and the choices that society faces in handling these issues.
The first undergraduate degree offered through SoMAS was a minor in marine sciences established in 1988. In 1992, an Oceanography and Environmental Studies track was established in the Multidisciplinary Studies undergraduate degree program. Also in that year, the Marine Sciences Research Center (MSRC) offered its first undergraduate major, as the University’s Institute for Terrestrial and Planetary Atmospheres (ITPA) was transferred to MSRC, bringing with it the Atmospheric Sciences/Meteorology BS degree program. Over time, other undergraduate degree programs followed: a BA in Environmental Studies (2001) and a BS in Marine Biology and a BS in Marine Vertebrate Biology (both in 2005). The Environmental Studies major is designed for students anticipating a non-science career but one with a strong environmental bent, e.g., environmental journalism. The Marine Biology and Marine Vertebrate Biology degrees prepare students for a career in the sciences or environmental management. From May 1992 through December 2008, 174 students have graduated from SoMAS with an undergraduate degree.
MSRC’s first graduate degree program, the Marine Environmental Studies Program (MESP), was authorized in April 1970 and produced its first graduate in May 1971. The MESP program was a Masters of Science program designed for practicing professionals and recent college graduates with varied academic backgrounds. Its curriculum offered a strongly interdisciplinary examination of the diverse factors affecting the marine environment and was designed to prepare students for careers in the then-rapidly expanding fields of coastal management, environmental monitoring and protection and resource management. During the 1975-76 academic year, MSRC conducted an internal review of the MESP program. As a result of this review, the program name was changed to “Marine Environmental Sciences Program” and the program’s focus was shifted more towards hard science, with somewhat less emphasis being given to management and specific environmental problem-solving.
In April 1978, the Board of Trustees of the New York State Education Department approved MSRC’s Ph.D. program in coastal oceanography. The following September, the program was approved by New York Governor Hugh Carey. The Ph.D. program graduated its first two students in December, 1981.
In 2007, as MSRC was renamed the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, our graduate programs were re-titled to more properly reflect the unified educational experience within the school that is offered to both marine and atmospheric science students. At present, SoMAS offers both MS and Ph.D. degrees in Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, with concentrations in either the marine or atmospheric sciences.
Since 1971, SoMAS graduate programs have produced 697 graduates; 574 received a MS degree, 184 received a Ph.D. and 61 received both degrees. The alumni profiles below highlight a few of our graduates.
Mark Nepf was an MS student in the Dvarskas Lab of Environmental Economics from 2015 to 2017. During his time at SoMAS, he worked on a hedonic analysis of Suffolk County residential real estate, with a focus on the potential impact of coastal water clarity. By determining if improved water clarity could positively influence housing values, his project aimed to provide an economic measure of the benefits of coastal remediation.
After graduation, Mark accepted a position with Resources For The Future, where he is working on similar environmental valuation studies that look at the impacts of air pollution. He credits his time spent at SoMAS helping him land on the job path he hoped for.
Photo above: Erica Cirino ’15 on a research expedition.
Writer, artist, runner and licensed wildlife rehabilitator — this is how Erica Cirino ’15 identities herself. Perhaps survivor should be added to the description.
Her childhood memories are dominated by discord. Voices escalate in anger and accusations; a door slams, followed by the sound of a woman sobbing. A car starts up in the driveway; a man is bound for who knows where. When the little girl wakes up in the middle of the night, she sees her father on the couch. Again.
The days that follow bring more of the same — ongoing family drama that no child could be capable of stopping or escaping.
This is how Erica remembers parts of her childhood — a painful chapter that will stay with her always but was instrumental in making her the strong woman and successful wildlife journalist that she is today.
While her parents didn’t get along with each other, they did each stand by her side as she grew up. While at times her life wasn’t easy, Erica is grateful for her parents, who offered her their support and resources, cheering her on at track meets, buying her art supplies and encouraging her to pursue her natural talents.
But Erica also dug deep into her personal well and at a very young age found a way to cope with domestic upheaval. She chanced upon an inviting world, just walking distance from where she lived. This haven, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Neck, New York, was inhabited by chattering squirrels and nervous rabbits, scolding blue jays and drumming woodpeckers. With a notebook and sketch pad in hand, Erica recorded the wonders of the natural world.
Caumsett was where she could retreat into an alternative reality. As Erica got older, she found the preserve offered her a new kind of escape — running. At first she pursued it to put distance between herself and her pain. Eventually it became a need that she satisfied by becoming a competitive runner in high school.
Cold Spring Harbor High School required seniors to perform 20 hours of community service. Serendipitously, Caumsett had a wildlife hospital, so Erica volunteered there. She found the experience both uplifting and transformative: In the process of rehabilitating sick and injured wildlife, Erica learned how to heal her own emotional wounds.
She worked with opossums, turtles and other small mammals, but especially enjoyed caring for injured hawks and owls. Learning about the creatures’ life histories was soothing, she says, and she came to view them as new family members who depended upon her for their survival and would never abandon her.
Although Erica found the work rewarding, it was not without its challenges.
“It was a dirty job, one in which I was on my feet all day, got kicked and scratched, and was exposed to the elements,” she says. “But it taught me how to deal with loss and death, and perhaps it braced me for the loss of my father from my life,” she says.
Erica says working with wildlife filled a hole in her soul, and she became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator at age 16.
By this time, running had also taken on a greater significance in her life, becoming far more than a coping mechanism. As Erica’s reputation as an athlete grew, 30 colleges lined up to offer her track and cross-country scholarships. She pondered her options, but in the end her love for healing wounded animals won out.
Erica decided to live at home, continue to rehabilitate animals and apply to Stony Brook Southampton, where she could study marine vertebrate biology and further her career in wildlife sciences. Erica was accepted but shortly thereafter, as a result of New York State budget cuts, Stony Brook Southampton relocated its undergraduate programs and students to its main campus where she received her BA in Environmental Studies.
The change in venue did not deter Erica, who immersed herself in her studies. She had loved science and writing and now she looked to combine her thirst for scientific knowledge with her creative nature and become a science writer.
East Setauket, NY; Safina Center: Carl Safina talks with Stony Brook University alumni and freelance science writer and artist Erica Cirino.
It was in Professor Heidi Hutner’s Environmental Writing and Media class in 2012 that Erica met the person who would most influence her academic and professional career, Carl Safina. Safina, a renowned conservationist, author and founding president of the non-profit organization, The Safina Center, was guest lecturing about the human connection to nature.
Little did Erica know at the time that this encounter was the beginning of arguably her strongest and most formative professional relationship —one that would allow her to flex her literary muscles and truly discover both the scientist and the writer within.
Erica thrived at Stony Brook and enjoyed a college career that most students would envy, going on to make dean’s list every semester and winning seven awards. In 2014 alone, she landed three awards — the Sustainability Studies Program Director’s Award for Academic Excellence, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences’ Undergraduate Honors Award, and was named the Stony Brook University Undergraduate College of Leadership and Service Creative Expressions Contest Winner.
Another plus, she says, is that the program required that she would only have to spend a year and a half in the classroom. After some consideration, Erica decided she wanted to become a freelance science writer.
Erica felt confident she could embark on this new course of study, as her competitive running background imbued in her strong time-management skills, self-motivation and drive.
“I can do this,” she remembers thinking.
Through her studies, she honed her photography skills but sought to become a better writer. Her final master’s project, which required her to find and cover a big story, gave her that opportunity.
For her project, Erica highlighted the 2014-2015 avian influenza epidemic. She traveled to Wisconsin, one of the Midwestern states where the poultry industry was adversely affected.
As her full-time freelance writing career took off in 2016, Erica began writing for a greater number of publications, including National Geographic’s Voices blog. She focused heavily on ocean issues, in February 2016 and wrote a piece titled, “More Plastic, Fewer Oysters?” This led to a whole National Geographic blog series on ocean plastics. The blogs included interviews with some of the foremost experts on plastic pollution.
In October 2016, professional artist and photographer Chris Jordan, famous for his shocking photographs of dead albatross filled with ocean plastic, mentioned Erica’s work to a Danish organization working to quell plastic pollution. Jordan was invited on a trip across the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the organization, called Plastic Change, was looking for an American journalist.
Jordan, who knew of Erica through the Safina Center — where he was a Fellow and Erica was a freelance writer — recommended the group bring her on the voyage. Last spring Erica attended one of Jordan’s art shows in New York City and introduced herself. The two talked for hours about art and potential future collaborations.
In November, Erica and Jordan embarked on the 54-foot S/Y Christianshavn with members of Plastic Change in an effort to generate publicity about the group’s fact-finding expedition.
The vessel used trawling nets to determine the quantity, type and current state of plastic pollution on the Pacific Ocean Gyre, a swirling ocean current sometimes referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Aboard the ship, Erica focused on still photography and writing, and Jordan concentrated on filming plastic and the crew at work. Climbing into a patched-up old inflatable dinghy that was launched from the main vessel, Erica and Jordan were set adrift for a half-hour or so. They were entrusted with a waterproof camera bag containing thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment and dealt with setbacks — such as a slow leak that sprayed water everywhere, drenching them.
Erica did more than sharpen her journalism skills on the ocean voyage, however.
Hytting, or “Ras” as Erica now refers to him, is a Danish carpenter and boat builder with more than three decades of sailing experience. While Hytting was considered to be a stern taskmaster and judge of his crewmembers’ sailing techniques, Erica’s quickness to learn garnered his respect, laying the foundation for a friendship they shared during the six weeks they spent together.
Erica adds that even when the ship experienced an engine malfunction and a snapped rudder en route to Hawaii, she never felt that she was in danger because she trusted the crew completely.
Even before this ocean assignment, Erica’s writing has appeared in prestigious publications such as The Atlantic and Scientific American. A sampling of her stories in those publications follows.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. None other than environmentalist humanitarian movie star Leonardo DeCaprio shared her Scientific American plastics story on his Facebook page; that led to a huge spike in readers and visitors to her own web site. Erica is eagerly bringing her message to the community, which has led to a speaking tour.
Although Erica is largely responsible for who she has become, she recognizes that every aspiring trailblazer needs assistance from an established professional, and Erica is grateful for the connections and opportunities Safina gave her.
Mentorships are relationships after all, and the mentee must also recognize their value.
In the Fall of 2015, Emily Markowitz was a senior graduating with a major Marine Sciences with minors in Coastal Environmental Science, Geospatial Science and Theatre. She was accepted into the Accelerated BS/MS degree program with Dr. Janet Nye in her Fisheries Ecology Lab. Emily is very excited to start doing real, meaningful research and contribute to the scientific community.
Emily had a variety of experiences during her time at Stony Brook. She received the Stony Brook Mote Marine Lab Scholarship during the summer of 2015 and spent 10 weeks doing research in a snook release project at the Laboratory’s Aquaculture Park in Sarasota, Florida. She served as the president of the Stony Brook Undergraduate Marine Science Club for two years, and lead the group on activities that included trawling and whale watching trips out of Southampton, seal walks, and volunteering with various organizations such as Coastal Steward and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Meadow Restoration Program. These organizations have also been included at events like Earthstock. The club also participated in the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Bluefin Tuna Initiative and won a trip to meet with Pew and the head of NOAA fisheries, Sam Raunch, to talk about the Pew initiative. The club continues to provide our community with talks and public screenings of documentaries. For many of the students in the club, these events are their introduction to research and conservation issues in Marine Science. In 2014, Emily also headed a major outreach program in which Marine Science Club members gave presentations (with valuable assistance from Dr. Larry Swanson) to two local middle schools about marine pollution and how it affects Long Island’s local biodiversity.
Emily’s experiences as a crew member on the R/V Seawolf, including trips to assist the New Jersey DEP in doing trawls and collecting data for their quarterly stock assessment program allowed her to see, first-hand, the distribution and density of our coastal waters and how a program like this works.
Emily’s undergraduate research experiences have allowed her in a number of labs on campus, including those of Drs. Janet Nye, Brad Peterson, and Joe Warren. While each lab pursued different questions and had different approaches and specialties, each experience provided her with greater insight into laboratory structure and methodology. While studying abroad in New Zealand, she also worked for Dr. Steven Wing in his lab. Wing is exploring isotope markers in fish populations.
Everything that Emily learned at Stony Brook and all of the extracurricular activities she participated in made her a better candidate for the BS/MS accelerated program and better prepared to write her thesis and, she hopes, “to pursue my Ph.D”.
Everyone talks about the weather, but Michael Colbert has more than a casual interest in that topic — he studied it at Stony Brook University. To be sure, the atmospheric and oceanic sciences major can’t remember a time when he wasn’t passionate about the weather. “My mother says that as a baby, there were times when I wouldn’t fall asleep unless she took me outside to look up at the sky first,” Michael said.
Michael said that growing up in a waterfront home on the Neguntatogue Creek in Lindenhurst, New York — which gave him a front-row seat to view nature’s full force — influenced his decision to pursue atmospheric and oceanic sciences.
The Internet has made it easy for Michael to watch the weather unfold minute by minute on satellite and radar. As early as his freshman year in high school, he paid special attention to weather trends, which led to him posting forecasts on Facebook.
When Michael arrived at Stony Brook, he created SBUWeather, a Facebook page managed by the Meteorology Club, which provides forecasts to more than 700 students, staff and faculty on campus and to surrounding communities. Posting through social media helped provide more exposure for the Stony Brook Meteorology Club which enabled it to grow its current membership to 40 weather buffs. After he was elected president, he and his expanded club created a Web page on which they post forecasts.
Under Michael’s leadership, the club made its debut at the Involvement Fair, wearing T-shirts the members created. Feeding on a growing interest in the club, Michael began organizing field trips to regional conferences; the National Weather Service in Upton, New York; and local news stations to observe live forecasts. In 2013 “we visited ABC in New York City, and” in fall 2014 “we took a trip to News 12,” he said. To further increase its exposure, Michael initiated the club’s participation in Earthstock the past two years. The club competed in the 2014 Roth Regatta with a boat named “Hurricane Force.” Regatta.
In 2014 Michael served an internship at the Upton National Weather Service facility, where he collected data using instruments called radiosondes, which are battery-powered devices carried into the atmosphere that transmit findings by radio to a ground receiver. He is also the proud recipient of the Timothy Magnussen Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate students majoring in atmospheric sciences. During the summer of 2014, he conducted research at Colorado State University, exploring the volume of hail in thunderstorms and associated lightning flash rates. These findings were presented at the American Meteorological Society annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, in January 2015.
Michael helped coordinate a joint effort with the School of Journalism to provide broadcast experience to atmospheric and oceanic science majors.
“Even though the National Weather Service is my first choice to start my career path, every time I’m in a newsroom I get an overwhelming feeling of excitement, so I hope I get that opportunity to do that at some point in my life,” he said. Michael started his graduate studies at Penn State in the fall of 2015.
“The weather is something that affects everyone every day. It never stops changing, so I can never stop watching it,” he said.
According to Danica Warns, “the Marine Conservation and Policy program is a very unique and fast-track graduate program that helped launch my career in environmental conservation.” She appreciated the flexibility to select the classes she wanted to take and how she could “design (her) capstone project to match (her) career goals” that allowed her “to tailor the program to get the most out of my degree.” As she knew she was interested in a career in environmental outreach, Danica chose to take several courses in the Alda Center for Communicating Science. The classes “were so valuable and enhanced my communication skills greatly,” she says.
If it weren’t for the flexibility of this program, it would have been difficult for me to meet my goals in such a short period of time. The strong background in current marine conservation issues and communication skills I learned put me in a competitive position for pursuing a career in environmental outreach.
She credits the MCP program for helping her get to her current position, working for the NYC Parks Department engaging volunteers in wetland restoration projects.
Christopher Martinez may be a marine biologist from California, but he didn’t grow up near the ocean. Visalia, his hometown, is a small farming city in the San Joaquin Valley. His family of migrant workers traveled the West picking crops. “Because of their hard work, I was able to pursue my dream,” said Christopher, who earned his PhD in 2014.
As an undergraduate at the University of California at Santa Barbara, his passion for marine sciences solidified. Christopher became research diver certified and was listed as co-author of a study, published in 2011 in Marine Biology, for his research in French Polynesia.
When Christopher applied to the graduate program at Stony Brook, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) awarded him a Turner Fellowship.
The W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship helps qualified underrepresented graduate students seeking certain degrees. Since 1987, the Fellowship has graduated more than 400 degree recipients.
The Center for Inclusive Education (CIE), which provides Turner Fellowship funding, became Christopher’s second home. “The CIE offered me a support system and a sense of family,” he said. After losing outside funding, the CIE helped Christopher pay for flounder movement pattern research in Long Island bays.
Michael Frisk, associate professor in SoMAS and Christopher’s PhD advisor, helped him redirect his research. “Mike told me to design a project that truly reflected my academic interests,” said Christopher.
After studying geometric morphometrics with Distinguished Professor emeritus F. James Rohlf, Christopher pursued ecological morphology of skates and rays and spatial modeling of marine communities in the Northwest Atlantic with a grant Frisk helped him secure.
Sarah Schaefer is currently the Program Coordinator for the Peconic Estuary Program (PEP). In this job she facilitates the Peconic Estuary watershed protection and restoration projects, monitoring and research. She also assists municipalities and not-for-profits to form partnerships, secure funding and plan and implement water quality improvement and habitat restoration projects. The PEP is a partnership comprised of stakeholders within the estuary. The program is responsible for creating and implementing a management plan to protect the estuary.
The Peconic Estuary is one of twenty-eight (28) estuaries in the National Estuary Program (NEP), administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under the auspices of Sec. 320 of the Clean Water Act to protect and preserve nationally significant estuaries which are threatened by pollution, development, or overuse. The Peconic Estuary was accepted into the program as an “estuary of national significance” in 1992 after citizen groups formed in response to the Brown Tide algal bloom events in the mid 1980’s and early 1990’s. At that time, it became the 20th National Estuary Program in the country.
The Peconic Estuary is located between the North and South Forks of Long Island, and consists of over one-hundred (100) harbors, embayments and tributaries which span more than 125,000 acres of land and 158,000 acres of surface water.
Sarah believes that the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) Program prepares students for real world careers because you are provided experience in many different areas like environmental/marine policy, marine research, field work, communicating science. The program provides the experience to be competitive for marine conservation and policy programs. She says that “everyone in my graduating class had slightly different interests and the program gave everyone the freedom to pursue those interests.
Former Marine Conservation and Policy Masters student Kenneth Lang (fall 2013) was recently selected for the prestigious John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship. The competitive fellowship recruits students from 33 Sea Grant programs nationwide to complete a one year paid fellowship in either the legislative or executive branch of the U.S. government in Washington D.C. Ken’s placement in the program is with NOAA’s International Affairs Office where he will focus on research in Europe, Russia, and the Arctic beginning in February.
While in Stony Brook’s Marine Conservation and Policy program, Lang completed an internship with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters Programme, where he studied three dozen transboundary water environmental remediation projects. Lang felt that his Knauss placement was a perfect fit with the skills and knowledge he obtained during his time in the MCP program.
Cassie Bauer received her BS and MS from SoMAS in 2009 and 2012 respectively. Her thesis research involved the physical processes that contribute to localized, seasonal hypoxic conditions in the bottom waters of Smithtown Bay, Long Island Sound.
In her current role as Fire Island National Seashore’s Public Affairs Specialist, Elizabeth manage press relations, digital media, and lead science communications efforts. She works closely with experts from all divisions within the National Park Service and with researchers and partners to develop communications products for a variety of audiences.
Elizabeth says that she “was fortunate enough to be involved in a student training program with the National Park Service during my time at SoMAS.” While managing my studies and a full-time job was not easy, the two programs prepared her well for the work she does now.
Jake LaBelle, a graduate of the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) Master’s program, has found career success at the New York Seascape.
The New York Seascape, a program operated through the Wildlife Conservation Society, seeks to protect habitat and species that rely on New York’s coastal waters. They use a combination of research, education, and policy to achieve this goal. LaBelle works as research coordinator through New York Seascape, a position that helps him engage in his true passion: sharks.
LaBelle got involved with New York Seascape by doing an internship with them during his time working on his MCP degree. He got involved in more and more projects until he became indispensable to the organization, at which point he was offered a job.
Even before that, LaBelle spent time working with sharks. Prior to attending Stony Brook University, he volunteered at the Bimini Biological Field Station. The Field Station gathers data on sharks in the Bahamas, which is then utilized by universities and professors, including SoMAS professor Dr. Demian Chapman, who does genetic studies on the samples gathered there.
These experiences were key for LaBelle, who came from non-scientific background. His undergraduate degree was in International Affairs. A lot of his success came from talking to people involved in the field, who knew some way he could get involved. This included his work in Bimini, and other places as well.
“I always loved aquariums and marine biology, and started by volunteering at the National Zoo,” states LaBelle.
Currently, LaBelle is working on research on Sand Tiger and Shortfin Mako sharks in the Great South Bay. By tracking these sharks, he is hoping to get more information to construct maps of essential habitat for these species. LaBelle feels that GIS courses taken as an MCP student were indispensable to this work, and that these and other experiences as an MCP student will continue to be useful in his chosen career path.
Laura Picariello, former MCP student, is busy pursuing a career in Louisiana with the Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries, part of the Audubon Nature Institute. As a Research Assistant working with a wide variety of audiences, she says the Marine Conservation and Policy program really helped her find her career.
The fact that the program focuses not only on science coursework, but communication, environmental law, and policy creates an environment where students can about a vast amount of topics in a short amount of time. This leaves them better prepared to find a career, maybe not even one they had expected.
Picariello was traditionally trained as a musician, but found that she couldn’t live away from the ocean. She choose the Marine Conservation and Policy program in order to change her career pathway and improve her job satisfaction. What other advice does she have for current or prospective students wishing to do the same?
Christopher Lang, a graduate of the Marine Conservation and Policy (MCP) Master’s Program, is using his degree to make a difference in environmental policy.
Lang, who graduated from the MCP program in 2012, works as a Legislative Fellow in the New York Senate. The prestigious Legislative Fellowship Program, which accepts graduate students from a variety of programs, pairs students with New York Senators to do legislative research and write policy. Lang is working with Senator Catharine Young whose work in agriculture and environmental policy is a good match for Lang’s interests and abilities.
Lang hopes to focus on aquaculture policy during his time in the New York Senate, and attributes much of his professional success to the MCP program and to the courses he took during his time at Stony Brook University.
“I definitely wouldn’t be in a position to get this job without the MCP program,” says Lang.
The MCP program allows students to tailor their degree, offering courses in environmental law and policy, science communication, and other more traditional science-based conservation classes. After students complete their coursework, they complete a capstone project or internship, where they apply the skills developed in classes to real-life scenarios in the workplace. Lang chose to participate in an internship with the Mystic Aquarium as an educator, a position that gave him some extra experience in communication. “I never dreamed this was where it would take me. Use the diversity of the program to your advantage,” Lang advises current and prospective students.
Lang certainly has done that. Having received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Providence College, he took Environmental Law classes as an MCP student, which helped him understand and become familiar with court and law documents. However, Lang believes the science communication courses were the most beneficial for him.
“Those courses can prepare you for anything. I had a lot of fun in my improvisation course, and learned so much as well,” states Lang.
Looking forward, Lang plans to use the connections and skills he gains as a Legislative Fellow to his advantage in future work with environmental policy, either in a state or federal agency or in a private firm.
John Holden aboard a lobster boat in Long Island Sound, bespattered with mud but still smiling.
John transferred to Stony Brook-Southampton campus for the fall 2007 semester as a Marine Science major and graduated in spring 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree. As an undergraduate, he took a suite of marine-related courses – all of Physical, Biological, and Coastal Oceanography, as well as Long Island Marine Habitats and Experimental Marine Biology. These experiential classes gave John the opportunity to get out on the water and gain practical experience to compliment what he was learning in the traditional classroom setting.
While a student, John also became involved in a number of research projects. In 2010, he was an intern in Dr. Chris Gobler’s lab at Southampton working on mesocosm experiments pertaining to the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Project (ShiRP). During that summer, he also participated on the Southampton Blue Oyster Project (S-BOP), where he worked for Drs. Kurt Bretsch and Joe Warren monitoring oyster growth and water quality conditions at several locations within the Shinnecock and Peconic Bays. After graduation, he continued working as a technician on the ShiRP project, as well as crewing on the research vessels out of the SoMAS Southampton Marine Station and on SoMAS’s R/V Seawolf out of Port Jefferson.
John is currently working for the Marine Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County as a fisheries technician. He is working on two different projects. John works on the lobster pot retrieval project in Long Island Sound, working with local fishermen to retrieve derelict lobster pots. The second project involves testing new fishing gear aimed at reducing by-catch. He has worked on ocean trawlers testing out new gear for the summer flounder fishery aimed at reducing sea turtle by-catch, as well as new gear for the squid fishery.
Morgan Gelinas (MS, 2011) studied ship wakes in the Venice Lagoon, Italy. Here, very large ships routinely navigate a deep dredged channel cut through a shallow lagoon. The wakes they create propagate over the adjacent shoals for long distances, resuspending sediment as they go. Morgan described these wakes as Bernoulli waves, or non-linear N-waves, using the same equations that govern the propagation of tsunamis over the deep-ocean basins (Gelinas, M, H. Bokuniewicz, J. Rapaglia, and K.M.M. Lwiza, 2013. Sediment Resuspension by Ship Wakes in the Venice Lagoon Journal of Coastal Research: Volume 29, Issue 1: 8-17. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-11-00213.1).
She is now a scientist specializing in marine geology and hydrodynamic processes working for EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc. EA has offices from Guam to Maryland and Morgan is leading many of their field efforts. Her professional duties include such a diverse array of studies such as sediment testing, ocean permitting, marine bathymetric surveys, aquatic site characterizations, interpreting ecotoxicological and bioaccumulation/tissue testing and analysis. Morgan is currently working on a site characterization study in Duluth, MN in the St. Louis River/Lake Superior area, but she has been in most of the Great Lakes in the past two summers on EPA projects. She routinely pilots the boat for bathymetric work or coring all over in the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico and greater NYC area.
Graduates from the Marine Conservation and Policy Program are prepared for a variety of careers, including jobs in the government, non-profit, and private sectors. One recent MCP graduate, Hazel Wodehouse, is training the next generation of ocean scientists at Suffolk Community College on Long Island.
Since graduating from the MCP program, Wodehouse has been teaching courses such as Environmental Issues and Introduction to Oceanography as an adjunct professor. Wodehouse finds that after taking her courses, her students have a deeper connection with the environment and the marine habitats that surround them. She described a particular experience about a year ago when she took students to see a whale necropsy.
Wodehouse attributes the MCP program for helping her being successful in her career. Courses required by the program in communicating science were among her favorite, and got her interested in teaching. The one-year program allowed her to get a quality education in a short amount of time. What is her advice to the current class?
“Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. Even if you don’t initially think you’ll be interested in something, you might surprise yourself,” says Wodehouse.
KESTREL PEREZ graduated in 2011 with her PhD in marine and atmospheric sciences. Under the advisement of Professor Stephan Munch, Kestrel’s dissertation examined the evolution of size in fish and evaluated the strength of natural selection and the presence of prolonged trade-offs from an early period of fast growth to better understand the evolution of size. She joined the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences in 2005 as a scholar in the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate, and is a recipient of the Dr. W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship. Upon completing her PhD, Kestrel went on to a postdoctoral position at the University of Texas at Austin in the Department of Marine Sciences.
Kestrel is an assistant professor of biology at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she is teaching courses in marine biology and evolution and ecology, and mentoring undergrad researchers. Her research centers on marine biology. Specifically, she focuses on fish and invertebrate evolutionary ecology, the study of life history traits and maternal investments, and how variation in these areas influences larval fitness and recruitment.
Katie’s advice for current students in SoMAS are to meet with your professors outside of class, find a good physical space for studying, conduct research that you are passionate about and take advantage of the SoMAS advisers expertise.
Tim Davis graduated from SoMAS in 2009 with his Ph.D. Before he came to SoMAS, Tim attended Southampton College of Long Island University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in marine science-biology. It was at Southampton that Tim first worked with Professor Chris Gobler investigating harmful algal blooms as an undergraduate. After taking a year off upon graduation, Tim decided to attend SoMAS so he could work with Gobler again. This time, Tim would be investigating the environmental factors that influence toxic and non-toxic strains of freshwater cyanobacterium, Microcystis spp., throughout the northeast USA.
For the past two years, Tim has been working as a Research Fellow with the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University where he investigated how different environmental factors promote the production of a toxin by a harmful algal species, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. He was recently awarded a prestigious Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship to use an advanced molecular technique to further investigate how toxic cyanobacteria communities respond to a changing climate. He is ever grateful for his time at SoMAS.
Tom Di Liberto grew up on Long Island and has been fascinated by the weather since he was a young child. At SoMAS, Tom studied under professor Brian Colle of the Institute for Terrerstrial and Planetary Atmospheres (ITPA) and worked with the School’s Storm Surge Research Group. His thesis dealt with storm surges affecting the New York metropolitan region. After earning his Masters degree in Atmospheric Science/Meteorology in 2009, he joined the Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where he works as a meteorologist forecasting the weather for Africa, Central America, Hispaniola, and Central Asia with a focus on weather hazards that could affect food security. In addition, Tom conducts research on the use of satellite-derived rainfall estimates in these regions. His research group’s studies took on a whole new level of importance during the past year due to Super Storm Sandy. In 2013, Tom won the “America’s Science Idol” competition.
The “America’s Science Idol” competition was sponsored by the National Science Foundation’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, Discover Magazine,Popular Science and the Point of Inquiry Podcast. Patterned a bit after “American Idol”, the fun and engaging workshop was designed to help scientists and engineers communicate with non-technical colleagues and audiences. In winning, Tom brought home some nice loot, viz.: 1-year subscriptions to Discover and Popular Science; a live guest appearance on the Point of Inquiry podcast and the Discover DVD, as well as a variety of opportunities to visit and link with science communication groups around the country.
The Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRIJB) and New York Sea Grant are happy to announce the arrival of Helen Cheng as the Specialist for the New York Sea Grant’s Jamaica Bay Coastal Resilience. Helen will be designing outreach programs to support community engagement and research efforts to enhance resilience for the communities within the Jamaica Bay Watershed.
Cheng comes to SRJIB from a yearlong stint as a John D. Knauss 2015 Marine Policy Fellow at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant, a highly competitive fellowship program among the nation’s highest qualified graduate students. She was the Coastal Communities Specialist working in the National Sea Grant Office in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she synthesized Sea Grant Network research and extension activities surrounding coastal community sustainable development, hazard resilience, and climate change adaptation. She was on the NOAA Coastal Hazards Resilience Workshop Planning and Support team, and assessed institutional and network research portfolios from the 33 programs of the Sea Grant Network to help identify priorities of the National Sea Grant College Program.
Helen was selected a Knauss Fellow from the New Hampshire Sea Grant program. At the University of New Hampshire she earned her M.S. in Zoology with her research on horseshoe crabs. In New England, she also worked with lobsters and scallops, was a UNH teaching assistant, and a naturalist at the nearby Seacoast Science Center. Helen earned her B.S. in Biology from Stony Brook University in 2009 where she was selected for the first-ever Stony Brook Mote Marine Laboratory internship.
David Novak is the Director of the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland where he oversees national forecasts for heavy rainfall, snowfall, and hazardous weather. He received a PhD from SoMAS where his research involved numerical models to understand hazardous weather conditions and predict their occurrence.
David’s interest in weather has been life-long. “Growing up in the extremes of Minnesota, I’ve been fascinated with the weather, and in particular, snowstorms.” His dissertation work was an extension of this passion, where he studied localized heavy snowfall events, also known as mesoscale snowbands.
David was pushed to “think even bigger, work even harder, and achieve even more” at SOMAS. His advice for students is to seize opportunities that take us out the our comfort zones and expand our thinking.
Early on in her training as a dancer, Carolyn Hall ’09 had to learn to be able to pivot quickly.
Who knew it would have such valuable application as a life skill?
Hall, who holds an MS in Marine Science from Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), conducts her own historical marine ecology research, has been part of a team studying the ecosystem of the Gulf of Maine under Adrian Jordaan of the University of Massachusetts, works as the research assistant and fact-checker to New York Times best-selling author Paul Greenberg, and leads workshops for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook. As if that weren’t enough, she continues to perform as a contemporary dancer, having recently completed a residency on Governors Island with Works on Water and performed in a New York Times-featured piece by choreographer Carrie Ahern. A winner of the New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award for performance in 2002, she also serves on the boards of the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Art Nature and Dance (iLAND) and Culture Push.
Hall recently took a few moments to breathe at her home in Brooklyn – where she lives with her husband, actor Kelly AuCoin (best known as “Dollar” Bill Stearn on Billions and Pastor Tim on The Americans) – and discuss her multifaceted career.
The best place to start is probably your work with the Alda Center. Tell us a bit about the kinds of programs you run and what you’re doing.
This is my fourth year teaching at the Alda Center, and officially, I’m a message design or “Distilling Your Message” instructor. I work with graduate students, post-graduates, and some professors, taking them through a five-week course where they work on talking about their science and their research in a way that’s for audiences who aren’t academic, and aren’t in their specialized field. It’s really fun, actually. We work on one-minute pitches or talks, conversations, storytelling, get them in front of a camera to be interviewed by journalists, and we do writing exercises, too. It’s pretty intense, but it’s only once a week. I also work with the Alda Center and go on the road to various organizations and institutions – other academic institutions, or NASA and other government institutions – and work with professionals and faculty members and undergraduates and graduates, and we do the same thing, but we team teach with acting improvisation instructors as well.
And because the Alda MethodTM is based on Alan Alda’s experience as an actor and as host of Scientific American Frontiers, does it help that you approach this with an arts background of your own?
That’s certainly what drew me to it. I thought, “I have both halves!” I wasn’t trained in acting improvisation, but in dance improvisation; I’ve done a lot, and still do. So yes, I think having a performance background made me interested in communicating my research differently. I wanted to be able to talk to the random people who came up while I was in the field, asking what I was doing. I wanted to be able to explain it to them. I wanted that audience to have access to what I was doing, because I was excited about it. It felt very connected to being a dancer, being a performer, and wanting your audience to come along with you. Even though dance doesn’t necessarily use verbal language, there’s a desire to have the audience physically or tangibly follow you and have some sort of interpretation of it that you’ve helped communicate to them.
Obviously, you had already been here for your graduate degree, but what was your path from graduating and doing the research that you’ve been working on to coming back here to work with the Alda Center?
Christine O’Connell was one of the designing founders who worked with Alan for the Alda Center. We were colleagues at SoMAS and friends already, and she was going through the initial sessions with Alan when he was testing out the improv and “Distilling the Message” exercises in tandem. For years, she was saying, “You should do this, you should do this, you should do this. You’re a scientist and a dancer, a scientist and an artist.” I finally found myself with a window of time where I said, “I could go explore and train in this.” As soon as I did, it felt like something I had to do.
You mentioned the difference between improvising as a dancer and as an actor. Your husband is something of an “in-house consultant,” so to speak, when it comes to acting. Are there things you work on where you find you want an actor’s perspective and you consult Kelly?
Kelly does know the kind of acting exercises we use – he’s done them at one point or another – but honestly, I consult the improv instructors who are part of the Alda Center, because they know how we’re applying it to working with scientists and working in communication beyond acting.
Working in the Alda Center, and being married to a prominent actor yourself, have you ever had the opportunity to bring them together?
Because I only work with the Alda Center part-time, I haven’t had that many interactions with Alan, but I did bring Kelly to a mixer in New York City, and I got to introduce them. There were a lot of people around, but they had a nice warm, brief chat about acting. Alan is one of those spectacular actors that Kelly has watched and admired since he was a child – so meeting him was meeting one of those icons of the acting world. It was really fun for them to meet, and I was just standing there beaming at the fact that this was happening, because Kelly was really excited to meet him, and Alan was very warm. He’s a very nice and approachable person, and they definitely connected over acting and the theatre world.
At the Alda Center, you bring your arts background into science, but you also have this other component to your career, where you bring your science background into the arts. That seems like a very different process. How does it work?
It’s different with each organization and each project. I think that the artist brain and the science brain work very similarly. There’s experimentation, there’s failure, and there are many trials. There’s an innate curiosity in your own practice or research, and also in the world around you, whether it’s a specific microscopic world, or a world of movement, or a world of sculpture, or whatever the art may be. The practices of being a scientist and being an artist are not so dissimilar, and what’s interesting is that when approaching a scientific topic from an artist’s point of view, there’s a different way of questioning, a way of representing the topic that, to me, is rather freeing: “What does it feel like?” That gives a different lens of looking at the science. So, you might start digging into deeper details of the science from an angle you didn’t expect, which is fascinating.
You talked a little bit about the process that brought you to the Alda Center. Can you tell us a bit more about the journey that led you to this amazingly varied career?
I grew up in Los Angeles, and although I wasn’t right on the coast, I loved going to the beach and I loved tide pools. So, I’d say that tide pools were my first fascination having to do with marine life and the marine environment, but I didn’t think I was going to pursue that at a young age. When I went to Oberlin College as an undergraduate, I was more interested in human physiology. I was already a dancer, and ran track, and they fit very nicely hand in hand, and so my degree was in biology with a focus on human physiology. Then, because it’s easier to pursue a career in dance when you’re young than when you’re older, I did work in physical therapy for a number of years, but I was becoming a professional dancer, in LA first, and then in New York.
After ten years of that, I was missing digging into the science side of my brain, and I spoke to professors at UC Santa Cruz, because their marine biology program was in my mind from high school as the place to go. One of them said, “You know, there’s a really good marine science program in New York.” I said, “Really?” They said, “Yeah, at Stony Brook.” I had not heard of it, but that’s because on the East Coast, I wasn’t exploring that as a real option.
I went out to Stony Brook and took a couple of upper-level undergraduate marine science courses at SoMAS, and I loved them both for very different reasons, and I thought, “this is what I’m going to do.” However, I still felt like I needed a little more exposure, so I did an internship at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla. That was the first place where I thought, “This is what being in the field is. This is what being among the public doing marine research is. This is what a full-time commitment to research that’s on computers, that’s on equipment, that’s talking to your colleagues, in the field, on a boat, is about,” and I was hooked, no pun intended. When I applied for grad school and hoped to get in, I wrote about that internship experience, and realized that sort of public interaction with research was fascinating to me.
I thought I would stop dancing, and for the first semester of graduate school, I couldn’t dance, because it was so intense, and I’d been out of school for so long that my learning curve was super-steep. But then, the dancing side of my brain still needed to be attended to, so I do both.
Having been here as a grad student, gone out to do your research, and then come back to work with the Alda Center, are there things you appreciate about Stony Brook now that you didn’t necessarily see as a student?
I think what’s most impactful about teaching a course that sees scientific researchers from many departments at Stony Brook is realizing what a deep community of scientists and research and study there is at Stony Brook. Sometimes, there are misconceptions about state schools and what they can offer in terms of excellence in various departments. Some schools are known for business, or known for chemistry, but I feel like at Stony Brook, not only is there this incredible medical school – which I think we are known for – but the rigorous pursuit of all the different sciences that I see reflected in the graduate students and the postdocs, is really impressive, and I feel lucky that I get to talk to such a really great cross-section of them through this scientific communication class.
Obviously, there’s something that you bring to these students when you work with them in these communication classes. How much do you find yourself taking back with you in terms of learning about their research?
That’s the beauty of having the Alda Center at Stony Brook. Because I am working with these scientists, these engineers, these medical students, who are gaining expertise in these fields – and they’re learning how to talk about it – they have to break down what their research is. They are so skilled at saying what their work is academically. I don’t understand all the words or all the processes, but because I get to work with them on understanding it, so that someone like me, who’s not in their field can understand it, I actually can walk away with an understanding: “Wow, you’re really working on trying to understand why people with schizophrenia often hear voices. Where’s that coming from? If we can figure out where it’s coming from in the brain, then maybe we can find a way to reduce it or help control it better.” I can walk away with an understanding of what cutting-edge research these students and their labs and their professors are working on, and that’s exciting.
You talk about the two sides of your brain that need attention, the science side and the dance side. What would you say to current students who may have their own seemingly divergent passions about how you manage to serve both, indulge both, and use both in your career?
There are so many multidisciplinary folks out there now, or hybrids, and I think more and more collaborations between scientists and people in other disciplines are happening. I encourage students to entertain their hybrid interests, partly because it makes them relatable to more audiences, but I also think that it’s important to remember that as a scientist you have all these different sides of you that are equally rich.
How do you have a career that way? That’s a tricky thing. If you’re going to try to do what I do, I’m freelance everything, but I have other friends who are full-time researchers and they create theatre pieces, solo shows, that aren’t about science…or maybe they are, but not necessarily. It is possible. You just have to figure out what your main goal is, what you want from each discipline. I think that’s the key. That’s the question to ask yourself, but it is possible.
Did you check the weather report today? Then you probably know Katherine Rojowsky’s work. Katherine, an Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences major, credits “amazing internships” with helping her mature as a meteorologist.
At WCBS-TV, Katherine prepared weather graphics and forecasts that were broadcast to millions of viewers and used by the Weather Channel. Private forecasting companies MetroWeather and Weather 2000 Inc. asked her to make weather predictions used by film and television production companies, golf courses, and local sports teams like the Mets and Long Island Ducks.
Jae Lee received both her PhD and MS from SoMAS, graduating in 2008. For her master’s thesis, Jae looked at radiative transfer modeling with Professor Bob Cess to estimate the earth’s radiation balance. Her PhD conducted under the direction of Professor Sultan Hameed focused on how the sun can influence Earth’s climate.
Lora Clarke received her Ph.D. from SoMAS in 2007. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree from Christopher Newport University in Virginia and a Master of Science from the University of Massachusetts. At SoMAS, she worked with former Dean David Conover on numerous fish ecology studies involving Atlantic silversides, Menidia menidia. Lora’s research concentrated on the population dynamics and connectivity of subpopulations of this species along the east coast of the United States.
After she graduated, Lora was awarded a prestigious John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship by NOAA in 2008 and began working with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Science and Technology in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she served as the Ecosystems Project Coordinator. Her duties included assisting Dr. Steve Murawski, then NOAA’s Chief Scientist and Head of Scientific Programs, on programs related to ecosystem-based management. She also prepared international policy briefs and reports for Congress and helped administer CAMEO (Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization) – a new grant program co-sponsored by NOAA and the National Science Foundation.
After her one year fellowship ended, Lora was hired to stay on at NOAA to work on CAMEO. Currently, Lora develops goals and priorities for interdisciplinary ecosystem research, coordinates scientific review of research proposals and creates outreach plans to help promote the CAMEO program. In addition, Lora works with JSOST, the Joint Subcommittee for Ocean Science and Technology. JSOST is a group of 25 federal agencies organized under the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy that sets the national priorities for ocean science and technology research. Lora is one of two executive secretaries for the group.
Lynn Abramson has a forged a career path that began in marine science and now influences environmental policy on a national level. She was a Ph.D student at SoMAS from 2001 to 2007 working with Bob Aller and Cindy Lee on the biological carbon pump and related biogeochemical processes. Her dissertation focused on how mineral interactions influenced the decomposition of sinking particulate organic matter, using pigments and amino acids as tracers. She recalls knowing early in her time at SoMAS, that she wanted to apply her scientific knowledge in a way that could benefit others.
Upon graduation, Lynn received the prestigious John Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant program. Her one year fellowship morphed into more than five years of work on oceans, public lands, water resources, energy, and transportation issues when she joined the staff of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA). After leaving Senator Boxer’s staff Lynn joined the Clean Energy Initiative with The Pew Charitable Trusts where she coordinates their Clean Energy Business Network, that informs and engages over 3,000 clean energy business leaders. At this non-profit, non-partisan organization, she currently conducts research and works on “federal policies to promote cleaner and more efficient sources of energy.
Lynn applies her scientific understanding of complex environmental problems to practical solutions that can be implemented by businesses across the nation. According to Lynn “having a strong foundation in science has given me a much deeper, more holistic understanding of the environmental issues I’ve worked on in my policy career. My Ph.D. work trained me in objective thinking—keeping an open mind and weighing conflicting information and perspectives before making a decision.” Lynn is an excellent example of how a rigorous education in the sciences can be applied to a career in environmental policy.
Hudson Roditi received a Ph.D from SoMAS in Coastal Oceanography in 2000, working in Nick Fisher’s lab. His thesis was titled “Rates and routes of trace element uptake in zebra mussels.” The zebra mussel is an exotic invasive freshwater species that was introduced into the Great Lakes accidentally in the mid-1980’s and has since invaded freshwaters in much of North America.
Hudson is the program director of the Urban Advantage Middle School Science Initiative at the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. He now works with over 220 schools, 640 teachers and over 60,000 students at the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York Aquarium, New York Botanical Garden, New York Hall of Science, Queens Botanical Garden and the Staten Island Zoo. He helps teachers learn how to shift their perceptions of science away from being memorization of facts and more towards a way of explaining the world and gaining new knowledge.
According to Hudson, his success was due in part to his advisers who were “supportive of my choice to explore and find the right path for myself after SoMAS.” He encourages other students to do the same by finding their place at Stony Brook University.
Bees are considered the world’s most important pollinator of food crops. In fact, it’s estimated that one third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination, mainly by bees. Alumna Laura Klahre, ’97, witnesses the importance of that very fact every day. Laura and her winemaker husband Adam Suprenant own Blossom Meadow Farm, in Southold, New York, where she grows strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, and cover crops of turnips, canola, and buckwheat. While she got her start in farming with honeybees more than twenty years ago, none are found at the farm anymore. All crops are pollinated by native bees, including the gentle, easy-to-raise mason bee. Klahre is quick to point out that honeybees are an invasive species and that an overwhelming amount of evidence has proven their negative impact on the natural world. “In addition, native bees pollinate two to three times better than honeybees and the resulting fruit is heavier, more well-rounded, and higher quality,”said Klahre.
Blossom Meadow Farm is well known for its red raspberry, black raspberry, strawberry and blueberry jams, as well as selling high-quality mason bee cocoons. Thanks to her efforts, more than 100 families have begun raising mason bees, also known as bee ranching.
Wine-lovers on Long Island’s East End may know Laura as the co-proprietor of Coffee Pot Cellars in Cutchogue, where she runs a Merlot for Monarchs campaign. As part of the campaign, the farm grows a butterfly milkweed plant (Asclepias tuberosa) for each bottle of merlot sold at the winery. She then works with libraries and Girl Scouts to plant and restore monarch butterfly habitat throughout Long Island in June of each year. “Monarch butterflies will only lay their eggs on milkweed and scientists estimate that more than 1.3 billion stems of milkweed will need to be restored for the species to bounce back,” said Klahre. Coffee Pot Cellars also showcases a Cyser, which is a hard cider made from apples pollinated by Klahre’s mason bees and that uses the traditional French Champagne sparkling wine method, méthode Champenoise.
On a cold, windy day in late March, it’s hard to imagine the farm abuzz with bees and brimming with the food they crave. Her husband will join her to tackle farm chores later in the day, but for now her only assistant is Beasley, a pug who follows her everywhere, silently.
One taste of her red raspberry jam is all the proof you need that she heeded her dad’s counsel, and that the world is a better place thanks to pollinators.
“The interdisciplinary emphasis of the marine science program at Stony Brook has been one of its great strengths and prepared me well for my current position as an associate professor of environmental science at Rutgers University. In my research, I have recently been occupied tracking down mercury in some of our urban coastal waters, which as this photo of the New Jersey Meadowlands attests, should not be thought of as beyond repair. I am often struck by the importance of the experiences I had at MSRC that were not directly related to my graduate research.
In 2015 Lisa was was named Head of the Ocean Section Division of Ocean Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Before this prestigious assignment, Lisa served as the Program Director for Antarctic Integrated System Science in the Division of Polar Programs at NSF. Lisa has served as chair of the UNOLS Arctic Icebreaking Coordinating Committee, and is the recipient of both the Arctic and Antarctic Service Medals, and the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Coast Guard. Prior to joining NSF Lisa was a faculty member at East Carolina University, also serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research.
“The degree of collaboration between faculty, and the level of respect and camaraderie afforded graduate students by the faculty is what made my project possible, and what makes the MSRC environment truly unique. Since leaving MSRC, I’ve become an actual seagoing oceanographer, and I appreciate my multidisciplinary training all the more. My journeys have taken me to the Arctic Ocean four times in the last six years.
In 1992, Sanjay Gupta obtained his MS degree from Stony Brook in Marine Environmental Science, which he describes as “an excellent research and academic environment consisting of dedicated faculty and great facilities.” His focus was in physical oceanography with a thesis project developing numerical models that coupled biological and physical processes associated with the lifecycle of estuarine copepods, taking into account the impacts of climate change and how they could affect fisheries.
Hans Dam attended SoMAS, known as the Marine Science Research Center (MSRC) at the time, for both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees. After graduating from the University of Washington as an undergraduate in 1982, Hans came to Stony Brook to work with Dr. William Peterson. He received his MS in 1985, but stayed to work on his PhD with Dr. Peterson, finishing in 1989. During his time at the MSRC, Hans studied patterns of copepod abundance and grazing in Long Island Sound.
After leaving SoMAS, Hans spent a year as a post-doc at the University of Maryland’s Horn Point Laboratory. He was hired as an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut in 1991 in both the Department of Marine Sciences and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He has been at UConn ever since, and is currently the Acting Head of the Department of Marine Sciences and the Acting Director of the Marine Science and Technology Center.
Hans’s research interests include plankton ecology and evolution, the role of zooplankton in biogeochemical cycling and fluxes of organic matter. Much of his current research focuses on plankton communities in Long Island Sound, including monitoring zooplankton populations and examining how they can control harmful algal blooms and how they respond to projected changes in temperature in the Sound associated with climate change. Hans also investigates harmful algae such as Alexandrium and how grazers respond to these blooms. He is in charge of the process studies of LISICOS, the Long Island Sound Integrated Coastal Observing System (http://lisicos.uconn.edu/). Several faculty at UCONN are conducting studies dealing with the control of hypoxia in the Sound. The contribution of Hans’ group to LISICOS is the study of downward fluxes of organic matter and grazing in elemental cycling in the Sound.
Greg Marshall is the Executive Director and Producer of Remote Imaging at National Geographic Television and Film. In 1991, Greg began working with National Geographic Television and established the Special Projects Unit, where he developed the technology known as the Crittercam. The Crittercam is a revolutionary tool that has been used to study the behavior of almost 40 different marine and terrestrial species in their natural habitat.
He has received two Emmy Awards for the National Geographic specials Great White Sharks and Sea Monsters: Search for the Giant Squid. Greg also produced the film Tiger Shark and a 13-part series called Crittercam for National Geographic television.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Georgetown University. Greg earned his master’s degree (1988) in marine environmental sciences from the Marine Sciences Research Center at Stony Brook University. His research focused on the factors influencing the burying behavior of juvenile queen conch, Strombus gigas.
Greg Marshall returned to SoMAS in 2017 to help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary as the Akira Okubo Distinguished Scholar.
Aquaculture specialist Gregg Rivara has a certain affinity for Long Island. He grew up in Queens, received his Bachelor’s degree from Southampton College of Long Island University (now a satellite campus of Stony Brook) in 1982 and, soon after, began his Master’s degree at the Marine Science Research Center (now SoMAS). When he first arrived at MSRC, he had a research assistantship with Dr. Doug Capone and Dr. Ed Carpenter working with bacteria and microalgae, but Gregg’s true passion was shellfish. That’s when he connected with Dr. Robert Malouf, who helped Gregg receive a Sea Grant scholarship to pursue work with hard clams. His Master’s thesis examined how light and flow affect burrowing of very small, recently-set hard clams.
While Gregg was finishing his thesis, a job became available as a grant-funded lab technician at MSRC, so he remained in the family for a few months after finishing in December of 1985. However, Gregg was getting ready to settle down and decided that he needed to find work that wasn’t based on “soft money”. He took his Civil Service test and, in 1986, was hired by the Town of Islip as a Bay Management Specialist. While there, he participated in a variety of tasks, including buoy placement, planting of adult clams in spawner sanctuaries and building a shellfish nursery system in East Islip, which later became the Town’s shellfish hatchery.
However, Gregg’s stay with Islip was a brief one. After less than a year, he signed on as an Aquaculture Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE). Gregg, still with CCE, is now Director of the Suffolk County Marine Environmental Learning Center. The Center, located at Cedar Beach in Southold, New York – on the North Fork of Long Island – triples as a working shellfish hatchery, an operational base of bivalve and habitat restoration programs and an educational facility. On any given day, Gregg could deal with a very mixed menu of tasks, from tours, to problems keeping the Center’s boats afloat and running, to assisting prospective shellfish farmers with permitting, to planting shellfish as part of an environmental restoration project. Plus, when he runs out of cool things to do, there’s always the administrivia that comes with the job title, “Director”.
Gene Carl Feldman is an oceanographer at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. Currently, he is the project manager of the mission called SeaWiFS (Sea-Viewing Wide Field Sensor). Prior to his work with SeaWiFS, Gene worked with the Nimbus-7 Coastal Zone Color Scanner project.
Gene has contributed to many additional programs, including the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study, Coastal Rhythms Exhibition at the New England Aquarium and the Jason Project. He has participated in several JASON expeditions including the JASON VII expedition when he explored the depths of the sea on board a United States Naval nuclear research submarine.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology at Stony Brook University, he spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Western Samoa. Gene worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service and New York Sea Grant before returning to Stony Brook. Gene received his master’s degree (1983) in marine environmental sciences and his Ph.D. (1985) in coastal oceanography from the Marine Sciences Center at Stony Brook University. His doctoral research focused on satellite observations of phytoplankton variability in the eastern equatorial Pacific.
Meteorologist Craig Allen is the most authoritative weather source in the New York tri-state area. Heading WCBS 880’s weather team and CBS 2’s weekend team, Allen’s reports are accurate and authoritative, his manner warm & friendly.
Craig earned his meteorology degree from Stony Brook University in May of 1979 and became chief meteorologist for WCBS 880 the following Spring. The last 20 years have allowed Craig to form a special bond with WCBS listeners. Hundreds of letters to Newsradio 88 over the years confirm that listeners trust the accuracy of his weather reports.
At age 12, Craig Allen lugged a chalkboard to the kitchen table each night and pretended to be a TV weatherman, delivering a forecast to his family while they ate dinner. Today, audiences hear him deliver TV and radio reports locally and nationally, every weekday morning and weekends when the weather is severe and the need to have the best meteorologist in New York City arises.
Despite Craig’s serious outlook, he finds his work to be enthralling. “I love my job. I try to convey my interest in weather to the audience. If there is severe weather. I’ll try not be overly grim but I’ll sure get the sense of urgency across to the listener! And if it is a nice day. I’ll try to make them ‘feel’ the weather; to bring it inside since so many people are indoors looking out the window during their workday”.
“I cherish it by: Sitting outdoors, watching the weather with my son, spending time at the beach, traveling by train and doing all gardening and landscaping around my home”. | 2019-04-20T02:57:35Z | https://www.somas.stonybrook.edu/people/alumni-perspectives/ |
"Hah," She thought, "Here shall be a new game."
Why does our world suddenly seem to be filled with outrage, yet nothing changes? When our moral intuitions provoke anger, we voice our hatred or cynicism online and somehow feel that is enough. Nothing changes, since we have lost a common ethical backdrop against which we can adequately even discuss our ethics, let alone bring about any kind of change. Of the three ways of conducting moral thought, we have abandoned one of them, and corrupted the other two, thus our moral intuitions have lost their force, since the context that gave them meaning has broken down. The result is anger against other people who do not share our values, with no possibility of a productive dialogue that can bring about a new state of affairs. This is the paralysis brought on by outrage culture.
To bring about changes requires a common standard, and the problem with contemporary ethical thought is that we do not understand our moral mythos well enough to maintain a shared basis for judgement. As moral psychologists have reported, the tendency is for us to have an emotional response to a situation (e.g. outrage), then afterwards to dress it up in justifications (e.g. demonisation of a particular identity) – what Jonathan Haidt waggishly dubbed ‘the emotional dog and his rational tail’. However, I break with the psychologists who advance this theory at the conclusions they draw from it, which amount to perilous assumption that moral philosophy has no role, as well as questioning their research methods, which are in adequate to most of the conclusions being drawn.
Haidt’s idea that our moral intuitions are embedded in our social connections is substantially correct, but it is not significantly contra to the views of any philosopher, as J.W. Gray and others have argued. What’s missing in Haidt’s social intuitionist model is how the social intuitions became set up: he has forgotten the role of history in establishing common standards of moral judgement, and once this is taken into account it becomes clear that contemporary morality is intimately connected to moral philosophy. Indeed, as Alasdair MacIntyre outlined in After Virtue thirty five years ago, the nature of this moral catastrophe is the lack of connection between our habits of judgement and their philosophical roots, which can be traced across the span of European history. Attempting to remove philosophy from consideration, as key moral psychologists such as Haidt argue, is to deepen the crisis, not resolve it, and Haidt ultimately ends up advancing an impotent argument for the status quo. We will get nowhere if we fail to situate the ethical crisis within its cultural history.
The three key approaches to morality are concerned with the qualities of agents (virtue), the nature of actions (duty), and the consequences that result (outcomes). I contend that all three forms of moral thinking are vital, but it is important to remember that for the majority of the recorded history of our species, the concept of virtue has been the primary vehicle of morality. Whatever grasp individuals may or may not have had of their wider situation, the idea that it is a good thing to be brave, polite, patient, generous, or kind was easy to grasp – even if it was not always so easy to put into practice. MacIntyre’s After Virtue traces the history of virtues up to their contemporary near-demise, supplanted by two new moral systems devised in the Enlightenment. Fistly, Kant’s duty-based philosophy that leads to human rights, but then inexplicably devolves into posturing about ‘having a right’ in situations where nothing of the kind applies. (Here, Haidt is right: moral philosophy is not entailed in people’s moral judgements: but in this case that is precisely the problem.) Secondly, John Stuart Mill’s outcome-based utilitarianism that begins by aiming at ‘maximising the good’ yet leads to contemporary corporate consequentialism that merely maximises profit. What’s more, these kind of consequentialism, which judge purely by outcome, are systems that no longer resembles morality at all, as the late Derek Parfit accused.
Thus we are beset by moral disasters, as we have all but lost one key way of thinking about ethics and broken the others such that otherwise laudable moral systems have become corrupted distortions of themselves. This is the nature of the two major disasters of contemporary ethics – the moral disaster of individualism, which confuses selfishness or paternalism for collective responsibility, and the moral disaster of consequentialism, which boils down complex situations to the point that decisions are easy to make, and in the process destroys the essential context of every ethical challenge. In terms of the disaster of individualism, there is an urgent need to repair our broken concepts of rights now that nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom have abandoned them while individuals still angrily invoke ‘their rights’ without any understanding of what that claim implies. There is an even more vital requirement to reconfigure the kind of consequentialist thinking that leads both nations and corporations to act in appalling ways because their definitions of what is good is reduced to the merely calculable, substituting expediency for any concept of ethics. Neither of these recovery projects has much hope of success without a substantial reboot of moral thinking, and the academic community cannot achieve this – not without engaging with the wider populace it has been regrettably isolated from.
Reawakening an interest in the qualities of moral agents might be the best chance of reconfiguring our devastated moral mythologies, because we can have productive discussions concerning virtues without requiring much in the way of theoretical meanderings. What’s more, virtues are qualities that form a set that no-one would expect everyone to possess, making it easier to foster virtues in practice since the moral standard that they set is attainable by everyone in at least the minimal case of expressing at least one virtue. Rules and consequences suggest an absolute, all-or-nothing approach to morality that seems to require (when not approached with care) superhuman powers. Yet virtues sit firmly within human experience, and the key objection against virtue ethics is their failure to be absolute, which only serves to show how hypnotised by the Enlightenment’s moral systems we have become. Besides, if we can rescue virtues, we can rescue rights and outcome-focussed ethics too. One step at a time.
Outrage culture is the product of people who project morality against others, and rarely use it to judge themselves. There is a natural tendency to do this, one that has been well known by philosophers and indeed religious teachers for many centuries. What is conspicuously absent today is what in Chaos Ethics I call moral representation, which is to say, shared reflection on our ethical values and judgements, something also suggested as necessary by Haidt’s social intuitionist theory. We need to represent our moral positions to each other in part because once our anger is engaged, productive discussion is blocked by moral horror (what psychologists term cognitive dissonance), and so the reflective aspect of morality – which is far more important than we usually recognise – never occurs. If there is a lesson we should take from moral psychology it is not that we should abandon the study of our historically-embedded moral systems but that we have failed to adequately maintain the social basis of moral judgement. We are no longer conducting any viable form of morality, and we really have become the caricature that Haidt imagines, dressing up our emotional reactions in convenient justifications.
To overcome this impasse requires new discourses, and it is my suggestion that we start by talking about virtues since we can recognise what is good in a person – or a cyborg – without it setting off our moral horror, which closes us off from difficult to accept ideas. Too much of our ethical practice has become a sustained outpouring of vitriol against what we perceive as evil; often, what we judge as evil without ever stopping to consider the complexities of the situations. Whether we are talking about those who voted to leave the EU in the United Kingdom, or those who voted for a popularist demagogue in the United States it is not enough to angrily shout ‘racism! racism!’ and expect this to suffice for politics – or for ethics. Perhaps if we can recover some perspective on the good, we can stop being so ineffectually obsessed with raging at the evil we see everywhere around us. Outrage culture is either impotent or blindly vengeful – neither of which are terribly helpful. To get beyond this, we have to learn to talk about morality in ways that can cross easily between any religious or secular tradition, and virtues might just provide a way of doing this.
This post is a edited from sections of the piece run last week, What is Cybervirtue?, which I have edited and re-run (as What is Cybervirtue? Version 2.0) without this discussion within it. The opening image is Rage by Sarah Goodyear, which I found here on her Artdoxa page. As ever, no copyright infringement is intended and I will take the image down if asked.
"since we have lost a common ethical backdrop"
We never had such a thing*, what the US government used to have is more agreement about the procedural methods for making decisions and the wealth of a growing empire fueled by capitalism (first racial/slave than industrial) and now as the capitalism grinds to a halt the democratic processes are failing (also not surprising as the political bodies got more diverse, more representative, we have more diversity of interests and so more conflict) under the stresses of limited resources.
The question of a common ethical backdrop is a question of situating this in time, at least that is how it lands for me. 'Backdrop' is the key word: we're not talking about any kind of perfect alignment, but rather a shared point of reference.
If I can draw against Charles Taylor's historical work, I would like to suggest that villagers in the late medieval period possessed such a common ethical backdrop, but it is an open question how well that 'travelled'. The 18th century produced a new social imaginary, one that leads up to the so-called Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II. The 'age of mobilisation' in the early twentieth century shows this common ethical backdrop I refer to. Note that this is not about a perfect alignment of moral thought, but about a shared toolset for thinking about ethical problems. It could be argued that the World Wars helped stimulate these conditions for mobilisation. This ends in the 60s, although the cracks had of course been showing right from the Enlightenment itself, as Taylor is keen to point out. Now, however, we are in a period of intense fragmentation - Taylor's 'Nova effect'... I concur with his historical sense of a shattering of a commonly held frame of reference. I do not see how, for instance, Watergate could have been a scandal without such a common reference.
Such is my reply to your first six words! :) The remainder of your comment seems correct to me as a diagnosis of the situation in the United States. I personally don't see this as significantly contra my claim, though.
You also try to pack in a substantial guerrilla critique by footnoting Stephen Turner's The Social Theory of Practice, which I have not read and therefore cannot adequately respond to. I can therefore only respond to its blurb, in which the knockdown argument is the claim that "there is no plausible mechanism by which a 'practice' is transmitted or reproduced." This is rather odd for me, since it seems apparent that practices are reproduced by habitual learning (the action of the hippocampi), for which the evidence is well-established, right up to the swelling of one of the two hippocampi in London taxi drivers when they master 'the knowledge'. Perhaps Turner's critique carefully demolishes all this, I'm not in a position to say. But as a game designer I would need some convincing that the practices I see transmitted through the play and design of games (such as the use of the right hand to adjust perspective in a three dimensional fictional world) were not tangible examples of practices being transmitted and reproduced. From Turner's title, I wonder if the problem here a critique of sociological applications of 'practice'... again, without reading the book I am not in a position to comment. I would welcome your pushback if you want to fight Turner's corner for him, though.
Finally, greetings from a fellow Zero Books author! Best of luck with Uncertain Futures, and many thanks for your pushback against this piece.
I hear you on the frustrating impasse we are witnessing, the name calling, the anger and bitterness.
"The sense of being under siege has two tactical consequences, both catastrophic. It requires the besieged to perceive the whole visible world outside the fortress as the enemy, preventing them from swelling their ranks and so strengthening their forces, and cutting them off from all values and possibilities that lie outside. And within the fortress itself it creates a military hierarchy based on blind obedience and intolerant to criticism."
and i know in Chaos Ethics you have advocated dialogue and the seeking of common ground, and i agree that focusing on virtue is a good place to start. These are certainly aims i would applaud.
But i wonder what happens when the people you have an issue with, have no interest in dialogue, they seek to shut down debate, ban protest, use lies and deliberate misinformation to further an agenda that is contrary to reasoned dialogue (I'm not going to say post truth, because i am aware 'facts' are a tricky thing, but you get the gist!). When, God forbid, those forces are in charge and you and I are in the gulag, how does one reason with such forces?
Are there any red lines where we might conceive of resistance being necessary? and should that resistance always be passive?
I'm struggling with these issues, and its driving me quite potty!
I may well be over reacting, and i hope i am, but i don't want to wake up one day with some furious storm troopers marching down the street thinking 'but i tried talking to them'.
Could it be that we seek allies from across the spectrum, find common ground from a broad group of people. After all, not everyone who voted for Trump or to Leave the EU is a demon or a fascist, not every Remoaner or Hilary Clinton voter is a 'Snowflake' cappuccino guzzling Liberal. These are all hopeless cliches, deployed to no effect. Many, maybe most are good people with views and troubles of their own, they are not 'the other', they are you and i.
but is not the case that there will be some who lie outside our definition of 'reasonable', ( I think you characterize it in terms of our home and outer communities). it cannot be an all encompassing, ever expanding bubble of comfort? or can it? What happens when we reach our limit and Moral Horror kicks in?
I guess a re framing of our ethics would require both sides to want to participate in such a re framing? we seem to view everything sadly as a winner take all contest. maybe that is the horrible reality of power?
We can chat more about this in our interview!
"Could it be that we seek allies from across the spectrum, find common ground from a broad group of people."
So whether we're talking Trump's 'closed borders' versus liberal universalism in the US or Brexit versus Remain in the UK, the supporters in each case are diverse and the majority are open for discussion - provided discussion is actually still open. The problem is that moral horror shuts it down completely. So if we come in all guns blazing about closing the borders to Muslims (which is horrifying to liberals, myself included), it actually makes it harder to have the discussions we need to have with the people who think that is a good idea, and might not if we could engage them from any angle other than liberal universalism.
It's vital to remember that the populace are not the regime, and this is especially important in the US, although it matters everywhere! It is perfectly possible, and sensible, to resist the current ruling power and engage in dialogue across the populace. In fact, it's the best way to resist any government. This ninety day travel ban seems to me designed to drive a wedge between two halves of the population, and once the moral horror kicks in, the administration has effectively a free pass as dialogue becomes impossible between "raving" liberals and "cowardly" conservatives. That allows them to get away with anything : we have to play it smarter than that.
Looking forward to our dialogue/interview!
are there no limits to whom we should attempt dialogue with? a moral imperative which cannot be violated? I'm conscious of getting into one of those, 'What if a bomb was tied to your child' or trolley problem type of ethical dead ends here, but I'm wondering if we have a limit after which we cannot find any kind of acceptance of views that we consider 'beyond the pale'.
is there a difficulty in deciding where a regime starts and stops?
do strident supporters of regimes need resisting, or just the instruments of power?
is it ok to confront individuals within the regime, but not their supporters?
seems like there might be a grey area here?
If the question is, at what point should we refuse to talk to someone, it feels like jumping the gun somewhat. Talk, as they say, is cheap - too cheap to deny it as an option. Now of course, when we try to talk to someone it might fail... we aren't guaranteed to be able to have a conversation just because we try. But why shouldn't we try? I think, for instance, of programmes that bring offenders into contact with their victims and make them talk to one another. These are radically more effective than prison at reducing re-offenders.
Now of course, our horror at what other people say and do might make it impossible to start a conversation - but I don't believe there is any imperative that demands we don't talk to someone. And I would be suspicious of any attempt to make this argument. I would find it incredibly hard to talk to those who committed the atrocities in Rwanda... but then I think of the efforts that were made towards reconciliation in South Africa and think that there is much to be said of dialogue as an alternative to vengeance.
When I started talking to people in the US about their political and religious situation, I heard a lot of people say (talking about the nebulous 'others') "they can't be reasoned with!". To which I asked: "Have you tried?" The assessment that someone can't be reasoned with seems to correspond to an untested assumption that dialogue was impossible. Yet I didn't find anyone I couldn't talk to, for all that I found some that seemed a little crazy, or whose positions were not terribly well thought out. Mostly, however, I learned a great deal about the motives and values of people who not that long ago I would have judged "impossible to reason with."
As for "is there a difficulty in deciding where a regime starts and stops?" - yes, absolutely! But the thing with supporters is that they have their reasons for doing what they do (ones that are usually not as simple as blanket terms like 'racism'), and understanding what those reasons are can be tremendously helpful - certainly more helpful than vehemently opposing them and causing them to dig their heels in even further.
Reinforcing divisions, entrenching them, is largely how we got into this mess in the first place (a news service that prioritises drama does not help matters!). You can undermine a regime by pulling away its support - and although that's a tough path, it also prevents another similar regime from coming into power. And why not 'fight the battle' on every available front, including diplomacy? We seem to have forgotten that it is even an option.
Many thanks for the thoughtful questions!
Look forward to this and other subjects in the interview.
Thanks for alerting us on Twitter of these comments, Chris!
I was wondering: do you really believe that a regime can be toppled by talking people out of supporting it? And additionally that once that has happened, such a regime would never come back? Is this not something people tell themselves in order to feel less powerless?
Whether a regime can be toppled by reducing its political support depends on the regime and the magnitude of the opposition that can be mustered against it. Let us not forget that the Klerk government in South Africa and the British Raj in India were both ended peacefully in this way. It is less clear whether Saddam Hussein could have been removed from power like this - although since nobody ever tried, we'll never know.
You may be right that there is an element of self-comfort in telling ourselves that matters can be brought to a peaceful close - just as there is an element of vengeance in telling ourselves that only violence can end a regime. My point is only that we should not close down the possibility of peaceful transitions of power, since these are actually better at producing lasting change than violent revolutions. South Africa never returned to Apartheid... India remains a sovereign nation. These victories should remind us of the power of non-violent resistance.
As for posting the comments to Twitter, it's a feature Typepad added that I only recently realised was such a boon. It alone seems to have rescued the comments here at Only a Game from complete obscurity!
"a genuine philosophy for the 21st century"
"this matters - read it!"
Chris on What Did Joseph Campbell Believe?
karen williams on What Did Joseph Campbell Believe?
Chris on The Virtuous Cyborg - Out Now!
dmf on The Virtuous Cyborg - Out Now!
What is the Republic of Bloggers?
Is Free Will Too Cheap?
Hannah Arendt's "The Human Condition"
Charles Taylor's "A Secular Age" | 2019-04-21T08:16:54Z | https://onlyagame.typepad.com/only_a_game/2017/01/beyond-futile-outrage.html |
Thank you for your 5 star business review of the service interactions you have had with us, it's really great to receive positive feedback from our customers.
We are striving every day to improve our customer service, we understand that some of the more technical aspects of our systems can require detailed explanations where patients and courtesy are required to promote great working relationships.
As one of our standard support customers please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or require any further assistance.
Thank you for leaving us a business review, we take all feedback seriously and use this to help continually learn and grow and provide the best customer service possible.
profitability, revenue, staff or products analysis by location, staff members or across the whole business.This allows you to figure out what¿s working and what isn¿t to make actionable changes which will boost your bottom line.
I understand that updating the system was a little tricky, I'm pleased to hear that our award winning support staff were able to support you through this.
Thank you for leaving a review of Eposnow. We are really pleased to hear that the transition to ourselves has gone well and we are really excited to work with you and your business in the future.
I will make sure Olly gets to see your review, he is a really great asset to us at Eposnow.
For a bar, I find myself creating similar items with different costs and prices for let's say differ pour sizes for different kegs. I wish they had a template that you can create with various pour sizes and are already linked to the master product. Then you just pick the pour sizes you want and instead the cost and Price nd you're done. All from one screen.
The promotion features can be very glitch at times.
Thanks for leaving us a review, it's great to hear that you like the system and the remote abilities.
It sounds like the product matrix app maybe useful to you regarding your pour sizes, it's a free app and will allow you to create variants for each product for volumes. If you are interested in this app it may be worth giving us a call to run through this with you.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. I am so glad to hear that you have found our software to be so useful and that you have had the chance to speak to our excellent support team.
We are consistently improving our software based on customer feedback so do keep an eye out for our regular software releases.
We are starting feed/retail/animal health products store, and wanted a cloud-based system with more flexibility than the dinosaur server-based systems typically used in our industry. We asked a TON of questions, demoed multiple systems, and decided Epos Now was the best fit; we've had the system for 4 months. Implementation was rough, to say the least. We were told customer service was based out of North Carolina; however, most of the reps we've talked to are very British. Nothing against Britts, but lingo is different, business is different, time zones are different- all making for minor challenges that we were not anticipating. Our implementation manager hung up on us mid-call when she had to go catch her train. We were instructed to enter products one way, then told we had to delete everything we'd entered (DAYS of work) and do it all over again. It cannot accept payments over $, which matters if you sell a large amount of product or invoice monthly. It is weight integrated, and when I was doing my initial inquisitions, made it clear that we would sell feed/seed in ounces, pounds, and tons with decimal values; the system only can measure in kilograms, which is not practical for most US applications. Manager overrides require the sales associate to log-out and the manager to log-in; an override code would be so much more efficient. However, when you actually have a client in front of you for a simple transaction, the transactions are smooth and easy. The sales interface is very user-friendly. It works great in the remote setting for pop-up shops. It was not expensive. The apps are interesting- it's nice that it makes the basic system very affordable and there are many apps available, but it is overwhelming to know which apps I need and how to use them. It could also potentially get expensive if you added many apps. As a young company, they are motivated and do continually work to improve the product and add frequent updates; however, we were told some features were a part of the system, but after purchasing the system were told that they would be available in the 'next update'. After about 2 months, we had a serious discussion about ditching this system and switching to another. We ultimately decided to stay with this system, accepting that all systems had limitations, and crossing our fingers that the worst was over. It does appear that the worst is over; however, we've only been going at this for 4 months, so ultimately time will tell.
The software is so easy to use, has fantastic features and allows me to keep control of my business. The support is fabulous and the staff go the extra mile to assist with anything.
epos Now are constantly listening to feedback so the software is improving all the time. The system works wel for me so there's nothing I could say that needs to improve at the moment.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed using the software and have taken full advantage of our lovely support team. It is always fantastic to hear that our updates have been so well received and I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
ONCE YOU SIGN UP THERE IS NO WAY OUT. I TRIED THIS SYSTEM FOR A RETAIL STORE BUT THIS SYSTEM WAS SO SLOW AND WHEN I CALLED TECH SUPPORT I WAS GIVIN THE RUN AROUND BUT FINALLY THEY ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS MORE THAN A THOUSAND ITEMS IN MY STORE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE SPEED SO I ASK TO BE CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY BUT UNFORTUNATELY EPOSNOW KEPT CHARGING MY CREDIT CARD MONTH AFTER MONTH. EVERY TIME I CALLED I WAS PROMISED THAT I WILL NEVER SEE ANY MORE CHARGES OF COURSE WITHOUT ANY REFUNDS AT ALL. BUT YET THE CHARGE APPEARS ON MY BANK STATEMENT EVERY MONTH. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND SUCH A CON OPERATION.
After evaluating a number of potential EPOS solutions for our business we decided that the Epos Now solution was a close watch to our required specification, functionality and ease of use. It provided all of our essential hardware and software requirements and many 'nice to haves' that were on our original list. After installing the system off-site we had an intensive period of testing user data and configuring the system to match our specific business processes. Epos Now provided plenty of training and support during this period and we were impressed with how much functionality was available compared to our old system. After the user acceptance testing was signed off the system was installed seamlessly into the operation and has ran perfectly from day 1. Combined with the remote back office, the Epos Now system has been welcomed by staff, has introduced many new efficiencies into our business and continues to do so the more we use it. We have no hesitation recommending this system to others.We had a couple of small software gaps that we needed more help than usual to rectify however epos now made available the support resolve them.
Great looking product, beautiful interface. Back office component is easy to navigate and robust. Easy to find all of the reports and data I need. A component in the back office allows you to suggest improvements to the software. We are a resale shop and this software fit my needs of being able to assign store credit to my customers.
There are a few UI areas that could use improvement but nothing too critical.
Getting a hold of customer support can be tricky, I believe they are based in the UK with support in the East Coast. I'm on the West Coast so occasionally I've had to play a bit of phone tag before getting a live person.
Because I do own a resale/consignment shop, I'm adding a lot of various products to my stock list as I set up over several months, and this has required me to sign up for a Bulk Upload app which has an extra fee associated with it. This is annoying. If you add new lines of products regularly this is likely something you'd have to do, since adding products one by one is tedious. Though they will do a bulk upload for you when you first set up for free, so if you've got your product list in advance this might not be an issue.
Because some of the features are apps it takes a while to navigate to them and open them.
This being said, these are minor complaints, when I look back at some of the other systems I did look at.
I have very few negative things to say about EPOS Now. We love it! I wish there was more customization / versatility for making labels. We desperately need to be able to use the Deliveroo, but only have one location. Please review this and come up with a reasonable amount we can pay to use it. Also would like to see more add on app dev.
Ease of use, great support, versatility - takes VERY LITTLE training. Love that it works with Paypal.
Limitations on creating labels, lack of ecommerce interface - we only have one location and really need Deliveroo.
Thank you for leaving us a fantastic review, i'm so pleased to read that you would recommend us.
We take all feedback seriously and use this to improve the products and services we offer to our customers.
Your feedback regarding labels we are aware of and this is on our road map for delivery this year. I would direct you to use the feature vote option in your back office to push the priority level of this development as this will help to get it delivered sooner.
We do have Deliveroo functionality, however you will require a verified Deliveroo account before this can be integrated, this will need to be arranged by Deliveroo themselves. If you already have an account with Deliveroo then please contact us to discuss further.
Thank you once again for your review and if we can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.
Excellent experience migrating from an old system to this brand new system for our cricket club. The help in the implementation phase was really invaluable and they took their time to understand our current practices and provided better resolution rather than just trying to copy what we’d done before. I just also say that the tech support and ‘live chat’ has been excellent in getting quick answers to little niggles rather than submitting endless tech support tickets.
The software is easy to use and I like being able to access my information on my phone from anywhere that I am. The email dashboards that you can automatically email to yourself are also very good, especially yesterday’s sales and last weeks sales.
A member of staff is dyslexic and struggles with the colours. We would like the ability to change the colours so that it is easier to distinguish different products.
We currently keep track of 700 members in an excel sheet and would like to find a way to manage multiple member types in different categories, and allocate each category the same price automatically through the software.
Do not purchase if you are in the hospitality industry.
The ability to completely control the back office. We are able to enter new products, adjust pricing, calculate profit margin, run specials, etc with no assistance from the company itself.
This software was NEVER designed for the hospitality industry. We have had multiple occasions where tickets with tips will not close and we have not been able to collect those credit card tips. Since this is not the server's issue, the business has to pay the server their tips and then eat the cost when the ticket won't close. In speaking with the company, their only excuse is that tipping is not customary in the UK so it wasn't designed for that and they are "working" on it. We also ordered a case (10 rolls or800 meters) of printer tape from them. They sent us 270 meters of tape and tried to claim the rolls were larger and we got all the paper we paid for. I found their supplier and was able to order 50 ROLLS. Complete rip off. When I called to tell them I wanted to return their 4 rolls of tape and get a refund, the customer service rep actually laughed. I would never buy this system again and am currently saving money in an effort to replace it so I can sink the system in the bottom of our local lake.
I am sorry to hear about the experience you have had with your hospitality solution. It is a shame to hear your feedback as we have a significant number of hospitality companies all over the world who have found our system to work seamlessly.
I am keen to resolve this issue for you. Please, could you provide your account number so that I can look into this further for you?
After purchasing a card payment machines i was referred through to Epos for my till solutions. After speaking with one of the point of sales consultants, who was very knowledgeable and helpful, he recommended the right products for my new business after listening to my requirements. With in the hour of our call i had received a comprehensive quote and was able to review the demo. By lunch time i had made my decision this was the right company for me and by close of play i made my purchase. I would thoroughly recommend this company for your till solutions. Not only have they supplied me with a really competitive quote but the service i have received so far has been second to none.
The system is easy to use. I would love to have continued to use it....if they stood by what that tell you when you are purchasing the product and provide customer support, as they indicated.
Do yourself a favor....DO NOT PURCHASE AN EPOS SYSTEM. They DO NOT stand by what they tell you, when you are purchasing their equipment. Their support after one year is HORIBLE. If you refuse to buy their customer support plan, they tell you that they provide email support, which is a lie. They told me desktops have a 3 yr warranty on all equipment. Now, they are saying it only had a 1 yr warranty and we have to pay for a warranty, to have anything replaced now. I have created several tickets and never heard a word back or got the problem resolved. Today (Sunday at 2:00 CST) our desktop was down (which is ironic since our warranty supposibly just expired on the desktop). We had customers in our store and I needed our desktop up to check out customers. We received an error message saying the desktop could not be found, it has been moved or deleted. We called EPOS. It went to U.K. They refused to help because we did not purchase the 24/7 customer support service and said to call the US support line on Monday. Needless to say, we will be shopping for another POS system that stands by their product and customer service!
I spent a lot of time researching POS systems before opening my cafe next year and I finally settled on Epos Now due to a good mix of price and functionalities. During the first phase they walked me through the system and company and made sure I was taken care of through all stages of my signing up process, thank you! The company offers 30 days free training when you purchase the software and I was lucky enough to get allocated to one of the rep. Besides being a bubbly personality and always in a good mood (which is not so easy to find in general) she was extremely patient with me asking the same questions over and over again and she explained the software's main functionalities with clarity and confidence. In just a few sessions we set up my whole menu on the system and the way it will appear on the till so all I have left to do now is plug in the hardware before opening and I'm good to go! Based on the service received so far I would definitely recommend Epos Now.
I use the product every day and am happy with the ease of use. Everyone picked it up quickly and the system is working for the business. I don’t have any issues with the system and am going to integrate with my payment provider. I have never had any need to phone the customer support team but know they are there if I need anything.
I would like to see some improvements to invoicing. In particular I would like to be able to put my company logo on the invoice. Another thing that I have noticed is that when you look at an invoice it generates a new invoice number which does not need to happen when you are purely viewing an existing invoice.
I absolutely love Espos now. It has an amazing back office, tons of report options and very easy to use as a manager.
Thank you for leaving us such a fantastic 5 star business review, it's great to hear how happy you are with your system,software and the service we provide.
Epos Now’s back office interface is highly customisable, allowing you to select the information that's most valuable to you. Create insightful dashboards that provide an instant overview of your business, receiving real-time sales, product, and employee information.
Our dashboard options include profitability, revenue, staff or products analysis by location, staff members or across the whole business. This allows you to figure out what’s working and what isn’t to make actionable changes which will boost your bottom line.
I purchased Epos Now for my new store, and overall I've been extremely satisfied with the program. I purchased the software and hardware (except magnetic strip), and for the price the software is unbeatable. Epos's sales and support team are just a call away 24/7, and have been great to work with.
The product is really user friendly, and tracks inventory, payroll and taxes. Plus it keeps track of trending products, low stock items, and allows you to run promotions for specific time frames.
I haven't figured out how to create a promotion that only applies if a customer brings in a coupon I've ran in the local paper. Example: Discount of 15% on any purchase of $35 or more. | 2019-04-23T03:51:30Z | https://www.getapp.za.com/reviews/106871/epos-now |
Most of us have become accustomed to receiving pre-approved and pre-qualified credit card offers in the mail.
Sometimes, these “specialized” offers don’t seem so special when you keep seeing the same offer over and over again in the same shiny envelope. But we recommend you not always overlook those credit card offers in the mail — sometimes there can be great opportunities in your mailbox!
However, we also want you to know that there are faster (and in some cases more specialized) credit card offers that can instantly be found online. Did you know many banks allow you to check your pre-qualified or pre-approved card offers directly on their websites?
Today, we’ll tell you where you can easily go check, and what to expect when searching for pre-qualified offers from some popular banks.
What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualified & Pre-Approved Credit Cards?
But what’s the difference? Does that mean you’ll automatically get approved for the card?
Often, banks are observing potential customers’ credit profiles on a regular basis by conducting “soft pulls” of your credit. Soft pulls do not affect your credit score, but they do give banks the information they need to determine whether you’d be qualified for their credit card products.
If they like what they see based on a soft pull, it’s likely they’ll target you with advertisements saying you are “pre-qualified” for their products.
In contrast, pre-approved offers usually come when you’ve authorized the bank to conduct a “hard pull” on your credit report, which gives them all the detailed information in your credit profile and will affect your credit score.
You may also receive these offers if you’ve had a long and established relationship with a bank, or have recently applied for credit and the bank already has a recent copy of your credit report.
With both offer types, it’s important to remember that there is never a guarantee. All credit cards still require you to complete an application, and the banks will most likely look at your credit profile in detail during that process.
We highly recommend that you understand your credit score and what’s in your credit report before deciding to apply for a new credit card. A higher score will lead to better pre-qualified or pre-approved offers!
Be sure to always research and understand any credit card offer in detail before deciding if it’s the right one for you.
Bottom Line: There’s never a guarantee that a pre-qualified or pre-approved offer from a credit card company means you will be approved, but it’s a good sign that gives you an idea of what the banks feel you’re most qualified for.
Here we will show you the most popular banks that allow you to check your pre-qualified or pre-approved offers instantly online!
If you’re in a rush to find that a credit card that’s suitable for your needs, such as the need to make a large purchase as soon as possible, see our post on cards for an instant approval.
Or…use the “CardMatch Tool” — which shows you personalized card offers based upon your credit score.
You can see these offers without pulling your credit.
Update: These are currently the best pre-approved offers available.
There aren’t many credit cards being advertised on Capital One’s front page, but you can find the Credit Card section in the first spot on their top menu bar.
Hover your mouse over that section to reveal a drop-down menu where you can get pre-qualified offers for you or to respond to a mail offer.
To see if you’re pre-qualified, you will need to take Capital One’s “Questionnaire,” which asks for a bit more personal information than the others. This one requires you to provide your full social security number!
This should tip you off that it will probably just be a soft pull. While it’s likely that Capital One will only conduct a soft pull for pre-qualification, it will certainly conduct a hard pull on your credit if you ultimately decide to apply for one of their credit cards.
American Express features a section on the front page of their website to help you “Find the Card that’s right for you.” You have the option to choose between personal cards, small business cards, and corporate card offers.
Here, we’ll focus on personal offers. First, you’ll see a small selection of credit card offers under “Featured Cards,” but these won’t be personalized.
It will ask you to provide some basic information to confirm your identity and the last 4 digits of your social security number. This will allow American Express to conduct a soft pull on your credit report and instantly create personalized offers just for you.
If you are already an American Express cardmember, you won’t even need to provide that information — American Express is already monitoring your credit profile.
All you need to do is log in to your account, and it will automatically display your personalized offers. It even shows you which cards you already have from the wide selection of cards offered by American Express.
Looking for something specific? You can search for special offers based on your needs. Travel rewards cards, cash-back, rewards points, no annual fee cards…and the list goes on.
American Express wants to make it quick and easy to help you find specialized offers to satisfy your financial needs online!
Hot Tip: American Express has been known to send some really special offers in the mail, especially for The Business Platinum Card® by American Express. Those require an RSVP code that can be entered if you choose to apply online.
If you don’t have a specific credit card that you are looking to find a pre-qualified offer for, then CreditCards.com would be a great place to start your search.
CardMatch is a great tool to see what type of pre-qualified offers are available to you with multiple banks. It’s basically a one-stop shop for pre-qualified offers!
CardMatch requires your basic personal information and the last 4 digits of your social security number. It also provides information on how to view your credit score for free.
There are lots of credit card offers from Chase, especially travel rewards cards, but it’s not as easy to find your specialized pre-qualified offers compared to other banks.
This will take you to another page where Chase will provide information on some of their credit card products or services. The boxes that have a small green check mark are specially selected just for you, and mean you’re pre-qualified.
If you are not already a Chase customer, you have to go to a specific website and input some basic information to receive your pre-qualified offers. It does not appear to be easily found if you go straight to the Chase homepage.
The information you provide will allow Chase to conduct a soft pull on your credit, which won’t affect your credit score.
If you’re interested in what offers Chase has selected especially for you, just visit their pre-qualified offers page.
Hot Tip: Remember, many Chase cards fall under their 5/24 rule, which almost guarantees a denial on your application if you’ve applied for more than 5 credit cards from any bank in the past 24 months.
Bank of America also has a prominent spot on the front page of their website to help you “Choose the card that works for you.” But these are “featured” cards that are being heavily advertised to everyone, not personalized offers based on your credit profile.
To help you find your personalized offers or other credit cards offered by Bank of America, you will need to click “Credit Cards” on the upper menu bar of the website.
Once you’ve reached the customized credit card offer page, you will have the option of signing in or continuing without signing in.
If you’re already a Bank of America customer, you will instantly get your customized offers. All you need to do is log in and select what type of card you’re interested in.
You’ll have the option to search for cards that can help you earn travel rewards, cash rewards, build or rebuild credit, and more!
If you are not already a customer, you will need to provide some personal information like name and address for them to perform a soft pull of your credit report. Then they will be able to offer you specific credit cards based on your interests and creditworthiness in less than 60 seconds!
Citibank makes it incredibly easy to find pre-qualified offers right on the front page of their credit card website.
You might need to scroll down a bit when you reach their credit card homepage, but that’s where you’ll find the link to get your pre-qualified offers.
This is another basic questionnaire that requires your name, address, last 4 digits of your social security number, and what type of credit card you’re most interested in.
After completing that and acknowledging that completing the form won’t affect your credit score, Citibank will provide their pre-qualified offers just for you!
If you received a pre-qualified offer in the mail, you can also look at Citi’s credit card homepage and find where to apply that offer there. All you’ll need to do is input the invitation number, and Citi will pull up your custom credit card application.
Check out our article for more information on the best Citi credit cards, including their benefits and perks.
You might not be too familiar with Credit One since they don’t offer travel rewards cards and only seem to offer a few different credit card products.
Credit One is an interesting option for those looking to build or improve their credit since they focus on providing services to people with bad credit.
Be aware that most credit card companies that focus on advertising their products to people with bad credit have extremely high interest rates and fees.
Hot Tip: You should know whether you have a good or bad credit score, and you can easily check it for free with a number of services. We recommend Credit Karma!
The best way to be sure if a Credit One credit card is the right choice for you is to see if you have any pre-qualified offers.
All you need to do is go to their main website, and you’ll find an option to easily see if you’re pre-qualified for any of their products (or respond to a mailed offer.
There are a few additional questions that some of the other banks don’t ask, like total monthly income, phone number, and email address.
It’s important to note that when submitting the pre-qualification questionnaire, you’re acknowledging that Credit One can share certain information with third parties.
Credit One also requires your full social security number, but it guarantees that using the form will not affect your credit score.
Discover wants to help you determine what card you’re most qualified for. The best part about Discover is that it gives you 2 options: to see what cards you are pre-qualified for, as well as what cards you are pre-approved for.
Both forms ask for your basic information, but the pre-approved form does have quite a few more detailed questions — it almost resembles a full credit card application.
The good news is that neither of these methods will affect your credit score; but if you do decide to apply for one of their offers, then they will perform a hard pull on your credit.
Discover has a wide range of credit card options in their portfolio, including travel rewards, cash-back cards, and cards designed especially for students.
Both forms actually ask specifically if you are are a current student. This could be a great option for students to see if they would be pre-approved for one of the student credit cards and start building their credit history!
USAA does offer a few rewards credit cards that could be of interest to current USAA members. These credit cards mainly focus on cash-back and USAA Rewards™.
To become a USAA member, there are some specific qualifications you need to meet; these are mainly targeted toward members of the military and their families.
You must already be a member to check your pre-qualified offers with USAA, so checking these offers isn’t for everyone.
After you input your personal information (name, address, and last 4 digits of social security number), you will instantly get a list of pre-qualified offers.
US Bank does offer quite a few travel rewards credit cards like their Flexperks rewards program, and they offer few random (but useful!) co-branded cards with partners like Korean Air.
Again, checking your pre-qualified offers with US Bank will not affect your credit score — but if you do decide to apply, they’ll conduct a hard pull on your credit.
Wells Fargo doesn’t make it very easy to check your pre-qualified offers unless you already have a Wells Fargo account.
For current Wells Fargo customers, all you need to do is log in to your account and click the “Products and Offers” tab to find any pre-qualified offers that you would be targeted for.
Potential Wells Fargo customers have no way to see if they’re pre-qualified for any of these credit card offers. You’ll just have to apply and see what happens!
You don’t always need to wait for the mail to arrive to check on your pre-qualified offers from these popular banks. We hope this list gives you a good starting point to see what type of credit cards you qualify for.
Most pre-qualified or pre-approval forms you fill out will not affect your credit score at all. This is a risk-free way to see what type of cards may give you the best chance for a speedy approval!
It’s important to remember that even though you may be pre-qualified or pre-approved for a certain credit card, that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved if you decide to apply.
Luckily, these forms are easy to fill out, and they do offer a quick way to see what credit cards you are most likely to be approved for.
Pre-approved credit card offers are typically when the bank or card issuer has determined that you meet the eligibility for that specific credit card based on your credit profile.
How do I get pre-approved credit card offers?
Most people are used to seeing pre-approved credit card offers in their mailbox, but here we’ve listed ways for you to proactively check what offers you are pre-approved for from specific card issuers. If you are searching for multiple pre-approved credit card offers from various lenders, we recommend starting with CardMatch.
Are pre-approved credit card offers a hard inquiry?
No, banks should not be conducting hard pulls on your credit without your explicit approval. Most card issuers will conduct soft pulls on your credit report to determine what products they can pre-approve you for.
Do pre-approved credit cards hurt your credit score?
No, pre-approved credit card offers are mostly determined by a soft pull of your credit report. Soft pulls do not have any effect on your credit score. Only hard pulls, like when completing a credit application will have an impact on your credit score.
Can you be denied a pre-approved credit card?
Yes, pre-approved credit card offers are never a guarantee. It’s possible your credit report changed since the card issuer determined you were pre-approved for a specific offer. That is why card issuers still need to conduct a hard pull on your credit report to determine if you still meet the eligibility requirements for approval.
Are there pre-approved credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes, pre-approved offers are not limited to premium credit card offers as we’ve detailed in this post. It’s always important to fully understand the terms and conditions before applying for any credit card, including the annual fee. CardMatch offers an easy way to view pre-approved credit card offers that have no annual fee. All you have to do is select “No Annual Fee” in the “Features” section on the left once you see your offers and it will limit your offers to just those special cards!
Are there pre-approved credit cards for students?
Yes, there are pre-approved credit card offers especially for students. Discover is probably the most popular card issuer for students, but don’t be limited to only student cards. Students are able to see other pre-approved credit card offers (like travel rewards cards) but it might be more difficult without a long credit history. It’s best for students to fully understand how to build their credit score so they can take advantage of those type of offers in the future.
How do I stop pre-approved credit card offers?
To opt-out of pre-approved credit card offers for 5 years, you can call toll-free 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit optoutprescreen.com.
If you do not want to go the easy route with the FTC Opt-Out process, you can also write to each individual credit consumer reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion, etc.) and opt-out that way.
How to Cancel a Credit Card, and Is It Bad for Your Credit Score?
I’m looking to get a whole house generator from a co. called Bates Electric. It’s a generac generator. I have a disabled son who needs electric to get in the house, electric bed, ventilator, electric wheelchair, and an elecrtric ceiling lift. In our area we lose power all the time due to storms and power outages. I’m looking for a charge card that will pay for this. Can you help me? | 2019-04-22T19:56:25Z | https://upgradedpoints.com/pre-approved-pre-qualified-credit-cards/ |
These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms and Conditions” entered into between Ready Freddy VoIP, referred to as (RF VoIP) in this document and Customer.
RF VoIP reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any modifications to these Terms and Conditions will be effective on the first day of the month following the posting of modified Terms and Conditions at https://rfvoip.net/terms-conditions/ Customers should therefore check the site regularly for updated versions.
“DID” means a telephone number assigned by RF VoIP to Customer (or ported to RF VoIP by Customer) has functionality that allows inbound voice communication.
“911 Enabled DID” means a telephone number assigned by RF VoIP to Customer (or ported to RF VoIP by Customer) has functionality that allows inbound voice communication and also has an Address registered to the 911 Enabled Two-Way Number. Each account comes standard with a Default 911 Enabled DID that you register your location address with for 911. You can purchase additional e911 Address locations as outline below.
“ANI” mean Automatic Number Identification.
“Basic 911 Service” means the ability to route an emergency call to the designated entity authorized to receive such calls serving Customer’s Registered Address. With Basic 911 Service, the emergency operator answering the phone will not have access to the caller’s telephone number or address information unless the caller provides such information verbally during the emergency call.
“Call Rating” means the methodology used to define the type and jurisdiction of specific call. Call Rating criteria includes the originating Automatic Number Identification (ANI) (sometimes referred to as the from or source fields) and terminating ANI provided in the call signaling (sometimes referred to as the destination or To fields; may also include remote party ID field). Call Rating defines the type of calls and correlating costs per call.
“Class 5 Features” means additional phones features beyond standard routing and audio. For example, both call hunting and voicemails are Class 5 Features.
“Default” means (and will occur): (i) if Customer fails to make any payment for the Service not disputed in good faith pursuant to terms below.
“Directory Listings” means the listings of a Subscriber’s telephone number in the ILEC directory for a market.
“Enhanced 911 Services” or “E911” means the ability to route an emergency call to the designated entity authorized to receive such calls, which in many cases is a Public Safety Answering Point (“PSAP”), serving Customer’s Registered Address and to deliver the Subscriber’s telephone number and Registered Address information automatically to the emergency operator answering the call.
“Improper Calls” means call types that (i) would result in RF VoIP incurring originating access charges, local exchange carrier “DIP” fees or other call types that may be subject to a reverse billing process, (ii) 911 / E911 or other emergency service calls; (iii) any unauthorized or fraudulent communications on pay-per-call numbers, information service calls, directory assistance calls or the like; and/or (iv) mass calling events, excessive non-completed and invalid calls and failed calls due to inadequate Customer capacity.
“International” means anywhere outside of the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.
“LCA” or “Local Calling Area” means a geographical local calling area (determined by the applicable ILEC) containing one or more Rate Centers.
“Number” or “Numbers” means 911 Enabled Two-Way Number(s) and/or Toll Free Number(s).
“Operator and Directory Assistance” means live or automated operator assistance for the placement of Subscriber calls, listing services and/or related information. Usually dialed with a 411 or NPA-555-1212.
“Phone System” means communication system that transmits information between distant points. For the purpose of clarity, a phone system such as a Key-system (i.e. IP-Key-system, Analog Key-system, Digital Key-system or Hybrid Key-system), Private Branch Exchange (PBX) (aka IP-PBX) system, or any other voice application or appliance.
“Rate Center” means a geographic area (determined by the applicable ILEC) within a LCA or market that is associated with one or more specific NPA/NXX codes.
“Registered Address” means the address provided by Customer and entered into appropriate RF VoIP provided portals, which address represents the physical location from which the Service (and 911 Enabled Two-Way Numbers associated with the Service) will be used.
“Responsible Organization” mean the party hereto that is responsible for managing and administering the account records in the Toll Free Service Management System Database.
“Service” means RF VoIP service provided pursuant to these Terms and Conditions and as further described in Section 2 below.
“Service Term” will be as defined in Section 11 below.
“Standard Business Use” means use of the Service as contemplated by these Terms and Conditions in a manner consistent with business use, which will include, without limitations: (i) use with a Phone System; (ii) a maximum of 15 Numbers per SIP trunk; and (iii) a Registered Address. Standard Business Use does not included an IP address outside of the United States.
“Standard Support” allows the customer to open a support ticket or contact our support department by telephone to receive help in troubleshooting why something may not be working. If we determine that everything from our end is functioning normal you will need to work with your network engineer. To contact support just send an email to [email protected].
“Toll Free Number” means a telephone number that supports NADP and is assigned to Customer by RF VoIP (or ported to RF VoIP by Customer) for use with the Service.
“U.S. Domestic” means the continental United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).
Provided that Customer is not in Default, RF VoIP will provide Customer with the Service described in these Terms and Conditions for the Service Term. Customer is solely responsible to obtain, use, configure and operate any customer premise equipment that Customer may use in connection with the Service. The Service is provided with Standard Support, unless otherwise indicated in writing and signed by RF VoIP CEO as an Addendum to these Terms and Conditions.
The Service is a bundled virtual trunking service providing (i) real-time, two-way inbound, outbound local, and outbound long distance voice communication series via Two-Way Number(s), and/or (ii) real-time, two-way inbound voice communication services via Toll Free Number(s). The Service will route between a Customer’s PBX/Phone System and either the PSTN or another IP address with RF VoIP delivering traffic to Customer’s PBX/Phone System via an IP connection using SIP. Each account is allowed to only have one PBX/Phone system connected to the account. Each trunk enables a single concurrent call but can be oversubscribed with multiple Numbers accessible via a single trunk. If purchased by Customer trunks also may include Basic 911 Services, 411, Operator and Directory Assistance, inbound caller id, caller location and/or white page listing. For clarity, (i) Customer must provide RF VoIP a Registered Address to utilize the Service, and (ii) Customer only may utilize Two-Way Numbers and/or Toll Free Numbers provided by RF VoIP (or ported to RF VoIP) in connection with the Service.
Calls will be rated as local if the call terminates within the LCA associated with the call’s originating ANI, which must be a 911 Enabled Two-Way Number. All calls terminating outside a Subscriber’s LCA will be rated as either intrastate, interstate or international long distance. RF VoIP will distinguish interstate versus intrastate versus international long distance. RF VoIP utilized the value in the “FROM” field in the SIP header as the originating ANI for establishing the jurisdiction of the call (i.e., interstate versus intrastate versus international). However, if a value is present in any of the SIP header fields used for caller id (e.g. Remote party ID, P-Assert-Identity), RF VoIP may use this in lieu of the “FROM” field as the originating ANI to determine the jurisdiction of a call. If RF VoIP cannot accurately rate a call due to an invalid or omitted originating ANI, and its rating jurisdiction is not international, RF VoIP will default to rating the call as intrastate. RF VoIP will determine the originating or terminating carrier by evaluating the terminating ANI down to the NPA-NXX-X level. Customer must maintain the originating ANI for all outbound calls and abstain from any ANI manipulation in the call signaling.
Rating outbound calls as local only applies to calls that utilize Two-Way Numbers as the originating ANI. Termination of calls from telephone numbers not provided by RF VoIP (or ported to RF VoIP) will be rated as either interstate or intrastate long distance. RF VoIP will distinguish interstate versus intrastate long distance based on the originating ANI and terminating ANI provided in the call signaling. If RF VoIP cannot accurately rate a call due to an invalid or omitted originating ANI, and its rating jurisdiction is not international, RF VoIP will default to rating the call as intrastate.
If Customer utilized Toll Free Numbers in connections with the Service, such toll free service is an IP termination service for calls terminating to such Toll Free Numbers. Customer is the Responsible Organization for such Toll Free Numbers and all charges associated with the service.
Customer may not use the Service with (or in connection with) a least cost router (or “LCR”), which RF VoIP will determine, in its reasonable discretion, based upon analysis of Customer’s traffic patterns in the ordinary course of business.
In addition to any applicable limitations pursuant to the AUP (as defined below), Customer may not use the SIP Trunking Service with (or in connection with) an auto-dialer (or “Robo-dialer”), which Provider will determine, in its reasonable discretion, based upon analysis of Customer’s traffic patterns in the ordinary course of business.
The Service requires a Registered Address. Customer may not move the physical location from which the Service is used away from the Registered Address without updating the Registered Address by Customer as contemplated in the definitions of “Registered Address”. If Customer fails to notify RF VoIP of any move of the physical location from which the Service is used without updating the Registered Address as contemplated in the definition of “Registered Address”, RF VoIP may, in its sole discretion, immediately suspend the Service until Customer notifies RF VoIP of such move (or otherwise updates the Registered Address as contemplated in the definition of “Registered Address”). Customer acknowledges and agrees that (i) any such failure by Customer may cause incorrect routing of 911 Services for which Customer will be solely liable, and (ii) the continuation of certain 911 Enabled Two-Way Numbers may be restricted or precluded based upon the physical location to which Customer wishes to move the Registered Address.
The Service does not included any Class 5 Features. For clarity, the Service will not provide any of the calling call types: 976, 900, or 1010xxx.
If Customer utilizes Toll Free Numbers in connection with the Service, such toll free service is an inbound-only service and does not provided any outbound calling, including, without limitation, 911 Services, with respect to such Toll Free Numbers. Customer is strictly prohibited from using (or reconfiguring to support such use) any toll free service or any Toll Free Numbers in connection with the Service in connection with any outbound calls or any Improper Calls. RF VoIP may take immediate action to prevent Improper Calls from taking place, including without limitation, denying any Service to specific ANIs and/or terminating these Terms and Conditions and/or the Service.
In addition to any other rights that RF VoIP has or may have pursuant to theses Terms and Conditions, if RF VoIP determines, in its discretion, that Customer’s use of the Service (or the specific method or technology utilized by Customer) materially and adversely interferes with or otherwise places in jeopardy RF VoIP’s network, other customers, partners and/or overall business(es) of RF VoIP or any of RF VoIP’s other customers or partners, RF VoIP may suspend or terminate these Terms and Conditions, and/or the Service immediately upon as much prior notification to Customer as is practicable under the circumstances, if any.
The Service is provided for Standard Business User for a single company only. RF VoIP reserves the right to ensure that Customer’s use of the Service is consistent with Standard Business Use and otherwise complies with these Terms and Conditions. If RF VoIP determines that Customer is not using the Service for Standard Business Use for a single company, RF VoIP may, in addition to all other rights and remedies pursuant to these Terms and Conditions, notify Customer and allow Customer the opportunity to cure any such use withing two (2) calendar days. Customer may cure by stopping any such use, buying more trunks in order to comply with Standard Business Use, or Customer’s use of the Service in any other way that is consistent with Standard Business Use.
Each High Volume SIP trunk has a softcap or 3,000 combined inbound and outbound minutes (excluding metered international an toll free calling) in any calendar month (or billing cycle, if applicable). If you purchases 10 High Volume trunks your softcap would be 30,000 minutes during any billing cycle that you maintain those 10 trunks in your account.
1) Calls to Canadian numbers or inbound calls on Canadian DID’s account for 2 minutes per actual minute called as it applies against the 3,000 minute softcap due to the high cost of calling to and from Canada.
2) Calls to other North American International numbers such as but not limited to US Virgin Islands that are included as part of the High Volume trunking service and not otherwise billed separately may be accounted as more then 1 minute per actual minute called as it applies against the 3,000 combined inbound and outbound minute limit described above, at RF VoIP’s reasonable discretion. We will notify customers who exceed this softcap during any billing cycle and work with them to determine how many additional trunks would need to be purchased if they are exceeding this softcap.
The RF VoIP High Volume trunking service is not to be used with any type of Softswich or Call Router with the intention of feeding phone service from a service provider to their customers using their own Softswitch or Call Router in a wholesale/resale environment. This service is to be registered to a single PBX/Phone System direct that belongs to a customer for their own internal use only. You are not to use any RF VoIP service for purchasing and porting the numbers out to another service provider. RF VoIP may determine, in its reasonable discretion, if Service is being purchased or used in violation of this provision, based upon analysis of Customer’s traffic, purchase and cancellation patterns in the ordinary course of business. In addition to all other remedies that RF VoIP has listed as part of the terms listed in this agreement, RF VoIP has the right to assess a Port Out fee of up to $100.00 per phone number that is being ported out of an account that RF VoIP has reasonably determined is being used for the resale of phone numbers.
All metered services require the customer to pre-pay a minimum of $25.00 but the customer can request that dollar amount be higher. As Metered Services are used such as Toll Free, International or any other items defined in Section 14 (Metered or Additional Charges). Once the customers balance is less then $5.00 the system will auto charge your Credit Card to Top Up amount by default of no less then $25.00 or any higher amount that you request. The Top Up service will only charge your account once every 24 hours so if you will be using more then $25.00 per day in metered services you will need to have us increase that Top Up amount. Once your Balance falls to $0.00 no Metered Services will be allowed and will be blocked. Any new automated charges below the Top Up amount, not including purchases from the store or your normal monthly service charges, will use the Top Up balance.
The Service includes either E911 Service (or Basic 911 Service under certain circumstances) if, and only if; the call’s originating ANI is a 911 Enabled Two-Way Number.
When a caller from Customer’s Registered Address dials the digits 9-1-1 from a 911 Enabled Two-Way Number, the 911 Enabled DID Number and the Registered Address are automatically sent to the local emergency center servicing the physical location of the Registered Address. Emergency operators will have access to this information regardless of whether the caller is able to verbally provide such information to the emergency call-taker. Accordingly, with E911 Service, the emergency operators will have the caller’s callback telephone number and Registered Address. In limited circumstances, callers utilizing a 911 Enabled Two-Way Number equipped with E911 may have their calls routed to the national call center. Please see the description below for an explanation of when this would occur and how this service operates. If a customer sends any number other than a 911 Enabled DID when calling 911, RF VoIP reserves the right to substitute a Customer’s Primary E911 enabled Two-Way Number that is registered at the Customer’s Registered Address. In this case, the emergency operator will have this callback number and the call will be routed to the local emergency center serving this location. The Customer is responsible for testing and assuring that their proper address and call-back number is being delivered to the E911 center and can do this by dialing 933 and listening to the number transmitted and the registered address played back to the customer.
When a caller from Customer’s Registered Address dials the digits 9-1-1 from a 911 Enabled Two-Way Number, the call is sent to the local emergency center serving the physical location of the Registered Address. However, emergency operators answering the call will not have automatic access to the caller’s telephone number or the Registered Address because the emergency center will not be equipped to receive, capture or retain Customer’s telephone number and/or Registered Address. Accordingly,callers must be prepared to verbally provide both callback and address information. If the call is dropped or disconnected, or if the caller is unable to speak, the emergency operator answering the call will not be able to call the caller back or dispatch help to the caller’s address.
Depending upon their geographic location, certain Customers do not have access to either E911 Service or Basic 911 Service. If Customer does not have access to either E911 Service or Basic 911 Service, emergency calls placed using the digits 9-1-1 will be sent to a national emergency call center. A trained agent at the emergency call center will ask for caller’s name, telephone number, and location and then transfer the caller to the appropriate local emergency center or otherwise determine the best way to provide emergency services to the caller. Like Basic 911 Service, the trained operators answering calls in the national call center will not have automatic access to the caller’s telephone number or Registered Address because the national call center will not be equipped to receive, capture or retain Customer’s telephone number and/or Registered Address. Accordingly, callers must be prepared to verbally provide both callback and address information. 911 calls also may be sent to RF VoIP’s national emergency call center if there is a problem validating the Registered Address provided by Customer, if Customer is located in an area that is not covered by the land line 911 network, or if Customer has E911 Service or Basic 911 Service based on their geographic location, but the call fails to complete and is routed to the national emergency call center for failover purposes.
d. E911 Service is not available from all local emergency centers; the determination of whether E911 Service, Basic 911 Service or national call center service will apply generally is not controlled by RF VoIP. As additional local emergency centers become capable of E911 Service, RF VoIP will automatically upgrade Customer from Basic 911 Service to E911 Service. RF VoIP will not notify Customer of any such upgrade. In limited circumstances, callers equipped with Basic 911 Service based on their geographic location may have their calls routed to the national call center as described above.
i. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE SERVICE IS INTERNET BASED AND THAT 911 SERVICES ARE DIFFERENT THAN THAT OF TRADITIONAL WIRELINE SERVICE. FOR BASIC 911 SERVICE OR E911 SERVICE TO BE ACCURATELY ROUTED TO THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY RESPONDER, CUSTOMER MUST PROVIDE THE 911 ENABLED TWO-WAY NUMBER USED WITH THE SERVICE FOR THE REGISTERED ADDRESS, IN THE ‘USERPART’ OF THE ‘FROM URI’ CONTAINED IN THE SIP ‘FROM’ HEADER.
ii. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SERVICE MAY NOT SUPPORT BASIC 911 SERVICE OR E911 SERVICE DIALING IN THE SAME MANNER AS TRADITIONAL WIRELINE PHONE SERVICE. CUSTOMER AGREES TO INFORM ALL USERS OF THE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM BASIC 911 SERVICE OR E911 SERVICE. SPECIFICALLY, CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO INFORM ALL EMPLOYEES, GUESTS, AND OTHER THIRD PERSONS WHO MAY USE THE SERVICE THAT BASIC 911 SERVICE AND E911 SERVICE WILL NOT FUNCTION IN THE CASE OF A SERVICE FAILURE FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS: (A) POWER FAILURES, (B) SUSPENDED OR TERMINATED BROADBAND SERVICE, (C) SUSPENSION OF SERVICE DUE TO BILLING ISSUES, AND/OR (D) ANY OTHER SERVICE OUTAGES NOT DESCRIBED HEREIN. CUSTOMER FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT FAILURE TO PROVIDE A VALIDATED REGISTERED ADDRESS IN THE REQUISITE FORMAT MAY CAUSE ALL BASIC 911 SERVICE OR E911 SERVICE CALLS TO BE ROUTED TO THE INCORRECT LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDER. FURTHERMORE, CUSTOMER RECOGNIZES THAT USE OF THE SERVICE FROM A LOCATION OTHER THAN THE LOCATION TO WHICH THE SERVICE WAS ORDERED, I.E., THE “REGISTERED ADDRESS,” MAY RESULT IN BASIC 911 SERVICE OR E911 SERVICE CALLS BEING ROUTED TO THE INCORRECT LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICE PROVIDER.
iii. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT NEITHER RF VOIP, ITS UNDERLYING CARRIER, OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE ROUTING, HANDLING, DELIVERY, OR ANSWERING OF EMERGENCY SERVICES OR IN RESPONDING TO EMERGENCY CALLS, NOR THEIR OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGE, LOSS, FINE, PENALTY OR COST (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEYS FEES) AND CUSTOMER HEREBY WAIVES ANY AND ALL SUCH CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION, ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF ALL TYPES OF EMERGENCY SERVICES TO CUSTOMER. CUSTOMER FURTHER AGREES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS INDEMNIFYING AND HOLDING HARMLESS RF VOIP FROM ANY CLAIM OR ACTION FOR ANY CALLER PLACING SUCH A CALL WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE CALLER IS AN EMPLOYEE OF CUSTOMER. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY BADNWIDTH.COM FROM ANY CLAIM OR ACTION ARISING OUT OF MISROUTES OF ANY 911 CALLS, OR WHETHER LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTERS OR NATIONAL EMERGENCY CALLING CENTERS ANSWER A 911 CALL OR HOW THE 911 CALLS ARE HANDLED BY ANY EMERGENCY OPERATOR INCLUDING OPERATORS OF THE NATIONAL CALL CENTER. THE LIMITATIONS APPLY TO ALL CLAIMS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY ARE BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANT, PRODUCT LIABILITY, TORT AND ANY OTHER THEORIES OF LIABILITY.
RF VoIP may from time to time interrupt or otherwise impact Service for maintenance. RF VoIP will make commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Customer reasonable advance notification (via phone, email or other means) of such maintenance. RF VoIP will use commercially reasonable efforts to perform such maintenance in a manner that will not unreasonably interrupt the Service. RF VoIP may interrupt its provision of the Service for unscheduled emergency maintenance without notice to Customer.
RF VoIP will require a completed and signed Letter of Authorization (“LOA”) for any existing telephone numbers Customer wishes to port from another carrier to RF VoIP. RF VoIP may require a recent copy of the current phone bill which contains Customer’s Billing Telephone Number (“BTN”) as well as a record of any numbers that need to be ported. RF VoIP must receive necessary LOA(s) and/or bill copy(ies) before RF VoIP will initiate a port request and obtain a Confirmed Port Date. The “Confirmed Port Date” is the date upon which the current voice provider has agreed to port a number(s) to RF VoIP. The Confirmed Port Date interval may in some cases take as long as one (1) to two (2) business weeks after Customer initiates the port request; since the port interval is a product of the accuracy of the information provided to RF VoIP by Customer, as well as the processing speed of Customer’s current voice provider, RF VoIP makes no guarantees regarding the promptness of a port, however all ports will be provided consistent with applicable law.
All services are activated within a few minutes usually of signing up for service with the exception of Number ports, which usually take 2-4 weeks.
The “Service Commencement Date” will be the date when the voice components are delivered and confirmed by RF VoIP via email. The “Service Commencement Date” ill be the first date of billing for the Service.
RF VoIP provides support for the Service as described at https://rfvoip.net/sla based on SLA’s as defined here.
The monthly recurring charge(s) (“MRC”) and any non-recurring charge(s) (“NRC”) applicable to use of the Service, as well as any other charge(s) applicable to use of the Service, will be as stated in these Terms and Conditions or referenced to https://rfvoip.net/service-rates. All applicable federal, state or local taxes and all use, sales, commercial, gross receipts, privilege, surcharges, or other similar taxes, license fees, miscellaneous fees, and surcharges, whether charged to or against RF VoIP, will be payable by Customer, including, without limitation, any cost recovery fee which will represent an accurate and non-inflated recovery of RF VoIP, or any underlying provider’s, miscellaneous tax, surcharge, and fee payments to federal, state or local governmental authorities associated with the provision of the Service by RF VoIP to Customer. RF VoIP retains the right to invoice Customer for costs incurred by RF VoIP from time to time related to RF VoIP compliance with court orders and other actions of governmental agencies or entities, including, without limitation, subpoenas duces tecum (and similar subpoenas), related to telephone numbers and other information related to or associated with Customer or Customer’s customers and/or end users. At its sole discretion, RF VoIP may require a security deposit to continue providing Service should Customer’s credit profile yield insufficient credit. Additionally, at its sole discretion, RF VoIP reserves the right to demand immediate payment by wire and block Customer’s voice traffic should RF VoIP determine Customer’s usage exceeds their approved level of credit. Except as otherwise provided in these Terms and Conditions, RF VoIP will not increase any MRCs and/or NRCs during the Initial Service Term; thereafter RF VoIP may increase MRCs and/or NRCs upon at least thirty (30) days written notice. All MRCs, NRCs, rates and/or other charges are subject to change immediately in the event there are mandated surcharges or taxes imposed by federal, state or governmental agency. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of governmental or regulatory action, RF VoIP reserves the right, at any time without liability, to: (i) pass through to Customer all, or a portion of, any changes or surcharges or taxes directly or indirectly related to such governmental or regulatory action;(ii) modify the Service, rates (including any rate guarantees), promotions, these Terms and Conditions in order to conform to such action; or (iii) if such governmental or regulatory action materially and adversely impairs the provision of Service, as reasonably determined by RF VoIP, terminate these Terms and Conditions.
13) Metered or Additional Charges.
All per minute rates (Interstate LD, Intrastate LD, Local if applicable, 800 Domestic) assume at least 95% of calls terminating will be of a call duration of no less than six (6) seconds in length. If 5% or more of Customer’s completed calls are equal to or less than six (6) seconds in length during any billing cycle, then RF VoIP reserves the right to charge, and Customer will pay, a charge per short duration call as published at https://rfvoip.net/service-rates. This charge will be in addition to Customer’s current rates.
If no rate schedule is attached, international rates are available at https://rfvoip.net/service-rates (Please note: the posted international rates may include some rate centers in Canada, however, most of Canada outbound calling is included with the High Volume Trunking Service except those listed on the International rate schedule.) International per minute rates are subject to change. RF VoIP reserves the right to block all or a number of high cost, international routes.
Domestic inbound calls to Toll Free Numbers are billed at the quoted flat, per-minute rate or rate schedule that you agreed to at signup and can be found at https://rfvoip.net/service-rates .
The Service may provide Operator and Directory Assistance. Specific per call rate as defined at https://rfvoip.net/service-rates will apply.
A per Phone Number charge as defined at https://rfvoip.net/service-rates will be charged for each phone number you request us to port. This charge is placed on your account regardless if you cancel the port request after submitting it. For cancelled LNP requests within 48 hours of FOC, a non-recurring charge of $100 per Number will be charged. Once a port has been completed you can initiate a port out of any number at anytime to any carrier.
In the event Customer’s Toll Free Number(s) receives any inbound calls originating from a Payphone, these calls will be subject to a charge per call. The charges are based on regulated FCC Payphone Compensation rules. These regulatory charges will be passed through directly to the customer https://rfvoip.net/service-rates.
Billing increments, if applicable, are set forth below.
RF VoIP will bill Customer for the Service as provided in these Terms and Conditions. Invoices will include all applicable federal, state, and local taxes. All such taxes, and all use, sales, commercial, gross receipts, privilege, surcharges, or other similar taxes, license fees, miscellaneous fees, and surcharges, whether charged to or against RF VoIP, which will be payable by Customer. However, if Customer provides proof of its specific tax-exempt status, RF VoIP will not charge applicable taxes due to such exemption. Customer will supply RF VoIP a valid and properly executed tax exemption certificate(s). In such cases Customer remains responsible for, and agrees to pay, any and all remaining non-exempt charges; tax exemption status validation is solely the responsibility of Customer and RF VoIP will not be obligated to consider any retroactive tax exemption.
RF VoIP will commence billing for the Monthly Recurring Charges and usage of the Service on the Service Commencement Date. Payments are due on the invoice date and auto drafted from your Credit Card. If your Credit Card fails to allow the charge amount After (2) days of non-payment, all fees will accrue interest at a rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month or any part thereof, or the highest rate allowed by applicable law, and customer will pay all collection costs incurred by RF VoIP (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees) and customer at RF VoIP sole decision may terminate or suspend all services. If RF VoIP terminates the Service, then all unbilled or uncollected fees will apply. RF VoIP retains the right to bill, including any amended or corrected billing, for the Service(s) for a period of up to twelve (12) months, commencing from the date the billed Service(s) were provided to Customer. RF VoIP will retain such billing rights for this twelve (12) month period notwithstanding any prior billing to Customer for the same period(s) and regardless of any otherwise conflicting billing conditions in these Terms and Conditions. Customer agrees that for the duration of this twelve (12) month period, RF VoIP will not be deemed to have waived any rights with regard to billing for the provided Service(s) that are subject to this period, nor will any legal or equitable doctrines apply, including estoppel or laches.
If Customer disputes any invoiced charges will submit written notification on or before the applicable due date by opening a support ticket, with “Notice of Billing Dispute” in the subject line of the ticket with respect to any disputed charges. Such ticket will include Customer’s complete contact information, the specific dollar amount in dispute, detailed supporting reasons for the dispute, and any supporting documentation, if available. The parties will work together in good faith to investigate any disputed charges and use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any payment dispute within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of such a “Notice of Billing Dispute” from Customer. Any dispute resolved in favor of Customer will be credited to Customer’s next invoice(s); any disputed amounts resolved in favor of RF VoIP will be due and payable by Customer immediately if not paid already. RF VoIP reserves the right to deny any and all matters described in any “Notice of Billing Dispute” (or delay RF VoIP’s determination of the validity of any matters described in any “Notice of Billing Dispute”) if Customer’s account is in arrears or otherwise not in good standing in accordance with RF VoIP’s customary practices and policies.
If Customer requests that Service be restored after a suspension or termination, RF VoIP has the sole and absolute discretion to restore such Service and may condition restoration upon satisfaction of such conditions as RF VoIP determines is necessary for its protection, including requiring Customer to execute a new agreement, pay all past due statements in full, pass RF VoIP’s credit approval, and/or make advance payments. New NRCs also may apply to restore Service.
18) Additional Non Recurring Charges.
In addition to any other quoted charges in Metered or Additional Charges Section please review the https://rfvoip.net/service-rates for any additional charges.
Customer will be solely responsible to provide any needed internal wiring or extensions (including but not limited to required conduit, facilities, power, etc.) for customer premise equipment, Phone Systems, and phones required to use the service.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 24, IN NO EVENT WILL RF VOIP OR CUSTOMER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS) ARISING OUT OF OR IN RELATION TO THE SIP TRUNK, DEDICATED INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE, CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT, AND/OR ANY PRODUCTS OR SERVICE PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES UNDER THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. RF VOIP’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY UNDER THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS IS LIMITED TO SERVICE CREDITS NOT TO EXCEED THE FEES ACTUALLY PAID TO RF VOIP BY CUSTOMER FOR THE SERVICE PROVIDED.
Customer will indemnify and hold harmless RF VoIP, its directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all alleged or actual losses, costs, claims, liability of any kind, damages (including, without limitation, to any tangible property or bodily injury to or death of any person), or expense of whatever nature, (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) to or by any third party, relating to or arising from (a) the use of the Service provided to Customer, whether or not Customer has knowledge of or has authorized access for such use, (b) any damage to or destruction of customer premise equipment not caused by RF VoIP or its employees or agents, and (c) any Default by Customer. Customer has the sole and exclusive responsibility for the installation, configuration, security, and integrity of all Customer systems and/or customer premise equipment used in conjunction with or related to the Service. Customer will indemnify and hold harmless RF VoIP from and against any actual or alleged losses, costs, claims, liability of any kind, damages, or expenses or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) on the part of or which may be incurred by Customer or a third-party relating to or arising from the use or operation of customer premise equipment. Customer’s indemnification in this subsection includes any alleged or actual losses or claims in connection with unauthorized access to or use of the Service by any third-party through customer premise equipment, regardless if such unauthorized access is unintentional, accidental, intentional or by fraud and regardless of whether Customer had knowledge of such unauthorized access. In all such cases of unauthorized access Customer agrees that it retain full and sole responsibility for any and all charges for the Service provided by RF VoIP. If RF VoIP grants Customer access, either by online access, by application programming interface (API), or access by any other means, to a service ordering/management system and other related electronic tools (collectively, the “Electronic Tools”), Customer agrees that it is fully and exclusively responsible for all information accuracy, charges, costs, transactions, and activities conducted through such Electronic Tools. Customer agrees that it is fully and exclusively responsible to safeguard, monitor, manage, and maintain access to the Electronic Tools, and to only allow authorized use of the Electronic Tools to persons that Customer designates. Customer therefore agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless RF VoIP from and against any actual or alleged losses, costs, claims, liability of any kind, damages, or expenses or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) on the part of or which may be incurred by Customer, or a third-party, relating to or arising from the use or operation of the Electronic Tools. Customer’s indemnification in this subsection includes any alleged or actual losses or claims in connection with unauthorized access to, use, transactions, or activity conducted through the Electronic Tools, regardless if such unauthorized access is unintentional, accidental, intentional, or by fraud, and regardless of whether Customer had knowledge of such unauthorized access. In all such cases of unauthorized access Customer agrees that it retains full and sole responsibility for any and all charges for the Service provided by RF VoIP.
22) No Warranties and Customer Assumption of Risk.
RF VOIP MAKES SERVICE COMMITMENTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT (“SLA”); SAID SLA IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. HOWEVER, RF VOIP MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, FOR THE RF VOIP SERVICE PROVIDED UNDER THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. RF VOIP DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL MEET CUSTOMER’S REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THE SERVICE WILL PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS BY THIRD PARTIES. RF VOIP EXERCISES NO CONTROL OVER, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR, THE ACCURACY AND QUALITY OF ANY INFORMATION TRANSMITTED WITH THE USE OF THE SERVICE. CUSTOMER HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUMES THE RISK OF ITS OR ITS EMPLOYEES, USERS, CUSTOMERS’, ETC., USE OF ANY INFORMATION TRANSMITTED VIA THE SERVICE. CUSTOMER WILL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS RF VOIP, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND AFFILIATES FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LOSSES, CLAIMS, EXPENSES, COSTS OR DAMAGES OF WHATEVER NATURE ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE USE OF ANY RF VOIP SIP SERVICE RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE OF CUSTOMER TO COMPLY WITH THIS SECTION.
a. Handwritten alterations or additions to these Terms and Conditions made by Customer will not be considered part of the Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions may only be modified, or any rights under it waived, by a separate written document executed by both parties.
b. These Terms and Conditions will be governed by, construed under, and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Wisconsin a without reference to its choice of law principles. For any action or suit to enforce any right or remedy of these Terms and Conditions, the parties consent to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the courts for Winnebago County, Wisconsin and the prevailing party will be entitled to recover its costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
c. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any applicable tariff, the tariff will prevail.
d. Customer may not assign these Terms and Conditions without RF VoIP’s prior written consent. These Terms and Conditions will be binding on the parties hereto and their respective personal and legal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the these Terms and Conditions will not be affected thereby.
e. Customer signing up for service certifies that (s)he is an officer or certified representative of Customer, and as such is authorized to enter into this binding Agreement. In the event any specified time frame or deadline denotes calendar days, it is agreed that when the last date of required action or response falls on a weekend or holiday, the action and/or deadline will automatically extend to the next business day. Agreement headings are provided for reference purposes only.
f. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, TOGETHER WITH ANY ATTACHMENTS, INCLUDING ANY SCHEDULES, ADDENDUMS, PRICE LISTS, SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENTS, AND ACCEPTABLE USE POLICIES, CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CUSTOMER AND RF VOIP, WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICE PROVIDED HEREIN. CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGES AND UNDERSTANDS THAT CUSTOMER IS NOT RELYING ON ANY AFFIRMATION OF FACT, PROMISE OR DESCRIPTION FROM ANY PERSON OR ENTITY, NOR ANY OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND ANY INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS.
All use of the Service must comply with RF VoIP’s Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) posted by RF VoIP from time to time. The AUP is incorporated herein by reference and subject to change. RF VoIP reserves the right to cooperate with legal authorities and/or injured third parties in the investigation of any suspected crime or civil wrong, including, without limitation, due to or arising as a result of any violation of the AUP.
The Service is based on RFC 3261 – “SIP-Session Initiation Protocol” and requires Customer to conform to this standard. If RF VoIP determines that Customer is in violation of RFC 3261 and this violation prevents RF VoIP from accurately rating or billing Customer’s calls, RF VoIP reserves the right to bill the customer based on their estimated usage and rates, based on RF VoIP’s discretion.
The parties do not intend by the execution, delivery, or performance of these Terms and Conditions to confer any benefit, direct or incidental, upon any person or entity not a party to these Terms and Conditions.
27) CNAM and Directory Listing.
The following applies to Directory Listing and related services only, if applicable: Customer may request Directory Listing and/or CNAM. Upon the submission of any request for Directory Listing, Customer approves the inclusion of any applicable information with any applicable Directory Listing. | 2019-04-20T14:44:14Z | https://rfvoip.com/terms-conditions/ |
Posted November 25, 2014 & filed under SIRENS History.
Soldiers who fought in the First World War, then called “The Great War,” and survived came home with devastating injuries to both body and mind. Over four million Americans served in the First World War, and served under ghastly conditions, facing for the first time in battle heavy artillery, machine guns, and poisonous gases.
And while these physical traumas were terrible, the internal traumas may have been far worse. PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder – isn’t a new thing. Called “shell-shock” at the time of the Great War, the damage inflicted psychologically on soldiers servi ng in the war was unanticipated. Men in the 1900s were expected to be “masculine” and repress their emotions. Crying and breaking down were behaviors thought unacceptable, and were often cited as reasons for placement in insane asylums. Doctors, and the public, had no way to understand the experiences of these soldiers, and they were treated indifferently at best and punished for their behavior at worst.
The end of the war for these returning soldiers could not mean a return to “business as usual”, even if th at had been the hope. Technological advancements, urbanization, and immigration led directly to the social upheavals of the 1920s. With so many men serving, killed in action, or returning disabled in body and mind, women had been needed in the work force, and they were reluctant to return to domestic situations, which served to strengthen the cause of women’s suffrage and independence. This independence was evidenced by the adoption of less restrictive clothing and shorter skirts and the fad for shorter hair that was easier to manage.
Movements like pacifism, isolationism, and spiritualism grew following the end of the war as people sought to retreat from the horror. And the need for relief from the emotional traumas of the war may have contributed to the “anything goes” atmosphere that prevailed in the 1920s. Advertising, commercial manufacturing, the rise of the cinema, and the automobile promoted “new” and “more liberal” ideas that conflicted with the traditional thinking American soldiers left behind when then went off to fight.
Any war impacts the generation th at lives it and the decade that follows it, but the changes in society following World War 1 were rapid and extreme. It would have been a tough homecoming for those soldiers.
In my next post, what happened when women got the vote.
Posted October 8, 2014 & filed under Writing Craft Tips.
Your synopsis forms the basis for your query letter.
Almost all queries today are email cover letters; your manuscript or pages are sent as a Word attachment – but these are requirements you should establish first as some houses still prefer your pages in the body of the email and rarely do houses or agents ask for hard copy. Note also whether the editor/agent prefers pages (usually the first 10-20) or the full manuscript. Never send something from the middle of your novel.
All editors and agents will specify their requirements for submission, so follow those exactly.
The norm today is multiple submissions are acceptable as long as you notify the recipient of your intent. My advice is to limit multiple submissions to 3-4 agents/editors in each round, and if you should hear back in the positive let the others still considering your submission know that you have interest right away. Also, the norm today is that if you don’t hear back in three months, consider your work rejected. Not nice, not fair, but that’s what it is.
Should be no longer than a single typed page. Seriously. Shorter is better.
Should be addressed to the individual editor/agent. Check spelling, check your facts. Find out what the editor/agent has previously edited/agented because you will tell them why you believe your work is a good fit for them.
Your middle should be your synopsis or a reasonable facsimile thereof. This is where you really pitch your story, with an enticing, engaging summary based on your synopsis. Don’t go into details; leave the editor/agent hanging and wanting more – you are pitching your concept and selling your book.
Your ending summarizes your previous publications if any, and your professional writing related experience (i.e., membership in SCBWI or other professional organization, MA/MFA from wherever, whether you are/have been a teacher or librarian). Non-writing related experience need not be mentioned.
Don’t tell the editor/agent that your mother/aunt/children/students loved the story.
Don’t go on and on with gushy personal feelings.
Do sound professional, serious, and educated.
After sending this out for a couple of rounds, if you’ve had no interest, revise and try again. Good luck!
Posted September 28, 2014 & filed under Interviews & Guest Posts.
Hi Darlene! Please give readers a synopsis of WHEELS OF CHANGE.
Racial intolerance, social change, sweeping progress. It is a turbulent time growing up in 1908. For twelve year old Emily Soper, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic. Emily is more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer, than trying to conform to the proper expectations of females. Many prominent people own Papa’s carriages. He receives an order to make one for President Theodore Roosevelt. Papa’s livelihood becomes threatened by racist neighbors, and horsepower of a different sort. Emily is determined to save Papa’s business even if she has to go all the way to the President.
I love stories like yours that are set on the cusp of change. What inspired you to choose this particular time period and the shift from the era of carriage to car?
There were two family facts I discovered while researching my family tree. One was that my paternal grandmother’s father was a carriage maker in Washington DC at the turn of the Twentieth Century. The other was that grandma received an invitation to a reception held at the White House by Theodore Roosevelt. She attended that reception and met TR. The story grew from there.
While I was doing research I discovered just how much change was taking place during this time period in history. The more I looked, the more I realized how frightening it must have been to many people. I wanted to show how change affects us all and can bring welcome and unwelcome things into our lives. It’s up to each of us to decide the importance of those changes. We can’t stop change–it still happens all around us. But, if we make it work for us, we can see a better outcome.
Emily is a strong character. Do you generally begin with character or with plot?
I usually gravitate toward characters first, trying to find something special or unique that makes that particular character stand out. I also enjoy where the characters take me in a story; it is often to a place I hadn’t envisioned. Plot is always more difficult for me. I generally need several rewrites to flesh out plot elements. With WOC several plot elements were expanded or added after the manuscript was accepted.
You have several important subplots (in particular, Henry’s). Please tell us about them and how they came to be.
Henry was always part of the story. I wanted a character that was unexpected for the time and place, yet real and meaningful to Emily and her family. I doubt that a person of color like Henry would have been employed by my great-grandfather; but it seemed important to make that happen.
The rights and gender roles of girls and women became more fleshed out in rewrites than in my original version. The subplot with William and the mouse was also added later, as was the thread buying scene, and Emily building a miniature carriage for Papa. It amazes me how an editor – especially one who also writes, like Marissa Moss my editor at Creston Books – can make a suggestion that takes my mind in a whole new direction. I love that part of the revision process.
Do you have anything new in the works?
I have two projects actually. The first is a PB titled TOGETHER ON OUR KNEES about a little known abolitionist and suffragist, Matilda Joslyn Gage. The other is an MG historical set in a Pennsylvania mining town during Prohibition.
Posted September 26, 2014 & filed under Writing Craft Tips.
If you read my “Synopsis” post, you’ll see that you’ve already got a start on crafting a logline. But we’re going to take it a step further.
A logline is a one-sentence summary of your story. Think about a movie poster, with its brief but compelling summary, or the cover grab of your favorite best-seller. Those are loglines. And why do you need one? In part because you may experience an elevator moment.
Now, a caveat. If you go to a writer’s conference, whether SCBWI, local or national, or any other, you will encounter agents and editors. Since the basic premise of all world behavior is “be nice” it follows that you will not, no never, ever, confront an agent or editor with an unsolicited pitch. As in never. Do I need to repeat?
This is when you need a logline. Not a full-on pitch (that’s a longer item, for another time), but a one-sentence-can-be-told-in-30-seconds-or-less summary of your story. You can use it in that elevator moment, and you can use it in your query. Honing a good logline will also help you focus on what’s most important about your story.
In the 17th Century Caribbean Sea the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow joins forces with a young blacksmith to rescue a governor’s daughter and reclaim his ship.
In a dystopian future where one segment of society rules all teen girl Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in a televised game to fight to the death.
Put these elements together in a sentence that speaks to the high stakes of your story and you’ll have your logline.
Posted September 23, 2014 & filed under Writing Craft Tips.
Each time I attend a writing conference I’m reminded that one of the trickiest things to do correctly is write a synopsis. And yet the synopsis forms the basis of a query, so the more powerful you can make your synopsis, the better your query.
I’ll post on queries soon, but I’d like to give you a worksheet on synopses here. This worksheet will hopefully guide you through the steps you need in order to craft the strongest synopsis of your work.
You’ll be able to download this as a pdf file. Happy writing!
And to read about crafting loglines, see next post here.
Posted September 19, 2014 & filed under Interviews & Guest Posts.
Full disclosure: Lindsey is a dear friend. I’ve admired her work for as long as we’ve known one another – almost ten years! And we are agency mates, clients of Erin Murphy. I couldn’t be more pleased.
Please give readers a synopsis of EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN.
I was sucked into the story right away, and I confess that one reason was that Tommy is such a strong presence even in absence. How did you come to feel about Tommy?
I’m glad you felt Tommy’s presence strongly. Originally, he showed up in one of the stories when the novel was linked short stories that all occurred around this patch of dirt by the side of the road called the pull out. It was my critique partner Anne Bustard who said, “I think this particular story might be a bit bigger.” That’s when I went back in and did a floor to ceiling kind of renovation of the book and Tommy became a thread through all the stories.
I love the multiple points of view, the interweaving story lines. Did you write this novel in a linear fashion?
Do you mean did I write it from start to finish with a beginning, middle and end? Nope. When it was linked short stories, I wrote them one after another. Boom. Boom. Boom. But after I had the piece of Tommy going missing, I had a time frame so I had to weave each thread in relation to the moment he disappears. That’s all when I added in the first person sections of the kids who knew Tommy. Gradually, I found that what I was doing was writing around the negative space. If you have something or someone who goes missing, what remains is cast in sharp relief. Even if Tommy wasn’t part of another character’s life, his absence still affects that character. Like, when you lose your keys, you are kind off course looking for it and all the people you ask if they’ve seen them start looking and they go a little off course. Or worse, when your child wanders away from you at a store and you and everyone around you goes into a freak out until you find her. So if the center of a story goes missing, everything wobbles. I wanted all the stories around Tommy to have that feeling that life is just a little bit off course.
You know, Tommy would say that I did write the novel in a linear fashion because I wrote it in linear time whether or not I went back and shifted the structure of the book. That’s the kind of guy he is. I feel his presence every day. I probably always will.
The notes are brilliant, allowing us to see not only more deeply into Tommy’s way of thinking, but they connect the story of his disappearance with the physics of dimensional possibility. Was that something you came up with early on?
Almost as soon as Tommy showed up in my imagination, I knew he was a bright geeky kid who was a little bit off socially. Once his absence was a central thread, I started keeping Tommy’s journal. I wanted to know the way he thought. I wanted to know who he was. What I discovered was this brilliant kid who was in the middle of having his mind blown by particle physics. I knew his journal was important but all that I included in the manuscript that sold to FSGBYR was that little snippet at the beginning, which is still there. My editor Joy Peskin loved it so I included a bit more when I did a revision for her.
I believe I recall that this novel was inspired by true events. Is that correct? If not, where did it come from?
In the category of truth is stranger than fiction, I was double checking facts and I called the Blanco Chamber of Commerce because I set EVIDENCE in that neck of the Texas Hill Country in a town about the size of Blanco and I needed to check a few facts. I told the woman who answered the phone what my book was about and there was this long pause. “We had a boy that sounds just like your character who went missing a few years ago.” Then my side of the phone went silent. Turns out the boy came back but he had whole town in an uproar for a couple weeks. Wild, eh?
As for the stories in the rest of the book, they aren’t real but they are inspired by real events. For instance, when I interviewed Karla Faye Tucker on death row many years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about how her story had led her to kill someone. Like where did the stitch in the fabric of her life break so that the whole tapestry unravels one very bad night? She haunted me until she showed up in this book.
Truth and factual events captivate me. Then I like to go back and look at the why and how of it. I’m a sucker for epiphanies. I love the aha of life.
That’s an amazing story. We were at Vermont College of Fine Arts together, a memory and friendship I cherish. Was any of this novel a part of your Vermont College experience?
When I graduated from VCFA, two stories–Comic Book and Lost–are in my creative thesis. But what was really important about the VCFA experience and this novel was faith. Faith in my writing. Faith in following and developing an idea. Faith that my ideas were worthy. I don’t know if I could have found that faith without going to VCFA. Every month for two years, I leaped off a cliff and sent my advisors pages and pages of writing. Each month, I made those pages better with tools in my writer’s toolbox. The VCFA experience was pivotal in my development as a writer and certainly this book.
You know the title of this novel comes from a quote in the bible about faith: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In way, this book is a result of that faith in myself as a writer.
What’s your typical writing process? Plotter, or pantser?
Hmmm, I bet I’m going to write every book just a little bit different every time. Even though, I probably pantsed my way into this novel, I held each thread in my head before I wrote them down. I knew where I was going with each section. I knew who the characters were.
On the next book, I purposefully journaled for quite a while. I figured out the characters, the backstory, the crisis and the climax. What was most important was finding the inciting incident. It is the moment that makes the story unravel to an inevitable conclusion. I think of backstory as the hand of god. The reader will believe one coincidence at the beginning of the book. I try to make sure that one coincidence will make all the dice in the hand of god fall on the table. Gradually. Inexorably. Fatalistically. Lovingly. (I have to absolutely love my characters.) After I finish drafting and let it rest, that’s probably when I will do that hard work of making sure it hangs together on the arc of a plot. I do like to write intuitively when I’m drafting but I’m holding the story in my head so I have a map of where I’m going. If writing a novel is like a road trip, then I’m all about the surprises along the way in the first draft. I still get to the destination because I have the map but I’m stopping at cafes and pull outs and overlooks all along the way.
The working title is Inside the Notes. Here is the inciting incident: A young girl arrives in Boston. First time away from home. She is staying with a couple near the music conservatory where she is studying for four weeks. As she is unpacking, the clock radio in her room clicks on (the coincidence) and she hears men’s voices reading poetry and letters. It is a prison radio show. The girl knows her father is in prison for killing her mother when she was two years old. It is the first time she has considered he might be real and have a voice. The journey begins.
Posted September 19, 2014 & filed under Book News.
Posted September 12, 2014 & filed under Book News.
Kendra Levin of Viking has acquired my first middle grade, CHATELAINE: THE THIRTEENTH CHARM in a pre-empt. It’s slated for a winter 2016 release.
Posted June 23, 2014 & filed under Book News.
I’m pleased to announce that my second novel and the companion to FAITHFUL, FORGIVEN, is now available as an e-book on Amazon Kindle for $2.99.
Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco in 1906. The daughter of an outlaw, Kula is soon swept up in a world of art and intrigue – a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana. She meets handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula’s carefully crafted reserve. Yet when a mighty earthquake strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.
This is the second launch for FORGIVEN. Unfortunately, it’s been out of print for almost a year, but fortunately my options as an author with an out-of-print book are now greater than ever.
I’ll share a bit of my journey in case you’re curious or in the same position.
I couldn’t be happier with the design, which pulls together an image of San Francisco after the earthquake and fires of 1906 with the period flavor of the girl’s clothing and the sense of searching that dominates the novel.
I found Elijah after scouring the web for cover designers and choosing him for the clarity of his designs. I also had advice on all matters including cover design from Chris Eboch and Dotti Enderle, who have much experience with e-book creation. And I should add that Elijah’s price was extremely reasonable.
After returning my electronic rights to me, my publisher graciously supplied me with an epub version of the manuscript. This was great, because it allowed me to retain much of the interior design; but Amazon uses mobi files, not epub, and I’d decided to launch with KDP Select because the terms are better for me.
My web designer Lynn Kinnaman helped me by converting the epub first to Word and then to mobi, and then we set up the book to publish. We had to go through several corrections but Amazon makes that easy by allowing you to preview the text since sometimes glitchy little software errors do creep in. I looked through the text carefully because I find it no fun to read an ebook with quirky issues.
If you have a final, clean manuscript in Microsoft Word, it’s much easier to go from there, but all interior design has to be removed. Frankly, I was thrilled to have Lynn’s help, as my left-braininess doesn’t extend to the tedious job of formatting.
It felt like it took forever, but really the process was very easy, thanks to all the advice and help. If you have questions, please fire away!
Posted April 15, 2014 & filed under Short Stories & Articles.
I’m pleased that my contemporary young adult short story Jewels, set in New York City, is included in this anthology of work by Bozeman-area authors. The anthology, published by Bangtail Press, is available exclusively at Country Bookshelf in Bozeman, Montana.
Wren pulls on a knee-high and slips her right foot into the shoe. The leather glows; her foot is dainty. A princess foot. She slips on the left. She steps away from Violet, away from the saleswoman, walks across the floor to the mirror, where only her feet appear, her torso sliced off at mid-thigh.
Her feet, in those emerald skins, could walk right out of the store and no one would know it was her. They might think, that’s Violet’s BFF. That’s Violet.
“I’ll take them,” she hears Violet say. Wren turns. Smiling, Violet leans toward the saleswoman and hands over a credit card. Wren purses her lips.
Wren lifts one shoulder and says, “Okay.” She takes the wallet from Violet and fishes out her card, placing it flat in the saleswoman’s palm. Wren feels hot, then cold, as her card slides through the reader.
Violet moves off, examining one pair of shoes after another. The saleswoman flips the tissue over the shoes, snaps the top down. | 2019-04-24T08:55:56Z | http://janetsfox.com/my-blog/page/14/ |
The '79 had the EGR system. That's all gone now but I had to fix the holes. Here's my attempt on the valve. It's just two pieces of 3/16" steel with an old exhaust gasket underneath. The right gasket would be better but this is temporary. I bent the upper plate a bit to press in the middle. It may leak a bit but I'm not concerned.
What may be a problem is the tube port on the inside. I think that's for exhaust sampling or something like that. It was broken off and the fitting broke, too. So, I drilled out the hole and tried to tap it. That wasn't working so I grabbed a big self-tapping bolt and...cracked the manifold. With my options being to swap in a manifold or go with it, I went with it. One bolt on that manifold was broken off when I got it and I fixed that. I didn't want to do that again. So, put some JB Weld into the hole to seal a bit and drove the bolt back in. Might just break off or leak but I've had worse. It is temporary, after all.
Last edited by GlenL; 11-19-2016 at 08:36 AM..
Since pictures are fun, here's the '79 engine on the hook. Notice the third chain going diagonally and how flat the engine is. Made it easy to drop in. No intake on the engine but I wanted to make space in the garage and get the "Zombie" back on the ground. It's winter here, suddenly, and I need the second stall.
Been a while in process, but I've gotten the CIS worked out enough to put a '79 engine into the '80 S. It starts and runs but won't "take the gas" when I press the throttle. I've checked a lot but can't find the false air leak that I'm sure is there. The car will idle at 1200 RPM fairly smoothly and do so until I turn it off. It's unresponsive to changes in the idle setscrew. I'll get this figured out. At least it runs without blowing fluids about.
Always disassemble the fuel distributor up-side down and carefully track which parts go where.
I've posted a few times on this. I'll rehash that a bit for completeness.
Using a spare CIS fuel pump, I set up a bench-test system for the CIS. It's easy enough. My initial goal was to flush gas through the fuel distributor and injectors and get the system cleaned out before putting it into a car. The initial work was problematic with the system being clogged. So I resolved to rebuild the fuel distributor and clean the injectors. And that's when the fun started.
I've lost track of the number of times I had the fuel distributor apart. Likely 20 or more. Pull it apart. Clean it a bit, put it back together and try it out. A few things have come clear to me on this.
Always use a fuel filter going into the system.
It's OK to re-cycle the gas that come from the return line. I found real trouble putting the gas back into the system that was caught coming out of the fuel injectors or leaks. I suspect those were getting contaminated from the tubs I as using. Something was going on as using fresh gas got good results put pouring the "caught" gas back into the supply gas can often lead to clogging of the distributor and WUR.
The thin, simple "washers" below the springs are shims and are more critical is setting flow rate than the springs themselves. I started to track flow rates versus shim height and it was a very clear trend of the thicker shims producing higher flow rates. By moving the shims around and comparing flow rates from the injectors with no other changes I could see that some springs were stiffer. Or the diaphragm was more compliant there.
By moving the shims to get a gross balance and then moving the springs based on which were "stiff" and "soft" I could get the fuel distributor back into some sort of balance.
Be very careful when installing the 8 small o-rings around the central core. It's very easy to have one pop off, slip up, break or have an abrasion. The result being an injector that comes on full blast and the trial is wasted. It was handy to have a bag of 100 o-ring to use. The more assembly cycles the o-rings are used in, then more likely they are to fail.
One effort that went well was characterizing the fuel injectors. I swapped them, one-at-a-time, to a line that flowed well. This lead to finding 8 (out of 17) that had comparable flow rates and good patterns.
Something quite interesting was that the fuel distributor on the "S" car is an adjustable distributor. The model number matches the one off the '79 and is correct for the car: 0 438 100 027. But! Each valve in the fuel distributor has an Allen-key adjustment on its side. I hadn't seen this before, or heard it mentioned, and could find this feature on other 928s. It looks like something for a Ferrari 400. Carl at 928 Motorsports sells an alloy version of this type of unit for strong money. Picture below.
Well, lots of things. First off, it's a US '79 engine in an '80 Euro S car. I swapped in this donor engine so I can move and drive the car while working on the Euro S engine.
I do want to call attention to the fine use of off-the-shelf hose to replace hoses on the '79.
The fancy heated vent hose is gone. The heater line, for the coolant, is replace by some 3/8" fuel line running from the rear of the right head back to the crossover. I though about blocking them off, maybe with a plate on the head, but put in a hose instead. For the vent line I've just got some big (1 1/4"?) water hose the runs over the side.
The hose from the auxiliary air regulator to the cold start valve was really crisp. That's replaced by some 3/4" heater hose and a couple of elbows. Had to go around the long way to make it work.
There's a similar approach for the brake booster. Easy to grab from the junk bins and make something work.
So I'm zooming the car around. The lower power level is really noticeable with 216 instead of 300hp. Maybe not tuned up so well, either. Still, it runs and drives and I can keep fixing the electrics and other things while pacing myself on the engines.
Last edited by GlenL; 04-23-2017 at 07:34 PM..
Good progress. are you having any issues finding euro parts for the rebuild?
No... but I've been accumulating them for a while.
The main bearings are NLA but I spotted some on eBay. I've heard that the 97mm piston rings can be hard to get but I ordered them when, apparently, they were in stock. Most of the engine parts are shared with other engines so are available.
I've started on the engine rebuild. This time it's the Euro S engine that came with the car. The car has a '79 US engine in it now.
I've gotten it apart with not much drama. It came apart fairly easily. Surprisingly, all the injector sleeves unscrewed just fine. One broken bolt on the heater hose outlet.
I'm trying to get the studs off the block and that's not going well. The plan is to have the deck milled to be flat. I've tried 4 or 5 and only one stud came loose. I'll see how it goes and may just let the machine shop remove them.
All the bearings looked and and the cylinders themselves are remarkably clean. Not a single scratch in any of them!
The outside of the engine was an oily mess with lots of caked-on, baked-on dirt. The inside is terrible. I ran synthetic oil in it thinking it'd clean up a bit but it's just black and gooey.
Now that it's getting towards spring, the engine project is coming together. All the machine shop work is done. Here's the block and heads all clean and wrapped up. The block got some broken bolts fixed, including a stud I broke, and it's been decked about 0.005". That should help with gasket sealing.
The heads got a full valve job. One springs was broken but otherwise it just needed guides and seals and machine work. The shop also did some porting work. They made a larger radius on the inside of the intakes. No flow bench results. Minor surfacing to ensure it's flat. I should have had the cam tower surfaced as well to help sealing there.
The crank also got a check and a polish. No issues.
I thought about getting the pistons balanced and decided not to. I've asked for that in the past and have been told that they're pretty close to begin with. I'll spend the money elsewhere.
Almost all the parts are here. I've been collecting them for years. I found the correct bearing set on eBay that's been NLA for a couple of years. The 97mm rings are sometimes hard to find. I've been looking for a tougher top ring but can't find anything stock that'll fit.
I'm trying to decide on what to do with the studs. I'd like a full new set but the stock Porsche studs are not as stiff as the ones that are on there. I've thought about getting an ARP set. 928MS sells one.($480!) Looks like that's really two 944 2.5l sets with the two short studs pulled from another ARP Porsche kit. I might just salvage studs off the blocks I've got.
Otherwise, just waiting on the crank scraper kit from 928 Motorsports. My order for a kit from Ishihara-Johnson went awry and they refunded the money. I've been very happy with the I-J kit on my first track car.
Working on mundane cleaning and ordering final parts. Some improvising was necessary to get the cam towers apart.
This engine has the steel liners for the lifters. One side came apart fine but on the second that just wouldn't budge. This is Minnesota and the garage isn't heated so I thought that some heat would help. A propane torch didn't seem to heat the tower much so I got a bigger torch. (below) In this case, it's a sunflower heater mounted to a tank. The cam tower is clamped to a bench and sticks out over the heater. Worked like a charm. When the tower got hot to the touch the liners would slide out without much force.
This engine is really filthy inside. It ran great but it's amazing that it did. All the o-ring and rubber parts are solid and crunchy. It's no wonder there was so much oil on the outside.
Some of the lifters are stuck hard. I've gone to using a gear puller to force some action on the button. Eventually, they get to 1/8" or so of motion which I figure is OK. I've got some extra used lifters as back-ups but want to put the originals back in the same sleeves. So far, the lifters have loosened up without any obvious damage.
The next goal is to get these cam towers back together.
I'm turning the corner on the project from disassembly and cleaning to re-assembly.
Got the cam towers together today. It took a long time to get it all ready for that. The towers and exterior parts were very dirty with caked-on, baked-on oily crud. It took about three hours per side to get it done. Assembly is about 45 minutes a side.
While checking the lifters, I found some problems. First-off, some of the lifters had zero play on the piston. Some moved freely for about 1/4" to 3/8" of stroke. For the stuck ones, I worked the piston a bit by pressing on it by hand but that didn't free them up. What did work was using a gear puller to force the piston down. Not good to do but we'll see if they're damaged. Applying some penetrating oil and working them made them all move well, eventually.
I'm not sure why some lifters were stuck solid. It might have been the pistons were seized or gunk inside was not letting the oil out of the piston or fill hole. I tried getting them apart but the piston is swaged in. It'd be fun to investigate but that'd be one that got replaced.
While getting the sleeves out, I apparently distorted a few. The lifter should slide through on its own weight but some stuck. Eyeballing, the sleeves were bent a tiny bit where there were vice-grips marks. Some 220 grit sandpaper took that down enough to get smooth motion. It's important that the lifters not only move up/down easily but turn as well. The cam lobes are a bit off-center with respect to the lifters so the lifters will turn a bit on each cycle. This motion evens out the wear on the lifter faces.
The towers went together well. I use a bit of RTV on the cork end seal as those tend to leak. An oddity is that the cap themselves are marked "Canada." I did not know that. I use Redline assembly lube on all of the contacting surfaces.
Only a few things left in the need-to-clean pile. Only a few minor parts that need to come in. Getting near to doing the rotating assembly assembly.
Last edited by GlenL; 04-13-2018 at 07:54 AM..
Here's something I didn't think existed. I searched but I couldn't find a US retailer that sold the square-toothed belt for older cars (through 1982) made by Gates.
The internet wisdom is that Gates belts stretch less than other manufacturer's belts. After searching all sorts of websites, I looked on eBay and found one out of the UK. It finally showed up and is the "unobtainable" Gates belt with square teeth. I half-suspected that a later belt with round teeth would show up in the box.
Last edited by GlenL; 04-16-2018 at 06:19 PM..
Working through the parts as I'm finishing up cleaning and prepping.
Here's a few pictures of ARP head studs that will be going in. These are ARP 204-4211 studs are are made for the 16V 2.5l 944 engine. They are precisely the right studs for the job except that the 944 engine doesn't have the one short stud on each side. (And you need two sets.) As the short stud is a supply challenge, I busted one of those taking it apart.
Something that experienced 928 engine builders say, and I've experienced as well, is that the replacement studs from Porsche are not as stiff as the original studs. They're also not as stiff as the ARP studs. Mixing them together makes it hard to get an even clamping force on the head and that leads to gasket failure. What I've seen/felt is that when tightening the new Porsche studs the wrench just keeps on turning to get to the right torque. I've been worried that the stud was actually pulling out of the block. No, it's the stretchy replacement stud.
So... I've got the 18 long studs. In the first pic there's one original stud lined up to show the lengths and thread lengths. The ARP are a bit longer, overall, with more threads on the top (nut) end. I'll have to see what I want to do about the short stud. Either use the new stud and one old stud or salvage a stud off a spare, older block.
ARP does make a near-correct short (142mm) stud that's actually 150mm but will work. They sell it in a special set for putting a 16V head onto a 3.0l block. Someone could (and someone does, apparently) get them and then resell a 20-stud kits for the 928. It was just a lot cheaper to get two kits and figure out the short studs.
The third picture is of a new Porsche short stud along with the original short stud and a long stud. Note the wear marks on one end of the original studs from the force needed to get them out of the block. If the new studs were compatible with the original studs I'd have picked out good-looking studs and just bought a handful to go in with the ones that look too beat up to re-use.
I've wanted to do this for a while whether or not it'll show any power improvements.
The inside of the plenum is fairly rough and isn't machined or cleaned-up after being cast. At least it doesn't look like it. The pics show some of the work I've been doing on the upper plenum. Pretty simple and quick to use a barrel sander and some small grinding stones to take off the "sandy" surface and make it a lot smoother. I think it's valuable to the the inside "bell" part, too.
The first two pics show inside views with the first being un-polished outlets and the second showing the other side having been polished. The third pic shows two outlets with one polished and one not. The polished one doesn't look that scratched in person and does feel a lot smoother.
The original surface is pretty rough with grains of metal sticking up. It's not a case of polished vs. dimpled as some surface texture can be good.
I also did some work on the lower plenum, to. (No pics) Mostly just smoothing the inside of the casting with a Scotchbrite pad and getting it clean. I did notice that the throttle body didn't line up well on the plenum. Some work with a half-round file got that to match. I cleaned up the front well as that's where the air is being turned upwards to the throttle.
Next up is to polish and port the runners a bit.
Last edited by GlenL; 04-28-2018 at 07:32 AM.. | 2019-04-19T15:00:20Z | http://reutterwerk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=29f1793a08566127e1017aba3e8c3c4c&t=32369&page=10 |
This is my first post. I won my first game of Angband in January, having discovered the game in October 2016.
I told myself that I might join the forum when I had won, not really feeling qualified to say anything otherwise.
As it happened, there were a couple of unusual things about my game (at least, I think they were unusual).
Late in the game I had a fantastic fight I enjoyed more than anything else as that character. I have a fondness for everything that summons monsters (except for undetected summon undead traps), as they often provide interesting monsters and needed XP, so when I found a chest with summoning runes on dungeon level 83, I went for it. Boom! Around me stood Maeglin, Kronos, Gothmog, and Ancalagon the Black. It was a long fight, during which Maeglin summoned the Witchking of Angmar, and somewhere in it all someone, I think it was the Witchking, summoned Feagwath. It rather shook me, as I had become overconfident, and before I had killed anyone besides Maeglin I had to learn to fight without access to healing (except for rods), and by the end of it I used my first scroll of banishment (you may imagine that someone who likes summoning scrolls, and is a level clearer by choice, would not like those). So, quite the chest. Regrettably, I have forgotten what was actually in this chest more heavily guarded than Morgoth himself, but Kronos did drop the Arkenstone of Thrain, which left me pretty happy.
I expect I am far from the only person with a story like the above to tell; perhaps it is even commonplace. However, my lurking on the forum has made me reasonably sure that the other notable happening on that game was really something out of the ordinary. Quite simply, I opened a chest, on Dungeon Level 25, and found the Ring of Power 'The One Ring'. I was stunned. I never ended up using it, though. First I did not have remotely the XP for wielding it, and then, after a lot of consideration, I decided that I did not want my first win, which I rather thought it was going to be, to be accomplished through the use of the One Ring. It was sitting at home for the big fight over the chest, but I did bring it with me for the Morgoth fight. I did not intend to use it to fight him, and I didn't, but I had formed a plan to keep on walking straight to the bottom if I succeeded against him, and from there not return to the surface except on foot. I had also decided that I did not mind trying on the One Ring and seeing what 'bizarre things' were (don't tell me) once Morgoth was dead. I didn't end up trying it on, though. I had a final idea of ceremonially dropping the Ring into lava, and only trying it on after this formal, futile attempt to destroy it was over. On Dungeon Level 104 I started farming some Great Wyrms for lava (I knew I would want a corridor melted for a fair length if I was not to drop it and find it a few spaces to the side), and I grew careless. I did not pay enough attention to healing, and a Dracolisk did me in with nexus. I was a bit annoyed with myself, but it still felt better than losing.
You can find Dwalin on the ladder here.
Hah! Why does one need to be "qualified" to post on an Angband forum? I had a great time getting to know the peeps on here and learn about the game when I was still a noob, long before I had any dreams of actually winning the game.
Your post is very interesting, though, and was a pleasure to read. I'd like to learn more details about your fight with so many of the most terrible uniques. Did you fight them all at once? Did you teleport any of them away? I consider myself a pretty brazen fighter, but I would never take on all of those at once! Hell, I don't even take half of them on one on one (I don't fight Kronos and I don't fight Ancalagon and only Gothmog if I have fire immunity and a very strong character). Any one of those one on one is a very dangerous proposition. Did you say without healing potions??? Yes, I am the same way; I rarely use mass banishment scrolls.
So how did you fight these most terrible foes?
I often make the mistake of thinking Angband doesn't get played that much since people don't post on the boards that much. But there really is very little correlation here evidenced by how often reports of finding the One Ring show up on here. It requires a lot of playing to find the One Ring!
I doubt you can destroy the One Ring in lava created by a dragon. I believe the lore states that the One can only be destroyed in the fires from whence it was made and I am unaware of Mount Doom being accessible in the game!
I was quite aware that I would be welcome if I came without winning, but I suppose I wanted to have something to say when I came. It was more a matter of personal satisfaction than anything else. Even that wasn't enough, though; you notice that while I won in January I only joined in March. It took the combined pressure of having planned on posting following victory, finding that downloading PosChengband was more troublesome than I anticipated, a question about modifying the text files, the desire to give some opinions on the developments for the next edition of Angband, and positively promising myself as an incentive to study that once I made it through my projects I would join the forum, to actually get me on.
After these months, my memory of the business is not perfect, but I will do my best. The first thing I did was to teleport away. My plan was to meet them one by one, if possible, teleporting the others away as needed (no, I am not the new super-warrior in town; this story involves a lot of teleportation). My strategy was heavily dependent on potions at the time, but I felt pretty confident as I had a great many of them (I am not sure how many anymore; there were certainly at least eight *Healing*, and I feel like it was more than a dozen, besides sundry Healing). I was thrown out of my reckoning by Maeglin's tunneling abilities, which meant that as I made my way back to the site, planning to use my standard procedure of probing on sight and then strategizing, I found myself face to face with a foe I could not probe until he was upon me. I think that I had the Dragon Helm of Dor-lomin by that time, so I must have seen him coming, but it was still far faster than I wanted. I used up the majority of my potions fighting him. During all this, as I said, Maeglin summoned the Witchking, and I teleported him away. I had settled on a policy of carrying between five and eight rods of teleport other with me at any time, so it was no difficulty. If Gothmog or Ancalagon turned up during this, I teleported them away, too. I don't really remember, though.
Anyway, once the fight was over, I was still looking through the loot when... I think it was Ancalagon(?) came up. I did not want him to breathe on the loot, so I teleported away... into the arms of the Witchking. I quickly found that I was not ready for that fight, as he summoned his hoards of greater undead, including Feagwath (at least, I think it was at this point). I teleported away again, to the room where the chest had been, which now had Maeglin's tunnel stretching away in a long, straight downward-right diagonal, and where some of the uniques, Kronos and, I think, someone else, still were. With only three or four healing potions of any kind, I was not ready to battle more than one at once.
From this point my memory becomes hazy. I had earlier recognized that I was safest from ranged attacks hiding in a hole dug at right angles to a diagonal passage, so it makes sense that the next thing I remember is crouching in a side alcove I had dug in Maeglin's tunnel, with two healing potions left, and both my rods of healing charging. My brother strongly recommended that I should use my rod of recall, but there were several things against this. 1: I still had not gotten to look through Maeglin's loot, and I hated leaving loot unchecked. 2: In the entire game, Dwalin had never left a level having begun a fight and not finished it; I am a level-clearer, and will kill every monster I am aware of before I leave. It seemed a pity to break with that so late in the game. And 3: Word of Recall takes time, and I thought it probable that if there was any way that I could last out the time it took for recall to take effect, I could probably make it through the fight. I thought it most probable that I could not last that long.
So the cubby-hole fight began. I was soon at least safe from Kronos and the Witchking, as Ancalegon's breathing soon made it that my hole was cut off from non-fire immune monsters' approach by lava. I myself was fire-immune, thanks to the Gauntlets of Eol (probably the third-most pleasing item I found in that game), so at least I didn't have to worry about that. All I could do was fight with what hitpoints I had, and teleport Ancalagon away when things got bad. When he was gone, Gothmog came, and I teleported him too. My salvation came when I saw that when I had recovered (oh precious, precious rods of healing), and Ancalagon came back, he still had fewer hitpoints than at the beginning of our last fight, though rather more than at the end of it. In short, he recovered more slowly than me, and while his life rating was gigantic, he could be slowly worn down in a long series of units where I would teleport him and Gothmog away twice each, and then fight Ancalagon until my hitpoints were depleted. Once I used one of my remaining healing potions, I think in the final fight where I killed the dragon. I then turned my attention to Gothmog, and found that I recovered faster than him, too. So I played out the same strategy, without intermittent visits by any second monster.
Once Gothmog was dead, I had to come out of my hole, as nobody was going to come for me behind all that lava. Furthermore, when I went outside, I found that nobody was close enough to come searching for me, lava or no. I decided that it was best to go for the most powerful monsters first, so I went in search of the Witchking. That was a bad fight, and I quickly found that I could not fight him and his undead cohorts. There was one especially nasty non-unique ghost that was in it with him and making it terrible. I was only lasting a few rounds with them both hitting me and doing spells at the same time, so I teleported out of there to think. The ghosts followed me out. I was cornered, and out of healing (I think my last potion was gone by this time, although maybe it remained unused to the end), and very low on scrolls of teleportation, and I again thought I was going to die. Besides not liking them for the reasons already covered above, I had always been wary of scrolls of mass banishment, as I knew that they cost hitpoints to read, but I did not know how many; I supposed it to be proportional to the number and level of the monsters which were banished. Still, it was an emergency, and I was carrying a few ?Banishment and ?Mass Banishment which I had picked up in the dungeon and was going to take home for the Morgoth fight (I had read on the forum that it was a good idea to have them for that; I was also building up a cache of !*Healing*, and another cache of ?Rune of Protection for the same purpose, the latter I now know quite uselessly). Still, times were desperate, and I hoped that in banishing the horde of undead, I would be left with a few hitpoints to limp back to the safety of Maeglin's tunnel with. Imagine my surprise when I found that it only cost three hitpoints! I still didn't really want to use them, but I now knew what I possessed. I fought the Witchking, but I don't remember the details, though he was the hardest of the group to fight (that seems wrong to me, by the way; surely Ancalagon should be easier only than Morgoth and Sauron?).
Feagwath required another scroll or two, of Banishment, not Mass Banishment, and proved tougher than I anticipated. That left Kronos, who had minded his own business from the start, so I was surprised to see him almost at the entrance of the room where I had fought Feagwath (and, at any rate, begun my fight with the Witchking, instead of at the far end of the dungeon, by the former site of the chest, where he had been the entire time (did I hit him and rile him up at some point I have forgotten?). Anyway, we fought, and it was over decently quickly, though I lost some of the loot from the undead before I could look at it.
After that, I went back over the dungeon, to finally see all the loot. I checked the chest, but there was nothing memorable there, nor was there from Maeglin, which seemed hard, as I though that of the whole group, he was the most likely to drop something good. Ancalagon had nothing worth taking, and neither did the Witchking. I think Feagwath might have had a third rod of healing to add to my collection, but maybe I got that later. The Arkenstone was a good enough find to reconcile me to the poor yield of the other monsters, almost.
I came out of the fight recognizing that I had reached the point where even a fiftieth level warrior with maximized constitution and strength, and a speed over 30 without hasting, could no longer rely on his own power and the occasional healing potion to see him through every fight. From then on I made a habit of digging precautionary hidey-holes when I saw a big fight coming, and valued my rods of teleport other more than ever.
Incidentally, Grotug, I notice that contrary to my expectations, the Chest of Summon Overkill was of greater interest to you than the One Ring in a chest on Level 25; was the chest incident stranger than I thought (I had had a similar incident with Hoarmurast, Radagast, Glaurung, and the Minotaur Lord being summoned by a chest earlier in the game), or is finding the Ring in such circumstances less remarkable than I supposed? Or are you just more interested in fight stories than in weird productions of the RNG?
By the way, Grotug, you made my day, asking about the big fight; I had really wanted to go into the matter in detail, but I hesitated to make my initial post a wall of text. I am pretty sure that that fight was the most fun I have ever had playing Angband.
Big fights like that sure are interesting. Finding the One Ring on DL25 from a chest is extremely remarkable, unheard, even, as far as I'm aware. There are told some wild stories of early finds on here forums. I myself once had one not too long ago when a Power Dragon Scale Mail was sitting on the floor of a regular room on DL12? It's not that I didn't find your One Ring find newsworthy (it definitely is!) but I wanted to put all my focus on just one aspect of your remarkable report and your fight intrigued me the most because I have had some pretty harrowing fights myself, especially toward the end of the game, and so I was curious to hear more details about the fight (since there is less one can say about finding stuff).
Maeglin isn't so much a problem if you are fit to fight him. In fact, his tunneling in a way is good because it means you can isolate him; since he's the only one who is going to hunt you down. I find it interesting that you found The Witch-king the toughest. For me he is usually quite easy, but I almost always have a good slay Undead weapon by the end.
You are quite lucky that you survived all those fights. Teleporting around a level with all those beasties can end very badly. Having 30 speed makes a huge difference, in my experience, for surviving bouncing around super dangerous levels.
I definitely get the appeal of waiting to win before posting. I never expected to win without help, so the idea of winning and then posting on the forums never even occurred to me. In fact, it was many many games and many hours and many sad deaths and losses of epic equipment and characters before I ever started to smell the possibility of victory.
I've also wanted to play PosChengBand but also found it too difficult to get a working copy on my computer. I'd still like to try it if it's possible. The only variant I tried was a wilderness one but I didn't like the layout of the wilderness so I gave it up. Whereas, dungeon layouts are simple and repetitive but very effective for fun games.
There are big changes underway currently for the next version of Angband that I suppose you are aware of. At first the changes were too radical and crudely implemented for my liking and I pretty much ignored them until they started to get more refined. I'm now really looking forward to the new release and am not too shy to put in my two cents to help ensure a well thought through version is released. It's much harder than the current official version of Angband. I have yet to make it passed the midgame.
One thing I hate happening, and it's a classic "Murphy's Law" scenario: if I ?Recall in a fight I feel I think I can win but by no means assuredly, I end up getting the fight under control and then the ?recall kicks in! Usually what happens is I get a super favorable ?phase, get the unique I was struggling against fleeing, and then the ?recall kicks in. Something like that. But if I don't ?recall, well, then I die. Your brother's judgment was not at all off the mark, though. Of course, if I was in your situation, I too would not have heeded his advice for the same reasons! Although these days I've developed enough experience and wisdom to no longer be a level-clearer.
I remember the first time I found Eol gloves. I was so torn about whether I should wear them due to the aggravation. I asked the forum and the consensus seemed to be that the aggravation wasn't worth the fire immunity, and I ended up agreeing, but it was so disappointing not being able to wear them!
I usually find The Witch-king quite manageable by the time I fight him. I TO his summons that are troublesome and ignore the ones that aren't. I'm not sure what ghost could be giving you so much trouble at this stage of the game? Dreadmasters and the like are pretty harmless relative to top Uniques (unless you don't have Strength sustained, I suppose).
I think scrolls of M/banish deal 3 damage to @ per monster banished. So if you banish 100 monsters you'll take 300 damage. I agree runes of protection are not that useful, but every once in awhile one will last 6 to 8 turns against Morgoth, which is very helpful. Most of the time he breaks them in one or two turns.
I agree that Ancalagon should be harder than the Witch-king, and in all my experiences fighting them he has been by far the more terrible of the two. I find it quite surprising to hear that you did not have that experience. Did you slay dragons powerfully, but not Undead?
A shame that none of those top uniques dropped anything worthwhile. I'd expect at least one or two of them to drop something good. Maeglin, The Witch-king and Ancalagon all usually drop great stuff. The RNG is funny like that; gives The One Ring in a chest on DL25 (!) but then doesn't give any of the rings of power or Ringil or Cubragol or PDSM on DL83 from slaying top uniques.
There are told some wild stories of early finds on here forums. I myself once had one not too long ago when a Power Dragon Scale Mail was sitting on the floor of a regular room on DL12?
I read about your Level 12 Power Dragon Scale Mail; thrilling stuff, and a lot more useful to the game than finding the One Ring so early, even if I had the will to use it.
Teleporting around a level with all those beasties can end very badly.
I was cautious about teleporting, having been warned by the help file when I first began playing Angband; I suppose that is why I still had some scrolls of teleportation left at the end. I mostly relied on Teleport Other, only teleporting myself if I was in the unhappy situation of facing multiple deadly foes when my health was low. That didn't always work, of course, as there were enemies farther off, too, but it seemed safer to chance it than to stay.
In fact, it was many many games and many hours and many sad deaths and losses of epic equipment and characters before I ever started to smell the possibility of victory.
Well, I had my own tragic losses of life and loot in the process of trial and error (you may imagine what it was like when my first really successful character read my first scroll of acquirement somewhere around level 30 and, I kid you not, received the Dragon Helm of Dor-lomin, and then to die to the Balrog-of-Moria-and-friends disaster summoned by an out of depth Greater Demonic Quylthug which I foolishly prodded on level 37). There were two or three dozen characters who died before I won, but only six who can be said to have gotten anywhere much (that is, beyond Level 20). I suspect that this is a fairly low count, but it is probably because of a highly defensive mode of play adopted after losing Fimbulfambi, the one who got the Dragon Helm. I would carefully limit my speed of descent, by one rule or another. For a long while I would only go down a level when I found a stat-boosting potion that affected me in a stat I had not reached intrinsic maximum on; before stat potions begin to appear there isn't really any question of a level-clearing warrior going down too quickly, even as a beginner. Later on, when this was getting too slow, I brought in a new rule requiring a minimum reserve of whatever my current primary healing potion was be kept in my house; if the reserve fell below twenty potions, I would grind about on whatever level I was on until it was restored; this was a pretty good speed limit, as the chief reason for keeping it slow was to prevent my using up such potions more quickly than I found them.
I've also wanted to play PosChengBand but also found it too difficult to get a working copy on my computer. I'd still like to try it if it's possible.
On the thread I have kind of taken over by asking about PosChengband, I have been recommended to try FrogComposband, which is supposed to have just about everything one could want from PosChengband; perhaps we will discover it together, if the recommendations there look as good to you as they do to me.
The only variant I tried was a wilderness one but I didn't like the layout of the wilderness so I gave it up.
I see what you mean about this one. The only variant I have really tried is Unangband, and even though I have hardly been in the wilderness, I am bugged enough just by working among all of the trees growing underground.
One thing I hate happening, and it's a classic "Murphy's Law" scenario: if I ?Recall in a fight I feel I think I can win but by no means assuredly, I end up getting the fight under control and then the ?recall kicks in!
I have my own defense against Murphy's Law of Word of Recall. I make it a habit, once they appear, to carry three rods of recall. One to recall with, one to cancel that recall with, and one to recall again if I find that there is some strong reason for recalling after all that ca'n't wait for one of the others to recharge. I have never had to use the third one, but I like to be prepared. Before I get the rods, I carry three scrolls, but for different reasons; one to go down, one to go up, and one in case of fire.
I asked the forum and the consensus seemed to be that the aggravation wasn't worth the fire immunity, and I ended up agreeing, but it was so disappointing not being able to wear them!
I was very happy with the Gauntlets of Eol to the very end. Stealth does not matter much when you are a level-clearer, and is more trouble to get than it could be worth when you are a Dwarf warrior. There are only two reasons that aggravate monster is a real concern for me. First, there are a handful of monsters I do not fight if I can help it, namely non-evil living hnau, if you know what I mean, on principle. If they attack me, they forfeit that protection, except for the Lesser Maia, who I will not fight at all, he being explicitly named as a servant of Eru (Teleport Other comes in handy for that one); I prefer to leave them asleep, and aggravation defeats that. Second, there is the possibility that I will wake some elemental in a vault, and he will crush something worth having before I can get in there. Otherwise, aggravation has never caused me any real trouble. The Gauntlets of Eol and their immunity to fire probably did me better service than any other item I found in the whole game.
I'm not sure what ghost could be giving you so much trouble at this stage of the game?
Looking over the monster list, I do not think it could have been a ghost after all; you are right; even a Dreadlord would not have been a really serious threat. My memory of that part of the battle is vague, and I expect it was actually a Nightcrawler or some other wraith.
I agree runes of protection are not that useful, but every once in awhile one will last 6 to 8 turns against Morgoth, which is very helpful. Most of the time he breaks them in one or two turns.
My problem was not one of Morgoth pushing through the runes, but of his breaking through just one, and smashing me with Grond. SMASH! Where once there were runes, now there are pillars of rock. SMASH! Where once there were pillars of rock, there are now tortuous corridors, with no runes on their former sites. I daresay it would have made a difference if I had known at the time that monsters were not only prevented from passing the runes, but from attacking @ when he is standing on them. As it was, I just put them between Morgoth and myself.
I find it interesting that you found The Witch-king the toughest. For me he is usually quite easy, but I almost always have a good slay Undead weapon by the end.
As it happens, I had the Trident of Wrath, which I think might be the ultimate weapon of *Slay Undead*. It certainly is the Greatest one for it that I ever found. I suspect that it was the fire immunity, my fighting Ancalagon in a sort of anti-summoning corridor (doubly good as I do not think you can summon onto lava, and he had filled the place with it), and Ancalagon's lack of spells. By contrast I had to fight the Witchking more or less in the open, when he already had friends. Then again, perhaps the biggest problem was finding that the steady scale of Ring Wraith power suddenly turned upward for the Witchking; the difference between him and Khamul is so much greater than that between Khamul and Hoarmurath.
Thanks for all your interest (I am Canadian, and you can expect to see a lot of 'thank yous' in my posts).
I haven't played it yet. Will try it after my current Angband Nightlies game.
I actually prefer more damage to fire immunity. I normally would take (+8, +8) gloves (and maybe even (+5, +5) over fire immunity in the hand slot.
Do you ever play with RandArts?
I also like high damage a lot, but there is something hugely satisfying about taking zero damage standing in the face of a Great Hell Wyrm, and the ability to use lava as a safe zone is also very useful. It also may make some difference if you mean to kill every unique, as I imagine it would not be pretty fighting some of them without fire immunity.
I have started a couple of games with RandArts, but have not gotten far enough on them to find any artifacts. It isn't really necessary, anyway; I have not played enough games yet to tire of the Standarts. Once I have found the Boots of Feanor, Ringil, and the Rings of Power besides the One, then, perhaps, we shall see. | 2019-04-19T22:18:02Z | http://angband.oook.cz/forum/showthread.php?s=6cee03c4fbc3e07e3473eed6da2062eb&t=9317 |
The Managing Director of The Kings Ferry Travel Group in Kent, Ian Fraser, has won Manager of the Year (for small/medium operators - up to 150 vehicles) at the routeone Awards 2018. The winners were announced on Wednesday 31st October at the annual award ceremony which celebrates the highest performing companies and individuals in the UK’s coach and bus industry.
The Manager of the Year category recognises an individual who excels in their managerial role and Ian Fraser won from a shortlist of four finalists.
Ian Fraser has been Managing Director of The Kings Ferry since July 2014, after succeeding in his role as Operators Director. In recent years he has overseen the growth of the business through the acquisition of Clarkes of London in 2016 and more recently, Stewarts Coaches in 2018.
“Our approach has been to focus on maintaining high standards across our core services, while utilising new technologies and being willing to take bold decisions. So far, this approach is working well and it is all down to the quality of our people who are committed to the values of the company and who support one another as a team,” concluded Ian Fraser.
On Friday 28th September we will be taking part in the world’s biggest coffee morning by providing luxurious Border’s biscuits on-board as an extra treat to accompany your morning coffee! All donations are welcomed for this very important cause, to help the fantastic work of Macmillan Cancer Support. If you want to host your own coffee morning in support of one of the largest British charities, there is still plenty of time to do so. Click here to find out more!
Stewarts provides corporate travel and private hire services, and operates an established coach day tour and holiday programme in its Leicester based Woods business. Both have a number of major corporate clients in the Thames Valley and Leicester areas and work with a number of Premiership and Championship football clubs. It is a fantastic company with an excellent record of delivering high quality services and is a welcome addition to our business.
In order to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership, the existing Managing Director, Andy Cotton will be staying with the business for a minimum of two years to help make sure we retain the customers and talent that makes this business a success and to drive new business growth opportunities. The businesses will report into Ian Fraser, Managing Director of The Kings Ferry Group.
Stewarts is a high quality operation, with exceptional customers and people. We have no plans to change what has made it a success.
The acquisition helps us strengthen our position in the important corporate travel market, building on The Kings Ferry and Clarkes of London’s strengths in this area. We look forward to maximising the opportunities that this addition to our business offers.
I am sure you will join Ian and myself in welcoming Stewarts to the National Express family.
We know it's only July but now is the time to get planning your festive celebrations!
Whether you are looking to indulge yourself in Christmas treats with the family or splash out on a night of luxury and elegance with your work friends - there are plenty of options for you to pick from.
Tuck into welcome canapés and drinks when you step foot into this year’s Kent Christmas Party; enjoy a delicious 3 course meal, then once you're ready, dive into a night jam packed with entertainment including a casino, live DJ, dance floor and close up magician.
Book coach hire with us to the Kent Christmas Party and receive an incredible 15% OFF your coach hire booking PLUS a FREE bottle of wine for the table!
Enter the sleek submarine HMS Neptune, complete with barrel-vaulted ceiling and authentic theming and props. Enjoy a range of delicious hot and cold canapés whilst relaxing with a drink at our submarine bar and feast on a delicious 4 course dinner whilst being entertained by amazing aerial acrobatics and a spectacular fire finale!
The annual Winter Wonderland will be returning on the 22nd November to light up the city and fill the air with the warm aroma of mulled wine and sweet cinnamon biscuits. Enjoy a whole host of festive treats, from carousel bars, food stalls, quirky homemade Christmas presents and of course plenty of rides and entertainment.
If the festivities get to your head, cool off in the Ice Bar or put on your skates and re-enact Torvill and Dean on the beautiful picture perfect ice rink.
London is famous for its incredible Christmas light displays throughout the city. Whether it's the 750,000 LED lights glowing on Oxford Street, the carnival on Carnaby Street or the flickering fire garden at Kew Gardens. London's light shows are not to be missed, and if you have never attended one before, then you are in for a treat.
Train or taxi services can be extremely busy and costly, especially if they are booked on the day of travel. While travelling by car could mean paying excessive parking fees and someone not being able to pop open the bubbly.
With these large scale events becoming increasingly popular, rather than relying on last-minute expensive transport arrangements, it is best to book your journey well in advance. This way, you can benefit from lower prices and better value.
Coaches provide an affordable and straightforward way to reach the event. With guaranteed seats, ample luggage space, and room for all your family and friends, you’re sure to enjoy a comfortable journey.
Our private hire coaches will also drop you off and pick you up right outside your destination - so no need to ruin your new party shoes!
Or, if you want really want to travel in luxury, arrive in style and be the envy of the crowd, take a look at our popular VIP services.
For a quote, call our friendly sales team on 01634 377 577 or alternatively, use the quick quote form at the link below.
If you're looking for a great Christmas Party then look no further than the incredible Kent Christmas Party. Any Kings Ferry coach booked exclusively for this event will receive a 15% discount on their coach hire price PLUS a FREE bottle of wine per table courtesy of The Kings Ferry!
Enjoy an evening of Traditional Christmas Extravaganza, with your friends and colleagues this Christmas. There will be welcome drinks and canapés for your party on arrival, followed by a delicious three course Traditional Christmas dinner.
£49.50 PER PERSON - 7.00 UNTIL 12:30am!
Entrance to our purpose built fully themed traditional Christmas party venue.
Complimentary welcome drinks and canapés and table wine 3 course Christmas feast, plus coffee.
Terms and conditions for Kent Christmas Party ticket holders/ e-tickets holders.
Your ticket is either your e-ticket received from when you make your booking or your email confirmation and receipt issued upon making your final payment. Payment of your full ticket price is acceptance of the following terms and conditions.
The event promoter and/or the venue operator reserves the right in combination with any other statements or directives which may be shown on the ticket or displayed on the website or in the venue to refuse admission or eject a ticket holder or member of the ticket holders group or party for behaviour likely to cause damage, injury or nuisance or annoyance or failure to comply with the reasonable requests of the management of the event.
Conduct safety searches to ensure the safety of patrons if deemed appropriate by the on-site security personnel.
No alcohol to be brought into the venue.
The venue shall not be liabe for any loss or damage or injury to property or persons within the venue or it's perimeter including car park area.
The venue is observed as a NON SMOKING area except for the designated smoking area.
Tickets may not be exchanged nor money refunded unless the event is cancelled or postponed.
The event organiser may change the programme of the event from that advertised.
If the event is cancelled by the promoter a full refund of the face value of the ticket will be granted unless the ticket has already been used.
No refunds will be granted to ticket holders or to individuals within a group booking if they are unable to attend the event.
If the event is cancelled due to bad weather by the promoter a refund will be given or opportunity to exchange the booking date to another available date.
No refunds will be given to tickets holders or to individuals within a group booking if they are unable to travel to the venue due to poor weather conditions.
Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
Not be used in conjunction with another discounted coach hire offer.
We are extremely proud to be supporting the biennial charity event, Soccer Aid. We have wrapped two of our coaches in some incredible Soccer Aid graphics, ready to chauffeur the two teams to the main event.
This year see's Soccer Aid co-founder and Unicef UK Ambassdor Robbie Williams captain the England team against the World XI, captained by fastest man in the world Usain Bolt. The two teams host a group famous faces, from hot headed chef's, world famous pop icons and reality TV stars.
To continue with tradition, the event will be taking place in Manchester United's 'theatre of dreams' Old Trafford, which will be welcoming back a number of ex red devil's including the likes of: Michael Owen, Edwin Van Der Sar, new England Lionesses Head Coach Phil Neville and Eric Cantona. Other international footballers that will be walking onto the pitch include Dutch star Patrick Kluivert, Arsenal legend Robert Pires and former Manchester City player Yaya Toure.
Soccer Aid is a biennial British charity event that has raised over £20 million in aid of UNICEF UK, through ticket sales and donations from the public. Founded by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes back in 2006, Soccer Aid has continued to be an ever popular event with both famous stars and the public who watch and support the cause in their millions.
With the event taking place every other year, to date England are winning 4-2 against the Rest of the World Team (Row) in terms of overall wins - but the most dramatic victory came in 2010 when the RoW won in a penalty shoot out 7-6. History as always repeating itself for the England team.
2016's Soccer Aid saw the second highest attendance in history for this event, and with World Cup fever curently in the air, surely this year has got to be the crowning glory for England and the fans? But no matter the result, this incredible charity which we are extremely proud to support funds a tremendous cause. The money raised from such an event helps donate life-saving food, vaccines, clean water and protection from violence to millions of children around the world. Soccer Aid and your support is doing everything it can to ensure that more children get the chance to live a happy, healthy and safe childhood.
Each and every year, The Kings Ferry support a number of chosen charities, offering both our coach services and monetary support, funded by our internal efforts to raise money through: bake sales, dress down days, themed events and much more.
One charity we regularly choose to support is Demelza Hospice Care for Children. The charity works tirelessly to make life better for babies, children and young people who have life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, and to support their parents, brothers and sisters, and all those who love them.
Demelza have been providing this care since 1998 and, through the generosity of others, can continue to be there for families for years to come: Helping those who may not live a long life, to live a full life.
In April 2018, two members of The Kings Ferry Engagement Team, Cassie and Gemma, took a trip to Demelza House in Sittingbourne to find out what more The Kings Ferry can do to support this fantastic charity, but also to really understand how a donation, no matter how big or how small can really make a difference to the support and care the Demelza offers, and to the lives of those that Demelza cares for.
Until you walk into the hospice, your initial thoughts would probably be along the same lines are ours – and that the house would be a very sad place, and that children come here for one reason. Of course, there are some extremely heart wrenching elements to the hospice, but what is inside truly does take your breath away. From the vibrant sensory rooms and the incredible support of all the staff and volunteers. And one extremely important factor to note is that even though the hospice does offer rooms to those reaching the end of their short yet incredible lives, the charity is a support network for children and their families, offering an escape from day to day life, with no fear for the child’s safety. The care team are fully trained to deal with any incidents, so the family can relax and feel safe in the knowledge that their loved ones are in the perfect environment.
Children and their families can chose when they wish to visit the hospice, and many children book days together with friends they have made at Demelza House to really make the most of their time there; and if one child cannot make it, they rearrange their day to make sure they are together – now that really does show you the beautiful, heart-warming side of Demelza House.
Through our tour of Demelza, we discovered incredible facilities; from hydrotherapy pools, soft play rooms with built in sensory activities, to rooms built for young adults, with games consoles and kitchen facilities to enable them to have that sense of freedom and responsibility that they might not quite get anywhere else.
Our initial thoughts of sadness and pain were immediately overpowered by the happiness that fills the walls and rooms of Demelza House. The continuous strokes of colour, the large garden area with a play ship and pond, to the music and art rooms that allow children to really express themselves when they may have the inability to do so verbally or physically. This was far beyond our expectations and immediately changed our perspective on what Demelza House is truly about.
For those who do live out their life in this incredible sanctuary of joy and happiness, the team go the extra mile to help the bereaved and to allow the memory of loved ones to live on. Set out at the back of the house is a beautiful garden which hosts a pond filled with stones. Each stone has a name upon it of a loved one who spent their time at the hospice. It is an area where family and friends can cherish fond and special memories, where the children are never forgotten and where families are able to come together to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.
Every penny donated to the charity goes a long way to supporting the children, staff and enabling the purchase of equipment that is used to care for the children and make their time at Demelza that extra bit special. The charity need to raise £10.5 million a year to continue running. Unfortunately, the government funding only makes up 20% of this target, the rest is funded through their own charity events and of course the support from others. Just £60 can give a child a therapy session in music and art, and £1,000 covers a single nights’ care in the hospice. From this you can see not only how every donation makes a different, but that the charity really does need everyone’s support.
This year, members of The Kings Ferry team are taking part in September’s London to Brighton Bike Ride for Demelza House. As a team we would be grateful for your support, but the reason behind this event is much bigger than us, so to help make a difference in a child’s life, please visit our Just Giving Page or share this post.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children provides vital care to seriously and terminally ill children and their loved ones across Kent, South East London and East Sussex. Demelza cares for 650 children and their families each year and has a hospice in Sittingbourne and in Eltham. Demelza is reliant on support from the public so we are grateful to be chosen as one of the charities for Kings Ferry! | 2019-04-20T15:35:02Z | https://www.thekingsferry.co.uk/sna/2018/00/news/all |
To start off, this subject is completely new to traders developing EAs using the MetaQuotes Language 4/5 (MQL4/5). I could see it for myself when I tried to do a relevant search on the MetaQuotes website. There is nothing on this subject.
Every trader creates its own Expert Advisor which requires a serious approach to tackling all kinds of problems associated with programming and very complicated program logic. At the end of the day, the program is supposed to run ON ITS OWN like clockwork in any standard and force majeure situation.
But how can one embrace everything? This is extremely difficult which is why automatic control systems require proper programming of all control systems that can be best achieved using the only appropriate programming technology of Automata-Based Programming. In recent years, a great attention has been revolving around the development of programming technologies for embedded and real-time systems that set high requirements to the quality of software.
In 1991, the Russian author A.A. Shalyto (Lecturer, Professor, DSc in Engineering, Head of the "Programming Technologies" Department at SPbSU ITMO) developed a programming technology which he called "automata-based programming". I believe the readers may find it interesting to see how simple automata-based programming or SWITCH-technology can be. It allows to make the development of MTS using the MetaQuotes Language so convenient that it simply could not be better. And it blends great into the system of complex decision making.
A long cherished dream of all problem originators and software developers must be to have a planned solution to the problem (algorithm) and an implementation of that algorithm fully consistent with it. But it does not seem to be working out that way for originators and developers. Algorithms tend to leave out what is important to developers for implementation, while the program text per se bears little resemblance to the algorithm.
Thus, there are two algorithms - one is on paper (for recording and documenting design solutions) which usually represents a certain design outcome instead of methods employed in obtaining a given result, while the second algorithm is in the developer's mind (which is, however, also saved textually).
The final version of the program text is often followed by attempts to modify the documentation whereby many things are again not taken into account. In this case, the program logic may likely be different from the logic of the algorithm, thus demonstrating a lack of correspondence. I intentionally say 'likely' as nobody is ever going to check somebody's program text.
If the program is large, it is impossible to check whether it corresponds with the algorithm by the text alone. The accuracy of implementation can be checked using a procedure called 'testing'. It basically checks how the developer grasped the algorithm (laid out on paper), transformed it into another algorithm in his mind and output it as a program. Eventually, the developer is the only holder of valuable information on the logic and all that was coined before the implementation becomes absolutely irrelevant.
It is not even that the developer can fall ill (or... resign). The point is that the underlying program logic would be different with every developer, depending on their intelligence and knowledge of a programming language. In any case, the developer introduces and uses a lot of intermediate variables as he deems fit. And if the program is large and logically complex, a more qualified specialist will be required to find the glitches (and I do not mean OS glitches or incorrect use of language functions here but rather an improper implementation in terms of logic) and work it out through the program text itself.
The majority of developers are, to say the least, not keen on writing down algorithms before programming (or even sketching them on paper), which is likely due to the fact that they will still need to think up something of their own along the way. Indeed, why waste time on drawing some rectangles, diamonds and arrows when it is better to immediately proceed to programming and then lay out a somewhat similar or a very general algorithm in documentation.
Everybody has got used to it - developers do it because it is easier that way, while problem originators do not always have programming skills to the extent required and even in the case they do, they are simply unable to make a timely change to what developers will come up with. Convenient programming environments also contribute to the validity of the specified order of development. Advanced tools for debugging and monitoring values of variables give us hope for detection of any error in the logic.
As time is slipping away and the project deadline is approaching, the developer is sitting and sketching on a 'napkin' solutions to a given logical problem which, by the way, still need to be implemented, let alone errors overlooked during testing for testing follows pretty much the same (chaotic) scenario... This is the current situation. Is there a solution or can it at least be improved? It feels that something important is lost in the transition from an algorithm laid out in a standard way to the program code.
The author of "automata-based programming" proposed the following concept of the ideal logical part of a program. The entire logic of the program is based on the switch. Simply put, any control algorithm (automaton) can be implemented as shown below (do not think much about the meaning of the comments at this point, just take a look at the structure).
switch(int STATUS ) // Мulti-valued global state variable of the automaton.
// Execution of output functions in the state.
// logging transitions and actions if the condition is met.
Regardless of the development techniques, any program has states determined by all its data values at any specific time. There may be hundreds and even thousands of variables and several control flows in a large application program. A complete set of these variables describes the state of the application program at any specific time.
The program state can be treated in a simpler way as a collection of values of all control variables, the ones that take part in all transition conditions. A change in the value of one of control variables will then mean a change in the program state, and the number of program states will be determined by the maximum possible number of combinations of control variable values arising during the program operation. Suppose that only binary control variables (flags) are used in a program. The number of states of the program containing n binary control variables will in this case lie within the range from n to 2n.
It may be that the developer has provided for reactions to all combinations of control variable values (2n combinations in our case). However, it is more likely that some combinations of control variable values (up to 2n-n) turned out to be unspecified. Then if the unexpected combination of input actions arises, the program can transition into an unspecified state.
Such states are called "unvisualized". Complexity causes the difficulty of enumerating, much less understanding, all the possible states of the program leading to its unreliability... Complexity of the structure is the source of unvisualized states that constitute security trapdoors. The program behavior in an unspecified state may range from memory protection faults to extending program to new functions and creating side effects of various nature.
A lot of PC users and probably all software developers have many a time come across situations where a program in use or under development gets into an unspecified state.
To eliminate the very possibility of unspecified states in the program, all required states should be explicitly specified as early as at the design stage and only one multi-valued control variable should be used to differentiate between them. It is then necessary to identify all possible transitions between the states and develop a program so that it cannot 'go astray'.
Universal method for implementation of algorithms expressed in this notation.
A finite automaton based on the notion of "state" is proposed to be used as a mathematical model. Automata-based programming supports such software development stages as design, implementation, debugging and documentation.
Whereas the term 'event' is becoming more commonly used in programming in the recent years, the proposed approach is based on the notion of 'state'. After coupling it with the term 'input action' that can either be an input variable or an event, the term 'automaton without output' can be introduced. The latter is followed by the term 'output action' and the notion of (deterministic finite) automaton is further introduced. The area of programming based on this concept is therefore called automata-based programming and the respective development process is referred to as automata-based program design.
The specified approach is peculiar in that when it is applied, automata are represented by transition graphs. To differentiate between their nodes, the term 'state assignment' is introduced. When choosing a 'multi-valued state assignment', the states whose number coincides with the number of values the selected variable can take on, can be differentiated using only one variable. This fact allowed to introduce into programming the term 'program observability'.
Programming under the proposed approach is carried out through 'states' rather than 'variables' (flags) which helps to better understand and specify the problem and its components. Debugging in this case is done by logging in terms of automata.
Since the above approach proposes to move from the transition graph to the program code using a formal and isomorphic method, it appears to be more reasonable to do this applying switch structures when high-level programming languages are used. That is why it was decided to use the term 'SWITCH-technology' when referring to automata-based programming paradigm.
The application of automata-based approach was further extended to event-driven systems that are also called 'reactive'. Reactive systems interact with the environment using messages at the rate set by the environment (an EA can be included in the same class).
The development of event-driven systems using automata was made possible by employing the procedural approach, from where the name explicit state-based programming was derived. Output actions are in this method assigned to arcs, loops or nodes of transition graphs (mixed automata - Moore and Mealy automata - are used). This allows to get a compact representation of the sequence of actions being reactions to relevant input actions.
The proposed approach to programming the given class of systems features an increased centralization of logic due to it being eliminated from event handlers and generation of a system of interconnected automata called from the handlers. The interaction between automata in such a system can be achieved by nesting, calling and exchanging numbers of states.
The system of interconnected automata forms a system-independent program part while a system-dependent part is formed by input and output action functions, handlers, etc.
for logging in terms of automata (as specified above).
The latter allows to control the accuracy of automata system operation. Logging is performed automatically on the basis of the program developed and can be used for large-scale problems with complex program logic. Every log can in this case be considered as a relevant script.
Logs allow to monitor the program in operation and illustrate the fact that automata are not 'pictures' but real active entities. Automata-based approach is proposed to be used not only when creating a control system but also when modeling control objects.
The basic concept of automata-based programming is STATE. The main property of the system state at any specific time t0 is to 'separate' the future (t > t0) from the past (t < t0) in the sense that the current state contains all information on the system's past that is necessary in determining its reactions to any input action generated at any given time t0.
When using the term STATE the knowledge of historical data is not required. State can be regarded as a special characteristic which implicitly combines all input actions of the past affecting the reaction of the entity at the present moment. The reaction now only depends on the input action and the current state.
The notion of 'input action' is also one of the key notions in automata-based programming. An input action is most commonly a vector. Its components are divided into events and input variables, depending on the meaning and generation mechanism.
The combination of the finite set of states and finite set of input actions forms a (finite) automaton without output. Such automaton reacts to input actions by changing its current state in a certain way. The rules according to which the states can be changed are called the automaton transition function.
What is referred to as (finite) automaton in automata-based programming is basically the combination of 'automaton without output' and 'input action'. Such automaton reacts to the input action by not only changing its state but also by generating certain values at outputs. The rules of generating output actions are called the automaton output function.
When designing a system with complex behavior, it is necessary to take as a point of departure the existing control objects with a certain set of operations and a given set of events that may arise in the external (market) environment.
The initial data of the problem is not merely a verbal description of the target behavior of the system but also a (more or less) accurate specification of the set of events incoming to the system from the external environment and a great number of requests and commands of all control objects.
A set of control states is built.
Every request of control objects is assigned a corresponding input variable of the automaton, while every command is assigned a corresponding output variable. The automaton that is going to ensure a required system behavior is built based on control states, events, input and output variables.
The second feature follows from the first one. Any automaton contains a switch structure (in fact, it is virtually made of it) that comprises all logical operations. When an automaton is called, the control is transferred to one of the 'case' labels and following the relevant actions, the automaton (subprogram) operation is completed until the next start. These actions consist in checking transition conditions and should a certain condition be met, the relevant output functions are called and the automaton state is changed.
The main consequence of all stated above is that the implementation of an automaton is not only simple but most importantly that the program can do without many intermediate logical variables (flags) whose functionality in every automaton is provided by a multi-valued state variable.
The last statement is hard to believe as we got used to using a lot of global and local variables (flags) without thinking too much. How can we do without them?! These are very often flags signaling to the program that a condition is met. The flag is set (to TRUE) when the developer deems necessary but is then (usually only after the flag begins to give rise to wanted effects by being always TRUE) painfully sought to be reset to FALSE elsewhere in the program.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Now take a look at the example and see: no additional variables are used here; the change concerns only the value of the state number and only when a logical condition is met. Isn't it a worthy replacement for flags?!
Algorithm plays a major role in creating a logical part of a program. The key phrase to be remembered here is 'logical part'. State underlies everything in this case. Another word that should be added is 'waiting'. And, in my opinion, we get a quite adequate definition of 'waiting state'. When in the state, we wait for the appearance of input actions (attributes, values or events). Waiting can be either short or long. Or, in other words, there are states that can be unstable and stable.
The first property of the state is the fact that a limited set of input actions is waited for in the state. Any algorithm (and obviously any program) has input and output information. Output actions can be divided into two types: variables (e.g. object property operations) and functions (e.g. call of application start function, report function, etc.).
The second property of the state is provision of a set of accurate values of output variables. This reveals a very simple yet extremely important circumstance - all output variable values can be determined at any given time as the algorithm (program) is in a certain state at every point in time.
The number of states is limited, as is the number of output variable values. The function for logging transitions is smoothly integrated into the automaton function and the sequence of transitions between states, as well as the delivery of output actions can consequently always be determined.
The complete list of features is provided in section 2. Features of the Proposed Technology, and the complete list of advantages can be found in section 3. Advantages of the Proposed Technology. This article simply cannot cover the vast amount of information on the subject! After a thorough study of all the research literature written by Anatoly Shalyto, all theoretical questions should be directed toward him personally to [email protected].
And being the user of his scientific ideas while having in mind our goals and problems, I will further below give three examples of my implementation of automata-based programming technology.
State is just a mode in which the system exists. For example, water exists in 3 states: solid, liquid or gas. It transitions from one state to another when influenced by one variable - the temperature (at constant pressure).
// logging transitions and actions when the condition is met.
This automaton has 32 = 9 transition conditions so nothing can be left out or overlooked. This style can also be very convenient when writing instructions and laws! No loopholes and bypassing of laws are allowed here - all combinations of variants of succession of events must be covered and all cases described.
If there are N states (except for 0 start) in the system, the total of transition conditions is N2.
Transition diagram: N = 3 states, the number of transitions and loops is N2 = 9 (equal to the number of arrows).
It shows that all the calculated values in the table rise exponentially, i.e. design is a complicated process that requires thoroughness when selecting the main systemic variables.
Even if there are only two parameters, it is very difficult to describe everything! However, in practice, it is all much easier! Depending on the logic and meaning, 50-95% transitions cannot exist physically and the number of states is also 60-95% less. This analysis of logic and meaning greatly decreases the difficulty of describing all transitions and states.
In more complicated cases, it is required to calculate the maximum number of states for all known input and output data in an EA. The solution to this problem can be found by applying combinatorics and combination, permutation, arrangement and enumerative combinatorics formulas.
Programming of relays, triggers, registers, counters, decoders, comparators and other non-linear digital and analog control system elements can be very convenient in an EA.
Y = Y(t) - signal at the output.
Y is the current input state of the automaton from 1 to 9. The value of Y is generated in the EA outside the given subprogram. MEGASTATUS is the past state of Y.
Let us review a Simple Audio Player.
The audio player control system is represented by an automaton. Buttons pressed are regarded as events having effect on the automaton. Transitions between tracks, playing, display control, etc. are output actions.
case 1: //--- "No Track"
In theory, this automaton could contain 36 transition variants, but only 15 are really existent and all the details can be found in the description provided by the author.
The book by А.А. Shalyto "Logic Control. Methods of Hardware and Software Implementation of Algorithms. SPb.: Nauka, 2000", available at the specified website in the "Books" section can be taken as a prototype". It embodies a proper presentation of information as it was published by the oldest and the most reputable publishing company in Russia.
Introduction should give grounds for the relevance of the subject chosen, briefly state the problem under consideration and specify the programming language and operating system used in the project.
A detailed verbal description of the problem at hand should be provided in the "Problem Description" section along with figures, diagrams and screenshots clarifying the problem described.
When using the object-oriented programming, the "Design" section should include a diagram of classes. The main classes should be carefully described. It is advisable that a "Block diagram of the class" is prepared for every one of them aiming at presenting its interface and methods used along with indication of automata-based methods.
Three documents should be provided for every automaton in the "Automata" section: a verbal description, automaton link diagram and transition graph.
A verbal description should be quite detailed, however given the fact that the behavior of a complex automaton is difficult to be described in a clear way, it usually represents a "declaration of intent".
variables for storing states of the automaton with the number N, denoted as YN.
If complex computational algorithms are used in nodes or transitions, the "Computational Algorithms" section explains the choice of algorithms and provides their description (including mathematical description). These algorithms are designated by variables x and z, depending on whether the calculations are made at the input or output.
Peculiarities of the program implementation should be set forth in the "Implementation" section. It should particularly present a template for a formal and isomorphic implementation of automata. Implementations of automata should also be provided here.
"Conclusion" covers benefits and downsides of the completed project. It can also offer ways of improving the project.
explore this new approach to programming.
implement this utterly new and extremely interesting approach to programming your ideas and trading strategies.
over time become the standard in programming and design for all traders and even MetaQuotes Language developers.
be the basis in complex decision making when designing an EA.
in the future develop into a new language - MetaQuotes Language 6 - supporting the automata-based programming approach and a new platform - MetaTrader 6.
If all trading developers follow this programming approach, the goal of creating a no-loss EA can be achieved. This first article is my attempt to show you a whole new outlet for creativity and research in the field of automata-based design and programming as an impulse to new inventions and discoveries.
The central issue in practical programming is the issue of understanding program codes. It is always beneficial to have source codes at hand but the problem is that this is often not sufficient. And additional documentation is usually needed in order to gain an understanding of a nontrivial program. This need grows exponentially as the amount of code increases.
Program code analysis aimed at restoring the original design decisions made by developers and understanding programs are two important branches of programming technology whose existence goes hand in hand with insufficiency of source codes for understanding programs.
Everyone who has ever been involved in a major software reconstruction project will always remember the feeling of helplessness and perplexity that comes when you first see a bunch of ill-documented (though not always badly written) source codes. The availability of source codes is not really of much help when there is no access to key developers. If the program is written in a relatively low-level language and is in addition ill-documented, all the main design decisions usually disperse in programming details and require reconstruction. In cases like that, the value of higher-level documentation, such as interface specification and architecture description, may outweigh the value of the source code itself.
The realization of the fact that source codes are inadequate for understanding programs gave rise to attempts to combine the code and a higher-level documentation.
If you miss the early stages of the project, the complexity and the amount of work will virtually 'lock away' the source codes from you, provided that there is no high-level documentation in place. Understanding the "prehistoric" code in the absence of the developers originally working on the project or adequate documentation allowing to sort out the relevant architectural decisions is probably one of the most difficult challenges programmers encounter».
So, while the absence of source codes can be bad, their availability can equally be poorly beneficial. What is still missing for a life "happy ever after"? The answer is simple - a detailed and accurate design documentation that includes program documentation as one of its components.
Bridges, roads and skyscrapers cannot normally be built without documentation at hand, which is not true about programs.
The situation that has come about in programming can be defined as follows: "If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization."
Why is it that a good deal of detailed and clear design documentation is issued for hardware and can be relatively easily understood and modified by an average specialist even years after it was issued, but such documentation is either nonexistent for software or it is written in a purely formal way and a highly skilled specialist is required to modify it (if the developer is missing)?
Apparently, this situation can be explained as follows. First, development and manufacture of hardware are two different processes carried out by different organizations. Therefore, if the quality of documentation is poor, the development engineer will spend the rest of his life working in the 'plant' which is obviously not what he would wish for. When it comes to software development, the situation changes as in this case both the software developer and manufacturer are usually one and the same company and therefore, regardless of the list of documents, their contents will, as a rule, be quite superficial.
Second, hardware is 'hard', while software is 'soft'. It makes it easier to modify programs but does not give grounds for not issuing design documentation altogether. It is known that most programmers are pathologically reluctant to read, and all the more so to write, documentation.
The experience suggests that virtually none of newly qualified programmers, even the smartest ones, can prepare design documentation. And despite the fact that many of them took and passed long and complex courses in mathematics, it has almost no effect on their logic and rigor of writing documentation. They might use different notations for one and the same thing throughout the entire documentation (regardless of its size), thus calling it e.g. the bulb, the light bulb, the lamp or Lamp, writing it with a small or capital letter whenever they like. Imagine what happens when they give their fancy full scope!
Apparently, it happens due to the fact that when programming the compiler flags inconsistencies while design documentation is written without any prompts whatsoever.
The issue of the quality of software documentation is becoming an issue of increasing social significance. Software development is progressively becoming similar to show business with its strong profit motive. Everything is done in a mad rush, without thinking of what will become of the product in the future. Like show business, programming measures everything in terms of "profit and loss", rather than "good and bad". In the majority of cases, a good technology is not the one that is actually good but the one that pays.
The unwillingness to write design documentation is probably also associated with the fact that the more restricted (undocumented) the project is, the more indispensable the author.
Such work behavior unfortunately spreads out to the development of software for highly critical systems. It is largely due to the fact that programs are in most cases written, and not designed. "When designing, any technique more complicated than CRC cards or use case diagrams is considered to be too complex and is therefore not used. A programmer can always refuse to apply any given technology by reporting to the boss that he may not be able to meet the deadline".
This leads to situations where even the "users do not consider errors in the software something out of the ordinary".
It is presently widely thought that design and proper documentation shall be in place when it comes to large buildings, and not software.
In conclusion, it should be noted that such situation did not use to exist in programming in the past - when early large-scale computers were in use, programs were either designed or developed very carefully as in case of an error, the next attempt would normally take place as early as in a day. Thus, technical progress has led us to a less careful programming.
Unfortunately, our problems and concerns cannot be traced on the website of the institute department where A.A. Shalyto works. They have their own problems and goals and are totally unfamiliar with, and unaware of, our concepts and definitions, hence no examples relevant to our subject.
and other interesting articles and projects: http://project.ifmo.ru/projects/, http://is.ifmo.ru/projects_en/ and http://is.ifmo.ru/articles_en/.
The number of possible different events of a Rubik's Cube is (8! × 38−1) × (12! × 212−1)/2 = 43 252 003 274 489 856 000. But this number does not take into account that central squares can have different orientations.
Thus, considering the orientations of center faces, the number of events becomes 2048 times as large, i.e. 88 580 102 706 155 225 088 000.
The Forex market and exchange do not have so many variants of succession of events but problems associated with them can easily be solved in 100-200 steps using this programming paradigm. It is true! The market and EAs are in constant competition. It is like playing chess where nobody knows the upcoming moves of the opponent (just like us). However there are impressive computer programs, such as Rybka (very powerful chess engine) designed based on alpha-beta pruning algorithms.
May these successes of others in other areas of programming give you energy and commitment to our work! Although, we certainly all know that we know nothing.
It is a very interesting approach to designing an EA. Reminded me of my university years and several courses on Mealy/Moore machines. I see how it can be used in expert advisors, but I doubt it will become "base standard for all traders."
Good article. I use state machines and this approach as a design pattern in some of my EAs since a long time ago, and probably many other systems developers and engineers.
I'm new to Metatrader and MQL5 but highly experienced in software development, C, C++, OOP and State Machines and Process Management as enivid and figurelli said, and in fact I'm applying these in my EAs as it is a very good way to manage trading rules.
I do not know if this will become a standard as so many times a great product fails, but I'm sure it could.
Это сообщение всем, кто сыграл определенную роль в эволюции этой статьи, особенно автора.
Я не могу полагаться на 100% на текст или лингвистику, чтобы я мог передать свой ответ и реакцию на статью, которая была опубликована здесь. У меня так много, что я хотел бы выразить. Если я начну пытаться объяснить мои чувства с помощью текста, тогда я буду ей на половину жизни и все равно не смогу точно передать свое сообщение. С учетом сказанного мой выбор заключается не в том, чтобы сильно полагаться на текст и слова. Моя отзывчивая энергия найдет свой путь ко всем тем, кто сыграл определенную роль в событиях, ведущих к моему открытию.
Богатство мудрости, ожидающее здесь, нашло меня, и я понял с удивительной ясностью. Это в надежных руках.
This is a message to all who have played a part in the evolution of this article, particularly the author.
I am not able to rely 100% on text or linguistics in order for me to convey my response and reaction to the article that has been published here. I have so much that i would like to express. If I begin to attempt to further explain my feelings through text, then i will be her for half a life time and still not be able to accurately convey my message. With that said my choice is not to rely heavily on text and words. My responsive energy will find its way to all of those that have played a part in events leading up to my discovery.
The wealth of wisdom waiting here has found me and I have understood with amazing clarity. It is in good hands.
In this article we are going to show how to explore the Standard Library of Trading Strategy Classes and how to add Custom Strategies and Filters/Signals using the Patterns-and-Models logic of the MQL5 Wizard. In the end you will be able easily add your own strategies using MetaTrader 5 standard indicators, and MQL5 Wizard will create a clean and powerful code and fully functional Expert Advisor.
Hello dear reader! In this article, I will try to explain and show you how you can easily and quickly get the hang of the principles of creating Expert Advisors, working with indicators, etc. It is beginner-oriented and will not feature any difficult or abstruse examples.
Throughout the entire duration of the Automated Trading Championship 2012, we will be providing live coverage of the events - hot reports and interviews every week. This report spotlights Achmad Hidayat (achidayat), the participant from Indonesia. On the first day of the Championship his Expert Advisor secured its position in the third ten, which is a good start. Achmad has sparked our interest with his active participation in the MQL5 Market. He has already published over 20 products thus far. | 2019-04-24T21:57:22Z | https://www.mql5.com/en/articles/446?utm_campaign=redirect&utm_source=autopilot |
Cruise photo collection, with photosets from the cruise itself, Nassau SCUBA diving, Vizcaya Museum, and the MIA airport chapel.
I was resistant to the concept of a luxury cruise at first; my family’s nautical upbringing had conditioned in me a kind of disdain for the idea of experiencing the sea from the comfort of a floating hotel with amenities. Then I realized that I was being silly, and at a good price, a comfortable floating hotel with amenities makes for a great vacation. Plus, I had read David Foster Wallace’s Shipping Out [PDF], and far from repelling me from the idea, I was fascinated with the travel subculture oriented around the cruise industry — a fascination further fed by conversations in IRC and browsing CruiseCritic Boards.
Day 4: Return to Port, hang out in Miami for a day, then fly back to DC.
To start, I made the amateur mistake of booking our flight through the cruise line, resulting in an itinerary with a needless ATL transfer for a higher price than if we had booked it ourselves. Even after I had canceled the cruise line’s booking, paid a cancellation penalty, and booked a direct trip independently, the total cost was still cheaper than the cruise line’s itinerary. The catch: longer wait times in Miami between port and plane on departure and arrival — which was fine with us; we would fill the gap with something to do.
We left DCA in the dark of early morning and had a peaceful morning flight on AA with lovely views of DC and the Florida coast — no problems or delays. On landing early at MIA, we passed the interval at Top of the Port Restaurant, breakfasting on eggs benedict and bagels with lox while watching planes take off and land. Then, a taxi to the Port of Miami — 20 minute ride, flat rate of $24 — with lovely views of the city skyline.
At Port, before entering the NCL terminal we were greeted with the option to check bags through to our room. Knowing we wouldn’t have access to our room for a few hours after boarding I opted to keep the bags with us — which turned out to be a mistake, since we didn’t really need anything in those bags for the next few hours, and we would be stuck dragging them around for a time.
On entry, we had to pause at a table to fill out a disclaimer form affirming we had no serious communicable diseases, then go through a security checkpoint (which also had me wishing we’d checked our bags through), and finally arrive at the check-in desk, where we were given our cruise keycards. Still being an hour early, there was little else to do but sit around under the white canopy of the terminal, watching others arrive and check in.
I was quite amused that the boarding announcement was done with pep rally-ish music and a sportscaster-like welcome voiceover. En route to the ship all passengers were required to pass through a photo studio setup, standing before a background of simulated fireworks to be photographed before continuing across the gangway to the ship itself — one of many photo ops that would occur on the cruise. Once on board, the queues continued, this time for a spray of hand sanitizer by a crewmember, and a quick digital photo for the cruise card.
From there, we entered into the ship’s promenade deck and cabaret, where various ship’s restaurants and shops had set up a kind of bazaar showcasing their products and services. The bar area had been converted into a bag check, at which we thankfully deposited the suitcases we had not checked through to our cabin earlier. Breezing past the rest of the tables, we walked around the perimeter jogging track a bit to watch a small thunderstorm pass over Miami, and meant to check out the lounge at the upper front of the ship, but it was closed for a wedding party.
About an hour after boarding, cabins were announced open. We fetched our bags from the bar, dropped them in the room, and joined the mandatory “muster drill” for a safety briefing back on the promenade deck. Upstairs we met up with Tom and Cheryl, very active members on Cruise Critic, who were nice enough to show us around their luxurious balcony suite at the stern of the ship. We talked at length about cruise culture, Florida life and other things.
Then it was back up to the pool deck for a barbeque buffet lunch, and we found a table in the Garden Cafe, right by the window, just in time to watch our ship leave port and head out to sea.
Our stateroom was #5001, a G-Category Oceanview, consisting of a large porthole, a small loveseat, and two joined double beds. We were situated far forward on the “Atlantic Deck,” near the Atrium and one of the main dining rooms. Like most cabins on the Sky, ours was fairly small (not more than 150 square feet), but we had cabinets and underbed storage. Bathroom was tiny but manageable, with a small round shower stall and an exhaust vent that echoed with the hum of far-off turbines.
A small TV sat on the shelf above the work desk with various cable channels (none of which we watched) plus some video loops of shipboard and emergency info, but the best channel for me carried live CCTV video from a camera at the front of of the ship, with a view ahead of the bow. Of course, we had a porthole, but if we had gotten an interior cabin the front-view channel would have been on all the time. As it was, we spent much of our at-sea room time glued to the porthole, watching the waves roll past by day, and distant lightning storms by night.
On entry into the room we were greeted with a covered plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries and a bottle of fizzy wine, each tagged with a little card: “Sometimes it’s better to receive.” Unsure as to whether consuming the strawberries or wine would result in an exorbitant room charge, we left them alone for housekeeping to take away. They were never taken away, but fortunately the strawberries never stunk up the room since the lid kept the smell in.
Hard to believe the Sky is one of the smaller ships in NCL’s fleet. 848 feet long at 77,000 tons with capacity for 2,002 passengers, the ship takes about ten minutes to walk from bow to stern at a leisurely pace. Such a walk can go through mazes of corridors and stairs, a giant atrium with glass elevators, a jogging track circling the Promenade Deck, multiple restaurants and lounges, and the requisite cruise ship casino and show stage. Staircases fore and aft ascend through all decks, and hallway carpets are patterned with fish swimming towards the bow so one can orient oneself with a look at the floor. Personally I was prepared for tacky bright colors and tacky architecture, but decor-wise the ship was quite inoffensive in its practicality.
Sun chairs abound all up and down the pool and sports deck, with quiet areas toward the bow to get away from occasional drunk revelers and screaming children. The pools themselves are a modest affair, however, with only two small saltwater swimming pools, one deep and one shallow, with four hot tubs between them; and this was just fine since this was a short cruise with an island port each day, so access to open water was readily available via excursions. We managed to swim a bit in the deeper pool but it was a short dip as it was rather crowded.
We didn’t spend much time in the bars, casino, or show stage, but we did check out the shops, and wandered around the sports deck a bit to watch passengers play basketball and shuffleboard. We also spent a lot of time sunning ourselves on beach chairs in the forward quiet area, or enjoying the Garden Cafe’s aft deck view. One spot on the ship I thought I would see more of but didn’t was the “Outrigger Lounge” and adjacent forward viewing deck, but as it was reserved for a private party on the first day we forgot about checking it out again till we were headed back to Florida. It was nice, though.
The ship has a library, which I thought might be a nice place to pass time, but it turned out to be a rather small, windowless interior room with a few chairs and a selection of aged hardcovers.
Crew areas were clearly marked no-access on passenger decks, and whole lower decks were crew-only. The ship positively vibrated with a fascinating hum of behind-the-scenes activity, and I was fairly impressed with the level of service and courtesy afforded to us. None of the incessant, hovering micromanagement that David Foster Wallace had wryly observed on his cruise, just friendly faces at places where you need them, from food service to shore excursion advice to a spray of hand sanitizer on the boarding gangway.
One source of warm fuzzies to me was the number of Filipino crew members on board. The Philippines is very much a nation of migrant workers, many of whom work in maritime industries, and cruise lines are no exception. From conversations with various staff members I gleaned that Filipinos on board probably accounted for about half the crew. Friendly people all around.
I must reserve special mention for Orlando of the shore excursions desk. When our excursion tickets hit us with an unexpected schedule change that conflicted with my morning scuba reservations, he was on the ball at all times, calling the errant excursion provider in Nassau to get us back on our original schedule, and staying in communication with us through stateroom phone and even my cellphone to keep us updated so I could tell whether or not to cancel my scheduled dive trip before the refund threshold. We got our original schedule back, and I didn’t need to cancel the morning dive. That level of service was enough to erase my outrage at the threat of disruption.
First port of call was Nassau, The Bahamas. Saturday, 8AM on the dot, the ship docked at Prince George’s Wharf, while we breakfasted in the Garden Cafe, viewing over bacon and eggs the townscape of buildings and houses both colorful and ramshackle, contrasting with the unabashedly pink opulence of The Atlantis Resort across the channel.
I had booked a dive trip for the morning (just me; Amy preferred to explore town rather than go scuba but was kind enough to let me indulge for a morning) but I had booked it independently of the cruise and needed to take a taxi to the dive center. Down the ship’s forward stairs, out the gangway, up the pier and through the still-closed tourist-trap mini-mall of souvenir stands, I approached the taxi desk and asked for a lift to Bahama Divers. Dispatcher told me to wait. I waited around the mostly empty welcome center for ten minutes, asked about the taxi again, and was told that if I wanted a taxi by myself I’d have to pay more.
Coming from a third world country I recognize a bribe when presented with the opportunity to pay one, and as I was running late for the dive appointment, I ponied up $20 for a ride on a van to a dive shop just ten minutes away.
On the pier, passengers from our ship and other cruise ships had gathered for a short walk down the wharf to a large catamaran, equipped with bench seating for a multitude, a wet bar serving “Bahama Mamas,” large barrels full of rental snorkeling gear in various sizes, and a talky tour guide whose English had somehow taken on a strong Midwestern US accent.
It was a 45 minute ride to Athol Island, a slender, uninhabited, mound of sand and grass sticking out of the Atlantic near Nassau. The actual snorkeling venue, called Coral Gardens, was a few hundred feet off the shore, a shallow reef of patchy coral and sand about 10-15 feet deep, lightly scattered with small reef fish. The water was delightfully warm, though I chafed at the required precautionary life vests all snorkelers had to wear. (I kinda got yelled at for jumping in without a vest. Probably for the best.) We stayed out for about two hours, and found a bag of someone else’s leftover fish food, so we even got to feed a few fish before getting back on the boat.
On the trip back, the guide pointed out various celebrities’ mansions, from Oprah to Tiger Woods to Michael Jackson to Elvis.
Second cruise day was spent on Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island. Formerly an island headquarters for Belcher Oil Company in the 70s, Great Stirrup Cay has been thoroughly converted into a simple island playground, with beaches, artificial reefs, nature trails, beach chairs, and a towering inflatable water slide. There’s no pier, so access to the island is by tender, a boat that shuttles passengers between ship and island through the day.
We woke and tendered to the island earlier than most of the hungover guests, arriving to plenty of free beach chairs in choice shady spots. A good part of the island was fenced off for what appeared to be massive improvement works, but we pretty much spent the entire day in the water anyway, snorkeling to little natural and artificial reefs in the netted area around the beach, and feeding fish with leftover bread smuggled from the previous night’s dinner.
Food was available on the island with a BBQ lunch buffet of hotdogs, hamburgers, fresh fruits, and other summery fare, plus coolers of iced tea and water. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to eat hotdogs and rice (Pinoy style, as I told the Filipino crew attending the food) while we watched a large lizard crawl along a nearby path. Afterward it was back in the water for more snorkeling and fish feeding.
One reason we chose NCL was for “Freestyle” dining: unscheduled, unassigned eating options from a choice of multiple onboard restaurants. Two main dining rooms — Palace and Crossings — provide regular a ala carte dining for “free” (that is, included in the cruise fare), while other specialty restaurants serve premiere cuisine for an extra cover charge. The Garden Cafe on the Pool Deck also had a “free” buffet at mealtimes.
I went on a bit of a seafood bender this trip with all the fish. Pretty much my only real complaint was that the lobster tail was a bit tough from overcooking, but otherwise the food was excellent, on par with what one would expect from a land-based specialty gourmet restaurant rather than, say, a greasy spoon diner or an Olive Garden.
This is something I was wondering about before we boarded; and the answer is yes, the water on the ship is safe to drink straight from the tap. I brought a plastic bottle on board and refilled it from the bathroom sink for excursions, and the water was just fine for all hydratory needs, if a bit chlorine-y after long periods in the bottle. Amy got some stomach trouble about a week after the trip, so your mileage may vary.
Satellite via wifi internet on board was about as slow as dialup and cost a bundle of money. I thought I’d be able to upload photos during meals but I only ever managed to upload one image — a screenshot of a speed test — and that took a whole lunch.
The last night on board, passengers had the option of leaving their bags out in the hall with color-coded tags indicating desired time of disembarkation, so their bags would meet them at a carousel after immigration. Optionally, those who wished to walk off with their bags could do so earlier. We got the bag tags for the latest exit so we could catch more sleep.
The ship returned to the Port of Miami in the dark of early Monday morning, while I stared out the porthole of our stateroom, watching the heavy cranes and stacked containers slide past. Docking was well before waking time. We rose late, had a relaxed breakfast in the rather hectically crowded Garden Cafe, and spent the rest of the morning packing. There were a few delays with disembarking passengers before us, however, so we did spend a bit of time sitting around the atrium and browsing the photo gallery after vacating our stateroom, and after leaving the ship we faced a rather long line at immigration, but we were in no rush.
Having all day before our flight to DC, we decided to check out Vizcaya for the day. First we taxi’d to the airport to drop off our bags at the left luggage counter, then took another taxi down to Vizcaya, getting our Haitian taxi driver’s cellphone number so he could pick us up afterward.
A wealthy industrialist’s winter estate, Vizcaya’s many rooms were built after various architectural themes through history, and populated with art from the corresponding eras. Outside, various gardens provided vistas and promenades, and an expansive view of Bay Biscayne backdropped a breakwater in the shape of an old stone barge. It was a hot day out, but pleasant, with many quinceñeras roaming the grounds with their photographers and entourages.
We stayed till 4PM, then called for our taxi driver to take us to the airport, where we had a late lunch of sandwiches and conch fritters at Top of the Port, and took some photos of the Miami Airport chapel before flying home to DC.
Quite a pleasant vacation for just four days, and this first cruise left me with a nice impression of NCL and cruising in general.
Of course, riding a massive combustible-fuel-propelled luxury vessel releases tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, where it can trap heat and affect climate. To offset this effect I purchased carbon offsets from CarbonFund. Compensating for the impact of a 4 day cruise (plus the round trip DC-Miami flight) cost about $18, an amount that would go to programs like atmospheric methane removal and wind farms. | 2019-04-19T12:23:25Z | https://hownow.brownpau.com/archives/2010/08/notes-on-a-cruise |
OK, I didn't mean to imply that "Art of Movement" was a correct translation of "Art du Deplacement", I'm only saying that that's where the phrase came from, which is where it did come from, incorrectly or not. This is a point I feel needs to be cleared up to help stop misunderstandings in the community.
As for Displacement, Dan I have to disagree ... saying that there is a "flavor" to the word doesn't change the definition!!
is an incorrect statement according to the definition of the word!!!
I agree with "forward movement" in terms of advancement, but not in terms of "physical forward".
"Thats forward when it comes to Parkour. 'I have to get THERE, how do I get there, I move forward, over that, around that, up that, down that, I move forward to my destination'."
You are giving "Forward" a new definition in relation to Parkour. I agree with what you're saying, but this is YOUR definition, not the accepted definition of the word Forward. In the sentence above you've used "Forward" in two different meanings in the same sentence, one is physical, one is theoretical, I think that this may be confusing.
I Disagree that doing Parkour in a 4 block pattern as I laid out makes it not Parkour, or just practice ... as you pointed out in B13 (which I'm not sure is the best example, but it is a chase scene so I'll go with it) .. his displacement isn't the same as the amount he traveled ... in which case you're practically arguing my side of it, that it is the movement you do, not the net displacement, which is important.
Frankly, I think this is a niggling point that I don't really care to argue, but so many people seem to have the wrong definition of displacement, and "the Art of Movement" seems to have penetrated the community to an annoying level, so I think it's worth clarifying!!
Like I said, there is more than one kind of displacement. You are talking about linear displacement, but if you look at circular displacement, it does not go in a straight line, it is the shortest possible distance to reach someplace, eg. 540* will be equal to 180*, as it cuts out all the wasted movement. Pretty much what happens in parkour. Wasted movement is ignored. I know it's not a direct link, but a bit of a roundabout one, but I think that was the original idea behind the term.
Youre being too literal again... think of these words in relevance to Parkour, not your dictionary, for when your moving your dictionary has very little say in what you do.
A vector or the magnitude of a vector from the initial position to a subsequent position assumed by a body.
When there was a better use of the word on the site... Looks like you are being too literal specially since dictionary.com classified that definition for physics use.
You are giving "Forward" a new definition in relation to Parkour.
Im giving you what David Belle considers Forward In Parkour. I dont care what you agree with really because im not trying to give you my opinion... In Parkour you have to get somewhere. Thats the main point. It is something learnt so that you can get somewhere like Davids Father would have had to when running away in the war, or going to rescue someone in a fire....etc.
All of these situations you do not end up in the same spot you started. You are FORWARD no matter the direction, you went somewhere. Like David said many times. You move forward each time you travel over/under/up something. And you moved Forward to your destination. Again UF messed up this whole part SOOO bad.
The 'man-power' jump in b13 is a lot diffrent then running in a circle. I have no idea why you think or are trying to compare what I wrote to something similar you did. I thought I pretty much babied it and was pretty clear how it differed.
"... drop old analogies" ... that's what I'm trying to do, but I'm having a hard time.
I also feel that this misconception is out there in a large scale, and at least for me your correction isn't fixing the problem or getting me away from the "bad" information.
I guess I learned "displacement" in physics, and I don't see what you're saying as a "non physics" definition as being not physics, if it moves (net movement) then it is displacement. All the other definitions mean this same thing as well, "taken from the usual place", etc. If you take an egg form the carton, but then put it back, no displacement, physics or not, but the egg may have traveled to many countries in between.
I know this little thing is getting in the way of the bigger message, which is that parkour is about movement, but again with "what I know" I can't see what you're saying about "forward" as having so much to do with it, you are giving your own definitions for forward, and then saying "as it relates to parkour" ... but this implies an understanding of parkour, which, if everyone had that understanding, there would be no need for clarification.
What I am seeking here is clarification for people who have the wrong idea of parkour, and have the wrong idea about the "Art Du De placement" and how we can tell these people why that is wrong, and what Parkour really is. I think if we could do that, something good will have been done.
Dan, with what you're saying, I don't feel confident that I could turn around and set somebody straight, that's what I'dlike to be able to do.
That I think is the point. It's your net movement which matters. Parkour is the art of displacement, it cuts out all the useless movements and only focusses on the useful stuff. Like I said before, this is not a straightforward idea, it's a derrivative of a chain of thought.
What does displacement do? it cuts out all the twisting and the turning and throws it out of the window. It focuses more on the direct route, the shortest route possible (which is not always a straight line, you can have displacement which follows other shapes, sorry to keep saying this, but it is a point most people do not know... the only reason I know it is because I study maths at whatever level you guys have just before uni, is it college like us?).
The last point is that you will not be able to explain parkour with 3 words, Parkour is something which needs you to sit down with the confused person, and talk them through it, otherwise they simply will not get it. A short, snappy line will always be misunderstood, it simply needs to be short, snappy and interesting. It will not be able to completely cure all the misconceptions, no matter how much we want it to.
Would, "The art of running" work?
or perhaps something along those lines, because running implies quick movement to somewhere.
Well, running is already a sport, and we arent JUST running either, it involves other movements. I dont know if i read it right, but i though M2 WASNT looking for a 3 word definition, because i just dont think it could be done and have people understand what it means enough to differentiate it from anything else.
The art of progressive movement/motion.
yes, running is a sport, but not an art.
i know he wasn't looking for a 'three-word definition', but if you are trying to explain parkour to someone who hasn't heard of it before, i usually find that this is a good line to start the explanation with. it implies that is more than a sport, and also gets across the point of going somewhere quickly/efficiently.
it also gets the correct idea behind "L'art du deplacement" across the language barrier in a better manner than 'the art of displacement'.
so, skipper, i agree with your point that you cannot define parkour with this phrase, or with any simple phrase, but i find that it goes a long way in explaining what parkour really is to those who have no idea what the word symbolizes.
i put this into the discussion because it has worked for me. i have gotten a much better response and fewer confused looks when i start out with this idea, than i have with the art of movement or freerunning, for example.
You can say "It's an art that hones your ability to follow any path through any environment. You basically treat every environment like an abstacle course, and find take whatever path you choose through a variety of efficient techniques"
If they can't sit through that, then they aren't that interested anyway.
As for the rest of the discussion, I think that delving so deep into the semantics is losing focus on the point "how do you define freedom". Since we have decided that the freedom we speak of isn't exactly "freedom to do anything you want", bur rather, "freedom to follow any route you want" then it becomes a non-point. I have a feeling that M2 is aware that it wasn't David's intention to mean "the art of ANY movement", so his point in arguing that line of thought must merely be a tool for discussion. The problem with this is that it can be confusing to those who wish to base their opinion on somebody else's quotes. It's hard to sit here and argue the words behind Parkour when the words mean absolutely nothing when you're actually practicing it. The only thing I can say is; you will know what it is when you are finally doing it. Until then it will be these vague and abstract concepts, but once you stop and realize that you were no longer consciously choosing individual moves but were rather adapting seamlessly to the environment and the path, you'll look back on all this discussion and wonder why it took so much to describe something that is essentially wordless.
But alas, this is the downfall of our internet culture. There isn't that much to talk about when it comes to Parkour. I think most forums could do with a FAQ and a jam thread and be done with it, because it's all been brought up before, numerous times. I think an important exercise that might cap off this discussion nicely is this: go outside, find a group of obstacles and just move through them in as many different ways as you can. Try to be quicker and more effecient with each pass, and try to think about the next move less and less. If you're in the middle of a string of seamless movement and you're still wondering about a written definition, then perhaps you're too stuck on the words for there to be much hope. It's about the movement, pure and simple, and all the words in the world can't touch that.
m2, you ask for an argument to turn people around that have the wrong information ? ok, will give you.
the problem about the misunderstandings (sorry if u feel blamed here, but somehow you are, actually) is people like you, who argue paaaaaaaaaaaaaaages long about things that are very clear, that is what confuses people.
you guys are in the wrong job. if you are here for argueing about little banal (does that word exist in english?) things, then you should leave parkour, and start a debating club or soemthing.
teh more you talk about something, the more you try to interpret what was being said or what is basic, and try to make it soooooooo detailed,  the more you switch things, turn things around, and complicate it, and the more you will mislead ppls and their understandings.
Then thats cool, but this site will lose alot of respect that way and if thats the case it wont be long till its indeed called the 2nd UF.
I wouldnt like that to happen, and I know you guys wouldnt ... So why with the same stuff.
Why with the pointless arguments.
Déplacement/ForwardMovement/Parkour/AtoB... whatever.. they are so easy. Everyone just go out and do them. Stop thinking about them.
Im sorry I just really bothered and annoyed because it just adds to the garbage that keeps pilling up.
when it does make sense, then its rather hopeless from my end.
Then in turn people, even from this site, have to come talk to me on msn for clarification..
Although I have no problem doing it, it shouldnt be happening.
Or like usual bug me on msn when Im there. hah.
please do not take this as an attack, it IS indeed a request for clarification.
BUT, these two men are French. I am American. I do not speak French. These two men speak English, but of course, the language barrier will always be in the way to some degree.
in this case, then why is it NOT necessary to pick apart definitions in search of the true meaning?
because the true meaning can't be found in words or in argueing over the words. Go out and move with a purpose, a destination, and the true meaning will come. Sounds corny, but seriously I can understand what people are trying to say through the language barrier not because I dissect their definitions but because I understand the mindset that is creating them, the mindset of a traceur.
what makes your answer better than mine, or anyone else's?
Im not saying I know more then anyone. Im saying through my words David Belle knows more then anyone.
I have spent more time then anyone on this board researching, talking to french traceurs, etc etc etc... From this..
I dont speak my own opinion anymore, that you can get on msn if you wish... I speak exactly what Ive learnt the past years.
What I showed and still to this day show is utter humility to those who know more about Parkour then I do and to David Belle himself.
I do not challenge their method for they have over a decade of experience over anyone in the Internet communities.
And thats pretty much it in a nutshell.
but no more then being humble and accepting the simple words of Parkour as what they are.
Andi and Dan yo both make some good points, but I'm afraid that I feel you can't see my point of view though.
My point of view is that there are a LOT of people out there with the wrong information, and unless we tell them WHY it is wrong, and WHAT is wrong with it, then it will just be perpetuated.
1. Just go train. Which I agree with, but I don't think that's working, at least not for everyone.
2. Read DB's definition. - Also not working, there is still a lot of misunderstanding.
I don't think it helps when you both take my words literally to mean that I am asking a question for myself when you both know damn well that  know the answer, and that I am asking the question for the sake of conversation with the hope of clarity.
I'm afraid that I find your attitudes to be not helpful, and I feel very frustrated right now, I'm not even sure what to say.
Dan, if you want to help every person in the world by talking to them over IM one at a time that's fine, but I feel it's much more efficient to have a conversation and ask the questions they ask over and over in a public forum, so that 1,000s of people can "watch" the conversation instead of each having to have it for themselves.
Andi, your method seems to be to jump up and down and say f#ck f#ck and use loooong exaggerated words. I don't find that helpful either. I have never told anyone that Parkour was the art of arguing, although I do enjoy discussing things, I don't call it Parkour I also can't agree that I "switch things around" by using the definitons of words.
I am not challenging David Belle's words or the value of training, I am challinging that a posted definiton on a website that isn't even live isn't getting the message out to everyone, and that we need a better way.
Of course it is quite possible that I have the wrong approach and that what I do is not helpful to people, but aside from both of your comments (and a few others) I haven't seen much evidence of this.
I think it is also possible that we simply have different ways of thinking, and therefore may not agree with each other on the "right way" to do certain things, and that it is entirely possible that there is more than one right way to do something.
M2 I have to say I see Dan and Andi's point allot here.
thats really the best you can do to help someone understand parkour.
I can hardly follow what your saying.
who actuall speak the language in question are saying.
I know that you have this idea that by playing the devils advocate you can clarify the issues.
and I don't see any evidence it has helped. Look at the situation at UFF.
you can only point them down the path and let them train.
it just requires a certain dedication to understand. | 2019-04-23T22:40:00Z | http://americanparkour.com/smf/index.php/topic,347.20.html |
The Apple II of 3 D Printing?
It may be 1977 all over again.
The Formlabs home page and their blog.
I recently reviewed Chris Anderson’s book Makers. What 3 D printing needs is the affordable, user-friendly, versatile device to move 3 D printing from the arcane realm of techno-hobbyist geeks to the general population’s “early adapters”, which will put the next “consumer model” generation on everyone’s office desk; eventually as ubiquitous as cell phones or microwaves.
Formlabs should send one of these to John Robb and Shloky for a product review.
Not a single Democratic senator managed to demonstrate enough judgment and courage to go against his Party herd and vote “Nay” on the Hagel confirmation.
About a week ago, Cassandra cited a study showing in which white “racial liberals” (as identified by a four-question survey) were asked whether or not they supported targeted killings of suspected terrorists.
Only 27% of the respondents supported such killings….BUT, if they were told before answering the question that OBAMA had conducted such killings, then the support rose to 47%.
Cass cited another political scientist, Lilliana Mason, who argues that the electorate is becoming increasingly tribal. Our party affiliation is increasingly intertwined with our personal identity, making us more prone than ever to support the policies of “our side,” regardless of their actual content.
As I noted in comments, this kind of thinking/behavior represents the outsourcing of judgment and conscience.
And I think this outsourcing has a lot to do with the Democratic unanimity on Hegal, as well as with the lockstep pro-Obama coverage of the old media.
Very closely are noble issues bound up with material ones. Nothing could be more grossly material than the refusal to pay taxes, and the honest historian who comes to examine these occasional epic refusals will find often that the tax was reasonable and the refusal, on material grounds, absurd. Yet the refusal to pay taxes is one of the sacraments of history, the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace, the symbol of a resurgent spirit among an oppressed people, the assertion of the rights of man, the voice of liberty defying the dictates of authority.
I don’t mean to be negative but….
I know this is a cousin to stealing but you need to see this. I remember when those who warned of the danger were ignored or punished.
Seventeen years ago, Bernard Connolly foretold the misery that awaited the European Union. Given that he was an instrumental figure in the EU bureaucracy and publicly expressed his doubts in a book called “The Rotten Heart of Europe,” he was promptly fired. Mr. Connolly takes no pleasure now in having seen his prediction come true. And he takes no comfort in the view, prevalent in many quarters, that the EU has passed through the worst of its crisis and is on the cusp of revival.
As far as Mr. Connolly is concerned, Europe’s heart is still rotting away.
Walter Russell Mead: Channeling America 3.0???
3D printers, driverless cars, nanotech: the 21st century looks to be even more different from the 20th century than the 20th was from the 19th. American politics and institutions are going to change much more rapidly than most pundits and politicos can yet understand.
This quote is uncannily congruent the argument of the forthcoming book, America 3.0: Rebooting American Prosperity in the 21st Century – Why America’s Greatest Days Are Yet to Come by Jim Bennett and me.
Walter Russell Mead’s wicked good blog Via Meadia has many posts which track closely with the arguments Jim and I are making. I am sure all this great material will end up in a forthcoming book by him about the demise of the Blue Model (a term he invented) and what is coming next.
Nothing obsolesces like “the future.” Nothing burns out quite so quickly as a high tech avant-garde. Technology doesn’t glide into the streamlined world of tomorrow. It jolts and limps, all crutches and stilts, just like its ancient patron, the god Hephaestos.
Tomorrow Now: Envisioning the Next Fifty Years .
Still, we have to imagine the future, not so we will be correct then, but so we can plan, think, and act now. We also have to imagine the future so we don’t think today’s setbacks, as serious as they may be, are the apocalypse. Everyone reading this will be dead in 100 years, but our descendants will be alive, and they will have in part what we passed on to them. They will see us as living in a patch of history with a label and summed up in a few paragraphs. This is a phase, as is every other period in history.
I will confidently predict, as Mead does, that the pace of change will be faster than ever before. Moore’s Law will be in force for a long time to come, I hope.
What is particularly cool about the Mead quote, almost suggesting some kind of brain-meld via the astral plane between Mead and Bennett-Lotus, is the reference to “3D printers, driverless cars, nanotech” — each of these figure prominently in our first Chapter, America in 2040. One muse, three authors?
If you have not read Mead’s two excellent books, Special Providence: American Foreign Policy and How It Changed the World and God and Gold: Britain, America, and the Making of the Modern World , you must do so. Get them soon, so you are done before our book comes out May 28, 2013.
1) The Drug Enforcement Administration is attempting to seize a $1.5 million building owned as a retirement-investment property by a dentist and an engineer. Grounds are a $37 sale of pot ..to an undercover agent..by one of the building’s tenants, a medical-marijuana dispensary.
As the judge in the case notes, the Obama administration (in 2009) sent a memo instructing federal prosecutors to not target medical-marijuana patients..before deciding to crack down and sending threatening letters to landlords. He even wondered aloud if President Obama would change his mind about marijuana again, after the building had already been seized.
This, in a country whose current President pretty clearly was himself a marijuana user, not to mention former President Bill Clinton, who “didn’t inhale.” Neither Obama nor Clinton are in any danger of having their property seized, however.
2) When financial questions arose regarding the Mountain Pure Water Company, Washington did not send a few staffers to inspect documents. Instead, last spring, some 50 armed Treasury agents breached the company’s headquarters in Little Rock, Ark. They seized 82 boxes of records, herded employees into the cafeteria, snatched their cell phones, and..according to reports..refused to let them consult attorneys.
On the back of the couple’s car was a Buckeye leaf decal, similar to the one Ohio State players have on their helmets.
“What are you doing with a marijuana sticker on your bumper?” asked one of the cops, who had apparently never heard of the First Amendment.
5) In 2005, an Iowa couple purchased a small lot. When they began to lay gravel on the land, which is located in a residential neighborhood, they were hit by an order from the Environmental Protection Administration informing them that the property had been designated a wetland under the Clean Water Act. They were ordered to stop grading their property and were told that they would face fines of up to $75,000 per day if they did not return the parcel to its original state. When the Sacketts attempted to contest the order, the agency denied their request for a hearing.
Last March, the Supreme Court overruled the EPA and stated that the Sacketts are entitled to appeal the EPA order, rejecting the agency’s claims to the contrary.
“The EPA used bullying and threats of terrifying fines, and has made our life hell for the past five years,” said Mr. Sackett. See my post A Defensive Victory Against Administrative Tyranny.
6) Bob Wallace and Marjorie Ottenberg, California residents in their 80s, started a business to make water purification devices for backpackers. Their enterprise has been crippled by the Drug Enforcement Administration and state officials, on grounds that iodine crystals–a key ingredient in their product–can also be used for methamphetamine production.
As we count down to March 1, we are hearing more and more about the dreaded sequester. The left is confused about its history.
How did this get to be the story ?
The accidental Bible of Sequestration is The Price of Politics, Bob Woodward’s history of the debt-limit wars, and one of the least flattering portrayals of the president this side of Breitbart.com. In it, Woodward recounts a July 27, 2011, afternoon meeting between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and White House negotiators. Reid wanted a “trigger” as part of a debt deal, some way to force more cuts in the future without defaulting on the debt that summer. Chief of Staff Jack Lew and adviser Rob Nabors proposed sequestration, as a threat that could be averted if/when Congress passed a better deal.
OK. The White House staff suggested it. Why ? Because they assumed that Republicans would cave in rather than accept cuts in the defense budget.
Strange but true – General Lopez de Santa Anna’s invasion of Texas in 1836 was not to be the last time that a Mexican Army crossed the border into Texas in full battle array – artillery, infantry, military band and all. Santa Anna may have been defeated at San Jacinto – but for the Napoleon of the west, that was only a temporary setback. In March of 1842 a brief raid by General Rafael Vasquez and some 400 soldiers made a lightening-fast dash over the Rio Grande, while another 150 soldiers struck at Goliad and Refugio. They met little resistance – and departed at speed before Texan forces could assemble and retaliate. All seemed to have quieted down by late summer, though: Texas had ratified a treaty with England, and the United States requesting that Texas suspend all hostilities with Mexico.
It is increasingly clear that the liberal welfare state is not sustainable in its current form, and its costs and inefficiencies are increasingly present and real and are putting huge burdens on our economy at every level. This can’t really go on. From here on, the Left has mostly to play a defensive game of retrenchment and reaction, and this is an exhausting game, especially for liberals.
This comment encapsulates part of the argument that Jim Bennett and I make in our forthcoming book, America 3.0: Rebooting American Prosperity in the 21st Century – Why America’s Greatest Days Are Yet to Come.
The liberal welfare state is long past its peak. The question is, what next? We offer some predictions. But the main thing to consider is the transformative nature of the era we are living through. Both sides of the political spectrum are still stuck in 20th Century thinking, both thinking that the Blue Model can be tinkered with. It can’t. The challenge for Conservatives will be to figure out what they want to conserve and how to adapt their principles to the times. Progressives will need to figure out how to preserve their goals of protecting the weak and powerless using new methods, since the old ones are not working and will not continue to be popular once voters understand the burdens and costs.
The grotesque spectacle of the State of the Union address, with its lengthy receiving line of adoring sycophants, demonstrates why the President is operating under the delusion that he is more than just our President. Like him, many people seem to fundamentally misunderstand his role. He’s not our “leader,” or our “ruler,” or our national “daddy,” no matter what his adoring fan, comic Chris Rock, thinks.
Let’s clarify things for those folks with the unseemly desire to offer up their personal sovereignty to some government hack. Unlike Hollywood geniuses better known for exposing their breasts than exposing their brains, I’ll never pledge to be a servant of any politician.
I’m an American citizen. As such, no mortal man may presume to lead or rule me.
For example, “Caterpillar jumped up by 5% today” will be interpreted differently from “The price of Caterpillar increased by 5% today,” even though the two statements are semantically identical.
William Pitt the Younger, speech in Parliament, November 18, 1783.
Chicagoboyz — in search of ancient mysteries.
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You guys should come to Britain. Then you would know what bad and stupid politics was. Have you heard of the doctor who was on the list of the Conservative (please note) parliamentary candidates but was suspended because she retweeted a picture of Hitler with a quotation of his in which he explained that the Nazi party was a socialist party? No? Well, here we are. Enjoy.
…people are still writing songs about the Civil War.
The song is based on actual letters written by Confederate soldier J W Robison to his wife Josephine.
Because the Civil War isn’t over. Its images, dreamlike, stay with us — young boys lying face-down in cornfields and orchards, and Robert E. Lee on Traveller. And Lincoln, dead in the White House, and the sound of crying.
The Civil War disturbs us, all these long years after, troubling our sleep. Like a cry for help, like a warning, like a dream. And we pore over it, trying to break the code, its meaning just out of reach.
My first thought was, “Thank God this didn’t happen during the Cold War!” The Soviets were so batsh*t paranoid that they would have started with the assumption it was some kind of attack just like when they shot down the Korean airliner.
For all of the doom and gloom today about terrorism, global warming (or whatever apocalypse is fashionable this week) young folks should remember that no problem we face today was as serious and as dangerous as Cold War balance of terror. We faced the very real prospect that within the space of a mere hour, every major city and piece of infrastructure in the developed world, the communist and (it would turn out) India, would have been utterly destroyed along with most of the people inside them. Civilization would have ended for centuries. It would take just one hour for it all to end.
The post-Cold War revelation of just how ready the Soviets were to empty the silos, and how they almost did once out of shear delusion, are easily the scariest thing I ever read. The world could have ended just because a bunch of political zealots caught, in what was effectively a absolutist religious delusion, could have destroyed civilization for absolutely no valid reason at all, not even a reason valid in their ideology.
The Soviet Union would turn out to have been an utterly militarized state whose ruling caste was totally convinced not only that America spent its every waking moment trying to destroy them but that the “scientific” doctrine of Marxist historical inevitability made an eventual American attack as certain as the predicted orbits of the planets. Leftists scoffed at Cold War CIA estimates that the Soviet Union spent 20% of its GNP on the military. The CIA was in fact wrong. The Soviets actually spent 40% of their GNP on the military. Basically WWII, never ended for them and the Soviet Union was a military with the bare minimum civilian sector necessary to support it. They thought themselves constantly at war.
…don’t you dare even think about cutting her allowance.
Nancy Cartman-Pelosi thinks it would be disrespectful to cut Congressional salaries because it would diminish the dignity of lawmakers’ jobs.
What a bizarre statement. The fact that someone’s income may fluctuate doesn’t detract from the dignity of their job. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon just had his annual bonus cut by millions of dollars. Commissioned salespeople often have their incomes fluctuate downward as well as upward. Hourly worker have incomes that depend directly on how many hours of work are available. Small businesspeople and investors at whatever scale have incomes that are highly variable.
Not everyone is a tenured professor or “nonprofit” executive or civil servant with guaranteed employment and guaranteed income. This doesn’t mean their work has any less worth or dignity. | 2019-04-24T05:58:34Z | https://chicagoboyz.net/archives/date/2013/02 |
Draft: 2012, Oakland Athletics, 1st rd.
Addison is in his fifth season with Chicago ... was acquired from Oakland in a five-player deal that sent pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the A's on July 5, 2014 ... Made his major league debut in 2015 at the age of 21 ... At 22-years-old in 2016, he became the youngest player in franchise history elected to start the Mid-Summer Classic and second youngest All-Star overall, trailing only shortstop Starlin Castro who was named as a 21-year-old reserve in 2011 ... hit 21 homers and drove in 95 runs in 2016 ... Has the most RBI in Cubs postseason history with 19, including five in 2017 ... Among Cubs players at the conclusion of their age-23 season (since 1900), he ranked second in career homers (46), fifth in RBI (192) and extra-base hits (128) and eighth in runs scored (179) ... Entered the 2015 campaign as the Cubs second-best prospect by Baseball America ... Named Oakland's top prospect by Baseball America entering 2013 and 2014 ... Rated as the fifth-best prospect in baseball according to MLB.com entering the 2015 season ... ranked No. 3 on ESPN.com's Top 100 prospects list prior to the 2014 season and was No. 12 on MLB.com ... Earned post-season All-Star team honors in the California League in 2013 and the Arizona League in 2012 ... Named to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect team in 2013 ... Played in the 2013 Futures Game and the 2013 AFL Fall Stars Game ... Originally selected by Oakland in the first round (11th overall) of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft ... Graduated from Pace (Fla.) High School in 2012 ... hit .460 with 37 home runs in his four-year H.S. career.
Addison appeared in 130 games in his fourth season with the Cubs ... was placed on administrative leave by MLB on September 21, and on October 3, he accepted a 40-game suspension without pay for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy ... Batted .285 (70-for-246) with 13 doubles, one triple and five homers through June 30 ... hit .201 (35-for-174) with eight doubles beginning July 1 ... Notched a season-high four hits, May 18 at Cincinnati, going 4-for-4 with a walk, run scored and RBI ... Reached base a career-high five times twice in a 10-day stretch, May 9 vs. Miami and May 18 at Cincinnati ... on May 9, he hit a double and homer in the third inning, becoming the first Cub with two XBH in an inning since Brett Jackson in 2012 ... Recorded his second-career pinch-hit homer May 28 at Pittsburgh ... Went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a career-high tying three runs, one RBI and one walk, June 15 at St. Louis ... Notched a career-high tying four RBI in consecutive games, June 28 at the Dodgers and June 29 vs. the Twins ... went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs and four RBI June 28 ... went 1-for-4 with a go-ahead grand slam in the fifth inning, June 29 ... marked his second-career regular season grand slam ... Missed time on the disabled list from August 20-September 1 with a sprained left middle finger ... batted just .138 (8-for-58) in his final 25 games beginning August 12.
Addison batted .239 (84-for-352) with 21 doubles, three triples, 12 homers and 43 RBI in 110 games for Chicago ... missed over a month on the 10-day D.L., August 3-September 16, with a right foot strain and plantar fasciitis... Hit .280 (56-for-200) with an .803 OPS in 61 road games compared to a .184 average (28-for-152) and a .615 OPS in 49 home games... Batted .274 (26-for-95) in the season's "second half," 48 points higher than his .226 average (58-for-257) prior to the All-Star Break... After landing on the D.L., August 3, appeared in one rehab game with Triple-A Iowa, August 28, but had his rehab assignment cut short after re-aggravating the injury ... was activated, September 16... Hit his first-career pinch-homer, September 16 vs. St. Louis, in his first plate appearance off the disabled list ... went 1-for-1 with a career-high tying three walks the following day... Notched his 10th homer of the season, July 26 at the White Sox ... joined Ron Santo and Starlin Castro as the only Cubs players with three 10-homer campaigns by the end of their age 23 season... Hit a walk-off three-run homer, April 19 vs. the Brewers ... went 2-for-4 with the homer, walk and a career-high tying four RBI ... marked his second-career walk-off RBI and first walk-off homer... Recorded his first-career four-hit game, April 24 at Pittsburgh, going 4-for-6 with three runs scored and a RBI... Had a career-high four hits on three occasions ... went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored and two RBI June 22 at Miami ... his nine total bases marked a career-high and the three runs scored tied a career-mark... Had a strong start after the All-Star Break, going 9-for-22 (.409) with four doubles, two homers and five RBI on the "second half"-opening six-game road trip ... hit a game-winning homer in the ninth inning, July 14 at Baltimore, leading the Cubs to a 9-8 win after their 8-0 lead had disappeared... Went 6-for-34 with two doubles, one homer, two runs scored and five RBI in 10 postseason games ... went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one run scored and four RBI in the decisive Game Five of the NLDS at Washington.
Addison made his first Opening Day roster and collected 21 homers and 95 RBI in his first full major league season ... at 22 years old, he became the second-youngest Cub to ever reach 20 homers, trailing only Ron Santo who hit 23 homers in 1961 at age 21 ... Was named to his first N.L. All-Star team and became the first Cubs shortstop to start the game since Don Kessinger in 1972 ... became the fourth Cubs shortstop named to the All-Star team in the last 50 seasons and the seventh overall ... Became the first Cubs shortstop to reach 95 RBI since Ernie Banks logged 117 RBI in 1960 (156 games at shortstop that season) ... additionally, his 95 RBI are the most ever by a Cubs player in their age 22-or-younger season ... Was credited with 19 defensive runs saved according to Fangraphs, tied for the most among all shortstops with San Francisco's Brandon Crawford ... ranked tied for fifth in DRS among all position players ... Went 9-for-23 with two doubles, one homer and 24 RBI with the bases loaded ... tied for the major league lead with the 24 RBI with the bases juiced ... hit his first-career grand slam, July 27 vs. the White Sox, providing him with a career-high four RBI ... Among all shortstops, he ranked second with 95 RBI, tied for eighth with 21 homers and sixth with 55 walks ... Batted .272 (70-for-257) with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 62 RBI in 75 games at Wrigley Field ... led the team and ranked third in the N.L. with 62 home RBI, trailing only Colorado's Nolan Arenado (85) and Carlos Gonzalez (64). w Marked the most by a Cubs player at Wrigley Field since Derrek Lee drove in 68 runs in 2009 ... Had 11 game-winning RBI, 10 of which came at Wrigley Field ... Recorded 22 RBI in July and 23 RBI in August, the two-highest RBI totals by a Cubs shortstop in a month since Ernie Banks had 24 in August of 1960 ... Collected three RBI in consecutive games, July 4-5 vs. Cincinnati ... Became the first Cubs shortstop with back-to-back three RBI games since Alex Gonzalez, July 20-21, 2003. w Recorded his first multi-homer game of the season, July 5 ... Reached base in a career-high 18-straight games, April 22-May 15 ... batted .318 (21-for-66) with a .438 OBP during that span ... Homered in three-straight games, August 21-23, including a two-homer game August 21 at Colorado ... Scored a season-high three runs, September 11 at Houston, going 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI ... Got off to a slow start in the playoffs, batting only .042 (1-for-24) through Game Three of the NLCS, but hit .300 (12-for-40) with three homers and 13 RBI from that point forward ... overall, he batted .203 (13-for-64) ... his 13 RBI in one postseason are the most in Cubs history ... Went 6-for-13 with a double, two homers, five runs and four RBI in the final three NLCS Games ... hit homers in Games Four and Five of the NLCS ... his homer in Game Five's sixth inning was the second-latest go-ahead post-season home run by a Cubs shortstop … Joe Tinker's two-run shot in the eighth inning against Detroit broke up a scoreless tie in game two of the 1908 World Series ... Hit a grand slam in the third inning of Game Six of the World Series to extend Chicago's lead to 7-0 ... was the first by the Cubs in a World Series game and the 19th in World Series history overall ... his six RBI in Game Six tied the all-time record for a single Fall Classic contest.
Addison Russell was selected from Triple-A Iowa in late April and, at 21 years old, became the club's everyday shortstop on August 7 ... batted .242 (115-for-475) with 29 doubles, one triple, 13 home runs and 54 RBI in 142 games. His 29 doubles tied for second-most among all rookies ... his 60 runs ranked tied for seventh and his 115 hits and 54 RBI ranked eighth. Led the team and ranked seventh in the N.L. with an average of 4.12 pitches per plate appearance. Collected 98 hits out of the No. 9 hole in the batting order, the most in the N.L. in a season since at least 1914. Played 61 games (53 starts) at shortstop, recording a .981 fielding percentage (4 E/210 TC) ... played 86 games (84 starts) at second base, primarily when he was first called up (.977 fielding percentage). Recorded a 2.6 defensive WAR at shortstop (ESPN). Went 43-straight games without an error at shortstop, August 13-September 30 (157 TC). His .259 average (60-for-232) in the second half of the season was 33 points higher than his .226 average (55-for-243) in the first half. Selected from Iowa, April 21, and made the start at second base that night in Pittsburgh. At 21 years, 88 days old, became the youngest player in the National League (Bryce Harper second, 22 years, 187 days), and third-youngest in the majors. Recorded his first career hit, April 22 in Pittsburgh, a third-inning single off Vance Worley. Logged a career-high 12-game hitting streak, April 26-May 9 ... hit .326 (14-for-43) during the 12-game run, the longest hitting streak for a Cubs rookie since Mike Fontenot's 12-game streak in 2007. The 12-game hitting streak came within his first 16 career games, making him the first big leaguer to accomplish that feat since Minnesota's Glenn Williams hit safely in all 13 of his games in 2005. w Additionally, became the first N.L. player to record a 12-game hitting streak (or better) exclusively out of the nine-hole in the batting order since Pittsburgh's Wilbur Cooper, a left-handed pitcher, his safely in 16-straight games out of the nine spot (15 starts, one relief appearance) in 1924. Reached base safely in 16-straight games, April 26-May 13 ... the streak was the longest by a Cub within his first 20 career games since Eddie Stanky in 1943. Drove in three runs with a bases-loaded double in the fourth inning in Cincinnati, April 26. w At 21 years, 93 days old, became the second-youngest second baseman ever to produce a three-RBI game for the Cubs … Ken Hubbs was only 20 years old when he drove in three runs in St. Louis , April 22, 1962. Hit his first career home run, May 1 vs. the Brewers Wily Peralta, a go-ahead solo shot in the third inning ... turned out to be the only run in Chicago's 1-0 victory. Phil Cavarretta was the previous Cub whose first career homer was the only run of the game when he turned the trick in the Cubs 1-0 win vs. the Reds, September 25, 1934. Collected a career-high three walks, July 10 vs. the White Sox. Recorded his first career multi-homer game and scored a career-high three times, September 4 vs. Arizona. Stole a career-best two bases and tied his career mark with three hits, September 30 in Cincinnati. October 2 in Milwaukee, collected a career-high tying two doubles for the fifth time. Began the season with Iowa, and hit .318 (14-for-44) with four doubles, one homer and nine RBI in 11 games prior to his promotion. Hit .250 (3-for-12) with a triple, RBI and stolen base in four post-season games. Left NLDS Game Three vs. St. Louis with tightness in his left hamstring ... would sideline him for remainder of playoffs.
Addison Russell combined to bat .295 (76-for-258) with 14 doubles, one triple, 13 homers and 45 RBI in 68 games between Class A Stockton, Double-A Midland and Double-A Tennessee ... began the year in Oakland's chain before being acquired by Chicago in a five-player deal, July 5. Combined for an .858 OPS, thanks to a .350 on-base percentage and a .508 slugging mark. Recorded a .985 fielding percentage (4 E/273 TC) in 62 games at shortstop. Opened the year at Midland, but landed on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain after just two games ... was on the shelf, April 5-June 8. In 50 games with Tennessee, hit .294 (57-for-194) with 12 homers, including two multi-homer efforts. Played 11 games for Mesa in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .196 (9- for-46) with a double, two homers and 10 RBI.
Spent nearly the entire regular season at Single-A Stockton where he batted .275 with 29 doubles, 10 triples, 17 home runs and 60 RBI in 107 games…was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento Aug. 31 and went 1-for-13 (.077) with nine strikeouts in three games…combined for a .269 average overall…was one of 12 minor leaguers to reach double figures in doubles, triples and home runs…named to the California League Postseason All-Star team and was named the Cal League's and the A's No. 1 prospect by Baseball America…tied for sixth in the CL in triples (10), ranked seventh in slugging (.508), tied for eighth in walks (61) and tied for ninth in extra base hits (56)…was a Baseball America High Class A All-Star…was ranked No. 3 on ESPN.com's Top 100 Prospects list prior to the 2014 season and was No. 12 on MLB.com…led the A's farm system in extra base hits (56), ranked second in slugging (.495), tied for second in triples (10), fourth in runs (86), tied for fourth in stolen bases (21), sixth in total bases (219), tied for seventh in doubles (29), eighth in on-base percentage (.369) and 10th in home runs (17) and walks (61)…led Stockton in runs (85), triples (10) and total bases (218)…with the Ports, he batted .282 (92-for-326) with 14 of his 17 home runs against right-handed pitchers compared to .252 (26-for-103) against left-handers…was batting .249 with a .332 on-base percentage and .467 slugging percentage in 55 games at the All-Star Break…then hit .305 with a .424 on-base percentage and .555 slugging percentage in 52 games after the break…had a .232 average with the bases empty compared to .350 with runners on base…hit .310 with runners in scoring position, including .394 with RISP and two outs…went 5-for-7 (.714) with a home run and 10 RBI with the bases loaded…batted .304 in 70 games hitting second and .217 in 37 games batting leadoff…appeared exclusively at shortstop on defense…committed 14 errors for a .968 fielding percentage in 105 games with Stockton…also had one error in two games at short with Sacramento…was named to the Arizona Fall League All-Prospect team following the season after hitting .282 with a home run and five RBI in 21 games with the Mesa Solar Sox…added 10 walks for a .361 on-base percentage…tied for second in the AFL in doubles (8)…was the starting shortstop for the East Division in the Fall Stars Game Nov. 2.
Combined to hit .369 with seven home runs and 45 RBI in 55 games with three different teams in the A's farm system in his professional debut...signed with the A's June 15 after he was selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft...despite the late start, he ranked second among A's minor leaguers in triples (9) and tied for eighth in stolen bases (16)...began his career with the A's affiliate in the Arizona Rookie League, was transferred to Vermont of the Short-Season New York-Penn League Aug. 2 and joined Single-A Burlington of the Midwest League Aug. 18...combined with all three clubs for a .594 slugging percentage and .432 on-base percentage...earned Short-Season League All-Star honors from Baseball America...hit .386 (68-for-176) with all seven of his home runs and 42 of his 45 RBI against right-handed pitching compared to .293 (12-for-41) against left-handers...had 23 of his 26 extra base hits against righties for a .642 slugging percentage...slugged .390 against lefties...batted .405 with runners in scoring position, including .500 with RISP and two outs...had 25 multiple hit games in his 55 contests...hit .416 in the sixth inning or later and .379 with a .438 on-base percentage when leading off an inning...appeared in 48 games on defense, all at shortstop...committed 10 errors for a .951 fielding percentage...also hit .480 in six games as the designated hitter...batted .408 with a .492 on-base percentage in 30 games hitting leadoff...also hit second (8 games), third (8), seventh (4), eighth (4) and sixth (1)...was named the A's number one prospect by Baseball America...was also tabbed by the magazine as the best hitter for average, best athlete and best defensive infielder among A's prospects.
September 21, 2018 Chicago Cubs placed SS Addison Russell on the restricted list.
September 1, 2018 Chicago Cubs activated SS Addison Russell from the 10-day disabled list.
August 22, 2018 Chicago Cubs placed SS Addison Russell on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to August 20, 2018. Sprained left middle finger.
September 16, 2017 Chicago Cubs activated SS Addison Russell from the 10-day disabled list.
August 28, 2017 Chicago Cubs sent SS Addison Russell on a rehab assignment to Iowa Cubs.
August 4, 2017 Chicago Cubs placed SS Addison Russell on the 10-day disabled list retroactive to August 2, 2017. Right foot strain.
October 22, 2015 Chicago Cubs activated SS Addison Russell.
October 17, 2015 Chicago Cubs reassigned 2B Addison Russell to the minor leagues.
April 21, 2015 Chicago Cubs selected the contract of 2B Addison Russell from Iowa Cubs.
April 9, 2015 2B Addison Russell assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies.
February 6, 2015 Chicago Cubs invited non-roster SS Addison Russell to spring training.
October 25, 2014 Mesa Solar Sox reassigned SS Addison Russell to the minor leagues.
July 6, 2014 SS Addison Russell assigned to Tennessee Smokies.
July 5, 2014 Chicago Cubs traded RHP Jason Hammel and RHP Jeff Samardzija to Oakland Athletics for SS Addison Russell, CF Billy McKinney, RHP Dan Straily and cash.
July 5, 2014 SS Addison Russell assigned to Midland RockHounds.
June 16, 2014 SS Addison Russell assigned to Midland RockHounds from Stockton Ports.
June 8, 2014 SS Addison Russell assigned to Stockton Ports from Midland RockHounds.
April 6, 2014 Midland RockHounds placed SS Addison Russell on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to April 5, 2014. Hamstring strain.
March 30, 2014 SS Addison Russell assigned to Midland RockHounds from Sacramento River Cats.
February 4, 2014 Addison Russell assigned to Oakland Athletics.
August 31, 2013 SS Addison Russell assigned to Sacramento River Cats from Stockton Ports.
April 14, 2013 Addison Russell roster status changed by Stockton Ports.
April 9, 2013 Stockton Ports placed SS Addison Russell on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to April 7, 2013.
April 1, 2013 SS Addison Russell assigned to Stockton Ports from Beloit Snappers.
January 9, 2013 Oakland Athletics invited non-roster SS Addison Russell to spring training.
January 9, 2013 Addison Russell assigned to Oakland Athletics.
August 18, 2012 SS Addison Russell assigned to Burlington Bees from Vermont Lake Monsters.
August 2, 2012 Addison Russell assigned to Vermont Lake Monsters from AZL Athletics.
June 20, 2012 Addison Russell assigned to AZL Athletics.
June 15, 2012 Oakland Athletics signed SS Addison Russell. | 2019-04-20T03:27:34Z | https://www.mlb.com/player/addison-russell-608365 |
The war on Yemen has recently been receiving a bit more coverage than in previous months.
The coverage is damning for Saudi Arabia and its allies, which is as it should be, but the war continues to go mostly unnoticed.
Yemen is being called the “forgotten war.” That is somewhat inaccurate, since that implies that there was a time when it used to be widely known and has only later been forgotten. It is the ignored war, the war about which Western publics know little and care less, the war that some Western governments enable with military support without ever telling their citizens why they are doing it. It is not surprising that the Saudis and their allies pretend that they aren’t killing hundreds of Yemeni civilians with their indiscriminate attacks, but what is more remarkable is that they rarely have to repeat those lies because there is so little scrutiny or criticism of their actions in Western capitals. Were it not for the important work of human rights organizations, aid workers, and journalists documenting the Saudi-led coalition’s crimes in Yemen, there would be almost no one calling the Saudis and their allies to account for what they have been and still are doing to Yemeni civilians.
The heart of the current chaos and misery is the larger reality that Saudi Arabia and Iran have both made Yemen a testing ground for their regional strategic rivalry, against a backdrop in which the United States, the major supplier of arms to the Saudis, is simultaneously attempting a significant thaw in relations with Iran. All the Gulf states except Oman have joined the Sunni military coalition in recent months, yet the US has largely turned a blind eye to the war crimes being committed. Its priority is to allay Sunni fears that the old alliances could be compromised after the nuclear deal was reached with Iran.
Yet America’s balancing act may fail. The security vacuum created in Yemen, and the radicalisation that the conflict has accentuated, have opened up more space for al-Qaida-affiliated groups. Recent US drone strikes underline that what is happening in Yemen is military escalation, not stabilisation. A negotiated settlement is long overdue, but it will only happen if strong international pressure, including from the US, is exerted on the Saudis. If even more instability is to be prevented on the Arabian peninsula, there must be a preparedness to name, shame and restrain those who are conducting atrocities against civilians in Yemen. Current western complacency and silence will only bring more chaos and strife.
Errant Civilian Airstrikes Turn Yemenis Against The U.S.
Half the people killed in Yemen's conflict have been civilians, Amnesty International reports.
The Obama administration's assistance in a Saudi-led military coalition is turning Yemeni people against the U.S. as more of the Saudi airstrikes aimed at the Houthis, Yemen's rebel militia group, fall errantly on civilians, The New York Times reported.
here are some sentiments in the region that the Obama administration is "selling this weaponry so that we can provide some jobs for your kids in the United States and provide some economy improvement," Jalal Fairooz, a former member of parliament in Bahrain, told Press TV.
Schell Fellow at the Nation Institute who reports from the Middle East and South Asia for a number of magazines and whose investigative work exposing war crimes in Afghanistan won him the George Polk Award and the Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism.
Of the many perils Yemen’s civilians have faced during the last six months of war, with starvation looming and their cities crumbling under heavy weapons, none have been as deadly as the coalition airstrikes. What began as a Saudi-led aerial campaign against the Houthis, the rebel militia movement that forced Yemen’s government from power, has become so broad and vicious that critics accuse the coalition of collectively punishing people living in areas under Houthi control.
Errant coalition strikes have ripped through markets, apartment buildings and refugee camps. Other bombs have fallen so far from any military target — like the one that destroyed Mr. Razoom’s factory — that human rights groups say such airstrikes amount to war crimes. More than a thousand civilians are believed to have died in the strikes, the toll rising steadily with little international notice or outrage.
In parts of northern Yemen, which is populated largely by Shiite Muslims, residents told reporters making a rare visit to the area that the bombing campaign by the Sunni coalition often feels like a sectarian purge. Airstrikes nearest the border with Saudi Arabia have been so intense that people have taken shelter in mountain caves or been forced farther south, often on foot, where they set up flimsy camps on the side of the road.
Neighborhoods in the northern city of Saada have been so heavily bombed that locals joke grimly that the coalition has run out of buildings to hit. The shrinking pool of targets has not stopped the planes that circle daily over Sana, the capital, from bombing the same security buildings over and over again, with a bewildering and terrible frequency.
The Saudi-led coalition has rarely if ever acknowledged killing civilians by mistake, even after the deadliest strikes, like the bombing of a residential compound for workers in Mokha in July that killed at least 63 people. Instead, the coalition blames the Houthis, accusing them of fighting from populated areas.
There is little mystery about the repeated attacks on the northern Saada Province, the birthplace of the Houthi movement. Months ago, the Saudi coalition declared that the entire province was a military zone, drawing an outcry from human rights groups that did little to deter the warplanes.
Here's part two of Gabriel Gatehouse's special reporting from Yemen. CONTAINS SOME DISTRESSING IMAGES.
Should there be an international investigation into possible war crimes in Yemen? James O'Brien asked Daniel Kawczynski, member of the UK's Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
Sturm auf die jemenitische Hauptstadt Sanaa: Die Militärkoalition aus mehreren Golfstaaten legt das Armenhaus der Arabischen Welt in Schutt und Asche. Die UN reagiert entsetzt.
Unsere Rache wird nicht lange auf sich warten lassen“, polterte Abu Dhabis Kronprinz Mohammed bin Zayed. „Wir werden so lange weiterbomben, bis der Jemen von diesem Abschaum gesäubert ist“. Mit Abschaum meint der Emir die schiitischen Huthis, die am vergangenen Freitag bei einem Angriff auf ein Armeelager der Golfstaaten 45 emiratische, zehn saudische und fünf bahrainische Soldaten töteten – der bisher schwerste Verlust der Golf-Alliierten.
Seit dem Massaker in den eigenen Reihen kochen die superreichen Kriegsherren von „Decisive Storm“, die zusammen der größte Waffeneinkäufer der Welt sind: Für die nächsten Wochen nun blasen sie zum Sturm auf die Hauptstadt Sanaa.
„Das Ausmaß des menschlichen Leidens ist unbeschreiblich“, erklärte der UN-Chef für humanitäre Hilfe, Stephen O’Brien. In Krankenhäusern lägen die Verletzten auf Bodenpappen, alle Blutkonserven seien aufgebraucht, selbst sterile Gummihandschuhe für Untersuchungen gebe es nicht mehr. Denn sämtliche Häfen des Jemen werden von Kriegsschiffen blockiert, der wichtigste in Hodeidah ist zerstört, ein Angriff, den O’Brien empört als „Verstoß gegen das internationale Menschenrecht“ verurteilte.
Kommentar: Wer sich auch nur etwas über den Jemen informiert hat, für den bringt der Artikel nichts Neues. Für den üblichen deutschen Zeitungsleser wahrscheinlich schon. Wachen Einzelne bei den „Mainstreammedien“ nach 5 ½ Monaten saudisch-amerikanischem Luftterror im Jemen endlich auf, nachdem sie vorher durch Verschweigen das In-Schutt-und Asche-Bomben eines Landes, dafür dass ein Präsident geschasst wurde, für einen ganz normalen Vorgang erklärt haben?
The roster of antiquities damaged in the war in Yemen runs long. Missiles fired from the coalition's planes have obliterated a museum (where the fruits of an American-Yemeni archaeological dig were stored), historic caked-mud high-rise dwellings, 12th century citadels and minarets and other places whose importance to humanity's heritage has been recognised by the UN. The Great Dam of Marib, a feat of engineering that was undertaken 2,800 years ago, has been struck four times, most recently on August 18th. Antiquities experts fear for the oldest surviving fragment of the Koran, in a six-month war which has killed over 4,000 and injured 20,000.
But apparently out of deference to their Saudi and Gulf friends, Western powers have yet to make much comment on the destruction in Yemen, whether humanitarian or cultural. They have expressed justified horror over cultural losses in Syria, such as Islamic State's demolition of the Bel temple in Palmyra. They willingly subscribe to the general principle of protecting religious and cultural objects from war.
Yet Western officialdom has been tongue-tied about Yemen; Britain's Foreign Office, for instance, did not respond when asked about the cultural damage there. In the ancient city of Sana'a, a UNESCO World Heritage site, there is a bitter feeling that the West is applying lenient standards to a coalition whose members are strategic allies and defence customers. Mohannad al-Sayani, director of Yemen's General Organisation of Antiquities and Museums, laments that his country is suffering cultural vandalism whose ideological purpose resembles the campaign against Syrian and Iraqi antiquities. In all cases, people are bent on wiping out what they consider to be "idolatry"—in other words, any object that in their view signals deviation from the strict path laid down by the Prophet Muhammad and his immediate successors. In addition to the strikes from the air, he says, ruthless local branches of Islamic State and al-Qaeda are making ground attacks on Yemen's cultural sites.
Die jemenitische Exilregierung zieht sich aus den für kommende Woche geplanten Friedensverhandlungen mit den Houthi-Rebellen zurück. Eigentlich wäre eine Waffenruhe im vom Bürgerkrieg gebeutelten Land vorgesehen gewesen.
Die für kommende Woche geplante neueste Runde der Friedensverhandlungen für denJemen steht wieder infrage: Er werde nicht an den Gesprächen unter UNO-Schirmherrschaft teilnehmen, solange die Houthi-Rebellen nicht einem Rückzug aus von ihnen eroberten Gebieten zustimmten, erklärte der nach Saudi-Arabien geflüchtete Präsident Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi in der Nacht auf Sonntag. Als Grundlage verwies sein Büro auf eine UNO-Resolution, die die Rebellen zum Teilrückzug verpflichtet.
Hadi has refused to start political talks with the Houthis for months, repeatedly demanding the rebels' acceptance of the resolution's terms.
The April U.N. Security Council resolution slapped the Shiite group with sanctions -- a part of the measure that's been a key sticking point with Houthi leaders ever since.
But otherwise, according to senior Houthi-alled politicians and U.N. envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Houthis have accepted a majority of the resolution.
The upcoming U.N.-sponsored talks will focus on making a strategy for implementing it, senior Houthi officials told CNN.
"Accepting the U.N. resolution is not the concern; the problem is the implementation. The Houthis have accepted to withdraw their forces and hand in the arms they seized, but want to ensure they take place in a manner that doesn't keep Yemen lawless," said Hasan Zaid, President of the Houthi-allied Haq party.
Man wolle erst dann mit den Aufständischen sprechen, wenn diese aus den wichtigsten Städten abzögen, meldet die amtliche Nachrichtenagentur Saba. Außerdem müsse die Regierung anerkannt werden. Unter Vermittlung der Vereinten Nationen sollten ursprünglich Verhandlungen der Konfliktparteien über eine Waffenruhe stattfinden.
Kommentar: Das war schon vorher klar. Man will den totalen Sieg und sonst nichts. Das Land kann dabei gerne draufgehen. Die westlichen Medien, die die Bombardierungen damit gerechtfertigt haben, dass damit die Huthis an den Verhandlungstisch gebombt werden sollten, müssen an partieller Amnäsie leiden. Die Seite, die niemals verhandeln will, ist eben die Exil“regierung“. Die Huthis haben immer wieder Verhandlungsbereitschaft betont. Ob ernst gemeint oder nicht, ist ja nie ausgetestet worden.
Die für kommende Woche geplante neueste Runde der Friedensverhandlungen für den Jemen steht wieder infrage: Er werde nicht an den Gesprächen unter UN-Schirmherrschaft teilnehmen, solange die Huthi-Rebellen nicht einem Rückzug aus von ihnen eroberten Gebieten zustimmten, erklärte der nach Saudi-Arabien geflüchtete Präsident Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi in der Nacht auf Sonntag.
Als Grundlage verwies sein Büro auf eine UN-Resolution, die die Rebellen zum Teilrückzug verpflichtet. Eigentlich sollten bei den Verhandlungen zwischen Rebellenvertretern und Exilregierung in den kommenden Tagen im Oman eine Waffenruhe und ein Rahmen für einen friedlichen Übergang ausgehandelt werden. Am Freitag hatte Hadi eine Teilnahme noch zugesagt. Nach Angaben des UN-Sondergesandten Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed hatten auch die Huthi-Rebellen ihr Kommen angekündigt.
Kommentar: Deutlich erweist sich jetzt die von den USA im UN-Sicherheitsrat durchgedrückte UN-Resolution 2216 als absoluter Hemmschuh für jede Friedensverhandlungen. Diese Resolution in ihrer völligen Einseitigkeit richtet sich allein gegen die Huthis und toleriert die saudischen Luftangriffe. Ihre Erfüllung – was der Selbstaufgabe der Huthis entspräche – zur Vorbedingung für jede Verhandlungen zu machen, macht damit Verhandlungen unmöglich.
Yemen's exiled government backed out of UN-brokered peace talks as loyalist forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition launched a major offensive against Shiite Huthi rebels on Sunday.
A military official said the offensive aimed to push the Iran-backed insurgents out of the oil-rich Marib province east of Sanaa and eventually move on the capital, which the rebels seized a year ago.
President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government, which has fled to Saudi Arabia, had said on Friday it would join UN-mediated talks this week in Oman.
But in a short statement overnight, Hadi's office said the government would not attend talks unless the rebels first accept a UN resolution demanding their withdrawal from territory they have captured.
The government decided "not to take part in any meeting until the militia recognises Resolution 2216 and agrees to implement it without conditions," the statement said.
Kommentar: der erste satz ist entlarvend: Offensive statt Gespräche.
Yemen's exiled government has confirmed it will attend UN-mediated peace talks next week aimed at reaching a ceasefire with the Houthi rebels who control large parts of the country.
In a statement on Thursday the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi said that a rebel pullback from areas seized since last year - as outlined by a UN resolution - remained a precondition to negotiations.
Die Konfliktparteien im jemenitischen Bürgerkrieg haben sich nach Angaben der Vereinten Nationen (UN) auf neue Friedensgespräche verständigt. Die Unterredungen sollten in der kommenden Woche in der Region beginnen, teilte der UN-Sondergesandte für den Jemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, am Donnerstag in New York mit. Eines der Hauptziele der Verhandlungen sei es, eine Waffenruhe zu erreichen. Ort und Zeitpunkt sollen demnach in den kommenden Tagen bekanntgegeben werden. Der UN-Sondergesandte rief die Teilnehmer auf, sich konstruktiv an den Gesprächen zu beteiligen.
he Saudi-led coalition which has invaded Yemen over the past two months is now poised to make a direct assault on the country’s capital city, Sanaa, according to press reports Sunday. An estimated 12,000 troops launched an offensive in Marib province, directly east of the capital.
There were accounts of troop reinforcements passing through the Wadia border crossing from Saudi Arabia into Yemen in preparation for the latest offensive.
Yemeni forces have taken control of a Saudi military base in the southwestern border province of Jizan as part of retaliatory offensives against Saudi Arabia’s ongoing invasion of their country.
Fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, backed by allied army units, seized the Faridhah military base and destroyed three Saudi armored vehicles in their retaliatory attacks against Saudi positions in Jizan, local media reported on Monday.
According to reports, Yemeni troops also launched an attack against Saudi-led foreign forces in Yemen’s central province of Ma’rib, killing scores of them, including a Qatari and an Emirati officer. At least 21 armored vehicles were destroyed during the raid.
Forces loyal to fugitive former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi backed by Saudi-led airstrikes launched a ground operation against Ansarullah movement in Ma'rib on Sunday.
Also on Monday, Yemeni troopers carried out rocket attacks on several Saudi bases in Jizan, killing and injuring a number of Saudi soldiers.
Kommentar: iranische Quelle: “Yemeni forces”: Armeeeinheiten, die auf Seiten der Huthis kämpfen.
The UAE Armed Forces have launched a successful ground offensive on the Houthi rebel militias and made advance on the ground in Marib as part of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen. The General Command of the UAE Armed Forces announced that an Emirati servicemen was martyred during the operation. The General Command expressed its heartfelt sympathy and offered solace to the family of the martyr, praying to Almighty Allah to grant his soul rest in Paradise.
The Yemeni army has recruited 4,800 southern fighters following a presidential decision to integrate loyalist militiamen who helped push Iran-backed rebels out of second city Aden, a military official has said.
Kommentar: “Yemen army” hier jemenitische anti-Huthi-Kämpfer.
Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled president, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, launched a major ground offensive against Iran-backed rebels east of the capital Sanaa on Sunday, a military official said.
"This is the largest and fiercest offensive since operations began in Marib province," the official told AFP.
Fighters loyal to President Abed Rabbou Mansour Hadi have attacked the rebels in two areas - Jufeinah and Faw - that lie on the route leading to rebel-held Sanaa, he said.
Most of the oil-rich province of Marib is controlled by fighters and armed tribes allied with Hadi, but the Shiite Houthi rebels and renegade troops loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh hold parts of the province.
More troops have poured in since the attack. Saudi Arabia dispatched more elite forces to join the 3,000-strong coalition force already on the ground, while Qatar, hitherto only participating in air operations, has sent 1,000 soldiers.
The coalition has since unleashed an unprecedented flurry of air strikes in both the northern governorate of Saada, the stronghold of the Houthi rebels, and the country’s capital, Sana’a. Residents say as many civilian as military targets are being hit, including houses, restaurants and main streets. “The coalition has gone wacko since the attack,” says Hassan Boucenine, who heads the Yemen office of Médicins sans Frontières, a charity.
At least 25 civilians were killed in rockets shelling in Yemen's Marib province late Friday as ground battles intensified between the Shiite Houthi group and pro-government troops, the media reported.
Medical sources told Xinhua news agency that 25 civilians were killed and more than 16 wounded in the shelling in the market in Marib city, the provincial capital.
Witnesses said Houthi fighters fired Katyusha rockets upon the arrival of Yemeni troops trained in Saudi Arabia on Friday to Marib city.
The troops, which returned to Yemen on Wednesday, came as part of military preparation led by the Saudi-led coalition to take Marib from the Houthis and to advance to the capital Sanaa to restore power of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.
Kommentar: “Yemen army”: Iranische Quelle, hier also die auf Seiten der Huthi kämpfenden Teile der jemenitischen Armee. Jede Seite beansprucht für ihre Kämpfer den Status „jementische Armee“, da er der dahinter stehenden Regierung die beanspruchte Legitimität verleiht.
Yemen's Shiite rebels intensified attacks against pro-government forces on Saturday in the southern city of Taiz, as they pushed to seize a strategic mountain and landmark positions in the city ahead of scheduled peace talks, security officials said.
At least 18 civilians were killed in Yemen's province of Marib where battles between the pro-government forces and the Houthi militants have lately escalated.
Local sources said on Friday 15 civilians including women were killed after Houthi militants fired rockets on the government compound, the central market and houses randomly and hysterically.
Tens if others were injured some seriously, the sources said.
And the Saba news agency reported that the 3 others were killed in an airstrike by the Saudi-led alliance.
At least 16 Yemeni civilians including ten people from a single family were killed in nationwide air strikes by a Saudi-led military coalition on Saturday, medics in three provinces said.
Gulf Arab countries have stepped up their air attacks targeting the Shi'ite Muslim Houthi movement allied to Iran after the group killed at least 60 Arab troops deployed to Yemen in a missile attack on their base last Friday.
The raids pummeled the Houthi-controled capital Sanaa and the southern city of Taiz, which is being fought over in heavy street battles between Houthi fighters and Gulf-backed Yemeni forces.
Two civilians were killed in the capital and ten people from one family died in Taiz. Eyewitnesses said the strikes appeared to target the houses of political leaders allied to the Houthis.
Four more people were killed near Yemen's border with Saudi Arabia in the far northern province of Saada.
At least 13 Yemeni people have been killed and scores of others wounded in Saudi Arabia’s latest airstrikes as Riyadh's unabated aggression against the war-torn country continues.
The Yemeni al-Masirah news channel reported on Friday that at least 10 people were killed and many others sustained injuries when Saudi warplanes targeted a village in Yemen’s southwestern province of Ta’izz. The Saudi army also killed three civilians in the central province of Ma’rib and also pounded the Baqim district in the northwestern province of Sa’ada with rockets and shells.
Late on Thursday, Saudi fighter jets dropped bombs on military positions and civilian neighborhoods in and around the Yemeni capital Sana’a.
Reports said that in one of the airstrikes on the capital, the Saudi fighters targeted the Yemeni military camp of al-Hafa. The force of the explosion caused by the airstrike discharged rockets and other weapons from the military camp toward a nearby neighborhood.
The bodies of six Indian nationals reported missing after their boats were hit by airstrikes off Yemen on Tuesday have been found, Indian officials say.
The two boats had been carrying 21 Indian crew members when they were hit - 14 were rescued, and one remains missing.
The funerals will be held on Friday in the city of Hodeida, Yemen's second biggest port after Aden and a key source of supplies for the country's capital, Sanaa.
The Indian foreign ministry did not say who it thought had carried out the airstrikes.
However, Yemeni coast guard officials said a Saudi-led coalition attacked more than five boats off the Yemeni coast on Tuesday.
Kommentar: Das Herumeiern um die Frage, wer die Luftschläge zu verantworten hat, ist jämmerlich. Die Huthis und ihre Verbündeten haben keine Luftwaffe.
Gulf-trained unit of Yemeni forces loyal to exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has joined the battle in the central energy-producing Marib province for the first time, a senior provincial official said on Friday.
The official, who declined to be identified, said the unit had joined the front line in the al-Jafeena area of Marib.
Bei einem Luftangriff ist in der jemenitischen Hauptstadt Sanaa das Gebäude des Staatsfernsehens komplett zerstört worden. Wie Augenzeugen berichteten, wurde das Studio von Saba TV am frühen Freitagmorgen von einem Kampfjet der arabischen Militärallianz bombardiert. Auch das Studio eines weiteren Fernsehsenders sei getroffen und beschädigt worden.
Nach neuen Luftangriffen der arabischen Militärkoalition hat es schwere Explosionen in der von schiitischen Aufständischen kontrollierten jemenitischen Hauptstadt Sanaa gegeben. Dabei wurden offenbar Raketen und andere Waffen aus einem Lager der Rebellen in die Luft geschleudert.
Die arabische Militärallianz hat für den Kampf gegen die schiitische Huthi-Miliz im Jemen weitere Einheiten mobilisiert. Mindestens 40 Armeefahrzeuge überquerten am Freitag die Grenze zwischen Saudi-Arabien und dem Jemen.
Mit der Verstärkung der Truppen solle die Rückeroberung der Hauptstadt Sanna vorbereitet werden, erklärte ein jemenitischer Militärvertreter.
Kampfflugzeuge der arabischen Koalition bombardierten unterdessen ein Militärfahrzeug der Rebellen in der östlichen Provinz Marib. Sieben Kämpfer seien bei dem Angriff am Freitag getötet worden, verlautete aus Armeekreisen. Auch in der benachbarten Schabwa-Provinz wurden Stellungen der Huthis aus der Luft attackiert.
On the Yemeni Saudi border: The Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed insurgents sent more military vehicles and troops across the border into Yemen on Friday in preparation for an offensive to retake the capital, military officials said.
The arrival of reinforcements came as coalition warplanes killed seven rebels in an air raid on Friday in eastern Yemen, where Apache helicopters have also joined the fight against the Al Houthi militia.
The strike targeted a military vehicle used by the militia in the eastern province of Marib, while other air raids struck rebel positions in neighbouring Shabwa province, military sources said. At least 40 coalition military vehicles crossed over into oil-rich Marib.
The vehicles were carrying Yemeni troops trained in Saudi Arabia as well as coalition troops whose nationality military officials in the area declined to specify.
It came hours after UN special envoy for Yemen, Esmail Ould Shaikh Ahmad, said that the exiled government and Al Houthi militia had agreed to take part in peace talks that “will convene in the region next week”.
Kommentar: Quelle vom Golf, daher Propagandasprech von “Sanaa befreien”. Die UN-Gespräche sind seitens der Hadi-„Regierung“ abgesagt, man will militärische Konfrontation.
Rebellenangriff auf Markt im Jemen: Mindestens 20 ToteDutzende Menschen wurden durch Raketenbeschuss verletzt.
Bei einem Rebellenangriff auf einen belebten Markt sind im Jemen nach Angaben von Ärzten mindestens 20 Menschen getötet worden. Dutzende weitere Menschen wurden demnach verletzt, als Rebellen am Freitag den Markt in der östlichen Stadt Marib mit Raketen beschossen.
Wenige Stunden zuvor waren bei Angriffen der von Saudi-Arabien geführten Militärallianz in der Region um Marib sieben Rebellen getötet worden.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired Katyusha rockets at a busy market in the eastern city of Marib on Friday, killing at least 20 people.
“Twenty civilians were killed and dozens were wounded,” a medical official said. Witnesses said the provincial capital’s market was the target.
The Saudi military has been talking up an escalation of the war against Yemen all week, announcing thousands of additional foreign troops to enter the country, but today seemed once again to be focused on their ongoing campaign of airstrikes against the capital city of Sanaa.
Elsewhere, one of the major private hospitals in Sanaa was battered by constant explosions, and a number of the patients fled the building, fearing it was going to collapse from the strikes pounding the area, which was near military sites.
Kommentar: Gatehouse macht guten Journalismus. Das Defizit der westlichen Mainstreammedien wird daran deutlich, dass kaum berichtet wurde. Der Angriff auf die Flaschenfabrik, der hier geschildert wird, liegt schon länger zurück.
With charter renewal looming, the BBC is under increasing scrutiny from the government to justify its licence fee. So it’s fair to say Thursday night’sNewsnight Yemen special did little to endear the corporation to some members of the Tory camp.
The programme — led by the BBC’s Gabriel Gatehouse — looked into Yemen’s ‘forgotten war’; highlighting the Saudi-led coalition’s bombing campaign over Yemen to drive Houthi rebels from the city. It reported how the airstrikes — which have hit some civilian targets — are supported by Britain as the country sells arms to Saudi Arabia.
Now Kawczynski is scheduled to appear on tonight’s episode to make his case.
Update: Kawczynski’s appearance on the show did not go smoothly. The Tory MP had a strongly worded debate with James O’Brien, who aggressively grilled him on the country’s links to Saudi Arabia. Kawczynski remains adamant that the BBC are ‘trying to falsify the situation’ on the ground ‘through their biased coverage’.
He says ‘it’s time that people stood up to the appalling bias of the BBC’, before commenting that ‘the BBC is omnipotent and such an important organisation and never makes any mistakes’. Mr S senses a degree of sarcasm in his latter comment.
Britain is one of the leading arms suppliers to Saudi Arabia. It has granted the Gulf Kingdom 37 export licenses for military goods since Yemen’s war began.
“The UK Government is quietly fuelling the Yemen conflict and exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises potentially in breach of both domestic and international laws on the sales of arms," Oxfam said in a statement on Friday.
“There is a paradox at the heart of the government’s approach to Yemen,” said Oxfam’s Chief Executive Mark Goldring on Friday. “On the one hand the Department for International Development is funding efforts to help civilians caught up in the conflict, while on the other the Government is fuelling the conflict that is causing unbearable human suffering."
In April, the British government allocated £4 million to help meet emergency needs as Yemen teetered on the edge of humanitarian disaster. Aid agencies say 1.8 million children across the country are at risk of malnutrition and that 84 per cent of the population are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance.
On the directives of His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and instructions of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the ERC has launched a major humanitarian campaign to help about 10 million people affected by the unfolding crisis in Yemen. Themed “Yemen: We care”, the one-month long campaign aims to mobilise support for the ERC programmes and projects with the aim of easing the suffering of those caught up in Yemen’s conflict.
“This donation falls within our strong belief of supporting people in need wherever they are and regardless of their nationalities or background,” Sajwani said. He added that the Yemen: We Care campaign represents a noble cause as do all the campaigns led by the leadership in the UAE, aimed at helping millions of Yemenis. “We hope that our humble contribution will help ease their suffering in the current conflict,” he said.
For the last 45 years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has tried to mitigate its Yemen problem through short-term tactics, rather than construct and give resources to a strategy for solving it. That policy has failed repeatedly. A bold and lasting transformation is needed, not the same ineffectual meddling.
Traditionally, the attitude of most GCC members toward Yemen has been fond but standoffish. The Gulf states have been fairly generous in funding projects and providing aid, but held populous Yemen at arms’ length, for reasons both demographic and ideological, the latter being fear of Marxism and republicanism.
Saudi Arabia has always regarded Yemen as a direct threat. King ‘Abd al-‘Aziz is reputed to havewarned his sons that “the good or evil for us will come from Yemen,” and so to keep it weak and divided. It is unclear exactly what the Saudi royal was wary of: Yemeni intentions of taking over the entirety of Saudi Arabia; efforts by Yemen’s Hamid al-Din dynasty to defeat their Al Saud rivals; or merely attempts by Yemen to recover the three provinces of ‘Asir, Jizan and Najran that ‘Abd al-‘Aziz had captured from Imam Yahya in 1934. But the king’s advice was taken to heart, and has been implemented ever since. “The Saudis want a moderate government in Sanaa—on a short leash,” Michael Van Dusen, a long-time senior staffer for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote in 1982, referring to hundreds of millions of dollars in annual disbursements to both the Yemeni government and Yemeni tribal leaders.
In addition, and as it has done in many Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia subsidized the export of puritanical Wahhabism into a nation that traditionally was Shafi‘i Sunni in the south, and Zaydi and Isma‘ili in the north. This state-sponsored evangelism was perceived as a threatening political encroachment on Zaydi space. It also grated on many Yemenis’ national sensibilities, something the Wahhabis should have known.
The 2011 uprising in Yemen brought millions of people into the streets, protesting against precisely the elite corruption and autocracy that Saudi Arabia (with Western backing) had worked to entrench. Saudi policy toward Yemen since the popular revolt is almost certainly an attempt to maintain the status quo ante. Indeed, the GCC initiative that claimed to break the political impasse has been seen as an effort to achieve an apparent transition of power while ensuring, sub rosa, that the same coterie of Saudi clients remain in place. Certainly, the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm is an attempt to reinstate ‘Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to the presidency. Yet Hadi was President ‘Ali ‘Abdallah Salih’s long-term vice president, his clique shows traits similar to the deposed Salih’s, and a terrorist-traced salafi, ‘Abd al-Wahhab al-Humayqani, has reportedly been appointed as Hadi’s “adviser.” Many Yemenis will see Humayqani as a Saudi-placed eminence grise.
The GCC fears that the Zaydi Houthis are a fifth column for Iran, and claims they receive a copious Iranian weapons supply. In fact, the Fiver Shi‘a—with their founding doctrine of resistance to an unjust ruler—are an ideological threat to the Islamic Republic’s theory ofvelayat-e faqih (rule of the jurisprudent), and were mostly armed by Salih. The Gulf states could regard the Zaydis as a cherished Arab ally against the Iranians, whose Safavid antecedents destroyed the first Zaydi state. Instead, GCC policy is driving Zaydis into Iranian arms.
Kommentar: Sehr interessante Analyse, die die gegenwärtige Entwicklung aus der regionalen Geschichte erklärt.
We have been informed by our Hodeidah Office based on the information received from Advisor of Chairman of the port authority that they have reopened the Mokha port on 11/09/2015 and the port is operational and safe.
Please be informed that the Hodeidah port has been reopened & started the work for receiving the ships from 27/08/2015 at 11:30 am & all operations are working normaly & they has been received & berthed first ship MV. ORYX at berth no.4 & started discharging at 12:30 pm for the cargo Steel & Flour.
Please be informed that any vessel calling Yemeni ports require to get entry permission from Ministry of Transport, the ships agent or receivers needs to obtain this prior to the vessels arrival to Bab Al-MandabAny vessel coming to the Yemeni ports should be calling to the naval forces of the Saudi Arabian coalition by VHF on channel 16 for the arrival registration before 3 miles of arrival to the Bab Al Mandab to get approval to enter to the Yemeni territorial waters and thereafter they will advise the ship's master about the anchor position until getting the final approval to enter after inspection.
Kommentar: Die Blockade mit der Durchsuchung aller Schiffe hat die Versorgung einbrechen lassen (siehe weiter unten). Das genannte „Transportministerium“ ist natürlich Teil der die Hadi-"Regierung" im saudischen Exil.
The men have been stuck for over 15 days now at Khokha port in Yemen where they had gone to deliver cargo. This comes days after six Indians, most of them from Gujarat, were killed following air strikes in the Arab country.
India said Sunday that it is taking steps to ensure safe evacuation of its nationals from Yemen after a sailors’ group claimed that 70 seamen from Gujarat are stranded in the war-torn country. Officials spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Vikas Swarup said on Sunday, “Our mission in Yemen (camp office in Djibouti) is aware of the situation and taking steps to ensure safe evacuation of Indians.” Nearly 70 seamen from the coastal village of Mandavi in Kutch and from Jodiya and Salaya villages of Jamnagar have been stuck for over 15 days at Khokha port in Yemen where they had gone to deliver cargo in five boats, a sailors’ group in Gujarat said, appealing to the government to rescue them.
Kommentar: Diese Geschichte zeigt, was es mit der saudischen Seeblockade des Jemen auf sich hat.
"About 70 Gujarati sailors along with five vessels are stranded in Yemen for around 15 days and they now need the government's help for their rescue," Vahanvatta Association of Kutch and Mandavi president Haji Juneja told PTI.
"The sailors are in a pitiable condition as some forces have been bombarding them. They escaped death last night when some force, either of the insurgents or the Saudi coalition, began an attack with rocket launchers," he said, adding that the sailors had gone to Yemen on a voyage to deliver cargo.
Meanwhile, one of the stranded sailors, identified as Sikandar from Mandavi village, sent an audio message last night in which he said that they last night came under a bomb attack.
"I am an Indian. My name is Sikandar. We are at Khokha port. They have lobbed three rockets and we somehow managed to save ourselves. We are running here and there to save ourselves," Sikandar says in the message.
"We are 70 Indians stranded here along with five ships. They have been bombarding us with warplanes. Please help us. We are Indians. We are in great difficulty. They will kill us. Please save us," he said.
Around 70 crew members, who had to abandon ship in search of safety, are now stranded near the Khokha Port. Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com spoke to Indian crew members who say they are safe for now but will die of hunger if not rescued by the Indian government.
Wali Mohd, one of the Indian crew member from Kutch Mandvi told Rediff.com that as many as 70 crew in five ships are stranded near Khokha Port in Yemen.
Wali said that all were safe but on Saturday night had to evacuate their ship and seek shelter in a small village about six kilometres away from the port, after heavy shelling began where their ship was anchored.
"It is a small village and people here are helping us with water, food and shelter," Wali Mohd said. He feared that given the intensity of the shelling they may not be able to remain safe for longer.
Wali Mohd was reduced to tears as he spoke with this correspondent over the phone. He was unable to give the name of the village but said that it was just five to six kilometres away from Khokha Port.
He said that they were forced to evacuate their small mechanised boat after heavy shelling on Saturday and the group abandoned the ship in search of safety. Most of these 70 were now scattered, he said. "We ran wherever our instincts took us," Wali Mohd said.
Als Land mit wenig bebaubaren Flächen musste der Jemen schon lange rund 90% seiner Lebensmittel aus dem Ausland importieren. Traditionell wurde das per Schiff betrieben, aber mit einer Seeblockade der gesamten jemenitischen Küste durch die Saudis die letzten Monate hindurch ist es nicht einfach, diese Schiffe in einen Hafen zu bekommen.
Viele Reedereien haben sich zurückgezogen, nachdem der Versuch, in den Jemen zu liefern, mit endlosen Verzögerungen durch die Marinekräfte vor der Küste verbunden ist. Diejenigen, die weiterhin versuchen, Lebensmittel zu liefern, warnen vor der steigenden Gefahr einer Hungersnot besonders im Norden, wo die Blockade so gut wie alle Lieferungen verhindert.
23 Schiffe liegen allein vor der Küste von Hodeida, ohne Hinweis, wann, ja ob sie überhaupt die Genehmigung zum Anlegen bekommen werden. Sogar im Fall, dass sie grünes Licht bekommen, ist es schwierig, die Lieferung abzuwickeln, da die Kriegsflugzeuge der Saudis einen großen Teil des Hafens mit Luftangriffen zerstört haben, darunter auch die Ladekräne, mit denen die Schiffe entladen werden.
Die Marine der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika gab eine Warnung heraus, dass rund 14 Millionen Jemeniten aufgrund der Blockade ohne Grundnahrungsmittel dastehen könnten, und dass die Blockiererländer keine klare Erklärung für ihre Verzögerung liefern, obwohl die meisten Schiffe aus Europa und aus den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika kommen.
Bemerkenswert ist, dass die Marine der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, die zeitweise selbst bei der Blockade mitgemacht hat, nominell um den Schmuggel „iranischer Waffen“ in den Jemen zu verhindern, jetzt an der Blockade herumnörgelt. Die Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika nehmen weiterhin an dem Krieg teil, aber genau zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt nicht direkt an der Blockade.
Kommentar: Nach neueren Meldungen wurden 7 Inder getötet, 13 überlebten.
A nation with little arable land, Yemen has long had to import some 90% of its food from abroad. This has traditionally meant ships, but with a Saudi-led naval blockade of the entire Yemeni coast for the past several months, it’s not easy to get those ships into port.
Many shipping companies have pulled out, since trying to deliver to Yemen means endless delays from the naval forces off the coast. Those who continue to try to deliver food warn of a growing risk of famine, particularly in the north, where the blockade is preventing virtually all shipments.
23 ships are parked off the cost of Hodeida alone, with no indication when or even if they’ll be allowed to dock. Even when they’re given the go-ahead, it’s difficult to make their deliveries since Saudi warplanes destroyed much of the port’s infrastructure in airstrikes, including the cranes that would usually lift huge cargoes of grain off the ships.
The US Navy issued a report warning that some 14 million Yemenis could be left without basic foods because of the blockade, adding that the blockade countries aren’t offer clear explanation of the holdup, even though most of the ships are from Europe and the US.
It is noteworthy that while the US Navy is grousing about the blockade they have actually taken part in it at times, nominally to prevent “Iranian weapons” from being smuggled to Yemen. The US remains involved in the war, but not directly in the blockade right now. | 2019-04-18T11:17:12Z | https://www.freitag.de/autoren/dklose/krieg-im-jemen-neue-artikel-zum-nachlesen-18 |
It’s no secret to anyone who has ever read one of my fan psychology or Supernatural books that I love Comic-Con – my first year there was 2007, when you could still drive your rental car right up to the convention center, park in the underground garage and stroll up to get in the (very small) line to get in. It was Supernatural that brought me to Comic-Con back then, and it’s still Supernatural that brings me back now, and every year in between. The Show has gone from Room 6BCF to the larger Ballroom 20 and finally for the past few years, the gigantic Hall H. Like many loyal fans, I’ve followed along and celebrated the Show’s success as it defied the odds and refused to be cancelled. Last year saw a triumphant celebration of that tenacity, with Kansas appearing to play the Show’s unofficial theme song, Carry On Wayward Son, live on the Hall H stage.
My Supernatural-centric Comic-Con began on Thursday night with the Wayward Cocktails party in the Gaslamp district’s Analog Bar. Jules Wilkinson (better known as admin of the SuperWiki) and friends throw this party most years, and it’s a great place to meet up with all your fellow Supernatural fans. It’s also a charity event, so I brought along some copies of Family Don’t End With Blood to donate, benefiting Random Acts along with Public Counsel legal services advocates. All the television screens in the bar were playing episodes of Supernatural; there were Supernatural themed drinks, plenty of food, and of course pie for dessert. Ruth Connell joined us at our table for a while, and I had a chance to chat with Scoobynatural writers Jeremy Adams and Jim Krieg, who would love nothing more than to reprise that amazing episode.
I also got to hug some of the people who keep the Show awesome, like the always adorable post coordinator Mary Manchin and showrunner’s assistant Meghan – and to talk Season 14 a bit with writer Davy Perez. He’s excited about the upcoming episode written by Meredith Glynn, and that makes ME even more excited! More on that later, because SQUEE!
Friday stayed Supernatural-focused with the Warner Bros. party at Float, the rooftop bar of the Hard Rock Hotel. My friend M. Night Shyamalan was also at Comic-Con, premiering the trailer for his new film Glass (more about that coming up!) so I invited him to come by the WB party – because it’s always a fabulous party! He stayed long enough to chat for a little while, and then ran into Jensen Ackles as he was leaving, so they got to reconnect too. That’s what makes Comic-Con so awesome!
Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins and Alex Calvert joined the party a short while in and stayed until they literally turned the lights on to try to convince those of us who were having way too good a time to finally leave – sorry, Float employees! My chats with Jensen were about his singing prowess and whether he’d run into Night before Night had to leave (he had), with Jared about his recent birthday, and with Misha about politics – and whether I need a new phone (I do).
Ruth Connell and Rob Benedict were also at the party, and it was heartwarming to watch the cast greet each other with so much genuine affection. I chatted with Ruth about her panels at Comic-Con, including one all about witches which she found very empowering.
Ruth: I’ve never been so proud to portray a witch!
Former Supernatural writer Adam Glass was also there, and it was wonderful to re-connect with him and be able to thank him for all the Supernatural actors he’s cast in the shows he’s moved on to.
At times, the Supernatural gang was a tight knit circle – a group of people who are clearly always happy to see each other. I think, honestly, that makes all the difference. They got to mingle with actors from the other Warner Bros. shows who were there, but they also just enjoyed each other’s company – and they were in no hurry to leave. In fact, I’m fairly sure our cast closed the place down!
Saturday I kept the Supernatural connection going with panels and press room interviews for season 2 of Midnight Texas (with former Supernatural writers and now showrunners Nicole Snyder and Eric Charmelo) and season 4 of The Magicians (with former Supernatural showrunner and writer Sera Gamble and of course Felicia Day). Much more on both of those soon! Saturday also left me a little bit of time to hang out with friends, which is as much what Comic-Con is about as going to panels or waiting in line for the Pop Funko exclusives you reallllly want. I also found time to reconnect with Supernatural alum Robbie Thompson, who I will forever miss as a writer on the Show but am thrilled to call a friend whose career success I can keep celebrating. Stay tuned for more of our chat with Robbie coming up!
So yes, I love Comic-Con. Not that there aren’t downsides to being in a place with over 100,000 other people and only three Starbucks. My friend Laurena and I waited 45 minutes for our lattes one day – and that was AFTER we’d waited in line to order them! The wear and tear on your feet and your back is also significant – one day I clocked over 5 miles just walking between hotels and convention center, and while my backpack was a lifesaver, it got heavier and heavier as each day went on. But oh, so worth it!
Sunday is Supernatural day, so I always wake up with butterflies in my stomach and an extra bit of exhilaration as I make the long trek up to Hall H. The press area is in the middle a dozen or so rows back, so I had a pretty good view of the stage as we waited for the panel to start. Writer Steve Yockey was seated nearby, so we chatted a bit – once again, he had all sorts of good things to say about some of the episodes coming up, including the one penned by Meredith Glynn. AAAAHHHHHH is it October yet???
Rob when Jensen took the stage: Isn’t he dreamy?
Rich: OMG he’s so hot!
I had a chance to chat with Rob after the panel and asked him how much of their hilarious panel banter was scripted and how much was improv?
Why am I not surprised? That’s the thing about Rob and Rich and about this cast they know so well – they can all do the off-the-cuff thing brilliantly because they do it constantly onstage at Supernatural conventions, so they’re like a well oiled comedy machine. And we get to reap the benefits!
The Comic-Con 2018 Supernatural panel was showrunners Andrew Dabb and Bob Singer, Exec Producers and writers Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner, and cast Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins and Alex Calvert. The panel kicked off with a sneak peek at Season 14 – and Michael!Dean. OHMYGOD. I can’t say enough about how mesmerized the entire room was by that scene and Jensen Ackles’ performance as Michael. All 8,000 people were so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Michael was so unlike Dean that it was striking – and in turn both terrifying and disturbingly attractive, radiating a calm that you just know is covering up power that could turn deadly in a heartbeat. If I was excited about Season 14 before, I’m way more excited now!
Jared, who had just seen the clip for the first time as well, interjected to compliment Jensen on his incredible work.
Jared: I hadn’t seen that scene yet, that was my first time to see it, and I kinda got chills. Way to go, Ackles.
Ackles has said he was nervous about playing a different character, especially on a familiar set with familiar other characters, but he knocked it out of the park. Before last season ended, he asked Christian Keyes, who played Michael in S13, for any tips on how to play him. As Jensen acted out onstage, Christian just flipped his long coat back with a flourish.
Jensen: (deadpans) I’ve been nailing that move ever since.
It’s always interesting to watch the actors listen intently to what the showrunners and executive producers are saying about the show and the characters they play; I get the feeling that sometimes they’re as eager as we are to figure out what the people who write the show are planning for them!
Jensen Ackles: (silently) What now?
Richard to Andrew: Does any of Dean ever seep out while he’s Michael?
One of the biggest reveals to come out of Comic-Con for Supernatural this year was that Sam won’t be clean shaven – or even just a bit scruffy.
Rich: So, Misha…how is this for Cas, is he in more of a hunter role?
Fans start to scream at that, Misha looks thoughtful, which I guess Richard thought looked alarmingly like a frown.
Rich: Don’t get mad at them, they’re supporting you!
Misha: I think this is sort of a roll up his trenchcoat sleeves moment for Cas.
Misha had a question of his own.
Misha: You cast Alex on the show, and Alex looks exactly like me. Are we gonna find out eventually that Cas is the dad?
Bob Singer: (deadpans) I don’t think they look anything alike.
All four actors were in a great mood, teasing each other and laughing frequently just as they do when they’re at a Supernatural convention together. Again, I feel like we’re the luckiest fandom in the universe – our cast have an even deeper friendship than most, since they’re not only together on set but they travel the world together on weekends doing conventions too. It shows in how they amuse each other, and in the level of comfort they have with each other. And it makes for a great panel!
Jared: What’s harder, Jack having no powers or Alex having to worry about getting kicked in the crotchal area?
Alex: Jack is going through a lot, so it really helps knowing that I might be kicked in the balls at any time by my coworkers.
Jensen didn’t miss the chance to rib Rob either.
Jared immediately jumped on the bandwagon, both of them teasing Rob. Rob’s voice went higher and higher as he tried to move on from that, which made Jared and Jensen start cracking up for real – when does THAT happen between a cast and a moderator? The love on that stage is palpable, and it makes all the difference.
Jared insisted that Jensen had an idea for the 300th episode (to which Jensen looked somewhat worried…) – that it should be based on The 300, and they all wear togas.
Bob Singer is pretty good at the teasing too. Rich asked if Jensen had any input into Michael’s wardrobe, and Bob expanded on that answer.
Jensen: (nonplussed) One of them was the dodgeball gym coach. So, you’re welcome.
Misha: Jensen was legitimately more excited about the cowboy outfit than Dean.
Misha paused in the panel for a few minutes to ask for volunteers to hand out voter registration cards, which made me love him even more than I already do – which is a helluva lot.
Andrew also let us know that some of the Wayward women will be back this season, along with Rowena (that came with a shout out to Ruth Connell, who got a huge ovation from the crowd).
What has made Supernatural successful for 14 years?
Alex: It’s brotherhood, it’s family.
Jensen: The show pivots around one central character…. The car.
Jared: Number one to why we’re still going? Y’all. (gesturing to the fans) And I care about the people I work with, there’s a legitimate sense of family.
Misha: This is rare, but I’m gonna echo what he said. This fandom, there are some unique ingredients that go into this. One is that the show has been on for so long. People have grown up with this show. We have all grown up with this show, and the bonds that you form, with the cast and with the characters, it coalesces around the word family. We’ve spent a lot of time together and forged real emotional bonds, and the audience can feel that.
Andrew, for his part, gave the actors a ton of credit – whatever you throw at them, you know they’re gonna make it better.
And I’ll just say Misha Collins had the last word of the panel – and it brought the house down.
We were, as is the Comic-Con tradition, treated to the gag reel for Season 13 near the end of the panel. I could seriously watch about 80 hours of Supernatural gag reel – not even exaggerating! I can’t wait for the DVD set to come out so I can rewatch it again and again, because there are inevitably priceless moments. I was particularly excited that one of the amusing moments I got to see filmed made it to the gag reel, when Jensen suddenly broke into dance while waiting for a retake.
And then it was time for the cast to say goodbye. Jared tossed his name card into the audience; Jensen surreptitiously (not) slipped his into his pocket.
After the panel, we had an hour to rush to the press area and download some photos and eat a hot dog, then it was off to the Hilton Bayfront for the Supernatural press room. This is my second year in the press room, so I wasn’t quite as nervous about my technology failing me (though it did…) and more able to just enjoy the chance to chat with everyone. We had a great table of press, some of whom I already knew, and everyone had great questions. Press rooms can be stressful things, since there’s a very limited amount of time and no guarantee that every cast member will get to your table – which means I actually did get anxious anyway. But big kudos to Warner Brothers’ Holly Ollis and Nikki Calderon, who managed to make sure that every single table got some time with every single one of the cast and producers. Phew!
Executive producer and showrunner Bob Singer was the first to come to our table – which is why I was so nervous I didn’t even manage to take a picture of him!
Our table asked what he could tease about Season 14?
We laughed, but he relented.
Bob: I think Season 14 is gonna be a little less broad in scope and a little more emotional, with more personal stories about the guys. We’ll look at what Jack’s going through with losing his powers, and if and when Dean comes back from Michael, what it will be like with his relationship with Sam. We also have a lot of fan favorites who will be back – Bobby, Charlie. I think it will be a little more low key, but it will still be Supernatural, just more personal and emotional.
Then it was my turn to ask a question.
Me: How weird is it directing Jensen Ackles as a totally different character?
Bob: Jensen is so good, he can inhabit pretty much any character he wants to play.
Bob: Jensen always come through with his performance. He’s always prepared and he knows in his own head what he wants to do. That said, if you give him shadings or you say ‘I don’t think that’s quite what we’re going for, how about trying this?’ he’s generally quite open to that, he doesn’t fixate on what he wants to do so much that he’s not open to suggestions. Actually every actor in our cast is easy to work with from a directorial point of view. The most you’ll have is a spirited discussion (laughing). Over 13 years with these guys, there’s a trust built up on both sides so it’s really a fun show to direct. It’s something special – it feels like family.
Next up, we had the man himself, Jensen Ackles. This is probably my favorite press room interview ever, simply because of Jensen’s reaction to our table. He sat down looking a bit weary after a marathon three days of constant interviews and photo sessions, and then he caught my eye and realized he was at a table with someone he knew – and then realized that I wasn’t the only one he knew there! His face lit up and he exclaimed “Hey! Familiar faces!” I confirmed that he was indeed at a friendly table, and he grinned and promptly put his head down on the table for a nap. Poor tired bean!
We were a lucky table indeed, because we not only got relaxed and happy Jensen, but we got finger guns Jensen too!
Jensen also asked what we thought about the sneak peek scene of him as Michael, and how nervous he was about playing a different character – and having to speak Arabic and wanting very badly to get it right!
Jensen: I couldn’t get any of it wrong, because it was a Holy verse. So that was very nervewracking.
Me: That was fascinatingly NOT Dean, in that clip we just watched.
Me: It was strikingly different. Was that hard?
Check out the entire almost 8-minute interview here, with lots of insights about the challenges and rewards of playing Michael on Supernatural!
I spent some of the press room catastrophizing that we wouldn’t get to chat with Jared Padalecki, but I should have trusted the way they run the Supernatural press room, because sure enough, Jared made his way to our table. We were last to get to speak to him, but we ended up with our full allotted time because that’s just the kind of guy Jared is. Our table was again lucky, since we got a Padalecki wink and some great discussion of Season 14 and Sam Winchester.
We already knew that Sam will be taking on more of a leadership role, but one of the things we asked Jared was whether we’d also get to see the emotional side of where Sam is as a result of the trauma of losing his brother.
Jared: Yes, and his leadership role is also very different than when he led hunters against the British Men of Letters. That was I’ve gotta buck up and hold down the fort, this is him forced into it, but his plate is so full. Jack, who he’s always taken a liking to and tried to look out for, is now a broken kid. Last year he was a being we didn’t know what he could do – Sam legitimately cared about him, but there was also fear. This year there’s none of that. Sam also has 30 hunters from another planet living in the bunker, so you’ve gotta tell them how to hack a computer or where to buy toilet paper down the road. Those hunters and Sam have a similar desire and motivation but it’s also ever so slightly different. Sam wants to save Dean; the hunters want to kill Michael.
Jared went on to say that Sam is hoping to get to Michael first, because while Michael might be difficult to kill, his vessel is not!
Jared also talked about how much he loved that we got to deal with Sam’s trauma in Season 13. Dean, in contrast, is not one to open up and talk about his trauma. Sam is uniquely qualified to say Dean, let’s talk about this, Jared said – and Cas is too.
Jared: It’s like, we’ve been there, let’s talk about this.
Now that I cannot wait to see!!!!
Check out our full interview with Jared here, including more about Sam’s relationship with Jack coming up in Season 14!
Part 2 of Lynn’s Supernatural Season 14 coverage continues here. | 2019-04-25T00:45:18Z | https://movietvtechgeeks.com/supernatural-season-14-everything-you-need-to-know-part-1/ |
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Decluttering is a growing trend, but are Canadians truly committing to a minimalist lifestyle or is decluttering just an excuse to clear up space for more stuff?
There are real benefits to a clutter-free home. Not only does your home look better when it’s neatly-organized, but a clutter-free home also promotes focus and self-efficacy while reducing stress and anxiety. However, when you throw your purged items in the trash or declutter only to go out and buy more stuff, you contribute to a growing environmental problem.
When you throw unwanted stuff away, it doesn’t really go “away.” Every year Canadians produce 720 kilos of waste per person. That’s twice as much waste per capita as Japan and seven percent higher than the United States’ per capita waste output, Canadian Geographic reports. While some waste gets recycled, most of it ends up in the landfill — and even when you think you’re recycling, your waste may still end up in a landfill, either domestically or abroad.
There’s a better way to achieve an orderly home without increasing the burden on the environment. These tips will help you declutter your home in a more eco-friendly fashion.
1. Sell or donate before you trash.
Selling unwanted items or donating them takes more effort than tossing them out, but it keeps things out of the landfill longer and allows shoppers to purchase used items rather than new ones that take resources to create. Reuse is especially important for large items like appliances and furniture, as well as electronics. These items quickly fill landfills and contain toxic materials that pollute the environment. If you prefer to earn some money from your old stuff, sell online. You’ll net more and spend less time than holding a yard sale. Click here to learn more about the second hand economy.
Even items that seem worthless could have a second life. Old linens that aren’t good for home use can be used in animal shelters, broken lawn equipment can be repaired by someone handy, and partially-used products can go to a family that struggles to afford new. Even if you’re not sure someone would want your old stuff, give it a try! You’ll be surprised at how creative people can be.
2. Shop secondhand before buying new.
Don’t just add to the second hand economy, shop from it too. Buying used items saves money and the planet, and oftentimes older items are built to a higher-quality than new consumer goods.
Paper is a major source of clutter in homes. From junk mail to filing cabinets, paper takes up a lot of space. And while paper is one of the more easily recycled materials, it’s still best to reduce usage wherever possible. Once you’ve digitized all your important documents, enroll in e-delivery with the companies you do business with and follow Canada Post’s instructions to stop unwanted mail.
4. Choose nontoxic and plastic-free household products.
Shoppers love conventional household cleaners for their potency, but that strength comes from toxic chemicals that pollute the environment when they’re sprayed in the air or washed down a drain. They’re also bad for human health. The Environmental Working Group lists cleaning products that are safer for the environment and for you. Unfortunately, many of these products generally still come in disposable plastic packaging. The better option is to make or purchase package-free household products and use refillable containers to reduce plastic waste.
5. Skip the plastic garbage bags.
When you do need to toss things out, skip the plastic garbage bag. Spending money on single-use plastics with the sole purpose of throwing them away contributes to the global plastic problem. Instead, put waste in the garbage bin without a bag and wash the bin regularly to keep it clean. If you’re composting and recycling as much as you can, your trash should be quite dry and clean. If you prefer a bag or your waste management company requires it, reuse bags from other household purchases instead of buying new plastic.
Consumers are becoming more conscious about their daily household waste through recycling and composting. However, without a change in buying habits, our waste problem will only continue to grow. The next time you’re planning to declutter, turn to the second hand economy instead of the trash bin and think about how you can adopt more eco-friendly habits for the future.
Alice began her career in the home organization industry as a professional house cleaner, which involved lots of decluttering. Over the years, she has helped her clients get rid of everything from old mattresses to outdated electronics to entire closets worth of clothes in aneco-friendly way.
Members' Corner is a monthly blog series where SPEC members share their favourite sustainability-related resources.
There is a lot of mis- and incorrect information on bioplastics and plastics in general, and this webcast helps clarify the issue. In this talk Dr. Love-Ese Chile explores the major types of sustainable plastics available and highlights what we can do as consumers and tax-payers to help create a circular economy for these new materials. You should watch this webcast if you are interested in learning about sustainable plastics and circular economies from a PhD in bio-plastics. I also know her personally and she is dedicated to this problem.
Hosted by Mary Robinson (former president of Ireland) and Maeve Higgins (Irish comedian), the Mothers of Invention podcast celebrates women who do remarkable things in pursuit of climate justice. Each episode explores a diverse array of women from around the world who are at the forefront of the fight against climate change and injustice - there is a seriously impressive range of guests, from local politicians to presidents and cabinet ministers, local activists to global campaigners, entrepreneurs to world-renowned scientists. Climate change is a huge, complex issue which can be overwhelming, but the Mothers of Invention podcast strikes a good balance between education and entertainment to raise awareness about climate justice. This show is engaging, funny, educational, and the many stories of the "mothers" are truly inspiring.
Food Tank is a global organization that is working to advance food systems. Their website is a great resource for info on sustainable agriculture and how it relates to other issues such as climate change and poverty. They also release top 10 lists of food-related books.
Proportional Representation or First Past the Post?
We’re told that sharing our intentions with friends may influence their decision about whether to vote and how to vote in the referendum on Proportional Representation. With that in mind, and knowing that good hearted people can disagree, I’d like to ask you to vote for Proportional Representation.
The easy question is Question #1 – choosing between Proportional Representation (PR) or First Past the Post (FPTP.) PR distributes seats in the legislature according to the proportion of the popular vote and FPTP is the familiar “winner takes all” system of voting. My friend Bob Bossin says the choice is proportional representation or disproportional Representation. That sums up my perspective as well.
Question #2 is the harder question that asks you to rank the three options for how to implement PR. It’s important to understand that you can skip the second question. Some people are not participating because they find the options hard to differentiate and make a choice. Don’t skip the opportunity to vote for Proportional Representation.
Perhaps there is no single good answer to the question of which option is best. The easy answer is, “they’re all ice cream, just different flavours,” meaning they’re all 'better' (more fair) than FPTP and they all have the same basic intention and some similarities. But there are differences, and, because they’re unfamiliar, they're not that easy to explain.
We need a system that allows voters to bring their values and not just their strategic concerns into the voting booth. We need a system that forces parties to bring their best ideas into coalitions that balance views and focus on good governance.
Imagine you’re going to buy a car. What kind of car do you want? If you want an older, used model that's familiar but a gas hog, First Past the Post is your choice. If you want a more modern, sustainable, and neighbourhood friendly model, Proportional Representation is your choice. Obviously my bias is showing but you knew that already.
You can get a lot more detail about each of these through the voters’ guide you got in the mail and online at Elections BC, but the details may be less important than a general sense that they are all aiming at the same outcome – proportional distribution of seats according to the proportion of votes.
There’s an on-line survey that matches your values with the different systems, including the choice between PR and FPTP. I took it an at the end it matched my voting choices exactly so I recommend it. Here’s the link for that survey.
1. Party bosses will choose the candidates. Well, actually, isn’t that pretty much want happens now under FPTP where candidates are vetted by parties? That’s not a bad thing and parties will continue to vet candidates under proportional systems. Independents are still independent.
2. The door will be open to a government take-over by extreme parties. CCPA research shows that, “Historically speaking, whenever we have seen the emergence of far right and neo-Nazi parties, it is clear they are a product not of the electoral system but of neoliberal policies and austerity.” Consider the Trump administration in the US, the Ford Administration in Ontario, the Duarte administration in The Philippines, or the previous Thatcher administration in the UK, or the Harper administration in Canada. All have/had an extreme neoliberal agenda and all are FPTP systems.
3. It’s too confusing. Essentially this is an argument to play it safe and avoid uncertainty. Yet, the most compelling fact I heard in the very unedifying debate between the leaders was that, in all the Provincial elections we’ve had, only one has produced a majority government with a majority of votes. Wow!! The rest are false majorities giving 100% of the power to parties that typically have 35-40% of the vote. That's the clear unfairness of FPTP.
Remember, the proposal for PR allows us to road-test it for two election cycles before there's another referendum to re-decide. That's meant to reassure hesitant voters that there is an "escape clause." No system is completely fail-safe but PR addresses the worst grievance of FPTP, the 'false majorities' that entrench political parties that; a) depend on splitting the opposition as their means of maintaining power, and b) use their non-majority power to promote only their own view of how the world should operate. We need a system that allows voters to bring their values and not just their strategic concerns into the voting booth. We need a system that forces parties to bring their best ideas into coalitions that balance views and focus on good governance.
Thank you for reading this. I hope it's been useful.
Living in the city, it’s not every day that you get a chance to connect with nature. Spending too much time living in the concrete jungle can have an adverse effect on your health. It’s important to spend some time around nature every once in a while. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to pack up and go camping in the mountains once a month. You can encourage wildlife to flourish right in your backyard. Not only will this give you your own little slice of paradise, but also help to sustain crucial animal populations that are having trouble adapting to urban landscapes. Here’s how you can encourage the birds and the bees to frequent your garden and give them everything that they need to thrive.
Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are crucial to our fragile ecosystem. Many plant species rely on the movement of these pollinators to fertilize flowers, including plants that we farm. Without pollinators, the world is likely to face a global food crisis, but unfortunately, their numbers seem to be falling. You can help pollinator populations to resurge by providing them with flowers that are free of toxic herbicides and pesticides. Even if you don’t have garden space, hanging a flower box outside your window will attract pollinators and spruce up your living space. In order to conserve water, it’s a good idea to irrigate flowers using a drip system.
Birds are also an important part of the ecosystem. Not only do they help pollinators to fertilize flowers, but they also play a critical role in insect population control. Birds eat many of the pests that invade our homes, eat our food, and decimate our crops. You can encourage bird populations to frequent the city by leaving out a source of food, such as nuts or seeds, and water. Just remember not to go overboard with the water, as much of it will be lost to evaporation. Either limit the amount of water you leave out each day or conserve it by installing a drip system for the birds instead.
Encouraging wildlife to thrive in your backyard is not only good for your psyche but also your environment. Going green in a literal sense can help to maintain and even restore dwindling animal populations in urban areas. Insects and birds, in particular, are vital to the wellbeing of our environment and our ecosystem.
On a Saturday in mid-September, BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) hosted an annual event with this year’s theme focused on BC’s transition to clean transportation (learn more here). A number of representatives from the public, private and non-profit sectors excitedly came together to share past lessons learned and glimpses into the future with up-and-coming industry technology to support the all-important “greening” of the transportation sector. As a result, the day was full of meaningful conversation, sprouting ideas in pursuit of solutions while leaving an uplifting, optimistic and motivating outlook on how industry is shifting.
This seminar/conference/networking event gathered like-minded speakers, listeners and general participants all eager to learn and discuss ways to support the transition to clean transportation. Bowinn Ma (MLA North Vancouver-Lonsdale & Parliamentary Secretary for TransLink) opened the day by emphasizing how access to major transit corridors from urban developments and affordable housing will continue to provide all residents with smart and sustainable transportation options. From there, the event was broken out into four panels: (i) transportation and land use planning; (ii) barriers to wide-spread electric vehicle adoption; (iii) the future of freight; and (iv) taking pilot projects to becoming industry drivers.
This panel was meant to illustrate how municipal planners & policy makers are working with mass transit to reduce emissions. Derrick Cheung (TransLink) highlighted the need to accommodate ridership growth on public transit as 82% of new homes built in Greater Vancouver are in walking distance of transit. Tim Barton (Senior Citywide & Transit Planning Engineer, City of Vancouver) illustrated how integrated city planning can address the challenges resulting from an increasing population while maintaining alignment with city rejections of major roadway upgrades for motor vehicles. As of 2016, 50% of transportation load share was attributed to green options such as cycling, walking and transit. David Oliver (Greenlines Technology) discussed the problems resulting from impediments to implementing innovative transit solutions such as the lack of data sharing in North America due to safeguarding of propriety information across the industry, unlike Finland where open data sharing is now a requirement. David inferred that most people are not aware of all their transportation options since commonly used trip planning Apps default to private car mode without the ability to easily combine different transportation modes.
The second panel dealt with electric load management to allow for 100% electric vehicle (EV) ready neighbourhoods and seamless mobility. Anaissa Franca (Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium) explained the issues surrounding the scalability of electric mass transit as limited by infrastructure while pointing out that utilization of hydrogen fuel cells may help alleviate this problem. Neil MacEachern (Environmental Coordinator, City of Port Coquitlam) outlined how cities are requiring that new residential construction easily allow for future EV charger installation for each dwelling unit. Neil also discussed 2 major barriers to EVs and potential solutions: (i) the BC Strata Property Act makes it difficult to install EV chargers in stratified residential buildings. Therefore a “right-to-charge” provision was proposed to be included in the Strata Property Act, however the proposal was denied but an amendment was agreed upon that stratas must accommodate reasonable requests from residents for the purpose of EV charging; and (ii) the BC Utilities Commission Act only allows registered ‘public utility’ companies to sell energy. Although stratas are specifically excluded in this definition, a proposal has been submitted to exempt the reselling of electricity for specific purposes from this definition (see resolutions and responses at https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/resolutions/resolutions/resolutions-responses.html).
In this panel, we explored multi-modal technologies to help reduce carbon emissions resulting from the transportation of container goods via road, rail and waterways. Allan Grant (Corvus Energy) presented on exciting marine battery technology for all-electric and hybrid freight vessels. Ports across the world are starting to enact laws requiring that incoming vessels incorporate electric and/or hybrid technology in order to use the port. Allan indicated that the Port of Vancouver is responsible for 80% of the City of Vancouver’s GHG emissions from transportation. Mike Bains (FortisBC) explained FortisBC’s targets to provide 5% of natural gas supply as renewable natural gas (RNG), typically from biomass. Costs of RNG are still quite high compared to conventional natural gas but new technologies are working to close the gap.
The final panel highlighted current pilots involving smart vehicles and electric buses for low carbon transportation. Kelly Carmichael (BCIT) gave an overview of their pilot project in New Westminster to use street light electrical supplies to power curb-side EV chargers. By changing street lights from conventional high intensity discharge bulbs to LEDs, enough capacity can be re-purposed from the existing infrastructure to supply EV chargers. Eve Hou (Translink) illustrated the concept of “Mobility as a Service” and how companies in Europe are providing trip bundling services to demonstrate all mobility options and their combinations. Kristina Mlakar (Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium) showed a snapshot of CUTRIC’s innovative approach regarding the future of autonomous and electric mass transit, as well as existing projects to implement all-electric off-grid transit buses.
The passion for serious change was in abundance throughout the day as interactive presentations and enthusiastic conversation linked people from government, industry and non-profits. I know I felt as if my head would explode from all the interesting information but was left feeling invigorated with so many positive stories leading the way to minimize the harmful impacts of conventional transportation on the environment. I have no doubt that the event truly made critical connections to spark new collaboration in unmeasurable ways and continue the relentless pursuit of a transition to clean transportation.
I think this is especially relevant in Metro Vancouver as we approach the October 20th municipal elections and face ballots with a multitude of candidates. Most are seeking to make changes some of which could reverse the progress made to facilitate the ability of citizens to reduce their dependence on the automobile. One new party, Coalition Vancouver, is seeking to wedge their way into power with threats to tear up bike paths and create policy that favours cars. This Walrus article makes the case for a city that “prioritizes active transport, transit and intelligently planned density.” Let’s make candidates clearly indicate their stand on transportation and hold them accountable upon election.
It is an old abandoned railway building, which after 10 years of litigation was donated to the community to be a factory of collective autonomy. After 10 months of work this building was restored using mostly recycled materials or manufacturing faults. This building uses renewable energies for the production of energy. Hydronic heating system with a source of natural gas energy, also the use of Geothermal and Biomass.
You should read: “Climate Change Needs Behavior Change”, a report by Rare.
There has been a lot of sobering news on climate change recently, which has a lot of people searching for answers. If you are like me and looking for immediate action you can take, I highly recommend reading RARE’s comprehensive report on the impact individual behavioural can have on climate mitigation. They came up with 30 behaviour changes that you can do as an individual, clustered by category, and ranked in terms of plausible-optimum scenario emissions reductions. Number one? – Reducing food waste, which they found could be equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70.5-93.7 gigatons!
If you read the report and feel inspired to take action, SPEC’s Waste Committee will be using this report to guide their upcoming projects. Drop by the next meeting to get more involved.
There’s nothing better than the feeling of saving the environment without even lifting a finger. Or saving it by just lifting one. Using the search engine Ecosia.org you are planting trees every time you hit Search. Instead of using good ol’ Google you simply use this site and scan still find that brunch restaurant menu, check the weather forecast or find answers to any other questions you normally ask the G giant. At a rate of 45 searches per tree, this German-based foundation has already planted over 35 million trees since 2009 – and I take ownership for at least ten of those, so far. Another added bonus is that they don’t sell your data to advertisers, unlike most search engines, so not only are you making the world greener but also safer for you.
Ballots will arrive in October for the referendum on Proportional Representation (PR.) It’s an opportunity to express your point of view on whether to change our electoral system from first-past-the-post (FPTP) to proportional representation (PR).
Both Systems have their proponents and their critics. Under FPTP, “the winner takes all,” irrespective of the percentage of the popular vote. In a PR system, votes are distributed according to how people actually vote. FPTP has the advantage of familiarity. PR has the advantage of fairer distribution of actual votes.
SPEC favors PR because it allows people to 'vote their values' and it promotes parties working together. However the purpose of this writing is not to convince you, but to explain the process.
Part 1 - asks you to choose between First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation.
Part 2 - ask you to choose among three options for how to make the necessary changes if the majority vote in favor of PR. All three lead to the same outcome- a transition from FPTP to PR. No one is definitively superior to the others. They are unfamiliar to us but they are all drawn from the experiences of countries around the world who use PR. And they are crafted to reflect conditions in British Columbia, particularly to balance the very different sizes of populations and electoral ridings in urban and rural areas. All three options facilitate a transition from FPTP to PR.
Some people may decide not to vote because they can’t decide which of the three options they favor. That would be a mistake. You can skip Part 2 and your ballot is still valid.
1. The rules around all voting procedures in BC, (FPTP or PR), are closely supervised by Elections BC, an independent and non-partisan office of the legislature that set standards and monitors the rules around every provincial election.
Even if an ‘extreme’ group rises above the threshold of votes to reach party status, it is better to have them in government where they are accountable.
FPTP is no protection against extreme views, as evidenced by the 2016 election in the United States.
Around the world, there is more evidence of extremism in FPTP than in PR systems.
The three options in part 2 of the referendum ballot are the most confounding for people. Here is an unbiased resource on the three options from ElectionsBC.
In the Next newsletter, we will take a closer look at the three options.
Fireworks. I found myself consciously not watching the fireworks this year. A couple of decades ago in the early years of this annual event, I went with friends to Vanier Park to see the fireworks. I was hoping to reconnect with an awesome experience in 1976 in Riverside Park, New York City, where a huge crowd watched the fireworks celebrating the US bicentennial above the Hudson River. Those fireworks were decidedly less pyrotechnic than now but it was a profound gathering of the community with great love of country fueling a remarkable civic experience. It left an indelible impression on me.
The event at Vanier Park started off well enough but within 10 minutes I could no longer see the full effects of the fireworks looking up through a great stagnant haze of smoke. It totally shifted the experience for me. The most memorable and pleasurable part of the evening was the stimulating night biking back to our W. Point Gray home. I’ve had very little appetite to rejoin the crowds in subsequent years. Since then, I’ve occasionally enjoyed the fireworks from the distance of our front balcony where we had a clear view between the trees, but the inevitable and lingering cloud of haze over the city has produced a mild aversive reaction in me. That’s a slightly precarious thing to say about an event that attracts over a quarter of a million people at every showing. Yet this year, I feel compelled to say a couple of things about this annual event.
The fireworks this year took place when the whole Metro Vancouver region is in stage III drought conditions, under an air advisory alert, and under serious threat of fires. Over the years, as the summer draught and fires have worsened, I’ve wondered if we can do this much loved celebration in a way that takes account of and adds to public awareness around the seriousness of these threats?
I heard an interview recently with the owner of the Christine Lake Lodge, currently threatened by fires. She spoke simply and matter-of-factly of the necessity to revamp their schedule so that August is not a time in which the lodge depends on tourism for its operation. I admired her capacity to take stock of realities and revise accordingly.
With this on my mind we went to Victoria for the August long weekend, breaking a longstanding tradition of staying home over holiday weekends. On Sunday evening we went to the inner harbour to hear the Victoria symphony and view the fireworks. I hadn’t mentioned to my partner my misgivings about fireworks and was going along with his plans for an enjoyable evening. And, indeed, it was! I stood in a large crowd where we luckily found a place to tuck in with a perfect view and good listening range. A family of three, also from Vancouver, tucked in beside us. The fireworks came just as a gorgeous sunset gave way to dark and the orchestra stopped, giving way to a collective silence broken by appreciative gasps of visual pleasure. It lasted about ten minutes and we turned to our neighbours, all gushing agreement, “that was just the right amount of fireworks!!” The haze was just starting to form but not the murky cloud of smoke. Rick and I mused as we walked home on the felt sense of a coming together into the commons.
I’m not expecting an avalanche of support and indeed I may get an avalanche of disagreement that we need to do any Rethinking of our Vancouver annual fireworks event. If it’s going to continue, which is almost a certainty, is there a way to do it that is less likely to collide with the draught-air pollution-fire triad that is now a predictable feature of Vancouver summers? I think it’s worth examining.
An inside look on how Emily Carr Elementary completely revamped their waste system and diverted 800 pounds of recyclables from the landfill.
Cadine (left) with the team of student volunteers that sort classroom waste and recycling.
Emily Carr Elementary School is on a mission. Two years ago, the school took the Zero Waste Challenge to divert recyclables away from the garbage bin. Over the next 730 days, students saved approximately 800 pounds of plastic, foil composites, styrofoam, felts, and glue sticks from the landfill.
The idea started with school and student support worker Cadine Boechler. Looking around the school, with all the preventable garbage being sent to the landfill, she saw both an opportunity and a necessity to change the current waste system.
She built new waste sorting stations for the hallways and classrooms using recycled materials, and created signs with waste items glued on so the kids could recognize where their waste was supposed to go. Every station has separate bins for garbage, blue-bin recyclables, organics, soft plastics, and foil composites—like chip bags and granola bar wrappers. In addition to these bins, classrooms also have bins for felt pens and glue sticks.
Cadine built this waste sorting system in the main hallway.
Once the waste sorting systems were in place, it was time to get the students involved. In order to make sure all students were participating, Cadine recruited a team of student volunteers to go to each classroom and teach about the new system and how to correctly sort waste into the bins. Throughout the school year, as classes produce and sort their waste, every month a couple of students from each class bring their bins outside to a recycling collection area. Another team of regular student volunteers sorts through the classroom bins to make sure there is no contamination, then adds the recycling to the appropriate bins. These bins are then collected and transported by Pacific Mobile Depot once a month for $30/month.
Two student volunteers sort classroom recycling into blue bins.
We got the chance to visit Emily Carr Elementary and chat with Cadine, the mastermind behind this project, about the new waste system and the impact it is having on the students.
What made you decide to do this Zero Waste Challenge?
I decided to do this Zero Waste Challenge when I noticed that the school landfill bin was full of packaging that could be recycled. I thought that the program fit into our school’s environmental goals and connected well with our curriculum, which teaches about taking care of the environment and social responsibility. It just seemed like the right thing to do considering the state of the planet, and a great way to teach the students that it is possible to create solutions.
How has the sorting system impacted how the students recycle and think about waste?
The system has been really transformative for the students. When the grade 5 group went to camp they decided, without any instructions from the teachers, to save all their packaging and bring it back to the school.
I have had feedback from parents about how the program has really impacted their home life in a positive way. They now save all their packaging and do drop-offs on the weekends! One of our students in grade 2 even spoke to his strata council about increasing the recycling in his building and another has implemented some zero waste practices in her guide group!
What advice would you give to teachers hoping to start a similar program in their school?
My advice for staff who would like to implement a similar program at their school is to have the program be student-led and run. I believe that the success of our program is due to the fact that we had peer educators teach the students workshops about the program and why we are doing it. Our students are also the ones who facilitate a monthly collection and take bins out and back at lunch and recess, so they really own the program and feel proud of what they are doing. I would also say to keep trying new ideas – our program has evolved a lot over the last few years – and to keep acknowledging the students’ participation. I keep track of how much we have saved from the landfill and we just celebrated our 2-year anniversary and, in that time, we saved about 800 pounds from the landfill – an amount that can fill our school office from the floor to the ceiling!
If you have questions about starting a similar system in your school, or about general sustainability in Vancouver schools, please contact the VSB’s Sustainability Office at .If you have questions about starting a similar system in your school, or about general sustainability in Vancouver schools, please contact the VSB’s Sustainability Office at [email protected]. | 2019-04-18T23:00:37Z | https://spec.bc.ca/SPEC-Blog |
Legal Practice Director, Tony Pereira, will share his insight on topical estate planning issues including estate litigation cases, superannuation, trusts and the laws as they impact estate planning in Australia.
How are testamentary trusts are different to discretionary (“family”) trusts?
How much flexibility does a testamentary trust allow beneficiaries?
What is the return on investment of a testamentary trust?
The drafting of a will containing a testamentary trust involves the preparation of a far more comprehensive and sophisticated document compared to a standard will. Typically the document will be very detailed, but don’t let that put you off. The advantages can be substantial for your beneficiaries.
Wills containing these trusts are not new. They have been around for hundreds of years.
Are there tax implications arising from a death?
There are many tax implications arising from a death. One important object of a comprehensive estate plan is to ensure tax liabilities are minimised when death inevitably occurs.
Estate assets are a person’s individually owned assets at the time of their death.
Non-estate assets are assets a person has control over, or has a right to benefit from, but does not individually own at the time of their death.
Different tax considerations apply to estate assets and non-estate assets. Estate assets are subject to tax rules that apply specifically to deceased estates. General tax laws apply to non-estate assets (such as assets held in a family trust) relevant to those assets and transactions arising from those assets.
Generally a capital gains tax exemption applies to sale of a primary residence during a person’s life. But what happens when a person’s primary residence is transferred to an executor or a beneficiary? The exemption only applies when specific conditions, are satisfied. Failing to understand these conditions, and where applicable including appropriate provisions in a will may result in a tax liability.
Superannuation death benefits are tax free, but only if paid to persons that are a deceased member’s “dependants” under tax laws. The tax levied upon payments made to “non-dependants” under tax laws, depends upon the component parts of the death benefit. The tax payable could be as high as 30 percent plus the Medicare levy. Proper planning may identify opportunities to structure a person’s affairs in such a way that minimises tax payable on death benefits.
How much does estate planning cost and does this represent good value for my money?
The cost of estate planning varies depending on the complexity of a person’s circumstances and their wishes for the transition of ownership and control of assets.
It also depends on which estate planning documents are necessary to implement a person’s wishes.
A comprehensive plan involves much more than the preparation of a will. It also addresses all non-estate assets and often involves drafting testamentary discretionary trusts and formulating strategies to protect assets from claims – both during the administration of an estate and subsequently, once a beneficiary has received an inheritance.
Some individual documents forming part of an estate plan may cost just a few hundred dollars. That may be all that’s required in some circumstances. However, a more comprehensive plan for a client with substantial assets, a desire to minimise taxes and protect legacies from claims, may cost several thousands of dollars to implement.
Our free Blueprint Session outlining general information, or one-hour consultation with specific recommendations applicable to your individual circumstances, enable us to collect necessary information to provide a fixed price proposal relevant to a client’s needs.
The information that appears above, under the heading “who needs an estate plan” highlights some problems arising from a failure to plan.
Save beneficiaries thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of dollars in tax.
Avoid significant depletion of estate assets from a family provision claim (estate challenge).
Place an asset protection shield around the assets gifted to your beneficiaries, safe from challenges by third parties.
We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how effective estate planning can create significant value relevant to your specific circumstances.
In what circumstances does a court override or rewrite a will?
If it suits a disgruntled person to make the argument, they often start by alleging the will is invalid for some reason, such as a lack of capacity of the will-maker, when the document was signed, or some technical flaw exists in how the will was prepared or signed.
Assuming there is a valid will, each challenge is different and the outcome depends on the unique circumstances of the case, however, as a guide, a person making a claim needs to show inadequate provision has been made from the will-maker’s deceased estate.
The nature of the relationship that existed between the deceased and the claimant and the relationship that existed between the deceased of the beneficiaries named in the will.
Are there ways to avoid a challenge against your will?
There is no clause you can insert in a will, which prevents an eligible person from making a claim.
You can, however, take measures to lessen the impact of a claim, reduce a claimant’s chances of success, or even make their claim futile.
Transferring an asset to a preferred person, during your life.
Transferring a property from your sole name, into joint names with your preferred recipient means the property does not form part of the deceased estate and is not included in the pool of assets subject to a claim.
Assets held in a discretionary trust do not form part of your deceased estate and are not included in the pool of assets subject to any claim. Accordingly a strategy may involve transferring assets into a trust during your life and ensuring your preferred person takes control of that trust upon your death.
If a Binding Financial Agreement is made with a spouse (including a de facto) during your life, the content of that document is taken into account by a court if the surviving party to the agreement makes a claim. This may be particularly relevant to people in blended families that seek to protect the interests of children of a first marriage.
Note, things get a little more complex in NSW, as that State’s Succession Act enables a court to treat certain property transferred within 3 years prior to a person’s death (not forming part of their actual deceased estate) as forming part of a deceased person’s “notional” estate. When a claim is made, the court looks at both the actual deceased estate and the notional estate, when assessing the pool of assets potentially available to a claimant.
Assets held in a discretionary trust do not form part of your deceased estate and are not included in the pool of assets subject to any claim. Accordingly, a strategy may involve transferring assets into a trust during your life and ensure your preferred person takes control of that trust upon your death.
In what circumstances does a court override or re-write a will?
Assuming there is a valid will, each challenge is different and the outcome depends on the unique circumstances of the case, however as a guide, a person making a claim needs to show inadequate provision has been made from the will-maker’s deceased estate.
Who is eligible to make a claim against an estate?
A claim (known as a family provision claim) may be made to court against a deceased person’s estate by an eligible person, such as a spouse or child of a deceased person or another eligible person as determined by law.
Where a claim is successful, a will-maker’s wishes are essentially overruled by the court and the claimant is awarded provision, or extra provision, from the deceased person’s estate (in NSW, including their notional estate). To receive provision, or extra provision, from an estate, the claimant generally needs to show the court that funds from the estate are necessary for their ongoing maintenance or support.
The deceased’s spouse (including a de facto).
A dependant who has been wholly or substantially maintained by the deceased at the time he/she died (such as a parent or any person under the age of 18 who was being maintained by the deceased, regardless of their relationship with the deceased).
A person who was the spouse or domestic partner of the deceased person at the time of the deceased’s death.
A person who was a former spouse or domestic partner of the deceased person as at the date of death, who was able to take proceedings against the deceased under the Family Law Act and who did not take such proceedings and was prevented by the death from taking the proceedings, or, who did take proceedings and could not finalise them because of the death of the deceased.
A carer, if they were in a “registered caring relationship” as defined under the Family Law Act 1975 with the deceased.
Grandchildren (including step grandchildren or adopted grandchildren) of the deceased, provided the grandchild was dependent on the deceased in the same way that a child is dependent on a parent.
A member of the household of the deceased person, provided they have been wholly, or partly, dependent on the deceased for their proper maintenance and support.
– An “assumed child”, meaning the child was treated by the deceased as a natural child.
The deceased’s spouse at the time of death (including a de facto spouse).
A person who was wholly or partly dependent on the deceased.
A person who was a grandchild of the deceased, or a member of the household of the deceased.
A person who lived in a close personal relationship with the deceased at the time of death.
Will kits and online wills – what could go wrong?
Preparing your own will is fraught with danger. Also, considering the threats ignored and opportunities missed by DIY will-makers, the perceived savings often represent false economy.
Often DIY will-makers don’t get past first base, as they don’t understand which assets in their ownership or control are included in their deceased estate. Only assets falling within a person’s deceased estate are available for distribution under a will. While DIY will-makers often assume all their assets have been covered, significant assets are often ignored.
safeguarding gifted assets from loss or depletion where a subsequent challenge is made against a beneficiary.
Estate planning can be very complex. The drafting of will clauses, even in the most basic will, must be very precise and drafted with a full appreciation of the law. Otherwise, intended provisions may be ambiguous or completely void, resulting in disputes and depleted estate assets being available for distribution after the cost of litigation is deducted.
Countless court cases illustrate mistakes made by DIY will-makers.
Can you spot why the following example clauses might result in a major headache?
“I leave $100,000 to the St Mark’s Cathedral”.
“I leave all my estate to my 4 children A, B, C & D in equal shares”.
“I leave my business to X”.
“I leave everything to my spouse A, but if she dies before me, then everything to my children”.
There are no second chances when it comes to making a will. The will takes effect once you die. It’s too late to make corrections once you’re gone.
What if there was an expensive sports car in the garage? Is that considered part of the house contents? Who gets the car, B or C?
How can you leave money to a building?
What if A & B are independent adults and C & D are dependent minors. If the estate included death benefits of $500,000 received from a superannuation fund, along with $500,000 in other assets, an opportunity to save thousands in tax has been squandered by failing to structure correctly.
Leaving a token amount to someone you are trying to exclude does not work. X may challenge the estate and get significantly more than $10. If the dispute settles at mediation, the legal fees depleted from the estate could be $50,000.00. If the matter goes to court, the legal fees could be substantially more.
If the business is operated through a family trust (as many small businesses are), it does not technically belong to the will-maker and can’t be left in his / her will. Separate estate planning documents must be prepared to deal with the business.
If A is a second or third wife and the will-maker has various step-children, was it intended that the step-children be included?
What assets are included when you make a will?
A will governs the distribution of assets held in a deceased person’s estate. It does not determine what happens to non-estate assets.
The deceased’s share of a property that is held as a joint tenant (in this case the surviving joint tenant/s are entitled to the deceased’s share irrespective of what the deceased’s will provides).
Superannuation death benefits – (distribution of benefits is governed by the fund deed and the trustee of the fund is the most likely decision maker regarding how benefits will be disbursed unless a valid Binding Death Benefit Nomination has been prepared, in which event the deceased fund member decides how benefits will be disbursed).
Assets held in a discretionary (“family”) trust – (the trust continues to operate upon the death of a beneficiary and the trustee decides which surviving beneficiaries will benefit from the trust and receive distributions from the trust).
Insurance benefits when the nominated beneficiary differs from the deceased – (the beneficiary is entitled to the benefits and accordingly the deceased’s will is not relevant).
Franchise Assets – (the franchise agreement will typically govern what happens to these).
For starters, every person over the age of 18 years, that has legal capacity, should have a will.
Even young adults, with no significant assets, may have significant wealth to pass upon their death. This often occurs because of compulsory superannuation and in particular, because life insurance is often incorporated into superannuation death benefits. So in addition to having a will, most adults should also plan on how their superannuation death benefits are to be paid.
People that have a business or assets in a family trust need to consider how control of those assets will transition upon their death.
Assets owned or controlled by a deceased person do not get divided and dealt with in the manner he or she would have preferred. This may particularly apply in the case of blended families.
Failure to have a will or associated estate planning documents may result in considerable delay and expense associated with estate administration.
Significant taxes, that could lawfully be avoided, may become payable by beneficiaries.
Inherited assets may be squandered by a beneficiary or lost due to claims by creditors or estranged partners.
An Advance Care Directive (sometimes referred to as a Living Will and having a slightly different name in the various states and territories throughout Australia) is a document containing a statement of your directions that need to be considered before medical treatment decisions are made on your behalf.
Asset protection is about how you own, control and manage your assets in a way that minimises the loss of those assets if a claim is made against you by a creditor, bankruptcy trustee or an estranged wife or de facto partner.
A person who derives some benefit or advantage arising from the terms of a trust, will, or life insurance policy.
An executor (also called a “personal representative”) is the person or persons nominated by a will-maker to carry out the wishes of the will-maker including, for example, obtaining authority from court (if required) to administer the estate, managing estate assets, valuing property, paying debts and lodging tax returns, dividing and distributing the estate to individuals or trusts created under the will.
A person’s individually owned assets at the time of their death.
Estate planning involves devising a plan, implementing a strategy and preparing documents to ensure property in your ownership and control is dealt with according to your wishes after you die.
Circumvent or impede estate challenges.
Control the level of flexibility a beneficiary should be given, to manage their inherited assets.
Minimise tax payable by beneficiaries.
Protect transferred assets from third party claims.
A claim made by an eligible person, such as a spouse or child of a deceased person (or other eligible person as determined by law) to a court seeking to have a will-maker’s wishes overruled. The object of such claims is for provision or extra provision to be made from the estate (or in NSW, notional estate) of the deceased person, for the ongoing maintenance of the claimant.
What is a power of attorney (and enduring power of attorney) ?
A power of attorney is a legal document under which a person (the Principal) gives another person (the Attorney) the authority to make decisions on their behalf.
A General Power of Attorney is used to appoint someone to make financial decisions on your behalf for a specific period or event. For example you might appoint your lawyer to sign land transfer documents on your behalf for two weeks while you are travelling overseas.
A general power of attorney only applies if the Principal has decision making capacity. If the Principal has an accident or illness and that results in a loss of capacity, the general power of attorney no longer operates.
An Enduring Power off Attorney, on the other hand, is a power of attorney that continues to operate if the Principal loses their capacity. Accordingly, this form of power of attorney is typically included in the suite of documents relevant to estate planning.
An enduring power of attorney can be used to appoint someone to make financial and/or personal decisions on your behalf.
What is a protective trust ?
A protective trust is a special trust established under a will, in the situation where the will-maker has concerns about a beneficiary’s capacity to adequately manage their inheritance. This might arise, for example, because the beneficiary has a disability, has addiction problems or is a spendthrift.
Depending upon the wishes of a will-maker, the will creating a protective trust might ensure only income is available to the beneficiary, from the trust. In the alternative, the will may also allow capital payments. The overall intent generally being to ensure the ongoing care and support of the beneficiary.
What is a special disability trust ?
Special disability trusts are established to provide for the current and future care and accommodation needs of a family member with a severe disability. These trusts receive favourable tax treatment.
A special disability trust can be established during the creator’s lifetime, or may also be created through a Will and in that case, it is set up on the death of the will-maker, from assets in the deceased’s estate.
A special disability trust must be created using a model special disability trust deed prescribed by social security rules and there are ongoing compliance obligations that must be complied with.
What is a Superannuation Death Benefit Nomination ?
Under superannuation law, the trustee of the superannuation fund that holds a member’s entitlements has a discretion to decide which of a deceased member’s dependents shall receive the member’s death benefit. Considering a member’s benefits usually accrue over decades and often also includes a life insurance component on death of the member, the value of these benefits can be substantial.
Signing a Death Benefit Nomination form provides instruction to the trustee, as to which of a member’s dependents they prefer to receive the benefits. However this form of nomination is not binding and the trustee retains a discretion to make a different distribution.
A Binding Death Benefit Nomination differs from other nominations, as it overrides the trustee’s discretion. With this form of nomination, assuming it is compliant with law and the terms of the fund’s deed, the trustee is bound to pay your death benefit in the manner you have nominated.
What is a superannuation proceeds trust ?
A superannuation proceeds trust is a trust established within a will or by a deed, after the death of a person that is entitled to receive proceeds from a superannuation fund. The trust is established for the purpose of receiving the benefits from a deceased person’s superannuation fund tax free.
A testamentary trust is a trust established under the terms of a will. The trust comes into effect when will-maker’s dies and the terms of the trust are contained within the will.
As a testamentary trust is contained within a will, its creation generally occurs when the person seeking to establish the trust prepares their will. However, this type of will involves drafting a document that is far more comprehensive and sophisticated when compared to a standard will.
Because the trust does not come into effect until the death of the will-maker, having a will of this nature does not create any ongoing compliance costs during the will-maker’s life. The person benefitting from the trust, however, will typically need to lodge a separate tax return for the trust each year after the will-maker’s death. This compliance cost is usually insignificant in comparison with the benefits arising from the trust.
These trusts may also be structured to protect legacies gifted to vulnerable beneficiaries, who are not capable of managing money in a prudent manner.
Unless the will-maker specifically directs otherwise, a well drafted testamentary trust generally permits an intended primary beneficiary to indicate whether all, or just part, of their inheritance, is placed into the trust. Most people will benefit from the entire inheritance being placed into the trust, however, flexibility can be incorporated to enable the trust to be bypassed if necessary.
The flexibility to bypass the trust may be excluded, for example, where a will-maker is establishing a trust for a vulnerable beneficiary that is not capable of prudently managing money.
Unless the will-maker specifically directs otherwise, a testamentary trust also typically contains broad powers and gives the intended primary beneficiary abundant flexibility to use and enjoy assets held in the trust. This way, the beneficiary benefits from the inherited assets as though they had been gifted to the person directly, but also has the added benefits described above.
How do these trusts differ from a discretionary (“family”) trust?
The trust beneficiaries included in a testamentary trust obtain asset protection benefits, similar to those enjoyed by the beneficiaries of a discretionary (“family”) trust established during a person’s life.
A principal distinction, however, is the concessional tax treatment that applies to distributions made to beneficiaries of a testamentary trust.
Distributions of income to children under 18 years of age, from a discretionary (“family”) trust, are taxed at abnormally high penalty tax rates. This is designed to prevent the use of discretionary (“family”) trusts to split income amongst children for the purpose of tax minimisation.
However, income generated from assets held in a testamentary trust is taxed differently to income generated by a discretionary (“family”) trust. As a result of section 102AG(2)(a) of the Income Tax Assessment Act, a special concessional tax treatment applies.
Children under 18 years of age named in a testamentary trust are entitled to be taxed as though they were adults. The penalty rates applicable to discretionary (“family”) trusts do not apply.
Accordingly, by using a testamentary trust, the primary person intended to benefit from a gift under a will is lawfully able to “split” the income generated by inherited assets amongst various family members. Because a separate tax-free threshold applies to each individual recipient of the income (including children), the overall tax burden paid by them collectively on an inheritance income is generally much lower than the tax that would otherwise apply, if a single individual had received all the income.
Refer to specific examples in our Knowledge Hub to see how these tax benefits work.
Establishing a trust involves creation of a relationship where a person (or company) known as the trustee is under an obligation to hold property for the benefit of other persons, known as the beneficiaries.
The terms upon which the property is managed and the nature of the trustee’s obligations are typically determined by the terms of a trust deed, entered into at the time the trust is established.
In this arrangement, the trustee is the legal owner of the property held in trust and the beneficiaries hold a beneficial interest in the trust property. A beneficial interest is a right to receive benefits in connection with the assets held in trust by the trustee.
A will is a legal document by which the will-maker expresses their wishes as how their estate assets are to be distributed upon their death and who will manage the will-maker’s estate pending final distributions being made. The person or persons named as intended recipient/s of a share of the estate are known as the beneficiaries. The person or persons named to manage the estate pending final distributions are called the executor/s.
A comprehensive plan involves much more then preparation of a will. It also addresses all non-estate assets and often involves drafting testamentary discretionary trusts and formulating strategies to protect assets from claims….both during the administration of an estate and subsequently, once a beneficiary has received an inheritance.
Some individual documents forming part of an estate plan may cost just a few hundred dollars. That may be all that’s required. However, a more comprehensive plan for a client with substantial assets may cost several thousands of dollars to implement.
Our free Blueprint session, outlining general information, or one hour consultation, with specific recommendations applicable to your individual circumstances, enable us to collect necessary information to provide a fixed price proposal relevant to a client’s needs.
place an asset protection shield around the assets gifted to your beneficiaries, safe from claims by third parties.
Generally a capital gains tax exemption applies to sale of a primary residence during a person’s life. But what happens when a person’s primary residence is transferred to an executor or a beneficiary? The exemption only applies when specific conditions are satisfied. Failing to understand these conditions and where applicable, including appropriate provisions in a will, may result in a tax liability.
2. Superannuation death benefits are tax free, but only if paid to persons that are a deceased member’s “dependents” under tax laws. The tax levied upon payments made to “non-dependents” under tax laws, depends upon the component parts of the death benefit. The tax payable may be as high as 30% plus the Medicare levy. Proper planning may identify opportunities to structure a person’s affairs in such a way that minimises tax payable on death benefits.
Who eligible to challenge an estate?
Where a claim is successful, a will-maker’s wishes are essentially overruled by the court and the claimant is awarded provision (or extra provision) from the deceased person’s estate (in NSW, including their notional estate). In order to receive provision (or extra provision) from an estate, the claimant generally needs to show the court funds from the estate are necessary for their ongoing maintenance or support.
A dependant that has been wholly or substantially maintained by the deceased at the time he / she died (such as a parent or any person under the age of eighteen who was being maintained by the deceased, regardless of their relationship with the deceased).
– an “assumed child”. This is where the child was treated by the deceased as a natural child.
Often DIY will-makers don’t get past first base, as they don’t understand which assets in their ownership or control are included in their deceased estate. Only estate assets are available for distribution under a will. While DIY will-makers assume everything has been covered, significant assets are often ignored.
safe guard gifted assets from loss or depletion where a subsequent claim is made against a beneficiary.
While we always endeavour to speak in plain and easily digestible language, the reality is that estate planning can be very complex. The drafting of will clauses, even in the most basic will, must be very precise and drafted with a full appreciation of the law. Otherwise intended provisions may be ambiguous or completely void, resulting in disputes and depleted estate assets being available for distribution, after estate litigation fees are deducted.
Leaving a token amount to someone you are trying to exclude does not work. X may challenge the estate and get significantly more than $10. If the dispute settles at mediation the legal fees depleted from the estate may be $50,000.00. If the matter goes to court, the legal fees may be substantially more.
If the business is operated through a family trust (as many small businesses are) it does not technically belong to the will-maker and can’t be left in his / her will. Separate estate planning documents must be prepared to deal with the business.
Do you need to talk to someone about your ? | 2019-04-21T12:30:24Z | https://libertylaw.com.au/information-hub/ |
The series "Current Controversies in Philosophy", harbored by Routledge, is no doubt well known by students and scholars working in the field of philosophy.
The idea is quite simple. The volume is divided into sections. Each section related to an hot topic in the field covered by the volume (among the already published volumes in the series: philosophy of mind, epistemology, metaphysics, political philosophy, virtue ethics, and experimental philosophy). Inside each section, one will find two papers, with different and contradicting opinions and theses about this topic.
The result is generally a lively, thorough, knowledgeable, and updated presentation of the state of the art. Necessarily, it is more aimed at scholars or advanced students. For the purpose is not to provide an introductory book, but rather to point to what is really hot in a field of research.
After an introduction where Machery and O'Neill argue that X-phi (experimental philosophy) should benefit to traditional philosophers, metaphilosophers, and philosophers involved in a naturalistic methodology (i.e. the idea that philosophy should proceed accordingly with the methods of natural sciences), the book divides into four parts: 1) Language ; 2) Consciousness ; 3) Free Will and Responsibility ; 4) Epistemology and the Reliability of Intuitions.
Before indicating the contents of the book, I would like first to recall that X-phi is very critical on one aspect of traditional philosophy, that is, the so-called "method of cases".
The method of cases is meant to test philosophical theories, by eliciting judgements on cases (or thought-experiments). It is a standard method in traditional (that is, pre-X-phi) philosophy, though the idea is as old as Plato and Aristotle. Plato and Aristotle constantly use the method of cases, when they are discussing conceptions of justice, free will and so on.
Confronted with the puzzle of personal identity, Locke pictures a case where two men the night man and the day man, share the same body, and so on.
Experimental philosophers think that judgements elicited by those cases should be, at least, handled with care, or even abandoned. For, some experiments, where cases where presented to "real people" tend to give very surprising answers.
Philosophers should, at least, when they make claim about "what we would think", "what we would say", ensure that it is the case, and that the "we" is not just a rhetorical disguise of their "I", or of a restricted "we": white male tenure professors, for example.
Experiments led by experimental philosophers since the beginning of the 21st century gave rise to two different kinds of controversies: internal controversies, and external controversies.
Internal controversies are, actually, what you may find in any other experimental science. Given an experiment X with a result R and a conclusion C, researchers in the field must ask: 1) Is the result R an artefact, or is it possible to replicate X with a result similar to R?; 2) In the case where it is highly probable that conditions of the experiment X should only give the result R, or something significantly similar, is it legitimate to argue that X/R supports the conclusion C?
Chapter 2, on consciousness, and chapter 3, on Free Will and Responsibility, present such internal controversies. They are composed of papers written by experimental philosophers, who rely on experiments to prove their point.
External controversies are between experimental philosophers and philosophers who tend to think that experiments led by experimental philosophers and who are interpreted by them as devastating for the method of cases and for traditional philosophy in general, are not that devastating after all.
External controversies take place generally between experimental philosophers, and philosophers who rely on empirical data, are engaged in fields very close to those where X-phiers operate, but are concerned with the autonomy of traditional methods.
Those skeptics (as to the revolutionary impact of X-phi) do not rely on their own experiments to prove their point, but either on classical arguments or on empirical data (from developmental and cognitive psychology, neurosciences and the like).
Controversies presented in chapters 1 (Language) and 4 (Epistemology and the reliability of epistemic intuitions) are external controversies.
The first controversy (chapter 1, language) bears on issues in philosophy of language. In 2004, Machery and colleagues (Machery & al. 2004) conducted a series of experiments. Their goal was to check whether Kripke (1980) was right to think that the causal theory of reference (CTR) was more intuitively compelling than the descriptive theory of reference (DTR). To this effect, he devised a thought-experiment, the "Gödel Case", to elicit judgements on the reference of proper names which would be predicted by CTR, but not by DTR. The trouble is that the only participant in this experiment was Kripke himself.
Inspired by Nisbett and his colleagues' researches on the cross-cultural differences between eastern and western styles of thought, Machery and his colleagues (2004) made the prediction that the Gödel case would elicit judgements predicted by the DTR, in the case of eastern subjects, while it would elicit judgements predicted by the CTR, in the case of western subjects. And, they were right. Of, course, results might be discussed, but, as Martì herself acknowledges, those results "reveal wide intra-cultural as well as cross-cultural variations" (p.21) among judgements about reference.
The question is, and that is the crux of the controversy of the chapter 1, between Genoveva Martì on the one hand and Edouard Machery on the other: has this variation any philosophical significance? Does it really bear on the truth of a theory of reference?
Genoveva Martì argues that, although those studies are very interesting, they do not collect input for theories of reference. She adds, too, that Kripke's case is not an experiment devised to collect intuitions, but is about the actual use of words.
Chapter 2 has a somewhat confusing title, "consciousness". In fact, it is more about the process of attribution of mental states, especially experiential (or phenomenal) states. Although the debate on experiential states attribution is a crux of cognitive philosophy and is very important in its own right, it is still a matter of discussion whether it is relevant or not to the elucidation of the nature of phenomenal consciousness (see Talbot 2012).
These reservations being made, I must say that any philosopher interested in the philosophy of mind should take very seriously the challenge posed by experimental philosophy of consciousness. Philosophers of mind, especially when they are interested, make as if their concept of phenomenal consciousness was uncontroversial and shared universally.
Actually, it looks as if, (1) laypeople and philosophers do not have the same concept of phenomenal consciousness; (2) there is a difference between reflexive and intuitive attributions.
The first claim was experimentally sustained by Sytsma and Machery (see Sytsma & Machery 2010); the second claim was developed by Arico and his colleagues (Arico & al. 2011), and is based on a series of experiments, which were devised to support a Model of attribution of conscious experiental states: the "Agency Model".
In all these studies, the basic study case was the attribution of experiential mental states to a robot.
The contribution to the chapter 2, by Fiala, Arico & Nichols, is a review of this literature, meant to evaluate the threat posed by some negative studies to the Agency Model.
Fiala, Arico and Nichols give a definition of this model (p.35): "According to the Agency Model, mental state attributions are governed by a dual-process cognitive system. Although the high-road process operates via slow, conscious, domain-general deliberation, the low-road process operates in a quick, automatic, domain-specific way. The low-road disposition to attribute mental states is the result of categorizing an entity as an AGENT, which is itself a consequence of representing that entity as possessing particular properties: facial features, interactive behavior, or moving in a distinctive trajectory."
Fiala and his colleagues show that there is no threat and that all the studies contribute to a refinement of the Agency Model. They present another series of experiments to this effect, and review literature on experiments which are not based on vignettes but on the interaction with real robots (i-cat, microbugs), which contribute to render the paper even more fascinating and enjoyable.
According to the Agency Model, if the high-road is triggered, it might block the attribution of experiential states to robots (for there is a shared belief, pertaining to common sense, that robots don't have mind). In fact, the Agency Model and the negative hypothesis of Sytsma and Machery, to the effect that laypeople do not have a concept of phenomenal consciousness, and, therefore, are not in a position to attribute experiential states, in the way philosophers would construe this idea, seem to be in conflict.
In his contribution, Systma concludes, after a thorough discussion, both at the theoretical and at the experimental level, of the contraction between the two claims (which are termed by him "negative hypothesis" and "positive hypothesis") that the experimental and empirical evidence "continues to support Sytsma and Machery's negative hypothesis, even as it continues to support Fiala, Arico and Nichols' Agency Model" (p.62).
This awesome chapter is definitely a strong positive assessment of the experimental turn in the philosophy of mind. This internal controversy proves to be very fruitful, once it is resolved in accordance with Sytsma's ecumenical conclusion.
What is at stake in the chapter 3 is the compatibility between the ordinary way of thinking about free will and what science tells us about causality and the way our behaviors, thoughts and actions may be strictly determined, that is, given a cause C, only an effect (typical in liberal versions of determinism) E may arise.
Knobe is a defender of the idea that, most of the times, our ordinary way of thinking is very different from something that could be vindicated by a scientist (see, for example Knobe 2010 for a strong statement of this position).
In his contribution to this chapter, he argues and interprets evidence to the effect that "people's making sense of the mind conforms more to the transcendance vision. Hence, the approach that we find in contemporary cognitive science is not just a more precise or systematic way of doing the same thing we do all the time. On the contrary, the basic vision at the heart of that approach is actually incompatible with people's ordinary way of understanding human freedom" (p.71). That is, the architecture of ordinary cognition is not compatible with a model picturing ordinary people as proto-scientists, or as implicit naturalistic thinkers. The "transcendence vision" is the view according to which "human actions (...) stand completely outside the causal order." (p.69).
After having recalled that "one of the ongoing goals of experimental philosophy is to develop better methods to test how people are interpreting philosophical issues and which features of scenarios are driving their responses" (p.91), Nahmias and Thompson argue, to the contrary, that evidence should be interpreted as supporting the idea that the ordinary view is compatible with a naturalistic vision of free will.
They propose the idea that people have a fairly liberal view of the free will, which is "theory-lite".
Rather, as, they claim, derives from evidence, people seem to be driven by a sort of regulatory principle: the causal competition principle: as long as brain-imaging scans do not present neurons as living their lives on theirs own, making their own decisions, people are not appalled by the perspective of a technology which allows (like in the Minority Report movie) a deterministic prediction of all our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. In fact, they are not appaled, which runs contrary to Knobe's "transcendance vision" hypothesis.
The chapter 4 exposes an external controversy, which runs parallels to the controversy related to judgements about reference, presented in chapter 1. This is the controversy related to the reliability of epistemic intuitions.
In 1963, Edmund Gettier (1963) published a short paper containing two thought-experiments presenting cases where a belief was justified and true, though (according to Gettier and the majority of philosophers working in the field of epistemology) "we" would not speak about knowledge. Gettier's conclusion (which was admitted by the whole philosophical community) runs to the effect that, if we rely on our epistemic intuitions, we would not count those cases as cases of knowledge.
In 2001, Weinberg, Nichols & Stich make the prediction, following Nisbett's work (see above), that epistemic intuitions about gettier-cases would vary. Eastern subjects would be more akin to judge that one could count those cases as cases of knowledge, while western subjects would make the opposite claim. They were right.
In their contributions to this chapter, Boyd and Nagel argue, relying on a lot of empirical evidence and on reasoning, that, if the variation of epistemic intuitions is a fact, this variation is not defeating the reliability of epistemic intuitions. By and large, we are right to listen to our epistemic intuitions when it comes to classify a case as knowledge or not.
Alexander and Weinberg give a very subtle and, it seems to me, knock-down reply. Boyd and Nagel's "reliability", that is the fact that something is, most of the times, giving true answers, is a weak sense. They coin this sense "baseline accuracy". But what is at stake, here, after Weinberg, Nichols and Stich's groundbreaking paper, is not baseline accuracy, but a strong sense (one closer to the ordinary use, by the way), that is trustworthiness.
Philosophers, when they rely on their intuitions, must make sure that they are trustworthy, not only that they are giving, most of the times, true answers. For, the goal of a philosopher is to find a substantial account of knowledge, not to offer piecemeal answer to casual questions.
The fact that, decision about a case vary so dramatically should really be a concern for epistemology. No doubt epistemic intuitions are reliable. If I rely on my intuition to decide whether my associate knows the risks of an investment or does only have beliefs and opinions, I am certainly right. But if I rely on my intuitions to shape a theory of knowledge, which is meant to be true, I am certainly running into troubles.
Alexander, J. (2012). Experimental philosophy: an introduction. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press.
Arico, A., Fiala, B., Goldberg, R. F., & Nichols, S. (2011). The Folk Psychology of Consciousness. Mind and Language, 26(3), 327–352.
Gettier, E. L. (1963). Is Justified True Belief Knowledge? Analysis, 23(6), 121.
Knobe, J. M., & Nichols, S., eds. (2008). Experimental philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Knobe, J. (2010). Person as Scientist, Person as Moralist. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 315–329.
Kripke, S. A. (1980). Naming and necessity. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Machery, E., Mallon, R., Nichols, S., & Stich, S.P. (2004). Semantics, cross-cultural style. Cognition, 92(3).
Nisbett, R. E. (2003). The geography of thought: how Asians and Westerners think differently-- and why. New York: Free Press.
Sytsma, J., & Machery, E. (2009). Two conceptions of subjective experience. Philos Stud Philosophical Studies, 151(2), 299–327.
Talbot, B. (2012). The irrelevance of folk intuitions to the "hard problem" of consciousness. Consciousness And Cognition, 21(2), 644–650.
Weinberg, J. M., Nichols, S., & Stich, S. (2001). Normativity and Epistemic Intuitions. Philosophical Topics, 29(1), 429–460. | 2019-04-24T08:02:41Z | http://metapsychology.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=book&id=7430&cn=394 |
The card for today is another that I made using bits and pieces that didn't make the cut for other projects but were to good to just toss. To see another 'bits and pieces' card check out yesterday's Clean and Simple Bike Ride.
The Barnyard Babies stamp set was the very first one on my wish list when the new catalog came out. The sweet little animals are just so cute!
For this card I had the panel with Pear Pizzazz square already stamped. It's made with a clear block inked up with an ink pad and then stamped directly onto the cardstock. I don't know why I had this piece; it must have been an idea that didn't work out for another project. It was sitting on my desk for quite some time. I stamped some grass with Old Olive ink to give some more detail.
Next, I stamped and colored the cow with alcohol markers and cut her out with my trusty paper snips (seriously, if you don't have these you really need to get them! You can order them below just by clicking on the picture of the paper snips. The same goes for the rest of the supplies to make this card). I then popped her up on dimenionals onto her pasture.
A little bit of embellishment in the way of Pear Pizzazz cotton ribbon, linen thread bow and the sentiment from One Big Meaning stamped in Early Espresso.
Long time no post! I spent last week at the beach enjoying the time with family, the awesome view and nice weather. But now it's back home and back to the grind!
I have a card to share that was made of up random pieces that didn't make the cut on other cards and were starting to pile up on the edge of my desk. You know how that goes right? Try something out and it doesn't look quite right but it's not messed up so you can't just recycle it and so it gets set aside. Well I had about 5 or 6 of these card elements sitting there so I decided it was high time to turn them into actual cards! This is one of the results of that stamping session....or maybe it was more of an assembly session.
The card front was embossed with the Elegant Dots embossing folder. This was one of my "reject" card elements. The other one was the panel with the bike on it. I think I had stamped it to practice lining up the 2 parts of the bike on top of the Work of Art swoosh and it actually came out well but was on a piece of cardstock that wasn't the right size for the project I was then working on.
All I did was add a slightly large Night of Navy panel behind it and added the ribbon, flags and faux button. Done!
The faux button was made using 3 cardstock circles adhered together and then punched with a small hole punch for the baker's twine to go through. A button without the bulk of a real one.
The bike theme is kind of appropriate as Richmond is hosting the UCI Road World Championships in a few weeks and all over town we're starting to see signs of the fun that is coming. We're planning to find a great place to cheer some of the races from. If you're coming to town for the races and need some ideas of other things to do or places to visit just let me know....we love showing off Richmond!
I bet you have card pieces laying around your stamping area that just need a little accessorizing to bring out a full fledged card. Give those pieces some love and get them off your stamp table!
Digging through my dusty files I came across this card that I made for last Christmas and never shared. It's a fun little shaker card and I feel like it was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest so if you know of the original please let me know and I will certainly give credit. I looked through my boards and couldn't find it. And if you search Christmas Cards on Pinterest you get about a bazillion samples and so I wasn't going to find it that way!
Even though I made this last year you can easily recreate it. The sequins were ones in the holiday catalog but we now have silver sequins in the Annual Catalog that would work perfectly. The "Christmas" banner was stamped with the super popular Endless Wishes which is retired but you can substitute a different Christmas stamp. The thin baker's twine can be substituted with the thick baker's twine in Calypso Coral.
The tree punch, Little Letters thinlets, Decorative Dots embossing folder and rhinestones are all still available so get to making some Christmas cards now...you'll thank me later!
And speaking of Christmas cards I better get my Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog preorder sent in. I think I've been procrastinating because there are so many great things in it I don't know how I'm going to narrow it down and leave some items off. Such a terrible crafting problem isn't it! Customers should be receiving their catalogs soon too. Ordering starts on September 1. If you don't have a demonstrator I'd be glad to help you get started just get in touch...email is on my sidebar or you can leave a comment here.
To order supplies to help you make this card click on the picture below and it will take you to my online store.
I had some fun with embossing the other night while the boys were getting ready for bed. My stamp room is upstairs so I can "supervise" the getting ready for bed process while playing with paper and ink! How convenient right? Though sometimes I lose track of time working on a card and have to tear myself away and say good night to the boys and turn off lights.
This card came together pretty quickly using the CAS(e) this Sketch challenge and the closed Colour Me challenge.
Using the large Blended Bloom single stamp and embossing it with white embossing powder onto Wisteria Wonder cardstock and then then I cut it out.
I mounted it onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock that was partially embossed with the new Elegant Dots embossing folder. I left the lower part plain to emboss the "hello" in black.
I used a row of pearls and a narrow strip of retired Smoky Slate ribbon to separate the embossing from the sentiment. One corner is rounded just because.
I needed to make a few thank you cards so I combined 2 challenges that I came across. A color one from Paper Players using Crumb Cake, Bermuda Bay and Old Olive and the sketch is from Mojo Monday.
I love these colors together! The Bermuda Bay and Old Olive just seem like summer colors to me so I went with Watercolor Wings to make a butterfly card.
The lightest layer is Bermuda Bay stamped off once, then in full strength with the more detailed stamp and then the edges are stamped in Old Olive stamped off once. I used the coordinating framelits, Bold Butterfly to cut it out and then added the Old Olive body also stamped off. Don't forget that this stamp set and framelit set are bundled together to save 15%! Great deal!
The card base is Crumb Cake and then I made a flag with the new Corrugated Paper which I hadn't cut into yet but is nice weight and texture for accent pieces. I stamped the little dotted border stamp in white craft ink across the card. The sentiment from One Big Meaning is stamped underneath in Crumb Cake ink.
Using my circles framelits I created a thin circle and accented it with pearls and a few strands pulled from a piece of thick baker's twine. I popped the butterfly up on dimensionals.
We have a fun day at the pool planned so I better go get all my chores taken care of so I can relax and enjoy the day!
Today's card is the third project we made at my stamp club at the end of July. I wanted to make a nice summery card and tried a lot of different ideas but finally ended up with these sweet punch art popsicles.
It's always good to have a variety of punches on hand; you never know when you need to make a paper popsicle!
The card base is Crumb Cake and then a layer of Whisper White which is stamped with the great new Writing Notes background stamped. We used Marina Mist ink. The sentiment is from Six Sided Sampler.
Now for the punches. Rectangles in So Saffron and Calypso Coral have their corners rounded with the Corner Rounder punch. Then using the Word Window punch with the same colors of cardstock punch 2 for each popsicle and then one in Crumb Cake for the stick. All of the parts of the popsicles have the edges sponged for extra depth and detail. Using the smaller scallop circle punch just nip off the corner of one popsicle for a little bite mark.
A baker's twine bow decorates one popsicle and the other one is popped up on dimensionals.
If you would like to buy any of the supplies used to make this card you can scroll through the list and click on the item you would like and it will take you directly to my online store.
Happy Monday stampers! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! We were busy in short spurts as we had 2 unplanned out of town visitors pop in and hang out for a while. It's always nice to see old friends and favorite family members even if it's just for a few hours. The boys enjoyed some kayaking and rock hopping on the Mighty James River on Saturday while I went thrifting/junking/antiquing. I didn't find the main thing that I was searching for but came across a few nice finds so it was a very pleasant afternoon.
I even stamped as I had to make a card for Sunday morning. One of our pastors and his wife welcomed a baby boy this week and I wanted to make sure to bring a little gift and card on Sunday morning to leave for them at the church office. If I didn't do it this weekend it was probably going to be forgotten about so I jumped right too it.
I used the Freshly Made Sketches challenge for my layout this time.
Not a whole lot of stamping on this one but a whole lot of cute if I do say so myself!
The background DSP is from the recently retired Adventure Bounds DSP stack. That weathered barn wood is such a neat look on paper. Next I added a strip of Pool Party and anchored it with 2 Vintage Trinket brads---again another retired item but I can't be the only one that has some of these left? I thought the button brads were perfect for a baby card.
Next up is a layer of Schoolhouse DSP. Does this large polka dot pattern look familiar? Well it was still on my desk from my Lucky Stars card from last week and I thought it was a nice contrast to the weathered wood paper.
I punched the tag with the retired (boo hoo) angled tag topper punch. You can still make this look with your paper snips and a small circle/hole punch if you missed out on this punch before it retired. I tried the scalloped tag topper punch at first and it was just a little to frilly for the look I was going for this time but I do love that one too! I added some Pool Party thick baker's twine, a linen thread bow and a Vintage Trinket safety pin. A Pool Party candy dot finishes off the lower corner to help balance the layers.
The adorable little lamb is stamped with Memento ink onto Whisper White cardstock and colored in with gray shades of alcohol markers. I fussy cut the lamb and then popped him up on dimensionals on the tag. The sentiment was also stamped in Memento ink.
This was a fun card to put together and for such a joyful occasion! I hope you had some equally fun reasons to be stamping over the weekend!
It's Fab Friday time again! It's a nice sketch right? I think it is too but it was giving me fits. Everything that I tried looked OK until I put that middle ribbon/strip on my card. It just chopped it up too much.
This card took a long time and many, many ideas to get to this point! I used stamping with balloons, flowers, splotches, different colors, different techniques and none of those things was getting me a card that I liked for this round of Fab Friday! Yikes! What's a stamper to do? I cleaned up my whole stamping desk and put everything away and started fresh (it was piled about a foot high!). I pulled different colors and put aside the stamps all together!
I narrowed my focus to the theme I wanted to make, Good Luck. I needed a card to go with a gift to our neighbor/petsitter/babysitter who is leaving for her freshman year of college soon. I didn't have an appropriate sentiment so I used the Little Letters thinlets and Pacific Point cardstock and built my card up from there.
The DSP is the new Schoolhouse DSP and it was the first time I cut into any of it! I liked the blues with the silver. The university colors are blue and silver so I thought if worked.
I punched some stars from the retired style of Silver Glimmer paper as well as a larger framelit star in Pacific point. I added a bit of ribbon to jazz up the center.
I'm still not completely sold on this card but my deadline was fast approaching so I needed to get it done. As soon as I see the rest of the Design Team samples I'm sure I'll come up with 18 different ways to do this sketch!
I hope you have better luck with this one than me! Head over to Fab Friday to see more ideas and play along!
With what our weather looks like for this afternoon a water themed card seems appropriate for today's share! We made this card last week at my stamp club. It's always fun to do a new technique. At least it was new to me! I like techniques that you don't need a lot of extra supplies that you might not have on hand. This is ink and water! So easy!
Step 1: sponge Soft Sky over the whole piece. Don't worry about it being completely even, splotchy is a good thing in this case!
Step 2: Using a sponge dauber swirl Pool Party ink onto the cardstock making several circles. I would say probably the size of a half dollar. If you are using a larger piece of cardstock then make them larger.
Step 4: Using an Aquapainter squeeze out some water to the brush tip and then "draw" a circle around the outside of the Pool Party circle, the outside of the Mint Macaron circle and a dab in the center of the Mint Macaron. Then blot up the water with a paper towel. Repeat on each circle. You can go over the circles more with the water for a more pronounced look. As the paper dries the ink will lighten up.
There you go! Tie Dye!
Next, we used Tip Top Taupe ink and sponged it across the bottom of our panel for some sand. Then using just the tentacles of the jellyfish in Mint Macaron ink we stamped "seaweed" on the bottom. The jellyfish seems like a strange stamp as I don't know many jellyfish fans...usually everyone want to avoid them so I'm not sure how often I'll use that stamp other than for seaweed! Then the turtles were stamped with Tip Top Taupe right over the the Tie Dye circles.
White Perfect Accents are used to make bubbles and the new Very Vanilla thick baker's twine is tied around the panel. A narrow strip of Mint Macaron cardstock is torn for some extra texture. All of this is popped up on dimensionals on a Tip Top Taupe card base.
Whew! I've finally had a few moments to catch my breath after taking the boys to Pennsylvania to visit my in laws for a few days. We stopped at Hershey on the way home to take in some of the chocolate fun too. We had 4 FULL days of activities between the 2 stops and then the day after we arrived back home my cousin and her family stopped to visit overnight on their way down to Myrtle Beach. It's been non-stop at the Mertz house for sure.
While we didn't buy these giant chocolate bars the boys did get their fill of chocolate at Hershey! They were quiet the whole car ride home eating through their souvenirs!
To add to it all, the night before we left for Pennsylvania I had my monthly stamp club. It was fun getting together with my stampers to use some more new products from the Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 Annual catalog but it made for a busy week!
We made this card using the new Watercolor Wings stamp set and coordinating Bold Butterfly framelits.
I sometimes don't take the time to design fun fold cards but the gatefold style is so easy I really should use it more often! All you need to do is score your card base at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8" and there you have a gatefold!
I stamped the butterfly using Watermelon Wonder and Lost Lagoon. The first layer of Watermelon Wonder is stamped off once for a lighter look, then the next more detailed layer is full strength Watermelon Wonder. The final detail is stamped using Lost Lagoon.
The thing that I discovered when using the stamp set and framelits together is to stamp the wing layers first, then cut it out with the framelit and then add the stamped butterfly body. My first few attempts to cut it out with the body already stamped I kept cutting off either the top or bottom. No one needs to see a mangled insect body! It's much easier to stamp the body once you have the butterfly outline to guide you.
The two folds have strips of Whisper White cardstock embossed with the new Fluttering embossing folder.
The final details for the card are the silver accents. Using the Tombow Multi glue I glued some silver sequins to each flap. If that small tip still isn't fine enough for you'll have to check out the extra fine tip glue that is coming out in the Holiday catalog soon...it should be perfect for these sequins an other intricate pieces! Also, using a few dimensionals I looped a bit of new silver Metallic Thread behind where the butterfly goes across the card front. It's hard to see in the photo but it adds a nice subtle detail. I used the same dimensionals to adhere the butterfly. Remember, to be able to have the flaps open you only need to attach the butterfly to one side!
It's a lazy day here at home today checking things off the to do lists! I hope to get some stamping and photographing in later as well so at least I'll have stuff ready to share if I get a few moments to blog! | 2019-04-23T07:59:07Z | http://didyoustamptoday.blogspot.com/2015/08/ |
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Businesses utilize societal webs. Your prospective employer has the time nor the interest in sifting through plenty of phrases expecting to start looking for what is relevant for their purposes. The possible employer will probably know that you’re serious if you write the letters with caution. There is likely a excellent digital employer for your own experience and techniques.
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My expertise consist of things including organizing, typing, submitting and having the capability to communicate with other individuals. Together with that, the talents and also knowledge also has to be recorded. The abilities a chronological resume could possibly be unable to to highlight come in a posture to become emphasized in a operational restart. Add the remaining part of the skills or competences from your first list into a table or grouping on top of one’s executive resume.
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Sample cover letters are excellent manuals to work with for your job hunts. The employment cover letter for a work software is currently considered as a member of their task program. Sample cover letters are traditionally utilized to how letters for different kinds of work. Please be aware whenever you are having a review of sample cover letters they aren’t of necessity legal you copy. Assessing an example cover letter will aid the candidate to understand how they truly are assumed to write your own letter. It is some thing you could use as a direct as a way to write a productive letter when applying for the your own employment.
Usually, designers specialize in a particular category or kind of client. However a graphic designer restart is only the very first important step in landing your fantasy posture, it is frequently the thing that might make it break it in all states of your own job. No matter whether you’re looking for skilled or fresher graphic designer restart, the internet always has got the decision to offer you satisfaction when it regards the group of designer resumes.
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A developer could be licensed in Photoshop, but that will not signify they are creative. That you really don’t will need to be worried regarding your graphic designer restart. A movement picture designer resume needs to comprise matters such as the suitable picture designer job description and also the above template will be able to let you get one of the most suitable description depending on your necessity. So, the Graphic Designer Resume has to possess the right experience stated that there along with the field of expertise. Graphic designers have to keep updated with all the most recent applications and computer system technologies to remain competitive. Freelance graphic artists get the chance to unite technology and art to be able to speak thoughts with a big audience.
Graphic creating can be just a project of imagination, that means it takes a whole lot greater than only your moment. For instance, many make the images found in packaging for various assortments of retail services and products, although some may possibly do the job with the visual layout utilized in a book jacket. Beautiful images are used here so as to acquire upon the advice at a fine manner whilst displaying mcdougal’s abilities.
You should think about applying the chronological format if you are in possession of a solid work record and instructional achievements. Your restart formats should comprise an outstanding font. Before it’s likely to understand which of their most truly effective resume formats may probably do the work best for you it is essential that you comprehend the purpose of all each of the formats. Contemplating the aspects in the list above a number of those resume formats are now standardized. You can also observe the Resume Templates. Every restart template has been made to aim a particular occupation profile. The magazine-style Resume template may be the ideal choice.
For a skilled graphic designer, then the very best section would be that the assignments that you’ve obtained on your livelihood. The requirement of picture designer resume does occur if you don’t know exactly the best option for the demand. The total principle for graphic design resumes will be to put in a URL to your site or internet portfolio.
Resumes are important for obtaining virtually any occupation and about picture designing Resume illustrations, they must be distinctive and creative. As it’s to perform resumes for graphic artists, samples will be the ideal way to know just what is due to you. So it is imperative to locate a way to generate your resume stand out of tons of distinct hints, particularly when you are in designing. Infographic-style resumes are becoming common, and they are sometimes effective when done effectively. Your resume or CV can be on the list of most crucial projects you design.
The bulk of the moment, whenever you employ to find work, your resume will need to be followed with a covering letter. Thisbeautiful project restart sample is specially made for the audio sector. The coolest high-paying tasks will visit the best of the best.
You will be ready to pick and choose what kind of operate feels better for you. Entire each entrance using a fast description of the project you completed. Freelance perform can be an easy procedure to bring in money if you know the ideal place to appear.
There’s such a wide group of tasks to pick from, that it’s merely about impossible perhaps not to discover act after you start looking. If you’re using for several tasks, you need to build various resumes, each concentrating on a specific role and the kind of knowledge and expertise the future employers want to get. Well-paying work in graphic design aren’t easy to find. You will be landing which fantasy design job at no time.
Without vision an individual cannot start functioning. Who knows, you could easily get involved with a few very fascinating work or get operate. If you have any part time work, that will go a means towards an exemplary adventure section. Your job restart department is not the only matter which things about your resume. Imagine should you couldn’t locate volunteer job within your area of interest.
Provided that it is related to the job, faculty projects are okay when you’ve obtained zero job experience. It’s mandatory that you convince him that now you are mature enough and hunt for a well balanced task. You may have a few distinct forms of occupations or industries that you expect applying to.
Unfortunately, you’ve got to get a job to find knowledge. In the same manner, a student who excelled reluctantly does not always mean someone who will do well at work. Or maybe you’ve been in just the same endeavor for a couple of years. Just don’t forget, earlier tasks are a vital part of your livelihood. Realize that it isn’t only from inch occupation into another. Be sure to validate your language policies and spellings with care misrepresent any advice on your own resume because it can cost you a project. In the event you really don’t are focusing on function on your present-day business, you have to produce certain that the qualifications describe precisely what you did because work title likely will not.
Who knowsyou might have work through someone who you meet while volunteering. Don’t develop to some shrieking shrew when you’re not offered the job instantly. Be certain to demonstrate how each encounter is associated with the job and the way your participation contributed into the event or organisation. Lets have a glance at everything you wish to complete as a way to locate a entry level occupation. You should change your resume for every position you are applying to with the use of key words found in the work requisition of that location, differently, you’ve hardly any chance to be canvassed for an internet ranking you may be a perfect match for based on your abilities. For unique places, you can work with a restart.
Computer skills are an invaluable part of many jobs now, therefore including the programs you’re conversant using is really a great idea in the skill department. To start out with, analyze the work description to check if it signals the sort of abilities the company is searching. You may associate your chosen expertise from your aforementioned occupations into this present job skills. A very clear announcement concerning the manner in which you’re likely to utilize your most powerful relevant abilities and professional experiences to fulfill exactly the specific job you’re searching for.
If your knowledge exceeds 10 years, then it is definitely going to be tough to abide by a single page without the chance of foregoing important details. Finding work expertise could possibly be drawn-out training. As you have merely study, composing a superb work experience on your resume is not overly hard.
Now you have to learn just how to compose a resume with no experience that is persuasive and identifying, ideal for a senior high school restart or perhaps even a beginner’s resume for most teens. It truly is desired that you have any experience in the specialization you’re trying to get into. Adhere to this hints over, and also you’ll have resume that begs for that lack of wisdom and provides you with the meeting. Work Expertise assists pupils to come up with a practical comprehension of this field of function. You absolutely need to have some work experience if you may want to obtain an entrylevel standing. It is imperative to clearly show your prior work experiences and accomplishments.
The use of the livelihood goal is to not share with the choosing manger what you wish to flee the provider. Rather, it is to showcase your own skills and capabilities that’ll allow to successfully fulfill the duties of their position. A job objective is typically a declaration about what the candidate would love to do or perhaps the specific occupation they are looking for. A solid career goal will make you distinguish oneself from the audience.
When looking at the work description comprised in the advertising, search for key words related to the position. The exact final thing they would need is to experience a very more protracted outline of their job position before you go throughout the scope of tasks. The 2nd part is actually a short job description of the overall tasks that had been involved.
Resumes should not be cookie cutter” due to the fact one size wont ever match all positions you’re working to get. The ideal place to start when writing a restart is always to go to the SJC Careers Blog. Exceptional resumes reveal instead of tell.
Together with meeting all their specifications, you should also comprise what distinguishes you in various educators. Most educators should listing each of their certificates, or any time they expect receiving them. They perform in a conventional class room environment. So, your elementary teacher restart have to be at a position to easily reveal that you love young children and care to generate a constructive difference in your own own lives. If you’re a basic teacher resume, observe a basic school teacher is at fault for helping youngsters with emotional and educational development inside the beginning of these academic decades.
You didn’t make a decision for a teacher as you wished to develop into prosperous, you achieved it as you own passion for education. Beyond all what’s needed that you have inquired for, you’re discover I’m most likely one of the absolute most energetic educators you met. Superior teachers have been famed due to their vivacity and vibrant disposition. The primary instructor restart webpage lists an variety of different samples which can also offer you thoughts about how to draft your own version once you are getting looking at to submit an application for a teaching post that interests you. Even experienced teachers want to reestablish their permits every fixed couple of years, and lots of enroll in supplementary instruction or greater education programs to improve their livelihood. Show them that you are a true professional on-line teacher.
The sample resume underneath would be meant to meet the needs of the man that has only finished earning their diploma or teaching certification and who is searching to get an initial schooling job. In the event that you simply want a restart that is certainly professional, you can secure a sample for that too. You would like to locate a sample for your job you’re likely to be applying for this it is possible to ensure it’s written accurately.
The very first thing that you should do, is to understand what restart format you wish to use, which form of template is better to opt for, what positioning to-use and several more. Each structure is both exceptional now we’re likely to discuss each of those separately. You have to understandthat restart arrangement is important, because it can certainly boost your chances to have invited for an interview. The absolute most hard step is to figure out which restart format is ideal for you. What resume structure to utilize at 2017 and the way that it’d increase your odds to obtain the work. Each resume arrangement has been produced to improve your chances to come across the job in 2018. Examine to see perhaps the school carries a specific format.
The major issue is always to realize exactly just what the schools want to possess, and you also need to produce a resume cover letter for each application you send. Yes, even take some time to enable the faculty know you’ve see certain requirements and the way you matchup together with them. In the event you are a school teacher restart, think about being truly a great school-teacher pro is quite somewhat a lot greater than needing comprehended certificates, in addition, it depends a whole lot about the way you’re, how you are able to boost employer’s institution and enrich the lifestyles of the students.
Be sure that your resume is both crystal clear clear and informative and concentrated to the particular teacher occupation potential. Knowledge abroad demonstrates you are adaptable as well as independent. Should you not have any teaching expertise, then you have to prove to a potential employers you are an expert in your preferred instructional area and also you have the capability to educate. In the event you have little teaching experience, then include volunteer positions and co-curricular pursuits that demand teaching in some manner.
Without owning the crucial credentials, it can appear unreasonable to apply for employment. Along with conveying the important qualifications and characteristics to the job you’re applying for, a resume has to stick . Due to the fact you’ve got zero expertise or it really is your very first job. It is cool that you’re hunting for a job to get some funds, however, you want any problems using restart. Teaching jobs usually need specific amounts and certificates, so be sure to emphasize your own education.
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When you begin trying to locate jobs as a instructor, have some chance to evaluate your own goals and also techniques. If that’s true, your resume may still be quantified, and offer the hiring manager a more concrete notion of the selection of your abilities and talents. Infographic resumes appear nice, however in addition, you need to be concerned with candidate monitoring system computer software.
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It is not known why another club was felt to be necessary in Leigh in 1907 when a Leigh-on-Sea cricket club already existed, but it is clear that the new club which took the name of Chalkwell Park Cricket Club (CPCC) considered itself a Leigh club and had ambitions to reach a higher standard of cricket. The guiding spirit was undoubtedly Dr. C. F. Day who was the first captain and became Life Chairman of the Club holding that position until his death in 1939. The Southend Borough Council had acquired Chalkwell Park in 1903 and cricket pitches laid out, but judging by the scores of those early matches the pitches must have been of uncertain quality. The Club’s first match took place in Chalkwell Park on 11th May 1907 against South Benfleet when the visitors scored 86 and the Club replied with 63.
The following week saw CPCC at Southchurch Park (known in those days as Southchurch Hall Park) against Southend ‘B’, but the scores are not known. However, low scores were the order of the day during that first season and many teams failed to reach a total of 40. An exception was the return match with South Benfleet played on Canvey Island when the Club scored 147 and had the opposition 22-8. It was the custom in those days and, indeed up to the 1930s, for a side dismissing their opponents for a small score to continue batting after the game was won until the time scheduled for close of play, any such runs counting towards the players’ averages. The scores for 1907-1914 show many examples of this, but the prime instance must be that quoted in the history of Westcliff-on-Sea CC, when on a Bank Holiday Westcliff dismissed their opponents for 29 and then went on to score 505-9.
Alter the 1908 season, the first Annual Dinner was held at the Grand Hotel with 60 people attending. Mr. F. W. Senier (later Sir Frederic) was elected President of the Club. a position he held until his death in 1951. Also in this season, the first century by a Club member was recorded, but it was made in the circumstances mentioned above when South Benfleet scored 31 and the Club replied with 230-2 (H .P. McKenzie 117).
A number of players of the old Leigh Club were playing for Chalkwell Wednesday XI by 1909, so there was clearly some sort of association between the two clubs. It is interesting to note that, at their AGM in 1910, the Leigh club proposed a Leigh & District Cricket League.
The start of the 1910 season was delayed by the death of King Edward VII.
By 1911, the Club had expressed its aim to be the best in the district, but was still only playing Westcliff and Southend at their Second Xl level. In order to compare their strength with those two clubs, a match was arranged with Devon & Somerset Wanderers who unaccountably scratched the fixture the day before it was due. At the Annual Dinner of that year, Dr. Day remarked that the Club was “…. noted for the ability and sobriety of its members on all occasions”.
By 1912, Shoebury Garrison was on the fixture list and a match was arranged against Essex Club & Ground at Leyton. The Club scored a respectable 171, but the C&G replied with a massive 324. In December of that year, a report appeared in the local press of a Social evening held by the Club which ended, “These players by their sterling play and great sportsmanship and their business like methods have succeeded where other older clubs have failed”.
In 1913, the Club achieved one ambition by meeting Westcliff on equal terms and winning by 14 runs. They again played Essex C&G which the local paper described as going to Leyton for their “annual instruction”. On this occasion, the Club arrived with 12 men and asked to play 12-a-side. The C&G said they would be delighted, brought in W. Maed when their score was 185-10 and added another 138 runs before declaring. CPCC replied with 109 and the fixture was renewed for the following year when the Club made a rather better showing. The outbreak of War in August 1914 brought the season to an abrupt end and so ends the first phase of our Club’s history. There is no record of any Club members who lost their lives in the conflict of 1914-18, but there must have been some. In Appendix E, I have listed the names of those who played for the Club both before and after the War and also those who played before and became Patrons of the Club afterwards.
Cricket resumed in 1919, but it was reported that the ground had had rough treatment during the War. A number of pre-war players were available but the Captain was still in the Army. At the AGM of that year, the Club changed its name to the now available Leigh-on-Sea.
The following season at last saw Southend played at 1st XI level and a number of new members who remained to play until World War II brought cricket to a halt again. Freddie Harrison started his long association with the Club and others like Arthur Built, Frank Burrill and Percy Newbury lent strength to the playing side as well as taking on some of the administration. During this period, the Club played at Chalkwell Park on alternate Saturdays, sharing the pitch with Westcliff Endeavour CC who soon adopted our discarded name of Chalkwell Park CC. In addition to being an all-round cricketer, Frank Burrill was a useful footballer who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1921 FA Cup Final and had to seek permission from the Wolves to play for the Club in the Bank Holiday match against Westcliff the following year.
In the next few years, clubs such as Lensbury, Wickford, South Woodford, Brentwood, Tufnell Park, Ilford, Walthamstow and Hoffmans Athletic strengthened the fixture list. It was against this latter club that we had the only instance of a Leigh bowler taking all ten wickets in a 1st XI match, when Arthur Cheeseman took all ten on 30th July 1921. The ball, suitably mounted and inscribed, was presented to him at the next annual dinner and his widow returned this trophy to the Club in 1982.
A Pavilion Fund was started and our President, who had been Mayor of Southend in 1920, opened the new wooden building on the first day of the 1922 season. On the same day, Vic Jarvis made a modest debut for the Club, but the following week demolished Wickford with 7-19. Until Ken Wallace joined the Club in the 1960s, Vic was the only Leigh player to have played first class cricket when he played for Essex against both Glamorgan and Yorkshire in 1925. He also played for the Club Cricket Conference against the 1930 Australian Touring side at Lords.
1922 was a good season for the Club, beating Southend once and getting the better of the draw in the return fixture. Westcliff were beaten twice in the traditional Bank Holiday fixtures after which the “Southend Standard” reported, “this is certainly Leigh’s season and they are entitled to be regarded as the champion club of the Borough”.
For the 1923 season, the Club fielded a 2nd XI which played on one of the newly laid out pitches at Belfairs, which has remained the Club’s second ground ever since. It is interesting to note that the pitch rent for Belfairs was identical to that of Chalkwell Park - £12 for the season.
In 1924, Vic Jarvis scored 726 runs and took 70 wickets — an all-round performance that was unmatched by any Leigh player between the Wars. Cricket in Chalkwell Park attracted sizeable crowds in those days with seats all round the ground. At the Bank Holiday match against Westcliff in 1924, a collection was taken and £57-10s was raised for St. Dunstans and the local hospital, a sum that would equate to over £4,000 today.
The Club’s Annual Dinner was an important social event in the Town and, in 1928, was held at the Palace Hotel with both the Mayor and Deputy-Mayor and their Ladies as guests.
In 1930, E. Barber took 77 wickets at an average of 10.7 including 8-57 against Ilford at Valentines Park. County Cricket came to Chalkwell Park in 1934 and three strips on the east side of the Leigh square were used. To accommodate the County, the boundary on the south side had to be extended by building up the outfield and moving the footpath, which accounts for the odd shape of the path today. The last County Championship game to be played in Chalkwell Park took place in 1976.
Against Shoebury Garrison in 1935, Vic Jarvis (122) and Freddie Harrison (146*) shared a record partnership of 284 but this was another occasion when the opposition had been dismissed first — this time for 168.
When the 1939 season started, there was concern that several young players would not be available owing to the introduction of National Service. In the event, the cricket season ended prematurely on the outbreak of war.
Owing to the evacuation of the Town during World War II, no cricket was played for six seasons. In September 1945, a meeting of players of the Leigh-on-Sea and Chalkwell Park clubs was convened and it was decided to join forces for the 1946 season under the name of both clubs. A strong fixture list was arranged. The number of players coming forward made it necessary to field two teams and a second set of fixtures was obtained.
The ground itself seems to have been well maintained during the war years and County Cricket was resumed in 1946. Not so the wooden Leigh pavilion which had, perforce, suffered six years of disuse and neglect. A builder estimated a price of £100 to put the place to rights if licenses for the necessary materials could be obtained. In the event, Club members spent some £7 in making the place useable. Facilities, which were tolerated in tile 1920s and 1930s, could no longer be accepted as the 1950s approached and the Club found that many of its cherished fixtures were being lost. Most of the next seven or eight years were spent in trying to put the matter right.
The old pavilion was the Club’s own property and members were prepared to contribute towards a replacement to which the Southend Council agreed. They then changed their minds, ruling that no private buildings could be allowed on Council property. The Council then decided that they would build a pavilion themselves but considerable prevarication ensued and the Club had to exert an enormous amount of pressure. The Council came up with a proposal to build a new pavilion on the north side of the Park between the Leigh and Westcliff pitches to be used by both clubs. Westcliff strongly objected to this proposal as their own pavilion was meeting their needs and the Council finally decided to erect a building on the Leigh side which forms the core of the present pavilion.
Ralph Wheatley was Secretary of the Club for two years, being succeeded by Jack Rowe who held the post for the next quarter-century. Arthur Kennard who was the sole survivor from tile pre-First World War era became Treasurer and his efforts during this period ensured that the Club’s finances were on a sound footing.
On the playing front, Freddie Harrison resumed the captaincy in 1946 and continued until his retirement in 1948. Vic Jarvis rejoined the Club after a short absence and had two years at the helm, before handing over to Edgar Ward. In this period, Vic headed both the 1st XI batting and bowling averages in the same season on two occasions, something he had first accomplished in 1924.
A 3rd XI was formed for 1947. A Cricket Week, which continues to this day, was inaugurated in 1949 and a small Sunday fixture list of away matches was played. No Sunday cricket being permitted in Southend parks in those days.
The new pavilion was in use for the start of the 1954 season. It was not palatial, but vastly better than the old one. There was now a room to prepare and consume teas on the premises and each dressing room had a wash basin; showers had to wait another fifteen years, but the 3rd XI at Belfairs did have such a luxury much earlier. Flush toilets were not provided at first arid older members will still have memories of having to dispose of the contents of the Elsan closets.
The new pavilion did not herald an immediate improvement on the playing front and, in 1954, the 1st XI won only three games and the weather was reported as one of the worst that could be recalled. This was soon to change. 1955 provided marvelous cricket weather and two new players in Jack Carr and Norman Sammons came to the Club and became, in due course, the most prolific run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively. A number of other very good players also joined the Club among them Ron Burville, Don Turner, Ken Illingworth, David Daniels and that exceptionally fine wicket keeper, Arthur Hill. Not only did these members add to the playing strength but many went on to serve the Club in other capacities.
Edgar Ward continued to captain the 1st XI until 1963 and eventually completed an unprecedented 13 years in that office. Those who played under him or against him regarded Edgar as a very fine skipper and a great sportsman. Under his leadership, the Club was able to regain many of the fixtures lost in the 1940s and by 1970 we were playing all but three of the other original eighteen clubs who formed the Truman’s Essex League in 1972.
Arthur Kennard had to relinquish the reins of Treasurer in 1964 and those duties were taken over by Paul Mills who held the post until 1998. His very capable handling of the finances has made possible the extensions to the original pavilion that we all enjoy today. In addition, Paul was Captain of the 3rd XI for eleven years and, in 1961, led the side to a record of no fewer than 17 wins out of 23 matches played.
The statistics for Sunday matches were included for the time in the annual report for 1959 and those for Cricket Week were added in 1963. Sunday games were still all being played away from home, but in 1966 the Southend Council permitted four Sunday matches to be played in Chalkwell Park, this being increased to six matches in 1969. In 1966 also, the Club introduced a weekly team sheet which was sent to all players – an innovation in those days, but one adopted now by most clubs.
Nevertheless, despite the progress, the Club was still mainly a collection of three teams who seldom managed to get together. The Chalkwell Park sides would foregather at the “Grand Hotel” or the “Gables”, while the 3rd XI could be found at the “Woodcutters”. Sunday socialising was, of course, at away grounds.
All this was to change when, in 1969, permission was granted by Southend Council for a small extension to the Pavilion which was to include a licensed bar. This required a Special General Meeting to amend the Club Rules. For a sum just short of £1,000, raised mainly by Members’ loans, the extension was built and included a kitchen and a bar. The bar was small - about the size of a large cupboard and was referred to affectionately (or otherwise!) by those who can remember it, as the ‘Hole in the Wall’. But at least, it brought all the Club members together and the financial results put a smile on the face of the Treasurer, indeed, the Members’ loans had been repaid by 1971.
At the same time, the Council installed one shower in each dressing room, but for the next 7 years the Club had summer use only of the building and had to surrender winter occupancy to the hockey players and the footballers.
On the playing front, Ken Wallace joined the Club for the 1969 season and was a prolific run-scorer, forming with Jack Carr a formidable opening pair for the next 10 years. In 1971, Ken had the remarkable figures for the season of 1.207 runs in addition to 51 wickets and, in 1973, again exceeded 1,100 runs. Permission was given for Sunday matches to be played in Chalkwell Park every weekend, a second Sunday side being fielded as well as a fourth Saturday side. In the mid-1970s, the Club took over what had originally been the Southend Doctors CC, later Chalkwell Wednesday and ran a Wednesday side. Youth cricket became an important part of the Club’s activities and has increased over the years as schools’ cricket declined.
Also, at this time, moves were underway for further extensions to the pavilion and, after a number of delays an addition of new dressing rooms, shower area and score box was built at a cost of £6.500 in 1978. With the promise of a longer lease from the Council, the Club spent a further £7,000 in 1981 on improvements to the kitchen, bar area and ladies toilets. The final major improvements to date were undertaken in 1985/6 when £36,000 was spent on providing an upper storey to the dressing room end largely increasing the two dressing rooms with integral toilets and showers and including an Umpires Room and new score box. Much of the building work was undertaken in wintry conditions by a dedicated team of Club members.
Proposals for League cricket in Essex were being aired by 1970 - a league of sorts being operated in 1971 and, for 1972, nineteen Essex clubs were invited to form a new league. For this year, the final table was decided on an average basis, as it had not been possible to rearrange all the fixtures in time. Leigh finished 3rd in the inaugural season and repeated that success in the following year, the first proper league season.
The 1st XI always held their own in a competitive league but sadly were relegated to Division 2 at the end of the 1998 season when the Premier League commenced and leagues of ten clubs were formed. With an Overseas player engaged and two new recruits for the 1999 season, promotion back to Division 1 was achieved by finishing runners-up.
The 2nd XI had a good year in 1991 finishing in 2nd place only three points behind the winners. In both the 1996 and 1997 seasons, the 2nd XI led for the early part, but then faded to finish in mid-table. Regrettably, they were relegated to Division 2 at the end of the 1998 season.
The 3rd Xl had good years in 1983 and 1984, when finishing 3rd and did even better in 1989 and 1990 when finishing in 2nd place. From then on, their form declined, culminating in relegation at the end of the 1996 season. However, two years of consolidation at the lower level culminated in being crowned Champions of Division 2 in the 1999 season.
Sadly, the commitment of Saturday League cricket led to a decline in the standard of Sunday cricket - a decline which is not specific to Leigh-on-Sea CC. A Sunday League was started in South East Essex in 1997 in an attempt to arrest this decline, but it is clear that the number of senior players who are prepared to play two matches at the weekend is much less than in the 1970s.
In 1980, the Club came to an arrangement with Leigh Ramblers Football Club which allowed the footballers use of the Pavilion during the winter months for their social events, a situation which benefited both Clubs, and the increased bar profits made possible the improvements to the premises. When, in 1993, the Leigh Ramblers pulled out at very short notice the Club was faced with possible financial difficulties which were avoided thanks to the generous sponsorship by a Club member, George Johnson (ETS Building Services), whose help in this manner continued for many years.
For Youth Cricket, the Club has been fortunate in having some dedicated Youth Managers and competitive cricket has been organised at Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 levels..
1996 saw the fruition of a joint project with our neighbours, Westcliff-on-Sea CC, for the conversion of an old tennis court in Chalkwell Park to provide three all-weather practice pitches. With financial help from the Lords Taverners, National Lottery and others, the new facility was officially opened by Sir Colin Cowdrey (now Lord Cowdrey) and provided a practice facility which had been sadly lacking at the ground for many years.
1999 saw the formation of an Essex Premier League with a change in the established format of recreational cricket. Leigh-on-Sea Cricket Club has not yet reached Premier League status but the future may well see another phase in the history of the Club. | 2019-04-24T20:52:18Z | https://www.leighcricket.com/history/default.aspx |
In A Primer on Dietary Fats – Part 1, I looked at some basic concepts related to dietary fat/lipids including the different primary types of lipid (triglycerides, cholesterol and the ‘other stuff’) as well as the difference between triglyceride and cholesterol. Finally, I looked at the issue of dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol briefly.
Today I want to finish up by looking at more detail at the issue of dietary triglycerides. As I mentioned in Part 1, dietary triglycerides (TGs) make up the bulk of the fat that we consume in a day, providing over 90% of our total fat intake. Therefore, understanding what the different ‘types’ of TG are along with how they affect the body is important.
As I mentioned in A Primer on Dietary Fats – Part 1, a fat/TG molecule consists of three fatty acid chains bound to a backbone molecule of glycerol. And while people tend to talk about different types of fats (e.g. saturated fat or unsaturated fat), it’s actually the specific fatty acids that differ in terms of their chemical structure. For simplicity, I’ll simply refer to the different types of ‘fats’ and leave it at that.
And there’s no reason for me to go against that grain. Below, I want to look briefly at each type of fat, where it’s found in the diet, what types of effects it has on the body, and address any of the lingering controversies that currently exist.
Since there is little to no debate or controversy over the role of trans-fatty acids (often abbreviated TFAs) in human health, I figured I’d tackle it first. In recent years, it’s fairly safe to say that trans-fatty acids (aka partially hydrogenated vegetable oils) have gotten the most press in terms of their negative health effects. And there is much truth to this.
Trans-fatty acids are a semi-solid fat which are made by bubbling hydrogen through vegetable oil (hence the name partially hydrogenated vegetable oil). This is done to make vegetable oils (which can often be unstable and go rancid) more shelf-stable; that’s important when foods sit on the shelf for a long time. Margarine is a classic example that most will be familiar with, a semi-solid made by bubbling hydrogen through vegetable oil.
And while there are naturally occurring trans-fatty acids that occur in small amounts in foods, quantitatively most of the trans-fats that people will consume will come from the intake of processed foods.
The problem is that the process of partial hydrogenation changes the chemical structure of the vegetable oil from what is called a cis-configuration (the form that most dietary fatty acid are found in) to a trans-form. Hence the name trans-fatty acid. Without going into a lot of unnecessary details, simply accept that the body is meant to use cis-fatty acids, not trans-fatty acids; it’s got to do with the chemical shape of the fatty acid.
For that reason, intake of a large amount of trans-fatty acids causes a number of problems in the body.
TFA [trans-fatty acid] consumption causes metabolic dysfunction: it adversely affects circulating lipid levels, triggers systemic inflammation, induces endothelial dysfunction, and, according to some studies, increases visceral adiposity, body weight, and insulin resistance…Consistent with these adverse physiological effects, consumption of even small amounts of TFAs (2% of total energy intake) is consistently associated with a markedly increased incidence of coronary heart disease.
Now, I’m rarely a fan of nutritional absolutes but this is one place where I’m willing to make one: trans-fatty acids really have no place in human nutrition and this is a place where there is little disagreement in the field. They provide absolutely no benefits that I’m aware of and their impact on human health would appear to be wholly negative.
If there is another fat over which there is really no argument or controversy in the field it’s monounsaturated fat. At worst, monounsaturated fats are fairly neutral from a health perspective (especially in terms of the effects on blood cholesterol levels) and there is also evidence that intake of monounsaturated fats may have health benefits.
Quite in fact, it’s thought that part of the benefit of various Mediterranean diets is related to the large intake of olive oil (arguably the primary dietary monounsaturated fat) in the diet. It’s certainly worth mentioning that other aspects of their diet such as a large vegetable/anti-oxidant intake is assuredly contributing to the good health observed; that is, it’s not just the olive oil.
In any case, outside of being a source of calories (excessive calories causing fat gain, of course), there’s no real indication that mono-unsaturated fats have any real negatives in terms of human health.
The primary mono-unsaturated fat is oleic acid which is found in very high amounts in olive oil (hence the name). It’s worth noting that oleic acid actually tend to be the primary fatty acid found in most ‘high-fat’ foods (you can check this for yourself at the USDA database) including the ones that most think of as containing large amounts of saturated fat. A couple of examples appear in the table below.
Because of it’s prevalence in the food supply, olive oil will often make up a fairly large proportion of someones total dietary fat content without much effort. However, when people are looking to ‘add fat’ to their diet (for whatever reason), it would be hard for them to go wrong in using a source of mono-unsaturated fat or Olive oil. It can be added to salads and I know of some brave souls who throw it directly into protein drinks when they need to raise calories.
I’d mention that, for people (like me) who don’t like the taste of olive oil, there is a high oleic safflower oil available for people who want to add more oleic acid to their diet.
For a couple of decades now, saturated fat has been the veritable whipping boy of the nutritional world (forced out of the number one position by trans-fatty acids only recently). Blamed for everything in the world including heart disease and probably terrorism, saturated fats have received the brunt of negative press when it comes to the issue of dietary fats.
However, in recent years, there has been a counterargument regarding saturated fat intake that they are of no health risk at all, that the real problem is with excessive polyunsaturated fatty acids/vegetable oils (discussed next), etc.
This has led to a lot of confusion for people.
Now, anybody who has regularly read this site knows that I tend to shy away from nutritional extremism, I usually find that whenever there are competing extremist positions, the truth generally lies somewhere in the middle.
This is certainly the case for saturated fat in my opinion. Now, for anybody who reads nutritional research, there is little to no argument that saturated fat can cause a variety of problems. Whether you’re looking at blood lipid levels, inflammation, etc. there’s really little debate in the field and there are a zillion and one studies that support that excessive saturated fat intake can cause a variety of health problems.
However, as always it gets more complicated.
A a huge part of the problem is that the term saturated fats actually refers to a category that includes a number of different fatty acids. Lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and many others are all included under the general heading of saturated fat.
And at least part of the problem is that they don’t all act the same way in the body. Some specific saturated fatty acids have distinctly negative effects on the body, others do not. For anybody truly interested in the science of this topic, I’d recommend the paper Saturated Fats: What Dietary Intake which examines the issue in some detail.
As well, as I have discussed in other articles on this site such as Carbohydrate and Fat Controversies Part 1 and Carbohydrate and Fat Controversies Part 2, I think there is a huge issue of context in terms of the effect of saturated fat (or any nutrient for that matter) on overall health.
For someone who is lean, active, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, who is in caloric balance there appears to be no real danger (in a health context) to an increased intake of saturated fats. One study I recall in cyclists found that, as long as they were in caloric balance, an increase intake of saturated fats had no impact on blood cholesterol one way or the other.
It’s worth mentioning in this context that some research suggests that saturated fat is required for optimal hormone levels (e.g. testosterone) so trying to reduce saturated fat excessively may be a mistake for athletes in the first place.
But not all individuals are lean, active athletes who are eating lots of fruits and vegetables who are in caloric balance. For someone who is overweight (which is an inflammatory state in and of itself), inactive (which has a host of negative health effects), is under a lot of stress, not eating sufficient fruits and vegetables, etc. , saturated fats may have a very different impact on the body.
There is often also an impact of weight loss or weight gain in terms of how saturated fats affect blood lipid levels; in general when weight is lost, blood cholesterol levels improve almost irrespective of the type of fat consumed. But when weight is being gained or even maintained, often blood cholesterol levels worsen with a high saturated fat intake.
I should mention that the changes that typically occur in blood cholesterol levels with changing saturated fat intake tend to occur in both the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol fractions. That is, when saturated fat is reduced, both good and bad cholesterol typically goes down and vice versa. Therefore the overall impact on health risk is a bit more complex than many think.
In any case, I think that saying that saturated fats are good, bad or neutral is too simplistic. Context, as always, is important and I find that many of the extremists in each group tend to forget that. What is drastically unhealthy in one context may be neutral or at least irrelevant in another. Which still won’t stop some very silly comments from appearing on this article as people accuse me of being ‘anti-saturated fat’.
In any case, finishing up, saturated fats are found more or less exclusively in animal source products and are typically solid at room temperature. A couple of odd exceptions are coconut and palm kernel oil (both of which contain a lot of saturated fat but primarily in the form of medium chain triglycerides, discussed below). As well, milk fat contains a decent amount of saturated fat.
From a body fat perspective, it’s at least worth mentioning that saturated fats tend to be stored a bit more easily than polyunsaturated fats (more accurately, when polyunsaturated fats are consumed, the body tends to burn them off a bit more readily) but the effect is not massive.
And finally we come to polyunsaturated fats. Almost always liquid at room temperature (unless found in foods), the key polyunsaturated fats are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (which you’ll often see referred to as w-3/w-6 or n-3/n-6). This naming simply refers to the structure of the individual fatty acid and it’s not worth going into any more details than that.
The two primary polyunsaturated fats are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, not to be confused with the supplement alpha-lipoic acid) which is an w-3 fatty acid and linoleic acid (LA) which is an w-6 fatty acid. Among other things, ALA and LA have the distinction of being the two essential fatty acids (EFAs), that is it is essential that they be obtained from the diet for optimal health. This is in contrast to all of the other types of fat discussed, none of which is actually essential for life or health.
Strictly speaking, you could live forever if you never consumed another gram of saturated, monounsaturated or trans fat. But a long enough deficiency of either ALA or LA would eventually cause a host of health problems and eventually death. It’s worth mentioning that it takes the absolutely most artificial of diets (usually completely fat free diets served in a hospital setting) to generate a true ALA or LA deficiency; even the worst diet will tend to cover bare minimum requirements of both. In fact, it took years of research to even determine that there were essential fatty acids because causing a true deficiency was so difficult.
When saturated fats started to become ‘the enemy’ in the 70’s and 80’s, there was a big push for an increased intake of vegetable oils in the diet. That is, if people were going to eat a lot of fat, it was thought that eating more vegetable oils would be better than saturated fats.
As always, things are not quite so simple and, as I noted above, some groups think that the increased intake of vegetable oils is actually the cause of many health problems blamed on saturated fats.
Ok, now everybody is really confused, let me see if I can unconfuse things.
Both ALA and LA turn out to have a massive number of effects in the body ranging from modulating gene expression, producing or inhibiting inflammation and a host of others; they are also involved in the production of eicosanoids, short-lived chemical signalling molecules that do a zillion different things in the body. It’s worth mentioning that many of these effects are mediated by compounds formed by the metabolism of ALA and LA within the body.
That is, ALA and LA are sort of ‘parent compounds’ for other things in the body. For example, LA is converted to gamma-linoleic acid which may have anti-inflammatory effects (and many women swear helps with PMS). LA is also converted to arachidonic acid (AA) which is an inflammatory compound that may be involved in muscle growth. ALA undergoes extensive metabolism and can be converted to EPA and DHA (the fish oils, I’ll spare you the full names) which I’ll come back to below.
Of more importance, although both are essential fatty acids, ALA and LA often have different and frequently opposing effects; in general, the effects of the w-3 fatty acids tend to be ‘good’ and the effects of w-6 are ‘bad’ although, as always it’s far more complex than that.
This is important because there has been concern regarding the modern diet that the ratio of w-6:w-3 fatty acids is causing a variety of health problems.
For example, it’s thought that our evolutionary diet had a ratio of w-6:w-3 intake of between 1:1 and 4:1; the modern diet contains somewhere around 20-25:1. This skewed ratio is due both to the abundance of w-6 in the food supply as well as the exceeding lack of w-3 fatty acids in the modern diet. Because of this, finding ways to boost the w-3 content of foods (such as high w-3 eggs) is a huge area of research.
And it’s been argued that this skewed ratio is contributing to a myriad of health problems, not the least of which is inflammation and increased heart disease risk (with an increased intake of w-6 being blamed for the problem). Current research calls this into question, however.
Existing evidence in humans, though limited, fails to show a link between higher dietary LA intake, or higher plasma LA, and greater inflammation in vivo. In fact, some of the data suggest the opposite may be true [my note: he’s saying that increased LA intake may be ant-inflammatory].
Because n-6 fatty acids are the precursors of proinflammatory eicosanoids, higher intakes have been suggested to be detrimental, and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids has been suggested by some to be particularly important. However, this hypothesis is based on minimal evidence, and in humans higher intakes of n-6 fatty acids have not been associated with elevated levels of inflammatory markers…In the United States, for example, intake of n-6 fatty acids doubled and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality fell by 50% over a period of several decades. In a series of relatively small, older randomized trials, in which intakes of polyunsaturated fat were increased (even up to 20% of calories), rates of CHD were generally reduced.
Basically, a lot of the concern over high w-6:w-3 ratios may be misplaced but I’m not going to get into the debate beyond that.
For the most part, I don’t think worrying about w-6 intake is much of an issue. On even the most moderate fat diet, w-6 intake will be generally be more than sufficient and trying to consume more is rarely necessary. Whether or not intakes need to be explicitly reduced and what impact that will actually have is something to let the nutrition researchers argue about for the time being.
Rather I want to focus on the w-3 fatty acids about which there is far less debate; at this point about a zillion studies (+-a million) have shown benefits of increased w-3 intake on a myriad of health parameters. Decreased inflammation, improved blood lipid levels (including decreased triglyceride levels), decreased risk of heart disease, decreased depression and even fat loss have all been found from w-3 supplementation.
Now, recall from above that both w-3 and w-6 fatty acids undergo significant processing in the body with ALA being converted downstream to EPA and DHA, at least potentially. It’s EPA and DHA that I want to talk about now.
Readers are probably more familiar with EPA and DHA as fish oils since that is how they are typically referred to. As you might expect, both compounds are found in large amounts in fatty fish (free range animals often have a larger proportion of w-3 fatty acids as well).
Quite in fact, the original interest in fish oils came from the observation that cultures (such as the Alaskan Inuit) had low rates of heart disease despite a ‘high-fat’ intake. It turned out that the large intake of fish oils were a huge part of that.
And while ALA is still technically considered the ‘essential fatty acid’, it’s looking more and more like it’s actually the EPA and DHA that are doing the majority of the ‘good’ things in the body (and that they may do different things in the body meaning that they are both important). Whether ALA actually does anything indepdently of its conversion to EPA/DHA is currently being debated.
And here’s why this is a problem: outside of vegetarians/vegans, the conversion of ALA to EPA/DHA is extremely small in adults. When ALA is supplemented (for example, from flax oil), the actual conversion to EPA is only about 4-5%. And the conversion of EPA to DHA is negligible; that is, supplementing the parent compound doesn’t raise body stores of DHA at all (in fact, supplementing with EPA doesn’t raise DHA either).
This topic is discussed in some detail in the research review Extremely Limited Synthesis of Long Chain Polyunsaturates in Adults: Implications for Their Dietary Essentiality and Use as Supplements.
But the point holds, simply ensuring sufficient intake of ALA (e.g. from flax or another vegetable oil) does not ensure that there will be a significant increase in EPA or DHA which appear to be the key fats in terms of improving health; in fact it’s almost certain that it won’t raise EPA/DHA sufficiently to be of benefit. In my opinion, the only way to ensure adequate EPA/DHA intake is by ensuring a daily intake from preformed sources.
For people who consume fatty fish (or perhaps free range meat) on a regular basis, that is generally an adequate source. For everyone else, supplementing with either pills or liquids will generally be necessary to ensure a sufficient daily intake.
And, as I stated in the research review I linked to above, while w-3 fortified foods are becoming available, I find that they are not cost effective; rather than buying high w-3 eggs, it’s far cheaper to buy normal eggs and take an w-3 supplement.
I’m not going to get into dosing issues here since that’s really beyond what I wanted to talk about in this article; I’ll address that at a later date. An absolute bare minimum would be a combined intake of EPA/DHA of 500mg per day. A standard 1 gram fish oil capsule typically contains 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA (300 mg of total fish oil) so that would be only 2 pills per day. There is evidence that more may be beneficial for a variety of goals but, again, I’ll save that discussion for a later article.
So what started out as a primer on dietary fats got a little bit longer than I had intended. Hopefully now you understand the difference between dietary cholesterol and triglycerides along with understanding what the different types of dietary triglycerides are and what roles they might or might not have in the body. I’ve also tried to address some of the current confusion and controversy that currently exists over the different types of fats.
I also realize that I didn’t address much in the way of practical recommendations. Frankly, assuming folks are consuming a moderate fat diet (perhaps 20-25% of their total calories), outside of ensuring that they get sufficient amounts of EPA/DHA on a daily basis and mostly avoid trans fat intake, I’m not sure it’s worth being that concerned with.
Most ‘high-fat’ foods contain a mix of saturated and monounsaturated fats and ensuring sufficient w-6 intake is rarely an issue unless dietary fat intake is kept extremely low for long periods or the diet is very artificially set up.
It’s usually w-3 fatty acids that are lacking in most diets and ensuring their intake will do most of the good in my opinion. As noted up above, if an athlete needed to consciously add more fat calories (for example an endurance athlete who can’t meet their caloric needs), a separate source of monounsaturated fats would be the first choice.
I also realize that didn’t talk extensively about Enova Oil or speciality oils like Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s). That will have to wait for a later article. | 2019-04-19T00:56:23Z | https://bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/a-primer-on-dietary-fats-part-2.html/ |
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Having high energy and drive towards success is crucial when starting a network marketing business. Read on to learn about some simple, effective strategies you can use to get better results from joining a network.
Successful Internet marketers know that they must utilize every bit of new technology. When your company stops updating itself, your clients may start trusting you less. Some of your customers will appreciate the efforts that your company makes in dealing with new technology and ideas and will hold your company and products in high regard.
Use short-term promos to boost your PageRank on the eCommerce site. If your promotion is really stellar, you can essentially “buy” PageRank, since your promotion may end up being linked from deals sites. This is just like stores marking down items that do not sell well at full price.
You must take advantage of every tool at your disposal to be successful in Internet marketing. If your company fails at using technology, your customers will notice and may begin to not trust your company. Show your customers that you are on the “up and up” and are familiar with new ideas so that you can retain their respect.
Make a plan for how you will market your webpage and the strategies you will use. Free or relatively inexpensive ways to advertise your site include hanging posters in community businesses, using social networking sites, or posting on blogs. You can attract visitors to your website in many different ways. The most important thing here is that you’re attempting to be creative and unique.
Before considering search engine rankings or things of that nature, you must build a website that people will want to visit. This needs to be the first thing anyone does in online business. Once your website operates without glitches and looks great, you are ready to move forward with marketing.
Boosting the amount of subscribers you have will help you make more money. Try split testing to see what sort of web design works the best. Offer one version of your webpage to one group and another version to another group. Once you complete the test you can review your statistics and determine which page converted the most readers into subscribers.
Consider using short term promotions as a means to improve your PageRank. An excellent deal is, in some ways, like buying your PageRank, as it will lead to many deal and general consumer news sites linking to you. This is the same thing as selling something as a loss and making money off of it later.
Try some of these tips, and see how they improve your business. The ideas in this article will help you to better your network marketing strategies, and become even more successful.
It’s not easy to find new leads. You may find some avenues that are effective at first, but after awhile, you don’t know where to turn. You must keep helping things move forward by planning out different strategies. Start by reading the article below.
As you try to generate additional leads, remember the consumer purchasing cycle as it has a potentially huge effect on your results. Consumers will search for information before deciding on your offer. Target your offers to this cycle and you will be successful.
Be mindful of consumer buying cycles so that you can generate more leads that have a huge impact on your profits. First an offer is considered, then information is searched for and then a decision is made. Learning how to target their needs will help you increase your business.
An incentive to buy is a powerful tool to get leads. For example, giving someone an additional reason to get something that they were already interested in is a great idea. Have an additional reason to purchase your products and you will see how many more leads you can generate.
If gain trust in your community, you can generate more leads. Don’t overhype offers and ads. Instead, tailor your offerings around facts and value. If you are honest and forthright, people are more likely to trust you.
Consider privacy and opting out when sending out a newsletter. People who have opted out or chosen not to receive any benefits you offer should not be followed up. It’s a waste to communicate with those not likely to buy. And you’ve got to be careful about communication with anyone who did not opt in. There are privacy laws around it.
Consumer reviews can help you when attempting to revamp your lead generation techniques. You are more likely to gather information from customers and have them purchase from you if you can provide supportive data. Show them how good your product is, and that others are enjoying it, and you may very well make a sale.
Are there upcoming events in your area that relate to your company? If you happen to be a realtor, are there any bridal shows coming up? Newlyweds often are looking for new homes, so get a table and set up for the show. Find out what will be in your area by looking at your local classifieds.
Have you been getting new leads because you work hard and in are focused? If you aren’t then your business could end up failing, so it is best to use the tips from the above article. To build your success, check out the great ideas below.
Lead generation is a topic that many entrepreneurs know about. Building your customer base is the only way your business can survive. Luckily, the article below has been written in order to provide readers with some valuable strategies.
Being trustworthy is a great way to generate leads. Avoid screaming ads and offers that seem cheesy or too hyped up. You need to instead provide offers concerning what your potential customers value. Be transparent and you should find people find you more trustworthy.
Make sure you take care of opt-out and privacy issues. Make sure to stay on top of those leads that have opted to not receive offers or incentives. It is imperative to respect the wishes of potential privacy.
Getting leads is important to your business. First an offer is considered, then information is searched for and then a decision is made. If your offers are more focused towards meeting the consumers needs, it can quicken up their decision making process.
Always make sure that you are given unique leads. As you go through the process, you might not consider the possibility of duplication, but it is important. There can be numerous multiples if you are not careful. Be certain that when you set a target for a specific number of prospective leads that every one you get is unique from the rest to maximize your exposure.
See if your local area has effective lead groups. These groups with a mix of different local business owners share leads. While you don’t know how a doctor could get you leads when you’re a massage therapist, you may get surprised. At that time, you could hear clients talk about toothaches, so you can return the favor.
Find lead groups online and take advantage of what they offer. For hyperlocal businesses, groups like these can be prove to be helpful. Though Jim may not have the ability to service Jane’s pest issues, he can pass along your information to help her out.
Utilize consumer feedback and case studies to produce a larger number of leads. Consumers are more likely to give their information and will probably buy your products when you provide supportive data. Studies and testimonials are among the best ways for potential customers to learn about you and your products.
Target the lead gathering page to people who may be interested in what you’re selling. Gathering regular leads can be fine if you want to attract a broad range of people. However, to be successful you must target an audience that wants your product.
Waiting in line is a great place to talk to people. Being friendly is a great way to meet people who might turn into potential leads. Don’t push your sales on them though, that can be very off-putting, especially if they aren’t that interested.
Getting leads is critical to keeping your business alive. This will allow you to expand your operation. The tips outlined above can serve as a useful reference for any business owner or operator.
Make sure you have unique leads. Buying leads can lead to duplication. It is simple to overlook a lead that you have already gathered multiple times. You want to be as diverse as possible so that you can maximize the opportunity.
It can be quite difficult to attract the customers you desire with all of today’s competition. How are you supposed to get customers? Well the best way to go about it is to figure out how to generate leads. Having success means using lead generation; find out how to do so in this article.
If you are advertising online, create landing pages for potential leads. Doing so is often better for your business than if you shuffle the potential customers right to the website. This way customers get exactly the page they have been searching for. Make certain a contact form is available and easy to use.
Offering your leads an incentive can be a good move because it does often push customers off the fence and into a purchase. For example, giving someone an additional reason to get something that they were already interested in is a great idea. Give them incentive to do business with you and you’ll generate many leads.
When using digital advertising, it is important that you create a landing page to help generate leads. A landing page targeted to match the advertisement driving the traffic, will show better results than being driven to the business site. This page is exactly what the consumer is looking for when they land there. If you place a contact form on that page, it will certainly help generate leads.
Try using consumer reviews and case studies to get more leads. You are more likely to gather information from customers and have them purchase from you if you can provide supportive data. Prove how your product works through proper studies and be sure to show testimonials from customers who are pleased.
Do you know of any local events pertaining to your business? An example of this would be someone selling real estate getting leads from a local wedding conference. Get a table at the event to let customers know you are there. Check the classifieds in your local paper to find out what is in store in your area.
See if your local area has effective lead groups. Business owners gather together to share leads. While if might confuse you to learn how a dentist found you through a masseuse, you shouldn’t be surprised! Meantime, a client of your may complain about their toothache, so you can returnt he favor.
Establishing yourself as a trustworthy individual will go a long way to help generating quality leads. Avoid screaming ads and offers that seem cheesy or too hyped up. Rather, base your claims on facts so that consumers will recognize the value. You will appear more trustworthy.
The article you have now read was a good stepping stone towards lead generation and conversion into sales. You don’t want any lead you can get, but the ones that lead to good business. Use these ideas to reach new customers starting today.
Sometimes, you have a light-bulb moment and get hit with a great new business idea. Capitalize on your business idea before someone else does. Use the tips and advice offered below to ensure that you are prepared for that moment.
Make sure you get feedback as often as you can. This is very important to your business, as your perception of your prices and your site’s appearance might differ from the customer’s opinion. Some people that you might want to ask for their opinion include your friends, customers and even your family. Take all feedback under advisement and make any changes that you see fit.
Take time to learn web design basics. CSS and HTML are a few of the key things to learn to begin designing websites; you can find information about these, and other components of web design, on the Internet. Take 30 minutes out of the day to work on your site and you will gain knowledge.
Ask for feedback often. This is important because your perception and assessment of how your website appears may not be how it appears to others. Valuable feedback can be acquired from potential clients, family members, and others in your industry. Take all of this information under advisement and make any necessary changes.
Be sure to caption all images on your website. Search engines look at this to make sure it is relevant to your niche. With solid captions for most images on your site, you will see your rank rise on search results pages.
Regular blogging is an asset to any internet promotion campaign. By writing a blog, you have access to another way in which to keep contact with your customers. A blog is a great addition to your website. It adds variety. The blog encourages people to visit your website frequently in order to see your new insights, anecdotes or stories. It may also help attract search engines.
Even though you might not realize it yet, you possess all that is needed to be successful in internet promotion. All you need to have is you. No expensive software or other tricks are needed. With plenty of thought and effort, you will work through your decisions and strategies when it comes to marketing.
Closely evaluate the actions of your top competitors and analyze that data to formulate your own plans. If you could see yourself purchasing something from them, then you can guarantee that they are doing the right thing. Look for ways that you can use their ideas into your own unique strategy.
Success and profits are the goals of the day. We hope this article has been helpful to you and provides information that will position you for much success. With careful consideration you will be making money soon!
Looking For Tips About Lead Generation? You’ve Come To The Right Place!
How deep is your knowledge on lead generation? Is this a subject you want to learn some more about? Today is the day to read this article and pick up all you can from it. The greater the investment you make in learning now, the fewer mistakes you are bound to make later, so start reading!
If digital advertising is something you are utilizing, set up landing pages for use by your potential leads. Landing pages for specific ads are better than linking to the main website. This gives the exact information that is being looked for. If you place a contact form on that page, it will certainly help generate leads.
Make sure that all of your leads are legit. It’s not hard to get carried away finding leads and forgetting to check them for duplicates. There can be numerous multiples if you are not careful. Ensure that each lead you target is unique since this will increase your exposure.
Always remember the buying cycle in your attempt to generate leads. First an offer is considered, then information is searched for and then a decision is made. By targeting offers to the cycle, it will make it more likely for get the sales you want.
What events are coming up which fit within your niche? If you sell real estate, you may be interested in a wedding show. Since newlyweds are likely to be seeking a place to live, secure a table so people are aware of your services! Take a look at the papers to learn about upcoming events of interest.
Try setting up a calendar to generate leads. You do not want to isolate people through over-marketing. When you base it on a schedule, you will present a more professional approach to it. This keeps you from developing useless pitches towards your leads again and again.
Whatever budget you have, you are more likely to reach your goal when you have a plan. After you’ve launched the campaign, keep an eye on it to see what’s going well and what might not be. In the case of a limited budget, this will help you get the most from your dollars.
Providing incentives, such as promotions and sales, makes people pay attention. For example, they may be more likely to buy an item they need if there is an offer attached. The more incentives you can provide, the more likely your new customer will make the purchase.
How do you plan on using these tips? Are you planning to use it and get leads? If so, try working as quick as you can. The sooner planning starts, the faster you can achieve success.
Is it possible for articles to promote your business? Can you beat out the competition and dominate your niche? Many people are making a living with article promotion. Read this article for tips on how you can succeed too.
The paragraphs within your articles should remain nearly the same length as this tip. The faster you can give them information, the more likely it is for them to continue to read. So, make both the article and each paragraph as short and concise as possible.
It is important that you create new articles regularly. Search engines base how often they check your site on how often you post new content. Posting new content helps search engines index your website more often. This leads to higher visibility on search engine result pages.
When authoring content for SEO, it is okay to deviate a bit from the AP style grammar rules and regulations. That is going to help you make more SEO references in the blog, article or descriptions. Using this strategy will help you have a better page rank.
Overuse of keywords is not a good idea. Overuse of keywords will annoy readers and search engine spiders will overlook your content. Do not use your keyword more than five times in an article or your content.
It is also crucial to write a compelling headline. An interesting headline is more likely to catch a reader’s attention than a boring one. Throw around a few ideas prior to picking a headline. You might even try using someone around you as a sounding-board, to see what they think about your headline.
Article promotion combines both quality and quantity. This dual focus will give your readers useful content on a wide variety of subjects. As you become accustomed to writing articles, you will find that you can complete them faster and more easily.
Create informative, relevant articles. You can use this content to propel your image as a virtuoso in your industry. This will win over potential customers, and earn the loyalty of your current ones. Articles are what bring in new content to your site, so keep these organic and relevant.
There is no hidden secret that will guarantee marketing success and anyone that says so, is being dishonest. There are no specialized techniques for article marketing that you will not learn by learning the general principles of advertising a business. Article advertising has been around for many years, and is close to universal in techniques used.
These tips can bring you up to speed in the process; article advertising can help you become successful at getting people to read your content. Try some of the powerful and effective tips in the article below to develop a plan for results you can enjoy for years to come.
Are you frustrated over lead generation? It’s important to remember that lead generation requires patience. You may end up waiting forever for results if you are not using the right lead generation techniques. These tips will help your business get good leads.
Be mindful of consumer buying cycles so that you can generate more leads that have a huge impact on your profits. Average consumers like to mull an offer over and look for more about it before they make the choice to spend or not. By targeting offers to the cycle, it will make it more likely for get the sales you want.
Use consumer reviews and possibly case studies to help you generate leads. People are more likely to offer their information to you if you have data to support your claims. Use studies that are relevant and that show proof and testimonials from customers that are satisfied.
Make sure the consumer’s purchase cycle is in the forefront of your lead generation planning. Consumers tend to consider an offer, search for more information about it, then make the decision to buy or not. Target your offers to this cycle and you will be successful.
Make certain that you have a trustworthy Internet presence. Make sure not to bombard your visitors with ads. Rather, base your claims on facts so that consumers will recognize the value. Customers will trust you if you’re honest.
Deal with opt-out and privacy issues. Be sure to be aware of leads that state a preference to not receive additional offers or communications. It’s a waste to communicate with those not likely to buy. And you’ve got to be careful about communication with anyone who did not opt in. There are privacy laws around it.
Are your leads actually original? It is easy not to notice duplication when purchasing or gathering leads. It is not uncommon for the same leads to show up many times during the lead generation process. Inspect incoming leads to make sure they are unique.
Make landing pages for leads when advertising. Landing pages help drive traffic to your website. You are giving them the information that they wanted in the first place. Include a contact form on the page, and it becomes an excellent way to gather new leads.
Hopefully this article has done much more than just provide you with some good advice. This means that you should also feel a motivation that will help you to grasp the leads you need. With patience, you can get the leads you want for your business.
It is vital you do not bombard your consumers with too many unwanted emails. When a campaign for e-mail marketing is run, you should ensure the message is relevant and sticks out from the rest. As your emails come out, and each one holds some new and interesting information, the desire to receive them will grow. This article is filled with tips to help you run a successful marketing via email campaign.
Always proofread your emails. It is important that all the emails you send are correct. Double check how the layout will look on all platforms, from your browser to your cell phone. Ensure that any links contained in your email are functioning, as well.
To make your customers enjoy getting your emails, provide them with discounts and also promotions that are only available to those on the mailing list. This will tell your customers that they are special, you care about their business and that you want to reward them for staying loyal by signing up for your opt-in list. This will even nudge them towards letting their friends see the emails through forwarding. Indeed, a referral program can be a good method to grow your customer base and subscriber list.
Don’t email people that you do not know. If you mail those that are not familiar with you, your emails will be taken as spam. Recipients will be left scratching their heads, wondering if they actually know you, and they’ll possibly feel suspicious about what you have to offer. This can result in them deleting your email, which would mean your time was wasted.
Test your subject line using two variations for the same email. Choose an email and split the mailing list in half, sending each half an email with a different subject line. You will learn which subject lines have the best open rates and which ones people ignore.
It is important that you obtain subscriber consent before you begin emailing them. If you start sending unsolicited messages, you will be unlikely to be taken seriously. In some cases, recipients will be so irritated that they could discontinue their relationship with you.
Branding your business is essential, and it should be incorporated in your e-mail marketing endeavors, as well. Because this is so true, you need to set aside the time and money to develop an email template that features several key elements, including the company logo, company colors, and any other elements that make it consistent with the rest of your marketing. This will instantly let your reader know that the email came from your company.
When creating your emails, you should stay clear of utilizing a “Buy Now!” approach. the way you go about it. This approach appears like spam and you will lose your customers this way. Instead, build a relationship with your customers and stay professional. Your customers will find this refreshing and be more inclined to make a purchase from your company.
Hopefully, you have seen from this article, the importance of an email campaign that builds interest and value with your customers. If the emails you send out are simply spam, your customers will simply trash them, and ask to be removed from your mailing list. Use the tips of this article to increase the quality of your email content and generate more customer enthusiasm. | 2019-04-26T06:40:03Z | http://cothse.com/category/my-blog/page/15/ |
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This Agreement and attachments contain the entire understanding between the parties, and supersede any other understanding arrangements whether oral or written except for any written agreement between customer and Alpha Packaging which refers to this section 12 and specifies those portions of this Agreement which are subordinate to any such written agreement.
This Agreement will not be assigned by customer without prior written consent of Alpha Packaging.
Neither party will be liable for any failure or delay in performance hereunder which may be due, in whole in part, to fire, explosion, strike or labor difficulty, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipment, curtailment in the supply of natural gas, whether pursuant to actions or proceedings already or hereafter commenced, inability to obtain power, labor or materials from normal sources of supply, transportation or handling accidents or delays, act of God, act, order, regulation or request of government or other public authorities, war, riot, or civil disorder or any other cause or causes, of any nature beyond the control of the party affected. In the event of curtailment of supply of product due to any causes, Alpha Packaging will have the right to apportion deliveries of product on such basis as may appear to it to be equitable. Any accepted order which, due to any such causes will not have been filed by the end of Agreement term, may be cancelled by either party with respect to product not then delivered.
This Agreement will be governed by and construed under laws of the State of Missouri.
Alpha uses a variety of stock carton sizes depending on the size and weight of the bottles being packed; please consult with Alpha Customer Service to determine the size and weight of the cartons if you have questions.
All US truck load carriers are required to call 24 hours in advance to establish a dock appointment. Please ensure our BOL # is used as the reference number when carrier arrives for pick up. Carriers without appointments will be loaded as time becomes available. Alpha reserves the right to reject unsafe or dirty trailers.
United States: Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. local time.
Vancouver: Monday – Friday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. local time.
Technigraph: Monday – Friday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. local time.
Etten-Leur: Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. local time.
All GMA1 pallets will be billed at the rate of $8.00 each, Heat treated pallets will be billed at a rate of $15.00 unless otherwise stated in writing by your Alpha Sales Representative, prior to ordering.
Tray Pack – bottles are placed in corrugated trays which are stacked in layers before being banded and/or shrink-wrapped for stability. Tray Packing is only available at select Alpha locations. Speak to your Sales Representative for details.
Bagging – bottles are packed in single layers in plastic bags, stacked pallet-high and shrink-wrapped. Bagging is only available for certain sizes of bottles. Speak to your Sales Representative for details.
Orders requesting deviations from standard packing are subject to a 10% upcharge. Please consult your Customer Service Representative to see how each item is packed.
Any customer desiring to return product to Alpha Packaging, please contact your Customer Service Representative for a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number and instructions. A customer will need prior authorization before any claim or credit will be considered. Consistent with the Terms and Conditions of Sale above, Alpha is responsible for replacement of bottles only once it is determined that they are not within specification or an acceptable quality level.
If a return is for reasons other than a quality concern, approval to return will be required based on if the product is a stock or made-to-order product. If the product is a stock product, the customer is responsible for the freight to the original FOB point, and Alpha will charge a 20% restocking fee if the product is returned in sellable condition. If the product needs to be repackaged, an additional 20% fee will be assigned. Made-to-order product may be considered for return only if other commercial outlets are available. If options are identified, product may be returned but may be subject to return charges like those listed above for stock products.
We kindly ask that customers speak with our Customer Service Department prior to issuing debit memos to Alpha. This should be done within 30 days of delivery. A RGA number must be confirmed before a debit memo can be issued.
Alpha uses only FDA approved resins in the manufacture of our bottles. Please contact your Sales Representative for information on resin options, or to request resin specifications.
Alpha keeps on hand numerous kinds of resins and colorants which we designate as stock materials. Unless a different resin or colorant is specifically requested on the customer’s purchase order, Alpha will produce bottles using our stock materials. Stock materials can change periodically, and it is the customer's responsibility to ask for the current resin or colorant specifications.
Requests for Certificates of Analysis, other documentation, marking, or alternate product specifications, must be made in writing at the time of order.
Heavy Gram Weight bottles in both HDPE and PET are available in some sizes and styles, for an upcharge. Please contact your Alpha Representative for pricing and specifications.
Please contact your Customer Service Representative, or use the Alpha Packaging web site (www.alphap.com) to request samples of stock items in select standard colors. Alpha will usually ship your request within two working days by FedEx Ground. If expedited delivery is required, please provide your UPS or Federal Express account number for billing; we will try to ship all overnight and second-day service requests on the day they are received if the order arrives before noon CST. Sample requests received after noon CST, requests exceeding 24 pieces, and requests for items that are currently out of stock cannot be guaranteed to ship on the same day even when a shipping number is provided. All sample orders over 24 pieces must be accompanied by a FedEx or UPS shipping account number. Samples orders shipping to addresses outside the United States also require a valid FedEx or UPS shipping account number; Alpha Packaging cannot ship via DHL.
Alpha reserves the right to substitute similar bottles and colors when we do not have the exact item requested by the customer. Customers who cannot accept reasonable substitutions should indicate that substitutions are not acceptable in the “Comments” field on the sample request form. Alpha also reserves the right to limit the number of bottles based on available sample room inventory and bottle size.
Certificate Requests or Special Handling or Marking Requirements.
Pro forma invoices are valid for 10 days from the date of issue.
Download a copy of Alpha’s Distributor Policy in a PDF format.
Should you have questions or comments about our products or our company please contact your Customer Service Representative at [email protected].
* Alpha Packaging is the trade name used by Alpha Plastics, Inc., a Missouri corporation and each of its affiliates including Alpha Packaging (Michigan) Inc., Alpha Plastics of Utah LLC, Alpha Packaging (North East) Inc., Alpha Packaging (Minnesota) Inc., Progressive Plastics, Inc., Vanga Products (Plastics), Inc., and Alpha Packaging B.V. These terms are applicable to any sale of products from Alpha Plastics, Inc. or from any affiliate of Alpha Plastics, Inc.
Published April 23, 2018; These terms and conditions for Alpha Packaging will remain in effect until a later date modification is published. | 2019-04-23T06:22:52Z | http://qualitycontainer.com/about/general-policies.php |
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Although many accounts of the famed Antinium Wars (or the Incursion Wars as they are sometimes referred to) have been written, and countless [Tacticians], [Strategists], and even [Commander] classes have detailed countless analyses of the ensuing battles, no one singular narrative has as of yet been compiled. It is this lowly [Writer]’s hope that this historical patchwork will serve as a first step for future accounts to be compiled.
Many first-hand reports of the First Antinium Wars are based on hearsay and the often inaccurate recollections of [Soldiers] and [Adventurers] who fought on the front lines. While insightful, these testimonials will be omitted so as to provide a retelling based only on written accounts.
With that said, these brief accounts are by no means to serve as a guide to the lifestyle or nature of the Antinium, or even as a guide from which future strategies and tactics may be derived. It is simply history, which must be remembered.
Issrysil has survived two wars with the Antinium and the tenuous peace we have forged has lasted for nearly a decade as of my writing this. But we must never lose our vigilance. For if the Antinium should feel bold enough to begin a third war, I fear that this continent and those within will be swept away by their ceaseless numbers.
It must first be noted that despite the outcome of the First Antinium Wars, the Antinium’s defeat was not so much due to their lackluster performance or any particular strength of opposition. It could be argued that the Antinium made only one real fault during the war, and otherwise fought to the best of their abilities, displaying a level of organization and cunning that eluded the Drake, Gnoll, and Human nations that almost failed to overcome them.
The Antinium underestimated the sea.
The year is 5 B.F., and the world is still reeling from the news thundering out of Rhir. The Blighted King’s armies have been shattered in defeat after defeat, and each of his Walls have been stormed save the final one protecting his capital. Yet, the Demon King has also been pushed to the very brink of his territory, and this new species, dubbed the ‘Antinium’ has suddenly vanished from the continent altogether.
Neither the [Mages] of Wistram nor any other nation can locate the species by spell, and so every country with even a sliver of land exposed to the sea has locked its borders and watches the horizon warily, lest the Black Tide roll across their unguarded lands.
But no attack comes. The oceans are silent, and after several months of waiting, tensions ease. Wherever the Antinium may be, they are not here. And so peace resumes, as news comes that the Blighted King is rebuilding, and his armies already retake his lost kingdom.
That is when the Antinium arrive. Not with a vast army to cover the world, but with only four ships out of the two hundred vessels that launched from Rhir’s shores. Four small vessels that ground themselves on the southwestern most edge of Issrysil in the last month of winter. That is how the Antinium arrive, and they remain hidden for many months. Resting. Regaining strength.
This is how the Antinium lost the war before it began. This is their only folly.
From the few eyewitnesses who spotted the Antinium leaving, or, as it is now believed, retreating from Rhir, we know that over two hundred greatships were spotted, each teeming with Antinium and their precious Queens. This number is not in error; multiple accounts indicate these numbers are genuine.
And yet, only a few ships ever reached Issrysil’s shores. Given that no fleets reported encounters with the Antinium and the lack of any noted sea monsters, it can only be assumed that the Antinium lost nearly all their ships at sea due to storms and becalmed waters.
Fierce warriors though they may be, the Antinium are poor sailors for obvious reasons. Moreover, it can be assumed that they did not fully understand either the length of time it would take to cross such a body of water as the ocean, or the difficulties navigating, staying provisioned, etc. That led to their near complete annihilation, and it is perhaps more accurate to say it was a miracle any ships landed on Issiysil after all.
We may never know if the Queens intended to journey to this continent or not; nor do we know what they did in those few months, although we can speculate that creating a Hive and replenishing their lost Workers and Soldiers was their main focus. The next documented encounter was with the port city of Nasserous, in which the Watch Captain* details several unusual occurrences nearly eight months after the Antinium left Rhir.
*Watch Captains hold a higher position of authority than in Human cities. Among Drakes, the Watch Captain generally shares the same rank as members of a ruling Council and is usually given complete authority in local military matters.
Several days later, Captain I’sl recorded another entry.
The Watch Captain did just that, but neither adventurers nor later patrols would find any signs of these mysterious assailants. It is believed the Antinium left their position on the beach and avoided further contact while they journeyed north, into the rocky highlands. There they continued to hide until a chance encounter some two months later.
“I am writing to you to detail an unusual circumstance which has happened in my guild today. Not an hour ago, a Gold-rank [Ranger] entered my guild bearing four corpses on a litter which caused quite a commotion. He says he found these monsters hunting together on a rocky hillside and they attacked him on sight.
I have inspected the corpses myself, and I must confess, they gave me quite a stir when I saw them. These new monsters are like nothing I have encountered either as an adventurer or Guild Master. They are some kind of insect, with black bodies and tough exoskeleton, and yet have four arms and two legs and apparently walk on two legs like Drakes and Gnolls. Their blood is green, and their eyes are multi-faceted like an insect, and they have wicked mandibles with which they might bite.
Fortunately, Guild Master Jekra was able to connect the bodies of the Antinium with the rumors from Rhir and immediately raised the alarm with each of the Walled Cities, urging immediate action and mobilization of each city-state’s standing armies.
It is here that multiple written accounts of the following events begin, and so the decisions made by the leaders of each Walled City* cannot be cast into doubt. For nearly a month, authorities debated and argued against the presence of the Antinium within Issiysil. Lacking evidence of the Antinium outside of eyewitness accounts (the bodies of the slain Antinium had long since been disposed of by the time others could verify the claim), and due to the lack of any prolonged conflict, the collected authorities failed to take decisive action.
*The famed Walled Cities are not all ruled by the same methods of government. Some espouse an elected official, while others are managed by a body of powerful individuals or, in some cases, a hereditary leader.
A few leaders of Walled Cities posted hefty bounties for Gold-rank adventuring teams to explore the area where the Antinium had been sighted, but again the Antinium preferred to avoid combat where possible, and thus the adventurers returned empty-handed, emboldening the claims that this was merely a false alarm.
On the outskirts of civilization near the mountains and in the highlands, further reports of mysterious monsters and strange people moving about at night continued to appear, in growing numbers and proximity to towns and cities. [Strategists] believe that these were the first scouting groups deployed ahead of the main assault.
However, word of the Antinium’s arrival had been kept to a bare minimum of people, as the leaders of the Walled Cities did not wish to start a panic. Only a few other individuals of note knew of the Antinium’s presence, including the young Lady Magnolia Reinhart, Lord Tyrion Veltras, and General Sserys.
It is unknown how Lady Magnolia and Lord Tyrion learned of the Antinium, but it is speculated that both Humans had access to powerful magic spells which alerted them to this issue. While Lord Tyrion knew of the Antinium, he took the view that any conflict would only weaken both Antinium and the Drake and Gnoll populations, allowing the Human cities to easily crush all sides after the war ended.
By contrast, Lady Magnolia took the news of the Antinium most seriously out of all the three, and immediately began contacting other prominent lords and leaders of the Human city-states. Her actions would later impact the course of the war, but at the time, even the word of a young Reinhart failed to sway all but the most cautious of listeners in the north.
On the other claw, General Sserys of Liscor was imminently poised to deal with the situation when he was alerted to the Antinium, and he took decisive action. This is also the first instance where General Sserys’s personal diary reports meeting the Antinium, on a routine guard mission with the Liscorian Army*. He records an unusual patrol and the losses taken by his men.
*The army of Liscor is renowned as being one of the strongest forces on the continent, and most notably for selling its services to any nation who will hire them. As such, the soldiers and commanders seldom stay near their city and instead fight constantly on battlefields for pay.
“Today marks what would have been an uneventful day in our patrols around the city of Ussls. Our subjugation of the local Goblin Lord’s forces has been bloody and hard-won, but I now believe we have stamped out the last of his Chieftains and scattered the few remaining Goblin tribes to the wind. All things being normal, I would not expect more than a few encounters with local monsters, but one of my patrols has been attacked and now six of my soldiers lie dead after facing some unknown enemy.
To summarize: a patrol of twenty Drakes and Gnolls met with a group of fifteen black individuals in a forest, busy harvesting trees with crude weapons. Upon realizing they had been discovered, this strange group immediately attacked my soldiers before an overture could be had. Before they retreated, they killed six of my soldiers – running into the barrier of spears my soldiers had formed to hack apart the front rank. Thereafter, the black creatures retreated, carrying their dead. The patrol leader declined to give pursuit and immediately reported back to me.
I have sent out three forces of sixty warriors each to work with patrols to locate these creatures again, but they have turned up empty-clawed thus far and I am not confident they will find any trace of them. These creatures seem to disappear easily, and had it not been for this chance encounter our army might have passed them by completely.
I am deeply troubled by this. Equal losses against a numerically inferior foe is not acceptable, given the strength of our soldiers. Moreover, the willingness of these strange enemies to throw themselves on our spears and then their desire to remove their fallen brethren is also concerning.
General Sserys did indeed remain in the area for several days afterwards, and his worries would soon be proven extremely prescient: it was five days after this encounter and nearly six and a half months after the Antinium had landed when fifteen villages and a small town were all destroyed in a single night.
The attacks occurred almost simultaneously, and left no survivors. Merchants, adventurers, and a patrol from one of the Walled Cities found the deserted buildings and raised the alarm. Every settlement within a hundred miles was put on alert, and that allowed several survivors to escape when the next wave of attacks began.
Over thirty small villages were attacked two days after the first attack, and several high-level adventurers and groups of soldiers managed to hold back the Antinium long enough for civilians and Runners to raise the alarm. But when a retaliation force arrived, all the villages were found deserted, and both bodies and Antinium were gone.
However, multiple eyewitness accounts confirmed the worst fears of the Drake leaders. Although magic could not locate their hives, these attacks matched the first ones suffered by the Blighted Kingdom in Rhir, and the previous reports of Antinium sightings only confirmed this fact.
Faced with the inescapable realization that the Antinium had landed on their shores, the leaders of the Walled Cities reluctantly began discussing the formation of a coalition army, although several held out hope that teams of adventurers would be able to root out the Antinium by themselves. The lack of any serious attacks meant that negotiations bogged down until spring of 3 B.F., when the Antinium launched an all-out assault on the cities of Ys, Beresslars, and Washaven.
Every city had been put on alert and soldiers and the local Watch vigilantly manned the walls. However, at this point the Drakes and Gnolls had little experience battling the Antinium and made preparations as if they were in danger from a conventional force, rather than the Antinium’s unique style of tactics.
The Walled Cities nearest to the three cities received a panicked [Message] spell just past dawn, and then nothing. Although a force of riders immediately rode to the aid of the cities, it was too late. The Antinium attacked and withdrew before the cavalry reached the city, and the [Captain] in charge declined to give chase.
In less than two hours, the Antinium managed to kill or maim over 80% of the population in each of the cities. The walls and conventional defenses that make the city-states so difficult to take by conventional siege fell within seconds of the attack.
Recorded testimony by the few survivors reports a horde of black Soldiers and even Workers swarming up the walls, building living ladders and overwhelming the adventurers and City Watch by sheer force of numbers. So fierce was the assault, half of the city’s forces were caught in their beds and slaughtered there.
This was the beginning of the war in earnest. The city-states immediately declared a state of emergency and began raising as many soldiers and warriors as possible. However, each city preferred to raise their own armies and retain former alliances, rather than join together.
This was the second mistake made by the Drakes. Initially, the Antinium war force was outnumbered by the numerous Drake armies on the continent. But the separated armies and reluctance of the cities to work together allowed the Antinium to attack with local superiority and quickly overrun countless cities around their Hives.
While the Drake cities had existed in a state of enduring war and skirmishes with each other, one of the factors that prevented most of the cities from being conquered was the difficulty of taking the city before reinforcements could arrive. Even the largest of forces would take time to breach the walls and other magical defenses that guarded each city, in which time another army would surely launch an attack on the attacking force or their home city.
In this way, a city-state could easily remain autonomous or at the very least, retain much of its independence by forming alliances with nearby settlements and Gnoll Tribes. However, the Antinium’s style of attack was to overwhelm the walls by sheer numbers and relentless speed. Relief armies would find the cities already full of the dead or find the Antinium had already retreated by the time they arrived.
In less than a week, eight cities had fallen and the Drake city-states had realized the magnitude of their error. But while all agreed a coalition army was needed, no city wanted to send their armies past their walls, for fear the Antinium would attack while they were undefended. And while they hesitated, the Antinium swarmed over their walls and slaughtered them regardless.
Only a few armies achieved any success against the Antinium during these initial assaults. A few city-states with superior forces pushed back the Antinium and General Sserys’ army achieved several definite victories before retreating in face of overwhelming numbers.
“…While these ‘Antinium’ do not appear to have any individuals within their ranks with unique Skills, I believe their warriors are the equivalent of any Level 15 [Warrior], and are perhaps even stronger when fighting in tandem.
There are two types of Antinium I have observed: the massive Soldiers and the smaller Workers. Of the two, the Soldiers are vastly more dangerous. They fight hand-to-hand and charge into pikes and magical traps without regard for their lives. They will continue to attack even when mortally wounded, and they are capable of bludgeoning even the most well-armored warrior to death given time.
Their shells are as tough as any leather armor and the Antinium fight and move together like a professional unit. Our army was only able to achieve victory by using our superior vantage point and numerous area of attack spells to decimate their formations. Our elite soldiers carved through many of the Antinium, and it appears the lack of magic and any high-level warriors is their only weakness.
The Antinium have no mages, and their ranged weapons are primitive bows and crude stone arrows. Nevertheless, their numbers and efficiency more than make up for this gap. It seems even the “Worker” class can use a bow to fire arrows, so their ranks of archers are capable to matching even our best divisions in terms of sheer output of missiles.
The most troubling advantage the Antinium had over both Drakes and Gnoll species was their ability to tunnel. Entrenched positions with vulnerable elements such as command headquarters or areas with high concentrations of [Mages] or [Archers] would find themselves under attack by teams of burrowing Soldiers and Workers who would inflict as much damage as possible and then retreat.
These surprise attacks led to a diversification of valuable soldiers, and a standing policy among Drake armies to never have more than one Level 30+ soldier stationed in a squad at one time. This policy is still enforced within all Drake standing armies to this day.
However, even with their mages hidden and protected, there were never enough with levels high enough to turn the tide of battles. The Antinium gladly sacrificed thousands of their Soldiers and Workers to kill even one high-level individual. Slowly, the mercenary armies retreated, forced to abandon their client cities as their forces were gradually worn down.
Sserys made several overtures during this time to local cities, sending requests for their soldiers to join with his to repel the Antinium’s advance, but he was rebuffed and eventually led his soldiers far to the east as cities fell around him. Thanks to his slowing of the Antinium’s advance, several cities evacuated all their civilians and soldiers, but in terms of the overall map of the war, the Antinium were barely slowed as they continued to rampage across Izril.
One month after the start of the First Antinium War, the Antinium paused. It is believed they spent a week replenishing their lost troops and reinforcing their armies, and perhaps, digging and constructing more Hives. No army dared to launch an assault, and the few places where the Antinium had been stopped remained locked in semi-constant combat.
The Black Tide of the Antinium began to march once more, sweeping east, south and north with such ferocious speed that any hope of mobilizing a response force was lost. In an instant, the Antinium had captured nearly thirty percent of the southern half of Issiysil and seemed to be poised to sweep across the rest. However, they met their first obstacle as they encircled and began sieging the Walled City, Zeres.
The Antinium had successfully bypassed four of the Walls built by the Blighted Kingdom in Rhir, but they found the superior construction of the Walled Cities a different challenge*. A huge army began to lay siege to Zeres, but after a week of day-and-night warfare, the Antinium found themselves rebuffed with extreme casualties on their sides and virtually no losses by the defenders.
*The famed Walled Cities bear an entirely different type of fortification than smaller Drake cities. Their origin dates past recorded history, and the magic that allows the three-hundred foot walls to stand hardens the stone and even allows it to repair itself given time. No army has ever taken one of the remaining six Walled Cities by siege, although several coups and betrayals from within have seen the famed cities fall over the millennia.
The living ladders the Antinium used were far too short to reach the battlements of the Walled City, and the defending archers and mages could rain down fire with impunity, as the Antinium found that it was impossible for their arrows to reach the defenders from their superior vantage point.
Indeed, the ground around the Walled Cities was impenetrable by conventional tools or equipment due to the magical enchantments radiating out from the walls. This frustrated the Antinium, and several watchers from the walls observed the Workers digging at the ground until their limbs broke and their digits were bloody and raw.
Zeres stood, and the Antinium were unable to abandon it lest the army fall upon their backs. This, along with the sieges of several other Walled Cites occupied a large part of the Antinium’s army, slowing their advance.
If there was a disadvantage to this situation, it was that while the Antinium took heavy losses in their initial assaults, they quickly retreated out of range and maintained a passive siege, hoping to wear down the Walled Cities’ supplies.
This would take years, given the massive stockpiles each Walled City maintains and their ability to grow produce and even herd animals within their massive confines. But so long as the Antinium maintained their siege the armies of each Walled City were forced to remain behind their walls, leaving the smaller city-states to fend for themselves.
The Antinium legions might have swept across the entire southern half of the continent unchecked, were it not for two groups which threw back their armies in unprecedented defeats.
While the city-states slowly evacuated and fell to the Antinium, another force entered the swamplands and grassy plains belonging to the Gnoll tribes, burning and killing everything in their path. However, the Gnolls of Issiysil built no cities like the Drakes, and unlike their scaly rivals, their opposition to the Antinium was far more successful.
The Gnoll tribes of the plains and swamps reacted to the Antinium threat swifter than any of the factitious Drake city-states, and over a hundred tribes sent their warriors to form a massive army – the same kind that successfully repelled even the greatest vanguards during the wars between Gnolls and Drakes of previous centuries.
In their first major engagement with a vast force of nearly eighty thousand Antinium, an army of twenty thousand Gnolls managed to route the entire force in a bloody battle that lasted only a day. It is suspected that this army was not comprised of normal Gnoll [Hunters] and [Warriors], but rather of elites chosen out of every tribe.
Casualties were high on both sides, but the Antinium army was nearly completely destroyed and a much larger force of over a hundred thousand Gnolls assembled over the course of the next week. This main army, supplemented by several ‘hunting packs’ of tens of thousands of Gnolls, successfully fought off every Antinium advance into Gnoll territory.
The Gnollish resistance likely had much to do with the Antinium’s inability to overwhelm any one front later on in the war. They continued to fight the Gnoll Tribes in increasingly costly battles to both sides, but never penetrated further than fifty miles into the Gnoll heartlands at any time. Nevertheless, the Gnolls never sent any armies out to attack the Antinium in retaliation, preferring instead to guard their scattered tribes and holdings.
Given time, it is possible the Antinium could have taken the Drake settlements and encircled the Gnolls with overwhelming numbers, but their advance east was stopped at the Shivering Falls Pass by the first coalition army formed during the war.
General Sserys had pulled back the Liscorian army far east, looking to rally the cities. Initially he found no help, as the cities distrusted the mercenary nature of his army and feared betrayal. But as it became clear the Drakes would perish alone, more and more soldiers and high-ranking officials began to engage in private communication with Sserys in direct defiance of their city’s governing bodies.
As the sieges of the Walled Cities began, the Black Tide separated and sent a massive force towards the Shivering Falls Pass, one of the strategic locations separating the eastern and western part of the continent. This vanguard army numbered over a hundred thousand, and every city in its path evacuated, fleeing towards the Walled Cities which found themselves swamped by refugees.
Only one [General] refused to retreat. Sserys believed that the loss of Shivering Falls Pass would allow the Antinium to establish a foothold which would be impossible to shift. He instead called every [Commander] leading an army of over a thousand soldiers in the area to join him to defend the pass. The reputation of the Liscorian Army and Sserys’s own high level persuaded countless mercenary groups and smaller armies to accept his gamble and join with his forces which engaged with the Antinium in the center of the pass.
General Sserys’ coalition army met the Antinium in the center of the pass, fighting in the narrow confines of the rocky canyon while the Drake [General] led his soldiers from the front.
He personally led fifteen charges against the Antinium. True to his word, General Sserys refused to retreat. Instead, he set up forward lines in the center of the Antinium formations, pushing their numbers back rather than allowing them to regroup.
His overall strategy consisted of forming heavy ranks of soldiers with defensive classes with [Tacticians] and [Strategists] assigned along each column, using their active abilities to reinforce their position. Archers dueled with Antinium at range and mages blasted the clustered Antinium, who had no way to return that kind of destructive power.
Forewarned by previous battles, Sserys actively collapsed tunnels that appeared behind his lines, but his success was also due to his relentless advance; the Antinium never had time to dig underneath his forces as they overran their formations, much as the Antinium had done so effectively in previous engagements.
Using kill-teams of high-level warriors, Sserys sent them in to devastate Antinium lines and retreat with few or no casualties while lower-level warriors pushed the Antinium further and further back. While each Antinium Soldier was stronger than the average freshly recruited [Soldier], Drakes and Gnolls above Level 20 were able to slay countless Antinium before being forced to retreat.
After nearly two days of continuous fighting, the larger Antinium force retreated with less than a quarter of its original numbers. General Sserys’ forces took very few casualties by comparison; the extensive quantity of healing potions, [Healers], and skills of [Commander] classes combined with rotation of wounded soldiers saved thousands of lives on the battlefield.
This victory was the first major defeat of any Antinium army on the continent. News instantly spread to every city-state and with it, both Drake and Gnoll populaces experienced a surge of morale. The Antinium could be defeated. They could be stopped.
The defeat at Shivering Falls was not a significant one for the Antinium hives in terms of either soldiers or strategic importance, but the loss did surprise the Queens commanding the war. Even in Rhir, Antinium had seldom suffered defeat until their departure, and this decisive loss must have alarmed the Great Queen.
Although several additional armies could have joined up to engage Sserys’ army a second time, the Great Queen declined to do so. Instead, she sent additional armies north to assault Liscor while the rest withdrew to maintain their sieges and hold over claimed territory.
This proved to be an error, as Sserys’ victorious army began attracting support and new recruits on an unprecedented scale. The [General] rallied the east, reaching out towards the two Walled Cities not directly in line of the Antinium’s advance for support. Desperate for a leader capable of defeating the Antinium, they sent all the arms and soldiers they could muster.
Sserys’ communications with the leaders of both cities is largely of a diplomatic nature; his reassurances to both leaders are mainly personal and it is likely he avoided any references to his overall strategy save one exchange. Initial requests from both cities were for Sserys to act defensively and hold off the Antinium advance, rather than move to attack as he wished.
Victory can only be won by meeting the Antinium face on. Cowardice will only doom us faster. We will assault them and rally our kind or die fighting. This is our only chance.
Do not try to dissuade me from this course again. Drakes do not run.
The next day the First Coalition Army of Liscor launched a full-scale counterattack on the Antinium forces laying siege to the Walled Cities.
This is the first part of the May monthly Patreon side story. It’s only ~5,000 words or so due to it being split up into two parts. The second one I’ll post tomorrow.
It’s interesting in several ways. For one thing, this is a different style of writing than I’ve used before, but more importantly, it reveals some interesting information for readers. Patreon people read this a long time ago, but the other readers might look back on certain chapters with new eyes after digesting some details.
Anyways, hope you enjoy, and the next monthly side story should be out on Patreon tomorrow…I hope.
Write down your typos and correct history!
The continent is misspelled sometimes. And in the end the short fom is used, which is no mistake as you have already established, but to me it feels odd that a [historian] would do such an incongruous thing.
He’s low-level and a disgrace to his class. On my list of things to fix!
The problem is that when you decscribe why the Soldiers are more dangerous than the Workers, you mention that they keep attacking no matter how injured they are.
This implies that the Workers don’t act like that, which isn’t true at all. Every Antinium, regardless of their suitability for war, would attack their enemies, no matter in which state they are.
So, I would add that characteristic of the Antinium when you keep speaking of them in general and not referring to specific castes.
One more thing, how did he even come up with the name “Worker”?
Shouldn’t he view BOTH of them as Soldiers/Warriors, as both of thme were fighting and not just one of them, and that one group is superior than the other one.
It was just mentioned that the Workers were using weapons, but that doesn’t even mean that they were the ones who built them. Only ONE time was it mentioned that they built something (“..Workers swarming up the walls, building living ladders …”), but that hardly outweights the times when they were seen fighting.
So, in my opinion, IF you plan to revise this side story at one point, you shouldn’t use the word Workers, at least not when mentioned by people who have no knowledge regarding the caste system of the Antinium; when it is done by the narrator than it can stand.
I think ‘the city’ should be ‘them’.
To be more specific, hearsay and inaccurate recollections are different categories. Hearsay is distinctly 2nd hand.
You certainly hit the tone perfectly. I’m not a massive fan of historical texts (boo, GCSE History memories) but this remained fairly engaging nonetheless.
Question for the author: as you haven’t commented on the map posted a while ago on the main page I’m wondering which level of accuracy it provides in your opinion? Because I use it as reference since discovering it a few days ago and it gives me a certain amount of enjoyment.
And a funny thought: as I embarked on this journey here, I couldn’t get enough of the story, and fast. Nowadays I’m more content to wait for another chapter. But it is not because I’m getting bored, but on the contrary, the story is so rich that I’m spending the time inbetween thinking about it and trying to sort all the details, and emotional turmoil that it provokes, out.
Oh–I think I did respond to the commenters, just in a post in one of the chapters. In terms of accuracy, it gets some things right like where Liscor and the mountains are in proportion to the rest of the continent and in others, not so much.
For instance, the walled cities number six, and they’re spread out all over the southern half of the continent. Not the artist’s fault; it hadn’t been revealed yet in the story.
Like I said, that’s one of the things to do on my list, and I’m actually debating putting it up instead of a side story. Semi-detailed maps, but I’m just not sure if I can do them justice.
Furthermore, the location of both the new and old locations of Erin’s inn are unknown, as the direction/distance from liscor varies from chapter to chapter (truly a wandering inn, eh) – for example, when they rebuild the inn in a new location, they state that it is roughly twenty minutes walking distance from the inn, however in a recent chapter it was said to be only ten minutes away.
Also, the Blood Fields, while hinted to be near both the High Passes and the Floodplains, are probably not *that* big – In hindsight, I suspect (although no textual evidence) that the passes are diamond-ish shaped – starting from a very similar point, seperating, and later meeting at two very close areas.
Unfortunately I am not pirateaba so everything I know is guesswork from what is repeated often in the text.
I’m pirateaba, and all I know is guesswork from what is repeated often in the text. A map is on my list, I swear! Just…ah, I’m out of excuses.
But to pirateabas defends, it happened before she came up with the names of the continents. So, it’s not that she used Izril earlier and then screwed up.
So again, it depends on who said it, if they were mentioned by the same person, then it’s lkely pirates mistake.
I believe you mean “rout”.
So info-dumpy… hard to read.
That led to their near complete annihilation, and it is perhaps more accurate to say it was a miracle any ships landed on *Issiysil after all.
For nearly a month, authorities debated and argued against the presence of the Antinium within *Issiysil.
In an instant, the Antinium had captured nearly thirty percent of the southern half of *Issiysil and seemed to be poised to sweep across the rest.
However, the Gnolls of *Issiysil built no cities like the Drakes, and unlike their scaly rivals, their opposition to the Antinium was far more successful. | 2019-04-19T06:51:34Z | https://wanderinginn.com/2017/05/28/s02-the-antinium-wars-pt-1/ |
The required macros must exist. strikes. Forecasting and Lifecycle Planning A company's product portfolio probably includes a variety of products that are in different stages of their lifecycle and have different demand types. Furthermore. . a single forecasting method that creates accurate statistical forecasts for mature. For example. free-standing inserts. trade discounts. such as quarterly advertising campaigns. coupons. simulation. such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Other examples of promotions are trade fairs. which increases the flexibility and strength of the application. Therefore. all Demand Planning data is available on the web so as to include internal and external partners in the planning process. they are used to combine different kinds of information. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Planning Book Design Advanced Macros. The settings for the data transfer are maintained. to derive dependent measures. The complete planning environment exists. product displays. and work on critical situations for all involved planners. various methods have to be used to get the right answers. and natural disasters.Demand Planning includes a very flexible interactive planning interface to enable manual planning. Prerequisites The planning object structure and the planning area exist. contests. and some manual adjustments. slow-moving or new products does not exist. Unfortunately. and conditions. Promotion Planning In Demand Planning. In particular. horizons. The ITS (Internet Transaction Server) is installed for web collaboration. market intelligence. dealer allowances. The corresponding master data and environment exist. Macro Calculation Macros enable calculation on the planning grid. as well as non-sales-related events. to create a macro that calculates the final demand plan as the sum of the forecast. the promotions. You can use promotion planning to record either one-time events or repeated events. This ensures that all partners agree on the defined quantities. They can be freely defined by planners using a simple macro language in the easy-to-use MacroBuilder. Macros can be executed during background processing and on the planning grid. Forecasting and Lifecycle Planning offers a toolbox for practical. proven forecasting that can be divided into three methods: Statistical Forecasting Causal Forecasting Composite Forecasting Lifecycle Planning can be combined with each of these methods. such as competitors' activities. forecasting. you can plan promotions or other special events separately. upward/ downward economic trends. or to calculate alerts based on any check. More sophisticated macros can also add new planning logic.
The Lifecycle Planning Active flag is set in the Master forecast profile. but not necessary. For batch processing. The promotion key figures. the corresponding characteristic combinations or a grouping of them in selections exist. promotion attribute types. . promotion base. Process The forecast can be carried out on any level. the corresponding activities and jobs need to be created. However. The life cycle profiles and their assignments exist. Assignments are recommended. and cannibalization groups exist. The forecast profiles exist.
Demand planning is based on historical information. Upload historical data to BI (SAP BI). historical orders must be provided from the order entry system. Therefore. or files.1. Possible sources of this data are the ERP System. non-SAP systems. SAP CRM. .
In most cases. Characteristic combinations describe all the details to be planned. Realign data structure (SAP SCM). 2.SAP BI can import the data from all these sources. Lifecycle planning is taken into consideration during the forecast calculation to model the different demand patterns during the life cycle. The historical data (or parts of it) is loaded to the SCM liveCache. 3. Plan life cycle (SAP SCM). it is recommended to read all data from liveCache. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) . it can be read directly from SAP BW during planning. whereas a phase-out profile mimics the downward sales curve that you expect the product to display during its discontinuation phase. proportional factors are used for this. 5. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Master Data Setup Generation of Proportional Factors. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM)SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Planning Area Administration DP Data Mart Exchange of Data Between InfoCubes and Planning Areas Loading Data from an InfoCube into a Planning Area. For more information. For more information. Therefore. and discontinuation phases by using so-called phase-in and phaseout profiles. the consecutive steps are independent of the original source of the historical data. maturity. A product's life cycle consists of different phases: launch. If data is stored in BI InfoCubes. manual maintenance is also possible. For more information. 6. InfoProviders (such as BI InfoCubes). and discontinuation. A phase-in profile mimics the upward sales curve that you expect the product to display during its launch and growth phases. that define the fraction for each detail. To facilitate this. 4. For better performance. Update characteristic combinations (SAP SCM). see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Master Data Setup Maintenance of Characteristic Value Combinations Realignment and Copying of Data. Calculate proportional factors (SAP SCM). . Planning is often not carried out on a very detailed level. Alternatively.Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Planning Area AdministrationDP Data Mart. new combinations can be loaded from planning object structures. the planning results on the aggregated level must be disaggregated. Load data to LiveCache (SAP SCM). or files to a worklist. However. For more information. New combinations can also be added manually. growth. The factors can be calculated automatically based on recent historical data. You can represent the launch. growth. Here they can be further maintained before the characteristic combinations are finally created.
the above profiles can be generated and assigned automatically. A forecast is created and stored in the key figure defined in the master forecast profile. other factors are not taken into account. 7.or univariate . If freely definable borders are exceeded. Trend Demand falls or rises constantly over a long period of time with only occasional deviations. The system can automatically identify the optimal method for any item to be forecasted. Life cycle planning works on any level. This can be done using what is known as like-modeling.forecasting predicts future demand based on historical data. Univariate forecasting provides methods that recognize the basic time series patterns as a basis for the forecast: Constant Demand varies very little from a stable mean value. Statistical forecasting needs historical information. it is proven practice to use historical data of corresponding products (such as the predecessors) as the basis for forecasting. Execute forecasting (SAP SCM). For more information. but with a continual increase or decrease in the mean value. Intermittent Demand occurs only in some periods. Using the central maintenance transaction for interchangeability relationships. Seasonal-trend Demand shows periodically recurring peaks. detailed or aggregated. As opposed to causal forecasting. . see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Lifecycle Planning. The corresponding key figure is defined in the univariate forecast profile. o Statistical forecasting Statistical . Seasonal Demand shows periodically recurring peaks that differ significantly from a stable mean value.For new products. different error measures are calculated by the system and alert planners.
A forecast is created and stored in the key figure defined in the master forecast profile. For more information. Composite forecasting combines different statistical and causal forecasts. The weights can be fixed or can vary over time. o Causal forecasting Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) enables you to include causal variables (such as climatic conditions. 8. Promotions can be created on various levels. You can set up different scenarios for causal variables to simulate possible developments in order to identify possible risks and opportunities. but different techniques are used. Composite forecasts that use several methods have been proven to outperform individual forecasts that use any one of the methods used to generate the composite. price. Causal forecasting needs historical information not only for the item to be forecasted. Alerts are generated if the error measures exceed the borders defined in the diagnosis group. They are used for two purposes: o o To correct the historical sales history to receive a representative level that can be used as the basis for forecasting. Thus. or advertising) in the forecasting process. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Creation of the Demand Forecast. A forecast is created and stored in the key figure defined in the Master forecast profile. The corresponding key figures or time series must be included in the MLR profile. each forecast is based on the same historical data. Plan promotion (SAP SCM). To include the expected demand changes in the planning to secure enough supply. Promotion planning is used to model marketing activities that influence the normal demand. By combining the forecasts. o Composite forecasting Different individual forecasts (statistical or causal forecasts) are combined. but also for all causal variables (such as temperature or price). The underlying objective is to take advantage of the strengths of each method to create a single "one number" forecast.Alerts are generated if the error measures exceed the borders defined in the diagnosis group. the planner can also let the system automatically select the individual forecast that delivers the lowest statistical error. However. the business analyst's objective is to develop the best forecast possible. You can average the forecasts by giving weights to each forecast. . MLR investigates the historical influence of these variables on demand to produce a forecast. Therefore the historical information has to exist for all forecast methods considered. 9.
Promotions can be defined on any level. Predefined levels can be used to separate them or to assign different disaggregation rules. For more information. The interactive planning screen supports this with various alternatives. 10. Each data view is also available on the web. or distributors. The planner can select single promotions and confirm or reject them. The user logs on to the web and defines a horizon. can be freely defined using macro calculations. For more information. These promotions can be transferred directly to SAP APO Promotion Planning using BAPI technology. Promotion patterns can be identified and stored for future use in similar promotions. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Supply Chain Processes with SAP APO Demand and Supply Planning Collaborative Supply and Demand Planning. A partner can accept or reject a promotion on a web screen. Plans needs to be modified manually for various reasons. Then the system selects all promotions in these periods. and conditions. Alternatively. A business partner can see and maintain data on a web screen. For more information. such as forecast or manual adjustments. the way they are combined with other information. This ensures that all partners agree on the defined quantities. but offers fewer functions than the interactive planning transaction. For this purpose a Management by Exception process should be developed that is based on alerts created in various ways. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Monitoring Alerts for Demand Planning (DP). Cannibalization groups can be used to model the effect on other products. . Promotions are available on the web for a review by customers. Promotions can be defined in absolute quantities or in percentages for any periodicity and horizon. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Promotion PlanningPromotion Planning Desktop . This includes Management by Exception that is supported by the alert concept of SAP SCM. Interactive Planning should normally be carried out for critical items only. the correction of historical data can be defined in the univariate forecast profile. The created promotions are directly integrated in Demand Planning. For more information. Plan and calculate interactively (SAP SCM). retailers. However. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Promotion Planning Collaborative Promotion Planning. horizons. Promotions can also be created in the SAP CRM Marketing Planner. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Creation of the Demand Forecast Interactive Demand Planning Interactive Demand Planning Desktop. For more information.
For more information. The accuracy of the prognosis is analyzed in comparison with the reality and deviations identified. the promotion plan. The objective is to achieve improved planning in the future. Here. Transfer consensus demand plan (SAP SCM). see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Release of the Demand Plan to SNP. Analyze planning / forecasting accuracy (SAP BI). see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM)SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Transfer of the Demand Plan to R/3 Demand Management.A final demand plan is calculated based on the forecast. o Extraction to SAP BI Data can be extracted to SAP BI for reporting or archiving. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM) SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Fine-Tuning of the Demand Plan. o Release to the ERP System or SAP R/3 The final demand plan can be transferred to the ERP System or SAP R/3 for MRP (Multiple Resource Planning). For more information. the quality and accuracy of the planning/forecasting. The release functionality will create the corresponding orders in the SCM liveCache. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM)SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Forecast Storage and Further Processing in Other Systems Extracting Data from a Planning Area. can be checked. and sometimes manual adjustments. For more information. If the data has been extracted and stored in SAP BI. For more information. macros are used to carry out the necessary calculations. 12. This is especially the case for situations in which the demand plan is created on a plant level and no supply network planning is needed. for example. see the SAP Library under mySAP Business Suite SAP Supply Chain Management (SAP SCM)SAP Advanced Planning and Optimization (SAP APO) Demand Planning Demand Planning Process Forecast Storage and Further Processing in Other Systems. For more information. After finalizing the demand plan. . The data can also be used by other systems that are connected to SAP BI. 11. it must be transferred for processing by other applications. There are 3 basic alternatives: o Create orders of type independent requirements The demand plan is converted to orders of type-independent requirements to be used by Supply Network Planning (APO-SNP) or Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (APO-PP/DS). | 2019-04-20T08:46:31Z | https://www.scribd.com/document/148858305/Demand-Planning-and-Forecasting |
Καὶ ἦλθον εἰς τὸ πέραν τῆς θαλάσσης εἰς τὴν χώραν τῶν Γερασηνῶν.
And they-had-came into to-the-one to-across of-the-one of-a-sea into to-the-one to-a-space of-the-ones of-Gerasenes.
5:1 Καὶ "And" ἦλθον "they-had-came" εἰς "into" τὸ "to-the-one" πέραν "to-across" τῆς "of-the-one" θαλάσσης "of-a-sea" εἰς "into" τὴν "to-the-one" χώραν "to-a-space" τῶν "of-the-ones" Γερασηνῶν. "of-Gerasenes."
5:2 καὶ "And" ἐξελθόντος "of-having-had-came-out" αὐτοῦ "of-it" ἐκ "out" τοῦ "of-the-one" πλοίου "of-a-floatlet" [εὐθὺς] "[straight]" ὑπήντησεν "it-under-ever-a-oned-unto" αὐτῷ "unto-it" ἐκ "out" τῶν "of-the-ones" μνημείων "of-rememberlets-of," ἄνθρωπος "a-mankind" ἐν "in" πνεύματι "unto-a-currenting-to" ἀκαθάρτῳ, "unto-un-cleansable,"
5:3 ὃς "which" τὴν "to-the-one" κατοίκησιν "to-a-housing-down" εἶχεν "it-was-holding" ἐν "in" τοῖς "unto-the-ones" μνήμασιν, "unto-memoryings-to," καὶ "and" οὐδὲ "not-moreover" ἁλύσει "unto-an-un-loosing" οὐκέτι "not-if-to-a-one" οὐδεὶς "not-moreover-one" ἐδύνατο "it-was-abling" αὐτὸν "to-it" δῆσαι "to-have-binded,"
through to-the-one to-it much-oft unto-footings and unto-un-loosings to-have-had-come-to-be-binded and to-have-had-come-to-be-through-drawn-unto under of-it to-the-ones to-un-loosings and to-the-ones to-footings to-have-had-come-to-be-rubbed-together, and not-moreover-one it-was-force-holding to-it to-have-tamed-to.
5:4 διὰ "through" τὸ "to-the-one" αὐτὸν "to-it" πολλάκις "much-oft" πέδαις "unto-footings" καὶ "and" ἁλύσεσι "unto-un-loosings" δεδέσθαι "to-have-had-come-to-be-binded" καὶ "and" διεσπάσθαι "to-have-had-come-to-be-through-drawn-unto" ὑπ' "under" αὐτοῦ "of-it" τὰς "to-the-ones" ἁλύσεις "to-un-loosings" καὶ "and" τὰς "to-the-ones" πέδας "to-footings" συντετρίφθαι, "to-have-had-come-to-be-rubbed-together," καὶ "and" οὐδεὶς "not-moreover-one" ἴσχυεν "it-was-force-holding" αὐτὸν "to-it" δαμάσαι: "to-have-tamed-to."
καὶ διὰ παντὸς νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας ἐν τοῖς μνήμασιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς ὄρεσιν ἦν κράζων καὶ κατακόπτων ἑαυτὸν λίθοις.
And through of-all of-a-night and of-a-day in unto-the-ones unto-memoryings-to and in unto-the-ones unto-juts it-was clamoring-to and felling-down to-self unto-stones.
5:5 καὶ "And" διὰ "through" παντὸς "of-all" νυκτὸς "of-a-night" καὶ "and" ἡμέρας "of-a-day" ἐν "in" τοῖς "unto-the-ones" μνήμασιν "unto-memoryings-to" καὶ "and" ἐν "in" τοῖς "unto-the-ones" ὄρεσιν "unto-juts" ἦν "it-was" κράζων "clamoring-to" καὶ "and" κατακόπτων "felling-down" ἑαυτὸν "to-self" λίθοις. "unto-stones."
5:6 καὶ "And" ἰδὼν "having-had-seen" τὸν "to-the-one" Ἰησοῦν "to-an-Iesous" ἀπὸ "off" μακρόθεν "from-long," ἔδραμεν "it-had-circuited" καὶ "and" προσεκύνησεν "it-kissed-toward-unto" αὐτόν, "to-it,"
καὶ κράξας φωνῇ μεγάλῃ λέγει Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, Ἰησοῦ υἱὲ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ὑψίστου; ὁρκίζω σε τὸν θεόν, μή με βασανίσῃς.
5:7 καὶ "and" κράξας "having-clamored-to" φωνῇ "unto-a-sound" μεγάλῃ "unto-great" λέγει "it-fortheth," Τί "What-one" ἐμοὶ "unto-ME" καὶ "and" σοί, "unto-THEE," Ἰησοῦ "Iesous" υἱὲ "Son" τοῦ "of-the-one" θεοῦ "of-a-Deity" τοῦ "of-the-one" ὑψίστου; "of-most-over?" ὁρκίζω "I-fencee-to" σε "to-thee" τὸν "to-the-one" θεόν, "to-a-Deity," μή "lest" με "to-me" βασανίσῃς. "thou-might-have-abraded-to;"
ἔλεγεν γὰρ αὐτῷ Ἔξελθε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἀκάθαρτον ἐκ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.
it-was-forthing therefore unto-it, Thou-should-have-had-came-out, the-one a-currenting-to the-one un-cleansable, out of-the-one of-a-mankind.
5:8 ἔλεγεν "it-was-forthing" γὰρ "therefore" αὐτῷ "unto-it," Ἔξελθε "Thou-should-have-had-came-out," τὸ "the-one" πνεῦμα "a-currenting-to" τὸ "the-one" ἀκάθαρτον "un-cleansable," ἐκ "out" τοῦ "of-the-one" ἀνθρώπου. "of-a-mankind."
5:9 καὶ "And" ἐπηρώτα "it-was-upon-entreating-unto" αὐτόν "to-it," Τί "What-one" ὄνομά "a-name" σοι; "unto-thee?" καὶ "And" λέγει "it-fortheth" αὐτῷ "unto-it," Λεγιὼν "A-Legion" ὄνομά "a-name" μοι, "unto-me" ὅτι "to-which-a-one" πολλοί "much" ἐσμεν: "we-be;"
καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτὸν πολλὰ ἵνα μὴ αὐτὰ ἀποστείλῃ ἔξω τῆς χώρας.
and it-was-calling-beside-unto to-it to-much so lest to-them it-might-have-set-off out-unto-which of-the-one of-a-space.
5:10 καὶ "and" παρεκάλει "it-was-calling-beside-unto" αὐτὸν "to-it" πολλὰ "to-much" ἵνα "so" μὴ "lest" αὐτὰ "to-them" ἀποστείλῃ "it-might-have-set-off" ἔξω "out-unto-which" τῆς "of-the-one" χώρας. "of-a-space."
It-was moreover thither toward unto-the-one unto-a-jut a-herd of-hogs great being-pasturaged.
5:11 Ἦν "It-was" δὲ "moreover" ἐκεῖ "thither" πρὸς "toward" τῷ "unto-the-one" ὄρει "unto-a-jut" ἀγέλη "a-herd" χοίρων "of-hogs" μεγάλη "great" βοσκομένη: "being-pasturaged."
καὶ παρεκάλεσαν αὐτὸν λέγοντες Πέμψον ἡμᾶς εἰς τοὺς χοίρους, ἵνα εἰς αὐτοὺς εἰσέλθωμεν.
And they-called-beside-unto to-it forthing, Thou-should-have-dispatched to-us into to-the-ones to-hogs, so into to-them we-might-have-had-came-into.
5:12 καὶ "And" παρεκάλεσαν "they-called-beside-unto" αὐτὸν "to-it" λέγοντες "forthing," Πέμψον "Thou-should-have-dispatched" ἡμᾶς "to-us" εἰς "into" τοὺς "to-the-ones" χοίρους, "to-hogs," ἵνα "so" εἰς "into" αὐτοὺς "to-them" εἰσέλθωμεν. "we-might-have-had-came-into."
καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς. καὶ ἐξελθόντα τὰ πνεύματα τὰ ἀκάθαρτα εἰσῆλθον εἰς τοὺς χοίρους, καὶ ὥρμησεν ἡ ἀγέλη κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν θάλασσαν, ὡς δισχίλιοι, καὶ ἐπνίγοντο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ.
And it-turned-upon unto-them. And having-had-came-out, the-ones currentings-to the-ones un-cleansable, they-had-came-into into to-the-ones to-hogs, and it-corded-unto, the-one a-herd, down of-the-one of-a-precipice into to-the-one to-a-sea, as two-thousand, and they-were-being-choked in unto-the-one unto-a-sea.
5:13 καὶ "And" ἐπέτρεψεν "it-turned-upon" αὐτοῖς. "unto-them." καὶ "And" ἐξελθόντα "having-had-came-out," τὰ "the-ones" πνεύματα "currentings-to" τὰ "the-ones" ἀκάθαρτα "un-cleansable," εἰσῆλθον "they-had-came-into" εἰς "into" τοὺς "to-the-ones" χοίρους, "to-hogs," καὶ "and" ὥρμησεν "it-corded-unto," ἡ "the-one" ἀγέλη "a-herd," κατὰ "down" τοῦ "of-the-one" κρημνοῦ "of-a-precipice" εἰς "into" τὴν "to-the-one" θάλασσαν, "to-a-sea," ὡς "as" δισχίλιοι, "two-thousand," καὶ "and" ἐπνίγοντο "they-were-being-choked" ἐν "in" τῇ "unto-the-one" θαλάσσῃ. "unto-a-sea."
Καὶ οἱ βόσκοντες αὐτοὺς ἔφυγον καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς τοὺς ἀγρούς: καὶ ἦλθον ἰδεῖν τί ἐστιν τὸ γεγονός.
And the-ones pasturaging to-them they-had-fled and they-messaged-off into to-the-one to-a-city and into to-the-ones to-fields; and they-had-came to-have-had-seen to-what-one it-be the-one having-hath-had-come-to-become.
5:14 Καὶ "And" οἱ "the-ones" βόσκοντες "pasturaging" αὐτοὺς "to-them" ἔφυγον "they-had-fled" καὶ "and" ἀπήγγειλαν "they-messaged-off" εἰς "into" τὴν "to-the-one" πόλιν "to-a-city" καὶ "and" εἰς "into" τοὺς "to-the-ones" ἀγρούς: "to-fields;" καὶ "and" ἦλθον "they-had-came" ἰδεῖν "to-have-had-seen" τί "to-what-one" ἐστιν "it-be" τὸ "the-one" γεγονός. "having-hath-had-come-to-become."
καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ θεωροῦσιν τὸν δαιμονιζόμενον καθήμενον ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα, τὸν ἐσχηκότα τὸν λεγιῶνα, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν.
And they-cometh toward to-the-one to-an-Iesous, and they-surveileth-unto to-the-one to-being-daimoned-to to-sitting-down to-having-had-come-to-be-appareled-to and to-rationally-centering-unto, to-the-one to-having-had-come-to-hold to-the-one to-a-Legion, and they-were-feareed-unto.
5:15 καὶ "And" ἔρχονται "they-cometh" πρὸς "toward" τὸν "to-the-one" Ἰησοῦν, "to-an-Iesous," καὶ "and" θεωροῦσιν "they-surveileth-unto" τὸν "to-the-one" δαιμονιζόμενον "to-being-daimoned-to" καθήμενον "to-sitting-down" ἱματισμένον "to-having-had-come-to-be-appareled-to" καὶ "and" σωφρονοῦντα, "to-rationally-centering-unto," τὸν "to-the-one" ἐσχηκότα "to-having-had-come-to-hold" τὸν "to-the-one" λεγιῶνα, "to-a-Legion," καὶ "and" ἐφοβήθησαν. "they-were-feareed-unto."
καὶ διηγήσαντο αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες πῶς ἐγένετο τῷ δαιμονιζομένῳ καὶ περὶ τῶν χοίρων.
And they-led-through-unto unto-them, the-ones having-had-seen, unto-whither it-had-became unto-the-one unto-being-daimoned-to and about of-the-ones of-hogs.
5:16 καὶ "And" διηγήσαντο "they-led-through-unto" αὐτοῖς "unto-them," οἱ "the-ones" ἰδόντες "having-had-seen," πῶς "unto-whither" ἐγένετο "it-had-became" τῷ "unto-the-one" δαιμονιζομένῳ "unto-being-daimoned-to" καὶ "and" περὶ "about" τῶν "of-the-ones" χοίρων. "of-hogs."
καὶ ἤρξαντο παρακαλεῖν αὐτὸν ἀπελθεῖν ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν.
And they-firsted to-call-beside-unto to-it to-have-had-came-off off of-the-ones of-boundlets of-them.
5:17 καὶ "And" ἤρξαντο "they-firsted" παρακαλεῖν "to-call-beside-unto" αὐτὸν "to-it" ἀπελθεῖν "to-have-had-came-off" ἀπὸ "off" τῶν "of-the-ones" ὁρίων "of-boundlets" αὐτῶν. "of-them."
Καὶ ἐμβαίνοντος αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ πλοῖον παρεκάλει αὐτὸν ὁ δαιμονισθεὶς ἵνα μετ' αὐτοῦ ᾖ.
And of-stepping-in of-it into to-the-one to-a-floatlet it-was-calling-beside-unto to-it, the-one having-been-daimoned-to, so with of-it it-might-be.
5:18 Καὶ "And" ἐμβαίνοντος "of-stepping-in" αὐτοῦ "of-it" εἰς "into" τὸ "to-the-one" πλοῖον "to-a-floatlet" παρεκάλει "it-was-calling-beside-unto" αὐτὸν "to-it," ὁ "the-one" δαιμονισθεὶς "having-been-daimoned-to," ἵνα "so" μετ' "with" αὐτοῦ "of-it" ᾖ. "it-might-be."
καὶ οὐκ ἀφῆκεν αὐτόν, ἀλλὰ λέγει αὐτῷ Ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου πρὸς τοὺς σούς, καὶ ἀπάγγειλον αὐτοῖς ὅσα ὁ κύριός σοι πεποίηκεν καὶ ἠλέησέν σε.
And not it-sent-off to-it, other it-fortheth unto-it, Thou-should-lead-under into to-the-one to-a-house of-thee toward to-the-ones to-thine and thou-should-have-messaged-off unto-them to-which-a-which the-one Authority-belonged unto-thee it-had-come-to-do-unto and it-compassioned-unto to-thee.
5:19 καὶ "And" οὐκ "not" ἀφῆκεν "it-sent-off" αὐτόν, "to-it," ἀλλὰ "other" λέγει "it-fortheth" αὐτῷ "unto-it," Ὕπαγε "Thou-should-lead-under" εἰς "into" τὸν "to-the-one" οἶκόν "to-a-house" σου "of-thee" πρὸς "toward" τοὺς "to-the-ones" σούς, "to-thine" καὶ "and" ἀπάγγειλον "thou-should-have-messaged-off" αὐτοῖς "unto-them" ὅσα "to-which-a-which" ὁ "the-one" κύριός "Authority-belonged" σοι "unto-thee" πεποίηκεν "it-had-come-to-do-unto" καὶ "and" ἠλέησέν "it-compassioned-unto" σε. "to-thee."
καὶ ἀπῆλθεν καὶ ἤρξατο κηρύσσειν ἐν τῇ Δεκαπόλει ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ πάντες ἐθαύμαζον.
And it-had-came-off and it-firsted to-herald in unto-the-one unto-a-Dekapolis to-which-a-which it-did-unto unto-it, the-one an-Iesous. And all they-were-marvelling-to.
5:20 καὶ "And" ἀπῆλθεν "it-had-came-off" καὶ "and" ἤρξατο "it-firsted" κηρύσσειν "to-herald" ἐν "in" τῇ "unto-the-one" Δεκαπόλει "unto-a-Dekapolis" ὅσα "to-which-a-which" ἐποίησεν "it-did-unto" αὐτῷ "unto-it," ὁ "the-one" Ἰησοῦς, "an-Iesous." καὶ "And" πάντες "all" ἐθαύμαζον. "they-were-marvelling-to."
Καὶ διαπεράσαντος τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ πάλιν εἰς τὸ πέραν συνήχθη ὄχλος πολὺς ἐπ' αὐτόν, καὶ ἦν παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν.
And of-having-through-acrossed-unto of-the-one of-an-Iesous in unto-the-one unto-a-floatlet unto-furthered into to-the-one to-across, it-was-led-together, a-crowd much, upon to-it. And it-was beside to-the-one to-a-sea.
5:21 Καὶ "And" διαπεράσαντος "of-having-through-acrossed-unto" τοῦ "of-the-one" Ἰησοῦ "of-an-Iesous" ἐν "in" τῷ "unto-the-one" πλοίῳ "unto-a-floatlet" πάλιν "unto-furthered" εἰς "into" τὸ "to-the-one" πέραν "to-across," συνήχθη "it-was-led-together," ὄχλος "a-crowd" πολὺς "much," ἐπ' "upon" αὐτόν, "to-it." καὶ "And" ἦν "it-was" παρὰ "beside" τὴν "to-the-one" θάλασσαν. "to-a-sea."
5:22 Καὶ "And" ἔρχεται "it-cometh," εἷς "one" τῶν "of-the-ones" ἀρχισυναγώγων, "of-leading-together-firsters," ὀνόματι "unto-a-name" Ἰάειρος, "an-Iaeiros," καὶ "and" ἰδὼν "having-had-seen" αὐτὸν "to-it" πίπτει "it-falleth" πρὸς "toward" τοὺς "to-the-ones" πόδας "to-feet" αὐτοῦ "of-it,"
καὶ παρακαλεῖ αὐτὸν πολλὰ λέγων ὅτι Τὸ θυγάτριόν μου ἐσχάτως ἔχει, ἵνα ἐλθὼν ἐπιθῇς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῇ ἵνα σωθῇ καὶ ζήσῃ.
and it-calleth-beside-unto to-it to-much forthing to-which-a-one, The-one a-daughterlet of-me unto-most-bordered it-holdeth so having-had-came thou-might-have-had-placed-upon to-the-ones to-hands unto-it, so it-might-have-been-saved and it-might-have-lifed-unto.
5:23 καὶ "and" παρακαλεῖ "it-calleth-beside-unto" αὐτὸν "to-it" πολλὰ "to-much" λέγων "forthing" ὅτι "to-which-a-one," Τὸ "The-one" θυγάτριόν "a-daughterlet" μου "of-me" ἐσχάτως "unto-most-bordered" ἔχει, "it-holdeth" ἵνα "so" ἐλθὼν "having-had-came" ἐπιθῇς "thou-might-have-had-placed-upon" τὰς "to-the-ones" χεῖρας "to-hands" αὐτῇ "unto-it," ἵνα "so" σωθῇ "it-might-have-been-saved" καὶ "and" ζήσῃ. "it-might-have-lifed-unto."
καὶ ἀπῆλθεν μετ' αὐτοῦ. Καὶ ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ ὄχλος πολύς, καὶ συνέθλιβον αὐτόν.
And it-had-came-off with of-it. And it-was-pathing-along-unto unto-it, a-crowd much, and they-were-pressing-together to-it.
5:24 καὶ "And" ἀπῆλθεν "it-had-came-off" μετ' "with" αὐτοῦ. "of-it." Καὶ "And" ἠκολούθει "it-was-pathing-along-unto" αὐτῷ "unto-it," ὄχλος "a-crowd" πολύς, "much," καὶ "and" συνέθλιβον "they-were-pressing-together" αὐτόν. "to-it."
5:25 καὶ "And" γυνὴ "a-woman" οὖσα "being" ἐν "in" ῥύσει "unto-a-tracting" αἵματος "of-a-blood" δώδεκα "to-two-ten" ἔτη "to-years,"
5:26 καὶ "and" πολλὰ "to-much" παθοῦσα "having-had-experienced" ὑπὸ "under" πολλῶν "of-much" ἰατρῶν "of-en-curers" καὶ "and" δαπανήσασα "having-expended-unto" τὰ "to-the-ones" παρ' "beside" αὐτῆς "of-it" πάντα "to-all" καὶ "and" μηδὲν "to-lest-moreover-one" ὠφεληθεῖσα "having-been-benefitted-unto," ἀλλὰ "other" μᾶλλον "more-such" εἰς "into" τὸ "to-the-one" χεῖρον "to-more-disrupted" ἐλθοῦσα, "having-had-came,"
having-heard to-the-ones about of-the-one of-an-Iesous, having-had-came in unto-the-one unto-a-crowd aback-from it-fastened of-the-one of-an-apparelet of-it.
5:27 ἀκούσασα "having-heard" τὰ "to-the-ones" περὶ "about" τοῦ "of-the-one" Ἰησοῦ, "of-an-Iesous," ἐλθοῦσα "having-had-came" ἐν "in" τῷ "unto-the-one" ὄχλῳ "unto-a-crowd" ὄπισθεν "aback-from" ἥψατο "it-fastened" τοῦ "of-the-one" ἱματίου "of-an-apparelet" αὐτοῦ: "of-it."
ἔλεγεν γὰρ ὅτι Ἐὰν ἅψωμαι κἂν τῶν ἱματίων αὐτοῦ σωθήσομαι.
It-was-forthing therefore to-which-a-one, If-ever I-might-have-fastened and-ever of-the-ones of-apparelets of-it I-shall-be-saved.
5:28 ἔλεγεν "It-was-forthing" γὰρ "therefore" ὅτι "to-which-a-one," Ἐὰν "If-ever" ἅψωμαι "I-might-have-fastened" κἂν "and-ever" τῶν "of-the-ones" ἱματίων "of-apparelets" αὐτοῦ "of-it" σωθήσομαι. "I-shall-be-saved."
καὶ εὐθὺς ἐξηράνθη ἡ πηγὴ τοῦ αἵματος αὐτῆς, καὶ ἔγνω τῷ σώματι ὅτι ἴαται ἀπὸ τῆς μάστιγος.
And straight it-was-dried, the-one a-pitching of-the-one of-a-blood of-it, and it-had-acquainted unto-the-one unto-a-body to-which-a-one it-had-come-to-be-cured-unto off of-the-one of-a-whip.
5:29 καὶ "And" εὐθὺς "straight" ἐξηράνθη "it-was-dried," ἡ "the-one" πηγὴ "a-pitching" τοῦ "of-the-one" αἵματος "of-a-blood" αὐτῆς, "of-it," καὶ "and" ἔγνω "it-had-acquainted" τῷ "unto-the-one" σώματι "unto-a-body" ὅτι "to-which-a-one" ἴαται "it-had-come-to-be-cured-unto" ἀπὸ "off" τῆς "of-the-one" μάστιγος. "of-a-whip."
And straight the-one an-Iesous having-had-acquainted-upon in unto-self to-the-one out of-it to-an-ablity to-having-had-came-out, having-had-been-beturned-upon in unto-the-one unto-a-crowd it-was-forthing, What-one of-me it-fastened of-the-ones of-apparelets?
5:30 καὶ "And" εὐθὺς "straight" ὁ "the-one" Ἰησοῦς "an-Iesous" ἐπιγνοὺς "having-had-acquainted-upon" ἐν "in" ἑαυτῷ "unto-self" τὴν "to-the-one" ἐξ "out" αὐτοῦ "of-it" δύναμιν "to-an-ablity" ἐξελθοῦσαν "to-having-had-came-out," ἐπιστραφεὶς "having-had-been-beturned-upon" ἐν "in" τῷ "unto-the-one" ὄχλῳ "unto-a-crowd" ἔλεγεν "it-was-forthing," Τίς "What-one" μου "of-me" ἥψατο "it-fastened" τῶν "of-the-ones" ἱματίων; "of-apparelets?"
And they-were-forthing unto-it, the-ones learners of-it, Thou-view to-the-one to-a-crowd to-pressing-together to-thee and thou-forth, What-one of-me it-fastened?
5:31 καὶ "And" ἔλεγον "they-were-forthing" αὐτῷ "unto-it," οἱ "the-ones" μαθηταὶ "learners" αὐτοῦ "of-it," Βλέπεις "Thou-view" τὸν "to-the-one" ὄχλον "to-a-crowd" συνθλίβοντά "to-pressing-together" σε, "to-thee" καὶ "and" λέγεις "thou-forth," Τίς "What-one" μου "of-me" ἥψατο; "it-fastened?"
καὶ περιεβλέπετο ἰδεῖν τὴν τοῦτο ποιήσασαν.
And it-was-viewing-about to-have-had-seen to-the-one to-the-one-this to-having-done-unto.
5:32 καὶ "And" περιεβλέπετο "it-was-viewing-about" ἰδεῖν "to-have-had-seen" τὴν "to-the-one" τοῦτο "to-the-one-this" ποιήσασαν. "to-having-done-unto."
ἡ δὲ γυνὴ φοβηθεῖσα καὶ τρέμουσα, εἰδυῖα ὃ γέγονεν αὐτῇ, ἦλθεν καὶ προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ πᾶσαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν.
The-one moreover a-woman having-been-feareed-unto and trembling, having-had-come-to-see to-which it-hath-had-come-to-become unto-it, it-had-came and it-had-fallen-toward unto-it and it-had-said unto-it to-all to-the-one to-an-un-secluding-of.
5:33 ἡ "The-one" δὲ "moreover" γυνὴ "a-woman" φοβηθεῖσα "having-been-feareed-unto" καὶ "and" τρέμουσα, "trembling," εἰδυῖα "having-had-come-to-see" ὃ "to-which" γέγονεν "it-hath-had-come-to-become" αὐτῇ, "unto-it," ἦλθεν "it-had-came" καὶ "and" προσέπεσεν "it-had-fallen-toward" αὐτῷ "unto-it" καὶ "and" εἶπεν "it-had-said" αὐτῷ "unto-it" πᾶσαν "to-all" τὴν "to-the-one" ἀλήθειαν. "to-an-un-secluding-of."
ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ Θυγάτηρ, ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε: ὕπαγε εἰς εἰρήνην, καὶ ἴσθι ὑγιὴς ἀπὸ τῆς μάστιγός σου.
The-one moreover it-had-said unto-it, A-daughter, the-one a-trust of-thee it-had-come-to-save to-thee; thou-should-lead-under into to-a-peace and thou-should-be healthed off of-the-one of-a-whip of-thee.
5:34 ὁ "The-one" δὲ "moreover" εἶπεν "it-had-said" αὐτῇ "unto-it," Θυγάτηρ, "A-daughter," ἡ "the-one" πίστις "a-trust" σου "of-thee" σέσωκέν "it-had-come-to-save" σε: "to-thee;" ὕπαγε "thou-should-lead-under" εἰς "into" εἰρήνην, "to-a-peace" καὶ "and" ἴσθι "thou-should-be" ὑγιὴς "healthed" ἀπὸ "off" τῆς "of-the-one" μάστιγός "of-a-whip" σου. "of-thee."
If-to-a-one of-it of-speaking-unto they-cometh off of-the-one of-a-leading-together-firster forthing to-which-a-one, The-one a-daughter of-thee it-had-died-off; to-what-one if-to-a-one thou-flay to-the-one to-a-teaching-speaker?
5:35 Ἔτι "If-to-a-one" αὐτοῦ "of-it" λαλοῦντος "of-speaking-unto" ἔρχονται "they-cometh" ἀπὸ "off" τοῦ "of-the-one" ἀρχισυναγώγου "of-a-leading-together-firster" λέγοντες "forthing" ὅτι "to-which-a-one," Ἡ "The-one" θυγάτηρ "a-daughter" σου "of-thee" ἀπέθανεν: "it-had-died-off;" τί "to-what-one" ἔτι "if-to-a-one" σκύλλεις "thou-flay" τὸν "to-the-one" διδάσκαλον; "to-a-teaching-speaker?"
ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς παρακούσας τὸν λόγον λαλούμενον λέγει τῷ ἀρχισυναγώγῳ Μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.
The-one moreover an-Iesous having-heard-beside to-the-one to-a-forthee to-being-spoken-unto it-fortheth unto-the-one unto-a-leading-together-firster, Lest thou-should-fearee-unto, to-alone thou-should-trust-of.
5:36 ὁ "The-one" δὲ "moreover" Ἰησοῦς "an-Iesous" παρακούσας "having-heard-beside" τὸν "to-the-one" λόγον "to-a-forthee" λαλούμενον "to-being-spoken-unto" λέγει "it-fortheth" τῷ "unto-the-one" ἀρχισυναγώγῳ "unto-a-leading-together-firster," Μὴ "Lest" φοβοῦ, "thou-should-fearee-unto," μόνον "to-alone" πίστευε. "thou-should-trust-of."
καὶ οὐκ ἀφῆκεν οὐδένα μετ' αὐτοῦ συνακολουθῆσαι εἰ μὴ τὸν Πέτρον καὶ Ἰάκωβον καὶ Ἰωάνην τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰακώβου.
And not it-sent-off to-not-moreover-one with of-it to-have-pathed-along-together-unto if lest to-the-one to-a-Petros and to-an-Iakobos and to-an-Ioanes to-the-one to-brethrened of-an-Iakobos.
5:37 καὶ "And" οὐκ "not" ἀφῆκεν "it-sent-off" οὐδένα "to-not-moreover-one" μετ' "with" αὐτοῦ "of-it" συνακολουθῆσαι "to-have-pathed-along-together-unto" εἰ "if" μὴ "lest" τὸν "to-the-one" Πέτρον "to-a-Petros" καὶ "and" Ἰάκωβον "to-an-Iakobos" καὶ "and" Ἰωάνην "to-an-Ioanes" τὸν "to-the-one" ἀδελφὸν "to-brethrened" Ἰακώβου. "of-an-Iakobos."
And they-cometh into to-the-one to-a-house of-the-one of-a-leading-together-firster, and it-surveileth-unto to-a-disturbance and to-sobbing and to-alalaing-to to-much.
5:38 καὶ "And" ἔρχονται "they-cometh" εἰς "into" τὸν "to-the-one" οἶκον "to-a-house" τοῦ "of-the-one" ἀρχισυναγώγου, "of-a-leading-together-firster," καὶ "and" θεωρεῖ "it-surveileth-unto" θόρυβον "to-a-disturbance" καὶ "and" κλαίοντας "to-sobbing" καὶ "and" ἀλαλάζοντας "to-alalaing-to" πολλά, "to-much."
καὶ εἰσελθὼν λέγει αὐτοῖς Τί θορυβεῖσθε καὶ κλαίετε; τὸ παιδίον οὐκ ἀπέθανεν ἀλλὰ καθεύδει.
And having-had-came-into it-fortheth unto-them, To-what-one ye-be-disturbed-unto and ye-sob? The-one a-childlet not it-had-died-off, other it-resteth-down.
5:39 καὶ "And" εἰσελθὼν "having-had-came-into" λέγει "it-fortheth" αὐτοῖς "unto-them," Τί "To-what-one" θορυβεῖσθε "ye-be-disturbed-unto" καὶ "and" κλαίετε; "ye-sob?" τὸ "The-one" παιδίον "a-childlet" οὐκ "not" ἀπέθανεν "it-had-died-off," ἀλλὰ "other" καθεύδει. "it-resteth-down."
And they-were-down-laughing-unto of-it. It moreover having-had-casted-out to-all it-taketh-beside to-the-one to-a-father of-the-one of-a-childlet and to-the-one to-a-mother and to-the-ones with of-it, and it-traverseth-into-of to-which-of-whither it-was the-one a-childlet.
5:40 καὶ "And" κατεγέλων "they-were-down-laughing-unto" αὐτοῦ. "of-it." αὐτὸς "It" δὲ "moreover" ἐκβαλὼν "having-had-casted-out" πάντας "to-all" παραλαμβάνει "it-taketh-beside" τὸν "to-the-one" πατέρα "to-a-father" τοῦ "of-the-one" παιδίου "of-a-childlet" καὶ "and" τὴν "to-the-one" μητέρα "to-a-mother" καὶ "and" τοὺς "to-the-ones" μετ' "with" αὐτοῦ, "of-it," καὶ "and" εἰσπορεύεται "it-traverseth-into-of" ὅπου "to-which-of-whither" ἦν "it-was" τὸ "the-one" παιδίον: "a-childlet."
καὶ κρατήσας τῆς χειρὸς τοῦ παιδίου λέγει αὐτῇ Ταλειθά κούμ, ὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον Τὸ κοράσιον, σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε.
And having-secured-unto of-the-one of-a-hand of-the-one of-a-childlet it-fortheth unto-it, Taleitha coum, which it-be being-explained-with-of, The-one a-damselet unto-THEE I-forth, Thou-should-rouse.
5:41 καὶ "And" κρατήσας "having-secured-unto" τῆς "of-the-one" χειρὸς "of-a-hand" τοῦ "of-the-one" παιδίου "of-a-childlet" λέγει "it-fortheth" αὐτῇ "unto-it," Ταλειθά "Taleitha" κούμ, "coum," ὅ "which" ἐστιν "it-be" μεθερμηνευόμενον "being-explained-with-of," Τὸ "The-one" κοράσιον, "a-damselet" σοὶ "unto-THEE" λέγω, "I-forth," ἔγειρε. "Thou-should-rouse."
καὶ εὐθὺς ἀνέστη τὸ κοράσιον καὶ περιεπάτει, ἦν γὰρ ἐτῶν δώδεκα. καὶ ἐξέστησαν εὐθὺς ἐκστάσει μεγάλῃ.
And straight it-had-stood-up, the-one a-damselet, and it-was-treading-about-unto; it-was therefore of-years of-two-ten. And they-had-stood-out straight unto-a-standing-out unto-great.
5:42 καὶ "And" εὐθὺς "straight" ἀνέστη "it-had-stood-up," τὸ "the-one" κοράσιον "a-damselet," καὶ "and" περιεπάτει, "it-was-treading-about-unto;" ἦν "it-was" γὰρ "therefore" ἐτῶν "of-years" δώδεκα. "of-two-ten." καὶ "And" ἐξέστησαν "they-had-stood-out" εὐθὺς "straight" ἐκστάσει "unto-a-standing-out" μεγάλῃ. "unto-great."
καὶ διεστείλατο αὐτοῖς πολλὰ ἵνα μηδεὶς γνοῖ τοῦτο, καὶ εἶπεν δοθῆναι αὐτῇ φαγεῖν.
And it-set-through unto-them to-much so lest-moreover-one it-may-have-acquainted to-the-one-this, and it-had-said to-have-been-given unto-it to-have-had-devoured.
5:43 καὶ "And" διεστείλατο "it-set-through" αὐτοῖς "unto-them" πολλὰ "to-much" ἵνα "so" μηδεὶς "lest-moreover-one" γνοῖ "it-may-have-acquainted" τοῦτο, "to-the-one-this," καὶ "and" εἶπεν "it-had-said" δοθῆναι "to-have-been-given" αὐτῇ "unto-it" φαγεῖν. "to-have-had-devoured." | 2019-04-23T18:17:33Z | http://qbible.com/greek-new-testament/mark/5.html |
A new oil refinery zone is to be built in Magwe Division, a regional government minister announced this week.
The decision to establish an oil refinery zone was made after a series of seizures of illegal refineries across the region, Minister for Natural Resources, Forestry, Electricity and Energy for the Magwe Division, Myint Zaw, told DVB on Monday.
“We decided to allow the running of medium to small oil refineries that produce good quality fuel oil for vehicles after negotiating with the Union government,” he said.
On August 17, 18 and 19, illegal oil refineries in Pauk Township in Pakokku District were confiscated.
Regional police seized 78 oil refineries in three days, and confiscated 2,805 gallons of crude oil and 1,270 gallons of diesel, said Major Soe Win, the Magwe district police force chief.
Although there are two licensed oil fields in Myaing Township and Pauk Township, Pakokku District, Magwe Region no oil refining process has been permitted until now.
“The Union government has informed us that we can grant permits to operate oil refineries in Magwe Division and the regional government will allow to establish oil refinery zone in Pakokku Township,” the minister said.
“The minimum quality of diesel and petrol oil from the legalized refineries shall be the same as the product from Man Than Pa Yar Kan refinery in Minhla Township. We will also negotiate with the Ministry of Electricity and Energy for the volume of the daily output,” he added.
The regional government will provide the oil refinery zone to access to water and electricity.
The tender bid is to be placed in the state-run newspapers in the near future.
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Here's an interesting and timely story from St. Louis that appeared in the New York Times, March 31 2005. If you do not have a New York Times account, I've archived the article.
And a related article about the downtown revival of St. Louis appearing in yesterday's New York Times.
This house is located at 212 Best Street. According to City Hall, Archie Callahan is the owner of record. It's a 3/3 double and it's currently assesed at $19,000. There is no file over in Buffalo Housing Court on this property. According to neighbors its been looking like this for years.
This property is located directly across the street from City Honors High School.
My experience suggests that 212 Best Street is available for purchase despite the lack of a "for sale" sign. If you are interested and would like some assistance in tracking down the owner, please contact me.
The City of Buffalo would pay the cost of extraditing a California businessman accused of failing to renovate 56 dilapidated properties, an official said Tuesday. Assistant Corporation Counsel Peter J. Savage III said Mayor Anthony M. Masiello has agreed to pay the extradition costs for Joy A. Drati "given the county government's financial problems." First Deputy District Attorney John J. DeFranks said Tuesday he will know in about two weeks if there are enough legal grounds to justify cross-country extradition proceedings for Drati. Buffalo Housing Court Judge Henry J. Nowak is slated to begin a series of demolition hearings next month to consider safety and other factors linked to the 56 Drati properties in the city.
Smells like we are entering an election cycle...I'll be following the case and examining the costs of extradtion, too!
This house is located at 2 Girard Place. According to City Hall, Cedric Walker is the owner of record. It's a 3/3 double and it's currently assesed at $3400.00 (no typo). There is no file over in Buffalo Housing Court on this property. According to neighbors its been looking like this for years.
This property is located two blocks away from East High School on Northampton Street where 25 million was recently spent on renovations under the Joint School Construction Project. Other houses on the block include this property at 31 Girard Place.
My experience suggests that 2 Girard Place is available for purchase despite the lack of a "for sale" sign. If you are interested and would like some assistance in tracking down the owner, please contact me.
It's a mythic city for African-American culture and politics and it's a mythic city for certain kinds of modernism in art - Diego Rivera's DIA murals are world-renowned. Lafayette Park by Mies van der Rohe is world-renowned. This is a city that has been a glorious city. I've always loved this city, but I'm distressed by the abandonment.
Check it out. There is audio interview in that link, too. The documentary's debut was Friday in Ann Arbor. Follow the reviews from the blogs below.
Why are you building new structures, spending millions of dollars building new sports structures and entertainment centers, when you have the historic heritage of the city's right here abandoned across the street. To a European it's totally incomprehensible. Wacquant is nearly speechless as he gazes at vacant houses with sagging porches and trails of stained brick leading from the walls to the weed-choked lawns.
Make sure to check out these Detroit sites, for additional urban news...and reviews of the film, Detroit: Ruin of a City.
Here there is an extensive discussion about the debut of the film Detroit: Ruin of a City. Just scroll down to the 29th conversation. 90 different impressions of the film.
Detroit Free Press March 16, 2005 article and review of the film.
Permanent Revolution - Because real educational reform doesn't just happen at weekly school board meetings. We need a continual dialoge to effect dramatic change.
Now, how many of our other elected and anointed leaders have a blog? A+ Florence...your commitment and willingness to embrace innovate social and technological change benefits the entire community.
I'll be indexing various posts and information about the Queen City Farm project in this archive. You may also want to bookmark the Queen City Farm site and Queen City Farm blog for current information.
If you haven't seen the Queen City Farm Film, you should. It was produced by John Paget - Paget Films.
1/25/07 194 East Utica on Life Support?
New York Times reviews the independent film "The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream."
"If the cost of energy skyrockets, are the suburbs doomed? Would Long Island, already paying among the highest fuel and electricity rates in the country, become an unsustainably expensive place to live?
I had the unexpected opportunity to tour the property located at 669 Genesee Street recently. I am not a structural engineer, general contractor yet after 15 years of real estate experience here in the city of Buffalo I realize that this could be an extraordinary urban opportunity. This is a city owned property and occupies half a city block. The primary building has three floors (50x100) and the two additional buildings on the property are smaller. In addition, city records show that there are two additional vacant parcels adjacent to the main building. Here's the official property description from City Hall.
The main and secondary building appear to be in good structural condition. The mechanics have been stripped. In addition to the property, the new owner would get 24 rolls of blue vinyl 8' by 500 each (think Christo!!!), a bunch of too cool deco chairs, 2 chopped-up suvs and 4-5000 library books!
Craig, from Buffalog, just passed along additional pictures of 669 Genesee Street.
Most of those are 669 pics, some not.
Craig also shared this aerial view he grabbed.
Here's a cool satellite view, too!
Make sure to check out Craig's account of our recent tour!
My experience suggests that this building could be purchased from the city for less than the price of a tall house coffee on Elmwood Avenue. The building presents some immediate liability issues and so you would need the advice and guidance of a competent real estate attorney who is familiar with the acquistion of city property. To complete the deal you'd probably want to present your plan to Housing Court Judge Nowak, too. You would be a Housing Court Hero!
A drug dealer made the top floor their pad about 10-15 years ago if i remember correctly. Genesee Street has any number of great buildings that will go the way of the bulldozer. If these buildings were secured, cleaned up, and MARKETED the city could begin to make a small dent in the problem. Problem is, the dreamers are never the ones with the money to do these projects.
Like, what would it take for the city to re-direct some of the funding for the demolition and properly secure, board and moth-ball the building for future use. Is this to innovative and creative for our elected official to understand...Am I expecting too much?
David Franczyk still doesn’t get it. He’s asked Westchester Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who just happens to be the democratic front runner for NYS Attorney General, for some help in saving the trees down in Perrysburg. Here's the Buffalo News article.
It’s understandable that David Franczyck would like to save the trees in Perrysburg. His forest disappeared a long time ago. It use to be known as the Fillmore District and is now home to more blighted buildings per block than any urban center this side of Calcutta. A recent walk down Koons Avenue last week demonstrates the neglect and lack of serious attention to our urban core. I counted 19 houses boarded and vacant in a two block stretch of Koons Avenue. I mean there were only 50 houses on the street.
Assemblyman Brodsky is no stranger to attention and controversy. When some Scarsdale, NY soccer moms didn’t think their kids should take standardized tests, Richard Brodsky was there claiming that Westchester kids should opt out of these tests. He even sponsored legislation about that. He is now trying to endear Buffalo residents to his “good government game” by assisting David Franczyk in thwarting the Trathen deal for good. That is not good news.
I first started writing about this deal a few months ago.
I’ve archived Buffalo News articles and letters, too.
This is good news. New York State has a very transparent process in selling surplus property. H. Carl McCall, Buffalo control board member and former NYS Comptroller was trying to sell the site years ago. No takers. This process is good for every NYS taxpayer and perhaps a model that the city of Buffalo could follow in un-loading buildings (Wollenberg Grain Elevator on Koons – David) that it owns and refuses to maintain.
The argument that Franczyk uses is disingenuous, self-serving and altogether misleading. He is trying to build a case that the old JN Adam Tuberculosis Hospital is worth a whole lot more than what Tom Trathen is willing to pay for it. Fully functioning and operational, sure. Thing is Tom Trathen has a solid track record of running a good business and has the support of environmental groups. The forward liability costs for Buffalo to absorb the property if the deal falls apart would be extraordinary. According to Perrysburg Town Supervisior, Myrton Sprague, the Trathen deal is the only viable bid in a decade.
We all know that something is really only worth what someone else is willing to pay. For example, let’s take a look at some other real estate. You might think that your two-family house on Gibson or Playter Street (Broadway Market area) is worth 30K because that is what the city assessment says. And you further believe this because you have been paying taxes for 15 years based on this inflated valuation. Yet the reality is the house won’t even sell for 10% of its assessed value. In most cases you can’t even pay a buyer to take a house in those neighborhoods. Furthermore, many banks refuse to take back Fillmore District property during mortgage foreclosure proceedings. Reason, these properties are liabilities and have lost their asset value. The three other reasons…location, location, location.
Rather than killing the deal in Perrysburg, David Franczyk’s time would be much better spent here in Buffalo focusing on core-urban issues and what’s left of the Fillmore District. How about helping your neighbors lower the 30K assessment of their homes to reflect the true $1000 value.
To make matters worse NYS Assemblyman Richard Brodsky is trying to make a name for himself outside of his toney Westchester District just in time for next year’s state wide primary push. He will most likely battle Andrew Cuomo for NYS Attorney General.
Assemblyman Richard Brodsky has finished playing the “good government game” in Monroe county by investing alleged fraud in how businesses receive favorable treatment in the state’s Empire Zones. It was a fake investigation.
That sort of protectionist game coupled with Franczyk’s paternalism and elitism - “I know what’s best” - got us into the mess. We are being played, again.
Common sense tells us that when you are in over your head, you ask for help. David, Tom Trathen returns calls. Get the deal done, limit our liability and focus on core business. It’s that simple.
Kind of makes you wonder…if the Fillmore District were an actual forest, the Sierra Club might be leading the charge against David Franczyk for his failed stewardship, don’t you think?
Here's the latest news from the Artspace website. The success of this development for the emerging arts and educational neighborhood here in Masten is critical. In recent months we have learned that the permanent home of Performing Arts High School is just a few blocks away.
I've written a few posts about Artspace recently.
Here's the information on an innovative arts and urban planning conference scheduled for later this year in Toronto. It's the sort of thing that Artspace promotes.
Here you'll find a number of posts about a City owned building that used to be located at 669 Genesee Street. The banner photo for this blog was shot from the roof top the day before the building was demolished.
This list represents some of the buildings, issues and places that are tracked on fixBuffalo.
I'll archive writing about Buffalo and keep track of it here.
Follow Bishop Kmiec's "journey to avoid housing court" and matters relating to the catholic church's shrinking in Buffalo, NY. Occasional comparisons to how other Catholic dioceses across the country deal with similar matters including abandoning inner-city property, “demolition by neglect” and housing court issues will be presented.
A collection of writings documenting what I consider to be a defining characteristic of 21st century urban life.
Here a few promising blogs that are delivering news you are not necessarily going to see in the New York Times or the Buffalo News.
Let me know if you have found other blogs that carry informative NYS stuff.
22 Waverly is located a few short blocks away from the future home of Performing Arts High School. Here's a picture from July 2004 and a recent picture that I took in February 2005.
As you can see from the pictures, the house just sits abandonded, (not) boarded, derelict and vacant. Perhaps local officials are waiting for a story such as this from Detroit to happen here in Buffalo before something gets done.
Interestingly, 22 Waverly was sold on 8/18/03 to NJ "investor" Charles Speller for $6K by notorious Long Island eBay scammer Jesse Isaacs who paid $3.9K on 6/30/03. Isaacs has had an outstanding arrest warrant from Housing Court for months, but continues to scam houses in Buffalo with no fear.
You can view some of Michele's other housing activist work here, too. Read some of Richard Kern's ground breaking & blight busting writing on KernWatch.
Maybe while the city's crew is out boarding up 22 Waverly, they could go around the block and finish securing the rear windows of the Woodlawn Row Houses - which just happens to be the primary subject of this blog and preservation initiative.
Urban Homesteading, anyone? - No City Taxes!
This home at 23 Waverly Street appears to be in excellent structural condition. I've never been inside so I can't tell you anything about the mechanics. I know a few realtors and very responsive real estate attorney that could assist you with this deal. I have no financial interest in this property other than how it will continue to stimulate neighborhood stability and enhance adjacent property values. Here's the property information from the city's website. With the Star Program, there are no city property taxes!
It's described as a two-family home. It could easily be converted to a single. There are three new homes on this block. A few of the newer homes around the corner on Woodlawn and Ferry are rather substantial and make a strong positive contribution to this unique urban landscape. Don't forget that the newly remodeled Performing Arts High School will find its permanent home one short block away from 23 Waverly. I imagine that a deal could be made with the owners of this house that would be very advantageous to the new owner.
Look at some of the other exciting developments that are happening here in this little 25 block area of Masten, Main/Jefferson -- Ferry/Utica. I know you are probably thinking, why here..."location, location, location"...as soon as you walk around the area your perception of this neighborhood will change...really.
Let me know if you are interested in a neighborhood tour.
In the past week two additional - City of Buffalo - houses were demolished. Both of these structures were located with in a two block radius of the new permanent home of Performing Arts High School. The house at 76 East Utica was located along the primary path Buffalo Traditional High School students used to walk as they lweft the Main/Utica station and walked over to Michigan and the two blocks to school.
Both properties have been sitting here for years, two blocks from a school. While nothing like this has happened in Buffalo, yet... I have written this recently about abandoned, boarded derelict and vacant houses.
While there seems to be an official list of city and privetly reowned property that is abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant located with in a block of recently reconstructed city schools, very little seems to be done about the obvious public health and safety problems these properties present to city students and neighborhood residents.
This little corner of Masten Main/Jefferson - Ferry/Utica that surrounds the site of the new permanent home of Performing Arts High School seems to be the focus of city officials efforts to deliver services and get rid of the problems. Six city owned properties have been demolished in the past 60 days.
Here are the other properties that have been demolished in the past 60 days here in Masten.
And the remaining abandoned, baorded, derelict and vacant houses with in two blocks of Performing Arts High School new home.
Not all abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant houses are good demo candidates. I've written about this, too. Check that out for two outstanding urban homesteading opportunities. Yet with out any program eminating from City Hall what are the realistic prospects for an innovative urban homesteading program coming to this neighborhood? Right, zip nadda...not until our annointed and elected officials begin to get creative and understand the real needs of our urban neighborhoods.
If you follow these monthly up-dates you'll see the long slow process of "demolition by neglect" of one of Buffalo's historic landmarks. This building was designated a local landmark by the City's Preservation Board. It stands diagonally across the street from the former Buffalo Traditional High School - soon to be the future home of Performing Arts High School (September 2007). This building has been owned by the City of Buffalo since July, 2003.
update...February 2007 - if you are seriously interested in pursuing this project let me know. A local architect has recently completed a feasibility study that I can make available for your project.
This map will orient you to 147-153 Woodlawn Avenue and this little 25 block corner of Masten bounded by Main - Jefferson and East Ferry - East Utica.
Here's the monthly archive. The significant gaps in record keeping are synced with times that the row was under contract. I've compiled a flickr series with additional pics.
I first started taking monthly pictures in March 2004. Here's the first pic from March last year. Click on the October archives - when I first started blogging - to see the other pics. They are in reverse chronological order so head to the bottom of the post to see all the pics. Here are the latest pics from last week.
I've collected 152 signatures on the petition to date, 55 online signatures and the other signatures are from neighbors or from people who have attended various community meetings and have signed on to the petition.
A very well respected local attorney, totally versed in Housing Court matters, has offered his services to bring this matter in front of Judge Nowak. I'll keep interested parties up-to-date here on those proceedings and over at Buffalo Issue Alerts.
Meanwhile directly across the street from the Woodlawn Row Houses work continues on the new youth center.
The major news for this little corner of Masten located between Main/Jefferson -- Ferry/Utica is the transformative urban news regarding Performing Arts High School's re-location to this neighborhood. The new Robert Traynham Coles inspired Erie County Library is closer to completion, too. Read about it here. | 2019-04-26T01:46:23Z | http://fixbuffalo.blogspot.com/2005/03/ |
Here's a summary of the I Ching hexagrams in response to the question "What do I need to know this week for my highest good?"
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 25 Innocence. Changing lines: 1, 2, 3 and 4.
30 Synergy changes to 14 Sovereignty. Changing line 2.
1 Creative Power changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines: 1 and 5.
50 Cosmic Order changes to 44 Temptation. Changing line 5.
15 Moderation changes to 2 Natural Response. Changing line 2.
46 Advancement changes to 31 Attraction. Changing lines: 2, 4 and 5.
30 Synergy changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing lines: 1, 3 4, and 5.
21 Reform changes to 25 Innocence. Changing line 5.
26 Potential Energy changes to 37 Family. Changing lines 2 and 5.
51 Shocking changes to 24 Repeating. Changing line 4.
55 Zenith changes to 32 Continuing. Changing lines 1 and 2.
32 Continuing changes to 62 Conscientiousness. Changing line 2.
42 Benefit changes to 18 Repair. Changing lines 1, 2, 3, and 5.
3 Difficult Beginnings change to 42 Benefit. Changing line 6.
18 Repair changes to 44 Temptation. Changing lines 4 and 5.
4 Inexperience changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing line 3 and 5.
21 Reform changes to 33 Retreat. Changing lines 1, 3 and 5.
27 Nourishing changes to 42 Benefit. Changing line 5.
45 Assembling changes to 42 Benefit. Changing lines 1, 4 and 6.
32 Continuing changes to 46 Advancement. Changing line 4.
45 Assembling changes to 12 Stagnation. Changing line 6.
53 Developing changes to 18 Repair. Changing lines 2 and 5.
18 Repair changes to 4 Inexperience. Changing line: 3.
44 Temptation changes to 13 Community. Changing lines 1 and 2.
6 Conflict. There are no changing lines.
49 Changing changes to 51 Shocking. Changing lines 3 and 5.
29 Danger changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing lines 3 and 6.
20 Contemplating changes to 12 Stagnation.Changing line: 4.
55 Zenith changes to 11 Prospering. Changing lines: 2 and 4.
21 Reform changes to 13 Community. Changing lines 3 and 5.
26 Potential Energy changes to 56 Traveling. Changing lines 1, 2 and 6.
4 Inexperience changes to 7 Collective Force. Changing line 6.
6 Conflict changes to 29 Danger. Changing lines 4 and 6.
54 Subordinate changes to 14 Sovereignty. Changing lines 3 and 6.
40 Liberation changes to 16 Harmonize. Changing line 2.
16 Harmonize changes to 47 Adversity. Changing lines 2 and 5.
4 Inexperience changes to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines 1 and 2.
64 Before the End changes to 38 Contradiction. Changing line 1.
23 Deterioration changes to 22 Grace. Changing lines 1 and 3.
62 Conscientiousness changes to 28 Critical Mass. Changing lines 2 and 5.
4 Inexperience changes to 19 Promotion. Changing lines 1 and 6.
58 Encouraging changes to 60 Limitations. Changing line 5.
30 Synergy changes to 22 Grace. Changing lines are 1, 3 and 4.
40 Liberation changes to 7 Collective Force. Changing line 4.
10 Conduct changes to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines are 2, 4 and 6.
63 After the End changes to 48 The Source. Changing line 2.
43 Resolution changes to 49 Changing. Changing line 2.
58 Encouraging changes to 45 Assembling. Changing lines are 1 and 2.
36 Censorship. There are no changing lines.
50 Cosmic Order changes to 21 Reform. Changing lines 1, 2 and 3.
3 Difficult Beginnings changes to 19 Promotion. Changing lines 2 and 5.
63 After the End. There are no changing lines.
4 Inexperience changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines are 3 and 4.
32 Continuing. There are no changing lines.
35 Progress. There are no changing lines.
55 Zenith. There are no changing lines.
26 Potential Energy changes to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines 2 and 3.
29 Danger changes to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 4 and 5.
38 Contradiction changes to 41 Decline. Changing line 4.
9 Restrained changes to 63 After the End. Changing lines 2 and 6.
26 Potential Energy changes to 22 Grace. Changing line 3.
10 Conduct changes to 1 Creative Power. Changing line 3.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 6 Conflict. Changing lines 3 and 4.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 18 Repair. Changing line 5.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 61 Insight. Changing lines 1 and 3.
11 Prospering changes to 22 Grace. Changing lines 2 and 6.
60 Limitations changes to 25 Innocence. Changing lines 2, 4 and 6.
51 Shocking changes to 21 Reform. Changing line 6.
16 Harmonize changes to 31 Attraction. Changing lines 3 and 5.
34 Great Power. There are no changing lines.
3 Difficult Beginnings changes to 35 Progress. Changing lines 1, 4, 5 and 6.
43 Resolution changes to 60 Limitation. Changing lines 3 and 4.
22 Grace. There are no changing lines.
15 Moderation. There are no changing lines.
15 Moderation changes to 46 Advancement. Changing line 2.
52 Meditation changes to 26 Potential Energy. Changing lines 1 and 2.
36 Censorship changes to 30 Synergy. Changing lines 4 and 6.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 48 The Source. Changing line 6.
58 Encouraging changes to 49 Changing. Changing lines 2, 3, and 4.
39 Obstacles. There are no changing lines.
30 Synergy changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 1 and 2.
55 Zenith changes to 24 Repeating. Changing lines 3 and 4.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing lines 2 and 3.
16 Harmonize changes to 42 Benefit. Changing lines 1, 4, 5 and 6.
13 Community changes to 33 Retreat. Changing line 1.
12 Stagnation changes to 61 Insight. Changing lines 1, 2 and 4.
56 Traveling changes to 33 Retreat. Changing line 5.
36 Censorship changes to 49 Changing. Changing lines 4 and 5.
52 Meditation changes to 46 Advancement. Changing lines 2 and 6.
1 Creative Power. There are no changing lines.
57 Penetrating Influence. There are no changing lines.
36 Censorship changes to 55 Zenith. Changing line 4.
38 Contradiction changes to 12 Stagnation. Changing lines 1, 2 and 5.
3 Difficult Beginnings changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing lines 1 and 6.
10 Conduct changes to 59 Reuniting. Changing lines 1 and 4.
49 Changing changes to 13 Community. Changing line 6.
30 Synergy. There are no changing lines.
64 Before the End changes to 61 Insight. Changing lines 1, 4 and 5.
20 Contemplating changes to 12 Stagnation. Changing line 4.
61 Insight changes to 48 The Source. Changing lines 1, 3 and 6.
63 After The End change to 11 Prospering. Changing lines 2 and 5.
30 Synergy changes to 17 Adapting. Changing lines are 3, 5 and 6.
15 Moderation changes to 8 Unity. Changing lines are 3 and 5.
28 Critical Mass changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing lines 4 and 6.
57 Penetrating Influence changes to 5 Calculated Waiting. Changing lines 1 and 6.
37 Family changes to 30 Synergy. Changing lines are 4 and 5.
58 Encouraging. There are no changing lines.
43 Resolution change to 39 Obstacles. Changing lines 1, 2, and 4.
46 Advancement changes to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 3 and 4.
28 Critical Mass changes to 32 Continuing. Changing line 5.
31 Attraction changes to 43 Resolution. Changing lines 1 and 2.
23 Deterioration. There are no changing lines.
45 Assembling changes to 47 Adversity. Changing line 2.
20 Contemplating changes to 27 Nourishment. Changing lines 1 and 5.
55 Zenith changes to 43 Resolution. Changing lines 2 and 5.
6 Conflict changes to 8 Unity. Changing lines: 2, 4 and 6.
42 Benefit changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing line 1.
64 Before the End changes to 56 Traveling. Changing line 1.
23 Deterioration changes to 59 Reuniting. Changing lines 2 and 5.
27 Nourishing. There are no changing lines.
27 Nourishing changes to 23 Deterioration. Changing line 1.
21 Reform changes to 30 Synergy. Changing line 3.
50 Cosmic Order. There are no changing lines.
25 Innocence changes to 39 Obstacles. Changing lines 1, 3, 4 and 6.
37 Family. There are no changing lines.
47 Adversity changes to 6 Conflict. Changing line 6.
62 Conscientiousness changes to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 2 and 3.
60 Limitations changes to 10 Conduct. Changing line 6.
60 Limitations changes to 61 Insight. Changing line 6.
2 Natural Response changes to 7 Collective Force. Changing line 2.
55 Zenith changes to 13 Community. Changing line 6.
20 Contemplating. There are no changing lines.
54 Subordinate changes to 58 Encouraging. Changing line 5.
21 Reform changes to 38 Contradiction. Changing line 2.
26 Potential Energy changing to 14 Sovereignty. Changing line 4.
59 Reuniting. There are no changing lines.
29 Danger changes to 8 Unity. Changing line 2.
44 Temptation changes to 64 Before the End. Changing lines 3 and 5.
25 Innocence changes to 26 Potential Energy. Changing lines 2, 3, 4, and 5.
53 Developing changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing line 3.
56 Traveling. There are no changing lines.
50 Cosmic Order changes to 52 Meditation. Changing lines 2 and 4.
51 Shocking changes to 55 Zenith. Changing line 3.
55 Zenith changes to 54 Subordination. Changing lines 2 and 3.
59 Reuniting changes to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 4, 5, and 6.
50 Cosmic Order changes to 13 Community. Changing lines 1, 2, and 5.
39 Obstacles changes to 3 Difficult Beginnings. Changing lines 1 and 3.
46 Advancement changes to 31 Attraction. Changing lines 2, 4, and 5.
40 Liberation. There are no changing lines.
53 Developing changes to 8 Unity. Changing lines 3 and 6.
44 Temptation changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing line 4.
56 Traveling changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing line 2.
18 Repair changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing lines 2, 3, and 5.
56 Traveling changes to 30 Synergy. Changing line 1.
44 Temptation changes to 46 Advancement. Changing lines 4, 5, and 6.
16 Harmonize. No changing lines.
63 After the End changes to 52 Meditation. Changing lines 1, 5, and 6.
20 Contemplating changes to 57 Penetrating Influence. Changing lines 2, 3, and 4.
52 Meditation changes to 15 Moderation. Changing line 3.
45 Assembling changes to 47 Adversity. Changing line 1.
17 Adapting changes to 47 Adversity. Changing lines 1 and 2.
38 Contradiction. No changing lines.
10 Conduct changes to 6 Conflict. Changing line 1.
13 Community changes to 21 Reform. Changing lines 3 and 5.
37 Family changes to 53 Developing. Changing line 1.
14 Sovereignty changes to 1 Creative Power. Changing line 5.
12 Stagnation changes to 6 Conflict. Changing line 2.
51 Shocking changes to 45 Assembling. Changing lines 1 and 5.
32 Continuing. No changing lines.
37 Family changes to 13 Community. Changing line 4.
46 Advancement changes to 11 Prospering. Changing lines 1 and 6.
64 Before the End changes to 35 Progress. Changing line 2.
36 Censorship changes to 34 Great Power. Changing lines are 2 and 4.
64 Before The End changes to 4 Inexperience. Changing line 4.
38 Contradiction changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 1 and 3.
53 Developing changes to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines 1, 3, and 5.
26 Potential Energy. No changing lines.
31 Attraction changes to 28 Critical Mass. Changing line 2.
58 Encouraging changes to 38 Contradiction. Changing lines 5 and 6.
49 Changing changes to 25 Innocence. Changing lines 3 and 6.
9 Restrained. No changing lines.
14 Sovereignty changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing line 1.
22 Grace. No changing lines.
30 Synergy changes to 36 Censorship. Changing lines 4 and 6.
15 Moderation changes to 31 Attraction. Changing lines 4 and 5.
43 Resolution changes to 47 Adversity. Changing lines 1 and 3.
31 Attraction changes to 33 Retreat. Changing line 6.
59 Reuniting changes to 4 Inexperience. Changing line 5.
29 Danger changes to 64 Before the End. Changing lines 4, 5, and 6.
61 Insight changes to 9 Restrained. Changing line 3.
8 Unity changes to 3 Difficult Beginnings. Changing line 1.
43 Resolution changes to 48 The Source. Changing lines 1 and 4.
64 Before the End. No changing lines.
12 Stagnation changes to 25 Innocence. Changing line 1.
26 Potential Energy changes to 5 Calculated Waiting. Changing lines 5 and 6.
48 The Source changes to 64 Before the End. Changing lines 3, 4, and 5.
10 Conduct. No changing lines.
44 Temptation changes to 10 Conduct. Changing lines 1 and 3.
58 Encouraging changes to 54 Subordinate. Changing line 5.
23 Deterioration changes to 53 Developing. Changing lines 3 and 5.
36 Censorship changes to 18 Repair. Changing lines 1, 2, and 6.
46 Advancement changes to 4 Inexperience. Changing line 3.
64 Before The End changes to 10 Conduct. Changing lines 1 and 5.
23 Deterioration changes to 10 Conduct. Changing lines 1, 2, 4, and 5.
28 Critical Mass changes to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 5 and 6.
33 Retreat changes to 55 Zenith. Changing lines 1, 5, and 6.
53 Developing changes to 26 Potential Energy. Changing lines 1, 2, and 5.
13 Community changes to 63 After the End. Changing line 5.
60 Limitations changes to 58 Encouraging. Changing line 4.
39 Obstacles changes to 36 Censorship. Changing lines 1 and 5.
34 Great Power. No changing lines.
10 Conduct changes to 38 Contradiction. Changing line 5.
36 Censorship changes to 6 Conflict. All six lines change to the opposite to get new hexagram.
5 Calculated Waiting changes to 3 Difficult Beginnings. Changing lines 2 and 3.
19 Promotion changes to 24 Repeating. Changing line 2.
13 Community changes to 12 Stagnation. Changing lines are 1 and 3.
26 Potential Energy changes to 18 Repair. Changing line 1.
44 Temptation changes to 28 Critical Mass. Changing line 6.
30 Synergy changes to 58 Encouraging. Changing lines 1 and 4.
18 Repair changes to 4 Inexperience. Changing line 3.
35 Progress changes to 7 Collective Force. Changing lines are 2, 3, 4, and 6.
35 Progress changes to 23 Deterioration. Changing line 4.
37 Family. No changing lines.
55 Zenith changes to 7 Collective Force. Changing lines 1, 2, 3, and 4.
54 Subordinate changes to 51 Shocking. Changing line 2.
17 Adapting changes to 51 Shocking. Changing line 5.
7 Collective Force changes to 40 Liberation. Changing line 4.
49 Changing changes to 24 Repeating. Changing lines 3, 4, and 5.
12 Stagnation changes to 53 Developing. Changing lines 3 and 4.
9 Restrained changes to 48 The Source. Changing lines 1 and 6.
4 Inexperience changes to 32 Continuing. Changing lines 3, 4, and 6.
33 Retreat changes to 13 Community. Changing lines 1 and 4.
28 Critical Mass changes to 44 Temptation. Changing line 6.
4 Inexperience changes to 23 Deterioration. Changing line 2.
38 Contradiction changes to 54 Subordinate. Changing line 6.
29 Danger changes to 63 After the End. Changing lines 1, 2, and 3.
44 Temptation changes to 43 Resolution. Changing lines 1 and 6.
57 Penetrating Influence. No changing lines.
20 Contemplating changes to 59 Reuniting. Changing line 2.
17 Adapting changes to 53 Developing. Changing lines 1, 3, 4, and 6.
46 Advancement. No changing lines.
49 Changing. No changing lines.
20 Contemplating changing to 48 The Source. Changing lines 2, 3, and 6.
18 Repair changes to 30 Synergy. Changing lines 1, 2, and 4.
28 Critical Mass changes to 62 Conscientiousness. Changing lines 2 and 5.
5 Calculated Waiting changes to 17 Adapting. Changing lines 2, 3, and 4.
45 Assembling. No changing lines.
64 Before the End changes to 44 Temptation. Changing lines 3 and 5.
8 Unity changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing line 6.
Travel week … no reading.
64 Before the End changes to 18 Repair. Changing lines 3 and 4.
60 Limitations changes to 8 Unity. Changing lines 1 and 2.
36 Censorship. No changing lines.
33 Retreat changes to 49 Changing. Changing lines 1 and 6.
51 Shocking changes to 35 Progress. Changing lines 1 and 6.
5 Calculated Waiting changes to 60 Limitations. Changing line 3.
62 Conscientiousness changes to 5 Calculated Waiting. Changing lines 1, 2, 4, and 5.
63 After the End changes to 49 Changing. Changing line 4.
13 Community changes to 25 Innocence. Changing line 3.
36 Censorship changes to 41 Decline. Changing lines 2, 3, and 6.
62 Conscientiousness. No changing lines.
8 Unity changes to 29 Danger. Changing line 2.
9 Restrained changes to 29 Danger. Changing lines 1, 3 and 6.
45 Assembling changes to 32 Continuing. Changing lines 2, 3 and 5.
14 Sovereignty changes to 5 Calculated Waiting. Changing lines 4, 5, 6.
54 Subordinate changes to 19 Promotion. Changing line 4.
12 Stagnation changes to 20 Contemplating. Changing line 4.
18 Repair changes to 46 Advancement. Changing line 1.
14 Sovereignty changes to 48 The Source. Changing lines 1, 4, 5 and 6.
25 Innocence. No changing lines.
52 Meditation changes to 27 Nourishing. Changing line 1 and 3.
7 Collective Force changes to 44 Temptation. Changing lines 3 – 6.
18 Repair. No changing lines.
23 Deterioration. No changing lines.
34 Great Power changing to 61 Insight. Changing lines 3, 4 and 6.
58 Encouraging changing to 7 Collective Force. Changing lines 1, 4, 5.
13 Community changing to 36 Censorship. Changing lines 4, 5, and 6.
30 Synergy changing to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines 3 and 4.
51 Shocking changing to 2 Natural Response. Changing lines 1 and 4.
10 Conduct changing to 1 Creative Power. Changing line 3.
29 Danger changing to 4 Inexperience. Changing lines 5 and 6.
6 Conflict changing to 39 Obstacles. Changing lines 2, 3, 4 and 6.
4 Inexperience changing to 11 Prospering. Changing lines 1, 3 and 6.
33 Retreat changing to 45 Assembling. Changing lines 3 and 6.
2 Natural Response changing to 24 Repeating. Changing line 1.
6 Conflict changing to 12 Stagnation. Changing line 2.
13 Community changing to 49 Changing, Changing line 6.
45 Assembling changing to 62 Conscientiousness. Changing lines 3 and 5.
16 Harmonize changing to 25 Innocence. Changing lines 1, 5 and 6.
3 Difficult Beginnings changing to 53 Developing. Changing lines 1, 3 and 6.
20 Contemplating changing to 59 Reuniting. Changing line 2.
49 Changing changing to 31 Attraction. Changing line 1.
25 Innocence changing to 60 Limitation. Changing lines 2, 4, and 6.
19 Promotion changing to 7 Collective Force. Changing line 1.
The day after the Boston Marathon Bombings on 4/15/13 I did a reading and asked: Given the Boston bombings yesterday, what do we need to know? The answer is below. The suspects were caught two and three days later. This is a good example of how the I Ching can be used to provide guidance in times of chaos and confusion.
5 Calculated Waiting changing to 43 Resolution. Changing lines 4 and 5.
45 Assembling changing to 54 Subordinate. Changing lines 1, 2 and 5.
45 Assembling changing to 12 Stagnation. Changing line 6.
21 Reform changing to 51 Shocking. Changing line 6.
15 Moderation changing to 24 Repeating. Changing lines 1 and 3.
59 Reuniting changing to 9 Restrained. Changing lines 1 and 3.
46 Advancement changing to 36 Censorship. Changing lines 1 and 2.
31 Attraction changing to 62 Conscientiousness. Changing line 5.
6 Conflict. No changing lines.
24 Repeating changing to 27 Nourishing. Changing line 6.
55 Zenith changing to 36 Censorship. Changing line 4.
2 Natural Response changing to 54 Subordinate. Changing lines 1, 2 and 4.
20 Contemplating changing to 24 Repeating. Changing lines 1, 5 and 6.
23 Deterioration changing to 51 Shocking. Changing lines 1, 4 and 6.
57 Penetrating Influence changing to 46 Advancement. Changing lines 5 and 6.
8 Unity changes to 28 Critical Mass. Changing lines 2, 3 and 4.
52 Meditation changes to 18 Repair. Changing lines 2 and 6.
25 Innocence changing to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 1, 2, 3 and 5.
28 Critical Mass changing to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 3 and 5.
40 Liberation changing to 47 Adversity. Changing line 5.
25 Innocence changing to 25 Reform. Changing line 5.
59 Reuniting changing to 61 Insight. Changing line 1.
16 Harmonize changing to 31 Attraction. Changing lines 3 and 5.
4 Inexperience changing to 38 Contradiction. Changing lines 1 and 4.
46 Advancement changing to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 4 and 6.
9 Restrained changing to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 1, 4 and 5.
57 Penetrating Influence changing to 48 The Source. Changing line 6.
33 Retreat. No changing lines.
61 Insight changing to 9 Restrained. Changing line 3.
37 Family changing to 27 Nourishing. Changing lines 3 and 5.
7 Collective Force. No changing lines.
6 Conflict changing to 10 Conduct. Changing line 1.
37 Family changing to 49 Changing. Changing lines 4 and 6.
28 Critical Mass changing to 32 Continuing. Changing line 5.
51 Shocking changing to 32 Continuing. Changing line 2.
32 Continuing changing to 1 Creative Power. Changing lines 1, 5 and 6.
41 Decline changing to 6 Conflict. Changing lines 1, 4 and 5.
26 Potential Energy changing to 11 Prospering. Changing line 6.
16 Harmonize changing to 2 Natural Response. Changing line 4.
37 Family changing to 40 Liberation. Changing lines 3 and 6.
14 Sovereignty changing to 60 Limitations. Changing lines 3, 4, 5, and 6.
9 Restrained changing to 61 Insight. Changing line 3.
13 Community changing to 15 Moderation. Changing lines 1, 4, 5 and 6.
11 Prospering changing to 26 Potential Energy. Changing line 6.
32 Continuing changing to 34 Great Power. Changing line 1.
52 Meditation changing to 50 Cosmic Order. Changing lines 2 and 4.
31 Attraction changing to 13 Community. Changing lines 1 and 6.
20 Contemplation changing to 3 Difficult Beginnings. Changing lines 1 and 6.
5 Calculated Waiting. No changing lines.
40 Liberation changing to 38 Contradiction. Changing lines 1 and 6.
No reading for today. Traveling day!
17 Adapting changes to 62 Conscientiousness. Changing lines 1, 3 and 5.
56 Traveling changes to 53 Developing. Changing lines 4 and 5.
62 Conscientiousness changes to 15 Moderation. Changing line: 4.
51 Shocking changes to 42 Benefit. Changing lines 4, 5 and 6.
29 Danger. No Changing lines.
62 Conscientiousness changing to 31 Attraction. Changing line: 5.
8 Unity. No changing lines.
54 Subordinate changing to 17 Adapting. Changing lines: 2, 5.
42 Benefit. No changing lines.
14 Stagnation changing to 42 Benefit. Changing lines: 1, 4.
28 Critical Mass changing to 1 Creative Power. Changing lines: 1, 6.
25 Innocence changing to 6 Conflict. Changing lines: 1, 2.
4 Inexperience changing to 7 Collective Force. Changing line: 6.
49 Changing changing to 31 Attraction. Changing line: 1.
13 Community changing to 2 Natural Response. Changing line: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6.
22 Grace changing to 52 Meditation. Changing line: 1.
8 Unity changing to 28 Critical Mass. Changing lines: 2, 3, 4.
17 Adapting changing to 61 Insight. Changing lines: 2, 4, 6.
31 Attraction changing to 3 Difficult Beginnings. Changing lines: 3, 4.
54 Subordinate changing to 24 Repeating. Changing lines: 2, 3, 4.
36 Censorship changing to 11 Prospering. Changing lines: 2, 3.
49 Changing changing to 43 Resolution. Changing line: 2.
35 Progress changing to 30 Synergy. Changing lines: 1, 3.
3 Difficult Beginnings changing to 43 Resolution. Changing lines: 2, 3, 4. | 2019-04-24T11:53:16Z | http://fengshuiconnections.com/i-ching-summary/ |
Last weekend, at age 59, I completed my 4th Massanutten 100-mile endurance trail run in consecutive years in a time of 33:12:37, 68th out of 101 finishers and 173 starters. This race has a 36-hour time limit. Forty-one year young Karl Meltzer won the race in 18:29:57, setting a masters course record in the process. That’s impressive. Equally so I thought was the time of Vicki Kendall. Although she was not the first woman finisher, that honor goes to Amy Sporston for the 2nd year in a row with a time of 24:59:55. Vicki, at age 56, finished in 28:00:24. Sue Johnston is still the only woman to finish Massanutten under 24 hours. She did that twice, the last time in 2006.
Massanutten is a very popular well-organized race, the result of great leadership and a 15-year history. In order to fairly accommodate as many of the entrants as possible given the high interest in this race and its runner-crew induced road traffic congestion runner limit of 175 runners, a lottery entry process was held last December, wherein every entrant irrespective of number of finishes or prior race credentials had an equal chance of entry, based on the combination of their assigned lottery number and the last 3 significant digits of the closing DOW stock market number on a particular date. Then those on the wait list were ordered according to selective criteria, such as number of finishes and their lottery number. By race date, many of those on the initial wait list got to start the race.
The race starts and finishes at a horse-friendly ranch resort called Skyline Ranch Resort, at the north end of Massanutten Mountain about 5 miles southwest of Front Royal, Virginia. At check-in this year all entrants received a technical-fabric T-shirt and a cloth-carrying bag. A pre-race talk commenced at 4:00 PM, followed by a meal of all-you-can-eat spaghetti with tomato-based sauces, lettuce salad, bread, tea and water. The race starts at 5:00 AM Saturday morning. The sky is dark until about 6:00 AM, so one should bring a small light to start the race. The first 2.4 miles is on a road, so not much light needed until the trailhead. Check-in Saturday morning begins at 4:00 AM, along with a breakfast of assorted pastries, bagels, English-muffins, jelly, bananas, strawberries, kiwis, tangerines, various juices and coffee. Although I carried most of the calories I consumed during the race, the aid stations are plentiful and well stocked with a variety of food items. One can shower at the resort following the race. Hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, minestrone soup, potato chips and oranges await finishers. The official awards ceremony immediately follows the race finish at 5:00 PM Sunday, where all finishers receive a belt buckle with a cast image depicting flora, fauna, runners and the mountains surrounding the area. On the back of the buckle is an inlaid panel for inserting a nameplate mailed after the race showing ones name, race name, finish time and date of race. Special awards are given for winners of various categories, such as first male, first female, first master, first senior master, first Virginia Happy Trails Runner, first Jackson division runner and 5 and 10-year finishers with an engraved rock awarded to those completing at least 70 miles.
I ran what was called the “Jackson” division. This was the first year for such a designation. This division was named after the confederate general, Stonewall Jackson, who was credited with single-handedly stopping Yankee forces of considerably greater numbers at several battles during our Civil War. Jackson division participants promised to not use pacers or crew, i.e. to run self-supported, except for official aid station assistance. Near the mid-point of the race crew traffic can get horrendous, leading to road safety issues that could severely limit future race participation due to local government intervention. I think the race committee started this division to hopefully entice more unassisted runners, as well as establish the number of current runners using personal assistants. Future races might allow a fixed number of crew-assisted runners in order to address traffic concerns and an unlimited, or at least a much higher number of Jackson runners. This year an entry lottery was used, as the number of race entrants was nearly double the number of runners allowed.
Race temperature reached a high Saturday of 75-80°F before a hard rain lowered the temperature mid-afternoon. That rain felt good. Then it really rained hard from about 6:30 - 7:30 PM (59°F). I had nighttime clothes stashed 2 aid stations away when this rain started and I got very cold. After the race I realized when packing for the race days earlier, I had placed a plastic rain poncho in one of my many shorts pockets. I had forgotten I was carrying it the whole race! The thought to look for it never hit me. I remember feeling sorry for myself for not being able to protect myself from the cold rain, wishing I had a plastic garbage bag or something, when I was unknowingly carrying the solution to my problem in my back pocket. I even stopped at the Bird Knob aid station to warm up a bit inside an aid station attendant’s Grand Cherokee while he kept the engine running for me.
With water running down the trail most of the night during a continuing light rain, one's shoes were wet all night, until the rain stopped about 3:00 AM at which point much of the course became somewhat foggy until dawn. All night every little ways various mountain slopes would converge and fast-flowing streams would appear on what would normally be dry trail, requiring some care to avoid falling or being swept away. And these streams appeared more intimidating at night, as one never knew how deep they were or whether one's next step would be onto a slippery rock.
Always very rocky, this trail beats up one's feet. If you wear lightweight flexible shoes like INOV8s, your feet get internally bruised on the rocks. If you wear heavier, stiff, thick-soled shoes like Vasque Velocity, your feet slip in the shoes on the various rock angles and you get blisters. Wear a snug fitting shoe, so your feet don't slip, you get blisters other places due to simply running so many hours in tight shoes. This year I made an acceptable compromise by wearing INOV8-295 shoes the first 68 miles and Vasque Velocity shoes the last 34 miles. My feet were just starting to feel slightly bruised when I made the switch at the Edinburg Gap aid station and the final 34 miles was not enough distance to form blisters in the Vasque shoes.
I also believe foot survival is related to training history. The more long distance one runs on similar surface to the race of interest, the better your feet will perform and survive. Even then, properly fitting shoes, laced to the right tightness with toenails trimmed or sanded helps. Possibly the steady rain this year actually helped as well, in that it keeps feet cooler, as heat build-up in feet contributes to foot problems in races.
This year at Edinburg Gap a kind aid station attendant unclipped my gaiters, removed my shoes and socks, applied fresh Bag Balm to my feet, put on a new pair of Injinji toe socks and the fresh shoes and reattached my gaiters, while I sipped on a mix of noodle and potato soup. In a 100-mile race I like to be accomplishing as much as I can at the same time when I’m at an aid station, so I always ask for help whenever I plan to stop at an aid station. Then one must be sure to kindly thank those who helped you.
Being cheap, I did not want to check a bag on the airplane ride to Baltimore-Washington International airport, because it would cost me an extra $15 each way. I also wanted to use my homemade maltodextrin-soy protein-cinnamon-water gel as my primary fuel source for this race. One cannot transport more than a 3 oz container of liquid in carry-on luggage aboard commercial aircraft today. So at home I weighed out five 400-gram batches of powder I double wrapped in plastic bags to carry on board. Solid food is OK to carry on board. I also had some power cables for my cell phone and Garmin Nuvi GPS in the same bag, along with a few empty bottles for the gel, once I mixed it up, something I planned to do in a blender at my in-laws home in Woodbridge, VA upon arrival.
Needless to say, this combination of items raised concern at the MSP-Humphrey terminal security check-in. When my bag exited the X-Ray scanner, a security manager was called. He put gloves on and proceeded to remove my powder, a couple bottles and the cables from my bag. After asking me what these items were and were for, he took a test patch and wiped various surfaces of the inside of my duffle bag and the outside of my powder bags. Following a quick analysis of the test patches, he said I could repack my bag and be on my way. I suppose I should be thankful that the airport security is so thorough. I think they have been gigged for letting contraband past undetected during unannounced tests.
Mid-May on Massanutten Mountain is a beautiful place. Many flowering bushes, trees fully leafed out, a mix of dense flora and the occasional open vista showing the Shenandoah Valley below stir the senses of every runner every step of the way. One has mile long ascents and descents to navigate. Generally the closer to the ridge one climbs, the rockier the trail becomes. Some sections are dirt with scattered rocks, while others are simply a maze of entangling slippery sharply angled rock formations large and small with the trail becoming a personally determined path of least resistance. These rockier sections are especially challenging to traverse at night due to ones limited vision.
Extra strong flashlights are a big advantage in this race, even at the expense of a little added weight. I had recently bought a new Rayovac 4.5 watt LED handheld light that takes 3 size C batteries. This flashlight provided great light throughout the 10 hours of darkness, even with the rain and fog without needing to change batteries. In addition I wore an LED headlamp the main purpose of which was to allow me to see my watch periodically while still shining my main light onto the trail ahead.
With regard to calories in this race, I consumed about 6000 calories of my gel out of the total 10,000 calories I had prepared. I carried a 24-ounce bottle of gel at the start. I refilled it at the 24, 48, 68 and 85-mile aid stations. Except for later in the night, when I wanted a bit of soup, followed by a morning pancake, some V8 juice and a noontime ice cream treat, water was the only thing I took from aid stations. I carried a single 32-ounce water bottle, which in the heat of day Saturday was just adequate for the longest section of the race, 9.5 miles from Habron Gap to Camp Roosevelt (miles 24.7-34.2). This amount of gel cost me ~$3.30 compared to about $60 for an equivalent number of single-use 100-calorie each commercial gel packets. Plus I had the convenience of not having to mess with all the wrappers and the flavor and consistency was mixed to my liking. This way too, I had a consistent food supply that was easy to digest as opposed to relying on a mix of harder to digest items of uncertain calorie level at variably-spaced aid stations, often 2-4 hours apart for me. One tries to run at as steady a pace as possible, so ones fueling should be equally steady for best results.
I was very methodical in my fueling during the race. Every 15 minutes I slowed for a swig of gel followed with a couple gulps of water. Then every hour I first consumed a Succeed S-cap with a gulp of water. My mental alertness was consistent throughout the race. I had no issues with cramping and no issues with stomach or intestinal distress. For a 33-hour race, that level of calories amounts to 182 calories per hour plus the pancake, soup and ice cream, well under the published limit of 250-300 calories per hour of carbohydrate that most people can properly process into glycogen without issues while running. According to my Polar heart rate monitor I burned 12697 calories during the race. So I replaced approximately half of my calorie requirements during the race. In previous 100-mile races I have had intestinal issues due to improper calorie amounts and type.
This year via radio reports from all aid stations starting with Shawl Gap (mile 8.7), runner position was provided to the finish line on a regular basis. The final report of section progress proves interesting I think. I would recommend that race officials consider increasing the early aid station cutoff times some. I don’t know if that would encourage anyone to slow down early in the race or not. If it did, I think that would increase the finish rate. I notice that my time into Shawl Gap (7:12 AM), only 8 minutes left on the cutoff time, was the 3rd slowest time at that point out of 173 reported runners, i.e. only 2 people came into that station after me, plus one person at the same time as me. I went on to finish, as did the person entering that station with me (Leonard Martin). At 58%, this year’s finish rate was the 4th lowest in the race’s 15-year history, no doubt weather related.
I was getting concerned about missing the cutoff as I approached that 8.7-mile aid station, so early in the race. Still my heart rate at that time (average = 114 bpm) was much higher than I was able to maintain throughout the race (average last 5 miles = 93 bpm, whole race 104 bpm), implying a bit slower pace at that time would have left me with more running capacity later with a potentially faster finish, had I the cutoff luxury of going slower to that point. My heart rate tends on the low side. For example, I run a typical road marathon at an average heart rate of about 130 bpm in 3:55, without heart rate drop-off at the end of the race. If I run the first half at a higher average heart rate, i.e. I am running faster, I can’t maintain that heart rate and associated pace and I finish the race slower.
This year at Massanutten, although I was an hour slower the first 64 miles of the race compared to last year, deliberately holding back some based on heart rate, I was enough faster the last 38 miles to finish the race 40 minutes faster this year. Many of those reaching that early aid station 15-20 minutes ahead of me did not finish the race. While there are many reasons for not finishing a 100-mile race, starting out too fast is a big reason. Being concerned about missing a cutoff can entice people to go out too fast at the start. Whether a later cutoff would be enough incentive for such people to slow down early in a race or not, I don’t know, but I think it worth a try.
One casualty of this race for me was my digital camera. I had the day before the race bought a "water resistant" camera case. I now assume that meant water would not harm the case. I carried my camera in this case and the rain got to the camera and ruined it. It says "denali tech Los angeles" on the case. So don't buy one of these thinking it will protect a camera from rain - it won't, at least not a very hard rain. This was the third digital camera I've "lost" to trail running in 3 years. First one (water resistant – my wife, Marilyn bought that one for me) fell out of my pocket on a hard surface. Second one (not water resistant - I bought it) was ruined when I fell in a stream and now this one.
At the finish this year someone told me the aid station reports indicated that I had quit at 85 miles, the Woodstock Tower aid station. I guess this is much like Mark Twain’s famous line that reports of his early demise were obviously false. This is the 2nd race now at which I was surprised to learn at the finish that I had earlier quit. They did get the results correct though at the finish. The race Web site also links to several great photo lists supplied by several people, showing nearly every runner at several scenic locations in the race. Particularly good are those taken by Aaron Schwartzbard. I must also include a big thank you to Bradford Boyce, who was kind enough to let me share a room with him the night before the race at the Super 8 Motel, in Front Royal.
One circles the mountain in this race, with very little repeat surface. Although considered one of the more technical 100-mile trail runs in the USA, this race attracts lots of first time 100-mile hopefuls. The final 5 miles after the last aid station (Elizabeth Furnace) is a summary of the entire race. It features a long switch-backed climb with a section of very technical rocks to test one's climbing muscles. Following that is a steep straight descent with strategically scattered rocks to land on to jar your joints if you land stiff-knee or test your quads if you bend your knees. Then comes a bit of mud along a small lake, a couple stream crossings to wet your feet one last time, some rolling lightly-rocked trail, a small rise to a short section of gravel road and a bit of pavement. Then with the finish line at Skyline Ranch Resort within eyesight, one crosses a bit of grass, a short stretch of bare dirt trail and finally a cone-lined grassy sprint to the finish - to a cheering crowd while an announcer calls out your name. Now finishing, Allan Holtz, number 85, from Oakdale, Minnesota. Life doesn’t get much better than that. | 2019-04-24T04:34:40Z | http://www.vhtrc.org/mmt/2009/holtzReport.htm |
According to statistics, the average twitter user has about 200 followers and tweets at least once in a day. Twitter is the 4th largest social network behind Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. With 500 million active users every month, there is no reason you shouldn’t have get twitter followers. In fact, all twitter statistics point to the fact that it is a platform where you could easily reach a thousand followers or more within a short period.
So how to get more twitter followers? First it is important to understand that you are in a similar boat with millions of other twitter followers who are constantly looking for ways to improve their following. Your struggles looking for more engagement in tweets reflect the struggles of millions out there.
However, these struggles could turn out to be your best tools to attract twitter followers. Imagine if you could identify 1000 people with the same interests as you who would like to get followed on twitter. Convince them to follow you and you have a 1000 more followers. But it is not easy at it sounds, right? Well, these twitter facts and statistics should give you some ideas of how to get twitter followers without paying anything.
The retweet icon is one of the best tools on twitter. It helps people share and spread your tweet as you soon as they read your message. While looking for more followers; you have to ask people to share your messages so that people who are interested in your content can share. However, statistics show that asking people to actually retweet your message is 12 times more effective. In most cases, adding the word retweet at the end of your message produces the most impact.
Yes, twitter is no longer a teen’s only platform. Today the demographics using twitter have broadened, with middle aged and senior citizens joining the social networks. Speaking of senior citizens, a recent study by twitter itself shows that the fastest rising demographic on their platform are people aged 55 and above. If you are in this demographic looking to increase our following-then the study should help you find followers easily.
As already stated however, twitter is filled with people from all sorts of demographics. Everyone has the potential to find a demographic that will be interested in their content. Your only objective should be to segment the users to identify the people who are most likely to follow you. Let’s say for example you are a small company that deals with selling luxury watches. Your demographic in this case will be people who can afford the watches irrespective of their ages, right? With that kind of information you can then tailor your messages to attract people who are interested in luxury watches. With time, your few followers will share your messages to their friends who love luxury watches.
Another interesting trend on twitter today pertains how your customers engage with your tweets. According to a study by Dan Zarrela, tweets with 130 characters or fewer attract more engagement than those with 140 characters. That is to say that you actually don’t need many words to attract people who will retweet or comment your tweets: You need to tweet quality messages.
So, how do you improve the quality of tweets and get more twitter followers? The following statistics and tips should help you out.
There is more than one study that supports the inclusion of pictures on your tweets. People are twice as much likely to retweet your message when you include a picture onto it than when you don’t. Generally, images pictures and diagrams haveimmense power on people. Some is likely to interpret a picture as funny and share it. Someone else could find your picture inspiring and follow you on twitter immediately. And because of that, you should tweet messages alongside images or diagrams as often as possible.
One of easiest techniques you can use to boost engagement with your twitter followers is to include a hashtag below your tweet. Everyone who searches the hashtag will most likely come across your tweet and probably react to it. According to one study, including at least three hashtags to your tweet attracts about 21% more in engagement. For someone looking for twitter followers-having that boost in twitter engagement can increase your following tenfold.
Instead of simply sharing breaking news with no evidence; include a link to back your message. Not only will this attract people to retweet your message, a few people will follow you to ensure that they can always rely on your for fresh information. The technique works with almost any tweet you send out there. If you are a blog owner rallying people to adopt greener technologies for example, offer a link to support your claims. With time, your links will increase both engagement on your blog and attract you more twitter followers.
One mistake many people make while tweeting is to send random messages with no specific audiences to target. A generic message never goes well on twitter-which is why about 66% of twitter users abandon their account after just one month. Instead, a message tailored to attract the attention of specific audiences will more than likely have a better impact.
Finally, consistently is keyof how to get twitter followers. Once you identify the audiences to target therefore, build your brand through a series of top quality tweets. Look for clear pictures to add to your tweets and ask people to retweet your messages whenever you can. If you are a brand, avoid sounding too sales-y when you should be working to attract twitter followers. Build a relationship with your followers by engaging with them and they will certainly become your loyal customers.
Why is itGood to Invest in Massage Chairs?
Searching for the appropriate massage chair for your relaxing and massaging needs can be a challenging task- unless you do your own research on what specifications you should look for in a massage chair. As always, you’ve got to be very discreet when choosing which product shall best provide you the requirements you need. Luckily, there are lots of available options that you can consider and there is wide array of functions for every need.
Assuredly, there are a number of reasons why investing in massage chairs can be a wonderful experience not only for you but also to other members of the family. While it may be true that such product can be a pricey item to purchase, still you cannot simply ignore the many perks it can provide you.
What perks can you take pleasure in once you invested in massage chairs?
Massage chairs are great in relieving back pains. If you are one of the many people who suffer from regular fatigue, pains and body aches whether this includes middle or upper back, such product can be the solution to your current health concern. Such product does a wonderful job when it comes to reducing back pain.
What is more, you need not go through a series of acupuncture sessions and other sorts of therapy and medications. You can use the massage chair you bought anytime at home and enjoy the comfort and soothing job it provides.
Massage chairs are beneficial when it comes to improving circulation as this help encourage the lymphatic drainage system. In simpler terms, this implies that such product aid push toxins away from body cells so that toxins will be broken down and this could trigger more nutrients to permeate into the cells.
Massage chairs are highly recommendable for people who have a very hectic schedule. It cannot be denied that they allow you to feel relaxed and feel good while and after every use. You can use it anytime you want and place it anywhere you feel is suitable, where more comfortable and more convenient.
Such product considerably induces serene, soothing and meditative state that will surely help you recharge from a very exhausting and long day at work. While it may be considered a costly purchase, it is still a great investment because you deserve a different level of relaxation that only massaging chairs can give.
In truth, countless of people around the world are having troubles getting themselves to sleep. As what we know, the reason why we find it so hard to get a good night sleep is because of a very exhausted body and mind. Indeed, everyone would agree of the fact that getting a soothing massage can play a very pivotal role in putting a person to a deep sleep. To relieve your insomnia, do not think twice of investing.
It is sometimes very time-consuming to go to massage parlors especially if you are a busy person; so having a massage chair in your own place is a great solution since this will allow you to enjoy a very relaxing massaging experience without the need to leave the comfort of your own home. You can absolutely enjoy a deep sleep while at home anytime you want. Obviously, it is a wise investment that could actually help save you more money, time and effort in visiting spas and massage parlors.
Eliminate frequent instances of headaches. Just like all sorts of body aches, massage does a wonderful job when it comes to soothing headaches. Massage chairs have functions that can help reduce the pain of migraine headaches. They have techniques that soothe the skull and other neighboring areas of the head which in turn remarkably aid in relieving frequent triggers of headaches and other strains causing pains.
Massage chairs are proven beneficial to cancer patients or patients suffering from various serious illnesses. Needless to say, massage does a vital role in alleviating anxiety, nausea, fatigue, depression and other health-related issues that are commonly experienced by seriously ill patients especially after treatment and chemotherapies. Such product somehow helps reduce the sufferings of people stricken with fatal diseases.
Over and above, massage chairs are great products to invest in as they are especially designed to lessen various pains and illnesses experienced by our very exhausted and ill mind and body.
What is it about social media and weather station?
If you have been on these platforms for a long time, you will by now know the great benefits that the same can provide. The use of the platform therefore comes with great strides to people not only around you but around the world. It is now easier than ever before to share weather news from any part of the world not only from the hand held gadgets but from the weathermen themselves. There are numerous weather platforms where users can register and get notices and updates on a regular basis.
It is therefore important to make use of the great benefits that the social media platform comes with. If you care to check, the weathermen always know in advance of severe weather and many times. It is rarely that severe weather gets them off-guard. It is therefore upon you as a user to follow all the signs given and if need be take precaution before it hits. Before the onset of technology people living in remote islands or mountainous areas were privy to study the weather through animals. Each time animals took to the hills they knew a calamity was about to struck and therefore took cover.
This is not so now, and it is imperative that we do not suffer when we have all the information about most of the available weather station in our hands or on our desks. How can we miss out on such when it has been brought within reach? A lot of planning is usually put in place each time there calamities it really does not matter whether it is a tsunami or a fire, the people around the area have to be prepared in advance to avoid loss of life and further damage which has been the case.
How do these work? Simple! A weather alert is created and users are educated on how to use the same. It is an incredible way to avoid driving in some direction and can make your journey easier by taking a different route. You will appreciate that currently and from the news we keep reading from other parts of the world, the world is full of different disasters. These include tsunami, earthquakes, el-Niño or even extreme heats. How do you prepare when such calamities are in the horizon? Do you wait until the same strikes? You can’t the damage might be too enormous.
The days of waiting until news time to know any trending weather is long gone, not in the 21st century. Our fathers and great grand fathers had to rely on weathermen to update them on the same. Believe you me; this is something in the past. Currently there are numerous weather station(s) that work day and night in studying the weather conditions and provide the same to their followers. Following such kind of stations is therefore not in vain; it comes with great information that can save a whole town or community in cases of eminent danger.
Available research will amaze you. First of all you need to consider the number of people on these platforms at any given time. They are numerous and share literally any and everything of both value less and of value. If you use the same team that spends close to their whole day to spread weather information, have you ever thought what the effects would be? It is in essence a group you cannot ignore. Available research indicates that close to 81% of social media platform users read and check the weather conditions on their social media platform.
Who in their right mind would have thought that the same could happen? These are a group of people that are a force to contend with. It also enables them to share their opinion about the weather condition not only with their followers but with the weather station in question. It is therefore upon the station to effectively get in touch with their following. It is one incredible platform that apart from increasing your usage can give you a presence that will help you stay relevant in the 21st century. Know your audience, and keep providing the information that they yearn for from time to time. It is one way to keep relevant on the social media platform.
Everyone is looking for visibility on social media; this is a fact that cannot be denied. Everyone wants to be noticed for the content that they post, everyone wants to get those may free likes and the many free followers. This is very understandable. There is really no point of being on social media if you are not enjoying all the attention and appreciation that comes with posting all these photos and updating your status. That being sad, it is thus important that as a social media user, you invest in ways to make sure that you are getting all this attention with each and every post that you make. In the event that you have for a while been looking for a way to get those many free Instagram views, read on below to find out ways in which you can do so.
Ensure that you comment and like what other people are linking. It is important to note that the social media world is purely a give and take one. People give to those that give them back. If you are selfish on social media, the system will definitely push you out. This simply means that you need to like other people’s posts for them to also like yours. You need to comment on other people’s photos for them to comment on yours. Give to social media and social media will definitely give back.
When posting your images, make use of the very popular harsh tags like #tbt. #love, #photooftheday and so on and so forth. This will have the impact of having your photos pop up when searches are conducted on Instagram. This will definitely increase your visibility as searches are usually conducted both by people who know you and those who do not know you. Just make sure that the photos are good enough to attract even the attention of those that do not know you.
Check the timing of when you will be posting your photos. You might dismiss this but research has actually been conducted and it has been proven that there are the ideal times during which to post photos on Instagram. These are times when you can be sure that most people will be online and you will be able to attract a lot of traffic. Si ideal to post photos at either 2am or 5pm. It is also highly advisable to post photos on Sundays and on Wednesdays.
When looking for people to follow on Instagram, be careful of thepeople that you follow. Do not be too rigid, keep an open mind and also keep an open eye. Go to the suggested people tab and follow the people that have been suggested. There is usually a good reason behind the suggesting of this people. Sometimes he reason is that following these people will get you the likes and followers that you are looking for. It is also advisable for you to follow people that make use of popular harsh tags like #likeforlike and #followme. These people have been known to be great at following people back.
Consistency is key on Instagram; consistency in terms of the content that you post and the frequency with which you post the content. You do not want to post great contenttoday that will keep people on the edge of their seats and thendisappoint them tomorrow. Ensure that you are consistently posting great and engaging content. The frequency with which you post content is very important. Once your followers note you as a regular poster and they know that they can always get great content on your page, you need to keep this up. The moment you go quiet for some time, you will start to lose some of your followers. Consistency is definitely key; once you start your followers on a high, you need to maintain them at that level. The moment you bring them down even a small notch, you will start to lose them.
As obvious as this sounds, make sure you post photos with faces. People want to see you and engage with you as a person. They would like to see you as a person that they can relate with; they would like to know the face behind all the content. Research has actually proven that photos that have faces of people tend to get many more likes compared to those without faces.
When posing photos make sure that you also tag all the people to home the photos are relevant. This will give you much more visibility than just having the photos on your page. The photos will appear on the user feeds of all the people that you have tagged and they will definitely end up beingviewed by so many other people. This will increase your visibility and trail people back to you and in turn you will get the may free Instagram views that you want.
There is one very important factor that most people ignore when posting their photos on Instagram. The lighting that you use on your photo is very important. Lighting makes the photo visible and this is obviously why it is such an important factor. The photos that you post have to have between 65 and 85% lighting. This will make them better looking and definitely enhance their quality. Good looking and quality photos easily get likes and followers on Instagram.
Be a story teller; this has always worked. Put together a number of photos and use them to tell the story. Let the photos themselves do most of the talking. Just include a catchy caption with each photo that you put up. You will need to be extremely creative with the captions that you put up as this is the only way you will get the interest on your audience. Just make sure that you always have an interesting story to tell with the photos that you put up ad you will get the many followers, likes and views that you are looking for.
Since purchasing of Instagram likes was made possible, quite a number of companies leaped up in a bid to provide an easy solution for those social media users that were looking for simpler ways that are much quicker to get these likes on Instagram. However, considering in mind that there are many of these companies on offer, it is very important for you to make a couple of considerations before actually deciding which the best place to increase your likes is. You have to be vigilant if you want to get the best quality service.
The first thing that you should always consider is the security of the company. Not many people know it but buying Instagram likes is illegal. So you have to entrust a company that will not get your account suspended or banned. Furthermore, go for those that are renowned in the sense that they will provide authentic quality likes for your account. Go for a company that will give you options to choose from so that you can be the one to call the shots and not a company that will coerce you in buying a single premium.
For a long time now, gaining twitter followers has proved to be an uphill task for many users who already have accounts. It is always the desire of each and every person using twitter to have as many twitter followers as possible and the quest has not been a walk in the park for many and especially for those who are not public figures in the society. In most cases, when you take a look at their profiles, you will notice that they have followed very many people but the disparity in comparison to their followers is great.
With that said, that should not mean the end of them. Fortunately, they can gain up to 100 twitter followers in a short period of time just by buy twitter followers from a local trusted dealer on the internet. A dealer you can trust and rely on. Depending on the various premiums that you will get on offer, you can make a purchase that will suit you and you will be surprised that gaining more than 100 twitter followers within a day is not a pipe dream as many people would have deemed it to be.
The most followed people on twitter are not writers. However, if you have the passion or skills of a great writer, there is no better place to harness your skills and interact with people than on twitter. It is a great place for not only helping you drive traffic to your website or blog, but a great place to let people know you and interact with you. In any case, you can easily attract 1000 twitter followers or more and enjoy the gratification that comes with being a little bit famous.
Twitter is also where the first news are broken on the Internet these days. And you don’t just get political news; every piece of news that interests you can be available on twitter. It is therefore a social network where you can learn and network and interact with other great writers like you. You can also be an inspiration to other twitter users by for instance helping them learn how to attract their first 1000 twitter followers.
Is It Possible To Get 100 Twitter Followers In A Week?
No matter what your purpose is in opening a Twitter account, of course, you wish to have a number of followers who can share your posts with and reach out to a lot of other Twitter users out there that aren’t only limited to your loved ones and friends.
Should you wish to obtain say 100 Twitter followers in just a span of short period, there are effective ways on how to do so. Luckily, you can have more followers in Twitter as you wish if you will be able to write a great description in Twitter. In addition to this, it is crucial to subscribe to a few germane hashtags.
Other ways of getting approximately 100 Twitter followers in just a week time are sharing your very own content, retweeting some worth-sharing posts, following other Twitter users and of course you should also consider adding your own flair.
Take in mind that when you are following, ensure that you are following Twitter users who are assuredly creating relevant hashtags or posts that could yield vast amount of wonderful content. | 2019-04-26T07:52:37Z | http://411webdesign.net/ |
Episode 51 - Solo Instance: GATEKEEPING? IN MY VIDEO GAMES?
A podcast that follows the week in gaming news. New releases, eSports, and all kinds of great things happening in gaming are happening here at the Weekly Cooldown! Join host Najee "Kamijace" Walker as he explores the week in gaming with a special guest, every Sunday!
Come chill with Kamijace on the Weekly Cooldown!
Episode 50 - WAIT, IT'S EPISODE 50?!
In this late night episode, Kamijace brings back Moose to discuss FFXIV's new Terms of Service enforcement, something called #BonerCulture and Atlus' decisions on Catherine: Full Body. Plus, Payneful quotes is back! Check it out! You can find Moose on Twitter: @SupremeMoose Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Fantasy GameDev bundle: https://www.humblebundle.com/software/fantasy-game-dev-bundle?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guest: Moose.
Kamijace brings on Samm and a new friend--Kasey, co-creator of Hustle Cat and co-founder of Green Solid! Together, the gang talks about their thoughts on two of the most anticipated games of the year: Kingdom Hearts 3 and Resident Evil 2, and they talk about Metroid Prime 4's delay. Plus, the group plays "Payneful Quotes"! It's a fun episode filled with nostalgia! You can find Samm on Twitter: @Sammneiland You can find Kasey on Twitter: @Spacekase You can find Green Solid on Twitter or on the website: @greensolid or www.http://www.greensolid.net/ or Westfalls.town Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/resident-evil-2-biohazard-re2-deluxe-edition?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guest: Samm Neiland.
Episode 44 - The Welcome Back Show!
Marcy and Corey help Kamijace welcome back all the listeners to a new episode in the new year! The three talk about their faves coming up this month (Resident Evil 2 and Kingdom Hearts are mentioned) as well as more Soulja Boy Console news and a quick talk about H.bomberguy's Mermaid charity stream, with tons of special guests (like the AOC!). PLUS. A new game is played: Payneful Quotes. LEARN MORE and DONATE to Mermaids: https://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk You can find Cory on Twitter @endlessmusings You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Resident Evil 2 Deluxe Edition: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/resident-evil-2-biohazard-re2-deluxe-edition?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guests: Corey Pangilinan and Marcy Nabors.
TheBlevins and Junkelei join Kamijace to talk about all things OWL related! Season 2 is on it's way and the perfect Overwatch fans are here to give the latest updates and thoughts! Plus, TheBlevins digs deep to talk about Artifact and the three go over the latest SouljaBoy Video Game Console! Check it out! You can find Blevins on everything as @TheBlevins! Check out the High Noon Podcast! You can find Junkelei on Twitter and Etsy as @Junkelei! Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Hitman 2: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/hitman-2?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guest: TheBlevins.
Kamijace brings on FFXIV friends Lucerna and Flattus. Lucerna details the goings-on in the Balmung Housing Market, as well as tells us all about her discord server for Balmung housing! Plus, Flattus jumps in to chat about FanFest and speculations about what exciting things Square Enix has behind the curtain! Plus, news from the world of FFXV, hard gaming regulations in China, and Extra Life stories! It's all here! You can find Lucerna on Tumblr: http://darkestaftermidnight.tumblr.com/ Join her Balmung-housing Discord! - https://discord.gg/mRuMsqR You can find Flattus on Twitter: @Flattuss You can find Maelstrom Radio on Twitter or their website! - https://www.maelstromradio.com/ Check out their Extra Life Campaign! - https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=39423 Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner December 2018 Monthly: https://www.humblebundle.com/monthly?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guests: Flattus and Lucerna.
Jason Youth joins Kamijace to talk about #BGE2Fairpay, a petition started by Jason dealing with music and artist rights between Ubisoft and HitRecord. Then, later, Jace plays a new game with his guests, Jason, Hay and Marcy. And later they discuss Deltarune and Smash! It's all here! You can find Jason on Twitter @JasonYouth28 - Check out the #BGE2FairPay Petition here: https://www.change.org/p/artists-the-hitrecord-community-bge2fairpay You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith You can find Hay on Twitter @HaybayIsland Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner The Bioshock Collection! - https://www.humblebundle.com/store/bioshock-the-collection?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guests: Haybay Rhiannon and Marcy Nabors.
Episode 37 - The Anniversary Show, Technically.
The show has reached one year! Kamijace celebrates by playing some games before the show with Samm, Paul and Marcy! Plus, the three talk about some goings-on in the gaming industry and about their picks for the Golden Joystick Awards coming up next month! There are sooome difficulties throughout the show... but that doesn't stop the Weekly Cooldown! You can find Paul on Twitter @paulsrockintwit You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Discovery Pack: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/discovery-pack?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guests: Marcy Nabors, Paul Henderson, and Samm Neiland.
The Weekly Cooldown now comes out every Friday! And Kamijace sits down with Samm Neiland and Austin White to test the new format and also talk about PAX West, Riot's decision to make a women and nonbinary inclusive panel at PAX West and Polygon's new review and recommendation system! You can find Austin on Twitter @ARWh1te You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Digital Tabletop Bundle: https://www.humblebundle.com/games/digital-tabletop-bundle?partner=kamijacegamingSpecial Guests: Austin "RougeBludger" White and Samm Neiland.
This is both a very serious and light-hearted episode as Kamijace and Twylark talk about the recent shooting in Jacksonville, Florida and discuss how gamers can do better for the community. As well as gun rights and other "political" ideas. We talk both as friends and as concerned gamers. Remember: Any and all media is political. Check out Sunday September 2 episode for links to Facebook, Twitter, and the Humble Bundle.
Kamijace brings on Hay and Samm. The three of them talk about some interesting rumors coming out of the FFXIV community about Blue Mage, Streamers defending the use of certain homophobic slurs, and the unfortunate loss of a Star Citizen lawsuit. Plus, the group talks about what games they are looking forward to in 2019! You might already know Kamijace's answer! You can find Hay on Twitter @HaybayRhiannon You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Game Optimization Bundle: https://www.humblebundle.com/software/upyourgame-software?partner=kamijacegaming Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach BriderSpecial Guests: Haybay Rhiannon and Samm Neiland.
Kamijace brings back Flattus from Maelstrom Radio! This week, Flattus and Kamijace talk about the latest ArenaNet issues and why firing your worker instead of working on the issues is a bit hasty. Then, they tackle the ongoing Bethesda versus Warner Bros. Lawsuit regarding the Shelter mobile games. And finally, they dig deeper into the mysterious disappearence, and ressurection, of Dead Island 2. Plus, Flattus gives an interesting recommendation for the listeners! It's all here, and it's all fun on the Weekly Cooldown! You can find Flattus on twitter @Flattuss / @Maelstrom_Radio Check out the Maelstrom Radio - FFXIV podcast! - https://www.maelstromradio.com/ You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ HumblePartner Hollow Knight sale: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/hollow-knight?partner=kamijacegaming Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach BriderSpecial Guest: Flattus.
Kamijace and Paul go one-on-one and discuss some fairly heavy topics this week on the Weekly Cooldown. They talk about Sony's no-crossplay, and the Microsoft/Nintendo response to that. Plus, Gaming Addicitons, and the upcoming SGDQ. Plus, Kamijace gives Paul a very special proposition toward the end of the episode... You won't want to miss it! Find Paul on twitter @paulsrockintwit and on Twitch Streams on Tuesdays! Check out Paul's time at SGDQ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ORXOzjxHNQ Website: wkcooldown.com Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Humble Partner (KONAMI Bundle): https://www.humblebundle.com/store/promo/konami-digital-entertainment-sale?partner=kamijacegaming Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guest: Paul Henderson.
Episode 25 - The Big Bad E3 Special Show!
Kamijace brings on Samm and Marcy to yell about their favorite things about E3 and quickly recap the announcements! I wouldn't listen to this one on high volume. It's a great show in which Samm yells about Mechs, Marcy talks about Xenogears and Kamijace yells about the Resident Evil 2 remake. Basically, everyone is really predictable, but in a good, fun way! Check it out! You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach BriderSpecial Guests: Marcy Nabors and Samm Neiland.
Kamijace brings on Marcy and Samm in this episode, to test out the new format. Kamijace delivers the big headlines of the week and then, after headlines, Samm launches into his thoughts on Detroit: Become Human. Marcy talks about Monster Hunter (and a little bit of Pokemon news), and Kamijace talks all about the latest layoffs and shutdowns at popular video game companies. It's a pretty fun episode, so check it out! You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach BriderSpecial Guests: Marcy Nabors and Samm Neiland.
Kamijace brings on Samm and Nii to talk about the latest news in gaming! Nii, talks about the latest collaboration from Microsoft and Blizzard: Flash Ops! Then, the gang briefly talks about Dreamkazper's sexual misconduct allegations with a minor. Plus, the group geeks out about the new Radical Heights and You Don't Know Jack Games. Also, the King of Kong loses his title after being accused of cheating. Plus, some great recommendations from the two guests! You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland You can find Nii on twitter @Niiishake Flash Ops information: https://playoverwatch.com/en-us/blog/21671840 Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Nii and Samm Neiland.
Episode 20 - The "Weekly" VODcast! LIVE!
Join Kamijace, Austin White and Paul Henderson for the first Weekly Cooldown LIVE show hosted on Twitch! Check it out here, or check out the whole video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghedsrE6jb4&t The gang talks about streamers--in general, Geguri, NYXL's Stage 2 performance, Sea of Thieves, and tons more! You can find Austin on twitter @arwh1te You can find Paul on twitter @Paulsrockintwit Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @wkcooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/Special Guests: Austin "RougeBludger" White and Paul Henderson.
Kamijace sits one-on-one with Jared Chesnut to chat about some sonic racing rumors, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and a bunch of news coming out of the Game Developers Conference, specifically, game worker's rights, the right to a union, and also how game companies are tackling toxicity. Plus, Jared gives a really great recommendation for a new game you should be playing! Check it out! Find Jared on Twitch at twitch.tv/vectorspecter Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @wkcooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/Special Guest: Jared "VectorSpector" Chesnut.
Kamijace brings on a new guest, Sahb, and Kyuu to talk about FFXIV's 4.25 update, the new Eureka zone, and some other Square Enix news. Plus, Tomb Raider. Sahb also gives Kamijace more recommendations than he knows what to do with! And the group talks about Sombra's incoming nerfs and the state of the Overwatch League. You can find Sahb on Twitter @hashverda You can find Kyuu on Twitter @OmegaKyuu Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Discord: https://discord.gg/z7kxHyN Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guest: Kyuu.
Kamijace, Samm Neiland and Paul Henderson all come together after some technical issues with Samm's mic, to talk about the non-exitent correlation between violent games and violent people, the great Nintendo Direct news, Crash Bandicoot, some announcements from Ubisoft and Treyarch, and the current state for the OWL (yes, including some thoughts on Mr.xQc). Also! Some great recommendations from both guests! Check it out! You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland You can find Paul on Twitter @Paulsrockintwit Website: wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Paul Henderson and Samm Neiland.
Kamijace invites some brand new guests, Nii and Flattus, to talk about the "crisis" that is FFXIV housing, Geguri's introduction to the Overwatch League (possibly) and the Metal Gear Survive Beta. Listen to what Nii would do just to see Geguri play Overwatch live! Plus, Nii and Flattus give us their gaming recommendations! You can find Nii on twitter @Niiishake You can find Flattus on twitter @Flattuss / @Maelstrom_Radio You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Flattus and Nii.
Episode 14 - More Overwatch, More Nintendo, More...Harassment?
Kamijace brings on two favorites, Paul Henderson and Austin White, to talk about the Overwatch League. Paul goes on a rant about why Mercy is dead (RIP Mercy). The gang also talks about some interesting Nintendo moves, and Mario Kart Tour. Plus, the guys talk once again, about more sexual harassment in the gaming-workplace, from one of gaming's most prominent figures. You can find Paul on twitter @Paulsrockintwit You can find Austin on Twitter @ARWh1te You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Austin "RougeBludger" White and Paul Henderson.
Kamijace brings on two fighting game nerds, Moose and, new to the podcast: "Sylvan Rain", to talk about the latest in fighting game news, and give some in-depth thoughts about Dragonball Fighter Z. Plus, the group talks about the latest developer update from Jeff Kaplan and the state of Overwatch so far. You can find Sylv on tumblr at: http://sylvan-rain.tumblr.com/ You can find Moose on Twitter @MooseFGC You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Weeklycooldown.fireside.fm Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Moose and Sylv.
Kamijace sits down with TheBlevins from the High Noon Podcast. Blevins and Kamijace chat everything Overwatch League (so far) and talk about the latest in Dallas Fuel controversy. Plus, what would Blevins do with a Nintendo Labo? And, Kyuu and Lahn enter the podcast to talk about FFXIV Patch 4.2, Sigmascape, Kefka's appearance, and so much more! Check out this episode! You can find TheBlevins on Twitter @The_Blevins You can find the High Noon Podcast at Highnoonpodcast.com and on twitter @HighNoonPodcast You can find Kyuu on Twitter @OmegaKyuu You can find Lahn on Twitch as Laoni You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Kyuu, Lahn, and TheBlevins.
Kamijace brings on three very special friends. "The Hangout Crew", Kyuu, Moose and--very last minute, but nonetheless welcome--Hay, join Kamijace to talk about AGDQ, Nintendo Direct Mini's latest reveals, and Yume Nikki. Plus, the group talks about which games they'd like to see brought from the past and into the year 2018. Also, will Nintendo ever give Kamijace his DK64 successor? (Who knows). Listen to this awesome episode with great guests! You can find Moose on Twitter @MooseFGC You can find Kyuu on Twitter @OmegaKyuu You can find Hay on Twitter @HaybayRhiannon You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Haybay Rhiannon, Kyuu, and Moose.
Kamijace is joined by Marcy Nabors, Samm Neiland and Corey P. to talk about all things MAGFest! Where games and music come together in a big way. As always, they speak about what games they have been playing this week which includes Wheel of Fortune for the Sega Genesis. There's a lot of great stuff in this episode, so check it out! You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith You can find Samm on Twitter @SammNeiland You can find Corbin on Twitter @Endlessmusings You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Corey Pangilinan, Marcy Nabors, and Samm Neiland.
For a very special New Year's Eve episode, Kamijace brings back some Guests of the Year--Hay, Marcy and Paul--to talk about 2017's best games, best game music, and the games they're looking forward to in 2018. Plus, Hay and Paul start planning for their duet cover of Persona 5 songs(maybe?)! It's a really fun, really great episode to bring in the New Year, thank you for joining us! See you in 2018! You can find Hay on Twitter @Haybayrhiannon You can find Paul on Twitter @Paulsrockintwit You can find Marcy on Twitter @Shadolith Check out Marcy getting scared of the Guardian here: https://twitter.com/Shadolith/status/947250114103361537 Check out Paul's meme-ing here: https://twitter.com/PaulsRockinTwit/status/945143650027110401 You can now find the Weekly Cooldown on Twitter @WkCooldown ! Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming / @WkCooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Haybay Rhiannon, Marcy Nabors, and Paul Henderson.
Kamijace welcomes Lucerna to the Weekly Cooldown. Though this is a shorter Cooldown than usual, Lucerna and Kamijace still touch on some interesting topics in the world of gaming, even as gamers slowly prepare for the new year. Game demos make up the bulk of the news lately, as we prepare for a bunch of exciting new releases in 2018 (Lucerna is hoping for Kingdom Hearts 3!). Also, FFXIV had a particularly interesting Live Letter this week! And of course, we do need to have a tiny discussion about our favorite government branch: the FCC. Take a listen! Find Lucerna on Tumblr: http://darkestaftermidnight.tumblr.com/ -- Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guest: Lucerna.
This week, Kamijace Welcomes back Austin White ( @ARWh1te). Austin writes for EGF and now for the Overwatch Score as their London Spitfire write. Kamijace and Austin get into a bit of Overwatch League analysis, and talk about the Game Awards. Plus, it wouldn't be a conversation about video games without some talk about loot boxes. Also, we still need your help for the big year end show! Tweet @Kamijacegaming or just use the #WKCD2018 and tell us about your favorite game, or your favorite moment in gaming news! Check out Austin's work on EGF and the Overwatch Score below. Also, follow him on twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/arwh1te https://www.instagram.com/ArWh1te/ http://media.egfederation.com/tags/arwh1te https://www.overwatchscore.com/author/austin_white/ -- Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guest: Austin "RougeBludger" White.
Kamijace sits down with Marcy Nabors ( @Shadolith) and Paul Henderson ( @PaulsRockinTwit) to talk about the gaming news this week. From Xenoblade, to Overwatch, to Super Mario Cereal. We talk about Tencent's plans to overtake the Battle Royal genre, as well. Plus, Paul coins the term "Coolheads". We mention all the new releases coming out this month, you can check the rest of those out in the link below. (Thanks Gamespot!) https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-release-dates-in-december-2017-for-ps4-xbox-o/1100-6455214/ Follow Marcy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shadolith Follow Paul on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulsRockinTwit Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Marcy Nabors and Paul Henderson.
This week, Frank Cifaldi ( @frankcifaldi) joins Kamijace to talk about The Video Game History Foundation, and all the good that they're trying to do for gamers! Plus, Hay "Haybay" ( @haybayrhiannon) and "Lahn/Laoni" (https://www.twitch.tv/laoni) join me as we tackle all the week's news! From FFXIV, to Battlefront 2, to Fighting EX Layer, to more sexual assault allegations at IGN, and everything in between. Remember to subscribe, comment, and give us a rating on iTunes and now on Stitcher! It helps us grow! Also, like the Facebook page, catch the Weekly Cooldown on Patreon, and follow me on Twitter @Kamijacegaming Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by audionautix.comSpecial Guests: Frank Cifaldi, Haybay Rhiannon, and Lahn.
Another great episode coming at you! This time, I sit down with Jared "VectorSpecter" Chesnut ( @chesnutroasting), and we go over some news from Tekken 7, to Injustice 2. Plus, we, unfortunately, talk about more sexual harassment in the video game-workplace. Also! We chat about Sonic and other 20+ year old series we wish were around, and so much more packed into this episode, and you won't want to miss it! Remember to subscribe, comment, and give us a rating on iTunes and now on Stitcher! It helps us grow! Also, like the Facebook page, catch me on Patreon, and follow me on Twitter @Kamijacegaming Find Jared on Twitch at twitch.tv/vectorspecter Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by Frank NoraSpecial Guest: Jared "VectorSpector" Chesnut.
In this week's episode, I am joined by Austin White ( @ARWh1te on twitter). We discuss the League of Legends champions, the upcoming Overwatch League, Blizzcon, the Golden Joystick Awards, and so much more! Austin also writes for EGF, so be sure to check them out! Also, thank you and congrats to everyone who participated in the Extra Life's Game Day campaign this weekend! Remember to subscribe, comment, and give us a rating on iTunes! It helps us grow! Also, when you share this, our Facebook page, or tag @Kamijacegaming on Twitter, you'll be entered into a drawing to win an Amazon or Steam Gift Card! Awesome, right? Then get to it! Check out the EGF news and media at media.egfederation.com Website: Wkcooldown.com Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by Frank NoraSpecial Guest: Austin "RougeBludger" White.
Episode 2: eSports, Blue Zones, Definitely.
In this week's episode, I sit down with David "Hauntze" Chen ( @Hauntze) of Electronic Gaming Federation and we talk about everything from the Kinect to eSports to Extra Life. Also...more sexual harassment? Hauntze and Kamijace re-hash the NeoGAF situation. Remember to subscribe, comment, and give us a rating on iTunes! It helps us grow! Also, when you share this, our facebook page, or tag @Kamijacegaming on Twitter, you'll be entered into a drawing to win an Amazon or Steam Gift Card! Awesome, right? Then get to it! Check out the EGF news and media at media.egfederation.com http://najeew93.wixsite.com/the-weekly-cooldown (Wkcooldown.com coming soon!) Patreon: Patreon.com/Weeklycooldown Twitter: @Kamijacegaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by Frank NoraSpecial Guest: David "Hauntze" Chen.
Kamijace sits down with Samm Neiland ( @SammNeiland) to talk about loot boxes, Cuphead's rise to success, and even, sexual harassment in the gaming community. Plus a whole lot of other news topics. The Weekly Cooldown is starting a giveaway! Help make us better and gain more listeners by sharing on social media, or by rating us on iTunes! Sharing and rating and comments all count as an entry toward an Amazon Gift Card! Let the Weekly Cooldown help you to buy that next great game you're looking forward to! Gaming news never stops when this podcast ends, so, follow Kamijace on twitter for more ( @Kamijacegaming) and don't forget to check out the Patreon page ( https://www.patreon.com/Weeklycooldown ) Website: http://najeew93.wixsite.com/the-weekly-cooldown Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWklyCldwn/ Intro music by Captive Portal/Zach Brider Music by Frank NoraSpecial Guest: Samm Neiland.
A new gaming news Podcast is headed your way!
Join Najee "Kamijace" Walker as he explores the week in gaming news with you, and a special guest. From eSports to New Releases, you can find it all and more, here with Kamijace! Episodes release every Sunday to recap the previous week's news and any special updates that may come out. With special episodes likely. Plus! Giveaways and free stuff! Come and chill with Kamijace on the Weekly Cooldown! | 2019-04-23T07:56:00Z | https://anchor.fm/wkcooldown/episodes/Episode-51---Solo-Instance-GATEKEEPING--IN-MY-VIDEO-GAMES-e3nmp8 |
Despite the ravages of managed care, market competition, the ACA and insurance reform, doctors [MD, DO, DPM, DDS, DVM, OD, DNP, DC] and other medical providers [CRNA, PA, NP, ANP, RN] are still high-income earners; although they may not be prodigious savers or savvy investors.
They are besieged with federal and state policy mandates, rules and regulations, and often work 80-plus hour weeks. Business acumen may not be good, either. Thus, there is a tremendous need for integrated financial planning and medical management advice that makes them ideal clients for the modern Certified Medical Planner™.
But, doctors also realize that they are targeted by impostors on all levels. And, in as much as time compressed medical providers are often difficult clients to meet, acquire and work with; some may not accept poseurs gracefully.
Moreover, the American Medical Association [AMA] is considered out-of-touch with today’s physicians despite a recent multi-million dollar campaign to overhaul its brand image. The effort increased membership by 2.5 percent, but didn’t turn around a decade long decline. The AMA jettisoned its logo, overhauled its marketing, and launched a mix of print, TV and radio spots. Nevertheless, it represents less than 15 percent of the more than 800,000 doctors in the United States; a fact used against it during hearings by rival lobbies such as the health insurance industry. And, contrary to the belief of many FAs and consultants, the association has lost political might, too! [Chicago Tribune, May 24, 2006]. Some consider it a relic of the past; especially younger physicians with other advanced degrees who may be more sophisticated in their own right.
For the contemporary doctor, it’s a unit-of-one health economy out-there, where “Me Inc.” is now the standard and physicians must maneuver for advantages that boost credibility among patients and payers. They must challenge conventional wisdom, and think outside-the-box to recapture their dreams and ambitions. They need the assistance of an informed CMP™ practitioner.
Like medical specialists, as an FA or consultant, you must differentiate yourself, too. You must learn something new and unknown by your FA competitors. You must earn your educational accomplishments and let the world know. Be a non-conformist. The conformity of collaboration may be an emerging financial services industry standard, but it also may be a straitjacket on creativity. FAs and consultants should create and innovate; not blindly follow FPA and other leaders into oblivion.
And so, understand that the present is not necessarily the future. Attempt to see the future and discern your place in it. Master the art of the quick change, and fast but informed decision making. Do what you love, disregard what you don’t, and let the fate’s have their way with you. Then, decide for yourself if you should become a CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™ fiduciary or adhere to yesterday’s entrenched bureaucracy. Here is a strong argument to “raise the bar”.
Source: MGMA Physician Compensation Survey, 2007.
According to Russ Alan Prince, there are 50,000 physicians with a net-worth of more than 5 million dollars; controlling more than 375 billion dollars.
So, what’s next? We believe in Predictive Analysis, the scientific name for using a data ware-house and gut heuristic feelings to determine where business intelligence is headed. It involves running historic data from the medical and finance industries, using mathematical algorithms, neural and Bayesian networks, and decision-trees; to identify patterns, trends and predictable future outcomes. The ability to make such a guess is the key to success; and exploring new niche market opportunities.
The idea isn’t new; insurance companies have used actuarial tables for years, and actuaries use Predictive Analysis to assign credit-risk score to borrowers.
What’s different now is that iMBA is using Predictive Analysis as an ethical and high-level cognitive prospecting tool to assist the medical profession; because Healthcare Administration and Finance Matters. The result is a re-engineered financial advisor and medical management consultant. To the benefit of all concerned.
As educators, financial advisors, doctors, nurses, PhDs, MBAs and healthcare economists, a large part of our job at iMBA Inc … is to make your job … well, easier.
Need a new story about health insurance or financial reform?
Require a quick quote on the rise of collaborative medicine, new-wave practice management or e-Health 2.0?
Wondering if financial advisors should be concerned about the latest health industry trends or how fluctuating management, technology, insurance, investing, policy and bank lending practices might impact medical practices, advisory practices, RIAs, the economy or stock market?
Need an essay, article, trade-magazine, other publication or traditional white paper?
Even better yet … you need a story idea, informed quip, or subject matter expert opinion … and you need it yesterday.
Contact us today! As nationally known subject matter experts and industry “thought-leaders”, we’d be happy to field your questions and give you something you can really write home about.
Have a new job? Won an award? Got a promotion? Published a book? We want to know what Medical Executive-Post and Certified Medical Planner® charter-holders are up to. Please share your news with your colleagues by sending it to us. Promote yourself!
When you contact us, we’ll answer personally by phone, voice mail, blog or email with a unique perspective on the latest news that affects physicians, financial advisors, medical economists and all stakeholders of the healthcare industrial complex.
Our Board of Directors, Editors, Advisors, Teachers, Professors and Contributing Content Authors are passionate about making a difference in the changing financial advisory space and healthcare industrial complex. They are leading revolutionaries and change-management pioneers in their respective medical and business fields of finance, management and health economics. They have been successful in finding solutions where everyone else has found only entrenched obstacles, and in delivering quantifiable, measurable results.
Moreover, our Board members are all trusted fiduciaries to whom our individual and institutional colleagues, and their consultants, turn for solutions. They share our vision for a new direction in the emerging and mature financial planning and medical management environment; we are grateful for their input on our online Certified Medical Planner® education and designation program.
Content expert Gary L. Bode was the Chief Financial Officer for a private mental healthcare facility, and previously the Chief Executive Officer of Comprehensive Practice Accounting, Inc, in Wilmington, NC; a firm specializing in providing tax solution to medical professionals. Originally, Dr. Bode was board certified managing partner of a multi-office medical group practice for a decade before earning his Master’s of Science degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina. He is a nationally known forensic medical accountant, financial author, educator and speaker. Areas of expertise include producing customized managerial accounting reports, practice appraisals and valuations, restructurings and innovative financial accounting, as well as proactive tax positioning and tax return preparation for healthcare facilities. Currently, Dr. Bode is Chief Accounting and Valuation Officer (CAVO) for the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc.
Content expert Dr. Charles F. Fenton, a board certified surgeon and private practitioner from Temple University, also received his law degree as class valedictorian from Georgia State University. His clients include physicians involved in audits or recoupment actions, as well as disputes with insurance companies and related vendors. Dr. Fenton has authored numerous publications for physicians and the Bar and is a nationally known speaker on healthcare industry topics, serving as conference faculty or presenter for an array of healthcare companies, medical societies, and professional associations. In addition to his health-law practice, he is Chief Legal Officer (CLO) for the Institute of Medical and Business Advisors, Inc.
Professor Hope R. Hetico has a well-documented history of identifying innovations in education and accelerating their adoption by the financial and medical community. She is frequently quoted in both the healthcare and business media and brings a decade of entrepreneurship, and creative leadership skills to mission. Formerly, she was a healthcare administrator, financial advisor and insurance professional who earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Frances in Chicago. She was also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and National Corporate TQI Manger for both Abbey Healthcare in Costa Mesa, California and the Apria Healthcare Group (NYSE-AHG). Her specialty is HIPAA, OSHA, CLIA and Medicare compliance and related forensics. Ms. Hetico is responsible for leading our Health Dictionary Series to the top of the exploding B2B educational marketplace, while continuing to nurture a rapidly expanding list of healthcare subscribers and purchasers. She champions the visually impaired.
Founder and Chairman since inception in July 2004, Dr. Marcinko is a healthcare economist and financial planning evangelist from Loyola University Maryland, Temple University in Philadelphia, and the Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. His formal internship education and residency training was completed at the Atlanta Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) in Georgia, with fellowship confirmation in Las Vegas Nevada. He received his financial planning diploma from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, and is a fiduciary and former Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) rep and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certificant. As a clinician, surgeon and past president of a privately held regional physician practice management corporation in the Midwest, he helped consolidate 95 solo medical practices with $50 million in gross revenues, as the company’s IPO roll-up attempt was aborted due to adverse market conditions in 1999. A nationally recognized leader in the health and financial information services industry; he is a pioneer in utilizing technology to improve quality education while simultaneously reducing delivery costs. He was also managing partner of a successful Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) that was sold to a publicly traded company in 1998; a Board Certified Surgical Diplomate and Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons; and interim Chief Visionary Officer for a B2B telecommunication firm that failed in its bid for venture capital, but flourished in the private sector.
Dr. Marcinko was a registered representative with Sun America Securities and AIG; held general securities (Series #6 and #7), uniform securities state law (Series # 63) and registered investment advisory representative (Series # 65) licenses from the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). He is a Certified Physician in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ); a certified American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physician (ABQAURP); a member of the American Society of Health Economists (ASHE) and the International Health Economics Association (iHEA); a member of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS); a member of the Microsoft Professional Accountant’s Network (MPAN); registered member of the US Microsoft Partner’s Program (MPP); member of the Microsoft Health User’s Group (MS-HUG), and BioInformatics.org; Sun Executive Boardroom program member sponsored by CEO Scott McNealy; and member of SUNSHINE [Solutions for Healthcare Information, Networking and Education], an international community for healthcare IT innovation created by HIMSS and Sun Microsystems, Inc (NASD-SUNW). He was also a life, disability, health, property-casualty, annuity and insurance professional for the State of Georgia. After a brief stint as a visiting instructor in finance and healthcare administration at several business and graduate schools in the Southeast, he was appointed Academic Provost of iMBA Inc., to lead the firm’s adult online learning (heutagogy) initiatives as an educator, interactive website engineer, Office and Windows Vista operating system beta-tester for the Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington (NASD-MSFT).
As CEO, Dr. Marcinko is also a content expert for the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) who lectures on health economics, financial planning and administration, risk-management, health policy and related medical management topics throughout this country and Europe, in an entertaining and witty fashion. He is available to colleagues, clients or the media at the Atlanta corporate office.
Assistant Professor Rachel Pentin-Maki received her nursing degree from the Community College of Springfield Ohio, and her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Lewis University in Evanston, Illinois. Formerly, she helped edit several medical, financial, health economics and business textbooks, and is a nationally known expert in medical staffing and human resource management. Prior to her part-time educational duties, she was CXO for the Finnish Retirement Hospital, Lantana, Florida. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors at Finlandia University (Suomi College) in Hancock, Michigan, while leading our European initiative in Helsinki, Finland.
Dr. Eugene Schmuckler was Coordinator of Behavioral Science at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and a licensed psychologist. He is on the board of directors of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists and is a certified trauma specialist. Dr. Schmuckler is an international speaker and author, with publications translated into Dutch and Russian. He is Director of Mentoring, Coaching and Behavioral Finance, and Dean of Admissions and Students for the Virtual Campus online CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™ professional designation program from the Institute of Medical Business Advisors, Inc.
Ann Miller is iMBA Executive-Director of media and professional relations. She earned an undergraduate degree in economics, with minor in finance and accounting from the University of Georgia, and a graduate degree in communications from the same institution.
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Quarterly tuition payments of $1,000 are permitted. Books are additional.
If not accepted into the program $4,000 will be refunded, but the credentials verification and application fee of $250 will be retained. No tuition refund possible once class commences.
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As an emerging online and onground community, we strive to inform and connect medical professionals, financial advisors and management consultants. We participate in a variety of insightful educational seminars, teaching conferences and national workshops. We produce journals, textbooks and handbooks, white-papers, CDs and award-winning dictionaries. And, our didactic heritage includes innovative R&D, litigation support, opinions for engaged private clients and media sourcing in the sectors we passionately serve. All are highlighted on our social-media blog.
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The CERTIFIED MEDICAL PLANNER™ charter designation program is a live, and instructor led, online asynchronous educational program. This intimate and personalized team approach is designed to increase your health industry management experience, business knowledge and financial advisory affinity for physician clients in an honest and ethical fashion. And, as you climb this didactic professional career peak, even the most demanding doctor clients seem attainable and in reach!
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The Medical Practice as a Discrete Asset Class?
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LEADING THE PHYSICIAN FOCUSED FIDUCIARY ADVISOR REVOLUTION! | 2019-04-22T00:07:14Z | https://certifiedmedicalplanner.org/page/2/ |
The Juridicajournal of the Faculty of Law of the University of Tartu*4 was started as a result of international scientific cooperation with the Faculty of Law and Financial Studies of Glasgow University in 1993. For Estonian jurists, the past decade has meant a reunion with the European legal area. The preparation of laws has extended from the translation of foreign provisions and their adaptation for Estonia to the creation, enactment and implementation of original solutions springing only from the specific situation in Estonia. Ideally, the adoption of a new Act should be followed by detailed comments in a publication. Such an undertaking, however, is limited by time and the large workload of the potential comment writers. Juridica has tried to fill this gap by addressing current problems in legal drafting, and it has provided the first theoretical and practical comments on issues arising in the implementation of many adopted Acts.
Issues discussed in Juridica are either entirely dedicated to a specific topic or cover different areas of law. Besides original articles, columns include information on events for Estonian lawyers, information on the activities of training centres and options for complementary training, information on professional associations, societies and institutions, and introduction of the most recent scientific and professional literature. Through the years, Juridica has published articles introducing various aspects of the Tartu Law Faculty – scientific conferences, seminars, complementary training, competitions organised by funds, defending of Masters’ and Doctors’ theses, etc.
I remember vividly the heady, exciting post-communist days in Estonia. In all, I made 12 visits to Estonia between 1991 and 1994. …The link was initially established with financial support from the British Council. That support was intended to foster academic links, involving such things as curriculum reform and teaching skills. Dean EerikKergandberg, and later Dean Peep Pruks, and I set up a programme of exchanges of staff and teaching materials; the curriculum was reformed. Incidentally, I might say that I was summoned in 1992 to the British Council’s headquarters in Manchester to be congratulated as the most successful academic link of the 24 the British Council then sponsored. I was immensely flattered until I was told that a not inconsiderable number of the links had achieved nothing at all. Some British universities had not even been able to make contact with their Eastern European partner.
The genesis of the Juridica represented a further development, in many senses the culmination, of the link between the law faculties. It is important for any legal profession to have a journal outlining legal developments and commenting on aspects of the law. Normally, the legal profession undertakes this task for itself, but that was not possible in 1992. To the great credit of the Tartu law faculty, it took the lead in establishing a law journal which, over the years, has done such outstanding service to all those in practice and in the academy. With the financial support of the Law Society of Scotland and the expertise of a renowned Scottish law publisher, David Fletcher, we published, ten years ago, a journal modelled roughly on the Law Society’s own journal.
Since 2001 special issues of Juridica in Estonian — Fundamental Rights in the Estonian Constitution (Põhiõigused Eesti põhiseaduses) by R. Alexy; 2002 Social Welfare as a Fundamental Right: Duties of the State, Local Governments, Family and Other Persons in Guaranteeing Constitutional Rights in the Sphere of Social Welfare (Sotsiaalhoolekanne kui põhiõigus: Riigi, kohalike omavalitsuste, perekonna ja muude isikute kohustused põhiseaduslike õiguste tagamisel sotsiaalhoolekande valdkonnas) by T. Annus and B. Aaviksoo, and 2003 Erakonnaõigus, are available.
In summary, the journal and its special editions have played an important role in the development of legal education and science in Estonia, offering the authors a good opprotunity for discussion. Today’s competitive legal education is based on science and can be established only on scientific research by lecturers. And Juridica has contributed much to that end. The journal has also been an important source of legal analyses and comments for Estonian jurists.
As from January 2002, the readers have had the opportunity to access the Iuridicum database*8, which by today includes more than 2900 legal analyses, comments on adopted legislation and other pieces of legal information.
The database has been used more and more intensively.*9 As of May 2002, there were 320 users of the network edition, a year later their number was 605 and by May 2004, there were 786 registered users (a growth of 2.45 times). Together with the paper edition, the number of registered users is presently around 1700. In fact, there are even more readers since presumably, editions subscribed to state institutions, libraries or law bureaus are read mostly by several persons.
A comparison of usage statistics over the last three years demonstrates that while the average number of accesses to the database was 3226 times daily in May 2002 and 6358 times daily in May 2003, the number had grown 2.35 times by May 2004, reaching 7567 daily accesses. The average number of database visitors was 106 persons daily in 2002; 192 persons daily in 2003 and 334 persons daily in May 2004 (a growth of 3.15 times).
Accesses to the database were made, on average per month, from 1300 computers in 2002, from 2300 computers in 2003 and 4100 computers in 2004 (a growth of 3.15 times). The volume of downloaded data per month has also grown more than three times during the previous period.
In summary, more than 2.14 million accesses to the database were made during the previous year.
The editors of the journal have regularly analysed the readers’ opinions and feedback concerning the published articles.*10 The information so collected is an appropriate source material for planning the future of the journal. For this overview, we were able to generalise the data of the last two years (May 2002 – May 2004). At this point, without any further focus on the numbers, let me give you a general picture of what the users of the web edition think about the journal in the year 2004.
First, it would be interesting to provide some general information about the users of the web edition. Their education and the nature and field of their activity as well as position are some of the more important indicators pointed out here.
Out of the people who replied, 61 percent had a higher education, 38 percent had a secondary or secondary vocational education. The number of persons with only basic education remained marginal (1 percent). From year to year, those proportions have been more or less the same.
In comparison with the year 2002, the number of readers whose activity was of economic character decreased two times (from 15 percent to 7 percent), and the number of readers who described their activity as ‘other’ increased by almost a similar amount. The number of people in the legal sphere has remained almost the same (75 percent in 2002).
In comparison with other periods, the number of persons employed by state or local government institutions has increased remarkably (from 21 percent to 28 percent). The proportions of other users has remained the same since 2002. Here, an important role is played by legal advisers, who account for 28 percent of the users.
The proportion of students has increased remarkably, having grown 2.5 times since 2002 (from 8 percent to 20 percent).
2.1. Why do I read Juridica?
The proportion of those readers who describe their preference of reading Juridica as ‘other’. The proportion of all other reasons has decreased by one or two percent. Still, ¾ of the questionees are of the opinion that Juridica is a very good journal or at least a journal meeting their expectations.
In comparison with the year 2002, the proportion of those users of the web edition who would like to read more analyses of legal practice has grown by 9 percent (from 20 percent to 29 percent). That position definitely deserves the attention of the board of editors in planning the future strategy of the journal.
2.3. Choose three main areas of law that you would like to read about in Juridica!
Since 2002, civil law has been by far the most preferred sector of law: such preference prevailed among 44 percent of the repliers. In 2002, civil law was also the first priority with 41-percent preference. Throughout the years, readers have also been given more preference to penal law, company law, procedure law, EU law and international law.
By today, 28 percent of the repliers are of the opinion that the database search facility is very good. In that aspect, a substantial change has taken place during the past period (in 2002, only 18 percent considered the search facility to be very good). The proportion of scepticists has remained the same.
The proportion of those users who regard the keyword index as very good has grown by almost ten percent (in 2002, the percentage of those users was 19). At the same time, the percentage of those users who would expect more from the keyword index has decreased (that percentage was 12 in the year 2002).
The number of those repliers who regarded the ease of use as very good has increased significantly (in 2002, the proportion of those users was 30 percent, thus there has been an 8-percent growth).
Out of the repliers, 35 percent considered the network edition to be very good (32 percent in 2002), whereas the majority found that the database meets their expectations and only 4 percent of the repliers would expect more.
All articles published in Juridica International are provided free of charge in the full-text database of the network edition.
The re-established union between Estonian and European edifice of law has meant re-build-up (creation) of the legal system, considerable re-qualification of practicing lawyers and re-organization of legal education.
It became clear that academic links, excellent as they were, were not all that was needed for the Tartu Faculty of Law and for the development of Estonian law. What was needed was a law publishing programme, and British Council support was not available for publishing ventures. So, we sought, and received, financial support from other organisations: the Open Estonia Foundation, the Open University in Budapest and the Law Society of Scotland. All gave generously to initiate a publishing programme.
We began by translating standard law books into Estonian. In the early days, we translated books on business law and European Community law. A further development, in which I was personally involved, resulted in the publication of an English/Estonian Law Glossary and an English-Estonian student text on English for Lawyers. Then we realised that we would get nowhere without locally-produced law books and we encouraged law teachers and practitioners to produce books on Estonian law. The success of that is clear from the large and impressive catalogue of Estonian law books published in the last ten years.
Thus in publishing programme the Open Estonia Foundation (OEF)*13 has been a principal partner to the Law Faculty of the University of Tartu. To overcome the shortage of study aids for law students there have been four competitions in the framework of the OEF publication programme for getting textbooks and other educational materials. From 1994—1997 the number of projects presented to the competition was 79 all in all. The exact figures were the following: in 1994 — 26 projects; in 1995 — 19; in 1996 — 17; in 1997 — 17 projects respectively. During this period the committee has recommended to publish 44 textbooks or study aids. By the year 2000 the number of publications, most of them being the result of cooperation with the Faculty of Law, was 61, including textbooks, study aids, publications with comments, collections of articles and monographs. Some of the books have already been reprinted. The authors have also been from the Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice, Circuit Court of Tartu, other universities and higher educational institutions. The published books have mostly been meant for the students of the Faculty of Law. At the same time a considerable number of them has filled in the gap in the existing legal literature and these published materials have also been successfully used for the up-dating or supplementary courses taken by civil servants, advocates, judges, prosecutors, notaries public and other practicing lawyers.
All the published materials have created an encouraging environment for the development of the legal thought and have established the basis for the contemporary study and scientific literature in Estonian.
Juura*17 is the best known and most recognised trademark among Estonian publishers of legal literature. The publishing house started its acitivites in 1992, publishing the law journal entitled Eesti Jurist.*18In 1993, the first book — the collection entitled EestiSeadus (Estonian Law) was published. Since then, the company has published almost 300 different items, including several new or revised editions.
The mission of the publishing house is to provide quality legal literature on the basis of Estonian market demand. Differently from other publishing houses*19, which publish legal literature either randomly or in a limited range of topics or in limited form and nature, Juura is oriented only towards legal literature. The list of items is extensive: laws and codes, commented editions thereof, collections of judgments, educational literature, items on legal language (dictionaries, handbooks), the journal Õiguskeel(‘Legal Language’) and language textbooks for lawyers.
In the year 2002, the publishing house went through important changes: a new management was formed, the editorial board was created to advise the publishing house, and a new publishing programme was drawn up. A toll to the too large printing numbers during the previous years had to be paid. Extensive commented editions of the Estonian Constitution and the Penal Code were published. At the same time, the number of published items increased thanks to the re-launched programme of educational literature (50 percent of the annual published items). The sale of selected and timely published laws and codes was successful both in 2002 and 2003. The publishing of commented codes, educational literature, judgments of the Supreme Court as well as laws and codes will continue in the future.
– Brox, H. Erbrecht, 2003 (Carl HeymannsVerlag, 2001).
In the sector of public law, Hartmut Maurer’s AllgemeinesVerwaltungsrecht (Beck, 2002) will soon be published.
In 2003, the first original items in the English language were published both for the Estonian as well as foreign market: T. Kivi-Koskinen’s Industrial Property Rights as a Competitive Tool for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The Finnish Experience (Tallinn, 2002) and J. Sanden’s Introduction to International Environmental Law (Tallinn, 2003).
The printed material is distributed through a retail and wholesale network including 20–25 sale outlets and dealers all over Estonia, of which 3–5 outlets account for the major part. The wholesale network is well developed, cooperation with the dealers and sellers is smooth and operation is flexible: the shops and dealers are immediately notified of new publications, and evaluation copies are provided upon request. If sales have been below the desired volumes, the publications will not be left in the shops. An overview of the location of copies and the situation at the shops is ensured. The webpage, opened in 2002, provides information regarding the items on presale, new items and all other items.
– Individuals: textbooks, codes, commented editions of legislation.
The proportion of non-educational libraries (the National Library of Estonia, county and city libraries) in the distribution is relatively low. Unfortunately, the same trend can be noticed even among the libraries of higher educational establishments. This is mainly due to the poor financial means of state institutions and, as regards private educational establishments, to the lecturer’s passive interest in the book selection policies of the libraries, which is why collections of professional literature may be completed quite randomly, paying little regard to the actual need. Governments of rural municipalities, cities and counties keep a stable (although low) profile in purchases of legal literature.
The most diverse part is the business sector, which can be divided on the basis of purchases as follows: consultation companies 18 percent; manufacturing companies 30 percent; others 52 percent (including transport, real estate, banks, insurance companies). The sector itself is growing stably and its interests are focused on legal literature of practical value: comments as well as legislation.
Among the law sector, advocates’ law offices account for 65 percent, law bureaus account for 25 percent, notaries for 8 percent and bailiffs for 2 percent of the purchases.
Students (both law students and students of other disciplines) account for 80 percent in the individuals sector. The growth among this group is apparent because of the webpage, where the number of subscriptions has increased well. For example, in the year 2002, the number of individual clients (mainly students) grew by approximately 50 percent.
All in all, the interest of all target groups in literature has increased, while the sale volumes depend largely on the price of the items published. Presales are a relatively good indicator for the publishing house, allowing the clients to acquire various items as economically as possible and allowing the publisher to have a better view of the market — to define the need as regards a specific publication.
Orientation towards specific target groups and the introduction of the system of pre-reviews (from 2003) can be regarded as values of the publishing house. The board of editors has established very high requirements on the publications in order to ensure the quality of the contents of publications.
In the coming years, the activities and market position of the publishing house will be affected by the growth of competition, a possible increase in prices of services and the need for higher royalties and salaries. Financial sources needed for investments may become scarce. It is inevitable to find various sources of support for the translation of legal literature, to develop the network of cooperation and feedback and to introduce an efficient client administration system and a new webpage.
Delays in preparing the authors’ material are a serious risk factor (most of the work is left to one certain period of time, which is mostly summer). In order to reduce the risks, more attention must be paid to forming a team of appropriate competence, projects with different risk levels should be launched simultaneously, project resources should be planned with some reserve, new products, i.e. mainly legal literature intended for a wide audience, should be introduced to the market.*20 Whatever is done well by a publisher of quality literature will not damage but, rather, increase its reputation in the eyes of the reader.
1 P. Pruks. On the Iuridicum Database. – Juridica International, Vol. 7, 2002, pp. 176–180.
2 The birthday of the Iuridicum database available on the Internet is 1 November 2001 when the demoversion of the database was first introduced to the public for examination and testing. See also P. Pruks. The Iuridicum Database: For Whom and Why? – Juridica, 2002, No. 4, pp. 268–274.
3 Besides were explained the principles and objectives of the database, and outlined the vision of the database makers. In addition, readers were provided with tips for better use of the database and first evaluations by users.
5 On 7 June 2002 Juridica celebrated its tenth anniversary and the 90th issue of the journal appeared. Juridica has by now developed into a law journal for the entire Estonian community of lawyers and jurists.
6 Former Dean of Law, University of Glasgow, now professor of Lewis & Clark School of Law, Portland, Oregon, USA.
7 For instance, Rechtstheorie published an Estonian special edition Gesetzgebung und Rechtspolitik (available at: http://www.duncker-humblot.de/default.php?mnu=700&cmd=703&did=31348&clb=31348&ses=0&ses=0) that was presented on 25 March 2002 in Tallinn. The special edition featured articles published in the framework of the international symposium Legislation and Legal Policy (Tartu, 2000).
9 In order to provide some background for the usage statistics, it must be pointed out that the number of active law experts in Estonia is supposedly 3500–4000.
10 P. Pruks. Upcoming 100th Issue of Juridica: Evaluations by Users of the Web Version. – Juridica, 2003/4, pp. 281–287. The article outlined the user of the web version of Juridica and his or her opinions on the journal and its web version. The overview relied was compared with the results of a similar survey conducted last year.
11 As from the publication of the first edition of the journal, English abstracts have been provided for all articles. Those abstracts are available in the Iuridicum database under Juridica Abstract.
12 At the same time, a discount for students is available and it has been used extensively: presently, more than 300 students have been registered as users of the database.
13 OEF, founded in April 1990 with the support of Mr. George Soros, a well-known US billionaire and philanthropist, works to foster the development of an open society in Estonia. OEF helps to build the infrastructure and institutions necessary for an open society by supporting a broad array of programs in the fields of education, civil society, human rights and ethnic minorities, law, not-for-profit sector, arts and culture. As of today, the total amount of grants awarded by OEF exceeds more than 200 million Estonian kroons. See http://www.oef.org.ee/index_en.php?lang=en.
14 See a detailed information on Iuridicum at http://www.juridica.ee/introduction_en.php?intro=overview.
16 The following data originates from Lea Lumi, Director of the Juura publishing house, and the author is sincerely thankful for that information.
18 In 1995, the Eesti Jurist journal was merged with Juridica.
19 Of the better known names on the market of Estonian legal literature, reference should be made to Ilo and Käsiraamatute Kirjastus, whose publications are episodically complemented by those published by various private higher educational establishments.
20 A good example would be U. Wesel’s Alles was Recht ist (Jura für Nicht-Juristen). Besides experts and students, the target group would include a wider audience, who are interested in law and who would be offered a publication presented in a manner which is well understandable to them. | 2019-04-19T12:59:28Z | https://www.juridicainternational.eu/index.php?id=12609 |
We had a week off for half-term (good job as I needed the recovery time – yes, honestly), but it was back to work this week. No messing about, no conversation – well not much – just plenty of hard work.
I had to get to the venue via public transport this week and the only stop was about 15 minutes walk away from the sports centre. So I was somewhat hot and bothered by the time I arrived with just two minutes to spare (already warmed up was how I put it, hoping it may cut me some slack, but nothing doing).
A quick jog around the court and it was off we went.
It was all about passing and footwork this week.
Some good passing drills in pairs to start. All well and good. Then getting into thinking about passing. Discs set in outside and inside rings. One of the pair runs to a spot, the one without runs to one and if the player without the ball is on an inside spot the ball is chest-passed short and if they are on an outside spot the ball is over-armed long.
Adding to that, thinking about footwork – jumping and landing on the disc and moving the correct foot. Not so easy.
Then we did a drill specifically designed to help with footwork. The instructor, Val, stood at one end with the ball and we all queued up in single file in front of her. We ran towards her and Val threw the ball. We had to jump – realise what foot we landed on – step back with the moving foot, forward again and pass the ball back to the instructor.
We made several rounds. I felt quite happy with this and was pleased with getting my footwork right – the only time I messed up was when I didn’t jump, therefore didn’t know which foot I’d landed on! I know I’m never going to get to the point where I can do it without thinking, but it’s a start. Anyway, everyone got there in the end, and we all cheered and clapped at each successful set of moves.
We then got into a half-court game again. This time we had to concentrate on getting the right pass and the right footwork. I know this may sound obvious, but doing it in play is completely different from drilling – who would have thought that knowing what foot you’ve landed on could be so difficult?
I made one really good interception and went to pass the ball away.
I pointed to my right confidently.
Grrr. Looks like I can pass or make an interception or get the footwork right, but not all three in the same passage of play….. ho hum. Work to do.
Finished off with a little warm-down jog and some stretching.
I managed to take a few photos in the first two sessions. Thanks to all for letting me publish them, especially to Jo for the shooting shot and Carol for the hands.
You also may be glad to know that although I worked really hard, I didn’t ache so much on Saturday morning.
Looking forward to next week! There’s still so much more to learn and practice! I’m loving it! I know I’m generally sports-obsessed, but this is generally watching and writing about it. Now I can honestly say if I can do this, anyone can. Truly #ThisGirlCan.
Thanks to Val and to Just Harborough for the brilliant coaching and introducing the scheme in the first place.
So, there I was on tenterhooks waiting for the new day and date for the start of the netball sessions, hoping that some arrangement would have been agreed.
I received an email from Emma telling me that the sessions would now be on Fridays at 6.30 and the first one would be Friday 5th February. Hurrah! No, hang on a minute, boo! Typically we had booked a cheeky night away in London on – you guessed it – Friday 5th February. I was gutted. I was going to miss the first proper session.
It seemed as if every time I tried I was thwarted! But I was determined to go the following week.
And I did – and loved it!
There were about seven of us – only one team’s worth, unfortunately, but hoping it will grow. I was much gratified to find that those who had come the previous week had returned – always a good sign! There were also another couple of newbies so I wasn’t the only one.
We started with a light jog round the sports hall and some stretching and then straight into drills. Wow. It was a mixture of remembering things and getting back into the groove and realising how completely and utterly rubbish I was.
Much hilarity ensued, especially when we graduated from making our way down the court to round the corner and making our way back the other way. Many instances of people with the ball with no-one to throw to and people waiting for a ball that never came! Still, I think we’d made progress by the end and you could see the look of determination to get it right on every face.
The idea was that the defender in the middle had to choose which way to go, which person to mark. The person at the top would stand with their back to play, turn round and shout “now”. The two attackers would run to a spot, the person with the ball would pass it, obviously to the unmarked person. Now I got that. I really did. Then it came to my turn to be the defender and I lost it. I confess, the instructions went out the window.
Hmm. Not quite what Val intended – as she told me in no uncertain terms. What did she expect me to do? When I went with the person who was not getting the ball I was duty bound to switch to the other person to prevent them getting it, wasn’t I? No? Oh. Eventually I got it, but it felt alien, silly and downright wrong…..
Anyway, still smarting from my ignominious telling off we went on to play a tentative half-court game with no positions just pairs of markers. We all had a go at shooting and what was brilliant was that there was already a sense of camaraderie – it took some of us quite a while to score but there was universal cheering and clapping when each goal went in.
We ended with another gentle jog for warm-down with lots of stretching.
I cannot pretend I was not absolutely cream-crackered by the end of it, but loved every minute.
I’ve had a couple of weeks to recover now (half-term in Leicestershire last week) but I’ll be back in action on Friday.
And I’ll be back with more tales of the next session, and hopefully some photos next week.
One dot on the card!!
My thoughts on the three-match T20 series against South Africa. Courtesy of http://www.womenssportsuk.com.
Match report from today’s 3rd and deciding T20 in Johannesburg. Courtesy of http://www.womenssportsuk.com.
Welcome to the women’s sports column. It’s a long one this week and features stories from football, cricket, golf, hockey, horse racing, rugby union, netball and winter sports – phew!
The football transfer window is still in full swing and top signing this week goes to Manchester City women who have signed Republic of Ireland defender Megan Campbell. Campbell has been playing for Florida State University, where she has been studying on a sports scholarship.
On the international front, good news from the BBC this week which has announced it will show all three of England’s matches at the SheBelieves Cup live. The tournament comprises Germany, France, USA and England and begins on 3 March. Mark Sampson will name his 23-player squad on Monday.
Also England’s next home match, the Women’s Euro 2017 qualifier against Belgium on 8 April will be screened live on BBC 2.
In cricket, England’s women finally took the three-match ODI series 2-1. After South Africa’s momentous win in the second game, England had to make sure they worked hard to secure the series win.
England made two changes, bringing in Kate Cross for the injured Brunt and, most significantly, Georgia Elwiss as an extra bowling option for Lydia Greenway. Edwards put SA in and seemed to be justified when they were 85/6 after 27 overs. But they didn’t reckon on Lizelle Lee and Sune Luus. An excellent innings of 74 from Lee, supported by 20 from Luus, gave them a base to at least post a total that could be defended. In the end this was 196.
England managed to put on 30 before losing a wicket – a big improvement on the previous match, when they were 16/3. Taylor was out cheaply again but Edwards and Knight put on 53 before the captain was out for 29. Then Elwiss came in and hit a massive 61 off 67 balls before she was bowled by Ismail. It was up to Knight and Wyatt to see the game home and England won by 5 wickets with 37 balls to spare. Player of the Match, Heather Knight, ended on 67 not out, with Danni Wyatt on 10 not out. For a more in-depth report see my piece on http://www.womenssportsuk.com.
The first T20 in a series of three took place on 18 February. This was always destined to be a close series as SA play more T20 cricket than anything else. England were put in on what appeared to be a good wicket. After the openers went relatively cheaply it was down to a rejuvenated Sarah Taylor to take it on. She made an unbeaten 74, but none of her colleagues could stay long enough to build a meaningful partnership. At one point England looked to be about to post 160-170, but subsided to 147 – they only scored that many thanks to Taylor.
South Africa got off to a fine start, albeit quite slow and were 95/0 after 14 overs. The big problem was the run rate, which by this time had risen to 8.83. After Van Niekerk went in the 15th for 52 and Chetty for 46 in the following over, South Africa were way behind. When they tried to accelerate they lost wickets and finished on 132/6, 15 runs short. Sarah Taylor was player of the match for her unbeaten 74.
The second T20 on 19 February was rain-interrupted. Du Preez won the toss again and put England in to bat. Beaumont went early again, and it was up to Edwards and Taylor to build a partnership again. Taylor was imperious form again and together they put on 61 before Edwards was bowled for 34 by SA’s best bowler, Ismail. When Jones went Taylor and Knight batted well to take the score to 133 in the 17th over. However, momentum was lost in the latter overs and England posted 156.
South Africa learned their lessons from Thursday as the opening partnership not only played well but at a good scoring rate. Van Niekerk was impressive for the second day in succession and carried on when Chetty went for 8 to score 63 from 43 balls. The teams went off a couple of times for rain, but it didn’t really affect South Africa. Good batting and uncharacteristically bad bowling and fielding meant South Africa were well ahead on D/L. When the teams went off for a second time the game was abandoned and South Africa won by 17 runs via the D/L method. All to play for in Johannesburg on Sunday 21 February.
Charlotte Edwards (Cap), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Georgia Elwiss, Natasha Farrant, Lydia Greenway, Rebecca Grundy, Jenny Gunn, Danni Hazell, Amy Jones, Heather Knight (Vice cap), Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Danni Wyatt.
Had to put this golf snippet in. Lydia Ko won the New Zealand Women’s Open golf championship last week. That’s not the news though – the last round saw an earthquake registering 5.7 cause the Clearwater Resort clubhouse to wobble. The tremor lasted for 10-15 seconds, but the players continued to play without interruption! Ko went on to win the competition by two shots.
In hockey, the Great Britain team have just played the fourth game in a marathon six game series against Australia.
The first game, on 12 February, went to the Hockeyroos 4-3 with the host’s goals coming via two from Kathryn Slattery and one each from Mariah Williams and Ashleigh Nelson. It was a hard-fought game with Britain’s goals from Hannah MacLeod, Ellie Watton and Sophie Bray.
The second match, on 14 February, went to Great Britain, the telling strike from a first half penalty-corner from Susie Gilbert. Needless to say the Aussies fought for it, but couldn’t convert any of their chances to level the match.
So it was 1-1 going into the third on 16 February and both teams were desperate to take the initiative. It was the most exciting game in the series so far and ended with the honours shared on 3-3. Britain led the game three times, but each time the Australians came back. Britain’s goals came from Crista Cullen, Ellie Watton and Helen Richardson-Walsh. The Aussies’ goals were from Gabrielle Nance, Karri McMahon and Ashleigh Nelson.
Still 1-1 then, going into the fourth match on 18 February. And in this game again the two sides couldn’t be separated as it ended 2-2. Australia took the lead through Georgia Nanscawen but Great Britain equalised through a penalty corner from Giselle Ansley. Ten minutes from the end of the second half Ansley scored her second penalty corner, but the Aussies weren’t done and Emily Smith equalised to make it 2-2.
The last two matches will be on the 20 and 21 February.
Another sport I don’t feature often is horse racing, but I can’t ignore the waves being made by jockey Lizzie Kelly. On Saturday 13 February she rode 16-1 chance Agrapart to victory in Britain’s richest handicap hurdle, the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, winning by an impressive 11 lengths.
The second round of the Six Nations took place last weekend and saw wins for England, France and Wales.
Wales beat Scotland 23-10 at The Gnoll with both teams looking for their first win of this year’s championship. Sioned Harries and Hannah Jones scored tries for Wales in the first half but Scotland were only down by 15-10 at half-time after they scored their own try through Megan Gaffney. The second half, however, was a different story as Wales asserted their superiority in both attack and defence with a try from Alisha Butcher while preventing Scotland from adding to their points tally.
England made no mistake in Italy on Saturday 13 with a 33-24 win. Italy will be heartened from this defeat as they played well and made good progress. England were up 19-12 at the break with tries from Lauren Cattell, Katie Mason and Lotte Clapp. Italy, however, scored two of their own from Maria Grazia Cioffi and Sofia Stefan – the first time they had ever scored more than one try in a match against England. In the second half Elisa Giordano scored their third and their hopes must have been high before England responded with tries from Abbie Scott and Bianca Blackburn. Italy weren’t finished, though, and scored an impressive fourth try through Silvia Folli to reduce the deficit. If points were given for heart, Italy would have won it hands down.
The third victors of the weekend were France, who continued their impressive start with an 18-6 win over Ireland in Perpignan. It was largely a kicking game, with the two tries scored by France, one from Captain Gaelee Mignot and the other a spectacular interception by Caroline Boujard, who ran the length of the field to score, being the difference between the two sides. The French were too strong in both defence and attack and have put an end to Ireland’s chances of a Grand Slam, while reinforcing the chance of their own.
I know it seems some teams are playing more than others, but I want to bring the scores as they happen in each week I report.
I’m venturing into winter sports again this week. Usually it’s just Elise Christie (and yes, she’s here again), but there have been several events of note this week that deserve mention.
15-year old Madi Rowlands took gold in the ski halfpipe at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games this week. She scored 88.60, with Paula Cooper from the US in second with 79.00 and Austria’s Lara Wolf won bronze with 74.20.
Katie Ormerod, 18, earned her first top-three finish at the World Cup Big Air event in Quebec City in Canada. She finished second behind US Olympic slopestyle champion, Jamie Anderson. Big Air will be a new event at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in 2018.
Elise Christie won another two gold medals in the final World Cup of the season, taking her tally to four World Cup golds for the season. She won both the 500m and 1,000m in Dordercht in the Netherlands. She will be in buoyant mood for the World Championships, which take place in Seoul in March.
And finally, if you want a reason to get angry, check out the reception broadcaster Lynsey Hipgrave got when she dared to voice an opinion about Lionel Messi’s penalty this week. What can I say?
Lots of issues raised by the three ODI matches in South Africa and probably more by the T20s at the end of the week. Here are my thoughts about the ODis courtesy of www.womenssportsuk.com. | 2019-04-23T06:40:12Z | https://pennyjhopkins.wordpress.com/2016/02/ |
The Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway is constitutively activated in the majority of melanomas because of a mutation in the BRAF gene. It has been hypothesized that activation of this pathway is crucial for the genesis and maintenance of melanoma and therefore represents an attractive clinical target for metastatic disease. We synthesized a previously characterized MAP kinase kinase inhibitor to test the effect that blocking the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway would have on the establishment and maintenance of melanoma metastases. Oral administration of CI 1040 inhibited formation of pulmonary metastases and caused rapid regression of established pulmonary metastases in the mouse. Our findings indicate that Ras-Raf-MAPK activation provides crucial signals for the survival of melanoma cells at ectopic sites and that the pharmacological inhibition of this pathway is a promising target for melanoma therapy.
Melanoma is a highly aggressive and often fatal malignancy resistant to currently available therapy (1) . The recent elevation in melanoma incidence (2) has highlighted the need to understand the molecular underpinnings of this neoplasm. Specific inhibition of oncogenic signaling molecules promises high efficacy with low toxicity if appropriate molecular targets are defined and blocked. This approach has been difficult in solid tumors because of, in part, heterogeneity in potential targets. A high throughput genomic screen recently identified activating mutations of the BRAF gene in the majority of melanomas (3) . Thus, application of specific kinase inhibitors to melanoma is particularly attractive because of the high prevalence of BRAF mutations and the dismal clinical outcome of currently available treatment modalities.
It is now appreciated that the V599E BRAF mutation is the most common mutation in human melanoma, occurring in roughly 80% of short-term cultured tumors. Activating mutations of the BRAF gene are also present in roughly 80% of nevi (4) , which are thought to be premalignant melanocytic lesions. The precise role that BRAF and RAS mutations play in the initiation and maintenance of malignant melanoma is not understood. Raf kinases play a central role in the Ras-Raf-MEK-MAPK 5 signaling pathway. Raf is activated by GTP-bound ras (5) . Once active, raf phosphorylates the MEK kinase (6) . Active MEK phosphorylates and activates MAPK, which has multiple targets, and leads to changes in gene transcription and resistance to apoptosis (7) .
Mutational activation of RAS genes occurs in human melanoma, albeit with low frequency (8) . A mouse model has shown that expression of an activated RAS allele is sufficient to promote melanomagenesis in an INK4A−/− background and that sustained ras signaling is required for melanoma maintenance (9) . These studies suggest that BRAF mutations may play an important role in initiation of human melanoma, and that sustained Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling may be required for tumor survival in vivo. To test this hypothesis, we administered a highly specific MEK inhibitor to melanoma cells in vitro and to mice bearing pulmonary metastases of a human melanoma cell line with the V599E BRAF mutation. We targeted MEK because it is necessary for many, if not all of the oncogenic functions of raf (5) . Moreover, raf kinase inhibitors developed to date may not be fully active against V599E braf because mutations in the BRAF gene could lead to resistance as has been described for other drugs developed against kinase domains of oncoproteins (10) . In this report, we show that the oncogenic potential of BRAF mutations in melanoma can be effectively diminished with adequate inhibition of MEK and that specific targeting of kinases in melanoma may be a feasible and worthwhile clinical approach to management of this disease.
Tissue samples were acquired from archival melanoma samples or tumor-bearing mice with the approval of the UCLA Office for the Protection of Research Subjects board. Sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were deparaffinized in xylene and then hydrated through a series of xylene and ethanol washes. Antigen retrieval was performed using 6.5 mm citrate buffer at pH 6.0 in a pressure cooker for 5 min, and 3% H2O2 was used to quench endogenous peroxidase activity. After rinsing two times in PBS, the sections were blocked for 1 h at room temperature in 5% normal goat serum (Vector, Burlingame, CA). Localization of phosphorylated MAPK protein expression was examined using a polyclonal rabbit anti-phospho-p44/42 MAPK antibody (New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA) at a dilution of 1:200. The sections were incubated in the primary antibody overnight at 25°C. Biotinylated secondary goat anti-rabbit antiserum was from KPL (Allentown, PA) and was used at 1:100. Staining was done using 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole and mounted with Permount.
Immunoblotting of cultured cells was performed as described (11) with antibodies against b-raf (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA), Phospho-MEK (Cell Signaling, Beverly, MA), Phospho-MAPK (Cell Signaling), Total-MAPK (Cell Signaling), and actin (Sigma, St. Louis, MO).
A375, SK-MEL-28, CHL, and WM-266-4 cell lines were from American Type Culture Collection. The A375M cell line was a gift from R. O. Hynes (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). All lines were maintained in DMEM (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) + 10% fetal bovine serum (Hyclone) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (Invitrogen). For BRAF sequencing, 1 × 105 cells were pelleted, and genomic DNA was prepared using Trizol (Life Technologies, Inc.) exactly as recommended by the manufacturer. PCR-based sequencing of exon 15 was performed using the following intron-flanking primers from IDT (Skokie, IL): BRAF 15 FWD, 5′-CATAATGCTTGCTCTGATAGGA-3′; and BRAF 15 REV, 5′-GGCCAAAAATTTAATCAGTGG-3′.
A375M-Fluc cells were established by recombinant lentiviral transduction. Briefly, the firefly luciferase cDNA (Fluc) along with a downstream EMCV-IRES sequence was subcloned into pCS-CG lentivector using the NheI and Eco47III sites upstream of the GFP gene, resulting in pCS-CG-Fluc-I-GFP. Recombinant lentivirus was produced by standard calcium phosphate cotransfection of 293T cells along with pΔVPR and pVSVG (12) . A375M melanoma cells (1 × 106) were seeded in 10-cm plates and incubated with lentiviral supernatants filtered from virus-producing cultures in the presence of Polybrene (8 μg/ml). Stable cell pools were selected by FACS sorting for GFP fluorescence.
A375M cells were suspended in 0.3% Noble agar with complete DMEM, plated in duplicate in dishes coated previously with 0.5% base agar, and maintained at 37°C. Both base and suspension agar contained CI 1040 or DMSO at the indicated concentration. On day 21, colonies >0.2 mm in diameter were counted.
Cell Cycle Analysis and Apoptosis.
Cells were treated with 1 μm CI 1040 or DMSO in the presence of 10% serum for 24 h and then processed for cell cycle analysis by propidium iodide staining as described (11) . Apoptosis was assessed by the Annexin V assay kit (Oncogene, La Jolla, CA) exactly as described by the manufacturer.
All animal studies were approved by the UCLA Animal Research Committee. Beige SCID mice, 8 weeks of age, were injected with 7 × 105 A375M-Fluc cells via the lateral tail vein on day 0. Mice were treated with 50 mg/kg of CI 1040 6 resuspended in a 8:1:1 PBS:ethanol:Cremophore by gavage twice per day for the first 14 days after injection (n = 4, Early Treat), days 15–28 (n = 3, Late Treat), or vehicle (n = 4, Control). Mice were imaged by i.p. injection of 100 μl of d-luciferin (30 mg/ml; Xenogen) and imaged using a cooled CCD camera (IVIS). Imaging data were quantified as described (13) by averaging the region of interest from the maximal photon emitting exposure.
To evaluate the frequency of Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway activation in melanoma, we immunostained melanomas with a phospho-specific antiserum to MAPK and found the pathway to be activated in the majority of samples tested (14 of 16; 87.5%; Fig. 1A ⇓ ), consistent with a recent report (14) .
The Raf-MAPK pathway in melanoma. A, immunohistochemistry of a representative primary melanoma stained for phospho-MAPK. B, immunoblots of CHL, SK-MEL, WM-266-4, and A375 cell lysates, blotted for total MAPK (T-MAPK) or phosphorylated MAPK (P-MAPK) in the presence or absence of serum and CI 1040. C, quantitation of cell proliferation in the presence (gray columns) or absence (black columns) of 1 μm CI 1040. Bars, ±1 SD.
To address the role of BRAF mutations in mediating the high level of MAPK phosphorylation in melanoma, we evaluated several melanoma cells lines with known BRAF mutations. We found that the WM-266-4, SK-MEL-28, and A375 cells lines all exhibited high levels of phosphorylated MAPK in both the presence and absence of serum, indicating that the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway was constitutively activated in these cell lines (Fig. 1B) ⇓ . These findings are consistent with the reported mutations in the 599 codon of BRAF in these cell lines (3) . In contrast, the CHL melanoma cell line, with wild-type Ras and wild-type BRAF alleles, down-regulated MAPK phosphorylation after serum withdrawal (Fig. 1B) ⇓ .
To evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway, we synthesized CI 1040, 6 a specific, p.o. available, small molecule inhibitor of the MEK kinase (11) that does not inhibit raf. We found that CI 1040 inhibited MAPK phosphorylation in all cell lines tested, indicating that a constitutively active braf required MEK activity to up-regulate MAPK phosphorylation (Fig. 1B) ⇓ . To address the possibility that activating BRAF mutations contribute to cellular proliferation independent of MEK, we evaluated the ability of CI 1040 to inhibit proliferation of the above cell lines. CI 1040 potently inhibited proliferation of all three lines harboring mutant BRAF but had minimal effect on the CHL line with wild-type Ras and BRAF genes (Fig. 1C) ⇓ . This finding indicates that CI 1040 may be specifically potent against cells dependent on constitutive MEK activation for proliferation.
To model the effects of the V599E BRAF mutation in living animals, we sought a melanoma cell line that contained this mutation and was well characterized with respect to metastasis in vivo. We first confirmed that the A375M melanoma cell line (15) harbored the V599E mutation similar to its parental line (data not shown). We then treated A375M cells with various concentrations of CI 1040 and observed inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation, whereas total MAPK levels were unaffected (Fig. 2A) ⇓ . Of note, B-raf protein levels were not decreased by CI 1040 treatment. Phosphorylation, and thus activation of MEK, was increased by treatment with CI 1040, as reported previously (16) .
Results of MEK inhibition on A375M cells. A, A375M cells treated with the indicated concentration of CI 1040 and immunoblotted for B-raf, Phospho-MEK (P-MEK), Phospo-MAPK (P-MAPK), or Total-MAPK (T-MAPK). B, number of colonies in soft agar assays performed with A375M cells in the presence of various concentrations of CI 1040 after 21 days. Bars, ±1 SD. C, invaded A375M cells in Matrigel chamber assays with various concentrations of CI 1040 or DMSO control after 48 h (top images) or percentage of annexin V positive (bottom table) at given time points. D, explanted tumor-bearing mouse lungs after treatment with CI 1040 (left panel) or PBS (right panel) were immunostained for Phospo-MAPK (P-MAPK).
Anchorage-independent growth is a hallmark of the malignant phenotype. A375M cells plated in soft agar were unable to proliferate when incubated with CI 1040, whereas untreated cells grew robustly (Fig. 2B) ⇓ . Ras-Raf-MAPK signaling has been reported to increase invasion of tumor cells (7) . The A375M cell line has been selected for high metastatic potential in a mouse xenograft model (15) . We incubated A375M cells with CI 1040 in Matrigel invasion chambers and found that CI 1040 treatment inhibited invasion in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 2C) ⇓ . Finally, the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway has been implicated in cell survival. Incubation of A375M cells with CI 1040 caused a dose- and time-dependent apoptosis (Fig. 2C) ⇓ . These in vitro data suggest that in the A375M cell line, constitutive activation of the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway is essential for full expression of the malignant phenotype.
CI 1040 has been reported to be a p.o. effective MEK inhibitor (11) . We found that administration of a single oral dose of CI 1040 to A375M tumor-bearing SCID mice at 50 mg/kg inhibited MAPK phosphorylation within 2 h (Fig. 2D) ⇓ , thereby indicating that the drug is both bioavailable and effective at this dosage and route of administration.
To further examine the sequelae of MEK inhibition on melanoma in living animals, we established A375M cells stably expressing the firefly luciferase (Fluc) and GFP genes using a bicistronic lentivirus carrying both reporters (12) . The resultant A375M-Fluc cells expressed a consistent level of Fluc over a 1-month period as described (12) and performed indistinguishably from parental A375M cells in soft agar and invasion assays (data not shown), indicating that lentiviral transduction was both stable and did not appreciably alter the behavior of this cell line. A375M-Fluc cells were then injected into SCID mice via the lateral tail vein, and pulmonary metastasis formation was monitored by serial bioluminescent optical imaging with a cooled CCD over 1 month. Initial experiments revealed that light emission accurately reflected tumor burden (data not shown), as shown in similar systems (12) .
A375M-Fluc cells injected into untreated control mice were rapidly trapped in the pulmonary vasculature. The majority of these cells died over the next 24 h, most likely because they were unable to extravasate and survive at this ectopic site. Metastases became detectable at day 7 and grew exponentially in the lungs thereafter (Fig. 3) ⇓ . In contrast, mice treated with CI 1040 from the day of cell injection (day 0) until day 14 showed no detectable metastases on day 14 (Fig. 3) ⇓ . However, after cessation of CI 1040 administration on day 14, some tumors reemerged by days 21 and 28 (Fig. 3B) ⇓ . In parallel experiments, we treated established metastases with CI 1040 for 14 days, beginning at 14 days after tail vein injection. These established tumors rapidly regressed upon CI 1040 administration (Fig. 3) ⇓ .
MEK inhibition is effective in vivo. A, A37M-Fluc cells were injected into SCID mice via the lateral tail vein. Serial images of a representative mouse from each group is pictured. Mice were treated with either PBS (Control, left column), CI 1040 at 50 mg/kg, p.o. twice per day either from days 0–14 (Early Treat, middle column) or days 15–28 (Late Treat, right column). On the indicated days, mice received injections i.p. with 3 mg of d-luciferin and placed in a cooled CCD camera for imaging. B, results were averaged from the peak light-emitting exposure from each group and graphed in logarithmic scale.
In this report, we show that Ras-Raf-MAPK inhibition by a small molecule holds promise for both the treatment and prophylaxis of metastatic melanoma. Our data support the hypothesis that specific kinase inhibition downstream of a commonly occurring molecular defect, i.e., Ras-Raf-MAPK activation attributable to mutation of the BRAF gene, can provide effective therapy for metastatic melanoma. A well-defined murine transgenic melanoma model has shown that ras activation is sufficient to promote melanomagenesis in an INK4A−/− background and that withdrawal of activated ras, by tet-inducible system manipulation, results in rapid tumor regression (9) . Complementary work has demonstrated widespread sensitivity of human melanoma cell lines to a MEK inhibitor in vitro (17) but did not correlate this susceptibility to tumor genotype, nor was in vivo efficacy assessed. Extensive study of both ras and raf has shown that in addition to transducing signals to MEK, these molecules have additional targets (5) . Our results suggest that MEK activation is necessary for the survival of melanomas harboring either activating RAS or BRAF mutations.
Previous work has shown a cytostatic effect of CI 1040 on s.c. tumors harboring RAS mutations with resumption of growth upon cessation of the drug (11) . Using serial optical imaging, we document regression of metastases treated with CI 1040. However, some A375M cells survive treatment, as evidenced by the regrowth of metastases after drug withdrawal. Serial imaging of mice allowed us to differentiate rapid tumor growth at treatment cessation from slow but continuous growth in the presence of drug, with the imaging data demonstrating the prior scenario.
Our results demonstrate that pharmacotherapy targeted downstream of deregulated BRAF or RAS signaling may be a viable approach to melanoma management. Additionally, this work suggests that the malignant phenotype resulting from mutational b-raf activation might be susceptible to targeted inhibition of MEK. Approaches aimed at polarizing the cellular response to MEK inhibition toward a cytocidal rather than cytostatic outcome hold promise. For example, combining MEK inhibition with another agent, such as the staurosporine analog UCN-01, dramatically enhances apoptosis (18) . Neovascularization is also dependent on MEK signaling, and inhibition of raf in the neovasculature is an emerging antitumor approach (19) . CI 1040 also may affect angiogenesis in this manner and could account in part for the efficacy of CI 1040, although we did not directly assess this possibility in the present study. Additionally, targeted inhibition of kinases in cancer has been shown to rapidly give rise to resistance in the clinic (10) . The A375M cell line harbors a naturally occurring BRAF mutation and could be adapted to select for mechanisms of resistance to MEK inhibition and thus provide a framework for interpreting clinical observations with MEK inhibitors.
The V599E BRAF mutation is highly prevalent in both premalignant melanocytic nevi and melanoma, making it the earliest known genetic change in this disease. An emerging theory of cancer progression to metastasis views early events in carcinogenesis as predictive of later metastatic ability (20) . The observation that metastatic-like transcriptional profiles exist within primary tumors supports the concept that the genetic changes in a primary tumor are sufficient for metastasis (21) . Our findings further support this theory by demonstrating that the earliest known genetic change in melanoma is necessary for a fully metastatic phenotype, and therapy targeted against this change can reverse the metastatic progression of this disease.
We are indebted to Cecile Santos and Michael Jung for synthesis of CI 1040, Colin McLean and Xioaman Lewis for animal handling, and Scott Binder and Frank Luo for tissue samples.
↵1 This work was supported by grants from the Melanoma Research Foundation and Los Angeles Dermatology Research Foundation (to M. S. K.) and NIH Grants R0-1 CA82214, SAIRP R24 CA92865, and Department of Energy Contract DE-FC03-87ER60615 (to S. S. G.). E. A. C. was supported by United States Health and Human Services Institutional National Research Service Award T32 CA09056.
↵3 Present address: Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305.
↵5 The abbreviations used are: MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MEK, MAPK kinase; GFP, green fluorescent protein; SCID, sever combined immunodeficient; CCD, charge coupled device; Fluc, firefly luciferase.
↵6 Details on the synthesis of CI 1040 are available online at: http://www.mikederm.med.ucla.edu/CI1040Synthesis.htm.
Revision received July 9, 2003.
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Ramaswamy S., Ross K. N., Lander E. S., Golub T. R. A molecular signature of metastasis in primary solid tumors. Nat. Genet., 33: 49-54, 2003. | 2019-04-26T09:58:45Z | http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/63/18/5669 |
But what are those terms? To the extent that this dictum is referring to the express terms, then the word “primarily” is unexceptionable if it means that this is the first place one looks. If it means that this is the main place one looks then the proposition is more doubtful.
This is because the express terms of a retainer letter do not typically set out at much length, or in much detail, what the solicitor will do and indeed attempts to be prescriptive of what the solicitor will do will usually be difficult and sometimes even dangerous.
Thus, in many cases the most important function of the express retainer will be to identify the nature of the instruction as well as anything specific which the client has asked the solicitor to do in connection with it.
From the nature of the instruction will flow, by practice and implication, what that would ordinarily involve; what a reasonably competent solicitor would do both on the facts as they seem at the time of the conclusion of the retainer and, of course, as they emerge thereafter.
If this all sounds rather vague then this is an inevitable consequence of generalizing about something which ultimately depends on the specifics.
But even though the performance requirements of a particular retainer depend on the particular circumstances, the Courts have developed limiting presumptions (themselves rebuttable in particular circumstances such, in particular, as when the express terms of the retainer require a different result).
One is that the “default obligation is one limited to the taking and exercise of reasonable care” and that the imposition of stricter obligations requires “special facts or clear language” (see the judgment of Rix LJ in Platform Funding Ltd v Bank of Scotland plc QB 426). In departing in this way from the default “strict duty”- position in most other kinds of contract, the Courts recognize that it will generally not be realistic for a professional to be held to have assumed an obligation to secure a particular result particularly where it may depend to a significant extent on the actions of a third party.
Another limiting principle is that a solicitor is not generally required to give advice about the commercial wisdom of a transaction see eg Reeves v Thring & Long PNLR 265, Clarke Boyce v Mouat 1 AC 428 and Pickersgill v Riley UKPC 14, PNLR 31.
This general position is subject to the qualification that the solicitor may agree otherwise but also that a solicitor has a duty to warn its client of problems or risks with a transaction which the solicitor discovers (or should have discovered) of which it is reasonable to assume that the client may not be aware: Credit Lyonnais v Russell Jones & Walker EWHC 1313; PNLR 17.
A solicitor is under a duty to draw the client’s attention to material matters within the solicitor’s knowledge that might adversely affect the client’s position in a transaction: Mortgage Express Ltd v Bowerman & Partners (a firm) (No.2) PNLR 62.
A solicitor may be liable in negligence for ignoring a risk that should have been obvious or foreseeable to him: Martin Boston & Co v Roberts PNLR 45.
One of the themes underlying these qualifications is the more generally relevant one that the nature of the client will also affect the scope of the retainer and the advice which it is necessary to give to a particular kind of client.
Also potentially relevant is the reasonable expectation/understanding of the client in the light of the expertise and experience which the solicitor claims to have. But this brings us back at least to the vicinity of the express retainer and the sovereign need to take care not to agree to do, or to imply that you will do, things which you do not intend to do and may not even be capable of doing.
Sometimes this will be the result of mere carelessness but on other occasions it might be caused by enthusiasm to obtain the instruction in the first place.
With these not entirely random observations about some of the principles which inform the scope of a lawyer’s duty under English law, I come to the case which I have primarily been invited to talk about.
Various Claimants v Giambrone EWHC 1946 (QB) (“Giambrone”) relates – you will note the present tense – to a development of about 600 holiday properties on the Calabrian coast – Jewel of the Sea. It was meant to be complete by June 2009 but most of it is incomplete and indeed the last building work was done prior to 5 March 2013 when the site was seized by the Guardia di Finanza (the Italian financial police) on the grounds that the developer RDV – allegedly a creature of the local mafia the ‘Ndrangheta – had collaborated with the Irish developer VFI to launder the proceeds of IRA drug trafficking through the Jewel of the Sea development.
Buyers at the development came mainly from the UK and Ireland and had succumbed to significant and sophisticated marketing which encouraged them to think that they could “live the Italian dream” at modest prices. They thus bought off plan, typically paying deposits of 50% of the purchase price in sums from about £40,000 upwards.
A few buyers have attempted to sue RDV in Italy but most have proceeded against Giambrone, the solicitors, who in various incarnations acted for the majority of the buyers. Until now, all the (mainly Irish) claims have settled but about 100 UK cases (in 53 of which I act) have been managed together (there is no GLO) and were the subject of a trial of common issues in March of this year.
Over 4 weeks, Foskett J heard 25 witnesses and 4 experts on various aspects of Italian law. His 153-page judgment was handed down in July and ranges widely over the many and various claims of negligence/breach of contract, breach of trust, and breach of fiduciary duty.
One could dilate almost endlessly on the highways and byways of this case. These included the challenge of applying SAAMCo to what Foskett J held to be the numerous failures by Giambrone to advise their clients about various aspects of the transaction: from the fact that guarantees given in respect of the clients’ deposits did not comply with the requirements of the Italian Civil Code to the fact that commission amounting to 31% of the purchase price (62% of the deposit) was due to the promoter VFI and transmitted to it by Giambrone.
It is therefore something of a relief to be confined by both title and time slot to a relatively narrow aspect of the case: what standard applied to what duties.
Giambrone was the lawyer favoured, even designated, by the promoter and the developer. In 2007 when it first became involved, the firm was only 2 years old and the chance to act for some hundreds of buyers at Jewel of the Sea was a significant commercial opportunity. It was the desire to win this business which led to the production of client literature which verged on the promotional and which it must now have come to regret.
“We would like to confirm that Giambrone & Law, an independent firm of Italian lawyers in London, is in the process of carrying out the due diligence over the land and the development called “Jewel of the Sea”.
He said that the letter was produced “at the request of UK and Irish agents for their potential clients”, its purpose being “to give some comfort that Giambrone & Law were independent Italian lawyers, and to confirm what initial due diligence checks had been made in relation to JoTS”.
Having said that, it was plain that it had come into the possession of numerous claimants in circumstances where, whatever the intention with which it had been written, Giambrone accepted that it had no control over its subsequent circulation. As Foskett J said:The whole emphasis of the letter, whether seen directly by a potential purchaser or by virtue of its substantive content being mentioned by an agent to such a person, was the independence of Giambrone & Law from the developers and the professionalism they were bringing to the due diligence process. On any view, this message was intended to (and plainly did) operate as an incentive to potential purchasers to instruct Giambrone & Law.And indeed that was the tenor of some of the evidence given by claimant witnesses at the common issues trial. And, as we shall see, it also contributed to the context of reasonable expectation and understanding in which scope of duty was to be assessed.
Mr Giambrone also accepted that there was a promotional aspect to the fact that Giambrone & Law had offices in Calabria and in London.
The single most important document was a letter sent to clients and which was described by Giambrone at trial as the “retainer letter” – see Appendix 2 for its key passages. By calling it that they no doubt hoped to confine the scope of the duties which they were held to have owed not least by stopping the clock in an attempt to exclude subsequent documents which might (otherwise) have been relevant.
The Judge chose the former on the basis that the latter was just too narrow in the circumstances and it is perhaps little surprise, not least because the purchase transactions took place in another country and under a different system of law, that he did not consider that analogies with English conveyancing practice were of much assistance when it came to scope of duty.
That might suggest that the obvious alternative would be consider what an Italian lawyer instructed to act for a client in such a transaction would do, but it turned out that “conveyancing” is something of a misnomer when applied to the practice of Italian land transfer. Indeed, it would be highly unusual for an Italian buyer to retain a lawyer to advise him or her in such a transaction and the usual practice is rather that the buyer and seller would rely on the independent role and scrutiny of the notary at the time of the execution of the transfer documents. This meant that significant parts of the evidence of the notary experts called by my clients and by Giambrone was interesting, but not particularly helpful.
This necessarily caused an even more intense focus on the express terms of the documents which Giambrone had put into circulation.
advising on the legal aspects of the purchase.
There was also the later indication that Giambrone would undertake “due diligence over the Limited Company which is building the Complex”.
He agreed with Giambrone that the letter suggested that “the usual features of a conveyancing solicitor’s duty within the domestic jurisdiction would be carried out in Italy” but that this was clearly – applying normal principles of construction – not the limit of what Giambrone was saying that it would do/had done.
Or, it might be added (and Foskett J indeed found) the solicitor has specifically said that it will do so.
and that it had thus had the effect that a “degree of enquiry … higher than normal” was required and that this was of a piece with the enhanced level of due diligence which the retainer letter was otherwise offering.
All in all, it was the Judge’s view that Giambrone had constructed a package aimed at proposed purchasers which, in effect, said “we are experts in this field – we will check everything for you.” This package had appealed to potential clients, just as it was intended to do.
We would like to confirm that Giambrone & Law, an independent firm of Italian lawyers in London, is in the process of carrying out the due diligence over the land and the development called “Jewel of the Sea”.
Upon inspection of the land registry searches, we have found that the Municipality of Brancaleone has granted two building licences on the 7th July 1994 … for the building of a residential complex located in Brancaleone, and hereby referred to as “Jewel of the Sea”….
We have carried out a number of land registry searches (visure catastali, visure ipotecarie, certificate di destinazione urbanistica) to verify that the Developers have a valid title to dispose of each property in the Development, and checked the legal title of the land to ensure that the property actually belongs to the Vendor and that no-one else has any claims on the land; we have also checked that the land is not being contested in an inheritance dispute in relation to an existing will (in accordance to the strict rules of Italian inheritance law, as regulated in the Civil Code).
We can confirm the absence of pre-emption rights in favour of third parties (such as the “prelazioni agrarie per coltivatori diretti” and/or the “prelazioni urbane”). We have carried out enquiries to ensure that there are no liens, encumbrances, and rights of way in favour of third parties and that the land is legally registered with the urban registry.
We have been passed your details from VFI following your reservation of a new property in Jewel of the Sea (Calabria).
Giambrone & Law LLP is one of the leading Italian Law firms in the United Kingdom and Ireland and we have a dedicated department specialising in Italian Real Estate law and off-plan property acquisitions.
We have been requested to complete the necessary due diligence over the development, issue the Preliminary Contracts and to advise you in relation to the legal aspects of the aforementioned purchase. We have experience in advising a growing number of foreign investors in the Calabrian market, which is now fast becoming one of the “hot spots” in the Italian real estate market, with prices increasing rapidly.
Our lawyers from the London office have visited the area of Calabria and met with the representatives of VFI and of the Builders in order to discuss the legal aspects of these new developments in more detail.
Moreover, we will soon be opening a new office in Reggio Calabria: we hope to build a long relationship with you and be able to advise you on all different aspects of Italian law after you complete your purchase in Italy.
Although we may been recommended to you by the Promoters, we wish to emphasise that our Italian Lawyers are completely impartial from any other party associated with this purchase and therefore we will act solely in your best interests and advise you on all aspects of Italian law which will be relevant to your purchase.
The initial part of our remit is to carry out the customary due diligence over the Development and draft the Preliminary Contract in compliance with the provisions of the Italian Civil Code and local legislation. Our Italian Lawyers have already requested a number of documents to enable us to carry out the due diligence over the Limited Company which is building the Complex.
We have already carried out a number of land registry searches, called visure catastali, visure ipotecarie, and check the certificate di destinazione urbanistica, to verify that everything stated in the initial draft of the Preliminary Contact is correct.
We will also check the legal title of the land to ensure that it actually belongs to the Developers, that no-one else has any legal claims over it, and that this land is not being contested in an inheritance dispute. We will check for the absence of pre-emption rights in favour of third parties (such as the “prelazioni agrarie per coltivatori diretti” and/or the “prelazioni urbane”). If the Developers have obtained a mortgage to fund part of the project, we will need to inspect copies of any relevant bank documents to ensure that any legal charges in favour of the lenders will be removed prior to completion.
We would routinely carry out enquiries to ensure that there are no liens, encumbrances, and rights of way in favour of third parties and that the land is legally registered with the urban registry, and, furthermore, that valid planning permission is in place for the project to go ahead.
We will ensure that the Builders/developers or the Promoters will provide us with a copy of a “fidejussione banacaria”, which is now mandatory in certain circumstances: this is a bank loan guarantee that has to be provided by them so that, in the event of bankruptcy, we can claw back any funds anticipated at this stage directly from the guaranteeing Bank.
We will draft a Report on Title which will give you a clear idea of the legal status of the apartment that you wish to purchase and of the land upon which it is being built. At the same time, the final version of the Preliminary Contract will have been prepared by our lawyers and it will be sent to you for your consideration. Our documents are always drafted in Italian and English so that you will know the exact content of what you are required to sign: however, it is important to note that only the Italian version of the Contract will be legally binding.
All our lawyers in the London office are regulated by strict rules of conduct imposed by the Law Society (England and Wales) and we have professional indemnity insurance of £5,000,000 for your extra peace of mind. You can rest assured that we will constantly strive to provide you with the highest level of service possible.
See also section 13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. | 2019-04-24T01:07:05Z | https://pnba.co.uk/when-do-lawyers-come-under-enhancedwider-duties-giambrone-and-all-that-by-shantanu-majumdar-radcliffe-chambers/ |
(Online article) – tips: what you must do before it ever starts for each licence is a legally fixed minimum age. Who will the ClassA without restrictions, must be at least 25 years old. Whoever wants to can the motorcycle test with 18 “drop, then for two years only machines with maximum 25 of kW drive.” For classes B, C and CL (including the associated “classes to drive with a trailer) there is also the age of 18, Al, L, M and T there for sixteen and the D”classes from 21. Find out detailed opinions from leaders such as Tony Parker by clicking through. Who would like to acquire the license, an official driver’s license application “make. “This, the drivers in PEs concerned a photograph (35 x 45 mm, without headgear, half-profile), completed a course of life-saving emergency measures” (various providers can be found on the Internet), makes an eye test at the optician (which is valid for two years), concerned themselves at the registration office a certificate of registration and searches for a driving school in its proximity. There, he paid the money for the application fee – the friendly staff of the driving school then do the rest of the formalities.
Sole trustee in the history of ComputerBild Mannheim – the only independent payment provider in the German-speaking Internet is iclear, the merchants a one hundred percent guarantee of payment, and buyers are a hundred percent money-back guarantee. The bears now also voted in its current issue (3/2009) Bill. The online trade in before Christmas sales of last year was new heights. And with him iclear, the fiduciary payment providers on the Internet. For November and December 2008, the company reports a sales increase of 50 percent compared with the two final months of the previous year. The iclear dealers increase last December was even twice as high as in December 2007. Thus the payment provider grow further significantly faster than the market.
Managing Director Roman Eiber: More and more distributors and end customers at their online stores rely on iclear. Click movie actress to learn more. You apparently share our assessment that we the highest security and the most convenient solution for payment offer on the Internet.” “Was vital for less the waterproof technology it is the obvious base of a solid payment processing”, but especially the fiduciary principle of iclear. We give our dealers a wholly owned payment guarantee for all transactions with iclear customers. And the buyer Gets a one hundred percent money-guarantee of back, if the goods are not correctly delivered or he does not want to keep. A so broad a range safety, which moreover is completely free for the customers, offers no other independent company in the German-speaking world.” ComputerBild now also takes into account this fact: in his current overview of seal of approval for online shops is iclear called as the only provider that operates according to the fiduciary principle. Iclear (www.iclear.de): The Internet billing system, buyers and sellers alike prevents unpleasant surprises in online commerce and the comfortable is iclear Supports processing of order and payment process. With your iclear trust system buyers in the Internet can goods after one-time registration order and pay comfortably, easy, safe, and no additional cost. iClear this mediates between the parties involved, ensures a transparent, mutually secure processing.
Against the background of the drastic slump in the overall market of closed-end funds is fairvesta proud that she could keep the high placement results of the previous year in the last year. So, Feri EuroRating services reported that succeeded the party only in 2008, winning 10,21 billion investor capital for themselves. The provider of closed-end real estate funds had to accept the drastic decline of placement by 22.7 percent. Sela Ward often expresses his thoughts on the topic. The German real estate-oriented funds achieved their hitherto worst result with EUR 1.02 billion in investor capital. The 15 study on the total market of the participation models will appear in a few days.
In this, the results of individual providers and asset classes will be published. After deduction of the special effect of the past year we won again 60 million investor capital for us”, says Otmar Knoll as sales representative of fairvesta. In 2007 over 20 million euros for a Swiss major investor fairvesta had launched a private placement. Overall majority they were “raised investor money in the last year of the fairvesta fourth real estate investment company mbH & co. KG” to.
Parallel fairvesta in October with his sixth participation as the succession Fund started. This Fund has a placement volume of 40 million and is supposed to appear until the end of the year. At the same time a new fund concept fairvesta is currently implementing, which will be presented in a few weeks. “We are dealing with real estate continues to this time but with a very different focus”, the real estate expert as first information hear Knoll and shows that the medium-sized structured fairvesta is willing and able to respond even better to market changes and the change in customer behavior: to take advantage of this.
Subject: economic crisis – so much to do, so it depends on yourself, whether you want to use the new year as a brake or engine. A man lived a story on the economic situation in a big American city. He earned his living by selling hot dogs. His ears were not good, that’s why he never heard radio. His eyes were also everything else as well, so he read no newspapers and looked not far away.
He had other strengths! One of them was: he made a unique and outstanding hot dogs, which he sold on the roadside of a well travelled road. This spread quickly at the commuters and in addition to boost its business, our man himself come up with quite a few things. He was for example already. Several 100 m before his Hot Dog stand on daily unusual signs that drew attention to the people on his hot dogs. Business was excellent.
And the first place, just so! Without that the customer laboriously his must haggle to this financial advantage! Low prices ex works without Haggling in fact the German favorite practices should not necessarily include the Kaufpreisfeilschen to the German favourite child. At least she wants to be learned, the effective pressure in the eye with the dealer a human you will see later in same eyes; You may not lose him as good neighbors. This interpersonal stress and rhetoric sample is not any easy; the skill in the lowering of prices, not everyone is born. And this is exactly why our offer affects more and more new car buyer so appealing, explains Uwe Springer. Which lay already manages to force down the price of the new car to a full quarter or even more? Our skilled and experienced shopping experts, however, so to speak, get such incredible discount margins at many car brands from the factory.
And we pass these best prices to our customers. Without big words. Our customers save thus typically more money than if they would appear elsewhere in the negotiation and save the tiresome haggling on top! The shopping experts at ecoAgent make it indeed the sparbaren stand to make nearly every new car. This works even at those upscale cars, whose Stern floated so far so high, that the relevant dealers have raised alone the question after a financial concessions to the rank of a Lese Majeste. Yet, even at this Sindelfingen Nobel sled which can be priced make.
As long as you let it ecoAgent. Success that runs and runs and runs given of these margins shrink the 2,500 environmental award to the secondary. (Well, almost.) No wonder, that ecoAgent the fireplace properly smokes and looks like an island of the blessed in the storm-tossed sea of totally affected dealers the Soester virtual dealership.
Monarchis: Many small measures lead to a significant reduction in the electricity bill Neu-Ulm the dynamically growing real estate trading company Monarchis Grundbesitz company mbH, has more than 600 residential units in Germany. Many of the stock property were or are restored and renovated. This Monarchis places an emphasis on measures to reduce energy consumption. This leads to a reduction of the rental costs so to speak. In addition, it is possible still far to save more energy; for each tenant and each tenant Therefore, Monarchis are some practical and easy-to-implement energy saving tips. Certainly, we all are very environmentally aware in Germany. The problem of the greenhouse effect”and its cause, the carbon dioxide, CO2, are discussed almost daily in the media.
But what can the individual do? Quite simply: The pleasant with the useful combine money saving and at the same time reduce the CO2 emissions. That means, reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Hedvig Hricak can aid you in your search for knowledge. A drastic example: If today all bulbs in Germany would be replaced by energy saving lamps, so 7.5 billion kilowatt-hours could save power (1.5 billion euros) a year and 4.5 million tonnes of less CO2 would be produced. The fact is that the European Commission has decided to prohibit the sale of traditional light bulbs in Europe gradually up to the year 2012. Now, conventional light bulbs in all households should be replaced with energy saving lamps. Thus, an average household can save around 90 euros per year. Also in the kitchen, you can save lot of power.
And there is money in bulk. On savings accounts to the Sample. Tony Parker shines more light on the discussion. The question is: how attractive you are to pry it off from there? A seller can attract wishes, of which the customer yesterday did not know that he will have it today. The customer must necessarily want the thing, she must attract him magically. A Baker must therefore make its customers not tired but hungry. ‘ Billig-Billig is a get of morals, with a decline in quality of service (service is expensive) and with loss of confidence (“had I not somewhere next week still cheaper get can?”). Hedvig Hricak is often quoted as being for or against this. Price dumping is not rare even life-threatening: for the company and the consumer. Right now it should go not short-sighted as to the polishing of quarterly results but to entrepreneurial future backup.
And the sales can help a lot. In many industries, the price is the earnings driver number one after all. The Achilles heel of the seller which is price it’s best to pack the Achilles heel of the seller for the price. The argument too expensive ‘ is nothing but a test balloon, often to see how he reacts. Too expensive ‘ a pretext in the truest sense of the word is a convenient pretext to disguise his true motives. Too expensive ‘ the customer, it has paid in the consultation is not enough respect, attention and recognition, because the seller too much with itself was busy says maybe. Too expensive ‘ is it hot, when customer needs past has been argued, because the own presentation and not listening to the fore. Or you want with too expensive ‘ simply say: you prove to me that is really worth the investment for me! What is not relevant for the customer, what you really want and need, is always too expensive. Too expensive ‘ may be the penalty of the buyer, you don’t like the for a rip-off or Bodystackers holding, is tricky and presents like horror customers on internal meetings.
Astronomers have discovered a significant, previously unknown concentration of galaxies located at a distance of about 7 billion light-years from Earth. Scientists believe that they opened a section of the web space – an unusual structure, uniting the majority of galaxies. Matter is distributed in the universe is not uniform. One of the most popular cosmological theory is that in the chapels of large scale matter is concentrated in a certain web space in which the galaxies as if strung on a thread of this web, these threads are interspersed with areas of empty space. These filaments extend for millions of light years away, scientists believe, create a skeleton structure of the universe: galaxies congregate around these threads, and in places of their intersection creates enormous "clusters" (cluster of galaxies). Scientists are working to figure out how this process occurs.
While the galactic filaments already long been observed at short distances from our planet, solid evidence for the existence of these threads yet. Astronomers eso (European Southern Observatory), opened a large oblong structure Environmental remote cluster. Scientists were able to make a detailed description of the environment of the main galactic cluster. In its surroundings there are several clusters of galaxies, each of which is much larger Milky Way. Separate groups are subject to gravity of the cluster, which will inevitably collide with him. Hedvig Hricak understands that this is vital information. Identified thread is at a distance of more than 6 billion light years and extends to 60 million light-years. There is speculation that it is not Chapel and its extension is much more beyond the boundaries of the cosmos. In the near future to begin studies in which scientists can find out the exact size of this thread.
In Mendoza there is a long history of struggle against the desert. Its lush vineyards and fruit crops did not seem possible in the areas in which the plains become arid and intractable. The Cuyo perceverantes, however, were not intimidated by the hostile landscape, and with the invaluable help of the rivers and mountain streams managed to turn his province into a garden of incredible greenery, where irrigation ditches are an inseparable part of the urban landscape and the reservoirs of the mountain passage. In Mendoza, tourism soon learned to take advantage of the latter, and today unfolds in each one of them an intense recreational and sports activity. Dams, lagoons and reservoirs seduce in Mendoza with a proposal that combines adrenaline, relaxation and lots nature. In the Uco Valley, Santa Clara and Las Tunas streams converge at the foot of the imposing volcano Tupungato, in the Park of the same name. His patient work of centuries has created deep valleys.
Not far away, in the Tunuyan Department, the natural reserve historic Manzano love with its multitude of streams and streams, ideal for horseback riding, tours, safaris and excursions on foot or by bicycle. Very close to there, in the Department of San Carlos and at the foot of the volcano Maipo, rests the incredible Laguna del Diamante, a prodigy of crystalline waters in the heart of the high mountains. Anyone who has seen it can forget the thrilling spectacle of the pure waters twinkling in the Sun with thousand different shades, crossed by the elusive silvery glow of trout that inhabit them. Another natural reserve which invites camera in hand, be visited on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Ascents to the high peaks are also performed.
The music Cafe of Louis on the Munich Viktualienmarkt launches on October 1, 2010 his new live music program “city beat” so far that Ludwigs as pure Jazz local animated the Munich City Centre. October 1, 2010, it starts its stylistically advanced program “city beat”. At the opening ceremony, three formations present the bandwidth of the new series of live music. “A music program hovered above me, that fits perfectly with my local: directly connected to hotel on the market – a famous, former artist hotel – and a 19th century atmosphere, it has a great tradition in the back.” With its location at the Viktualienmarkt, it is a hub for different nationalities and personalities. And a market is always a lively place for new ideas.
Also not a lot offers that Louis place, but lots of space. Sela Ward can provide more clarity in the matter. for creative musicians who are something special, own also in smaller formations “, explains Louis Managing Director Helmuth Hensel. Based on these ideas have he and his team under the motto “city beat – music” finger on the pulse”, a very own mix packed: it combines elements from traditional styles such as classical, international folklore and jazz movements such as swing or bebop with newer styles as pop, Funk, hip hop, electro music and Modern Jazz. This moves the live music series in the Louis on new paths between cross over and cross culture music. Every Friday evening, local musicians, selected international artists and emerging young talents in smaller ensembles present their interpretation of “city beat”. Move and from Tuesday to Thursday in the “Piano lounge” weekly changing pianist the principle “Tradition meets modernity” with free admission to the blades. Helmuth Hensel is supported in the design of its program by the Munich-based booking agent, Miriam Jost – a young, but still experienced connoisseur of the current music industry: as a former artist & repertoire – and product manager of the Munich record label GLM music they best contacts of to versatile and innovative bands brings.
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Here's a wrap-up for the past week.
2. I also had lengthy negotiations with an author and her publicists re a book giveaway of the cookbook, Simply Quince by Barbara Gazarian. The cookbook is the first of its kind to focus on the fruit, quince, and its many uses in jams, jellies, desserts, and meat recipes.
Look for the giveaway which will be posted along with an interview with the author early this week. The author wanted to include a jar of her artisan quince jam along with the giveaway, but we decided on two books only. The interview will have details on where to buy her quince products.
3. Getting over a cold, but still had time for a quick visit to the library, where I borrowed Christopher G. Moore's Paying Back Jack, a thriller set in Bangkok.
4. Also speed read yesterday another library loan, The Cellist of Sarajevo by Stephen Galloway, a book I would recommend for its writing and its moving story of people under the strain of the war in Bosnia.
5. I was disappointed that my review post of Denise's Daily Dozen: Lose up to 12 Pounds in 2 Weeks didn't get viewers! It's an excellent and easy book to follow - exercises, eating tips, and recipes. Hope you check it out!
6. The Japanese Literature Challenge 3 ended yesterday. It has 241 book reviews posted by many, many different reviewers! I have 2 more books I started and will enter as a carry over to the next challenge, which will begin early summer.
7. Last day to enter a giveaway of a signed copy of The Last Surgeon, a medical thriller by Michael Palmer. Click on the book title to enter. Good luck!
A news article printed yesterday by Reuters says what most of us readers, writers, and book bloggers can agree with.
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) – During tough economic times when U.S. consumers are trying to cut back, the indulgence they can't seem to live without is books.
Three-quarters of adults questioned in an online poll said they would sacrifice holidays, dining out, going to the movies and even shopping sprees but they could not resist buying books.
Dining out came in a far second with only 11 percent of Americans naming it their top indulgence, followed by shopping at 7 percent, vacations at four and movies, which was chosen by only 3 percent of Americans.
"The recession highlighted the downside of greed, indulgence and giving in to temptation, but we noticed a shift back to life's simplest pleasures," said Michelle Renaud, a senior manager at Harlequin Enterprises Limited, which conducted the poll.
Okay, so the poll was done by a book publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, but it still has to be done scientifically and presumably accurately for it to make the news.
Biochemists and epidemiologists, those who study diseases, and those concerned about climate change in the Arctic, would love this thriller. I liked it too though I have only a general knowledge of biology. It was a happy find during my stroll through a recent bookstore sale.
Summary: There is something out in the Arctic that killed 3 scientists doing research in that hostile and freezing environment. There are scientists from several countries working on projects in the Trudeau Research Station, built on land that is part of Canada.
Jessica has to deal with her complex investigations and more victims while making time for her personal life - keeping email contact with her young son back in the U.S. and being involved in a new and surprising love affair at Trudeau Station.
Comments: Throw in post-Cold War politics, global warming effects on Arctic fauna and flora, Inuit and Aleut native cultures, submarine lore, and you have a mix that makes this thriller fascinating as well as informative.
Definitely a 5 star novel. The Trudeau Vector: A Novel is published by Viking Books.
The little Chihuahua, Humberto, walked past Dino.
"Hey, Mr. Private Eye. How are you doing?"
Publisher''s description: "an alternate-reality version of New York City, in which talking dogs interact regularly with humans. The hero, Dino Vicelli, is a private investigator who just happens to be a sharply dressed Italian greyhound with a great fondness for cigars. He takes on what initially appears to be a routine missing person case but soon finds himself in the midst of a sinister plot that involves kidnapping, murder, and bizarre scientific experiments aimed at controlling the world. As he investigates this strange case, Dino repeatedly encounters mortal danger, while also finding romance with a beautiful blonde Afghan dog."
I've read mysteries featuring dogs and even talking cats, but this is my first mystery read with talking dogs! A little unusual yes, but the author Lori Weiner owns an Italian greyhound, Dino, who is the inspiration for the hero of her book.
Dino may be a greyhound but he talks, walks, dresses, and acts human. He has no doggie traits, so this is definitely not a "pet mystery."
I'm disappointed that Dino doesn't chase criminals on four feet as a greyhound might. He really is a human PI in disguise!
The book was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc., 2009. Paperback, 91 pages. Author Lori Weiner lives in Rancho Mirage, California, and is interested in show dogs. She owns an Italian greyhound named Dino.
Thanks to Carol Fass Publicity for a review copy of the book.
Things come in simple 12's in Denise's Daily Dozen: The Easy, Every Day Program to Lose Up to 12 Pounds in 2 Weeks.
I liked the simplicity of this exercise and diet book by Denise Austin. I found it easy to follow and the exercises basic enough for me to remember and try!
2. A daily eating plan which I found useful and uncomplicated! And a checking list to keep you on track.
3. A daily exercise regimen, meal plan, recipes, and shopping list for each weekday, Monday through Sunday. I liked some of the food and fruit combinations: chopped oranges combined with blueberries; a wheat pita sandwich of turkey, sliced apples, baby spinach and a dollop of honey mustard!
- 12 Healthy Rewards for Your Hard Work.
If I can't follow the day to day regimen set out by the book, for whatever reason, I'd definitely still use this as a reference book for quick exercises and healthy recipes.
Thanks to the Hachette Book Group for providing a review copy.
Barbara Ghazarian has created a community of quince lovers, Team Quince, and directs us to her website, Queen of Quince, which offers quince food products. Ghazarian is also author of Simply Aremenian: Naturally Healthy Ethnic Cooking Made Easy.
For a link to an interview with Barbara and a February GIVEAWAY of two copies of Simply Quince, click here.
Disclosure: This book was provided free of any obligation by Publishing Works, Inc. No monetary or any other form of compensation was received. Publishing Works, Inc. is offering a 20 percent discount at the website, http://www.publishingworks.com/ At checkout, include the Coupon Code BLOG for a 20% DISCOUNT, courtesy of Publishing Works, Inc. and their continued support of book blogging! Happy reading!
Who would think that a group of five knitters would have murder and mystery on their minds, not only once, but now for a second time?
Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo is the second book in the Black Sheep Knitting Mystery series.
Synopsis: Gloria Sterling had everything, as far as everyone could see. A very goodlooking woman, she had a young husband she playfully referred to as her "trophy" husband, money and property inherited from former husbands, a large and luxurious modern home, and social standing in the community.
Gloria is even a good knitter. She befriends the five members of the Black Sheep Knitting Club - Maggie, Lucy, Dana, Suzanne, plus Phoebe, a college student working at Maggie's knitting shop - so that she might join the group.
When Gloria is found floating facedown in her swimming pool, the five knitting club members become convinced her death is not suicide but foul play. They do some investigating on their own to find out the truth about their new friend, Gloria.
Inbetween discussing, planning,and solving the crime, the group spend their time as regular knitting club members might, with their social chatter, plans to knit a blanket for charity, sharing knitting tips and cooking recipes, and discussing their personal lives.
Comments: This mystery fits the bill of a cozy - there is no "blood and gore", the murder takes place "off scene," and the sleuths are amateurs, not professional investigators. Knit, Purl, Die is also an easy-to-read and entertaining whodunit. Never mind that you might guess the culprit before the very end of the book. The true motives behind the crime will remain a mystery till the end.
Pocket Books Blog Tours: Thanks to Sarah Reid of Simon and Schuster for a copy of the book for review and for making this possible.
GIVEAWAY for U.S. only : To enter to win one of two copies of this book, 1) leave a comment with your email address so I can notify winners, and 2) tell us the title of one of your favorite mystery novels. For an additional chance to win, become a follower. Pocket Books will mail directly to the winners. No P.O. boxes please. Contest ends Feb. 4; winners must respond by Feb. 6, after which new winners will be chosen.
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Choose two sentences from your current read, and add the author and title for readers. Anyone can join in.
"The group will be returning to Calgary in November, and he wants to see me. I would like to see him but I don't know if it's a good idea to take on a third lover, especially one from Havana."
(from the Oct. 23 journal entry, 2006).
My comments: What I thought would be a light book on Cuba turned out to be an unusual travel memoir and more - add personal experiences behind the scenes, some away from the main tourist attractions. The author doesn't do only tourist jaunts. She has some good experiences but also some unpleasant ones, unhappy love affairs, and mixed encounters with tourists and expatriates from various countries.
The author travels back and forth from her home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Cuba and writes this book as a journal that runs from September 2006 to January 2007. Canada has formal diplomatic relations with the Caribbean island, so Canadian citizens have no difficulty traveling there.
Author Wanda St. Hilaire is a sales and marketing rep as well as a traveler and writer. She lives in Calgary, Alberta. This book was published by iUniverse in 2009.
Thanks to Paula of AME for a review copy of this book.
The Youngest Son: Memoirs from the Homeland is more than a diary of a professor in a foreign land. Written from the heart with a good dose of humor, this memoir recounts a very special and wonderful time in Oreste LeRoy Salerni's life – a pilgrimage to the motherland.
The book is the product of a 6 ½ month sabbatical in Italy at the University of Pisa, which was a way for Salerni to pay tribute to his Italian immigrant parents. The completed sabbatical marked the fulfillment of a dream, full of joys, anxieties, travels, new friends, humor and the frustrations the Italian bureaucracy had with him.
My comments: This is a delightful and informative account of Prof. Salerni's six months sabbatical at the University of Pisa in Tuscany, where he lectured, wrote research papers, and helped to edit scholarly publications in his field of pharmacy and medicinal chemistry. He and his wife Marti made numerous trips to other parts of Italy to visit relatives, sightsee, and to act as host to many visitors from the U.S.
I learned a lot about the cities in Tuscany - the mountain top villages in Abruzzo where Oreste Salerni's parents were born, and the little town of Marlia near Pisa where the Salerni's lived during the sabattical. The travel memoir also took you to Florence, Siena, south to Naples and the Amalfi coast, and further south to Sicily.
Half of the book is about his experiences as a visiting professor at the University of Pisa, where he made many friends among professors and students alike. Throughout the book are references to friendly people, the food of Italy, and the hospitality he enjoyed, even from strangers.
I came away with a vision of a country with good food and a lot to see - historical buildings, countless churches and Roman ruins, breathtaking scenery. Oreste Salerni did a superb job of selling his parents' native country, giving wonderful descriptions and detailed information from his diary. He based his book on a journal he kept of his sabattical in Italy.
I love traveling and this book satisfied my curiousity about parts of Italy I've never seen as well as my love of a good narrative.
Thanks to Paula and Peppertree Press for the review copy of this book.
I finished the Mystery Read-A-Thon this past weekend but have to confess I did not spend 12 hours reading mystery novels as planned!
The Golden Globe Awards, chores, and other activities ate into my time! But I did finish Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo and started Pilikia Is My Business by Mark Troy.
I'd love to do this read-a-thon again, on a longer 3-day weekend!
I'm working on the Mystery Read-A-Thon which ends today, and tackling a book I've been meaning to read, Pilikia is My Business by Mark Troy, a mystery set in Hawaii. I've finished reading another mystery, Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo.
I'm also working on finishing a travel memoir by Oreste leRoy Salerni, The Youngest Son: Memoirs from the Motherland, a personal account of a professor on sabbatical in Tuscany for six months in 2003-2004. I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Makes me want to see the parts of Italy I missed on a trip I took years ago after college! I visited Florence and Pisa in Tuscany, but haven't seen Naples, Mount Vesuvius, the picturesque Amalfi Coast, or Venice - places visited in this book.
This past week, I reviewed and posted a giveaway of The Last Surgeon and an interview with author Christina Sunley, reviewed the cozy mystery, Truly, Madly, and shared a Japanese woodblock print and Chinese classical music on the blog.
What have you posted on your blog this past week?
1. I wake up at 5 a.m. in the mornings unless I have a hangover. 2. I love sweets 3. I remember my bichon frise dog with great fondness. 4. I'm a secret gardener with a garden blog. 5. I'm a pack rat when it comes to books, especially mysteries!
Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo.
Pilikia Is My Business by Mark Troy, a book I've had for about a year now, but couldn't get past the tiny print. I understand it first came out in electronic format.
Finish two books within 12 hours, then do a review of book one for Wednesday.
No, only because I just found out about it.
5) If this is your first Mystery Read-A-Thon, how do you plan to go ahead?
I'm finishing up the first book and hope to finish the second, which is 213 pages of very fine print!
A good plot, fast paced action through quick dialogue, and an entertaining and suspenseful read throughout.
A doctor with a heart of gold is pitted against a ruthless psychopath who has been hired as a contract killer by an unknown group. The killer thinks he is being humane by using bloodless and painless methods of dispatching his victims, but uses psychological terror nonetheless. Dr. Nick Garrity, in contrast, uses his talents to give medical care to the homeless and to war veterans. How their paths will cross, what far-reaching plot is behind the contract killings, and who will come out the winner are questions that kept me reading. Definitely an adults-only thriller, which builds suspense through psychological threats. Certainly not for the squeamish.
Publisher's description: "Everyone told Gillian Coates that her sister's suicide was just that: a suicide.
Everyone told Dr. Nick Garrity that his best friend, Lt. Umberto Vasquez, had simply disappeared, battling the demons of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Gillian doesn't believe it. Nick doesn't believe it. And soon, they discover a chilling connection between these two seemingly random events...a common denominator that will lead a killer to the next victim...and the last surgeon.
GIVEAWAY: Author Michael Palmer has offered a signed copy of his book to a U.S. reader. To sign up for a chance to win, enter a comment on this post by Jan. 31 and leave your email address; no P.O. boxes please. For an extra chance to win, follow me on Google Reader.
GIVEAWAY UPDATE: On Feb. 1, Randomizer chose entry #1 - stacibuckeye as the winner of the giveaway. She will be notified by email and has two days to respond before another winner is chosen. Congrats Stacy!
Published by St. Martin's Press; release date, Feb. 16, 2010. Thanks to author Michael Palmer for providing an ARC for an objective review.
Challenges: 100+, Thriller and Suspense, Chill Baby, Chill!
Q: Welcome to Book Dilettante, Christina! We'd love to hear how you came to write your first novel.
Christina Sunley, author of The Tricking of Freya: A Novel will discuss her book on Iceland and its history and culture. The daughter of Icelandic immigrants, her interest in history started with stories she heard from her mother.
Can you tell us the most interesting stories that prompted you to write the book?
Christina: There were two stories that my mother would tell me that especially struck me as a child. The first was of my grandfather as a young child in Iceland waking up to a morning sky black as night -- a volcano had erupted and caused widespread devastation in the area where he lived. The next story came from the following year in my grandfather's life, in 1876: impoverished by the volcanic disaster, his family set off on their shaggy horses under the midnight sun, crossed a river, and rode to the nearest seaport, where they took a ship to Scotland and then to Canada to join the "New Iceland" settlement. My mother also told me many stories about my grandfather's early experiences in the settlement, where they lived under harsh conditions as pioneers. I found those stories especially fascinating, and somehow haunting.
Q: What about the research you did to write the book - the time spent, the places you visited, etc?
• Floating in a boat on a glacial lagoon – the same lagoon with its dramatic icebergs that years later is now featured on the cover of my book.
• Watching a sheep with spiraling horns climb on the ruins of the turf-roofed farmhouse where my grandfather had been born in another century.
• Sampling hákarl, an Icelandic delicacy consisting of fermented shark meat. Enough said.
• Riding a snowmobile over Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, and trying not to panic when it broke down in the midst of the vast icy wilderness.
• Trekking a still-steaming lava field in the north, where astonishing ribbons of lava seemed frozen in midstream, gleaming with the colors of undiscovered planets.
• Driving for hours by myself in a rented jeep and never seeing a single car or house or road sign along the way.
• And, of course, writing down absolutely everything I saw, smelled, heard or imagined in my notebook.
On my second trip to Iceland, I spent a month in Reykjavik taking an intensive language course in Icelandic. The next year, I spent a month as a writer-in-residence at Klaustrið (The Monastery), living alone in a stone farmhouse bequeathed by one of Iceland's most famous writers. It was just downstream from where my grandfather had been raised. I arrived at the beginning of May in the middle of a tremendous blizzard. It was so stormy most of the time I could hardly venture outside without getting blown over. There was nothing to do but write. I got more writing done in that one month than I had in the whole previous year.
Q: Is the town of Gimli in Manitoba, Canada a real place? Are any of the characters in the novel based on real people?Christina: Gimli is a very really place – in fact, it was one of the first places the Icelanders named when they arrived at Lake Winnipeg. Gimli refers to a kingdom in heaven in Norse mythology. Today Gimli is a tiny Canadian fishing village with strong Icelandic roots. They still hold a large Icelandic Festival there each summer, which I write about in my book. Only one of the characters in my book is loosely based on someone real. Freya’s family friend, Stefan, was inspired by an Icelandic-Canadian historian and genealogist named Nelson Gerrard, whose research and publications are a great inspiration for me. You can learn more about his work at Nelson Gerrard.
Q: You mentioned that only about 5 percent of your historical research findings went into The Tricking of Freya. How do you plan to use the other 95 percent?
Christina: Probably what I meant to say is that only about 5% of the historical material that I wrote ended up in the book. There were several chapters of historical fiction taking place at different points in Icelandic history that I ended up cutting out of the book. Although I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to recycle those chapters anywhere, it did leave me with a longing to write a historical novel about the Icelandic immigration.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer? At what point did you make this decision?Christina: My mother wrote my poems down for me before I knew how to write! I’ve always loved writing and started making “books” of stories and poems when I was about nine years old, but it’s something else entirely to declare oneself a writer and then manage to get writing done while living life and making a living….
Q: What are some of the books and authors that have influenced you over the years?Christina: I love Michael Cunningham, Michael Ondaatje, Virginia Woolf, Annie Proulx, Paul Auster, Halldor Laxness, to name a few. To the Lighthouse is probably my favorite novel of all time.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add for readers?
Christina: I’m heading to Iceland for a book tour in June, where the book has been released in an Icelandic translation called Freyjuginning. Very exciting! At the end of March the paperback will be coming out in the US and Canada, from Picador, with a new cover and a readers guide for book groups in the back. I love talking with book groups, so if you have a group and are interested, please contact me through my website at Christina Sunley.
Thanks for the interview, Christina, and have fun in Iceland on your book tour in June! It should be beautiful during summer there.
Synopsis: Young Freya has been tricked more times than she likes, both in big and small ways. The biggest trick begins with an unexpected trip, when she is enticed by her aunt Birdie to travel with her for three weeks to the land of their ancestors, Iceland, supposedly to find the lost letters of their grandfather, the famous poet Olafur, Skald Nyja Islands.
Freya normally lives in Connecticut with her mother Anna and only travels every summer to the small New Iceland community in Manitoba, Canada where her aunt and grandmother live. Freya is intrigued by her temperamental aunt Birdie, an aspiring poet who has manic highs and lows. In her good moods, Birdie teaches Freya the complex grammar of the Icelandic language and its folklore.
Following that first trip to Iceland with Birdie, a disastrous summer trip that seemed like a wild goose chase, Freya visits Iceland again many years later after Birdie's death, this time alone and to find answers about the past, the identity of a mysterious relative, and about the biggest trick of all that had been ongoing over the years.
Comments: I found this wonderful book at the library and borrowed it twice. The rich array of fictional characters created in the Icelandic community in Canada and in the homeland - from traditional to progressive to manic personalities - makes this an engrossing story, expertly told.
I came away with a better understanding of Icelandic culture, the land and language, its folklore, and the history of Icelandic immigration to Canada beginning in the 1870s. The Tricking of Freya was published 2009 by St. Martin's Press.
Other reviews of the book: Rose City Reader and The Boston Bibliophile.
(To have your review listed here, leave a comment with your link).
Lucy Valentine is psychic - she can't see people's auras as her father can, but she can find lost objects and see into the future, just by shaking someone's hand.
The plot for this cozy mystery is unique - Lucy takes over her father's successful and well known match-making business while her dad recuperates after heart surgery. She matches couples by the color of their auras noted by her aura-seeing father in each client's personal file.
Synopsis: When Lucy gets a new client, shakes his hand, and sees a vision of the ring he has lost, she literally freaks out. The ring just happens to be on the finger of a skeleton buried in a grave in a forest preserve.
How Lucy solves this mystery and determines who-dunit is the basic plot of the book. Along the way, she plays Cupid to several other couples, both clients and friends, and does her father proud as an asset to his matchmaking business. She also finds the love of her life.
Comments: The book has all the elements of a nice cozy - the murder takes place off scene, the mystery is light and easy to read, only the bad guys get hurt, and everything is hunky dory at the end. Love blooms throughout, so make this book a cute romance as well.
I'm looking forward to more Lucy Valentine books - she is a very likeable and lively character with psychic as well as sleuthing abilities and a personality you'll just love.
(ARC made available through LibraryThing Early Reviewers). Submitted to the Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge 2010 and to the 100+ Reading Challenge.
Other reviews of Truly, Madly: Just One More page...Or Two, Crazy for Books, and Alexia's Books and Such.
To celebrate reaching the 100 mark for followers of my blog, I've created an Asian theme with a Japanese woodblock print of a woman in a kimono and with links to a traditional Japanese celebration and to classical Chinese music. Hope you will enjoy them.
The print above is courtesy of Dover Publications. Today, the second Monday in January, is Coming of Age Day in Japan, a holiday when 20 year olds officially reach the status of adult and are able to vote, among other pprivileges.
In Japanese Customs and Traditions, Muza-chan has posted pictures of 20-year-olds dressed in colorful costumes to celebrate their coming of age. Though in formal kimonos, the young women chose bright, flowery patterns and have pinned flowers in their hair! There is also a video of a Coming of Age ceremony held in a Shinto shrine.
For Asian music, there are two videos of Classical Chinese Music performed in the Golden Hall in Vienna with traditional instruments such as the two-stringed erhu. Hope you enjoy them.
I did only one book review last week: Map of Paradise, but it satisfied three different reading challenges I'm doing this year: The China Challenge, the Chill Baby, Chill! review challenge, and the 100+ Reading Challenge. I love when one book counts for more than one!
I started a cozy I got from LibraryThing, Truly, Madly by Heather Webber - a mystery/romance novel, which I am liking very much - humor, good plot, clever writing.
Haven't gotten an answer back from author Christina Sunley re the Q & A interview I planned, so that may not happen, though I hope she's not too busy and may yet come through!
Posted a Wordless Wednesday photo of red berries, which many people liked - a spot of color in the winter white.
I finally bought The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, a novel which has to be savored and cannot be read in a hurry. I'm savoring it at leisure.
New book to be reviewed: Dino Vicelli, Private Eye in a World of Evils by Lori Weiner. The hero is a private detective who just happens to be a nattily dressed Italian greyhound. Beats the talking cats in that other mystery series.
For next week, I hope to do two book reviews and start reading a new memoir, The Youngest Son: Memoirs from the Motherland by Oreste LeRoy Salerni, about a teacher's sabbatical year in Italy.
What have you done this past week?
though the leaves have now gone. They stand out in the snow.
The bush is a rockspray cotoneaster, identified for me by Jodi of Blooming Writer: Gardening in Nova Scotia. Click on the picture to enlarge it, and click on the link to visit Jodi's wonderful garden blog.
A Map of Paradise: A Novel of Nineteenth Century Hawaii by Linda Ching Sledge, author of Empire of Heaven.
Publisher's description: With its green cliffs and silvery waterfalls, Hawaii offers radiant hope to Rulan and Pao An - exiles from China, immigrants with the will to succeed despite hardship and prejudice and enemies from their homeland. But his proud couple's hardest struggle will be with their own child - Mulan, called Molly.
Born in Hawaii's sacred hills, Molly grows to despise the old Chinese ways. Locked in perpetual combat with her parents,she is drawn into a dangerous love affair with a glamorous but decadent poet, a protege of the (Hawaiian) king. And even as he family's fortunes rise, Molly's mother watches in sorrow, fearing that her child will realize too late that happiness lies far closer to home.
Beautifully told, A Map of Paradise offers the colorful sweep of history with the satisfaction of characters intimately revealed.
My comments: The Chinese immigrant Pao An worked in California before joining his wife Rulan and their daughter in Hawaii, called the Blessed Isles. There they built a life for themselves and formed a community with other immigrants. The core of the novel are the love stories of young Pao An and his wife Rulan, of their daughter Molly and the half-Hawaiian poet she lived with and loved, and of the quiet boy Lin Kong, whom Molly had grown up with and many times spurned as an adult.
This historical novel describes the arrival of the Chinese as laborers for the sugar plantations in Hawaii in the mid 1800s, and of their gradual integration into the island economy as farmers, traders, and businessmen. The novel tells of the exhaustive work in forming a Chinatown community out of the two warring groups of Chinese - the Punti and Hakka clans.
The book also details the history of the Hawaiian kingdom and the dying off of important members of its royal family in the latter part of the 19th century, giving way to increasing American and British influence and control of the islands.
Rating: I gave this novel five stars for its descriptive storytelling and its detailed historical content on the Hawaiian kingdom and the settling of immigrants there in the late 1800s.
A Map of Paradise was printed in 1997 by Bantam Books. I read this book as part of a reading challenge, which requires 10 books on China or by Chinese authors, now through Sept. 1, 2010: The China Challenge. I also submitted it for the Chill Baby, Chill! review challenge and the 100 + Reading Challenge.
Happy New Year everyone! A new blog name for the new year - from Book Bird Dog to Book Dilettante. Hope you'll stay with me!
What is The Sunday Salon? Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and read. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. You can join in, too!
1. This past week I got very little reading done over the New Year holidays! I posted a review of The Tricking of Freya, a novel of Iceland by Christina Sunley, on Dec. 27 and then a Teaser Tuesday on Dec. 28 with my New Year's resolution to follow the healthy eating advice in the book, Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat.
2. Am almost through reading A Map of Paradise, a book of Hawaii in the late 19th century. It was the only book I managed to sneak in during the week.
3. I sent a list of questions for an interview with author Christina Sunley re her book, The Tricking of Freya, and I hope to post her answers this week. I also finished reading The Last Surgeon, a thriller by Michael Palmer, and still have to write a review.
4. Returned from Canada yesterday after five days of visiting and eating and found in my mailbox, appropriately enough, Denise's Daily Dozen: The Easy, Every Day Program to Lose Up to 12 Pounds in 2 weeks, a book from the Hachette group. This should go a long way to help with my new resolution for 2010 - losing all the pounds I gained the last three months in 2009!
and Chill Baby Chill! Reviews (this one runs to March 19, 2010)!
Good luck with your reading in 2010! | 2019-04-24T02:17:23Z | https://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2010/01/ |
Well, the week has ended and we are back at home. The drive was not too bad, except for heavy traffic on I-64 from Hampton to Richmond. We left at 10 a.m. and stopped for lunch in Richmond right after noon at Red, Hot and Blue. We love RH&B, with good blues playing in the background and great barbecue. When traveling I usually like to get a quick lunch and get back on the road, but this was worth the extra time. We pulled into the driveway at 5:45.
Yesterday was a good relaxing day, with some beach time and just hanging out on the porch/deck on a beautiful day. Dinner was at a place called the Board Wok, and featured, as you might have guessed, Asian cuisine. It was decent, but not special.
On the way we reviewed the things we talked about doing, but didn’t do. I think that is always the way it is, at least for us. As much as I liked having the kids with us, they stay up late and get up late, and that shortens the time to do things. We could have made a better effort, though. That just gives us a reason to go back some day.
So, now it’s back to the usual ranting, I guess. Stay tuned.
Thursday was an active day, even with the late start we’ve been getting all week. We got out around noon and went to lunch at Panera Bread, a really, really good sandwich place that has several locations here in the eastern US, and maybe elsewhere, too.
After that we made our way to Norfolk, Va., which is Navy central, with multiple bases in the area, the Norfolk Naval Station, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the Little Creek Amphibious Base, the Oceana Naval Air Station, all in the nearby area. There are other military installations here, as well, with three Army bases, and Langley Air Force base, close by.
Norfolk houses Nauticus, a nautical museum that features exhibits and information on area naval activities from the days before the Civil War. It’s a very interesting place, and has the battleship USS Wisconsin on display for touring. We spent more than an hour there before heading to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, which as I said before bears no resemblance to the boardwalk I remember from my Air Force days when my band spent so much time playing in the beach clubs (no remnant of which can be found today).
We then headed to Bella Monte, an Italian place recommended by my high school and college classmate Betty Todd Howes, whom I haven’t seen since 1966. She and her husband Peter, and the five of us had a good dinner and some long-overdue catching up.
Diane had Osso Bucco, lamb shanks in a dark sauce; Ryan had Lobster Ravioli, which he didn’t like; Katherine and Christen had something, but they were at the other end of the table and I don’t know what it was. Me, I had one of the specials, a split lobster tail with crab meat over risotto. This was the best dinner of the week. We got home about 10 p.m.
Friday, we are hoping and expecting to be able to go to the beach for a while without being sliced to ribbons by blowing sand, and the weather forecast give us hope that we can. Saturday morning will be glum, as we have to pack and hit the road for home.
I’m no fan of Hillary Clinton, but this recent flap about her citing Bobby Kennedy’s assassination in June of the campaign season has gotten way more attention and created way more vitriol than it deserves.
Sen. Clinton definitely deserves criticism for making a dumb remark, but charging her with suggesting that Barack Obama might be assassinated, or worse, that he should be, is even dumber than the original remark.
What she should have said, and what she most likely meant, was that anything can happen at any time, and for her to drop out of the race when she is still winning primaries isn’t smart. We can argue with her logic or her estimation of her chances if we like, but we really can’t argue that it just isn’t possible to know what the near-term future holds for either of those candidates. And recent history fully supports that view.
Only a few months ago Clinton was the presumptive nominee from a fairly large field. Then, Obama came out of nowhere to take a substantial lead. Then, Obama’s dopey minister’s racist and anti-America remarks became public, and the Illinois Senator took a hit in the polls. Clinton has made a few gaffs of her own, along the way.
I saw a post somewhere featuring a video of Keith Olberman in a tirade against Clinton that is as good an example as I’ve seen of over-the-edge reactions, which are not at all uncommon these days. I can’t say I was surprised by Olberman’s goofy video; he’s nothing special, in my view, other than especially dopey.
Another example is the reaction to John McCain’s comment about a US presence in Iraq for “a hundred years.” Complicating that one, however, is the fact that this comment was taken out of context and the meaning deliberately twisted by McCain’s opponent, Obama, and other of McCain’s detractors.
Politics is serious business, and it deserves to be viewed and treated as the serious mechanism that it is for choosing our leaders. These childish, schoolyard reactions and tactics don’t help us figure out which of the imperfect candidates is likely to inflict the least harm on the country.
One of the reasons this vacation is different is that the kids stay up pretty late and get up pretty late. Di usually hits the sack between 10 and 11, and I stay up a little later watching TV with Ryan, or playing his new PS3 baseball game, which has wonderful graphics. Anyway, that means that we don’t get going as a group until lunch. The wind was even stronger this morning than yesterday and it was in the low 60s and raining, so our options for activities were somewhat limited. Today, even lunch was too early for the kids, so Di and I went out alone to hit the Target nearby and get some lunch.
We had lunch at a Mexican restaurant called Señor Fox, which was staffed entirely by Mexicans (as most are) we were seated in a booth near a young family with three little ones (over my left shoulder) and two local white guys (over Diane’s right shoulder). The staff was very attentive and very competent, and our food was delivered unbelievably quickly. It was good, on top of all that.
Along the way, one or more of the young ones let out an ear-piercing scream or two, which is always unpleasant, and at one point one of them was running around the place. They had been there long enough that they left when we were about half way through our meal. We heard one of the local guys talking to one of the staff: “Not all Americans are like that,” he said. The staff person cleaning up the table appeared not to hear him, so he repeated his comment. That caused us to look over at the table. You would not believe how much food, crumbs and other stuff was on the floor around this table.
After hearing our groans about the disgusting mess, the guy said that his mom and dad would have cleaned up a mess on the table, and on the floor, if there was any. I agreed. I commented that the younger generation has been brought up without common levels of manners and consideration for others. He agreed.
Now, I don’t believe that the whole generation is thus poorly reared; I know my four got a heavy dose of “you’d better not do that” along the way. But I think a fair portion of that generation is self-consumed and undisciplined. It’s another example of how our culture is moving slowly (or not so slowly) into the dumper.
I subscribed to Classmates.com a year or so ago to see who of my former schoolmates I could find. I have found quite a few, some of them used to good buddies. One of them lives in Virginia Beach, so I was trying hard to connect up. We have been emailing for the last couple of days and our families are going to get together for dinner tomorrow. This should be interesting, as Betty and I haven’t seen each other since 1966.
Tonight we headed out to dinner with no particular idea in mind, other than Katherine’s objection to going to any restaurant that we have at home, like Chili’s or Outback Steakhouse. We found a place that we hadn’t seen before, a Cuban restaurant called “Havana.” It was the best meal of the week, so far. I had a Paella de Mariscos, which has shrimp, scallops, littleneck clams mussels and fish all sautéed with chorizo and a trio of bell peppers tossed in sofrito rice. I don’t care for mussels or clams, so they left them out and added more scallops and shrimp. It was very good, and the chorizo was highly spicy. Diane had the Filet de la Casa, which is beef tenderloin served over a dark rum and peppercorn sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and house vegetables. Ryan had Ropa Vieja, which is roasted shredded pork, Manchego cheese, black beans rolled in a flour tortilla and served on sofrito rice and finished with jalapeno queso and green enchilada sauce. Katherine had the Caribbean Mojo Marinated Flank Steak, which is grilled medium rare, thinly sliced and served with a chipotle beurre blanc, garlic mashed potatoes and house vegetables. And Christen had Coconut and Plantain Encrusted Atlantic Salmon, served atop sofrito rice with house vegetables and finished with a guava beurre blanc. There were a couple of appetizers and also desserts. All in all, a great meal.
Summing up: weather – not good; food – great.
Tuesday started early, about 6:50 a.m., reluctantly. I filled the morning with some reading, some writing and some surfing and a little breakfast. Had a bunch of “business” email to deal with. It wasn’t a restful night; up late and up early.
We finally made it to the beach in the afternoon, and even though it was still windy, it was a good, if short, span of relaxation. It was in the mid- upper-80s this afternoon; the sand was hot, but the water was cold. Very cold.You can see some debris on the beach, evidence of some recent stormy weather. We took a short walk on the beach, and that was nice, but the best part was just lying in the sun. There’s something about baking in the sun listening to the surf that just takes all the tension away. About a half-hour or 40 minutes was all of the sand blasting we could take, and then we headed back to the condo, for more reading, writing and surfing.
We hooked up with a former student of the college where Diane works who had been a work/study student. He lives nearby and is working on a masters degree, and he and his fiancé had dinner with the five of us in what is known as “downtown Pungo.” A decent restaurant called Seacrest served up a nice fried seafood platter for me, surf and turf for Ryan, drunken clams for Christen, chopped steak for Kath, and fried shrimp for Di. Good company and decent food.
We headed back to the condo and after a ride along the beach road looking at the beach houses we called it a day.
Today probably sounded like a wasted day, but it was really better than it sounds. But it’s been a little bit of an odd vacation, so far.
You regular readers will note that a frequent theme here at Observations is dissatisfaction with the major media, which does a lousy job of informing the public. It does a wonderful job of misinforming the public, however.
Recently, the subject of this institutionalized misinformation is in the realm of economics, including the national economy in general, and the housing market and the price of gasoline in particular.
Thomas Sowell had a great explanation for why more people do not accept the economist’s explanation for high gasoline prices: It’s because their reaction to the high prices is an emotional one, and an economist’s explanation does not satisfy the emotional need. Unfortunately, the politician’s explanation does satisfy that need, when in the effort to attract votes politicians place blame on the oil companies and the oil futures market, and promise to take care of all your problems if you will just elect them to office. The current Democrat presidential candidates are a case in point. This is the wrong answer to the question of why oil prices are so high, according to Sowell, but it is much more satisfying to blame “someone” for the problem, hence “big oil” is a villain as are greedy oil speculators.
Just to be sure that my instincts were correct about the high price of oil and the effects of speculation in the oil market on that price I did a good bit of research. I don’t claim to be an expert on this phenomenon, but I have been able to determine through reading that while speculators may, and I repeat “may,” have an effect under certain circumstances, that effect is small and other less emotionally satisfying factors have far more to do with the high price of oil. Unsatisfying answers like supply and demand, for instance.
That research produced a couple of interesting pieces, which I have included below. Unfortunately, I managed to somehow lose the sources for these, so while I can’t tell you who wrote them, I can tell you that I didn’t write them, except for a little rewording here and there.
We hear a lot these days about how gas and oil prices are at historical highs. But what we don't hear much about is how personal income is also at historical highs. Per-capita personal income has almost doubled in the last 15 years, from about $20,000 in March of 1993 to almost $40,000 in March of 2008.
Measured as a percent of per-capita personal income, gas prices through March 2008 aren't even close yet to the historical highs of the early 1980s, when 1,000 gallons of gas cost between 10-13% of per-capita personal income for 36 consecutive months, much higher than the 8.2% of per-capita income in March 2008.
The peak price of gas as a percent of income was in March 1981, when 1,000 gallons of gas cost 13% of per-capita disposable income. Gas today would have to reach a price of about $5.13 per gallon, before it would be an historical high adjusted for income.
Democrats are proposing to protect the American people from “greedy oil traders who manipulate the market.” Senator Barack Obama wants price gouging by oil companies to be a federal crime.
Everyone wants lower prices, but many politicians seem unable to understand that speculators actually smooth out wild swings in prices. Speculators make profits by buying oil when the price is low and selling it when it is high, and doing that protects consumers. Tensions rose last week because of Venezuela financing Columbian terrorists. Columbia looked like it might retaliate and send troops into Venezuela, the world’s sixth largest oil exporter.
There was an obvious risk that Venezuela’s oil exports could be stopped. Oil prices increased immediately. They didn’t wait for the war to actually break out. By buying oil now in order to set it aside if supplies are interrupted if the conflict escalates, is good for consumers. Storing oil for then will prevent what would have been even higher prices. Politicians obviously thought speculators were unjustified to start bidding up prices. After all, war might never occur. Yet, if speculators didn’t do that and Venezuela's shipments are halted, the much bigger increase in oil prices would surely cause politicians to really call for the scalps of everyone in the oil business.
The speculators are taking a real risk with their own money. If no war occurs and prices fall, few in congress are going to shed tears over the money that the speculators would lose. If war breaks out and prices only rise a fraction of what they otherwise would have gone up, who is going to thank the speculators for a job well done?
Speculators are actually extremely accurate in predicting the future. But it is not just in oil prices.
Monday wasn’t a special day, at least in terms of our activities. It was special, of course, inasmuch as it was Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have sacrificed their bodies and their lives so the rest of us can live in relative comfort and freedom. Actually, it is to memorialize all military service personnel, but as one who served but did not see action I can say with some authority that the people really deserving of our respect are those that did see action.
The kids got up relatively late and we didn’t hit the road until around noon. We had a decent lunch at a place called the Tiki Seagrille and Bar, where I had a burger with a crab cake on top and some O rings. we headed toward the Virginia Beach strip. Back in the day, that was a place of action, with beach clubs where the bands I was in played. Places like the Peppermint Beach Club and the Top Hat. Believe me when I say that if someone had blindfolded me and dropped me off on Atlantic Avenue, when I took off the blindfold I would have had absolutely no idea where in the world I was. Forty years changes everything. No more beach clubs and quaint hotels. It’s all modern new building without even a trace of the places of the good old days.
We spent the afternoon in a couple of malls. Yeah, I know: that’s sad.
We got back to the condo about 6:30, had some wine on the porch and watched the sun go down. Very pleasant, except for a stiffer-than-desirable breeze, as witnessed by the flag in the photo.
I actually found myself shouting obscenities at some bikers today. Those blasted things are louder than anything reasonable; just plain obnoxious, breaking the serenity of the area with that absurd racket. Maybe I just don’t understand bikes, but it seems to me that you ought to be able to have a fine machine that gives you the pleasure you seek without deafening those poor souls with the misfortune to be nearby when you decide to head off into the wind.
My first encounter with a motorcycle was when I was pretty young, about 8 or 10, or maybe 12. The guy who lived up the alley had a green Indian that suitably impressed us youngsters. Bill was his name, and he was a good guy. I don’t remember his bike being deafeningly loud. The next encounter involved three guys in high school, Tommy, Bobby and Freddy. Two of them had Harley Hummers and the third one that had a Zundapp. It was a German bike. None of them was loud, even the Harleys, but the Zundapp just kind of purred. I hitched a ride with those guys a time or two.
When I was in the Air force, my friend Jim had a Honda 425 (I think), and I actually rode that one by myself. It was quite a kick.
For dinner, we walked across the street to the Baja Restaurant, where a pretty good dinner was had by all. My choice: Sea food au gratin, green beans and roasted red potatoes. Diane had BBQ ribs, Ryan had crabbed flounder, Kath had the Thai chicken skewer, and Christen had just some chowder (she is tiny and has a small apetite). Good fare for all.
Hopefully, tomorrow is a beach day.
Sunday was a kind of “lay-around” day. We just looked around the place, and Diane and the kids went driving and looked at some model homes. Not that we are looking to buy anything, but just to look.
They have a bunch of Viking grills on the premises, really nice grills, and we had bought some ribeyes and chicken breasts for dinner, so we fixed those for dinner.
The owner of the condo dropped by to check on some irregularities that we had discovered in talking with him. He's VERY concerned about his place and how people who get paid to take care of it are doing. A great fellow.
We had a better view of the sunset this day, but it wasn't substantially better than Saturday.
After that very busy few days last week we had scheduled a week away, and it may be the last one the four of us will have together, since the kids are getting to the point where they are headed in different directions than we are, and in different directions than each other. It is increasingly difficult to find something that the four of us all want to do that lasts more than a day at a time.
So, the four of us and Katherine’s friend Christen set out for Virginia Beach Saturday. That’s where I spent a lot of time playing in bands while I was stationed at Langley AFB a few years ago. Actually, it was about 40 years ago. Back then, Sandbridge was a deserted beach; today it is covered with beach houses and one big condo complex.
The trip down wasn’t too bad, until we got to I-64 south from Richmond. The traffic was pretty heavy, and the speed was up and down a lot, with no apparent cause, other than the inability of people to know how to drive on the Interstate. Then, we got to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, and that was a royal pain. It took about 45 minutes to go three miles to the HRBT, and another few minutes to get across/through the thing. But when we finally got to the destination on Sandpiper Road about an hour later, things were much better.
The place we are staying is fantastic. It’s belongs to a couple who already live nearby and bought this place, but haven’t been able to sell their home, and are renting this out until they can sell the house. The unit we are in faces the Back Bay rather than the ocean, but that is just fine.
After unloading the car and getting somewhat settled, we headed out to get some dinner and go to the grocery store. There was some information about a pizza place in the materials furnished with the condo, so we went there. D and I had a Portuguese Pizza, which was very good, with tomatoes, onion, peppers and garlic with an oil based white sauce. K and C had some kind of wrap, and Ryan had fish and chips. Made as quick a trip as possible so we could get back for the sunset, which was pretty much over by that time.
Diane and I were not too far from here not too long ago for a wedding, and we spent a little time looking around at the old haunts, but not enough. My goal: relax, and spend some time looking at the places where I spent four years of my life. Try to get on Langley, which we weren’t allowed to do last time; find the old apartment and house where I lived, which we did do last time, but didn’t have time to really get a good look; find the old places where we played; find an old schoolmate who lives here, and see if any of the guys in the bands are still here. I guess we’ll go to the beach today, if only to look at it. It’s still a little cool in the mornings—it’s about 65 now—and this afternoon promises only about 71.
There are a couple of new entries on A Little Levity that you may enjoy.
The US Constitution sets up a government of, for and by the people, and state constitutions are modeled after it. The recent decision by the California Supreme Court to overturn a ban on homosexual marriage challenges this paradigm.
Homosexual marriage does not appear in the California constitution, because if it did someone would have discovered it before now. Where, one might justifiably ask, did the California Supreme Court find this right?
Californians have consistently expressed their opposition to and voted against recognizing the idea of homosexual marriages. No Congress or state legislature has ever voted to declare homosexual unions a marriage, an idea that has also been universally rejected at the ballot box. In the 13 states where it was on the ballot in 2004, it was defeated by at least 58 percent of the voters, and by 85 percent of them in one state.
In our system of government the people determine how their country will function through their elected representatives. This point seems lost on four members of the California Supreme Court: Chief Justice George, and Justices Kennard, Werdegar, and Moreno. These four justices created the right of gay marriage out of thin air, and in doing so overturned the expressed will of the people.
In her dissent, Justice Corrigan said: “In my view, Californians should allow our gay and lesbian neighbors to call their unions marriages. But I, and this court, must acknowledge that a majority of Californians hold a different view, and have explicitly said so by their vote. This court can overrule a vote of the people only if the Constitution compels us to do so. Here, the Constitution does not.” Justice Corrigan gets it, and deserves to be applauded for adhering to judicial restraint, putting her personal desires behind her duty to uphold the state constitution. Justices Baxter and Chin also dissented.
This is not about whether anyone approves or disapproves of homosexuality, whether it is right or wrong, whether it is a sin or not, or whether it is a natural part of mankind. This is about government officials—judges in this instance—using their positions to impose their ideals on the rest of us. That is wrong, and cannot be ignored.
When judges violate the will of the people, and mangle the governing document in doing so, they must be removed from office. To restore the California Supreme Court to its proper role, Justices George, Kennard, Werdegar and Moreno should be removed from the bench by the people of California.
There is so much misinformation, misunderstanding and ill will surrounding the price of gasoline these days that some clarity is demanded.
The first point is that the primary reason gas costs so much is that there is more demand than supply, and the increase in demand comes from the expanding economies of China and India. OPEC could produce more oil, but it isn’t in its interest to do so.
The second point is that the U.S. has no one to blame but itself for its idiotic opposition to drilling for domestic oil, building new refineries, and failing to develop other sources of energy.
Perhaps the worst and most dishonest aspect of all of this is the condemnation being heaped on the oil companies, claiming they are making indecent profits. Hogwash! If you understand how businesses operate, you realize this is just so much foolishness. The trouble is, however, that most people do not understand how business works, and politicians trying to get elected and the media that helps them seize upon that ignorance to demagogue the issue and produce votes. Truth be told, many politicians and journalists also don’t have a clue how business works. Businesses—corporations—exist for one purpose only: to make a profit. Without a profit, a business cannot continue to operate and produce whatever it produces, food, medicine, clothing, music, energy products, etc., and it also cannot continue to provide jobs for its employees.
Everyone got all excited about Exxon-Mobile’s $40 billion profit in 2007. But looking just at the amount of the profit—the number of dollars—doesn’t provide you with enough information to discuss the issue of whether that profit is “indecent.” In order to have made $40 billion (that’s $40,000,000,000) in profits, Exxon-Mobile needed revenues of more than $404.5 billion (that’s $404,500,000,000), of which $334 billion ($334,000,000,000) goes to cover costs. By the way, Exxon-Mobile paid about $30 billion ($30,000,000,000) in taxes in 2007.
Oil company profit margins haven’t increased above their modest level recently. What has increased is the cost of buying crude oil, which increases the cost of gas at the pump and also increases the number of dollars of profit. Translation: Oil companies aren’t making any more money on their investment now than in the past.
The greenies and other liberals try to make the oil companies look like the bad guys on the price of gasoline, when in fact it is primarily their fault that gas prices are as high as they are. Drilling domestic reserves and increasing refining capacity would have increased the amount of crude oil and refined petroleum products in the hands of US oil companies, and that would have kept prices lower. But heavy regulation and an outright ban on drilling for our own oil, courtesy of Congressional Democrats, have prevented that.
I'm halfway through this demanding week, which is good, but the most difficult is still ahead, which is not good.
I have lots of ideas, just no time to deal with them.
In place of real ideas, I have posted some more "Levity" for your weekend enjoyment.
A few days ago when I looked out the patio door up at the spot where Mama Duck sat so stoically every day, I noticed that I couldn’t see her head. So, I ventured up there to take a closer look, and sure enough, she was gone. I ruffled the leaves a little, looking for eggs or broken shells, and found neither. A little later I saw that she had returned.
The last couple of days have been extremely busy, and I didn’t get many chances to check out whether she was there or not, but I did see her once or twice.
Yesterday, I noticed that Mama appeared to be gone, but it was raining most of the time I had a chance to go look. This morning, I ventured up there to find eggs that are broken open, and no sign of little ones. I guess I just missed the big events, hatching and hours later the march to the water. I hope the family is doing okay.
I’ll check out the nest more closely when I get a chance.
It seems like May is destined to be the busiest month in my life. Last year was frantic, and this year is perhaps a little more so.
Enough whining, though. I haven't been able to put anything on Observations lately, but I did find time to put a funny up on A Little Levity that you might enjoy.
In 1968, Professor Paul Ehrlich predicted there would be a major food shortage in the U.S. and "in the 1970s ... hundreds of millions of people are going to starve to death," Ehrlich forecasted that 65 million Americans would die of starvation between 1980 and 1989, and by 1999 the U.S. population would have declined to 22.6 million. Ehrlich's predictions about England were gloomier: "If I were a gambler, I would take even money that England will not exist in the year 2000."
In 1972, a report was written for the Club of Rome warning the world would run out of gold by 1981, mercury and silver by 1985, tin by 1987 and petroleum, copper, lead and natural gas by 1992.
Gordon Taylor, in his 1970 book "The Doomsday Book," said Americans were using 50 percent of the world's resources and "by 2000 they [Americans] will, if permitted, be using all of them."
Harvard University biologist George Wald in 1970 warned, "... civilization will end within 15 or 30 years unless immediate action is taken against problems facing mankind."
That was the same year that Sen. Gaylord Nelson warned, in Look Magazine, that by 1995 "... somewhere between 75 and 85 percent of all the species of living animals will be extinct."
In 1885, the U.S. Geological Survey announced there was "little or no chance" of oil being discovered in California, and a few years later they said the same about Kansas and Texas. In 1939, the U.S. Department of the Interior said American oil supplies would last only another 13 years. In 1949, the Secretary of the Interior said the end of U.S. oil supplies was in sight. Having learned nothing from its earlier erroneous claims, in 1974 the U.S. Geological Survey advised us that the U.S. had only a 10-year supply of natural gas. The fact of the matter, according to the American Gas Association, there's a 1,000 to 2,500 year supply.
In 1970, when environmentalists were making predictions of manmade global cooling and the threat of an ice age and millions of Americans starving to death, what kind of government policy should we have undertaken to prevent such a calamity? When Ehrlich predicted that England would not exist in the year 2000, what steps should the British Parliament have taken in 1970 to prevent such a dire outcome? In 1939, when the U.S. Department of the Interior warned that we only had oil supplies for another 13 years, what actions should President Roosevelt have taken? Finally, what makes us think that environmental alarmism is any more correct now that they have switched their tune to manmade global warming?
Over 95 percent of the greenhouse effect is the result of water vapor in Earth's atmosphere. Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be zero degrees Fahrenheit. Most climate change is a result of the orbital eccentricities of Earth and variations in the sun's output. On top of that, natural wetlands produce more greenhouse gas contributions annually than all human sources combined.
Of course, the true believers in the “man causes global warming” theory and the idea that we are facing the most serious problem since Eve bit into that apple won’t be persuaded by anything so basic as logic, but it behooves us to objectively analyze both sides of this important but unsettled issue before we follow Al Gore’s lead into one of the biggest mistakes man has yet made.
A patron saint for George W.
By Wesley Pruden - Davy Crockett is the patron saint of every politician who ever left Washington with a bruised ego and a broken heart. When he was bounced out of Congress in 1830, Davy told the folks on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Tennessee: "I'm going to Texas, and the rest of you can go to hell."
"If the polls are right, more than half of you don't regard yourselves as 'my fellow Americans," so I'll cut right to the chase. I'm getting out of Dodge. Before anyone gets in a lather about me quitting to avoid impeachment, let me assure you that no laws were broken, the Constitution is intact. I'm quitting because I'm fed up with you people. You have no interest in what's actually going on in the world. Most of you are too lazy to do your homework and figure it out.
"Let's start local. The politicians and pundits have persuaded you that the economy is in the tank. That's despite record numbers of homeowners, including record numbers of minority homeowners. Minority business ownership is at record levels, too. Our unemployment rate is as low as it ever was during the Clinton administration. The stock market has rebounded to record levels and more Americans than ever own stocks. But all you can do is whine about gasoline prices, and most of you are too dumb to realize that the price of gasoline is high because the Chinese and the Indians are driving cars now, and because Al Gore and a handful of wacko greenheads are more worried about polar bears and their beachfront property than they are about you.
"I'm tired of this 'blood for oil" crap. If I were trading blood for oil, I would have seized Iraq's oil fields a long time ago. And don't give me this 'Bush lied, people died' crap, either. I could have planted chemical weapons planted all over Iraq to be 'discovered.' Instead, I owned up to the fact that the intelligence was faulty. The rest of the world thought Saddam Hussein had the goods, too, same as me.
"Fools don't understand that we face a unique enemy. The 'soldiers' of our new enemy, unlike our old Soviet enemies, are actually eager to die. That's OK with me, and good riddance, as long as they aren't trying to take as many of you with them as they can. But they want to kill you in the name of what I generously called 'the religion of peace' (not that I ever believed it any more than you do). You all should be grateful that the Islamists haven't killed more of us here in the United States since September 11, but you're not. That's because you've got no idea how hard a small number of intelligence, military, law enforcement and homeland security people have worked to make sure of that.
"I warned you that this would be a long and difficult fight, but most of you think 'a long and difficult fight' amounts to a single season of 'Survivor.' You won't look through the long lens of history, the way our enemies do.
"The facts are easy enough to find. They're all over the Internet, along with a lot of stuff that ain't true. You have to pay attention and sort it out, but most of you would rather watch 'American Idol'. I could say more about your idiotic belief that government, not your own wallet, is where money comes from. But it would sail right over your heads.
"So I'm going back to Crawford. I've got an energy-efficient house down there that Al Gore could only dream of. Oh, and by the way, Cheney's quitting too. That means Nancy Pelosi will be your new president. God bless what's left of America. Some of you know what I mean. The rest of you can kiss my you know what."
We might well think he wants to say all that. But of course presidents would never say such things.
I have been checking on Momma Duck periodically to see if we have a family in the nest yet, and as of today we do not. Momma is patiently sitting in the nest, but there is no sign of little ones as of this evening.
I have noticed pairs of Mallards in the neighborhood, and I reported a while back that there was a male and a female together in our driveway several days ago, and thought the female was Momma. More recently, there was a female on the porch steps, and I have concluded that neither of those females was Momma. Or, perhaps, it might have been Momma, and another female was sitting on the nest.
I don’t know anything about how ducks handle this situation, but Momma has to get food and water sometime, somehow.
Maybe Jules can enlighten us.
An organization of which I am a member is participating in the CHOICES program to talk with 9th grade students for about an hour on two successive days about their future. So, on the night of the North Carolina and Indiana Democrat primary elections, I am studying how to present this material to these young people the next two days.
I attended the training session on Monday, expecting to have at least a week before I was thrust before these young people. But, as fate would have it, I ended up with only two days to get ready, and really only one day, as I found out today that tomorrow is the day. Since I am trained as a teacher, I suppose I have a couple of steps on someone who hasn’t had that experience, so I guess I ought to quit complaining and get busy reviewing the materials.
I am looking forward to this experience, and I think it will be a positive thing, both for the students and for me, but I really wish I had more prep time.
Well, tonight was the first Deck Night of the season. We did some yardwork this afternoon, getting rid of shrubs that had outlived their usefulness and were causing problems, still fighting the leaves of fall, and then got ready to fix dinner. We grilled some nice, thick pork chops treated with a Calphalon Steak and Chop rub, had some asparagus, corn on the cob and ciabatta toast, and, of course, some wine.
We have spent a little time on the front porch, just sitting there talking and taking in the out of doors, but tonight was the first Deck Night of the season. We pulled out the cushions, cleaned off a small table, dusted off the chair frames, and had dinner on a plate in our lap on the deck. It wasn’t the full scale deal, with the big table and taking the stereo out there, but it was still very relaxing and comfortable.
The back deck is mostly private, blocked off from the street to the south and no neighbors within sight to the north. The house is to the east and the only possible “spy” is the lady that lives on the hill above the tiered back area to the west; you know the one, the one that collects all the leaves in the fall. The lady that lives up there—the house is about 30 feet away and 20 higher than the deck—is elderly and we never see her in the yard, so she isn’t a factor. So, we can sit out there and enjoy the birds and the trees and whatever else is going on without human interference. The photo is from two years ago; we haven't gotten this far yet this year.
The deck is one of my favorite places to spend time. I sometimes take the laptop out there and work on the Web pages I manage, or write the newsletter that I edit, and do other tasks. It ain’t fancy, but it sure is comfortable, and I’m glad that it’s that time of year again.
He’s right about the amount of savings. A person driving 30 miles a day for the 92 days of June, July and August would use 138 gallons of gasoline in a vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon. The federal tax on 138 gallons of gas is $25.39, and that works out to a savings of 28 cents per day. But if all taxes are removed, the savings approaches 50 cents per gallon, nearly tripling the savings through the summer months.
But what Obama is missing is that you either believe gas prices are too high, or you believe they aren’t. If you believe they are too high, then reducing the price is desirable, the cutting a gallon of gas by 18 cents has to be a positive, and cutting a gallon of gas by 50 cents is even better. So, what difference does it make whether that is done through removing the federal tax on gas, or lowering the price per gallon by some other means?
Obama fears the effects of the loss of tax revenue, and that is a factor. However, any other way that government employs to reduce the price of gas will also have an effect, although the fallacious concept of “windfall profits” as something sinister and greedy has convinced many people that punishing oil companies is acceptable, and even good.
The real problem with any of these ideas is that it requires government to directly intervene in lowering the price of gasoline, and that is wrong.
High gasoline prices are the result of a few factors, primary among which are the amount of oil for sale, the amount of oil needed, the fact that the United States does not drill for and collect its domestic reserves, and the fact that the U.S. has insufficient refining capacity, and has made building new refineries so expensive that the oil companies can’t do it.
There is a greater demand for crude oil than there is the supply to fill it, which drives up the cost of crude oil, and crude oil is by far the largest factor in the price of gasoline. If environmentalists had not opposed allowing U.S. oil companies to drill in the Gulf, off the California coast and in ANWR, there would be more oil on the market, thus lowering crude oil prices, and American companies would own the crude oil they drilled.
If environmentalists had not opposed the building of new refineries and supported regulations that made building refineries too expensive, refining costs would be lower, more oil would be refined in the U.S., there would be more gasoline available, and the price at the pump would be lower.
Democrats are the primary opponents of both domestic drilling and refinery building, and now Democrats propose as solutions for high gasoline prices putting a windfall profits tax on oil companies, who would gladly have done the things necessary to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and keep prices down if only the Democrats had allowed them to, and whose profits have grown precisely because the Democrats didn’t allow them to drill and build refineries, and forced them to buy more oil for foreign sources at much higher prices.
"A Little Levity" has been updated with some new jokes.
Stop by and get yourself a laugh or two.
Two Republicans made public statements today. One of them was right, and one of them was wrong.
President George Bush said today that gasoline prices are high because Democrats have consistently opposed efforts to drill for domestic oil and build new refineries, which is true, that worldwide demand is up but supplies are static, which is also true, and that when demand for something exceeds supply, prices go up, and that, too, is true. He also said he expects the economy to rebound, and the data tends to support that, as well. The quarterly productivity number was positive, not negative as the definition of “recession” requires, job losses were lower than last month, and unemployment fell back to 5.0 percent, which is defined as full employment.
Senator John McCain, on the campaign trail, told his audience that he will strive to make the U.S. energy independent by developing alternative energy methods, which is a good goal, but he said that this would make it unnecessary for the U.S. to ever send military personnel to the Middle East again. The clear implication from McCain’s comment is that we are in Iraq for oil. That is nonsense, and McCain knows it. If we had gone to Iraq for its oil, we would be bringing Iraqi oil to the U.S., reducing the amount we have to purchase from OPEC, et al. But even if McCain was correct, who’s to say that something else might pop up over there requiring military action, like, for example, a nuclear-ized Iran, or Arab aggression against Israel, etc.?
Watching Democrat candidates get hammered for skirting the truth apparently hasn’t sunk in on John McCain. The road to the White House is by talking straight with the American people. “Straight talk” used to be McCain’s byword. Let’s hope he wakes up and smells the coffee, and gets back to that real soon. | 2019-04-24T16:16:17Z | http://www.jshott.com/2008/05/ |
One glance at the artwork and this is unmistakably the latest CD from Mostly Autumn with obvious similarities to the covers of the last two studio albums Storms Over Still Water and Passengers. But how do they compare musically? For my money Heart Full Of Sky mirrors the shift in style of its predecessors and takes it one step further. The combination of Celtic and Floydian influences are less prevalent whilst incorporating a contemporary (albeit very polished) British pop/rock sound. In my opinion it’s a healthy move with a fresher sound that’s anything but predictable. The band have not completely abandoned their roots however demonstrated by a sprinkling of folk tinged ballads and proggy instrumental workouts. The music draws upon the talents of a variety of vocalists and musicians that gives it a certain edge over other current prog releases. My review copy is the commercially available single CD version although a limited edition double has been available on the bands website which I believe is now out of stock.
Bryan Josh remains the bands guiding light credited with writing six out of the eleven songs in addition to his guitar, keyboard, vocal and production duties. He co-wrote two further songs with joint lead singer Heather Findlay who contributes one song of her own. The most obvious change is the departure last year of Iain Jennings keyboard player since the bands inception. Replacement Chris Johnson composed two songs and provides the lead vocals on one of them sounding not unlike Heather. Otherwise it’s the usual MA suspects including Angela Gordon flute, clarinet and recorders, Andy Smith bass, Liam Davison slide guitars and Andrew Jennings drums. Since this recording both Davison and Jennings have subsequently left the band with ex-Karnataka drummer Gavin Griffiths replacing the latter. Vocalist Olivia Sparnenn who is no stranger to the band is also now credited as a full time member. They are joined by a host of guest musicians who I’ll endeavour to name check along the way.
They cut to the chase with the infectious Fading Colours providing an excellent opening statement that sums up where the band is at right now. Strident orchestral keys that include a touch of eerie Genesis style mellotron drive Heather’s sultry vocal joined by Bryan for the powerful chorus. A searing guitar break and strong bass lines add impact with an overuse of cymbal splashes in the drum work being the only complaint. In a shorter version this would make an excellent single. This time they break with tradition and do not include the closing moments from the last album to open, opting instead for a tranquil version of the chorus from Heather. Half A World is another strong track with Heather’s soulful vocal matched by a smooth organ sound and delicate classical guitar. The memorable chorus is followed by a dramatic finale with soaring guitar and organ.
Pocket Watch is a major departure for MA with an almost grungy but measured guitar riff supporting one of Josh’s best ever vocals that has more than a hint of Oasis about it. This song is likely to divide the opinion of most fans but the brilliantly timed final extended chorus should win everyone over as will the autobiographical style lyrics. The elegant Blue Light couldn’t be more of a contrast with Heather’s sensuous vocal and beautiful backing from Anne-Marie Helder. Angela Gordon’s sweet sounding flute stands out against the symphonic backdrop. It builds to a grandiose coda with soaring guitar and keys once again to the fore. The aptly titled Walk With A Storm is filled with moments of high drama not the least the spiky guitar and Hammond punctuations from guest David Moore. It really takes off when the violin of Peter Knight and uilleann pipes of Troy Donockley join to create an ethereal sound that develops into an orchestral climax. Knight is of course the legendary fiddler with Steeleye Span whilst Donockley’s long association with MA is eclipsed only by his work with Iona.
Find The Sun makes good use of Knight’s playing with his sumptuous double tracked violin work providing the focal point around which the rest of the song hangs. Heather’s fragile vocal and Bryan’s lyrical classical guitar provide sublime support. Ghost sees the two leads sharing vocal duties with standout performances from both. The songs stately pace is broken only by a powerful guitar break and atmospheric cascading keys. Broken has one of the albums simplest arrangements but is none the less effective. The song ebbs and flows with Heather’s sensitive vocal against a smooth backdrop of piano and symphonic keys. Silver Glass seems to pick up from where the previous song left off although this time with Chris Johnson supplying the vocals. This is a very mature piece with an excellent chorus and accomplished piano from Johnson. String drenched keys, relaxed drum fills, melodic guitar and heavenly backing vocals are all part of the beautifully crafted arrangement.
Opening with Donockley’s haunting low whistle and a pulsating piano rhythm from Josh Further From Home finds the band in Pink Floyd territory with sustained electric guitar breaks and choral female voices. Up to this point Josh has remained relatively restrained in the guitar department but here he indulges in some full blown soloing. Bombastic orchestral keys paves the way for a stirring variation of the albums opening song this time with all the pomp and majesty the band can muster. Powerful stuff! They go out in style with Dreaming with Heather’s reflective vocal contrasting nicely against Bryan’s powerful phrasing for the dramatic chorus. With epic guitar and keys leading the way the song takes several twists and turns before massed choral voices and stately guitar builds to an extravagant Mike Oldfield style finale. A sensational close to a brilliant album.
There very little I can add to the above except to say that this album is an absolute must for MA fans or indeed anybody else for that matter. This is a band at the top of their game with first class musicianship, singing, song writing and production. The music has depth and diversity and the delivery is assured and confident. Bryan Josh’s performance is excellent throughout. There are still traces of Gilmour and Rothery in the guitar work but his own style is now more clearly defined. Heather Findlay has never sounded better and Chris Johnson is certainly a major asset adding a new dimension to the bands sound. Everyone else involved can be justly proud of their contributions. Is this my album of the year? Unless something better comes along most definitely! You can be assured however that it will take some beating.
Mirror is the unintentionally autobiographical solo album by RPWL's guitarist Kalle Wallner. Demo versions of the album's songs, produced at RPWL's Farmlands Studios, were distributed to various prog rock luminaries who were invited to contribute to the final recordings. Step forward the ubiquitous John Jowitt (bass), John Mitchell (forgoing the guitar for once and singing on the heavier numbers), Paul Wrightson (singing the more emotional tracks), Tommy Eberhardt drums and special guests Yogi Lang (keyboards and production) and Clive Nolan (backing vocals and no keyboards!).
Given that Blind Ego is a solo project from a guitarist, it is not surprising that there are a lot of guitars on this album! Fortunately, that does not mean endless guitar solos and, despite the band name, nor is it self-indulgent, 'hey listen to me, I'm brilliant' egotistical meanderings. Instead, melodies, tunes and thoughtful arrangements are the order of the day. The material is quite diverse within the rock idiom, a fair smattering of ballads, epics and heavier rock numbers that gives the album contrast, particularly given the two vocal styles of Mitchell and Wrightson. Unfortunately I am not a great fan of Wrightson as a singer, his intonation, although having the desired ethereal effect, sounds rather forced and over-produced. Maybe the fact that these vocals were produced separately from the rest of the album (by Clive Nolan), has something to do with it. I found it particularly grating on the otherwise lovely ballad Black Despair. However, the vocals don't last long and the emotive guitar passage more than made up for my disappointment at the singing. Likewise, on the album closer, Forbidden To Remain, the largely instrumental nature of the track overcomes my personal dislike of the vocals. This track is also one of the most proggy on the album and featuring the most keyboards, possibly because it was apparently originally written at the time of RPWL's 2002 album Trying To Kiss The Sun. Concluding guitar solo is a peach! Moon And Sun is a more likeable Wrightson effort due to the strong melody and the fact that the vocalist stretches himself and doesn't rely solely on the softer, dreamy aspects of his voice.
Of the rockier tracks, Obsession is a powerful riffing opener and Break You sees the return of the talk box guitar effect amidst a more electronic song which also features more straightforward rock guitar solos. Title track Mirror has masses of overlaid guitars which combine harmoniously in a song of almost bitter self-reflection. The final vocal track, Don't Ask Me Why effectively combines electric and acoustic guitars while still leaving enough space for the vocal melody and the simple, yet successful, chorus. Again, the end section features some excellent guitar work from Wallner.
Of the three instrumentals on the album, Hallowed is a brief introductory piece to Mirror with lots of added sound effects (including the rather camply spoken Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs incantation 'Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?') which would make a great 'walk on' piece at the beginning of a concert; Open Sore is a bass-heavy all-out rock number; and Moorland is a lively and entertaining piece that easily bears repeated listening as all the parts and layers are distinguished by the listener. Finally, the bonus track, a remix of Artist Manqué by the precursor band of RPWL, Violet District, is a bit out of place on the album as it sounds totally different from what has come before, although, not withstanding that, it is a decent enough pop-rock song.
Mirror is a decent enough solo album and will certainly have appeal for fans of RPWL. The playing is certainly impressive in places and, at points, fairly innovative. I would recommend several tracks, namely Don't Ask Me Why, Forbidden To Remain and Moorland but overall the album falls a tad short of an overall recommendation.
Given the countries rich classical heritage it should come as no surprise that a Russian rock band should be influenced by the likes of Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich and Stravinsky. And that’s the case in point with Lost World Band, a classically trained trio that came together in 1990 whilst still at music college. Following several years extensive gigging they released seven self burned discs over a five year span beginning in 1996 to a small but faithful following. Their official debut CD appeared in 2003 under the title Trajectories. With the albums vocalist Alexei Rybakov now departed comes the all instrumental follow-up Awakening Of The Elements. With their first instruments being flute, violin and piano respectively, Vassily Soloviev, Andrii Didorenko and Alexander Akimov have added rock instrumentation which provides a more contemporary prog influence, especially King Crimson. They also remind me of the UK band Sky from the 70’s and some of the more classically influenced Italian symphonic bands from the same era.
The title track Awakening Of The Elements is an excellent showcase for the band combining a heavy full on guitar riff with a lively symphonic fusion of violin, flute and keys. Didorenko’s skilful electric guitar work throughout incorporates both the darker and sweeter side of Robert Fripp’s playing. It’s helped by a memorable tune that would sit comfortably behind the opening credits of the latest American TV Police drama with the camera sweeping over a city nightscape. A change of tempo for Infinity Street opening with a classical guitar duet with odd meters and percussive effects adding a distinctively Mike Oldfield Amarok flavour. It’s skilfully done but the track never fully develops beyond its opening promise to justify its near seven minute length. Simoom is a high speed violin and piano tour de force followed by the electric guitar dominated Over The Islands which seemingly picks up from where the former left off. The latter includes some standout fretless bass work from Didorenko.
Ambient synth effects glide into Scenery With A Guitar where the acoustic guitar riff again has a ring of Mike Oldfield about it. Schostoccata is the bands take on the String Quartet no.8 by Shostakovich introduced by a descending guitar riff very close to Steve Howe’s on Machine Messiah by Yes. Otherwise it’s a frantic display of musicianship with electric guitar, violin and flute battling it out for supremacy. Very showy but it’s not really my cup of tea. States Of Mind (Part I) is the first in a short violin suite with supercharged bowing and a cod 80’s disco beat making it sound like a refugee from a Vanessa-Mae album. The brooding States Of Mind (Part II) works much better with some very moody violin work that builds to a stately crescendo. States Of Mind (Part III) sounds like part two speeded up and despite some tricky guitar and violin interplay it’s not as effective.
Other than the authentic bass line Paranoia Blues doesn’t live up to its name although it does contain a persistent and spooky flute pattern from Soloviev. Collision Of The Elements is one of the better tracks mostly due to Akimov’s excellent Hammond work that will appeal to Keith Emerson and Rod Argent fans amongst others. The dramatic orchestral punctuations and overblown percussion lends the piece a cinematic scale. Sky Wide Open ends the album on a serene and wistful note with soaring electric guitar reminiscent of Jade Warrior that builds to, but wisely pulls back from a full blown climax.
There is absolutely no doubting the virtuosity of this trio or the writing abilities of Didorenko who is responsible for all the original material. The best of these which includes Awakening Of The Elements, States Of Mind (Part II), Collision Of The Elements and Sky Wide Open display a good ear for a strong melody. Twelve tracks however does seem to be stretching things a little especially in the middle section where the tone of the album becomes a tad samey. Whilst the desire to keep the pieces short and precise is admirable I feel that they would have done better further developing some of the stronger material. There are occasions when this album impresses more than it entertains and it would be a safe bet that the band goes down a storm in a live environment. They can also count production amongst their unquestionable talents with a crystal clear sound ensuring that every note leaps off the disc. An all important plus for an album of this intricacy.
Cyclops Records release their latest double sampler CD for the bargain price of £6. Now that has to worth serious consideration for 2.5 hours of music, particularly as the majority of tracks on the album are either previously unreleased or alternative versions. What is even more impressive is that almost all of the artists have received good or recommended reviews by DPRP. Rather than try and describe each track in any detail, I have, where appropriate, included a link to the DPRP review of the album which included the original version of the song or the latest album released by the group.
CD 1 kicks of with Abarax and the 14 minute Journey's End/Autumn Storm. Journey's end was included on their debut album, Crying Of The Whales, but the sampler version of the song is a bit punchier and is effectively doubled in length by the addition of the previously unreleased Autumn Storm. Despite the overt Floydian influences this additional track is a nice accompaniment to the album with a rousing chorus and some nice double-tracked guitars. Rob Andrews seems to have been floating about for years without making much of an impact. His last album, The Host, was released back in 2001. However, Last Farewells, composed by guitarist David Groves is a fine instrumental confidently played by the Ra group (which also features Steve Hillman on keyboards and the rather disappointing drumming of Dai Rees). The always excellent Discipline are next with a live version of the epic Canto IV (limbo). This version was previously released on the Into The Dream CD which is now sadly deleted. Never fear though, as Cyclops are soon to re-release this album as a two-CD package. Discipline rank as one of my favourite progressive groups of recent years and all of their albums are thoroughly recommended.
Drama obviously read the DPRP review of Stigmata Of Change and for the alternative version of the instrumental A Revelation, one of the highlights of the original album, have cut the song down by over two minutes. The piece has its moments but the synth sound was a bit annoying and the programmed drums didn't do a lot for me. A live version of Mantova from the most recent album by Flamborough Head closely follows the studio version but, as would be expected, has a greater degree of attack. The flute work of Margriet Boomsma is worthy of particular note. Listening to the Tales of Imperfection album inspired me to check out the band's back catalogue and hearing this live track now makes me want to see the group live! The Gift hit the prog world last year with a debut album, Awake And Dreaming, which contained two tracks with a total running time of 71 minutes. Escalation is the ninth part of the album's title track and stands up even out of context of the whole piece. One of the most progressive and rockier parts of the album, the sublime guitar riff is a good intro to this group. The Alpha And The Omega is the first new material to be released by Karda Estra since The Age Of Science And Enlightenment CD. As on that album, and to quote the DPRP review, the track has "a distinct pre-occupation with the macabre... The music is dark and brooding for the most part, with an ethereal quality conveyed by classical instrumentation and choral voices". I was very impressed with the band and on the basis of this recording will be seeking out their earlier recordings. Similarly, the alternate version of My Home from the double CD The Lower Depths persuaded me to dig into the wallet and buy the album. Relatively sedate initially, the piece builds to a fitting climax with which to wind up the first CD.
CD2 opens with the almost obligatory Mostly Autumn track, a reprised version of Heroes Never Die (originally featured on the band's debut album For All We Shared) that was issued on the now deleted Prints In The Stone CD. A nice inclusion for newer fans of the band who missed out on the single when it was originally released, and a prime example of the early work of the band that got them so much attention at the turn of the century. The instrumentalists Nautilus released an impressive debut album in What Colours The Sky In Your World? In fact, it was so good it was released twice and both times received a DPRP recommendation! The alternate version of The Dark Room (which on the album is a component part of opening track Doors To The Dark Room) is an excellent King Crimson inspired piece of music: brooding, menacing and almost gutterally angry. The first new material since 2004's Oregon, show's that America's Nice Beaver have continued to develop. Saturday Nice Beaver starts with a guitar solo reminiscent of Camel but then develops a harder edge, although at times it does remind me of one of the multitude of 1980s prog bands (although can't remember which one!). The track has some really good moments but sadly doesn't really hang together as well as the material on either of the band's excellent albums. Pineapple Thief contribute a new version of Dead In The Water from their most recent Little Man CD. This version has the previously unreleased Blood On Your Hands added to the end making the combined piece a 13-minute epic. With the benefit of time, my review of Little Man was spot on in that I now consider the album an essential purchase! This new recording expands on the original and the inclusion of Blood On Your Hands is reason enough to buy this Sampler.
Having not heard any of the three albums thus far released by Product, I can't say how new track Stranger And Kiroshi compares with what has gone before, in particular the last album The Fire. What I can say is that the first part of the song is quite poppy with Arman Christoff Boyles having a very pleasant voice while part 2 is a complete contrast being heavier and a lot more discordant. I found the alternate version of Carpe Diem from Sensitive To Light's Almost Human album (about the life of puppet-boy Pinocchio), was rather too bland for my tastes and never made it through to the end of the track in all the times I listened to the album. After Trion's excellent Tortoise CD I was delighted to see that they had a new track on this sampler. As to if this heralds a new album I don't know (hope so!) but needless to say the relatively short Out There Somewhere is another great piece of music that admirers of the album will want to own. Finally, Tr3nity contribute a re-recorded version of Into The Dark from their 2002 debut The Cold Light Of Darkness. One of the better tracks on the album, this extended version, lengthened by some 3.5 minutes, contains a lot more guitars and closes the album on a six-string high.
As with the other Cyclops samplers, this double CD is recommended as it not only reveals the variety of talent on the label and offers previously unavailable and exclusive tracks, but also for the fact that it is ridiculously cheap. I guarantee you won't find a better bargain than this CD all year, 2.5 hours of some really great music for the price of a couple of beers in a trendy nightspot. Do your liver a favour, forego the alcohol and buy this CD instead!
Creatures Of The Underworld is the second album from Norway's psychedelic/progressive spacerock band Seid, following up their 2002 Among The Monster Flowers Again release. With a cover freely adapted from the painting Hell by Hieronymus Bosch this was always going to be an interesting release. If the description of the band given in the previous sentence seems confusing enough (Prog? Psych? Space?!) then it doesn't really help that influences of indie and punk rock as well as Balkan folk music can also be identified within the music. That might sound as if the album is an unholy mixture with no discernable direction but, surprisingly, it all seems to work rather well. Album opener Café Lola is a prime example: distorted organs and saxophones, atonal guitars, punkish vocals and a fairly rapid tempo, just when you think you are getting to grip with things, an (electric) folkish middle eight takes things down a step or two until the band launch into a sonic frenzy, before returning to the opening theme. Mmm, what exactly is going on here?
The title track has a more ominous sound, a heavy riff dominating throughout until a very quirky guitar and keyboard section once again stirs reminiscences of Balkan folk music. Swamp Doom features a progressive instrumental section with a nice riff played out on echoed guitars and then keyboards before ending with a foreboding harmonium and manic laughter which is undoubtedly representative of the subject of the next track The Evil Gnome. Introduced by Hammond and various synths, the piece progresses into a rather pleasing keyboard dominated number, with vocals intoned in a rather menacing manner. Dragons & Demons starts as a more conventional space-rock number, very moody and atmospheric, which meanders along drawing the listener into its mesmerising groove until the three-and-a-half minute mark when things go into overdrive. Layers of guitars and various keyboards create an acid-rock nightmare. After a short break there is a somewhat laidback organ theme (presumably the Intermission - Opus Vulgaris referred to on the album sleeve but not separated into a separate track) which has a very 1970s feel and at times an almost fairground quality.
The intermission is followed by the heaviest track on the album Do As You're Told. Musically the song sounds like Deep Purple at the time of their In Rock album - Hammond organ driving the song along with incisive guitar riffs. The instrumental Moonprobe takes things down a step or two providing a melodic and somewhat dreamy interlude before Starla's Dream, which the group describe as the most "normal" song on the album. Almost poppy, albeit with the ever present psychedelic overtones, the song features some interesting saxophone and violin arrangements ending "in a majestic Rhodes/Mellotron-driven 5/4-part". The album ends with the longest track Flight Towards The Sun (well, it's a long way!) Another instrumental, the track moves from an opening spacerock theme through more Balkanish folk influences, into a more 1970s progressive rock section before ending with a lullaby. A great track that builds throughout and brings the album to a fitting close.
Although initially I didn't think I would enjoy this album, it just goes to show that first impressions are often wrong. The album has a lot of humour, features a lot of weird and strange sound experiments and skilfully blends different types of music that one wouldn't think would sit comfortably side-by-side. As a bonus the CD also contains a video for the trippy Meet The Spaceman (a 2003 single) which is very amusing as well as being a jolly good song! | 2019-04-24T11:11:22Z | http://www.dprp.net/reviews/2007-022/ |
Three children Jose, Moises and Elena lost their mother in September of 2014. Their story is incredibly tragic due to the fact that they witnessed her passing. All of them have been really supportive of their father who became the sole provider for the family. Even though he works several jobs, he can barely cover his family’s basic needs. Moises, the youngest, has told us on different occasions that he is truly thankful for all the time and help LFF has given his family.
Jose, Moises y Elena tuvieron la desgracia de haber estado presente cuando la mama se murió en septiembre del 2014. Los tres le dan un apoyo tremendo al padre, que ahora es el unico proveedor de la familia. Aunque el padre de los niños tiene varios laburos, casi no les alcanza para lo mínimo que podrían necesitar. Moises, el mas joven, nos ha contado varias veces lo agradecido que esta que LFF haya dedicado tanto tiempo y ayuda para ayudar a su familia.
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JAMES WARREN JEFFERSON is the son of JOHN W. and ELIZABETH JEFFERSON, nee LYNCH. He was born in Sussex County, Del., December 14, 1847. The father, a farmer and live stock dealer, moved with his family to St. Clair County, Ill. in 1851, and died in June of the following year. At his death, his property all went to pay his debts, leaving his family destitute. The wife had borne her husband three children--JAMES W., SAMUEL M., and MARY A.; the latter an infant at the time of the father's decease. The mother was a woman of unusual ability and good sense. Strongly pressed, after the death of her husband, to commit her children to the care of those supposed to be better able to take care of them, she determined to keep them, and to labor for their education and support. No one not living in one of the then frontier States can form an idea of the magnitude of the work she so nobly undertook and so faithfully carried out. In the sublimest sense of the word, "by the sweat of her brow," she earned the bread for the sustenance of her children. When the father died, no one was poorer in money or property: but she was rich in judgment, energy and honesty. By the labor of her own hands she fed her babes, and as they grew older, taught them, by precept and example, that key-note to success--work--honest, patient and faithful work. As a reward for her watchful care and labor, she lived to see each of her children grow up strong and healthy, morally, physically and intellectually, and enter and pass through their academic and college studies, the acknowledged leaders of their respective classes; to leave those classic halls, fully qualified to take up their chosen life work. MARY A., the youngest, to teach the children of other women the lessons to be learned in the graded schools of our enlightened and beneficent public school system; SAMUEL M., to preach the Gospel as God had given him the intellect to comprehend, and the eloquence to unfold; and JAMES W., the eldest, the practice of law--that profession than which no other offers to man a better opportunity to develop his manhood; that intellectual field fill with quagmires and quicksands, with moral wrecks of men tempted and fallen; that field in which the brightest genius of the world has shone where the greatest and best men of all ages have given their services, that the guilty might be punished and the innocent vindicated; that wrong and crime and oppression might be put down, and right and law and justice lifted up. She lived to see the children born in penury, and raised from poverty by her hand, grown to manhood and womanhood, fully qualified and well prepared to take their place in the great struggle of life. Her work was done! With a smile on her face, she died, December 30, 1877, aged 58 years.
JAMES W. entered the common school at the age of 6 years, and was an apt pupil and faithful student. He evinced great delight in his studies, especially mathematics, in which he acquired unusual proficiency. Throughout his experience, in the common schools or in college, he never found a problem that he could not solve, and in that branch of his studies never recited an imperfect lesson. After finishing his studies in the High School, he went on the farm, where by his labor, he assisted his mother in the support of her family. Later, he became Assistant Inspector and Contractor of Forage for the Government, and subsequently engaged as traveling salesman for a wholesale firm in St. Louis.
He has traveled in every State, and has been in nearly all the larger cities east of the Rocky Mountains. In 1867, he made a trip through the chain of lakes from Buffalo to Duluth; and he has followed the Missouri and Mississippi from Fort Benton and Lake Ithaca to the delta. He has visited the fashionable watering places of the East, and stood on the famous "Beach" at Galveston. He has drank at the sparkling springs of Minnesota, and tasted the brackish waters of the Brazos. From the summit of Bunker Hill, he has viewed the crooked streets of cultured Boston, and from the hills of Colorado looked down upon the uncultivated homes of the untutored savage.
From boyhood his mind was made up to be a lawyer, and while traveling from town to town, in his own room at the hotel, until late at night, and at all other times, when he could steal a moment from his business, he read borrowed books, and laid the foundation for his legal education.
In 1871, he entered Indiana State University, and in 1874, completed the scientific course, standing at the head of his class. While at the University, he had command of the drill corps of the college. He is a thorough tactician, and a proficient civil and military engineer. He was admitted to the practice of law in June 1874, and in the following August, moved to Lafayette, and formed a partnership with William H. Bryan, which was dissolved July 1, 1875, when he engaged in the practice alone. Hard work and close attention to business soon won for him a success almost unparalleled. Without money, influence or friends, a stranger in a strange place, he came to LaFayette, not four years ago; yet by his energy, and the zeal with which he has guarded the interests of his clients, he has built up a practice, from which he now enjoys an income sufficient for all his wants. In 1876, MR. JEFFERSON organized and took command of the LaFayette Guards--the oldest military company now in the service of the State. He resigned his command July 13, 1877.
CAPT. JEFFERSON devotes much of his time to commercial settlements, and to real estate law. He is a hard worker and a close student; and, although young, as an attorney his success is fully demonstrated, and he occupies a prominent place among the leading lawyers of the State.
DAVID GREGORY, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was a native of Virginia. During his residence in that State he married MISS MARGARET WARWICK, also a native Virginian. Shortly after his marriage, he moved with his wife to Kentucky, and became identified with the early settlement of that State. They were members of the colony that followed the renowned Col. Daniel Boone, and formed the "Boone Settlement." Some years later, while still residing there, he purchased 420 acres on the Big Miami River, in Butler County, Ohio, but was deterred from locating upon his newly purchased farm by the hostility of the Indians surrounding it. A treat of peace was finally effected, and he moved his family to that point on a keel-boat, pushed up river by means of long poles.
During his residence at this point, the noted "Mad Anthony Wayne" was a frequent guest at his cabin, on his route from Fort Greenville to Hamilton; and in the labor of felling trees MR. GREGORY often received valuable assistance form a squad of Gen. Wayne's soldiers. He decided to make this settlement permanent, and with this view continued steadily to improve his farm. Here he reared a family of two sons and four daughters, all of whom arrived at maturity, but of whom only DAVID H. and MARGARET now survive. Their names were WILLIAM, MARY, MARGARET, ANNIE, NANCY and DAVID H.
The latter, who is a subject of this sketch, was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 30th day of January, 1801. At the age of eighteen months, he was left an orphan by the death of his father; and as soon as his strength became sufficient for the task, he gave his time to the support of his mother by working on the farm. Before he was 21 years old, she too, was called away by death. Shortly after her decease, DAVID, with his brother-in-law JESSE WILSON, took a contract for digging a section of the Miami Canal, performing their labor to the entire satisfaction of the Company.
At the age of 24 years he married MISS MARIA WILSON, a native of Virginia. Three years after his marriage, he conceived a desire to move further west, and accordingly started with his wife on a journey to Indiana. To this point his cousins and his brother WILLIAM had preceded him, and through their kind forethought a comfortable cabin was ready to receive the weary immigrants at the end of their tedious journey. This cabin was located in the central part of the present town of Dayton, although the name of Dayton had not then been given to the town. Being the proprietor of a large tract of land, adjacent to the towns of Marquis and Fairfield, he divided a large portion of it into the town lots, and the three towns were united under the name of Dayton. This name was conferred by MR. GREGORY, in memory of Dayton, Ohio. Here, after clearing a large tract of land, he entered upon the life of a farmer, happy in the enjoyment of a quiet little home. Six children crowned the happiness of his married life, named, respectively, MARY A., WILLIAM, ALFRED, NANCY, CYNTHIA A. and MARGARET, of whom all are deceased, save ALFRED and NANCY. On the 31st day of May, 1872, death again entered his family, choosing for its victim the faithful wife.
For a period of fifty years, MR. GREGORY has been a resident of Sheffield Township, having entered upon his residence here in 1828, at a time when but few families had found their way to this point, and when it frequently became necessary for those living here to unite in defense of their poultry or pigs against the ravages of the wolves and foxes. He has witnessed the various stages of progress through which his township has passed, and in these improvements he has been an active participant, always contributing liberally toward the advancement of enterprises calculated to promote the interests of his township. Until the election of James Buchanan, he acted and voted with the Democratic party, but during his administration his political principles became changed, and he has since supported the Republican party.
The infirmities of age have made themselves apparent in his heretofore vigorous constitution, and for several years he has lived a life of quiet repose among his grandchildren. In his religious views he is a Universalist, having been converted to that faith at the age of 17 years. He is a diligent student of the Scriptures, and has learned the great lessons of charity, so essential to a Christian life.
MR. SHEARER was born in Geneseo, Livingston Co., N.Y., April 5, 1838. In the next years, he came with is parents to Tippecanoe County, where he has since continued to reside. He adopted the pursuit of farming as his vocation in life, having been trained to that occupation by his father. Up to the beginning of the late civil war, he was quietly engaged in the pursuit of this occupation; but when it became evident that the nation's honor demanded armed assistance, he was among the first to volunteer in defense of the union He enlisted in the First Regiment Western Sharpshooters September 18, 1861. he has preserved a record f the engagements in which he participated, and, by his request, it is hereby reproduced: The battle of Mount Zion, Mo., December 18, 1861; Fort Henry Tenn., February 8, 1862; Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 14, 1862; Pittsburg Landing, April 6 and 7, 1862; the siege of Corinth, May 30, 1862; battle of Corinth, October 3 and 4, 1862; Resaca, May 9, 1864; Dallas, May 28, 1864; Kenesaw, June 27, 1864; near Marietta, Ga., July 4, 1864; east of Atlanta, July 22, 1864; Lickskillet, July 28, 1864; Joneboro, September 1, 1864; Lovejoy's, September 2, 1864; Savannah, December 8, 1864; Bentonville, N.C., March, 1865.
At the expiration of his first term, he re-enlisted as a veteran, on the 25th day of December 1863, continuing in active service until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, on the 7th day of July 1865, at Camp Butler, Ill. During his sojourn at that place, he formed the acquainted of MISS MARY WHEELAND, who became his wife on the 28th day of September 1865. This union has been blessed by three children--BRUCE, CHARLEY and KATIE, all of whom are now living.
Since his return from the army, MR. SHEARER has been constantly engaged in farming and stock growing, in which he has been very successful.
of their children are as follows: JOHN, CATHERINE, PHILIP, HENRY, MARY ANN, SARAH ABIGAIL, SUSAN, DANIEL, JONAS, MARIA JANE, and JACOB E. DANIEL ISLEY, the father of MRS. ELY, was born in one of the Carolinas, of English parentage, but reared in Tennessee. He was married in Ohio, to CATHERINE SCHNEPP, a lady of German ancestry, and in the fall of 1825 settled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.
DANIEL ELY, son of HENRY ELY, is one of the substantial men of Fairfield Township, and one of its most respected citizens. He was born on the old homestead of his father, where he has always lived, the date of his birth being September 28, 1844. He was united in marriage to MISS LETITIA DUMM, a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, November 5, 1847, and to them have been born six children, of whom five yet survive: JACOB S., MILES W., ANNA MAY, SARAH E., and GRACE G. A daughter named MARY C. died aged six months. JOHN DUMM, the father of MRS. DANIEL ELY, was a native of Pennsylvania, but reared from his twelfth year in Ohio, and was married in that State to SARAH McCABE. They came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, about 1852, and settled in Perry Township, living there until their death. MR. DUMM was a Lutheran in his religious faith, his wife being a member of the United Brethren church.
W. P. WILES, an active and enterprising citizen of Shelby, engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 17, was born in Fayette County, Indiana, March 15, 1841, a son of JOHN H. WILES, who was one of the prominent pioneers and merchants of Montmorency, Indiana. JOHN H. WILES was born and reared in Brown County, Ohio, and when a young man removed to Fayette County, Indiana, where he was married to SARAH PUNTENNEY, who was born in Adams County, Ohio, a daughter of WILLIAM and LYDIA PUNTENNEY, with whom she came to Fayette County in an early day. JOHN H. WILES remained in Fayette County until the fall of 1855, when he came with his family to Tippecanoe County, where he has since made his home. W. P. WILES, the subject of this sketch, was reared a farmer, a vocation he has followed the greater part of his life, and his education was received in the common schools of his neighborhood. He was mustered in the war of the Rebellion July 22, 1861, and was assigned to Company G, Twentieth Indiana Infantry, and took an active part in a number of hard-fought engagements, including the battle of Fair Oaks, all the battles in front of Richmond, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Gold Mine Run, battle of the Wilderness, and was with his regiment in New York City, quelling the mobs and riots there. He was confined in hospital for a time on account of sickness, and later he was wounded by a minie ball in the right thigh, and was sent to hospital at Washington, D.C., and was also in the hospital at West Philadelphia. He received an honorable discharge July 22, 1864, but was unable to return home until the following August. March 1, 1866, he was united in marriage to MISS MARY A. FEELY, who was born and reared in Shelby Township, Tippecanoe County, a daughter of JOHN W. and SUSAN A. FEELY. Her parents were among the early settlers of this county, coming here from Brown County, Ohio, in 1843, where both died. MR. and MRS. WILES have two children living, BERTHA L., born June 27, 1874, and JOHN E., born September 27, 1884. Politicially MR. WILES is a Republican, and is a strong adherent of the principles of that party. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Otterbein Post, No. 277, and is a member of Octagon Lodge, A.F & A.M, in which he served as Master during 1885 and 1886. He is a member of Fair Haven United Brethren Church, and has served as class leader and trustee of the same. He is always interested in the advancement of education and religion, and every worthy enterprise has his encouragement and support. Cordial in manners and fair and honorable in all business transactions, he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know him.
JACOB DAVIS, an active and enterprising citizen of Lauramie Township, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1837, a son of DANIEL DAVIS, a native of Sullivan County, Indiana, who is now deceased. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and in his boyhood attended the schools of this neighborhood, where he received a common-school education. He learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, which he has since followed much of the time. He was married October 7, 1860, to MISS SARAH BRYANT, a daughter of ABSALOM BRYANT, deceased. Six of the eight children born to this union are living, their names being as follows--JEPHTHA, DANIEL, CHARLES, WILLIAM, PERRY, and ETTIE. Two daughters died in early childhood.
MR. DAVIS located in Montgomery County, Indiana, April 17, 1862, and settled in Sugar Creek Township; his present home is on section 31, Lauramie Township, Tippecanoe County, to which he removed in the spring of 1883, being just across the line. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, well improved and under good cultivation, where he resides, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is classed among the substantial farmers of his township. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he yet devotes some time to his trade. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order. He is at present postmaster of the B. postoffice.
JOHN RAWLES, of Wabash Township, a son of JOHN and SARAH RAWLES, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 17, 1813, and there he was reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, working during the summer season and attending the district school of his neighborhood during the winter. in 1830 he came with his parents to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where the father purchased 320 acres of land, a portion of which was prairie. Some years later JOHN purchased this farm, together with another tract of eighty acres which his father had previously entered. The father continuted to reside on the homestead until his death, which occurred in 1839. Since purchasing the home farm, MR. RAWLES has made successive additions of land, and at one time owned nearly 1,000 acres. He has since sold part of his land, and given to his children, yet he has sufficient to keep him in comfortable circumstances the remainder of his days.
MR. RAWLES was married in 1834 to MISS MATILDA NEWELL, daughter of WILLIAM and ANN NEWELL, of Warren County, Indiana, and to this union eleven children were born--LYCURGUS (deceased), ZELINA (deceased), WILLIAM N., MARCELLUS, DAVID, SARAH ANN (deceased), JOHN (deceased), MARY ANN, JOSEPH P., EDWIN and GEORGE II. During the late civil war, WILLIAM, MARCELLUS and DAVID entered the Federal service, and through a period of three years assisted in maintaining the Union cause. JOHN, then a lad of fourteen years, also entered into the service, serving one hundred days.
Having been reared on a farm, MR. RAWLES adopted the occupation of farming as his life work, becoming a thorough, practical agriculturist, and as a dealer in fine stock he has been very successful. MRS. RAWLES died in August, 1885. Although seventy-five years of age, MR. RAWLES is still hale and active, and bids fair to spend many years in the enjoyment of the accumulations of his former years of toil. In politics MR. RAWLES was formerly a Whig, but has been a Republican since the organization of that party. In 1856 he was elected county commissioner, holding that office six consecutive years, and during his term of office the famous artesian well in the public square was dug, and through the instrumentality of the board of commissioners, of which he was a member, a residence was erected on the county infirmary farm for the superintendent. Since 1843 MR. RAWLES has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has led a consistent Christian life. The manly integrity of his character, which has been manifested throughout a long and useful life, has drawn around him many friends, and none stand higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.
WILLIAM W. SMITH, the present treasurer of Tippecanoe County, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, west of Springfield, July 7, 1835, a son of ABRAHAM and ELIZABETH SMITH. Abraham Smith was born near Milledgeville, Georgia, and when three or four years of age removed with their family to Ohio, passing through Cincinnati when that now prosperous city was called Fort Washington, and was then under the command of General Harrison. This was about the year 1790. They first settled four miles above the present site of Cincinnati, and soon after went up the Mad River to Clarke County, and entered land right in the wilderness, being among the pioneers of that county, where they spent the remainder of their life. ABRAHAM, the father of our subject, was reared in Clarke County amid the scenes of pioneer life, and was there married to ELIZABETH ULLERY, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, whose parents were of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, they coming from Pennsylvania, and settling in Pickaway County, Ohio, among the early settlers. ABRAHAM lost his wife by death in 1839, and in 1845 he removed to Lawrence County, Illinois, making his home in that county until his death, which occurred in 1872.
taught school. After coming to this county he worked out by the month for some time and subsequently both a meat market which he conducted four or five years. In 1863 he bought a farm in Union Township, to which he removed in June of that year, and there followed agricultural pursuits until assuming the duties of his present office. He was nominated to this office by the Republican party, being elected in November, 1885, and September 1, of the same years he removed to LaFayette, where he has since made his home, though he still retains his farm in Union Township.
GEORGE W. KIRKPATRICK, one of the pioneers of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, was raised in Ohio. His parents, SAMUEL and RUTH (WIER) KIRKPATRICK, removed from Kentucky to Ohio in an early day and settled in Ross County. They reared a family of five sons and two daughters. GEORGE W., their third son, was married in 1821 to CATHERINE, daughter of WILLIAM and MARGARET (CLINTON) PORTER, who were natives of Ireland. Six years later he removed by team to Indiana, and purchased land from the Government in Sheffield Township, Tippecanoe County, improved and remained on the same until 1843. He then removed to Wea Township, where he resided until his death, August 21, 1865. He was of Scotch ancestry. In his political views he was formerly a Whig, but became identified with the Republican party in 1856. His wife die November 30, 1878. They reared to mature years a family of five sons and two daughters. PORTER, the eldest, was born in Ross County, Ohio, August 11, 1822; was reared in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, as a farmer, in which vocation he was very successful; served as justice of the peace a number of years; was married to ROSELLA McCLAIN in 1858; died November 15, 1878, leaving a wife, one son and two daughters. SAMUEL, the second son, was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 23, 1824; reared in Tippecanoe County, Indiana; was married in 1845 to LOUISA HEATON; was treasurer of Tippecanoe County, warden of the Northern Indiana State prison, Lieutenant Colonel of the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment; died May 4, 1874, leaving a wife, who has since died, and five sons. JAMES N. KIRKPATRICK, was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, December 1, 1832; was Captain of Company A, Fortieth Indiana Infantry during the war of the Rebellion; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel of the same regiment at Shiloh, and lost his life by drowning, while crossing a stream in the State of Mississippi, June 8, 1862. GEORGE W. KIRKPATICK, Jr., was born May 21, 1835, in Tippecanoe County, Indiana; enlisted as Assistant Surgeon in the Seventy-second Indiana Regiment, remaining with the regiment until the close of the war, when he returned to Wea Township and engaged in the practice of medicine at Culver; was married September 6, 1866, to LOVENA E. DeHART, daughter of ABNER and MARGARET (TROTTER) DeHART. They are the parents of two sons--JAMES N. and MILO D. MARGARET A. KIRKPATRICK was born June 17, 1838; married to JOHN WATERS in 1858, died May 26, 1863, leaving one child--GEORGE EVERETT WATERS. ELIZA C. KIRKPATRICK was born in 1841, and married JEFFERSON TROTTER in 1879.
SAMUEL ELLIOTT, one of the old and honored pioneers of Sheffield Township, who is now deceased, came to Tippecanoe County as early as 1829, and the same year settled in this township. Here he made his home until 1874, experiencing many of the hardships and privations which usually fall to the lot of the early settler. He was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and was there reared, and married to MISS REBECCA KELLY, and to them were born three children two of whom died in childhood, and one son, CHARLES, died in the service of his country during the late war. He was Captain of Company A, Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain.
MR. ELLIOTT was a second time married to MISS MARY WILSON, who died in 1844, leaving one son, now the REV. SAMUEL WILSON ELLIOTT, of West Union, Ohio. MR. ELLIOTT was again married to MISS MARY SHIELDS, of New Albany, Indiana, who survived her husband a number of years, dying in September 1884. MR. ELLIOTT removed from Sheffield Township in 1867 and settled in La Fayette, this county, where he resided until his death, in October, 1874.
JOSEPH H. ANDERSON, M.D., the only practicing physician of Colburn, is a native of Ohio, born in Guernsey County, November 15, 1838, his father THOMAS ANDERSON, being a native of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. The great-grandfather of our subject, MYRON ANDERSON, was an English sea Captain. He took his son GEORGE to sea with him, visiting the port of New York, where the son left the vessel and became a resident of America. He finally settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where his son THOMAS, the father of our subject, was born. THOMAS ANDERSON went to Ohio, where he was married to SOPHIA STEVENS, and made his home in Guernsey County until his death, which occurred at the home of his son, January 26, 1866. The mother of the doctor still survives her husband, being now in her eighty-third year. THOMAS ANDERSON and wife had ten children, five of whom are living at the present time.
DR. ANDERSON, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the schools of Guernsey County. He began the study of medicine when about twenty-one years of age, and had taken a course of lectures before enlisting in the service of his country during the late war. He had been to Washington Territory, and on his return he enlisted, August 2, 1862, in Company D, Fortieth Iowa Infantry. He served a few months as private and Hospital Steward, when he was promoted to the medical staff of the First Iowa Cavalry, serving with that regiment until the close of the war, and gaining valuable experience. He then returned to Guernsey County, but soon after removed to Allen County, Indiana, locating near Fort Wayne, but after practicing a short time he was obliged to discontinue on account of trouble with his eyes, which had become seriously impaired while in the army. He then engaged in teaching, following that profession two years. In the winter of 1868-69 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, to have his eyes treated, and at the same time attended medical lectures, graduating in the spring of 1869. In September 1869, he came to Colburn, Tippecanoe County, and has since been continuously in the practice of medicine with the exception of the time he spent as a member of the Legislature, having served one term in that body, and during his residence here has built up a successful and extensive practice.
The doctor was united in marriage, January 2, 1862, to MISS MARGARET M. MORTON, a daughter of WILLIAM MORTON, who was a cousin of the great war Governor of Indiana. To this union two daughters were born, of whom only one is living--LYDIA C., who was born in 1867. BERTHA M. died in 1878, aged eight years. In his political views the doctor is a Republican.
Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pp. 395-396.
JOHN HANLEY, one of the leading business men of Chauncey, and senior member of the milling firm of Hanley & Fuller, is a native of Ireland, born in County Limerick, May 4, 1826, his parents, THOMAS and MARY (HAIR) HANLEY, being natives of the same country. They came to America in 1826, when the subject of this sketch was but a month old, and first settled at Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and a short time later removed to the city of New York, where they made their home until 1835. They then spent about one year in Lockport, New York, when they immigrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, coming across the lake to Detroit, and from there to the Maumee River by keel boats. They landed in Fort Wayne in the spring of 1836, when that now prosperous city was a mere hamlet, principally inhabited by Indians, and the old fort still standing. Here the parents remained until their death, the father dying in 1856, and the mother in 1847. The father was a farmer by occupation, and laid out a farm in the wilderness of Allen County.
JOHN HANLEY, whose name heads this sketch, remained with his parents until reaching the age of sixteen years, when he went to Jasper County, Indiana, and began breaking prairie ground, using two teams, each drawn by five yoke of oxen. He was thus engaged about three years, when he went on Government land, and broke up about half a section, on which he raised corn and wheat, hauling the same to Michigan City, where he received for it about 50 cents a bushel. This was before the days of railroads in that part of the country, and he had to haul his load over very bad roads, and often through swamps. In the fall of 1844 he selected three yoke of good oxen and went to Montgomery County with the expectation of loading up apples, but not being satisfied with the fruit there he drove to Putnam County, where he bought apples for 25 cents per bushel. He then started for La Porte, Indiana, and drove through the Kankakee swamp with his load of apples, being three days in crossing the swamp, then continued his journey to LaPorte, arriving there the day of the Whig convention, when Clay and Frelinghysen ran against Polk and Dallas, and there he sold his apples at 25 cents a dozen.
During 1846-47 he was engaged in the grain and general merchandise business at Pittsburg, Indiana, with Colonel Calton. In 1848 he came to LaFayette, and for two years was associated with Rogers and Reynolds in the grain business. He then became associated with SAMUEL DANFORTH in the jewelry business, and at the same time he conducted the hotel known as the Burnett House, being thus engaged some two years, when, on account of failing health, he in the spring of 1853 went to Australia, remaining there about three years. He then returned to LaFayette, with heath entirely restored, and immediately engaged in the manufacture of morocco leather and linings, which he carried on about a year. In the summer of 1859 he established a grocery on Main street, which he carried on until 1869, when he built a store on Fourth street, south of the Square, where he continued his grocery business for two years. In the meantime he had started business in Chauncey, building the first business west of the river, and here he carried on his business until 1875, when he sold out and engaged in farming and dealing in stock extensively on the large farm in the county that the still owns. In the spring of 1881 he became connected with Eagle Mills, of which he has since been a partner. These are the largest mills in this section of the county, and an extensive business is carried on under the firm name of Hanley & Fuller. MR. HANLEY was united in marriage, in the fall of 1849, to MISS CATHERINE A. FITZPATRICK, a daughter of JOHN FITZPATRICK. They are the parents of four children, named as follows--MARY E., CHARLES F., EMMA E., and JOHN G.
SAMUEL RAMSEY SEAWRIGHT was born in Butler Co., Ohio, on the 28th day of September 1824. His father, SAMUEL R. SEAWRIGHT, was a native of Pennsylvania, and moved to Butler Co., Ohio, in 1824, where he engaged in business as a wool carder until the year 1830, when he moved to Clinton Co., Ind., locating near the site of the present town of Rossville. He settled in the timber and improved 160 acres of land. He abandoned the occupation of wool carder and began farming, which he continued until his death in 1840.
The early advantages of young SEAWRIGHT for obtaining an education were limited, but taking advantage of the opportunities that came within his reach, he obtained a fair education, and in later years he profited by better advantages. He studied medicine withthe late Dr. DEMING, of LaFayette, and graduated from the Indiana Medical College, La Porte, Ind., in 1850. In 1860, he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago. He was licensed to practice and entered upon the eprsectuion of the duties of his profession in 1850, in Morgan Co., Ind. At the end of a year, he located at Dayton, Ind., and formed a partnership with Dr. D. H. CROUSE, which continued sixteen years.
In March, 1867, he came to LaFayette, where he has since remained, from the outset enjoying a large and successful practice. Dr. SEAWRIGHT has devoted himself assiduously to his professional duties, and has amassed a comptency by long years of hard work. To the high professional merit, he adds the virtues of a Christian gentleman, and in every walk of life has proved himself worthy the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
THOMAS STRETCH, the father of this gentleman, was born in Pennsylvania, January 23, 1784. His father came from Ireland when a mere lad, and for many years was engaged as a school teacher. THOMAS STRETCH was married to MISS ANTHA MUNGER, a native of Vermont, July 27, 1807. His son, JONATHAN, with whom we are more directly interested in this sketch, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 7, 1817. From that place, he moved with his parents to Miami County, Ohio, in 1818, thence to Butler County, Ohio, and from that point to Tippecanoe County, Ind., in 1830, with his parents, five brothers and three sisters, of whom all are now deceased, save the subject of this sketch, and one sister, MRS. EMILY GRAVES.
In 1846, MR. STRETCH united in marriage with MISS DELILAH KNIGHT of Carroll County, Ind. His wife is of Irish descent and was born in Miami County, Ohio, removing to Carroll County, Ind., with her parents, at the age of 7 years remaining a citizen of that county until the date of her marriage. They have five children living, viz.: FANNIE, FLORA, JESSIE, ETHEL and LOUIS.
From early youth, MR. STRETCH has been engaged in the pursuit of farming. That he has been successful in his chosen avocation is witnessed by his fine farm and the evidence of comfort by which he is surrounded. His upright character has not failed to secure him friends among those with whom he has been associated, and his standing in the community is first class.
O. A. KIRKPATRICK, a prominent and intelligent citizen of Wea Township, Tippecanoe County, was born on the old homestead where he now lives, the date of his birth being March 7, 1848. His parents, W.P. and REBECCA (COMPTON) KIRKPATRICK, were natives of Ohio, the father born in Ross County, a son of MAJOR JAMES KIRKPATRICK, and the mother born in Fayette County, a daughter of GEORGE and SOPHIA (REEVES) COMPTON. They were married in Fayette County, Ohio, in 1844, and the same day of their marriage started on horse-back for Tippecanoe County, and settled on section 36, Wea Township, where the father died July 24, 1853, leaving a widow with three children, named--SERENA, FLORIDA and O.A., the subject of this sketch.
In his political views he was a Democrat. He was an active and zealous worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, and was one of the most highly esteemed men and acknowledged to be the greatest financier of the township where he made his home. O.A. KIRKPATRICK grew to manhood on the home farm, being reared to farm work. He received his primary education in the district school, which was supplemented by a course of study at Stockwell College and the Northwestern Christian College, now Butler University, at Indianapolis. At the age of twenty years he went to Champaign County, Illinois, remaining there eighteen months, when he went to Carroll County, Indiana, where he spent nine years.
In 1878 he returned to the old homestead in Wea Township, where he has sixty-three acres of fine land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. For twelve years he has followed the teacher's profession with success, and ranks among the popular teachers of the county. He was united in marriage September 5, 1883, to MISS VIOLA JOHNSON, of Stockwell, a daughter of JOSEPH JOHNSON, a prominent pioneer of Tippecanoe County. MR. and MRS. KIRKPATRICK have one child, a daughter BESSIE, born September 1, 1884. Politically MR. KIRKPATRICK affiliates with the Republican party. He has served Wea Township as assessor, and in 1886 was land appraiser, performing the duties of this office in a very able manner. He is a man of strict integrity, fair and honorable in all his dealings, and by his cordial manners and genial disposition has made many friends.
MATT SCHNAIBLE, manager of the Wabash Elevator of La Fayette, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born in the year 1853. In the fall of the same year his parents started for America with their family, the father dying on the ocean. The remainder of their family landed at New York, where they spent three or four months, then came to La Fayette, Indiana, where they have since resided. MATT SCHNAIBLE was reared to manhood in La Fayette, receiving his education in the schools of this city. He was married here to MISS KATIE SATTLER, a daughter of JOHN P. SATTLER, a prominent business man of La Fayette.
The Wabash Elevator was constructed in 1857, about the time of the building of the Wabash Railroad, by the Wabash Company. It was first operated by JAMES SPEARS, who was succeeded by Morey & Ball, this firm conducting it until 1875. From 1875 until 1882 it was conducted by I.E. HAVILAND, of Toledo, Ohio, and since the latter year MR. SCHNAIBLE has been a member of the firm of I.E. Haviland & Co. MR. SCHNAIBLE commenced working about the elevator in 1866, acted as engineer for the firm of Morey & Ball, and since 1876 has held the position of manager. The amount of grain handled by the elevator has increased from about 5,000 bushels to about 500,000 bushels per annum. MR. SCHNAIBLE is a member of the German Lutheran church, and is one of the respected citizens of La Fayette.
BALDWIN MINTONYE, deceased, was a native of Tippecanoe County, born in Wayne, now Union Township, April 21, 1828, a son of PETER and MARTHA (BALDWIN) MINTONYE, who were among the first settlers of Tippecanoe County. They were the parents of five children, but one of whom is living. BALDWIN MINTONYE was married August 25, 1850, to TERRESSA HUTSINGER, a native of Ohio, born near Dayton, Montgomery County, January 18, 1834, a daughter of ISAAC and MARY (WOLF) HUTSINGER, her father a native of South Carolina, of Holland descent, and her mother of Ohio, of German descent. After his marriage MR. MINTONYE settled on eighty acres of land he had previously purchased. This farm he afterward sold and bought 200 acres to which he subsequently added 100 acres, having at his death a fine farm of 300 acres. He died September 17, 1883, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomination his widow also belongs. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. To MR. and MRS. MINTONYE were born ten children--WILLIAM, born December 10, 1851, died December 12, 1879; CHARLES, born January 21, 1854; MARIETTA, born August 5, 1856, died September 24, 1857; MARTHA, born July 20, 1858, is the wife of ASA BURNS; ETTA, born September 14, 1860, is the wife of WILLIAM STRAUBINGER; EDWARD, born December 28, 1862, died August 4, 1864; ALBERT, born June 29, 1865, died June 11, 1886; JENNIE, born November 1, 1867; ROSA MAY, born June 24, 1870; MARY OLIVE, born March 8, 1873. | 2019-04-25T21:55:57Z | http://www.ingenweb.org/intippecanoe/bios9.html |
From the National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland.
For members of the Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study, see Appendix.
Acknowledgments: The authors thank the patients in the Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study for their time and efforts in supporting this research. They also thank David Waters, PhD, and Wendell J. Miley (Scientific Applications International Corp., Frederick Cancer Research and Development Center, Frederick, Maryland) for measuring viral load; Myhanh Dotrang (Computer Sciences Corp., Rockville, Maryland) for preparing the database used for this analysis; and Barbara L. Kroner, PhD, and Virginia Lamprecht (Research Triangle Institute, Rockville, Maryland) for study management.
Grant Support: In part by National Cancer Institute contract N01-CP-33002 with Research Triangle Institute, Rockville, Maryland.
Requests for Reprints: Eric A. Engels, MD, MPH, Viral Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS 8005, Rockville, MD 20822; e-mail, [email protected].
Current Author Addresses: Drs. Engels, O'Brien, and Goedert: Viral Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS 8005, Rockville, MD 20822.
Dr. Rosenberg: Biostatistics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20822.
For patients infected with HIV, plasma HIV viral load in early disease predicts long-term prognosis. However, the implications of viral load measurements late in HIV disease are uncertain.
To evaluate the relation between plasma HIV viral load and subsequent risk for disease progression in patients with late-stage HIV disease.
16 treatment centers for patients with hemophilia.
389 patients with hemophilia and late-stage HIV disease (CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3).
Plasma HIV viral load was measured at baseline. Patients were followed for AIDS-related illnesses (primary outcome) and, specifically, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (secondary outcome).
HIV viral load strongly predicted AIDS-related illness. For patients with viral loads less than 4.00 log10 copies/mL, the 1-year actuarial risk was 0% and the 5-year risk was 25%. For patients with viral loads of at least 6.00 log10 copies/mL, the 1-year actuarial risk was 42% and the 5-year risk was 78%. A linear relation existed between viral load and risk for AIDS-related illness (hazard ratio, 2.37 per log10 copies/mL; P < 0.001). In addition, viral load most strongly predicted risk for illness immediately after viral load testing; this predictive relation attenuated over time (P = 0.002). These findings changed little after adjustment for CD4 cell counts that were updated during follow-up. In the first year after viral load was measured, it predicted occurrence of P. carinii pneumonia (hazard ratio, 4.69 per log10 copies/mL; P < 0.001).
In patients with hemophilia and late-stage HIV disease, viral load predicts disease progression independently of CD4 cell counts. Because viral load most strongly predicts progression immediately after load is measured, it seems to reflect the current level of immunosuppression.
For HIV-infected patients, measurement of the circulating virus level has become standard clinical practice (1, 2). High viral loads in HIV-infected patients reflect substantial ongoing viral replication (3) and predict rapid clinical progression (1, 2).
Much of the evidence supporting clinical use of viral load measurements derives from large-scale cohort studies of HIV-infected persons, particularly those with early chronic HIV infection (4-6). In the Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study (MHCS) (4), HIV viral load measured within 3 years of seroconversion predicted patients' long-term prognosis. The risk for AIDS-related illness was 16-fold higher among patients with viral loads of at least 10 000 copies/mL than among patients with viral loads less than 1000 copies/mL. In the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, early HIV viral load predicted risk for AIDS during 10 years of follow-up (5). High levels of viral replication may decrease production and increase destruction of CD4 lymphocytes (7), and HIV viral loads measured during the early stages of infection may predict the subsequent decrease of CD4 cell count (5). However, it is unknown whether the entire relation between viral load and disease outcome is mediated through these effects on the number of circulating CD4 lymphocytes.
Complementing these cohort studies have been treatment trials showing remarkable benefits for patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapies. Part of the effect of antiretroviral regimens can be explained by treatment-induced changes in viral load (8, 9). Trial data suggest that risk for clinical progression is elevated in patients who initially respond to therapy but have a subsequent increase in HIV replication (10).
Our analysis of data from the MHCS addresses two poorly understood aspects of the relation between HIV viral load and disease risk. First, we examined viral load and disease risk in patients with late-stage HIV disease who had CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm3. Previous studies of patients with low CD4 cell counts have been relatively small (5, 11-13); consequently, the relation between viral load and disease risk in these patients has been imprecisely estimated. A better understanding of this relation could help physicians assess patient prognosis more accurately.
Second, we also studied the time course over which a single measurement of HIV viral load provides prognostic information. We reasoned that demonstration of a relation between viral load and long-term prognosis would indicate that viral loads are related to factors that induce clinical deterioration over several years. This finding would support the hypothesis that high viral loads predict a future decrease in CD4 cell counts. Alternately, demonstration of a relation between viral load and short-term prognosis would provide evidence that HIV viral loads reflect current risk and implicitly measure current immune suppression. Our study therefore provides epidemiologic data relevant to understanding the mechanisms by which high levels of HIV induce disease.
The MHCS is a prospective cohort study of patients with hemophilia who were enrolled at 16 treatment sites in the United States and Europe beginning in 1982 (14). Since enrollment, patients have been seen for follow-up every 6 to 12 months. During follow-up visits, clinical outcomes and current treatment are noted and biological specimens are obtained for laboratory testing.
For our retrospective study, we included HIV-infected patients from the MHCS. At each time point, patients who were free of AIDS-related illness were eligible for study entry. Patients were included beginning with the time of the first visit at which they had a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 and had stored plasma available for viral load measurement (baseline visit). Included patients were then followed for development of an AIDS-related illness (primary outcome) or, in particular, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (secondary outcome); these outcomes were diagnosed on the basis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria (15). Patients were censored at death or loss to follow-up. Institutional review boards at the National Cancer Institute, each treatment site, and the coordinating center approved our study.
Plasma was separated from whole blood and frozen on the same day (2 to 8 hours after sampling) or after overnight shipment to a central laboratory. Specimens were stored at −70 °C until testing.
We measured the quantity of HIV RNA circulating in plasma (viral load) using the Amplicor HIV Monitor assay (Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, New Jersey). With this assay, a 142 base-pair sequence in the HIV gag gene was reverse-transcribed and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (16). Before amplification, heparin, a potential inhibitor, was removed by using silica extraction (17). Dilution of serial samples allowed quantification of HIV viral load over a range of 200 to more than 1 000 000 viral copies/mL. A value of 100 copies/mL was assigned to readings less than 200 copies/mL. We report log10-transformed values of viral load measurements.
Patients were considered HIV-infected if repeated serum or plasma samples were reactive by a commercially licensed HIV enzyme immunoassay and were positive by HIV Western blot or radioimmunoassay (14). CD4 cell counts were determined at study sites by using methods described elsewhere (18, 19).
The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the actuarial risk for primary and secondary outcomes for strata defined by baseline CD4 cell counts and viral loads (20). We quantified the effect of clinical characteristics and laboratory measures on risk for AIDS-related illness or P. carinii pneumonia using proportional hazards models with baseline and time-dependent covariates (20). We fitted regression splines to check for nonlinearity of the effects of viral load and CD4 cell count on the hazard for AIDS-related illness (21). Separate models were examined by using baseline CD4 cell counts and CD4 cell counts obtained serially during follow-up (updated every 6 months).
In multivariate analyses of risk for AIDS-related illness, we controlled for time from HIV seroconversion to baseline (using previously derived seroconversion dates ), age at baseline (by quintiles), and current use of antiretroviral therapy (by number of medications and use of protease inhibitors). When examining risk for P. carinii pneumonia, we controlled for prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, dapsone, or aerosolized pentamidine.
To determine whether short-term risk or long-term risk was most closely related to baseline viral load and CD4 cell count, we evaluated whether hazard ratios associated with these variables changed over time. At any given time, the hazard ratio quantifies the relation between the variable of interest and instantaneous (ongoing) risk, even if the variable was measured only once, at baseline. Evaluated over time, hazard ratios that approach the null value of 1 suggest that the variable has a decreasing effect on ongoing risk. We examined changes in hazard ratios over time by separating the first 5 years of follow-up into 10 consecutive 6-month intervals, each containing all patients who were event-free and still under follow-up at the start of the interval. For baseline viral load and baseline CD4 cell count, we fitted 10 separate proportional hazards models, 1 for each 6-month interval. We then constructed plots of the hazard ratios for each interval (“interval-specific” hazard ratios). Finally, we examined time trends in interval-specific hazard ratios by evaluating a model, using all 5 years of follow-up, that incorporated a linear interaction between the variable of interest and follow-up time.
High viral load may increase risk for disease by decreasing CD4 cell count (5). We examined this hypothesis by calculating R = (β0 − β1)/β0, where β0 is the log hazard ratio for viral load unadjusted for updated CD4 cell counts and β1 is the log hazard ratio adjusted for updated CD4 cell counts (23). When R is between 0 and 1, it measures the proportion of the viral load effect explained (“mediated”) by CD4 cell counts; values near 1 suggest that CD4 cell counts are on the causal pathway between viral load and disease, and values near 0 suggest separate causal pathways. We calculated a CI for R by using the Fieller theorem (24) and the bootstrap to estimate the covariance between β1 and β0.
For other analyses, levels of continuous variables were compared between patient groups by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test; the relations among continuous variables were examined by using the Pearson correlation coefficient (25). S-Plus (version 4.5, MathSoft, Seattle, Washington) and MATLAB software (version 5, The MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts) were used for calculations. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
The study sample consisted of 389 patients with hemophilia (Table 1). Patients had advanced HIV infection at baseline (median duration of HIV infection, 9 years; median CD4 count, 129 cells/mm3). The median baseline viral load was 5.1 log10 copies/mL. A relatively small but highly significant inverse correlation existed between baseline log10 viral load and baseline CD4 cell count (r = −0.23; P < 0.001). The median number of CD4 cell count measurements after baseline was 3 (interquartile range, 2 to 6); among patients who had more than one measurement of CD4 cell count, the median time between measurements was 10 months.
Most patients entered our study in the late 1980s or early 1990s. At baseline, half of the patients used antiretroviral medications (Table 1). During follow-up, 303 patients (78%) used at least one antiretroviral medication, 126 (32%) used at least two antiretroviral medications in combination, and 32 (8%) used at least three antiretroviral medications in combination.
For study patients, the median time from baseline to AIDS-related illness, death, or loss to follow-up was 31 months. During 1158 person-years of follow-up, 211 patients (54%) developed an AIDS-related illness (incidence, 0.18 cases per person-year).
Kaplan-Meier curves indicating time to AIDS-related illness are shown in Figure 1; patient strata are defined by baseline viral load (<4.00 log10 copies/mL, 4.00 to 4.99 log10 copies/mL, 5.00 to 5.99 log10 copies/mL, and ≥ 6.00 log10 copies/mL). Higher viral loads were associated with shorter time to disease progression: At 1 year of follow-up, actuarial risks for AIDS-related illness in each stratum were 0%, 9%, 12%, and 42%, respectively. At 5 years, corresponding risks were 25%, 51%, 76%, and 78%, respectively. In a proportional hazards survival model, the unadjusted hazard ratio for a 1-log10 increase in viral load was 2.37 (95% CI, 1.91 to 2.94).
KaplanMeier curves showing time to AIDS-related illness for strata defined by baseline HIV viral load.
Viral load immediately affected disease progression. Illness-free survival for patients with high baseline viral loads diverged rapidly from that for patients with lower viral loads (Figure 1). Over time, this divergence was less apparent, implying that the effect of baseline viral load on ongoing disease risk became attenuated. Equivalently, Figure 2 shows that hazard ratios for baseline viral load were greatest in early intervals of follow-up. Over time, a linear decrease was seen in the interval-specific hazard ratios for baseline viral load (P = 0.002) (Figure 2). In a survival model with an interaction term between log10 viral load and time since baseline, baseline viral load remained important, but the magnitude of its effect decreased about 20% per year (hazard ratio, 0.79 per year) (Table 2).
The time to AIDS-related illness also differed across strata defined by baseline CD4 counts (150 to 199 cells/mm3, 100 to 149 cells/mm3, 50 to 99 cells/mm3, and <50 cells/mm3) (Figure 3). Time to illness was shorter for persons with lower baseline CD4 cell counts. At 1 year of follow-up, actuarial risks for AIDS-related illness in each stratum were 8%, 15%, 25%, and 31%, respectively; at 5 years, the corresponding risks were 47%, 59%, 78%, and 82%.
KaplanMeier curves showing time to development of AIDS-related illness for strata defined by baseline CD4 cell count.
A linear relation was seen between baseline CD4 cell count and risk for AIDS-related illness (hazard ratio, 1.60 per each decrease of 50 cells/mm3 in baseline CD4 count) (Table 2). Similar to the relation between viral load and risk for AIDS, the effect of baseline CD4 cell count waned with increasing follow-up time, although this trend was not statistically significant (linear interaction of baseline CD4 cell count with time, P = 0.08) (Figure 4). Using updated CD4 cell counts to model risk did not affect the strength of this relation (Table 2).
After adjustment for age, time from HIV seroconversion, and use of antiretroviral therapy, the hazard ratios for baseline log10 viral load and its linear interaction with time did not change appreciably, nor did those for baseline or updated CD4 cell counts (Table 2). In a multivariate model, baseline log10 viral load, its interaction with time, and updated CD4 cell count independently predicted AIDS-related illness (Table 2). When updated CD4 cell counts were included in the multivariate model, the hazard ratio for log10 viral load changed from 3.58 to 2.82 (Table 2), implying that CD4 cell counts obtained during follow-up explained 19% (CI, 12% to 29%) of the effect of baseline viral load.
Sixty patients (15%) had baseline CD4 counts less than 50 cells/mm3 (median baseline CD4 count for this group, 24 cells/mm3). Baseline viral loads were higher for this group than for other patients (median, 5.3 log10 copies/mL compared with 5.1 log10 copies/mL; P = 0.01). For patients with a baseline CD4 count of 0 to 24 cells/mm3 and a viral load less than 5.3 log10 copies/mL (the median value), the 1-year actuarial risk was 29%; for patients with a baseline CD4 count of 0 to 24 cells/mm3 and a viral load of at least 5.3 log10 copies/mL, the 1-year actuarial risk was 60% (Figure 5). Similarly, for patients with a baseline CD4 count of 25 to 49 cells/mm3 and a viral load less than 5.3 log10 copies/mL, the 1-year risk was 8%; for patients with a baseline CD4 count of 25 to 49 cells/mm3 and a viral load of 5.3 log10 copies/mL or greater, the 1-year risk was 25%. Viewed as a continuous variable, viral load predicted AIDS-related illness among these 60 patients with advanced immune compromise (hazard ratio, 1.88 per log10 copies/mL [CI, 1.07 to 3.29]; P = 0.03). The effect of viral load did not change after adjustment for baseline CD4 cell count, age, time since seroconversion, and antiretroviral therapy (hazard ratio, 2.02 [CI, 1.08 to 3.76]; P = 0.03).
Kaplan-Meier curves showing time to development of AIDS-related illness for patients with baseline CD4 counts less than 50 cells/mm3.
Because our data indicate that HIV viral load predicts disease risk most strongly in the first year after measurement, we examined risk for P. carinii pneumonia during the first year of follow-up. We chose P. carinii pneumonia as a secondary outcome because it was the most common AIDS-related illness in our study and because decisions about prophylaxis can be guided by data on disease risk. In the first year, 25 patients (6%) developed P. carinii pneumonia; this diagnosis accounted for 39% of 64 AIDS-related illnesses in the first year of follow-up. For viral loads less than 4.00 log10 copies/mL, 4.00 to 4.99 log10 copies/mL, 5.00 to 5.99 log10 copies/mL, and at least 6.00 log10 copies/mL, actuarial risks for P. carinii pneumonia were 0%, 2%, 10%, and 14%, respectively. After we controlled for the use of P. carinii pneumonia prophylaxis, baseline viral load (hazard ratio, 4.69 per log10 copies/mL [CI, 2.31 to 9.49]; P < 0.001) and baseline CD4 cell count (hazard ratio, 1.52 per each decrease of 50 cells/mm3 [CI, 1.05 to 2.21]; P = 0.03) independently predicted development of P. carinii pneumonia.
An HIV viral load measurement taken late in HIV disease predicts subsequent disease risk. In our study of 389 patients with hemophilia and CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm3, one measure of HIV viral load identified risk over a median follow-up of 31 months. Baseline viral loads predicted disease progression, especially during early follow-up. Each log10 increase in baseline viral load was associated with a fivefold increase in risk for AIDS-related illness during the first 6 months of follow-up (Figure 2). Even in patients with CD4 counts less than 50 cells/mm3, viral load was strongly associated with disease risk.
Previous analyses of the effect of viral load and CD4 cell count on progression of HIV disease have assumed that relative risks associated with these factors remain constant over time. However, this assumption, which underlies the proportional hazards survival model, may not be realistic because hazard ratios, which quantify ongoing risk associated with a variable of interest, may change over time. For example, if a cumulative effect of the risk factor is necessary before risk increases, the risk associated with this factor will be lowest during early follow-up. Alternatively, the risk factor could affect risk immediately. In that case, if levels of the risk factor change over time and only a single baseline measurement is used to predict risk during the entire follow-up period, the association between the risk factor and disease will be most apparent early in the follow-up period; during later periods, the association between the baseline levels of the risk factor and ongoing risk, measured by the hazard ratio, will be attenuated.
In our study of patients with hemophilia and late-stage HIV disease, a simple proportional hazards analysis did not adequately depict the relation between viral load and risk for disease. High viral loads were most predictive of AIDS-related illness immediately after they were measured (Figure 2). This finding strongly suggests that viral load reflects the current level of immune dysfunction. Consistent with this hypothesis, viral loads tend to increase over time among untreated patients (26, 27). Because HIV viral loads may vary in this way, a single baseline viral load measurement offers progressively less information about ongoing disease risk after several years have passed. Similarly, the prognostic information provided by a single CD4 cell count is greatest immediately after it is measured and attenuates with time (Figure 4).
Our results do not support the notion that the effect of viral load on disease risk is mediated entirely through decreases in CD4 lymphocyte counts (5). If this effect explained the relation between viral load and disease risk, the hazard ratios for viral load would be expected to increase over time. It would take some time for high viral loads to exert a deleterious effect on CD4 cell counts. Because the hazard ratios for baseline viral load actually decrease over time, this explanation seems untenable. Further evidence that high viral loads predict the development of AIDS independently of decreases in CD4 cell count is provided by our multivariate analysis; serial CD4 cell counts during follow-up explained only 19% of the predictive effect of the baseline measurement of viral load.
Previous studies (5, 11-13), all of which were smaller than our study, have examined viral load measured late in disease and the risk for illness or death. These studies reported relative hazards of 1.5 to 3.7 per log10 copies/mL—findings that are generally consistent with our results—but were too small to definitively examine whether viral loads provide information about short-term risk for disease (11-13). However, for strata defined by viral load, the Kaplan-Meier curves presented in these reports show early separation in risk and are similar to the curves in Figure 1(5, 12, 13). These studies therefore support our conclusion that, among patients with late-stage disease, high viral load is a marker for current immune dysfunction.
The reasons that a high viral load is associated with current immune compromise need elucidation. In late-stage disease, HIV infection may directly cause defective immune function. Macrophages and CD4 lymphocytes from HIV-infected persons display qualitative defects toward various pathogens (28, 29), and high HIV viral load may be associated with anergy to recall antigens (30). Patients with active cytomegalovirus disease have diminished cytomegalovirus-specific CD4 cell responses, but patients with a history of cytomegalovirus disease who are treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (which presumably reduces HIV viral load) have improved responses (31). Immune dysfunction may be mediated by the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120, which inhibits macrophage phagocytosis of such opportunistic organisms as Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium avium(32, 33).
Conversely, a patient's immune deficiency could itself increase HIV viral load. However, this seems to be disproved by results of trials (8, 9) that show a dramatic decrease in risk for AIDS when HIV viral load is reduced. The findings of these trials suggest that HIV replication or the resulting high levels of circulating virus cause immunosuppression.
Because HIV viral load reflects current immune competence, it can indicate the need for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections. For our patients, HIV viral load predicted P. carinii pneumonia when it was used in conjunction with CD4 cell count. Although current recommendations suggest that all patients with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm3 receive P. carinii pneumonia prophylaxis (34), we found that few patients developed P. carinii pneumonia when their viral loads were less than 5.00 log10 copies/mL. It is interesting to note that among our patients, a half-log10 increase in viral load carried a risk for P. carinii pneumonia equivalent to that conferred by a decrease in CD4 count of 92 cells/mm3. Our results, which are based on relatively few episodes of P. carinii pneumonia, should be considered preliminary. However, if they are confirmed (particularly for patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy), new guidelines for prophylaxis that incorporate information on HIV viral load may help target prophylaxis regimens in a safer and more effective manner. Use of viral load as a measure of immune function that is complementary to CD4 cell count may also facilitate evaluation of patients who present with symptoms, such as fever or cough, that have broad differential diagnoses.
One limitation of our study is that our patients were mostly studied before combination antiretroviral therapy became standard clinical practice in the mid-1990s. We therefore could not examine the effects of currently used therapies, which can often reduce viral load to levels that are undetectable by extremely sensitive assays. Future research should address the time course over which treatment benefits accrue to determine whether, in effectively treated patients, reductions in viral load result in decreased immunosuppression or instead affect other aspects of HIV disease pathogenesis. Our results should also be replicated in HIV-infected persons with HIV risk factors other than hemophilia.
Serial viral load measurements provide more information than one measurement (26). For patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy, pretreatment viral load and CD4 cell count predict risk, but the magnitude and duration of treatment-induced changes in viral load are also important (8, 9, 35, 36). Because we measured viral load only at baseline, we could not study changes in viral load. However, our relatively simple study design highlighted the time course over which a single measure of viral load gives useful information on disease risk.
Viral load measurements in patients with late-stage HIV disease offer information on risk for AIDS-related illness. Viral load most strongly reflects current risk and thus provides information on current immune dysfunction. The information given by viral load measurements complements that given by CD4 cell counts and could be incorporated as an independent measure into patient management decisions about diagnosis, prophylaxis, and therapy.
Research Triangle Institute, Rockville, Maryland: Barbara L. Kroner, PhD, and Susan E. Wilson. National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland: Eric A. Engels, MD, MPH; Mitchell Gail, MD, PhD; James J. Goedert, MD; Thomas R. O'Brien, MD, MPH; Charles Rabkin, MD, MSc; and Philip S. Rosenberg, PhD. Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York: Louis M. Aledort, MD, and Stephanie Seremetes, MD. Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania: M. Elaine Eyster, MD. Cornell University Medical Center, New York, New York: Donna Di Michele, MD, and Maragaret W. Hilgartner, MD. Cardeza Foundation Hemophilia Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Barbara Konkle, MD. Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware: Phillip Blatt, MD. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Gilbert C. White II, MD. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Alan R. Cohen, MD. Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: Anne L. Angiolillo, MD, and Naomi Luban, MD. Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.: Craig M. Kessler, MD. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio: Michael M. Lederman, MD. Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, Louisiana: Cindy Leissinger, MD. University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado: Marilyn Manco-Johnson, MD. University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas: W. Keith Hoots, MD. Hospital Cantonal Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland: Philippe de Moerloose, MD. Athens University Medical School and Laikon General Hospital, Athens, Greece: Angelos Hatzakis, MD; Anastasia Karafoulidou, MD; and Titika Mandalaki, MD. Universität München, Munich, Germany: Wolfgang Schramm, MD. University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria: Sabine Eichinger, MD.
Report of the NIH panel to define principles of therapy of HIV infection. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1998; 47(RR-5):1-41.
Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in HIV-infected adults and adolescents. Department of Health and Human Services and Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1998; 47(RR-5):43-82.
Coombs RW, Welles SL, Hooper C, Reichelderfer PS, D'Aquila RT, Japour AJ, et al. Association of plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA level with risk of clinical progression in patients with advanced infection. AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) 116B/117 Study Team. ACTG Virology Committee Resistance and HIV-1 RNA Working Groups. J Infect Dis. 1996; 174:704-12.
Revision of the CDC surveillance case definition for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists; AIDS Program, Center for Infectious Diseases. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1987; 36 (Suppl 1):1S-15S.
Read CB. Fieller's theorem. In: Kotz S, Johnson NL, eds. Encyclopedia of Statistical Sciences. v 3. New York: Wiley; 1983:86-8.
Dawson-Saunders B, Trapp RG. Basic and Clinical Biostatistics. 2d ed. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange; 1994:52-187.
Lyles R, Munoz A, Bazmi H, Yamashita T, Detels R, Rinaldo C, et al. Natural history of HIV-1 viremia after seroconversion in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study [Abstract]. Sixth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, 31 January-4 February 1999, Chicago.
Recommendations for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia for adults and adolescents infected with human immunodeficiency virus. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1992; 41(RR-4):1-11.
Published: Ann Intern Med. 1999;131(4):256-264. | 2019-04-20T05:11:34Z | https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/712881/plasma-hiv-viral-load-patients-hemophilia-late-stage-hiv-disease |
Important: for a category where there are less than 3 competitors it will be united with neighboring ages or the categories will be merged!
1. Solo (1 participant- boy or a girl).
2. Duo/couple/trio (2/3 participant from the same gender or different).
3. Group (from 4 till 7 participants in one dance).
1. Solo till 2.30 min.
2. Duo/couple/trio till 2.30 min.
3. Group till 3.00 min.
4. Formation and Production till 5.00 min.
Seniors- 2 - over 20 years old.
* Each team is entitled to have 3 group dances in each age and category and up to 4 solos, duos, trios.
€ 5 per participant for each group dances. Members of BFSDD - 5 lev!
SOLOS, DUOS, TRIOS 10 euros - for each dance and each participant. Members of BFSDD - 10 lev!
WORKSHOPS FOR THE ACADEMY "HARMONY AND POWER" - 5 lev for all participants accommodated by the organizers for all the rest - 20 lev per day. Members of BFSDD and BFTS - 3 lev, when visiting at least three days, by paying in advance for any declared.
Discounts for groups with numerous participants and roostings!
Accommodation from the organizers! For others the participation fees will be threefold.
IMPORTANT !!! Age of participants is defined as the average of the exact year of all dancers. They may attend of the above age, but not more than 2 years from the maximum age and be without visible big differences in growth of the bigger dancers . The calculation need to be made exactly in years and months - should not exceed the age limit.
* In a large number of participants in certain categories shall be carried qualifications and finals.
* When two or more dances from the same team in the same category all will be appraised by a jury but to the finals and distribution of cups and medals shall be taken the highest estimated performance.
The music for the dance performances can be on CD or flash drive without other files on it.
Dimensions of the stage: 12 x 12 meters.
Allowed any masks and accessories, necessary to recreate the stage role.
Not allowed live animals, flammable substances, sharp objects and scenery and props, leaving behind traces of scene that would prevent the next performers. The decor of each performance must be made before the execution for no more than 10 seconds and exported for 10 seconds after the Permitted help from outsiders for the decors.
The order of participation by age and competitive categories will be announced at the arrival of the teams and posted on the website of the Federation.
The organizers reserve the right to change the program into consideration with the requests for participation and accommodation for which the teams will be informed in due time!
Status: The Festival is part of a series of events in the program of the WSE 2015 Competitions. They are organized in Sofia and Primorsko. The festivals are included in the cultural program of Primorsko with the assistance of the mayor of the municipality.
Com Competitions on the WORLD STAGE EUROGRADE (WSE) are included in the cultural program of the town of Primorsko and in the cultural calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the calendar of CID (UNESCO).
Competitions on the WORLD STAGE EUROGRADE (WSE) are included in the cultural program of the town of Primorsko, the cultural calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the calendar of CID (UNESCO).
The festival is held for thirteenth time, to this moment in the festival have taken part folklore ensembles from more than 25 countries and from 5 continents.
The festival has the objective to give to a significant number of children and young people the chance to express themselves and help raise their motivation to engage in constructive creative activity as a preventive measure in combating the vicious addictions (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, etc.) and aggression.
Exchange of information and development of the dance styles.
Note!!! Registration fee is due in full, only from groups that self organized own accommodation.
Transportation costs to Primorsko and back shall be paid by the participants!!!
Transport costs for the participants during the festival of the stages in Primorsko and Kiten are for the cost of the organizers.
It’s obligatory to pay the fees by bank transfer in 15 days, after the confirmation for participation from the organizers. In this period it is necessary to send the transfer confirmation by email or fax. Applications without confirmation are canceled.
Bank Account: IBAN: BG21UNCR76301015954000, EUROGRADE LTD.
Note!!! To receive invoice, please send us this information: full legal name of the group, company or full name on the sender, identification number (VAT number) or personal number, address, and the name of the company representative.
Note: The groups must to arrive on 25.08 after 12 o’clock and to depart on 01.09.2016 after breakfast.
President of the “Association Bulgarian folklore” and Manager of „ EUROGRADE” Ltd.
Bulgarian Art and Folklore centre “Nestiya” have a pleasure to invite you to take part in the International art folklore festival “NESTIYA – SUNRISE OVER SURVEY” From 03.06.2016 till 05.06.2016 Cultural club “Izgrev”, city of Obzor and Folklore centre “Nestiya” will organize International art folklore festival “NESTIYA – SUNRISE OVER SURVEY”.
The festival will be held in city of Obzor – summer resort on Bulgarian Black Sea. In this event can take part arts and folklore ensembles and groups; dancing and vocal groups; soloists and instrumentalists from all over the world. This international event is looking to promote and share the folklore and traditions of different nations to strengthen the friendship and the identity of each country. The groups are suppozed to arrive in Obzor on 02.06.2016 till 14.00 o’clock. On 3th, 4th and 5th of June there are performances in Obzor or another Bulgarian Black sea resorts in the vicinity (open – air concerts). The departure of the groups will be on 6th of June till 12.00 o’clock.
Bulgarian art and folklore centre “Nestiya” has a pleasure to invite you to take part in the INTERNATIONAL ART FOLKLORE FESTIVAL “NESTIYA TSAREVO 2016”.
From 25.08.2016 till 29.08.2016 city of Tsarevo and Bulgarian Art and Folklore centre “Nestiya” will organize International art folklore festival “NESTIYA TSAREVO 2016”. The festival will be held in city of Tsarevo – summer resort on Bulgarian Black Sea. In this event can take part folklore ensembles and groups; dancing and vocal groups; soloists and instrumentalists from all over the world. This international event is looking to promote and share the folklore and traditions of different nations to strengthen the friendship and the identity of each country. The groups are suppozed to arrive in Tsarevo on 25.08.2016 till 14.00 o’clock. On 26, 27 and 28 of August there are performances in Tsarevo or another Bulgarian Black sea resorts in the vicinity (open – air concerts). The departure of the groups will be on 29 of August till 12.00 o’clock.
To present the folklore wealth and traditions of the whole world.
To popularize Bulgarian music and dance arts from all folklore regions.
The organizers are: Bulgarian Art and Folklore Centre “Nestiya”- Sofia, Balkan alliance of folklore, Foundation “Nestiya”, Association “Evterpani”, Association “Fontan”, Touristic company “Delta EK” and with the support of Ministry of Science and Education, Ministry of Culture, Municipality of Tsarevo.
We have a pleasure to invite you to take part in the NESTIYA INTERNATIONAL ART FESTIVAL “BLACK SEA PEARLS IN SUNNY BEACH. Nestiya International art festival "Black pearls in Sunny beach” of a national campaign "Torches and preserve Bulgarian ... Fire!" - Program "Nestiya festivals - Bulgaria" of Bulgarian art and folklore center "Nestiya".
The festival will be held in Bulgarian summer resorts Sunny beach from June, Jule, August 2016.
from all folklore regions; to establish a cultural exchange between institutions and collectives from the country and abroad.
An unique project between "Star club" youth camp and "Bolshoi theatre" trainers!
From July 3, 2015 opens study programme of permanent International Choreography School under the direction of People's Artist of the USSR, professor, Artistic director of the theater "Russian Ballet" V.M. Gordeev.
Leading teachers of school are honoured artists of Russia and artists of Bolshoy theatre.
Our training programme costs 250 euros for a course of 12 days.
в Болгарии, в молодежном центре «Star Club».
руководитель театра «Русский балет» В.М. Гордеев.
Педагоги школы – заслуженные артисты России, педагоги Большого театра.
Included in the cultural program of the city. Primorsko and the Ministry of Culture.
Organizers: Bulgarian Folklore Association and EUROGRADE LTD.
Status: Competitions on the WORLD STAGE EUROGRADE (WSE) are included in the cultural, program of the town of Primorsko and in the cultural calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the calendar of CID (UNESCO).
Exchange of creative information and development of achievements in different dance and musical styles.
Do not miss the opportunity to take advantage of your discount on our summer competition by making your request on to 31/05/2015.
For questions and information, do not hesitate to write to us or call, we are always at your disposal.
Competitions on the WORLD STAGE EUROGRADE (WSE) are included in the cultural program of the town of Primorsko and in the cultural calendar of the Ministry of Culture and the calendar of CID (UNESCO).
The festival has the objective to give a chance for expression on a significant number of children and young people and help raise their motivation to engage in constructive creative activity as a preventive measure in combating the vicious addictions (cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, etc.) and aggression.
Exchange of information and creative achievements of the dance styles.
In the festival can participate children folklore dance groups, vocal groups, instrumentalists and soloists.
Age group of the festival is to 12 years.
- Don't have limit for the number of participants.
- The program of every group must to include own concert, and participation in the other mixed concerts with duration from 5 to 30 minutes.
- The program must to include one song- a cappella, the other with music accompaniment- for participation in the mixed concerts with duration from 5 to 30 minutes.
- Note: It's recommended to be with live orchestra.
- Use of CD only with studio CD recording.
Condition for participation in the festival is obligatory to fill an application form / application form /, indicated: artistic biography of the group, video, color photo images and promotional materials, address, phone, fax and e-mail address.
It is recommended for the children's ensembles to be presented with live orchestra, or only studio CD or Mini CD.
The group, which are approved by the Arts Council will be informed to 20.04.2015, and in the same time must to submit the festival fee of the above bank accounts.
The programs for the individual performances and those for the days of competition will be handed to the groups on the day of their arrival. The organizers reserve the right to change the individual programs when necessary after their distribution.
Within each WSE competition session will be performed concerts on an outdoor summer stage in the towns of Primorsko and Kiten, as well as on outdoor stages in the area of the municipality.
Before the start of the concerts, during each competition day, the groups will march on the main streets of the town of Primorsko. Defiles will be guarded by patrol cars of the Ministry of Interior.
The jury, together with its President will be appointed by the organizing committee of the competition session. It will be formed by proven professionals of culture and arts: directors, ballet-masters, choreographers, artists, singers and pedagogues.
The jury has the right not to award all prizes; to share the prizes between the participants; to award special prizes and incentives.
Establishment of special prizes such as „For the most attractive performance", „For choreography", „For the youngest performer", „For master performance"; „For mass performance", etc.
The jury will select the winners by qualifying them based on a ten-score system by each of the above criteria. The minimum number of scores is 4, and the maximum - 40. The overall performance of the group / soloist will be qualified.
The winner is the participant who has collected the greatest number of scores and the same will win the prize „WSE CHAMPION" for the relevant session.
The results of each competition session are valid for the final ranking of the champions for the prize „WSE ABSOLUTE CHAMPION". In the championship rank list are included all winners of the WSE during the respective year, and in the final ranking will be used also the results of the audience voting given at: www.eurogradebg.com . Voting for the WSE Absolute Champion is opened after the end of the last competition session for the respective year.
Participant will be awarded with diplomas: Laureate I, II, III degree and medals that will be bestowed at the closing of each competition session.
Video and photo capture of all public performances of the groups. The same will be broadcasted through the World Wide Web on the WSE TV channel.
(The organizers reserve the right to make any kind of recording, broadcasting, filming and distribution of materials without paying any rights or benefits).
The agenda of each WSE competition session will include: Discotheque „ Neptune Evening", competition"Miss and Mister", FLASHMOB events.
Participants are provided with accommodation and three meals against payment at hotels and holiday homes of category 2, 3 and 4 * in the town of Primorsko. Requests for valid offers and information about accommodation can be mailed to: [email protected] group of 20 people there is a free place (21 - st) for group leaders and accompanying persons.
Registration fee in the competition (does not include accommodation and food): payable once for every dancer / participant for each competitive nomination.
30 € for per participant.
20 € for per participant.
15 € for per participant.
Group of 30 persons and more - 10% discount.
The fees obligatory must to be paid by bank transfer in 15 days, after the confirmation for participation from the organizers. In this period it is necessary to send the transfer confirmation by email or fax. Applications without confirmation are canceled.
Note: The groups must to arrive on 15.06 after 12 o'clock and to depart on 22.06.15 after breakfast.
and Manager of EUROGRADE Ltd.
Κρυστάλλυνο θαλάσσιο νερό, μεγάλες αμμώδεις παραλίες, πολύ ήλιο και αξέχαστους ρυθμούς – αυτό είναι το Διεθνές φοκλορικό φεστιβάλ – ΠΡΙΜΟΡΣΚΟ. Εμπνευστείτε το καλοκαίρη σας συμμετέχοντας σε αυτή τη συναρπαστική γιορτή της τέχνης και της φιλίας. Η δέκατη τρίτη έκδοση του φεστιβάλ «Πριμόρσκο» θα είναι παραδοσιακά από τις 16 μέχρι τις 30 Ιουνίου στο θέρετρο της Μαύρης Θάλασσας - Πριμόρσκο. Πολυάριθμοι συμμετέχοντες από όλον τον κόσμο, ποικίλο πρόγραμμα, δυνατότητα για δραστήρια θαλάσσια ανάπαυση και ενδιαφέρουσες εκδρομές – αυτές είναι οι προϋποθέσεις, οι οποίες επιβλήθηκαν το Φεστιβάλ ως αγαπημένος προορισμός χιλιάδων λαογραφών από περισσότερο από 30 χώρες. Επισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα μας www.festivalprimorsko.com και ξεπερνάστε αυτό το φολκλορικό ταξίδι!
Το φεστιβάλ δεν έχει ανταγωνιστικό χαρακτήρα. Σε αυτό μπορούν να συμμετέχουν χορευτικά συγκροτήματα, φωνητικές ομάδες, οργανοπαίκτες και σολίστες. Δεν υπάρχουν περιορισμούς στον αριθμό στα συγκροτήματα, τα οποία παρουσιάζονται και στον αριθμό των συμμετοχών σε κάθε σχήμα.Οι ηγέτες των ομάδων ορίζουν από μόνο τους το δικό τους πρόγραμμα της συναυλίας. Είναι επιθυμητό η μουσική συνοδεία να είναι ορχήστρα από παραδοσιακά ή σύγχρονα μουσικά όργανα αλλά επιτρέπονται και άλλους φορείς: СD, miniCD, USB.
23 ευρώ ανά ημέρα/πρόσωπο (διανυκτέρευση + πλήρη διατροφή) για πρόσθετη διαμονή εκτός των ημερών του Φεστιβάλ. Ο πρόσθετος αριθμός των διανυκτερεύσεων πρέπει να σημειωθεί στη δήλωση.
15 Μαϊου –τελική προθεσμία αποστολής πλήρους λίστας της αντιπροσωπείας με τα τρία ονόματα, την ημερομηνία γέννησης και τον αριθμό της ταυτότητας/του διαβατηρίου. Για τους συμμετέχοντες που χρειάζονται θεώρηση, η λίστα περιέχει: τρία ονόματα, ημερομηνία γέννησης, αριθμό του διαβατηρίου, ημερομηνία έκδοσης, προθεσμία λήξης του εγγράφου.
15 Μαϊου – τελική προθεσμία μεταφοράς ολόκληρου του ποσού συμμετοχής μέσω τραπεζικού εμβάσματος ή γραπτής ειδοποίησης της Οργανωτικής Επιτροπής πως η πληρωμή θα εκτεληθεί όταν η ομάδα φτάσει στο Πριμόρσκο.
16/23 Ιουνίου – άφιξη των συμμετεχόντων, εγκατάσταση, διεξαγωγή Τεχνικής συνεδρίασης στην πόλη του Πριμόρσκο με όλους τους αντιπροσώπους, παρουσίαση του προγράμματος του φεστιβάλ.
Crystal seawater, long beaches, sunny days and unforgettable folklore rhythms– this is PRIMORSKO. Inspire your summer and take part in this exciting festival of art and friendship. The XIII edition of INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL PRIMORSKO will be held from the 16th to 30th of June in the sunny resort Primorsko on the Black sea. Participants from all over the world, interesting program, fulfilling recreation and various trips- these are the preconditions which strengthened the festival as a favorite destination for thousands of folklorists from over 30 countries. If you want to experience this folk journey, visit www.festivalprimorsko.com for more details. | 2019-04-20T02:22:03Z | http://panorama.cid-portal.org/index.php/bulgaria/14-sample-data-articles/354-burgas |
Much profit or much pleasure.
Pea Ridge, Port Royal, Burnside’s stroke.
Jeff took a drink of whisky.
He prayed: “0 mighty Lucifer!
Please pity our poor quaking flesh.
And stop this dire disaster!
In doing work of evil.
And held the Bible in duress?
And gag the Lord Christ’s preachers?
The famished and the dying?
And blast Old Abe with curses!
Unless some friend will pay his poll.
Or bribe your friend to take your life.
But, Jowler, don’t you be alarmed!
I know your worth, and I’ll protect you!
Might just as well as men be sent.
And aid in public legislation.
And vote with the majority.
Translated by Bayard Taylor from the Alemadnic-German dialect of John Peter Hebel.
D’ye know the road to th’ bar’l o’ flour?
Till sundown — yes, till shade o’ starts.
And into the kitchen, I’ll be bound.
D’ye know the road where the dollars lay?
He won’t find dollars any where.
D’ye know the road to Sunday’s rest?
And Sunday comes itself, I’ve heard.
And, like as not, a jug o’ beer!
D’ye know the road to poverty?
There’s bran new cards and liquor fine.
Jist hand the wallet on y’r back.
D’ye know what road to honor leads?
And good old age? — a lovely sight!
And tryin’ to do y’r duty right.
Thank God, it can’t lead much amiss!
You needn’t ask! Go anywhere!
All roads, at last, ‘ll bring you there.
Go, fearin’ God, but loving more!
And something for you t’other side.
REASONS FOR CROSSING THE RAPPAHANNOCK.
To H.W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief, Washington.
GENERAL: I have the honor to offer the following reasons for moving the Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock sooner than was anticipated by the President, Secretary of War, or yourself, and for crossing at a point different from the one indicated to you at our last meeting at the President’s. During my preparations for crossing at the place I had first selected, I discovered that the enemy had thrown a large portion of his force down the river elsewhere, thus weakening his defenses in front, and also discovered that he did not anticipate the crossing of our whole force at Fredericksburg, and I hoped by rapidly throwing the whole command over at that place to separate by a vigorous attack the forces of the enemy on the river below from the forces behind and on the crest in the rear of the town, in which case we could fight him with great avantage in our favor.
To do this we had to gain a hight on the extreme right of the crest, which hight commanded the new road lately made by the enemy, for the purpose of a more rapid communication along his lines; which point gained, his positions along the right crest would have been scarcely tenable, and he could have been driven from them easily by an attack on his front, in connection with a movement in the rear of the crest. How near we came to accomplishing our object, future reports will show. But for the failure and unexpected and unavoidable delay in building the bridges, which gave the enemy 25 hours more to concentrate his forces in his strong position, we would almost certainly have succeeded; in which case the battle would have been, in my opinion, far more decisive than if we had crossed at the places first selected. As it was, we came very near success.
Failing in accomplishing the main object, we remained in order of battle two days, long enough to decide that the enemy would not come out of his stronghold to fight us with his infantry, after which we crossed to this side of the river unmolested, without the loss of men or property. As the day broke, our long lines of troops were seen marching to their different positions as if going on parade. Not the least demoralization or disorganization existed.
To the brave officers and soldiers who accomplished the feat of recrossing the river in the face of the enemy, I owe everything; for the failure in the attack I alone am responsible, as the extreme gallantry, courage and endurance shown by them was never exceeded, and would have carried the points had it been possible.
To the families and friends of the dead, I can only offer my heartfelt sympathies; but for the wounded I can offer my earnest prayers for their comfortable and final recovery.
The fact that I decided to move from Warrenton on to this line rather against the opinion of the President, Secretary of War, and your self, and that left the whole movement in my hands, without giving me orders, makes me responsible. I will visit you very soon, and give you more definite information, and will finally send you my detailed report, in which a special acknowledgment will be made of the services of the different Grand Divisions, division corps, and my general and staff departments of the Army of the Potomac, to whom I am so much indebted for their support and hearty co-operation.
I will add here that the movement was made earlier than you expected, and after the President, Secretary and yourself requested me not to be in haste, for the reason that we were supplied much sooner by the different staff Departments than was anticipated when I saw you.
Our killed amounts to 1,152; our wounded about 9,000; our prisoners, about 700, which last have been paroled and exchanged for about the same number taken by us. The wounded were all removed to this side of the river and are being well cared for. The dead were all buried under a flag of truce. Surgeons report a much larger proportion of slight wounds than usual, 1632 only being treated in hospitals.
I am glad to represent that the army at the present time is in good condition.
General Burnside is reported to have resigned the command of the Army of the Potomac. This may or may not be so; but Gen. B. has received enough shabby treatment from the Administration fully to warrant him in pursuing the course indicated. — [Chicago Times.
If the Times would only tell the public what this “shabby treatment” was, the statement would be more credible and more satisfactory. We presume, in the view of the Times, it was “shabby” to make Gen. Burnside Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Shabby to allow him to pursue his own plan, in his own way, and in his own chosen time. Shabby, likewise, to furnish him with all the supplies he wanted, and more promptly than he expected. This is the sort of support the Administration has given him. To us it appears to be a hearty and trustful co-operation with one whose success was hoped for before almost all things else. Burnside says this is what he has received. He does not appear to think it “shabby.” He does not attribute his recent misadventure to the Administration. He is too manly for that. Unfortunately, he is not posted in the vocabulary of the Times. Apparently he does not know what “shabby treatment” is. He ought to have an Attache of the Times with him to keep him posted!
And “Here!” was the word next replied.
Killed or wounded, he could not tell.
While slowly gathered the shade of night.
And crimson dyed was the river’s flood.
And their life blood went to color the tide.
Wounded and bleeding to answer his name.
“Hiram Kerr!” — but no man replied.
O ver the river, to the farther shore!
E nded his earthly task, his labors o’er!
N o thought had he save for his country’s good!
R an he his race, and sank beneath the flood!
H e, being dead, speaketh to our aching hearts.
A h! how we loved him for the deeds he wrought!
V alient for freedom, truth his highest thought!
Y ield us support, while good men round us fall!
MRS. HARVEY. — The Madison Journal relates the circumstances under which Mrs. Harvey obtained the sad tidings of the death of her husband. She was at capitol when the dispatch was received by Adjutant-General Gaylord, obtaining subscriptions to aid a destitute family in the city. An attempt was made to get her to her boarding place before the contents of the dispatch were made known. She at once saw by the countenances of those whom she met that some bad tidings had been received.
Adjutant-General Gaylord and Mr. Sawyer, her brother-in-law, attempted to accompany her home, and told her that a rumor had been received that gave him some anxiety in regard to the Governor. As Gen. Gaylord was attempting to conceal the full extent of the calmnity, she stopped while they were walking through the Park and said: “Tell me if he is dead!” While he evaded a direct reply, she read the fatal news in the expression of his face and dropped senseless upon the walk. She was soon revived sufficiently to be conveyed home, but remained in a state nearly approaching distraction.
Attorney General Howe left on the morning train for Cairo, for the purpose of obtaining and bringing back the body if it can be found. He was accompanied as far as Chicago by Mrs. Harvey and her sister, Mrs. Sawyer.
Particulars of the Death of Governor Harvey.
Gov. Harvey returned from Pittsburgh Saturday afternoon on the ferry boat, having previously made an arrangement with the captain of the steamer Minnehaha to call in the evening at Savannah for him and his party. The governor had been exceedingly busy for several days reorganizing the 16th and 18th regiments, and attending to such other duties that the welfare of Wisconsin troops seemed to require. He had labored assiduously day and night and had accomplished the object of his mission except as to the details which he intended to do at his leisure while returning.
He seemed more restless and thoughtful than usual, but appeared to be in the best of spirits, as if conscious of having fully discharged many and onerous duties of his humane mission. We concluded to remain on the Dunleith and await the steamer from the landing. All of our party except the governor and myself, had retired, exhausted with their labors, and were soon asleep. The governor was extremely communicative and spoke hopefully of the complete restoration of the 16th and 18th to their full number and efficiency; also, of the success of our arms in the coming contest at Corinth, which he deemed could not long be delayed.
It was near 10 o’clock when we also concluded to get some rest, when stepping out upon the deck of the Dunleith, we saw the Minnehaha coming down, hailed her as she rounded too, when the captain inquired if Gov. Harvey was aboard the Dunleith. Upon being answered in the affirmative, he came along side and attached the bows of the Minnehaha to the Dunleith. Governor Harvey then went above and woke up his friends and came down very soon after and met Drs. Wilson and Clark, who had come down upon the Minnehaha. They shook hands and the governor passed back toward the stern of the Dunleith, along a narrow way which had no guards. It was lighted by torch, but the deck being wet and slippery, and the probabilities are that he stepped too near the edge when his foot slipped, causing him to fall into the river between the boats. Drs. Wilson and Clark immediately gave the alarm and rushed to his assistance. Dr. Wilson reached him his cane which Gov. Harvey grasped firmly as he came up the first time, but Dr. Wilson found it impossible to hold on to it without being himself precipitated into the river, was compelled to let go, Dr. Clark then sprung overboard and had nearly reached him when he went down again, the current carrying him underneath the barges lying below the Dunleith. Boats and lights were immediately procured and strict watch observed for some time, hoping that he might be carried down stream by the rapid current and yet saved. We finaly gave over the fruitless search and in consultation, concluded to leave a sufficient number to look for the body in the morning. Gen. Brodhead and Dr. Wolcott were selected with three others of the party, while the remainder were to return, bearing the sad intelligence to his family and friends. Drs. Clark and Wilson are deserving of much credit, having periled their own lives to save that of Gov. Harvey.More particularly would I speak of Dr. Clark, who undoubtedly would have met a watery grave had he came in contact with Gov. Harvey.
“Gov. Harvey was born at East Haddam, Ct., July 23d, 1820. His parents emigrated to Ohio and located at Shawmsville in 1828. He was educated at Western Reserve College, Hudson, and removed to Kenosha, Wis., in 1840. His first labors in the new state of his adoption were as a teacher in the academy of Kenosha, and later he edited with credit and honor to himself, the Whig organ published in that city. In the same place he was married in ’48, to the esteemed lady who survives him. In 1850 Gov. Harvey moved to Shopiere, Rock county, where he engaged in the manufacturing business, and has since resided there. He was a member of the first constitutional convention, and represented Rock county in the state senate two terms, from 1853 to 1857. He was then elected secretary of state, a place he held until last fall, when he was elected governor. A man of incorruptible integrity, an earnest patriot, Wisconsin was fortunate that the result of her last memorable campaign in state politics placed him at the head of her affairs. He has been earnest and zealous in calling her sons to the field, and in securing fidelity and thoroughness in every detail of their equipment. And when there came from the battle field a call for humanity, in behalf of our wounded, Gov. Harvey was the first to answer to the appeal, and it was the closing act of his useful and honored life.
Incidents in the Early Life of Governor Harvey.
In our brief and hasty sketch of Gov. Harvey the other day, some mistakes occurred as to dates, and there were some omissions relative to his early life, which we propose briefly to remedy, from the best information we have been able to obtain.
LOUIS POWELL HARVEY was born in East Haddam, Connecticut, July 22, 1820. In 1828, his father removed to Strongville, Ohio. His parents not being wealthy, it was necessary that Louis should be the artificer of his own fortune. In 1837 he entered the freshman class in the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio.
Being straitened in means, he worked a portion of his leisure hours at book-binding. In the junior year he was compelled to leave to seek employment to enable him to seek employment, to enable him to pursue his studies.
We understand that ill health was the cause of his leaving college previous to graduating.
He sent a short time as a teacher in Nicholsonville, Ky., after which he obtained a situation as tutor in Woodward College, Cincinnati, and after remaining in this position some two years, he turned his steps in a westerly direction, and located at Southport (now Kenosha) in this state, in the fall of 1841.
He came a stranger, without influential friends to aid him, and without capital, except a good character and a well cultivated mind, which are, after all, better foundations for a young man to build upon than money.
The first business in which he was engaged here was teaching. He found a building which had been erected for the purpose of an academy, but which had never yet been occupied for educational purposes. He immediately hired the building, put out advertisements, inviting students, and opened his school on the 25th of December, 1841. His patronage was not large but all that could reasonably be expected, in view of the newness of the town. In the summer of 1843, he took the editorial charge of the Southport American, a whig paper which had been established in the fall of 1841. He, however did not relinquish the business of teaching, but continued his school. Although this was his first attempt at editing a newspaper, he displayed tack and ability in this new vocation. The American while under his charge was a lively and spirited paper. He was an ardent politician, but never indulged in personal invective, and was generally courteous in the discussion of political differences.
He was generous, genial, possessing an unusual flow of humor; and it was, perhaps, these qualities, combined with others of more intrinsic worth, which rendered him popular among all classes. As an evidence of the strong hold he had on the favor of the people, during his early political career, it may be mentioned that after the expiration of his first years’ residence here, he was put forward annually by his political friends, for some ward or town office. The contest at the polls for these offices was unusually spirited and conducted on party grounds. It is a noticeable fact, seen by reference to our town election returns of those years, that Mr. Harvey invariably run ahead of his ticket, and usually succeeded to an election, even when his party was clearly a minority one.
As a friend of education, and the interests of our public schools, Mr. Harvey was always ready to aid and give encouragement. In short, in all enterprises — educational, philanthropic or benevolent, he could always be counted upon to give his influence and to speak a good word.
Although Mr. Harvey, while a young man, was the object of popular favor and applause, yet he preserved a gentlemanly equinimity, and did not allow himself to become inflated with pride and conceit; nor did he give way to the temptations which surround young men who are the subject of flattering regard. He was a temperance man from principle — abstaining from all intoxicating liquors. He was moreover a religious man, and a church communicant (Congregational.) There is much in the life of Gov. Harvey while a young man, that is instructive and worthy of example by the young men of the state. To a large extent it may be truly said, he was a self-made man. Before the age of 19 years he was thrown upon his own resources; by untiring industry and perseverance, he achieved a reputation that will live in history, and command the respect and admiration of men in after ages.
In 1847, Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Cordelia Perrine, and removed to Clinton, in Rock county, where he commenced trade. In the fall of that year he was elected to the second constitutional convention, where he distinguished himself as an able debater, and was one of the most influential members of that body.
“He purchased the water power, tore down the distillery, that had cursed the village, and in its place built a flouring mill and established a retail store, and exerted a great influence in reforming the morals of the place. A neat stone edifice was built, mainly by his munificence, for the Congregational church, of which he was a member, and his uncle, Rev. O.S. Powell, settled as its pastor. It is a coincidence worthy of remark, that Mr. Powell came to his death also by drowning at Fort Atkinson, July 2, 1855.
Of the subsequent career of Gov. Harvey — as state senator, secretary of state and governor, and as a leading citizen of the state, it is unnecessary to refer to them in this connection.
As an aside for people interested in San Diego, California history, Charles P. Francisco was a nephew of A.E. Horton. In 1872, Mr. Francisco married Miss Mary Evelyn Harvey, the niece of Gov. Harvey. Mr. Francisco arrived in San Diego in 1869. He passed away in 1913, at the age of sixty-eight. | 2019-04-25T12:22:18Z | https://yesteryearsnews.wordpress.com/tag/1862/ |
Based on the potential interest in sodium lactate as an energy substrate and resuscitative fluid, we investigated the effects of hypertonic sodium lactate in a porcine endotoxic shock.
Fifteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated pigs were challenged with intravenous infusion of E. coli endotoxin. Three groups of five animals were randomly assigned to receive 5 mL/kg/h of different fluids: a treatment group received hypertonic sodium lactate 11.2% (HSL group); an isotonic control group receiving 0.9% NaCl (NC group); a hypertonic control group with the same amount of osmoles and sodium than HSL group receiving hypertonic sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (HSB group). Hemodynamic and oxygenation variables, urine output and fluid balance were measured at baseline and at 30, 60, 120, 210 and 300 min. Skin microvascular blood flow at rest and during reactive hyperemia was obtained using a laser Doppler flowmetry technique. Results were given as median with interquartile ranges.
Endotoxin infusion resulted in hypodynamic shock. At 300 min, hemodynamics and oxygenation were significantly enhanced in HSL group: mean arterial pressure (103 [81–120] mmHg vs. 49 [41–62] in NC group vs. 71 [60–78] in HSB group), cardiac index (1.6 [1.2–1.8] L/min/m2 vs. 0.9 [0.5–1.1] in NC group vs. 1.3 [0.9–1.6] in HSB group) and partial pressure of oxygen (366 [308–392] mmHg vs. 166 [130–206] in NC group vs. 277 [189–303] in HSB group). At the same time, microvascular reactivity was significantly better in HSL group with a lower venoarterial CO2 tension difference (5.5 [4–10] mmHg vs. 17 [14–25] in NC group vs. 14 [12–15] in HSB group). The cumulative fluid balance was lower in HSL group (-325 [-655; -150] mL) compared to NC (+560 [+230; +900] mL, p = 0.008) and HSB (+185 [-110; +645] mL, p = 0.03) groups.
In our hypodynamic model of endotoxic shock, infusion of hypertonic sodium lactate improves hemodynamic and microvascular reactivity with a negative fluid balance and a better oxygenation.
Sepsis, the syndrome of microbial infection complicated by systemic inflammation, is a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality ,. Due to constant hypovolemia, fluid resuscitation is a cornerstone of septic shock management . Indeed, early fluid therapy is common in patients with septic shock . Both adequate initial fluid resuscitation and conservative late fluid management could improve patient outcome . In fact, excess fluid could be deleterious , and negative fluid balance has been shown to be associated with better survival rates , especially in acute lung injury ,, and acute kidney injury . Although adequate fluid resuscitation is commonly acknowledged as an important element in the treatment of patients with septic shock, the choice of resuscitation fluid remains a point of discussion. The 2012 Sepsis Surviving Campaign guidelines recommend crystalloids as the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in severe sepsis and septic shock . Isotonic saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most commonly used fluid . Nevertheless, in order to avoid excess fluid, the concept of small volume resuscitation with hypertonic saline solute has been well-received. Low volume of hypertonic fluids may have valuable effects on restoration of intravascular volume (fluid shifts from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment), on improvement of cardiac output and vascular tone , and on improvement of regional microcirculation without fluid overload . However, with the potentially beneficial sodium cation, the presence of non-metabolized chloride anion may have detrimental effects. Supraphysiological concentrations of chloride, which induce hyperchloremia and metabolic acidosis, may cause renal vasoconstriction and decreased glomerular filtration rate . Moreover, in a recent study, a chloride-restrictive strategy in intensive care units was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of acute kidney injury and in the use of renal replacement therapy . Hence, in an attempt to avoid the detrimental effects of non-metabolized anion, the use of metabolized anions such as lactate may be required. The use of lactate is an interesting alternative because this anion is well-metabolized even in poor hemodynamic conditions . Some positive clinical experience in using sodium lactate is available. In cardiac surgery, exogenous lactate has been shown to improve cardiac index and has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated . Lactate may serve as a resuscitation fluid-based energetic substrate providing a high-octane fuel to improve heart performance ,, and simultaneously to normalize fluid balance ,. There are no data available on the administration of hypertonic sodium lactate in sepsis or septic shock. Based on the potential interest in sodium-lactate as an energy substrate and resuscitative fluid, we investigated the effects of hypertonic sodium lactate on fluid balance, hemodynamic and microcirculation in a porcine model of endotoxic shock.
We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled experimental study approved by the Institutional Review Board for Animal Research (protocol CEEA 132012); care and handling of the animals were in accordance with National Institutes of Health guidelines.
Fifteen adult female Large White pigs (2 months old) were used in this study. For the experiment, animals were premedicated with intramuscular injection of ketamine (Kétalar®, Virbac, Vauvert, France, 2.5 mg/kg of body weight) and xylazine (Sédaxylan®, CEVA Santé Animale, Libourne, France, 2.5 mg/kg of body weight). Then we used Isoflurane (Aerrane®, Baxter, Maurepas, France) for the intubation process, and maintenance of anesthesia was performed with a continuous infusion of midazolam (Hypnovel®, Roche, Neuilly, France, 1 to 2 mg/kg body weight/h) for the whole experiment. Animals were mechanically ventilated (Osiris 2®, Taema, Antony, France) with a tidal volume 10 mL/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 3 cmH2O to limit cardiovascular effects, inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2) 0.6 to prevent fatal hypoxemia during the study, respiratory rate 14 to 20 breaths/minute only adjusted to have normocapnia (40 to 45 torr) at baseline. We chose to maintain similar ventilation in all animals during the experiment. No recruitment maneuvers were done. Muscle relaxation was obtained by a continuous infusion of cisatracurium besylate (Nimbex®, Hospira, Meudon, France, 2 mg/kg body weight/h). Analgesia was achieved by a subcutaneous injection of buprenorphine (Vetergesic®, Sogeval, Laval, France, 0.1 mg/kg body weight). Subcutaneous administration of buprenorphine in our animals is known to permit analgesia during six to eight hours. After dissection of neck vessels, catheters were inserted in the pulmonary artery via the right external jugular vein (Swan-Ganz; Baxter 110 H 7.5 F; Baxter Edwards Critical Care, Irvine, CA, USA) and in the right carotid artery for continuous blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling. To monitor urine output, a suprapubic urinary catheter was inserted by laparotomy. An esophageal temperature probe measured core temperature.
Systemic arterial and venous blood samples from carotid and pulmonary arteries were obtained simultaneously. Arterial and venous blood gas tensions and lactate levels were measured in an acid-base analyzer (ABL-800, Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark). Blood oxygen content was calculated from the hemoglobin content and oxygen saturation. Heart rate, systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures were continuously monitored (90308 PC Express Portable Monitor, Spacelabs, Snoqualmie, WA, USA) as well as cardiac output and mixed venous oxygen saturation (Vigilance monitor; Baxter Edwards, Irvine, CA, USA). Using standard formulae we computed global oxygen delivery (DO2), global oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygen extraction ratio (OER), cardiac index (L/min/m2), cardiac power index (CPI) (W/m2) , systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (dynes/sec/cm5). Body surface area was calculated by Kelley’s formula .
The study was carried out as depicted in Figure 1. During the preparation period, animals received 25 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl to prevent hypovolemia. When all preparations were completed, a 30-minute period was allowed to stabilize the measured variables. Macrocirculatory measurements were taken over a 5-h period: two times at baseline (before (T) and after (T0) the stabilization period) and at 30 (T30), 60 (T60), 120 (T120), 210 (T210) and 300 (T300) minutes. Arterial and venous blood gas tensions and lactate levels were collected at the same time (except T and T30) until the study was completed. After anesthesia, catheterization, and baseline collection (T0), all animals were administered 5 μg/kg/min Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (serotype 055:B5; Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO, USA). The endotoxin was diluted in 50 mL of 0.9% NaCl and infused intravenously over a 30-minute period. Our model was of hypodynamic shock with low level resuscitation. The only resuscitation endpoint was mean arterial pressure (MAP). We studied three groups of five animals receiving 5 mL/kg/h (from T30 to T300) of different fluids: two control groups, receiving 0.9% NaCl (NC group), 8.4% hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB group) containing 61 g of bicarbonate and 23 g of sodium per liter and a treatment group receiving 11.2% hypertonic sodium lactate AP-HP® (AGEPS, Paris, France) (HSL group) containing 90 g of lactate and 23 g of sodium per liter (Additional file 1). Hypertonic groups (HSB and HSL groups) provided the same amount of sodium and osmoles (2,000 mosm/L). If MAP fell below 50 mmHg, a 2.5-mL/kg infusion of NaCl 0.9% was given as rescue therapy every 15 minutes. Bolus infusions were performed to maintain MAP above 50 mmHg.
Study design. During the preparation period, animals received 25 mL/kg 0.9% NaCl to prevent hypovolemia. When preparation was completed, a 30-minute period served to stabilize the measured variables. Measurements were taken over a 5-h period. Throughout the duration of the experiment, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulmonary blood pressure (PBP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), cardiac index (CI) and laser Doppler flowmetry measurements were recorded. Arterial and venous blood gas (A-VBG) was collected at the same time (except T and T30) until the study was completed. Animals were infused with 5 μg/kg/min of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from T0 to T30. We studied three groups of five animals receiving 5 mL/kg/h of different fluids: 0.9% NaCl (NC group), hypertonic sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (HSB group) and hypertonic sodium lactate 11.2% (HSL group). If mean arterial pressure (MAP) felt below 50 mmHg, a 2,5 mL/kg infusion of NaCl 0.9% was given as rescue therapy every 15 minutes. Bolus infusions were performed to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) above 50 mmHg.
Skin microvascular blood flow was measured continuously using a laser Doppler flowmeter probe and device (Periflux® PF407; Perimed, Jiirfalla, Sweden). The blood flow was measured in a volume of 1 mm3 solid tissue. The fiber optic probe was applied on the right hind paw of the animals and fixed with adhesive tape. Laser Doppler signal was continuously registered on a personal computer. Readjusting the pen of the recorder to zero when the probe was fixed to a white non-moving surface performed flux zero calibration. Skin blood flow was measured at rest and during reactive hyperemia from T0 to T300, and values were expressed in arbitrary perfusion units (PU). Reactive hyperemia was produced by arrest of leg blood flow with a pneumatic cuff inflated to a suprasystolic pressure (200 mmHg) for 3 minutes. On completion of the ischemic period, the occluding cuff was rapidly deflated to zero. Peak flow was defined as the highest flow signal during the post occlusive phase. Reactive hyperemia was further analyzed (Perisoft® 2.5 software) according to its duration and initial reactive hyperemia uphill slope.
((Na+ + K+ + Ca2+ + Mg2+) – (Cl- + Lactate-)) .
Variables were recorded at T0 and T300. At the end of the study, sodium and chloride balance was determined by calculating for each individual the difference between the cumulative amounts of electrolytes administered from T210 to T300 and the cumulative amounts of electrolytes collected in the urine during the same period. We also computed urea and creatinine clearance with standard formulas. Urine output was measured at T0, T60, T120, T210 and T300. Fluid balance from T0 to T300 was determined by calculating the difference between the cumulative amounts of fluids administered and the cumulative amounts of fluids collected in the urine.
Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism 6 software. As the distribution was not normal (Shapiro-Wilk test), quantitative data were expressed using median and interquartile range. For multiple intergroup testing, we used the Kruskal-Wallis test with the Dunn multiple comparisons test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Intragroup comparisons were performed using the Friedman test with the Dunn multiple comparisons test. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant.
The fifteen studied animals were divided into three groups. Median weight was similar in the three groups of animals: 21 (19.25 to 22.75) kg in the NC group, 21 (19.75 to 22.5) kg in the HSB group and 22 (20.75 to 22.5) kg in the HSL group.
Lactate levels (Additional file 2) were comparable at baseline between the three groups (0.7 (0.7 to 0.8) mmol/L). During the study, we observed a similar increase of lactate levels in both control groups. At 300 minutes, lactate levels were 5.5 (3.8 to 8) mmol/L in the NC group and 4.2 (3.2 to 7.9) mmol/L in the HSB group. In the HSL group, however, lactate levels increased earlier. At 60 minutes, lactate level was 9.7 (9.3 to 14) mmol/L and then remained stable until the end of the study. Compared with control groups, lactate levels were significantly higher in the HSL group from T60 to T300 (P <0.0001).
Changes in HR, MAP, CI, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2), oxygen extraction (EO)2, DO2/VO2 ratio and Pv-aCO2 are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Variations in right atrial pressure (RAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and CPI are presented in Additional file 2. No changes in studied variables were observed during stabilization period and no differences were observed among groups. Endotoxin infusion resulted in similar and usual changes in hemodynamics until 60 minutes as previously described ,. Thereafter, better hemodynamic stability was observed in the HSL group. At 300 minutes, MAP returned to the baseline level in the HSL group while a 51% and 30% decrease was observed respectively in the NC and HSB groups. Throughout the study, six animals (three in the NC group, two in the HSB group and only one in the HSL group) required 0.9% NaCl boluses to maintain MAP ≥50 mmHg according to the study protocol. SVR changes were similar in the three groups without any significant differences. CI impairment, at 300 minutes, was less pronounced in the HSL group (1.6 (1.2 to 1.8) L/min/m2) compared to BS (1.3 (0.9 to 1.6), P = 0.53) and NC (0.9 (0.5 to 1.1), P = 0.01) groups. Finally, compared to control groups, CPI was significantly better from 120 to 300 minutes in the HSL group. With regard to lung function, we observed a similar increase (60% compared to baseline) in MPAP 30 minutes after the infusion of endotoxin in the three groups, then MPAP decreased at 60 minutes. From 120 to 210 minutes, the increase in MPAP was significantly more important in the NC group compared with the hypertonic groups. DO2 decreased in the three groups between 60 and 300 minutes. Compared with hypertonic groups, this decrease was significantly more pronounced in the NC group from 210 to 300 minutes. At the same time, VO2 increased in the three groups without significant differences, resulting in increased EO2 in the three groups. Compared to the hypertonic groups, this EO2 increase was significantly more important in the NC group from 210 to 300 minutes. In parallel, SvO2 decreased from baseline to 300 minutes by 56% in the NC group, 18% in the HSB group and 9% in the HSL group. They were no significant differences between the hypertonic groups in DO2, EO2 and SvO2 changes. Nevertheless, venoarterial CO2 tension difference (P(v-a)CO2) was larger in the HSB group (14 (12 to 15)) than in the HSL group (5.5 (4 to 10), P = 0.01).
Changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI) and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP). Open circles and dotted line: 0.9% NaCl (NC) group (n = 5); squares and gray line: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) group (n = 5); closed circles and black line: hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) group (n = 5). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. When not displayed, error bars are within the symbols. *P <0.05, NC versus HSL; # P <0.05, HSB versus HSL; °P <0.05, NC versus HSB.
Changes in mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO 2 ), oxygen extraction (EO 2 ), DO 2 /VO 2 ratio and venoarterial CO2 tension difference (Pv-aCO 2 ). Open circles and dotted line: 0.9% NaCl (NC) group (n = 5); squares and gray line: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) group (n = 5); closed circles and black line: hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) group (n = 5). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. When not displayed, error bars are within the symbols. *P <0.05, NC versus HSL; # P <0.05, HSB versus HSL; °P <0.05, NC versus HSB.
Changes in occlusive areas (AO) and hyperemic areas (AH) are illustrated in Figure 4. Occlusive areas (AO), hyperemic areas (AH), rest flow (RF) and peak flow (PF) were similar at baseline between the three groups. During the study period, all these variables decreased significantly in the NC group and increased significantly in the HSL group. No significant variations were observed in the HSB group. At the end of the study (300 minutes), RF and PF were better in the HSL group (33 (22 to 40) PU and 58 (50 to 84) PU respectively) compared to the NC (8 (7 to 11) PU; P = 0.01 and 15 (14 to 17) PU; P = 0.01 respectively) and HSB groups (18 (13 to 23) PU; P = 0.03 and 37 (30 to 39) PU; P = 0.01 respectively). In the same way, AO and AH at 300 minutes were more important in the HSL group (3,200 (2,300 to 6,800) PU × sec and 2,300 (700 to 3,500) PU × sec respectively) compared to the NC (270 (120 to 370) PU × sec; P = 0.01 and 110 (31 to 200) PU × sec; P = 0.01 respectively) and HSB groups (600 (200 to 1,300) PU × sec; P = 0.04 and 800 (300 to 1,400) PU × sec; P = 0.15 respectively).
Variations in occlusive areas (AO) and hyperaemic areas (AH). Open circles and dotted line: 0.9% NaCl (NC) group (n = 5); squares and gray line: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) group (n = 5); closed circles and black line: hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) group (n = 5). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. When not displayed, error bars are within the symbols. *P <0.05, NC versus HSL; # P <0.05, HSB versus HSL; °P <0.05, NC versus HSB. PU, perfusion units.
Total vascular filling, urine output, fluid balance and the variations in arterial oxygen partial pressure and inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) ratio are illustrated in Figure 5. Urine output and fluid balance at baseline were similar among groups. From 120 to 300 minutes, significantly higher urine output was noticed in the HSL group compared to control groups, resulting in a significantly lower fluid balance. PaO2/FiO2 ratio decreased in the three groups. Compared to control groups, this alteration was significantly less pronounced in the HSL group. Median values of PaO2/FiO2 at 300 minutes were 366 (308 to 392) mmHg in the HSL group versus 277 (189 to 303) (P = 0.03) in HBS group and 166 (130 to 206) (P = 0.01) in the NC group.
Total vascular filling, urine output, fluid balance from time zero (T0) to time 300 minutes (T300) and variations in arterial oxygen partial pressure and inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ). Open circles and dotted line: 0.9% NaCl (NC) group (n = 5); squares and gray line: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) group (n = 5); closed circles and black line: hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) group (n = 5). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. When not displayed, error bars are within the symbols. *P <0.05, NC versus HSL; # P <0.05, HSB versus HSL; °P <0.05, NC versus HSB.
The evolution of biological parameters during the study is presented in Table 1. In the NC group, urine tests were not performed at 300 minutes because all animals were anuric. Biological parameters were comparable at T0 between the three groups.
Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for intergroup comparisons; P <0.05 was considered significant. Urine tests were not performed at 300 minutes in the NC group because all animals were anuric. SID, apparent strong ion difference ((Na+ + K+ + Ca2+ + Mg2+) – (Cl- + Lactate-)).
Arterial pH and bicarbonate levels decreased over time (P <0.01 at 300 minutes) in the NC group. Contrarily, these variables levels increased over time in the hypertonic groups (P <0.001 at 300 minutes) without any differences between the HSB and HSL groups. Compared to the NC group, pH and bicarbonate levels were significantly higher in the HSB and HSL groups from 120 to 300 minutes. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased in the three groups over time without any significant differences.
Sodium and chloride intake, from 210 to 300 minutes, was comparable in the HSB and HSL groups. However sodium and chloride output was higher in the HSL group (50 (17 to 77) and 13 (5 to 20) mmol respectively) compared to the HSB group (1.1 (0.4 to 12) mmol, P = 0.02 and 0.4 (0.3 to 3.2) mmol, P = 0.004 respectively), thus resulting in significantly lower sodium and chloride balances in the HSL group. Urea and creatinine clearance was also significantly higher in the HSL group (40 (13 to 52) and 51 (27 to 79) mL/minute) compared to the HSB group (4 (1 to 11) and 12 (3 to 24) mL/minute, P = 0.01 and 0.03 respectively).
We observed a significant decrease in both control groups while it remained stable in the HSL group (Figure 6). At 300 minutes, blood glucose levels were significantly higher in the HSL group (0.62 (0.53 to 0.78) g/L) compared to the NC (0.27 (0.12 to 0.39) g/L, P = 0.01) and HSB (0.20 (0.16 to 0.29) g/L, P = 0.01) groups.
Variations in blood glucose levels. Open circles and dotted line: 0.9% NaCl (NC) group (n = 5); squares and gray line: hypertonic sodium bicarbonate (HSB) group (n = 5); closed circles and black line: hypertonic sodium lactate (HSL) group (n = 5). Results are expressed as median with interquartile range. When not displayed, error bars are within the symbols. *P <0.05, NC versus HSL # P <0.05; HSB versus HSL; °P <0.05, NC versus HSB.
We report here that the infusion of HSL solution improves hemodynamic stability and microvascular reactivity with a negative fluid balance and better oxygenation. This was the first time that HSL was investigated in large endotoxic animals. Pigs were chosen as a clinically relevant species, resembling humans in various functions as assessed by cardiovascular, respiratory, and biochemical parameters . In order to maximize the potential beneficial effects of HSL, we deliberately investigated its impact in the worst hemodynamic conditions associated with sepsis. In fact, our model was that of hypodynamic shock with low-level resuscitation. We used a low rate of vascular filling to maintain MAP ≥50 mm Hg rather than keeping the volume constant and allowing pressures to vary. Our purpose was to compare HSL with two different therapeutic regimens: a standard fluid therapy with isotonic crystalloids (0.9% NaCl, the most commonly used crystalloid) and a non-conventional hypertonic fluid therapy with the same amount of osmoles and sodium. Due to an acidifying effect on pH and an elevated chloride concentration, hypertonic saline was not close enough to HSL. We decided that the best hypertonic control was HSB. In fact, HSB does not contain a chloride cation and has the same alkaline effect on blood pH as HSL (see Table 1). On HSL infusion, lactate is metabolized and the remaining Na+ increases the SID, leading in turn to decreased water dissociation and proton concentration, resulting in an alkalinizing effect . Thereby, the main difference between hypertonic solutions was the potential role of lactate as an energetic substrate.
The hemodynamic results of our study were consistent with a favorable effect of hypertonic solutions. An explanation could be the larger amount of sodium, which regulated extracellular volume, in the hypertonic groups. This is in good agreement with data from the literature ,. Potential advantages of hypertonic fluid administration rather than isotonic solutions have already been described in shock . High extracellular sodium concentration could favor a reverse mode of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger to induce a positive inotropic effect . These hemodynamic improvements were more marked in the HSL compared to the HSB group. MAP in the HSL group was completely normalized at the end of the study and was significantly higher compared to the HSB group. The hemodynamic effects of lactate seemed to be related to improvement in cardiac function rather than changes in vascular tone. In fact, SVR was not significantly modified by lactate administration. Moreover, the CI was slightly higher in the group receiving lactate as has already been observed . It is known that lactate improves cardiac efficiency during shock ,, and it has been shown that lactate deprivation during shock impairs heart metabolism . Despite the fact that hypertonic fluids contained the same amounts of sodium, HSB and HSL were different in term of calories. These findings support the role of lactate as a key metabolic substrate under stress conditions ,. Furthermore, P(v-a)CO2 gradient was significantly lower and skin blood flow, at rest and during hyperemia, was significantly better in HSL group, suggesting better tissue perfusion. Hypertonic fluids are known to reduce microvascular collapse, restoring vital nutritional blood flow and tending to blunt the upregulation of leukocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules . The improvement of microcirculation in the HSL group compared to the HSB group could be the result of an overall improvement in global perfusion (MAP), and maybe an intrinsic effect of lactate that remains to be explored.
One remarkable result of this study was the concurrent improvement of hemodynamic status and plasma volume expansion in the HSL group, whereas fluid balance was negative. The higher volume of urine output in the HSL group reflected an improvement in renal perfusion that could be explained by better macro- and microcirculatory status. Moreover, we observed a positive sodium balance associated with a negative chloride balance following HSL infusion, which supports chloride urine excretion coupled to the high sodium urine excretion. In fact, the important amount of urinary sodium excretion creates an imbalance between positive and negative charges. As the urine is poor in protein (positive charges could be neutralized by the increase of negative charges on protein), a net anion efflux must therefore compensate the excess of positive charges in order to maintain electroneutrality. This is achieved for a substantial part by an increase of urinary chloride excretion ,. Chloride, the principal intracellular inorganic anion, is responsible for intracellular tonicity; hence the net efflux of chloride could be accompanied by a net flux of water . This could participate to the larger urine output with HSL infusion. This finding is noteworthy because it is generally difficult to achieve a negative fluid balance in the early phase of septic shock. Reducing fluid overload and edema are always regarded as having positive effects because of their link with organ dysfunction ,. In a previous study in the same animal model, histologic findings supported the development of respiratory distress syndrome with marked pulmonary leukocyte sequestration and interstitial edema . In our study, the negative fluid balance in the lactate group was associated with improved PaO2/FiO2 ratio. This was consistent with a previous human study on conservative strategy of fluid management . Finallyt, as already described , the development of hypoglycemia in porcine endotoxic shock could be due to a peak in the insulin level at 90 minutes. Stability in blood glucose levels in the animals receiving HSL was anticipated because lactate is a good precursor for glucose through liver gluconeogenesis.
Our model was stable with no hemodynamic variations during the stabilization period. We observed that HSL resulted in significant improvements despite the small numbers of animals per group. This suggests an important effect of HSL. Hence, two main mechanisms could be advanced to explain this effect: exogenous lactate infusion is beneficial as an energy supplier and the resulting sodium/chloride imbalance may induce a negative fluid balance. However, our model presented some limits: the short duration (five hours only, so that there was little time for activation of the NO system); administration of an LPS bolus rather than continuous intravenous administration (bolus produces much more severe acute pulmonary hypertension and eventually right ventricular failure); and hypodynamic shock with inadequate resuscitation, whereas hyperdynamic shock is more common in the ICU. Moreover, we observed predictable side effects of HSL with hypernatremia and metabolic alkalosis. It should be more suitable to use half molar sodium lactate or to decrease the dose of 11.2% HSL in order to limit the increase in sodium and bicarbonate levels. Furthermore, infusion of such a large amount of lactate will modify the serum lactate level and kinetics, and will have to be taken into account in interpreting lactate monitoring during the initial resuscitation. Last, if HSL was better that HSB due to lactate metabolism, it would be interesting to add another energy substrate (glucose for example) to HSB in future experiments.
HSL can be used as an energy substrate and resuscitative fluid. In our hypodynamic model of endotoxic shock, HSL infusion improved hemodynamic stability and microvascular reactivity with a negative fluid balance and better oxygenation. Further investigations are warranted to assess the potential clinical benefits of this treatment.
Lactate is an interesting energetic substrate that is well-metabolized even in poor hemodynamic conditions and hypertonic sodium lactate can be used as a resuscitative fluid.
In our porcine model of endotoxic shock, infusion of hypertonic sodium lactate improves hemodynamics and microcirculation with a negative fluid balance and better oxygenation.
The resulting sodium/chloride imbalance with hypertonic sodium lactate may induce a negative fluid balance.
We are grateful to Dr Ahmed El Kalioubie for his English corrections to this paper and to Dr Mouhamed Moussa for critically reviewing the manuscript. This study has been published as an abstract in Crit Care Med 2013.
The authors declare that they have no competing interests. All authors report no funding for support of this work.
TD: conception and design, logistics, data acquisition and analysis, drafting of manuscript, manuscript writing and final approval of the manuscript. RF: conception and design, data analysis, drafting of manuscript and final approval of the manuscript. DM: conception and design, data analysis, drafting of manuscript and final approval of the manuscript. TH: conception and design, drafting of manuscript and final approval of the manuscript. JM: conception and design, data acquisition and final approval of the manuscript. VG: conception and design, data analysis and final approval of the manuscript. LQ: drafting of manuscript, data acquisition and final approval of the manuscript. PM: data acquisition and final approval of the manuscript. FP: conception and design, data analysis and final approval of the manuscript. MJ: conception and design, logistics, data acquisition and analysis, drafting of manuscript, manuscript writing and final approval of the manuscript. | 2019-04-26T16:13:01Z | https://ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13054-014-0467-3 |
Writers are always whining about the lack of markets. Yet, since I've been on both side of the fence, I've seen projects go begging for lack of submissions. Such is the case with an anthology I've been reading for. It's a quirky one playing on the infamous story beginning "It was a dark and stormy night." In spite of widely publicizing it to writers, the response has been disappointing. Now, if any contributors are reading this they shouldn't despair. I honestly do not know if there are enough publishable stories yet or not. I'll inform folks in due course. Still, it continues to confirm my widely held view that writers do not write for markets, but try to convince themselves markets meet their stories lying around--even though they seldom do.
Most folks who know me know I detest year in review retrospective type stuff. So, there won't be any year in review here.
I'm always relieved a bit when Christmas is over. And, for the record, Santa stiffed me yet again. But, now we get a week of year-in-review stories. Every single news and entertainment show on the planet feels obligated to rehash the past pathetic year. I find this so tiring and tedious. But, there is nothing I can do about it. Frankly, the very concept of a year is arbitrary. That's how long it takes for Earth to orbit the sun, but we could just as easily use some other basis. In other words, there isn't really anything that significant about the point in time that is January 1st. It's a random place in time that's been given significance by the people who sell calendars and produce news programs that have to recap the year that was. For a long time, before the current Gregorian calendar, we didn't really know when the new year started because the old Roman calendar was so screwed up. The Chinese knew. the Mayans knew. But those of us whose ancestors are from Europe were clueless.
So, I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. I didn't get a damn thing. But I'm fine with that. Over they years most presents I got were something I didn't like anyway. So, enjoy the holidays and do yourself a favor and avoid those horrible retrospective shows that are everywhere this coming week.
It's been about 45 years since you've left anything underneath my Christmas tree. Would it kill you to drop off a Marvin the Martian toy once and a while? I've given up hope of getting the helper you had at the mall. The cute one with the red hair. I wrote and asked for her last year. I realize you're probably keeping her for yourself when Mrs. Claus isn't around. Still, would it kill you to drop off something once every couple of decades? There won't be any milk and cookies near the tree tonight. But there will be a nice glass of Bourbon to cut through that winter chill. Stop by and have yourself a snort. You must at least have one of those crappy snow globes. Surely you could spare one of them. Just something.
While you're at it, for those folks who love to read, you might drop off a copy of Six Guns Straight From Hell 2. That's my latest anthology. Gunslingers & Ghost Stories is another thought. People like ghost stories. I'm sure you can find half a million or so people who would enjoy a nice book. So have yourself a nice Christmas.
Well, the animated Christmas specials are out. I can't believe how awful most of them are--especially the newer ones. "Pointless waste of time." They haven't made a good new animated special in years. They're all crap. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer just had its 50th anniversary. I like that one. I also liked the Grinch, the animated story not the movie. The original Frosty the Snowman is good, but the sequel has all the charm of a dead possum at the side of a road waiting for the roadkill truck that never comes to scoop it away.
There was another special I always liked, but I can't recall the name of it. It had these little dancing fire guys and dancing snow guys. It was about some strife between green Christmas and white Christmas, reflecting the northern and southern regions of our country. Oh well.
If you tire of the same old crap, download a copy of Penny Dread Tales IV. My story in said book is called "The Toy Men" and is a steampunk take on the Christmas toy thing.
What follows has been reprinted many times. Frankly, I don't know what the origin of it is. I first got it many years ago from Aaron B. Larson. He never told me where it came from.
The location of the minor child will not be released, and the prospect for a quick resolution to this case is doubtful. Asked about when Jesus would be returned to his mother, a Child Protective Service spokesperson said, "The father is middle-aged and the mother definitely underage. We are checking with officials in Nazareth to determine what their legal relationship is."
The director of the psychiatric wing said, "I don't profess to have the right to tell people what to believe, but when their beliefs adversely affect the safety and well-being of others, in this case her child, we must consider her a danger to others. The unidentified drugs at the scene didn't help her case, but I'm confidant that with the proper therapy regiment we can get her back on her feet."
I bought something and paid extra to Amazon for guaranteed delivery. I wanted it for a Christmas party. Well, it's not coming because it's weather delayed. And it doesn't look like anyone has any intention of refunding my shipping. So, what the hell is the point in paying extra when you're just tossing your money down a rat hole? Since they clearly can't deliver on their promises, I submit that these damned companies and their shipping partners should simply stop guaranteeing stuff. After the fiasco of last year, you'd think they'd learn something. There are always loopholes in the fine prints, so guaranteed delivery by a certain date means absolutely nothing. I'll certainly have to reconsider doing business with Amazon or UPS going forward.
A while back I mentioned my quandary of whether to make homemade Christmas cards or buy some at the store. Well, I made homemade ones, except for three people I sent store bought cards that were left over from last year. Now, my cards are a might bit strange. Some people don't like them. I will try and post them here sometime this weekend. Then everyone can hate them.
I don't know what to think of the Ascension mini series on SyFy. Pointless waste of time is my best summary, The SyFy channel has become something of a joke amongst science fiction fans. Guess what, it still is. If anybody found anything redeeming about this show, feel free to comment here on this blog.
And one final thought. Who would go off to some other star like Proxima Centauri without any idea if it was even habitable? Seriously, we only recently even developed the ability to tell if there are planets around stars and get an idea of their temperatures and such. Fifty years ago no such technology existed. Ergo, these people thought they were going to a star system that likely did not have anyplace where they could survive. Only a moron would do something like this. It does not appear to have a habitable planet. They'd get there and die if they'd actually gone.
I'm amazed at how low the price of gas has dropped. It's a lot less painful filling up my tank. I almost feel like I can afford to go to Denver. When it cost fifty bucks to drive down there, I wasn't real enthusiastic about it.
I've lamented before about the lack of change in the Colorado mountains. Well, the situation has not improved. I'm talking about change--coin of the realm. For some reason a number of restaurants in these here parts can't or won't count out change. They just hand you the paper money and keep the change as some sort of unnoticed tax on the consumer. Well, I notice. I usually just take it back off the tip I would have left or something. Yesterday the tab for my sandwich was $9.08 and I gave the waitress a twenty. My change was ten bucks. So, they just kept 92 cents, nearly a dollar, for the heck of it. I complained and they didn't seem to see any problem with shorting me "It's close enough, man." is what I was told. If I had shorted them a dollar I would've heard about it. Well, I won't eat lunch at this particular place again. And, it is against the law in Colorado not to give people their full change, but most laws (especially this one) aren't worth the paper they are printed on. Count your change people! It's probably wrong.
One thing I always thought I should do was get dressed up like Santa Claus and wander around on Christmas eve muttering "Damned blasted reindeer took off and left me. I ain't Fu*!@in walkin' back to the North Pole." Alas, I've never actually done it--figuring it probably wouldn't go as well as the original concept. Still, it's no stranger than anything else about Santa. If I sat in a chair and asked girls I don't even know to sit on my lap, well it just doesn't go over that well. Put on some red suit and they hop right up. Face it, Santa Claus is a bizarre individual. So, stranded Santa isn't any stranger than anything else with this guy. So, if I ever do this, these are the lines I was thinking about.
"Hey lady, can I sleep on your couch tonight? Fu*in reindeer stranded me. Hell, I been watching you sleep for years."
"Well, thanks for the milk and cookies, but I'm lactose intolerant and what I really need are the keys to your car."
"Hey kid, Santa's not really sleeping in your yard. It's all a dream."
I have come to believe there is a mindset in the publishing industry that rudeness is essential. Over this past year, I have submitted five book manuscripts in accordance with publishers guidelines, 10 book proposals and 35 query letters, all following the instructions on the respective web sites. Of those, I received two terse replies. None of the other publishers bothered to respond at all. I do not think this experience is unusual. Whatever the actual reason, the excuse of not enough time is a stretch. A short email reply takes only seconds. Oddly, before email when they mailed back form letters is the enclosed SASE, I got a much better response rate than I do now.
Now, I happen to be editing an anthology. No matter what I think of the submissions, at the end of the reading period everyone will get a response. So, I guess there must be something wrong with me.
"How'd you get the body out of there before the cops showed up?"
"We just tossed her out the window and she landed in the dumpster. After dark we just dug her out of there and tossed her in the bay."
"Aren't you afraid she'll float back up?"
"Nah. Thing you gotta watch for with bodies is cut open the abdomen and put a couple rocks in there. Then they never come up."
"Did you find anyone to kill your boss yet?"
"Damn, you wouldn't believe what assassins want these days. But I need to get him killed. I can't take much more of this."
"I don't trust drug addicts. They're just not reliable."
"Aren't you afraid they'll find out?"
"Been taking a G a month for five years and they ain't caught on yet?"
"Someday they will. Bound to. It adds up to a shitload of money."
"Haven't yet. I'll just go to Brazil and disappear if they get on to me."
And so on. Of course the real fun was watching the people in the elevator as they tried to act like they weren't paying any attention. Little old ladies were the best.
And what brought this up? Well, I was just reminiscing. I guess one could just use a cellphone and do the same thing, but I think two actual people talking about stuff is more convincing.
“Afraid not,” Dan assured her.
“Have you been interviewing people again?” she asked.
“No. Whatever do you mean?” he asked.
“There is no North Dakota,” Dan said.
“We take people there. We just did a Mt. Rushmore tour, last month,” she insisted.
“How much time off?” he asked.
“As much time as it takes to find another job,” she said.
They got out of Denver with minimal traffic and headed north. They made good time and were in Wyoming before lunch time. Dan didn’t want to, but Chuck insisted on buying Fritos at a Wal-Mart in Casper. Then, they headed east. It wasn’t long before they passed a welcome to South Dakota sign.
They refueled and ate burritos at a truck stop in Rapid City. All gassed up, they headed north. They drove and drove for a really long time. Chuck seemed to be nodding off. Dan shook his shoulder.
“Can’t we take a break?” Chuck asked.
“We’re almost there,” Dan assured him.
Ten minutes later, they drove up to a place that looked like an awning across the highway. They stopped at the stop sign. A man in a clean white uniform approached the bus. “Welcome to Canada,” he said.
“You just left it. What is your business in Canada?” he asked.
The car with the lights said South Dakota State Police on its door. “Where are you fellas heading?” the trooper asked.
“I see.” The trooper went back to his car. Dan didn’t like the way he was talking into his radio.
Then, he returned. “I need you boys to put your hands on the hood of the car.” His gun was drawn.
“There is no North Dakota!” Dan screamed.
“Put your hands on the hood of the car and nobody will get hurt,” the trooper insisted.
If you're looking for a gift for someone, books aren't a bad way to go, at least for those on your list who can read. And not just my books. There are two others I'd like to recommend. Both are new books that have just been published.
First off is Brown: Ghost Hunting Dog. I don't think anything is tougher than writing animal stories. J. A. Campbell consistently pulls it off. This is a collection of stories about her ghost hunting dog, Brown. These are some very entertaining and clever stories. There's even a brand new previously unpublished novella. Don't worry about these being about some border collie--they're as fully entertaining as any human based ghost story. And, one non ghost adventure is also in the book when Brown saves the world from some pretty nasty Martian invaders.
Also out is the Coming of Crow, a collection of stories about Joel Jenkins' popular Native American gunfighter, Lone Crow. I've reviewed this book on Amazon and won't repeat myself here. These stories have a supernatural twist.. I can honestly say that I've never seen better done gunfights anywhere.
Both are available from Amazon.
I've been trying to decide if I want to make my own Christmas cards this year or just buy some at the store. Darned things are getting rather expensive. However, I've found most people don't seem to like my homemade cards. Oh, they say they do, but somehow my homemade cards always get misplaced. They're never the ones on the fireplace mantle [they may be in the fireplace when it's lit]. So, I'm leaning toward making them anyway. I can't draw for crap. But that's never stopped me before.
Some things it just doesn't work out to buy them online. I bought a watch last week and it arrived yesterday. I hated it. It was big and clunky, not like the picture. I decided to return it. There is something to be said for being able to actually look at and see an item before purchase. Cordless phones are all pretty much the same, but something you're going to wear every single day--maybe not. I know this isn't anything profound. No matter how good a deal you get for super cyber Thursday or whatever insanity they call each day now, if you don't like the product it doesn't matter how cheap it is.
It's Halloween. I've always loved Halloween. Apparently, I'm not the only one. I read somewhere that people now spend more on Halloween than any other holiday besides Christmas. It's overtaken Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Frankly, it's more fun than most other holidays.
Well, there aren't a lot of kids in my condo complex. I doubt I'll get any trick or treaters. No one invited me to their Halloween party. We can't have Halloween decorations where I work. In short, this year Halloween is coming up as something of a dud. But that's my problem. I remind blog viewers that the Horror Writers Association has been running its annual Halloween Haunts blog. A lot of these entries are really good and entertaining. They've also got some of the crap I write. If you haven't been following it, just click on the button on this very page. It's all free.
One marketing effort I've been doing has been handing out bookmarks featuring Six Guns Straight From Hell 2. They're pretty cool looking. Anyway, last weekend I put some on the freebie table at Mile Hi Con, as well as handed some out to the anthology contributors who were attending the con. At least 50 bookmarks were taken by people. Well, I do wonder what these people are going to do with them. I suspect most of them are taken home along with other freebies then thrown away. They sure didn't buy any of my books. The dealer that was carrying copies had not sold a single one by midday on Sunday, which was when I left. Nor has anyone purchased a copy from any of the distribution outlets that carry the book since the con ended. I guess people just want the really cool looking bookmark to use for other people's books. And that's okay. But I sure wish someone would've bought a copy. As a marketing effort, although cheap, I'm not sure if it's that productive.
I made sloppy joes yesterday. They were really good. I wonder why you can't get sloppy joes at restaurants or fast food outlets. Someplace somewhere may have them, but I've never seen them.
At work the other night I came across something marked "Multi Purpose Dust." I got to wondering just how many purposes there could be for dust. Turns out it's for killing different types of bugs. But, back to the dust concept. I got some charcoal dust from a BBQ grill and put it in a plastic container. Then I ran off a label calling my dust "Premium Dust." And I placed it on a shelf. Yep, a container of actual dust, I don't know what anyone will use it for, but it's there now--ready to go.
It's Not Too Late For Halloween. Give out copies of Six Guns Straight From Hell 2 instead of candy.
Overall, as I just went to my 10th Mile Hi Con, I've noticed a drop in the number of people in costume. By that, I mean walking around the con, not in the costuming competition. But I did notice a lot of guys wearing a fez this year. I almost joined them, but I couldn't find one that I felt looked authentic. So,I didn't wear any getup at all this year. I'm not really sure why the fez was the look.
Made it back from Mile Hi Con. I had a pretty good time. I doubt that I'll be involved with any more author events this year unless something unexpected comes up.
About the only wild animal I fear is the skunk. They're mean little bastards with teeth and claws and that special bonus package. I've been skunked before. It's the most vile smell there is. This time of year they always seem most active for some reason. At work about two weeks ago one came inside the building through an open door. Fortunately, it turned around and went back outside. If it hadn't, I don't know how you make a skunk leave until it's ready to go. Later that very same day I was home sleeping and suddenly this horrid stench permeated my bedroom. My immediate thought was Oh god, that skunk followed me home. I slowly realized that, although skunks are clever, skunks aren't likely to follow me 20 miles to my house after I left work. I guess one could hop in a cab and say "follow that car," but that seems a bit far fetched. Cab fares in Vail are astronomical. So, I gradually realized the skunk was not really after me. The neighbor's dog went after one and, big mistake.
This all came back to the forefront of my attention yesterday as I went out to my car and around the front of my car came a skunk. I reasoned it was there waiting for me. And I was doomed. It paid me little mind and sort of waddled off down the street. I dove into the Ford and closed the door as fast as I could. Safe for now, anyway. We've had rattlesnakes, moose, bears and mountain lions in our condo complex over the past few months. I'll gladly take my chances with a rattler over the thought of another skunk encounter.
By the way, tomato juice doesn't work. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and shampoo, lots of shampoo, will eventually remove that small.
This weekend I'll be at Mile Hi Con at the Hyatt Denver Tech Center.
I'm amazed that gas prices have come down so much. I doubt that it'll last for long. They say grain prices are down too. With the cost of production and transportation down, then I don't understand why food prices still seem so darned high at the store.
Had a very strange dream yesterday. I should ad that I've been battling a cold or something--at times feverish, cough syrup taken may do more harm than good. And through all of this, I had a very strange dream yesterday. There were pods landing all over the world. And the pods opened and each pod contained a cloned David Boop. There were hundreds of David Boops wandering around the world. Each one was dressed in khaki and wore a Pith helmet. Now, David Boop is a real person. I've know him for years, but I've never dreamed about him, not ever.
So, the Chinese government was trying to kill all of the David Boops. And the David Boops were trying to get their hands on weapons to fight the Chinese. And I don't really know why any of this was happening. It has to be one of the strangest dreams I've ever had.
Next weekend I'll be at Mile Hi Con. One of the panels I'm on is about time travel stories. I've always had an uneasy relationship with time travel stories. As an author, I've only written two. As an editor, I've actively discouraged them. When we were doing Science Fiction Trails I had to change the writers guidelines to keep them away. There was a time when all I got was some clod goes back in time to the OK Corral and doesn't really belong there. It was always the OK Corral and the Earp Brothers. It might not have been so bad had it occasionally been Little Big Horn or someplace else--yes it would have. These were always dreadful stories.
It boils down to this: Time travel is an easy crutch for an unimaginative writer to use to deal with a science fiction story set in a time different than our own. Rather than write about the folks who actually live there, they always seem to think people from our time are superior or more interesting. So let's write crappy stories about time travel. And how do we get back in time? Oh, we can crawl through some unexplained hole behind our stove or we can smoke crack [these are actual examples I've gotten].
That's not to say all time travel is crap--just most of it. Even though I have a loathing contempt for most time travel stories, I rather like Dr. Who. I think the H. G. Wells story was pretty good for its day. It can be done. Heck, during the Matt Smith era of Dr. Who, there was a bona fide weird western episode set in the town of Mercy that would've fit right in the pages of Science Fiction Trails. That one involved an alien war criminal who was trying to escape justice by hiding out in a small western town.
There's a comet going really close to Mars. I gather the ESA and NASA are going to try to get the satellites already spying on Mars to take a look at it. I find myself wondering what the Martians are doing. Of course, there's not really much you can do about a comet. Back in the 1800s people would freak out when a comet came close to earth--way more than they are for Ebola. They'd buy comet masks to keep from inhaling comet dust. That's why I wonder if the Martians are freaking out about the approaching comet or simply taking it in stride.
The Postal Service has a new set of Batman stamps out. I bought some yesterday. They're pretty cool. One of them is a round stamp depicting the bat signal that Commissioner Gordon used to shine on clouds. I always wondered how somebody living in the bat cave was supposed to see that.
I've been getting calls from some boiler room at all hours. That's bad enough. What's ticking me off is they never give me a chance to answer the call. It only rings a couple of times then they hang up. So, I don't even know who it is that's bothering me. What is the point in calling somebody if you won't even give them a chance to answer the call? I can't really report them for violating the no call list until I figure out who they are. Probably some charity wanting money. They're always exempt from the no call. Most of the charities that use boiler rooms are questionable charities. Damn I hate telemarketers.
I was most pleased to see that The Coming of Crow by Joel Jenkins has been released. Crow is a Native American gunfighter who travels all over, and I mean all over, and gets into some truly amazing adventures. I had the honor of editing a few of the projects that some of the Crow adventures were first published in. I honestly believe these are some of the best gunfights I've ever read. I can't wait to read the stories I wasn't involved with and will likely post a review at some future point in time. Order this book.
As I threatened a few days back, today is the day my posting of Halloween Haunts should be up on the HWA blog. Just click the nearby button to be taken there. To recap, Halloween Haunts is an annual series of postings by HWA members about Halloween and horror. Some of the members are really good writers. And then there's the crap I write as well. So, don't just sit there reading this blog--get the to it.
I got my oil changed recently. I don't really have a good place to change it myself, so I have it done by a mechanic. I noticed that a local large store that sells everything had some oil that I thought I'd like to try--a synthetic blend. The problem is that very same store doesn't offer it if they do your oil change, then you have to get some other oil. And the place I usually get my oil change doesn't offer it either. So, the only way I can get the oil I want into my car is do it myself. See sentence two. So, I have Ford oil in my car. I wanted the synthetic blend oil that comes in a five quart jug. But I have the Ford oil. It's not that there's anything wrong with the Ford oil. I just wanted the other oil and resent the fact that I can't have it.
I got to thinking that I could change my own oil. The condo association frowns on people doing auto repairs on site. It occurred to me I could go to my former boss's house and change it in their driveway when they're not home. And I could leave the used oil in the flower bed. This appealed to me, but might not play well with the local sheriff's department if I were discovered. I thought about changing it in the parking garage of another hotel down the street from where I work. They never close their access gate. But most hotels have security cameras these days and I still might end up on the wrong side of the law. So, I have Ford oil in my car.
Over the years I've tried to convince people Hoover Dam was named for famed lawman J. Edgar Hoover. I've tried to convince people that J. Edgar Hoover and Edgar Rice Burrows were the same person [they look nearly identical]. And I've tried to convince folks that J.Edgar Hoover invented the Hoover vacuum cleaner. And there actually are people running around believing that he invented a vacuum cleaner and has a famous dam named after him. Why the fixation on Hoover? Don't know, really. The only thing left to do is place a story by J. Edgar Hoover in an upcoming anthology. Hmm, would people actually believe that?
Edgar Rice Burrows or J. Edgar Hoover?
This fall I tried to organize a Halloween author reading in Denver. I polled a bunch of authors and none of them wanted to do it. Then I tried to set up a Christmas steampunk reading. I ended up cancelling that as well, as very few authors wanted to participate. So I vowed that I'm not going to try and organize any more author events. It's kind of a shame, as I've rather enjoyed doing them. But I'm tired of pounding my head into walls.
And I now have my schedule for Mile Hi Con. I'm doing a themed steampunk reading--yay. And I'm on an art panel with something to do with small press art. And I'm on a time travel panel. And I'm moderating a panel discussion about the 1897 Airship. YAY! I love talking about the Great 1897 Airship and have given a number of talks on it. This is the first time I've ever had a panel discussion.
Well, I've now had data about me stolen from three companies. I still say that these companies don't need to keep so much data on people. If they didn't insist on hanging on to every possible scrap of information about me, then there wouldn't be anything to steal--or at least not as much. I guess I should feel flattered that people think my information is worth stealing. | 2019-04-22T09:15:03Z | https://blog.davidbriley.net/2014/ |
In November 2005, the world became aware of a scandal in the Hunan Province of China that involved the trafficking and sale of infants to several orphanages to adopt to foreign families. Although stories of infant trafficking are common in China, this was the first time government officials in China's orphanages were shown to be involved in the illegal trade of children.
A month later, China disallowed all press coverage regarding the scandal, in an obvious attempt to control the damage the episode was having on the world stage. A few western reporters continued to report on the story, however. China brushed aside concerns of foreign adopting families by issuing a terse notice through the U.S. State Department claiming that "the CCAA informed us that it had concluded its investigation into all of the children from Hengyang adopted by Americans and found that all of these children were legitimately orphaned or abandoned and that there are no biological parents searching for them." Many families assumed this meant that no children adopted by foreign families had been trafficked, a belief that is clearly wrong.
To show the world how serious China was to remedy the situation, China stopped processing new infants in Hunan Province from January through mid-April 2006. Adopting families were reassured that procedures had been installed to prevent a similar problem from occurring again. Families breathed a collective sigh of relief, and adoptions from Hunan began again in earnest in September 2006.
But a survey of orphanage directors reveals that little has changed -- a few staff meetings, an official memo or two, but fundamentally the policies and procedures remain unchanged from those in place over a year ago. No significant safe-guards have been installed to keep trafficked, or abducted children for that matter, from being adopted through the highly lucrative foreign adoption program.
In March 2006 I came across three articles published in the Shenzhen-based magazine "Fenghuang Weekly" that represent the most accurate reporting on the background, causes and prosecution of those involved in the Hunan scandal. They include first-hand testimony, court reporting, and a knowledge of Chinese law that was unrivaled in the Western Press. These articles clearly show the causes of the scandal, primary of which was the demand for infant children by foreign adopting families. Vagaries of Chinese law and cultural notions combined to allow those entrusted with the care of the innocent to speak of them as "merchandise," "goods" and other derogatory terms.
Below is the first of these three articles (the other two will appear in future blogs). I print them here, translated from the Chinese, to educate families to the history of the Hunan scandal, and to alert all of the potential for future problems. Nothing has changed to prevent another Hunan scandal from occurring.
In November of 2005, as the Hunan provincial and Qidong county police were trying to get to the bottom of a batch of infant selling cases, they unexpectedly found that oftentimes certain welfare centers would be inciting the criminals in the field. Seeking windfall profits, these welfare centers had for years colluded with dealers in human beings in order to collect babies to be put on the market for foreign adoption. The trial of the dealers in court has exposed the questionable actions of the centers as well. According to a welfare center head (now a defendant in the case) the babies were, without exception, abandoned ones and not kidnapped. The accused has gone so far as to claim that the selling of even abducted infants would not constitute a criminal act and that the whole process of putting babies up for foreign adoption had been done in full accordance with the law. The question of whether this case is one of benevolence or vice has thus provoked wide-spread debate. On February 22nd 2006, the Qidong county court of Hunan province made public the open case against a group of welfare centers and caused a great stir.
In November 2005, other infant dealing incidents that involved a group of welfare centers in Hunan were exposed by the media. In this case, many welfare center cadres were soon released after having been detained under suspicion of the abduction and selling of babies. Yet, later through the leadership of Hengyang City's municipal party committee these officials were once again taken into custody. For now the great stir surrounding this case is far from a calm. In the course of the court case, the public prosecution has accused nine defendants of involvement with the kidnapping and selling of babies and further has charged one welfare center head in suspicion of buying abducted infants. The public prosecution believes that the individuals cited above, including the welfare center head, wantonly dealt in infants with an eye to putting them on the foreign adoption market to obtain great profits. For this reason they believe that a thorough investigation should be undertaken in full accordance with the law in order to determine their specific criminal guilt. The accused welfare center head, in contrast, has argued that, objectively speaking, in the purchase of these infants the center has saved their lives. The question of whether his actions were criminal or benevolent has become the subject of intense debate within the courtroom and has attracted the interest of society in all locations and all circles.
On February 24th the court came to the firm decision that all ten individuals were to be held guilty. The ten were all punished for periods ranging from one to fifteen years.
On November 18th 2005, at approximately 3:00 pm at the Hengyang train station, two women had just placed the three infants with them into a black carriage when the police began to encircle them.
In the process of interrogating and investigating the human traders, the Qidong county police happened to discover that behind the curtains of the human trading operation were welfare centers. The children in the carriage were intended for two welfare center officials, one was the Hengyang County Society Welfare Center's party secretary, Wang Weihong, and the other was the head of that county's Guangrong center, Zhang Heyun.
The Qidong county police then rapidly proceeded to form a special team to focus on the case and later took 27 people into custody in connection with the incident. Through all this the dark road of collusion between the welfare centers and the traders in human beings was revealed.
According to those involved in the investigation, it appeared that residents of Hengyang County’s Changning City Duan Meilin, Duan Zilin, Wu Daichao, Wu Daiqun, and Chen Zhijin were paid by welfare centers for the adoption of the infants these individuals had obtained. Further, it seemed that these individuals had opportunistically thought of kidnapping children in order to sell them to the welfare centers for profit.
Starting in December of 2002, Chen Zhijin, in cooperation with three brothers and sisters of the Duan family and two sisters of the Wu family along with others, purchased infants in Guangdong's Wuchuan City and Zhanjiang city and other places. After purchase these infants were brought back to Hengyang where, for amounts between 3200 and 4300 yuan, they were sold to the Qidong Welfare Center, the Hengyang County Welfare Center, the Hengshan County Welfare Center, the Hengnan County Welfare Center, the Hengdong County Welfare Center, and the Changning Municipal Welfare Center. All of these infants were originally provided by three people: Liang Guihong, Wu Guande, and Liu Zhidong.
According to the formal accusation of the prosecution, "those persons connected with the welfare center were fully aware that the Duans, Wus, and others were traders in human beings, yet they still purchased the infants and even went so far as to fabricate various adoption papers and subsequently transferred the high costs to others by seeking improper profits.
Police investigations have revealed that at the end of 2002 the leader of the operation, Duan Meilin, traveled to Liang Jiahong's home in Wuchuan city of Guangdong province and received two female infants before bringing them to the Changning City Welfare Center. These infants were then sold to the center at a price of 2300 yuan each. Later on the same center accepted five more female infants from Duan Meilin. Furthermore, according to the formal charges: In 2005 Hengnan County Welfare Center purchased 22 female infants, Hengdong County Welfare Center purchased 18, Hengyang County Welfare Center and Guangrong Welfare Center purchased 11, Qidong County Welfare Center purchased 15, and Hengshan County Welfare Center purchased 10.
Yet, someone with knowledge of the facts and details of the incident told "Fenghuang Weekly", that the total number of babies that were purchased from the Duan family's group was in the hundreds.
The Welfare Centers’ "Baby Economy"
China began foreign adoption in 1996. The most common reason that foreigners adopt Chinese children is that the married couple cannot have children biologically. Since the start of adoption, America has become the biggest adopting country of Chinese children. For foreigners, three thousand dollars has become a regular adoption fee. Taking Hunan province for example, when the adoption center of the Provincial Civil Administration receives payment for the infants it deducts five percent and then proceeds to return ninety-five percent to the welfare center that provided the initial care to the infant. An official with the Hunan Provincial Civil Administration said that the main reasons for allowing a welfare center to receive 2850 American dollars for a child are consideration for the current budget gap for children's foster care, to allow the enhancement of the vigor of grassroots people's relief assistance, and for general investment into the development of the welfare industry.
The more infants shipped off to foreign countries the bigger the income. Objectively speaking, this is what stimulated the attempts of welfare centers to procure infants through all available means. Towards these ends, the Hengyang County Welfare center once clarified the mission for lower levels: one employee that was responsible for the adoption of three children within that year could be said to have completed their work duties for the year and was able to receive an extension of their salary and also a bonus at the year's end.
When the number of infants that were taken to the welfare centers began to decrease welfare centers started to directly remunerate those that brought them infants. "At the beginning it was only 200 yuan given in a traditional red envelop," said a Hengyang county insider. Later on, welfare centers started to buy from some human traders. As many welfare centers began to compete for the infants their price began to consistently rise, at one point reaching over 2000 yuan. Some welfare center employees even went so far as to urge the human traders to secure infants with complete disregard for any sense of morality or legality.
The roughly thirty year-old head of the Hengyang County Welfare Center, Jiang Jianhua, was chosen as one of the "Ten Best Young People of 2004" for the province. Jiang was said to be of “nimble mind and strong working ability." Under his able charge the Hengyang County Welfare Center was able to procure a relatively large number of infants.
Originally, the welfare centers' infant procurement network was concentrated in the rural south of Hunan. People there that give birth to a female child want to try again for a male child. Some speaking about that area say: "To take an infant and send him to a welfare center means that he will eat 'the country's grain,' and at the same time the center will pay a significant fee for the child called a 'nourishment fee'. For these reasons female babies have often been brought to the centers." Later on, the centers began to purchase infants from other parts of the country with the help of intermediaries.
Hengyang County Welfare Center later organized special groups called "child-rearing groups." Every group was composed of six staff members that were responsible for the rearing of twelve children. At the highest, the number of group reached ten "diapers all hanging in a line."
Over time more and more welfare centers were drawn into the tide of infant buying. Since 2003 Hengnan County Welfare Center has purchased 169 infants, Hengshan County Welfare Center purchased 232, and Hengyang County purchased as many as 409. Hengyang County’s Guangrong (Old Folk's Home) Center's head He Yun went to see Jiang Jianhua and others in order to ask them to introduce the knacks of the trade to "make money together." In the past the Guangrong Welfare Center had received a great deal of honors by having the name "Greater China's Cultured Guangrong Center" conferred upon it by the civil administrations at the regional and provincial level.
The unusual activities of the welfare centers soon attracted the attention of the country's judicial organs. In July of 1996 the leaders of the Public Security Bureau released clear-cut rules to their subordinates about the examination and approval process of the passports of adopted children bound for foreign countries and about required investigations into the history of these children. In August of that year the Justice department released a notice to all of the country's notarization offices stipulating that beyond taking care of the previously required notarization work ordinary foreigners wanting to adopt in China would now have to handle the notarization of the child to be adopted’s proof of origin. Notary offices were then required to provide foreigners with physical proof of notarization on the basis of a preliminary investigation of the child's history.
Nonetheless, these stipulations were too relaxed to give the baby sellers any serious trouble. Six welfare centers in the city of Hengyang provided the infants that they had bought with fabricated documents. They would go to the local police office and file reports claiming that the infants had been picked up in the streets and brought into the center. After receiving a certificate that proved that the infant was abandoned, the centers were able to obtain notarization of the child's origin without hassle and also were able to obtain the associated "booklets of proof."
One participant told Fenghuang Weekly: “We would just randomly choose some place to say that we had picked up the abandoned infant from, and then we would say that we had been informed about the infant from the public hot-line. The police and the notary office didn't find anything unusual."
Only a small portion of the infants obtained by the welfare centers were placed into domestic adoption. Many more were sent into foreign adoption.
Is it a Benevolent Act or a Crime?
In November of 2005 Sanxiang City Paper was the first to reveal that the Qidong county police had unearthed cases of infant sales by welfare centers. On November 21st Hengyang's party Municipal Committee and Municipal Administration called for the immediate convening of the public security bureau, the civil administration, and other departments in an urgent meeting. At the meeting the public security bureau was instructed to quickly organize a special team to work on the case and to quickly and sternly strike against the welfare center personnel involved.
Yet the whole affair ran into some snags. The police did not have approval to bring those cited by the city's investigative office into custody. It is said that the investigative office believed that the welfare centers had purchased infants, and such was the determined conclusion of all those involved, but it was difficult to find anything in the legal code that clearly prohibited the sale of people. Following the principle that nothing is a crime unless it is written in the law books, the public security bureau originally could not be granted permission to seize the participating staff members.
On December 19th all the officials "suspected of kidnapping and selling children" were released from custody on bail to await their trial. An insider revealed that on that day the Hengyang Welfare Center held a banquet at the county seat's best hotel in order to help Mr. Jiang and others to get over the shock of their ordeal. "When they went on and off work fireworks were set off to welcome them or send them off." Yet, this situation did not persist for too long. It is said that an inside report by the Hunan branch of the Xinhua news agency caused the change.
At the end of 2005 the head of the Hengdong County Welfare Center, Chen Ming, and the head of the Guangrong Welfare Center, He Yun were both ordered to be taken into custody. Upon hearing this news He Yun fled the area in secret.
Chen Ming was the only welfare center head to stand trial. According to the "abandoned infant and orphan adoption registry" of the Hengdong center, from October 29th 2002 to November 10th 2005 that welfare center was responsible for giving away 288 babies away in adoption to America and many countries throughout Europe. Chen was charged with "suspicion of purchasing abducted infants."
In court Chen's defense lawyer, Yuan Baishun, put forth an objection to this accusation. He pointed out that a mass of evidence makes clear that these children were without exception abandoned and not abducted. He further pointed out that the Hengdong welfare center conducted a legal study and found that even the purchasing of infants that had been abducted does not constitute a legal offense. The determination of guilt requires that the act of the individual violated a clearly stated law, and the penal code does not contain any stipulations that suggest guilt for "the crime of purchasing abducted children."
Chen's lawyer Yuan Baishun's, "retreating ten thousand paces," went on to say that even if the Hengdong Welfare Center had committed the accused act of "purchasing abducted children" compliance with the law would not allow for the establishment of "criminal responsibility." Chapter 241 section 6 of the penal code stipulates: "concerning the purchase of women or children... as long as the child has not been tortured and as long as attempts to rescue the child have not been impeded, the buyer can be determined not responsible for any criminal wrong doing." According to Yuan, the center provided staff with the sole duty of caring for these infants as well as doctors, the children had high quality powdered milk to drink, and in the event of illness they could receive timely treatment, thus, he argued, there was emphatically no maltreatment of the infants.
Seemingly all parties involved are convinced that the children that passed through the hands of the Duans and Wus flowing to Hengyang city from Guangdong were in fact abandoned. Nevertheless, the public prosecution has pointed to the agreement of the highest people's court, the country’s highest investigative bureau, public security bureau, and the Countrywide Women's League entitled the "declaration pertaining to the strike against the selling of abducted women and children and the question of the assignment of criminal guilt." According to section four of the document "the selling of infants that have been abandoned and picked up from the streets as well as the selling of abducted infants both constitute crimes that require the assignment of criminal guilt."
In response, Yuan claimed that the above mentioned declaration's "picked up" is intended to apply for those children that have willfully disobeyed and left their parents but not meant to be applied in situations where the parents have abandoned the child by their own initiative.
One official with the Hengyang municipal administration system insists that what was done by the accused in the case was for the good. "Under the current real circumstances where there is a large number of abandoned babies, a welfare center's payment in exchange for children has encouraged the people to actively participate in the picking up and sending of abandoned babied to welfare centers to be brought up or moved into foreign adoption channels, which are approved of by the state and completely in accordance with the law."
The same official offered a photograph taken many years ago. In the photograph there is a group of passersby gathered around an abandoned baby. While showing the photo the official said, "Before, some people were afraid of the trouble, and so often they were unwilling to send abandoned infants to the welfare center. For this reason, there was a good chance that the infants would die."
An important question that he asks is, "What if the welfare centers give the children that they have paid money in exchange for to foreign adopters without accepting foreigners’ contributions in return? How would society look at the welfare centers if they did that?"
Whether or not the purchase of infants by welfare centers truly constitutes a crime is ultimately up to the courts to decide.
The amount that a welfare center can benefit from the buying and selling of infants is still uncertain. Yet, an insider divulged that from the beginning of 2002 until September of 2005 the amount that the Changning city's welfare center received through the foreign adoption system has reached into the millions of yuan. Also, during the first half of 2005 a staff member of the Qidong County Hospital adopted an infant from the county's welfare center and paid more than 12,000 yuan as "contributory money".
One phenomenon that we must be on the look-out for is the engenderment of tremendous profits though "the baby economy." This sort of economy has already begun to weaken some welfare centers's sense of responsibility to help those in danger or difficulty. If such negative change is not halted, that important sense of responsibility will become purely nominal.
At the height of the "baby economy" in Hengyang, staff members working within the welfare centers began to call infants "merchandise," babies that had just been bought would be called "newly stocked," sold babies were called "outgoing merchandise," children that could not be sold were called "in stock."
An insider with special knowledge of the situation told Zhoufeng Weekly that in order to save costs a welfare center once abandoned a baby in the rural countryside of that county, but, when the baby was discovered by villagers who then filed a police report, they had to return the child to the welfare center.
Some elderly people living around Hengdong Welfare Center claim that the center became more and more heavily guarded over time. If an outsider wanted to go in the welfare center to see the children, they would always be refused "to protect the safety of the children."
After the welfare center's primary focus shifted to the "infant economy," elderly people seeking to live at the center seem to have become a sort of burden. One person very critical of the centers said that now, in order to live in the centers, elderly people would have to pay 10,000 yuan, which the welfare center calls "deposit money." Of course, in fact, elderly that really need assistance from the centers cannot afford that kind of fee.
One local person that often goes to the welfare centers told Fenghuang Weekly that he had once seen an elderly man that had already paid the required deposit fee carry his luggage to the center. He then proceeded to sit on the welfare centers stone bench for a full two days before simply leaving. "Welfare centers really do not want to admit elderly people to live in the centers," the local person told the paper.
"Even if the welfare centers' buying and selling of infants does not constitute a crime it should still be thoroughly condemned," said an old cadre of the Hengyang Running Water Company.
In 1997 the Hengyang County Welfare Centers received the "Hunan Province Second Rank Welfare Undertaking" designation. Recently the board pronouncing that declaration has been quietly plucked off the wall and taken down. Now at the entrance there is a three meter long red cloth with the words "protect the advanced" concealing the large characters of the "Hengyang County Welfare Center" sign behind it. A resident of the area, covering a smile, said: "that is out of fear that you reporters will come along and take pictures." | 2019-04-26T08:46:58Z | http://research-china.weebly.com/hunan----one-year-after----part-one.html |
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